December
Bankers adda
GK Updates
01st December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK
Updates for Bank Exam
State News
1. Tamil Nadu CM inaugurated SIPCOT industrial
park
 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has inaugurated
an industrial park at Eraiyur in Tamil Nadu’s
Perambalur district. He also laid the foundation stone
for the Phoenix Kothari Footwear Park.
 The inauguration of the 243.39-acre park of the State
Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu
(Sipcot) followed an announcement in the 2022-23
budget session that new parks would be set up in
Coimbatore, Perambalur, Madurai, Vellore and
Tiruvallur districts.
Important: -
 Tamil Nadu Capital: Chennai;
 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister: M K
Stalin;Tamil Nadu Governor: R N
Ravi.

Appointments News
2. Senior journalist Ravish Kumar resigns from
NDTV following Adani acquisition
 A senior journalist, Ravish Kumar has resigned
from NDTV according to news sources. This comes
just a day after the channel’s founders and
promoters Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy resigned
from their positions as directors on the board of RRPR
Holding Private Limited (RRPRH).
 The senior jounalists resignation come after the news
channel was acquired by the Adani Group, and holds
29.18% stake in the news channel.
 Kumar, a winner of the Ramon Magsaysay
award, used to host a number of programs including
the channel’s flagship weekday show Hum Log,
Ravish ki Report, Des Ki Baat, and Prime Time. He
has also been conferred with the Ramnath Goenka
Excellence in Journalism Award twice.
Agreements News
3. BIS signed MoU with top six Engineering
Institutes of India
 State Bank of India to seek approval for raising
 1-31 rs-50/-



 The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the top
six engineering institutes of India for
introducing Indian standards as an integral part of the
curriculum. This initiative is towards institutionalizing
engagement of BIS with eminent institutes to secure
active participation of academia.
 The MoU was signed with the Indian Institute of
Technology BHU, Malaviya National Institute of
Technology Jaipur, Indian Institute of Technology
Indore, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Indian
Institute of Technology Madras, and National Institute
of Technology Trichy on 28 November 2022.
 The establishment will promote excellence and
leadership in teaching and research & development in
the field of science and various disciplines in the
respective institutes.
 During the signing, Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari,
Director General, BIS informed that the MoU between
the premium academic institutes & BIS would
strengthen and enhance the standards formulation
activity by facilitating Research & Development
projects.
Business News
4. NDTV Promoter Firm RRPR Holding Transfers
99.5% Shares to Adani’s VCPL
 News Broadcaster New Delhi Television
Ltd (NDTV) promoter firm RRPR Holding announced
that it has transferred shares constituting 99.5 percent
of its equity capital to Adani group-
owned Vishvapradhan Commercial (VCPL). The
transfer of shares will give Adani Group control over a
29.18 percent stake in NDTV. They are also open to
offer for another 26 percent stake in the media film.
 Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group has
said that the NDTV purchase was a responsibility
rather than a business opportunity.
 NDTV had said that VCPL has served notice on the
broadcast based on a loan agreement it had entered
into with its founders in 2009-2010.
Banking News
5. SBI Plans to Issue Infrastructure Bonds of Rs
10,000 Crore in 2022-23
 State Bank of India plans to raise Rs 10,000
crore worth of infrastructure bonds during the
current financial year. SBI confirmed the meeting of
the Executive Committee of the Central Board of
1
 infrastructure bonds to Rs 10,000 crore through public the 18th edition of India-US joint military
issues or private placement. exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ in Uttarakhand.
 The planned insurance worth Rs 10,000  Capt. Cerruti, Lt. Russell, Lt. Brown and Lt.
crore includes a greenshoe option of Rs 5,000 crore. Hack became the first four USArmy Officers to be
 The infrastructure bonds are likely to be of 10 years promoted in the Himalayas during Yudh Abhyas
tenure according to the plans. Exercise. US soldiers of 2nd Brigade of the 11th
 Infrastructure bonds typically have an edge in such a Airborne Division and Indian Army soldiers from the
scenario as the money raised through the issuance of Assam Regiment are part of the two-week joint military
these bonds will be excluded while maintaining a cash exercise.
reserve ratio (CRR). Awards News
9. South Korea’s Mina Sue Choi Crowned Miss
6. YES Bank Acquired 9.9 per cent stake in JC Earth 2022
Flower ARC
 South Korea’s Mina Sue Choi was crowned Miss
 Yes Bank has signed a Share Purchase Earth 2022 during the pageant’s coronation night on
Agreement (SPA) with JC Flowers Asset November 29 at Cove Manila, Okada
Reconstruction Company (ARC), acquiring a 9.9 Hotel, Parañaque City. There were 86 Eco-warriors,
percent stake in the ARC at Rs 11.43 per share on and only three queens were awarded the pageant’s
28th November 2022. A subsequent acquisition of the three elements titles.
additional shareholding of 10 percent is subject to  Miss Fire 2022 is Andrea Aguilera of Columbia, Miss
requisite regulatory approvals. Water 2022 is Nadeen Ayoub of Palestine, and Miss
 Yes Bank’s board has approved the sale of stressed Air 2022 is Sheridan Mortlock of Australia. During the
loans worth Rs 48,000 crore to JC Flowers. pre-pageant activities, Choi bagged a few medals too.
 The bank intends to participate as a minority She won resort wear, long gown, beach wear, and
shareholder in the ARC. swimsuit competition.
 It is said that this will be ancillary to the main line of  This is the 22nd edition of the annual international
business of the bank. competition organized by Carousel Production to
 As of 31st March 2022, JC Flowers ARC had Rs 595 promote environmental protection. It also sought
crore in assets under management with an annual ambassadors to mount projects that help save the
turnover of Rs 19.9 crore. planet.
Schemes News
7. Yes Bank, Turtlefin Launched Online Insurance 10. Union Minister R.K Singh inaugurated ‘Doctor
Services platform ‘EasyNsure’ Apke Dwar’ Mobile Health Clinics

 Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable

 TurtleFin, India’s leading insurtech platform, has
Energy, R.K. Singh inaugurated REC’s CSR initiative
partnered with YES BANK, one of the leading private
for procurement, operation and maintenance of 10
sector banks in India, to create a comprehensive
Mobile Health Clinics (MHC) ‘Doctor Apke Dwar’ at
technology platform EasyNsure. Turtlefin’s distinctive
Sadar Hospital, Aarah, Bhojpur District Bihar.
API will power the platform to offer a bouquet of
 The project aims to facilitate operational expenditure
holistic insurance solutions on a single platform.
for three years for smooth functioning. The total cost of
 EasyNsure is the first-of-its-kind proposition for YES
the project is Rs. 12.68 crore.
BANK that will bring multiple insurance partners onto
 10 Mobile Health Clinics (MHC) aims to provide door-
a common platform, providing a host of benefits such
step primary health care service to the underprivileged
as a seamless single-point online insurance
population across all 14 blocks of the Bhojpur district
service, the ability to compare and select a suitable
in Bihar.
insurance cover basis the customer’s need, as well as
Ranks and Reports News
a facility to compare costs for rationalizing purchase
11. India’s 100 Richest 2022: Gautam Adani tops
decisions, among others.
Forbes rich list
Defence News
8. Four US soldiers promoted high up on Nanda
Devi during military exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’  The world economy may be slowing but India’s richest
have grown even richer this year. The Forbes 2022
 In a first, four US Army officers part of the 11th list of India’s 100 richest is finally here, according to
Airborne Division were promoted high up on Nanda which, the combined wealth of India’s 100 richest grew
Devi, India’s second-highest Himalayan peak, during by $25 billion to touch a colossal $800 billion.
 The top 10 richest Indians are worth a cumulative
$385 billion. Adani Group chairman Gautam
2
 Adani has bagged the top spot on the list with a net
worth of $150 billion. According to Forbes, the gain
was largely due to a record-breaking feat by
infrastructure tycoon, which changed the pecking order
at the top for the first time since 2008.
Top 10 names in the list:
RAN NET WORTH (in Rupee
NAME
K s)
Gautam Ada
1 Rs 1,211,460.11 crore
ni
people worldwide in the fight against the global health
issue of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
 The day provides an opportunity for people worldwide
to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for
people living with HIV and to commemorate those who
have died from an AIDS-related illness.
 The World AIDS Day theme for 2022
is “equalize”. According to UNAIDS, “The slogan is a
call to action. It is a prompt for all of us to work for the
proven practical actions needed to address
inequalities and help end AIDS.

