Daily GK Update- 6th Oct, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. JP Nadda – Chairperson of 77th WHO South-East Asia Session: This region of the WHO includes 11 countries, such as India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It is one of the largest regions in the world, with more than 25% of the global population living here. Due to its size and diversity, it faces unique health challenges that need to be addressed. The RC77 session is focused on identifying key health priorities and improving healthcare access for all. The representatives will work together to come up with plans to solve emerging health problems and strengthen healthcare systems in their countries.

 

2. Banjara Virasat ‘Nagara’ Museum: The Banjara Virasat ‘Nagara’ Museum was recently opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Pohradevi, located in the Washim district of Maharashtra. This museum is dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Banjara community, which is why Pohradevi is often called the “Kashi of the Banjara Community.” The museum is a four-story building with 13 different galleries. These galleries showcase the history and traditions of the Banjara people. Visitors can learn about important Banjara leaders and movements through portraits and exhibits. The displays also highlight the community’s unique arts, crafts, and way of life, giving an in-depth look into their vibrant culture.

 

3. What is National Agriculture Code?: What is National Agriculture Code?The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is developing a new set of guidelines called the National Agriculture Code (NAC). This is similar to the existing national codes used for buildings and electrical systems, but specifically for agriculture. The goal is to create a set of standards that can help improve the quality and efficiency of farming practices in India, which currently lack detailed regulations. The NAC is a plan to create rules and guidelines that will cover various agricultural practices across the country. These guidelines will aim to standardize farming methods to ensure that they are efficient, safe, and of high quality. This is important because, while there are already standards for things like farming machinery, fertilizers, and pesticides, many other areas of farming do not have clear rules.

 

4. Union Cabinet Approves Two Umbrella Schemes for Agriculture: The Union Cabinet, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an important change in how agricultural schemes are managed in India. This change aims to simplify the existing Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) by combining them into two main umbrella programs: The schemes will be carried out in partnership with State Governments. While they will build on existing programs, new elements will be added to make things more efficient, especially through the use of technology.

 

5. PM Modi to Inaugurate Mumbai Metro Line 3 in Maharashtra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming tour to Maharashtra is a major development event for the state’s infrastructure. He will inaugurate the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Mumbai Metro Line 3, which is the city’s first fully underground metro line. Along with this, he will also launch several projects aimed at improving urban living and supporting farmers. The Mumbai Metro Line 3 is a new metro line in the city that stretches over 12.69 kilometers. The Prime Minister will open a part of this line between Aarey JVLR and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). He will officially start the service with a flag-off ceremony at the BKC metro station. As part of the event, he will also take a ride on the metro to experience it firsthand.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Nobel Prize 2024 in Medicine-Ambros and Ruvkun for MicroRNA Discovery: The Nobel Prize in Medicine for 2024 was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for discovering microRNA and its vital role in controlling how genes work after they are copied. This discovery changed how we understand gene regulation, showing how certain genes are turned on or off to support different cell functions, like in muscle or nerve cells. Inside every cell, genes act like instructions that tell the cell how to function. Even though all the cells in our body have the same genes, they can behave very differently. For example, muscle cells and nerve cells look and act differently, even though they share the same genetic code. This happens because only certain genes are turned on in each cell type, depending on what the cell needs to do. This process is called gene regulation.

 

2. Negro River Hits Record Low Amid Severe Drought Crisis: The Negro River, an important part of the Amazon River system, is facing its worst drought in more than 122 years. On October 4, 2024, the water levels in Manaus, a city near the river, dropped to just 12.66 meters, much lower than the usual 21 meters. Andre Martinelli, a water expert, has stated that the river’s levels are likely to keep dropping throughout October. This signals a worsening of the drought, which is already severe.The drought is causing major problems for people who live near the river. Many daily activities, such as transporting goods or getting clean water, have become much harder.

 

3. WHO Approves First Mpox Test for Emergency Use: The World Health Organization (WHO) recently approved a new test called the Alinity m MPXV assay to help increase global access to testing for Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). This decision, made on October 3, 2024, is in response to the growing need for quick and accurate testing as cases of Mpox rise, especially in areas facing outbreaks. Mpox is a viral infection that can cause serious health problems. In August 2024, the WHO declared a rise in Mpox cases, particularly in Africa, as a public health emergency of international concern. Since then, India has also reported 30 cases. Because Mpox can spread quickly, having reliable testing is crucial for controlling the virus.

