Daily GK Update: 3rd August 2022

 National & International Appointments

1. World Bank appoints Auguste Tano Kouamé as country director for India

• The World Bank has appointed Auguste Tano Kouamé as the country director for India.
• He succeeded Junaid Kamal Ahmad (Bangladeshi economist), who has recently completed his term of five-year.
• He recently served as the country director of  World Bank for Turkey.
• Earlier, he worked as the director of the department of human development and economic management in the World Bank Group’s Independent Evaluation Group (IEG).
• World Bank's Chief Economist: Indermit Gill 

 Agreement

2. Indian Oil, NTCA sign MoU for transcontinental relocation of ‘cheetah'

• Indian Oil has signed an MoU with National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for transcontinental relocation of ‘Cheetah’ in its historical range in India.
• Indian Oil will also contribute Rs.50.22 crore in 4 years for the Cheetah re-introduction project.
• Indian Oil becomes the first corporate, that has come forward to support the “Project Cheetah” under CSR.
• It is a national project involving NTCA (Nodal Agency), Govt. of India and Madhya Pradesh.

 Agreement

3. India and Maldives sign six agreements to strengthen ties in key areas

• During the four-day visit of Maldives president, Ibrahim Solih, India has inked six agreements to expand cooperation in several key areas.
• Six agreements were exchanged in areas including cyber security, disaster management, and infrastructure.
• PM Modi has also announced Line of Credit of USD 100 million to Maldives for the completion of development projects on time.
• Both leaders have also embrace the launch of the Greater Male Connectivity Project funded by India.

 Sports

4. India's Women's team win first ever Gold medal in Lawn Bowls at 2022 CWG

• India's women team has clinched first ever gold medal in the lawn bowls after defeating South Africa by 17-10 in the finals.
• Women team Lawn bowl include: Nayanmoni Saikia, Pinki, Lovely Choubey and Rupa Rani Tirkey.
• Other Highlights of 2022 CWG:
  • The Men's Table Tennis team clinched gold medal after defeating Singapore.
  • Weightlifter, Vikas Thakur won the silver medal in men's 96-kilogram category.
  • India's mixed badminton team settled for a silver medal. 

 National & International Appointments

5. Noise appoints Vaani Kapoor as brand ambassador for new smartwatch range

• Nexxbase-owned Noise has roped in actor Vaani Kapoor as the brand ambassador of its upcoming smartwatch, X-Fit 2 series with the release of the #KeepGoing campaign.
• Last year, the company had announced partnership with HRX, a fitness brand jointly owned by Hrithik Roshan and Exceed Entertainment.
• India’s wearables market saw double-digit growth in Q1 2022 with products crossing 13.9 million units, according to the nternational Data Corporation India.

 Banking & Finance

6. Irdai revised the anti-money laundering rules for insurance companies

• The IRDAI has revised the guidelines on the anti-money laundering rules and counter financing of terrorism programme for insurance companies.
• The rules issued to consolidate and update guidelines replace the assorted norms issued since 2013.
• No life, general, or health insurer can claim any relaxations to comply with the money-laundering rules, with effect from Nov 1, 2022.
• IRDAI HQs: Hyderabad; Chairperson: Debasish Panda

 National & International Appointments

7. DG of SSB, Dr. Sujoy Lal Thaosen assumes additional charge of ITBP

• Dr. Sujoy Lal Thaosen, Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal has assumed as the additional charge of Director General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police in New Delhi.
• He is an IPS Officer of the 1988 batch, Madhya Pradesh Cadre.
• He has taken charge from Sanjay Arora, who has recently appointed as the Police Commissioner of Delhi Police.
• ITBP:
  • It was founded in 1962.
  • Headquarters: New Delhi
  • Motto: Shaurya – Dridhata – Karm Nishtha

 Defense

8. Point 5140 at Drass in Kargil Sector named as 'Gun Hill'

• To commemorate the victory of the Indian Armed forces during the Kargil War, the Point 5140 at Drass in Kargil Sector was renamed as 'Gun Hill'.
• The Regiment of Artillery, with lethal and accurate firepower, was able to have a telling effect on the enemy troops and their defences.
• On July 26, 1999, the Indian Army announced the success of ‘Operation Vijay’.
• Kargil Vijay Diwas observed annually on 26 July.

 National & International Appointments

9. Satyendra Prakash takes charge as principal director general of PIB

• Satyendra Prakash has been appointed as the principal director general of Press Information Bureau (PIB).
• Earlier, he served a the principal DG of Central Bureau of Communication (HQ: New Delhi).
• He has a wide range of experience in the field of public communication, media management, administration, policy formulation and programme implementation.
• He has also represented India in various national and international forums.
• PIB Formed: 1919; Headquarters: New Delhi

 Banking & Finance

10. SIDBI joins hands with SVC Bank for empowering MSMES

• SVC Co-operative Bank Ltd and Small Industries Development Bank in India (SIDBI) have entered into a partnership for empowering MSMEs.
• According to the agreement, SIDBI will extend refinance facility to SVC Bank to facilitate an improved flow of credit to MSMEs.
• The agreement was signed by Ashish Singhal (MD, SVC Bank) and Sanjeev Gupta (GM, SIDBI) in Mumbai.
• SIDBI is the Principal Financial Institution for Promotion, Financing and Development of the MSME sector.

 State Affairs

11. Assam CM launches digital issuance of caste certificates for students

• Assam CM, Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched 'Mission Bhumiputra', a digital way to issue digitalised caste certificates to students.
• He has also inaugurated a Bhumiputra Portal at a programme held at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra.
• This initiative was implemented by the Departments of Tribal Affairs (Plain) and Social Justice Empowerment.
• The certificates issued will be available in the digi locker under the IT Act with digital signature of the respective DC. 

 National Affairs

12. Air India allows pilots to fly till 65 yrs

• To meet the workforce requirements, the Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) has raised the retirement age of pilots to 65.
• Earlier, the age of retirement of AI pilots was 58, but now post-retirement age on a contractual basis for 5 years extendable to 65 years.
• DGCA has also allowed pilots to fly till the age of 65 years.
• According to AI's new policy, a panel will be constituted to examine the eligibility of pilots retiring in the next two years. 

 Banking & Finance

13. Union Bank of India launches Union Prerna 2.0 - EmpowerHim

• Union Bank of India has launched first ever, men-focused Committee 'EmpowerHim' as part of its flagship HR initiative 'Prerna'.
• Aim: To promote the employees' career trajectory and improve diversity in the Bank by picking out and resolving individual as well as common existing challenges.
• This Committee will complement the women focused; EmpowerHer Committee launched by the bank earlier in July 2022.
• MD&CEO, Union Bank of India: A Manimekhalai