Mukesh Amb 14. International Jaguar Day 2022: 29 November

2 Rs 710,723.26 crore
ani
 International Jaguar Day was created to raise
Radhakishan awareness about the increasing threats facing the
3 Rs 222,908.66 crore
Damani jaguar and the critical conservation efforts ensuring its
survival.
Cyrus Poona  Observed annually on November 29, International
4 Rs 173,642.62 crore
walla Jaguar Day celebrates the Americas’ largest wild cat
as an umbrella species for biodiversity conservation
5 Shiv Nadar Rs 172,834.97 crore and an icon for sustainable development and the
centuries-old cultural heritage of Central and South
6 Savitri Jindal Rs 132,452.97 crore
America. This is the third largest Cat Predator of the
World and an important species of Amazon Rainforest.
Dilip Shangh
7 Rs 125,184.21 crore  In March 2018 representatives from 14 range
vi
countries gathered in New York at United Nations’
Headquarters for the Jaguar 2030 Forum. This Forum
Hinduja Brot
8 Rs 122,761.29 crore resulted in the creation of the Jaguar 2030 Statement
hers
which outlined a wide range of internationally
collaborative jaguar conservation initiatives, including
9 Kumar Birla Rs 121,146.01 crore
the proposal to create an International Jaguar Day.
10 Bajaj Family Rs 117,915.45 crore
15. BSF celebrates its 58th Raising Day on
Sports News December 01
12. FIFA World cup 2022: Stephanie Frappart to be
1st woman referee
 India celebrates the 58th BSF Raising Day (1st
December) in 2022. This is for the first time that the
 FIFA has announced that Stephanie Frappart of Raising Day Parade of India’s first line of defense is
France will be the first woman to referee a men’s’ being held in Punjab and the second time outside the
World Cup match. She will officiate the match to be national capital.
played between Germany and Costa Rica in Group E  The 58th Raising Day Parade of the Border Security
on 2 December 2022. Force (BSF) will be held on December 4 on Guru
 France’s Frappart is one of three women referees Nanak Dev University campus.
among the 36 selected for the tournament in Qatar,  Formed in 1965, the primary role of the BSF lies in
alongside Rwandan official Salima Mukansanga and securing the borders of India shared with Bangladesh
Japan’s Yoshimi Yamashita. Three other female
and Pakistan. The Border Security Force (BSF)
officials have travelled to the World Cup as assistant comprises Indian armed personnel dedicated to
referees. protecting the sovereignty and integrity along the Indo-
Important Days
Bangladesh and the Indo-Pakistan borders.
13. World AIDS Day celebrates on 1st December
Important: -
 Every year, on 1 December, the world  BSF Director General: Pankaj Kumar Singh;
commemorates World AIDS Day. People around the  BSF Headquarters: New Delhi.
world unite to show support for people living with and
Obituaries News
affected by HIV and to remember those who lost their
16. Former President of China Jiang Zemin Passes
lives to AIDS. The day raise awareness and to unite
Away
3
 Jiang Zemin, former President of China who presided
over more than a decade of economic growth after the
1989 Tiananmen crackdown against pro-democracy
protester, passed away at the age of 96 in Shanghai,
China. He died from leukemia and multiple organ
failure. Jiang Zemin was born in 1926 in Yangzhou,
Jiangsu province, China.
 After the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, Jiang Zemin
governed the Communist Party’s divisions while
leading China through history-making changes.
 Market-oriented reforms were revived, Hong Kong
gained independence from the British in 1997, and
Beijing joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in
2001. He helped pulling in foreign investment after
China joined the WTO. Jiang Zemin served as the
head of the Communist Party from 1989 to 2002.
Miscellaneous News
17. “World’s 1st Hydrogen-Run” Aircraft Engine
Tested by EasyJet, Rolls-Royce
 Airline EasyJet and Aircraft Engine maker Rolls-
Royce announced that they have successfully tested
a hydrogen-powered aircraft engine, which is
described as the World’s First for aviation. They had
set a new aviation milestone with the world’s first run
of a modern aero engine on hydrogen in a test carried
out on land earlier this month.
 The company tested a turboprop fan engine that is
used a small regional flights aircraft.
 Green hydrogen for the tests had been generated
using tidal and wind energy from Orkney Islands,
Scotland.
 Rolls-Royce is eventually hoping to conduct a full-
scale ground test of a Pearl 15 jet engine.
18. 100 National Monuments illuminated to mark
India’s Assumption of G -20 Presidency
 India will formally take over the G-20 presidency from
1st December 2022. Several events are to take place
across the country including the lighting of 100
monuments with the G-20 logo to mark the occasion.
 The theme of India’s G-20 Presidency is Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam of One Earth One Family One Future.
The theme affirms the value of life- human, animal,
plant, and microorganisms and their
interconnectedness on the planet earth and in the
wider universe.
02nd December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK
Updates for Bank Exam
National News
1. India assumes the Presidency of the UNSC for
December month 2022
 India has assumed the Presidency of the UN Security
Council for the month of December. It is the second
time in its two-year tenure as an elected member of
the UN Security Council that India has assumed the
Presidency of the Council. India had earlier assumed
the Presidency of the UNSC in August 2021.
 Permanent Representative of India to the United
Nations Ruchira Kamboj said, during India’s
December Presidency of the UN Security Council, two
high-level signature events will take place on 14th and
15th December on ‘Reformed Multilateralism and
Counter-Terrorism and it will be chaired by External
Affairs Minister.
 She said, a bust of Mahatma Gandhi will be
inaugurated at the United Nations during India’s
Presidency of the UN Security Council and it will be
unveiled by External Affairs Minister Dr S
Jaishankar and UN Secretary-General Antonio
Gutteres.
Important:-
 United Nations Security Council Headquarters: New
York, United States;
 United Nations Security Council Founded: 24 October
1945.
State News
2. International Lusophone Festival to be held in
Goa
 Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in partnership
with Indian Council of Cultural Relations
(ICCR) and the Goa government will organize
the International Lusophone Festival in Goa from 3-
6 December. It will be inaugurated by the Chief
Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant at Durbar Hall in Raj
Bhavan. Minister of State for External Affairs,
Meenakshi Lekhi will be the Guest of Honour. AIR
correspondent reports that Lusophones are people
that speak Portuguese as a native or as a common
second language.
 The Community of Portuguese Language Countries
(Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa) also
known as the Lusophone Commonwealth
(Comunidade Lusofona), is a multilateral forum,
founded on 17 July 1996 at the 1st CPLP Heads of
State & Government Summit in Lisbon.
Important:-
 Goa Capital: Panaji;
 Goa Chief Minister: Pramod Sawant;
 Goa Governor: S. Sreedharan Pillai.
3. 23rd Hornbill Festival 2022 begins in Nagaland
23rd Hornbill Festival 2022 begins at Naga
Heritage Village Kisama in Nagaland. Nagaland’s
famous Hornbill Festival is scheduled from 1st
December to 10th December 2022. Vice
4
 President Jagdeep Dhankhar graced the inaugural
function of the festival as the Chief Guest. Now it has
been more than 20 years that the Hornbill Festival of
Nagaland has welcomed visitors from around the
world. In 10 days festival, a visitor gets the opportunity
to view all the Naga tribes, their culture and
distinctiveness in one place.
 Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is also popularly known
as the ‘Festival of Festivals’ and showcases
Nagaland’s rich culture. It is organized by the
Government of Nagaland, mainly to encourage inter-
tribal interaction and to promote the cultural heritage of
Nagaland.
 This year, in the 10-day festival, more than 130 stalls
are set up in Kisama wherein, 100 stalls are taken up
by the Micro Small & Medium Enterprises and 32 are
temporary stalls. The daily cultural events include
activities such as music festivals, photo fest, fashion
shows, adventure sports, night carnivals, etc.
Important : -
 Nagaland Capital: Kohima;
 Nagaland Chief Minister: Neiphiu Rio;
 Nagaland Governor: Jagdish Mukhi.
4. Election commission set up a polling booth for a
single voter in Gujarat
 A polling booth located in a remote forest area of Gir
Somnath district in Gujarat recorded 100 per cent
voting after its lone voter cast his vote in the first
phase of the state Assembly elections. The area is
part of Una Assembly constituency, which went to
polls along with 88 other seats in the state.
 The Election Commission (EC) had set up a polling
booth at Banej village located inside Gir forest so that
the only voter there can exercise his
franchise. Mahant Haridasji Udasin, who is the only
voter there, reached the polling station in the initial
hours of voting. The EC sets up a polling booth during
every Assembly or general election.
Important:-
 Gujarat Capital: Gandhinagar;
 Gujarat Governor: Acharya Devvrat;
 Gujarat Chief minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel.
5. Meghalaya cabinet approved mental health and
social care policy
The Meghalaya cabinet has approved a
policy aimed at addressing the issues of mental health
and social care through collaborative engagement with
communities. The Meghalaya Mental Health & Social
Care Policy was approved at the cabinet meeting,
chaired by the Chief Minister.
 In 2014, the Centre launched the first-ever National
Mental Health Policy in an attempt to provide
universal psychiatry care.
 Meghalaya is the third state in the country to have a
comprehensive policy on mental health and social
care, paying attention to these issues, especially
among children, adolescents and youth. Kerala and
Karnataka are the other two states in the country to
have such policies.
Important:-
 Meghalaya Capital: Shillong;
 Meghalaya Chief Minister: Conrad Kongkal
Sangma;
 Meghalaya Governor: B. D. Mishra (additional
charge).
Appointments News
6. Prasanth Kumar elected as new president of
AAAI
Prasanth Kumar, CEO, South Asia of GroupM Media
(India) Pvt Ltd, has been elected as the president of
the Advertising Agencies Association of India
(AAAI).
 He has an experience of over 25 years in the Industry.
Before joining GroupM, he held positions at Pepsi, The
Hindu, The Media Edge, and McCann Erickson. He
has served as AAAI’s vice president from 2020 to
2022.
 Rana Barua, group CEO of Havas Group India, was
elected vice-president of the association. Anupriya
Acharya, outgoing president, will be the ex-officio
member of the AAAI board for 2022-23.
 Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) is the
official, national organisation of advertising agencies,
formed in 1945, to promote their interests. The
Association promotes professionalism, through its
founding principles, which uphold sound business
practices between Advertisers and Advertising
Agencies and the various media.
Defence News
7. 12th edition of Agni Warrior exercise between
Indian and Singapore Concludes
 The 12th Edition of Exercise Agni Warrior, a
bilateral exercise between the Singapore & Indian
Army, which had commenced on 13 November 2022
concluded at Field Firing Ranges, Devlali
(Maharashtra). Exercise Agni Warrior, involved
showcasing joint firepower planning, execution and
use of New Generation Equipment by the Artillery arm
of both armies.
 India was among the first countries to set up
diplomatic relations after the independence of
Singapore on 24 August 1965. The close relationship
shared by India and Singapore is based on
convergence of economic and political interests.
 Exercise also included participation by both sides in a
joint computer war-game as part of joint planning
process. Both sides utilised niche technology and
5
 Artillery Observation Simulators as part of joint training
phase.
8. Exercise Sudarshan Prahar conducted by Indian
Army’s Sudarshan Chakra Corps
 Indian Army’s Sudarshan Chakra Corps carried
out Exercise Sudarshan Prahar in the deserts
of Rajasthan. The exercise focussed on the
synergised application of combat power through the
integration of force multipliers & practising new battle
techniques in an integrated all arms environment
showcasing high level of professionalism and offensive
spirit.
 Lieutenant General AK Singh, Goc-in-C, Southern
Command witnessed Exercise Sudarshan Prahar and
complimented the troops for the high standard of
training and operational preparedness.
Sports news
9. NADA India to host Inclusion Conclave for the
first time to focus on athletes with disabilities
National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA
India) is hosts an Inclusion Conclave for the first time
to sharpen the focus on anti-doping education and
processes for athletes with disabilities. Secretary
Department Sports Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi, UN
Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp and WADA Asia-
Oceania Regional Office Manager, Kenny Lee will
address the conclave.
 The Conclave will be followed by a two-hour long
inclusive anti-doping education workshop for Athletes
with Disabilities with focus on Therapeutic Use
Exemption, Doping Control Process, Anti-Doping Rule
Violations as well rights and responsibilities of athletes
with disabilities and support personnel.
Important:-
 National Anti-Doping Agency
Headquarters: NewDelhi;
 National Anti-Doping Agency Founded: 24
November2005;
 National Anti-Doping Agency DG: Ritu Sain.
Important Days
10. National Pollution Control Day 2022 observed
on 2nd December
 National Pollution Control Day is observed every
year on 2 December in India. The day is recognized to
commemorate the precious lives that were lost in the
Bhopal Gas Tragedy, one of the greatest industrial
disasters in the history of India.
 The main aim and objectives of celebrating the
National Pollution Prevention Day 2022 in India is to
create awareness among people about the judicious
use of industries to prevent uncalled-for industrial
disasters.
 The history of National Pollution Day in India dates
back to the heart-wrenching Bhopal Gas Tragedy in
which thousands of people lost their lives. The incident
happened on the night of 2 and 3 December
1984, and that is why the National Pollution Control
Day is observed annually on 2 December.
11. World Computer Literacy Day 2022 celebrates
on 2nd December
 December 2 is observed as International Computer
Literacy Day. It was started in 2001 by NIIT, a world-
famous Indian computer firm. The day is entirely
devoted to Computers and how they are a significant
source of concern with the modernisation of the planet.
 The aim is to highlight the importance of computer
literacy, which is essential for the present times. The
day promotes technological skills, especially in
children and women, and aims to inspire them to learn
more and make their work easier by the use of
computers. To know, more about the World Computer
Literacy day candidates are advised to read the below
article.
 World Computer Literacy Day was launched in 2001
by an Indian company called N.I.I.T to celebrate its
22nd anniversary. Founded in 1981 by Rajendra
Singh Pawar and Vijay K. Thadani, N.I.I.T, which
stands for National Institute of Information
Technology, is a skills and talent development
company.
12. International Day for the Abolition of Slavery: 2
December
 The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is
celebrated, each year, on December 2. The day is
observed to remind us of the evils of enslavement,
forced labour, child labour, and sexual exploitation and
trafficking and to eliminate slavery practised in our
time.
 The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
highlights the history of slavery and why its complete
abolition is necessary. Slavery continues to persist
today through forced labour, child labour, trafficking of
women and children and illegal organ harvesting,
among others.
 On December 2, 1949, the United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA) adopted the United Nations
Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in
Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of
Others via resolution 317 (IV). The International Day
for the Abolition of Slavery is celebrated on December
2 to mark the above convention.
Miscellaneous News
13. DigiYatra facilities starts at the Delhi, Varanasi
and Bangalore airport
6
 The Central government on December 1 launched its
facial recognition system DigiYatra at Delhi,
Bangalore and Varanasi airports, which will allow
domestic passengers to seamlessly travel without an
identification card. The Civil Aviation Minister
Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the service at Delhi’s
Indira Gandhi International Airport.
 The service will enable passengers to travel paperless
through biometric facial recognition technology (FRT).
To use this facility, one-time registration on
the DigiYatra app is required using Aadhar-based
validation and a self-image capture.
 At the airport, passengers will have to scan their bar
coded boarding pass, which they can download on
their phone and the facial recognition system installed
at the e-gate will validate their identity and travel
documents. Passengers can then enter the airport
through the e-gate.
03rd December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK
Updates for Bank Exam
Appointments News
1. Vijender Sharma elected as the President of the
Institute of Cost Accountant of India
 The Institute of Cost Accountants of India said
that Vijender Sharma has been elected as the new
president and Rakesh Bhalla as vice-president for
2022-23. The institute, which is a statutory body set up
under an Act of Parliament, comes under the
administrative control of Union Ministry of Corporate
Affairs.
 Mr. Vijender Sharma was Vice President and CMA
Rakesh Bhalla was Central Council member and
Chairman of Direct Tax Committee of the Institute in
previous term 2021-22.
 The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI-CMA)
is a statutory body constituted under an act of the
Parliament and is the regulator for the profession of
Cost and Management Accountancy in India. Its
qualified members are specialized in the field of
Costing, Valuation, Insolvency Bankruptcy Code-2016
and Goods & Services (GST) Acts. The institute is also
member of International accounting bodies. Having
more than 60000 qualified members across the world.
Important:-
 Institute of Cost Accountants of India
Founded: 28May 1959;
 Institute of Cost Accountants of
IndiaHeadquarters: Kolkata, India.
2. Sanjay Kumar named as secretary of
Department of School Education
 IAS Sanjay Kumar took charge as Secretary of the
Department of School Education and
Literacy, Ministry of Education in Shashtri Bhawan in
New Delhi.
 Sanjay Kumar, a 1990-batch Bihar cadre IAS officer,
was a former Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs,
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. He
replaced Anita Karwal IAS upon her superannuation.
 Sanjay Kumar held a meeting with the senior officials
of the Ministry in which he reviewed the functioning of
the department, autonomous bodies and various
schemes relating to school education.
3. Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar named as
chairperson of the National Statistical Commission
 Government of India had appointed Rajeeva Laxman
Karandikar, Professor Emeritus at Chennai
Mathematical Institute (CMI), as the part-time
chairperson of the National Statistical Commission
(NSC) of India for a period of three years.
 He will take up this role as an additional responsibility
while continuing as Professor Emeritus at CMI. He
joined CMI as a visiting professor in 2010, and
officiated as the Director of CMI from January 2011 to
April 2021.
 NSC is an autonomous body formed in June 2005
under the recommendation of the Dr. C Rangarajan
commission. The objective of its constitution was to
reduce the problems faced by statistical agencies in
the country with respect to the collection of data, and
strengthen public trust in the numbers released by the
Government of India. The chairperson of the
Commission enjoys the status of a Minister of State,
Government of India.
Important:-
 National Statistical Commission Formed: 1 June
2005;
 National Statistical Commission Headquarters: New
Delhi.
Economy News
4. Rs. 1,45,867 crore gross GST revenue collected
for November 2022
 Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for the
month of November 2022 stood at Rs 1,45,867
crore, according to the data shared by finance
ministry. The revenue for the month of November are
11% higher than the GST revenue in the same month
last year, which itself was Rs 1,31,526 crore. This is
the ninth straight month when collections from GST
has remained above Rs 1.40 lakh crore.
 The gross GST revenue collected in November 2022
came in at Rs 1,45,867 crore of which CGST is Rs
25,681 crore, SGST is Rs 32,651 crore, IGST is Rs
77,103 crore (including Rs 38,635 crore collected on
import of goods) and Cess is ₹10,433 crore (including
Rs 817 crore collected on import of goods). The
government has settled Rs 33,997 crore to CGST and
7
 Rs 28,538 crore to SGST from IGST as regular
settlement.
Banking News
5. Reserve Bank of India implements 4 tiered
regulatory norms for UCB
 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a
four-tiered regulatory framework for categorisation
of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs). Besides, the
central bank has come out with norms pertaining to the
net worth and capital adequacy of these banks.
 The Reserve Bank of India had constituted the Expert
Committee on Urban Co-operative Banks, under the
Chairmanship of Shri N. S. Vishwanathan, former
Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank to examine the
issues in urban cooperative banking sector and to
review regulatory/ supervisory approach for
strengthening the sector.
 Based on the recommendations of the Expert
Committee, RBI had released the Revised Regulatory
Framework for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) on
July 19, 2022. The four-tiered regulatory framework,
based on size of deposits of the UCBs, will come into
force with immediate effect.
RBI has now categorized Urban Co-Operative Banks
in India into four tier depending upon the deposit with
the bank:
 Tier 1: UCB are those banks having deposits up to Rs
100 crore operating in a single district or having
branches in contiguous districts.
 Tier 2: UCBs with deposits more than Rs.100 crore
and up to Rs.1000 crore.
 Tier 3 – UCBs with deposits more than Rs.1000 crore
and up to Rs.10, 000 crore.
 Tier 4 – UCBs with deposits more than Rs.10, 000
crore.
Minimum Net worth Requirement of the banks
 The minimum net worth (have a minimum capital and
reserves) requirement for the Tier 1 UCBs operating in
single districts shall be Rs 2 crore.
For other UCB it shall be Rs 5 crore.
 Those UCBs which do not meet the requirement, have
to achieve the minimum net worth of ₹2 crore or ₹5
crore in a phased manner in five years. The banks will
have to achieve the 50% minimum net worth
requirement in three years and the remaining 50% in
next two years.
What is Urban Cooperative Banks?
Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) are registered as
cooperative societies under the provisions of, either
the State Cooperative Societies Act of the State
concerned under the provisions of the or the Multi
State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. There is a
duality of control over the UCB. It is regulated by
the Registrar of Cooperatives and also by the
RBI. UCB registered under the State Cooperative
Societies Act are regulated and supervised by the
Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) of the State
concerned. UCB which are set up under the Multi
State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 are regulated
by the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies
(CRCS).
Regulation of banking function
The Banking Regulation Act 1949 was made
applicable on these banks from 1 March 1966. The
Reserve Bank regulates and supervises the banking
functions of UCBs under the provisions of Banking
Regulation Act, 1949.
Science and Technology News
6. 3 Indian-origin women scientists among
Australia’s “Superstars Of STEM”
 Three Indian-origin women are among 60 scientists,
technologists, engineers, and mathematicians who
have been selected as Australia’s Superstars of
STEM. This initiative aims to smash society’s gender
assumptions about scientists and increase the public
visibility of females and non-binary people.
 This year among those recognised as Superstars of
STEM include three Indian-origin women: Neelima
Kadiyala, Dr Ana Baburamani, and Dr Indrani
Mukherjee. Female scientists of Sri Lankan descent
have also been chosen for distinction, in addition to
Indians.
 Every year Science and Technology Australia
(STA), which is the country’s peak body in the sector
and represents more than 105,000 scientists and
technologists, supports 60 Australian experts
employed in Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) to become highly visible media
and public role models.
 The government intends to scale up the program,
according to Australia’s Minister of Industry and
Science Ed Husic, who spoke at the event. The
national STEM Program is currently being reviewed by
the government, and it is intended to be scaled up
even more
Sports news
7. Vijay Hazare Trophy Final: Saurashtra beat
Maharashtra by 5 wickets
 Saurashtra beat Maharashtra by 5 wickets in the final
to win the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the Narendra Modi
Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
 They restricted Maharashtra at 248/9 in 50 overs as
captain Ruturaj Gaikwad hit a century, scoring 108 off
131 balls after a slow start. Saurashtra bowler Chirag
Jani claimed a hat-trick in the match. Man of the
moment is Sheldon Jackson
Full List of Award Winners:
 Player of the match in the final: Sheldon Jackson
(133 runs in 135 Balls)
8
 Player of the tournament: Ruturaj Gaikwad (Games:
5; Runs: 660; Avg: 220)
 Most Runs: N Jagadeesan (Tamil Nadu): 830runs, 8
innings
 Highest Score: N Jagadeesan – 277 off 141 balls vs
Arunachal Pradesh
 Most Fours: N Jagadeesan – 73 in 8 innings
 Most Sixes: Ruturaj Gaikwad – 34 in 5 innings
 Most Wickets: Vasuki Koushik (Karnataka) – 18
wickets in 9 matches
8. 3rd T20 World Cup cricket tournament for Blind
to be held in India
 The third T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament for
the Blind will be held from December 5 to 17, 2022 in
India. The participating countries of the World Cup
2022 are Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan,
South Africa, Sri Lanka and India.
 Around 150 players from all countries will participate in
the tournament and there will be a total of 24 matches
across nine cities in India. The tournament is being
organised to mark the World Disability Day
celebrations universally. The inauguration of the World
Cup on December 5 at Tau Devi Lal Indoor
Stadium, Gurugram. Former India batter Yuvraj
Singh is the brand ambassador of the tournament.
Books and Authors
9. A biography of English poet John Donne wins
UK nonfiction book prize
 British writer Katherine Rundell’s biography “Super-
Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne” was
named winner of the 50,000 pound ($59,000) Baillie
Gifford Prize at a ceremony in London. Rundell’s
book was a unanimous choice by the six judges from
among 362 books submitted for the prize.
 The book argues that Donne, best known four
centuries after his death for a poem that begins “No
man is an island” – is “a writer perhaps as great as
Shakespeare, and a writer we should all read for his
writing on love, sex and death.” Last year’s winner was
Patrick Radden Keefe’s “Empire of Pain: The Secret
History of the Sackler Dynasty,” an expose of the
family that helped unleash the United States’ opioid
epidemic.
10. A book on Chipko Movement by Shekhar
Pathak bags Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Prize
2022
 A book on the popular forest conservation
campaign Chipko Movement, written by historian-
activist Shekhar Pathak, was named the winner of
the Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize
2022. Translated from Hindi by Manisha
Chaudhry, “The Chipko Movement: A People’s
History” was selected from a diverse shortlist of five
books covering a wide expanse of modern Indian
history and encompassing distinct topics and
perspectives.
 The winner was selected by a six-member jury panel
chaired by political scientist Niraja Gopal Jayal. The
other jury members were entrepreneur Manish
Sabharwal; historians Srinath
Raghavan and Nayanjot Lahiri; former
diplomat Navtej Sarna; and attorney Rahul Matthan.
Important Days
11. International Day of Persons with Disabilities
2022: 3 December
 December 3rd is celebrated as the International Day
of Persons with Disabilities, worldwide. The day is
observed to highlight issues that affect people with
disabilities and to champion their well-being, their
dignity and fundamental rights.
 International Day of Persons with Disabilities is
celebrated to encourage increased assimilation of
persons with disabilities in the socio-political,
economic and cultural aspects of life. The goals fall
under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
 The theme of International Day of Persons with
Disabilities, this year, is “Transformative solutions
for inclusive development: the role of innovation in
fuelling an accessible and equitable world“. The
2022 celebration will focus on the need for innovative
solutions to help create an inclusive developmental
model to aid people with disabilities.
Important:-
 United Nations Secretary-general: António
Guterres;
 United Nations Headquarters: New York, United
States;
 United Nations Founded: 24 October 1945.
04th and 05th December Daily Current Affairs 2022:
Today GK Updates for Bank Exam
National News
1. Spocto Introduces India’s First Debt Collection
Innovation Lab
 The world’s leading full-stack debt support and risk
mitigation platform has inaugurated India’s first
Innovation Lab (SIL) dedicated to the debt collection
segment of banking industries in India and the
Middle East.
 Through an expedited method, SIL is intended
to speed development on disruptive technologies
such as AI/ML, big data, data security, and so
on. SIL is working with all participants in the collecting
ecosystem to prepare for the future by taking a digital-
first strategy.
9
 Spocto will also promote digitalization in the
collections ecosystem by leveraging technology that
provide hyperpersonalization and data-driven solutions
to improve repayments. The ideas will be finalised in
cooperation with a ‘borrower’ focus group comprised
of persons from various demographics. Because SIL
will collect input from both the borrower and lender
sectors, spocto hopes to cut the default rate by 10 per
cent by 2025.
Appointments News
2. Indian tech brand Noise appoints Virat Kohli as
new brand ambassador
 Indian tech brand “Noise” has appointed Virat
Kohli as its new brand ambassador for
its smartwatches. The new partnership will bring
together the two domains together which is said to
exemplify the brand. The partnership will further help
in deepening consumer trust and allegiance, claims
the company.
 Noise and Virat Kohli- both are leaders in the smart
connected lifestyle industry and the cricket world
respectively. Moreover, as the brand ambassador has
always felt pride in his fitness levels, Noise signed him
because of Kohli’s era of super-athletes, which makes
him an ideal fit for the brand.
3. Hansraj Gangaram Ahir named as the new
NCBC chairperson
 Former Union Minister Hansraj Gangaram Ahir has
assumed charge as Chairperson of the National
Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). He is
an Agriculturist by profession, read a statement from
the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
 He had been elected four times Member of Parliament
from Parliamentary Constituency Chandrapur,
Maharashtra and also he was Member of the
Maharashtra Legislative Council. He had been Union
Minister of State for Home Affairs and Union Minister
of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of
India the 16th Lok Sabha.
Important:-
 National Commission for Backward Classes
Formed: 14 August 1993;
 National Commission for Backward Classes
Headquarters: New Delhi.
Banking News
4. Reserve Bank of India Issues Framework for
Indian Banks’ Foreign Biz
 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has put in place a
framework to allow overseas subsidiaries and
branches of Indian banks and financial
10
institutions to undertake activities not specifically
permitted in the Indian domestic market.
 The framework also specifies the applicability of these
instructions to International Financial
Services Centres in
India, including Gujarat International Finance Tec-
City (GIFT City). While these activities may not need
prior approval, they are subject to compliance with all
applicable laws/regulations and conditions stipulated
by the RBI and those prescribed by the host regulator.
5. IDFC Mutual Fund to be Renamed Bandhan
Mutual Fund
 IDFC Asset Management Company Limited (AMC),
one of the top 10 AMCs in the country, has
received regulatory clearances from regulators for
its proposed change in ownership.
 Securities market regulator SEBI granted the
necessary no objection for IDFC AMC’s acquisition by
a consortium comprising Bandhan Financial
Holdings Limited (BFHL), GIC (GIC), and
ChrysCapital (CC).
 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted its
approval, whereas the Competition Commission of
India (CCI) had already approved the deal in August
2022. In April 2022, the Board of Directors of IDFC
Limited and IDFC Financial Holding Company Limited
approved the sale of IDFC AMC and IDFC AMC
Trustee Company Limited to the consortium.
6. RBI, Financial Services Agency of Japan
Exchange Letters of Co-operation
 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Financial
Services Agency (FSA), Japan exchanged letters of
cooperation in the field of Central Counter Parties
(CCPs) with the objective of improving mutual
cooperation.
 With this exchange of letters, RBI and FSA are
committed to deepen relations between the two
countries and strengthen the exchange of
information. RBI and FSA also expressed their
willingness to hold a dialogue or exchange views
about matters of common interest and concerns as
appropriate.
 A central clearing counter party, also referred to as a
central counter party, is a financial institution that
takes on counter party credit risk between
parties to a transaction and provides clearing and
settlement services for trades in foreign exchange,
securities, options, and derivative contracts.
Economy News
7. NSE Launches New Nifty Bharat Bond Index
 The National Stock Exchange’s subsidiary NSE
Indices has said it has launched one more index
under the Nifty Bharat Bond Index series.
 The Bharat Bond Index series follows a target
maturity date structure wherein each index in the
series measures the performance of a portfolio
of ‘AAA’ rated bonds issued by government owned
entities maturing in a specific year.
 In December 2019, NSE Indices launched the first
two indices in the Bharat Bond Index with maturities
in April 2023 and April 2030, and in July 2020, further
two indices with maturities in April 2025 and April 2031
were launched.
8. NPCI Extends UPI Volume Cap Deadline by 2
Years Till Dec 2024
 The National Payments Corporation of India has
extended the deadline for payment aggregators to
meet the guidelines on volumes of UPI (Unified
Payments Interface) transactions by two years till
December 31, 2024.
 In view of significant potential of digital payments and
the need for multi-fold penetration from its current
state, it is imperative that other existing and new
players (banks and non-banks) shall scale-up their
consumer outreach for the growth of UPI and achieve
overall market equilibrium, NPCI said.
 The step was taken to address the risks and protect
the UPI ecosystem, NPCI had then said. However,
payment aggregators have since argued that it is near
impossible to control market share without impacting
new customers or slowing down their own business
growth, especially if the product and services are
being used and preferred by customers.
9. IIFL Launches India’s First Passive Tax-Saving
Fund
 IIFL Mutual Fund has launched India’s first passive
tax saver fund, almost six months after
the Securities and Exchange Board of India
(Sebi) introduced the passive alternative in the Equity
Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) space.
 Being an index fund, the scheme will try to mirror the
Nifty 50 and generate returns in line with the
movement in the index. As it will be passively
managed, investors will be charged lower expenses
compared to active ELSS funds. Till now, tax saving
MF investment was only possible through the active
route even as Sebi allowed fund houses to launch
passive ELSS funds through a circular in May 2022.
Awards news
10. India’s Greenhouse-in-a-Box startup Kheyti
won Earthshot Prize 2022
11
 India’s Greenhouse-in-a-box was among the five
winners announced by the Prince of Wales, Prince
William, in Boston, United States. It is a sustainable
solution for small-scale farmers developed by
an Indian startup, Kheyti, in Telangana which has
won one million pounds ($1.2 million).
 Co-founder and CEO of Kheyti, Kaushik
Kappagantulu, said that he had launched the solution
for at least 100 million local smallholder farmers who
are most impacted by climate change. The aim of
greenhouse-in-a-box is to reduce costs and increase
yields which in turn would help protect the livelihoods
of these farmers.
 Founded by Prince William this was the second edition
of the Earthshot prize which has also been dubbed the
‘Eco Oscars’ and witnessed the presence of several
celebrities who walked the green carpet. Kheyti won
the prize in the Protect and Restore Nature category
which saw hundreds of entries from across the world.
Here are the 2022 Earthshot Prize winners:
 Mukuru Clean Stoves tackles clean air in Kenya
 Kheyti is protecting and restoring nature in India
 The Queensland Indigenous Women Rangers Network
is helping revive Australia’s oceans
 Notpla’s circular solution to waste in the U.K.
 The 44.01 Project in Oman is turning CO2 into rock
11. Canara Bank won Banker’s Bank of the Year
Award
 Canara Bank won the ‘Banker’s Bank of the Year
Award 2022’’ for India segment at the Global
Banking Summit held in London. Bank Managing
Director and Chief Executive Officer LV Prabhakar
received the award from the organisers.
 These are prestigious awards to the banking industry
and Canara Bank has been adjudged as the Best
Bank in India for 2022. It expressed gratitude to its
customers, investors, staff and other stakeholders.
 Canara Bank is an Indian public sector bank under the
control and ownership of Ministry of Finance,
Government of India. Established in 1906 at
Mangalore by Ammembal Subba Rao Pai, the bank
also has offices in London, Dubai and New York.
Important:-
 Canara Bank Headquarters: Bengaluru;
 Canara Bank Founder: Ammembal Subba Rao
Pai;
 Canara Bank Founded: 1 July 1906.
12. New York Film Critics Circle awards 2022:
Filmmaker SS Rajamouli won Best Director
 Filmmaker SS Rajamouli won the Best Director
Award for RRR at the New York Film Critics Circle
2022. The group is one of the first critics’ groups to
weigh in on the awards season.
 Rajamouli’s win surprised many as his competitors
included Steven Spielberg, Darron Aronofsky, Sarah
Polley, and Gina Prince-Blythewood. A pre-
Independence fictional story, “RRR” stars Ram
Charan and Jr NTR as real-life Indian revolutionaries
in the 1920s Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram
Bheem, respectively.
At the New York Film Critics Circle:
 Todd Field’s Tar has won the Best Picture of the
year, also nabbing Best Actress for Cate Blanchett’s
leading performance.
 Colin Farrell won Best Actor for two of his
performances this year — Kogonada’s future-set sci-fi
drama After Yang and Martin McDonagh’s The
Banshees of Inisherin.
 Ke Huy Quan has won the Best Supporting Actor for
his performance in Everything Everywhere All At
Once,
 Keke Palmer won the Best Supporting Actress for
Nope.
Ranks and Reports News
13. List of countries at risk of mass killings: India
ranked 8th
 As per the recent report by the US think tank Early
Warning Project, India is ranked 8th among the
countries that are at the highest risk for mass killing in
2022 and 2023. India has seen a drop in rank from
second position in the earlier year.
 “India’s shift in rank from second to eighth can be most
attributed to an improvement in the freedom of
movement for men [which is one of the variables used
for the analysis],” the report said.
 Pakistan is estimated to have about a one in six
chance of experiencing a new mass killing in 2022 or
2023, it said.
 While Pakistan topped the list this year, Yemen
ranked second, Myanmar third, Ethiopia fifth,
Nigeria sixth and Afghanistan seventh, among all
162 countries, the 2022-23 report said.
 India has performed worse than Sudan (ninth),
Somalia (10th), Syria (11th), Iraq (12th), and
Zimbabwe (14th rank).
 According to the 2021-2022 report, India was ranked
in the second position among the top 15 highest-risk
countries for the last five years.
14. Global Water Resources Report 2021 Released
by WMO
 WMO (World Meteorological Organization) has
released its first annual State of Global Water
Resources Report 2021. The aim of this annual
report is to support monitoring and management
of global freshwater resources in an era of growing
demand and limited supplies.
12
 The report gives an overview of river flow, as well
as major floods and droughts. It provides insights
into hotspots for changes in freshwater storage and
highlights the crucial role and vulnerability of the
cryosphere (snow and ice).
 The report shows how large areas of the globe
recorded drier than normal conditions in 2021 – a year
in which precipitation patterns were influenced by
climate change and a La Niña event. The area with
below-average streamflow was approximately two
times larger than the above-average area, in
comparison to the 30-year hydrological average.
15. India ranked 48th in Global Aviation Safety
Rankings 2022
 According to DGCA officials, India has jumped to
the 48th position in the global aviation safety ranking
by the International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO).
 Four years ago, the country was ranked at the 102nd
position. In the ranking, Singapore is at the top,
followed by the UAE and South Korea at the second
and third positions, respectively, the officials said.
China is at the 49th place.
 Under its Universal Safety Oversight Audit
Programme (USOAP) Continuous Monitoring
Approach, an ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission
(ICVM) was undertaken from November 9 to 16. The
country’s score in terms of effective implementation of
key safety elements has improved to 85.49 per cent,
the officials said.
Important:-
 International Civil Aviation Organization
Headquarters: Montreal, Canada;
 International Civil Aviation Organization
Founded: 7 December 1944;
 International Civil Aviation Organization Council
President: Salvatore Sciacchitano;
 International Civil Aviation Organization Secretary
General: Juan Carlos Salazar Gómez.
Books and Authors News
16. A book ‘Brave Hearts of Bharat, Vignettes from
Indian History’ authored by Vikram Sampath
 A book titled ‘Brave Hearts of Bharat, Vignettes
from Indian History’ by Vikram Sampath, an
anthology of 15 stories of men and women and their
indomitable spirit of freedom and courage, was
launched in Delhi. The book is published
under Penguin publication.
 The book chronicles the stories of courage and
determination of few individuals, whose stories largely
remained untold and therefore unknown for a long
time. Fifteen Brave Men and Women of Bharat, who
Never Succumbed to the Challenges of Invaders. But
Lost and Forgotten in the Annals of History. This is the
 Story of these Bravehearts, who Fought to Protect
their Rights, Faith and Freedom.
Sports News
17. Shooter Rudrankksh Patil Clinches ISSF
President’s Cup in Egypt
 Indian shooter Rudrankksh Patil has clinched
the International Shooting Sport Federation
(ISSF) President’s Cup held in Cairo, Egypt.
 He defeated Italy’s Danilo Sollazzo in the 10-metre
rifle play-off by 16-8. Athletes from 42 nations
representing 43 ISSF Member Federations from all
continents are taking part in this competition, which is
being held since November 28.
 In the ISSF Rifle/Pistol World Championships 2022
held in Cairo, Egypt, which concluded in October, the
18-year-old Rudrankksh Patil bagged the country’s
first quota for the 2024 Paris Olympics after clinching a
gold in men’s 10 m air rifle, becoming only the sixth
Indian shooting world champion after Olympic gold
medalist Abhinav Bindra, Tejaswini Sawant,
Manavjit Singh Sandu, Om Prakash Mitherval and
Ankur Mittal.
Important Days
18. International Volunteer Day for Economic and
Social Development: 5 December
 International Volunteer Day for Economic and
Social Development is observed on December
5 ever year. The day is also referred to as International
Volunteer Day (IVD) to recognize and promote the
tireless work, not just of UN Volunteers, but of
volunteers across the globe.
 The international observance was mandated by the
United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1985. The
day commemorates 80 countries in the world.
 International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2022 celebrates the
theme of solidarity through volunteering. This
campaign highlights the power of our collective
humanity to drive positive change through
volunteerism.
 The General Assembly invited governments to
observe the day as the International Volunteer Day for
Economic and Social Development under resolution
40/212 on December 5. It was a result of their
resolution from December 17, 1985, that guided all
government, civil society organizations, and
communities to work together with volunteers all
around the world to celebrate the day.
19. World Soil Day observed on 5th December
 December 5 is celebrated annually as World Soil
Day to highlight the importance of healthy soil and
promote sustainable management of soil resources.
 The event aims to raise awareness of the importance
of soil quality for human well-being, food security and
13
ecosystems, and events are held at the UN FAO
offices and through community based events. The day
was first considered by the International Union of
Soil Sciences in 2002, but was not officially endorsed
by FAO until 2013.
 The theme for 2022 World Soil Day is ‘Soils: Where
Food Begins’. It emphasises upon the importance of
maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-
being.
Important:-
 International Union of Soil Sciences
Headquarters: Vienna, Austria;
 International Union of Soil Sciences Founded: 1924;
 International Union of Soil Sciences
President: Laura Bertha Reyes Sánchez (Mexico).
20. International Day of Banks celebrates on 4th
December
 International Day of Banks is celebrated
on December 4 to recognise the importance of
multilateral and international development banks in
financing sustainable developments. United Nations
also observes the day in recognition of the vital role of
banking systems in Member State in contributing to
the improvement of the standard of living.
 The International Day of Banks was adopted by the
U.N. General Assembly as a way to draw attention to
the role that international development banks can play
in supporting sustainable development. Banks support
the international community’s goals by financing the
sustainable development of member nations and
providing information for achieving these goals.
06th December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK
Updates for Bank Exam
National News
1. FM Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurated 65th
Foundation Day Celebrations of DRI
 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurates
the two-day long 65th Foundation Day celebrations of
the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in
New Delhi. She also launches the current edition
of Smuggling in India Report 2021-22 on the
occasion.
 As many as 22 Customs administrations covering
the Asia-Pacific region along with international
organisations are invited to the event this year.
The 8th Regional Customs Enforcement Meeting
(RCEM) will also be held at the event.
International News
2. NDDB, Amul to Provide Technical Support to
Enhance Milk Production in Sri Lanka
 India will provide technical support to Sri Lanka to
enhance its dairy industry and milk output, a move
aimed at reducing the cash-strapped
country’s dependence on imported milk products,
the Sri Lankan President’s Office said.
 Officials of the National Dairy Development Board
(NDDB) and the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing
Federation (GCMMF), which markets milk under
the Amul brand, have taken steps to provide
necessary technical support for the production of milk
in Sri Lanka.
 Plans were discussed doubling local milk production
by implementing short and medium-term plans and
making Sri Lanka self-sufficient in milk in the long
run through a targeted program,” the statement said.
Agreements News
3. India, Germany sign Migration and Mobility
Agreement
 External Affairs Minister S 2033. The new fund offer (NFO) will start on 2
Jaishankar and Germany’s foreign Minister
Annalena Baerbock signed a comprehensive
migration and mobility partnership, which will
facilitate easier access for people to study, research
and work in both countries.
 The deal which aims at facilitating two-way
movement of students, professionals and
researchers, is also set to address the challenges of
illegal migration.
 The migration and mobility partnership is set to
encourage increased exchange of students between
the two countries. In May this year, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi has stated that the Indian government
will facilitate admission of German students in Higher
Education Institutions (HEIs) under programmes like
Study in India.
4. Airtel and Meta collaborate to accelerate India’s
digital ecosystem
 The telecom major Airtel has announced that it has
collaborated with Meta Platforms, Inc. (Meta) to
support the growth of India’s digital ecosystem. The
announcement comes on the back of telecom
operators’ demand to share revenue with service
providers to build networks.
 Airtel and Meta will jointly invest in global connectivity
infrastructure and CPaaS based new-age digital
solutions to support the emerging requirements of
customers and enterprises in India.
 Airtel will partner with Meta and STC to extend 2Africa
Pearls to India. 2Africa is the world’s longest subsea
cable system and is expected to provide faster internet
connectivity to almost 3 billion people globally.
14
Important:-
 Airtel Founder: Sunil Bharti Mittal;
 Airtel Founded: 7 July 1995, India;
 Airtel Headquarters: New Delhi.
Economy News
5. Edelweiss Mutual Fund Launches Fourth
Tranche of ‘BHARAT Bond ETF’
 Edelweiss Mutual Fund has announced the launch of
the fourth tranche of BHARAT Bond ETF – India’s
first corporate bond ETF (exchange-traded fund).
 A central government initiative, Bharat Bond ETF
invests only in ‘AAA’-rated bonds of public sector
companies. Edelweiss Asset Management is the
fund manager of the scheme.
 This latest tranche of the ETF and BHARAT
Bond Fund of Fund (FoF) series will mature in April
December and end on 8 December. Through the
launch of this new series, Edelweiss Mutual Fund
proposes to raise an initial amount of ₹1,000 crore
with a green shoe option of another ₹4,000 crore.
6. ESIC Can Invest Up to 15% Surplus Funds in
Equity Through ETFs
 The Employees State Insurance
Corporation(ESIC) can now invest up to 15 per cent
of its excess fund into equity after the Centre
allowed the body to do so. The social security body
can invest its surplus fund in equity through exchange
traded funds.
 The decision to invest surplus funds into equity was
taken due to the low returns on debt
instruments and the need to diversify the
corporation’s portfolio. Initially, the investment will
be restricted to exchange-traded funds.
7. World Bank upgrades India’s GDP growth
forecast for 2022-23 to 6.9 percent
 According to the World Bank, Indian economy is set
to grow at 6.9 per cent in 2022-23, raising its forecast
of 6.5 per cent growth made in October. In October,
it had cut India’s GDP growth forecast to 6.5 per cent
from 7.5 per cent earlier. Now, it has upgraded the
projection to 6.9 per cent for 2022-23 (April 2022 -
March 2023).
 The institution said that the government is expected to
meet the fiscal deficit target of 6.4 per cent of the GDP
in 2022-23.
 The World Bank saw the government meeting the
fiscal deficit target of 6.4 per cent of the GDP in 2022-
23. It expected inflation to be 7.1 per cent in current
fiscal year.
 Business news
8. India The First Country in The World to Receive
$100 billion in Remittances
 India will be the first country in the world to
receive $100 billion from remittances during 2022,
the World Bank has said. Though remittances to the
rest of the South Asian countries declined by 10%, it
rose by 12% in India’s case.
 Remittances to South Asian countries grew by
3.5% to $163 billion in 2022
 Though remittances to the rest of the South Asian
countries declined by 10%, it rose by 12% in India’s
case.
 Worldwide, remittances are estimated at $794 billion
in 2022.
 South Asia receives the most remittances that are
estimated at $163 billion in 2022.
 India’s share will be $100 billion.
 Latin America and Caribbean comes second with
$142 billion.
9. Adani Green becomes World’s Largest Wind-
Solar Hybrid Power Developer
 Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), the renewables
arm of Adani Group, has commissioned its third wind-
solar hybrid power plant at Jaisalmer in
Rajasthan. Earlier, in May 2022, AGEL had
operationalised India’s first hybrid power plant of 390
MW.
 This was followed by the commissioning, in September
2022, of the world’s largest co-located hybrid
power plant of 600 MW. Both these hybrid energy
generation assets are located in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
With the successful commissioning of this 450 MW
plant, AGEL now has a total operational generation
capacity of 7.17 GW. This also makes AGEL the
world’s largest wind-solar hybrid power farm
developer.
Important:-
 Adani Green Energy Ltd CEO: Vneet Jaain (Jul
2020–);
 Adani Green Energy Ltd Founded: 23 January 2015;
 Adani Green Energy Ltd
Headquarters: Ahmedabad.
10. Hyderabad-based startup gets India’s first real-
time Gold ATM
 Goldsikka with technology support from Hyderabad-
based startup, Opencube Technologies has
launched its first Gold ATM at Begumpet and
described it India’s first Gold ATM and world’s first
Real Time Gold ATM. This ATM can dispense gold
15
coins in different denominations ranging from 0.5 gm
to 100 grams.
 The company plans to launch three machines in the
Hyderabad at the airport, old city and propose to
launch them in Karimnagar and Warangal also. Taruj
said plans were being drawn to launch 3,000
machines all over India in coming two years.
Banking News
11. SBI Crosses Rs 5 lakh Crore Personal Banking
Loan Advances
 SBI announced that its personal banking
advances excluding high value home loans have
crossed the ₹ 5 lakh-crore mark. The largest lender in
the country took a year to book the last ₹ 1 lakh crore
of advances, as against over 15 months for the
previous ₹ 1 lakh crore and over 30 months for the
previous ₹ 1 lakh crore, as per an official statement.
 Dinesh Kumar Khara stressed that the ₹ 5 lakh
crore excludes housing loans, where the bank has the
numero uno position in the market. Personal Banking
advances mainly comprise personal loans, pension
loans, auto loans, education loans, gold loans, and
other Personal loan products, the statement said.
Defence News
12. 7th edition of US-India Naval Exercise Sangam
begins in Goa
 The 7th edition of Exercise Sangam, a joint Naval
Special Forces exercise between Indian Navy
MARCOs and US Navy SEALs commenced in Goa.
The present edition which will see personnel from
SEAL Team Five based at San Diego, US and Indian
Navy MARCOs from INS Abhimanyu together aims at
exchange of ideas and experiences on various
aspects of maritime special operations.
 The exercise is planned for a duration of three weeks
wherein personnel will exercise and hone their skills in
maritime interdiction operations, direct action missions,
combat free fall jumps, special heliborne operations
and various other evolutions.
13. Parakram Diwas celebrated on the occasion of
51st anniversary of Longewala battle
 To mark the 51st anniversary of India’s victory in
the Longewala battle during the 1971 war, Parakram
Diwas celebrated at Jaisalmer Military Station and
Longewala War Memorial in Rajasthan on December
5. Several programs has been organized on this
occasion at the Sagat Singh Stadium.
 This includes a band display, daredevils motorcycle
stunts, mixed martial arts, mallakhamb, show jumping,
musical performance, Parachute free fall, and much
more.
Schemes News
 14. UP CM Yogi Adityanath launches ‘One District
One Sport’ scheme
 The Uttar Pradesh government’s ambitious One
District One Product (ODOP) scheme has received
praise at the national level for helping in the revival of
traditional crafts in the state. Now, on similar lines, the
government has launched the One District One Sport
(ODOS) programme for promoting local sporting
talent.
 The Yogi Adityanath government hopes the ODOS
programme will become a platform to create
sportspersons who can represent the state at the
national and international level. According to officials,
one sport will be identified in each of the 75 districts of
UP. Steps will be taken to find district-wise sport-
specific talent and groom them.
 Under ODOS, one sport will be identified in each of the
75 districts of UP and necessary steps taken to find
district-wise sport-specific talents and hone their skills
in order to enable them to represent the district, state,
national and international level tournaments and
championships.
Summits and Conferences News
15. International Conference on “J C Bose: A
Satyagrahi Scientist” Organized in New Delhi
 On the occasion of 164th birth anniversary of
legendary Indian scientist Acharya Jagadish
Chandra Bose and as part of Azadi Ka Amrit
Mahotsava, Vijnana Bharati and Ministry of Culture,
Govt. of India organized an “International conference
on the contributions of J C Bose: A Satyagrahi
Scientist”, at Inter-University Accelerator Centre, New
Delhi.
 Born on 30th November, 1858 to Bama Sundari Bose
and Bhagawan Chandra, Bengal. He was a Plant
Physiologist and physicist who invented the
crescograph, a device for measuring the growth of
plants. He for the first time demonstrated that plants
have feelings.
Sports News
16. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma becomes 6th-
highest run scorer for India in ODIs
 Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has surpassed former
batter Mohammed Azharuddin to become the sixth-
highest run-getter for his country in ODI cricket. The
batter accomplished this record during India’s first ODI
against Bangladesh at Dhaka.
 With this, his ODI statistics stand at 234 matches, and
9,403 runs in 227 innings at an average of 48.46. He
has scored 29 tons and 45 fifties in his ODI career,
with the best individual score of 264, which is also the
highest score ever in ODIs.
 Azharuddin, who moved down to 7th spot, had scored
9,378 runs in 334 matches in 308 innings at an
16
average of 36.92, with seven tons and 58 fifties and
the best score of 153. Other leading run-scorers in
ODI cricket for India are: Sachin Tendulkar (18,426),
Virat Kohli (12,353), Saurav Ganguly (11,221),
Rahul Dravid (10,768) and MS Dhoni (10,599).
17. Cristiano Ronaldo signs 200-million euro
contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr
 Famous Footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo has
sensationally joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr on
a two and a half year deal worth 200 million euros
per season. The news has been reported by
renowned Spanish outlet Marca ahead of the Portugal
captain’s FIFA World Cup 2022 Round of 16 fixture
against Switzerland, scheduled for Wednesday at the
Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
 Earlier, Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes had spoken to
a number of clubs including European giants like
Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, etc., but no
one showed any serious interest in the 37-year-old
forward.
Important Days
18. National Zoological Park celebrates
International Cheetah Day 2022
 The National Zoological Park, Delhi
Zoo has celebrated International Cheetah Day and
Wildlife Conservation Day in New Delhi on 4th
December. The purpose of the celebration is to
spread awareness among the present generation
about Wildlife Conservation.
 The day is dedicated to encouraging people worldwide
to help this animal win the race against extinction.
Cheetahs are carnivores and they usually chase down
their prey and then bite its throat, killing it by cutting off
its air supply (suffocation).
 American zoologist Dr Laurie Marker is credited with
creating International Cheetah Day. Dr Marker
founded the Cheetah Conservation Fund in 1991 and
she designated December 4 as International Cheetah
Day in 2010. Since that year, the world has been
celebrating this day.
Obituaries News
19. City of Joy’ author Dominique Lapierre passes
away at the age of 91
 Freedom at Midnight author Dominique
Lapierre has passed away at the age of 91. He was
born on July 30, 1931 in Chatelaillon.
 Lapierre’s works, in collaboration with the American
writer Larry Collins, became bestsellers such that they
sold about 50 million copies of the six books he wrote.
 The author was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s
third highest civilian award, in 2008.
Miscellaneous News
20. Nagpur Metro successfully created a Guinness
World Record
 Nagpur Metro has successfully created a Guinness
World Record by constructing the longest double-
decker viaduct (metro) is 3,140 meters and was
achieved by the Wardha Road in Nagpur.
 The double-decker viaduct of 3.14 km on Wardha
Road has three metro stations – Chhatrapati Nagar,
Jai Prakash Nagar and Ujjwal Nagar. These stations
require special planning which are station specific to
meet the functional requirements of themetro duly
incorporating site specific constraints and double-
decker viaduct requirements. The engineering thought
process, concept, design and execution of these
stations are no less than a challenge.
07th December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK
Updates for Bank Exam
National News
1. 51st Maitiri Diwas’ Marking Recognition of
Bangladesh by India Celebrated in Dhaka
 The 51st anniversary of ‘Maitri Diwas’ marking the
recognition granted to Bangladesh by India in 1971
was celebrated in Dhaka on 6th December.
 Liberation war fighters, Parliamentarians,
members from civil society, media,
dignitaries, and other prominent people took part in
the event organised by the High Commission of
India in Dhaka.
 Minister for Liberation War Affairs of Bangladesh
A.K.M Mozammel Haque was the Chief Guest on the
occasion.
International News
2. Presidency of G20, SCO, UNSC in 2022: A
Historic Opportunity For India
 December of 2022 began with India assuming the
presidency of two global bodies — G20 on the first
day of the month and UNSC on the second and
the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in
2023 when major powers are not even talking to each
other and India alone, now the fifth largest economy, is
interacting with each of them, presents a historic
opportunity.
 New Delhi has said that while its G20 presidency is
driven by the vision of “Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), its
presidency of the United Nations Security Council
seeks to prioritise countering terrorism and
reformed multilateralism.
17
 Leading with the “Five S’s” approach charted out
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Samman
(Respect), Samvad (Dialogue), Sahyog
(Cooperation), Shanti (Peace), and Samriddhi
(Prosperity), India took over UN presidency today.
Economy News
3. RBI Monetary Policy 2022: RBI Repo Rate Hike
by 35 bps to 6.25%
 The decision of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Governor Shaktikanta Das headed six-member
Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has been
announced.
 In the consecutive fifth hike this year, the RBI’s
Monetary Policy Committee has raised the repo rate
by 35 basis points (bps) to 6.25 per cent with
immediate effect, making loans expensive. The policy
rate is now at the highest level since August 2018. The
RBI has maintained policy stance at ‘withdrawal of
accommodation’.
RBI Repo Rate: Consequently, the various rates
are as under
 Policy Repo Rate: 6.25% (Changed)
 Standing Deposit Facility (SDF): 6.00% (Changed)
 Marginal Standing Facility Rate: 6.50% (Changed)
 Bank Rate: 6.50% (Changed)
 Fixed Reverse Repo Rate: 3.35%
 Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): 4.50%
 Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): 18.00%
4. World Economy Seems Headed For A
Recession, Compounded With Inflation
 The global economy seems headed for a severe
recession and parallels are being drawn with
the global financial crisis of 2008 and the slowdown
brought about in 2020 by the Covid-19 pandemic. A lot
of hope that any serious setback can be averted rests
on a high degree of fine tuning of policy which may be
difficult to deliver.
 The US dollar has been surging for the past few
months. It’s now the strongest it has been in two
decades, and experts believe the value will grow even
stronger in the coming days. But this surge in the
value of the power of the greenback is agitating the
economies and markets worldwide, and creating
winners and losers.
 Though a strong dollar bodes well for the Americans,
the consequences are faced by other countries,
especially the developing ones. The rise of US
dollar has led to a decline in the value of UK pound,
the euro, China’s yuan, Japan’s yen, India’s
rupee and many others. As a result, it makes it more
expensive for these nations to import essential items
like food and fuel.
Defence News
 5. US Unveils Its Newest Nuclear Stealth Bomber
 The United States has unveiled its latest high-tech
strategic bomber – the B-21 Raider – which
is capable of carrying a nuclear payload and can be
flown without a crew on board.
 The next-generation stealth bomber was rolled out
at arm’s manufacturer Northrop Grumman’s facility
in California. The US Air Force plans to buy at
least 100 of the B-21 aircraft, which comes with
a $700m price tag per plane.
 The unveiling of the new bombers comes at a time
of heightened geopolitical tensions between
the US, Russia and China amid the war
in Ukraine and the territorial integrity of Taiwan.
6. SIPRI: HAL and BEL in the top 100 defence
companies list
 The government’s Make-in-India push in indigenous
defence production seems to be bearing positive
results as the two Indian Defence Public Sector
Undertakings, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
(HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), have
improved upon their previous rankings among the
arms producing companies of the world.
 HAL ranked at 42nd as BEL bagged the 63rd place
with a total evaluation of $5.1 Billion in 2021.
 The combined arms sales of these six companies
grew by 0.4 per cent to reach $17.8 billion in 2021.
The overall leader has been companies belonging to
the US with a share of 51 per cent of the total arms
sales.
Important:-
 SIPRI Director:Dan Smith;
 SIPRI Chair: Stefan Lofven;
 SIPRI set up: 1966;
 SIPRI Headquarters: Solana,
Sweden.
7. United Nations: “Diwali Stamp-Power of One”
awarded to four veteran diplomats and a US
lawmaker
 Four veteran diplomats and a US lawmaker have been
honoured with this year’s annual ‘Diwali- Power of
One’ award here for their efforts in working towards a
peaceful and secure world.
 The award, which is also known as the ‘Oscars of
Diplomacy’, is presented to former top diplomats of
the United Nations or a member state for their effort to
help form a more perfect, peaceful and secure world
for all.”
Award Winner 2022:
 Former Permanent Representative of Georgia to the
UN Kaha Imnadze,
18
 Former Permanent Representative of Grenada to the
UN Keisha McGuire,
 Former Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the
UN Georgi Velikov Panayotov,
 Former Permanent Representative of Benin to the
UN Jean-Claude do Rego,
 Former Chairman, Foreign Affairs Committee of the
US House of Representatives Eliot Lance Engel.
Sports News
8. Deepika Padukone to unveil FIFA World Cup
2022 trophy
 Deepika Padukone will unveil the FIFA World Cup
trophy in Qatar later this month, according to reports.
The trophy will be unveiled before the World Cup final
on December 18.
 Deepika will be the first actor to receive such an
honour at the world’s most-watched sporting event. On
December 18, Deepika Padukone is expected to
unveil the World Cup trophy at the Lusail Iconic
Stadium.
9. World No. 3 Sukant Kadam Strikes Gold at Peru
Para Badminton International
 World No 3 Sukant Kadam smashed his way to a
gold medal at the recently concluded Peru Para-
Badminton International, defeating ace
shuttler defeated Singapore’s Chee Hiong Ang.
India won 14 medals in total (6 gold, 1 silver and 7
bronze).
 Sukant maintained his dominance right from the word
go in the finals. He defeated Chee Hiong Ang in
straight sets with a score line of 21-14 and 21-15. The
match lasted 32 minutes. The ace shuttler didn’t put a
foot wrong and had a great final.
Ranks and Reports News
10. BBC Releases 100 Most Influential Women’s
List: 4 Indian women’s in the list
 The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has
published the list of 100 most influential women in
the world and has included women from several
areas such as politics, science, sports,
entertainment, and literature.
 The BBC’s 100 most influential women’s list also
includes four Indians: Actress Priyanka Chopra
Jonas, author Geetanjali Shree, engineer and
astronaut Sirisha Bandla, and social worker Sneha
Jawale.
Some of the notable names included in the BBC
100 most influential women’s lists:
 European Commission President Ursula von der
Leyen,
 Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottle,
 Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska,
 Music star Billie Eilish,
 Actress and disability activist Selma Blair,
 Iranian climber Elnaz Rekab who recently made
waves in Iran for competing in South Korea without
wearing a headscarf.
 From sport, Iranian climber Elnaz Rekab who recently
made waves in her home country for competing in
South Korea without wearing a headscarf.
 Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur who became the first
Arab or African woman to reach a Grand Slam final in
the Open era.
11. India to Become 8th Largest Advertising
Market in 2023
 According to GroupM’s global end-of-year
forecast, India is expected to surpass Brazil to
become the eighth-largest advertising market in
2023. In ‘This Year, Next Year 2022’, GroupM has
ranked India as the ninth-largest advertising market
globally.
 According to the report, India’s total advertising
revenue in 2022 has grown by 15.8 per cent to touch
$14.9 billion, led by growth in pure-play digital
advertising. In 2023, it is expected to increase by 16.8
per cent.
 In comparison, Brazil’s advertising market is
projected to have grown by 9 per cent in 2022 to
$15.4 billion. In 2023, it is expected to increase by 3.8
per cent. At 48.8 per cent, digital accounts for the
largest chunk of India’s total advertising market in
2022, and is expected to continue increasing above
pre-pandemic levels, according to the report.
Summits and Conferences News
12. India Hosts Conclave of NSAs of Central Asian
Countries
 This is the first time India is hosting a conclave of
top security officials from Central Asian countries
including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and
Uzbekistan focussing on the evolving security
situation in Afghanistan and ways to deal with the
threat of terrorism emanating from that country.
 The security situation in Afghanistan and the evolving
dynamics in that country will figure in the
deliberations. India and the Central Asian
countries have shared interests in peace, security
and stability in the region. A number of Central
Asian countries share land borders with Afghanistan
and there have been concerns by them after
the Taliban seized power in Kabul in August last
year.
Science and Technology News
13. IIT Madras Researchers develop ‘Sindhuja-I’
Ocean Wave Energy Converter
19
 Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)
Researchers have developed an ‘Ocean Wave
Energy Converter’ that can generate electricity from
sea waves. The trials of this device were successfully
completed during the second week of November 2022.
 The product has been named ‘Sindhuja-I,’ which
means ‘generated from the ocean.’ The system has a
floating buoy, a spar, and an electrical module. The
buoy moves up and down as the wave moves up and
down. In the present design, a balloon-like system
called a ‘buoy’ has a central hole that allows a long rod
called a spar to pass through it.
 The Device was deployed at a location about 6 KM off
the coast of Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, at a location with a
depth of 20 metres. This device targets generating
1MW of power from ocean waves in the next three
years.
14. Google Launches Anti-Misinformation
Campaign in India
 Google’s Jigsaw subsidiary is launching a new anti-
misinformation project in India, aimed at preventing
misleading information that has been blamed for
inciting violence.
 The initiative will use “prebunking” videos –
designed to counter false claims before they become
widespread – circulated on the company’s YouTube
platform and other social media sites.
 Google’s efforts to challenge the spread of
misinformation mark a contrast with rival Twitter which
is cutting its trust and safety teams, despite new
owner Elon Musk saying it will not become a “free-for-
all hellscape”.
Important Days
15. Nation remembers Dr B R Ambedkar on his
67th Mahaparinirvan Diwas
 India observed December 6 as Mahaparinirvan
Divas to mark the death anniversary of Dr Bhimrao
Ramji Ambedkar. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice
President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister
Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Babasaheb Dr
B.R. Ambedkar on his Mahaparinirvan Diwas at
Parliament House Lawns in New Delhi.
 BR Ambedkar, the father of the Indian
Constitution, was born on April 14, 1891. Fondly
known as Babasaheb, he fought for the economic and
social empowerment of Dalits in the country,
eradicating the social scourge of untouchability and
promoting gender equality. He was also among the
seven members of the drafting committee who
prepared a draft of the Constitution of independent
India.
 In 1990, the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian
award, was posthumously conferred on Ambedkar.
The salutation Jai Bhim used by followers honours
 him. He is also referred to by the honorific Babasaheb,
meaning “Respected Father”.
16. International Civil Aviation Day observed on
7th December
 On December 7, International Civil Aviation Day is
observed globally. The aviation industry has made a
huge impact on our lives. The day is observed by
the International Civil Aviation Organisation
(ICAO), a United Nations (UN) body responsible for
maintaining the international standards for aviation
safety.
 ICAO has decided that from now until 2023, the theme
of International Civil Aviation Day will be: “Advancing
Innovation for Global Aviation
Development”. Every five years the ICAO selects a
special anniversary theme for the global day.
However, for the years between the anniversary, the
UN body select a theme for four years.
Important:-
 International Civil Aviation Organization
Headquarter: Montreal, Canada.
 International Civil Aviation Organization Council
President: Salvatore Sciacchitano.
 International Civil Aviation Organization Founded: 7
December 1944.
17. National Armed Forces Flag Day 2022: 7th
December
 Every year on December 7, India
commemorates Armed Forces Flag Day in order to
raise donations for the welfare of the Armed Forces
Staff. This day is observed to honour Indian soldiers,
sailors, and pilots. The day also pays tribute to
hundreds of thousands of men who have died
protecting the country.
 On this day, the Indian Armed Units, comprising
the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian
Navy, organise a variety of activities to highlight the
achievements of our army forces and personnel. The
general public participates in the day’s celebrations by
signing up as volunteers and assisting with the
collection of cash, stickers, and other goods. Many
patriotic activities are planned to promote public
involvement and to recognise the contributions of the
country’s armed services.
Obituaries news
18. Former Union minister and noted economist
Yoginder Alagh passes away
 Prof Yoginder K Alagh, renowned economist,
academic and a former Union minister, has passed
away. He was emeritus professor at Ahmedabad-
20
based Sardar Patel Institute of Economic and
Social Research (SPIESR).
 Born in Chakwal, in present-day Pakistan, in 1939,
Alagh studied at the University of Rajasthan and later
got a doctorate in economics from the University of
Pennsylvania, USA.
Miscellaneous News
19. IMD Issue Warning of Formation of Cyclone
Mandous Over Bay of Bengal
 The second cyclone of the post monsoon season is
likely to form over southwest Bay of Bengal and hit
the east coast in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and
Andhra Pradesh, the India Meteorological
Department predicted. A low pressure area has
formed over south Andaman Sea.
 It is likely to move west-northwestwards and become a
depression over southeast Bay of Bengal by
December 6 evening. It is likely to continue to move
west-northwestwards, intensify further into Cyclonic
storm Mandous, and reach southwest Bay of Bengal
near north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining
south Andhra Pradesh by December 8 morning.
08th December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK
Updates for Bank Exam
National News
1. India’s Coal Production Increased By 11.66 % in
November
 India’s total coal production went up by 11.66 per
cent to 75.87 million tonnes in November 2022 from
67.94 million tonnes recorded during the
corresponding period of last year.
 According to the coal ministry data, in November
2022, Coal India Ltd (CIL) registered a growth of
12.82 per cent, whereas Singareni Collieries
Company Limited (SCCL) and other captive mines
registered a growth of 7.84 per cent and 6.87 per cent
respectively.
 Out of the top 37 mines in coal production as many
as 24 mines produced more than 100 per cent and
production of five mines stood between 80 and 100
per cent in terms of output.
2. TRAI Decides No Charges for SMS and Cell
Broadcast Alerts During Disasters
 The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
(TRAI) issued Telecom Tariff (69th amendment)
order 2022 on Tariff for SMS and cell Broadcast alerts
disseminated through Common Alerting Protocol
(CAP) platform during disasters/non-disasters.
 During both disasters and non-disasters,
the Department of Telecom (DoT) requested that
 TRAI provide a tariff for SMS and cell broadcast alerts
and messages that TSPs will distribute via the CAP
platform.
 The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India was set
up by the Government of India in 1997
under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
Act, 1997.
International News
3. Peru Gets its First Female President After Pedro
Castillo is Impeached
 Dina Boluarte became Peru’s first female
president amid a political maelstrom when her
predecessor and former boss Pedro Castillo was
ousted in an impeachment trial and detained by
police after he tried to illegally shut down Congress.
 The South American country, Peru, has just seen a
significant political upheaval. Pedro Castillo has been
impeached and arrested and Dina Boluarte, a 60-
year old lawyer, has become the country’s first
female President. For the markets, the crisis in Peru
may be important because it makes for nearly 15% of
the world’s copper exports as per 2020 data from
the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and
Development.
State News
4. Meghalaya Government launches ‘Asia’s first
Drone delivery hub for easy access to healthcare’
 The Meghalaya government in partnership with
startup TechEagle has unveiled Asia’s first drone
delivery hub and network which is aimed at providing
universal access to healthcare for the people in the
state.
 The project is aimed at delivering vital supplies like
drugs, diagnostic samples, vaccines, blood and blood
components quickly and safely to different regions of
the state using a dedicated drone delivery network.
Important: -
 Meghalaya Capital: Shillong;
 Meghalaya Chief Minister: Conrad Kongkal
Sangma;
 Meghalaya Governor: B. D. Mishra.
5. Maharashtra to Establish Separate Divyang
Department
 Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has
announced that the state will establish a separate
Divyang department for the welfare of differently-
abled persons with a fund allocation of 1,143 crore
rupees.
 It will formulate policies for the welfare of the
disabled by taking into consideration the views of the
stakeholders. He said that the decision in this direction
was taken within only 24 days.
21
 Welfare activities of Divyang people like education,
training, and rehabilitation were so far taken care of
by the state social justice department. The sections
looking into issues of Divyang (differently-abled)
people under the Social Justice and Special
Assistance department will be clubbed to form the
new Divyang Welfare Department.
Appointments News
6. Scientist K.V. Suresh Kumar appointed as
Chairman & MD of BHAVINI
 Distinguished Scientist of Department of Atomic
Energy, K.V. Suresh Kumar has assumed charge as
Chairman and Managing Director
of BharatiyaNabhikiyaVidyut Nigam Limited
(BHAVINI) on 2nd December 2022 at Kalpakkam.
 His tenure will be for three years. Suresh Kumar is a
graduate in Chemical Engineering and joined
Department of Atomic Energy at BARC Training
School in Mumbai (29th batch) in1985.
 The Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited
(BHAVINI) is a wholly owned Enterprise of
Government of India.
 Under the administrative control of the Department of
Atomic Energy incorporated on 22 October 2003 as
Public Limited Company under the companies act,
1956.
7. NABARD named Shri Shaji KV as Chairman
 K V Shaji has been named Chairman of the National
Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
(NABARD). He formerly served as NABARD’s
Deputy Managing Director (DMD) till May 21, 2020.
He is an agricultural graduate with a PGDM in Public
Policy from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in
Ahmedabad.
 He spent 26 years in various roles at Canara Bank. In
Canara Bank’s corporate office, he was in charge of
strategy, planning, and business development. He also
played a role in the merger of Syndicate Bank and
Canara Bank.
 He previously worked for the National Payments
Corporation of India (NPCI) and Kerala Gramin Bank,
the country’s largest regional rural bank. From 2013
until 2017, he served as the Chairman of Kerala
Grameen Bank. Shaji KV is a Thiruvananthapuram
native.
Agreements News
8. NSIC Signs MoU with Walmart
 A Memorandum Of Understanding was signed
between The National Small Industries Corporation
Ltd. and Walmart Global Sourcing India Private
Limited, to facilitate services to MSMEs in
Walmart Vriddhi program.
 Through this MoU, NSIC will be able to extend the
NSIC schemes and other services to MSMEs which
would participate in various Vriddhi programs.
Moreover, the MSMEs would get the exposure to
various advantages of gaining working capital, bulk
procurement support etc. under various
opportunities offered by NSIC.
Banking News
9. RBI Allows Blocking of Funds for Multiple Auto-
debits in UPI
 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) enhanced the
capabilities of the Unified Payments Interface
(UPI) by introducing a ‘single-block-and-multiple
debits’ functionality, which allows a customer to
enable a payment mandate against a merchant by
blocking funds for specific purposes in his/her bank
account which can be debited, whenever needed.
 The single-block-and-multiple debits feature is
expected to have multiple use cases in various
segments, such as e-commerce transactions,
investment in the secondary market and purchase
of government securities using the RBI’s Retail Direct
scheme. The RBI will issue instructions to
the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI),
which runs and manages UPI, on this functionality
shortly.
10. Bank of Baroda Wins EAG Laureate Award on
Financial Security
 State-owned Bank of Baroda on 6 December 2022
has bagged an EAG Laureate award in the
International Olympiad of Financial Security held
at Sochi, Russia on 10 October 2022.
 The Eurasian group on combating money
laundering and terrorism (EAG) is a FATF type
regional which comprises of 9 members including
India.
 The 9 countries are: Belarus, China, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, India, Russia, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. EAG is an associate
member of the FATF.
Ranks and Reports News
11. IPL remains the most searched query on
Google in India on 2022
 Google has released its “Year in Search 2022”
report, which highlights the topics that generated the
most interest and were most frequently searched on
the website this year. India’s search trends have
changed noticeably since last year, according to the
list, which is published annually for various nations.
 The Indian Premier League (IPL), which was also the
most searched sporting event in the nation, came out
on top of all 2022 trending search results in India.
22
 CoWIN, a government website portal that streamlines
COVID-19 vaccine registration and appointment
scheduling and issues digital vaccine certificates,
followed IPL.
 The FIFA World Cup, which began on November 20
in Qatar, ranked third among trending topics in
searches in India. Sports competitions, the Asia Cup
and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, respectively,
took the fourth and fifth spots.
 Bollywood blockbuster Brahmastra: Part One –
Shiva earned the sixth spot on the list, while KGF:
Chapter 2 came in at number nine.
 Nupur Sharma, a spokesperson for the BJP who has
since been suspended, was among the top-searched
individuals in India in 2022.
 Droupadi Murmu, the president of India, was
subsequently followed by Rishi Sunak, the new prime
minister of the United Kingdom, and Lalit Modi.
 In terms of news events, Google headlined that the
demise of Lata Mangeshkar, Sidhu Moose Wala,
Queen Elizabeth and Shane Warne were the most
searched topics.
 People also took interest in the Russia-Ukraine war,
UP Elections, and Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
12. Gautam Adani and 2 other Indian billionaires
on Forbes Asia Heroes of Philanthropy list
 Billionaires Gautam Adani, HCL Technologies’s Shiv
Nadar, and Happiest Minds Technologies’ Ashok
Soota are the three Indians who have been named in
the 16th edition of the annual list.
 The list highlights the region’s top philanthropists who
have demonstrated a strong personal commitment to
causes such as education and the environment.
 Malaysian-Indian Brahmal Vasudevan, founder and
CEO of Kuala Lumpur-based private equity firm
Creador, and his lawyer wife, Shanthi Kandiah,
support local communities in Malaysia and India
through the Creador Foundation, a non-profit they co-
founded in 2018.
 In May this year, they pledged to donate 50 million
Malaysian Ringgit (USD 11 million) to help build a
teaching hospital at the Universiti Tunku Abdul
Rahman (UTAR) Kampar campus in Perak state.
Awards News
13. India Hosts Conclave of NSAs of Central Asian
Countries
 Time magazine named President Volodymyr
Zelensky as well as “the spirit of Ukraine” as its
2022 person of the year, for the resistance the country
has shown in the face of Russia’s invasion.
 Zelensky shares the 2022 title with “the spirit of
Ukraine,” which Felsenthal said was embodied by the
“countless individuals inside and outside the country”
 who fought behind the scenes, including everyday
people such as chefs and surgeons.
 Time Heroes of the Year: Women in Iran were
named the Time Heroes of the Year. Iranian women
who are protesting for over three months against the
custodial death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. She was
arrested for not wearing hijab publicly and she died
while in the custody of the Iranian morality police. Her
death has triggered a mass protest from the Iranian
women against public wearing of Hijab and the
morality police.
 Time’s Entertainer of the year: The South Korean K-
pop band Blackpink were recognised as.
 Athlete of the Year: American baseball player Aaron
Judge.
 Icon of the Year: Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh .
14. C.N. Manjunath, Krishnappa G. and S.
Shadakshari received Nadoja Award
 Cardiologist and director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of
Cardiovascular Sciences and Research C.N.
Manjunath, writer Krishnappa G. and social activist
and businessman S. Shadakshari have been selected
for the Nadoja Award given by Kannada University in
Hampi.
 The dignitaries will be honoured with the award by
Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, who is the Chancellor
of the university.
 The Nadoja Award is a prestigious award presented
annually by Kannada University, Hampi, India to
eminent personalities for their contribution in various
fields. The word “Nadoja” belongs to Adikavi Pampa
which means `teacher to the Land’s and Instituted in
1995. Award is given to eminent personalities for their
contribution in various fields.
Sports News
15. Saikhom Mirabai Chanu Wins Silver at
Weightlifting World Championship in Colombia
 Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu won silver
at the 2022 World Weightlifting Championships in
Colombia. She beat the Tokyo 2020 champion Hou
Zhihua of China. China’s Jiang Huihua took home
the gold medal with a combined weight of 206 kg.
 Mirabai lifted a combined weight of 200 kg compared
to Zhihua’s total of 198 kg. This was Mirabai’s
second medal at the World Championships, having
previously won gold in 2017 with a lift of 194 kg.
16. Aditya Mittal Becomes India’s 77th Chess
Grandmaster
 Sixteen-year-old Aditya Mittal has become India’s
77th chess Grandmaster during an ongoing
tournament in Spain. The Mumbai player, who had
secured three GM norms, crossed 2,500 ELO points
23
mark during the sixth round of the ongoing Ellobregat
Open tournament in Spain.
 He drew the game against Spain’s No.1 Francisco
Vallejo Pons to achieve the feat. Mittal earned his
maiden GM norm at Serbia Masters 2021.
Subsequently, he obtained his second GM norm at
Ellobregat Open 2021.
 The teenager secured his third GM norm at Serbia
Masters 2022. He is among the five players sharing
the lead with five points at the ongoing Ellobregat
Open.
Important Days
17. SAARC Charter Day 2022: 8th December
 The South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC) Charter Day is observed
every year on 8th December. On this day in 1985,
SAARC Charter was adopted in Dhaka, during the first
summit of the group.
 This year marks the 38th Anniversary of the regional
group. The charter was signed by the Leaders of
SAARC Countries Heads of State or Government of
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan
and Sri Lanka at the First SAARC Summit held in
Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Miscellaneous News
18. Oxford dictionary chooses ‘Goblin Mode’ as
word of year 2022
 Oxford Dictionaries said that “goblin mode” has
been selected by an online vote as its word of the
year. It defines the term as “a type of behavior which is
unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or
greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or
expectations.” In 2021, the Oxford word of the year
was “vax”.
 “Goblin mode” received 93 percent of the more than
340,000 votes cast, with “Metaverse” coming in
second with 4 per cent. The hashtag “I Stand With
secured” stood at third position. The voting for the
Oxford Word of the Year took place between
November 21 and December 2.
19. AAP’s Bobby elected first transgender member
of MCD
 The national capital has got its first transgender
councillor after Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP), Bobby
Kinnar has won the civic polls from Sultanpuri-A ward.
Bobby Kinnar (38) was given a ticket from Sultanpuri A
(ward 43) seat.
 She has been associated with AAP since the Anna
movement and later when the party was formed. She
won the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) seat from Sultanpuri.
Bobby defeated Congress candidate Varuna Dhaka by
a margin of 6,714 votes.
 Year 2023 as the International Year of Millets. PM,
09th December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK through his message, thanked the global community
Updates for Bank Exam for supporting India’s proposal to mark
the International Year of Millets (IYM).
International News States News
1. Veena Nair won Prime Minister’s prize in 4. Karthigai Deepam Chariot festival held in Tamil
Australia Nadu

