Daily GK Update- 18th Oct, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das received the Award for being ranked ‘A+: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das received the Award for being ranked ‘A+’ in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2023. The award recognizes those central bank governors whose strategies outperformed their peers through originality, creativity, and tenacity.  Two other central bankers- Thomas J. Jordan of Switzerland and Nguyen Thi Hong of Vietnam earned an ‘A+’ grade in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2023.

 

2. UP CM Announces Free Gas Cylinder For Ujjwala Scheme Beneficiaries: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the beneficiaries under the Ujjwala scheme will get a cooking gas cylinder free of cost as a "Diwali gift".  The decision is expected to benefit 1.75 crore families in the state. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is a flagship initiative of the central government aimed at providing financial assistance for LPG connections to families falling below the poverty line (BPL).

 

3. MeitY inaugurated Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Lab in Gorakhpur: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology S Krishnan (IAS) inaugurated Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Lab in NIELIT Gorakhpur. This is the First-of-its-kind lab in Uttar Pradesh under FutureSkill PRIME Project, which has been established to bridge the gap between Industry and Academia. The state-of-art RPA lab has been built under the Future Skill PRIME Project funded by MeitY with an objective to upskill/reskill manpower in emerging technology of RPA.

 

4. Union Minister Launches ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ Web Portal: Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan launched a web portal ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ having activity-based support material such as quiz , puzzles, etc for school students on Mission Chandrayaan-3   Aim: To make it more accessible, facilitating self-learning among students. He also released 10 special modules on Chandrayaan-3, offering a comprehensive overview of its various facets - including scientific, technological, and social aspects.

 

5. India to push developed nations to become carbon-negative before 2050: India wants to push developed nations to become carbon negative rather than carbon neutral by 2050, arguing that would allow emerging market economies more time to use fossil fuels for development needs.

India, which is resisting calls to commit to a deadline for phasing out its own use of coal and other fossil fuels, is set to make its proposal at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai later this year. The rich countries should become net negative emitters before 2050 to enable the world to achieve the target of global net-zero by that year while allowing developing nations to use the available natural resources for growth. Developed countries including the United States, Britain, Canada, and Japan are targeting net zero by 2050. China has committed to net zero by 2060 while India has committed to reaching that goal by 2070.

 

6. PM inaugurated Global Maritime India Summit 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the third edition of the Global Maritime India Summit 2023. India’s economy is constantly strengthening in a world dealing with economic crisis, and the day is not far when India will become one of the top three economies in the world. The historic India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor will revolutionize regional and global trade. The decision on the Economic Corridor was taken during the G20 leader’s summit due to India’s initiatives and it will help in decreasing logistic costs, help in environment conservation, and create a huge number of employment opportunities. The Prime Minister also unveiled ‘Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’, a blueprint for the Indian maritime blue economy. In line with this futuristic plan, the Prime Minister inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone for projects worth more than 23,000 crores rupees that are aligned with the ‘Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’ for the Indian maritime blue economy. The summit provides an excellent platform for attracting investment in the country’s maritime sector.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das received the Award for being ranked ‘A+: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das received the Award for being ranked ‘A+’ in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2023. The award recognizes those central bank governors whose strategies outperformed their peers through originality, creativity, and tenacity.  Two other central bankers- Thomas J. Jordan of Switzerland and Nguyen Thi Hong of Vietnam earned an ‘A+’ grade in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2023.

 

2. Daniel Noboa elected Ecuador's youngest president: Businessman Daniel Noboa became the youngest president in Ecuador's history. With more than 97% of votes counted, Mr Noboa, a centrist, had a lead of four percentage points over his left-wing rival, Luisa González. The election campaign was overshadowed by unprecedented levels of violence, which saw one of the candidates, Fernando Villavicencio. Ecuador has all the elements needed to be a global example of progress.

 

3. Christopher Luxon was elected as the Prime Minister of New Zealand: Christopher Luxon has been elected as the 42nd Prime Minister of New Zealand He completed a rapid political ascent four years after leaving one of the country's top executive roles He spent 7 years as chief executive of Air New Zealand, and was hailed a likely future leader upon entering politics in 2019 National hoped he could repeat the "glory days" under John Key, a former Merrill Lynch broker who won three elections for the party and served as PM from 2008 to 2016

 

4. Puma ropes in Mohammed Shami as its brand ambassador: Puma has roped in Team India’s fast bowler Mohammed Shami as its brand ambassador.  The sports brand has a star-studded roster of brand ambassadors which includes Virat Kohli, champion sprinter Usain Bolt. Under this partnership, the Indian pacer will endorse Puma’s footwear, apparel and accessories through multiple activities and campaigns throughout the year.  The brand has also launched a new bowling spike with a mid-sole meant for runners, to support fast bowlers

 

5. Ayurveda Day to be celebrated 100 countries across the globe: In 2023 Ayurveda Day will be celebrated internationally in about 100 countries across the globe.  It is scheduled on Dhanvantari Jayanti, 11 November 2023. The day will be celebrated on the theme of Ayurveda for One Health. Objective: To promote and disseminate Ayurveda at the international level and establish it in the global scenario for the welfare of mankind, animals, plants, and the environment.

