Daily GK Updates - 21st October, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurates 'Vishwa Shanti Ahimsa Sammelan' in Maharashtra : President Ram Nath Kovind has inaugurated a three-day 'Vishwa Shanti Ahimsa Sammelan' at Mangi Tungi in Nashik district of Maharashtra.The conference has been organized by Bhagwan Rishabhdev Murti Nirmaan Samiti.The President has also given the first international 'Bhagwan Rishabhdev Award' to Teerthanker Mahaveer University based in Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh.President Kovind also released a book, titled 'Sarvoccha Digambar Jain Pratima', on the occasion.The award carries a cash prize of 11 lakh rupees, a memento, and a citation.

2. Ustad Chand Khan Lifetime Achievement Award for Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt : Hindustani classical music instrumentalist 'Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt' will be honored with the annual Ustad Chand Khan Lifetime Achievement Award.Pandit Bhatt is best known for his Grammy award winning album "A Meeting by the River".The award founded in 1940 by Ustad Chand Khan Sahab to conserve and promote an awareness of both the rich and heterogeneous cultural tapestry through focus on the classical arts.

3. Prime Minister dedicates National Police Memorial to the Nation : The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated the National Police Memorial to the nation, on Police Commemoration Day.PM Modi also announced an award in the name of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, to honor those involved in disaster response operations. The award would be announced every year, recognizing the bravery and courage displayed in saving the lives of people, in the wake of a disaster

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Hindustani classical music instrumentalist 'Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt' will be honored with the annual Ustad Chand Khan Lifetime Achievement Award :Pandit Bhatt is best known for his Grammy award winning album "A Meeting by the River".The award founded in 1940 by Ustad Chand Khan Sahab to conserve and promote an awareness of both the rich and heterogeneous cultural tapestry through focus on the classical arts.

2. 7th Meeting of Education Ministers of SCO Member States held in Astana : The 7th meeting of education ministers of member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was held in Astana, Kazakhstan.The Minister of State for Human Resource Development Dr. Satya Pal Singh participated on behalf of Government of India.The objective of SCO is military cooperation between members. It also works towards intelligence-sharing, counter-terrorism operations in Central Asia.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Ethiopian Belihu wins Delhi Half Marathon men's race : Ethiopia's Andamalak Belihu overcame stiff competition from compatriot Amdework Walelegn in the men's elite field to win his maiden Airtel Delhi Half Marathon.Belihu improved on his personal best timing to clock 59.18 seconds Walelegn clinched the Silver), while Kenya’s Daniel Kipchumba grabbed the third sport Among the Indians, runners Abhishek and Sanjivani Jadhav topped in the men’s and women’s category

2.  Grappler Bajrang Punia enters 65 kg Final of World Wrestling Championships in Hungary : Star Indian grappler Bajrang Punia (24-years) has booked a place in the 65 kg Final at the World Wrestling Championships in Budapest, Hungary.In a thrilling semi-final, Bajrang Punia edged past Cuba's Alejandro Valdes, 4-3 to put himself in contention for a historic World Championship gold medal.Olympian Sushil Kumar (in 2010) is the only Indian to have won the coveted yellow metal at the event.Bajrang had won a bronze at the Championships in 2013

OBITUARIES:

1.Japanese Nobel Chemistry laureate Shimomura passes away : Japanese-born Marine biologist Osamu Shimomura has passed away in Japan’s southern city of Nagasaki.Shimomura, one of three scientists who won the 2008 Nobel Prize in chemistry for the discovery and development of a jellyfish protein that contributed to cancer studies.Shimomura was born in Kyoto and studied in Nagasaki, where he survived in Aug. 9, 1945, U.S. atomic bombing.In 1951. After earning a chemistry degree, he moved to Princeton University, where he found the protein from 10,000 jellyfish samples on America’s West Coast.

Daily GK Updates - 20th October, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. GSI to organise an exhibition of rocks, minerals : The Geological Survey of India (GSI) will organise a two-day exhibition ‘Bhusampada 2018’ of rocks, minerals and fossils from 22 October 2018.Various scientific instruments being used in surveys, mineral exploration, remote sensing, earthquake geology will be displayed at the exhibition.The event will provide a suitable platform for students to interact with geo-scientists.

2. Punjab extends 50% reservation for women : The Punjab Cabinet decided to extend the enhanced 50% reservation for women in the matter of rotation for the office of the panchayat sarpanch to the office of the chairperson of panchayat samitis and zila parishads.The state government had enhanced reservation for women in these bodies from 33% to 50% in 2017.The cabinet has now approved amendments to the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994.

