Daily GK Update- 7th Oct, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. MP CM lays foundation stone for India's largest pumped storage project: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated India's largest pumped storage project in Madhya Pradesh. 

The project is being developed by Greenko Group, India's largest energy storage company. The project, which is located in the Khemla block, Neemuch district, Madhya Pradesh It has a capacity of 1440 MW, with storage for 7.5 hours and is now being expanded to 1920 MW with storage of 6 hours to provide a storage of nearly 11 Giga watt hours (GWh) daily.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World cotton day is observed on 7th October: World Cotton Day, observed on October 7 emphasises cotton’s importance in generating jobs and supporting economies, especially in less developed countries.  Aim: To promote fair trade and help developing nations engage in all aspects of the cotton industry to improve their economies.  The theme for World Cotton Day 2023, ‘Making cotton fair and sustainable for all, from farm to fashion,’ is championed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). 

 

2. 6 October – World Cerebral Palsy Day: World Cerebral Palsy Day is observed every year on 6 October. Objective – To raise awareness about Cerebral Palsy, support those living with the condition, and advocate for greater inclusion and understanding. It also emphasizes that when individuals, families, caregivers, and communities come together, they become a powerful force for positive change and inclusion. Theme 2023 – Together Stronger. Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture.

 

3. 7 October – World Cotton Day: World Cotton Day is observed every year on October 7. The day’s celebrations promote fair trade and help developing nations engage in all aspects of the cotton industry to improve their economies. Theme 2023 – Making cotton fair and sustainable for all, from farm to fashion The first World Cotton Day was suggested by the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 7 October 2019, with support from Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali, known as the Cotton Four or C4 countries.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India beat Japan to win gold medal and secure Paris 2024 Olympic berth: The Indian Men’s Hockey Team won over the defending Champions Japan at the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2023 to claim the Gold medal. With the win, the Indian men’s hockey team also secured a berth at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This is India’s fourth Gold medal in Men’s Field Hockey at the Asian Games. India had previously won the Gold medal in 1966, 1998, and 2014. The Indian women are already out of the race after losing in the semi-finals to hosts China

 

2. Jyothi Surekha Vennam for clinching third Gold Medal at Asian Games: Jyothi Surekha Vennam clinched her third Gold Medal at the Asian Games 2023 in Compound Archery. 

Other winners:

·       Ojas Praveen Deotale for striking Gold in the Compound Archery Men's Individual event at the Asian Games.

·       Aditi Gopichand Swami brought home the Bronze Medal at the Asian Games in Compound Archery. 

·       Abhishek Verma won the Silver Medal in the Compound Archery Men's Individual event.

 

3. India wins gold in Trap men’s team event: Indian shooters wrapped up their historic campaign at the Asian Games 2023 with gold and silver medal in the men’s and women’s trap shooting team events, respectively, in Hangzhou. Kynan Chenai, Zoravar Singh Sandhu and Prithviraj Toindaman won the gold medal for India in the men’s trap team with an Asian Games record of 361. The women’s trap team of Manisha Keer, Preeti Rajak and Rajeshwari Kumari won silver with a combined score of 337. Medals in the trap team events at the Shotgun Ranges were awarded on the basis of cumulative scores of the shooters from each country in the qualifying round. Kynan Chenai missed just three shots in the qualifying round and topped with 122/125. The 46-year-old Zoravar Singh Sandhu, who was a member of the Indian men’s team that won a silver medal 25 years ago in Bangkok, was second in the qualifying round with 120. Prithviraj Toindaman was 11th with 119.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IndusInd Bank Launches INDIE - A Customer-Centric Digital Banking App: IndusInd Bank has launched 'INDIE,' a financial app offering personalized financial services, harnessing advanced analytics to offer tailored insights and an array of innovative features. Aim: To allow customers to borrow precisely what they need when they need it, paying interest solely on the borrowed amount. One of INDIE's features is its flexibility in financial product offerings. For instance, users can access an instant credit line of up to Rs. 5 lakh.

 

2. Axis Bank launches its digital bank proposition ‘open by Axis Bank’: Axis Bank launched ‘open by Axis Bank’, its digital bank proposition in its latest advertising campaign that focuses on the Bank’s digital capabilities.  The Open 2023 campaign highlights the top 15 features of the Bank’s digital offerings.  It is a culmination of the Bank’s multiyear effort to launch a digital bank within the bank, which is focused on delivering a personalized, intuitive, and hassle-free digital banking experience.