 Indian-origin teacher in Australia has received

 The Karthigai Deepam Chariot festival was held
the 2022 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in
at Thiruparankundram in Madurai, Tamil Nadu after
Science Teaching in secondary schools.
a gap of two years due to the COVID-19
 Melbourne-based Veena Nair, who is ViewBank
pandemic. This is one of the most important festivals
College’s Head of Technology and STEAM project
in Madurai which many devotees attend.
leader, has been awarded for demonstrating practical
 It is a very old festival and is also celebrated in the
application of STEAM to students, and how they can
neighboring states like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and
use their skills to make a real impact in the world.
Karnataka. This festival is very important among the
 The winning project is then sent to the International
Tamils. This festival is mentioned in the literature of
Space Station. She also supports the Young Persons’
Tamils known as Ahananuru, a collection of poems.
Plan for the Planet program, a STEM-based enterprise
Important: -
development program that gives students the
 Tamil Nadu Governor: R. N. Ravi;
opportunity to engage with the UN’s Sustainable
 Tamil Nadu Capital: Chennai;
Development Goals as changemakers at a global
level.  Tamil Nadu Population: 6.79 crores (2012);
 Tamil Nadu Chief minister: M. K. Stalin;
2. U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity, COP 15  Tamil Nadu Language: Tamil.
Commences in Canada Appointments News
5. Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran
appointed as the Chairman of B20
 The United Nations Convention on Biological
Diversity, also called as Conference of Parties
 Chairman of Tata Sons, N Chandrasekaran has been
(COP-15) commenced in Montreal, Canada on 7
appointed as the chair of B20 India which represents
December 2022.
the entire G20 business community. He will lead the
 The two-weeklong conference (7-19 December 2022)
business agenda during India’s G20 Presidency.
was originally scheduled to be held in Kunming,
 The Government of India has appointed CII, who
China in October but was shifted to Montreal, Canada
assumed charge as the B20 India Secretariat on
due to covid situation in China. This is the second
December 1 and will lead the B20 India process.
part of the COP15.
 B20 India has identified priorities for deliberations
 The first part was hosted by China on 18 August 2021
under the theme “R.A.I.S.E – Responsible,
virtually and the second part was to be held in a face
Accelerated, Innovative, Sustainable, and
to face conference but it has been shifted from China
Equitable Businesses. About 100 business policy
to Canada. However the host of the COP15 in
initiatives will be organised by CII under the B20
Montreal is still China.
calendar across the country during the presidency
year.
3. Opening Ceremony of International Year of
Millets 2023 Held in Rome
6. Meghna Ahlawat has been elected as first
female president of TTFI
 The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of
the United Nations, organized an opening ceremony  Meghna Ahlawat was elected president of the Table
for the International Year of Millets – 2023 Tennis Federation of India. Meghna Ahlawat has
(IYM2023) in Rome, Italy. been elected its first female President, eight-time
 An Indian delegation led by Sushri Shobha national champion Kamlesh Mehta takes over as the
Karandlaje, Minister of State, Agriculture & new secretary general of the TTFI and Patel
Farmers Welfare were present at the opening Nagender Reddy has been elected as the Treasurer.
ceremony. During the event, India’s ceremonial  Ahlawat, who is the wife of Haryana deputy chief
message by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra minister Dushyant Chautala, contested against Gujarat
Modi was conveyed by Sushri Shobha Karandlaje. home minister Harsh Sanghvi.
 Sushri Shobha Karandlaje conveyed PM Modi’s Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
compliments to the United Nations for declaring the
24
 Table Tennis Federation of India Founded: 1926;
 Table Tennis Federation of India Headquarters
location: New Delhi.
Banking News
7. Spice Money Partnered with Axis Bank for
Financial Inclusion in Rural India
 Fintech player Spice Money has partnered with Axis
Bank to facilitate opening of instant, zero balance
savings or current accounts for rural citizens through
its Adhikari network.
 Through this association, Spice Money aims to bridge
the rural-urban divide and bring financial
inclusivity by providing access to banking products to
the last mile at their doorstep, thereby financially
empowering thousands of rural citizens living in the
hinterlands of India.
 The Spice Money network, comprising more than 10
lakh Adhikaris, covers more than 18,000 pin codes,
700 districts and 5,000 blocks, serving over 10
crore households. Spice Money said the current
market penetration of e-commerce, in terms of the
overall economy, is at 8 per cent. With ONDC, it is
expected to grow to 25 per cent in the next two
years.
Defence News
8. Indian Navy to Participate in the First
International Fleet Review of the Bangladesh Navy
 The Bangladesh Navy is hosting the first-ever
International Fleet Review at Inani of Cox’s Bazar
between December 6 and 9. Naval commanders,
ships from some 30 countries including the United
States, China, India and the neighbouring Myanmar
would participate in the international gathering. Indian
Navy ships Kochi, Kavaratti and Sumedha will
participate in this.
 Naval representatives from the United Kingdom,
Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Australia,
China, Turkey, Egypt, Nigeria, Sudan, India,
Maldives, Sri Lanka, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia,
Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-
Leste, Iran, Oman, Palestine and Saudia Arabia would
be present in the gathering.
Awards News
9. Indian-American Krishna Vavilala receives US
Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
 US President Joe Biden has recognised Indian-
American and a longtime Houstonian, Krishna
Vavilala, with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement
(PLA) Award, the nation’s highest honour for his
contributions to his community and the country at
large.
 The Presidential Lifetime Achievement (PLA) Awards,
led by AmeriCorps, is an annual event held to honour
25
citizens, who exhibit outstanding character, worth
ethic, and dedication to their communities.
 Krishna Vavilala is Originally from Andhra Pradesh,
Vavilala is a retired Electrical Engineer, and currently,
the founder and Chairman of the Foundation for India
Studies (FIS), a 16-year-old non-profit organisation,
whose signature project “the Indo-American Oral
History Project” won the 2019 Mary Fay Barnes Award
for Excellence.
10. Jamnalal Bajaj Award 2022 announced
 The Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation has on 8 December
2022 announced the winners of the Jamnalal Bajaj
award 2022. The Foundation gives 4 awards in
different categories. Three are given to Indians and
one award, for promoting Gandhian values outside is
given to a foreigner.
 Nilesh Desai of Madhya Pradesh has been chosen for
the Jamnalal Bajaj award for Constructive Works.
 Mansukhbhai Prajapati of Gujarat was awarded the
Jamnalal Bajaj award for Application of Science and
Technology for Rural Development.
 Sophia Saik of Odisha was awarded the Jamnalal
Bajaj award for Development and Welfare of Women
and Children.
 Dr Ogirat Younan and Dr Walid Slyabi of Lebanon was
awarded the Jamnalal Bajaj award for Promoting
Gandhian Values outside India.
 Jamnalal Bajaj Awards are categorized into three
National and one International Award. Each award
carries a Citation, a Trophy and a Cash Prize of Rs.
10, 00,000.
Summits and Conferences News
11. Anurag Thakur Inaugurated India’s 1st Drone
Training Conference
 Towards empowering and mobilising farmers across
the nation with the use of agri-drones, Information
and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh
Thakur inaugurated India’s first Drone Skilling and
Training Virtual E-Learning Platform at the Chennai
manufacturing facility of Garuda Aerospace, a drone-
based startup of India.
 The Minister, simultaneously flagged off Garuda
Aerospace’s drone yatra, ‘Operation 777’ which will
educate and demonstrate the efficacy of drones for
different agricultural uses across 777 districts in India.
 The I&B Minister also launched the first of 1000
planned Drone Centre of Excellence at the
company’s Manufacturing unit in Chennai which is also
the largest in India. To gain hands-on experience, and
understand functionality and technology, he also flew a
drone after a quick crash course.
12. Celebration of “Universal Health Coverage
(UHAC) Day 2022” in Varanasi

 The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is
organizing a two-day convention on the theme
“ Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC)
2022” on December 10 and 11, 2022, in Varanasi,
Uttar Pradesh.
 The two-day event will be inaugurated by the Governor
of Uttar Pradesh, Mrs. Anandiben Patel, in the
presence of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister
for Health and Family Welfare and Dr. Bharti Praveen
Pawar, Minister of State for Health and Family
Welfare.
13. 3rd Global High-Level Ministerial Conference
on Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR)
 The Third Global Ministerial
Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance concluded
in Oman, with the issue of The Muscat Manifesto,
which aims to accelerate One Health actions on
antimicrobial resistance to achieve the 2030
Sustainable Development Goals.
 Union Minister of State for Health and Family
Welfare Bharati Pravin Pawar had participated in the
‘Third Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on
Antimicrobial Resistance’.
 The conference under the theme ‘The AMR
Pandemic: From Policy to One Health Action’ will
enhance international cooperation to tackle AMR and
build on the success of the two previous high-level
ministerial conferences held in the Netherlands in
2014 and 2019.
Science and Technology News
14. ISRO will develop “Spatial Data Infrastructure
geoportal ‘Geo-Ladakh’ for Ladakh
 The Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) has signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) with incubator and
accelerator Social Alpha, to launch the SpaceTech
Innovation Network (SpIN), focused on innovation
curation and venture development for the space
domain.
 The platform is the first of its kind in India, and is a
unique public-private collaboration for startups and
small-medium enterprises (SMEs) in the emerging
space economy. The initiative provides further
impetus to the commercialisation of space and is
aligned with India’s recent space reform policies. SpIN
will focus on three categories, geospatial technologies,
mobility as well as aerospace components such as
materials, sensors, and avionics.
 SpIN is India’s first dedicated platform for innovation,
curation and venture development for the
burgeoning space entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Awards News
26
15. CoP27: Swayam Shikshan Prayog Has Been
Awarded The Local Adaptation Champions Awards
 Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP), Maharashtra-
based organisation has been awarded the Local
Adaptation Champions Awards, organised by the
Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) at the
ongoing COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
 It won the award in the ‘Capacity and Knowledge’
category for the work in supporting women farmers to
adopt more resilient and sustainable agricultural
practices in Marathwada, Maharashtra, where a
focus on water-intensive cash crops currently
leaves farmers exposed to climate shocks such as
poor and uncertain monsoon seasons.
 The Global Center on Adaptation, an international
organization that raises awareness and resources on
adaptive climate solutions through public and private
sector collaborations, organized the award.
Important Days
16. International Anti-Corruption Day observed on
9th December
 The world celebrate International Anti-Corruption
Day on December 9. The main motive behind marking
this day is to spread awareness about a corruption-
free society. Everyone knows that corruption affects
every area of society.
 The purpose behind a day of this kind is to make
people aware of the repercussions of indulging in
corruption and motivate them to follow a righteous
path.
 This year, the theme for International Anti-Corruption
Day is “Uniting the world against corruption.” The
day seeks to highlight the crucial link between anti-
corruption and peace, security, and development.
Important:-
 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Director-
General: Ghada Fathi Waly;
 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Headquarters: Vienna, Austria;
 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Founded: 1997.
17. International Day of Commemoration and
Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide
and of the Prevention of this Crime 2022
 International Day of Commemoration and Dignity
of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the
Prevention of this Crime is commemorated on
December 9 of every year around the world.
 It is observed to raise awareness about the greatest
crime perpetrated by man against man, the violation of
human rights and how it can be prevented in the
future. 2022 marks its 74th anniversary.
 This day is commemorated to memorialize the victims
of genocide. It is a reminder of all the innocent lives
that have been lost as a result of genocide and to raise
awareness about how the families of the victims can
be supported and helped. Another aim of this day is to
help remember not to repeat this heinous crime again.
10th December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK
Updates for Bank Exam
International News
1. Japan, Britain and Italy to Jointly Build Sixth
Generation Fighter Jets
 Japan has announced that it will jointly develop
its next-generation fighter jet with the United
Kingdom and Italy as it looks to expand defense
cooperation beyond its traditional ally, the United
States.
 The Mitsubishi F-X fighter jet will replace the aging
fleet of F-2s that Japan previously developed with the
United States. The nations will merge their current
plans for development of next-generation planes –
the F-X and Britain’s Tempest, a successor to the
Eurofighter Typhoon – to produce the new combat
aircraft for deployment in 2035.
 The deal will give Japan greater support in countering
China’s growing assertiveness and allow Britain a
bigger presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
2. World Bank’s Flagship Gender Toolkit Launched
 A Gender Toolkit based on “Enabling gender-
responsive urban mobility and public spaces” was
launched in a session conducted by the World
Bank and the Chennai Urban Metropolitan
Transport Authority.
 The World Bank developed a two toolkit that outlines
a four-pillar implementation structure for urban
entities to construct a gender-responsive urban
transportation and public spaces programme.
 Assessing the ground situation: The first pillar
involves evaluating the current reality on the ground,
which includes comprehending gender variations
in mobility patterns, safety issues, and
infrastructure and policy inadequacies.
States News
3. KCR Launches Bharat Rashtra Samithi Party
After ECI Approval
 The Election Commission informed TRS president
and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao that it has
accepted the name change of his party
from Telangana Rashtra Samithi to Bharat Rashtra
Samithi. In a letter to TRS, the EC cited a letter that
the party sent to the poll body on October 5 requesting
its name change.
27
 Telangana’s ruling TRS on October 5 changed its
name to ‘BRS’, heralding the party’s foray into
‘national politics.’ A resolution to this effect was
passed at the party’s general body meeting here. Rao
read out the resolution and announced that the party’s
general body meet unanimously resolved to change
the name from TRS to BRS.
Appointments News
4. Sushmita Shukla appointed as VP & COO,
Federal Reserve Bank
 The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has
appointed Indian-origin Sushmita Shukla as its First
Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer
(COO), making the insurance industry veteran its
highest-ranked official after President and CEO, John
C Williams. The appointment was approved by the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
 She has served in leadership roles in the insurance
industry. In a career spanning more than twenty years,
she has primarily led operations, technology, and
enterprise-wide transformation efforts.
 Since January 2018, she has been working with
Chubb, which is based in New York, and is the world’s
largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance
company. She is its Senior Vice President, and Chief
Operations Officer (International Accident and Health).
Important: -
 Federal Reserve Bank of New York President: John
C. Williams;
 Federal Reserve Bank of New York Founded: 1914,
 Federal Reserve Bank of New York HQ: New York,
New York, United States.
5. GoI appointed Meenesh C Shah as the Managing
Director of NDDB
 National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has
appointed Meenesh C Shah as its Managing Director
with effect from November 15. Union Fisheries,
Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Parshottam
Rupala informed that the Gujarat-based NDDB does
not have regular chairman since December 2020.
 Varsha Joshi, the then Joint Secretary in the
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying,
Government of India, held the additional charge of the
post of Chairman, NDDB, from December 1, 2020 to
May 31, 2021.
 National Dairy Development Board was set up in
1966 as a society under the Societies Act 1860. The
first chairman of NDDB was Verghese Kurien. Kurien
is also called as the father of White Revolution in India.
 Important: -  Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Biocon
 National Dairy Development Board Headquarters: Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and
Anand, Gujarat; Nykaa founder Falguni Nayar are among six Indians
 National Dairy Development who have made it to the Forbes’ annual list of “The
Board Founded: 1965; World’s 100 Most Powerful Women”.
 National Dairy Development  Ranked at number 36, Nirmala Sitharaman has made
Board Founder: Verghese Kurien. it to the list for the fourth time in a row. In 2021, the 63-
Banking News year-old minister was ranked at number 37 in the list,
6. RBI Signs Currency Swap Agreement with while she was in the 41st spot in 2020 and 34th in
Maldives Monetary Authority 2019.
 HCLTech Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra (rank:
53),
 The Reserve Bank of India has signed a Currency  Securities And Exchange Board Of India (SEBI)
Swap Agreement with the Maldives Monetary Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch (rank: 54),
Authority (MMA) to enable MMA to make drawals in  Steel Authority Of India Chairperson Soma
multiple tranches up to a maximum of $200 Mondal (rank: 67).
million from the RBI.  For her leadership during the Ukraine war, as well as
 This agreement has been signed under her handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, European
the SAARC Currency Swap Framework. The Commission president Ursula von der Leyen sits
agreement will provide swap support as a backstop atop the 19th annual Forbes list of the World’s 100
line of funding for short-term foreign exchange Most Powerful Women.
liquidity requirements. Schemes News
 The word swap means exchange. A currency swap 9. Govt of India Invest Rs 5000 Crore in the
between two countries is an agreement or contract SWAMIH Fund to Complete Housing Projects
to exchange currencies with predetermined terms
and conditions.
Ranks and Reports News  The government has put in an additional Rs 5,000
7. India ranked 87th in the world’s strongest crore into the SWAMIH Invest Fund-I to help the
passport list 2022 stressed realty investment platform achieve its final
close at Rs 15,530 crore.
 The fund set up under the Special Window
 Passport Index 2022 published by Arton for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing is India’s
Capital ranked the world’s strongest and weakest largest social impact fund, which said the
passports. A passport is a travel document issued by a government recently infused Rs 5,000 crore. It intends
country’s government to its citizens that verifies the to provide priority debt financing for the completion
identity and nationality of the holder for the purpose of of stressed, brownfield and residential
international travel. India was ranked at 87th projects registered with regulatory bodies that fall in
position in the world’s strongest passport list. the affordable, mid-income housing category.
 The UAE has the strongest passport in the world.
Holders of this passport can travel visa-free or “visa on 10. Govt Extends Rooftop Solar Scheme Till March
arrival” to 180 countries. With a UAE passport 2026
travelers can enter to 180 countries hassle-free, seven
more than European countries such as Germany and
 Central Government announced that it has extended
Sweden, and nine more than Japan, the index
the Rooftop Solar Programme till 31 March, 2026.
showed.
The subsidy under the programme will be available
 India was ranked at 87th position in the world’s
until the target under the Programme is achieved now.
strongest passport list.
 The government has advised all residential consumers
 Countries with the weakest passports
to not pay any additional charges to any vendor on
are Afghanistan (38) Syria (39), Iraq (40), Pakistan
account of fee for application on the National
(44).
Portal or any additional charges for net-
 Nine out of top 10 most powerful passports are issued
metering/testing which are not prescribed by the
by the European countries.
respective distribution company.
 Germany, Sweden, Finland, Luxembourg, Spain,
 On the National Portal, any consumer willing to install
and France are among the top 10 performers.
rooftop solar from any part of the country can apply
and track complete process starting from registration
8. Nirmala Sitharaman, Falguni Nayar in ‘World’s
to release of subsidy directly into his bank account.
100 Most Powerful Women’ list
Sports News
11. McLaughlin-Levrone & Mondo Duplantis won
World Athlete of the Year 2022 awards
28

 World champion American hurdler Sydney
McLaughlin-Levrone and Swedish pole
vaulter Mondo Duplantis won the World Athlete of
the year awards. McLaughlin-Levrone broke the world
women’s 400m hurdles record twice while Duplantis
set three new world highs this year.
 World Athletics also named Adriana Vilagoš of Serbia
and American Erriyon Knighton their Rising Star of
the Year winners.
 Confederacao Brasileira de Atletismo, Member
Federations Award
 Katie Nageotte of the United States and Holly
Bradshaw of Great Britain, Fair Play Award
 Martin Rickett, Photograph of the Year
 Ukranian Athletic Association, President’s Award
 Donna Fraser of Great Britain, Woman of the Year
 Gennadii Zuiev of Ukraine, Coaching Achievement
Award.
12. 1000 Khelo India Centers To Be Opened Across
Country By August 15
 Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag
Thakur said one thousand Khelo India centres will be
opened by the 15th of August next year across the
country. He added that out of these one thousand
centres, 733 centres have been already sanctioned.
 The minister said as compared to 2014, when the
budget of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and
Sports was Rs 1,219 crore, it had increased to 3,062
crore for the year 2022-23, which is almost three times
more. Thakur highlighted some of India’s major
sporting triumphs that had taken place since the
coming of the Modi government in 2014.
13. Eden Hazard announced his retirement from
International Football
 Belgium captain Eden Hazard has announced his
retirement from international football after Belgium’s
early exit from the FIFA World Cup 2022. He was the
captain of Belgium in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
 Hazard made his international debut in 2008 and
scored 33 times in 126 appearances. He helped
Belgium reach the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, where
they lost to eventual champions France, and beat
England in the third-placed playoff.
Books and Authors News
14. Author Mansi Gulati released her Book
‘Miracles of Face Yoga’
 The Founder of Manasvani, Mansi Gulati has
released her book ‘Miracles of Face Yoga’, which
29
has been appreciated by the President of
India Droupadi Murmu.
 Mansi Gulati, an international Yogi, celebrated author,
and thought leader, devoted her efforts to learning
everything possible about yoga practices and
philosophy.
 This book introduces the concept of ‘face yoga’, a
natural exercise for the face in addition to various
other yoga exercises. Facial yoga can also help you
relax and rejuvenate your body. The face yoga ‘as an
as’ release stress and tension from the face and neck.
They will also make us more aware of our facial
muscles so that we can relax them within seconds that
indirectly helps to tighten our skin.
Important Days
15. 72nd Human Rights Day 2022 observed on 10th
December
 Human Rights Day is celebrated across the world on
December 10 every year. It marks the day that
the United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA) adopted the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948.
 Human Rights Day focuses on the fundamental rights
and freedoms that people globally are entitled to
simply by virtue of being humans. It celebrates and
advocates for rights that cut across the distinctions of
nationality, gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation,
religion, or any other status.
 This year marks the 74th anniversary of the adoption
of the UDHR and the 72nd Human Rights Day.
 The campaign will be centred around the
theme, “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All.”
11th & 12th December Daily Current Affairs 2022:
Today GK Updates for Bank Exam
National News
1.India’s First Carbon Neutral Farm Inaugurated In
Kerala
 Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared a
seed farm, located in Aluva, as the first carbon
neutral farm in the country.
 The total amount of carbon emission from the farm,
located at Thuruthu in Aluva, in the last one year
was 43 tons but its overall procurement was 213 ton.
 Compared to the emission rate, as many as 170 tons
of more carbon have been procured at the farm,
which helped it to be declared as the first carbon
neutral seed farm in the country.
2.Country’s Largest Business Jet Terminal
Commissioned at Cochin International Airport

 Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated
the country’s first chartered gateway, and a business
jet terminal at the Cochin International Airport.
 With this, Cochin airport has become the fourth airport
in the country to operate a private jet terminal.
 With two majestic domestic and international travel
terminals, Cochin International Airport
Limited(CIAL) is now home to the country’s biggest
Business Jet Terminal.
 The new facility at the airport will boost tourism as
well as the MICE (Meetings, Incentives,
Conferences and Exhibitions) sector in the
state.
International News
3.US prints first banknotes with women’s
signatures
 The U.S. The Treasury (United States of America’s
Finance Ministry) has printed the first US banknotes
(currency notes) with two women’s signatures.
 The new currency notes of $1 and $5 value carry the
signature of the Secretary of Treasury (American
Finance Minister) Janet Yellen and Lynn
Malerba. The United States currency notes are
popularly called as Greenback.
 In the United States the currency notes are printed by
the Treasury Department’s Bureau of Engraving and
Printing and the Federal Reserve decides how much
currency notes will be printed. The Treasury
Department’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing has
note printing facilities at Fort Worth, Texas and
another in Washington.
States News
4. Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu sworn in as the new
Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh
 Congress leader Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has took
oath as the New Chief Minister of Himachal
Pradesh at historic ridge ground in Shimla.
 Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri also took
oath with him. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath
Arlekar administered the oath to both.
 On December 8, the Congress made a comeback
in Himachal Pradesh, by winning 40 seats in the
high-stakes electoral contest for the 68-member
Legislative Assembly.
5. Tamil Nadu Becomes First State To Launch Its
Own Climate Change Mission
 Tamil Nadu is set to become the first state to launch
its own Climate Change Mission.
30
 It had launched the Green Tamil Nadu Mission last
September and the Tamil Nadu Wetlands
Mission this August.
 A Special Purpose Vehicle–the Tamil Nadu Green
Climate Company (TNGCC)–will implement the State
Climate Action Plan.
Defence News
6. 39th Edition of India-Indonesia Coordinated
Patrol Is Underway
 The 39th edition of India-Indonesia Coordinated
Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT) between the Indian Navy
and the Indonesian Navy is being conducted from 08 –
19 December 2022.
 Indian Naval Ship (INS) Karmuk, an indigenously built
Missile Corvette participated in the pre-deployment
briefing at Belawan, Indonesia.
 The CORPAT will be executed along the International
Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) from 15 to 16
December 2022 and will conclude with a debrief at
Port Blair.
 The 39th edition of IND-INDO CORPAT seeks to
bolster the maritime cooperation between the two
navies and forge strong bonds of friendship between
India and Indonesia.
Business News
7. Hindustan Unilever Acquires D2C Brands OZiva
And Wellbeing Nutrition
 Hindustan Unilever’s (HUL) acquisition of two digital
first brands — OZiva and Wellbeing Nutrition — is in
line with the premiumisation trend with an increasing
number of FMCG players foraying in the high
growth wellness and nutrition category, which has
gained prominence amongst consumers in the post-
pandemic world.
 The move would be line with the trend of bigger FMCG
players investing in direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands
in India, as companies do not want to miss out the
growing online shoppers market.
 A fast growing category, H&W has a potential market
size of Rs 30,000 crore over the next four to five
years.
Ranks and Reports News
8. Hurun Global 500 rankings: India ranked 5th in
the list of valuable companies
 India, with 20 of the most valuable companies in the
world, has moved into the fifth position among
countries that are home to the world’s top 500 firms.
 Last year, it ranked ninth with eight companies. The
US continued to top the charts, according to the 2022
Hurun Global 500 list.
 The list, released by the Hurun Research Institute, is
a compilation of the 500 most valuable non-state-
controlled companies in the world. Companies were
 ranked according to their market capitalisation (for
listed companies) and valuations for non-listed
companies.
Key points in the ranking:
 Of the 20 Indian companies featuring on the list this
year, 11 are based in Mumbai, four in Ahmedabad and
one each in Noida, New Delhi, Bengaluru and
Kolkata.
 With a $202-billion valuation, Reliance Industries
(RIL) topped the charts of Indian companies, while it
ranked 34th in the world. It was followed by Tata
Consultancy Services ($139 billion) and HDFC
Bank ($97 billion).
 The list also saw the entry of four companies — Adani
Transmission, Adani Green Energy, Adani Enterprises
and Adani Total Gas — led by billionaire Gautam
Adani, with a total valuation of $173 billion.
 The other new entrants in the list from India
include ITC ($52 billion), Avenue Supermarts ($33
billion), Axis Bank ($33 billion), Bajaj Finserv ($32
billion) and Larson & Toubro ($32 billion).
 Interestingly, 50 per cent or 250 companies in the
Hurun Global 500 companies have presence in India.
Tops global charts:
 Globally, Apple retained the title of the most valuable
company in the world with a market cap of $2.4 trillion
and Microsoft came second ($1.8 trillion), while
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, displaced
Amazon to take the third place.
 China came in second with 35 companies, followed
by Japan (28) and the UK (21). India and Canada
moved up to the fifth place with 20 companies each,
adding eight and three companies, respectively,
overtaking France and Germany.
Awards News
9. J&K Awarded 1st Prize in Category For
Ayushman Bharat Health Account ID Generation
 Jammu and Kashmir has been awarded 1st prize in
the category for Ayushman Bharat health account
ID generation and 2nd prize in the category
for Teleconsultation conducted during the celebration
of Universal Health Coverage Day 2022.
 Universal Health Coverage Day is celebrated every
year to commemorate the significance of Universal
health coverage which aims to ensure quality
healthcare closer to the people without any financial
hardships.
 The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) aims
to develop the backbone necessary to support the
integrated digital health infrastructure of the country. It
will bridge the existing gap amongst different
stakeholders of Healthcare ecosystem through digital
highways.
Important Days
10. UNICEF Day observed on 11 December
31
 Every year UNICEF Day is celebrated on December
11 every year.
 The word UNICEF stands for United Nations
International Children’s Emergency Fund and the
purpose served by the organisation is to save
children’s lives by providing them with humanitarian
aid across the world.
 The main purpose of the organization is to provide
humanitarian aid to children around the world. It was
originally intended as a relief fund to help children after
World War II.
Important:-
 UNICEF Founded: 1946;
 UNICEF Headquarters: New York City, USA;
 UNICEF Director General: Catherine M. Russell;
 UNICEF Membership: 192.
11. International Mountain Day 2022: 11 December
 International Mountain Day is celebrated annually
on December 11 to increase public awareness of the
value of mountains to both life and climate.
 The United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA) established International Mountain Day to
recognise the importance of mountains.
 The theme of this year’s International Mountain Day
(IMD) is ‘Women Move Mountains.’
 International Mountains Day has played an important
role in addressing the issue of mountain ecology. It
also has an impact on mountain tourism. Mountain
tourism has grown in popularity over the years. People
express a desire to visit the mountains rather than the
lowlands.
12. International Universal Health Coverage Day
2022: 12th December
 International Universal Health Coverage Day is
celebrated annually on 12th December.
 The day is marked to promote the importance of
building robust, resilient, world-class healthcare
systems globally.
 International Universal Health Coverage Day aims to
raise awareness of the need for strong and resilient
health systems and universal health coverage with
multi-stakeholder partners.
 The United Nations declared December 12th
as International Universal Health Coverage Day in
2017.
 According to the UN, this year’s theme, “Build the
world we want: A healthy future for all,”.
13. International Day of Neutrality observed on 12
December