3. 73.9% Indians are holders of H-1B visa : The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a report titled – ‘H-1B petitions by gender and country of the birth fiscal year 2018’.Nearly three out of every four H-1B visa holders as of October 5 are Indian citizens. There were as many as 419,637 foreign nationals working in the U.S. on H-1B visas.Indians account for 73.9% of the total H-1B visa holders in the U.S.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Modi, Wickremesinghe held talks in Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe on 20 October 2018.They discussed a range of issues related to bilateral ties, including the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation.Wickremesinghe is on a three-day visit to India for boosting ties in a range of areas, including trade, investment and maritime security.

2. World Osteoporosis Day observed on 20 October : World Osteoporosis Day 2018 is observed on October 20.The day is meant to raise awareness about osteoporosis, a condition which causes the bones to become weak and brittle.World Osteoporosis Day 2018 calls for global action in order to improve bone health and prevent fractures caused by osteoporosis.The day is organized by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF).

3. 2019 Military World Games in China : The 2019 Military World Games will be held in China.It will for the first time include badminton, tennis, table tennis and men’s gymnastics.The Military World Games is a multi-sport event for the armed forces being organised by the International Military Sports Council every four years since 1995.India hosted the games in 2007.

4. India, Japan, U.S. plan joint air exercise : India, Japan and the U.S. are set to elevate the bilateral ‘Cope India’ air exercise to a trilateral format.The three countries already conduct naval war games under the expanded Malabar naval exercise.The U.S. had proposed a trilateral air exercise between India, Japan and the U.S.

5. Piyush Goyal received Carnot prize : Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania awarded 4th annual Carnot Prize to Union Minister Piyush Goyal.Carnot Prize is the Kleinman Center’s annual recognition of distinguished contributions to energy policy through scholarship or practice.Carnot Prize is named after French physicist Nicolas Sadi Carnot.Cope India was first conducted in 2004.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Sajaan Jindal elected as treasurer : World Steel Association (worldsteel) has elected JSW Steel CMD Sajjan Jindal as its treasurer.The association has also appointed Tata Steel MD TV Narendran and ArcelorMittal Chief L N Mittal as its members.The new officers are elected for a one-year period.World Steel Association is the international trade body for the iron and steel industry.Its headquarters is in Brussels, Belgium

2. IFC launched $1 billion masala bond programme : International Finance Corporation (IFC) has launched a $1 billion masala bond programme to fund its investment activities in India.The first tranche of $100 million under the programme was issued on London Stock Exchange.Masala bonds are rupee-denominated borrowings issued overseas.IFC is a member of the World Bank Group.

DEFENCE:

1. China & ASEAN will hold joint naval exercises : China and Southeast Asian Nations will hold their first joint maritime exercises from 22 October 2018.The navies of China and ASEAN countries will hold ‘ASEAN-China Maritime Exercise’ in the South China Sea.The exercise with China’s navy will include operations like maritime safety, medical evacuation, and search and rescue procedures.

Daily GK Updates - 19th October, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 6th meeting of NDMA held : Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the sixth meeting of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) at New Delhi on 18 October 2018.NDMA is an agency of the Ministry of Home Affairs NDMA was established through the Disaster Management Act enacted by the Government of India in may 30 2005.The Prime Minister is the ex-officio chairperson of NDMA.

2. Haryana to form GST Appellate Tribunal : Haryana Government has decided to constitute State Bench of Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal in Hisar for speedy settlement of matters related to Goods and Services Tax (GST).The State Government would soon send its request to the Central Government.Central GST Act, 2017 provides that the Central Government would constitute an Appellate Tribunal known as GST Tribunal.

3. Festival to promote organic farming : The Women and Child Development Ministry will organise the fifth edition of the ‘Women of India Organic Festival’ in Delhi.It will be held from 26 October 2018 to 4 November 2018.The move aims to empower women to boost organic culture and promote women organic farmers and entrepreneurs.Women entrepreneurs would be coming together from across the country with their organic products

4. Arshdeep won 2018 Wildlife Photographer award : Arshdeep Singh is among the winners of the 2018 Wildlife Photographer of the Year award in the 10-years-and-under category.He won the award for his ‘Pipe Owls’ photograph.The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is organised by the Britain’s Natural History Museum.Arshdeep recently won the Junior Asian Wildlife Photographer of the Year award.

