Daily GK Update- 30th Oct, 2023

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi releases three books at Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, MP: PM Modi visited Tulsi Peeth and released three books - ‘Ashtadhyayi Bhashya’, ‘Rambhadracharya Charitam’ and ‘Bhagwan Shri Krishna ki Rashtraleela’. Ashtadhyayi is a thousands-year-old text of India's linguistics, India's intellectuality, and our research culture.”  Tulsi Peeth is an important religious and social service institution in Chitrakoot, MP established by Jagadguru Rambhadracharya in 1987.  It is one of the leading publishers of Hindu religious literature

 

2. Karnataka Forest Department launches centralised WCMS: The Karnataka Forest Department and Wildlife Trust of India announced that NTT DATA, is supporting the development of the HAWK (Hostile Activity Watch Kernel) system.  This is a specialized software system that will be the nerve center of the state forest department as part of their modernization initiatives. HAWK is used to monitor all aspects of forest and wildlife crime, such as the death of wildlife, and movement of suspicious vehicles. 

 

3. “MGNREGS Reports a 7.5% Decrease in Active Workforce Participation” : Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), a data analysis by LibTech India – a consortium of academics and activists  For April-Sep 2023 reveals a 7.5% reduction in the number of active workers, from 15.49 crore in the previous fiscal year to 14.33 crore, as per the data available till Oct 6, 2023.  The LibTech’s MGNREGS tracker for April-Sep 2023 provides a comparative analysis of data from preceding fy 2021-22 and 2022-23.

 

4. Indian Oil launched country’s first reference fuel: State-run Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has launched India’s first gasoline and diesel reference fuel, used by automobile manufacturers for testing vehicles. The production of these specialized fuel by Indian Oil not only reduces India’s dependence on imports but also catapults country’s energy industry to the select global players armed with exclusive competencies. This is the first time that India is venturing into the production of Reference Gasoline and Diesel Fuels. The home-grown development of these products in-line with international benchmarks testifies to the brilliance and relentless hard work of Indian Oil. Reference fuels are required by automobile manufacturers for developing engines and assessing vehicles’ performance to ensure operability in all the global climatic conditions. Currently, these reference fuels are being imported by India from select companies of Europe and the US. As per the latest SIAM projection, the current demand in the country for gasoline or petrol reference fuel is around 120 KL (kilo litre) per annum and demand for diesel reference fuel is around 15 KL per annum.

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian Army, IAF participate in India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise: Indian Army and Indian Air Force contingent comprising 120 personnel departed for Kazakhstan to take part in the 7th edition of Joint Military ‘Exercise KAZIND-2023’.  The Exercise will be conducted at Otar in Kazakhstan from 30th October to 11th November. The Joint Exercise between India and Kazakhstan was instituted as ‘Exercise PRABAL DOSTYK’ in 2016. After the second edition, the Exercise was upgraded to a company-level exercise and renamed as ‘Exercise KAZIND’.

 

2. World Thrift Day is observed on 30th October: World Thrift Day or World Savings Day is celebrated each year on 30 October to raise awareness to people about their financial security, savings, and freedom. The theme of World Thrift Day in 2023 is “Preparing for the future through saving. Aim:  To promote the importance of saving money and how savings can cushion our difficult times. It raises awareness about the importance of thrifting to save money.

 

3. US House of representative elected its new speaker: Republican Congressman from Louisiana Mike Johnson has been elected as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The position of Speaker of the House of Representatives is one of the most powerful political chairs in the country and is third in the line of succession after the US President. Johnson was elected by 220 to 209 votes in a bitterly divided Congress, three weeks after his predecessor Kevin McCarthy was unceremoniously voted out of the seat for the first time in US history. In the 435-member House, the Republicans hold a slender majority with 221 seats against 212 of the Democrats. The 56th Speaker of the House of Representatives, Johnson, 51, a lawyer by profession, is a four-term Congressman from the Fourth Congressional District of Louisiana.