 

6. India-Sri Lanka Ferry Service Reopens After Four Decades: India and Sri Lanka launched a ferry service across the Palk Strait under a new roadmap for greater connectivity,  Nearly four decades later the link between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthurai in Jaffna was disrupted by the civil war in the island nation. The ferry service is expected to boost travel and trade with Kankesanthurai, the Sri Lankan port located closest to ports on India’s west coast.

 

7. 17 October – World Trauma Day: World Trauma Day is observed every year on 17 October

Objective – To raising awareness about trauma, its causes, symptoms, and prevention. Trauma is an emotional response to accidents, injuries, physical violence, rape, natural disasters, or any other incident that affects an individual both physically as well as mentally. The main aim of observing the World Trauma Day is to educate people about the causes and consequences of trauma, and promote trauma care & prevention strategies.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Ashutosh Sharma Breaks Yuvraj Singh’s Fastest Fifty Record: Ashutosh Sharma, recently made headlines by shattering the long-standing record set by Yuvraj Singh for the fastest fifty by an Indian player in T20 cricket.  He achieved this feat during a match against Arunachal Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, reaching his fifty in just 11 balls. Yuvraj had held the record for the last 16 years, having struck a fifty off 12 balls against England in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI imposes 1 crore penalty on Union Bank of India: The RBI has imposed a penalty of ₹1 crore on Union Bank of India for non-compliance with directions on ‘Loans and Advances – Statutory and Other Restrictions. Examination of the financials for FY21 revealed that the bank sanctioned a term loan to a corporation in lieu of or to substitute budgetary resources envisaged for certain projects, and without undertaking due diligence on the viability of the projects. It also fined RBL Bank for an amount of ₹64 lakh for violation of norms on regulatory approval for the acquisition of shares or voting rights in private sector banks. The lender failed to obtain the annual declaration in Form B from one of its major shareholders, within one month of the close of FY18, FY19, and FY20. It also did not furnish certificates to RBI regarding continuance of the ‘fit and proper’ status of one of its major shareholders, by the end of September, for all three years. Pune-based Bajaj Finance has also been levied a penalty of ₹8.50 lakh for breach of regulatory norms on the extent of not reporting and delay in reporting of certain frauds to RBI.

 

2. ICICI Bank introduces ‘iFinance, a One-Stop Solution: ICICI Bank has launched ‘iFinance’, which will enable customers, both retail and sole proprietors, to get a consolidated view of their savings and current accounts in one place. ‘iFinance’ provides a single-view dashboard of all accounts. Users can check account balances, get valuable insights on spending patterns, download statements and more. The dashboard offers significant convenience to users and assists them to exercise better control over expenses and monitor their finances in a seamless manner. This facility, which ICICI Bank introduced by utilizing the Account Aggregator ecosystem, is available to customers of other banks on the bank’s digital platforms, including the iMobile Pay app, Retail Internet Banking (RIB), Corporate Internet Banking (CIB), and InstaBIZ, the bank’s mobile app for businesses.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. R Krishnamoorthi gets Dalip Singh Saund Award for political leadership: Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has been presented with the Dalip Singh Saund Award for political leadership in recognition of his “exemplary commitment to advancing the interests of Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities in Congress. The ‘Political Leadership Award’ was presented to Krishnamoorthi by Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC) at an event recently. Saund was the first Sikh, Indian-American to be elected to the Congress. The AAUC, which is a coalition that encompasses dozens of nonprofit organizations and lifetime members, embodies the rich tapestry of Asian-American and Native Hawaiian-Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities, including Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, and Polynesian Americans, among others. With its mission to advocate for and uplift these diverse communities, the AAUC stands as a unifying force dedicated to addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by AANHPI individuals and organizations across the United States.

Daily GK Update- 17th Oct, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Female Labour Force Participation Rate Jumps to 37.0%: According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey Report 2022-23, the Female Labour Force Participation Rate in the country has improved significantly by 4.2 percentage points to 37.0% in 2023. It is an outcome of the decisive agenda set by the Government for ensuring women’s empowerment through policy initiatives aimed at their long-term socio-economic and political development.

