CURRENT AFFAIRS DECEMBER 9 TO 15 FOR IBPS PO SBI PO SBI CBO AND INTERVIEWS

 

CURRENT AFFAIRS SNIPPETS

9 December 2021

 

NATIONAL NEWS

 

YouTuber Maridhas arrested for 'TN turning into Kashmir' comment on IAF helicopter crash

YouTuber Maridhas has been arrested for his 'Tamil Nadu is turning into another Kashmir under DMK rule' remark following the IAF helicopter crash. In the tweet, Maridhas claimed the state gives freedom "to create a group that can do any level of treason against India." CDS General Bipin Rawat was among the 13 people who died in the crash.

Regular international passenger flights suspended till January 31, 2022

The scheduled international passenger flights to/from India will remain suspended till January 31, 2022. "This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flight specifically approved by DGCA," an official order said. "However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case to case basis," the order added.

2 unmanned missions to be launched in 2022 before Gaganyaan: Govt

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday said India will launch two unmanned missions accompanied with robots before the human spaceflight programme 'Gaganyaan' by the end of 2022. He said the Venus Mission is planned for 2022, while the Solar Mission for 2022-23. Speaking in Parliament, he added that the space projects have been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lok Sabha passes bills to extend tenure of CBI, ED chiefs for up to 5 yrs

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Central Vigilance Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2021 and the Delhi Special Police Establishment (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which seek to extend the tenure of chiefs of ED and CBI for up to five years. Their tenures were fixed at two years. Opposition leaders had claimed the Centre is introducing these changes to harass them.

PM pays tribute to CDS General Bipin Rawat, other helicopter crash victims

PM Narendra Modi on Thursday in Delhi paid his tributes to CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and other defence personnel who died in Tamil Nadu helicopter crash. The family members of the deceased were also present at Delhi's Palam airbase. The mortal remains of the deceased were today flown to Delhi from Sulur airbase in Tamil Nadu.

 

 

Pune to host joint military exercise with BIMSTEC countries

Pune will host a multilateral and multi-agency exercise for the member countries of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) between December 20 and 22, which will focus on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.  A curtain raiser event for the HADR exercise titled, PANEX-21, was held at Kothari Auditorium DRDO Bhawan in New Delhi.  The exercise will witness participation from subject matter experts and delegates from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

INTERNATIONAL

 

US House passes bill to ban imports from China's Xinjiang

US House of Representatives has passed a bill banning imports from China's Xinjiang amid concerns about forced labour. The 'Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act' requires corporations to prove with "clear and convincing evidence" that imports from Xinjiang are not made with forced labour. US has also threatened sanctions against Chinese officials responsible for persecuting the minority community.

Govt offices in UAE's Sharjah to have 4-day workweek

The government agencies in the United Arab Emirates' (UAE's) Sharjah city are moving to a four-day workweek and the working hours will be from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. While the working days will be from Monday to Thursday, the weekend will be from Friday to Sunday. It follows the UAE's switch to a 4.5-day workweek from January 1, 2022.

Slovakia to offer cash payments to over-60s to get COVID-19 shots

The Slovakian Parliament on Thursday approved cash payments for those over 60 who get vaccinated against COVID-19, or receive booster shots, in an aim to increase vaccination rates in the country. Those who receive booster shots by mid-January will get €300 (₹25,598), while those over 60 that sign up for the vaccine will be entitled to €200 (₹17,065).

 

 

BANKING , BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Paytm Payments Bank receives Scheduled Bank status from RBI

Paytm on Thursday said that Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) has received Scheduled Bank status from the RBI. PPBL has been included in the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, and can now explore new business opportunities, it added. The bank would now also be eligible to partner in government-run financial inclusion schemes, Paytm said.

 

WhatsApp launches cryptocurrency payments pilot in US

WhatsApp has launched a pilot program for a limited number of people in the US that will let them send and receive money from within a chat using cryptocurrency. Meta's recently-launched digital wallet, Novi, will enable these transactions. When users add money to their Novi account, it converts it to USDP (Pax Dollar), a stable digital currency issued by Paxos.

 

 

Ujjivan SFB appoints Ittira Davis as new MD & CEO

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (SFB) said it has appointed Ittira Davis as its managing director and chief executive officer for three years. The bank’s day-to-day operations are currently being looked after by Martin P S as an officer on special duty (OSD). Before Martin, Carol Furtado was the OSD.  Ittira Davis has been with Ujjivan since 2015 and was previously CEO of Ujjivan Financial Services. His appointment as Director (Executive) will be for a period co-terminus with his tenure as MD and CEO.  Davis has also previously worked with Citibank in India and the Arab Bank Group in the Middle East and has been associated with Ujjivan since 2015. He played a pivotal role in its transition into a Small Finance Bank.

 

ICICI Bank offers instant overdraft facility to sellers registered on Flipkart

ICICI Bank announced that it has partnered with Flipkart to offer an instant and completely digital overdraft (OD) facility of up to ₹25 lakh to individual sellers and businesses registered on the e-commerce platform.  Enabled by API integration, the partnership helps sellers to avail an OD from the Bank instantly in a process- from application to sanction to disbursement – that is entirely digital.  Customers of any bank can avail of ODs from ICICI Bank if they are registered as sellers with Flipkart.

 

In pact with NPCI, CUB launches ‘On-the-Go’ wearable keychain for debit card customers

City Union Bank (CUB), in collaboration with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and its manufacturing partner Seshaasai, has announced the launch of RuPay On-the-Go contactless wearable keychain for its debit card customers.  The keychain can be requested through net banking, mobile banking, and at CUB’s branches.  This contactless wearable keychain will be part of their daily lifestyle and enable customers to tap and make cashless payments securely.

 

PayPhi launches tokenization service for Indian Businesses on RuPay

PayPhi, Phi Commerce’s API-first digital payments platform has become the first certified tokenization service for National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to support the tokenization of RuPay cards.  To enhance security, RBI has issued a set of guidelines to store sensitive customer information in the form of encrypted ‘token’.  To comply with this guideline, NPCI announced the launch of NPCI Tokenization system (NTS) to support tokenization of cards as an alternative to storing card details with merchants.

 

SPORTS

 

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix extends contract with Formula One to 2030

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will remain on the Formula One calendar until 2030 at least, after a contract extension was announced by the Chief Executive of Formula One, Stefano Domenicali, on Thursday. Abu Dhabi first hosted an F1 race in 2009. The final race of the current Formula One season will take place in Abu Dhabi this weekend.

 

 

PV Sindhu wins silver in BWF World Tour Finals

Indian badminton ace P V Sindhu settled for a silver medal at the BWF World Tour Finals after going down meekly against Korean teen sensation An Seyoung in the summit clash.  Sindhu, the reigning world champion and two-time Olympic medallist, could neither match the pace nor breach the defence of the world number six Korean, losing 16-21 12-21 in the 40-minute lop-sided clash. It was Sindhu’s third successive loss, all straight games, to the Korean in as many meetings. With this victory, An Seyoung became the first ever South Korean woman to win the season-ending title.