 International Day of Neutrality is commemorated
on December 12. It is a day when people look at the
possibility of a world free of armed and other types of
conflicts.
 Its focus was on advocating and campaigning for intra-
state peaceful relations. Switzerland serves as the
perfect example of neutrality.
 The International Day of Neutrality is a reminder of
how important neutrality truly is, especially for
humanitarian reasons. During armed conflicts, it is
neutrality that NGOs and other humanitarian agencies
are able to care for casualties in a proper way.
Obituaries News
14. Padma Shri awardee & Veteran Lavani Singer
Sulochana Chavan passes away at 92
 Renowned Marathi Lavani singer Sulochana
Chavan has passed away at the age of 92.
 Earlier this year, Chavan was awarded the Padma Shri
and also conferred the title of ‘Lavani Samradnyi’
(Queen of Lavani) for her contribution to the
traditional Maharashtrian musical genre of Lavani,
associated with the folk theatre of Tamasha.
 Aunda Lagin Karachain, Kasan Kay Patil Baran Hi Ka’,
‘Kalidar Kapuri Paan’, ‘Khelatan Rang Bai Holicha’,
‘Padarawarti Zartarichi Mor Nachra Hawa’ and many
more of Chavan’s songs are popular even today.
15. Veteran US sports journalist Grant Wahl dies in
Qatar during FIFA World Cup
 Highly-regarded American soccer journalist Grant
Wahl passed away covering the ld Cup in Qatar. He
was passed away while covering the World Cup match
between Argentina and the Netherlands in Qatar.
 This was the 8th World Cup for Wahl, who has been
covering football continuously since 1996. Wahl was
detained a day earlier in Qatar for wearing a rainbow
shirt in support of the LGBTQ community.
Miscellaneous News
16. Indian TV artist Dev Joshi to accompany
Yusaku Maezawa for a trip around Moon
 The ‘dream crew’ for the first civilian mission to the
moon has been announced and it includes Indian
actor Dev Joshi.
 Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has informed
that Indian actor Dev Joshi, K-Pop star T.O.P. will be
among the eight people who will join him on a flyby
around the moon on a SpaceX spaceship next year.
 The rocket that has been developed by Elon Musk‘s
SpaceX will make a week-long journey to the moon
and back next year. Maezawa had in 2018 purchased
all the eight seats aboard this rocket ship.
32
 Maezawa started taking application for the trip in
March 2021. This will be Maezawa’s second space
journey after his 12-day trip to the International Space
Station on the Soyuz Russian spaceship last year.
13th December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK
Updates for Bank Exam
National News
1.PM Modi flagged off 6th Vande Bharat train on
Nagpur-Bilaspur route
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off
India’s sixth Vande Bharat
Express between Bilaspur (Chattisgarh)-Nagpur
(Maharashtra) route.
 This is the second Vande Bharat express in the state
after the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Vande Bharat express.
 He inaugurated the ‘Nagpur Metro Phase I’, and laid
the foundation stone of ‘Nagpur Metro phase- II’ at
Khapri Metro Station. The Phase I has been
developed at a cost of Rs 8650 crore while the Phase
II will be developed at a cost of more than Rs 6700
crore.
 He inaugurated the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb
Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg
connecting Nagpur and Shirdi. Built at a cost of
₹55,000 crore, it is one of the longest expressways in
the country that passes through 10 Maharashtra
districts, including Amravati, Aurangabad and Nashik.
International News
2. 20th Edition Of Kathmandu International
Mountain Film Festival
 The 20th Edition of the Kathmandu International
Mountain Film Festival kicked off in Kathmandu,
Nepal. This year, the festival was scheduled to be held
from December 8 to 12, 2022.
 The festival is resuming its physical screening after
two years, because of the pandemic and is ready to
showcase numerous films from across the world.
 The theme of the Film Fest is ‘Sustainable
Summits’ and is going to feature documentaries,
fiction, shorts as well as experimental and animated
films.
 The key focus of the film fest is on the mountain
communities and cultures to Nepali audiences.
3. UAE Successfully Launches First Ever Arab-
Built Lunar Spacecraft
 A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried into space the first
ever Arab-built lunar spacecraft. It was launched
from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in
Florida.
 The Rashid Rover was built by Dubai’s Mohammed
bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), in the United
Arab Emirates (UAE), and is being delivered by
the HAKUTO-R lander, engineered by Japanese
lunar exploration company ispace.
 The mission is due to arrive at Moon around April
2023.
4. India, China troops clash along LAC in Tawang
region, Arunachal Pradesh
 Indian and Chinese troops clashed along the Line of
Actual Control (LAC) in the Tawang sector
of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9 and the face-
off resulted in “minor injuries to a few personnel
from both sides”, the Indian Army said.
 The clash near Yangtse along the LAC in the
sensitive sector took place amid the over 30-month
border standoff between the two sides in eastern
Ladakh.
 It is the first major clash between the Indian and
Chinese armies since August 2020 near Rinchen La
in eastern Ladakh. Indian and Chinese troops were
engaged in a brief face-off near Yangtse in October
last year as well and it was resolved following talks
between local commanders of the two sides as per
established protocols.
5. Japan’s ispace Launches World’s First
Commercial Moon Lander
 Japan is elated and proud of its space startup that
successfully launched a spacecraft to the
moon recently, marking a significant step towards
what would be a historic first, both for the nation and
a private company.
 This has not been an easy task and got successful
after multiple delays. Additionally, what makes it
unique is the fact that it is the first successful
venture to the moon by a private company.
 It took off from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Additionally,
two inspections of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket led to
two postponements, however, the mission crossed all
hurdles efficiently.
 HAKUTO is a term used for a white rabbit that
resides on the moon, as per Japanese folklore. The
ispace craft intends to deploy a tiny NASA
satellite into the orbit of the moon to look for water
deposits prior to its touch in the Atlas Crater.
States News
6. Uttarakhand Plans Genetic Enhancement of Its
Indigenous Badri Cow
 Uttarakhand Government is planning for genetic
enhancement of Badri Cow through sex-sorted
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semen and embryo transfer technology with the aim to
increase its productivity.
 The Badri breed derived its name from the holy
shrine of Char Dham at Badrinath. It is found only
in the hill districts of Uttarakhand and was earlier
known as the ‘pahadi’ cow.
 The milk also has rich medicinal content and high
organic value as it grazes only on herbs and shrubs
available in the mountains.
 It is also comparatively more resistant to diseases,
mostly due to its eating habits.
 This strong and disease resistant breed is found in the
hilly areas of Almora and Pauri Garhwal districts of
Uttarakhand.
7. BJP’s Bhupendra Patel sworn-in as Gujarat CM
for 2nd consecutive term
 Bhupendra Patel took oath as the Chief Minister of
Gujarat for a second straight
term in Gandhinagar. He was administered oath as
the 18th Chief Minister of Gujarat by
Governor Acharya Devvrat.
 Patel was sworn in as the 17th Chief Minister of
Gujarat on September 13, 2021.
 Breaking his own record, Patel won the 2022 election
once again from Ghatlodia constituency with a huge
margin of 1,91,000 votes.Prime minister Narendra
Modi, several Union Ministers including Amit Shah,
Smriti Irani, and Mansukh Mandaviya, and Chief
Ministers of BJP-ruled States including Uttar Pradesh
CM Yogi Adityanath and Madhya Pradesh Chief
Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended the
ceremony.
8. Mopa International Airport Goa named after
former CM Manohar Parrikar
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Mopa
International Airport in Goa, which has been named
after former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
 The new airport, which is about 35 km from capital city
Panaji, can handle 44 lakh passengers annually. Its
capacity can be raised to over 3 crore passengers per
year after expansion plans in the future.
 In November 2016, the PM laid Mopa airport’s
foundation stone. It will be the second airport in the
state, the first airport in Goa is at Dabolim.
Appointments News
9. Justice Dipankar Dutta takes oath as judge of
Supreme Court
 Justice Dipankar Dutta has took oath as a judge of
the Supreme Court. Chief Justice of India DY
Chandrachud administered the oath to Justice Dutta in
the swearing-in ceremony in the Supreme Court in the
presence of all judges.
 With the appointment of Justice Dutta, the Supreme
Court will have 28 judges out of the strength of 34
judges. Justice Dutta will have a term till February 8,
2030
 57-year-old Justice Datta will have a nearly eight-year
tenure in the Supreme court until his retirement
in February 2030 at the age of 65.
 His name was recommended by a Supreme Court
Collegium led by Justice U.U. Lalit on September 26.
10. Legendary PT Usha elected as first woman
president of Indian Olympic Association
 Legendary athlete Pilavullakandi
Thekkeraparambil Usha or PT Usha was elected as
the first woman president of Indian Olympic
Association (IOA).
 The 58-year-old Ms. Usha, a multiple Asian Games
gold medallist and fourth-place finisher in the 1984 Los
Angeles Olympics 400m hurdles final, was declared
elected unopposed for the top post in the polls.
 The elections were held under the supervision of
Supreme Court-appointed retired SC judge L
Nageswara Rao. Usha emerged as the lone
candidate for the top post, as nobody was willing to
fight against Usha, who was nominated to the Rajya
Sabha by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in July.
 Apart from Usha, Ajay Patel of National Rifle
Association of India (NRAI) has been elected
unopposed as senior vice-president.
 Olympic medalist shooter Gagan Narang and Rowing
Federation of India president Rajlaxmi Singh
Deo have been elected unopposed as vice presidents.
Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF)
president Sahdev Yadav has been elected the
treasurer. All India Football Federation (AIFF)
president and former goalkeeper Kalyan
Chaubey has been elected unopposed as the joint
secretary (male).
Defence News
11. Indian Army’s Airawat Division conducted Ex
Sanchaar Bodh
 Indian Army’s Airawat Division conducted Ex
Sanchaar Bodh in extensive obstacle ridden terrain of
Punjab. The exercise validated tactical communication
capabilities. The formation reaffirmed its determination
to win at any cost under adverse conditions..
 The Indian 1 Armoured Division, under II Corps, is
headquartered at Patiala. The 1 Armoured Division,
nicknamed the “Black Elephant” or “Airawat” Division,
is considered to be the pride of the Indian Army.
 Chief of Army Staff: General Manoj Pande;
 Indian Army Headquarters: New Delhi;
 Indian Army Founded: 1 April 1895, India.
Banking News
34
12. RBI Shortlists 7 Global Consultancy Firms to
Use AI, ML to Improve Regulatory Supervision
 In its bid to extensively use advanced
analytics, artificial intelligence and machine
learning to analyse database and improve regulatory
supervision over banks and NBFCs, the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) is mulling over to hire external
experts.
 The central bank has shortlisted seven global
consultancy firms, including Pricewaterhouse
Coopers, McKinsey and Boston Consulting Group
(India), to use artificial intelligence and machine
learning for supervisory functions.
 With the objective of assessing financial soundness,
solvency, asset quality, governance framework,
liquidity, and operational viability to protect
depositors’ interests and financial stability.
Summits And
Conferences
13. 1st G20 Central Bank Deputies Meet in
Bengaluru Under India’s Presidency
 The first G20 Finance and Central Bank Deputies
(FCBD) meeting is scheduled to be held during 13-15
December 2022 in Bengaluru. This meeting, which will
mark the start of discussions on the Finance Track
agenda under the Indian G20 Presidency, will be
hosted jointly by the Ministry of Finance and the
Reserve Bank of India.
 The upcoming meeting of G20 Finance and Central
Bank Deputies will be co-chaired by Mr Ajay Seth,
Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs and Dr
Michael D. Patra, Deputy Governor of RBI.
 The G20 Finance Track discusses key issues of
relevance for the global economy, encompassing
the global economic outlook, the international
financial architecture, infrastructure development and
financing, sustainable finance, global health,
international taxation and financial sector issues,
including financial inclusion.
Sports
News
14. Jos Buttler & Sidra Ameen named as ICC
Player of the Month award for November 2022
 England’s T20 World Cup-winning captain Jos
Buttler was named ICC men’s Player of the
Month for the first time following his stupendous show
in November.
 Pakistan’s Sidra Ameen became the second
successive winner of the women’s Player of the
Month award from the country, thanks to her brilliant
performance in the ODI series win over Ireland.
 Buttler, who is one of the destructive batters in white-
ball cricket in the world, beat Adil Rashid and
Shaheen Shah Afridi to win the ICC Player of the
 Month award for his brilliant performance in the crunch
semi-final match against India and leading England to
their first T20 World Cup title since 2010.
 Sidra Ameen beat Ireland’s Gaby Lewis and
Thailand’s Natthakan Chantam to win the ICC
Women’s Player of the Month for her outstanding
performance against Ireland in the ODI series.
14th December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK
Updates for Bank Exam
National News
1.Chief Justice of India Inaugurates Digitisation
Hubs in 10 districts of Odisha
 Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud virtually
inaugurated 10 district court digitisation hubs
(DCDH) in Odisha, and said that modernisation of
judiciary is the need of the hour.
 A total of 15 DCDHs have now become functional in
the state, with each catering to a neighbouring district,
thus covering all 30 district courts.
 Initially, four District Court Digitization Centres (DCDC)
were set up on a pilot basis in Cuttack, Ganjam,
Sambalpur and Balasore districts on April 30, 2021.
2. PM Participated in a Programme
Commemorating Sri Aurobindo’s 150th Birth
Anniversary
 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in a
programme commemorating Sri Aurobindo’s 150th
birth anniversary.
 The programme, being held in Kamban Kalai
Sangam, Puducherry, under the aegis of Azadi ka
Amrit Mahotsav, witnessed the Prime Minister
releasing a commemorative coin and postal stamp in
honour of Sri Aurobindo.
 He is popularly known as yogi Rishi Aurobindo.
 He was a revolutionary, nationalist, poet,
educationist and philosopher.
 Birth: He was born on August 15, 1872, in Calcutta to
Shri Krishnadhan Ghosh.
States News
3. Prime Minister Launched Projects Worth Rs
75,000 Cr in Maharashtra
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lay the foundation
stone and inaugurate projects worth Rs 75,000 crores
in Maharashtra.
 PM Modi inaugurated Phase-I of Hindu Hrudaysamrat
Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi
Mahamarg, covering a distance of 520 Kms
and connecting Nagpur and Shirdi.
 Prime Minister dedicated ‘Nagpur Metro Phase I’ to
the nation. He will flag off two metro trains – from
Khapri to Automotive Square (Orange Line) and from
35
Prajapati Nagar to Lokmanya Nagar (Aqua line) –
at Khapri Metro Station. Phase I of the Nagpur Metro
is developed at a cost of more than Rs 8650 crore.
Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of
Nagpur Metro Phase- II, which will be developed at a
cost of more than Rs 6700 crore.
4. Meghalaya health department awarded for Best
Practice in Tuberculosis ACSM
 The Meghalaya government, which has adopted
a ‘Jan Andolan’ (people’s movement) against
Tuberculosis received an award for best practices in
controlling the disease that affects 2.6 million people in
India every year.
 The award for Best Practice in Advocacy,
Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) in
Tuberculosis control was presented to representatives
of the health department at a national workshop,
aimed at ending TB infections, in the national capital.
 The state registered 4,189 TB cases in 2021 while in
the first quarter of 2022, around 1,075 patients have
been enrolled for treatment.
 Important: -
 Meghalaya Capital: Shillong;
 Meghalaya Chief Minister: Conrad Kongkal
Sangma;Meghalaya Governor: B. D. Mishra.

5. Forest department launched Project ‘Vanikaran’
in Kerala
 The Forest department in association with Noolpuzha
grama panchayat has launched the ‘Vanikaran’
(afforestation) project to root out invasive plants,
especially Senna spectabilis, and restore natural
forests.
 The project was being executed on 30 hectares of
forestland under the Sulthan Bathery forest range of
the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, where exotic invasive
plants, including Senna spectabilis, Eupatorium,
Mikania micrantha, and Lantana camara, were posing
a serious threat to the local species of trees, S. Ranjith
Kumar, Assistant Wildlife Warden of the sanctuary.
 As many as 87 workers of Kadambakkad, Golur and
Kalichira tribal hamlets had planted 3,000 bamboo
seedlings and 1,000 fruit plant saplings on 3.5
hectares of forestland so far, said Ms. Satheesh.
 Apart from planting the saplings, the authorities ensure
the protection of plants for the next five years under
the project. The workers have also constructed soil
bunds and pits for harvesting rainwater to ensure
availability of water for the saplings.
Appointments News
6. Senior Dr. PC Rath elected as President of
Cardiological Society of India
 Senior cardiologist from Hyderabad, Dr PC Rath, was
formally elected president of the Cardiological
Society of India (CSI) for the year 2023-24, in an
annual meeting held in Chennai.
 Dr PC Rath is currently a senior consultant cardiologist
and head of department of Cardiology at Apollo
Hospitals, Jubilee Hills.
 Cardiological Society of India will be celebrating its
75th year celebration in December 2023 in Kolkata
and Dr PC Rath will play a vital role in framing the
scientific programme for the platinum jubilee
celebrations. The CSI is a national body of
cardiologists within India and those settled abroad. It
has more than 5,000 members and was formed in
1948 under the stewardship of Bharat Ratna Dr
Vidhan Shankar Roy, who served as the first president
of the society.
7. Supreme Court Collegium recommends 5 names
to Centre as apex court judges
 The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended to
the Centre the names of five high court judges for
appointment as apex court judges. The
recommendation came after the meeting of the six-
member Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India D Y
Chandrachud.
 After the elevation of justice Dipankar Datta, former
chief justice of Bombay High Court, SC’s current
bench strength is 28 as against the sanctioned
strength of 34. If the five names recommended by the
Supreme Court collegium are notified by the central
government, then the bench strength of the court will
become 33.
 Their Names:-
 Justice Pankaj Mithal, Chief Justice, Rajasthan High
Court;
 Justice Sanjay Karol, Chief Justice, Patna High
Court;
 Justice PV Sanjay Kumar, Chief Justice, Manipur
High Court;
 Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Judge, Patna High
Court;
 Justice Manoj Misra, Judge, Allahabad High Court.
8. WHO names Sir Jeremy Farrar as its new chief
scientist
 World Health Organization (WHO) announced
that Dr Jeremy Farrar will become its new Chief
Scientist. Currently, Director of the Wellcome Trust,
Dr Farrar will join WHO in the second quarter of 2023.
 As WHO’s Chief Scientist, Dr Farrar will oversee the
Science Division, bringing together the best brains in
science and innovation from around the world to
develop and deliver high quality health services to the
people who need them most, no matter who they are
and where they live.
36
 Dr Farrar is a clinician scientist who, before joining
Wellcome in 2013, spent 17 years as Director of the
Clinical Research Unit at the Hospital for Tropical
Diseases in Viet Nam where his research interests
were in global health with a focus on emerging
infectious diseases.
Economy News
9. WPI Inflation Declines to 21-Month low of 5.85 %
in Nov
 The wholesale price-based inflation declined to a
21-month low of 5.85 per cent in November on easing
prices of food, fuel and manufactured items.
 After remaining in double digits for 19 months,
the wholesale price index (WPI) based inflation
declined to 8.39 per cent in October. The inflation
was 14.87 per cent in November 2021.
 Decline in the rate of inflation in November 2022, is
primarily contributed by fall in prices of food articles,
basic metals, textiles, chemicals & chemical products
and paper & paper products as compared to the
corresponding month of the previous year.
10. In November, Retail inflation eased below 6%
for the first time in 2022
 Retail inflation of India has been eased to 5.88% in
November 2022 from 6.77% in October. It is the first
time in this Financial Year when the inflation rate came
within the tolerance band of RBI i.e. 2 to 6%. Food
prices, which account for nearly 40% of the CPI
basket, eased to 4.67% in November, compared
with 7.01% in October.
 Retail inflation has been above the upper end of the
Reserve Bank of India’s 2%-6% tolerance band since
January, triggering 225 basis points of interest rate
rise, so far taking it to 6.25%.
 Excluding the volatile food and energy components,
the core inflation is estimated to be between 6% and
6.26% in November, according to three economists’
estimates, compared to 5.9% to 6.3% in October.
 Cooling vegetable and edible oil prices drove India’s
retail inflation down to 5.88% in November from 6.77%
in October, the first time since January this year that
consumer prices have risen slower than the 6%
tolerance threshold set for the central bank.
 Food price inflation faced by consumers eased to an
11-month low of 4.67% from over 7% in October, but
rural consumers faced a greater burden with a 5.2%
price rise in food items, compared to just 3.7% for their
urban peers. Overall rural retail inflation also stayed
high at 6.09%.
Banking News
11. SBI Wrote Off Rs 1.65 Lakh Crore Loans in Last
Four Fiscal Years
 Banks have written off bad loans worth ₹ 10,09,511
crore during the last five financial years, Finance
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed Parliament.
The non-performing assets (NPAs), including those
in respect of which full provisioning has been made on
completion of four years, are removed from the
balance sheet of the bank concerned by way of write-
off.
 Banks write off NPAs as part of their regular exercise
to clean up their balance sheet, avail tax benefit and
optimise capital, in accordance with RBI
guidelines and policy approved by their boards. As
per inputs received from RBI, Scheduled Commercial
Banks (SCBs) wrote off an amount of ₹ 10,09,511
crore during the last five financial years.
 SCBs have recovered an aggregate amount of ₹
6,59,596 crore, including recovery of ₹ 1,32,036 crore
from written-off loan accounts during the last five
financial years.
12. BoB Proposes to Sell Its Majority Stake in
Nainital Bank
 State-owned Bank of Baroda (BoB) said it plans
to sell its majority stake in Nainital Bank. The board
of directors of the bank has approved divestment of
its majority shareholding in Nainital Bank Limited
(NBL), and authorised issuance of an advertisement
inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) through a
Preliminary Information Memorandum (PIM) from
interested parties (IPs).
 BoB currently holds 98.57 per cent of the total
equity share capital of NBL. Uttarakhand-based
Nainital Bank has about 150 branches across
Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and
Rajasthan. The Mumbai-based BoB had taken over
Nainital Bank in 1973 on the directions of the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Ranks And Reports
13. UIDAI Topped the Grievance Redressal Index
For the Fourth Consecutive Month in November
 Unique Identification Authority of India
(UIDAI) topped the grievance redressal index among
all group A ministries, departments and autonomous
bodies for resolution of public grievances for the fourth
month in a row in November.
 The report was published by the Administrative
Reforms and Public Grievances Department
(DARPG).
 The Unique Identification Authority of India
(UIDAI) is a statutory authority established on 12
July 2016 by the Government of India under the
jurisdiction of the Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology, following the provisions of the
Aadhaar Act 2016.
37
 The UIDAI is mandated to assign a 12-digit unique
identification (UID) number (Aadhaar) to all the
residents of India.
Science And Tech News
14. ISRO Successfully Completes Hypersonic
Vehicle Test Run
 Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) successfully conducted a joint hypersonic
vehicle trial along with the Headquarters, Integrated
Defence Staff (HQ IDS). According to the country’s
premier space research agency, the joint hypersonic
vehicle trial matched with the predetermined
targets.
 Hypersonic missiles move towards the target at
a speed of Mach 5 i.e. 5 times or more than the
speed of sound (343 m/s). It can travel about 6,200
kilometers in an hour. Capable of carrying nuclear
warheads, hypersonic missiles can fly at very low
altitudes and at higher speeds than common ballistic
and cruise missiles. They can also change direction
during their journey, that is, like a normal missile, the
target does not follow a fixed path.
 Important: -
 ISRO Chairman: S. Somanath;
 ISRO’s foundation Date: 15th August, 1969;
 ISRO’s Founder: Dr. Vikram Sarabhai.
Sports News
15. Divya TS won gold in women’s air pistol
National Shooting Championship 2022
 Karnataka shooter Divya T.S has secured her first
women’s 10m air pistol national title at the 65th
National Shooting Championship Competitions in
Pistol events held in Bhopal. She defeated Sanskriti
Bana from Uttar Pradesh by 16-14 in the gold medal
match and Rhythm Sangwan from Haryana settled for
bronze.
 The 27-year-old Divya as she topped the second stage
with 254.2, ahead of a string of top shooters like
Rhythm Sangwan, Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker.
 Olympian, Manu Bhaker has won the junior women’s
air pistol, after defeating Esha Singh (Telangana).
Rhythm Sangwan has won the gold medal in the
Youth category.
Important Days
16. National Energy Conservation Day 2022: 14
December
 The National Energy Conservation Day is
celebrated every year on 14th December 2022.
 The purpose is to showcase the achievements of the
nation in energy efficiency and conservation. 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.
 The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the
power ministry of India, launched the National Energy
Conservation Awards in 1991 to recognise the
contribution of industries and establishments in
reducing energy consumption while maintaining their
production through awards.
15th December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK
Updates for Bank Exam
National News
1. 20 New Nuclear Power Plants to be
Commissioned in Country by 2031
 India plans to commission 20 nuclear power
plants by 2031, adding nearly 15,000 MW in power
generating capacity, the government told the Lok
Sabha. The first of these 20 nuclear power plants, a
700 MW unit, is expected to be commissioned in 2023
at Kakrapar in Gujarat, which already has three
atomic power generating units operational.
 According to a written reply by Minister of State in
the PMO Jitendra Singh, the 500 MW Prototype Fast
Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam is likely to be
operational in 2024, followed by two 1,000 MW units at
Kudankulam in 2025.
International News
2. France to host International Conference
“Standing with the Ukrainian People”
 According to the French embassy, France will host an
International conference “Standing with the
Ukrainian People” in Paris with an aim to coordinate
international support for civilian resilience in Ukraine
and address the Ukrainian people’s urgent
humanitarian needs.
 The conference is organised at the initiative of French
President Emmanuel Macron and is co-organised
with Ukraine. During the conference, Ukraine’s
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will address virtually.
 The Ukrainian people are facing dire difficulties in all
sectors essential to life: electricity supply, food
security, water supply, and access to medical care.
 This situation is aggravated by the onset of winter and
by the increased Russian bombardments against
civilian infrastructures in Ukraine, particularly energy
infrastructure, resulting in severe blackouts.
Important: -
 France President: Emmanuel Macron;
 France Capital: Paris;
 France Prime minister: Elisabeth Borne;
 France currency: Euro.
38
3. Russia Replaces Iraq as Top Oil Supplier to
India in November
 Russia has for the first time emerged as top oil
supplier to India replacing Iraq as refiners last month
snapped up oil from Moscow fearing a price cap from
Dec. 5 could hit supplies and choke payment avenues.
 India’s oil imports from Russia rose for the fifth
straight month, totaling 908,000 barrels per day (bpd)
in November, up 4% from October, the data showed.
The Group of Seven nations(G-7), Australia, and
the 27 European Union
countries have imposed a price cap of $60 a
barrel on Russian seaborne oil from Dec. 5 as
the West tries to limit Moscow’s ability to finance
its war in Ukraine.
 The price cap plan calls for G7 countries to deny
insurance, finance, brokering, navigation, and other
services to oil cargoes priced above the price cap on
crude and oil products.
4. New Zealand govt passes world’s first tobacco
law to ban smoking
 The New Zealand government has passed a law to
completely end tobacco smoking by banning youth
from buying cigarettes for life.
 The Smoke Free Environments and Regulated
Products (Smoking Tobacco) Amendment Bill has
been passed in New Zealand which aims to make New
Zealand smoke free by 2025.
 The bill aims to ban the sale of tobacco to anyone born
after January 1, 2009, and reduce the number of
cigarette retailers in the country.
 The bill has received bipartisan support in New
Zealand’s parliament and Prime Minister Jacinda
Ardern also plans to reduce the amount of nicotine
allowed in smokeless tobacco products. Passage of
the bill would reduce the number of tobacco retailers
nationwide to about one-tenth of the current number of
6,000.
Important: -
 New Zealand Prime Minister: Jacinda Ardern;
 New Zealand Capital: Wellington;
 New Zealand Currency : New Zealand dollar.
State News
5. Tamil Nadu CM Stalin inaugurated statue of
‘Mahakavi Subramanian Bharathiyar’
 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K.Stalin inaugurated the
statue of Mahakavi Subramanian Bharathiyar at the
renovated house of Bharathiyar at Varanasi via video
conference on 11th December.
 Stalin also released a souvenir on his centenary.
Bharathiyar’s 141st birth anniversary celebrates on the
 behalf of State Government in various places in the
State.
 Mahakavi Subramanian Bharathiyar was a Tamil
writer, poet, journalist, Indian independence activist,
social reformer and polyglot.
Agreements News
6. IIT Ropar, Army Training Command sign MoU to
set up Centre of Excellence
 Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar and
the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) of the
Indian Army has signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) for setting up a centre of
excellence for studies and applied research
in defence and security at the premier institute.
 The MoU was signed by Rajeev Ahuja, director, IIT
Ropar and Lt Gen SS Mahal, General Officer
Commanding –in-Chief of the ARTRAC.
 IIT Ropar will also curate training programmes as
exchange of information on educational programmes
for security practitioners of the armed forces, Central
Armed Police Forces, intelligence agencies and state
police forces run by it as part of its on-campus and off-
campus programmes on research and innovation
Economy News
7. ADB Keeps India’s GDP Growth Unchanged at
7%
 The Manila-based Asian Development Bank kept
its economic growth outlook for India unchanged at
seven percent for the fiscal 2022-23. The bank also
forecasted a weaker-than-previously expected pace
for developing Asia.
 The seven percent growth projection for fiscal 2022-
23, unchanged from its September forecast, against
8.7 percent GDP growth in the previous fiscal. For the
next fiscal year, FY 23-24, the GDP growth has
been kept unchanged at 7.2 percent, “sustained by
positive effects from structural reform and from public
investment catalysing private investment”.
 The Asian Development Bank is a regional
development bank (ADB) established on 19th
December 1966. It is headquartered in Manila,
Philippines.
Banking News
8. HDFC Bank Partners with Startup India for
Parivartan SmartUp Grants
 HDFC Bank announced the launch of its sixth annual
grants program for social startups in partnership with
the Government of India’s flagship initiative ‘Startup
India’. Known as Parivartan SmartUp Grants, the
program aims to identify startups working in the social
impact space and support them through monetary
grants to their incubators.
39
 The grants have been offered under the aegis of
Parivartan, the umbrella name for the bank’s social
initiatives. So far, the bank has disbursed over INR
30 crore to more than 45 incubators which supported
over 165 startups working in areas like environment,
agri-business, ed-tech, waste management,
healthcare, and skill development sectors.
Summits and Conferences News
9. 8th India International Science Festival 2022 to
be held in Bhopal
 India International Science Festival (IISF)-2022 will
be held in Bhopal in January 2023 and incidentally, it
is one of the major events to be held after India took
over G-20 Presidency.
 IISF is the initiative of the Ministry of Science &
Technology and Ministry of Earth Science of
Government of India in association with Vijnana
Bharati which is a science movement with swadeshi
spirit led by eminent scientists of the country. The IISF
2022 is the eighth edition since its inception in 2015.
 It is a festival to celebrate the achievements of India’s
scientific and technological advancements with
students, innovators, craftsmen, farmers, scientists
and technocrats from India and abroad.
Science and Technology News
10. ISRO is doing to boost the use of NavIC, India’s
version of GPS
 To promote the use of ‘NAVigation with the Indian
Constellation’ (NavIC), the Indian version of GPS,
the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will
introduce the L1 frequency in all its future satellites.
 The seven satellites in the NavIC
constellation currently use two frequencies for
providing positioning data — the L5 and S bands.
However, most mobile System on Chips(SoCs) and
wearable devices support the L1 band.
 To overcome this drawback, ISRO announced
that new satellites from NVS-01 onwards which are
meant to replace these satellites will also have L1
frequency.
Schemes and Conferences News
11. Govt Allocates Rs 1037.90 Crore to New India
Literacy Programme for Next 5 Years
 The Ministry of Education (MoE) approved a new
scheme “New India Literacy Programme” for the
next five years to cover all the aspects of adult
education to align with new National Education
Policy (NEP).
 The ministry has also decided to use “Education For
All” instead of “Adult Education” as the previous
 term did not appropriately represent all non-literates in
15 years and above age group.
 The objectives of the scheme is to impart not only
foundational literacy and numeracy but also to cover
other components which are necessary for a citizen of
21st century such as critical life skills including
financial literacy, digital literacy, commercial skills,
health care and awareness.
Ranks and Reports News
12. EVs to Create Up to $100 billion Opportunity in
India by 2030
 India’s electric vehicle (EV) value chain revenue pool
is expected to reach a size of $76-100 billion by
2030, potentially translating to $8-11 billion profit pool,
according to a report by Bain & Company.
 The Indian automotive market is poised for rapid EV
growth, due to the convergence of factors including
government incentives, improving cost-
competitiveness and original equipment
manufacturer (OEM) investment, along with
increased customer readiness and awareness, the
report noted.
Defence News
13. India-Kazakhstan joint military exercise
“KAZIND – 2022” begins in Umroi, Meghalaya
 The 6th Edition of Indo – Kazakhstan joint training
exercise “KAZIND-22” is conducted at Umroi
(Meghalaya) from 15 to 28 December 2022.
 The scope of this exercise involves a Command Post
Exercise (CPX) at the Battalion level and Company
level Field Training Exercise (FTX) on sub-
conventional operations. During the exercise,
participants will engage in variety of missions ranging
from joint planning, joint tactical drills, basics of special
arms skills, HADR and raiding a hostile target.
 Joint annual training exercise with the Kazakhstan
Army was instituted in 2016 as Exercise Prabal
Dostyk, which was later upgraded to a company level
exercise and renamed as Ex Kazind in 2018.
Important: -
 Kazakhstan Capital: Astana;
 Kazakhstan Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge.
Awards News
14. SpiceJet awarded ‘Safety Performer of the
Year’ award by GMR Delhi airport
 SpiceJet has been awarded the ‘Safety Performer of
the Year’ award by GMR Delhi Airport Awards for
being the top performer among the self-handling
airlines and as it has been able to reduce ground
safety violations significantly.
 SpiceJet ground handling team at Delhi Airport
achieved this performance through constant focus on
40
quality improvements, innovation and hard work.
Moreover, their role in minimising incidences of ground
safety violations ensured compliance with safety
guidelines and regulatory requirements.
15. SS Rajamouli “RRR” bags two Golden Globe
Award nominations
 SS Rajamouli-directed period movie ‘RRR’ has been
nominated in two categories at the Golden Globe
Awards to be held in January 2023. The Hollywood
Foreign Press Association (HFPA) has nominated
‘RRR’ in the Best Picture: Non-English language and
Best Original Song Naatu Naatu.
 ‘RRR’ follows a pre-Independence story woven around
two real-life Indian revolutionaries: Alluri Sitarama
Raju and Komaram Bheem, in the 1920s. Starring
Ram Charan and Jr NTR in the lead, the film released
worldwide in March in five languages. RRR is the only
Indian film to make the final five out of a clutch of other
entries from India, among them Gangubai Kathiawadi,
Kantara and Chhello Show.
Sports News
16. Hyderabad Strikers crowned as champions of
Tennis Premier League 2022
 Hyderabad Strikers has crowned as champions
of 4th Tennis Premier League (TPL) 2022. The final
of the 4th TPL was held in Pune,
Maharashtra. Hyderabad Strikers beat Mumbai Leon
Army (41-32) and was crowned champions of the
event for the 2nd year in a row.
 Hyderabad’s pair S. Balaji and Nikki Poonacha
defeated Mumbai’s R. Ramanathan and J.
Nedunnchezhiyan 14-6 to win the title.
17. England’s Joe Root joins elite list with 10000+
test runs and 50+ wickets
 Former England skipper Joe Root became only the
third cricketer in history to score 10000 runs and pick
up 50 wickets in Test cricket. He achieved the feat
during the ongoing second Test against Pakistan in
Multan.
 Root reached the milestone when he
dismissed Faheem Ashraf in the 70th over of
Pakistan’s second innings at the Multan Cricket
Stadium. It was a tossed-up delivery from the off-
spinner and Faheem tried to push at it. The ball turned
very little to take the batter’s edge and presented a
simple catch to Zak Crawley at slips.
 Root joins South African legend Jacques Kallis and
former Australian skipper Steve Waugh in scoring
10000 runs and claiming 50 wickets in the longest
format.
Obituaries News
 18. Poland’s only cosmonaut Gen Miroslaw
Hermaszewski passes away
 Poland’s only cosmonaut Gen Miroslaw
Hermaszewski passed away recently at the age of 81.
He circled the Earth in a Soviet spacecraft in 1978.
Hermaszewski became a national hero thanks to his
trip to space.
 For nine days in June and July of 1978, Hermaszewski
and Soviet cosmonaut Pyotr Klimuk circled the Earth
in the Soyuz 30 spaceship that docked at the Salyut 6
orbital space station. They went around the globe 126
times.
GA Questions Asked in IBPS PO Mains Exam 2022
Here the list of all the GA questions asked in IBPS PO
Mains Exam 2022:
1. Donyi Polo airport situated in which State? Arunachal
Pradesh
2. Rishi sunak become which number of Prime minister
of United Kingdom? 57th
3. Which is the SCO Cultural City? Varanasi
4. Which of the following is the 12th Mahratna
Company? REC Ltd
5. What is the Bank Rate?6.15% ( november) if
september month asked them (5.65%)
6. Sprite is of which company? Coca Cola
7. Nobel Prize of Economy was given in? for research
on banks and financial crises
8. 1st bank to launch electronic guarantee: HDFC
9. Statement related to IBA asking Government help in
Material shortage for ATM cards : Semiconductors
10. One question from Budget?
11. Spice Congress venue? Mumbai
12. DAKSH scheme?
13. The new beaches which are given Blue flag
certification is located to where? Lakshdweep island
14. On which bank ,RBI imposed penalty of 1.76 cr in
September—Vakrangee Limited
15. A question on white label ATM.
16. Question On Auto Index: ICICI Prudential
17. What is the name of 1st electronic bank of India? First
bank
18. Where Sand art festival is celebrated? Odisha
19. Question Related to Social Stock Exchange
Ombudsman?
20. What is the service charge to non chest branches per
100 pieces? 8rs per packet
21. Who won the Startup of the year at the ET Startup
Awards 2022? Razorpay
22. Sony group acquired which company? Zee
23. book : Forks in the Road: My days at RBI : C
Rangaranjan
41
24. Casper Rudd belongs to which country? Norway
25. Statement based question on Credit Information
Companies-Ombudsman
26. Online games banned in which state? Tamil Nadu
27. Investment in Gujarat
28. Human Development Index best
performer? Switzerland
29. In which UCB one can’t open saving deposit account ?
30. To issue commercial papers company’s net worth—
100 cr
31. Russia Gazprom has partnership with whom? UCO
bank
32. Question related to C295? Aircraft manufacturing in
collab with TATA
33. CCI slap penalty 392 cr—Make My Trip-Goibibo,Oyo
34. Borrowing limit through sovereign gold bond scheme
35. Grievance appellate tribunal committee on social
media —1 Chairperson+2 wholetime members by
central govt
36. Improve the country’s Logistics Performance Index
(LPI) ranking to be among top 25 countries by which
year: 2030
37. CBDC Digital Rupee – Wholesale segment (e₹-W) i.e.,
the central bank digital currency (CBDC) was launched
reason -to settle transactions in government securities
to reduce burden
38. Question related to Bank PSL target if not achieved
then the penalty is ? find the odd one out statement
(Rbi FAQ)
39. Australia approves commercial release of GM variety
of Indian-Mustard
16th December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK
Updates for Bank Exam
National News
1.India To Be First Country To Auction SatCom
Spectrum
 India will be the first country to
auction spectrum for satellite communication, and it
should be designed to attract investments in the
sector, telecom regulator Trai chairman PD
Vaghela said.
 Speaking at a Broadband India Forum summit on
SatCom, Vaghela said the Telecom Regulatory
Authority of India (Trai) will soon make
recommendations to make permissions required for
satellite communication from various ministries.
 Satellite communication refers to any communication
link that involves the use of an artificial satellite in
its propagation path.
International News
2. Global Trade Surges to $32 Trillion Record in
2022 Says UN
 The value of global trade is set to reach a new record
this year, increasing by about 12 per cent to an
 estimated $32 trillion, according to a UN report that
signaled a slowdown heading into 2023.
 “The substantial trade growth during the last year was
largely due to increases in the value of the trade of
energy products,” the United Nations Conference
on Trade and Development said in the report.
 Trade in merchandise goods soared to $25 trillion,
an increase of about 10 per cent versus the prior
year. Trade in services grew 15 per cent year-over-
year to nearly $7 trillion, according to the report.
3. G-7 Agrees $15.5B Energy Deal with Vietnam to
Cut Emissions
 A group of nine rich industrialized
nations approved a deal to provide Vietnam with
$15.5 billion to help the Southeast Asian
nation move faster from coal power to renewable
energy, cutting its climate-damaging pollution.
 The Group of Seven major economies, along
with Norway and Denmark, said in a statement that
the aim is to help Vietnam reduce its emissions to “net
zero” by 2050, a goal which expert say needs to be
met globally to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees
Celsius.
 The Just Energy Transition Partnership with
Vietnam is among a series of agreements that
developing and rich nations are negotiating. The first
such deal was signed with South Africa last year, and
a similar agreement was reached with Indonesia last
month.
4. US Announces Historic Nuclear Fusion
Breakthrough
 United States has announced a nuclear
fusion breakthrough, a historic step towards the
promise of ‘near-limitless’ clean energy and may
help the fight to curb climate change.
 US Department of Energy said, researchers at
the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
(LLNL) in California for the first time produced more
energy in a fusion reaction than was used to ignite it,
something called net energy gain.
 Scientists use high-energy laser beams to achieve
these temperatures which is also called inertial
fusion.
 At the international collaborative project in
southern France called ITER in which India is a
partner used very strong magnetic fields for the
same purpose which is the second method of
producing this energy.
Defence News
5. Indo-Nepal Joint Training Exercise “SURYA
KIRAN-XVI” Begins at Nepal Army Battle School
42
 The 16th Edition of Indo-Nepal joint training Exercise
“SURYA KIRAN-XVI” between India and Nepal will be
conducted at Nepal Army Battle School, Saljhandi
(Nepal), from 16 – 29 December 2022.
 Exercise “SURYA KIRAN” is conducted annually
between India and Nepal with the aim to enhance
interoperability in jungle warfare & counter
terrorism operations in mountainous terrain and
HADR under UN mandate.
 Surya Kiran is a bilateral joint military exercise
between India and Nepal. Indian Army and Nepal
Army participate in the Surya Kiran exercise.
 The biannual exercise, which takes place alternately
in both countries, aims to establish military relations
in inaccessible mountainous areas by the soldiers of
both countries; provide humanitarian assistance under
disaster management; get training in anti-terrorist
operations; and build interoperability and share
expertise between the two countries.
 The 15th edition of Indo-Nepal joint military training
exercise Surya Kiran was held on September 20,
2021, at Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand.
Agreements
6. AIIA Inks Agreements with International
Institutions for Promoting Ayurveda
 In a bid to promote Ayurveda across continents,
the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) has signed
a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the
University of Medical Sciences, Cuba, and extended
the agreement with Rosenberg European Academy
of Ayurveda (REAA), Germany, for five more years to
take forward collaborative programmes.
 The agreements were signed on the sidelines of
the 9th World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo.
The MoU with Havana-based University of Medical
Sciences was signed between Cuban Ambassador to
India Alejandro Simancas Marin and Dr Tanuja M
Nesari, the director of AIIA.
 With these collaborations, Delhi-based AIIA, an
autonomous organisation under the Ministry of
AYUSH, has 15 international partners and
35 national partners under its collaborative activities.
7. Airbnb Signs MoU with Goa Govt to Promote
Inclusive Tourism
 Airbnb signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with the Department of Tourism, Government
of Goa, to jointly promote Goa as one of the most
sought-after high potential tourism destinations in India
and around the world.
 The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa and
Airbnb will work together to promote Goa as a
destination for high-quality tourism, by upscaling
the culture of homestays in the state, while spotlighting
unique destinations for hinterland tourism and
 homestay tourism that travellers can discover. This will
be done through targeted domestic and international
destination promotion campaigns.
Ranks And Reports
8. UN Ranks ‘Namami Gange’ Project Among
World’s top 10 Initiatives
 The United Nations has recognised the Namami
Gange initiative to rejuvenate India’s sacred River
Ganga as one of the top 10 World Restoration
Flagships to revive the natural world. The award was
received by G Ashok Kumar, Director General,
Namami Gange, at the 15th Conference of the
Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) in Montreal,
Canada.
 Namami Gange was selected from over 150 such
initiatives from 70 countries across the globe. They
were selected under the banner of the United Nations
Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a global
movement coordinated by the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United
Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
 It is designed to prevent and reverse the degradation
of natural spaces across the planet. The recognized
initiatives, including Namami Gange, will now be
eligible to receive UN support, funding or technical
expertise.
Schemes
9. Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to
Inaugurate 7th India IWIS
 Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri Gajendra Singh
Shekhawat has inaugurated the 7th India Water
Impact Summit (IWIS 2022) on December 15, 2022 in
the presence of Shri Bishweshwar Tudu, Minister of
State for Jal Shakti.
 The theme of the summit this year is Restoration and
Conservation of Small Rivers in a Large Basin, with
emphasis on the ‘Mapping and Convergence of 5Ps’
– People, Policy, Plan, Programme and Project.
 The three-day-long summit will aim to give an insight
into the potential causes for divergence and
formulate a strategy to achieve convergence.
Sports
10. FINA World Swimming Championships 2022:
Chahat Arora Sets National Record in 100m
Breaststroke
 In Swimming, Indian swimmer Chahat Arora set
a national record in the women’s 100-metre
breaststroke at the FINA World Swimming
Championships 2022 in Melbourne, Australia.
 Chahat will participate in the women’s 50m
breaststroke event. Siva Sridhar will compete in the
100-metre individual medley.
43
 FINA is the International Swimming Federation.
Chahat Arora completed the 100-metre breaststroke
race in 1 minute, 13.13 seconds.
 The Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) is
the world governing body for aquatic sports such as
swimming, diving, waterpolo, synchronised and open
water swimming.
17th December Daily Current Affairs 2022 : Today GK
Updates for Bank Exam
National News
1. Nation Pays Tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
on His Death Anniversary
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union
Ministers paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on
his 71st death anniversary.
 Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the “Iron Man
of India,” was born in Nadiad village in present-day
Gujarat on October 31, 1875.
 In India’s freedom struggle, he was a political and
freedom leader.
 He is known as the Iron Man of India because of his
strong views on the union of princely states into
one nation, his good attitude toward women’s
emancipation, and his active participation in shaping
India into what it is now.
 Vallabhbhai Patel was given the title of ‘Sardar’ by
Mahatma Gandhi.
 In 1991, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat
Ratna. Since 2014, his birthday has been celebrated
as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity
Day). Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel joined the princely
kingdoms in British Indian territory, preventing India
from becoming divided.
o Due to his role in uniting the shards of princely
kingdoms into a single nation, he is known as
the ‘Bismarck of India.’
o Modern All India Services was founded by him.
o He served as India’s first Home Minister and
Deputy Prime Minister.
o Sardar Patel, 75, died of a major heart attack in
Bombay on December 15, 1950.
2.Vijay Diwas Celebrated in India to Mark Victory of
Bangladesh Liberation War
 Nation celebrates Vijay Diwas, to commemorate
India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 Bangladesh
Liberation war. On this day, the heroes who
sacrificed their lives for war are remembered and
tributes are paid to them.
 On 16th December 1971, the chief of the Pakistani
forces, General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, along
with 93 thousand troops, surrendered unconditionally
 to the allied forces led by Lieutenant General Jagjit
Singh Aurora, in Dhaka after their defeat.
 Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on 16th
December to honour the victory of the Indian armed
forces over Pakistan in 1971. Vijay Diwas is celebrated
to commemorate the heroes who sacrificed their lives
for the nation. The India-Pakistan war went on for 13
days and India defeated Pakistan on 16th December
1971.
International News
3. Tokyo Makes Solar Panels Mandatory for New
Homes Built After 2025
 The Japanese capital local assembly passed a new
regulation which stated that all new houses in
Tokyo built by large-scale homebuilders after April
2025 must install solar power panels to cut
household carbon emissions. Currently, Japan
stands at fifth spot in the world’s largest carbon
emitters list.
 This new regulation for new built homes requires
about 50 major builders to equip homes of up to
2,000 square meters (21,500 square feet) with
renewable energy power sources, mainly solar panels.
 Japan is the world’s fifth-largest carbon emitter.
The country has committed to achieving carbon
neutrality by 2050. However, it faces difficulty as
Japan has relied heavily on coal-burning thermal
power after most of its nuclear reactors were in the
wake of the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
4. Iran Removed From UN Commission on the
Status of Women
 Iran has been expelled from the United Nation’s
Commission on the Status of Women (UNW) in a
vote on which India abstained. The US proposal at
the UN Economic and Social Council to remove Iran
from the panel received 29 votes, while there were
eight votes against and 16 abstentions in the 54-
member elected body.
 Mahsa Amin who died after being held by “morality
police” in September. Her death sparked the protests,
during which, “government security forces have
reportedly detained and tortured thousands of people,
killed hundreds of peaceful protestors, and badly
injured many more. Men supporting women in the
streets are now being targeted with the death penalty.
 The UN Commission on the Status of Women
(CSW) was established in 1946, and has become
instrumental in promoting women’s rights,
documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout
the world, and shaping global standards on gender
equality and the empowerment of women. Its 45
members are elected by ECOSOC, based on
equitable geographical distribution, and serve for four
years.
44
Defence News
5. India Successfully Carries Out Trials of Nuclear-
Capable ”Agni-5 missile”
 India has successfully conducted night trials
of nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni V, capable
of striking targets at ranges more than 5,000
kilometers with very high degree of accuracy.
 The missile test firing was conducted from APJ Abdul
Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. This was the latest
test in the Agni missile series. According to defence
sources, the test was carried out to validate new
technologies and equipment on the missile that are
now lighter than before.
 The Agni V missile, which uses a three-stage solid-
fuelled engine, has been developed by
India’s Defence Research and Development
organisation (DRDO).
 The development of Agni missiles started in early 1980
under the Integrated Guided Missile Development
Programme spearheaded by scientist and
former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, who was
also a central figure in India’s missile and space
programmes.
6. India received Rafale’s 36th and last aircraft
from France
 All 36 Rafale aircraft were delivered to India by
France. India and France struck an intergovernmental
agreement wherein Paris committed to pay India
60,000 crore rupees for 36 Rafale fighter jets in 2016.
 The Rafale is a 4.5 generation jet with long-range air-
to-air and air-to-ground missiles, as well as cutting-
edge radar and electronic warfare capabilities.
 The aircraft’s serviceability is over 75%, and the
French company Dassault Aviation is also involved in
its maintenance.
 At the height of the war with China, the Rafale entered
the Indian Air Force quickly and began flying over
Ladakh a week after arriving.
Schemes
7. Atal Innovation Mission and UNDP India launch
5th edition of Youth Co: Lab
 The 5th edition of Youth Co:Lab, Asia
Pacific’s largest youth innovation movement was
jointly launched by Atal Innovation Mission
(AIM), NITI Aayog and UNDP India December
15th 2022.
 Youth Co:Lab is an initiative launched in 2019 by
UNDP India in partnership with Atal Innovation
Mission, NITI Aayog and aims to establish a common
agenda for Asia-Pacific countries to invest in and
empower youth to accelerate implementation of the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through
leadership, social innovation, and entrepreneurship.
 The fifth edition of Youth Co:Lab India will focus on
identifying and supporting youth-led early-stage social
enterprises or innovations working in the domains
of: 1) Digital and Financial Literacy for
Youth, 2) Gender Equality and Women Economic
Empowerment, 3) Developing FinTech Solutions
focused on Biodiversity Conservation, 4) Promoting
Biodiversity-friendly Lifestyles through Technological
Solutions in Finance, 5) Accelerating Circular
Economy through Upcycling Innovations
and 6) Behavioral Nudges for LiFE ( Lifestyle For
Environment).
8. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kaam Karyakram
(PMKKK) Renamed as Promotion of Prime
Minister’s Heritage (PM Vikas) Scheme
 The Minister of Minority Affairs, Smt. Smriti Zubin
Irani in a reply to a question in the Lok
Sabha informed that the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Ko
Kaam Karyakram (PMKKK) has now been named
as Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM
VIKAS) Scheme.
 The integrated scheme converges five erstwhile
schemes of the Ministry viz. Seekho aur Kamao,
USTTAD, Hamari Dharohar, Nai Roshni and Nai
Manzil. The scheme has been approved by the
Cabinet for the period of 15th Finance Commission.
 Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs
 Type: Central Sector Scheme
 Aim: To improve livelihoods of the minorities,
particularly the artisan communities, using the
components of skill development, education, women
leadership & entrepreneurship.
 Merged schemes: The scheme combines five (5)
existing schemes of the Ministry of Minority Affairs
under this: Seekho aur Kamao, USTTAD, Hamari
Dharohar, Nai Roshni and Nai Manzil.
Ranks And Reports
9. New York, Singapore most expensive cities, List
of top universities and tuition fees
 New York and Singapore are the most expensive cities
in the world, according to the Economist Intelligence
Unit’s (EIU) Worldwide Cost of Living Index for this
year.
 For many students, pursuing higher education in New
York has long been a dream. Students will be exposed
to the rich culture and way of life of the Big Apple while
studying there, which will open up various job
prospects.
● Ivy League institutions like Cornell University and
Columbia University are located in New York.
Sports
10. Tata Steel Officially Partnered FIH Men’s World
Cup 2023
45
 Tata Steel Limited signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Hockey India on
December 13, 2022 to become an Official Partner of
the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup
2023 Bhubaneswar – Rourkela.
 The FIH Men’s World Cup is the 15th edition of the
prestigious event, the top tournament for men along
with the Olympics, and will take place in Bhubaneswar
and Rourkela from January 13 to January 29, 2023.
 The FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup will be
the fourth time that India will be hosting the
prestigious tournament after organising it in 1982 in
Bombay, 2010 in New Delhi, and 2018 in
Bhubaneswar. A total of 16 nations will take part in the
upcoming tournament.
 The FIH Men’s World Cup is the pinnacle of men’s
hockey tournaments. The 15th edition of the
esteemedevent will take place in Bhubaneswar and
Rourkela from January 13 to January 29, 2023.
11. Cindy Hook named as CEO of 2032 Olympic
organising committee
 The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
organising committee has named American executive
Cindy Hook as its first CEO. After speaking with 50
candidates over a six-month period, the organising
committee made the announcement of the
appointment.
 Hook previously worked for the international
professional services network in the U.S. and in
Australia, moving to Sydney in 2009 to lead the
auditing practice for six years before later becoming
CEO of the Australian operation in 2015.
 Hook was based in Singapore as CEO of Deloitte Asia
Pacific until June.
 In July of last year, Brisbane was chosen as the host
city for the 2032 Olympic Games as part of a revised
selection process that saw a small group of IOC
members nominate and suggest host locations to the
board.
 The Summer Olympics were twice held in Australia, in
Melbourne in 1956 and Sydney in 2000.
 The organizing group for 2032 conducted its first board
meeting in April and the countdown to the decade-long
event began on July 23.
12. Rehan Ahmed Becomes England’s youngest
Cricketer to Debut in Test Cricket
 Rehan Ahmed becomes England’s youngest-ever
Test Cricketer to debut in the final match between
Pakistan and England. Rehan Ahmed will be 18 years
and 126 days old when the match begins. Till now,
Brian Close, who was 18 years and 149 days old, was
 the youngest player in England during the New
Zealand vs England match in 1949.
 Ben Stokes announced the debut of Rehan Ahmed in
the Final match of England vs Pakistan.
 Rehan Ahmed beats Brian Close for being
the youngest cricketer to debut for England in Test
Cricket.
 Rehan Ahmed is 18 years and 126 days old.
Miscellaneous News
13. Gamosa, Tandur Redgram, and Ladakh
apricots get GI tags from Assam
 The Assam Gamosa, the Telangana Tandur
Redgram, and a Ladakh apricot variety are just a
few of the items that have received the Geographical
Indications (GI) label from the government. The
overall number of GI has reached 432.
 Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka,
and Kerala are the top five states with the greatest
number of GIs.
 The government approved spending of Rs 75 crore for
three years for GI promotion at awareness
programmes, supporting the promotion of GIs.
 A GI is primarily a produced product (handicrafts and
industrial goods), an agricultural product, or a natural
product that comes from a specific geographic region.
Such a name typically carries a guarantee of quality
and originality, which is mostly attributed to the
location of its origin.
18th & 19th December Daily Current Affairs 2022 :
Today GK Updates for Bank Exam
National News
1. India Announced Candidature for UNSC
Membership for 2028-29 Term
 India looks forward to being back in the UN Security
Council, External Affairs Minister S 
Jaishankar said, as he declared the country’s
candidature as non-permanent member for the 2028-
29 term.
 Jaishankar arrived at UN to preside over two signature
events on counter-terrorism and reformed
multilateralism held under India’s current
Presidency of the UN Security Council, before the
curtains come down this month on the country’s two-
year tenure as elected member of the 15-nation top
organ of the world body.
 The previous eight terms that India has been in the
Council are 1950-1951, 1967-1968, 1972-1973, 1977-
1978, 1984-1985, 1991-1992 and 2011-2012. On
December 1, India assumed the monthly rotating
Presidency of the Security Council, the second time
after August 2021 that India is presiding over the
Council during its two year tenure as elected UNSC
member.
International News
46
2. Indian-origin Leo Varadkar is new Prime Minister
of Ireland
 Indian-origin Leo Varadkar has returned for a
second term as Ireland’s Prime Minister as part of a
job-sharing deal made by the country’s centrist
coalition government. His appointment was confirmed
when he received the seal of office from President
Michael D. Higgins, Ireland’s head of state.
 This is the second time that Varadkar has been
elected as Irish prime minister. He first became
the Irish prime minister in June 2017. In June 2020,
the Fine Gael party led by Varadkar formed a coalition
government with Fianna Fail and Green Party, in
which he served as deputy prime minister and Minister
for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
 Varadkar’s rise to the top of Irish politics was
remarkable in a country dominated by a strict,
conservative Catholic morality well into the latter half
of the last century. At 38, he became the country’s
youngest Taoiseach as well as its first openly gay
head of government and first of Indian heritage.
 Varadkar was born in Dublin to an Irish mother who
worked as a nurse and an Indian immigrant father,
who was a qualified doctor.
State News
3. Goa Liberation Day: History, It’s Significance
,Operation Vijay
 ‘Goa Liberation Day’ is celebrated on December
19 to commemorate the state’s
liberation from Portuguese rule in 1961. As part
of Operation Vijay, the Indian armed forces used the
armed forces trifecta with the help of local resistance
movements to eradicate European rule from the
country.
The Indian government finally declared that Goa
should join India “either with full peace or with full
use of force”. December 18 and 19, 1961 saw a full-
fledged military operation termed ‘Operation Vijay’,
which was carried out with little resistance and an
instrument of surrender was signed, leading to Goa’s
annexation by India.
Appointments
4. Harvard University named Claudine Gay as first
black president
 Harvard University named Claudine Gay, a dean of
the Faculty of Arts and Science, as its new president,
the first African American to hold the post at the
prestigious university.
 The daughter of Haitian immigrants, Gay graduated
from Stanford and then earned her Ph.D. in
government at Harvard in 1998, winning the Toppan
Prize for best dissertation in political science.
 Gay was elected to the presidency by the Harvard
Corporation, the university’s principal governing board.
 She will be succeeding current Harvard President
Lawrence S. Bacow, who announced he was retiring in
June after five years at the helm. His predecessor,
historian Drew Gilpin Faust, was the first woman to
serve as Harvard president since its founding in 1636.
 Gay, 52, is just the second woman to be elected to
head the school in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Gay,
the daughter of Haitian immigrants, will take over as
the university’s 30th president on July 1, 2023.
6. Gati Shakti University: Railway Minister Ashwini
Vaishnaw appointed as first Chancellor
 Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw has
been appointed as the Chancellor of Gati Shakti
Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara, by President
Smt. Draupadi Murmu. It is noteworthy to mention
that Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw will be the first Chancellor
of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya.
 President also appointed Dr Manoj Chaudhary as the
first Vice Chancellor of Gati Shakti University,
Vadodara. As per the Central University Act, 2009, Dr
Manoj Chaudhary will hold the position of Vice
Chancellor of Gati Shakti University for five years from
the date he assumes office.
Ranks And Reports
6. 2022 Global Food Security Index (GFSI) Report
 The 2022 Global Food Security Index (GFSI) report
was released by the British weekly The Economist.
The 11th Global Food Security Index shows a
deterioration in the global food environment for the
third year, threatening food security.
 In this report, South Africa overtook Tunisia to
become the most food-secure country in Africa.
 India is ranked at 68th position along with Algeria
with the overall score of 58.9. China’s position is at
25th with the score of 74.2.
 India was ranked at 71st position in the Global Food
Security (GFS) Index 2021 of 113 countries with
an overall score of 57.2 points on the GFS Index
2021.
7. India ranked 3rd globally in the publication of
scientific papers
 Union Minister for Science and Technology, Jitendra
Singh has revealed that India had jumped from 7th to
3rd in global scientific publications and scholarly
output, according to a report by America’s National
Science Foundation.
 India also ranks third globally in the number of PhDs
produced annually. In a similar upward trend, the
number of patents granted by the India Patents Office
to Indian scientists has more than doubled in just the
last four years.
 India’s scholarly output increased from 60,555 papers
in 2010 to 1, 49,213 papers in 2020.
47
 China leads the world in the publication of the
maximum number of scientific papers followed by The
United States of America.
Economy News
8. 48th Meeting of GST Council
 Threshold limit of for launching of GST offences
increased to Two Crores except in case of fake
invoices.
 5% GST Ethyl Alcohol applicable to Blended Petrol
Decriminalized certain offences of Obstruction of
services by officers, failure to supply information etc.
 E-Com Portals can supply goods of Unregistered
Suppliers
 No Claim Bonus offered by Insurance Companies
does not attract GST
 No Decision on GST Appellate Tribunal Both GoM
Reports on Pan Masala, Gutka and GSTAT to be
discussed in Next Meeting.
 The 48th Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council
meeting at the national capital Delhi on 17 December
has concluded without any decisions on the highly
anticipated GST Appellate Tribunals, tax rate
applicable on gutkha and pan masala.
Science And Technology
9. NASA Launches International Mission ‘SWOT’ to
Survey Earth’s Water
 The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT)
mission is a satellite altimeter jointly developed and
operated by NASA and CNES (French space agency)
in partnership with the space agencies of the UK and
Canada.
 The mission’s objective is to make the world’s first-
ever global survey of the Earth’s surface water,
capable of observing the finer details of the ocean
surface topography and measuring the changes in the
terrestrial surface water bodies.
 As it uses wide-swath of altimetry technology, the
mission will be capable of almost completely observing
the world’s oceans and freshwater bodies with
repeated high-resolution elevation measurements.
 It will provide the first truly global observation of the
changes in water levels, stream slopes and inundation
extents in rivers, lakes and floodplains.
 The satellite can measure the height of water in
freshwater bodies and the ocean on more than 90
percent of the Earth’s surface.
 It can also observe ocean circulation at unprecedented
scales of 15 to 25 km, which is an order of magnitude
that is finer than current satellites.
 The information obtained from this mission can be
used to understand the ocean’s influence in climate
change, impact of global warming on the
waterbodies, and the preparedness of communities for
disasters like floods and droughts.
 The satellite will start collecting data in around six FIFA World Cup: List of all previous winners
months after undergoing a series of checks and  1930: URUGUAY
calibrations.  1934: ITALY
Sports News  1938: ITALY
10. FIFA World Cup 2022 concludes: Argentina  1950: URUGUAY
beats France on penalties  1954: GERMANY
 1958: BRAZIL
 Messi’s Argentina clinched their 3rd World Cup  1962: BRAZIL
trophy from six final appearances in history, seeing off  1966: ENGLAND
France 4–2 on penalties (3–3 after extra time) to win  1970: BRAZIL
the biggest prize in men’s football at the at Lusail  1974: GERMANY
Stadium in Lusail, Qatar.  1978: ARGENTINA
 It had won two in 1978 and 1986 under Diego  1982: ITALY
Maradona. Lionel Messi had come close to winning in  1986: ARGENTINA
2014 but La Albiceleste lost the final 0-1 to Germany.  1990: GERMANY
The only similarity from Messi’s 2014 campaign in  1994: BRAZIL
Qatar was his Golden Ball award for Player of the  1998: FRANCE
Tournament award. He became the first player to win  2002: BRAZIL
two World Cup Golden Balls.  2006: ITALY
 The 22nd edition of the World Cup just ended and for  2010: SPAIN
another 4 years for the next World Cup. Also, The  2014: GERMANY
2026 World Cup will be held across three different  2018: FRANCE
countries, the United States, Canada and Mexico. FIFA World Cup 2022 Messi Won Golden Ball,
FIFA World Cup 2022: Golden Ball Award 2022 and Winners
FIFA World Cup 2022: Messi’s Argentina clinched FIFA World Cup: List of previous Golden Ball Winner
their 3rd World Cup trophy from six final
 2018: Luka Modric (Croatia)
appearances in history, seeing off France 4–2 on
 2014: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
penalties (3–3 after extra time) to win the biggest prize
 2010: Diego Forlán (Uruguay)
in men’s football at the at Lusail Stadium in Lusail,
 2006: Zinedine Zidane (France)
Qatar. It had won two in 1978 and 1986 under Diego
 2002: Oliver Kahn (Germany)
Maradona. Lionel Messi had come close to winning in
 1998: Ronaldo (Brazil)
2014 but La Albiceleste lost the final 0-1 to Germany.
The only similarity from Messi’s 2014 campaign in  1994: Romário (Brazil)
Qatar was his Golden Ball award for Player of the  1990: Salvatore Schillaci (Italy)
Tournament award. He became the first player to win  1986: Diego Maradona (Argentina)
two World Cup Golden Balls.  1982: Paolo Rossi (Italy)
FIFA World Cup Winners List, Argentina Wins FIFA  1978: Mario Kempes (Argentina)
World Cup 2022 Final  1974: Johan Cruyff (Netherlands)
Notably: The 22nd edition of the World Cup just  1970: Pelé (Brazil)
ended and for another 4 years for the next World Cup.  1966: Bobby Charlton (England)
Also, The 2026 World Cup will be held across three  1962: Garrincha (Brazil)
different countries, the United States, Canada and  1958: Didi (Brazil)
Mexico.  1954: Ferenc Puskás (Hungary)
2022 FIFA World Cup Awards:  1950: Zizinho (Brazil)
 Top 4 team Rankings: Argentina (Winner), France  1938: Leônidas (Brazil)
(2nd), Croatia (3rd) and Morocco (4th)  1934: Giuseppe Meazza (Italy)
 Golden Boot Award: Kylian Mbappe (France); (8  1930: José Nasazzi (Uruguay)
Goals) FIFA World Cup 2022 Golden Boot, Know Golden
 Golden Ball Award: Lionel Messi (Argentina); Boot 2022 Winners
(7 goals and registering 3 assists) FIFA World Cup: List Of previous Golden Boot Winner
 Golden Glove Award: Emiliano Martinez (Argentina)  2018: Harry Kane- England (6 goals)
 FIFA Young Player Award: Enzo Fernandez  2014: James Rodriguez- Colombia (6 goals)
 FIFA Fair Play Award: England  2010: Thomas Muller- Germany(5 goals)
 Silver Boot Award: Lionel Messi  2006: Miroslav Klose- Germany (5 goals)
 Bronze Boot Award: Olivier Giroud (France)  2002: Ronaldo- Brazil (8 goals)
 Silver Ball Award: Kylian Mbappe  1998: Davor Suker- Croatia (6 goals)
 Bronze Ball Award: Luka Modric (Croatia)  1994: Oleg Salenko- Russia (6 goals)
FIFA World Cup Winners List
48
 1990: Salvatore Schillaci- Italy (6 goals)
Japan
 1986: Gary Lineker- England (6 goals)
 1982: Paolo Rossi- Italy (6 goals) 2006 Italy France Germany
 1978: Mario Kempes- Argentina (6 goals)
 1974: Grzegorz Lato- Poland (7 goals) Netherlan South
 1970: Gerd Muller- Germany (10 goals) 2010 Spain
ds Africa
 1966: Eusebio- Portugal (9 goals)
 1962: Florian Albert- Hungary (4 goals) 2014 Germany Argentina Brazil
 1958: Just Fontaine- France (13 goals)
 1954: Sandor Kocsis- Hungary (11 goals) 2018 France Croatia Russia
 1950: Ademir- Brazil (8 goals)
 1938: Leonidas- Brazil (8 goals) 2022 Argentina France Qatar
 1934: Oldrich Nejedly- Czechoslovakia (5 goals)
 1930: Guillermo Stabile- Argentina (8 goals) 11. World Athletics: Neeraj Chopra becomes the
 Following is the list of FIFA World Cup Winners from most written-about athlete in 2022
1930-2022.
Winners Runners- Host
Year  According to the World Athletics, Tokyo Olympics
up country
gold medalist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra of India
1930 Uruguay Argentina Uruguay was the most written about track and field athlete in
2022, displacing the Jamaican legend Usain Bolt from
1934 Italy Czechia Italy the top lists.
 The data collated by media analysis
1938 Italy Hungary France company Unicepta was cited by World Athletics, the
global governing body for athletics.
1950 Uruguay Brazil Brazil  Neeraj Chopra, the Tokyo Olympics men’s javelin
champion, led the way with 812 articles ahead of the
Switzerla Jamaican women’s sprint trio of Olympic
1954 Germany Hungary
nd champion Elaine Thompson-Herah (751
articles), 100m world champion Shelley-Ann Fraser-
1958 Brazil Sweden Sweden Pryce (698 articles) and 200m world champion
Shericka Jackson (679 articles).
1962 Brazil Czechia Chile  Usain Bolt, the world record holder in 100m and 200m
men’s sprint, comes in fourth in the list with 574
1966 England Germany England mentions. The Jamaican, who is now retired, had
previously topped the annual list for most written-about
1970 Brazil Italy Mexico athlete for years.