 

3. YES Bank becomes the first lender to offer ‘ONDC Network Gift Card’: YES Bank became the first bank in the country to issue an ONDC Network Gift Card This marks a shift in the way India shops and aims to revolutionize the shopping experience for Indian consumers The ONDC Network Gift Card, issued in partnership with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is at the forefront of democratizing digital commerce.  Unlike traditional gift cards, this concept empowers customers to utilize the gift card for purchasing products from any brand

 

4. SBI launches Mobile Device for banking convenience: The State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a ‘Mobile Handheld Device’ as part of its financial inclusion drive in a bid to improve accessibility and convenience. The drive “aims to empower financial inclusion and extend essential banking services to the masses.” In its first stage, the gadget will offer five main banking services that account for 75 percent of transactions at CSP outlets. This technology-driven initiative underscores SBI’s commitment to deepening financial inclusion and social welfare through digitization by providing convenient and doorstep banking to our customers”.

The device will specially benefit customers facing difficulties in accessing customer service outlets, such as senior citizens.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Nobel Peace Prize 2023 won by Narges Mohammadi: Narges Mohammadi, a jailed Iranian women’s rights advocate, has won the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her courageous struggle against the oppression of women in Iran and relentless fight for social reform. She was awarded the prestigious prize for her efforts “to promote human rights and freedom for all”. She is the deputy head of the Defenders of Human Rights Center, a non-governmental organization led by Shirin Ebadi, the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Daily GK Update- 6th Oct, 2023

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Madhya Pradesh announces 35 % reservation for women in govt jobs: CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan of the Madhya Pradesh government issued a notification for providing 35 percent reservation for women in recruitment, barring the forest department. Madhya Pradesh was the first state to introduce 50 percent reservation for women in elections to panchayats and urban bodies. It also has a 30 percent reservation for women in the police. The state also offers concessional tariffs for registry of property in case it is in a woman’s name.

 

2. Rajnath Singh launched Navy's updated indigenous programme Swavalamban 2.0: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh launched the Navy's updated indigenous programme Swavalamban 2.0 at the Indian Navy's Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation seminar in New Delhi. Highlights of the event: The release of the fifth Positive Indigenisation List of the Department of Military Affairs comprising 98 items. He launched 76 challenges for the industry under 10th Defence India Start-up Challenges  & DISC 10 PRIME of Innovations for Defence Excellence.

 

3. HAL hands over twin seater variant of LCA Tejas fighter aircraft to IAF: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HAL handed over the twin-seater variant of LCA Tejas fighter aircraft to Indian Air Force in Bengaluru. Aim: To join India in the list of a very few elite countries who have created such capability and have them operational in their defence forces. LCA Tejas twin seater is a light weight all weather, multi-role 4.5 generation aircraft.  The aircraft developed indigenously has static stability, qudraplex fly by wire flight control.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India and UAE launched UAE’s payment card scheme based on RuPay card: India and UAE signed a strategic partnership agreement between National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Al Etihad Payments (AEP), a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE for Domestic Card Scheme Implementation in UAE.  As per the agreement, NPCI and AEP will work together to build, implement, and operationalize UAE's national domestic card scheme modelled on India’s RuPay card.  Aim: To expand the bilateral trade to make it 100 billion dollar.

 

2. Prof. Dr Joyeeta Gupta receives Spinoza Prize in field of climate change: Indian-origin professor Dr Joyeeta Gupta has received the Spinoza Prize, the highest distinction in Dutch science for her work in the field of climate change at a ceremony in the Netherlands.  The prize was presented to her by the Netherlands' Minister for Education, Science, and Culture, Robert Dijkgraaf at The Hague. She is a Dutch environmental scientist who is professor of Environment and Development in the Global South at the University of Amsterdam.

