Daily GK Update- 15th Oct, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. EAM Jaishankar launches eMigrate V2.0 web portal & mobile app: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has inaugurated the eMigrate V2.0 web portal and Mobile App in Delhi. The eMigrate portal has 2.81 lakh registered foreign employers. It promotes safe and legal mobility channels for Indian migrants. The launch of the eMigrate V2.0 portal is a testament to the government’s efforts to create safe, transparent and inclusive mobility for Indians. The revamped version of the portal is a symbol of the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of Indian workers in foreign lands. This is important because it also aligns with Goal 10 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals which promotes the facilitation of orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people.

 

2. HAL becomes 14th Maharatna CPSE in India: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will now be the 14th ‘Maharatna’ company among Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE), the Finance Ministry announced. This status will give more autonomy to the company in terms of financial and strategic matters. HAL is a Department of Defence Production (DoDP) CPSE with an annual turnover of ₹28162 crore and a net profit of ₹7595 crore for FY2023-24.

 

3. MSDE partners with Meta for AI Assistant in Skill India Mission and 5 Centers of Excellence in NSTIs: The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with Meta for the launch of two key initiatives. An AI Assistant for the Skill India Mission and the establishment 5 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) located at Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jodhpur, Chennai, and Kanpur. Under this partnership, an innovative AI chatbot powered by Meta’s open-source Llama model will be developed, which will enhance the learner experience on the Skill India Digital (SID) Portal. The chatbot, which will be integrated into the SID Portal, offers 24/7 assistance to users, enabling quick discovery of course information, interactive Q&A, for course content, and access to lecture summaries and relevant videos for revision.

 

4. Manoj Kumar Dubey appointed as CEO and MD of IRFC: Public Sector Undertaking Indian Railways Financial Corporation (IRFC) has appointed Manoj Kumar Dubey as the CEO, Chairman, and Managing Director of the company for five years.Dubey joined the Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) in the 1993 batch after clearing the Civil Services examination in the first attempt.

During his decorated career with Indian Railways, he implemented key initiatives such as the near-universal payment of salaries through banks,the introduction of e-tendering and eauction systems etc.He won the National Award for Outstanding Service at the Minister of Railways level in 2011 for his leadership and innovative approaches.He was in the Board of Directors of a Joint Venture Company of General Electricals of USA and IR, Alstom of France and IR, and a Joint Venture Company of NMDC, SAIL, and Indian Railways. He took over as Director (Finance) & CFO, CONCOR.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. JP Nadda inaugurates 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda inaugurated the 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA).The event which is being hosted for the first time in India, from 14th – 18th October by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with, the World Health Organization (WHO) brought together regulatory authorities, policymakers, and health officials from over 194 WHO member states.The 5-day conference will feature a series of insightful sessions where regulatory authorities and industry leaders will deliberate on key issues affecting global drug and medical device regulation.

 

2. Trachoma no longer a public health problem in India: WHO: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has certified India, Nepal, and Myanmar as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem.India joins 19 other countries in the world that have successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem.According to the WHO, trachoma is still a major public health problem in 39 countries in the world and causes blindness in around 19 lakh people worldwide.Trachoma was amongst the leading cause of blindness in the country during 1950-60.The Government of India launched the National Trachoma Control Program in 1963 and later on Trachoma control efforts were integrated into India’s National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB).

 

3. 15 October – International Day for Rural Women: International Day for Rural Women is observed every year on 15 October.The day recognizes the significant contributions of rural women to food systems, agricultural production, and the environment, and calls for equal opportunities for all.Theme 2024 – Rural Women Sustaining Nature for Our Collective Future: Building climate resilience, conserving biodiversity, and caring for land towards gender equality and empowermentThe International Day for Rural Women, first established by the General Assembly in its resolution 62/136 of 18 December 2007, recognizes, “the critical role and contribution of rural women, including Indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.”

 

4. 13 October – International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction: The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed every year on 13 October 2024.The day aims to raise awareness and promote a culture of disaster reduction and risk awareness around the world. The theme for this year is Empowering the next generation for a resilient future.Theme 2024 – Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient FutureThe primary focus of this year is to empower children through education and equip them to protect themselves and become agents of change in their families and communities.

 

5. 11 October 2024 – World Egg Day: World Egg Day is observed annually on the second Friday of October. This year it observed on 11 October.This day acknowledges the role of eggs in providing essential nutrients and affordable protein to people around the world.