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO Successfully Conducts Flight-Tests of Advanced VSHORADS System: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) three times in Pokhran, Rajasthan. These tests show a big step forward in India’s ability to develop its advanced defense systems. VSHORADS is a 4th generation, portable missile system designed to protect against threats in the air at short distances. The Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) is meant to defend against low-flying threats like drones and aircraft within a range of 5 to 20 kilometers. It uses surface-to-air missiles guided by infrared, radar, or optical systems to track and hit targets. VSHORADS is becoming more important in modern warfare due to the increasing use of drones. These systems are typically placed near military bases, borders, and other critical areas for protection.

 

2. India’s Maritime Decarbonization Conference: The Conference on Maritime Decarbonization in New Delhi, co-hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and the Asian Development Bank, brought together more than 200 participants, including leaders from Indian ports, government officials, and international experts. The goal of the conference was to discuss how shipping and port operations can become more environmentally friendly. In his keynote speech, Secretary TK Ramachandran explained that the maritime sector is crucial for the economy but also plays a key role in fighting climate change. The Indian government is committed to making maritime operations more sustainable, which means they want to reduce pollution and adopt greener practices.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Scientists Discover Innovative Method to Refreeze Arctic Ice: Researchers are working on an innovative idea to address the impacts of climate change on the Arctic by developing a method to “refreeze” the Arctic Sea. Early trials show promise, suggesting that this method could help make the sea ice thicker by pumping seawater into already frozen areas. The Arctic is warming rapidly, and if this continues, it could become ice-free in the summers by the 2030s. This would be disastrous for global ecosystems and the planet’s climate stability. Over the past few decades, nearly 13% of the sea ice in the Arctic has disappeared every 10 years.

 

2. Pseumenes siangensis : New Wasp Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh: Entomologists from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) have found a new species of potter wasp in Arunachal Pradesh, in the Eastern Himalayas. The wasp is named Pseumenes siangensis, after the Siang Valley where it was discovered. This discovery shows how rich the region’s biodiversity is and emphasizes the need for more research on insects in the area. The wasp is about 30.2 mm long and has special body features and color patterns that set it apart from other similar species. Scientists collected these wasps using sweep nets during their fieldwork and then studied their physical features closely to confirm they were a new species.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans Tracker (NBSAP): As the COP16 biodiversity conference approaches, set to take place from October 21 to November 1, 2024, there are growing concerns because only 10% of countries have met their promises to protect biodiversity. This conference is important because it’s the first major meeting since the world agreed on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in 2022. The GBF was adopted by 196 countries and aims to stop and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. It acts as a guide for countries, showing them how to protect and preserve nature. The goal is to get nations to commit to stronger actions to save biodiversity.

 

Daily GK Update- 5th Oct, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi launch Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan in Jharkhand: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand.PM also laid foundation stones and inaugurated projects worth Rs 83,000 crore. It included Eklavya Model Residential Schools and the foundation stones of various developmental projects under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), targeting the tribal communities.

 

2. BPCL and Mumbai Port Authority to launch India’s first green fuel ecosystem: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has an MoU with the Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) and the Mumbai Port Sustainability Foundation (MPSF) to create a state-of-the-art green fuel ecosystem at Mumbai Port.This MoU represents a crucial advancement in India’s shift toward cleaner energy alternatives. With a focus on innovations in green fuel, the initiative seeks to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions, thereby supporting the nation’s climate objectives.BPCL, MbPA, and MPSF are dedicated to pioneering sustainable practices that align with India’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

 

3. Govt Approves ₹10,103 Crore National Mission on Edible Oils to Boost Self-Reliance in Oilseed Production by 2030: The government has approved the National Mission on Edible Oils and Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) for 2024-25 to 2030-31 with an outlay of 10 thousand 103 crore rupees.This has been done with an aim to make India self-reliant in oilseed production in the next seven years.The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Family Welfare will implement the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds).The newly approved NMEO-Oilseeds will focus on enhancing the production of key primary oilseed crops such as rapeseed mustard, groundnut, soybean, sunflower, and sesamum.It will also focus on increasing collection and extraction efficiency from secondary sources like cottonseed, rice bran, and tree-butter oils.