 

Russia beat Croatia to win third Davis Cup tennis title

Russia has won the Davis Cup for the third time after the side defeated Croatia 2-0 in the summit clash in Madrid. Andrey Rublev defeated Borna Gojo 6-4, 7-5 in the opening match and then the victory was sealed by Daniil Medvedev after he outclassed Marin Cilic.  Medvedev defeated Cilic 7-6, 6-2 to seal the victory for Russia. This was the third final in five years for Croatia.

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

HUL chairman Sanjiv Mehta to take over as FICCI president

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) chairman and managing director Sanjiv Mehta will become the president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) after the association concludes its 94th annual general meeting. He is also the president of Unilever South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal), and is a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive, which is Unilever’s global executive board.  Mehta has been with Unilever for 28 years and for the last 19 years he has led businesses in different parts of the world.  Mehta, who is currently holding the position of senior vice president of FICCI, will succeed Uday Shankar, the current president of the association, the FICCI statement said.

 

Former CEC Arora joins advisory board of international democracy body

The Election Commission said that former Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora had joined the board of advisers for the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, a Stockholm-based inter-governmental organisation of 34 member countries. Sunil Arora has been selected as he brings rich leadership experience, skills and knowledge to contribute significantly towards working of the international institute.  Mr. Arora, a retired 1980 batch Indian Administrative Service officer, had been Chief Election Commissioner from December 2, 2018 to April 12, 2021, having overseen the conduct of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as well as 24 state assembly polls.

 

Honduras elected its first female president, Xiomara Castro

Leftist opposition candidate Xiomara Castro became the first female President of Honduras. The conservative ruling party accepted loss in presidential elections, handing victory to Castro and assuaging fears of a second contested election and violent demonstrations.  According to the National Electoral Council, the former first lady garnered 53% of the vote and Tegucigalpa Mayor Nasry Asfura, the National Party’s presidential candidate recorded 34%, with 52% of the votes counted.

 

AWARDS

 

Nilmani Phookan Jr, Damodar Mauzo win Jnanpith award for 2020, 2021

Eminent Assamese Poet Nilmani Phookan Jr. has won the 56th Jnanpith Award while the 57th Jnanpith Award has gone to the Konkani novelist Damodar Mauzo.  Phookan is the third Assamese author to win the Jnanpith award. He is a well-known poet from Guwahati who has penned Surya Henu Nami Ahe Ei Nodiyedi, Gulapi Jamur Lagna, and Kobita.  Mauzo is based in Majorda, Goa, and has won the Sahitya Akademi Award. He is most known for his books Karmelin and Tsunami Simon and his short tales Teresa’s Man and Other Goa Stories.  The Jnanpith, the country’s highest literary prize, is given to writers for “great contributions to literature.” The Bharatiya Jnanpith organization bestows the Jnanpith Award on a writer from India every year.

 

ENVIRONMENT

 

Kazhuveli wetland in Tamil Nadu declared bird sanctuary

The Kazhuveli wetland located near Villupuram in Tamil Nadu has been declared a bird sanctuary by the Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department, and will henceforth be called the ‘Kazhuveli Birds Sanctuary’.  The 5,151.60 hectares of land in Vanur and Marakkanam taluks will be the 16th bird sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.

 

OBITUARIES

 

World’s Oldest Test Cricketer, Eileen Ash passes away

World’s oldest Test Cricketer, former English legend, Eileen Ash passed away at the age of 110.  The right-arm seamer made her debut to the national side in 1937 against Australia and in a career spanning till 1949, she took 10 wickets in the seven matches she played.

 

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CURRENT AFFAIRS SNIPPETS

11^TH DECEMBER 2021

 

 

NATIONAL

Who's Indian professor Neena Gupta, the 3rd woman mathematician to win Ramanujan Prize?

Indian Statistical Institute professor Neena Gupta has been awarded the 2021 Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians from developing countries "for her outstanding work in affine algebraic geometry and commutative algebra". The government said Gupta is the third woman to receive the prize. Her solution for solving the Zariski cancellation problem earned her INSA's 2014 Young Scientists Award.

PM inaugurates Saryu Nahar Project in UP, 29 lakh farmers to get benefits

PM Narendra Modi inaugurated ₹9,800 crore Saryu Nahar National Project in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday. This project will provide assured water for irrigation of over 14 lakh hectares of land and benefit about 29 lakh farmers of over 6,200 villages, mainly in eastern UP. The project involves the interlinking of five rivers, namely Ghaghara, Saryu, Rapti, Banganga and Rohini.

 

 

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami launched ‘Milk Price Incentive Scheme’

 

Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami has launched the ‘Milk Price Incentive Scheme‘ in Dehradun. The scheme is aimed to provide incentives benefiting around 53,000 people of Uttarakhand.

The state government is targeting to spend INR 444.62 crore to open 500 milk sales centres in Uttarakhand. It is a Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) scheme, the amount under the scheme would go directly into the accounts of the beneficiaries through their linked bank accounts.

In the Dehradun district, milk production and consumption are completely contradictory. On one hand, the government is making many attempts to enhance milk production, all government claims of promoting products are proving to be fictitious. Despite thousands of hours of labour, milk is not produced in accordance with demand.

Uttarakhand Capitals: Dehradun (Winter), Gairsain (Summer);

Uttarakhand Governor:  Lt Gen Gurmit Singh;

Uttarakhand Chief minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami.

Haiderpur wetland in Uttar Pradesh recognised as Ramsar Site

 

The Haiderpur Wetland abutting the Madhya Ganga barrage, about 10 km from Bijnor in western Uttar Pradesh, has been recognised under the 1971 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Uttar Pradesh is now home to 9 Ramsar wetlands.

The wetland has also been identified under Namami Gange, a central flagship, as a model wetland along the Ganga. With this, there are now a total of 47 such designated areas in the country.

BANKING, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Federal Bank and Star Health Insurance tie-up for bancassurance

 

Federal Bank has entered into a Bancassurance partnership with Star Health and Allied Insurance Co Ltd as a corporate agent to provide health insurance products for the Bank’s 8.90 million customers across India.

The Bank’s customers can avail benefits of Star Health’s retail products and group affinity products through the bank’s various distribution channels which help the customers to address their complete financial needs under one roof.

It is a partnership between a bank and an insurance company that would enable them to offer insurance products to the bank’s customers.

Federal Bank Establishment: April 23, 1931;   Federal Bank Headquarters: Aluva, Kerala;

Federal Bank Managing Director & CEO: Shyam Srinivasan;

Federal Bank Tagline: Your Perfect Banking Partner.

 PM Modi participates in 'Summit For Democracy'

 

US President Joe Biden is hosting the first of two Summits for Democracy, which takes place virtually between December 9–10.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the summit saying that 'democratic spirit' and 'pluralistic ethos' are ingrained in Indians. A total of 100 nations participated in this 'Summit for Democracy'.