Theme 2024 – United by Eggs

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Historic medal for Ayhika & Sutirthat at Asian T T Championships 2024: In Table Tennis, India’s top-ranked pair of Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee have scripted history by clinching the first-ever medal for the country in Women’s Doubles of Asian Championships 2024 at Astana in Kazakhstan.The Indian pair settled for the bronze medal after losing to the Japanese combination of Miwa Harimoto and Miyuu Kihara 0-3 in the semi-finals.Miwa Harimoto was part of Japan’s Paris 2024 Olympics silver-medal team, and Miyuu Kihara is a three-time World Championships medal winner.This was the first medal for the Indian women’s doubles team in the Asian Table Tennis Championships since 1972.India ended the 27th Asian Table Tennis Championships with three bronze medals. The Indian men’s and women’s teams won a bronze medal in their respective events.

 

2. India to hoist Junior World Cup of shooting in 2025: The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) President Luciano Rossi confirmed that India will host the ISSF Junior World Cup in 2025.India continues to be a significant force in the world of shooting not only with its talented athletes but also through its commitment to expanding the sport’s infrastructure and reach.Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, president of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) was present during the occasion.

 

3. Harmanpreet Singh emerges as most expensive player in Hockey auction: India captain Harmanpreet Singh became the most expensive player on day one of the Hockey India League auction, with Soorma Hockey Club snapping the star drag-flicker for 78 lakh rupees.Abhishek became the second-most expensive buy, acquired by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for 72 lakh rupees, while Hardik Singh went to UP Rudras for 70 lakh rupees.

The league will get underway on 28th December this year.

 

4. India beat Taipei to win women’s single Bendigo International Challenge Badminton Tournament: India’s Tanya Hemanth beat Tung Ciou-Tong of Taipei in straight games to win the women’s singles title at the Bendigo International Challenge badminton tournament in Bendigo, Australia.The second-seeded Tanya beat her opponent Tung, seeded sixth in the tournament, 21-17, 21-17 in the women’s singles final.This was 21-year-old Tanya’s third international title and first of the year. She finished runner-up at the Polish Open and Azerbaijan International in 2024. She won titles at the India International in 2022 and Iran Fajr International in 2023.In the men’s doubles final, the top-seeded Indian pair of Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi lost to the Taipei duo of Chen Cheng Kuan and Po Li-Wei 17-21, 14-2.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, James Robinson win Economics Nobel Prize 2024: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced that the 2024 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel has been awarded to economists Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A Robinson.The trio has been recognised “for studies of how institutions are formed and affect prosperity.”The laureates’ research examines how different political and economic systems, particularly those established during colonialism, have had long-lasting effects on the prosperity of nations. Their work has developed theoretical frameworks to explain why certain institutions endure over time and how they can evolve, shedding light on the persistent income gaps, between countries, the academy said in awarding the prize.Daron Acemoglu, a Turkish American economist of Armenian heritage, has been a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) since 1993. His research spans multiple fields, including political economy, macroeconomics, and development economics.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 14th Oct, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Government releases 15th Finance Commission Grants for Rural Local Bodies in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan: The Union Government has released the first instalment of the 15th Finance Commission grants for the FY 2024–25 to the Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.Andhra Pradesh has received untied grants amounting to ₹395.5091 crores and tied grants totalling ₹593.2639 crores.These funds are for duly elected 9 eligible District Panchayats, 615 eligible Block Panchayats, and 12,853 eligible Gram Panchayats in Andhra Pradesh.While in Rajasthan, untied grants of ₹507.1177 crores and tied grants of ₹760.6769 crores have been released for the duly elected 22 eligible District Panchayats, 287 eligible Block Panchayats and 9,068 eligible Gram Panchayat in the state.

 

2. Noel Tata succeeds Ratan Tata, appointed chairman of Tata Trusts: Noel Tata has been named the chairman of Tata Trusts, the charitable division of the Tata Group. He is the son of Naval H. Tata and Simone N. Tata.Noel takes over from his half-brother, Ratan Tata, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 86.Noel Tata is currently a trustee of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, which collectively own a substantial 66% stake in Tata Sons, the holding company of the diversified Tata Group.Noel N. Tata is the Chairman and Non-Executive Director of Tata International Limited and has been associated with the Tata group for 40 years.He holds various board positions within the group, including Chairman of Trent, Voltas, and Tata Investment Corporation, as well as Vice Chairman of Tata Steel and Titan Company Limited.

 

3. New Aadhaar Rules Cause Enrollment Issues for Overseas Citizens: The new regulations require anyone wanting to enroll for Aadhaar to prove they have lived in India for the required 182 days. This rule applies to OCIs, foreign nationals, and other applicants. The goal is to ensure that only people with genuine residency in India get an Aadhaar number, helping to prevent fraudulent applications. The verification of residency is now handled by Revenue officials, similar to how passport checks are done. This process involves stricter checks, which has slowed down the enrolment process. Many applications are delayed or even rejected as officials carefully verify whether applicants meet the new residency requirements.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi attended the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) held in Vientiane, Laos PDR.The Prime Minister emphasized the important part that ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) plays in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific.He mentioned India’s vision for the region, known as the Pacific Vision, which focuses on collaboration with countries like the Quad nations (India, Australia, Japan, and the United States) to promote peace and cooperation in the region.