5. Assam celebrated Kati Bihu festival : Assam’s third Bihu festival, known as Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu, was celebrated across the state on 18 October 2018.The other two Bihu festivals are the Rongali and Bohagi Bihu.The festival is held at this time of the year since the granaries of the farmers usually remain empty and therefore it is known as Kongali (poor) Bihu.

6. Two apps launched by North Central Railways : The North Central Railways (NCR) launched two apps – ‘NCR RASTA’ (Railway assets Summarised Tracking Application) and ‘Yatri RASTA’ (Railway Approach to Station Tracking Application).The ‘NCR RASTA’ app is for the use of railway officers and staff and has the exact mapping of all railway assets.The ‘Yatri RASTA’ app will allow the general public to locate the railway stations easily.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. China to launch three artificial moons : China will launch three artificial moons in space in 2022.The artificial or man-made moon is a satellite carrying a huge space mirror, which can reflect the sun light to the Earth.The man-made moon is expected to be put on an orbit within 500 km from the Earth.Man-made moon is especially useful in civil area.

2. Indo-Japan Joint Exercise: Dharma Guardian : India and Japan will hold the first-ever joint military exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN-2018’.The exercise will be held at Counter Insurgency Warfare School, Vairengte, Mizoram from 1 November to 14 November 2018.The Indian contingent will be represented by 6/1 Gorkha Rifles.Japanese contingent will be represented by 32 Infantry Regiment of the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Anti-dumping duty on China steel products : India has imposed anti-dumping duties of up to US$ 185.51 per tonne for five years on certain varieties of Chinese steel.This will guard domestic manufacturers from cheap imports from China.The revenue department imposed the duty based on recommendations of the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR).

2. Indian household wealth grows modest 2.6% :  According to Credit Suisse Research Institute’s 2018 Global Wealth Report, wealth in India grew a modest 2.6% and wealth per adult stayed flat at US$ 7,020.By mid-2018, there were an estimated 3.43 lakh millionaires in India and 3,400 ultra high net worth individuals.Among major countries, India has one of the highest proportion of female billionaires at 18.6%.

Daily GK Updates - 18th October, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. M J Akbar resigns as minister of state for external affairs : The Minister of State for External Affairs Mobashar Jawed Akbar has resigned from his post in the wake of allegations of sexual harassment made by several women against him.The resignation comes in the wake of allegations of sexual harassment against him.Mr. Akbar has already filed a criminal defamation case in this regard. Veteran Indian journalist M J Akbar is Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha (In July, 2015) from Jharkhand.

2.  NITI Aayog launches guidelines for Public-Private partnership in NCDs : NITI Aayog has launched the model guidelines for Public-Private partnership in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).As per the guidelines, the private partner will invest in upgrading, building and deploying human resources, responsible for operational management and service delivery.The guidelines will help streamline private participation and encourage world-class infra & patient care in the health sector.The state governments will provide the required physical space.It is suggested that the tariff structure for the services offered under the NCD care facility may be linked to the existing state and Central Government Health Insurance Scheme.

3.Shahi litchi’ of North Bihar gets Geographical Indication (GI) tag :The famous ‘Shahi litchi’ of North Bihar has got the Geographical Indication (GI) tag after Jardalu mango, Katarni rice and Magahi paan from the state.GI is a name (sign) used on products to certify that they possess certain qualities for being made or produced as per traditional methods or enjoy a certain reputation due to its geographical origin.A total of 3 lakh metric tonnes of different varieties of litchi were produced in Bihar in 2017-18, out of which 60 percent were Shahi litchis.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit begins in Brussels :The two-day 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit begins in Brussels, Belgium.Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu will lead the Indian delegation at Europa Building for Opening Ceremony of ASEM Summit.The theme this year is, 'Global Partners for Global Challenges'.The summit will prioritize issues related to connectivity, trade and investment, sustainable development, climate change, terrorism, migration, maritime security and cyberspace.

2. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe arrives in New Delhi : Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived in New Delhi on a three-day visit to India.He will hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his stay.India is among the top four investors in Sri Lanka with cumulative investments of over one billion dollars since 2003.The investments are in diverse areas including petroleum retail, IT, financial services, real estate, and telecommunication.Trade between the two countries grew rapidly after the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement in March 2000.

3. Bhutan: General elections are being held : The third General elections of National Assembly (the lower house of Parliament) in Bhutan being held today.The voters will seal the fate of total 94 candidates, 47 each from both the parties.The Election Commission has deputed over 5,300 officials in 865 polling stations across the country.Out of four lakh 38,000 registered voters, more than three lakhs are expected to exercise their franchise through EVMs.