 

2. Bhopal’s Mahila Thana become country’s first to get ISO certification: The Mahila thana of Bhopal became the first women-centric police station across the entire country to be conferred with the International Organization for Standardization certificate.  Bhopal Mahila thana has been improved a lot on its part in registering grievances of the complainants, comforting them and probing cases. The ISO certification is a testament to the station’s commitment to improving its services and facilities, ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency.

 

3. Odisha CM launches LAccMI public transport system: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik of Odisha launched the Location Accessible Multimodal Initiative (LAccMI) scheme from Malkangiri to connect panchayat and block headquarters with district headquarters by bus. The chief minister had launched schemes like rice at Rs 1 per kg and Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) from Malkangiri.  Aim: To enhance health insurance for women to Rs 10 lakh had been received from Malkangiri.

 

4. Army establishes first-ever BSNL BTS on Siachen Glacier: The Indian Army has established the world's first mobile tower and base transceiver station (BTS) on the Siachen Glacier It is the highest battlefield on Earth, with the help of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).  Aim: To provide mobile communication services to soldiers at an altitude of over 15,500 feet. A base transceiver station is a radio transceiver that connects mobile devices to a cellular network.

 

5. Union Minister launches dashboard for Data on Adoption and Forecasts: Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh launched the EV-Ready India Dashboard in New Delhi. Addressing the occasion, the Minister asserted that the future is going to be electric. The dashboard has forecast a 45 per cent growth in electric vehicles by 2030. According to the Power and New and Renewable Energy Ministry, the dashboard is a free digital platform focusing on near real-time electric vehicle adoption and forecasts

 

6. 16th edition of Landscape and Gardening Expo 2023 in Mumbai: The 16th edition of Landscape and Gardening Expo 2023 was inaugurated by actress Varsha Usgaonkar in Mumbai.

This is the first time that Mumbai is hosting such an expo that will see participation from firms dealing in horticulture development, Darjeeling orchid plants, bonsai, ornamental flowers, green roof systems, nursery products, soil substitutes, etc. To add value a ‘Global Conference on Urban Green Living Concepts’ has also been planned for the Landscape, Golf Courses, and Sports Infrastructure industry. With an aesthetically appealing landscape, trees, and potted plants being high in demand in Mumbai and its suburbs, the expo aims to promote the idea of green living and popularize the concept of vertical gardening. The three-day expo, being held at the Bombay Exhibition Center, NESCO in Goregaon has been jointly organized by the gardens department of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, World Council on Urban Green Living Concepts, and Tree Culture.

 

7. B K Mohanty assumes charge as Director of Finance at IREDA: Bijay Kumar Mohanty has been appointed as the Director of Finance of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA). Mohanty is a senior finance professional with experience of over 25 years in the Indian power sector. The appointment of Dr. Mohanty as Director (Finance) of IREDA was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Mohanty has been appointed to the post for 5 years from the date he assumed charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Prior to joining IREDA, he held the position of Head of Department and Senior General Manager (Finance & Accounts) at REC Limited.

 

8. Indian Army wins gold medal in Cambrian Patrol 2023 military exercise: The Indian Army has won a gold medal at the Cambrian Patrol Competition 2023 International Military Exercise in Wales, UK. A team from 3/5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) represented the Indian Army at the prestigious Cambrian Patrol Exercise in Wales, UK, the Army said. The Indian Army team participated in the event and competed against a total of 111 teams, which included 38 international teams representing special forces and prestigious regiments from around the world. Exercise Cambrian Patrol, organized by the UK Army, is considered the ultimate test of human endurance and team spirit and is sometimes referred to as the Olympics of Military Patrolling among militaries in the world. In the year 2021, the Indian Army also won a gold medal at the Cambrian Patrol Exercise held in the UK while competing against 96 teams including 17 international teams representing Special Forces and prestigious Regiments from around the world.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. International Day for Eradicating Poverty is observed on 17th October: The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty  is celebrated on 17th October to serve as a reminder that poverty is a complicated, multifaceted problem This year's theme is 'Decent Work and Social Protection: Putting Dignity in Practice for All.' Aim: To promote understanding and dialogue between people living in poverty and society at large.  The day highlights the value of cooperation, human rights, and social justice in the fight against poverty.

 

2. India, UK Hold Inaugural '2+2' Foreign, Defence Dialogue In Delhi: The inaugural India-UK '2+2' foreign and defence dialogue saw the two sides focusing on ways to boost cooperation in a range of key areas such as trade and investment, defence, critical technologies, civil aviation, health and energy. Aim: To discuss and review all aspects of the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership. Discussed international developments including in the Indo-Pacific region and considered the possibility of enhancing anti-terror collaboration

 

3. Jaishankar co-chairs meeting of 18th India-Vietnam Joint Commission: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has co-chaired the meeting of the 18th India-Vietnam Joint Commission in Hanoi with his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son. The discussions covered cooperation in political, defense, and maritime security, judicial, trade and investment, energy, development, education and training, science and technology, and cultural domains. India-Vietnam’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will only further strengthen over the coming years. They also shared perspectives on the Indo-Pacific region, commitment to global issues, and collaboration in various multilateral groupings. Dr Jaishankar also jointly unveiled the commemorative stamps celebrating 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Vietnam with his counterpart.