2. 12 October – World Arthritis Day: World Arthritis Day is observed annually on October 12th to raise awareness about arthritis, a condition affecting millions worldwide. Arthritis primarily affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Joint pain is a common symptom of arthritis due to the inflammation or degradation of the cartilage that cushions joints.While there is no cure for arthritis, exercise plays a significant role in reducing joint pain by strengthening the muscles around the joints, improving flexibility, and maintaining overall mobility.

 

3. US-India Leadership Summit 2024: The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) is a non-profit organization that works to strengthen the partnership between the United States and India. It helps bring together leaders from both countries to collaborate on key areas like business, technology, defence, and energy. The event will bring together Indian government officials, USISPF leaders, and business leaders from both countries. Attendees include Indian cabinet ministers and USISPF’s Board members, including leaders from global companies, investors, and venture capitalists.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. First phase of 2024 Army Commanders’ Conference concluded in Gangtok: The first phase of the Second Army Commanders’ Conference for the year 2024 has been organised in a hybrid mode at Gangtok in Sikkim.The two-day conference will serve as a forum for Senior Commanders to review current operational preparedness, deliberate on critical strategies and outline future directives.During the conference, discussions will focus on critical national security issues and strategic aspects aimed at sharpening the Indian Army’s warfighting capabilities.The major issues to be deliberated during the session include the growing importance of a multi-pronged national security strategy that incorporates integration of Civil-Military Fusion and the Diplomatic, Information, Military, and Economic (DIME) pillars to counter contemporary threats.The second phase of the Army Commanders’ Conference will be held in Delhi on the 28th and 29th of October.

 

2. Indian Naval Ship Shardul arrives in UAE: The Indian Naval Ship Shardul, part of the First Training Squadron of the Indian Navy, arrived at Port Mina Rashid, Dubai, UAE, as part of its Long Range Training Deployment.This visit marks a significant milestone in strengthening maritime cooperation and fostering mutual understanding between India and UAE.Shardul is scheduled to engage in various activities designed to enhance maritime security and interoperability. These include harbour interactions and joint exercises including visit to the Naval Officers Training Academy and UAE Naval Ship.

 

3. China Conducts Military Drills Near Taiwan Amid Tensions: On October 14, 2024, China held large military exercises around Taiwan and nearby islands. These drills were a warning to Taiwan because its president, Lai Ching-te, refused to say that Taiwan is part of China. The exercises were meant to show China’s strength and its displeasure with Taiwan’s independence stance. China sees Taiwan as a part of its territory and strongly opposes any moves toward Taiwanese independence. The Chinese Defence Ministry said the military exercises were a necessary response to Taiwan’s leadership. The drills involved China’s navy, air force, and missile units, showing full military power. Senior Captain Li Xi, a Chinese official, stated that this was a strong message to anyone supporting Taiwan’s desire to remain separate from China. China wanted to make clear that it was determined to protect its claim over Taiwan.

 

4. Indian Naval Ships Enhance Maritime Cooperation in Bahrain: The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tir and Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Veera arrived in Manama, Bahrain, as part of a Long Range Training Deployment in the Persian Gulf. This visit highlights India’s dedication to improving maritime security and cooperation in the region. Indian Navy trainees will visit the Royal Bahrain Naval Forces’ training centers. This will help both sides learn from each other and is part of India’s involvement with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a partnership that promotes regional security.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Net direct tax collection grows 18% to ₹11.25 lakh crore: Net direct tax collection grew 18.3% to about ₹11.25 lakh crore as of October 10 this fiscal, government data showed.The mop-up includes personal income tax collection of ₹5.98 lakh crore and corporate tax collection of ₹4.94 lakh crore.Securities Transaction Tax (STT) stood at ₹30,630 crore, while other taxes (including equalisation levy and gift tax) earned ₹2,150 crore.The income tax department had collected ₹9.51 lakh crore during the same period a year ago.Refunds worth Rs 2.31 trillion were issued between April 1 and October 10, a growth of 46 percent.On a gross basis, direct tax collection grew 22.3 percent to Rs 13.57 lakh crore. The collection includes personal income tax of Rs 7.13 trillion and corporate tax of Rs 6.11 lakh crore.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Awarded about Nihon Hidankyo: Nihon Hidankyo, founded in 1956, is a group that brings together atomic bomb survivors from across Japan.The full name of the organization translates to “Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations.” Their mission is to advocate for nuclear disarmament and protect the rights of Hibakusha.The group works to educate people about the dangers of nuclear war and collects stories from survivors to preserve their experiences.Nihon Hidankyo also collaborates with international peace organizations to promote a global movement against nuclear weapons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily GK Update- 13th Oct, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. MNRE notifies Scheme Guidelines for ₹500 crore ‘Innovative Projects’ component under PM-Surya Ghar Yojana: Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has notified Scheme Guidelines for implementation of ‘Innovative Projects’ under PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

