Table of Contents
Daily Current Affairs 16th and 17th December 2023 Daily GK Update
Current Affairs quiz 2022, Daily gk updates and Current affairs is playing a major role in any competitive exam. so here we are providing the current affairs quiz on daily basis for Bank, SSC, Railway and Other Government Competitive Examinations.
Here you can find Current Affairs Quiz for IBPS PO Mains, Current Affairs Quiz for IBPS RRB PO Mains, Current Affairs Quiz for IBPS RRB Clerk Mains, Current Affairs Quiz for RBI Assistant Mains, Current Affairs Quiz for RBI Grade B, Current Affairs Quiz for SSC.
National News
India, ADB sign $200 million loan agreement for Uttarakhand power system project
- The Centre has signed an agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a $200 million loan from the latter to improve the quality, efficiency, and reliability of power supply in the State of Uttarakhand.
- The ADB funding for the project will strengthen power system infrastructure and help Uttarakhand in achieving its goal of providing 24×7 power to its residents.
- The project will modernize Dehradun city’s power network infrastructure by introducing an advanced and climate-resilient underground cable system comprising 537 km subterranean cables, 354 ring main units, and 99 compact substations.
- Additionally, it will enhance the current power system by installing upstream substations and their associated power lines that will help meet increasing electricity demand, reduce network congestion, and improve power distribution reliability in urban and suburban areas.
Recent Loan approved by ADB
- India, ADB signed $175 million loan deal to improve Madhya Pradesh roads
- India, ADB approved $181 Million to Improve Ahmedabad’s Peri-urban Areas
- India, ADB approves USD 40.5 mn loan for childhood development in Meghalaya
- India, ADB signed $200 million loan deal to enhance urban services in Rajasthan.
- Inda, ADB signed $130 million loan MoU to boost horticulture in Himachal Pradesh
- India, ADB signed $295 million loan pact to upgrade the state highways in Bihar
Zepto founders top Hurun India’s list of ‘Top 100 under 30
- The young entrepreneurs Kaivalya Vohra (21) and Aadit Palicha (22), founders of the Quick Commerce app Zepto, have claimed the top spots in the Hurun India Top 100 Under 30 List 2023.
- The list showcases 100 entrepreneurs aged 30 and below who have demonstrated exceptional prowess in their respective fields.
- Zepto, the brainchild of Vohra and Palicha, stands out for its commitment to delivering a diverse array of products within minutes.
- The app caters to a wide spectrum of consumer needs, ranging from online groceries and fresh produce to personal care items and electronics.
- Earlier this year, the company secured $200 million in funding which propelled Zepto’s valuation to $1.4 billion, marking it as the first Indian unicorn of 2023.
- Following closely in the rankings is 24-year-old Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash, the visionary founder of Bhanzu—a research initiative that has positively impacted over 2 million students across India.
- Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Neelakantha has earned global acclaim as the world’s fastest human calculator. His remarkable feat includes clinching India’s first gold at the Mental Calculation World Championship.
- The fourth and fifth positions on the list were secured by Rahul Rawat (24) of Space Technology Digantara and Anirudh Singla (24) of Content Marketing Pepper, further exemplifying the diverse talents emerging from India’s youth.
International News
Shah Rukh Khan tops UK’s 2023 South Asian celebrity list
- Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, referred to as the King Khan of the Indian film industry, has topped a UK list of the ‘Top 50 Asian Celebrities in the World’.
- The 58-year-old actor, who had double box-office success this year with action thrillers “Pathaan” and “Jawan”, is currently preparing for the Christmas release of comedy-drama “Dunki”.
- Popular actor Alia Bhatt came in second for her impact in Bollywood and Hollywood and also for being a strong role model for working mothers.
- Third-placed Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the most famous Indian on the planet, has been recognised for her ground-breaking work on the international stage, including with big-budget series “Citadel”, Hollywood film “Love Again”, humanitarian work and lighting up the red carpet globally.
- Fourth-placed Diljit Dosanjh confirmed his place as the biggest Punjabi star, with stunning work as an actor and singe.
- Fifth-placed Charli XCX from the UK was the biggest singing star internationally of a South Asian heritage.
- She is followed by Ranbir Kapoor (sixth) for delivering the year’s most impactful movie performance with the blockbuster hit “Animal”.
- Singer Shreya Ghoshal comes in at number seven with another award-winning year, which included magnificent songs in multiple languages, global arena shows and her turn as a judge on the popular singing reality series “Indian Idol” (season 14).
- Eighth placed Vijay is the biggest South Indian cinema star of 2023 with two hits (“Leo” and “Varisu”) and for being an inspiration to countless fans with his humility.
- The highest-placed Pakistani on the list is actor Wahaj Ali (ninth), who delivered strong performances all year round, including in the record-breaking serial “Tere Bin”.