 

4. 16 October – World Anaesthesia Day: World Anaesthesia Day is observed on October 16 every year. Objective – To raise awareness about the importance of anaesthesia in medical treatments. It also supports anaesthesia providers around the world to celebrate their profession. Theme 2023 – Anaesthesia and Cancer Care World Anaesthesia Day marks the birth of anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was first used on October 16, 1846. The first successful demonstration of ether anaesthesia was performed by William Thomas Green Morton (1819-1868) at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA, USA.

 

5. 17 October – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is celebrated every year on 17 October. The day is dedicated to create awareness and promote global measures for the prevention of poverty. Theme 2023 – Decent Work and Social Protection: Putting Dignity in Practice for All One of the major challenges in the world that needs to be addressed for the betterment of society is Poverty. The International Poverty Eradication Day is an opportunity to highlight the problems faced by underprivileged people in their day-to-day lives, and provide necessary support to them. The observance of this day traces its roots back to October 17, 1987, when a gathering at the Trocadero in Paris proclaimed poverty as a violation of human rights. The UN General Assembly officially declared October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty through resolution 47/196 on 22 December 1992

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Former England captain Alastair Cook announces retirement: Former England captain Alastair Cook, his country’s record test run scorer, announced his retirement from professional cricket.

The 38-year-old left-handed opener, who retired from international cricket in 2018, played his entire county career with Essex. Cook was England test captain from 2012 to 2017 and also captain for 69 one day internationals from 2010-14. He scored 766 runs in seven innings during the 2010-11 Ashes tour to help England to their first series win in Australia for 24 years.

 

2. Raunak Sadhwani won FIDE World Junior Rapid Chess Championship: 17-year-old Raunak Sadhwani has won the U-20 World Junior Rapid Chess Championship in Sardinia, Italy. Raunak scored 8.5 over 11 rounds to win the Championship ahead of Arseniy Nesterov of Russia, who scored 8. Raunak became a grandmaster at the age of 13. He is the ninth youngest player in history and the fourth youngest Indian to be awarded the title. Raunak – Maharashtra’s youngest and Nagpur’s only Grandmaster (GM) – helped world no. 1 Magnus Carlsen lift his maiden European title.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ADB Invests $181 Million to Improve Ahmedabad’s Peri-urban Areas: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 181 million loan to build quality infrastructure and services toward improving urban livability and mobility in the peri-urban areas of Ahmedabad ADB will help strengthen the capacity of the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority and urban local bodies in technology-based urban planning, including climate change Aim: To promote environmental and social safeguards, gender equality and social inclusion

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Rocketry has been adjudged as the Best Feature Film in 69th National Film: 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect' directed by R Madhavan has been adjudged as the Best Feature Film in the 69th National Film Awards. President Droupadi Murmu will confer the 69th National Film Awards in New Delhi. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur will be the Guest of Honour.  Allu Arjun has won the Best Actor Award for 'Pushpa: The Rise'. Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon will share the Best Actress Award for 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' and 'Mimi'.

 

2. Indian Railways’ PSUs, RITES Ltd and IRCON granted Navratna status: Ircon International Limited (IRCON) and RITES Ltd both Central Public Sector Enterprise have been announced as 15th and 16thNavratna respectively among CPSEs.  The Ministry of Finance conferred ‘Navratna’ status on RITES and IRCON. Entering its 50th year of incorporation, RITES Ltd is a leading transport infrastructure consultancy and engineering firm in India The companies should benefit in enhancing the market credibility and in undertaking larger size PPP projects

 

3. UP bags award for using tele technology for mental health & counselling: Uttar Pradesh has bagged the third prize in operationalizing telemanas- using tele technology for mental health and counselling – on the National Mental Health Day. The award was given by ministry of health and family welfare, Government of India. Mission director, National Health Mission Uttar Pradesh, Dr Pinky Joval received the award. The UP team will strive to do even better and be the top state in this area in the coming year. An urgent need was felt for a digital mental health network in the state to provide tele-mental health care services to the masses, with the objective to provide 24X7 mental health care services even in the remote parts of the country.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Padma Shri awardee, Dahyabhai Shastri passes away: Padma Shri awardee, Dahyabhai Shastri, an Indian scholar of Sanskrit and the founder of Brahmarshi Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Nadiad, passed away. He is also a former president of the Gujarat state unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. He was actively working towards the expansion and education of Sanskrit language throughout.

