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Daily G.K. - Top Stories

17 Oct 2024

DAILY G.K. TEST

Start Test

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Azeema Takes Charge as Maldives Ambassador to India

  • A week after Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's first official visit to India following his election last year (2023), which was marked by an "India out" policy, senior diplomat Aishath Azeema was named as the Maldives' ambassador to India, replacing Ibrahim Shaheeb. This move signals the island nation's intent to restore and strengthen ties with one of its closest bilateral partners.
  • Azeema has served as the Ambassador to China from June 2019 to September 2023.
  • Previously, she has held other key roles, including Deputy Ambassador to the UK and various senior positions within the Foreign Ministry, such as Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary.

Abu Dhabi Crowned World's Richest City in Sovereign Wealth Funds

  • As of October 2024, Abu Dhabi was recognised as the richest city globally regarding sovereign wealth funds, boasting an impressive $1.7 trillion in capital. This significant achievement highlights the city's financial prowess and strategic investments.
  • Following Abu Dhabi, other prominent cities include Oslo, which is home to the world's largest sovereign wealth fund, the Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global (NBIM). Other notable cities in this ranking are Beijing, Singapore, Riyadh, and Hong Kong. Collectively, these six cities manage approximately two-thirds of the total assets held by sovereign wealth funds worldwide.
  • Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) are state-owned investment funds or entities that manage a country's reserves for various purposes, including stabilisation of the economy, saving for future generations, and funding social programs.
  • The primary goals of SWFs include achieving long-term capital appreciation, diversification of national revenue sources, and stabilisation of the national economy against market fluctuations.

Speaker Birla Led Indian Delegation at Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva

  • Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla led a parliamentary delegation to the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly held in Geneva. Besides Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chair Harivansh and some members from both Houses of Parliament attended the event.
  • Birla addressed the Assembly on the theme 'harnessing science, technology and innovation for a more peaceful and sustainable future.'
  • The Lok Sabha Speaker also participated in the meetings of IPU's Governing Council, the highest decision-making body of the organisation.
  • The Indian delegation also took part in the meetings of its Executive Committee, the four Standing Committees and working sessions during the conference.
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ENVIRONMENT

Assam to Revitalise 129 Wetlands to Alleviate Flood Risks

  • The Assam government launched an ambitious project aimed at revitalising 129 beels (wetlands), covering an area of 3,800 hectares, to mitigate flooding and boost fish production in the state. These wetlands serve as essential water and fishery resources, offering vital hydrological regulation services, including flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, river flow regulation, and erosion control.
  • Initially, 190 beels were identified for potential rejuvenation by District Fisheries Development Officers.
  • The Assam government, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), selected 129 beels for the rejuvenation project.
  • These wetlands have been geo-mapped by the Assam State Application Centre (ASSAC).
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BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

BEML Secures Contract for India's First Indigenous Bullet Trains

  • State-owned BEML was awarded a contract worth Rs. 866.87 crore by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) to design, manufacture, and commission India's first indigenously built bullet trains. This project marks a significant milestone in India's high-speed rail journey, as it will feature two high-speed train sets, each comprising eight cars, with a test speed of 280 km/h and an operational speed of 250 km/h. The trains are set to roll out by late 2026, produced at BEML's Bengaluru facility, as part of the broader initiative to enhance India's rail infrastructure.
  • BEML's venture comes amid discussions about India's high-speed rail ambitions, which initially considered Japanese technology. However, the indigenous approach aims to reduce costs and bolster local manufacturing. The infrastructure developed from this project is expected to benefit future high-speed rail initiatives across the country, marking a shift towards self-reliance in railway technology.
  • Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) founded in 1964, is a public sector company under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. It has its headquarters in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Acko Appoints Sandip Goenka as CEO of Acko Life

  • Bengaluru-based insurtech firm Acko has appointed Sandip Goenka the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its life insurance business.
  • As a founding member of Acko Life, Goenka has played a key role in establishing the D2C life insurance business.
  • In his new role, Sandip will be anchoring the business, while also playing a pivotal role in strategically directing ACKO Life. He will be instrumental in developing the company's initial product offerings and ensuring the necessary systems and processes are in place to support the business's long-term growth.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Alibaba Claims its New AI Translation Tool Outperforms Google and ChatGPT

  • Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba made headlines with the launch of its upgraded AI translation tool, Marco MT, which it asserts is superior to offerings from tech giants like Google and ChatGPT. This announcement came as Alibaba aims to bolster its international business, particularly in light of slowing growth in its domestic markets.
  • The new tool, powered by Alibaba's proprietary model Qwen, is designed to assist merchants in creating product pages tailored to their target markets. It supports 15 languages and incorporates advanced features that allow it to interpret contextual clues, including cultural nuances and industry-specific terminology.
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SPORTS

Bangladesh Suspends Head Coach Chandika Hathurusingha

  • Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha was sacked by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for the alleged "assault" of a player during the 2023 ODI World Cup. He was suspended for 48 hours in lieu of a notice period, and was terminated immediately after that period. He was also served a show-cause notice by the board.
  • The BCB also announced the appointment of Phil Simmons, the former Zimbabwe, Ireland, West Indies and Afghanistan head coach, as Bangladesh's interim head coach until the Champions Trophy in February 2025.

Paras Mhambrey Returns to Mumbai Indians as Bowling Coach

  • Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey returned to the Mumbai Indians and will team up with Lasith Malinga in the same capacity. The five-time Indian Premier League champions confirmed that the two will work close to each other in tandem with the head coach Mahela Jayawardene.
  • Mhambrey was a part of the coaching unit of team India during the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph under Rahul Dravid's regime and left the national side after his stint ended.
  • Mhambrey was a medium pacer who played for Mumbai between 1992 and 2003, picking 284 wickets in 91 first-class matches.

Neetu David, Alastair Cook and Ab de Villers Inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame

  • Former India spinner Neetu David, who still holds the record for the best figures (8/53) by a woman in an individual Test innings, became only the second female cricketer from the country to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.
  • South African legend Ab de Villiers and former England captain Alastair Cook were also inducted along with David.
  • David, the current chairman of selectors for Indian women's team, enters the ICC Hall of Fame a year after the induction of former captain Diana Edulji.
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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Karnataka Eyes Top Spot as Asia's Animation and Gaming Powerhouse

  • During a special address at the second edition of the Indian Gaming Convention (IGC) held in New Delhi, Priyank Kharge, Karnataka's Minister of Information Technology and Biotechnology, expressed the state's ambition to lead the gaming and animation industry. Kharge stated, "Karnataka has all that is needed to ensure that we become the gaming and animation capital of not only this country but also of Asia."
  • Theme of IGC 2024 'India—the Next Superpower in Gaming' emphasises India's growth trajectory to becoming a global leader in gaming.

Kerala Assembly Passes Resolution against Waqf Amendment Bill

  • The Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the BJP-led central government to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha in August and subsequently referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The state's lawmakers expressed concerns over the bill, asserting that it could undermine the autonomy of Waqf boards and the management of Waqf properties.
  • V. Abdurahiman, the minister for welfare of minorities, sports, Waqf and Haj pilgrimage, moved the government resolution under rule 118 and said that the Waqf was a subject on the concurrent list.
  • He argued that the amendments proposed by the Centre as part of the new bill would take away the rights of state governments and Waqf Boards in each state and challenge democratic federalism norms in the country.

Centre Extends Tenure of Registrar General Mritunjay Kumar Narayan

  • The Union Cabinet approved the extension of tenure of Registrar General Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, who is also the Census Commissioner, until August 2026. It also appointed IPS officer Praveen Vashista as Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • As Census Commissioner of India, the role of Narayan, a 1995-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre Indian Administrative Service officer, is crucial considering the next census exercises. The Census enumeration, which was scheduled to take place in 2021, has been postponed 10 times in the last four years.
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DEFENCE

Saluting Valour A Month-Long Tribute to 1962 Walong Heroes

  • The Indian Army embarked on a month-long series of commemorative events from October 17 to November 14, 2024, to honour the brave soldiers who fought valiantly in the Battle of Walong during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. This year marks the 62nd Walong Day, celebrating the courage and sacrifice of those who defended India's eastern front.
  • The events aim to engage local communities and reinforce the bond between the Army and the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

The 40th Raising Day of National Security Guard

  • On October 16, 2024, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, commemorated the 40th Raising Day of the National Security Guard (NSG), praising the bravery and dedication of its personnel.
  • Prime Minister of India and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also acknowledged the dedication of NSG personnel. They highlighted the unit's motto, "Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha," emphasising NSG's expertise in counter-terrorism and swift response operations.
  • The NSG was established on October 16, 1984, in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star, aimed at eliminating Sikh extremists from the Golden Temple of Amritsar. The operation underscored the need for a dedicated force to handle terrorism. Following a bill presented to Parliament in August 1986, the NSG officially came into existence on September 22, 1986. Today, it remains a vital force in India's security landscape, committed to safeguarding the nation from various threats.
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PERSONS IN NEWS