Under the scheme component ‘Innovative Projects’, ₹500 crores have been earmarked to encourage advancements in rooftop solar technologies, business models, and integration techniques.The component seeks to identify and support startups, institutions, and industries in piloting new concepts, focusing on emerging solutions like blockchain-based peer-to-peer solar trading, smart materials, and rooftop solar integrated with electric vehicles and battery storage.To drive this forward, MNRE will invite proposals and encourage joint research and international collaborations. National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) will serve as the Scheme Implementation Agency (SIA) for the Innovative Projects Component. Selected projects will receive financial assistance of up to 60% of the project cost or ₹30 crore, whichever is lower.

 

2. Union Government releases 15th Finance Commission Grants for Rural Local Bodies in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan: The Union Government has released the first instalment of the 15th Finance Commission grants for the FY 2024–25 to the Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.Andhra Pradesh has received untied grants amounting to ₹395.5091 crores and tied grants totalling ₹593.2639 crores.These funds are for duly elected 9 eligible District Panchayats, 615 eligible Block Panchayats, and12,853 eligible Gram Panchayats in Andhra Pradesh.While in Rajasthan, untied grants of ₹507.1177 crores and tied grants of ₹760.6769 crores have been released for the duly elected 22 eligible District Panchayats, 287 eligible Block Panchayats and 9,068 eligible Gram Panchayat in the state.

 

3. Telangana appoints Commission for Scheduled Castes Sub-Classification: The Telangana state government has launched a new effort to study the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) for reservation benefits. This is being done to ensure that the different groups within SCs get a fair share of the benefits offered by the government.This move follows the recommendations made by a Cabinet sub-committee, which looked at ways to ensure that the advantages of the reservation system are fairly shared among all SC sub-groups.The government set up this one-person Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952. Justice Shameem Akhtar has been given the task of leading this investigation.The commission has been given a time limit of 60 days from the time the commission officially starts its work to complete the inquiry.

 

4. Srinivas gets additional charge as CEO of public procurement portal GeM: The government has given L Satya Srinivas, additional secretary in Department of Commerce, the additional charge of CEO of public procurement portal GeM.The additional charge was given as the last CEO of the Government e Marketplace (GeM) P K Singh has been appointed as secretary in the renewable energy ministry.Srinivas is an officer of the 1991 batch of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes).The government has given L Satya Srinivas, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, the additional charge of CEO of public procurement portal GeM.The GeM portal was launched on August 9, 2016, for online purchases of goods and services by all central government ministries and departments.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. WTO cuts 2025 world merchandise trade growth forecast to 3% from 3.3%: The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has reduced its growth forecast for the volume of global merchandise trade in 2025 to 3 per cent from 3.3 per cent, amid escalating conflict in the West Asia region, which has blocked the crucial Red Sea shipping route for nearly a year.For 2024, the WTO revised upwards its forecast for merchandise trade growth to 2.7 per cent, up from the previous estimate of 2.6 per cent.The trade body warned that an intensification of the conflict in West Asia could have adverse consequences for global and regional trade flows, with effects also being felt in other regions. These may include “further disruptions” to shipping and rising energy prices due to higher risk premiums.

 

2. PM Modi attended the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) held in Vientiane, Laos PDR.The Prime Minister emphasized the important part that ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) plays in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific.He mentioned India’s vision for the region, known as the Pacific Vision, which focuses on collaboration with countries like the Quad nations (India, Australia, Japan, and the United States) to promote peace and cooperation in the region.

 

3. 12 October 2024 – World Migratory Bird Day: World Migratory Bird Day Celebrated in the second Saturdays of May and October. This year the dates are May 11 and October 12, 2024.

The two days of World Migratory Bird Day serve as a means to reflect the cyclical nature of bird migration, as well as the varying peak migration periods in the northern and southern hemispheres.World Migratory Bird Day is a global awareness raising campaign that aims to highlights the need for international cooperation to conserve migratory birds and concerns related to decreasing populations of insects.Theme – Protect Insects, Protect Birds

 

4. 12 October – World Arthritis Day: World Arthritis Day is observed annually on October 12th to raise awareness about arthritis, a condition affecting millions worldwide.Arthritis primarily affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Joint pain is a common symptom of arthritis due to the inflammation or degradation of the cartilage that cushions joints.While there is no cure for arthritis, exercise plays a significant role in reducing joint pain by strengthening the muscles around the joints, improving flexibility, and maintaining overall mobility.