Even Ukraine and Taiwan were invited to the summit but Russia and China were not. Both these countries released a joint statement in which they said that the US is displaying a “Cold-War mentality” that will “stoke up ideological confrontation and a rift in the world".

Fortune India’s Most Powerful Women in India 2021 announced

 

Fortune India released the list of most powerful women in India 2021 in which Union Minister, Ministry of Finance & Ministry of Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman ranked 1st.

She is followed by Reliance Foundation Chairperson and Goodwill Ambassador Nita Ambani in 2nd position, and Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist, World Health Organization (WHO) at 3rd.

Fortune India’s List of Top 5 Most Powerful Women in India:

Rank      Name                                       Position

1 Nirmala Sitharaman Union Ministry, Ministry of Finance

2 Nita Ambani Reliance Foundation Chairperson and Goodwill Ambassador

3 Soumya Swaminathan Chief Scientist, World Health Organization (WHO)

4 Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Executive Chairperson, Biocon

5 Suchitra Ella Co-founder and Joint MD, Bharat Biotech International Ltd

6. India Skills Report 2022: Maharashtra Retains Top Position

The 9th edition of India Skills Report (ISR) 2022, released by Wheebox, Maharashtra has retained the top position in the list of states with the highest poll of employable talent followed by Uttar Pradesh and Kerala.

The theme of ISR 2022 – ‘Rebuilding and Reengineering the Future of Work’.  India Skills Report is a full-fledged report about the future of work, education, and skilling to match the talent demand and supply in a growing India.

Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are the 3 states that have a higher job demand.

Pune is the city with the most highly employable resources with 78% of the test takers scoring above 60 per cent.

op 5 States with Highest Employability:

Rank State Employability %

1 Maharashtra 66.1

2 Uttar Pradesh 65.2

3 Kerala 64.2

4 West Bengal 63.8

5 Karnataka 59.3

 

Airtel, Invest India launch 'Startup Innovation Challenge'

 

Bharti Airtel and Invest India, National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency jointly launched ‘Airtel India Startup Innovation Challenge’ for Startups to develop solutions in 5G, IoT.  Under the Startup Innovation Challenge, early-stage technology companies are being invited to demonstrate differentiated solutions in areas such as 5G, Cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital entertainment.

Airtel Founded: 1995;

Airtel Headquarters: New Delhi, India;

Airtel Chairman: Sunil Bharti;

Airtel MD & CEO: Mittal Gopal Vittal.

 Balkrishna Doshi Awarded 2022 RIBA Royal Gold Medal for Architecture

 

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced that Indian architect Balkrishna Doshi will be the recipient of the 2022 Royal Gold Medal.

The distinction, approved by Her Majesty The Queen and awarded each year since 1848, is given to architects or practices in recognition of a lifetime’s work and the impact on the evolution of the field and the built environment.

SPORTS
I really enjoyed it: Cummins after Australia's 1st Ashes Test win

After Australia's nine-wicket win against England in first Ashes Test, Australia skipper Pat Cummins said he really enjoyed it. "A lot of things did go right, probably from...toss-overcast conditions, wicket had a bit in it, turn up Day 2 and it's blue skies. So someone was smiling down on me," he added. It was Cummins' first win as captain.

Which non-Asian spinners have taken most wickets in Test cricket?

Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon today became the second-non Asian spinner to take 400 wickets in Test cricket. Lyon has taken a total of 403 Test wickets. He is behind ex-Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne, who took 708 Test wickets. Ex-New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has taken third-most wickets among non-Asian spinners with 362 wickets. He is followed by Lance Gibbs (309).

Alex Carey creates history, breaks world record for taking most catches on Test debut

Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey has broken the world record for taking most catches on Test debut by a fielder or wicketkeeper. The 30-year-old took a total of eight catches (three in first innings and five in second innings) on his Test debut against England in Brisbane. The previous record of seven catches on Test debut was shared by seven cricketers.

 

 India won 41 medals at Asian Youth Para Games 2021

India claimed 41 medals (12 Gold, 15 Silver, 14 Bronze) at the 4th Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG), Asia’s biggest event held at Riffa city, Bahrain. The event is organized by the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Bahrain with the support of the local government.

Over 700 athletes from around 30 countries participated in the event from 2ndto 6th December 2021. The 5th edition of the Asian Youth Para Games 2025 will be hosted by Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Important Days

 International Mountain Day observed on 11 December

International Mountain Day is observed globally on December 11 every year. The day is celebrated to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build alliances that will bring positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world.  The theme of this year's International Mountain Day (IMD) on 11 December will be sustainable mountain tourism. Sustainable tourism in mountains can contribute to creating additional and alternative livelihood options and promoting poverty alleviation, social inclusion, as well as landscape and biodiversity conservation.  The day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2003 to encourage the sustainable development of mountains. United Nations had declared 2002 as the UN International Year of Mountains.

OBITUARY
Creator of Nintendo consoles Masayuki Uemura passes away aged 78

Masayuki Uemura, the lead creator of Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System, passed away earlier this week at the age of 78, Japan's Ritsumeikan University said in a statement. Uemura joined Nintendo in early 1970s and was tasked by then-President Hiroshi Yamauchi in 1981 with developing a home console for games. The cause of his death wasn't revealed.

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CURRENT AFFAIRS SNIPPETS

DECEMBER 12, 2021

NATIONAL

School students in H'yana to recite Gita ‘shlokas’ from next academic year: CM

The students will be taught to recite ‘shlokas’ of the Bhagavad Gita in schools across Haryana from the next academic session, CM Manohar Lal Khattar said. CM Khattar said that the youth should imbibe the essence of Gita in their lives as the message of the holy book was given not for only Arjuna but for all of us.

Centre to launch national helpline for SCs/STs on December 13

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will be launching a National Helpline Against Atrocities (NHAA) on Dec 13 in order to prevent atrocities against members of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The NHAA will be available on toll-free number 14566 in Hindi, English and regional languages, along with a mobile application and a web-based self-service portal.

PM to inaugurate Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi tomorrow

PM Narendra Modi will visit his parliamentary constituency Varanasi on Monday and inaugurate phase 1 of Kashi Vishwanath Dham. "The project will realise PM's vision to create an easily accessible pathway connecting Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the banks of the river Ganga," Prime Minister's Office said. The project has been constructed at a cost of around ₹339 crore.

UP CM launches free food distribution programme ahead of UP polls

Ahead of the Uttar Pradesh elections, CM Yogi Adityanath on Sunday launched the Nishulk Khadyan Vitaran (Free Food Distribution) programme, aiming to provide free food to the state's poor till Holi next year. The programme has been launched under the National Food Security Act. "The scheme is being implemented in a transparent way," said CM Adityanath during the programme's launch.

 

 

ADB approves USD350mn loan to Improve Urban Services in India

On December 9, 2021, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved ~Rs.2653.05 crore (USD 350 million(mn)) policy-based loan to improve urban services in India. This loan supports the policies formulated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to benefit the urban poor, economically weaker section and low-income group..