 

4. Slovakia’s Fico appointed prime minister for 4th time: Robert Fico has been appointed as prime minister of Slovakia for the fourth time. He will attend an EU summit in Brussels where the nation-first populist’s fellow leaders should get an early indication. President Zuzana Caputova appointed Fico and his cabinet after his SMER-SSD party won the Sept. 30 election and formed a coalition with the centre-left HLAS and nationalist SNS parties. Fico quit as prime minister in 2018 amid mass public protests against corruption after a journalist was murdered.

 

5. Global Teacher Prize 2023: West Bengal teacher among top 10 finalists: A teacher from West Bengal, Deep Narayan Nayak has been announced as a top 10 finalist from across 130 countries in the USD 1 million Global Teacher Prize 2023. Deep Narayan, from Tilka Manjhi Adivasi Free Primary School in Jamuria, Asansol, earned the title of “Teacher of the Streets” during the COVID-19 lockdown when he moved classrooms outside and helped bridge the digital divide for disadvantaged children living below the poverty line in remote communities, empowering those with learning disabilities, counseling students and their parents, and improving literacy rates among adult learners. Now in its eighth year, the annual prize is organized by the UK-based Varkey Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO and in strategic partnership with Dubai Cares, a UAE-based global philanthropic organization. The prize was created to recognize an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession as well as to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society.

 

6. 30 October – World Stroke Day: World Stroke Day is celebrated every year on 30 October. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about strokes, their prevention, treatment, and the importance of timely intervention. Strokes, often referred to as brain attacks, are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Theme 2023 – Together we are #Greater Than Stroke The European Stroke Initiative came up with the concept of organizing a day of awareness in the 1990s. But due to budgetary constraints, the endeavour could only be conducted in Europe. The World Stroke Congress in Vancouver, Canada, in 2004 established World Stroke Day, which falls on October 29. Dr. Vladimir Hachinski led the formation of a working group, which in October 2006 became a World Stroke Proclamation. The World Stroke Organization, which assumed control of World Stroke Day, was formed at about the same time that the International Stroke Society and the World Stroke Federation combined.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Yogesh Kathuniya won Silver in Men’s Discus Throw at Asian Para Games: Yogesh Kathuniya won the silver medal in the Men’s Discus Throw-F54/55/56 at the Asian Para Games 2023 held in Hangzhou, China. Yogesh represented India at Summer Paralympics 2020 where he won a silver medal in the men’s discus throw F56 event. He hails from Delhi.

 

2. Mariyappan Thangavelu wins silver in High Jump at Asian Para Games: Mariyappan Thangavelu has won the silver medal in Men’s High Jump T63 event at the Asian Para Games 2022 in Hangzhou, China. Thangavelu leaping the mark of 1.86m. This is his second medal at the Games, having already won a gold in Rio Paralympics 2016. In 2017 the Government of India conferred him with the Padma Shri award for his contribution towards sports and in the same year, he was also awarded the Arjuna Award. He was awarded with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2020.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI Ropes in Cricket Icon MS Dhoni as Brand Ambassador: State Bank of India has roped in cricketing legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the bank's official Brand Ambassador to strengthen its connection, especially with the younger population. Dhoni will play a pivotal role in various marketing and promotional campaigns of SBI. Among public sector banks, Bob had appointed Rahul Dravid as its brand ambassador.  At present, badminton players P V Sindhu, K Srikanth, and cricketer Shafali Verma are BOB's brand ambassadors.

2. Bank of Baroda introduces bob LITE Savings Account: Bank of Baroda has launched the Bob LITE Savings Account, a lifetime zero-balance savings bank account, as part of its festive campaign. Bob LITE offers customers a hassle-free banking experience without any minimum balance requirement. The account also includes a lifetime free RuPay Platinum Debit Card for account holders who maintain a nominal Quarterly Average Balance in the account.  Additionally, eligible account holders can avail of a lifetime free credit card.

 

3. Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan's new book 'Breaking the Mould': Former RBI governor, Raghuram Rajan has teamed up with economist Rohit Lamba to write a book, "Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India's Economic Future",  Goal: To give the reader a rare glimpse into India's economic future.  The book is being published by Penguin Random House India and is set to be released on December 7. This eagerly anticipated book seeks to delve into some of the critical questions surrounding India's economic trajectory.