 

3. India and UAE Sign MoU to Boost Investment and Collaboration in Industry: India and the United Arab Emirates signed a MoU in Abu Dhabi to collaborate efforts in areas such as supply chain resilience, clean energy technology, healthcare, space, Industry 4.0, and industrial standards. Aim: To facilitate industrial investments, technology transfer, and the implementation of key innovations across various industries.  Goal: To yield mutual benefits, as both nations strive for joint industrial and technological advancements.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. ICC names Sachin Tendulkar as 'Global Ambassador' for ODI World Cup 2023: The International Cricket Council named legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar as the 'Global Ambassador' for the Cricket World Cup 2023. Sachin, who has participated in a record six 50-over World Cups, will unveil the World Cup trophy before the inaugural match between England and New Zealand, thereby officially opening the tournament. The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 will commence on October 5, with England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI launches Mobile Handheld Device to enhance accessibility to customers: State Bank of India launched a Mobile Handheld Device to enhance accessibility and convenience in availing banking services to the customers.  Objective: To provide cash withdrawal, cash deposit, fund transfer, balance inquiry and mini statement at doorsteps of customers.  Aim: To benefit customers who face challenges in accessing Bank Branch or Customer Service Point outlets due to health issues, Senior citizens and Divyangjans.

 

2. RBI revealed its fourth bi-monthly Monetary Policy: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das will unveil the Bi-Monthly meeting of fourth monetary policy of the financial year 2023-24 in Mumbai.  Currently Repo rate is at 6.5 percent, Reverse Repo at 3.35 percent and Bank rate is at 6.75 percent.  RBI has projected real GDP growth for 2023-24 at 6.5 per cent. Goal: To control inflation and to safeguard India’s economic growth. RBI seeks to strike a fine balance between maintaining growth and keeping inflation under control.

 

3. IDFC FIRST Bank and Outlook Group present "Outlook Money 40After40: Outlook Group announces the launch of its highly anticipated retirement planning event, “40After40”, in association with IDFC FIRST Bank. Aim: To provide invaluable insights and expert guidance to individuals, helping them make informed decisions to secure a prosperous retirement. It’s a one-stop shop for all conversations around timely retirement, panel discussions, chats, masterclasses, interactions with planners, product presentations etc.

4. RBI forms external working group on expected credit loss framework: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a significant step by forming an external working group (WG) to address the expected credit loss (ECL) framework for loan loss provisioning.  Aim: To gather independent insights into the intricacies of this substantial shift in the banking sector. It was led by R. Narayanaswamy and consists of eight experts, with representation from six banks and one member each from KPMG and the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Norwegian author Jon Fosse wins Nobel Prize 2023 in Literature: Norwegian author Jon Fosse has been awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Literature for his innovative plays and prose which give voice to the unsayable. He is today one of the most widely performed playwrights in the world and has become increasingly recognized for his prose.  The human condition is the central theme of Fosse’s body of work, irrespective of genre. He has now joined an illustrious list of past winners that ranges from Toni Morrison to Ernest Hemingway. 

Daily GK Update- 5th Oct, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Hyderabad's new solar-covered cycle track illuminates the city: Hyderabad inaugurated a 23-km long cycle track with a solar roof, much on the lines of the Daejeon and Sejong bike highways in South Korea, making it India's first solar-covered cycle track. Telangana Municipal Minister K T Rama Rao laid the foundation for the cycle track along the service road of Outer Ring Road. The panels have the potential to generate 16MW of electricity, equivalent to powering 32,000 streetlights or illuminating 800 kilometers of city streets.

 

2. DRI’s ‘Operation Kachchhap’ Rescues 955 Live Baby Gangetic Turtles: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) caught 6 persons with 955 live baby Gangetic turtles of different species at Nagpur, Bhopal, and Chennai. Intelligence was developed by the officers of DRI about a syndicate involved in illegal trafficking and trading of ‘’Turtles of Ganges’’,  Some turtles are specified as vulnerable/ near threatened species under the IUCN Red List and Schedule I and II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

 

3. Himachal launches unique scheme for care of vulnerable sections of society: Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the “Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashraya Yojana” from the Ridge Shimla to support orphans. Aim: To provide comprehensive support to orphans, specially-abled children, destitute women, and elderly people in the state. In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, the state government took a decision to adopt the orphans, the specially-abled children as the ‘children of the state’ and work for their upliftment.

 

4. PM inaugurated the country’s first high-tech sports training center: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the country’s first high-tech sports training center for Divyangjan, named after former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. This initiative aims to provide equal opportunities in sports, enhance talent, and encourage participation in various sports disciplines. Divyangjan from all over the country can practice and train in the Atal Bihari Training Center for Divyang Sports.

