Daily GK Update- 1st Nov, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India’s National Large Solar Telescope Project in Ladakh : The Sun is crucial for life on Earth, yet we know little about it. Solar storms can disrupt satellites and technology. India is addressing this gap by establishing the National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) in Ladakh. This project, led by Professor Annapurni Subramaniam, aims to enhance our understanding of solar activity. The NLST aims to address key scientific questions about solar behaviour. It will provide vital information about the origin and dynamics of solar magnetic fields. This knowledge is crucial for understanding solar storms and their effects on Earth.

 

2. Vigilance Awareness Week 2024 : Vigilance Awareness Week 2024 is currently underway. It runs from October 28 to November 3, 2024. This year’s theme is Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity. The Central Vigilance Commissioner, Shri Praveen Kumar Srivastava, and Vigilance Commissioner, Shri A.S. Rajeev, administered the integrity pledge to officials at Satarkata Bhawan, New Delhi, on November 2, 2024.

 

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

1. Three Chinese astronauts enter space station after successful launch : Three Chinese astronauts, including a woman, made a smooth entry into the orbiting space station after the successful launch of their spaceship to man the station for the next six months. The three astronauts of China’s Shenzhou-19 spaceflight mission have entered the Tiangong space station and met with another astronaut trio starting a new round of in-orbit crew handover. Earlier, the spaceship Shenzhou-19 carrying the three astronauts successfully docked with the space station combination. The spaceship made a fast, automated rendezvous and docking with the front port of the space station’s core module Tianhe at 11 after which the three astronauts entered it.

 

2. Rachel Gupta makes history as first Indian to win Miss Grand International 2024 :  20-year-old Rachel Gupta from Jalandhar has become the first Indian to win the prestigious Miss Grand International 2024 crown. The groundbreaking victory came as she competed against contestants from more than 70 countries.

Gupta also secured the Grand Pageants Choice Award 2024. Rachel now holds the record for the most number of global pageant crown wins by an Indian and is currently tied with former Miss Universe Lara Dutta.

 

3. 31 October – World Thrift Day : World Thrift Day is celebrated on October 31 globally and on October 30 in India. It is a day dedicated to highlighting the value of saving money and financial security. The term ‘thrift’ refers to using resources carefully and wisely so that they are not exhausted all at once. People should be educated on the need and the various ways of saving. The public should be taught the importance of depositing their money in banks so that it can be accessed during times of need.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

1. Vajra Prahar: India- US joint Special Forces Exercise : The 15th edition of India- US joint Special Forces Exercise Vajra Prahar is scheduled to be conducted from 2nd to 22nd November 2024 at Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA. The 14th edition of the Vajra Prahar exercise was conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya in December 2023.

Aim-To promote military cooperation between both the countries through enhancement of interoperability, jointness and mutual exchange of special operations tactics.

 

SPORTS

1. Ravindra Jadeja Climbs to 5th Spot in India’s Test Wicket List : Ravindra Jadeja achieved a significant milestone by becoming the fifth-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket. This feat was accomplished on the first day of the third Test match against New Zealand in Mumbai, where Jadeja surpassed Ishant Sharma’s wicket tally.

 

2. IPL 2025 Retentions, Full List Of Players Retained And Released : The road to the 2025 IPL season is heating up as all ten franchises have unveiled their player retention lists ahead of the highly anticipated auction scheduled for later this year. In an IPL Retention Special aired on JioCinema, teams confirmed the players who will continue representing their franchises next season, as well as some big names who will enter the auction, drawing interest from several teams.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 31st Oct, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. National Unity Day Celebrations: October 31st, India celebrates National Unity Day to honor the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key figure in the nation’s independence movement and its first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. Known as the “Iron Man of India,” Patel was instrumental in uniting the country’s diverse princely states into a single, independent nation. 16 marching contingents from nine States and one Union Territory, along with contingents from four Central Armed Police Forces, NCC, and a marching band.

Key Contributions of Sardar Patel :

Served as India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister from 1947 to 1950. Instrumental in uniting 562 princely states to form a cohesive and independent India. His work ensured the preservation of India’s sovereignty and laid the foundation for a unified nation.

 

2. ISRO's Gaganyaan Update: India's ambitious Gaganyaan mission, the country's first crewed spaceflight program, will not launch in 2025 as previously planned. Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) Chairman S. Somanath announced a revised timeline, pushing the launch to 2026. Somanath revealed the new schedule during the Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture at Akashvani (All India Radio). This delay reflects Isro's commitment to ensuring the safety and success of the mission, with the space agency taking a cautious approach to human spaceflight.