How will this loan be utilized?

ADB will help MoHUA to select low-income states and urban local bodies to implement its policy reforms viz. universal coverage of piped water supply and improved sanitation under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0, to provide affordable housing to all under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). • ADB will also provide knowledge and advisory support to MoHUA in program implementation, monitoring and evaluation. • ADB will also provide recommendations on cross-cutting issues like climate change, environmental and social safeguards assessment, and gender equality and social inclusion. Points to be noted: India’s current estimated urban population is 460 million which is second-largest in the world and is projected to reach nearly 600 million by 2030. It is growing at an annual rate of over 2%.

About Asian Development Bank (ADB) Headquarters– Manila, Philippines President– Masatsugu Asakawa     Members Countries– 68

Govt unlikely to announce capital infusion for PSBs in Budget 2022: Reports

The government is unlikely to announce capital infusion for public sector banks (PSBs) in Budget 2022-23 as their financial health has improved on the back of reduction in bad loans, according to reports. Banks would be encouraged to raise funds from the market and also by selling their non-core assets to augment their resources, reports said.

 

FICCI appoints HUL Chairman – Sanjiv Mehta as President-elect

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is set to appoint Sanjiv Mehta, as the Chairman & Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), as its New President after the conclusion of FICCI’s 94th Annual General Meeting on 18th December 2021. 

Currently, Sanjiv Mehta also serves as the Senior Vice President of FICCI and will be succeeding Uday Shankar, the current President of FICCI

LIC got Approval from RBI to hike stake up to 9.99% in IndusInd Bank

In December 2021, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has received approval from the RBI (Reserve Bank of India ) to increase its stake to 9.99 per cent in IndusInd Bank of the total issued and paid-up capital of the private sector lender  The approval will be valid for 1 year i.e. up to December 8, 2022. At present, LIC holds a 4.95 percent stake in the IndusInd Bank.

 Key Points:

 i.The approval is subjected to compliance with the provisions of – (i) the Master Direction on ‘Prior approval for the acquisition of shares or voting rights in private sector banks’ dated November 19, 2015, (ii) Master Direction on ‘Ownership in private sector banks’ dated May 12, 2016, (iii) regulations issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and (iv) the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.

ii.As per the norms of RBI under Master Direction on ‘Prior approval for the acquisition of shares or voting rights.  in private sector banks’, every person/entity who intends to make an acquisition in private banks of more than 5 percent stake, has to take prior approval from RBI. Note – Recently, LIC had also received a similar kind of approval from RBI to increase its stake in Kotak Mahindra Bank to 9.99 percent.

About IndusInd Bank: Establishment – 1994 Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra MD&CEO – Sumant Kathpalia Tagline – We Make You Feel Richer

Shaktikanta Das begins his extended 3-year term as RBI Governor

Shaktikanta Das has started his extended three-year term as Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Governor. Das has become the first RBI Governor to get a second term since PM Narendra Modi-led government came into power in 2014. The reappointment is effective for three years beyond December 10, 2021, or until further orders, whichever is earlier, an official statement earlier said.

Mukesh Ambani's Reliance looks to buy bankrupt textile firm Sintex Industries

Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries (RIL), along with a partner, is looking to buy Gujarat-based bankrupt textile firm Sintex Industries, according to a stock exchange filing by Sintex Industries. Reliance is partnering with Assets Care & Reconstruction Enterprise Limited to bid for the company. Other bidders for the company are Easygo Textiles (Welspun Group), GHCL, and Himatsingka Ventures.

 

 

SPORTS

Verstappen overtakes Hamilton on last lap to win his maiden F1 world championship title

short by Anmol Sharma / 08:32 pm on 12 Dec 2021,Sunday

Red Bull's 24-year-old Dutch driver Max Verstappen won Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the last race of the season, to win the Formula One 2021 world championship. This is the 24-year-old's maiden world championship title. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who led for almost all of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was overtaken by Verstappen on the last lap.

 

OBITUARY
Gujarat MLA dies aged 44 due to dengue-related complications

BJP MLA from Gujarat's Unjha, Ashaben Patel, died at the age of 44 years at an Ahmedabad hospital on Sunday due to dengue-related complications. "She was declared dead around 1 pm. We tried our best but couldn't save her," Zydus Hospital Director Dr VN Shah said. She was one of the main faces of the Patidar reservation agitation in 2015.

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CURRENT AFFAIRS SNIPPETS 13-12-2021

National News

PM pays tribute to security staff martyred in 2001 Parliament attack

PM Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to security personnel who were martyred in the line of duty during the 2001 Parliament attack on the occasion of its anniversary. "Their service to the nation and supreme sacrifice continues to inspire every citizen," he said. Eight security personnel were martyred after five terrorists attacked the Parliament on December 13, 2001.

Govt to organise innovation week to encourage startup ecosystem

The government will be hosting a week-long event to encourage the startup ecosystem in India in January 2022, as a part of the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'. The "Celebrating Innovation Ecosystem" event will aim to bring together key startups, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders. It will help provide market access opportunities to startups and mobilise capital investment.

 

World Talent Ranking report 2021: India ranked 56th

International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitive Centre published its “World Talent Ranking Report”. In the report, Europe has dominated the ranking in 2021.  Global top 10 countries are from this region. Switzerland has retained its top spot. India has been ranked at 56th position. In the Middle East & North Africa, UAE maintained its second position, following Israel (first in this region). Israel has been ranked 22nd.

Top 10 in World Talent Ranking report 2021:

Rank	Country
1	Switzerland
2	Sweden
3	Luxembourg
4	Norway
5	Denmark
6	Austria
7	Iceland
8	Finland
9	Netherlands
10	Germany

 

India assumed the chairmanship of Council of RATS SCO

India assumed the Chairmanship of Council of Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (RATS SCO) for 1 year from October 28, 2021.  The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), Government of India, in association with Data Security Council of India (DSCI), as a Knowledge Partner, organized a 2-day Practical Seminar on ‘Securing Cyberspace in the Contemporary Threat Environment’ for delegates from SCO member States.  The seminar is the 1st event to be hosted by India during its Chairmanship of Council of RATS SCO. This Seminar addressed key areas like Policies and Strategies, Cyber Terrorism, Ransomware, and Digital Forensics amongst others. The representatives from the Executive Committee (EC) of RATS SCO and all SCO member countries attended this Seminar.   SCO Headquarters: Beijing, China;

SCO Founded: 15 June 2001;

SCO Secretary-General: Vladimir Norov.

NITI Aayog to establish 1,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in J&K

The NITI Aayog has planned to establish 1000 Atal Tinkering Laboratories in Jammu and Kashmir. Out of 1000 Atal Tinkering Laboratories, 187 will be established by the end of the financial year 2021-22.

Out of 187 ATLs, 31 are being established across government schools of J&k while 50 will be established in several educational institutions like KVs, JNVs, and Private schools.

Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) is a sub-mission under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of the Central Government in India. It is the flagship initiative of AIM, that seeks to nurture an innovative mindset amongst high school students across India.

NITI Aayog Formed: 1 January 2015;

NITI Aayog Headquarters: New Delhi;

NITI Aayog Chairperson: Narendra Modi;

NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson: Rajiv Kumar;

NITI Aayog CEO: Amitabh Kant.

International News

UNGA granted observer status to International Solar Alliance

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has granted Observer Status to International Solar Alliance (ISA) by adopting resolution 76/123. This decision has been taken based on the UNGA’s Sixth Committee report.   In November 2015, ISA was jointly launched by India and France during the 21st session of the United Nations Climate Change COP-21 in Paris, France to promote solar energy among its Member Countries.  A total of 108 countries participated in the Assembly, including 74 Member Countries and 34 Observer and Prospective Countries, 23 Partner Organizations and 33 Special Invitee Organisations.  The launch of the ISA was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and former French President Francois Hollande in November 2015, at the 21st session of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Paris, France.

International Solar Alliance Headquarters: Gurugram;

International Solar Alliance Founded: 30 November 2015;

International Solar Alliance Director-General: Ajay Mathur.

Appointments News

Catherine Russell appointed as the new head of UNICEF

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Catherine Russell as the head of UN children’s agency UNICEF, also known as the United Nations Children’s Fund.  Catherine Russell is an assistant to US President Joe Biden. She also heads the White House Office of Presidential Personnel. Russell will succeed Henrietta Fore, who resigned in July 2021 because of a family health issue.  UNICEF is governed by a 36-member executive board. The board establishes policies, oversees administrative & financial plans and approves programs. Board comprises of government representatives, who are elected by the United Nations Economic and Social Council. They are elected for three-year terms.

UNICEF Headquarters: New York, United States of America;

UNICEF Founded: 11 December 1946.

Banking , Business and Economy

RBI enforces 20-digit LEI for cross-border deals

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) made Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) mandatory for cross-border transactions for capital or current account transactions of Rs 50 crore and above, from October 1 next year.  The LEI is a 20-digit number used to uniquely identify parties to financial transactions worldwide to improve the quality and accuracy of financial data systems.

The identifier norm has been introduced in a phased manner for participants in the over the counter (OTC) derivative, non-derivative markets, large corporate borrowers, and large value transactions in centralised payment systems.  Starting October 1, 2022, banks will have to obtain the `LEI` number from the resident entities (non-individuals) undertaking any capital or current account transactions. For LEI holders, it would be mandatory to furnish the number in all transactions irrespective of the transaction size.  RBI 25th Governor: Shaktikanta Das; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata.

ADB approved a USD 350 million loan to improve India’s urban services

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a Rs 2653.05 crore (USD 350 million) policy-based loan to improve urban services in India.  This loan supports the policies formulated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to benefit the urban poor, economically weaker sections, and low-income groups.   ADB will also provide knowledge and advisory support to MoHUA in program implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

Asian Development Bank Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines;

Asian Development Bank President: Masatsugu Asakawa;

Asian Development Bank Membership: 68 countries;

Asian Development Bank Founded: 19 December 1966.

Awards News

 Karnataka Bank won 2 DigiDhan Awards by MeitY

Karnataka Bank has been conferred with two DigiDhan awards instituted by the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The awards were given during Digital payment Utsav in New Delhi.      The award recognized banks for achieving the target with the highest percentage in BHIM-UPI transactions under the private sector bank category consecutively for two years 2019-20 and 2020-21.     Karnataka Bank has always stood ahead of the time in adopting the latest digital technology to its products in order to provide best in class service to our customers.

Karnataka Bank Ltd Chairman: Pradeep Kumar Panja;

Karnataka Bank Headquarters: Mangalore;

Karnataka Bank Founded: 18 February 1924.

India’s Harnaaz Sandhu crowned 70th Miss Universe 2021

• Actor-model Harnaaz Sandhu made history as she was crowned Miss Universe 2021 eating contestants from 80 countries, 21 years after India last brought home the title.  While Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira, 22, finished second, South Africa’s Lalela Mswane, 24, came third. Only two Indians before Ms Sandhu have won the title of Miss Universe— actors Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.  The 70th edition of the event was held in Eilat, Israel, where the 21-year-old bagged the coveted pageant.  The ceremony was hosted by Steve Harvey and saw performances from American singer JoJo. The selection committee included actor and Miss Universe India 2015 Urvashi Rautela, Adamari López, Adriana Lima, Cheslie Kryst, Iris Mittenaere, Lori Harvey, Marian Rivera and Rena Sofer.

 Azim Premji receives Dr. Ida S. Scudder Oration award

Azim Premji, founder chairman of Wipro Limited and founder of Azim Premji Foundation is this year’s recipient of the 10th annual Dr Ida S. Scudder Humanitarian Oration, jointly established by Christian Medical College Vellore (CMC) and the U.S.-based Vellore CMC Foundation.         The award is presented to Mr Premji in recognition of his contributions to society. Dr Scudder who was born in Ranipet in 1870 dedicated her life to bringing modern healthcare and medical education to the people of India.  The Oration seeks to inspire people to emulate her dedication to the service of humanity by honouring exceptional individuals. The previous recipients of the Dr Ida S. Scudder Humanitarian Oration include former president of India A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Science and Technology News

 ISRO, Oppo collaborate to strengthen R&D of NavIC messaging service

The Indian Space Research Organisation has signed an agreement with Chinese smart devices maker Oppo’s Indian arm to strengthen the research and development of the NavIC messaging service.  The messaging service is mainly used for broadcasting safety-of-life alerts in areas with poor or no communication, particularly in the oceans. Oppo India has its manufacturing unit in Noida and an R&D centre in Hyderabad.   Both ISRO and Oppo India will exchange technical information of NavIC messaging services to build rapid, ready-to-use, end-to-end application-specific solutions. This will enable integrating NavIC messaging service with the mobile handset platform keeping in mind the need of Indian users.

Sports News

 Norway’s Magnus Carlsen wins FIDE World Chess Championship

Reigning world chess champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway defended his title and won the FIDE World Championship in Dubai.          He beat Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia, securing the one point he needed to cross the seven-point threshold to win the global tournament held at Dubai’s Expo 2020 this month in the United Arab Emirates. Carlsen clinched his fifth world championship title. Carlsen wins 60% of the 2 million-euro prizOBITUARe offered by tobituaryhe championship.

Important Days

Unicef Day 2021: History, significance, theme

Every year, UNICEF Day is observed on December 11 to raise awareness about saving children’s lives by defending and helping them to fulfil their wishes. The day provides assistance for the health, nutrition, education, and welfare of children during World War II.  UNICEF’s name was subsequently changed from United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund to United Nations Children’s Fund though, it continued to be known by the popular acronym based on the previous title.   The theme for this year is to help children recover from interruptions and learning losses experienced through pandemics in the last two years.