 

4. AU Small Finance Bank launches 'Planet First-AU Green Fixed Deposit': AU Small Finance Bank has introduced its first Green Fixed Deposit called Planet First – AU Green Fixed Deposit

Aim: To allocate its entire proceeds to support renewable and green projects. It is in a unique position to contribute towards sustainable ‘Badlaav’ by gradually offering such retail products aligned with the guidance of the regulator. Planet First - AU Green Fixed Deposit offers an interest rate of up to 8.5%, with an investment requirement of only ₹5k

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. First Black Action Hero, Richard Roundtree Passed Away: Richard Roundtree, the trailblazing actor who starred as the ultra-smooth private detective in several Shaft films beginning in the early 1970s, passed away at the age of 81. He was born in New Rochelle, New York, was considered as the first Black action hero. He became one of the leading actors in the blaxploitation genre through his New York street-smart John Shaft character in the Gordon Parks-directed film in 1971. In 2011, he secured the African-American Film Critics Association award, while in 1994, he claimed the MTV Movie + TV Award for his role in “Shaft.” Additionally, he earned a nomination for the Golden Globe Awards in 1972 and was recognized at the Soap Opera Digest Awards, among other accolades.

Daily GK Update- 29th Oct, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Kerala becomes the first State to have hallmarking centers : Kerala became the first state in India to have hallmarking centres in all 14 districts. Aim: It will make Kerala a hub of gold business and further strengthen its claim to being the most reliable market in the country to buy gold ornaments There are about 12K gold merchants in the State with majority holding BIS registration.  Gold merchants gave hallmarking and hallmarking unique identification numbers even for pieces with weight below two grams

 

2. Union Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti inaugurates SARAS Ajeevika Mela: Minister of State for Rural Development, Sadhvi Niranjan inaugurated the SARAS Ajeevika Mela showcasing the best of crafts by rural Self Help Group (SHG) Women at Gurugram. This is the second edition of Saras Ajeevika Mela.  To empower at least two crores Lakhpati didis of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission.  The two-week-long Mela will witness over 800 SHG women from across the country showcasing their handicraft and handloom products.

 

3. IAF signs contract for procurement of automatic weather stations: The Indian Air Force recently signed a contract with an Indian manufacturer for the procurement of Automatic Weather Stations at 82 IAF locations. Aim: To provide a major boost to Aerospace Safety by making available real-time weather updates during flying operations and training.  The IAF is working on the upgrade program of the Su-30MKI fleet where 84 planes would be upgraded indigenously with advanced made-in-India radars ( Virupaaksha ) and weapon systems.

 

4. Kerala to set up ₹200 crore Graphene production facility in public-private partnership: The Kerala Government has decided to set up a pilot production facility of Graphene. The production facility will cost ₹200 crores. Graphene is called a wonder material for its extraordinary electrical and electronic properties, in the state. The facility is designed to operate on a public-private partnership model and will require an estimated investment of ₹237 crore. The Kerala Digital University will be the implementing agency, while the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) has been assigned the role of a special-purpose vehicle for infrastructure development.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. US and South Korean militaries hold joint future combat drills: In Gangwon Province in South Korea, the US and South Korean militaries held joint future combat drill exercises.  Aim: To beef up future combat capabilities, with the troops wearing multiple integrated laser engagement systems (MILES), which uses lasers to simulate actual battle. The South Korean army training was an attempt to modernize their military and improve their responses to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.

2. World Stroke Day is observed on 29th October 2023: World Stroke Day is observed on 29th October 2023 which serves as a critical reminder of the prevalence and impact of strokes on individuals and communities worldwide. The theme for World Stroke Day 2023 is "Together we are Greater Than Stroke." Aim: To raise awareness about strokes, their prevention, treatment, and the importance of timely intervention. Strokes, often referred to as brain attacks, are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Darpan Inani, Soundrya Pradhan, Ashwin won gold in chess Darpan Inani, So: Indian Chess players Darpan Inani, Soundrya Pradhan and Ashwin  bagged a gold medal in the men’s chess at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China. Other winners:  Kishan Gangoli, Aryan Joshi and Somendra won a bronze medal in the men's chess B2 category team. Himanshi Rathi, Sanskruti More and Vruthi Jain won a bronze medal in the women's chess B1 category team Anita and Narayana Konganapalle  won a silver medal in rowing at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games