 

3. Rising Demand for Agricultural Products: India's Ministry of Agriculture reported a rise in demand for key agricultural exports, including rice and spices, as global markets experience increased supply shortages.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

1. Gaza Conflict Escalates: International tensions rose as Israel intensified operations in Gaza, responding to recent attacks. The UN urged de-escalation amid civilian casualties.

 

2. U.S.-China Trade Talks: The U.S. and China resumed discussions on trade issues, focusing on reducing tariffs and balancing trade flows as part of broader efforts to stabilize relations.

 

3. Ethiopia’s Peace Talks: Peace negotiations continued between the Ethiopian government and rebel factions, facilitated by the African Union, to address the ongoing conflict in Tigray.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

1. New Indigenous UAV Test: The Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful test flight of an indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) as part of India's focus on self-reliance in defense technology.

2. Indian Navy's Anti-Submarine Warfare Drill: The Indian Navy held anti-submarine warfare exercises in the Indian Ocean to boost maritime security and readiness.

 

3. India-France Defense Collaboration: India and France advanced defense cooperation with agreements to increase joint training exercises and explore collaborative defense manufacturing.

 

SPORTS

1. India's Victory in ICC Cricket World Cup: The Indian cricket team won against New Zealand, securing a spot in the semifinals of the 2024 ICC Cricket World Cup.

 

2. 2024 Asian Para Games Success: Indian athletes finished strong at the Asian Para Games, bringing home multiple medals in athletics and swimming.

 

3. Formula 1 Mexico GP: Max Verstappen claimed victory at the Mexico Grand Prix, extending his lead in the Formula 1 World Championship standings.

 

 

 

Daily GK Update- 30th Oct, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Dr Jitendra inaugurates new campus of India’s first Biomanufacturing Institute at Mohali :  Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Atomic Energy, Space, and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has inaugurated the new complex of India’s first Biomanufacturing Institute, “BRIC-National Agri-Food Bio-Manufacturing Institute” (BRIC-NABI). The BRIC-National Agri-Food Biomanufacturing Institute (BRIC-NABI), formed through the strategic merger of NABI and CIAB, is poised to transform India’s agricultural landscape by uniting biotechnology and bioprocessing expertise.

 

2. India’s first ‘Writer’s village’ inaugurated in Dehradun :  The country’s first ‘Writer’s village’ was jointly inaugurated by former President Ram Nath Kovind, Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh (retd) and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Located in Thano village, about 24 km from Dehradun, the ‘Writer’s village’ is the brainchild of former chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, a distinguished writer himself. On this occasion, during the three-day International Literature, Culture and Art Festival ‘Sparsh Himalaya Mahotsav-2024’, the first work of Writer’s village, ‘Ram in the Himalayas’, written by Nishank, was also released.

 

3. Ayurveda Day and Dhanteras Health Initiatives Launched : Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched health initiatives worth nearly Rs 12,850 crore. This event coincided with the ninth Ayurveda Day and the festival of Dhanteras. Ayurveda Day is observed annually on Dhanvantri Jayanti, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Dhanvantri, the divine physician.

What is Ayurveda Day? - Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine focused on holistic well-being. The Government of India established Ayurveda Day in 2016 to promote awareness of Ayurvedic practices. Celebrated on Dhanwantri Jayanti, this day honours Dhanvantri’s contributions to health and wellness. Ayurveda translates to “knowledge of life.”

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

1. Fiji honours Sri Sri Ravi Shankar with its highest Civilian Award :  The South Pacific nation of Fiji has conferred its highest civilian honour upon Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the global spiritual master and humanitarian leader, for his tireless contribution to the upliftment of the human spirit and bringing diverse communities together in peace and harmony. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was given the title of ‘Honourary Officer Of The Order of Fiji’ by the President of the Republic of Fiji, HE Ratu Wiliame M Katonivere.

 

2. 27 October – World Day for Audiovisual Heritage :  The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is celebrated annually on October 27, recognises the dedicated efforts of professionals and institutions working to safeguard our audiovisual cultural heritage for future generations.

Theme 2024 – Your widow to the world.

Established by UNESCO in 2005, this day emphasises the significance of preserving audiovisual materials like films, sound recordings, and broadcasts, which are vulnerable to challenges such as chemical decay and technological obsolescence.

 

3. 29 October – International Day of Care and Support : The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has established an International Day of Care and Support. The event is observed on October 29. It recognises the unequal burden of unpaid care and household work on women and girls, as well as emphasising the importance of addressing these systemic impediments to women’s empowerment.