 

5. Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti takes charge as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff: Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti has assumed the role of Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS). He replaces Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahendru, who retired on September 30, 2023, after 38 years of service. Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti has served in the Indian Navy since July 1988 with expertise in Navigation and Direction. In his career spanning 35 years, he has held various command and staff positions both at sea and ashore. Notable commands include INS Nishank (missile boat), INS Kora (missile corvette), and INS Kolkata (guided missile destroyer).

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Anirban Mukherjee has been appointed as Global CEO PayU: Anirban Mukherjee has been appointed as CEO of PayU, replaced Amrish Rau He will join the Prosus leadership team and report directly to Ervin Tu, Prosus and Naspers Interim CEO. He will be responsible for overall business operations of PayU This comes just two months after Netherlands-based investment firm Prosus announced that the fintech arm PayU is selling a part of its business to Israel’s Rapyd.

 

2. India surpasses Japan and UK in global mobile speed ranking: India has beaten developed countries like the UK and Japan and ranked 47th in the mobile Okla Speedtest Global Index

According to Ookla Speedtest data, India’s median download speed has improved remarkably, increasing by 3.59 times since 5G was launched in the country. 5G speeds in India are particularly impressive compared to those on 4G; in August 2023

Here are top-5 countries with fastest mobile speed as per Ookla:

·       UAE 

·       Qatar 

·       Kuwait 

·       Norway 

·       Denmark

 

3. India, Japan launch $600 million fund for environment projects: India's National Investment and Infrastructure Fund and Japan Bank for International Cooperation jointly launched a $600 million fund for climate and environment projects.  The Indian gov will contribute 49% to the target corpus and remaining 51% will be contributed by JBIC. Objective:  To invest in environmental sustainability and low carbon emission strategies and  Aim: To play the role of being a partner of choice to further enhance Japanese investments into India

 

4. Ministry of Tourism inaugurates PATA Travel Mart 2023 in New Delhi: The 46th edition of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart 2023 is being organized by the Ministry of Tourism at the  International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) in New Delhi. The Mart is being organized from October 4th to 6th 2023. It is an opportunity to highlight unique destinations and members to develop networks , learn and socialize for delegates from all over the world and for business to expand.

 

5. Second malaria vaccine to win global approval is cheaper and easier to make: The World Health Organization has validated a second malaria vaccine to protect children against the deadly disease, which killed 619,000 people in 2021. According to Researchers the vaccine, known as R21, is easier to make than the first-approved malaria vaccine, called RTS,S, and will be cheaper per dose. R21 met the WHO’s target of 75% efficacy at preventing the disease in a trial with 4,800 children who received three doses before a seasonal malaria peak.

6. China launches Yaogan-33 04 new remote-sensing satellite: China sent its latest remote-sensing satellite into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The satellite, Yaogan-33 04, was launched on a Long March-4C carrier rocket and has entered its planned orbit successfully. Objective – To be used for scientific experiments, land resource surveys, crop yield estimates, and disaster prevention and relief work. The launch was the 489th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.

 

7. Indo-Bangla joint exercise SAMPRITI-XI begins in Umroi, Meghalaya: India and Bangladesh began a two-week military exercise in Meghalaya’s Umroi with an aim to share tactical drills and promote best practices in carrying out sub-conventional operations. The exercise — “SAMPRITI-XI” — promises to further enhance the defence cooperation between India and Bangladesh, fostering deeper bilateral relations, cultural understanding and mutual benefits from shared experiences. With its inception in Jorhat, Assam in 2009, the exercise has witnessed 10 successful editions till 2022.

 

8. 5 October – World Teachers Day: World Teachers’ Day is observed annually on October 5. The day is dedicated to create awareness about the significant role of teachers in the development of societies across the globe. Theme 2023 – The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage The history of World Teachers’ Day dates back to the year 1994. It was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Neeraj Chopra bagged gold in Javelin Throw in Asian Games 2023: Neeraj Chopra secured the gold medal and Kishore Kumar Jena clinched the silver in the Men’s Javelin Throw competition at the Asian Games 2023, held at Hangzhou. Japan’s Roderick Genki Dean secured the bronze medal 

Other Winners:

·       India won gold in the compound archery mixed team final

·       India wonbronze in the 35km race walk mixed team final.  