Netherlan West 12. India hockey team win’s Women’s FIH Nations
1974 Germany
ds Germany Cup 2022

Netherlan
1978 Argentina Argentina
ds
 The Indian women Hockey team led by
Captain Savita Punia beat Spain 1-0 in the final to
1982 Italy Germany Spain
win the inaugural FIH Nations Cup played at Valencia,
Spain. The winning goal was scored by Gurjit Kaur of
1986 Argentina Germany Mexico
India.
 The inaugural FIH Nations cup was held in Valencia,
1990 Germany Argentina Italy
Spain from 11-17 December 2022. India and Spain
United had played in the FIH women’s Hockey Pro League
1994 Brazil Italy 2021-22 season as replacement teams after pull-outs
States
by Australia and New Zealand due to COVID-19
1998 France Brazil France related issues.
 The result also means that Janneke Schopman-
South coached side has been promoted to the FIH Pro
2002 Brazil Germany League 2023-24. Hockey India has announced cash
Korea,

49
 prize of Rs 2 lakh for every member of the squad and
Rs 1 lakh each for all the support staff.
 India ended the tournament with a perfect record of
five wins in five matches. Indian team beat Chile (3-1),
Japan (2-1), and South Africa (2-0) in the group stage
before a thrilling 2-1 win over Ireland in the penalty
shootout in the semifinal.
Awards News
13. Sargam Koushal wins Mrs World 2022 title after
21 years
 Sargam Koushal created history as she finally won the
Mrs World 2022 title after 21 years while competing for
India in the pageant. The 32-year-old won the
competition in Las Vegas after defeating competitors
from 63 other nations.
 Sargam Koushal beat Mrs. Polynesia to win the title.
 The Jammu and Kashmir-born beauty queen
previously worked as a teacher in Vizag.
 Her husband works for the Indian Navy.
 Koushal is shown beaming in photographs from her
historic victory that were posted on the Mrs India
pageant’s official Instagram account. “The long wait is
over; the CROWN is returned after 21 years!”
Books And Authors
14. A book titled “The Light We Carry: Overcoming
In Uncertain Times” by Michelle Obama
 The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain
Times is a nonfiction book written by Michelle
Obama and published, by Crown Publishing. The Light
We Carry will inspire readers to examine their own
lives, identify their sources of gladness, and connect
meaningfully in a turbulent world.
 The author “shares the contents of her ‘personal
toolbox’ – the habits and practices, attitudes and
beliefs, and even physical objects that she uses to
overcome her feelings of fear, helplessness and self
doubt.”
Important Days
15. National Minorities Rights Day 2022: 18
December
 National Minorities Rights Day is commemorated
on December 18 every year in India. Its aim is to
safeguard the individual rights of the religious, ethnic,
racial, or linguistic minorities in the country. This day is
a reminder about the rights of minorities and to raise
awareness about it. Minority Rights Day in India is
commemorated by conducting debates and seminars
on topic related to minority communities.
 Awareness about their linguistic, national, cultural and
religious identity are also a topic of study during this
day. The day revolves around understand the issues
faced by these communities and how discrimination
against them can be stopped.
50
 The Union Government set up the National
Commission for Minorities under the National
Commission for Minorities Act 1992. Following this
five religious communities have been notified as
minority communities in the Gazette of India by the
Union Government all around the country.
 These religious communities are Muslims, Sikhs,
Buddhists, Christians, and Zoroastrians. The major
function of this commission was and is to protect the
interests of the minorities.
 On December 18, 1992, the United Nations adopted
the day as Minorities Rights Day.
16. International Migrants Day 2022: 18 December
 International Migrants Day is observed annually
on December 18 to bring attention to the social and
economic realities of migrants around the world. This
day is observed to guarantee that the rights of
migrants are equally respected and not violated. The
mobility of people is still influenced by a range of
factors despite the world’s rapid growth and change.
 Currently, 281 million individuals are international
migrants who reside in nations other than their own.
International Migrants Day serves as a reminder that
the challenges faced by migrants in every country
remain unresolved, and policymakers must continue to
develop constructive and comprehensive policies to
address the issue.
 The United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA) proclaimed December 18 as International
Migrants Day on December 4, 2000.

 FIFA World Cup Winners List: FAQs
 Ques: Which team has won the FIFA World Cup
2022?
 Ans. Argentina has won the FIFA World Cup 2022 by
defeating France in the Penalty shootout by 4-2, after
the match was drawn at 3-3 in the regular time and
extra time.
 Ques: Who won the FIFA World Cup 2022?
 Ans. Argentina defeated France in the penalty
shootout. The Match was drawn at 3-3 after the end of
extra time (120 minutes). Argentina won the penalty
shootout by 4-2.
 Ques: Which nation has the most FIFA World Cup
victories?
 Ans: Brazil is the country with the most titles and the
only one to have competed in every competition. Brazil
won five FIFA World Cup titles.
 Ques: When will the FIFA World Cup 2022 Final
match take place?
 Ans: The FIFA World Cup 2022’s championship finals
will be held on December 18, 2022 in the Lusail Iconic
Stadium.
 Ques: Which team won the 2018 FIFA World Cup?
 Ans: France defeated Croatia 4-2 to win the
competition after 20 years at the Luznikhi Stadium in
Moscow. France won the FIFA World Cup 2018.
 Ques: Which country has the most FIFA World
Cup?
 Ans: Spain, England, Argentina, France, Germany,
Italy, Brazil, and Uruguay have all taken home the
FIFA World Cup title. By defeating Argentina 4-2 in the
championship match, Uruguay won the inaugural
World Cup in 1930. Most FIFA World Cup victories
belong to the Brazilian men’s football team. Five times
in total—in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002—Brazil
has won the World Cup.
 Ques: How many teams are in the World Cup
2022?
 Ans: Total of 32 top national teams from five different
federations will compete in the FIFA World Cup 2022
in Qatar from November 20 to December 18,
competing for the title of world champions in football.
20th December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK
Updates for Bank Exam
National News
1. Ministry of Culture Organized Delhi International
Arts Festival
 Ministry of Culture in collaboration with Prasiddha
Foundation inaugurated Delhi International Arts
Festival at Kartavya Path with the tag-line – ‘Where
Bharat Meets India.
 The festival aims to celebrate the great Epics, the
Warriors Who Fought for Our Freedom, and the many
policy decisions and schemes instituted by our
Government towards ‘Women Empowerment’,
towards ‘Cleaning Our Holy Rivers‘, towards keeping
our Country ‘Clean and Free from Dirt and Disease’.
International News
2. EU Adopts Global Minimum 15% Tax on Big
Business
 The European Union has adopted a plan for
a global minimum 15% tax on big business. The
landmark deal between nearly 140 countries aims to
stop governments racing to cut taxes in a bid to attract
companies. It was praised by US Treasury Secretary
Janet Yellen as “an historic agreement which helps
even the playing field”.
 EU member states reached agreement in principle to
implement at EU level the minimum taxation
component, known as Pillar 2, of the OECD’s
reform of international taxation. The ambassadors
of EU member states decided to advise the Council to
adopt the Pillar 2 directive, and a written procedure for
the formal adoption will be launched.
 The programme will involve 2,500 libraries in its initial
phase, including 31 district libraries. The aim of such
an initiative was to promote a knowledge-based
51
society. State Food Minister R Sakkarapani, district
collector Dr S Visakan and others participated.
State News
3. Tamil Nadu govt launches ‘Friends of Library’
programme
 The ‘Friends of Library’ programme, under which
books would be directly given to those who are unable
to access state-run libraries, was introduced by
the Tamil Nadu government.
 The project will be helpful to people with disabilities,
seniors, kids, and hospital in-patients, among others,
who are unable to visit a library. Volunteers will hand
over the books to such people from the libraries.
4. Tamil Nadu state government makes Aadhaar a
must for all of its schemes
 The Tamil Nadu government has announced that all
those who are eligible for benefits (other than minor
children) under various government schemes are
required to submit proof of possession of an Aadhaar
number or undergo Aadhaar identification.
 According to the order, Aadhaar is mandatory for
government employees, government pensioners and
beneficiaries of various schemes implemented by the
State government through various Departments by
their implementing agencies.
 The ‘Scheme’, according to the order, is IFHRM-
integrated financial and human management system,
administered by the Treasuries and Accounts
Department, to make online payments of bills and
payments to beneficiaries through ECS.
 The government has also announced remedial
mechanisms if Aadhaar identification fails due to poor
biometrics or any other reason. This would be done
through admissible authentication of Aadhaar One
Time Password (OTP) or Time-based OTP with limited
time validity.
Important: -
 Tamil Nadu Governor: R. N. Ravi;
 Tamil Nadu Capital: Chennai;
 Tamil Nadu Chief minister: M. K. Stalin;
 Tamil Nadu Language: Tamil.
Banking News
5. 599th Meeting of Central Board of the Reserve
Bank of India
 The 599th meeting of the board was held
in Kolkata on December 16. The meeting
was chaired by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das.
 The Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank
of India (RBI) reviewed the current economic
situation, and global and domestic
 challenges including the overall geopolitical
developments, finance, and trade.
 The Board also discussed the activities of select
Central Office Departments and the draft Report on
the Trend and Progress of Banking in India, 2021-22.
Economy News
6. Overall Trade Deficit Down at $11.11 bn in
November
 India’s overall trade deficit for goods and
services in November this year has fallen to $11.11
billion, lower than year-ago and month-ago levels.
Moreover, thanks to a recovery in exports, India’s
monthly merchandise trade deficit came down to a
six-month low of $23.81 billion. Trade deficit is the  PETA Founders:Ingrid Newkirk, Alex Pacheco;
amount by which a country’s import costs exceed its  PETA Founded: 22 March 1980;
export value in a given period.
 JTrade deficit or negative balance of trade (BOT) is  PETA President: Ingrid Newkirk.
the gap between exports and imports. When money
spent on imports exceeds that spent on exports in a
country, trade deficit occurs. It can be calculated for
different goods and services and also for international
transactions. The opposite of trade deficit is trade
surplus.
Summits and Conferences News
8. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel unveils Urban G20
logo, website and social media handle
 In Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has
unveiled the logo, website and social media handles of
the Urban-20 conference in Gandhinagar. The
UNESCO heritage city Ahmedabad will host the Urban
20 cycles as part of G-20 meetings between February
to July.
 The logo unveiling event in Gandhinagar was attended
by senior officials of the Gujarat government and the
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).
 CM Patel said the unveiling of the U20 logo heralds
the launch of the U20 cycle, which will begin in
February next year with the Sherpas’ meeting and end
with the U20 Mayors’ summit.
 Along with C40 (Climate 40) and United Cities and
Local Governments (UCLG), Ahmedabad will
organise various events including City Sherpas’
inception meeting on February 9 and 10.
Awards News
9. PETA India’s 2022: Sonakshi Sinha named as
‘Person of the Year’ title
 Bollywood actress, Sonakshi Sinha has been
awarded PETA India’s 2022 Person of the Year
title. Sonakshi’s actions helped save the lives of many
animals killed for fashion, but her strong advocacy for
dog and cat rights earned her the title.
 She is actively involved in animal welfare activities and
regularly voices out the need for stronger animal
protection laws. The international animal rights non-
profit group endorsed the title and celebrated the
actions of the “Dabang” actress for saving animal lives
in India.
 PETA stands for People for Ethical Treatment of
Animals. PETA was founded in 1980 and is dedicated
to establishing and defending the rights of all
animals.
 PETA operates under the simple principle that animals
are not ours to experiment on, eat, wear, use for
entertainment, or abuse in any other way. PETA is the
largest animal rights organization in the world, and
PETA entities have more than 9 million members and
supporters globally.
Important:-
 PETA Headquarters: Norfolk, Virginia, United States;
10. National Miner NMDC wins IEI Industry
Excellence Award 2022
 National Mineral Development Corporation
(NMDC) won the coveted IEI (Institution of
Engineers, India) Industry Excellence Award
2022 in Chennai.
 The largest producer of the iron ore in the country was
felicitated at the 37th Indian Engineering Congress for
its outstanding performance and high level of business
excellence.
 NDMC was incorporated in 1958 as a Government of
India public enterprise. It is India’s largest producer of
iron ore. Since inception, under the administrative
control of the Ministry of Steel
Defence News
11. INSV Tarini to Participate in 50th edition of
Cape Town to Rio Race 2023
 Indian Navy’s sailboat INSV Tarini has set sail for an
expedition to Cape Town, South Africa for
participating in the 50th edition of Cape to Rio Race
2023. This ocean sailing race will be flagged off from
Cape Town on 2 January 2023 and will culminate
at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
 The race is one of the most prestigious Trans-Atlantic
ocean races. The expedition is being undertaken by
an Indian Navy crew of five officers including two
women officers.
 The expedition aims to train the crew onboard, in
essential seamanship skills including Navigation,
Communication, Technical, Planning, etc. The
expedition is an important milestone in training of the
two women officers onboard for undertaking solo
circumnavigation sailing expedition of the globe.
Sports News
52
 12. England’s Rehan Ahmed becomes youngest to
claim five-fer on Test debut
 England’s leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has became
the youngest men’s Test cricketer to take a five-
wicket haul on debut during the ongoing third match
against Pakistan at the National Bank Cricket Arena.
 After making his Test debut at 18 years and 126 days,
Rehan claimed three wickets in six overs on his way
to 5-48 in the second innings, playing a key role in
bowling out Pakistan for 216 in 74.5 overs on day
three of the match. Rehan’s brilliant display helped him
set England a 167-run target to clinch the series 3-0.
13. Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek crowned ITF
World Champions 2022
 Spanish Tennis Player, Rafael Nadal has been named
the Men’s International Tennis Federation (ITF) World
Champion 2022 for the 5th time after an outstanding
2022 season.
 Previously, He has been named the men’s ITF World
Champion in 2008, 2010, 2017 and 2019. Polish
tennis player, Iga Świątek, has been named Women’s
ITF World Champion 2022 for her performance in
2022 winning 2 Grand Slam titles and 8 titles.
 Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova have
been named ITF Women’s Doubles World Champions
for the 2nd straight year and the 3rd time overall,
having won the title in 2018 and 2021.
 Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury have been named
ITF Men’s Doubles World Champions for the 1st time.
 Japan’s Shingo Kunieda and Netherlands’ Diede de
Groot were honoured in the men’s and women’s
wheelchair categories
 At junior level, two-time Grand Slam boys’ singles
runner-up Gilles Arnaud Bailly of Belgium has been
rewarded for a season of consistent performances,
while Roland Garros girls’ singles champion Lucie
Havlickova of Czech Republic was crowned as ITF
Girls World Champion.
Important: -
 International Tennis Federation (ITF) President: David
Haggerty;
 International Tennis Federation (ITF) Headquarters:
London, United Kingdom (UK);
 International Tennis Federation (ITF) Establishment:
1913.
14. France’s Karim Benzema announced
retirement from international football
 France footballer Karim Benzema has announced his
retirement from International football. Benzema ends
his time with France with 37 goals in 97
appearances, but his time with the squad hasn’t
exactly been easy since his debut 15 years ago.
53
 When Benzema made his debut for France against
Austria in March 2007, he scored while playing as a
substitute. He was chosen for France’s Euro 2008
team, however after the team was eliminated early, he
faced criticism for his efforts. Benzema was left out of
France’s squad for the 2010 World Cup despite
participating in the qualification campaign on a regular
basis.
Important Days
15. International Human Solidarity Day 2022:
December 20
 International Human Solidarity Day (IHSD) is
observed annually on December 20 across the globe
to celebrate the ideal of unity in diversity. IHSD
highlights the goal of the United Nations and its
member states to create awareness about poverty and
the need to reduce poverty in independent nations.
 On December 20, 2002, the UN General Assembly
introduced a World Solidarity Fund to help counter
global poverty. This got included in the United Nation
Development Programme (UNDP) trust fund in
February 2003. To commemorate the above day, the
UN declared December 20 as International Human
Solidarity Day.
Obituaries News
16. Hawaii’s Last Princess, Abigail Kawānanakoa
passes away
 Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa, a
Hawaiian princess whose lineage included the royal
family that once ruled the islands and an Irish
businessman who became one of Hawaii’s largest
landowners, passed away at the age of 96 in Honolulu,
Hawaii.
 She was born on 23rd April 1926 in Honolulu, Oahu,
Territory of Hawaii. Her greatgrandfather, James
Campbell, an Irish businessman who owned a sugar
plantation, was the source of her enormous wealth,
which was kept in trust and is estimated to be worth
USD 215 million (175 million in a pound).
21st December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK
Updates for Bank Exam
National News
1. Legendary athlete PT Usha nominated to Vice-
chairman panel
 Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has
nominated legendary former athlete PT Usha to the
panel of vice-chairperson in the upper house of the
Parliament.
 YSRCP member Vijai Sai Reddy has also been
nominated along with her. PT Usha was also elected
 as the president of the Indian Olympic Association
recently.
 The 58-year-old Usha, a multiple Asian Games gold
medallist and fourth-place finisher in the 1984 Los
Angeles Olympics 400m hurdles final, was declared
elected unopposed for the top post in the polls being
held under the supervision of Supreme Court-
appointed retired SC judge L Nageswara Rao.
2. Jyotiraditya Scindia launched country’s first
Green Steel Brand “KALYANI FeRRESTA”
 Union Steel Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia has
launched India’s first Green Steel Brand “KALYANI
FeRRESTA” in New Delhi.
 This first-of-its-kind steel has been manufactured by a
Pune-based Steel company, Kalyani group by using
renewable energy resources, leaving zero carbon
footprints in the environment.
 Green steel is the manufacturing of steel without the
use of fossil fuels. This new phenomenon is about
producing steel by using low-carbon energy sources
such as hydrogen, coal gasification, or electricity
instead of the traditional carbon-intensive
manufacturing route of coal-fired plants.
Key Points related to The 4th Heli-India Summit 2022
 During the summit Scindia highlighted the decrease in
VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from 26.5
percent.
 The Jammu and Kashmir government has set a new
project for air connectivity in the Union Territory with
a 360 percent increase in refueling, increasing the
air connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir.
 From 1947 to 2014, India had only 74 airports, but
today there are 141 airports with 67 added in the
last seven years according to the Civil Aviation
Minister.
 He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for putting
constant effort into developing and increasing the pace
of development in the aviation sector.
 The government aims to increase the number of
airports to more than 200 in the next few years.
 Counter Insurgency Force Kilo. He took over from
3. Agriculture Ministry Organises Millet Food
Festival in Parliament
 To raise awareness about the importance of millet,
the Agriculture Ministry is hosting a Millet food
festival in Parliament for the members. As the global
agrifood systems face challenges to feed an ever-
growing global population, resilient cereals like
millet provide an affordable and nutritious option.
 The United Nations has passed a resolution declaring
the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets
(IYM). The IYM 2023 and the push towards increasing
millet production will also contribute to the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development.
International News
54
4. UAE to Host the 13th WTO Ministerial Meeting in
2024
 The next World Trade Organization ministerial
conference will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab
Emirates in February 2024, the global trade watchdog
confirmed in a statement. The UAE and Cameroon
were both vying to host the event and came to an
informal agreement for Abu Dhabi to host the first one
and Cameroon to do the next, trade sources said.
 For the UAE, hosting the meeting is part of its own
push to position itself as a global hub for business
amid growing competition in the Middle East. It has
been rolling out bilateral trade deals with fast-growing
markets since the pandemic. Next year the Gulf Arab
state will host COP28, the UN’s Climate Change
conference.
5. Sri Lanka and Russia in talks to use the rupee in
foreign trade
 Use of rupee in foreign trade: In order to facilitate
international trade, Sri Lanka has agreed to utilize the
Indian Rupee (INR). It occurs shortly after the Indian
government announced it was looking into ways to
include nations who are particularly short on dollars in
the Indian rupee trade settlement process.
 The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) clearance is
required before the Indian rupee can be designated as
Sri Lanka’s official foreign currency, according to the
Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
 According to reports, banks in Sri Lanka have set up
special accounts for trading in INR dubbed Special
Vostro rupee accounts, or SVRA.
Appointments News
6. Major General Mohit Seth takes over as GoC
Kilo Force
 Major General Mohit Seth has took over as
the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the
Major General Sanjiv Singh Slaria who has been
moved to Northern Command headquarters in
Udhampur.
 In his distinguished military career spanning over three
decades, the General Officer has held various
prestigious staff and command appointments in
Jammu and Kashmir, the northeast and at the Army
headquarters.
 Major General Mohit Seth has also served as Indian
Army Liaison Officer, High Commission of India,
United Kingdom.
Banking News
7. HDFC Securities Launched Investor Education
Platform ‘Roots’
  Stock brokerage firm HDFC Securities has
launched Roots, a dedicated platform providing
comprehensive investor education and market
analysis.
 The site offers multiple forms of valuable information,
including articles, bite-sized tips, podcasts by experts,
video tutorials and explainers, and live social media
feed on the Indian financial markets.
 The biggest USP of the platform is that it produces
content which are being searched on Google by
current or prospective investors and traders.
8. IDFC FIRST Bank launched ZERO Fee Banking
savings accounts
 IDFC FIRST Bank has declared ZERO Fee
Banking on savings accounts and waived fees on
multiple banking services, including Passbook
charges, NEFT charges.
 The bank said that customers maintaining as low as
Rs 10,000 Average Monthly Balance, and the Rs
25,000 AMB savings account variant will get these
benefits.
Important: -
 IDFC FIRST Bank Headquarters: Mumbai;
 IDFC FIRST Bank CEO: V. Vaidyanathan (19 Dec
2018–);
 IDFC FIRST Bank Parent organization: Infrastructure
Development Finance Company;
 IDFC FIRST Bank Founded: October 2015.
Business News
9. Nitin Gadkari Launches First-ever ‘Surety Bond
Insurance’ for Infrastructure Projects
 Road, transport and highways minister Nitin
Gadkari launched the country’s first-ever surety
bond insurance product, a move that would reduce
the dependence of infra developers of bank
guarantee.
 Surety Bond Insurance will act as a security
arrangement for infrastructure projects and will
insulate the contractor as well as the principal. The
product will cater to the requirements of a diversified
group of contractors, many of whom are operating in
today’s increasingly volatile environment.
 The Surety Bond Insurance is a risk transfer tool for
the Principal and shields the Principal from the losses
that may arise in case the contractor fails to perform
their contractual obligation.
Defence News
10. Indian Forces Acquiring ‘Pralay’ Ballistic
Missile for Striking Targets at 150-500 Km
 As the conflicts in the border region
with China increase, the Indian armed forces are
55
now set to procure the ‘Pralay’ ballistic missile that
can hit the target from 150 to 500 km.
 Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) had successfully conducted the maiden flight
test of the indigenously developed surface-to-surface
missile ‘Pralay’, from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Island off
the coast of Odisha in December 2021.
 The Pralay missiles combined with the BrahMos
supersonic cruise missiles would be the longest-
range tactical weapon system in the defence forces as
the long-range strategic weapons are controlled by the
strategic forces command.
11. Fifth Scorpene Submarine ‘Vagir’ Delivered to
Indian Navy
 The fifth Scorpène submarine, Vagir of Project – 75
Kalvari Class submarines has been delivered to the
Indian Navy by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
(MDL) Mumbai. Defence Ministry said, the submarine
would shortly be commissioned into the Navy and
enhance its capability.
 Project-75 includes the indigenous construction of six
submarines of Scorpene design. These submarines
are being constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with Naval
Group, France.
Ranks and Reports News
12. Social Progress Index (SPI) for States and
Districts Being Released
 Social Progress Index (SPI) for States and
Districts made by the Institute for Competitiveness
and Social Progress Imperative was submitted
to Economic Advisory Council- Prime Minister and
released. Based on the SPI scores, states and districts
have been ranked under six tiers of social progress.
 Puducherry has the highest SPI score of 65.99 in
the country, attributable to its remarkable performance
across components like Personal Freedom and
Choice, Shelter, and Water and
Sanitation. Lakshadweep and Goa closely follow it
with scores of 65.89 and 65.53,
respectively. Jharkhand and Bihar scored the
lowest, 43.95 and 44.47, respectively.
The Tiers are:
Tier 1: Very High Social Progress; Tier 2: High Social
Progress; Tier 3: Upper Middle Social Progress; Tier
4: Lower Middle Social Progress; Tier 5: Low Social
Progress; and Tier 6: Very Low Social Progress.
About Social Progress Index (SPI):
SPI is a comprehensive tool that can serve as a
holistic measure of a country’s social progress at the
national and sub-national levels. The index assesses
states and districts based on 12 components across
three critical dimensions of social progress – Basic
Human Needs, Foundations of Wellbeing, and
Opportunity. The index uses an extensive framework
 comprising 89 indicators at the state level and 49 at
the district level.
 Basic Human Needs assess the performance of
states and districts in terms of Nutrition and Basic
Medical Care, Water and Sanitation, Personal Safety
and Shelter.
 Foundations of Wellbeing evaluates the progress
made by the country across the components of Access
to Basic Knowledge, Access to Information and
Communication, Health and Wellness,
Environmental Quality.
 Opportunity focuses on Personal Rights, Personal
Freedom and Choice, Inclusiveness, and Access to
Advanced Education.
Who Achieved What:
 Puducherry has the highest SPI score of 65.99 in
the country, attributable to its remarkable performance
across components like Personal Freedom and
Choice, Shelter, and Water
Sanitation. Lakshadweep and Goa closely follow it
with scores of 65.89 and 65.53,
respectively. Jharkhand and Bihar scored the
lowest, 43.95 and 44.47, respectively.
 For the dimension of Basic Human Needs, Goa,
Puducherry, Lakshadweep, and Chandigarh are
the top four states with the best performance
in Water and Sanitation and Shelter as compared to
the other states and union territories. In addition, Goa
has the highest component score for Water and
Sanitation, followed by Kerala, scoring the highest
across the Nutrition and Basic Medical Care
component. For Shelter and Personal Safety,
Chandigarh and Nagaland have emerged as the front-
runners, respectively.
 Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and Goa
have emerged as the best-performing states for
the Foundations of Wellbeing. Within the dimension
for the Access to Basic Knowledge component,
Punjab has the highest component score of 62.92,
while Delhi has topped the list for Access to
Information and Communication with a score of 71.30.
For Health and Wellness, Rajasthan has the highest
component score of 73.74. For Environmental
Quality, the top three states belong to the northeast
region, namely, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya.
 Lastly, Tamil Nadu has achieved the highest
component score of 72.00 for the Opportunity
dimension. Within this dimension, Andaman and
Nicobar Islands have the highest component score for
Personal Rights, while Sikkim has topped the list for
Inclusiveness. It is commendable
witness Puducherry attaining the highest scores
across two components in this dimension, i.e.,
Personal Freedom and Choice and Access to
Advanced Education.
Schemes and Conferences News
13. Status of Centres of Excellence Scheme
‘AYURSWASTHYA Yojana’
 The Ministry of Ayush issued a notification regarding
the status of the centres of excellence scheme
‘AYURSWASTHYA Yojana’. Financial assistance is
provided to eligible individual organizations/institutes
for establishing and upgrading their functions &
facilities and/or for research & development activities
in AYUSH under the scheme.
 To support the establishment of advanced/
and
specialized AYUSH medical health units in reputed
AYUSH and Allopathic institutions both in Government
and Non-Government sectors.
 To support creative and innovative proposals for the
establishment and upgradation of both functions and
facilities of reputed institutions to strengthen
competencies of AYUSH professionals in education
technology, research & innovation and such other
fields necessary for the promotion of AYUSH at
and
national as well as international levels.
Books and Authors News
14. A book titled “The Indian Navy@75” by
Commodore Ranjit Rai (r) & Aritra Banerjee
 A book titled, ‘The Indian Navy@75 Reminiscing the
Voyage’ by Commodore Ranjit B Rai (Retd) and
defence journalist Aritra Banerjee.
 The books tells you how the exploits and sacrifices of
the British-era Royal Indian Navy (RIN) during World
War 2 were omitted by British historians who could not
digest the RIN’s mutiny in 1946. The IN built its own
records and archives to rectify that.
 Aritra Banerjee is a Journalist with Indian Aerospace &
Defence, Co-Author of the book ‘The Indian Navy
@75: Reminiscing the Voyage’ and the Co-Founder of
Mission Victory India (MVI), a new-age military reforms
think-tank.
Important Days
15. Union Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurates
Good Governance Week 2022
 Union Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances and
Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh has inaugurated Good
Governance Week celebrations from 19-25
December2022 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
 Offering his homage to India’s former Prime Minister,
Bharat Ratna Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, in whose
memory the Good Governance Day and Good
Governance Week are celebrated. The Minister also
to launched a five-day “Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore” a
nationwide Campaign, to commemorate the birth
anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari
Vajpayee.
Obituaries News
16. Lance Naik Bhairon Singh Rathore passes
away
56
 Lance Naik Bhairon Singh Rathore, a BSF veteran
and hero of the 1971 India-Pakistan War, passed
 The country’s first Infantry Museum has been
away in Jodhpur at the age of 81. The BSF veteran’s
opened for the general public at Mhow, Indore,
bravery at Rajasthan’s Longewala post during the war
Madhya Pradesh. This museum is the first in the
was portrayed by actor Suniel Shetty in the Bollywood
country and second in the world. Before this, such a
movie ‘Border’. He served in the 14th BSF unit during
museum has been built in America.
the war and retired from service in 1987.
 The Army inaugurated to celebrate the Victory Day
 The operations room of 12 Infantry division had
and the eve of the 75th year of the establishment of
received a telegram, warning that Pakistan may launch
the Infantry School. The world-class museum has
a huge offensive and raid the border outpost on 3 or 4
been set up with the intention of showcasing the
December, 1971.
Infantry. The project was conceived in July 2003 as a
 He was awarded the Sena Medal in 1972 for his
national-level training hall cum research centre.
bravery.
Important: -
Miscellaneous News
 Madhya Pradesh Capital: Bhopal;
17. J&K’s Bandipora hosts the first-ever Tribal
 Madhya Pradesh Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel;
Winter Festival
 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister: Shivraj
SinghChouhan.
 A first-of-its-kind Tribal Winter Festival was held in
the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. The Appointments News
festival is organised by the district administration in 3. Senior nuclear scientist Dinesh Kumar Shukla
collaboration with various departments at Ketson, the named as new head of AERB
festival witnessed huge public participation. The
festival witnessed music, dance, and cultural events
that left the people enthralled. 
According to an order issued from the Department of
 People from the Kashmiri community, Gujjars and Personnel & Training (DoPT), the Appointments
Bakerwals danced together to the beats of dhol Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the
(drum) in a unique portrayal of cultural unity in appointment of Dinesh Kumar Shukla to the post of
Chairperson of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
diversity. The ‘gatka’ was another attraction performed
(AERB). Shukla is the Former Executive Director of
by two tribal communities portraying the fighting spirit
AERB.
of the Gujjars amid all geographic, social and political
odds.  Shukla a graduate in Mechanical Engineering from
Important : Jabalpur University of Madhya Pradesh (MP). He
 Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor: Manoj joined the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in the
Sinha. year 1981 after completing the 25th batch of BARC
Training School.
22nd December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK Important: -
Updates for Bank Exam  Atomic Energy Regulatory Board Founded:15
National News November 1983;
1. BF.7 New Covid Variant of Omicron driving  Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
surge in China, 4 Cases found in India Headquarters: Mumbai.

