Daily GK Update- 5th Oct, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

 

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

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

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

·       UAE 

·       Qatar 

·       Kuwait 

·       Norway 

·       Denmark

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

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

Other Winners:

·       India won gold in the compound archery mixed team final

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

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

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

 

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

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

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

 

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

Daily GK Update- 4th Oct, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

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

Other winners:

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

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

 

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

Daily GK Update- 3rd Oct, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Marico CEO Saugata Gupta appointed as chairman of ASCI: Saugata Gupta has been appointed as the chairman of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). It is the leading self-regulatory organization in India and deals with communication guidelines in both offline and online advertising.  It recently launched the ‘ASCI Academy’ to boost self-regulation during the creative process.His association with ASCI spans many yrs, including 2 yrs on the Board of Governors and 2 yrs as a special invitee on the Board of Governors

 

2. Tripura becomes fourth state to introduce e-cabinet system: Tripura CM Manik Saha launched an e-cabinet system at Agartala to promote digital infrastructure development and digitization of government services and information. Tripura has thus become the fourth state—and second in the Northeast—after Uttarakhand, UP, and Arunachal Pradesh, to have introduced an e-cabinet system. All future cabinet meetings in the state will be paperless, reducing the carbon footprint and environmental degradation in the process

 

3. Indian Air Force Set to Induct Astra BVR Air-to-Air Missile: The Indian Air Force made significant strides to enhance its air defense capabilities with the impending induction of indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-Air Missiles.  The IAF has entered into contracts with Bharat Dynamics Limited for these advanced missiles, marking a crucial step towards reducing import dependency and bolstering national security. The first batch of Astra-MK1 missiles, developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory.

 

4. Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan takes over as DG of BRO: Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan has assumed charge as the 28th director general (DG) of the Border Roads Organization (BRO). His appointment to the top post in the BRO follows the superannuation of Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry.

Before the appointment, Srinivasan was holding the appointment of Commandant, College of Military Engineering, Pune. Mr Srinivasan is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun and was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers in 1987. The BRO was raised on May 7, 1960 with an aim to secure India’s borders by developing infrastructure in remote areas of the north and northeastern states. Since its raising, the BRO has constructed and dedicated to the nation more than 63,000 km of roads, 976 bridges, six tunnels and 21 airfields. In the last one year, it has completed a record 193 projects, at a cost of Rs 5,400 crore, across eight border states and three Union Territories.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Southeast Asia’s First High-Speed Railway, Launched in Indonesia: President of Indonesia Joko Widodo inaugurated the first “Whoosh” high-speed railway in Southeast Asia, a key project under the Road Infrastructure initiative of China. It is a collaborative venture between an Indonesian consortium of four state-owned companies and China Railway International Co. Ltd He has championed the 142 km railway Largely funded by China, USD 7.3 billion project was constructed by PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China, known as PT KCIC

 

2. India, Argentina sign Social Security Agreement: India and Argentina have signed a Social Security Agreement (SSA). The agreement was signed by India’s Ambassador to Argentina Dinesh Bhatia and Argentina’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship Santiago Cafiero in the presence of Argentine Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security Raquel Kismer de Olmos. The agreement provides detached workers, i.e., employees working in another country on a temporary basis, and their family members with rights to contributory benefits such as cash allowance for retirement or pension, rent, subsidy or lump sum payments as per local legislation without being subject to any reduction, modification, suspension, suppression or retention. The agreement would protect the rights of professionals and workers against loss of benefits or contributions made towards social security in both countries and thus facilitate greater movement of professionals and the labour force.

 

3. India to host PATA Travel Mart 2023 in New Delhi: India will host the 46th edition of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Travel Mart at Pragati Maidan in Delhi from October 4-6. The physical version of the event is being held after a hiatus of three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PATA Travel Mart 2023 will be held at the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC). The event in Delhi will bring together tourism professionals and business stakeholders from across the world, offering a unique platform for networking, learning and collaboration. Headquartered in Bangkok, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), which was founded in 1951, is a renowned not-for-profit association recognised internationally for its role as a catalyst in the responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

4. 3 October – World Nature Day: World Nature Day is observed every year on 3 October. Objective – To raise awareness about the challenges our environment faces, particularly due to climate change. It is established by the World Nature Organization (WNO) on 3 October 2010. WNO serves as a crucial platform This annual celebration unites individuals, groups, and organizations worldwide in their commitment to spreading information about climate change and advocating for its mitigation. In this article, we delve into the significance, celebration, and key facts about World Nature Day, highlighting its vital role in addressing the environmental issues that affect us all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India's skating contingent captures its first medal in Asian Games: Indian women's Heeral Sadhu, Kartika Jagadeeswaran and Aarathy Kasturi Raj skating teams secured bronze medals in the speed skating 3000m relay competition at the Asian Games in Hangzhou. 