 

2. Manu Bhaker secures India's 11th Paris Olympics quota in Korea: In shooting, Manu Bhaker secured the 11th Paris Olympics quota place for India after finishing fifth in women’s 25-metre sports pistol at the Asian Championships in Changwon, Korea Arjun Babuta in men’s 10 metre air rifle event and Sarabjot Singh in men’s 10 metre air pistol event have also secured Paris 2024 quotas. Manu is the second shooter after 10-metre air pistol marksman Sarabjot Singh to clinch an Olympic quota in the pistol events

 

3. Neeraj Yadav clinched a gold medal in the men's javelin throw: Indian Neeraj Yadav clinched a gold medal in the men's javelin throw-F55 event at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2023    Other winners:  Tek Chand Mahlawat begged a bronze medal in the men's javelin throw-F55 at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2023 Dilip bagged a gold medal in the men's 400m - T47 event at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2023 Pooja baggeda bronze medal in the women's 1500m T-20 event at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2023

 

4. Indian para-athletes create history with India's highest-ever Medal Tally: Medal Tally in the Para Asian Games 2023 with 111 medals, including 29 Gold medals 31 Silver medals and 51 bronze medals. India sent its largest contingent this year, consisting of 303 athletes (191 male & 112 female).  Out of the 111 medals, female athletes have contributed 40 medals, i.e. 36% of the medal tally. Be it the Khelo India Scheme at the grassroots level or the Target Olympic Podium Scheme for elite athletes.

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IRDAI forms panel to simplify insurance policy wordings : The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has constituted a committee of 12 members to simplify insurance policy wording. The committee, which will be headed by L Viswanathan, a member of the Insurance Advisory Committee (IAC), will also include the Secretary Generals of the Life Insurance and General Insurance Council along with the president of the Insurance Brokers Association of India (IBAI) and the Principal Officer, State Bank of India (Corporate Agent) as well as other senior members of the insurance industry. This decision comes in the backdrop of Irdai’s observation that policyholders often find it difficult to understand the terms and conditions in insurance policy contracts due to the complex language used in the policy, stopping them from making informed decisions while purchasing an insurance policy. As a step towards Irdai’s goal of Insurance for all by 2047, the regulator is putting efforts towards creating a progressive, supportive, facilitative and forward-looking architecture, which will foster a healthy environment leading to wider choice, accessibility and affordability to the policyholders. The eight-member committee has been asked to submit its recommendations within 8-10 weeks.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Actor Matthew Perry passed away at 54 : “Friends” star Matthew Perry passed away in Los Angeles home at the age of 54. He was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros.  The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many.  He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his pitch perfect comedic timing and wry wit.  His legacy will live on through countless generations.

Daily GK Update- 28th Oct, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Tata to Become India’s First iPhone Manufacturer : Tata Group will soon make India’s first homegrown iPhone after Wistron Corp approved the sale of an assembly plant near Bengaluru.

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, manufacture would start within two and a half years.  The airline-to-software conglomerate has been in talks with the Taiwanese iPhone maker for more than a year to take over the plant. Tata is also set to honour several manufacturing and hiring commitments made by Wistron as part of their agreement.

 

2. India’s First Satellite-Based Gigabit Broadband Service: Reliance Jio  Ltd announced the rollout of its JioSpaceFiber satellite broadband service, which it showcased at the India Mobile Congress as the nation's inaugural satellite-driven giga fiber service. The satellite broadband aims to extend high-speed internet access to previously untapped regions in India.  To display its extensive reach, the Mukesh Ambani-backed telecom connected four distant locations: Gir in Gujarat, Korba in Chattisgarh, Nabrangpur in Odissa.