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NATIONAL

HC quashes FIR against TN YouTuber held for tweet on chopper crash

Madras High Court has quashed an FIR registered against a Tamil Nadu YouTuber for allegedly posting a controversial tweet over chopper crash in which General Bipin Rawat and 12 others were killed. The court said it didn't find the offences in the tweet that were mentioned in the FIR. The man was arrested after a DMK functionary complained against him.

IIT Kanpur team develops device that detects soil health in 90 seconds

An IIT Kanpur team has developed a portable soil testing device that can detect soil health in just 90 seconds. The device is linked to a mobile app named 'Bhu Parikshak' that suggests recommended fertiliser for crops after inspecting soil health. The device is based on near Infrared spectroscopy technology and it can test up to one lakh soil samples

Hyderabad's Abids post office declared as seven-star post office

Telangana Postal Circle administration has declared General Post Office (GPO) Abids in Hyderabad as a seven-star post office. The GPO has achieved the seven-star status for its operational excellence in various services provided to the general public and achieving more than the targeted business. Reportedly, the Keshogiri post office has also achieved the same status.

Prez Kovind to visit Bangladesh for 50th Victory Day celebrations

President Ram Nath Kovind will visit Bangladesh from December 15 to 17 to take part in the 50th Victory Day celebrations, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Tuesday. Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid has invited Kovind to represent India as a guest of honour. "It's of great historical significance that 2021 commemorates the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence," Shringla added.

 

Madhya Pradesh govt organised first drone Mela at Gwalior

In Madhya Pradesh, the first drone fair in the country was organised at Gwalior. Gwalior Drone Mela was organised jointly by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Government of India, the Government of Madhya Pradesh, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).

Addressing the youths and farmers present at the "Drone Mela" in Gwalior, MP Chief Minister said that Madhya Pradesh will be made a leading state by using drone technology. Mr Scindia said that five Drone Schools will be opened in Gwalior, Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Satna in Madhya Pradesh.

Madhya Pradesh Capital: Bhopal;

Madhya Pradesh Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Himachal govt set up General Category Commission

Himachal Pradesh govt announced setting up a Commission for upper castes, on the lines of Madhya Pradesh. The Commission, to be named as ‘Samanya Varg Aayog’, will be formalised through a legislative enactment in three months' time when the state assembly meets next in February-March 2021 for the budget session of the House.

A Scheduled Caste Commission is already in operation in Himachal Pradesh and is chaired by former Shimla MP Virendra Kashyap.

As per the 2011 population census, Himachal Pradesh has a population of 68.56 lakhs of which 19.29 lakh, which is 25.22 per cent, are SCs, while the other 4 lakhs are STs, which is 5.71 % and other 9.03 lakh are OBCs, which is 13.52%. 

Himachal Pradesh Capital: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter);

Himachal Pradesh Governor: Rajendra Arlekar;

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister: Jai Ram Thakur.

Agreements News

Karnataka & UNDP signed LoU as a part of ‘Code-Unnati’

 

Department of Youth Empowerment & Sports, Government of Karnataka has signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a part of the State-level initiative ‘Code-Unnati’ to improve the access to entrepreneurship and employment opportunities among the youths, including women.

The initiative involves United Nations Volunteers (UNV) and is supported by SAP India Lab’s CSR Strategies will be implemented in 4 districts of Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Dakshina Kannada and Raichuru.

United Nations Development Programme Founder: 1965;

United Nations Development Programme Headquarters: New York, United States;

United Nations Development Programme Administrator: Achim Steiner.

 IPPB : NPCI tie up to launch doorstep bill payments service

 

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has tied up with National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) bill payments system Bharat BillPay to facilitate cash-based bill payments service at customer’s doorstep.

Payments for various utility bills can be done on the Bharat BillPay platform and the facility will be made available to non- IPPB customers as well.

The aim is to provide access to payment solutions to millions of unbanked and underserved customers in remote locations at their doorstep, NPCI said in its statement. The service will enable payments of mobile postpaid, D2H recharge, school fees, and other utility services by using the bank's mobile banking service.

IPPB Founded: 2018;

IPPB Headquarters: New Delhi;

IPPB MD & CEO: J Venkatramu;

IPPB Tag line: Aapka Bank, Aapke Dwaar.

Uttar Pradesh holds the top position in Total Registered EVs

 

Winter Session of the Parliament, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, informed the Rajya Sabha on the state of Electric Vehicles (EV) in India.

As per the data, India has a total of 870,141 registered EVs, with Uttar Pradesh (UP) holding the top spot with 255,700 registered EVs. UP is followed by Delhi (125,347), Karnataka (72,544), Bihar (58,014) and Maharashtra (52,506) in successive positions.

Uttar Pradesh Capital: Lucknow;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath;

Uttar Pradesh Governor: Anandiben Patel.

Global Health Security Index 2021: India ranked 66th

 

As per the Global Health Security (GHS) Index 2021, the world’s average overall GHS Index score was reduced to 38.9 (out of 100) in 2021, from a score of 40.2 in the GHS Index, 2019.

GHS Index is developed in partnership with the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) and the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security at the Bloomberg School of Public Health.

India ranked 66 out of 195 countries with an overall Index score of 42.8 and along with a change of -0.8 from 2019. The United States of America (USA) ranked 1st on the index with a score of 75.9 followed by Australia and Finland.

The overall ranking of GHS Index 2021:

Rank  Country  Score

1  USA  75.9

2  Australia 71.1

3 Finland 70.9

4  Canada 69.8

5  Thailand 68.2

66 India 42.8

195 Somalia 16.0

 IMO: India re-elected to International Maritime Organisation Council

 

India has been re-elected to International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2022-2023 biennium under category B states. The Assembly of the International Maritime Organization has elected the Members of its Council for the 2022-2023 biennium.   The Council is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible, under the Assembly, for supervising the work of the Organization.

International Maritime Organisation Headquarters: London, United Kingdom;

International Maritime Organisation Founder: United Nations;

International Maritime Organisation Founded: 17 March 1948.

PM Modi inaugurates Kashi-Vishwanath Dham project in Kashi

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the first phase of the Rs 339 crore Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project that connects the temple town's two iconic landmarks - Kashi Vishwanath temple and Ganga ghats.  The idea behind the project is to ensure that all heritage structures get preserved.   A total of 23 buildings will be inaugurated in phase 1 of the project.

They will provide a variety of facilities to the pilgrims visiting Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, including Yatri Suvidha Kendras, Tourist Facilitation Centre, Vedic Kendra, Mumukshu Bhavan, Bhogshala, City Museum, Viewing Gallery and Food Court, among others.

The project is now spread over a massive area of about 5 lakh square feet, whereas earlier premises was limited to just around 3000 square feet.

