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Current Affairs December 20 2022 PDF by AffairsCloud 1
Current Affairs December 20 2022 PDF by AffairsCloud 1
1. India Launches ‘Group of Friends’ to Promote Accountability for Crimes against Peacekeepers
2. PM lays foundation stone, inaugurates and dedicates to the nation multiple projects worth over
Rs. 2450 crores in Shillong, Meghalaya
3. Quadrilateral Agreement Inked on Black Sea Submarine Electric Cable
4. IDFC First Bank Introduces Zero-fee Banking on savings accounts
5. DBS Bank India Partners with Gofrugal Tech to Empower SMEs towards ONDC
6. Indian Bank Launches Special Fixed Deposit of 555 Days with Returns Up to 7.15%
7. Google partners DigiLocker to bring On-Device Storing of Government IDs
8. Wipro & Finastra partners to target digital transformation business with corporate banks in the
Middle East
9. India’s Sargam Koushal crowned as Mrs World 2022
10. NMDC wins IEI Industry Excellence Award 2022
11. Indian-Origin Leo Varadkar Elected as Ireland’s Prime Minister for 2nd time
12. MCA Secretary Manoj Govil nominated as SEBI Board Member
13. LIC Raises Stake in IRCTC to Over 7%, Buys 1.81 Crore Shares
14. ‘INS Mormugao’: Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer Commissioned into Indian Navy
15. Dharti Agro launched World’s 1st GMS based Cowpea (Lobia) Hybrids
16. Highlights of 22nd FIFA Men’s World Cup 2022 held in Qatar
17. Indian Women’s Hockey Team Wins FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup Spain 2022
18. International Migrants Day 2022 -December 18
19. UN Arabic Language Day 2022 – December 18
20. Minority Rights Day 2022 – 18th December
• The co-chairs of the ‘Group of Friends’ are India, Bangladesh, Egypt, France, Morocco and Nepal.
About Group of Friends:
i.Peacekeeping is one of the key tools that is available with the UNSC to maintain international peace and
security.
• The Group of Friends will seek to facilitate the promotion of accountability for all acts of violence
against UN peacekeepers and also supports capacity building along with technical assistance.
ii.The Group of Friends will convene two meetings per year. They are organised by the representatives of the
Permanent Missions of the co-chairs along with all interested Member States and other UN partners.
Background:
i.According to the UNSC resolution 2589 adopted in August 2021, the Group of Friends represents the
‘political will’ of member states, notably the nations that provide troops and police to UN peacekeeping
missions.
ii.This resolution was co-sponsored by more than 80 member states and was unanimously adopted by the
UNSC.
Note – India, among the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping, which has lost around 177
peacekeepers in the line of duty and is notably the largest among other countries.
PM lays foundation stone, inaugurates and dedicates to the nation multiple projects worth
over Rs. 2450 crores in Shillong, Meghalaya
The Prime Minister (PM), Narendra Modi, laid the foundation for a number of projects totaling more than Rs.
2450 crore and officially launched them in Shillong, Meghalaya.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Quadrilateral Agreement Inked on Black Sea Submarine Electric Cable
Romania, Hungary, Azerbaijan and Georgia signed a quadrilateral intergovernmental agreement on the Black
Sea submarine cable for the transport of electricity from the Caspian area to Romania. The 500 Kilovolts (kV)
submarine cable between Georgia and Romania would be 1,100 km long and have a capacity of 1 gigawatt(GW).
• This agreement will provide the financial and technical framework for the implementation of the
project, through which Azerbaijan will supply its green electricity through power lines to Georgia,
and then by the planned submarine cable to Romania, and from there to Hungary and the rest of
Europe, through the European transport system. The project also includes a telecommunications
cable.
ii.The customers with basic financial literacy will benefit from the zero-fee banking.
About IDFC FIRST Bank:
IDFC FIRST Bank was formed by the merger of erstwhile IDFC Bank and Capital First, a Non Banking financial
Company (NBFC) on 18th December 2018.
MD & CEO – V. Vaidyanathan
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
DBS Bank India Partners with Gofrugal Tech to Empower SMEs towards ONDC
DBS Bank India Limited (DBIL) partnered with Gofrugal Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a seller-centric platform
offering Omnichannel ERP solutions to empower enterprise customers, including micro, small and medium
enterprises (MSME) and retail merchants, to adopt Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and also
enables them to expand their digital commerce footprint.
Indian Bank Launches Special Fixed Deposit of 555 Days with Returns Up to 7.15%
Indian Bank, a public sector lender, has announced a new Special Retail Term Deposit Product, “IND SHAKTI
555 DAYS,” effective December 19, 2022.
Wipro & Finastra partners to target digital transformation business with corporate banks in
the Middle East
Wipro Limited, a leading technology services and consulting company, has signed a multi-year digital
transformation partnership with Finastra, a global provider of financial software applications and
marketplaces, to target digital transformation opportunities with corporate banks in the Middle East.
• The deal will make Wipro the sole go-to-market and implementation partner for Finastra’s regional
trade finance solutions.
• Wipro aims to help banks completely digitise and revolutionise the trade finance process, enabling
automation, optimization, faster time-to-market, and reduced customer service.