 

3. Jai Bhim Mukhyamatri Pratibha Vikas Yojna Launched by Delhi Gov: Delhi government  relaunched Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana to provide free coaching to medical, engineering, and civil services aspirants. According to Delhi SC and ST welfare minister Raaj Kumar Anand the government was going to introduce more competitive exams under the scheme for which free coaching will be provided to the eligible students. The redesigned scheme, Anand said, was almost ready and would be placed before the Cabinet for approval.

 

4. HAL and Safran to Make Aircraft Engine Parts: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited signed an MoU to develop industrial cooperation in ring forging manufacturing for commercial engines with Safran Aircraft Engines HAL will produce Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion powering Airbus A320 Neo family and Boeing 737 Max engine forgings at its foundry  in Bengaluru Safran is a long standing partner, especially in helicopter programmes, as evidenced by the joint development of the “Shakti” helicopter engine

 

5. 24th Hornbill Festival 2023 To Kick Off In Nagaland From December 1: Hornbill is one of the most-awaited festivals that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland and is attended by thousands of curious travellers from around the world.  This year, the festival will begin from December 1 and end on December 10, 2023. The state is famous as the 'Land of Festivals' and Hornbill is one of the grandest celebrations that is organised by the State Tourism of Arts and Culture Department, Government of Nagaland every year.

 

6. PM Modi inaugurated 7th Edition of Indian Mobile Congress: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 7th Edition of the Indian Mobile Congress 2023 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. He will award 100 5G Use Case Labs to educational institutions across the country. These labs are being developed under the 100 5G labs initiative. The 100 5G labs initiative, is an endeavour to realize the opportunities associated with 5G technology by encouraging the development of 5G applications that cater, both to India’s unique needs as well as the global demands. It will foster innovation across various socioeconomic sectors like education, agriculture, health, power, and transportation. The initiative is also a pivotal step for building a 6G-ready academic and start-up ecosystem in the country.

 

7. 124 PM Shri schools dedicated to Haryana: Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan along with Chief Minister of Haryana Shri Manohar Lal Khattar have dedicated 124 PM-Shri schools to Haryana. These schools will have ICT labs and Smart Classrooms also. Ministers also launched the Accreditation of the Schools app and Mobile Application (NIPUN). Books and Learning Materials for Balvatika-3rd were also unveiled during the occasion. PM-Shri Schools will be a symbol of excellence with 21st-century modern education based on skill-based, people-life-culture and mother tongue. The launch of PM Shri School will increase the potential of school education in Haryana and the children of Haryana will benefit for the initiative.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Malaysia picks ruler of Johor state as country’s new king: Malaysia 's royal families have elected the powerful and wealthy ruler of southern Johor state as the country's new king under a unique rotating monarchy system. Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, 64, will ascend to the throne for a five-year term.  He succeeds incumbent Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah of central Pahang The ruler of Johor state bordering Singapore was next in line based on a rotation order established among the country’s nine state rulers.

 

2. CCI Becomes A Member Of International Competition Network Committee: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has become a part of the prestigious 18-member steering committee of the International Competition Network (ICN) after "consistent efforts". The steering committee is the ICN's apex body.  The ICN, comprising 140 competition agencies, typically provides antitrust authorities with a specialised, yet informal, venue for maintaining regular contacts and addressing practical competition concerns.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Simran Vats won Silver in women’s 200m – T12 at Asian Para Games: Simran Vats for clinching a silver medal in the women’s 200m – T12 event at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2023. Simran clocked timings of 26.12 seconds to finish the race. She finished behind Iran’s Hagar Safarzadeh Ghahderijani, who clocked the timings of 25.87 seconds. The bronze medal went to China’s Yaqin Shen.

 

2. Sachin Sajerao won Gold in Men’s Shot Put in Asian Para Games: Sachin Sajerao Khilari has won the gold medal in the Men’s Shot Put-F46 event at the Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China. He has not only clinched the gold but also set a new Asian record with an impressive throw of 16.21m. He breached the Games Record mark by registering 16.03m. Joshua Cinnamo from the USA narrowly missed out on the top spot by 0.21m. Another Indian athlete, Rohit Kumar, won bronze with a best throw of 14.56m.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI To Impose ₹100 Daily Fine For Credit Bureaus Failing : The RBI told lenders, financial institutions and credit bureaus to resolve complaints filed by customers within 30 days or pay a fine of ₹100 per day. The RBI also directed credit institutions (CIs) and credit information companies to introduce a compensation framework for delayed updation or rectification of credit information. They collect information from a variety of credit providers including banks, credit card companies and non-bank financial institutions.