 Centre to launch National Helpline against atrocities on SCs, STs

 

Union Minister Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr Virendra Kumar has launched National Helpline against atrocities on SCs, STs.   The objective of the helpline, reportedly, is to build awareness about the provisions of the Act that are aimed at ending discrimination and providing protection to all. The Helpline will be available 24-7 on toll-free number – 14566.

This Service will be available in Hindi, English, and Regional languages of the States. The objective of this helpline is to spread awareness about the provision of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.  All registered complaints will be investigated and all charge sheets filed are prosecuted in the Courts for decision within the given timelines in the Act. A docket number will be given for each complaint received from Victim/Complainant/NGOs regarding non-compliance with The Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955 and the Prevention of Atrocities (POA) Act, 1989.

International News

 Indian-American Gautam Raghavan elevated to key White House position

 

US President Joe Biden has elevated Indian-American political advisor Gautam Raghavan as the head of the White House Office of Presidential Personnel.        White House Presidential Personnel Office (PPO), also written as Office of Presidential Personnel, is the White House office tasked with vetting new appointees. The PPO is one of the offices most responsible for assessing candidates to work at or for the White House.       A first-generation immigrant, Raghavan was born in India, raised in Seattle and graduated from Stanford University. He is the editor of the book 'West Wingers: Stories from the Dream Chasers, Change Makers, and Hope Creators Inside the Obama White House'.

Sports

 India won Six medals at Asian Rowing Championship

 

India won a total of six medals, including two gold and 4 silver medals in the Asian Rowing Championship in Thailand.  Senior rower Arvind Singh bagged a gold in the lightweight Men’s single sculls event while his compatriots won three silver medals. India bagged silver medals in Men’s Lightweight Double Sculls, Men’s Quadrapul Sculls and in Men’s Coxless Four. In Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls, India’s Ashish Phugat and Sukhjinder Singh won the silver.

 Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi GP 2021 F-1 Drivers’ championship

 

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won his maiden F1 Drivers’ championship title by beating Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes in the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP 2021.  Mercedes bagged another World Constructor’s Cham pionship title but were denied the double they would have wanted. Verstappen ended the season with 10 wins to Hamilton’s eight, having also led more laps and taken more poles and podiums.

Important Days

National Energy Conservation Day 2021

 

Every year on the 14th of December, National Energy Conservation day is celebrated in India. This occasion has been celebrated since 1991 when is led by the Ministry of power.

This day is celebrated to raise awareness regarding the conservation of energy as it is the best way to have a greener and brighter future.

Back in 2001, the Indian bureau of energy efficiency implemented the Indian energy conservation act which focused on formulating policies regarding energy conservation.

Obituaries News

Gothic novel author Anne Rice passes away

American gothic-fiction writer Anne Rice, best known for The Vampire Chronicles novel series, passed away.

Anne Rice's debut novel, published in 1976, Interview with the Vampire revolves around a vampire named Louis de Pointe du Lac, who narrates the story of his life to a reporter. Her other works: Pandora, Violin, Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt, The Witching Hour etc.

 

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BANKING, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

WhatsApp rolls out new feature to preview voice messages before sending

WhatsApp on Tuesday released a preview feature for voice messages, which enables a user to preview their voice notes before sending them in a conversation. According to the help page for the feature, the option to preview a voice message will appear after you press the stop button to finish a recording. The feature is available on Android and iOS.

 

Unacceptable: Govt as WTO rules against India over sugar subsidies

A World Trade Organization (WTO) panel ruled that India violated international trade rules when it offered excessive subsidies for the production and export of sugar and sugarcane. The ruling comes after Brazil, Australia and Guatemala filed parallel complaints in 2019 against India. The government said the findings were "unacceptable" and its sugar subsidies are consistent with WTO agreements.

 

 

 

Govt issues 'high severity' warning for Chrome users, says vulnerabilities found

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), a part of the IT ministry, has issued a 'high severity' warning for Google Chrome users. It said several vulnerabilities have been found in the Chrome browser that could be exploited by a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the users' system. It advised users to upgrade to the browser's latest version.

 

Indian-origin Leena Nair named as new global CEO of Chanel

short by Ridham Gambhir / 09:12 pm on 14 Dec 2021,Tuesday

French fashion house Chanel on Tuesday named 52-year-old Indian national Leena Nair as its new global CEO. Prior to this, Nair was associated with Unilever for the last 30 years. She was the first female, first Asian and the youngest ever Chief Human Resources Officer of Unilever. She'll join Chanel at the end of January and be based in London.

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National News

Prez Kovind holds bilateral talks with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday met with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka and discussed bilateral relations between both countries. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the two leaders also recalled the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War. President Kovind is scheduled to attend the celebrations of 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence.

 

Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana: Maharashtra topped the list

Maharashtra has topped the list of states with the maximum number of beneficiaries under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY), followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. As many as 6,49,560 beneficiaries were recorded in Maharashtra, followed by Tamil Nadu (5,35,615), Gujarat (4,44,741) and Karnataka (3,07,164).

In Maharashtra, the beneficiaries have been provided with a total of Rs 409.72 crore under the scheme to new employees of 17,524 establishments.

The government had launched ABRY to incentivize employment generation in Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) registered establishments during COVID-19 for a period from October 1, 2020, to March 31, 2022.

This scheme, being implemented through the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), reduces the financial burden of the employers of various sectors/industries and encourages them to hire more workers.

Delhi Police launched e-learning platform “Unnati”

Police Commissioner of Delhi, Rakesh Asthana has launched an e-learning platform ‘Unnati’, under the Delhi Police’s flagship scheme ‘YUVA’ at the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Auditorium, New Delhi.

Every year, over 1.5 lakh people are arrested by the Delhi Police for various crimes. More than 85 per cent of them are first-timers and only 10-15 per cent are repeat offenders.

Unnati is an e-learning and certification initiative by the Delhi Police-South West District to help educate youths and impart skill training to school dropouts from the weaker sections of society.

The courses offered under ‘Unnati’ include digital literacy courses comprising basic computer courses and typing training, preparatory courses for competitive exams and sports courses, among others. The e-learning platform, ‘Unnati’, was launched under the Delhi Police’s flagship scheme ‘YUVA’.

UNESCO adds Kolkata's Durga Puja to 'Intangible Cultural Heritage' list

UNESCO has added Kolkata's Durga Puja to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. "Durga Puja is seen as the best instance of the public performance of religion and art, and as a thriving ground for collaborative artists and designers," UNESCO said. It added that during the festival, divides of class, religion and ethnicities collapse.

 

 

 PM Modi inaugurates the Saryu Nahar National Project in UP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Saryu Nahar National Project in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh.

The project will provide assured water for irrigation to over 14 lakh hectares of land and benefit about 29 lakh farmers, mainly in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya were among those present at the project inauguration programme.

The project has been completed at a cost of over Rs 9,800 crore, out of which more than Rs 4,600 crore was provisioned in the last four years.