4. Putin, al-Sisi sign strategic co-operation treaty : Vladimir Putin (Russian President) and Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi (Egyptian President) have signed a strategic co-operation treaty to increase trade, military and other ties in Sochi.Mr al-Sisi hailed his talks with Mr. Putin and termed the agreement as a new chapter in the history of the countries' bilateral relations.Mr. Putin and the Egyptian President discussed expanding arms trade and military ties

5. Canada becomes the 2nd country to legalize recreational cannabis:Canada has become the second country (first Uruguay) to legalize possession and use of recreational cannabis.Now, Canadians can grow up to four plants in their own home and carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis for personal use.Cannabis possession first became a crime in Canada in 1923 but medical use has been legal since 2001.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE:

1.  ESA to send spacecraft to Mercury in a first-of-its-kind mission : UK-built spacecraft will set off for Mercury to determine whether the plant, which is the closest to the Sun (contains water).The European Space Agency's (ESA) BepiColombo mission will send two orbiters to explore the planet where the surface temperatures reach about 450 degrees Celsius.The space agency hopes to get answers to the questions raised by the previous missions such as whether the planet holds water.On 20^th October, Spacecraft will launch from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.It will take seven years to reach Mercury, arriving in 2025.

SPORTS:

1. Akash Malik claims India’s maiden archery silver at Youth Olympics : Akash Malik (15-year) became India’s first silver-medallist in archery at the Youth Olympic Games.He lost one-sided final to Trenton Cowles of the USA 0-6.Currently, Akash is enrolled by the Olympic Gold Quest and trains under South Korean coach Kim Hagyong at the Army Sports Institute in Pune.India concluded with 3 gold, 9 silver, and 1 bronze at the event that was launched in 2010.

Daily GK Updates - 17th October, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. H M Pernal gets Vishwa Konkani book award : According to the World Konkani Centre, H M Pernal has won the prestigious ‘Vimala V Pai Vishwa’ Konkani best book award for the year 2018.He has conferred this award for ‘Beeg Ani Beegath’, a collection of short stories in Konkani.

2.  'Building A Legacy': Mr. Naidu releases the biography of Anumolu Ramakrishna : Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has released a biography of late Anumolu Ramakrishna titled 'Building a Legacy'.The biography is authored by Chartered Accountant V Pattabhi Ram.Ramakrishna (former president and Managing Director at Larsen and Toubro) is the pioneer of the application of innovative systems and construction techniques in the Indian construction sector.Ramakrishna posthumously awarded Padma Bhushan in 2014.

3. IRCTC gets new AI-based assistant 'Disha' to Resolve Problems : IRCTC has launched a new (artificial intelligence) AI-based assistant, 'Ask Disha' for its website.

This new assistant will be prompt in answering generic queries about most frequently asked questions on the ticket booking platform. 'Ask Disha' is powered by CoRover (Bengaluru-based startup) that owns the platform which is built on artificial intelligence and machine learning.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. British writer Anna Burns wins 2018 Man Booker Prize for ‘Milkman’ : British writer Anna Burns (56-year) has won the prestigious Man Booker for her Novel 'Milkman'.Milkman is a vibrant, violent story about men, women, conflict, and power set during Northern Ireland’s years of Catholic-Protestant violence.Ms. Burns won the 50,000-pound ($66,000) prize.Anna Burns was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland.She is the author of two novels, No Bones and Little Constructions, and of the novella, Mostly Hero.

2. 17th October: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty : The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is an international observance celebrated every year on 17th October throughout the world.The theme of 2018 is ‘Coming together with those furthest behind to build an inclusive world of universal respect for human rights and dignity’.This year marks the 70th anniversary of the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

3. Vice President leaves for Brussels to attend the 12^th ASEM summit : Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu left for Brussels (Belgium) to attend the two-day Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit.The theme of this year’s ASEM Summit is "Global Partners for Global Challenges”.Mr. Naidu will also participate in the Plenary Session and interact with various stakeholders.ASEM Agenda for 2018 will prioritize issues related to connectivity, trade and investment, sustainable development, climate change, terrorism, migration, maritime security and cyberspace.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1.Govt hikes GPF interest rate to 8% for Oct-Dec quarter : The union government has increased the rate of interest for General Provident Fund (GPF) and other related schemes by 0.4 percentage points to 8 percent from 1^st October-31^st December 2018.The interest rate on GPF was 7.6 percent for the July-September quarter.The interest rate would apply on Provident Funds of central government employees, railways and defense forces.Earlier, the union government has announced that the interest on small savings, including NSC and PPF, will be hiked by up to 0.4 percentage point for the October-December quarter.