Theme 2024 – Transforming Care Systems: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the context of Beijing+30

 

4. Climate and Health Conference 2024 : The inaugural Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC 2024) is taking place from October 29 to 31 in Harare, Zimbabwe. This conference aims to integrate Africa into the global discussion on climate change and health. Over 400 representatives from 54 African countries, including government officials, health experts, and researchers, are attending.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

1. 27 October – Indian Army Infantry Day :  Every year the Infantry Day is celebrated on October 27 to pay tribute and recognise the contributions of the largest fighting arm of the Indian Army who laid down their lives in the line of duty. Indian Army is celebrating it as the 78th Infantry Day this year. On this day, the country pays tribute to the brave hearts who sacrificed their lives while protecting the country. Infantry Day is celebrated as a remembrance of the first military event of independent India, when the First Battalion of the Sikh Regiment of the Indian Army fought a battle to accomplish victory over the first attack on Indian soil by the Pakistan Army and Lashkar invader on October 27, 1947, in the Kashmir valley.

 

SPORTS

1. Australian Wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade Retires : Australia’s wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade has drawn curtains on his international career after playing for 13 years and across 225 fixtures. Wade, who has played 36 Test matches, 97 One-Day Internationals and 92 T20 Internationals for Australia will continue playing in the domestic cricket and leagues. He will continue playing for Tasmania in white-ball cricket and will feature for Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Slice, North East Small Finance Bank merge one year after RBI approval : Fintech firm Slice completed its merger with North East Small Finance Bank, consolidating the operations, assets, and brand identities of the financial entities into a single institution.

The merger process was completed over one year after the bank received a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The merged entity aims to deepen the bank’s presence in the country’s north-eastern region.

 

 

 

Daily GK Update- 29th Oct, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi & Spanish PM Pedro inaugurate Tata’s C-295 aircraft factory :  Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the visiting Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, jointly inaugurated the Tata Advanced Systems Ltd’s (TASL) Tata Aircraft Complex at Vadodara, Gujarat. The complex is the final assembly line plant of the C-295 military transport aircraft that India bought from Airbus. This is Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s first visit to India, and after 18 years, a Spanish Prime Minister has been visiting India.

 

2. Conservation scientist Bibhab Talukdar conferred with IUCN award :  A passionate conservation scientist of global repute from Assam Bibhab Kumar Talukdar has been conferred ‘The Harry Messel Award’ for Conservation Leadership by the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The award was presented to him at the 5th IUCN SSC Leaders’ Meeting that is underway in Abu Dhabi. The award has been presented for Talukdar’s contribution to species Conservation on the ground and through leadership, as part of the work of the Species Survival Commission.

 

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

1. India Ranks 79 out of 142 in the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index :  India ranked 79 out of 142 countries in the Rule of Law Index 2024, released by the World Justice Project (WJP), a Washington D.C.-based think tank. Globally, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Germany stood in the top five places. The Rule of Law Index ranks the countries on eight indicators: constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil Justice and criminal justice. Within South Asia, India ranked third after Nepal (69) and Sri Lanka (75), followed by Bangladesh (127) Pakistan (129) and Afghanistan (140).

 

2. 29 October – World Stroke Day :  World Stroke Day is observed annually on October 29 to raise awareness about strokes, their causes, and the importance of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. It was established by the World Stroke Organisation to draw attention to the high prevalence and impact of strokes worldwide, as well as to educate people about risk factors and preventive measures. Theme 2024 – #GreaterThanStroke

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

1. Modi Inaugurates C-295 Aircraft Plant in Vadodara : Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new plant in Vadodara. This facility will manufacture the C-295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attended the event, marking an important milestone in India’s military aviation capabilities. The plant is the first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft in India.

Background of the C-295  -  The C-295 is a transport aircraft originally produced by Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA, now part of Airbus. In September 2021 signed a deal worth Rs 21,935 crore with Airbus Defence and Space for 56 C-295 aircraft. These are intended to replace the ageing Avro-748 planes used by the IAF since the 1960s.

 

2. Armenia Becomes India’s Leading Defence Export Destination : Armenia has emerged as India’s leading destination for defence exports. In the fiscal year 2023-24 achieved a record in defence exports, totalling Rs 21,083 crore (approximately $2.63 billion). This marks a 32.5% increase from the previous year. Rising security concerns in Eurasia have prompted Armenia to shift away from its historical reliance on Russian arms, seeking diversification and self-reliance in its defence strategy.

