Daily GK Updates - 1st October, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands gets new Lt. Guv.: Admiral D K Joshi (retired), who quit the Indian Navy in a huff in 2014, has been appointed the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar islands.

2. India’s holdings of American securities increases to $135.7b: India has sharply increased its exposure to US government securities with holdings worth $135.7 billion at the end of July. China continued to top the charts withholding to the tune of $1.166 trillion, followed by Japan with exposure worth $1.113 trillion.

3. IDS celebrates its 17th Raising Day: Integrated Defence Staff Headquarters celebrated its 17th Raising Day. IDS Headquarters was created in October 2001 in the aftermath of ‘Operation Vijay’ in Kargil war. The main objective was to promote synergy among the three Services and to integrate them with the Ministry of Defence.

4. India opens two border crossing points along the borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh: India has opened 2 immigration check posts along the borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh. Zorinpui check post of Mizoram has been authorised as immigration check post for entry into or exit from India for all passengers to or from Myanmar. Kawrpuichhuah post of Mizoram has been authorised as immigration check post for entry into or exit from India for all passengers to or from Bangladesh.

5. Govt. to exempt small exporters from bank guarantee: The government has decided to exempt small exporters from furnishing bank guarantee for shipping goods and services. Under the Goods and Services Tax, an exporter can get an exemption from payment of IGST if he submits bonds or Letter of Undertaking.

6. Rajni Mishra takes charge as new DG SSB: Rajni Kant Mishra has taken over as the Director General, Sashastra Seema Bal succeeding Smt. Archana Ramasundaram. A 1984 batch IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, Mishra was serving as Additional Director General of Border Security Force.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. World Vegetarian Day: World Vegetarian Day is observed annually on the planet on October 1. The day brings global attention to the health and environmental benefits of vegetarianism and focuses on the ethics of following a vegetarian lifestyle. World Vegetarian Day initiates the month of October as Vegetarian Awareness Month, which ends with November 1, World Vegan Day, as the end of that month of celebration

2. Catalonia to hold referendum: Catalonia is holding a referendum on independence from Spain despite the govt calling it a mockery of democracy. The govt. has called the referendum as unconstitutional & country’s Constitutional Court has suspended the vote so that it could consider the matter.

3. China holds world’s first Intercontinental quantum video call: China has held the world’s first quantum intercontinental video conference between laboratories in Beijing and Vienna. The call was held using a new world first space-ground quantum communication network that experts say could revolutionize how humans connect. The encrypted communication system was being trialed for potential ‘real-world applications by govt, banks & insurance companies.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Official Ball for FIFA U-17 World Cup, Krasava, launched: FIFA has launched the official ball for U-17 football World Cup & it will be called Krasava, a word generally used by Russian sports fans to describe a striking performance. The ball is manufactured by ‘Adidas’ and the pattern on it features a striking red design with jagged lines running through it.