 

5. 10 October 2024 – World Sight Day: World Sight Day is observed every year on the second Thursday of October. This year is falls on 10 October. Objective – To raise awareness about the preventive measures to avoid blindness, promote eye health and ensure equitable access to quality vision care.Theme 2024 – Children, Love Your EyesWorld Sight Day was started as part of the “Sight First” campaign which was organised by the Lions Club International Foundation in 1988.The World Health Organisation (WHO) partnered with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) in 1999 to officially establish World Sight Day, and it was first observed on October 12, 2000.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Defence Minister virtually dedicates to the nation 75 BRO infrastructure projects, worth Rs 2,236 crore: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has virtually dedicated to the nation 75 infrastructure projects of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at Rs 2,236 croThese projects – 22 roads, 51 bridges & two others – are spread across 11 States/Union Territories. 19 are in Jammu & Kashmir, 18 in Arunachal Pradesh, 11 in Ladakh, 9 in Uttarakhand, 6 in Sikkim, 5 in Himachal Pradesh, 2 each in West Bengal & Rajasthan, and 1 each in Nagaland, Mizoram, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.Singh also inaugurated the projects from the Headquarters, of Trishakti Corps in Sukna, West Bengal. One of the main highlights was the inauguration of the Kupup-Sherathang Road in Sikkim, which serves as a crucial link between Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg and Zuluk axis.With the inauguration of these 75 projects, BRO has completed a total of 111 infrastructure projects in 2024 at an overall cost of Rs 3,751 crore which includes 36 projects worth Rs 1,508 crore, such as the state-of-the-art Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, inaugurated by Prime Minister earlier.

 

2. First phase of 2024 Army Commanders’ Conference concluded in Gangtok: The first phase of the Second Army Commanders’ Conference for the year 2024 has been organised in a hybrid mode at Gangtok in Sikkim.The two-day conference will serve as a forum for Senior Commanders to review current operational preparedness, deliberate on critical strategies and outline future directives.During the conference, discussions will focus on critical national security issues and strategic aspects aimed at sharpening the Indian Army’s warfighting capabilities.The major issues to be deliberated during the session include the growing importance of a multi-pronged national security strategy that incorporates integration of Civil-Military Fusion and the Diplomatic, Information, Military, and Economic (DIME) pillars to counter contemporary threats.The second phase of the Army Commanders’ Conference will be held in Delhi on the 28th and 29th of October.

 

3. Indian Naval Ship Shardul arrives in UAE: The Indian Naval Ship Shardul, part of the First Training Squadron of the Indian Navy, arrived at Port Mina Rashid, Dubai, UAE, as part of its Long Range Training Deployment.This visit marks a significant milestone in strengthening maritime cooperation and fostering mutual understanding between India and UAE.Shardul is scheduled to engage in various activities designed to enhance maritime security and interoperability. These include harbour interactions and joint exercises including visit to the Naval Officers Training Academy and UAE Naval Ship.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Net direct tax collection grows 18% to ₹11.25 lakh crore: Net direct tax collection grew 18.3% to about ₹11.25 lakh crore as of October 10 this fiscal, government data showed.The mop-up includes personal income tax collection of ₹5.98 lakh crore and corporate tax collection of ₹4.94 lakh crore.Securities Transaction Tax (STT) stood at ₹30,630 crore, while other taxes (including equalisation levy and gift tax) earned ₹2,150 crore.The income tax department had collected ₹9.51 lakh crore during the same period a year ago. Refunds worth Rs 2.31 trillion were issued between April 1 and October 10, a growth of 46 percent.On a gross basis, direct tax collection grew 22.3 percent to Rs 13.57 lakh crore. The collection includes personal income tax of Rs 7.13 trillion and corporate tax of Rs 6.11 lakh crore. The government has budgeted to collect Rs 22.07 trillion in the current fiscal from direct taxes.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Japanese organisation Nihon Hidankyo wins 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for Disarmament: Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization made up of survivors of the atomic bombings, known as the Hibakusha.This prize highlights the critical role these survivors have played in raising awareness about the devastating impact of nuclear weapons and their ongoing work to create a world free from nuclear arms. All Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden, except for the Nobel Peace Prize, which is awarded in Oslo, Norway. The founder of the Nobel Prize, Alfred Nobel, was a Swedish cosmopolitan.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 12th Oct, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ Completes 10 Years: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popular radio programme Mann Ki Baat has completed ten years on 3 October. It was on this day in 2014 that Mr Modi started sharing his thoughts through the programme on Akashvani. In the ten-year journey of the programme, the Prime Minister has touched on significant social, cultural, environmental, and behavioural issues that have created a positive impact in the country. Mann Ki Baat has become an important platform for interaction between the Prime Minister and the citizens.