2.  India is 58th most competitive economy in the WEF index : India has been ranked as the 58th most competitive economy on the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) global competitiveness index for 2018.On the list of 140 economies, the US (1st) is followed by Singapore(2nd) and Germany (3rd).India’s rank rose by five places from 2017.

SPORTS :

1.Praveen Chitravel bags a Bronze medal at 2018 Summer Youth Olympics : Indian Triple Jumper ‘Praveen Chitravel’ won the Bronze medal at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Argentine.Praveen ended at the third spot with a combined effort of 31.52 meters.Cuba won the Gold, while Nigeria won the Silver.This was India's second medal in Athletics at the Games after Suraj Panwar clinched a Silver in Men's 5,000 meters race walk event.Currently, India has 12 medals in its kitty (3 Gold, 8 silver and 1 Bronze) and they are 14th in the table.

Daily GK Updates - 16th October, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.World Food Day being observed today : The ‘World Food Day’ is observed every year globally on 16th October to mark the foundation of Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945.The Theme for 2018 World Food Day is “OUR ACTIONS ARE OUR FUTURE. A #ZERO HUNGER WORLD BY 2030 IS POSSIBLE”.

2. Environmentalist GD Agarwal passes away : Environmentalist G.D. Agarwal (86-year) passed away after a heart attack in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.Professor Agarwal was on a fast for the last 111 days demanding a clean Ganga. He was a former IIT-Kanpur professor.

3.  RK Singh launches award scheme under 'Saubhagya' : The Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri RK Singh has announced an award scheme ‘Saubhagya’ to felicitate the DISCOMs / Power Department of the States and their employees for achieving 100% household electrification in their area of operations.Awards would be provided for achieving 100% household electrification at DISCOM/Power Department level of the States.Eight States (Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu) which have already achieved more than 99% household electrification prior to the launch of Saubhagya are ineligible for participation under the award scheme.

4. A “Museum on Prime Ministers of India” to be set up in Delhi : Dr. Mahesh Sharma (Union Minister for Culture) and Shri Hardeep Singh Puri (Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs) jointly laid the Foundation stone for proposed Museum (expected - cost 271 crore rupees) at Teen Murti Estate, in New Delhi.The proposed Museum is dedicated to all the Prime Ministers of India.It is envisaged to give visitors a holistic understanding of the continued thread of leadership, initiatives and sacrifice that have helped shape our nation since independence.

5. Uttar Pradesh govt changes name of Allahabad city to ‘Prayagraj’ : The Uttar Pradesh government rechristened the name of Allahabad city to its old name of ‘Prayagraj’.Now all the departments like Railways and others would be asked to change the name of Allahabad to Prayagraj in their records.Earlier, Prayagraj’ name has been accepted by the state government before the coming Kumbh Mela to be held early next year

6. Khayyam named for Hridaynath Award for lifetime achievement : The veteran composer, lyricist and writer Mohammed Zahur Khayyam Hashmi (Known as ‘Khayyam’) has been named for this year’s Hridaynath Award for Lifetime Achievement.The award carries a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, a memento and shawl be conferred by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at a function in Mumbai on 26th October 2018.Padma Bhushan Khayyam (91-years), started his music career in Ludhiana in 1943 at the age of 17 and later teamed up as Sharma of the music-director duo‘Sharmaji-Varmaji’ to compose music for films like 'Heer Ranjha' (released 1948).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  India International Silk Fair -2018 begins in New Delhi : The Union Minister of Textiles Smriti Zubin Irani has inaugurated the three-days 6th edition of India International Silk Fair (IISF) at Pragati Maidan.in New Delhi.Around 108 exhibitors of silk and blended silk products manufactured in different parts of the countries are displaying their product.Over 218 buyers from various countries will participate in the fair.India is the 2nd largest producer of silk in the world.India International Silk Fair organized by the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC).

2. International Film Festival of Shimla 2018 concludes : The International Film Festival of Shimla 2018 concluded with "The Fog" by Ali Shoorvarzi and Hoseyn Mahroughi bagging the 'best short film' award.The festival has been organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in collaboration with Himalayan velocity saw the participation of 23 countries including the US, Russia, Japan, Iran, Dubai, Argentina, Cyprus, Bangladesh, Canada, Israel, France, Australia, Belarus, Nepal.A total of 80 international and national films were screened at the festival.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE:

1. Defence Minister dedicates a DRDO website to former president APJ Abdul Kalam : The Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman dedicated a DRDO website 'The Kalam Vision - Dare to Dream' to former president and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam (87th birth anniversary) in New Delhi.The website focuses on subjects such as artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous systems and cybersecurity.It will also facilitate an open competition for students and startups, and it is available at  drdo.gov.in/drdo/kalam/kalam.html.