 BF.7, New Covid Variant : The BF.7 sub-variant of
Omicron that is prevalent in China is thought to be the
cause of the present spike in Covid-19 infections
there. This isn’t the first time BF.7 has been in the
spotlight; back in October, it began to displace the
main variations in the US and several other European
nations.
 The massive Covid rise in China is being caused by
the BF.7 sub-variant of Omicron, which has been
found in four cases in India. In Gujarat and Odisha, the
instances of BF.7 Covid Variant first came to light.
Currently, the Covid protocol is not required in the
nation.
States News
2. Madhya Pradesh: Indore gets the Country’s First
Infantry Museum
Economy News
4. Gross Direct Tax Collections for FY 2022-23
Register Growth of 25.90%
 The Gross collection of Direct Taxes has registered
a growth of 25.90 percent which stood at 13,63,649
crore rupees in the financial year 2022-23. The Gross
collection in the corresponding period stood at
10,83,150 crore rupees.
 According to the Finance Ministry data, the Net
Direct tax collection for FY 2022-23 stood at
11,35,754 crore rupees, registering a growth of 19.81
percent. The Net Direct tax collection for the
corresponding period was recorded at 9,47,959 crore
rupees.

57
 5. Note in Circulation Rise 8% Annually to Rs 32
Lakh Crore: FM
 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said note in
circulation (NiC) has witnessed an annual growth of
7.98 per cent to Rs 31.92 lakh crore as of December
2, 2022. The demand for currency depends upon
several macroeconomic factors, including economic
growth and level of interest rates, she said.
 Six years after demonetisation, the currency in
circulation has jumped to a new high of Rs 32 lakh
crore reflecting that cash still remains the preferred
choice of payment for Indians. Compared with the pre-
demonetisation period, it has increased by a
massive 72 per cent from Rs 17 lakh crore on
November 4, 2016.
Business News
6. IPL surpasses $10 billion valuation and
becomes decacorn
 IPL surpasses $10 billion valuation: The Indian
Premier League (IPL), whose total valuation has
surpassed $10 billion, has evolved into a decacorn. A
D and P Advisory report made public on Tuesday
states that the league is currently worth $10.9 billion.
Notably, it has shown a startling 75% rise since 2020.
 IPL’s expansion has been aided by lucrative
agreements with industry titans in media.
 A company valued at more than $10.0 billion is
referred to as a decacorn.
 In less than 15 years since its beginning, the IPL has
reached the milestone.
 Months after India won the first ICC T20 World Cup,
the competition’s first edition was contested in 2008.
 Since then, the IPL has become steadily stronger with
well-known athletes from all over the world taking part.
Ranks and Reports News
7. UNESCO heritage sites tentative list: Sun
Temple & Vadnagar town Rock cut sculpture
added
 Three new cultural sites in India, including the
iconic Sun Temple at Modhera, historic Vadnagar
town in Gujarat, and rock-cut relief sculptures of
Unakoti in Tripura, have been added to the tentative
list of UNESCO world heritage sites.
 The UNESCO website describes a tentative list as an
“inventory of those properties which each State Party
intends to consider for nomination”.
 The 52 “Sites on the Tentative List,” as defined by
UNESCO, also include Temples in Bishnupur, West
Bengal (added to the list in 1998), Mattanchery Palace
in Kerala (added in 1998), Wild Ass Sanctuary, and
Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat (added in 2006). So far
in 2022, 6 Indian sites have been included to the
tentative list.
58
Description About The 3 Cultural Sites:
 Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat
The Sun Temple in Modhera, Gujarat, is dedicated to
Surya Dev and is situated on the left bank of the
Pushpavati River, a tributary of the River Rupan. It is
the earliest of such temples, setting trends in
architectural and decorative features and perfectly
illustrating the Solanki style. Its components—the main
temple shrine (garbhagriha), a hall (gadhamandapa),
an outer hall or assembly hall (Sabhamandapa or
rangamandapa), and a sacred pool (Kunda), now
known as Ramakunda—are all built in the Marugurjara
architectural style. This eastfacing temple is built of
bright yellow sandstone.
 Vadnagar – A multilayered Historic town, Gujarat
Vadnagar is a municipality in Mehsana district of
Gujarat. It is a multilayered historic town that has been
inhabited continuously for more than 2,700
years, dating back nearly to the 8th century BCE
(Before Common Era). The town still has a significant
number of historic buildings, mostly residential and
religious in nature. The historic town’s survival
demonstrates its resilience and exceptional universal
value, in contrast to places such as Harappa and
Kalibangan, which were eventually abandoned.
 Rockcut Sculptures and Reliefs of the Unakoti,
Tripura
Unakoti, the chiselled “Angkor Wat of the North-
East,” is a series of Shaivite rock sculptures found in
the northern region of Tripura. It is renowned as an
ancient holy site associated with Shaiva worship.
Unakoti, located in the Raghunandan hills about 180
kilometres from Agartala, is home to massive basrelief
sculptures from the 8th and 9th centuries.
About the Sites on the Tentative List:
 The 52 “Sites on the Tentative List,” as defined by
UNESCO, also include Temples in Bishnupur, West
Bengal (added to the list in 1998), Mattanchery Palace
in Kerala (added in 1998), Wild Ass Sanctuary, and
Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat (added in 2006). So far
in 2022, 6 Indian sites have been included to the
tentative list.
 There are 40 sites in India that have been designated
as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include 32
“cultural sites” such the Agra Fort in Uttar Pradesh, the
Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh, Harappan era site at
Dholavira in Gujarat, the Elephanta Caves in
Maharashtra, the Red Fort complex in Delhi, and the
Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodh Gaya in Bihar.
UNESCO: FAQ
Q1. What UNESCO means?
Answer: The United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is the agency
of the United Nations contributing to building peace
through international cooperation in education, the
sciences and culture.
Q2. How many countries are in UNESCO?
 Answer: The Organization has 193 Members and 11
Associate Members. Membership of UNESCO is
governed by Articles II and XV of the Constitution and
by rules 98 to 101 of the Rules of Procedure of the
General Conference.
Q3. Which country quit UNESCO recently?
Answer: The United States and Israel officially quit
the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) with the close of 2018.
8. Guru Nanak Dev University becomes only
University in India to get A grade by NAAC
 The Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar has got A
grade by scoring 3.85 points in National Assessment
and Accreditation Council (NAAC) grading, thereby
becoming the only University in India to get this score.
 GNDU is the only State/Central/Private University in
India to get this score. Tata Institute of Social
Sciences (TISS) is the only other educational
institution with a higher grade of 3.89 in the country.
Important: -
 National Assessment and Accreditation
CouncilFounded: 1994;
 National Assessment and Accreditation
CouncilPresident: D. P. Singh;
 National Assessment and Accreditation
CouncilHeadquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Schemes and Conferences News
9. Assam Government Launched Orunodoi 2.0
Scheme
 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa
Sarma launched the second version
of ‘Orunodoi’, the flagship scheme of the state
government aimed at providing financial security to
financially disadvantaged families.
 Around 17 lakh women have been receiving an
amount of Rs 1,250 each on the 10th of every month
through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) method
under the first phase of this social sector scheme.
 With the addition of another 10.5 lakh new
beneficiaries from now onwards, it would add up to a
total of 27 lakh-plus beneficiaries.
 All the existing beneficiaries of the Deen Dayal
Divyangan Pension Yojana and Indira Miri Widow
Pension Scheme would be subsumed under
Orunodoi 2.0. Divyangans and transgenders would
also be included under the ‘Orunodoi’ scheme.
Defence News
10. Indian Navy Launches INS Arnala: Anti-
Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft
 The Indian Navy launched ‘Arnala’, the first of the
eight indigenously-built anti-submarine warfare
shallow water craft (ASW-SWC), at the shipbuilding
59
facility of L&T in Chennai’s Kattupall. Built by Garden
Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), ‘Arnala’
made its first contact with the water of the Bay of
Bengal.
 The ship has been named ‘Arnala’ to signify the
strategic maritime importance accorded to the island
of Arnala, located about 13 kilometres north of Vasai,
Maharashtra, by Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj.
Awards News
11. The Last Show And RRR’s Naatu Naatu Make It
To Shortlist: Oscars 2023
 The Gujarati-language Chhello Show (The Last
Show), which is India’s official entry for the 2023
Academy Awards or Oscars awards in the
International Feature film category, has been
shortlisted for next year’s Academy Awards.
 Meanwhile, the track Naatu Naatu from SS
Rajamouli’s RRR has been shortlisted in the Best
Original Song Category. The Academy announced
the list of shortlisted entries in 10 categories. The
nominations for the Academy Awards will be
announced on January 24.
 India’s history with the Oscar entries for the last few
years were – Koozhangal, Jallikattu, Gully Boy, Village
Rockstars, Newton, Visaranani, all of which have failed
to make the Oscar shortlist. The only Indian films to
have been nominated for an Oscar so far have been
Mother India, Salaam Bombay and Lagaan.
Science and Tecnology News
13. India’s Manned Space Flight Gaganyaan to be
Launched in the Fourth Quarter of 2024
 The Government has said, the country’s maiden
human space flight mission, Gaganyaan, is
targeted to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2024.
 Science & Technology Minister, Dr. Jitendra
Singh said, in view of the paramount importance of
crew safety, two uncrewed flights are scheduled,
before the final human space flight- ‘H1 mission’, to
demonstrate the performance of the crew escape
system and parachute-based deceleration system for
different flight conditions.
Sports News
14. Blind T20 World Cup 2022: India Beat
Bangladesh by 120 runs
 The Indian national blind cricket team won the T20
World Cup for the Blind for the third time in a row.
They defeated Bangladesh at Bengaluru’s M
Chinnaswamy Stadium by a commanding score of 120
runs.
 The Indian captain, Ajay Kumar Reddy elected to bat
after winning the toss, and his side eventually set a
challenging total of 277 runs for Bangladesh. The
 Bangladeshi team could only muster 157 runs for three behind the celebration of National Mathematics Day is
in return. to make people aware of the development of
Blind T20 World Cup 2022: Prize Money And Awards mathematics and its importance in the growth of
Winners List humanity.
 Man of the Match in Final: Sunil Ramesh (IND)  The day was announced on 26 February 2012 by the
 Man of the Tournament in B3 category: Sunil Ramesh then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to mark the
(IND) 125th anniversary of the birth of the Indian
 Man of the Tournament in B2 Category: Ajay Kumar mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan (22 Dec
Reddy (IND) 1887- 26 Apr 1920). 2012 was also observed as
 Man of the Tournament in B1 Category: Mohammed National Mathematics Year.
Mahmud Rashid (BAN) Obituaries News
Blind T20 World Cup 2022: Prize Money: 18. Gamaka exponent and Padma Shri awardee,
 Winners: Rs 3 Lakh H.R Keshava Murthy passes away
 Runners-up: Rs 1.50 Lakh
15. Viacom18 gets Olympic Games Paris 2024  H.R. Keshava Murthy, a senior gamaka exponent,
Broadcast Rights Across India & who was honoured with Padma Shri earlier this year,
Subcontinent passed away. He was born in a family of gamaka
artists. He had his initial training from his father
Ramaswamy Shastry.
 The International Olympic Committee  Under the guidance of Venkateshaiah he continued his
(IOC) announced that Viacom18 Media Private studies. Over the decades he has presented hundreds
Limited (Viacom18) has secured the exclusive media of programmes and trained many students. Through
rights to broadcast the Olympic Games Paris 2024, his performances, he publicised noted Kannada epics.
plus non-exclusive rights to the Winter Youth Hosahalli, his native place, is known for many music
Olympic Games Gangwon 2024, in Bangladesh, talents.
Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri  Keshava Murthy has been honored with many
Lanka. awards inlcuding Shantala Natya Shri award, by the
 Through the agreement, Viacom18 will provide multi- State government and different cultural organisations.
platform coverage of the Games, and free-to-air The President honoured him with the Padma Shri this
television coverage within the region. In 2024 year. The residents of his village celebrated the
Olympics will be hosted by France in Paris, beginning occasion.
from July 26 to August 11. Miscellaneous News
19. Indian Railways opens nation’s longest ‘escape
16. Puma India ropes in Anushka Sharma as brand tunnel’ in Kashmir
ambassador

 The manufacturer and designer of causal and athletic  India’s longest escape tunnel, which is 12.89 km
footwear, Puma has roped in Bollywood actor and long constructed on the 111 km under-
entrepreneur Anushka Sharma as its brand construction Banihal-Katra railway line in Jammu
ambassador. The association is intended to and Kashmir was completed by the Indian Railways.
“accelerate Puma’s strong commitment towards  The longest tunnel is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-
women consumer segment”. Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL) project. This is the
 The actor will endorse the brand’s footwear, apparel fourth tunnel on the Banihal-Katra route following the
and accessories, including select collections through 12.75 km tunnel T-49, the longest tunnel of the Indian
myriad activities and brand campaigns, throughout the Railways, which was completed in January this year.
year.
Important Days 23rd December Daily Current Affairs 2022 : Today GK
17. National Mathematics Day 2022 celebrates on Updates for Bank Exam
22 December International News
1.US to Provide its Key Patriot Missile Defence
System to Ukraine
 National Mathematics Day is celebrated
on December 22 across the nation every year. The
National Mathematics Day is marked to recognise and
 The United States is finalizing plans to send
celebrate the works of Srinivasa
the Patriot missile defense system to
Ramanujan. Srinivasa Ramanujan, the Indian
Ukraine. Ukraine has asked its Western partners for
mathematical genius, was born on this day in 1887.
air defenses, including U.S.-made Patriot systems, to
 This year nation celebrates his 135th birth
anniversary of Ramanujan. The main objective
60
 protect it from heavy Russian missile bombardment
including against its energy infrastructure.
 The system is part of $1.85 billion
assistance unveiled in parallel with a visit to
Washington by Ukrainian President Volodymyr
Zelensky.
 The Patriot is considered to be one of the most
advanced U.S. air defense systems and is usually in
short supply, with allies around the world vying for it.
2.UNSC Adopts First-ever Resolution on Myanmar
 The U.N. Security Council has adopted its first ever
resolution on Myanmar in 74 years to demand an
end to violence and urge the military junta to release
all political prisoners, including ousted leader Aung
San Suu Kyi. Ms. Kyi, 77, has been a prisoner since
the army toppled her government almost two years
ago and violently cracked down on dissent.
 The 15-member council has long been split on how
to deal with the Myanmar crisis with China and
Russia arguing against strong action. They
both abstained from the vote, along with India. The
remaining 12 members voted in favor.
State News
3. Assam Grants Industry Status to Its Tourism
Sector
 As the growth in the tourism sector is vital for socio-
economic development in a state, the Assam State
Cabinet led by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma approved
the proposal for grant of industrial status to the
tourism sector in the state.
 It has been highlighted that with such industry
status, fresh investments in tourism
infrastructures permanent in nature will contribute
towards rapid employment generation, public-private
partnership and infrastructure development.
 With the grant of industry status to the tourism sector,
now, restaurants, cafeterias, health clubs, spas and
wellness centres among others are eligible for
incentives under the industrial policy. This move
will further encourage and boost private investment in
the above areas of the tourism sector.
Appointments
4. Centre appoints former SC Judge Hemant Gupta
as head of New Delhi International Arbitration
Centre
 Former Supreme Court judge, Hemant Gupta has
been appointed as the chairperson of New Delhi
International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC). The
NDIAC was established for the purpose of creating an
independent and autonomous regime for
institutionalised arbitration.
 The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has
approved the appointment of Justice Hemant Gupta
(retired) as NDIAC chairperson and that of Ganesh
Chandru and Anant Vijay Palli as its part-time
members.
in
5. Aloke Singh named head of Air India’s low cost
airline business
 The Air India management has appointed Air India
Express CEO Aloke Singh as the chief of Air India’s
low-cost airline business from January 1, 2023. The
Low Cost Carrier (LCC) business will consist of AirAsia
India and Air India Express.
 Air India signed agreements to complete the
acquisition of 100% shareholding in AirAsia India (AAI)
and to subsidiarise it under Air India.
 President also appointed Dr Manoj Chaudhary as the
first Vice Chancellor of Gati Shakti University,
Vadodara. As per the Central University Act, 2009, Dr
Manoj Chaudhary will hold the position of Vice
Chancellor of Gati Shakti University for five years from
the date he assumes office.
Ranks And Reports
6. British magazine’s list of 50 greatest actors of
all time named Shah Rukh Khan
 Bollywood superstar, Shah Rukh Khan has become
the only Indian to be named in an international list
of 50 greatest actors of all time by a prominent
British magazine.
 The 57-year-old actor is included in Empire
magazine’s list which also recognises Hollywood
giants like Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks, Anthony
Marlon Brando, Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson and
many others.
Science And Technology
7. ISRO to Carry US Instrument on Board the
Forthcoming Chandrayaan 3 mission
 Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) forthcoming Chandrayaan 3 mission will carry
scientific instruments of the United States of
America.
 The Chandrayaan mission 2 also carried American
scientific instruments .This information was given by
the Union Minister of state (Independent charge )
Science & Technology, Atomic Energy and Space,
Dr Jitendra Singh in the Rajya Sabha.
 The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a continuation of
Chandrayaan-2, which was launched in July 2019 and
had the goal of putting a rover on the lunar South Pole.
 The Vikram lander’s subsequent failure prompted
the development of a different mission to show off the
landing skills required for the 2024 lunar polar
exploration mission that is being proposed in
collaboration with Japan. It will have a landing
module and an orbiter. But unlike Chandrayaan-2, this
orbiter won’t be equipped with a research payload.
Important News
61
 8. Indian National Farmer’s Day 2022 celebrates on
23 December
 National Farmers Day or Kisan Diwas is the day
marked every year to honor each and every farmer
who is working continuously for the nation. Farmers
are considered to be the backbone of the nation as
without them none of us can survive. Agriculture is the
basis for all our growth and consumption.
 The day aims to spread awareness of the contributions
of farmers to the socioeconomic development of the
nation. It also recognises the efforts of the former
Prime Minister who helped in uplifting the farmers in
the country, introduced Debt Redemption Bill and Land
Holding Act.
Awards News
9. UIDAI HQ Building wins top Green Building
Award
 The Unique Identification Authority of India
(UIDAI) has won the prestigious GRIHA Exemplary
Performance Award 2022, a top national level Green
Building Award. UIDAI HQ has been declared a winner
among the existing highest rated building category.
 UIDAI believes and promotes the idea of recycle and
reuse to reduce carbon footprint. It has been
harnessing solar power to meet a portion of its energy
consumption. It is recycling and reusing water and has
been adhering to sustainable waste management
practices.
10. Oscar Nominations 2023: Oscars 2023
Shortlists 10 Award Categories
 The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences
has announced shortlists of 10 categories for the 95th
Oscar Academy Awards.
 The 10 categories of the 95th Oscar Academy
Awards are Documentary Feature Film, Documentary
Short Film, International Feature Film, Makeup and
Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original
Song), Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film,
Sound, and Visual Effects.
 The 95th Oscar Academy Awards is going to be held
on 12th March 2023 at the Dolby Theatre in Los
Angeles, USA. The categories were released by the
academy on 21st December 2022. Read More about
Oscar Nominations 2023.
11. Sahitya akademi awards 2022 announced
 The award has been given by the central government
for the best literature of every year. Accordingly, the
central government has announced the Sahitya
Akademi Award for literature on December
62
22. Writer M. Rajendran from Tamil Nadu has
received this award for his novel ‘Kala Pani’.
 The awardee will be presented with a cash prize of
one lakh rupees and a copper Shield. This ‘Kala Pani’
novel is a historical novel based on the war of
Kalayarkovil or Kalayarkool.
 The Awards, recommended by distinguished Jury
members in 23 Indian languages, were approved by
the Executive Board of the Sahitya Akademi, under the
Chairmanship of Dr. Chandrashekhar Kambar,
President, Sahitya Akademi.
The Sahitya Akademi Award 2022:
The Sahitya Akademi Award: The award has been
given by the central government for the best literature
of every year. Accordingly, the central government has
announced the Sahitya Akademi Award for literature
on December 22. Writer M. Rajendran from Tamil
Nadu has received this award for his novel ‘Kala
Pani’. The awardee will be presented with a cash prize
of one lakh rupees and a copper Shield. This ‘Kala
Pani’ novel is a historical novel based on the war of
Kalayarkovil or Kalayarkool.
Insurance & other exams
Sahitya Akademi, announced its annual Sahitya Akademi
Awards in 23 languages:
 07 books of poetry,
 06 of novel,
 02 of short stories,
 03 Play/Dramas,
 02 Literary Criticism,
 one each of Autobiographical Essays,
 Collection of Articles and Literary History have won the
Sahitya Akademi Awards 2022.
 Award in Bengali language will be announced on a
later date.
The Awards, recommended by distinguished Jury
members in 23 Indian languages, were approved by
the Executive Board of the Sahitya Akademi, under the
Chairmanship of Dr. Chandrashekhar Kambar,
President, Sahitya Akademi.
The books were selected on the basis of
recommendations made by a Jury of three members in
the concerned languages in accordance with the
procedure laid down for the purpose. According to the
procedure, the Executive Board declared the Awards
on the basis of unanimous selections made by the
Jurors or selection made on the basis of majority vote.
The Awards relate to books first published during the
five years immediately preceding the year of Award
(i.e. between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020).
The Award in the form of a casket containing an
engraved copper-plaque, a shawl and an amount of
Rs. 1,00,000/- towards cash content each will be
presented to the awardees at the award.
The following have won the Award in the below
mentioned category:
SAHITYA AKADEMI AWARD 2022:
Langua Name of the Janardan
Title and Genre Sanskri Deepmanikyam
ge Author Prasad Pandey
t (Poetry)
‘Mani’
Assame Bhool Satya (Short Manoj Kumar
se Stories) Goswami Sabarnaka Balire Kajli Soren
Santali Sanan’ Panjay (Jagannath
Sansrini Modira Rashmi (Poetry) Soren)
Bodo
(Poetry) Choudhury
Sindhi Sahit Jo
Kanhaiyalal
Chhe Roopak Sindhi Mukhtasar Itihas
Dogri Veena Gupta Lekhwani
(Drama) (Literary History)