 

2. RBI Approves MobiKwik’s Zaakpay To Operate As Payment Aggregator: Mobikwik's payment gateway arm Zaakpay has finally received in-principle authorisation from the RBI to operate as a payments aggregator. Aim:  To support more businesses inspires us to continuously enhance the capabilities of our platform. The in-principle approval comes two years after the Gurugram-based payments company filed its application with the RBI.  Mobikwik had applied for the payments aggregator licence in 2021, but was rejected by the regulator. 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Richa Chadha receives award from Consul General of France : Richa Chadha has been awarded the title of ‘Chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres’ by the French government for her significant contributions in the field of arts. Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet, the Consul General of France in Mumbai, presents the award to Chadha on the sidelines of the Jio MAMI Mumbai International Film Festival. The actresses’ 2015 critically-acclaimed film, ‘Masaan’ was an Indo-French co-production that was screened in the ‘Un Certain Regard’ section at the Cannes Film Festival the same year and had won two awards. For her maiden home production film, ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ she has received both, the French grant ‘Aide aux Cinemas du Monde’ (ACM) as well as the new incentives introduced by the Indian authorities.

 

 

 

 

 

OBITUARIES

 

2. Former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Passed Away At The Age Of 68: Former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has died after suffering a heart attack at the age of 68. A reform-minded bureaucrat, Li was once tipped as the country's future leader only to be eclipsed by President Xi Jinping, under whom he served as premier for 10 years. During his time as premier, Li cultivated an image as a more modern apparatchik compared to his stiffer colleagues.

Daily GK Update- 27th Oct, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Kerala Govt To Set Up ₹237 Crore Graphene Production Facility: The Kerala Government has set up a pilot production facility of Graphene which will cost ₹200 crores. The Kerala Digital University would be the implementing agency, and KINFRA has been appointed as a special purpose vehicle for infrastructure development. About Graphene: It is the thinnest and strongest material in the world ever known and has good chemical stability, high electrical conductivity, and a large surface area while being transparent and lightweight.

 

2. Airbus tie-up with IIT Kanpur to promote aerospace education: The IIT Kanpur and Airbus signed a MoU to promote research in advanced technologies and develop programs and activities to enhance technical capabilities Aim: To facilitate increased collaboration in developing education programs with a focus on research to foster talent development in the Indian aerospace sector. Objective: To explore collaboration opportunities with global institutes where students will get to work on projects relevant to the sector.

 

3. The Lords of Wankhede: WV Raman, R Kaushik’s book unveiled: Former India cricketer W.V. Raman and senior journalist R. Kaushik have set about exploring the evolution of Indian cricket in these 28 years in the book The Lords of Wankhede, which was unveiled at a star-studded function. The tag of a world champion, though, was tough to wear, conceded Vengsarkar. “ It was very difficult because the BCCI invited the West Indies to India very soon,” the 67-year-old said, as the audience burst into laughter.

 

4. Goa CM Pramod Sawant launches ‘Swayampurna e-bazaar’ : Goa government launched Swayampurna e-bazaar online platform to give market to different kinds of products made by self-help groups and women. The Swayampurna e-bazaar is an extension of the successful Swayampurna Chavath Bazar. Goan entrepreneurs and self-help groups can contact 9262626262 to join this platform and sell their products online, One can also shop via www.goaebazaar.com, thereby supporting rural Goans’ artisans and craftsmanship.