- Canadian actor Iman Vellani is at number 10 for headlining Hollywood blockbuster “The Marvels” with a path-breaking role.
- The oldest star on the list is 81-year-old Amitabh Bachchan (35th) and the youngest is 20-year-old television star Sumbul Touqeer (44th).
Banking and Financial
SBI signed 70-million-euro LoC with KfW for solar projects
- State Bank of India (SBI) has signed a 70-million-euro (about Rs 630 crore) Line of Credit (LoC) with German Development Bank KfW for promoting solar projects in the country.
- The Line of Credit (LoC) is specifically tailored to bolster Solar Photovoltaics (PV) projects in India, aligning with the nation’s commitment to clean and renewable energy sources.
- This collaboration between SBI and KfW reflects a shared vision of promoting sustainable practices and reducing the carbon footprint through solar initiatives.
Recent MoU in Banking Sector
- SBI signed 70-million-euro LoC with Germany Bank’ KfW for solar projects
- Reliance Industries partners with DBS Bank for financing programme
- Intellect signs ₹80-crore deal with Indian Bank to deploy cash management system
- U GRO Capital joined hands with Laghu Udyog Bharati to empower MSMEs
- Union Bank collaborates with Accenture to boost operational efficiency
Reliance Industries partners with DBS Bank for financing programme
- Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and DBS Bank India have collaborated to establish a financing programme customized to the requirements of the compressed biogas project initiated by RIL.
- The financing will enable the ecosystem development for vendor partners to aggregate agri-residue as inputs for the Reliance compressed biogas production plants across India.
- The company targets to establish 100 compressed biogas (CBG) plants in the next five years, consuming 5.5 million tonnes of agro-residue and organic waste. The move would help in mitigating nearly 2 million tonnes of carbon emissions and producing 2.5 million tonnes of organic manure annually.
- Reliance Industries Limited is setting up world-class biogas facilities at multiple locations in Uttar Pradesh by using surplus agro residue and organic waste. These facilities will be linked to a network of biogas dispensing stations operated by Reliance Jio BP.
- Reliance has set up a flagship CBG production facility in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, which is expected to cut down CO2 emissions by 40,000 tonnes annually.
About Development Bank of Singapore (DBS) Bank
- Founded – 1968
- Headquarters – Singapore
- Chairman – Peter Seah
- CEO – Piyush Gupta
- DBS Bank India’ CEO- Surojit Shome
IDFC FIRST Bank, LIC Cards, and Mastercard to co-launch Credit card
- IDFC First Bank, LIC Cards, and Mastercard have partnered to launch an exclusive co-branded credit card to meet the dynamic financial needs of the country.
- Available in two variants — LIC Classic and LIC Select — the credit cards will let more than 27 crore policyholders across the country save in the form of reward points on every LIC insurance premium payment.
- It will also come with other benefits, including up to Rs 50,000 cover for lost card liability and a personal accident insurance cover of up to Rs 5 lakh.
- The new partnership will create synergy by collaborating Brand LIC which signifies ‘Trust’ and IDFC First Bank which represents new age “Customer Centricity”
- The cards will also feature travel benefits and protective covers, including future LIC insurance premiums.
Recent Facilities Launched in Banking & Insurance Sector
- Bank of India launched “Nari Shakti Savings Account”
- IDFC FIRST Bank launched youth-centric “FIRST SWYP” credit card in partnership with Mastercard.
- LIC introduces new whole life insurance policy Jeevan Utsav
- SEBI unveiled Investor Risk Reduction Access platform
- Federal Bank introduces UPI lite for small-value digital payments
ADB raises India FY24 growth forecast to 6.7%
- Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised India’s growth forecast from 6.3 % to 6.7% for the Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24).
- ADB’s growth forecast for FY25 is unchanged at 6.7 percent.
- Fixed investments – driven by increased capital spending by the central and state governments – will compensate for lower growth in private consumption expenditure and weaker-than-expected exports in FY24.
- ADB kept its earlier forecasts on Indian inflation unchanged 5.5 percent in FY24.
- Similarly, Morgan Stanley predicted the Indian economy to grow by 6.9 percent in the current fiscal year and Kotak Mahindra Bank revised its estimate to 6.8 percent. The two had projected the economy to grow 6.4 percent and 6.2 percent, respectively.
- Nomura Asia revised its full financial-year forecast to 6.7 percent from 5.9 percent earlier and maintained its projection of 5.6 percent for FY25, citing a slowdown in public capex ahead of elections and sluggishness in rural demand and private capex.