 

2. Bihar to develop Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary as tiger reserve, gets Centre’s nod: The Bihar government will develop the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) as the state’s second tiger reserve. The Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), which is the state’s only national park, has reached its capacity, and now the state government was finalising modalities for translocating the big cats to KWLS. The Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 1,504.96 sq km. The KWLS is bounded in the north by Bhojpur, Buxar and parts of UP’s Ghazipur, in the south by the districts of Palamu and Garhwa of Jharkhand and in the west by the districts of Sonabhadra and Varanasi of UP. On its east are the Aurangabad and Jehanabad districts of Bihar. The sanctuary supports sizable populations of leopard, sloth bear, chital, sambar, wild pig, nilgai, and chowsingha, besides about 70 species of birds.

 

3. RBI approves appointment of Partha Sengupta as MD & CEO of Bandhan Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved appointment of former Indian Overseas Bank MD & CEO Partha Pratim Sengupta as MD & CEO of Bandhan Bank for a period of three years. Sengupta, a career banker, was groomed at State Bank of India and rose through the ranks to the role of deputy managing director and chief credit officer, before moving to IOB to head it for around two years till December 2022.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India launches ‘Study in India’ campaign at International Education Show in Sharjah: India has officially launched its ‘Study in India’ campaign at the 20th International Education Show in Sharjah, marking a significant push to attract international students to its universities. Organized by EdCIL, a Miniratna company under the Ministry of Education, the campaign seeks to position India as a leading global education hub. The India Pavilion at Expo Centre Sharjah was inaugurated by Ahmed Mohamed Obaid Al Naboodah of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Shri Yatin Patil, Deputy Consul General of India in Dubai. The ‘Study in India’ programme showcases over 590 Indian universities and institutions, offering a variety of courses and exclusive benefits such as fee waivers and scholarships for international students.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy Collaborates with Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance to Provide Insurance for Naval Civilians: The Indian Navy has signed an MoU with Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance to offer life insurance options, including term insurance, tailored specifically for Naval Civilians, thereby providing essential financial security for their families. The year 2024 has been declared the “Year of Naval Civilians” by the Indian Navy, underscoring its commitment to improving the work environment and overall quality of life for civilian staff. This new initiative aligns with the Navy’s focus on fostering inclusivity, instilling a sense of belonging, and promoting welfare measures to support its civilian workforce.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Indian Men & Women’s team wins Bronze at Asian Table Tennis Championships 2024: The Indian men’s and women’s teams have won bronze medals in their respective events at the 27th Asian Table Tennis Championships 2024, held in Astana, Kazakhstan. This was the first medal for the women’s team in the championships after 1960, when they won bronze at Bombay, while for the men’s team, it was their third consecutive bronze medal.

 

2. Bronze for the Indian Men’s Team: The India men’s team of Sharath Kamal, Manav Thakkar and Harmeet Desai lost their semi-final match against the Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) 3-0 to settle for a bronze medal in the Championships. This was the third consecutive bronze medal for the India team in the Championships. The Indian team won a bronze medal at the 2021 (Doha, Qatar) and 2023 (Pyeongchang, South Korea) editions of the Asian Table Tennis Championship. Earlier, the Indian team defeated host Kazakhstan’s team 3-1 in the quarter-finals to reach the semi-finals.

 

3. Bronze for the Indian Women’s Team: The Indian women’s Table Tennis team of Ayhika Mukherjee, Manika Batra, and Sutirtha Mukherjee lost their semi-final match against the eventual winner, Japan, 3-1. This was the first medal for the Indian women’s team at the Asian Table Tennis Championships since the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU) started organising the competition in 1972. The Asian Table Tennis Championships were earlier organised by the Table Tennis Federation of Asia (TTFA). The Indian team won a bronze medal at the 1960 Championships organised by TTFA. The Japanese team won the gold medal in the women’s team event by defeating China in the final.

 

4. Uttarakhand to host 38th National Games in 2025: The 38th edition of the National Games (Summer & Winter) will be held in Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14, 2025, the Indian Olympic Association announced. The 37th National Games was held in Goa from 25 September to 9 November 2023. Maharashtra claimed the top spot with a whopping 228 medals, including 80 gold. This will be the first time Winter Games are held outside Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The National Games, organized by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) , aim to identify talent for the Summer Olympics. The first National Games were held in 1924 in Lahore, originally called the All-India Olympic Games.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. World Bank ups India’s growth forecast for FY25 to 7% due to rising private consumption: The World Bank upped India’s economic growth forecast for the current fiscal year, ending in March 2025, to 7% year-on-year, up from April’s estimate of 6.6%, helped by a rebound in agricultural output and increased private consumption. The RBI’s rate-setting panel on Wednesday retained its real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) forecast at 7.2 per cent for FY25. With this, the RBI has now pegged growth rate for Q2 at 7% (reduced from 7.2%), Q3 at 7.4% (up from 7.3%%) and Q4 at 7.4%. For Q1 FY26, the growth rate was kept at 7.3%.