All The Lives We Tamil Kaala Paani (Novel) M. Rajendran

English Anuradha Roy
Never Lived (Novel)
Manodharmaparaga Madhuranthaka
Gher Jatan Gulam Telugu
m (Novel) m Narendra
Gujarati (Autobiographical Mohammad
Essays) Shaikh Khwab Saraab
Urdu Anis Ashfaq
(Novel)
Tumadi Ke Shabd
Hindi Badri Narayan Sahitya Akademi:
(Poetry)
 Sahitya Akademi is India’s National Academy of
Bahutvada Bhaarata Letters.
mattu Bouddha  The Government of India established the Sahitya
Kannad Mudnakudu Akademi on 12 March 1954.
Taatvikate
a Chinnaswamy
(Collection of  Sahitya Akademi was set up by the Government but
Articles) functions as an autonomous organisation.
 On 7 January 1956, it was registered as a society
Kashmi Zael Dab (Literary under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
Farooq Fayaz
ri Criticism)  Sahitya Akademi has recognised English and
Rajasthani apart from the 22 languages enumerated in
Konkan Maya Anil the Indian Constitution.
Amrutvel (Novel)
i Kharangate General Rules and Eligibility Criteria for the Sahitya
Akademi Award:
Maithili
Pen-Drive Me Prithvi
Ajit Azad  The book must be a remarkable contribution to the
(Poetry) language and literature to which it belongs.
 The literary work or book should be first published in
Ashaante any of the languages recognised by the Sahitya
Malayal M. Thomas
Seethayanam Akademi during the five years prior to the year,
am Mathew
(Literary Criticism) immediately preceding the year of the award.
 The literary work should be written by an Indian and
Manipur Koijam published in India.
Leironnung (Poetry)
i Shantibala  The book or literary work should not be a work of
translation or an anthology of multiple authors
Praveen
Ujavya Sondechya  When two or more books are equally good, the total
Marathi Dashrath
Bahulya (Novel) literary contribution and standing of the authors of the
Bandekar
books will be considered to decide the award.
Nepali Saino (Drama) K.B. Nepali
12. Sethrichem Sangtam awarded Rohini Nayyar
prize for rural development
Gayatribala
Odia Dayanadi (Poetry)
Panda
 Sethrichem Sangtam, who helped triple the incomes
Main Aynghosh Nahi of 1,200 marginalised farmers in Eastern Nagaland,
Punjabi Sukhjit
(Short Stories) was awarded the first Rohini Nayyar prize for
outstanding contribution to rural development. The
Rajasth prize awarded to an individual 40 years or under in
Alekhun Amba (Play) Kamal Ranga
ani age, was presented by the Niti Ayog Vice-Chairman
Suman Bery.
63
 The winner was selected by an eminent jury from civil
society consisting of Dr. Ashok Khosla, founder,
Development Alternatives; Dr. Rajesh Tandon,
founder, PRIA; and Ms. Renana Jhabwala, national
coordinator, SEWA.
 The prize had been instituted by the family of the
late Dr. Rohini Nayyar, an eminent scholar-
administrator who spent much of her professional life
working on issues related to rural development in
India.
 Dr. Nayyar, a well-known economist and former
principal adviser at the erstwhile Planning
Commission, was one of India’s foremost authorities
on rural development. She passed away in October
2021.
Summits And Conferences News
13. PM Modi to Inaugurate National Youth
Conference in Karnataka on 12 January 2023
 Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said
that a National Youth festival is poised to be hosted
at Hubballi-Dharwad twin cities, which will be
inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The
National Youth Festival will be organized on January
12 in connection with the birth anniversary of Swami
Vivekananda.
 Around 7,500 representatives from all the States will
participate in the youth festival. The National Youth
Festival is organised to commemorate the birth
anniversary of Swami Vivekanand which falls on 12
January.
 The first National Youth Festival was started in
1995 as a major activity under the programme
of National Integration Camp. The 25th National
Youth Festival was organised in Puducherry.
 Swami Vivekananda’s birthday on January 12 is
always celebrated as National Youth Day and 12-16
January every year is observed as the National Youth
Week.
Sports News
14. FIFA chosed Morocco to host Club World Cup
in February 2023
 Morocco was rewarded by FIFA with hosting rights for
the next Club World Cup in February, with an
expanded 32-team edition set to launch in
2025. The most recent edition of the tournament was
held in the UAE in February 2022 and was won by the
English football club, Chelsea.
 European champion Real Madrid, South American
champion Flamengo and Seattle Sounders, the first
CONCACAF Champions League winner from the
United States, will play in the traditional seven-team
tournament from Feb. 1-11.
 FIFA World Cup 2022 – Qatar (32 Teams)
 FIFA World Cup 2026 – Canada, Mexico, USA (48
teams)
64
 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2022 – Costa Rica
 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022 – India
 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2023 – Australia and
New Zealand
15. Goa to Host First Ever World Table Tennis
(WTT) Series Event in India
 Goa will host India’s first ever World Table Tennis
(WTT) series event from February 27 to March 5. The
top tier WTT Star Contender Goa 2023 will take place
at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor stadium,
located at the Goa University Campus. Stupa
Analytics, a homegrown sports analytics firm, will be
the tournament host with active support from the
Goa government.
 World Table Tennis (WTT) was created by
the International Table Tennis Federation in 2019 to
create and manage professional men’s and women’s
Table Tennis events around the world. The WTT
organizes a series of events around the year and the
highest ranked tournament being the four Grand
Smashes.
24th December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK
Updates for Bank Exam
International News
1. Spain passes new transgender law, anyone
above 16 can change their gender
 Spain passes new transgender law: The lower
house of the Spanish Parliament approved a measure
allowing individuals over the age of 16 to change their
legally recorded gender without the need for medical
supervision.
 According to the law, drafted by the center-left
coalition government, minors between the ages of 14
and 16 must be accompanied by their parents or legal
guardians and those between the ages of 12 and 13
will require a judge’s permission to make the move.
Spain: Important Takeaways
 Capital of Spain: Madrid
 Monarch of Spain: King Felipe VI
 Prime Minister of Spain: Pedro Sanchez
2. IMF decreases FY23 India’s GDP growth
forecast to 6.8%
 IMF decreases FY23 India’s GDP growth
forecast: In light of lower-than-anticipated output in
the second quarter and more sluggish external
demand, the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
reduced India’s growth prediction for FY23 from 7.4%
forecasted in July to 6.8%. India’s growth projection for
FY23 has undergone three decreases, starting from
9% in January of this year.
 According to the IMF’s premier World Economic
Outlook (WEO), which was published in Washington,
 DC, India’s growth is predicted to further decelerate in
FY24, reaching 6.1%.
IMF: Important Takeaways
 IMF Headquarters: Washington DC, USA;
 IMF Managing Director: Kristalina Georgieva.
3. NSE Gets Sebi Nod to Set up Social Stock
Exchange
 One of the leading stock exchanges in India –
The National Stock Exchange of India
(NSE) received in-principle approval from the capital
markets regulator Securities Exchange Board of
India (Sebi) to set up a Social Stock Exchange
(SSE) as a separate segment.
 First floated by Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman in her Budget speech for the financial
year 2019-20, SSE is a novel concept in India and
the framework for this was notified in July this year
based on the recommendations of a working group
and technical group constituted by Sebi.
 It is meant to serve the private and non-profit
sectors by availing more capital to them. The union
government issued a gazette notification declaring a
new security ‘zero coupon zero principal‘ under
the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956.
4. CCEA Increases the Minimum Support Prices for
Copra for 2023 Season
 The Cabinet Committee on Economic
Affairs(CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Shri
Narendra Modi has approved Minimum Support
Prices (MSPs) for copra for 2023 season. The
approval is based on recommendations of the
Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices and
views of major coconut growing states.
 The MSP for Fair Average Quality of milling
copra has been fixed at Rs. 10860/- per quintal and
for ball copra at Rs. 11750/- per quintal for 2023
season.
 This is an increase of Rs. 270/- per quintal for milling
copra and Rs. 750/- per quintal for ball copra over 
the previous season.
 This would ensure a margin of 51.82 percent for 
milling copra and 64.26 percent for ball copra over the
all India weighted average cost of production.
Business News
5. Jio to Acquire Reliance Infratel for Rs 3,720
Crore
 Reliance Projects and Property Management Services
— a subsidiary of telecom major Reliance Jio — has
deposited Rs 3,720 crore in an SBI escrow account to
acquire mobile tower and fibre assets of Reliance
Infratel.
 Reliance Infratel has fibre assets of about 178,000
route kilometres and 43,540 mobile towers across the
country. The National Company Law Tribunal
(NCLT) gave an approval to Jio for the acquisition
of Reliance Infratel (RITL).
Banking News
6. HDFC borrows USD 400 million from IFC for
financing green affordable housing
 HDFC borrows USD 400 million from IFC: As part of
their efforts to promote climate goals, the International
Finance Corporation (IFC) has provided a loan to
mortgage giant HDFC in the amount of USD 400
million for the financing of green, affordable housing
units.
 In separate statements released, HDFC and IFC
claimed that the loan would increase green housing,
help close the urban housing gap, increase access to
affordable climate-smart homes, and support the
country’s transition to a more sustainable growth path
while also generating jobs and ensuring long-term
business growth.
HDFC and IFC: Important Takeaways
 HDFC Headquarters: Mumbai, India
 HDFC Chairman: Shyamala Gopinath
 IFC Headquarters: Washington D.C., USA
Defence News
7. India-Japan to conduct 1st bilateral air combat
exercise “Veer Guardian 23” in 2023
 Veer Guardian 23: Indian Air Force
(IAF) and Japanese Air Self Defence Force
(JASDF) are set to hold their maiden bilateral air
exercise, “Veer Guardian 23”, from January 16 to 26
at Hyakuri air base and Iruma air base in Japan.
 The IAF is fielding four Su-30MKI fighters from No.
220 squadron under the Western Air Command and
one IL-78 mid-air refueller, along with a contingent of
around 150 personnel who will be transported by two
C-17 transport aircraft. The JASDF would be fielding
four F-15s and four F-2 fighter jets for the exercise.
Important: -
Indian Air Force Headquarters:New Delhi;
 Indian Air Force Founded: 8 October 1932, India;
Indian Air Force Chief of Defence Staff
(CDS): General Anil Chauhan.
Awards News
8. Kura Pokkhir Shunye Ura and Upon Entry
Awarded Best Film at KIFF
 Kura Pokkhir Shunye Ura (The Golden Wings of
Watercocks) of Bangladesh and Upon Entry of Spain
won the Best Film Award at the 28th Kolkata
International Film Festival.
 Upon Entry is a film from Spain which is a story about
the unexpected interrogation of a couple from
Barcelona that has to go through after landing in New
65
 York with pre-approved immigration visas. Kura
Pokkhir Shunye Ura is a Bangladeshi Film that
revolves around the journey of a peasant who is
affected by the fury of nature.
 The best film at the International Film Festival gets
the Golden Royal Bengal Tiger Award and prize
money of ₹51 lakh.
 Virna Molina and Ernesto Ardito of Argentina won
the Best Director Award for the film Hitler’s Witch.
9. Beth Mead Awarded BBC Sports Personality of
the Year 2022 Award
 Beth Mead has been awarded the BBC Sports
Personality of the Year for 2022 as she was the
player of the tournament and top scorer at Euro 2022.
 Beth Mead defeated Germany in the finals
at Wembley to win England’s first major women’s
football trophy. The 27-year-old competed against
Ben Stokes and Ronnie O’Sullivan for the BBC Sports
Personality of the Year for 2022 award.
Beth Mead Awarded BBC Sports Personality of the
Year 2022 Award- Key Points
 Beth Mead defeated eight-time
champion Germany with her six goals and five assists
at the Wembley finals.
 England secured their first major trophy for the first
time since 1966.
 They also won the team of the year and coach of the
year for Sarina Wiegman.
 England’s Cricketer Ben Stokes was second with
winter Olympics curling champion Eve Muirhead
Third.
 Seven-time snooker world champion Ronnie
O’Sullivan, gymnast Jessica Gadirova, who won the
floor title and 1,500 m athletics World Champion Jake
Wightman were also shortlisted for the award.
 Beth Mead won the player of the tournament and won
the Golden boot with six goals and five assists.
 She has been also named Arsenal’s player of the
season.
 Her international goal tally for the 2021-22
season was 20 in 19 matches, beating the record of
13 scored by Jimmy Greaves in 1960-61.
About Beth Mead
Bethany Jane Mead was born on 9th May 1995. She
is an English Professional footballer who plays forward
for the women’s super league club Arsenal and the
England national team. At UEFA Women’s Euro
2022, she became the Golden Boot Winner, Player of
the Tournament, and top assist provider, leading
England to win a major tournament for the first time.
10. Indian Scientist Prof. Thalappil Pradeep
Awarded VinFuture Special Prize 2022
 Professor Thalappil Pradeep, Indian Scientist, India
Institute of Technology, Madras received VinFuture
66
special Prize on 20th December 2022 in Hanoi. Prof
Thalappil Pradeep was awarded for the innovation of
a low-cost filtration system to remove arsenic and
other heavy metals from groundwater.
 Thalappil Pradeep is an Indian scientist and professor
of chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at the
Indian Institute of Technology Madras. He has
received the Padma Shri award in 2020 for his
distinguished contribution to the field of science and
technology.
 He received the Nikkei Asia Prize in 2020,
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) Prize in
2018, and the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for
Science and Technology in 2008. Thalappil Pradeep
was born on 8th July 1963 in Panthavoor, Kerala.
11. PRAKASHmay: NHPC Won Best Globally
Competitive Power Company of India Award
 NHPC Limited has been awarded as the winner of
the ‘Best Globally Competitive Power Company of
India-Hydropower and Renewable Energy
Sector’ at PRAKASHmay 15th Enertia Awards 2022.
 On the behalf of NHPC, Shri U.S. Sahi, Executive
Director (EMS/CC/CSR) received the award. The
event was held at the New Delhi Institute of
Management, New Delhi on 22nd December 2022.
 PRAKASHmay 15th Enertia Awards 2022 aims to
recognize Hydropower projects as major renewable
energy assets that enable sustainable development
goals through renewable energy portfolio growth.
 The 15th Enertia Awards 2022 was organized by
the ENERTIA Foundation and supported by the
Renewable Energy Promotion Association and the
New Delhi Institute of Management.
12. Sudeep & Shobhana won Rabindranath Tagore
Literary Prize 2021-22
 Rabindranath Tagore Literary
Prize: The Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize has
been jointly won by Sudeep Sen for his genre and
formbender Anthropocene: Climate Change,
Contagion, Consolation (Pippa Rann Books & Media,
2021) and Shobhana Kumar for her haibun collection
A Sky Full of Bucket Lists (Red River, 2021).
 The winners, awarded $10,000 and a Rabindranath
Tagore statuette, were picked from a shortlist of 11 at
India International Centre, with the Tagore Prize for
social achievement going to Sanjoy K Roy, producer of
the Jaipur Literature Festival.
Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize Shortlist for
2021-22:
1. A Play for the End of the World: Jai Chakrabarti
(Knopf, 2021)
2. Manual for a Decent Life: Kavita A. Jindal (Linen
Press, 2020)
3. Two and a Half Rivers: Anirudh Kala (Niyogi, 2021) 15. National Consumer Rights Day 2022: 24
4. A Sky Full of Bucket Lists: Shobhana Kumar (Red December
River, 2021)
5. Osmosis: Debarshi Mitra (Hawakal Publishers,
 Every year on December 24, India observed
2020)
the National Consumer Day or Bharatiya Grahak
6. The Elegant Nobody: Jagari Mukherjee (Hawakal
Diwas. This day is used to make all consumers aware
Publishers, 2020)
of their powers and rights.
7. My City is a Murder of Crows: Nikita Parik (Hawakal
 This day was made under the Consumer Protection
Publishers, 2022)
Act, which came to power in 1986 to create awareness
8. I Want a Poem and Other Poem: Jerry Pinto
and save consumers from market exploitation like
(Speaking Tiger Books, 2021)
defective products or expensive pricing. World
9. The Earthspinner: Anuradha Roy (Mountain
Consumer Rights Day is celebrated on March
Leopard Press, 2021)
15 every year.
10. Anthropocene: Climate Change, Contagion,
Consolation: Sudeep Sen (Pippa Rann  The day marks an opportunity to urge that all
Books&Media, 2021) consumers’ rights be recognised and safeguarded, as
11. Love Without a Story: Arundhati Subramaniam well as to protest market abuses and social injustices
(Bloodaxe Books, 2021) that jeopardise those rights.
About the Awards:
25th and 26th December Daily Current Affairs 2022:
The Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize was started in
Today GK Updates for Bank Exam
2018 to annually recognise literary and social
International News
accomplishments. In 2020, the award was won by Raj
1. CPN-Maoist Centre Chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal
Kamal Jha, Chief Editor, The Indian Express, for The
Prachanda Set to Become New Nepal PM
City and The Sea (2019, Penguin Books), and in 2019,
it was awarded posthumously to Kabir for One
CPN-Maoist Centre chief Pushpa Kamal
Hundred Poems of Kabir, translated by Rabindranath Dahal, also known as Prachanda, mustered the support
Tagore. of 168 parliamentarians, way above the magic mark of
138 in the House of Representatives, clearing the way
Schemes News for his third stint in the Nepal Prime Minister’s
13. LG Manoj Sinha Launched 3 New Schemes for Office in the last 14 years.
J&K

 President Bidya Devi Bhandari appointed Prachanda

 Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj
as the prime minister as per Article 76 (2) of the
Sinha announced three New Schemes- Holistic
constitution.
Development of Agriculture & Allied Sectors,
Aspirational Towns, and Aspirational Panchayat  Prachanda has support of 165 lawmakers in the 275-
for J&K Union Territory. The projects which have member House of Representatives which includes
now been approved by the administrative council, CPN-UML with 78, CPN-MC with 32, RSP with 20, RPP
have an outlay of 5013 crore rupees. with 14, JSP with 12, Janamat with 6 and Nagarik
 Over the next five years, these projects would Unmukti Party with 3.
transform the agriculture economy of J&K putting it
2. Sitiveni Rabuka elected as new Prime Minister of
on a new trajectory of growth with doubling the output
Fiji
of the sectors and making them sustainable and
commercially viable. Lt. Governor said, this will herald Sitiveni Rabuka was confirmed as Fiji’s next
a new phase of farmer prosperity and rural livelihood Prime Minister more than two decades after the
security in J&K. former military commander first held the office in a term
Sports News lasting nearly seven years.
14. Sam Curran Breaks IPL Auction Records and
Become Most Expensive Cricketer
 The 74-year-old won the nomination by one vote over
 Sam Curran breaks all the records and became incumbent Frank Bainimarama at a sitting of the Fijian
the most expensive cricketer ever to be bought by Parliament in Suva. It also signals the end of former
any franchise of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama’s 16 years in power.
In the 55-member Parliament of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka
 Sam Curran is a 24-year-old English Cricketer who
secured 28 votes against Bainimarama’s 27 votes.
was bought by Punjab Kings on the first day of the
IPL auction for ₹18.5 crores. The IPL auctions for the
2023 season are being held in Kerala.
Important Days
67
 Important :
 Fiji Capital: Suva;
 Fiji Currency: Fijian dollar;
 Fiji President: Wiliame Katonivere.
3. ‘Bomb Cyclone’ Winter Storm hits US with Life
Threating Extremely Cold Climate
Bomb Cyclone: Bomb Cyclone has
thrashed US and Canada with extreme climate and has
trapped the residents inside their houses with snow and
power outages. During the Christmas season, the bomb
cyclone occurred due to a low temperature of -40
degrees Fahrenheit. Thousands of flights have been
canceled and several highways have been blocked.
People are advised not to step outside their homes as it
can be life-threatening.
 Earlier, the RBI had announced revised guidelines on
 Due to Artic Blast, the US has been experiencing an
extremely cold climate, heavy snow, and intense wind.
The authorities have ordered to put a halt on traveling
during the Christmas season because of the Bomb
Cyclone.
Appointments News
4. SBI Funds Management appoints Shamsher
Singh as new MD, CEO of company
State Bank of India: SBI Funds
Management has appointed Shamsher Singh as
managing director and chief executive officer of the
company.  The founders of NDTV, Prannoy Roy and his wife
 Singh, who was deputy managing director at State Bank
of India (SBI), has taken over the charge from Vinay M
Tonse following his repatriation to the public sector
lender, the asset management company.
Important :
 SBI Chairperson: Dinesh Kumar Khara.
 SBI Headquarters: Mumbai.
 SBI Founded: 1 July 1955.
Agreements News
5. Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) Signs Agreements
with MSMEs
Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) at the Bhabha
Atomic Research Centre (BARC) signed agreements
with MSMEs for incubation of newer technologies into 
commercial products. The agreements were signed to
commemorate the launch of the AIC at the BARC to
hasten conversion of products from research labs to the 
market.
68
 The incubation agreements are signed specifically for
technologies aligned with India’s global commitments
of achieving Net Zero (carbon neutrality) such as
access to safe drinking water, and growth of potential
import substitutes for advanced and affordable
healthcare in the country.
Banking News
6. RBI’s Revised Bank Locker Rules to Come Into
Effect from 1st of January
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently said
that all leading banks should issue the locker
agreement to its holders before January 1, 2023,
as the new locker rules will be implemented from that
date.
August 8, 2021, which became effective from January
1, 2022. And now, all the locker owners must display
their eligibility for a new locker arrangement and
sign a renewal agreement prior to January 1, 2023.
Business News
7. Indian Billionaire Gautam Adani to Control Nearly
65% of NDTV
Indian Billionaire Gautam Adani is to control
64.71% of New Delhi Television Ltd (NDTV) as the
founders have decided to sell most of the shares.
Radhika Roy have decided to transfer most of the
shares in the company giving Gautam Adani his
conglomerate control of about 65% of NDTV. The
decision comes after four months after Gautam Adani
announced his takeover of the news channel.
Defence News
8. Garuda Aerospace Receives Type Certification
and RTPO Approvals from DGCA
Drone manufacturer Garuda Aerospace has
received the Type Certification and RPTO (Remote
Pilot Training Organisation) approvals from
the Director General of Civil Aviation for the
indigenously designed kisan drones.
DGCA Type certification is provided on the basis of
the quality check and is issued after a rigorous testing
process of the unmanned aerial vehicles.
The kisan drones are developed for agricultural
purposes and with the Type Certification received for
the GA-AG model, Garuda Kisan drones were eligible
 for Rs 10 lakh unsecured loans from the agri-
infrastructure fund offered by the Centre.
9. Defence Acquisition Council Clears Over ₹84,000
Crore Proposals
In a step to augment the operational
capabilities of the Armed Forces and the Indian Coast
Guard in future, the Defence Acquisition Council
(DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath
Singh accorded approval for Acceptance of Necessity
(AoN) for 24 Capital Acquisition Proposals.
 These proposals include six for the Indian Army, six 
for the Indian Air Force, 10 for the Indian Navy and
two for the Indian Coast Guard for a total value of
Rs 84,328 crore.
Summits and Conferences
10. PM Modi Addressed 75th Amrut Mahotsav of
Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot Sansthan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed
the 75th Amrut Mahotsav of Shree Swaminarayan
Gurukul Rajkot Sansthan via video-conferencing.
Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot Sansthan
was established at Rajkot in 1948 by seer Shri
Dharmajivandasji Swami.
 It has expanded and currently has more than 40
branches all over the world, providing facilities for
school, undergraduate and postgraduate education
to more than 25,000 students. As part of the Amrit
Mahotsav celebrations, mega blood donation camps,
free medical check-up camps are being organised at 
Sahajanand nagar where renowned multi-specialty
doctors are providing free medical services and free of
cost medicine to the people.
11. CJI D Y Chandrachud Constituted Committee to
Conduct Accessibility Audit of SC Premises
In a bid to remove the barriers to access, Chief
Justice of India D Y Chandrachud has constituted a
committee headed by apex court judge Justice S
Ravindra Bhat to conduct an audit of “physical and
functional access” of the top court premises to make
them disabled friendly.
 The ‘Supreme Court Committee on
Accessibility’ has been given a broad mandate to
prepare and release a questionnaire for persons with 
disabilities, including the apex court employees,
advocates, litigants and interns, who visit the top court
69
premises to assess the nature and extent of problems
they face.
Science and Technology
12. IIT Kanpur Develops Artificial Heart to Deal with
Acute Cardiac Problems
IIT Kanpur is ready with an artificial heart that
would be of great help to people with acute cardiac
problems. IIT Kanpur Director, Abhay Karandikar,
said that the trial on animals would begin next year.
Now heart transplant will be easy. Artificial hearts can
be implanted in serious patients. IIT Kanpur and
cardiologists from across the country have developed
this artificial heart. Trial on animals will start from
February or March. After success in the
trial, transplantation can be done in humans in the
next two years. Artificial heart is being developed to
reduce the sufferings of the patients.
Sports News
13. Geto Sora wins Malaysia’s Junior International
Badminton Championship title
Geta Sora, a rising star in badminton, won
the under-9 category of the Top Arena Junior
International Badminton Championship in Malaysia,
bringing honor to Arunachal and the nation as a
whole. Jaryl Teh, the second seed from Malaysia, was
defeated by Sora in two sets of 21-5 and 21-16 to win
the championship.
In the last two months, Sora has won two international
badminton championships. The BTY-Yonex-Singha
Championship, which was held at the Banthongyord
Badminton School in Bangkok, Thailand, in November,
was won by 7-year-old Sora. Sora clinched the U-9
boys singles title in the Yonex-Singha-BTY
Championships 2022.
14. FIFA officially announced the 2022 world
rankings
FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football
Association): FIFA has officially announced the 2022
world rankings, and Brazil hold on to their No. 1 spot
and 22nd FIFA Men’s World Cup 2022 Champions
Argentina ranked 2nd.
Morocco has improved from 22nd to 11th in the FIFA
world ranking, following their achievements at the 2022
FIFA Global Cup.
 FIFA rankings top 10:  Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka tops the list. For the
third straight year, Osaka tops Forbes’ annual list of the
Ranking Country Points World’s highest-paid female athletes. The list is
dominated by tennis players once again.

106. India 1192.09

Important Days

1. Brazil 1840.77 17. Veer Bal Diwas 2022: History, Significance and
Celebration in India

2. Argentina 1838.38
Veer Bal Diwas 2022: Prime Minister
Narendra Modi has announced to observe Veer Bal
3. France 1823.39
Diwas 2022 on the occasion of the Prakash Purab
of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Veer Bal Diwas is going
4. Belgium 1781.30 to be celebrated in India every year on 26th December.

 Veer Bal Diwas 2022 marks the martyrdom of Sri Guru

5. England 1774.19 Gobind Singh’s sons Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji
and Baba Fateh Singh Ji. Veer Bal Diwas is observed
Important : to pay honor and tribute to the sacrifices made by
Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh.
 FIFA President: Gianni Infantino;  The Veer Bal Diwas will be observed to honor
 FIFA Founded: 21 May 1904; the ‘Sahibzadas’, the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh.
 FIFA Headquarters: Zürich, Switzerland. On this day, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh who was just 6
years old, and Fateh Singh who was just 9 years old,
15. Union Minister Anurag Thakur inaugurates were killed by Mughal forces in Sirhind, Punjab.
Sports Science Center in Karnataka
18. Good Governance Day 2022 celebrates on 25
December
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and
Sports Anurag Thakur inaugurated the Sports Science
Good Governance Day: Every year, in
Centre here at M.G. Stadium in Udupi,
honour of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Vihari
Karnataka. This Sports Science Centre will bring
Vajpayee’s birthday, India observes “Good
together sports scientists and athletes. The sports
Governance Day”. The day is devoted to former prime
science center has been set up by the government of
minister Atal Vihari Vajpayee.
Karnataka.

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi 2014 announced that

 The state government has set up two sports science
“Good Governance Day” will be observed annually on
centers at Udupi and Bengaluru. These centers will
December 25 in memory of the former PM.
conduct research on medicines, nutritious food,
 In 1998–1999, he was elected prime minister for a
treatment and rehabilitation measures for
second term. On October 13, 1999, he was elected as
sportspersons, which would help them to boost their
the nation’s prime minister for the third time.
abilities.
 Significantly, former prime minister Atal Vihari Vajpayee
was the first head of state to address the UN in Hindi.
Ranks and Reports
 The “Bharat Ratna” award was given to him on
March 27, 2015.
16. Forbes annual list, PV Sindhu among top 25
highest-paid female athletes
Miscellaneous News

Forbes annual list: India’s badminton star, PV 19. 10th Edition of North East Festival Begins at
Sindhu is the only Indian sportsperson to feature in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
the top 25 of Forbes’ annual list of the world’s
highest-paid female athletes. Sindhu, the 2016 Tokyo
The 10th Edition of the North East
Olympics silver medallist, occupies the 12th spot in the
Festival began at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in
list.
New Delhi. The festival aims to promote the North

70
 East region’s diverse life, culture, traditions, and
tourism. Micro Small and Medium Enterprises
Minister Narayan Rane inaugurated the MSME
Exhibition at the North East Festival.
 The last two editions were held in Guwahati in a
hybrid model due to rising Covid in the national capital.
Since its inception in 2013, this festival has
contributed a lot in promoting tourism in the North
Eastern states.
20. Losar Festival Celebrated to Mark Ladakhi New
Year in Ladakh
Ladakh celebrated Losar Festival to mark
the Ladakhi New Year. Losar Festival is celebrated in
Ladakh on 24th December 2022. The Losar Festival or
the Ladakhi New year is a major socio-religious festival
of Ladakh celebrated during winter.
 The Losar Festival will continue for nine days from the
new year. People will celebrate by offering prayers in
the name of God and goddess. They will also dance
and sing in honor of Ibex and the pilgrimage of Mount
Kailash.
27th December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today
GK Updates for Bank Exam
National News
1. Piyush Goel Launched Right to Repair Portal for
Consumers
Food and Consumer Affairs Minister
Piyush Goyal launched a host of new initiatives,
including the right to repair portal and an NTH mobile
app and opened new premises of National Consumer
Helpline centre in the national capital. A memorandum
of understanding was also signed between the
Consumer Affairs Department and IIT (BHU),
Varanasi as well launched a capacity building
programme of consumer commissions.
On the ‘right to repair’ portal, manufacturers will share
the manual of product details with customers so that
they can either repair by self, by third parties, rather
than depend on original manufacturers. Initially, mobile
phones, electronic, consumer durables, automobile and
farming equipments will be covered.
International News
2. Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen
Sentenced to 11 Years
71
The Maldives criminal court sentenced former
president Abdulla Yameen to 11 years in prison and
fined him $5 million after finding him guilty of
corruption and money laundering charges related to
receiving kickbacks from a private company.
Yameen has denied any wrongdoing. Since his release,
Yameen, the half-brother of former dictator Maumoon
Abdul Gayoom, has returned to active politics with a
campaign against Indian influence in Maldives, raising
concerns in New Delhi. Situated close to strategic
shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean, Maldives is a focal
point for competition between India and China over
influence in the region.
3. Antarctica’s Biodiversity at risk, Emperor
Penguins could be extinct by 2100
Antarctica’s Biodiversity new research has
indicated that more has to be done to safeguard
Antarctic ecosystems, and if we don’t make a change,
up to 97% of Antarctic species with land-based
populations might go extinct by the year 2100.
The study, which was just released, also discovered
that ten crucial techniques to lessen threats to
Antarctica’s biodiversity may be implemented with just
USD 23 million annually.
4. First case of deadly brain-eating amoeba
infection reported in South Korea
Brain-eating amoeba infection reported in
South Korea: For the first time ever, a rare and
potentially fatal brain-eating amoeba has been
discovered in South Korea. Primary amebic
meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare and serious
infection caused by the amoeba naegleria fowleri, which
is commonly found in warm freshwater and soil.
The 50-year-old affected person has passed away, the
Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA)
reports. The man had returned to Korea following a
four-month sojourn in Thailand.
State in News
5. Madhya Pradesh Govt to build Atal Bihari
Vajpayee’s grand memorial in Gwalior
Madhya Pradesh government: According
to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh
Chouhan, a huge statue of former Prime Minister Atal
Bihari Vajpayee will be installed and a research centre
will be built as part his grand memorial in Gwalior.
On December 26 at the ‘Gwalior Gaurav Diwas’ function
to mark the late leader’s 98th birth anniversary. The
event was also attended by Union Ministers Jyotiraditya
Scindia and Narendra Singh Tomar. Vajpayee was born
in Gwalior on December 25, 1924.
The Madhya Pradesh government has allotted nearly
4,050 hectares of land in Sirol area of Gwalior to build
a memorial of Vajpayee, according to Gwalior Divisional
Commissioner Deepak Singh.
Important :
Madhya Pradesh Capital: Bhopal;
Madhya Pradesh Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel;
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister: Shivraj Singh
Chouhan.
Appointments News
6. Anil Kumar Lahoti named as next railway board
chairman and CEO
Anil Kumar Lahoti has been appointed as
the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
Railway Board. The former General Manager of
Central Railway was appointed as Member
(Infrastructure) of the board a week ago, and will be
taking over the chairmanship from Vinay Kumar
Tripathi on January 1.
Lahoti belongs to the 1984 batch of Indian Railway
Service of Engineers (IRSE), and his appointment is a
part of an overhaul at the top management of the
railway board. Over the past months, no full-time
appointments for the member positions were made in
the railway board, as it was transitioning to a new
integrated service – Indian Railway Management
Service.
7. Ganji Kamala V Rao Appointed as Chief
Executive Officer at FSSAI
Shri Ganji Kamala V Rao IAS has been
appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Food
Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Shri
Ganji Kamala V Rao IAS is currently serving as the
Managing Director of Indian Tourism Development
Corporation Ltd.
Shri Ganji Kamala V Rao IAS is a Kerala cadre officer
of the 1990 batch. He has served as the Chairman and
Managing Director of India Tourism Development
Corporation Ltd in the rank and pays Of Additional
Secretary by the Appointment Committee of Cabinet.
72
He has also served as the Principal Secretary of, the
General Administration Department, Government of
Kerala in Trivandrum.
8. Santosh Kumar Yadav Appointed as Chairman of
NHAI, Subhasis Panda VC of DDA
Santosh Kumar Yadav, the senior bureaucrat,
was appointed as the Chairman of the National
Highway Authority of India (NHAI). Santosh Kumar
Yadav is a 1995-batch Indian Administrative Service
(IAS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. He is currently
serving as the additional secretary in the Department of
School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education.
An order issued by the Department of Personnel and
Training (DoPT) confirms that the Appointments
Committee of the Cabinet has approved the
appointment of Mr. Santosh Kumar Yadav under the
Ministry of Road and Transport & Highways in the
rank and pay of additional secretary to the Government
of India.
Economy News
9. India to Become $10-Trillion Economy by 2035:
CEBR
The Centre for Economics and Business
Research (CEBR), which is a UK-based economics
consultancy, predicted that India will become the
third-largest economy by 2037. 14th edition of the
report noted that over the next five years, the annual
rate of GDP growth is expected to average 6.4%. After
that, the growth is expected to average 6.5% in the
subsequent nine years.
As per the report, India seems “unstoppable in its
momentum” to become the third economic
superpower. The report has predicted that in 2035,
India will become the third $10 trillion economy.
While commenting on the Chinese economy, the
report said that despite modest output performance in
2022, inflation was at an anticipated 11.6%. The
Chinese economy, therefore, faces a potential
stagflationary trade-off between growth and price
rises.
Business News
10. Reliance Jio launches 5G in Andhra Pradesh
with Rs 6,500-cr investment