Other Winners

·       Indian boxer Preeti Pawar won bronze medal

·       India’s men's team of Aryan Pal, Anand Kumar, Siddhant, and Vikram won bronze medals in the speed skating 3000m relay 

·       India bagged total of 62 medals at the 2023 Asian Games, consisting of 13 gold, 24 silver, and 25 bronze

 

2. Indian men's football team wins SAFF Under-19 Championship: In Football, India won the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-19 Championship after defeating Pakistan in the finals at the Dashrath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu.

Most Valuable Player was Manglenthang Kipgen (IND)

·       Top Scorers of the Tournament (all 3 goals)

·       Gwgwmsar Goyary (IND)

·       Jigme Namgyal (BHU)

·       Samir Tamang (NEP)

·       Best Goalkeeper

·       Lionel Daryl Rymmei (IND)

 

3. ICC announces official mascots for Cricket World Cup 2023: ICC After fans around the globe participated in voting, the names of the two official ICC mascots have been revealed, ahead of the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India.The ICC has announced that ‘Blaze’ and ‘Tonk’ have been unanimously chosen as the names of the mascot duo. The two mascots will be seen in World Cup matches around all the venues, engaging and interacting with fans in attendance and adding to the excitement of the showpiece event. The duo was unveiled back in August and fans from around the globe were asked to help name them, with Blaze and Tonk emerging as the winners. ‘Blaze’ is a female mascot, bowling at rapid pace, leaving batters in sheer awe. She is adorned with a belt carrying six power cricket orbs, each meticulously prepared for various game-changing tactics. ‘Tonk’ is a male mascot, with icy-cool composure, making him a batting champion. Tonk has an electromagnetic bat and versatile shot repertoire, lighting up the grandest stage. The Cricket World Cup in India, starts from October 5 with a heavyweight clash between England and New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ADB reforms to free $100 billion over a decade: The Asian Development Bank approved capital management reforms that unlock $100 billion in new funding capacity over the next decade to address the region’s overlapping, crises.  The expansion of available funds will be further leveraged through mobilizing private and domestic capital to move from the billions to trillions to tackle the climate crisis. They expand the bank’s annual new commitments capacity to more than $36 billion an increase of approx $10 billion.

 

2. PR Seshadri appointed as MD & CEO of South Indian Bank: South Indian Bank has appointed P R Seshadri as its MD & CEO effective from October 1. He has succeeded Murali Ramakrishnan who served a successful tenure from October 1, 2020, till September 30, 2023. With nearly 25 years of banking experience spanning domestic and international markets, Seshadri has held senior leadership positions at various institutions, including Karur Vysya Bank Limited and Citigroup. Prior to joining SIB, Seshadri was associated with the Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) in a similar role.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Sudha Murty Becomes The First Woman To Get Global Indian Award: Renowned author and philanthropist Sudha Murty Became the First Woman to honored with the Global Indian Award by the Canada India Foundation.  The Global Indian Award, worth $50,000, is given annually to prominent Indians who have excelled in their respective fields. He was conferred by the Canada India Foundation at the Toronto gala event where she was accompanied by the parents of her son-in-law and British PM Rishi Sunak to the event.

 

2. Nobel Prize 2023 Announced in Medicine or Physiology: The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet announced the recipient of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The award has been given to Katalin Kariko, and Drew Weissman for their discoveries that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against Covid-19. Six Nobel Prizes are awarded each year, recognizing an individual’s or group’s contribution to a specific field.

There are 351 nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize this year.