 

4. Central Govt approves PM-RKVY and KY Schemes for Agriculture sector: The Union Cabinet has decided to merge all Central schemes in the agriculture sector into two new schemes, Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY).With a projected expenditure of ₹ 1,01,321.61 crore, the schemes will have a Central share of ₹ 69,088.98 crore and the States will have to add the remaining ₹32,232.63 crore. PM-RKVY, with an allocation of ₹57,074.72 crore, is aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and KY will address food security and agricultural self-sufficiency, with a fund of ₹44,246.89 crore. Both the schemes will be implemented through State governments. The rationalisation of various schemes is to avoid duplication, ensure convergence and provide flexibility to States. Focusing on emergent challenges of agriculture such as nutrition security, sustainability, climate resilience, value chain development and private sector participation is also envisaged under two schemes.

 

5. Marathi, Bengali, Pali, Prakrit and Assamese Get Classical Language Status: The Union Cabinet has approved giving the status of ‘classical language’ to five more languages – Marathi, Bengali, Pali, Prakrit and Assamese. With this cabinet decision, the number of languages that have the status will nearly double from 6 to 11.The languages that had the tag earlier were Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Odia. Tamil was granted the status in 2004 and the last language to get it was Odia, in 2014Tamil was the first language to be accorded classical language status in India in 2004.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. International Film Festival on Environment & Wildlife ‘Vatavaran’ Inaugurated: The 12th edition of International Film Festival and Forum on Environment and Wildlife, Vatavaran has inaugurated at Paryavaran Bhawan in New Delhi.The theme for the three-day film festival is “Wetlands for Life”, focusing on the awareness and conservation of the wetlands eco-system.The festival uses films and documentaries to raise awareness about contemporary environmental issues and seeks to change the perception, practice, policy and governance regarding environmental issues.CMS India organises the International Film Festival and Forum on Environment and Wildlife with support from the Union Ministry of Forest, Climate Change and Environment.CMS is a multi-disciplinary research think tank in India. The first CMS Vatavaran was organised in 2002 and is held every two years.

 

2. India & Jamaica sign 4 MoU to boost ties during Jamacia PM visit: India and Jamaica signed four MoU to strengthen and boost their bilateral relationships. The agreement was signed during Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s visit to India.Prime Minister Andrew Holness is the first Prime Minister of Jamaica to visit India.Four MoUs are as follows:Sharing of Successful Indian Digital Public Infrastructure with Jamaica to Promote Financial Inclusion and Social and Economic Transformation.Cooperation between NPCI International Payments Limited and Egov Jamaica Limited.Cultural Exchange Programme between the two countries years for 2024-2029.

 

3. 4 October – Animal Welfare Day: Animal Welfare Day is observed annually on October 4.The day aims to inform people about the essential protection and care of animals while striving to inculcate empathy toward them.Theme 2024 – The World Is Their Home TooWorld Animal Day was first celebrated in 1925 by Heinrich Zimmermann, a German writer and animal welfare activist.Zimmermann initially held the event on March 24, 1925, in Berlin, attracting more than 5,000 attendees. By 1929, the date was moved to October 4 to align with the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, who is known for his love and respect for animals.

 

4. 4 – 10 October – World Space Week: World Space Week is an annual event celebrated from October 4 to 10, highlighting the benefits of space exploration and promoting international cooperation in space activities.Theme 2024 – Space & Climate ChangeIn 1999, the UN General Assembly proclaimed World Space Week by resolution 54/68.The main aim is to celebrate the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. IIT Delhi, IAF join hands for AI-powered research on aviation textile: IIT Delhi and Headquarters Maintenance (HQ) Command, Indian Air Force, Nagpur, have signed an MoU to collaborate on advancing innovative technologies for aviation textiles focusing on parachutes and other safety equipment.The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and HQ Maintenance will cooperate, collaborate and promote research and development in areas of obsolescence management, self-reliance, upgradations and digitisation through indigenisation in the field of aviation-grade textiles.Some of the areas of interest for collaboration include raw material selection for various parachutes and safety equipment.

 

2. Bharat Forge teams up with US defence giants for next-gen artillery systems: Bharat Forge subsidiary of Kalyani Strategic Systems has signed an agreement with US-based defence companies AM General and Mandus Group. The collaboration focuses on the development and production of advanced artillery gun platforms designed to meet the evolving needs of modern armies.The companies aim to create compact, robust, lightweight, ruggedized, and mobile artillery systems capable of operating in all weather conditions and terrains.This initiative includes the development of 105mm and 155mm next-generation artillery platforms featuring disruptive technology that enhances responsiveness, survivability, and transportability.This strategic collaboration aims to co-develop and co-produce the most versatile and innovative weapon systems.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Bharat Electronics, Israel Aerospace Industries form joint venture firm: Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel’s leading aerospace and defence company, have established a joint venture company (JVC), which has been incorporated in the name of BEL IAI AeroSystems Private Ltd. The JVC with its registered office in Delhi shall be the single point of contact (SPOC) for extending long-term product support to the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) systems of India’s defence forces.MRSAM is an advanced, path-breaking air and missile defence system that provides protection against a variety of aerial threats, according to the company.It was jointly developed by IAI and DRDO for India’s defence forces and is currently used by the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Indian Navy and also Israeli defence forces, it was noted. The system includes an Advanced Phased Array Radar, Command and Control shelter, mobile launchers and interceptors with an advanced RF seeker.