 

2. UPI transactions volume increases 52% to 78.97 bn in Jan-Jun: Report: Instant payment system Unified Payment Interface (UPI) transaction volumes recorded a 52 percent year-on-year surge to 78.97 billion in the first six months of 2024, according to a report. In its India Digital Payments Report for the first half of 2024 (January to June), payment technology service provider Worldline that UPI continues to rule the payment market. The number of UPI transactions rose significantly from 8.03 billion in January 2023 to 13.9 billion by June 2024. This volume growth was matched by an increase in transaction value, which climbed from Rs 12.98 trillion in January 2023 to an impressive Rs 20.07 trillion in June 2024. In terms of volume and value contribution, PhonePe emerged as the top UPI app, followed by Google Pay and Paytm. However, average ticket size (ATS) of UPI transactions saw a decline of 8 percent, the report noted.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. South Korean author Han Kang awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature: The Royal Swedish Academy of Science has selected South Korean novelist Han Kang for the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature. The 2016 International Booker Prize-winning novelist Han Kang was selected by the Swedish Academy “for her intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.” Han Kang is the first Asian woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.She is the second South Korean to win the Nobel Prize after former President Kim Dae-Jung. President Kim Dae-Jung was conferred the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000. Han Kang will receive her 11 million Kroner prize at a ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden, on 10 December 2024, Alfred Nobel’s death anniversary.

 

2. Indian Nobel Prize Winner in Literature: Rabindranath Tagore was the first Asian and Indian to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature (1913). He is the only Indian to receive the prize.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 11th Oct, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. BJP Sweeps Haryana, NC & Cong alliance wins J&K Assembly election: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was swept back to power for the historic third consecutive time in Haryana. In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the National Conference-led alliance secured the majority to form a government.For the first time, an election was held to constitute a new legislative assembly in Jammu and Kashmir after its status was changed from a state to a Union Territory in 2019.The BJP won 48 seats, while the main opposition party, Congress, won 37 seats. The Indian Lok Dal won 2 seats, while independents won 3 seats.Since the formation of the Haryana state on 1 November 1966, no party has been able to win three consecutive legislative elections in the state.BJP became the first political party in the history of the state to be voted back to power for the third consecutive time. It won the 2014, 2019 and 2024 legislative assembly elections.

 

2. Govt releases advance instalment of Rs 1.78 lk cr for state govts amid festive season: The central government released tax devolution of over ₹ 1,78,173 to state government as against the normal monthly devolution of ₹89,086.50 crore.It includes one advanced installment, in addition to the regular installment due in October 2024.According to the Finance Ministry, an advance installment was released in view of the upcoming festive season and to enable states to accelerate capital spending and finance their development and welfare-related expenditures.Uttar Pradesh received the largest chunk of tax devolution of 31,962 crore rupees, followed by Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

 

3. Govt to set up 10 new ESIC medical colleges, extend unemployment allowance: The government will set up 10 new ESIC medical colleges and extend the unemployment allowance scheme for ESI Corporation members until June 2026.Labour & Employment Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya at a meeting of ESI Corporation here announced several key decisions for further strengthening the infrastructure and medical facilities of ESIC.The establishment of 10 New ESIC Medical Colleges across various locations in the country. This decision will support the announcement made by Prime Minister during the Independence Day (2024) speech of creating new 75000 medical seats in the next 5 years.He has given an extension to Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna for a period of another two years starting July 1, 2024, upto June 30, 2026.

 

4. Cabinet approves supply of fortified rice under welfare schemes till Dec 2028 at cost of Rs 17,082 cr: The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the universal supply of Fortified Rice under all schemes of the Government including Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and Other Welfare Schemes etc. in its present form, from July 2024 and upto December 2028.The rice fortification initiative will continue as a central sector initiative with 100% funding by the Government of India as part of PMGKAY (Food Subsidy), thus providing a unified institutional mechanism for implementation. Food fortification has been used globally as a safe and effective measure to address anaemia and, micronutrient malnutrition in the vulnerable population. Rice is an ideal vehicle for supplying micronutrients in the Indian Context as 65% of India’s population consumes rice as a staple food. Rice fortification involves the addition of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) enriched with micronutrients (Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12) as standards prescribed by FSSAI regular rice.