Daily GK Update- 16th Oct, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Skill India partners with Coca-Cola India to launch Program: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) announced a partnership with Coca-Cola India to launch the Super Power Retailer Program under the Skill India Mission.  The program is being piloted in the state of Odisha. The initiative will play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s economy by skilling, reskilling and upskilling the retailers The program aims to upskill retailers across key states over three years

 

2. Amit Shah inaugurated Samau Shaheed Memorial and Library: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated Samau Shaheed Memorial and Library in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. During the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Modi started initiatives to build memorials of countless unsung martyrs across the country who sacrificed their lives in the 90 years of freedom struggle from 1857 to 1947  Aim: To revive their history so that the youth and the new generation could draw inspiration from them.

 

3. Coastal Security Exercise Sagar Kavach held in Andhra Pradesh: A two-day Coastal Security Exercise Sagar Kavach  involving all maritime security agencies was conducted by the Indian Navy in Andhra Pradesh, TN and the UT of Puducherry from 11-12 Oct 2023. Aim: To assess the efficacy and robustness of the coastal security mechanism while dealing with asymmetric threat emanating from the sea.  Indian Naval Ships along with assets of the Coast Guard and other coastal security agencies were deployed to augment surveillance in the area

 

4. SUN Mobility partners with Bluwheelz to deploy over 16,000 EVs: Battery-swapping solutions provider SUN Mobility has partnered with electric vehicle fleet operator Bluwheelz to deploy over 16,000 EVs in the next 12 months. Under the partnership, the companies are looking to deploy over 15,000 electric two-wheelers and 1,000 electric three-wheelers in all metropolitan cities through the next 12 months. The deployment in Delhi has already started with almost 500 vehicles on the roads and the operations will start in cities in Bangalore and Hyderabad. CEO of SUN Mobility – Anant Badjatya Chairman of Bluwheelz – Sanjiv Gupta

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Health Summit 2023: The World Health Summit, a leading global health conference and network to set the agenda for a healthier future by inspiring innovative solutions for better health and well-being for all.  The event takes place in Berlin, Germany and online from 15–17 October under the theme "A Defining Year for Global Health Action". World Health Summit 2023 include: learning from COVID-19 for future pandemic prevention recommitting to universal health coverage

 

2. Dubai Soars as World's Fastest-Recovering Services Hub in 2023: Dubai, a global economic powerhouse, has proven its mettle as the world's fastest-recovering destination in the services sector, marking an impressive growth rate of 3.2% in the first half of 2023.  This achievement has underpinned Dubai's standing as a leading city that defies economic challenges, driven by visionary leadership. A key goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda is to double the size of Dubai's economy over the next decade

 

3. World Anaesthesia Day is observed on 16th October 2023: World Anaesthesia Day is observed on October 16 every year to raise awareness about the importance of anaesthesia in medical treatments.  Aim: To support anaesthesia providers around the world to celebrate their profession. The discovery of anaesthesia helps patients undergo surgical treatments without any pain. The theme for World Anaesthesia Day 2023 is 'Anaesthesia and Cancer Care tries to raise awareness about the pivotal role of anaesthesia in cancer treatments.

 

4. World Spine Day is observed on 16th October 2023: Every year October 16 is marked as World Spine Day to highlight the burden of spinal pain and disability globally. The theme of World Spine Day 2023 is Move Your Spine. Aim: To aware about the prevailing spine disorders, their impact on one's life, sign and symptoms

About Spine:

·       Your spine or backbone is your body’s central support structure. 

·       The spine helps connect different parts of your musculoskeletal system. Your spine helps you sit, stand, walk, twist, and bend.

 

5. PM inaugurated 141st International Olympic Committee Meeting: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) session at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai. The session serves as a key meeting of the members of the International Olympic Committee. Important decisions regarding the future of Olympic games are made at IOC sessions. India is hosting the IOC session for the second time after a gap of about 40 years.

The IOC’s 86th session was held in New Delhi in 1983. The 141st IOC Session, being held in India, embodies the nation’s dedication to fostering global cooperation, celebrating sporting excellence, and furthering the Olympic ideals of friendship, respect, and excellence. It provides an opportunity for interaction and knowledge sharing among the various sports-related stakeholders. The session has also been attended by the President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach and other members of the IOC along with prominent Indian sports personalities and representatives from various sports federations, including the Indian Olympic Association.