·       Lovlina Borgohain won silver in women's 75 kg boxing final. 

·       Parveen settled for bronze in the 57kg women's boxing semifinal.

 

2. Rest of India won the 2023 Irani Cup by 175 runs: Rest of India has won the Irani Cup 2023 by defeating Saurashtra by 175 runs. This was Rest of India’s 30th Irani Cup title. The match took place at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, Gujarat. The Irani Cup marks the beginning of the Indian domestic cricket season. Hanuma Vihari led Rest of India, while Jaydev Unadkat captained Saurashtra. About Irani Cup It is organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This is a four-day cricket match. The tournament was started in the 1969–70 season in honor of the late BCCI treasurer Zal Irani.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. World Bank says India’s growth to moderate to 6.3% in FY24: According to the World Bank, the Indian economy’s growth is expected to moderate to 6.3 percent in the FY23 -24 fiscal from 7.2 percent in FY 22.  The expected slowdown is mainly due to waning base effects, slowing global growth, and domestic price pressures. The bank maintained that India will remain one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. India's economy grew 7.8 percent in the first quarter of the fiscal owing to strong domestic demand.

 

2. RBI appoints Muneesh Kapur as executive director: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)  has appointed Muneesh Kapur as Executive Director (ED) with effect from October 3, 2023. As executive director,  he will look after the Department of Economic and Policy Research. He was Adviser-in-Charge of the Monetary Policy Department and secretary to the Monetary Policy Committee. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics and is a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB).

 

3. GST collection hits ₹1.62 trillion in September: Central and state governments collected Rs 1,62,712 crore in goods and services tax (GST) in September, marking the fourth highest monthly collection since the inception of the indirect tax regime and a 10% annual growth from the year-ago period. Overall, GST receipts so far this year are in line with the 10.5% nominal GDP growth rate projected by the finance ministry and reflect the trends in tax administration efficiency as well as consumption. After the settlement of taxes on inter-state sales, the central government received ₹63,555 crore while states received ₹65,235 crore in September. Proceeds from the GST cess levied on items like high-end automobiles stood at a robust ₹11,613 crore GST revenue receipts are in line with official estimates. Gross receipts from GST in the first half of the current fiscal improved 11% from the year-ago period to ₹9.92 trillion. The average monthly gross collection this fiscal is ₹1.65 trillion, which is 11% more than in the year-ago period.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 awarded to Bawendi, Louis and Alexei: The Nobel Prize 2023 in Chemistry has been awarded to Moungi G Bawendi, Louis E Brus, and Alexei I Ekimov "for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.” The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences rewards the discovery and development of quantum dots, nanoparticles so tiny that their size determines their properties. The Nobel Laureates in Chemistry 2023 have succeeded in producing particles so small that their properties are determined by quantum phenomena.

 

2. Mathematician Ruixiang Zhang to receive 2023 Sastra Ramanujan Prize: Assistant Professor of the University of California, Ruixiang Zhang Berkeley (USA) will be awarded with the 2023 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize for his outstanding contributions in mathematics. The annual cash prize of USD 10,000 will be given at an international conference in Number Theory during December 20 and December 22 at SASTRA University in Kumbakonam. In keeping with the legacy of Srinivasa Ramanujan, whose groundbreaking work was accomplished during his tragically brief life of 32 years, the SASTRA Ramanujan Prize maintains an age limit of 32 years for its recipients. This age restriction pays tribute to the extraordinary achievements of Ramanujan.

Daily GK Update- 4th Oct, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Assam to conduct socio-economic survey of indigenous Muslim communities: The Assam government will conduct a socio-economic survey of the state's five indigenous Muslim communities so that measures can be taken for their upliftment. Aim: To comprehensive socio-political and educational upliftment of the indigenous minorities The development comes a day after the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar released findings of its much-awaited caste survey, which revealed that OBCs and EBCs constitute 63 percent of the state's total population.

 

2. Central railway station awarded platinum shield by IGBC: The Dr. MGR Chennai Central railway station has been awarded the platinum certificate by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for developing the railway station into a net zero energy building. Southern Railway General Manager R.N. Singh received the IGBC platinum shield from Ajith Kumar Chordia, Chairman of IGBC The railway official said the Central station was the first station in the zone to install rooftop solar plant of 1.80 mega watt (MW).