OBITUARIES:

1. Microsoft co-founder, philanthropist Paul Allen passes away : The co-founder of Microsoft, Paul G. Allen (65-year) passed away due to cancer in Seattle, Washington.Paul had helped usher in the personal computing revolution and then channeled his enormous fortune into transforming Seattle into a cultural destination.In 1982, he left Microsoft.He was a philanthropist and also the owner of the National Basketball Association's Portland Trail Blazers, the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and had a stake in Seattle's Sounders soccer team.

Daily GK Updates - 15th October, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. EC launched ‘C-vigil’ app : The Election Commission of India is introducing the unique internet based mobile app C-vigil in the upcoming assembly polls.The ‘C-vigil stands for citizens vigil’ and will be operationalized for the first time as a pilot project.The C-Vigil mobile application gives the common man the opportunity to click pictures and take videos of violations and send it to concerned election officers.

2. Air Quality Warning System launched in Delhi : Earth Sciences Minister Dr Harshvardhan unveiled an Air Quality early warning system for Delhi region, in New Delhi.The system will help combat air pollution in Delhi by getting information 2-5 days in advance.The system has been developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting and India Meteorological Department.

3. Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas : Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas is observed on 15 October in India.The day is being celebrated to increase the active participation of women in agriculture.In 2016, the Ministry of Agriculture had decided to observe 15th October as Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas.The Ministry will discuss the challenges that women farmers face in crop cultivation, animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries.

4. IRCTC launched AI chatbot ‘Ask Disha’ : The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) launched a chatbot, Ask Disha.It is aimed at facilitating accessibility by answering users’ queries pertaining to various services offered by IRCTC.Ask Disha- is powered by artificial intelligence (AI).The Ask Disha chatbot has been developed by IRCTC and CoRover Private Limited.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International Day of Rural Women on 15 Oct : International Day of Rural Women is observed on 15 October every year.The day recognizes rural women’s importance in enhancing agricultural and rural development worldwide.The theme for the year 2018 is “Sustainable infrastructure, services and social protection for gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls”.

2. India and China to train Afghan diplomats : India and China have launched their first joint programme for Afghanistan to train its diplomats.An understanding to launch a joint programme in Afghanistan was reached during an informal summit between India and China in April 2018.10 Afghan Diplomats will be travelling to India for the 1st India-China joint training programme for Afghan diplomats.3. India and Sri Lanka sign two MoU : India and Sri Lanka signed two Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for construction of 1200 houses through 50 model villages, using Indian grant assistance of 60 crore Srilankan rupees.The project will target low income landless and homeless beneficiaries.As per the new MoUs, 600 houses each will be constructed in the Southern and Northern Provinces of Sri Lanka

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. WPI inflation rises to 5.13% in September : Wholesale inflation based on the wholesale price index (WPI) stood at 5.13% in September 2018 as compared to 4.53% in August 2018.WPI increased mainly due to the rise in the cost of petrol and diesel.Food articles witnessed hardening of prices with deflation at 0.21% in September as against 4.04% in August.The WPI is published by the Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

DEFENCE:

1. Indian Navy acquired DSRVs : Indian Navy has inducted its first Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRVs)It is deployed to rescue the drowned or disaster-struck submarines at high sea.At present, the US, China, Russia and a few other countries have the capabilities to deploy DSRVs.The second DSRV is expected to be inducted at Visakhapatnam in 2019.

SPORTS:

1. India men, women hockey teams won silver medal : India men’s and women’s team won silver medals each in the Hockey competition at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina.Men’s hockey team was defeated by Malaysia and Women’s hockey team was defeated by Argentina.India are 10th in the medals tally with Russia leading the way (43) ahead of Hungary (21) and China (25).

2. Great Britain won Sultan Johar Cup : In Hockey, Great Britain won the 2018 Sultan of Johor Cup in Johar Bahru, Malaysia.Great Britain defeated India in the final.India settled for the silver medal at the eighth Sultan of Johor Cup U-18 hockey tournament.The other teams in the tournament were Japan, Australia, Malaysia and New Zealand.