 

6. 15 October – International Day of Rural Women: The International Day of Rural Women is celebrated annually on October 15. Objective – To recognize the vital contributions of rural women worldwide. Theme 2023 – Rural Women Cultivating Good Food for All On December 18, 2007, in its resolution 62/136, the United Nations General Assembly formally recognized the vital role played by rural women in ushering agricultural and rural development, enhancing food security and reducing poverty. On October 15, 2008, International Day of Rural Women was observed for the first time.

 

16 October – World Food Day: World Food Day is observed every year on 16 October. Objective – To create awareness about the importance of healthy diet and highlight the challenges faced by millions of people across the globe due to lack of access to healthy food. Theme 2023 – Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind The main purpose behind celebrating Food Day on a global level is to promote policies and programs for eliminating hunger to ensure that the upcoming generations do not face food-related issues and malnutrition. World Food Day is an opportunity to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), which is ‘Zero Hunger’. The day encourages governments, policy makers, stake holders, and other organizations to establish policies and programmes against global hunger issues.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Raunak Sadhwani won FIDE World Junior Rapid Chess Championship: Raunak Sadhwani and Govhar Beydullayeva won gold in The FIDE World Junior Rapid Chess Championship 2023 Indian GM pulled off a crucial victory over Tobias Koelle and clinched the title as two other co-leaders, Arseniy Nesterov and Dimitris Alexakis, drew their game and tied for second place with Or Globus. Nesterov claimed silver thanks to superior tiebreaks and became the only unbeaten player in the open section; Alexakis took bronze.

 

2. 11th Sultan of Johor Cup to be held in Johor, Malaysia: The 11th edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 will be held in Johor, Malaysia from October 27 to November 4. The Sultan of Johor Cup is an annual under-21 men’s field hockey event held in Malaysia. Hockey India has announced the 20-member Indian junior men’s hockey team that will participate in the 11th Sultan of Johor Cup. Uttam Singh was appointed captain while Rajinder Singh will serve as his deputy. The 11th edition of the tournament will feature eight teams instead of the customary six. India has been placed in Pool B along with Malaysia, Pakistan, and New Zealand, while Pool A will consist of Germany, Australia, South Africa, and Great Britain. The tournament is also an opportunity to assess and understand six nations that will be heading to the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023 and it’s being played under the same climate conditions that we can expect at Kuala Lumpur in December.”

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Retail inflation eased to 5.02% in September from 6.83% in August: India’s retail inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), declined to a three-month low of 5.02% in September due to easing food prices, according to data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO). The inflation has come back to the Reserve Bank of India’s comfort level of below 6% after a gap of two months. In July 2023, India’s CPI stood at 7.44%, while in August 2023, it was at 6.83%. Industrial output as measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) was 10.3% in August 2023. Factory output measured in terms of the IIP had contracted by 0.7% in August 2022. The data showed that the manufacturing sector’s output increased by 9.3% in August 2023. Mining production rose 12.3% during the month under review. Power output grew 15.3% in August 2023. The IIP grew by 6.1% in April-August 2023 compared to 7.7 percent in the same period of 2022-23.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Nawanpind Sardaran Village Receives Best Tourism Village Award: The Nawanpind Sardaran village, located in Gurdaspur, Punjab, awarded the title of “Best Tourism Village of India 2023” by the Union Ministry of Tourism.  This recognition was a testament to the remarkable efforts of the Sangha sisters, who have passionately dedicated themselves to preserving their ancestral homes, Kothi and Pipal Haveli, and promoting sustainable tourism in their village. It is located just five kilometers south of National Highway 54

 

2. Indian American Gitanjali Rao honoured by US First Lady Jill Biden: Teenage Indian-American inventor Gitanjali Rao has been honoured by S. First Lady Jill Biden, along with 14 other young women leaders, for leading a change and shaping a brighter future in their communities across the nation. The 17-year-old scientist was honoured in the first-ever “Girls Leading Change” celebration at the White House, marking the International Day of the Girl. The 15 young women leaders, selected by the White House Gender Policy Council, were honoured by First Lady Jill to recognize their impact on their communities. These young women are protecting and preserving the earth, writing and sharing stories that change minds, and turning their pain into purpose. Together, they represent the potential of young people across the country.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former CEC Dr. Manohar Singh Gill passes away: The Election Commission of India has deeply mourned the passing away of former Chief Election Commissioner Dr. M S Gill at New Delhi. Dr. M.S. Gill was the 11th Chief Election Commissioner of India.  His leadership and commitment to the electoral process will continue to inspire us at the Election Commission of India.  Gill was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in the year 2000 for his exceptional and distinguished services as a civil servant.