 

 

 

Daily GK Update- 4th Oct, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Prashant Kishor announces Jan Suraaj as a political party: Political strategist-cum-activist Prashant Kishor launched his political outfit Jan Suraaj Party, two years after he embarked on a campaign in Bihar to mobilise support for a “new political alternative”.As a political party, Jan Suraaj would contest all 243 seats in the Assembly elections in Bihar, next year in October-November.His party would contest in the bypolls in four seats of Bihar which are likely to be held in November this year.The 47-year-old also named Manoj Bharti, a Madhubani-born former Indian Foreign Service officer, as working president of the party.Mr Bharti comes from the Dalit community, has been educated at IIT Kanpur and Delhi and was in the Indian Foreign Service. He was also Indian ambassador in four countries.

 

2. Vistara to get AI2 flight number after merger with Air India: National carrier Air India said that flights operated by Vistara will start using the flight code ‘AI2’ after the merger of the two airlines next month. Currently, Air India uses the airline code ‘AI’ while Vistara uses ‘UK.’Despite the integration on November 12, the Vistara experience will “remain the same. The merger involves Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, and Air India.Though the legal entities and Air Operator Certificates will become one on 12 November, the Vistara experience will remain.Vistara aircraft, crew and service will continue to operate as before, but with AI2XXX flight numbers bookable via airindia.com.In parallel, Air India’s narrow-body fleet continue to be upgraded with new aircraft being delivered, legacy aircraft being refitted with entirely new interiors and Vistara’s catering now also extended to Air India.

 

3. NITI Aayog launches first State Chapter of Women Entrepreneurship Platform: NITI Aayog has launched its maiden State Chapter of Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) in association with WE Hub and the Telangana government.An initiative to promote and support women entrepreneurs across various sectors by providing them access to resources, tools, and a network for enhancing their business growth, WEP thus far remained a scheme operated by the Centre.

With over 30 thousand registered women entrepreneurs and associations, the WEP has over 400 mentors from different industry sectors.WE Hub Chief Executive Officer, Sita Pallocholla, has been appointed Mission Director of the WEP Telangana Chapter.WE Hub will be the nodal agency for all WEP activities in the State. The WEP will offer customised support like digital skilling, access to financial services, mentorship, and market linkages.

 

4. Mankind Pharma secures CCI approval for ₹13,360-crore worth acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines: A proposed acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines by Mankind Pharma for ₹13,630 crore was approved by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).Mankind Pharma had announced in July that it will fully acquire Bharat Serums and Vaccines from private equity firm Advent International for around ₹13,630 crore. The company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 100 per cent stake in the Bharat Serums and Vaccines for an enterprise value of around ₹13,630 crore.Mankind is a public listed company and is engaged in developing, manufacturing, and marketing a diverse range of pharmaceutical finished dosage formulations (FDFs) across various acute and chronic therapeutic areas, as well as several consumer healthcare products such as condoms, emergency contraceptives, pregnancy tests, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, antacids etc.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 2024 edition of annual apex-level international conference IPRD to held in New Delhi: The 2024 edition of the annual apex-level international conference of the Indian Navy, the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD), will be held in New Delhi.The theme of the three-day conference is “Resource Geopolitics and Security in the Indo-Pacific.”IPRD is the principal manifestation of the Indian Navy’s international engagement at the strategic level, addressing holistic maritime security issues across the Indo-Pacific.This year’s conference will focus on how traditional and newly identified marine resources are influencing contemporary geopolitics and how they will shape it in the future.

