Daily GK Updates - 2nd November, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Gender Vulnerability Index in Indian States: According to the Child development NGO Plan India released index, Goa state ranked top and Bihar featured at the lowest in Gender Vulnerability Index (GVI). The index, which provides a state-wise ranking, has been calculated by analyzing four issues pertinent to the situation of girls — child safety/protection, poverty, health, and education. In the ranking, Goa is followed by Kerala, Mizoram, and Sikkim. Bihar ranked the lowest at 30, with Delhi faring only slightly better at 29 and Uttar Pradesh at 28.

2.  Inauguration of 21st World Congress of Mental Health by President Ram Nath Kovind: President Shri Ram Nath Kovind has inaugurated the 21st World Congress of Mental Health in New Delhi. The World Congress of Mental Health is taking place in India for the first time. The World Congress is being organized by the World Federation for Mental Health in partnership with Caring Foundation and other institutions. National Mental Health Survey 2016 found that around 14% of India’s population required active mental health interventions.

3. Lifetime pensions for 'Hindi Satyagrahis – Haryana Government: The Chief Minister of Haryana ‘Manohar Lal Khattar’ has announced the lifetime monthly pension of Rs 10,000 for 'Hindi Satyagrahis' (jailed during the Emergency) of the state. The state government also announced that it would be providing enhanced financial assistance to World War-II veterans and their widows (from Rs 4,500 to Rs 10,000). Earlier, the state govt. has identified 194 'Satyagrahis' who were imprisoned during the 'Hindi Satyagraha' launched by the Punjab Arya Pratinidhi Sabha in 1957 to promote the language.

4. Recently appointed India's high commissioner to Pakistan - Ajay Bisaria: Senior diplomat Ajay Bisaria (1987-batch IFS officer) has been appointed India's High Commissioner to Pakistan. He will succeed Gautam Bambawale (posted to China last month). Currently, Mr. Bisaria is India's Ambassador to Poland.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. US shares list of 20 terrorist groups with Pakistan: USA shared the list containing names of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed that they believe are operating from Pakistan’s soil to target India and Afghanistan. This comes after the US said it is going to test Pakistan by giving them a chance to act against terrorism.

2. US First Lady not on Forbes Powerful Women list: The list was topped by German Chancellor Angela Merkel for the 12th time. It features 23 new entrants including Ivanka Trump.

3. Russia to help build India-Iran natural gas pipeline: Russia and Iran will prepare a legal framework for the 1,200 km long pipeline project which is expected to begin next year. Russian Energy Minister said that it will involve the participation of Iranian, Pakistani and Indian firms.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Gagan Narang wins silver medal in 50m rifle shooting  prone event in Commonwealth Games: Olympic bronze-medallist Gagan Narang has won a silver medal in the men's 50m rifle prone event of the Commonwealth Shooting Championships. Dane Sampson of Australia won the gold and Swapnil Suresh Kusale (India) bagged the bronze in the same event, India's Suraj Singh won the bronze in women's 25m pistol final, while the gold and silver went to host country's L Yaumleuskay and E Galiabovitch respectively.

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. SBI cuts home, auto loan rates by 5bps: The State Bank of India (SBI) has announced to reduce the interest rates on home and automobile loans by five basis points (bps). SBI’s home loan rates will be 8.30% for the loan (up to Rs 30 lakh). Car loan amount ranges from 8.70% to 9.20% compared to an earlier range of 8.75% to 9.25%. Home loan rates have been reduced for 5 bps across all brackets. The exact rate depends on the amount of loan and the credit score of the individual.

AWARDS/HONOURS:

1. K Satchidanandan selected for Ezhuthachan Puraskaram: Noted Malayalam Poet and literary critic ‘K Satchidanandan’ has been selected for this year's Ezhuthachan Puraskaram for his contributions to Malayalam literature and poetry. Ezhuthachan Puraskaram is the Kerala government's highest literary honour, carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh and a citation. Satchidanandan' began his literary career with the publication of 'Kurukshetram', a collection of essays on poetry (1970) and 'Anchusooryan', a collection of poems (1971). He was also a former editor of Indian Literary Journal and former secretary of Sahitiya Akademi.

2. Asia's Richest Person – Mukesh Ambani: According to Forbes’ real-time billionaire’s list, Mukesh Ambani (Chairman & MD of Reliance Industries Limited, RIL) has become the Asia’s richest person with a total wealth of USD 42.1 billion. He overtook Hui Ka Yan (China). Ambani, whose total estimated wealth is USD 42.1 billion (boost of USD 466 million) courtesy 1.22% rise in shares of Reliance Industries to Rs 952.30. Businessman Hui Ka Yan, whose total estimated wealth went down by USD 1.28 billion to USD 40.6 billion.