 

2. Film producer PV Gangadharan passes away at 80: Popular Malayalam film producer and director of the Mathrubhumi group of publications, PV Gangadharan passed away at the age of 80. Fondly called PVG, Gangadharan made a name for himself in the world of cinema and politics. He was a member of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). Apart from politics, Gangadharan also tasted success in the world of cinema. He floated his banner, Grihalakshmi Productions, and bankrolled many superhit films in the Malayalam film industry. In 1977, he produced his first film, ‘Sujatha’, and scored hits subsequently with films such as ‘Angadi’, ‘Chiriyo Chiri, ‘Ekalavyan’, ‘Manassa Vacha Karmana’. His film ‘Kanakkinavu won the Nargis Dutt Award for National Integration and ‘Santham’ won the National Award for Best Film. ‘Oru Vadakkan veeragadha, ‘Achivinte Amma’, ‘Notebook’, and ‘Veendum Chila Vettu Karayanga;’ won State awards in several categories.

Daily GK Update- 15th Oct, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Udaipur set to become India’s first Wetland City: Udaipur, ‘City of Lakes’ known for its enchanting surroundings, lakes, forts, palaces, and historical significance, is in a race to earn the prestigious title of India’s first-ever wetland city. The city, known for its numerous picturesque lakes, including Lake Pichola, Lake Fateh Sagar, Lake Doodh Talai, Lake Rang Sagar, and Lake Swaroop Sagar, serves as a major tourist attraction. The Rajasthan government is actively working towards obtaining this recognition for Udaipur. The Environment and Forest Department has chosen Udaipur based on the criteria set by the Ramsar Convention for international significance. Additionally, Udaipur is a participant in the central government’s National Lakes Conservation Plan, a program aimed at restoring these crucial water bodies. Currently, the city’s nomination is in the process of being submitted to the Ramsar Convention for approval. Currently, there are 42 wetland cities worldwide. In India, both Udaipur and Bhopal are vying for the remarkable distinction of being recognized as India’s first wetland city.

 

2. KVIC celebrates nationwide Khadi Mahotsav: The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is celebrating a nationwide Khadi Mahotsav from the 2nd to the 31st of October. This festival is dedicated to supporting the “Vocal for Local” initiative and the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’. KVIC Chairman – Manoj Kumar

 

3. ISRO in collaboration with VIBHA organizes exhibition Space on Wheels: Indian Space Research Organization in collaboration with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) is organizing an exhibition called “Space on Wheels” program in Arunachal Pradesh. The programme features a mobile exhibition vehicle showcasing models of satellites, launching vehicles, and communication systems. It aims to bring the wonders of space to the doorstep of students and enthusiasts across the region. The primary objective of the “Space on Wheels” program is to provide valuable insights into ISRO’s activities and India’s space missions to school and college students. It also aims to sensitize the youth about the exciting and rewarding career opportunities in the field of space science.

 

4. 13 October – National Cinema Day: National Cinema Day 2023 is observed every year on 13 October. National Cinema Day aims to celebrate the magic of the big screen and applaud the success of recent blockbusters. One should know that on that date, movie tickets across India will be available at Rs 99 only, thus celebrating the successful box office runs this year. It is also an initiative to motivate more people to watch movies in theatres. As per the details available from the Multiplex Association of India (MAI), more than 4,000 cinema halls have confirmed to participate in the event.

 

5. PM Modi to inaugurate third edition of Global Maritime India Summit 2023: Narendra Modi will inaugurate the third edition of the Global Maritime India Summit 2023, held from 17th to 19th October in Mumbai. He will unveil 'Amrit Kaal Vision 2047', the long-term blueprint for the Indian maritime blue economy.  Aim: To enhance port facilities, promote sustainable practices, and facilitate international collaboration. He will inaugurate, dedicate to the nation, and lay the foundation stone of projects worth more than 23 thousand crore rupees.

 

6. Kerala Gets Its First 3D-Printed Building In Just 28 Days: Kerala,'s Amaze-28 first building built using 3D printing technology has been inaugurated.  Designed as a demonstration project, Amaze-28 is a model that was completed in just 28 days. The project was completed by Keral State Nirmiti Kerndra with the support of Tvasta, a Chennai-based construction tech start-up launched by some IIT-Madras alumni. 3D printing is layer-by-layer printing. In 3D printing basically, there are 3 processing.

 

7. Central Electricity Authority Celebrates Its 50th Foundation Day: The Central Electricity Authority  celebrates its 50th Foundation Day, which provides technical and policy support to the government and to all other stakeholders in the power sector. The event served as a platform to recognize the contributions of the CEA in shaping the energy landscape of India. The 50th Foundation Day celebration in New Delhi was graced by the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh

 

8. PM Narendra Modi Releases New Garba Song “Maadi”: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned down a Garba song, titled ‘Maadi’, composed by Meet brothers, Manmeet Singh and Harmeet Singh.  Divya Kumar lent his voice to the track, while the music was composed by Manmeet Singh and Harmeet Singh from Meet Bros.  Titled ‘Garbo,’ the song voiced by singer Dhvani Bhanushali and composed by Tanishk Bagchi was released under the banner of Jjust Music, a music label founded by actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani.