Reliance Jio announced it has launched
True 5G services in Andhra Pradesh. The 5G
services were launched in Tirumala, Visakhapatnam,
Vijayawada, and Guntur districts. Apart from their
existing investment of Rs 26,000 crore, additionally Jio
has invested over Rs 6,500 crore for deploying 5G
network in Andhra Pradesh.
By December 2023, Jio True 5G services will be made
available in every town, taluka, mandalam and village of
Andhra Pradesh. Jio demonstrated the benefits of 5G in
the field of healthcare, through Jio Community
Clinic medical kit, and the revolutionary AR-VR
device, Jio Glass.
These benefits will bring phenomenal changes in the
lives of people in Andhra Pradesh. The launch of Jio’s
True 5G services will open doors to growth
opportunities in the areas of e- governance,
education, healthcare, IT and SME business.
Banking News
11. CIBIL, SIDBI, Online PSB loans launch MSME
Rankings
With the intent of deepening credit flow to
small businesses and also helping lenders avoid loan
losses on such bets, credit information company
TransUnion Cibil launched a ranking system for MSME
borrowers.
The ‘FIT Rank’ launched by TransUnion Cibil in
association with Online PSB Loans, will rate the over 6
crore micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs)
by drawing inputs from their current accounts, income
tax returns and also Goods and Service Tax (GST)
returns to arrive at a score between 1-10 to rate a
borrower after taking consent to draw the relevant data.
The ranking will give lenders an idea about the
capacity of an enterprise to pay, its
creditworthiness and also intention to pay from past
experience.
Ranks and Reports News
12. India’s Cuisine Ranked Fifth in the list of best
Cuisines of the World
Cuisines of the World: India is ranked fifth
on the global list of the best cuisines for 2022,
according to Taste Atlas. The ranking is based on
audience votes for ingredients, dishes, and beverages.
73
Italy’s food came in first place followed by Greece and
Spain. India received 4.54 points and the best rated
foods of the country include “garam masala, malai,
ghee, butter garlic naan, keema”, the rating said. It
has a total of 460 items in the list.
Furthermore, the best restaurants to try Indian cuisine
are Shree Thaker Bhojanalay (Mumbai), Karavalli
(Bengaluru), Bukhara (New Delhi), Dum Pukht (New
Delhi), Comorin (Gurugram) and 450 others,
according to the list.
Awards News
13. Indian Cyclist Swasti Singh gets 30th Ekalabya
Puraskar
Ekalabya Puraskar: Indian cyclist Swasti
Singh has been honoured with the prestigious 30th
Ekalabya Puraskar for the year 2022.
The award is instituted by IMFA’s charitable wing,
IMPaCT. Swasti received a cash award of Rs 5 lakh
along with a citation at the Ekalabya Puraskar function
held in Bhubaneswar. She has bagged two gold and as
many silver medals at the national level.
Swasti, who has represented the State in several
national events and was credited with the best
individual brilliance from April 1, 2020, to March 31,
2022, emerged as the clear winner this year.
Sports News
14. Nikhat Zareen & Lovlina Borgohain win gold
medals at the Elite National Women’s Boxing
Championships
Telangana Boxing star and the reigning world
champion, Nikhat Zareen, and Lovlina Borgohain, the
bronze medalist from the Tokyo Olympics, both won
gold medals in their separate finals in the Elite Women’s
National Boxing Championships.
The Railway Sports Promotion Board won the team
trophy with ten awards in the 6th Elite Women’s
National Boxing Championships in Bhopal.
Lovlina of Assam defeated Arundhati Choudhary of the
Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) 5-0 in the 75kg
final, while Nikhat endured a hard test from Anamika of
the RSPB in the 50kg final before the 26-year-old
Telangana pugilist won 4-1 to defend her championship.
Important Days
15. International Day of Epidemic Preparedness
2022 celebrates on 27 December
International Day of Epidemic
Preparedness on December 27 serves the purpose of
creating awareness about epidemics.
This day encourages every individual, every institution,
and every government to prepare its citizens in an
appropriate manner and in accordance with national
contexts and priorities, through education and
awareness-raising activities, in order to highlight the
importance of the prevention of, preparedness for, and
partnership against epidemics.
In its 75th session and 36th plenary meeting on
December 7, 2020, the United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution which declared
December 27 as the International Day of Epidemic
Preparedness. The decision is part of the 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development.
Obituaries News
16. England 1966 World Cup winner George Cohen
passes away
England’s 1966 World Cup-winning right back,
George Cohen has passed away, his former club
Fulham announced. He made his international debut in
1964 and went on to represent his country 37 times,
playing a key role in England’s only World Cup triumph
when it beat West Germany 4-2 after extra time at
Wembley in the final.
He was one of only three surviving members of that 
World Cup-winning squad, along with Bobby Charlton
and Geoff Hurst. He spent the whole of his club career
with one team, Fulham, making 459 appearances for
the west London side.
Miscellaneous News
17. FSSAI gives five-star rating to UP’s Bulandshahr
prison for food quality  Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker of Kerala is also known
The Bulandshahr prison of Uttar Pradesh
was awarded a five-star rating and the tag ‘Eat Right
Campus’ by the Food Safety and Standard Authority
 To honour and acknowledge P.N.Panicker ,Kerala
of India (FSSAI).
The FSSAI team inspected the kitchen’s food quality,
storage and hygiene on stringent measures, based on
which the Bulandshahr prison was given a five-star
rating, the ‘Eat Right Campus’ tag in addition to the
remark of ‘Excellent’ by the FSSAI. Bulandshahr Jail is
the second prison after Farrukhabad jail to get this tag
from Uttar Pradesh.
28th December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK
Updates for Bank Exam
State News
1. Home Ministry approved the name change of two
places in Uttar Pradesh
The Union Home Ministry has given its consent
to change the names, a Municipal Council in Gorakhpur
and a village in Deoria, both in eastern UP, following
recommendations from the state government.
 The ‘no-objection’ certificates were issued by the Union
Home ministry for changing the name of ‘Mundera
Baazar’ municipal council in Gorakhpur district
to ‘Chauri-Chaura’ and that of ‘Telia Afghan’ village in
Deoria district to ‘Telia Shukla’.
 Mundera Bazar Municipal Council will now become
Chauri-Chaura Municipal Council to commemorate
100-years of the Chauri-Chaura incident which had
taken place on February 4, 1922 in Gorakhpur
district.
 Telia Afghan village is already popular as Telia Shukla
village under Barhaj tehsil of the eastern UP district.
2. Dharmadam becomes first complete library
constituency in India
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s
constituency has achieved a new record recently. It
has become the only constituency in India to have a
library in all the wards.
CM Vijayan’s constituency Dharmadam has achieved
the position of complete library constituency in India, the
first in India. Out of the total 138 wards in the
constituency, there were no libraries in 63 wards.
Dharmadam reached the achievement with the opening
of libraries in these wards too.
 Kerala which was the first state to achieve 100%
literacy status in India is also perhaps the only state in
India that has a library in every village.
as the Father of the Library Movement in India. He
started Granthashala Sangam with about 50 small
libraries in 1945 in Kerala which grew into a large
network of thousands of libraries.
Government declared June 19, his death anniversary,
as Vayanadinam (Reading Day) in 1996 In
2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared June 19
his death anniversary as National Reading Day in
India. The following month is also observed as National
Reading Month in India.
Agreements News
74
 3. Zeliangrong United Front Signs a Peace
Agreement with Central and Manipur Government
The Centre signed a peace agreement with
a Manipur insurgent group, which agreed to give up
violence and join the peaceful democratic process.
 The tripartite agreement was signed by the central and
Manipur governments and the Zeliangrong United
Front (ZUF) rebel group which mostly operated in
Manipur.The agreement was signed by senior home
ministry officials and the government of Manipur and the
representatives of ZUF in presence of Chief Minister N
Biren Singh.
 The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) was established in
2011. It is a Naga group which is active in Manipur. The
group claims its objective is to safeguard the interest
of ‘Zeliangrong Naga tribes in Manipur, Assam and
Nagaland. It aimed to create a ‘Zeliangrong’ state
within the Indian Union comprising the Zeliangrong
Naga tribe’s area in Manipur, Assam and Nagaland.
The ZUF is listed as one of the 13 active insurgent
group in Manipur by the South Asia Terrorism
Portal (SATP).
4. Power ministry, DRDO Ink Pact to Install Early
Warning Systems for Power Stations
The Ministry of Power announced that it has
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
the Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) to implement an early warning
system for vulnerable hydro projects and power
stations in hilly regions.
 The early warning systems will alert stakeholders in
the case of natural hazards like avalanches,
landslides, glaciers, glacial lakes and more.
 The Ministry of Power and the DRDO will also be
working together to build mitigation and damage control
systems against these disasters.
 The Early Warning System has been envisioned as a
risk reduction system that combines hazard monitoring,
forecasting and prediction, with disaster risk
assessment, communication and preparedness.
5. NTPC and Tecnimont Signed MOU for Green
Methanol Project
NTPC signed a non-binding Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Tecnimont Private Limited,
the Indian subsidiary of Maire Tecnimont Group, Italy.
 NTPC is India’s largest power generation company. The 
objective of the MoU is to jointly evaluate and
explore the possibility to develop a commercial-scale
Green Methanol production facility at the NTPC project
in India.
 The Green Methanol Project involves capturing carbon
from NTPC power plants and converting it into green
fuel. Green Methanol has a wide range of applications
including serving as a base material for the Chemical
industry, storing renewable electricity, and
transportation fuel.
Banking News
6. Financial Literacy is low nationwide, both in
urban and rural areas: RBI Survey
A pan-Indian “Financial Literacy and
Inclusion survey” conducted by the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) found that awareness and knowledge of
digital banking are on par between the rural and urban
population nationwide, with the average for both
segments being 11.7 on a scale of 21.
 Three criteria—financial knowledge, attitude, and
behavior—were used to base the poll. The average
urban and rural scores on a scale of 1 to 21 were 11.7.
 The scores, zone-wise, were as follows: Both the urban
and rural areas in the north zone had scores of 11.5
apiece, which was par. The scores were 12.1 for both
rural and urban areas in the east zone as well.
 In the middle zone, urban areas had a score of
12.5 while rural regions received a slightly lower score
of 12.1. In the west zone, scores were nearly identical,
with urban areas scoring 12.6, and rural regions scoring
12.5. The urban area score in the south zone was 11.2
while the rural area score was 10.3.
7. Bank frauds over 50% in Public Sector Banks
according to RBI data:
According to an RBI report, public sector
banks (PSBs) accounted for the majority of frauds
reported in 2018–19, with 55.4% of the cases reported
and 90% of the money involved. This is primarily due to
an inadequate internal process, lack of personnel, and
inadequate systems to address operational risks.
 Private banks and foreign banks contributed 30,7%
and 11.2 percent, respectively, to the total number of
frauds, while contributing 7.7 percent and 1.3 percent,
respectively, to the latter.
 According to the Reserve Bank of India’s “Trend and
Progress of Banking in India 2018-19” report, PSBs
contributed even more to big frauds in 2018–19,
accounting for 91.6% of their total value.
 The loan portfolio has seen the highest percentage of
frauds, both in terms of quantity and dollar amount.
The value of incidents involving various aspects of
banking, such as card/internet, off-balance sheet,
and foreign exchange transactions, has decreased
75
 (in terms of reporting date) in 2018–19 compared to the
previous year.
8. Indian Bank launched ‘MSME Prerana’
programme in Rajasthan:
Indian Bank, one of the leading public sector
banks in the country, has launched its flagship business
mentoring program for MSME entrepreneurs ‘MSME
Prerana’ in the state of Rajasthan. Indian Bank’s
 50 per cent of vehicles are uninsured, and the
unique program, “MSME Prerana”, is a first-of-its-kind
initiative for MSME Sector in the country by any bank.
 It is aims at empowering MSME
Entrepreneurs through skill development and capacity
building training in their local languages, assisting them
in acquiring necessary financial and managerial skills,
capacity to handle crisis in business, understanding of
dynamics of credit rating and risk management.
 The training program is in collaboration with M/s
Poornatha & Co, a firm that designs entrepreneurial
development program in vernacular languages using
online web interactive sessions and case studies. Indian
Bank has already conducted this online program in 7
languages across 10 states.
Business News
9. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Announces
Launch of ‘Respect Senior Care Rider’:
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, one of the
leading private general insurers of India, announced the
 The acquisition will further strengthen Reliance Retail’s
launch of its unique health insurance rider ‘Respect
Senior Care Rider’.
 This rider helps one fulfill their parental responsibility
smoothly. In order to accomplish this goal, Bajaj Allianz
General Insurance has tied up with a wide network of
service providers to assist the insured with their
worries.
 The company offers a comprehensive network of
services and professionals who collaborate with one
another to ensure that senior citizen will always
receive the highest possible level of care.
 This network can be accessed by them or their family
members at any time, this product will protect the
customers from shelling out significant sums of cash
and reduces worries and brings a plethora of services 
at their fingertips.
10. IRDAI to Introduce ‘Bima Vahaks’ to Expand 
Insurance Force:
To enhance the insurance force in India,
the Insurance Regulatory and Development
Authority of India (IRDAI) will soon introduce “Bima
Vahaks” in each gram panchayat. Each Gram
Panchayat will have a ‘Bima Vahak’ who would be
tasked to sell and service simple parametric bundled
insurance products, Bima Vistar, covering health,
property, life and personal accident.
 There is a large section of the population which is
missing the facilities of financial aid and insurance.
About 30 per cent of the eligible population,
the ‘missing middle‘, are deprived of health insurance
solutions.
coverage of property insurance is minuscule.
The MSMEs are not adequately covered. This huge
protection gap needs to be bridged.
11. Reliance Acquires Metro AG’s India Business
for Rs 2,850 Crore
Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), a
subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd signed definitive
agreements to acquire 100 percent equity stake
in Metro Cash and Carry India Pvt Ltd, which
operates under the ‘Metro India’ brand, for a cash
consideration of Rs 2,850 crore.
 Through this acquisition, Reliance Retail gets access
to a wide network of METRO India stores located in
prime locations across key cities, a large base of
registered kiranas and other institutional customers,
strong supplier network and some of the global best
practices implemented by METRO in India.
physical store footprint and ability to better serve
consumers and small merchants by leveraging
synergies and efficiencies across supply chain
networks, technology platforms and sourcing
capabilities.
Ranks and Reports News
12. Punjab Ranks 2nd in Average Monthly Income
Per Agricultural Household: Govt
Punjab ranks second in the country in average
monthly income per agricultural household. The fact
came to light in a data provided by Union Minister of
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh
Tomar in the ongoing session of Rajya Sabha.
As per information, Meghalaya tops across the country
with average monthly income per agricultural household
(Rs 29,348).
The prominent crops produced in Punjab include rice,
wheat, maize, bajra, sugarcane, oilseeds, and
cotton, but rice and wheat alone constitute 80 per
cent of the total gross cropped area.
Summits And Conferences News
13. IISc Bengaluru is Secretariat for G20 Working
Group on Science
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The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has been
announced as the Secretariat for Science 20 (S20),
the G20 summit’s science working group. IISc stated
that S20 will play a key role in helping resolve global
issues like poverty and bring together the developments
made by the G20 member states for development.
 The deliberations will focus on three sets of
issues: Universal holistic health, clean energy for
greener future, and connecting science to society
and culture. The consultations will also include an
inception meeting in Puducherry and a summit meeting
in Coimbatore.
 S20 2023 theme is ‘Disruptive Science for Innovative
and Sustainable Development’, under which many
deliberations will be held through the year in Agartala,
Lakshadweep and Bhopal.
Appointments News
14. Baskar Babu Re-Appointed as Suryoday Bank’s
Chief for 3 Years
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved
the reappointment of Baskar Babu Ramachandran as
the MD & CEO of Suryoday Small Finance bank for
three years effective from 23rd January 2023.
 The founder of the bank, Baskar Babu Ramachandran
sold the bank’s 50 lakh shares on 16th December
for ₹55.44 crores to close a loan for exercising
warrants to maintain the promoter’s stake at the
minimum of 26 percent for the first 5 years.
 Baskar Babu Ramachandran holds 63,01,911 shares
amounting to 5.94 percent after the aforementioned 
same of which 62.40 lakh shares are pledged.
 The bank was originally incorporated as Suryoday
Micro Finance Pvt Ltd in Chennai in 2008.
 The bank subsequently converted into a public
limited company as Suryoday Micro Finance Ltd in
2015.
 Suryoday Micro Finance was granted in-principle and
final approval to establish an SFB by the RBI.
15. Lieutenant General Arvind Walia appointed
Engineer-in-Chief of Army
Lieutenant General Arvind Walia has been
appointed as the next Engineer-in-Chief of the Indian
Army. He would be succeeding Lt Gen Harpal
Singh who is superannuating on December 31.
 An officer of the 1986 batch, Lt Gen Walia is an
alumnus of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, and
also received the prestigious Silver Medal there.
 Lt Gen Walia has previously commanded an
independent squadron in the desert sector, a regiment
in Jammu and Kashmir and an Engineer Brigade along
the western front. He has also commanded the MEG &
Centre in Bengaluru.
Awards News
16. Cuban social worker Aleida Guevara received
with first KR Gouri Amma national award
Noted Cuban social worker and human rights
advocate, Aleida Guevara has been selected for the
first KR Gouri Amma national award instituted by
the K.R. Gouri Amma Foundation.
 The award comprising $3,000, a statuette and citation
will be given away by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at
a function to be held here on January 5. Dr. Aleida is
also an active member of the Cuban Medical Mission
that works to improve the health profile of children in
Latin America.
 KR Gouri Amma was the second longest-serving MLA
in Kerala Legislative Assembly and also the last
surviving member of the first Kerala government.
Books And Authors
17. A book titled “Forks in the Road: My Days at RBI
and Beyond” by C. Rangarajan
C Rangarajan authored a book titled “Forks in
the Road: My Days at RBI and Beyond”. It was
published by the Penguin Business (Penguin Group).
The book is the memoir of Dr C. Rangarajan, an Indian
economist, a former Member of Parliament, and
the 19th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI).
It discusses India’s transition from its post-
independence planning era to the present times. The
book is divided into 3 parts. Part 1- ‘RBI and Planning
Commission’, Part 2-‘Governor of RBI’ and Part 3-
‘Beyond RBI’.
Miscellaneous News
18. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Ministry of
Railways to renovate 1,000 small stations
The Ministry of Railways has developed a
new scheme to modernize over 1000 small stations
over the coming year. The stations will be equipped with
facilities inspired by the mega-upgradation of marquee
stations. This scheme will be a part of the Ministry of
Railways Station Redevelopment Drive and Amrit
Bharat Station Scheme.
 The stations will include provisions for rooftop
plazas, longer platforms, ballastless tracks, and 5G
connectivity.
 The scheme will subsume all previous redevelopment
projects where work is yet to begin.
77
 The scheme aims to prepare Master Plans of the
Railway Stations and implementation of the Master Plan
in phases to enhance the facility.
 The plans and consequences will be approved based
on factors such as footfall and inputs from stakeholders.
 Zonal Railways have been given the responsibility of
selecting stations that will be approved by a committee 
of senior railway officials.
29th December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK
Updates for Bank Exam  The scheme is launched under the leadership of Prime
National News
1. Indian Firm Bags Consultancy Contract for
Bangladesh Port
An Indian firm has bagged a contract for
providing consultancy for a capacity building project
at Mongla port, the second largest seaport
in Bangladesh, which will boost sub-regional
connectivity in South Asia.
 The contract was signed between Mongla Port
Authority and EGIS India Consulting Engineers Pvt
Ltd. The total project cost under Government of
India concessional Line of Credit is USD 530
million of which PMC contract awarded to EGIS India 
Consulting Engineers Ltd. is for USD 9.60 million.
 While India will provide the majority finance for the 
project under its concessional line of credit of $4.5
billion to Bangladesh, the Sheikh
Hasina government will provide the rest. The project is 
scheduled to be completed by July 30, 2024.
 The metro rail will connect Diabari to Agargaon station
2. President Murmu Laid Foundation Stone for
PRASHAD Project for Two Temples in Telangana 
Smt. Droupadi Murmu has laid the foundation
stone of the project ‘Development of Pilgrimage
Facilities at Bhadrachalam Group of Temples’ at Sri
Seetha Ramachandra Swamivari Devasthanam,
Bhadrachalam in Telangana.
 The President of India laid the foundation stone for
another project called ‘Development of Pilgrimage and
Heritage Infrastructure of UNESCO World Heritage
Site at Rudreshwara Temple in Telangana. These
projects have been approved under the PRASAD
Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of
India.
 The initiative was launched by the state medical
3. President Murmu Inaugurated Project Worth Rs
43.08 Cr at Srisailam Temple
 The software will help in the patient registration,
President Murmu inaugurated the
project “Development of Srisailam Temple in the
State of Andhra Pradesh” at Srisailam Temple
Complex, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The project has
78
been sanctioned and executed under PRASHAD
scheme viz. National Mission on Pilgrimage
Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation
Drive of the Ministry of Tourism.
The ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation
and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’
(PRASHAD) is a Central Sector Scheme with complete
financial assistance by the Government of India.
Minister by the Ministry of Tourism in the year 2014-
15 with the vision of focused integrated infrastructure
development to harness pilgrimage and heritage
tourism destinations for its direct and multiplier effect
upon employment generation and economic
development.
International News
4. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Inaugurates First-
Ever Metro Service in Dhaka
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh
Hasina inaugurated the first metro rail in Dhaka. The
metro train was flagged off in Dhaka for the first journey
between Diabari and Agargaon station.
The metro rail is part of the Bangladesh project of Mass
Rapid Transit to be completed by 2030.
Bangladesh has reached another milestone in its
development journey with its first metro rail
inauguration.
The metro rail is an approximately 12-kilometer-long
metro route.
in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Ten pairs of trains with six coaches each will run on
this route initially for four hours carrying about five lakh
passengers daily.
States News
5. UP govt. inaugurated ‘E-Sushrut’ HMIS in UP
medical colleges
The Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief
Minister Brijesh Pathak and Minister of State for
Medical Education Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh
inaugurated the ‘E-Sushrut’ Hospital Management
Information System (HMIS )in 22 state medical
colleges.
education department in collaboration with the Centre
for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC).
admission, discharge, ambulance, food, medicines, and
make available the details of doctors online. Through
this system the availability of doctors in the hospital can
 also be easily ascertained and patients will be able to
pay the fee through online and net banking.
 Hospital management information system has been
implemented in Gorakhpur, Jhansi, Kanpur,
Prayagraj, Agra, Meerut, King George Medical
University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh University of
Medical Science Saifai, GIMS Greater Noida, Lohia
Institute, Sanjay Gandhi PGI, and Mirzapur Medical
 Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has inaugurated the 10-
College.
6. Uttarakhand Govt to set up World-class
Kayaking-Canoeing Academy in Tehri
World Class Kayaking Canoeing Academy to
be set up at Tehri in Uttarakhand. The Union Minister of 
Power and New & Renewable Energy R.K.Singh
announced the World Class Kayaking Canoeing
Academy. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also
inaugurated the National Championship “Tehri Water
Sports Cup” at Tehri Lake.
 Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable
Energy R.K.Singh informed that there are immense
possibilities for the hydropower projects in the
mountains, and central and state government is working
together to take them forward.
 State Chief Minister Pushkar Singh highlighted that it is
the first time that a national-level sports competition is
being organized at Tehri Lake.
 He also informed us that making Tehri Lake an
international tourism destination is being done at a fast
pace.
 New sports policy has been implemented in the state
and the government has announced the re-
introduction of sports quota in jobs.
7. Uttarakhand CM Launched SBI Foundation and 
HESCO’s Project for Chamoli
SBI Foundation has designed a project in
collaboration with Himalayan Environment Studies
and Conservation (HESCO) that aims to promote
equitable economic and ecological development in 10
disaster-prone villages in Joshimath Block of Chamoli
District.
 Uttarakhand has been experiencing climate change
impacts including seasonal changes, less snowfall,
flash floods, and unpredictable rainfall. About 70% of
the population in mountain districts is dependent on
agriculture for subsistence and faces issues due to
small and fragmented land holdings. People there rely 
on traditional crop varieties, lack market and technology
linkage, and are prone to crop depredation by wild
animals.
8. First Bekal International Beach Festival in Kerala
79
The ‘Spice Coast’ in the far north
of Kerala, better known as North Malabar, bask in
myriad colours and the pomp and splendour of the
cultural extravaganza titled ‘Bekal International Beach
Festival’.
day first international beach festival, that captures the
wholeness and the essence of the district’s cultural and
artistic uniqueness and displays the rich cultural
diversity and grandeur of the country, at the majestic
Bekal Beach Park.
It is organised by Bekal Resorts Development
Corporation (BRDC) in association with the District
Tourism Promotion Council, Kudumbashree, Asmi
Holidays, and the local self-government bodies in the
district. In Kerala, festival dates are decided in
accordance with the Malayalam calendar and the local
traditions and customs.
Important :
 Kerala Capital: Thiruvananthapuram;
 Kerala Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan;
 Kerala Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan.
Economy News
9. India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade
Agreement Comes into Force
India, Australia Economic Cooperation and
Trade Agreement comes into force from 29
December. India and Australia signed the Economic
Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) on the
2nd of April 2022.
ECTA is the first trade agreement of India with a
developed country after more than a decade. The
agreement encompasses cooperation across the entire
gamut of bilateral economic and commercial relations
between the two friendly countries.
Business News
10. Government Owned WAPCOS Ranked as Top
Consulting Firm by the Asian Development Bank
The Asian Development Bank (ADB), in its
report released on annual procurement, ranked Indian-
PSU company WAPCOS as top amongst consulting
services firms in water and other infrastructure sectors,
with the highest sanctioned financed amount.
In another report on its members’ Fact Sheet – 2022
released by the ADB, WAPCOS figured amongst
the Top 3 consultants from India involved in
consulting services contracts under ADB loan, grant,
and technical assistance projects in energy, transport
and water, and other urban infrastructure sectors.
 Banking News
11. After 7 years, banks’ balance sheets growing by
double digits- RBI report
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stated in its
annual report on trend and progress of banking in India
that the health of Indian banks continued to improve in
2021–2022 with their balance sheet rising at double
digits after a gap of seven years and their asset quality
and capital position improving.
 The banking regulator also called attention to the
problem of slippages from restructured accounts.
 The amount of excess liquidity in the financial sector
has decreased recently.
 In some cases, liquidity has even fallen into deficit.
 The RBI has promised to provide the productive sectors 
with financial support, though.
 Public sector banks (PSBs) in particular saw their
balance sheets rise significantly, ensuring that they will
continue to dominate the market for deposits and
advances.
 The research states that PSBs control a market share
of 58% for loans while accounting for 62% of scheduled
commercial banks’ deposits.
Awards News
12. IIT Madras won Wharton-QS Reimagine
Education Awards 2022
The Wharton-QS Reimagine Education
Awards, also known as “,” gave significant recognition
to the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-
M). The best programme awards went to the IIT Madras
courses, BS Data Science and NPTEL in partnership
with IISc Bangalore.
 iNCOVACC is now available on CoWin, and priced at
 The institute has been awarded and its BS in Data
Science and Applications is awarded the silver in the
best online programme category. While, the National
Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning 
(NPTEL), a joint initiative of IITs and IISc, run by IIT
Madras, won the gold in the lifelong learning category.
13. Prabhu Chandra Mishra honoured with Atal
Samman Award
On the birth anniversary of former Prime
Minister of the country Atal Bihari Vajpayee, many
personalities who played an important role in various
fields were honored, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
during 9th Atal Samman Samaroh.
 Prabhu Chandra Mishra has been awarded Atal
Samman Award for his excellence in field of science &
research. His area of work is Stem Cell & Regenerative
Medicine in infertility especially when IVF also fails. The
80
diseases like premature ovarian failure, thin
endometrium, Asherman syndrome Etc have shown
satisfactory results with body’s own cells. PRP & bone
marrow-derived StemCells Research have shown
promising hope for these patients/ couples who are
struggling for their own child’s.
Sports News
14. South African cricketer Farhaan Behardien
announces retirement
South African batter Farhaan Behardien has
announced retirement, concluding an 18-year
international cricketing career. The 39-year old has
represented the Proteas in 59 ODIs and has 1074 runs
and 14 wickets under his belt.
Behardien also has 38 T20I caps for South Africa and
has amassed 518 runs at an average of 32.37. He also
led the Proteas in the three-match T20I series against
Sri Lanka in January 2017. His last international game
came way back in 2018, in South Africa’s 21-run win
over Australia in a T20I at the Carrara stadium. The
batter remained not out for three off two deliveries.
Science and Technology News
15. Bharat Biotech’s Nasal Vaccine ‘iNCOVACC’ To
Be Available at Rs 325 for Govt Hospitals
Bharat Biotech’s “iNCOVACC” is the world’s
first Intranasal vaccine for COVID to receive approval
for the primary 2-dose schedule, and as a heterologous
booster dose. Bharat Biotech International
(BBIL) announced that iNCOVACC (BBV154), is
scheduled to be introduced in the country as a booster
dose shortly.
Rs 800+GST for private markets and priced at Rs
325+GST for supplies to Govt of India and State
Governments.
As a needle-less vaccination, Bharat Biotech’s
iNCOVACC will be India’s first such booster dose.
iNCOVACC’s manufacturing platform has the double
benefit of enabling faster development of variant-
specific vaccines and easy nasal delivery that enables
mass immunization to protect from emerging variants of
concern.
30th December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK
Updates for Bank Exam
.
International News
1.India-assisted Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project
Handed Over to Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corp
India-assisted 720 Megawatts Mangdechhu
Hydroelectric Power Project has been recently
handed to Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC)
in Bhutan.
 With this project, India and Bhutan have successfully 
completed four mega hydroelectric power projects. The
commissioning of the project has increased Bhutan’s
Electrical Power Generation Capacity by 44 per cent.
 The 720 MW project Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power
Project was jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay
Tshering in 2019.
2. Benjamin Netanyahu Sworn in as the Prime
minister of Israel for a Record 6th Time
Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn-in
as Israel’s prime minister for a sixth time, leading the
Jewish state’s most right-wing government to date.
Netanyahu, 73, already Israel’s longest-serving Prime
Minister, has the support of 63 lawmakers in the 120-
member Knesset (Israeli parliament). In the house,
54 lawmakers voted against his government.
 He returned as prime minister with the formation of
his sixth government, which is composed of a number
of far-right allies. The lawmakers supporting the new
government are all right-wing, including Netanyahu’s
Likud party supported by the ultra-orthodox Shas,
United Torah Judaism, the far-right Otzma Yehudit, 
Religious Zionist Party, and Noam.
3. US Vice-President Kamala Harris Names Indian-
American Rajeev Badyal to the National Space 
Council Advisory Group
 The extended range was reported to have increased
Vice President Kamala Harris has
named Indian American Rajeev Badyal to a 
key national space advisory group, which is tasked to
maintain a robust and responsible US space enterprise
and preserve space for current and future generations.
 Badyal, vice-president of Project Kuiper of Amazon, is
among the 30 space experts named by Harris to the
National Space Council’s Users Advisory Group
(UAG). Previously he was the vice president of
satellites at SpaceX. He has a Masters in Electrical and
Computer Engineering from Oregon State University.
Harris had named US Air Force Rtd General Lester
Lyles as chair of the UAG.
State News
4. Maharashtra became the first state in the country 
to pass the Lokayukta Bill
Maharashtra assembly has passed
the Lokayukta Bill 2022, which brings the chief 
minister and council of ministers under the ambit of the
anti-corruption ombudsman.
81
The bill was passed without discussion as the
opposition had staged a walkout over the alleged scam
in the Teachers Entrance Test. Deputy Chief Minister
Devendra Fadnavis termed the bill a historic legislation.
Cabinet Minister Deepak Kesarkar introduced the Bill
which has a provision to bring the Chief Minister and the
cabinet under the purview of the anti-corruption
ombudsman.
Important :
 Maharashtra Governor:Bhagat Singh Koshyari;
 Maharashtra Capital: Mumbai;
 Maharashtra Chief minister: Eknath Shinde.
Defence News
5. IAF Successfully Tested BrahMos Missile with
400 km Range from Sukhoi Plane
Indian Air Force successfully tested the
extended range version of the BrahMos Air Launched
Missile against the Ship Target in the Bay of Bengal
from the SU-30 MKI fighter jet.
The successful testing of the missile was achieved with
the joint efforts of the IAF, Indian Navy, Defence
Research and Development Organization, BrahMos
Aerospace, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
The extended-range version of the Supersonic
missile was successfully tested by the Sukhoi Fighter.
to 350 km from 290 km.
The extended range of BrahMos missiles is believed
to have the ability to take out targets in the sea 400 km
away.
6. Amit Shah Launched “Prahari app” of the Border
Security Force in New Delhi
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched
the ‘Prahari’ Mobile app and Manual of Border
Security Force (BSF) in New Delhi. The Prahari App
will enable jawans to access personal information and
information related to accommodation, Ayushmann-
CAPF, and leaves on their mobile.
Amit Shah has urged the BSF to go through the Vibrant
Village Program, they should make efforts towards
increasing tourism in the village, making the village self-
sufficient with complete facilities.
The Home Minister also informed that in the last three
years, 26 thousand kilograms of narcotics and two
thousand 500 arms and ammunition were seized by the
BSF.
 7. Indian Army inaugurates first ever two-storey 3-D
printed dwelling unit
The Indian Army inaugurated its first 3-D
Printed House Dwelling Unit (with Ground plus One
configuration) for soldiers at Ahmedabad Cantt. The
dwelling unit has been constructed by the Military
Engineering Services (MES) in collaboration with 
MiCoB Pvt Ltd incorporating the latest 3D Rapid
Construction Technology. Construction work of the
dwelling unit measuring 71 sqm with garage space was
completed in just 12 weeks by utilising the 3D printed
foundation, walls and slabs. The disaster-resilient
structures comply with Zone-3 earthquake 
specifications and green building norms.
 The 3-D printed houses are symbolic of the modern-day
rapid construction efforts to cater for growing
accommodation requirements of the Armed Forces
personnel. This structure also stands testament to the
commitment of Indian Army in fostering the
‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’.
 The technique utilises a concrete 3D printer that
accepts a computerised three-dimensional design and
fabricates a 3-D structure in a layer-by-layer manner by
extruding a specialised type of concrete specifically
designed for the purpose.
Banking News
8. ‘Statistical Tables relating to Banks in India:
2021-22’- Web publication released by RBI
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) published a
web publication on the activities of the Indian banking 
sector called Statistical Tables relating to Banks in
India: 2021-22’ The publication includes details of
priority sector advances for scheduled commercial
banks, except regional rural banks, together with entity-
specific information on the main categories of liabilities
and assets, along with their maturity profile, income,
and expenses.
 Contingent liabilities and unclaimed deposits are also
included, along with capital-to-risk-weighted asset
ratios, non-performing assets, exposure to sensitive
industries, and so on.
 The consolidated balance statement of rural
cooperative banks is also shown, broken down by state.
Appointments News
9. Praveen K Srivastava named as acting Central
Vigilance Commissioner
 The ministry has divided this competition into four
82
Vigilance Commissioner Praveen Kumar
Srivastava has been appointed as the acting Central
Vigilance Commissioner (CVC). He appointment
comes after Suresh N. Patel completed his term as the
chief of the anti-corruption watchdog Central Vigilance
Commission on December 24.
The commission is headed by a CVC and can have a
maximum of two Vigilance Commissioners. Besides Mr.
Srivastava, former Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Arvind
Kumar is the other Vigilance Commissioner. The tenure
of a CVC and vigilance commissioner is of four years or
till the incumbent attains the age of 65 years.
Mr. Srivastava is a 1988-batch (retired) Indian
Administrative Service officer of Assam-Meghalaya
cadre. He superannuated as Secretary (Coordination),
Cabinet Secretariat on January 31 this year.
Summits And Conferences News
10. Ashwini Vaishnaw launches ‘Stay Safe Online’
Campaign and ‘G20 Digital Innovation Alliance’
As part of India’s G20 presidency, the
Minister for Electronics & Information Technology,
Communications and Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw
has launched the “Stay Safe Online” campaign and
the “G20 Digital Innovation Alliance” (G20-
DIA). MeitY, the Nodal Ministry for the G20 Digital
Economy Working Group (DEWG), has represented
India in numerous working groups and Ministerial
sessions during previous presidencies.
The objective of the ‘Stay Safe Online Campaign’ is to
raise awareness among citizens to stay safe in the
online world due to the widespread use of social media
platforms and the rapid adoption of digital payments.
The exponential increase in the number of internet
users in India and the rapidly evolving technology
landscape have brought unique challenges.
Ranks And Reports News
11. Hardeep Singh Puri Launched Guidelines for
City Finance Rankings and City Beauty Competition
The Union Minister of Housing and Urban
Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri launched draft guidelines
for a new ranking system of cities based on finance
and beauty. The competition is aimed at identifying and
promoting financially happy cities and improving
municipal finances.
categories based on population — cities with more
 than 4 million people, cities with one to 4 million people,
cities with one lakh to 10 lakh people and then smaller
villages.
 Through an all-India finance ranking, the ministry will
track the financial performance and capacity of
cities to encourage urban local bodies to improve
performance.
 They will be judged on resource mobilisation,
expenditure performance and fiscal governance. They
would also look at a city’s budget per capita, property
tax revenue, capital expenditure, digitisation of
accounting and auditing timeliness, among other
criteria.
 Cities are expected to submit their data to the ministry,
based upon which they will be awarded on the national
and state levels.
Obituaries News
12. Brazil World Cup winner and football legend,
Pele passes away
Brazilian football legend Edson Arantes do
Nascimento, famously called Pelé, has passed away
aged 82. He is considered by many as one of the
greatest footballers of all time.
 He was instrumental in Brazil’s three World Cup
victories in 1958, 1962, and 1970. He is still the top
scorer for Brazil national team with 77 goals in 92
games.
 He retired from Santos in 1974 but a year later made a
surprise comeback by signing a lucrative deal to join the 
New York Cosmos in the then nascent North American
Soccer League.
 In a glorious 21-year career he scored between 1,281
and 1,283 goals, depending on how matches are
counted. Pele, though, transcended soccer, like no
player before or since, and he became one of the first
global icons of the 20th century.
 During his career, he became known as “The Black 
Pearl”.
 Pele was named “Athlete of the Century” by the
International Olympic Committee, co-“Football Player of
the Century” by world soccer body FIFA, and a “national
treasure” by Brazil’s government.
13. PM Modi’s mother Heeraben dies at 99, PM Modi
begin the Cremation rites
Heeraben Modi (Hiraben Modi), mother of
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, passed away early on
Friday (30 December 2023) in an Ahmedabad hospital.
Heeraben was 99.
 The news of her passing was announced in a bulletin
from the UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology and
Research Centre, where she was taken on Wednesday
when her condition began to deteriorate.
 The prime minister arrived at his brother Pankaj Modi’s
house in the Raysan village neighbourhood of
Gandhinagar, where his mother (Heeraben Modi)’s
lifeless remains were kept.
 PM Modi was taken directly to his younger brother’s
home after landing at this airport in the morning.
 PM Modi prostrated himself at his mother’s feet and
presented her with floral tributes.
Miscellaneous News
14. ‘Bijli Utsav’ organised by REC in Assam as a
part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
REC Limited, a Maharatna Company under
the Ministry of Power, Govt. of India organized ‘Bijli
Utsav’ in Anandapur Gaon of Baksa district and
adjoining villages in Assam. Numerous dignitaries
such as Shri Katiram Boro, Speaker – Bodoland
Territorial Council, Dr. Ashraful Amin – Addl. Deputy
Commissioner – Baksa, Shri Khagendranath Sarania,
Principal – Anandapur Primary School, Shri Nagen
Chandra Das, Retd. Principal – Nehru Anchalik High
School, Shri Manasjyoti Pathak, AGM (RE) Baksa –
Assam Power Distribution Co. Ltd. (APDCL) and
officials from REC Regional Office in Guwahati had
graced the occasion.
The event witnessed speaker sessions by dignitaries
and esteemed guests highlighting the consumer rights
of electricity, benefits of electricity and the challenges
faced during electrification in remote areas and how the
quality of life improves with access to power.
Beneficiaries from the villages were also invited on
stage to share their experience and views on how
electricity has transformed their lives.
To engage with the villagers and children, various
competitions and cultural programs were also held.
Nukkad Natak was also performed to impart knowledge
on subjects such as consumer rights of electricity,
energy conservation and the benefits of electricity. The
event concluded with distribution of LED bulbs and
geometry boxes as prizes to the winners of the
competitions.
31st December Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK
States News
1. Chhattisgarh police ‘Nijaat’ campaign gets IACP
2022 Award
83

International Association of Chiefs of
Police (IACP), the US-based international organisation
has selected the anti-drug & illicit liquor
 It will also have a dedicated team chaired by the project
campaign ‘Nijaat’ of Chhattisgarh police for
‘Leadership in Crime Prevention’ award in the
institutional category.
 The prestigious IACP 2022 Award has selected the de- 
addiction drive ‘Nijaat’, which was executed following
the directive by chief minister Bhupesh Baghel to act
tough against drug peddlers, and bootleggers and 
check to smuggling of drugs. A successful singular
campaign, ‘Nijaat’ witnessed the striking results to
achieve a drug-free society with missionary zeal.
 The campaign was launched by the Chhattisgarh police
under the leadership of the IPS officer Santosh Kumar
Singh who pioneered the drive with intensified efforts in
districts of Korea, Rajnandgaon and presently
continuing in Korba.
 The drive took the onus to wipe out the abuse of illicit
drugs, narcotics and bootlegging while simultaneously
preventing its smuggling or trading.
2. Odisha’s ‘Dhanu Yatra’ the largest open-air
theatre performance begin
 She was known to have given shelter to Jyoti Rao
The ‘Dhanu Yatra’ festival, the largest open-
 Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule took initiative
air theatre festival began after a gap of two years,
in Bargarh at the Odisha. The vibrant Dhanu Yatra is
 Fatima Sheikh is credited with allowing the Phule
associated with the culture of Odisha.
 The Festival is being held from December 27 to Jan 6, 
2023. Several artists from 130 cultural troupes from
across the country are scheduled to perform during the
festival. Around 3,000 artistes of 130 cultural troupes
from across the country is participating in the festival.
However, Kansa is the central attraction of the Dhanu
Yatra.
 Dhanu Yatra, the eleven day long annual extravaganza
places Bargarh in the Cultural Map of India. It is at par
with the standard of Odishan Heritage and culture. It is
an open-air theatre festival stretching more than 5
square K.M and comprising a village and a town in
between.
 The 2000-batch officer, who replaced Alok Singh in
3. Tamil Nadu Launched Project Nilgiri Tahr with Rs
25 Crore Budget
Tamil Nadu Government has announced 
the ‘Nilgiri Tahr Project’, India’s first-of-its-kind
initiative aimed at restoring the state animal’s original 
habitat and stabilizing its population. The ‘Nilgiri Tahr
84
Project’ is a five-year program with a budget of Rs
25.14 crore.
director to deal with species conservation. The team will
explore the possibility of undertaking captive breeding
of the animals for re-introduction in forest
patches where it has become locally extinct.
The government has ordered to conduct of
synchronized surveys by the forest department across
the Tahr range.
The survey will include an understanding of
movement patterns, habitat use and behavior, and
radio-telemetry studies.
4. AP Govt Introduces Lesson on India’s First
Muslim Woman Teacher Fatima Sheikh
The Andhra Pradesh government has
introduced a lesson on the contribution of Fatima
Sheikh in the textbooks of the eighth class. Fatima
Sheikh was India’s first woman Muslim teacher and one
of India’s greatest social reformers and educators.
Phule and Savitribai, the well-known social reformer
couple who worked for the education of girl child.
against the caste system and male Chauvinism.
couple to start the first all-girls school at the former’s
house in erstwhile Poona in Bombay Presidency.
Fatima Sheikh taught at all five schools which were
run by the Phule couple.
5. IPS officer Laxmi Singh named UP’s first woman
Police Commissioner at Noida
The Uttar Pradesh government has
appointed IPS officer Laxmi Singh as the new Noida
Police chief, making her the first woman officer to head
a Police Commissionerate in the state.
Gautam Buddh Nagar. Alok Singh, a 1995-batch IPS
officer, has been posted as an additional director
general of police (ADGP) at the DGP office in state
capital Lucknow.
Laxmi, 48, has been serving as an Inspector General of
Police, Lucknow range.
She holds the distinction of being the first woman IPS
topper (33rd rank overall) in the UPSC-held exams and
was adjudged the best probationer at the Sardar
 Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in
Hyderabad, as per official records.
 She has also been awarded the PM’s silver bation and
the home minister’s pistol during her training.
6. Tamil Nadu Information Commission Lowest
Performing in RTI Responsiveness
 The growth rate of eight infrastructure sectors — coal,
The State Information Commission of Tamil
Nadu has the lowest performance of responsiveness
under the RTI Act concerned, with only up to 14% of the
information sought. Maharashtra was second lowest
with sharing only 23% of the information asked for.
 The production of coal rose by 12.3 per cent, fertiliser
 The report was issued on the Performance
of Information Commission (ICs) in India for 2021-22
by Satark Nagrik Sangathan.
 Only 10 ICs provided the full information in response to
the RTI applications filed as part of this assessment.
 These included Andhra Pradesh, Haryana,
Jharkhand, and the northeastern states of Tripura,
Nagaland, and Sikkim.
 A total of 145 RTI applications were filed seeking
identical information from all the 29 ICs as a part of the
assessment by the organization.
7. Madras High Court: Mobile Phones Banned in
Tamil Nadu’s Temples  In actual terms, the fiscal deficit, which is the
The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court has
prohibited devotees from carrying mobile phones inside
temples in Tamil Nadu. The Division Bench of Justice
R. Mahadevan and J Sathya Narayana Prasad held that 
the gadgets divert the attention of the devotees from the
purpose of visiting the temple.
 The Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorization Act 1947,
and the Rules empower the trustees or any authority in
charge of the temple to make regulations for the
maintenance of order and decorum in the temple.
 The court noted that mobile phone ban have been
implemented in famed temples.
 These temples include Sri Krishna Temple at
Guruvayur, Kerala, Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple
at Madurai, Tamil Nadu, and Sri Venkateshwara
Temple at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
Economy News
8. Index of Eight Core Industries Increases By 5.4
Per Cent
 The billionaire Gautam Adani-backed Adani Group
Production of eight infrastructure
sectors increased by 5.4 per cent in November against
85
a 3.2 per cent growth in the same month last year on a
better show by coal, fertiliser, steel, cement and
electricity segments. Crude oil, natural gas and
refinery products, however, recorded negative growth
in November this year. The production growth of
eight key sectors slowed down to 0.9 per cent in
October.
crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers,
steel, cement and electricity — stood at 8 per cent in
April-November this fiscal as against 13.9 per cent
during the same period last fiscal.
by 6.4 per cent, steel by 10.8 per cent, cement by 28.6
per cent and electricity by 12.1 per cent in November
2022 compared to a year ago.
9. India’s April-November Fiscal Deficit Widens on-
year to 58.9% of FY23 Aim
The government’s fiscal deficit in end-
November touched 59 per cent of the full year Budget
Estimate on increased capital expenditure and slow
growth in non-tax revenue.
difference between expenditure and revenue, was Rs
9.78 lakh crore during the April-November period of
2022-23. In the corresponding period last year, the
deficit was 46.2 per cent of the Budget Estimates of
2021-22.
The government has budgeted fiscal deficit to be Rs
16.61 lakh crore or 6.4 per cent of the GDP in the
current year ending March 2023. The deficit is funded
by market borrowings. Capital expenditure was at Rs
4.47 lakh crore or 59.6 per cent of BE between April-
November. In the last fiscal, capex was 49.4 per cent of
BE.
Business News
10. NDTV Founders to Get Rs 602 Crore from Sale
of 27.26% to Adani Enterprises
The Adani Group informed stock exchanges
that it has acquired additional 27.26 per cent equity
stake in NDTV from founders Prannoy Roy and his
wife Radhika Roy.
acquired shares from Roys at Rs 342.65 per share
which was 16.55 per cent higher than the open offer
price of Rs 294 per share.
 Vishvapradhan Commercial Private Limited (an
indirect subsidiary of the company) holds 8.27 per cent
equity stake in NDTV and RRPR (prior to the present
acquisition) held 29.18 per cent equity stake in NDTV.
Consequent to the present acquisition, RRPR will hold
56.45 per cent. Adani Group has acquired Roys’ share
at deal worth Rs 602.30 crore. The acquisition was
completed on December 30, 2022 on the block deal
window of NSE.
11. Tata Motors to complete acquisition of Ford
India’s manufacturing Plant in January
Tata Motors to complete the acquisition
of Ford India’s manufacturing plant at Sanand through
its subsidiary on 10th January 2023. The company has
 Starlink v2.0 satellites have several different
announced that its arm Tata Passenger Electric
Mobility Ltd (TPEML) would acquire Ford India Pvt
 It was assumed that the new satellites would be
Ltd (FIPL) Sanand Plant in Gujarat for Rs 725.7 crore.
 The mass of such satellites is 303 kg, and the
 The acquisition included the entire land and buildings,
the vehicle manufacturing plant along with machinery 
and equipment and the transfer of all eligible employees
of FIPL’s vehicle manufacturing operations at
Sanand.
Banking News
12. Govt Hikes Interest Rates on Some Small
Savings Schemes by 20-110 bps for January-March
The central government hiked interest
rates on various small savings schemes including
senior citizen savings scheme during the January to
March quarter but kept the rate for Public Provident
Fund (PPF) and Sukanya Samriddhi
scheme unchanged for this period. The rates on the
various instruments have been raised between 20 to
110 basis points and now range from 4.0 % to 7.6%.
 A total of 182 applications have been approved under
 Small savings schemes, including post office 1-3-year
time deposits and 5-year recurring deposits, are
savings instruments managed by the government to
encourage citizens to save regularly. These also include
saving certificates such as National Saving
Certificates and Kisan Vikas Patra, Sukanya
Samriddhi Account, and Senior Citizens Savings 
Scheme.
 The rates for the post office 1 year, 2 year, 3 year, and
5 year time deposits have been hiked to 6.6%, 6.8%,
6.9%, and 7%, from 5.5%, 5.7%, 5.8%, and 6.7%
respectively. The rates for 5 year recurring deposits
and savings deposits have remained unchanged at
5.8% and 4% respectively. The rate for senior citizens
savings scheme (SCSS) will earn 8% from 1 January,
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compared with 7.6% now. Kisan Vikas Patrika with a
120 month maturity will earn 7.2% interest,
compared to 7% with maturity in 123 months.
Science And Technology
13. SpaceX Launched First 54 Starlink v2.0 satellites
Into Low Earth orbit
The SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle launched
into low Earth Orbit the first 54 Starlink Satellites of the
new generation, or v2.0 or Gen2. The SpaceX Falcon 9
was launched on 28th December 2022, and it took
place from the SLC-40 launch pad of the US Air Force
Base at Cape Canaveral. It is the 60th successful
SpaceX mission since the beginning of 2022.
configurations depending on the launch vehicle.
launched by Starship initially.
dimensions are almost the same as in v.15.
The main difference of Starlink v2.0 is a larger antenna
and increased bandwidth of each satellite.
Schemes And Committees News
14. Food Processing Industry Invests Nearly Rs
4,900 Crore Under PLI Scheme
The government said that the food
processing industry has invested Rs 4,900 crore so
far under the production-linked incentive (PLI)
scheme. The PLI scheme for the food processing
industry was approved in March 2021, with a budget
outlay of Rs 10,900 crore. It will be implemented for
seven years, until 2026-27.
the PLI scheme for the food processing industry. This
includes 30 applications for millets-based
products under the PLI scheme (8 large entities and
22 SMEs). Incentives amounting to Rs 800 crore are
likely to be disbursed in the current financial year.
Sales-based incentive of Rs 107.3 crore has been
disbursed so far.
The ministry stated that a total of 112 food processing
projects were completed and operationalised during
2022, leveraging private investment of Rs 706.04 crore
and generating direct and indirect employment for
25,293 people. During the year, approximately 190
food processing projects were approved.
Obituaries News
15. Pritzker-winning architect Arata Isozaki passes
away at 91
 Arata Isozaki, a Pritzker-winning Japanese
architect known as a post-modern giant who blended
culture and history of the East and the West in his
designs, has died. He was 91. Isozaki won the Pritzker
Architecture Prize, internationally the highest honor in
the field, in 2019. Arata Isozaki, Whose Hybrid Style
Forged ‘New Paths,’ Wins Pritzker Prize.

 Isozaki began his architectural career under the

apprenticeship of Japanese legend Kenzo Tange, a
1987 Pritzker laureate, after studying architecture at the
University of Tokyo, Japan’s top school.
 Isozaki founded his own office, Arata Isozaki &
Associates, which he called “Atelier” around 1963, while
working on a public library for his home prefecture of
Oita — one of his earliest works.
Miscellaneous News
16. India’s second longest cable-stayed eight-lane
Zuari Bridge opens in Goa

Union Minister of Roads Transport and

Highways Nitin Gadkari has inaugurated the country’s
second longest cable-stayed eight-lane Zuari
Bridge in Goa. Right-hand side (4-lane corridor) across
the Zuari River and approaches from Bambolim to
Verna were thrown open for vehicular traffic. Gadkari
also launched the PWD Goa App for integrated
operations management.

 Through the insurance scheme of the Government of

Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has given Rs 2
lakh each to the families of the workers who died during
the construction of the bridge.
 The Zuari Bridge is a bridge between North Goa and
South Goa, India. It carries the NH 66 over the tidal part
of the Zuari River, between the villages of Agaçaim and
Cortalim.

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