 

3. Uber launches ‘Uber Sustainovate’ Startup Challenge’: Uber has introduced the ‘Uber Sustainovate’ Startup Challenge, a dynamic initiative to expedite the adoption of sustainable mobility in India. In partnership with Startup India and NASSCOM AI, this competition seeks to reward startups with groundbreaking concepts that can accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation within the nation. The competition, in partnership with Startup India and Nasscom AI, is designed to award startups that produce the best workable ideas to help accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility in the country. The winning startup would be awarded a grant of $120,000 (approximately Rs 1 crore), and the top 3 entries would be awarded mentorship sessions with the tech leadership of Uber in India in order to help them sharpen their skills and competencies.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Animal Welfare Day is observed on 4th October: World Animal Day is an annual event that is celebrated around the world on October 4 for animal rights and welfare, bringing together the global animal protection movement.  The theme of World Animal Day 2023 is Big or small, we love them all. It brings together and mobilizes the animal protection movement into a global force to make the world a better place for all animals.  This day reminds us of our duty to protect and care for the many species that share our planet.

 

2. 50th India International Knit fair to be held from October 12 to 14: The 50th India International Knit fair will be held from 12th to 14th October at the India Knit Fair Association complex (IKFA) in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu.  The main theme of the fair is Active and Sportswear, Environmental Social Governance, Artificial Intelligence and digitalisation.  The IKFA has tied up with Sourcing Consultants Association, Association of Buying Agents for Textiles, Brand Sourcing Leaders, and the NIFT Alumni.

 

3. India to unveil largest statue of B R Ambedkar outside in North America: Ambedkar Center India is all set to unveil the largest statue of B R Ambedkar outside Maryland in North America on 14th  October. According to the the Ambedkar International Center (AIC) the 19-foot statue, named Statue of Equality has been made by renowned artist and sculptor Ram Sutar. He also constructed the Sardar Patel statue in Ahmedabad. The statue of Ambedkar, the key architect of India's Constitution built on 13 acres of land in Accokeek City Maryland.

 

4. ndian, Bangladesh armies commence joint military exercise SAMPRITI: India and Bangladesh commenced the 11th edition of an annual joint military exercise, SAMPRITI on 03rd October 2023 in Umroi, Meghalaya.  Aim: To enhance interoperability between the two armies, sharing tactical drills, and promoting best practices. SAMPRITI-XI, scheduled for 14 days, will engage approximately 350 personnel from both sides.  SAMPRITI-XI will include a Command Post Exercise (CPX) and a Field Training Exercise (FTX), culminating in a Validation Exercise.

 

5. Bhiwandi, Kolkata, Arrah among world’s 10 cities with slowest traffic: Bhiwandi in Maharashtra, Kolkata, and Bihar’s Arrah are among the 10 slowest cities in the world on the speed index according to the findings by a US-based private non-profit research organization. The study, conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research covered over 1,200 cities in 152 countries The average travel speed of motor vehicles throughout the day is the highest in Flint, US, slowest in Bangladesh, Dhaka, and is the most congested in Bogota, Colombia

 

6. 30th edition of SIMBEX Exercise successfully concludes in Singapore: The 30th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) has successfully concluded in Indian Naval Ships Ranvijay, Kavaratti, submarine Sindhukesari, and a long-range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I participated in the exercise. The exercise was started on 21st September, Combined aviation, firefighting, and damage control exercises were conducted during the period. The exercise witnessed the signing of a Joint Standard Operating Procedure on Submarine Rescue between India and Singapore in the presence of the High Commissioner of India to Singapore and the Singapore Navy Fleet Commander. During this period, units of Indian Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft Fokker F-50 and fighter aircraft engaged in complex maritime security exercises including advanced anti-submarine warfare, surface, and air defence exercises, as well as tactical manoeuvers and weapon firings

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Annu Rani bagged gold in women’s javelin throw in the Asian Games 2023: India's Annu Rani clinched her second Asian Games medal, and her first gold, in women's javelin throws in Hangzhou in the Asian Games 2023. Sri Lanka's Dilhani Lekamge won silver while Lyu Huihui of China won bronze.