 

5. PM Modi chairs meeting of 43rd edition of PRAGATI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired the meeting of the 43rd edition of PRAGATI involving Centre and State governments. PRAGATI is the ICT-based multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation. He reviewed eight key projects spread across seven states having cumulative worth around 31 thousand crore rupees. Among these, four projects were concerned with water supply and irrigation, two projects for expanding National highways and connectivity, and two projects for rail and metro rail connectivity. These are Bihar, Jharkhand, Haryana, Odisha, West Bengal, Gujarat and Maharashtra. The Prime Minister has emphasized that PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan Portal in conjunction with technologies such as satellite imagery can help address various issues of implementation and planning relating to location and land requirements for projects. The Prime Minister also reviewed ‘Mobile Towers and 4G Coverage under USOF Projects’. Under the Universal Service Obligation fund, USOF, 33 thousand 573 villages with 24 thousand 149 mobile towers are to be covered for saturation of mobile connectivity.

 

6. “Vimarsh” – National Hackathon on 5G technology conducted in New Delhi: The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) will conduct a 5G Hackathon VIMARSH 2023 to address the challenges faced by Law Enforcement Agencies. The students can submit their ideas between the 1st of November to the 9th of December this year. The grand finale of VIMARSH 2023 will be organized on the 28th of February next year. The Hackathon will be jointly organized by the Home Ministry, the Department of Telecom, and Telecom Centres of Excellence India. Nine Problem Statements have been formulated to conduct a Hackathon with students and startups. A cash award of one lakh 50 thousand rupees will be given to each winning team. The Hackathon will involve three stages of ideas screening – Stages I and 2 will be done in virtual mode whereas Stage 3 in physical mode.

 

7. 26 October 2023 – 76th Accession Day: Jammu and Kashmir is commemorating its 76th Accession Day on 26 October 2023. This day holds great significance as it marks the moment when the people of this former princely state firmly chose their destiny by merging with the Union of India. Despite being an integral part of India’s celebrated democratic journey, J&K has faced significant challenges due to persistent external interference of Pakistan that has aimed to disrupt its internal fabric. At the time of India’s independence in 1947, the Indian subcontinent was divided into two newly formed nations, India and Pakistan. Alongside these two dominions, there were 580 princely states that had previously accepted the paramountcy of the British Crown through subsidiary alliances. As per the Indian Independence Act of 1947, these princely states were granted the choice to remain independent, join India, or join Pakistan. The process of accession involved the signing of an Instrument of Accession (IoA) that outlined the terms of the accession.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. In a first, India, EU carry out joint naval drills in Gulf of Guinea: India and the European Union (EU) conducted their maiden joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Guinea on the west coast of Africa in a bid to boost maritime security cooperation to support the region. During the exercise, Indian Navy’s INS Sumedha, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, was joined by three EU Member States’ ships in the Gulf of Guinea Italian Navy Ship ITS Foscari, French Navy Ship FS Ventôse, and Spanish Navy Ship Tornado.

 

2. World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2023 Celebrates on 27th October: The annual World Day for Audiovisual Heritage on October 27 reminds us of the importance of archiving and preserving audiovisual sources. The 2023 World Day for Audiovisual Heritage theme is "Your Window to the World." It is also known as AV in short, audiovisual items can be anything from a short clip or a documentary to speeches or music. Aim: To provide us with an insight into the social, political, economic, and linguistic realities of a given environment.

 

3. Slovakia's Fico appointed prime minister for fourth time: Robert Fico has been appointed as prime minister of Slovakia for the fourth time. He will attend an EU summit in Brussels where the nation-first populist’s fellow leaders should get an early indication. President Zuzana Čaputová formally approved the new three-party coalition government led by Fico, whose party won elections last month on pledges to end military aid to Ukraine, slash immigration and defend Slovakian sovereignty

 

4. China launches Shenzhou-17 manned spaceship: China launched the Shenzhou-17 manned spaceship from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. A Long March-2F carrier rocket, carrying the Shenzhou-17 spacecraft with three Chinese astronauts, known as taikonauts, blasted off. This is the 30th flight mission of China's manned space program, all of which are successful, and the 12th manned mission of the program. The trio will be welcomed by the Shenzhou-16 crew and conduct the country's third in-orbit rotation.