 

SPORTS

1. India finishes U23 World Wrestling Championships 2024 with 9 Medals :  The Indian wrestling contingent finished its U23 World Wrestling Championships 2024 campaign with nine medals—1 gold, 1 silver, and 7 bronze. Last year also, the Indian contingent had won 9 medals -1 gold, 2 silver and 6 bronze medals at the U23 World Wrestling Championships 2023 held in Tirana. The U23 World Wrestling Championships 2024 was organized by the world wrestling governing body United World Wrestling (UWW) and hosted by Albania in Tirana.

 

2. India wins 24 medals at the Japan Para-Badminton International 2024 :  Indian para-badminton players delivered an impressive performance at the Japan Para-Badminton Internationals 2024 by winning 24 medals- 6 gold, 9 silver and 9 bronze. The Japan Para-Badminton Internationals 2024 was held in Tokyo, Japan. It was a level 2 category Para-Badminton tournament. Sivarajan Solaimalai and Sukant Kadam lead Indian medals rush

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. SBI awarded Best Bank in India for 2024 by Global Finance Magazine :  State Bank of India (SBI) was recognised as the Best Bank in India for 2024 by Global Finance Magazine of the US at its 31st Annual Best Bank Awards event held during the sidelines of Annual Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank in Washington. SBI Chairman CS Setty received the award in recognition of the bank’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional services and promoting financial inclusion nationwide by winning the trust of its customers.

 

 

 

Daily GK Update- 28th Oct, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 21^st Livestock Census launched to count 16 species of livestock :  The central government launched the centrally sponsored 21^st Livestock Census operation. Simultaneously, the government launched a $25 million Pandemic Fund Project to strengthen the country’s animal health infrastructure. The Livestock census operation and the Pandemic Fund Project were launched by the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, in New Delhi. The census is 100 per cent funded by the central government, and the total outlay for the 21^st Livestock Census is Rs 200 crore. The first livestock census in the country was held between 1919 and 1920, and since then, it has been held every five years. The 20^th Livestock Census was held across the country in 2019.

 

2. Cyclone Dana hits Coastal Odisha & West Bengal : Severe tropical cyclone ‘Dana’ struck the eastern coast of India, triggering torrential rain and high-speed winds up to 100-120 km per hour. It caused significant damage to the infrastructure and crops in the coastal districts of Odisha and West Bengal. This is the third tropical cyclone to hit India in the 2024 season. The first cyclone of the 2024 season to form in the Bay of Bengal was ‘Remal, ‘which hit coastal areas of West Bengal and Bangladesh in May 2024. Oman suggested the name Remal, which in Arabic means sand. Qatar suggested the name Dana, which is an Arabic word meaning ‘a most perfectly sized, valuable and beautiful pearl’.

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. US, Japan and S.Korea to support digital infrastructure in India : The United States, Japan, and South Korea will launch a new framework to collaborate with the Indian private sector to support digital infrastructure in India. The new framework is called the Digital Infrastructure Growth Initiative for India Framework (DiGi Framework). The DiGi Framework will be supported by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Korea Eximbank) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

 

2. Russia hosted the 16^th BRICS Summit in Kazan : Russia hosted the 16^th BRICS summit meeting and the first BRICS Outreach/BRICS plus summit meeting at Kazan. Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted the meeting, which was attended by the bloc’s leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The meeting was also attended by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Gutteras and the President of the New Development, Dilma Rousseff.

The theme of the 16th BRICS summit meeting was Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Development and Security.

Brazil will host the next 17^th BRICS summit meeting in 2025.

 

3. India ranked 176 in the first Global Nature Conservation Index 2024 : India ranks 176th in the first Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024, with a score of 45.5 out of 100. This places India among the five worst performers globally, alongside Kiribati, Turkey, Iraq, and Micronesia. The tiny European country of Luxembourg was ranked as the top-ranked country.

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

       DEFENCE

3. NTPC and Indian Army Join Hands for Round-the-Clock Power Supply using Green Hydrogen :  NTPC has partnered with the Indian Army to establish a Solar Hydrogen-based Microgrid at Chushul, Ladakh. This significant step will provide a stable power supply using Green Hydrogen in off-grid Army locations. NTPC has designed this innovative Solar Hydrogen-based microgrid system to operate independently, using hydrogen as an energy storage medium to supply 200kW of power round-the-clock throughout the year. NTPC will maintain the project for 25 years, aiming to support Indian soldiers stationed in these strategically significant tough terrains and challenging climate.