Other winners:

·       Parul Chaudhary earlier won the women's 5000m event, adding to the silver she won at the women's 3000m steeplechase final 

·       Tajinderpal Singh Toor bagged golds in shotputter and men's 3000m steeplechase winner Avinash Sable.

 

2. Tajinderpal Singh Toor wins Gold in Shotput : India’s Tajinderpal Singh Toor has won gold in men’s shot put at the Hangzhou Asian Games. Toor won India its second track and field gold in the event. Toor (2018 Jakarta, 2023 Hangzhou) became the fourth Indian shot putter to defend his Asian Games after Parduman Singh Brar (1954 and 1958), Joginder Singh (1966 and 1970) and Bahadur Singh Chouhan (1978 and 1982). Toor got started with a monster first throw which landed around the 20m mark, but it deemed a no-throw. His second throw was also ruled out. Toor managed his first legal throw in his third attempt, registering 19.51m, by which time Saudi Arabia’s Mohamed Daouda Tolo was leading the field with a best throw of 19.93m. Toor then threw a massive 20.06 in his fourth attempt to get into gold medal position, but Tolo reclaimed the lead, with a 20.18m throw. While Toor defaulted in his fifth throw, he saved his best throw for last with a massive 20.36m throw in his sixth attempt. Saudi’s Tolo couldn’t overhaul the Indian’s best and had to settle for silver. Indians have won men’s shot-put gold nine times in the earlier 18 editions of the Asian Games.

 

3. Parul Chaudhary wins gold in women’s 5000m race : India’s Parul Chaudhary made history as she became the first woman from her country to win the 5000m race at the Asian Games 2023.

This is Chaudhary’s second medal at this Asiad after her silver in the women’s 3000m steeplechase race. Chaudhary put in a remarkable effort to win the race which she was trailing until the last few metres on the track. She was behind Japan’s Ririka Hironaka but overtook her in the final 10 seconds before the finish line to emerge victorious. Chaudhary clocked a time of 15:14.75 ahead of Ririka’s 15:15.34 and Kazakhstan’s Caroline Chepkoech KipKirui (15:23.12). Chaudhary’s compatriot Ankit finished fifth with a time of 15:33.03.

 

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Pension launches first-of-its-kind NPS preference Index: HDFC Pension has launched a first-of-its-kind NPS Preference Index that highlights the preference of NPS amongst different consumer groups. Aim: To provide financial security to Indian citizens during their retirement years.  “National Pension System (NPS) is instrumental to facilitate an income post retirement, making it pivotal for long-term financial security.  NPS can be subscribed to by any Indian citizen, aged between 18-70 years, on a voluntarily basis.

 

2. WDRA signs pact with Bank of India to fund against e-NWRs: Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority (WDRA) signed MoU with the Bank of India (BoI) to facilitate farmers and traders in providing low-interest rate loans. Objective: To promote awareness against e-NWRs (electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt). Aim: To provide information to depositors of the benefits, besides doing further outreach activities to improve agricultural pledge finance in India.

 

3. SBI Life Insurance inks bancassurance pact with State Bank of Sikkim: SBI Life Insurance Company has signed a bancassurance pact with the State Bank of Sikkim (SBS) at the bank's headquarters in Gangtok, Sikkim.  Aim: To make insurance solutions accessible to the residents of Sikkim, through its trusted bancassurance partner. The partnership will see extensive distribution network of the SBS spread across the state offer SBI Life's diverse range of protection, wealth creation and savings insurance products to its customers.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Nobel Prize 2023 in Physics awarded to Agostini, Krausz, L’Huillier : Nobel Prize 2023 in Physics has been awarded to Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier for experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter. The experiments gave humanity new tools to explore the world of electrons inside atoms and molecules.  They developed a new way to create extremely short pulses of light that can be used to measure the rapid processes by which electrons move or change energy.

 

2. Jammu and Kashmir's famed Pashmina gets geographical recognition with GI tag: Basohli Pashmina, a more than 100-year-old traditional craft from Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, has got the Geographical Indication tag. It is a hand-spun product known for extreme softness, fineness and light-weight, has insulating properties and extended life. Pashmina products include shawls for both men and women, mufflers, blankets and baskets.Earlier, the famed Basohli painting and Chikri wood from Rajouri district of Jammu division received the GI tag.