• The Naval Ensign was hoisted onboard for the first time at the commissioning ceremony, which was
held in the presence of Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MOD).
History
INS Mormugao was launched by former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar (late) on September 17, 2016.
ENVIRONMENT
Dharti Agro launched World’s 1st GMS based Cowpea (Lobia) Hybrids
Dharti Agro Chemicals Private Limited launches the world’s 1st Genetic Male Sterility (GMS) based Cowpea
(Lobia) Hybrids in the market and released 3 hybrids in cowpea: Bubbly, Sherly and Poorvaja.
Hybrids of Cowpea:
i. Future food insecurity will be further worsened by factors such as a rising human population, changing
climates, the loss of arable land, decreasing production, and post-harvest losses.
ii. With the introduction of genetic male sterility by mutation breeding in Cowpeas and a highly effective cross-
pollination mechanism, Dr Manoj S. Phalak laid the groundwork for hybrids in the crop.
iii. When compared to the traditional types, hybrids have performed very well in farmer’s fields, providing up
to 100% heterosis during the regular Kharif season and up to 200 to 250% heterosis during the off-season.
iv. The hybrid cowpea could be the trend of the future, ensuring food security in Asian and African countries
where the consumption of such legumes is significant.
Key points:
i. Cowpea is easily affordable and offers a rich source of protein and micronutrients in accordance with the
shifting dietary tastes of society.
ii. As a leguminous crop, Cowpea fixes atmospheric nitrogen, participates in carbon sequestration, and
improves soil, which lowers agriculture’s contribution to crop protection product volumes while enhancing and
sustaining soil health.
SPORTS
Highlights of 22nd FIFA Men’s World Cup 2022 held in Qatar
The 22nd FIFA Men’s World Cup 2022 was held from November 20, 2022 – December 18, 2022 in Qatar. It was
the first World Cup held in the Middle Eastern country and the second held entirely in Asia after the 2002
• The Qatar 2022 World Cup also introduced new rules and new technology including the ‘Semi-
automated offside technology’ to detect whether the ball has crossed the goal line.
• Held quadrennially, it saw the participation of 32 nations.
Organizers:
It was organized by the International Association Football Federation (Federation Internationale de
Football Association – FIFA).
• It was also the most expensive World Cup. It costs reportedly around USD 220 billion, the biggest
amount splurged by any of the organizers for the FIFA World Cup.
Prize Money:
USD 440 million, USD 40 million greater than the prize pool of the previous tournament.
The Winners:
i.Argentina grabbed the top spot. It was its 3rd title.
ii.The runner-up was France while the 3rd and 4th place was secured by Croatia, and Morocco respectively.
iii.French player Kylian Mbappe became the first player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final since Geoff
Hurst in the 1966 final and won the Golden Boot as he scored the most goals (eight) during the tournament.
iv.Argentina’s Captain, and Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi was named as tournament’s best
player, winning the Golden Ball.
• Lionel Messi has became the first man in history to win the adidas Golden Ball twice at the FIFA World
Cup.
v.Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez won the Golden Glove, awarded to the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
Venues
It was hosted at the following 8 stadiums:
Stadium City
Lusail Stadium Lusail
Al Bayt Stadium Al Khor
Khalifa International Stadium Al Khor
Ahmed bin Ali Stadium Al Rayyan
Education City Stadium Al Rayyan
Al Thumama Stadium Doha
Stadium 974 Doha
Al Janoub Stadium Al Wakrah
Emblem FIFA 2022:
It was designed by Lisbon-based Brandia Central branding agency.
Indian Women’s Hockey Team Wins FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup Spain 2022
The Indian women’s hockey team won the inaugural Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH) Hockey
Women’s Nations Cup 2022 by defeating Spain in the final (1-0) held in Valencia, Spain.
• The FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2022 was held from 11th to 17th December 2022 in Valencia,
Spain.
• Spain is in the second position followed by Japan and Ireland in third and fourth position.
• India and Spain had played in the FIH women’s Hockey Pro League 2021-22 season as replacement
teams after pull-outs by Australia and New Zealand due to COVID-19 related issues.
FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2022 Medal Winners
Gold India
Silver Spain
Bronze Japan
Key highlights:
i.By virtue of winning the FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2022, India has been promoted to the 2023-24 FIH
Hockey Women’s Pro League, which is to be held in 2023 ahead of Asian Games and 2024 Paris Olympics.
ii.Commonwealth Games bronze medalists Gurjit Kaur scored the winning goal of the match in the first quarter
and Neha Goyal became the player of the match.
iii.Hockey India have also announced Rs 2 lakh to each player and Rs 1 lakh to each support staff of the Indian
women’s hockey team that won the FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2022.
Awardees of FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2022:
Category Winner
Best Player Lucia Jimenez Vicente (Spain)
Best Junior Player Sarah Mcauley (Ireland)
Best Goalkeeper Savita Punia (India)
Hero Top Scorer Kathryn Mullan (Ireland)
About FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2022:
The 2022 Women’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup was the first edition of the Women’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup,
organised by the International Hockey Federation. This is the annual qualification tournament for the Women’s
FIH Pro League.