 

2. Navy launches 7^th GRSE’s Anti-Submarine Warfare Vessel ‘Abhay’ : The Indian Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) Abhay, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, was ceremoniously launched at L&T’s Kattupalli shipyard near Chennai. This vessel is the seventh in an eight-ship ASW SWC series, an initiative from a 2019 contract between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and GRSE. The Arnala-class ships will eventually replace the existing Abhay-class ASW corvettes, currently serving the Indian Navy.

 

SPORTS

1. Queen of Indian Hockey Rani Rampal retires from the Game : The 30-year-old former Indian women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal, also known as the queen of Indian hockey, announced her retirement from the game The hockey governing body in India, Hockey India, has decided to retire the No.28 jersey as an honour to Rani Rampal. Rani used to wear jersey no.28 while playing for India. Rani played 254 international matches and scored 120 goals since making her debut at just 14 years old in 2008 during the Olympic qualifiers in Kazan, becoming the youngest woman to represent India at the senior level in hockey. In 2020, Rani Rampal was awarded India’s highest sporting award, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. In 2020, Rani was conferred India’s fourth highest civilian award, Padma Shri.

 

2. Manika Batra becomes first Indian to reach Quarterfinals of the World Table Tennis Champions event : Manika Batra has made table tennis history as she became the first Indian to qualify for quarter-finals at a WTT Champions event. Indian paddler Manika yesterday defeated Bernadette Szocs of Romania 3-1 in the round of 16 in Montpellier, France.

 

 

OBITUARIES 

1. Legendary Gussadi folk dancer Kanaka Raju passed away :  The legendary Gussadi folk dancer Kanaka Raju, also known as Gussadi Raju, passed away at the of 84 years. Kanaka Raju was born in the Marlawai village in Jainoor mandal of Komaram Bheem Asifabad district in Telangana. Kanaka Raju was named for the national honour of Padma Shri in 2021 for his role in taking the folk dance to the world. Hailing from the Raj Gond tribe, Kanaka Raju popularised the rhythmic dance of Gussadi In 1982, he captured the nation’s imagination when he performed in front of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily GK Update- 27th Oct, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Special Courts for People with Disabilities : The Delhi government will set up special courts for people with disabilities. This initiative has been approved by Chief Minister Atishi. The aim of this initiative is to streamline the judicial process for people with disabilities. The Chief Minister has emphasized that the new courts will reduce the difficulties faced by people with disabilities in getting legal services. The goal of this action is to ensure that their rights are upheld and their confidence in the legal system is increased

2. Appointment of Vijaya Kishor Rahatkar : Vijaya Kishor Rahatkar has been appointed as the 9^th Chairperson of the NCW. She served as the Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission. She led initiatives such as Saksham, Prajwala, and Suhita. She also launched a publication called Saad dedicated to women’s issues. She is the author of books including Vidhilikhita and Aurangabad Leading to Wide Roads.

3. Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Launches e-Shram in New Delhi : Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launched e-Shram in New Delhi. E-Shram is a one-stop solution for unorganised workers. It will act as an intermediary to ensure easy access to various government schemes to unorganised workers. The primary objective of this initiative is to efficiently integrate data about recipients of all social security and welfare programmes targeted for unorganised workers on a single platform

4. First Anniversary of NaMo Bharat Train Operation : The first anniversary of NaMo Bharat train operation was celebrated as NaMo Bharat Diwas in New Delhi, marking an important milestone in India’s transport history. National Capital Region Enterprises Corporation organized the event which was attended by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar and Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Tokhan Sahu. During the ceremony, awards were given to outstanding employees who contributed to the success of NaMo Bharat’s first train.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bangladesh Constitutional Reform Commission: Bangladesh announced a nine-member commission focused on constitutional reforms, aimed at addressing issues in governance and democratic processes.

2. Israel-Palestine Ceasefire Talks: Efforts towards brokering a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict were renewed, with mediations led by international diplomats to stabilize the region.

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

1. India-Maldives Military Cooperation: India and the Maldives strengthened defense ties, including collaborative efforts in maritime security to counter regional threats.

 

2. India-Israel Defense Ventures: Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Israel Aerospace Industries formed a joint venture to produce advanced defense systems, marking a significant expansion in India-Israel defense cooperation. 

 

SPORTS

1. Ravindra Jadeja's Milestone: Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja became the fifth-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket, surpassing Ishant Sharma. This achievement underscores his long-standing contribution to Indian cricket.

