Daily GK Update: 14th November 2023

 Defense

1. INS Sumedha makes port call at Walvis Bay, Namibia

• In a strategic move as part of the Indian Navy’s mission-based deployment to West Africa and the Atlantic, INS Sumedha conducted a port call at Walvis Bay, Namibia, from November 10-13, 2023. 
• Aim: To bolster maritime security, foster warm relations with Namibia, and demonstrate solidarity with its allies.
• Objective: To facilitate professional interactions, cross-deck visits, and social engagements with the Namibian Navy

 Important Dates

2. World Diabetes Day is observed on 14th November

• Around the globe on November 14th, World Diabetes Day raises awareness and provides education concerning a disease that affects over 400 million adults internationally.
• The theme for 2023 is 'Access to diabetes care'
• Diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It is also a leading cause of blindness, heart disease, and kidney disease. 
• Besides causing severe medical issues, the condition also causes millions of premature deaths each year.

 Defense

3. India's Tejas Aircraft Soars to New Heights at Dubai Airshow

• India's indigenously developed Tejas aircraft stole the spotlight at the Dubai Airshow, showcasing its exceptional performance capabilities
• It is a single-seat, single-jet engine, multi-role light fighter, that wowed spectators with precision during a series of thrilling aerobatic maneuvers
• The Dubai Airshow provided a platform for Indian defense manufacturers to showcase the Tejas as a cost-effective and reliable option for countries seeking advanced fighter aircraft

 Obituaries

4. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, Oberoi Group Chairman passed away

• Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi aka ‘Biki’, the doyen of Indian hospitality and Chairman Emeritus of the Oberoi Group passed away
• He was 94 years old.
• He was the Executive Chairman of EIH Limited, the Flagship Company of The Oberoi Group, and the Chairman of Oberoi Hotels Private Limited, the major shareholder of EIH Limited.
• Popularly known as the man who changed the outlook of the hotel business in India.

 International Affairs

5. US, South Korea Revise Security Agreement to Deter North Korea Threats

• The United States and South Korea have revised a bilateral security agreement aimed at deterring North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile threat. 
• Aim: To counter the threat of nuclear weapons and other armaments by North Korea
• The strategy, which holds that the US will use strategic military assets, including nuclear forces, to defend its allies, has taken on a greater significance as North Korea pushes ahead with its ballistic missile and nuclear programs

 National & International Organizations

6. India ranked 117th among 129 nations in inclusiveness index by US varsity

• India is ranked 117th in the list of 129 countries in the world in the inclusiveness index published at California University, United States.
• New Zealand finished first in the index for the second consecutive year. Portugal recorded its best showing by securing second place followed by the Netherlands in third place.
• The index examines inclusivity in terms of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and the general population using several measures.

 Banking & Finance

7. ICICI Bank receives RBI nod to make Securities a wholly owned subsidiary

• ICICI Bank received approval from the Reserve Bank of India for making ICICI Securities a wholly-owned subsidiary.
• In June, the private lender approved a proposal to delist ICICI Securities and become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the bank after delisting. 
• ICICI Securities, promoted by ICICI Bank, is the country's leading retail-led equity franchise, distributor of financial products, and investment bank.

 National & International Organizations

8. Ashok Leyland delivers India’s first LNG-powered haulage truck

• Ashok Leyland becomes the first Indian Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to unveil an in-house LNG engine -powered haulage truck - AVTR 1922 compliant with BSVI Stage II emission standards.
• The AVTR 1922, powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), is built on the AVTR platform and shares a high degree of commonality with Ashok Leyland's existing diesel truck range. 
• This ensures that our customers benefit from streamlined service and maintenance processes.

 State Affairs

9. Meghalaya launches ‘Food Security’ campaign to achieve zero hunger

• Meghalaya has launched the ‘Food Security’ Campaign, which focuses on sensitizing the public about the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 and strives to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 – ‘Zero Hunger.
• Objective: To create general awareness about food security being a right of the citizen and calls upon the public at ground zero community level to work together towards ‘Zero Hunger’ to meet the needs of the public at the bottom of the poverty pyramid.

 International Affairs

10. New Zealand launches interactive map for biodiversity restoration

• New Zealand launched a new interactive map to restore a minimum of 15 percent local biodiversity within every catchment in the next nearly 100 years.
• Aim: To provides a tool for those seeking to make strategically significant investment decisions on biodiversity redress
• The interactive map from Eco-index includes information on the type of habitat that existed there historically and targets for restoring 15 percent of biodiversity in each area.