Rashmika Mandanna Is National Ambassador for Cyber Safety

  • Actress Rashmika Mandanna was appointed the National Ambassador for Promoting Cyber Safety by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Animal actress will spearhead a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness about cyber threats and promoting online safety.
  • Rashmika Mandanna's journey into the realm of cyber safety is rooted in a distressing experience she faced last year. A deepfake video of her was circulated online, raising alarms about the potential dangers of malicious AI technology and highlighting the risks associated with digital content manipulation. This incident not only affected her personally but also ignited broader discussions on the vulnerabilities individuals face in the digital space, particularly with the advent of deepfake technology.
  • The I4C was established to create a comprehensive framework that enables law enforcement agencies to tackle cyber crime effectively. The center aims to foster coordination among various agencies and provide the necessary resources and support to combat cyber threats.
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DAYS AND EVENTS

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

  • The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed annually on October 17 to raise awareness about the people struggling and living in poverty worldwide. It is also a day to recognise all the efforts that are underway on various levels for the eradication of poverty across the world.
  • The United Nations General Assembly, through Resolution 47/196, formally recognised October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty in 1992. This recognition was a call to the international community to strengthen its resolve in eradicating poverty and advancing human dignity and human rights for all.
  • The theme for this year's (2024) International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is 'Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment Acting together for just, peaceful and inclusive societies.'
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GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION

IIT-Kanpur Announces New Fellowship for Their PhD Students

  • The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) announced the launch of the Fellowship for Academic and Research Excellence (FARE), a new initiative to recognise and support exceptional PhD students who demonstrate outstanding academic and research capabilities. The fellowship aims to encourage the timely completion of doctoral studies while promoting high-quality research output.
  • The fellowship offers financial support for up to 12 months, with a stipend equivalent to that of the Institute, post-doctoral fellows, along with additional research-related grants. The current thesis supervisor will continue to serve as the mentor, although collaborations with other faculty members during the fellowship period will be allowed.
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ART AND CULTURE

India, Colombia Sign Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement

  • India and Colombia signed the Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement, enabling filmmakers from both countries to collaborate on various aspects of film production.
  • The agreement is expected to deepen the engagement between the critical sectors of the film industries in both nations, ushering in a new chapter of collaboration.
  • The agreement was signed by the Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, L. Murugan, and His Excellency Jorge Enrique Rojas Rodriguez, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia to India.
  • Previously, India had signed similar agreements with several other countries. These include Italy and the UK in 2005, Germany and Brazil in 2007, France in 2010, New Zealand in 2011, Poland and Spain in 2012, Canada and China in 2014, South Korea in 2015, Bangladesh in 2016, Portugal in 2017, Israel in 2018, Russia in 2019, and Australia in 2023.
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TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS

EAM Jaishankar Launches e-Migrate Portal to Ensure Safe Overseas Travel

  • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated the revamped eMigrate V2.0 web portal and mobile app in Delhi, aiming to enhance safe and legal migration for Indian citizens. This initiative underscores the Indian government's commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of workers abroad while facilitating their mobility and welfare. It aligns with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and reflects India's proactive approach to global migration dynamics.
  • Jaishankar emphasised that the eMigrate portal symbolises the government's dedication to creating a safe, transparent, and inclusive environment for Indian migrants. He highlighted that since 2015, India has accelerated negotiations with various countries on migration and mobility, recognising the growing global demand for skilled workers.
  • The upgraded portal incorporates significant technological advancements, including integration with DigiLocker for secure document storage and a 24/7 multilingual helpline for addressing urgent migrant issues. This development is part of the government's broader effort to improve the ease of living for citizens travelling abroad and to ensure their well-being, especially in challenging circumstances.
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LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

CJI DY Chandrachud Recommends Justice Sanjiv Khanna as Next Chief Justice of India

  • The Chief Justice of India D. Y. Chandrachud, who is on the verge of retirement, recommended the name of the second senior judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, as the next Chief Justice of India.
  • CJI has written to the Union Government proposing Justice Khanna's name.
  • CJI Chandracuhd is demitting office on November 10, 2024. If the Union Government accepts CJI Chandrachud's recommendation, Justice Khanna will be the 51st Chief Justice of India. As CJI, Justice Khanna will have a term of nearly seven months till May 13, 2025.
  • Justice Khanna was elevated to the Supreme Court from the Delhi High Court in January 2019.
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