• A total of 8 teams participated in the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup Spain 2022.
IMPORTANT DAYS
International Migrants Day 2022 -December 18
United Nations(UN)’s International Migrants Day is annually observed across the globe on 18th
December to create awareness about the important contribution of migrants while highlighting the challenges
they face.
Significance:
On the occasion of International Migrants Day, The UN Migration agency – International Organization for
Migration(IOM) reaffirms its commitment to promoting a humane and orderly management of migration for
the benefit of all, including the communities of origin, transit, and destination.
Background:
The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/55/93 on 4th
December 2000 and proclaimed the 18th December of every year as International Migrants Day.
Why December 18?
The day(18th December) marks the day on which the UNGA adopted the International Convention on the
Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families in 1990.
Migrant:
i.According to IOM, a Migrant is defined as a person who is moving or has moved across an international border
or within a state away from their habitual place of residence, regardless of
• the person’s legal status
• whether the movement is voluntary or involuntary
• what the causes for the movement are
• what the length of the stay is.
ii.Migrants and displaced people represent the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in society.
Key Points:
i.In 2020 over 281 million people were international migrants which equates to 3.6 per cent of the global
population and over 59 million people were internally displaced by the end of 2021.
ii.Around 1 in every 8th person in the world is a migrant or is moving likely due to growing conflicts,
persecution, environmental degradation and climate change.
Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM):
i.GCM offers an opportunity and guidance to actualize human mobility and seize the opportunities it presents.
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ii.GCM is an effective tool for States to discuss how best to address challenges to human mobility without
compromising the human rights of people and states’ sovereignty.
UN & Migrants:
UNGA hosted a high-level summit in September 2016, to address large movements of refugees and migrants,
with the aim of uniting the nations for a more humane and coordinated approach.
This was the first time the UNGA has called for a summit at the Heads of State and Government level on large
movements of refugees and migrants.
Reports on Migrants & Migration:
IOM’s World Migration Report 2022:
World Migration Report 2022 is the 11th in the world migration report series which presents key data and
information on migration as well as thematic chapters on highly topical migration issues.
• The World Migration Report is a flagship report of IOM which is published every 2 years.
Key Points:
i.With nearly 18 million people living abroad, India has the largest emigrant population in the world, making it
the top origin country globally.
• Mexico(around 11 million) is the 2nd most significant origin country followed by Russian
Federation(10.8 million) and China(10 million)
• In 2020, India, China, Mexico, the Philippines and Egypt were (in descending order) the top five
remittance recipient countries.
ii.The total inward remittances of India and China were exceeding USD 83 billion and USD 59 billion,
respectively.
iii.United States of America(USA) has been the top remittance-sending country, with a total outflow of USD 68
billion in 2020, followed by the United Arab Emirates(UAE) (USD 43.2 billion), Saudi Arabia (USD 34.6 billion),
Switzerland (USD 27.96 billion), and Germany (USD 22 billion).
WHO’s World report on the health of refugees and migrants:
In July 2022, World Health Organization (WHO) launched the “World report on the health of refugees and
migrants”, a first-of-its-kind report to offer a global review of refugee and migrant health.
The report presents the global evidence available on the health challenges faced by refugees and migrants
along their journeys and in the host country.
About International Organization for Migration(IOM):
IOM was first established as the Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the Movement of Migrants from
Europe (PICMME) in 1951 and was renamed as International Organization for Migration(IOM) in 1980(after a
series of name change).
Director General– António Vitorino
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
• The observance of the day aims to uphold the right to freedom and equal opportunities for the
minorities in India and creates awareness about their rights.
Why December 18?
The day marks the day on which the United Nations (UN) adopted and broadcast the Statement on the
individual’s Rights belonging to Religious or Linguistic National or Ethnic Minorities in 1992.
Celebration of Minorities Day 2022:
The celebration of the Minority Rights Day or Minorities Day 2022 was held on 16th December 2022 at
National Commission for Minorities.
Key People:
John Barla, Minister of State for the Ministry of Minority Affairs, graced the event as chief guest and Justice NK
Jain, Chairman of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions graced the event as Guest of
Honour.
The event was presided over by Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities
Key Points:
i.The National Commission for Minorities invited various intellectuals from the six minority communities
namely – Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jain and Zoroastrians.
ii.The representatives of each community shared the difficulties faced by the minorities of India, expectations
of the minorities from the State, and recommendations for improvements in the schemes and programmes for
the minorities.
iii.During the event, the commission reiterated its mandate to work towards the maintenance of peace and
communal harmony in the society irrespective of religious, linguistic and other differences and to maintain the
dignity of the minority communities in India by safeguarding their rights.
iv.Other minority issues like Anand Marriage Act and Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme were discussed
during the event.
National Commission for Minorities (NCM):
i.National Commission for Minorities (NCM) was established by the Government of India(GoI) under the
National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.
ii.Initially, GoI notified 5 religious communities, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Zoroastrians (Parsis)
as minority communities. As of January 2014, Jains were notified as another minority community.
iii.The functions of the NCM include,