International News

Will impose new sanctions on Russia if it attacks Ukraine: EU chief

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is ready to impose new sanctions and take "unprecedented measures" against Russia if it attacks Ukraine. There are already economic sanctions in place targeting Russia's financial and energy sectors because of its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in 2014, she added. This comes amid Russian troop build-up near Ukrainian border.

 Dubai 1st in World to go 100% Paperless

Dubai became the world’s first government to turn 100% paperless, the announcement was made by the United Arab Emirate (UAE) Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It will save around 3 billion Dirham (USD 350 million) and 14-million-man hours.

The digitization will provide all the govt. services to customers & reduce paper consumption by more than 336 million papers. All the exceptional digital services can be accessed by the Citizens through the “Dubai Now application’’.

UAE Capital: Abu Dhabi;

UAE Currency: United Arab Emirates dirham;

UAE President: Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

BANKING, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

No proposal to revoke ban on Chinese apps: Govt

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Parliament on Wednesday that there's no proposal with the ministry to revoke the ban on blocked Chinese mobile applications. India in September 2020, had banned 118 China-linked mobile apps, including PUBG Mobile. In June 2020, India banned 59 apps that were mostly Chinese, including TikTok, SHAREit and UC Browser.

9 lakh employees of PSU banks to go on 2-day strike from tomorrow

Nine lakh employees of state-run banks will go on a two-day nationwide strike beginning Thursday to protest against the government’s move to privatise two public sector banks (PSBs), according to union leaders. Most of the banks have cautioned customers about the strike's possible impact on banking operations. In Budget 2021-22, the government had announced its intent to privatise two PSBs.

RBI fines PNB ₹1.80 crore and ICICI Bank ₹30 lakh for rule violations

The RBI has fined PNB ₹1.80 crore and imposed a ₹30-lakh penalty on ICICI Bank. PNB's fine related to the bank's shareholding in borrower companies, as pledgee, of an amount exceeding 30% of paid-up share capital of those companies. ICICI Bank was fined for violating rules regarding levy of penal charges on non-maintenance of minimum balances in savings bank accounts.

 

 BPCL tie-up with BARC for Green Hydrogen production

 

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has tied up with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) to scale-up Alkaline Electrolyze technology for Green Hydrogen production.

This is a first of its kind initiative to support India’s commitment to achieve renewable energy targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Electrolyser plants are presently imported and the collaboration is to “scale-up Alkaline Electrolyser technology for Green Hydrogen production”.

India has set a target to reach net zero emissions by 2070 and towards that objective it is looking to raise the share of renewables in its energy mix to 50 per cent by 2030 from 38 per cent currently. This is a first of its kind initiative to support the country’s commitment to achieve renewable energy targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

BPCL Headquarters:  Mumbai, Maharashtra;

BPCL Chairman & Managing Director: Arun Kumar Singh.

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance starts ‘#Care4Hockey’ Campaign

 

A leading private general insurer in India, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance has started its ‘#Care4Hockey’ Campaign to elevate field Hockey’s recognition in India.

The company has partnered with Padma Shri (2020) Rani Rampal, Indian Women’s Hockey Team Captain, who will be the face of the campaign.

‘#Care4Hockey’ is a one of its kind campaign which aims to support the development of Hockey in India from the grass-root level.

 

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Founded: 2001;

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra;

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance CEO & MD: Tapan Singhel.

LIC launches Dhan Rekha plan savings life insurance plan

 

The Life Insurance Corporation of India has launched a new non-linked, non-participating, individual savings life insurance plan called Dhan Rekha, it offers special premium rates for female lives.

The plan is also allowed for the third gender adding that all benefits under the plan are fully guaranteed. There are special premium rates for female lives. The plan is allowed to Third Gender. All Benefits under the plan are fully guaranteed.

Under this plan, the minimum sum assured is Rs 2 lakh, with no upper restriction on the maximum sum assured.

Depending on the policy term, the minimum age to enter ranges from 90 days to 8 years.

Depending on the policy term, the maximum age at the entrance can range from 35 to 55 years old.

The plan can be purchased both offline and online through agents/intermediaries such as POSPLI/Common Public Service Centres (CPSC-SPV) and the website www.licindia.in.

Bank of Baroda launches bob World Wave

 

Bank of Baroda (BoB) has launched a solution for digital banking payments, named bob World Wave. Wearable technology is witnessing the rise of tremendous interest across the world and lenders are using this opportunity to adopt the more convenient and cashless digital payments systems.

This is an innovative solution, intended to perfectly deliver preventive health actions as well as easier payment transactions. The bob World Wave wearable device will allow customers to monitor their Sp02, body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure.

With bob World Wave, the Bank is providing an exclusive 3-months free wellness package along with a personal health coach, doctor teleconsultation and interactive video coaching.

The device will provide contactless payments of up to Rs 5000 in all NFC enabled PoS devices. Customers can do contactless payments above Rs. 5000 using a PIN.

 

Bank Of Baroda Headquarters: Vadodara, Gujarat, India;

Bank Of Baroda Chairman: Hasmukh Adhia;

Bank Of Baroda MD & CEO: Sanjiv Chadha.

TIME Magazine’s ‘Person of the Year’ for 2021: Elon Musk

 

The prestigious TIME magazine has named Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, as the “2021 Person of the Year.

In 2021, US-based electric-vehicle startup Tesla became $1 trillion company as Musk became the world’s richest person with an estimated net worth of around US $255 billion.

Musk is also the founder and CEO of rocket company SpaceX, and leads brain-chip start-up Neuralink and infrastructure firm The Boring Company.

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were named as the Person of the Year for 2020 by Time magazine.

Sports News

 AIBA rebrands itself as IBA, to secure boxing's Olympic future

 

The International Boxing Association has changed its acronym from AIBA to IBA, promising to adopt a set of governance reforms so as to keep the sport's inclusion at the 2028 Olympics.

Boxing, weightlifting and modern pentathlon were all left off the initial list of sports for the 2028 Los Angeles Games and were asked to make changes by the International Olympic Committee.

International Boxing Association Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland;

International Boxing Association President: Umar Kremlyov;

International Boxing Association Founded: 1946.

BCCI forms committee for differently abled cricketers

 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI) has formed a committee for the differently-abled cricketers of the country. Disability cricketers have welcomed the decision of the BCCI to form a Differently Abled Committee for the differently-abled cricketers.

On the basis of the recommendation of the Justice Lodha committee, a board of three former disabled cricketers was being awaited for the last several years. The Proposal was approved by BCCI headed by president Sourav Ganguly & secretary Jay Shah.

Obituary

 Coonoor helicopter crash's survivor Group Captain Varun Singh passes away

 

Group Captain Varun Singh, who was rescued after the helicopter crash that killed Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and 12 others, has passed away.

He was being treated for severe burns at a Bengaluru military hospital after he was moved from Wellington in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor. His condition in the last few days continued to be "critical but stable".

In August this year, Group Captain Varun Singh was conferred the Shaurya Chakra for averting a possible mid-air accident after his Tejas light combat aircraft developed a major technical snag last year.

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