 

5. 27 October – World Day for Audiovisual Heritage: The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage (WDAH) is observed on October 27 every year to draw attention to the significance of audiovisual documents and to urge people to take immediate action. We may learn about the lives and cultures of people from all around the world through audiovisual archives. They serve as invaluable testimony to our common history and a crucial source of knowledge. Theme 2023 – Your Window to the World The preservation and accessibility of audiovisual heritage are crucial goals for both memory institutions and the broader public. On October 27, 1980, during the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Belgrade, Serbia, the Recommendation for the Safeguarding and Preservation of Moving Images was adopted. This recommendation marked a significant step in recognizing the importance of preserving and safeguarding audiovisual materials for their cultural and historical significance.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Amol Muzumdar Takes Over as Head Coach of India Women: The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced Amol Muzumdar would take over as the Indian women’s cricket head coach. He has served as the head coach of the Mumbai Ranji team till the 2022–2023 domestic campaign.  He has also held coaching positions with the South African national team and IPL team Rajasthan Royals. A domestic titan, he scored over 11,000 first-class runs in 171 matches including 30 centuries during his 21-year playing career.

 

2. Deepthi Jevanji won Gold in Women’s 400m-T20 event at Asian Para Games: India’s Deepthi Jeevanji has clinched the gold medal in the women’s 400m-T20 event at the Asian Para Games 2023. Deepthi clocked a timing of 56.69 seconds to finish more than two whole seconds ahead of her nearest rival Orawan Kaising of Thailand, who secured the silver medal with a time of 59s. Niina Knno of Japan finished third with a timing of 59.73s in Hangzhou.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Zerodha Fund House Launches Its Maiden Mutual Fund Schemes: Zerodha Fund House launched its maiden funds Zerodha Nifty LargeMidcap 250 Index Fund and Zerodha ELSS Tax Saver Nifty LargeMidcap 250 Index Fund, open-ended, passive, index equity mutual fund schemes.  The NFO opened on 20th October 2023 and will remain open till 3rd November 2023.  It is a joint venture between Zerodha Broking Limited and Smallcase Technologies Pvt Ltd

It is India’s only passive-only AMC which will build simple, transparent, affordable mutual funds

 

2. Kotak Bank partnered with NeSL to issue electronic Bank Guarantee: Kotak Mahindra Bank has partnered with National E-Governance Services Limited to issue its inaugural electronic Bank Guarantee through its platform. This collaboration is poised to usher in the era of digital trade, effectively eliminating the traditional paper-based issuance of Bank Guarantees. The digital transformation encompasses the issuance, modifications, closures, digital stamping, and signing processes, resulting in a significant reduction in the guaranteed turnaround time (TAT). This new approach enables guarantees to be processed in just a few hours, a stark improvement compared to the two to three working days required by the conventional paper-based method. Additionally, the e-BG enhances security by mitigating authentication risks.

 

3. IndusInd Bank partnered with Viamericas to enhance Fast Remit platform: IndusInd Bank has collaborated with Viamericas Corporation to offer non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the US digital inward remittance services on the ‘Indus Fast Remit’ platform. The service will offer competitive exchange rates on remittances to India. NRIs can initiate remittance transactions using the auto debit payment mode (automated clearing house – ACH) through their overseas bank accounts on the Fast Remit platform. Viamericas Corporation will leverage its existing Vostro relationship with IndusInd Bank to credit beneficiary accounts in India, utilizing the RBI’s RDA scheme. The digital remittance platform assures customers transparency of payment status, the exact INR amount to be received by the beneficiary, and the expected delivery time.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. 2 Indian-Americans awarded with America’s highest scientific award: Two Indian American scientists were awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by US President Joe Biden at the White House. The two Indian-Americans — Ashok Gadgil and Subra Suresh — were awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation and the National Medal of Science, respectively. The scientists, who were honoured at the event, made discoveries enabling lifesaving medical treatments, helping fight the opioid epidemic, improving food security, advancing accessibility, and much more. The National Medal of Science is the nation’s highest scientific honour, established by the US Congress in 1959 and administered by the US National Science Foundation. It is bestowed by the President of the United States on individuals deserving of special recognition for their outstanding contributions in biology, computer sciences, education sciences, engineering, geosciences, mathematical and physical sciences, and social, behavioural, and economic sciences.