 

2. Zimbabwe Sets T20I Record: Zimbabwe's cricket team set a new record in T20 Internationals with a score of 344/4, led by Sikandar Raza’s phenomenal 133 off 43 balls.

 

Daily GK Update- 26th Oct, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. IIM Shillong signs MoU with SIDBI to launch entrepreneurship training and incubation programme : The Indian Institute of Management Shillong, through its IIM Shillong Foundation for Incubation and Enterprise (IIMSFIE), has signed an MoU with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). The partnership aimed at providing comprehensive entrepreneurship training and incubation support to aspiring entrepreneurs. By leveraging SIDBI’s vast network and IIMSFIE’s infrastructure and experience, the initiative will create a robust support system to nurture innovative startups and enterprises.

 

2. Bhupendra Patel Inaugurates 17th Urban Mobility India Conference & Expo 2024 : Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the 17th Urban Mobility India Conference & Expo- 2024 today at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The event, running from October 25 to 27, 2024, gathers over 2,000 professionals and academics to discuss the future of urban transport in India. The conference focuses on the theme “Standardisation and Optimisation of Urban Transport Solutions,” aiming to enhance urban mobility through integrated strategies and innovative practices.

 

3. TPC & Indian Army Collaborate for Sustainable Energy in Ladakh : NTPC has teamed up with the Indian Army to establish a solar hydrogen-based microgrid at Chushul, Ladakh, aimed at ensuring a stable power supply for off-grid Army locations using green hydrogen. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for this innovative project through video conferencing. This initiative is significant in replacing existing diesel generators with a sustainable energy solution capable of providing 200 kW of power year-round, despite the region’s harsh winter conditions where temperatures can drop to -30°C at an altitude of 4,400 meters.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

1. 24 October – World Polio Day : World Polio Day is observed on October 24 every year. Objective – To raise awareness about the fight against poliomyelitis.

Theme 2024 – A Global Mission to Reach Every Child

This day was established by Rotary International in honor of Dr Jonas Salk. He developed the first successful polio vaccine. The day serves to highlight ongoing efforts by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), founded in 1988. This initiative has reduced polio cases worldwide by 99 percent.

 

2. 24 October – World Development Information Day : World Development Information Day is observed every year on October 24, coinciding with the United Nations Day. The day focuses on the need to mobilise public opinion in both developing and developed countries in a bid to accelerate their economic and social progress.

In 1972, the General Assembly established World Development Information Day to draw the attention of the world to development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them (resolution 3038(XXVII)).

The Assembly decided that the date for the Day should coincide with United Nations Day, 24 October, which was also the date of the adoption, in 1970, of the International Development Strategy for the Second United Nations Development Decade.

3. Asia Clean Energy Summit 2024 :

The Asia Clean Energy Summit (ACES), a cornerstone event of the annual Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW), is held on the 11th edition from October 22-24, 2024, in Singapore. This premier conference and exhibition brings together experts, innovators, and policymakers to advance clean energy solutions in Asia.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

1. 4 October 2024 – 63rd ITBP Raising Day : The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has celebrated its Raising Day on October 24 every year. The ITBP Raising Day commemorates the founding of this elite paramilitary force, which was raised in the aftermath of the 1962 Sino- Indian War. The force is entrusted with the security of the India-China border in the Himalayas and plays a critical role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) was formally raised on October 24, 1962, as a direct response to the Sino-Indian War that highlighted the vulnerabilities in India’s border security.

2. Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024 Culminates at New Delhi :

The Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024 concluded on October 25th at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi, marking the second edition of this significant international seminar hosted by the Indian Army. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, strategic thinkers, academics, veterans, and defense personnel from various countries, all focused on analyzing India’s strategic directions and developmental priorities

 

SPORTS

1. Sharapova, Bryan brothers elected into Tennis Hall of Fame :

Five-time singles Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova, Russia, and American twins Bob and Mike Bryan, who formed the most successful doubles team in history, were named to the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. Sharapova, one of only 10 women to achieve a career Grand Slam in singles, became the first Russian woman to reach the world number one ranking in 2005. She also won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics.

The Bryans won 16 Grand Slam men’s doubles titles together and were the world’s top-ranked team for a record 438 weeks.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Amitabh Chaudhry appoints as MD & CEO of Axis Bank : Axis Bank has reappointed Amitabh Chaudhry as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank for the next three years. Chaudhry’s extended term will commence in January 2025 and conclude on December 31, 2027. Chaudhry, who joined Axis Bank in 2019 after a nine-year tenure with HDFC Life, has played a pivotal role in the bank’s growth.