Updated GDP List
- Kotak Mahindra Bank – 6.8% (FY24)
- Citigroup – 6.7%
- DBS – 6.8%
- ADB –6.7% (FY24), 6.7% (FY25)
- Morgan Stanley – 6.9%(FY24)
- RBI –7% (FY24)
- Nomura – 6.7% (FY24)
- CII – 6.8% (FY24), 7% (FY25)
- UBS – 6.3 % (FY24)
- IMF – 6.3% (FY24), 6.3% (FY25)
WPI inflation in Nov at 0.26%, returns to positive territory after 7 months
- India’s wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation came in at 0.26 percent, according to the data released by the released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- It has returned to positive territory after seven months. Earlier in March, the WPI-based inflation was 1.34 percent.
- In October, the WPI inflation was -0.52 percent, the lowest in three months. In September, it was -0.07 percent.
- The rise in WPI-based inflation was led by food inflation. The index in this category rose steeply by 4.69 percent in November as compared to 1.07 percent in October and 1.88 percent in September.
- The positive rate of inflation in November 2023 is primarily due to increase in prices of food articles, minerals, machinery & equipment, computer, electronics & optical products, motor vehicles, other transport equipment and other manufacturing etc.
- CPI-based inflation is projected at 5.4 percent for 2023-24, with Q3 at 5.6 percent and Q4 at 5.2 percent, according to RBI.
Recent WPI-based Wholesale inflation in India
- June 2023 – (-) 4.12%
- July 2023 – (-) 1.36%
- August 2023 – (-) 0.52%
- September 2023 – (-) 0.26%
- October 2023 – (-) 0.52%
- November 2023 – 0.26%
Appointment
India’s Uma Sekhar elected to Governing Council of UNIDROIT
- In a historic moment for India, Ms. Uma Sekhar has secured a remarkable victory by garnering 45 out of 59 votes in the initial round of elections for the Governing Council of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) held in Rome, Italy.
- This win not only signifies Ms. Sekhar’s individual achievement but also elevates India to a prominent position on the Governing Council for the term spanning 2024-28.
- Securing a position on the Governing Council required a minimum of 21 votes, and Ms Uma Sekhar’s substantial support of 45 votes underscores the confidence and trust vested in her capabilities.
- The Governing Council, comprising 25 positions occupied by distinguished legal experts, holds a pivotal role in shaping international legal frameworks.
- The election featured a competitive field with 32 contestants, including representatives from influential nations such as the USA, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and France. Notably, candidates from Russia, the USA, and China failed to secure positions, underscoring the significance of Ms Sekhar’s successful bid for India.
About UNIDROIT
- UNIDROIT, the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, functions as an independent intergovernmental organization headquartered in Rome, Italy.
- Its core mission involves studying the needs and methods for modernizing, harmonizing, and coordinating private and commercial law among States and groups of States.
- UNIDROIT actively formulates uniform law instruments, principles, and rules to achieve these objective
Awards
BBG Foundation becomes winner of Telangana Business Awards
- In recognition of its outstanding commitment to empowering girls through education, BBG Foundation has been honored with the prestigious title of Best Girl Child Empowerment Program Initiative of the Year.
- The award was presented by Telangana Business Awards (TBA), a distinguished platform dedicated to recognizing excellence in various sectors.
- Telangana Business Awards serves as a beacon for enhancing productivity and quality in companies, entrepreneurs, and service providers, acknowledging their remarkable achievements and performance in their respective fields.
- The awards aim to promote business excellence by providing a structured framework for assessment.
- BBG Bangaaru Thalli, a non-profit organization founded in 2019 by Mallikarjuna Reddy and a team of dedicated experts, is dedicated to revolutionizing girls’ education in rural and educationally disadvantaged areas of India.
- Focused on making a lasting impact in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the organization is passionately committed to mobilizing communities and empowering girl children.
- BBG Bangaaru Thalli stands out for its unwavering dedication to the cause, channeling both life and business profits toward the single-minded purpose of empowering 2,000,000 girls by the year 2040.
- The organization believes in the transformative power of education and aims to unlock the potential of young girls, fostering a brighter future for individuals and the nation.
Recent Awards
- Karmaveer Chakra Medal by ICONGO – Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar
- Rex Karmaveer Global Fellowship by ICONGO – Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar
- Diwali ‘Power of One’ Awards 2023 – Ban Ki-moon
- International Gender Equality Prize 2023 by Finland – Afghanistan NGO
- Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award at Ajanta-Ellora Film Festival – Veteran Javed Akhtar
Ali Abu Awwad and Daniel Barenboim won Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
- The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2023 has been jointly awarded to Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad for their efforts in bringing together the youth and peoples of Israel and the Arab World for a non-violent resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
- The International Jury of the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace was chaired by former CJI T.S.
- Barenboim and Mr. Awwad have fostered meaningful, mutual social, and cultural understanding, and peaceful public cooperation via the tools of music, dialogue and people’s participation.