 

5. IIT Indore launches Affordable Device for Early Breast Cancer Detection: IIT Indore has introduced a new device for the early detection of breast cancer, specifically designed to help women in rural and remote areas.This device, created by Prof. Srivathsan Vasudevan, is an important step in making cancer screening more affordable and accessible.The device uses Photoacoustic Spectral Response (PASR) technology, which combines light and sound to detect abnormal changes in tissue. This helps identify cancer at an early stage.What makes this device special is its low cost. Once it is commercially produced, it will cost about one-tenth of traditional methods like MRI and CT scans, making it much more affordable for people in poor and underserved areas.This new cost-effective device, made in India, could change that by offering a cheaper, reliable option for early cancer detection, helping to close the gap in healthcare for rural communities.

 

6. Manish Tiwary appointed as MD of Nestlé India Limited: Manish Tiwary, former head of Amazon India, has been appointed as the Managing Director of Nestlé India Limited.His tenure will begin on 1st August 2025, following the retirement of the company’s current Chairman and Managing Director, Suresh Narayanan, who will step down on 31st July 2025.This transition comes as the current chairman and managing director, Suresh Narayanan, prepares to retire after a 26-year tenure with the Nestlé group. Tiwary brings nearly three decades of diverse experience to the role, currently serving as a director at Amazon Digital Services and More Consumer Brands.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sanjeev Kr Singla appointed as India’s next Ambassador to France: Diplomat Sanjeev Kumar Singla has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to France.An Indian Foreign Service officer of batch 1997, Singla presently serves as the Ambassador of India to Israel. His contributions to shaping India’s foreign policy towards Israel have been described as significant.Singla handled sensitive matters, particularly the complex Israel-Palestine conflict, with caution and diplomacy.

His careful approach to these issues ensured that India maintained balanced relations in the region during volatile times.

 

2. Kais Saied reelected President of Tunisia for a second 5 year term: Tunisian President Kais Saied has been re-elected for the second time for a five-year term.The Independent High Authority for Elections of Tunisia (ISIE) announced the election result, with President Saied securing 90.7 per cent of the votes polled.The Presidential election was marked by a very low voter turnout of 28.8 per cent. This was the lowest voter turnout in an election since the Jasmine Revolution of 2011, which overthrew the dictator Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali’s government and introduced democracy.

 

3. 11 October – International Day of the Girl Child: The International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated annually on October 11.Objective – To raise awareness about the unique challenges girls face worldwide and promote their empowerment.Theme 2024 – Girls’ Vision for the Future

International Day of the Girl Child was established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011 to recognise the challenges and discrimination faced by girls worldwide and to promote their rights and empowerment.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from Tennis: One of the greatest men’s tennis players in the open era, Rafael Nadal (from Spain), has announced his retirement from professional tennis.The upcoming Davis Cup Final in Spain will be his last tournament as a professional player.

The 2024 Davis Cup Final will take place from 19 to 24 November 2024 in Malaga, Spain.Rafael Nadal will be part of the Spanish team that will take on the Netherlands in the quarter-finals on 19 November 2024.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. DigiLocker Partners with UMANG: Unlock Seamless Access to Government Services: The National e-Governance Division has announced the integration of the UMANG app with DigiLocker to provide citizens seamless access to a wide range of government services.This collaboration will allow users to manage multiple services through a single platform.The UMANG app is accessible to all Android users, and its services can be accessed through the DigiLocker app.

 

2. National Space Commission approves India’s Fifth Lunar Mission ‘Lupex’: After the success of Chandrayaan-3 in August 2023, India’s National Space Commission (NSC) has approved a new lunar mission, called the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (Lupex).This mission is a partnership between India’s space agency ISRO and Japan’s space agency JAXA, and it will focus on exploring the Moon’s resources, especially water at the lunar south pole.The collaborative moon expedition, set to touch down at the precise southern tip of the moon (90-degree latitude), is focused on exploring the moon for water and other valuable resources.In this mission, JAXA (Japan) will build the rover and the rocket, while ISRO (India) will build the lander that will carry the rover to the Moon’s surface.

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. David Baker, Demis Hassabis & John Jumper win Nobel Prize 2024 for Chemistry: The Royal Swedish Academy of Science, Stockholm, has chosen David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John M. Jumper for the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.American David Baker was honoured for his work on ‘computational protein design’.British Demis Hassabi and American John M. Jumper were honoured for their work in predicting protein structures from their amino acid sequences.The cash prize of 11 million kroner will be shared among the three winners. Half of the prize will go to David Baker, and the other half will be equally shared between Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper.The award will be conferred to them in a ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden, on 10 December 2024.

 

2. Indian/Indian origin scientists to win Chemistry Nobel Prize: The Indian-born Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, who holds dual nationality of Britain and the United States, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2009. Madame Marie Curie was the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1911 for discovering polonium and radium.