 

9. Bharat Rashtra Samithi In Telangana Unveils Manifesto: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) recently unveiled its manifesto, promising a host of transformative initiatives aimed at improving the lives of underprivileged citizens.  One of the standout promises in the BRS manifesto is the provision of life insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh to over 93 lakh Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.  Aim: To provide a much-needed safety net to those who are economically vulnerable.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Students Day being celebrated in India on 15th October: World Students Day is being celebrated on 15th October in the country to mark the birth anniversary of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the 11th president of the country.  The theme for World Students Day 2023 is “FAIL: stands for First Attempt in Learning. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam also known as the ‘Missile Man’ of India was born on the 15th of October, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.  He served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.

2. Global Handwashing Day is observed on 15th October 2023: Global Handwashing Day is celebrated on October 15 to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times.  The 2023 Global Handwashing Day theme is “Clean hands are within reach.”  Aim: To spread the word about handwashing, build sinks and tippy taps, and demonstrate the simplicity and value of clean hands.  It is endorsed by governments, schools, international institutions, civil society organizations,private companies, individuals, and more.

 

3. Jaishankar unveils Rabindranath Tagore’s bust in Vietnam: India and Vietnam share profound historical connections dating back almost 2,000 years which are rooted in Buddhism External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar  inaugurated a bust of Nobel Laureate writer-poet Rabindranath Tagore in Bac Ninh city. The historical and cultural connections between India and Vietnam, enriched by the introduction of Buddhism, literary exchange, and the influence of Rabindranath Tagore, continue to strengthen the bond between these two nations.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. IOC suspends Russian Olympic Committee for ‘breach of charter’: After nearly 20 months of waging war in Ukraine, Russia was suspended by the International Olympic Council (IOC) for a land grab in sports administration. The International Olympic Committee’s executive board imposed the suspension on the Russian Olympic Committee for a breach of the Olympic Charter — a book of rules and principles for international sports bodies — by incorporating sports councils in four regions in eastern Ukraine. The suspension does not immediately affect any Russians who are returning to compete in international sports as neutral athletes, including in some qualifying events for next year’s Paris Olympics.

 

2. England captain Alastair Cook announced his retirement from cricket: Former England captain Alastair Cook announced his retirement from cricket after deciding against seeking a renewal of his contract at Essex, his long-time county team. The left-handed opener had already retired from the international game in 2018 after hitting 12,472 Test runs. Cook's contract expired at Essex at the end of the recently completed domestic season.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. VJ Kurian appoints as chairman of South Indian Bank: VJ Kurian has been appointed as the non-executive part-time chairman of the South Indian Bank with effect from November 2 to March 22, 2026. Kurian will succeed Salim Gangadharan, who will be retiring as non-executive part-time chairman of the bank on November 1 after the completion of his term. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as the governing body overseeing the banking sector in India, has given its official approval for VJ Kurian’s appointment as the bank’s non-executive part-time chairman.

2. RBI Imposes ₹1 Crore Penalty On Union Bank: The RBI has imposed a penalty of ₹1 crore on Union Bank of India for non-compliance with directions on ‘Loans and Advances – Statutory and Other Restrictions’. Examination of the financials for FY21 revealed that the bank sanctioned a term loan to a corporation in lieu of or to substitute budgetary resources envisaged for certain projects. It also fined RBL Bank for an amount of ₹64 lakh for violation of norms on regulatory approval

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Douglas to be honored with Satyajit Ray Lifetime Film Award: Renowned Hollywood actor and producer Michael Douglas will be honoured with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Excellence in Film Lifetime Award at the 54th International Film Festival of India in Goa. Douglas is known for his films like ‘Wall Street’, ‘Fatal Attraction’, ‘The China Syndrome’, ‘The American President’, ‘Basic Instinct’, and ‘Ant-Man’ among others. Douglas will be presented with the award at the International Film Festival of India scheduled to be held in Panjim from November 20-28 this year The 79-year-old actor has won two Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the AFI Life Achievement Award. His first TV break came with The Experiment, a CBS Playhouse special in 1969, and it was the only time he was billed as M.K. Douglas. His first notable role was in the television series The Streets of San Francisco, in which he co-starred with Karl Malden. Other successful films he appeared in included Falling Down, The American President, The Ghost and the Darkness, The Game, A Perfect Murder, and many more.