 

3. Mathematician Ruixiang Zhang to receive 2023 Sastra Ramanujan Prize: Ruixiang Zhang, Assistant Professor, University of California, Berkeley, USA awarded with the 2023 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize for his outstanding contributions to mathematics. The annual cash prize of USD 10,000 will be given at an international conference in Number Theory on December 20 and December 22 at SASTRA University in Kumbakonam He has made contributions to the Generalization of Vinogradov’s Mean Value Theorem and Breakthroughs in Restriction Theory

Daily GK Update- 2nd Oct, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Nation celebrates 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi: The nation paid homage to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his 154th birth anniversary on October 2nd.  A Sarva Dharma Prarthana Sabha was organised at Bapu's Samadhi at Rajghat in the national capital.  Historic Gandhi Ashram at Noakhali organised a series of programmes in the premises to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. The nation is also remembering former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary.

 

2. TCS retains its number one position as most valuable brand: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has retained the top spot with a brand value of $43 billion in the latest edition of the Kantar BrandZ Top 75 Most Valuable Indian Brands Report. 

The top five positions are:

·       TCS

·       HDFC Bank

·       Infosys

·       Airtel 

·       State Bank of India 

TCS continues to successfully capitalise on global demand for digital transformation, despite a tough year for the business technology category in general.

 

3. Jitendra Singh launches the Intelligent Grievance Monitoring System (IGMS): Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science & Technology launched the IGMS 2.0 Public Grievance portal and Automated Analysis in Tree Dashboard portal of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). It has been implemented by IIT Kanpur following an MoU with DARPG in 2021 for upgrading DARPG Information Systems with AI He also launched the Swachhata Special Campaign 3.0 and released the Precedent Book (e-book) prepared by the Department.

 

4. Bihar to get second tiger reserve in Kaimur district: After the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran district, Bihar is set to get a second tiger reserve in Kaimur district (Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary) by the end of the year or early 2024. The total tiger count in the State currently is 54. A report from the NTCA said that the tiger population in the Valmiki reserve has increased from 31 in 2018 to 54.

 

5. PM Modi launches Sankalp Saptaah : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a week-long program called “Sankalp Saptah” for aspirational blocks in New Delhi. Sankalp Saptaah’ is linked to the effective implementation of the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP). The nationwide programme was launched by the PM on January 7, 2023. It aims to improve governance at the block level in order to enhance the quality of life of citizens. It is being implemented in 500 Aspirational Blocks across 329 districts in the country. To implement the Aspirational Blocks Programme and to prepare an effective block development strategy, chintan shivirs were organized at village and block levels across the country. ‘Sankalp Saptaah’ will be observed in all of the 500 Aspirational Blocks. Each day in ‘Sankalp Saptaah’, starting from October 3 till October 9, 2023, is dedicated to a specific development theme on which all Aspirational Blocks will work.

 

6. Saugata Gupta appointed as ASCI Chairman: Saugata Gupta, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Marico Ltd, has been appointed new Chairman of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). Gupta’s association with ASCI spans several years, including two years on the Board of Governors and four years as a special invitee on the Board of Governors. Partha Sinha, president of response, Bennett Coleman & Company Limited, was elected vice chairman, and Sudhanshu Vats, deputy managing director, Pidilite Industries Ltd, was appointed honorary treasurer.

 

7. Dinesh Dasa appointed as member of UPSC: Former Gujarat Public Service Commission Chief Dinesh Dasa took oath as UPSC member. He was administered the oath of office and secrecy by UPSC chairman Manoj Soni. Dasa holds a Ph.D in forest laws and sustainable development from Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar. He has been the chairman of Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) from February 2016 to January 2022. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which conducts civil services examination to select officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others, is headed by a chairman and it can have a maximum of 10 members. With Dasa’s appointment, there exists a vacancy of four members.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mohamed Muizzu has been elected as President of Maldives: Pro-China leader Mohamed Muizzu has been elected as President of Maldives.  Muizzu defeated incumbent Mohamed Solih to become president of the island nation.

About Mohamed Muizzu:

·       Mohamed Muizzu, 45, is a British-educated civil engineer.

·       He was an unlikely candidate for the presidency after serving as construction minister in the government of his mentor Abdulla Yameen.