- Maestro Barenboim is an Argentine-born distinguished classical pianist and conductor, renowned for performing with and directing some of the leading orchestras in the world. Apart from his musical achievements, he is also known for his relentless endeavour in using music to foster harmony in West Asia.
Federal Bank as the top performer of the 2023 Climate Assessment for Financial Institutions (CAFI) Awards
- International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank Group has recognized Federal Bank as the top performer of the 2023 Climate Assessment for Financial Institutions (CAFI) Awards for Climate Reporting.
- Out of the 258 financial institutions globally participating in climate reporting through the CAFI tool, Federal Bank emerged as a standout performer.
- Federal Bank secured two positions on the global stage i.e. Highest Climate Loan Amount Reported and Most GHG Mitigated category.
- Furthermore, in the South Asian region, Federal Bank clinched four prestigious recognitions in the following categories:
Most Transactions Reported
Highest Climate Loan Amount Reported
Most GHG Mitigated
Best Achievement vs Climate Targets
- These achievements underscore Federal Bank’s proactive approach to addressing climate change and its commitment to measuring and investing in impactful climate projects.
- Federal Bank is a premier private sector bank in India with a rich legacy spanning over nine decades. The franchise boasts of 16 million plus growing customers, 1400 plus branches and a global footprint. It houses Representative Offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, an IFSC Banking Unit in GIFT City, Gujarat, and holds a significant role in handling one-fifth of total NR remittances to India.
Bipin Chandra Bags Champion of Change Award
- Esyasoft Technologies’ visionary Founder and CEO, Bipin Chandra, was honoured with the “Champions of Change Award (Karnataka)” by the Interactive Forum on Indian Economy (IFIE).
- Esyasoft Technologies is a non-profit organization recognized by Govt of India, for its outstanding leadership and transformative impact.
- Chandra received a Gold Medal and a Citation from the Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawad Chand Gehlot as part of the felicitation.
- Constitutional Jury members headed by Justice K G Balakrishnan, Former Chief Justice of India and Former Chairman of NHRC, selected the awardees.
Sports
Leander and Vijay Amritraj make it to the Tennis Hall of Fame
- Olympic medallist and multiple Grand Slam champion Leander Paes, along with two-time Davis Cup finalist Vijay Amritraj, has made it into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
- Leander makes it in the player category and Vijay in the contributor category for his multi-faceted role in the game.
- They are the first two Indians to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
- Leander has won eight Grand Slam doubles titles and 10 mixed doubles titles. He is only one of three men in tennis history to complete a career Grand Slam in both doubles and mixed doubles.
- Since 2006, Vijay Amritraj Foundation has provided education and basic needs for women and children in the Indian community.
- The third person to be inducted would be Richard Evans, a tennis journalist who has reported on more than 200 Grand Slams and other tournaments. He has written 23 books.
Obituary
Singham actor Ravindra Berde passes away
- Veteran Marathi actor Ravindra Berde passed away at the age of 78.
- He was the brother of late actor Laxmikant Berde, who was a popular face in both Hindi and Marathi cinema, and appeared in films such as Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Koun.
- Ravindra Berde worked actively in the Marathi cinema and also made a few special appearances in Hindi films like Anil Kapoor’s Nayak and Ajay Devgn’s Singham.
- In Singham, he essayed the role of Zamindar Chandrakant.
Join Best test series for Current Affairs
Click here to Buy Yearly Current Affairs
Download Online Mock Test Mobile APP
Recommended PDF’s for 2023:
- Computer Capsule 2022 : Download PDF
- Quantitative Aptitude Topic-Wise Online Test Series 2022
- Banking Awareness (Theory+MCQ’s) Complete PDF : Download Now
- Get FREE Study Materials & PDFs for IBPS , RBI, SBI, LIC AAO , LIC Assistant, NIACL & Other Exams Over the mail and Whatsapp
2023 Preparation Kit PDF |
|
Most important PDF’s for Bank, SSC, Railway and Other Government Exam : Download PDF Now |
|
| AATMA-NIRBHAR Series- Static GK/Awareness Practice Ebook PDF | Get PDF here |
| The Banking Awareness 500 MCQs E-book| Bilingual (Hindi + English) | Get PDF here |
| AATMA-NIRBHAR Series- Banking Awareness Practice Ebook PDF | Get PDF here |
| Computer Awareness Capsule 2.O | Get PDF here |
| AATMA-NIRBHAR Series Quantitative Aptitude Topic-Wise PDF 2020 | Get PDF here |
| Memory Based Puzzle E-book | 2016-19 Exams Covered | Get PDF here |
| Caselet Data Interpretation 200 Questions | Get PDF here |
| Puzzle & Seating Arrangement E-Book for BANK PO MAINS (Vol-1) | Get PDF here |
| ARITHMETIC DATA INTERPRETATION 2.O E-book | Get PDF here |
3