·       He oversaw several Chinese-funded infrastructure projects including a $200-million bridge linking

 

2. Iran’s launch of Noor 3 satellite casts shadow on Middle East – analysis: Iran's Revolutionary Guards, a branch of the nation's armed forces, launched the Noor 3 spacecraft atop a three-stage Qasem rocket “Noor” means “light” in Farsi, while “Qased” means “messenger.” Noor 3 is an imaging satellite The spacecraft's two predecessors, Noor 1 and Noor 2, launched in April 2020 and March 2022, respectively, also atop Qased rockets The country has had many failed satellite launches in recent years

 

3. 2 October 2023 – World Habitat Day: World Habitat Day is observed every year on the first Monday of October. This year World Habitat Day was observed on 2nd October. World Habitat Day is celebrated to raise awareness of the importance of having a habitat or a home of our own and discuss important aspects of them, with reference to the impact they have on us. Theme 2023 – Resilient Urban Economies: Cities as Drivers of Growth and Recovery In 1986, the first World Habitat Day was celebrated in Nairobi, Kenya. The theme of that year’s World Habitat Day was – Shelter is my right.

 

4. 2 October – International Day of Non-Violence: The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on October 2 every year, and is dedicated to honouring Gandhian principles. The day is observed on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and reflects upon his philosophy and commitment to non-violence as a means of social and political change. Gandhi’s birth anniversary holds immense importance due to his central role in India’s fight for Independence from British rule. Guided by non-violence and peaceful resistance, he inspired millions of Indians to achieve Independence through peaceful protests, boycotts, and hunger strikes. The roots of this day can be traced back to a proposal made by Iranian Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi in 2004. The idea to observe non-violence day globally found resonance at the World Social Forum in Mumbai. In June 2007, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence. The resolution emphasized the dissemination of the message of non-violence through education and public awareness.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India’s Rohan Bopanna-Rutuja Bhosale win gold medal in mixed doubles: Indian tennis players Rohan Bopanna and Rutuja Bhosale won the gold medal in the mixed doubles event at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou The second-seeded Indian duo defeated ninth seeds Tsung-hao Huang and Liang En-shuo of Chinese Taipei in the final at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre. 

Other Winners The men's doubles team of Saketh Myneni and Ramkumar Ramanathan won a silver in tennis.

 

2. PM inaugurated the country's first high-tech sports training center: On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the country's first high-tech sports training center for Divyangjan, named after former PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.  Aim: To provide equal opportunities in sports, enhance talent, and encourage participation in various sports disciplines. Objective: To demonstrate commitment to an inclusive and accessible sports ecosystem, emphasizing the power of sports

 

3. Table Tennis players won bronze medal in women’s doubles tournament: Indian Table Tennis players Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee picked up a historic bronze medal in the women’s doubles tournament in the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou. The Indian duo lost to Suyong Cha and Sugyong Pak of North Korea in the semi-finals The Indian duo is ranked 16th in the world. With this, India's medal tally has now gone up to 56 medals, comprising of 13 gold, 21 silver, and 22 bronze.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Nashik Zilla Girna Sahakari Bank’s Registration Canceled by RBI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has canceled the certificate of registration of Nashik Zilla Girna Sahakari Bank Ltd due to the Bank’s inadequate capital and failure to comply with the banking regulations.  According to RBI, on liquidation, every depositor in Nashik Zilla Girna Sahakari Bank would be entitled to receive the deposit insurance claim amount of his/ her deposits up to Rs5 lakh from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).

 

2. Karnataka Bank launches “Doorstep Gold loan facility” with SahiBandhu: Karnataka Bank, a leading private sector Bank is launching “Door -Step Gold Loan” facility named “KBL-Swarna Bandhu” for its customers, a unique product for gold loans with end to end digitization.  Aim: To provide Gold Loan Services at customer’s door step. The bank has partnered with SahiBandhu a leading aggregator platform for gold loans backed by The Manipal Group.  It help in improving the gold loan portfolio of Bank.

 

3. SIDBI to launch app-based ‘invoice financing’ loans platform: With an aim to enhance the economic and financial sustainability of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is in the process of launching an app-based ‘invoice financing’ loans platform ‘GST Sahay’. The MSMEs are vital for the economic growth and development of India. They (MSMEs) create jobs and contribute enormously to the socio-economic development of the country. Although several measures for the MSMEs have been taken in the past few years by the government, the crunch in working capital credit is one of the major issues for them. Now, SIDBI is in the process of launching an app-based ‘invoice financing’ loans platform for them.