 

2. India becomes affiliate member of International Medical Device Regulators Forum: India has become an affiliate member of the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF), which will open doors to invaluable opportunities for reliance and collaboration with regulatory authorities worldwide.The IMDRF, which was established in 2011, is a group of global medical device regulators whose aim is to speed up the adoption of, international medical device regulatory harmonisation and convergence.Its members include national regulatory authorities of the U.S., Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Russia, China, South Korea, Singapore and the World Health Organization (WHO).The membership helps to harmonise regulatory requirements across the globe, which reduces complexities for manufacturers and helps safeguard public health by promoting collaboration, harmonising regulations, and promoting convergence.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India to host first-ever Kho Kho World Cup in 2025: The first edition of the Kho Kho World Cup will be held in India next year and will feature 16 men’s and women’s teams from 24 countries and six continents.Kho Kho has its roots in India and this World Cup will highlight the rich cultural heritage and competitive spirit of the sport. Today, the sport that started in the mud and has gone to the mat now has a global presence with 54 countries playing the sport across the world.

 

2. Carlos Alcaraz defeats Jannik Sinner to win first China Open Title: In tennis, second-seeded Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz beat defending champion and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, winning 6-7 6-4 7-6 to claim his first China Open title.Meanwhile, China’s Zheng Qinwen stormed into the quarterfinals of the women’s singles after defeating Amanda Anisimova of the United States.Aryna Sabalenka secured her place in the quarterfinals by overcoming Madison Keys of the United States. Sabalenka will face the Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova.

 

3. ICC Women’s T20 World Cup begins in Sharjah: The ninth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup begins in Sharjah, UAE. The opening match will feature Bangladesh against debutant Scotland.Captain Harmanpreet Kaur will be leading India’s campaign, starting against New Zealand.India is carrying a spin-heavy bowling arsenal to the stage. With Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Sajana Sajeevan, Asha Sobhana Joy, Tanuja Kanwer, and Shreyanka Patil, the team has versatility and effectiveness in its ranks.Australia, the defending champions who have won the last three T20 World Cups, are in Group A alongside India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Group B includes Bangladesh, England, Scotland, South Africa, and the West Indies.

 

4. West Indies legend Dwayne Bravo announces retirement from all forms of cricket: West Indies decorated all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket after his farewell Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season was cut short due to an injury.Bravo, who is going to turn 41 next month, is the leading wicket-taker in the T20 format. Bravo retired from international cricket in 2021 and decided to end his time in the IPL.Bravo has finished his career by setting a benchmark in the T20 format across the globe, with 631 wickets in the format in 582 appearances.Bravo was set to retire from the CPL after the conclusion of the ongoing campaign. His accolades boast him as the most decorated player to feature in the tournament, lifting five titles, including three with the Trinbago Knight Riders.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ICICI Bank and MakeMyTrip unveils co-branded credit card for travel enthusiasts: ICICI Bank has collaborated with MakeMyTrip (MMT), the country’s biggest online travel operator, and introduced a premium co-branded credit card tailored to the country’s aspirational travellers.The MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Credit Card, with its several features, enriches the trip experience by providing infinite points that never expire.The card provides a unique value with myCash (MakeMyTrip’s reward currency), where 1 myCash equals ₹1 in spendable funds. It provides 6% myCash on hotel reservations, 3% myCash on flights, vacations, taxis, and buses, and 1% on other retail purchases—all in addition to relevant MakeMyTrip savings.This card is a dual offering, providing the convenience of two cards, one powered by Mastercard and one powered by RuPay. Furthermore, the RuPay credit card can be linked to UPI, allowing safe and secure transactions via UPI-enabled Apps.

 

2. Magma HDI Unveils OneProtect – A Contemporary Personal Accident Insurance: India’s premier general insurance provider, Magma HDI has unveiled OneProtect, a contemporary personal accident insurance product.With over 20 customisable add-ons adapted to today’s lifestyle needs, OneProtect is the ideal companion for anybody, including thrill-seekers and explorers.As adventure travel is popular among Indians, sports like trekking, paragliding, and scuba diving have become popular vacation options. OneProtect allows adventurers to follow their passions confidently by protecting various high-octane activities.Another notable feature of OneProtect is its 200% coverage for accidental death while using common carriers such as trains etc.

 

3. Federal Bank join hands with Bhashini to boost Chatbot Feddy with Vernacular Language Support: Federal Bank, a renowned private sector bank in India, has inked a MoU with Bhashini, an AI-Powered Language Translation Platform, to provide vernacular language support to its AI Virtual Assistant, Feddy.This collaboration arose as a result of the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH)’s local language effort to promote banking in vernacular languages. It has considerably improved Feddy’s capabilities, making it more accessible to a broader variety of clients in India.

Feddy, Federal Bank‘s AI-powered chatbot, is already a popular tool for customers who want quick and easy banking services. With the addition of Bhashini’s language translation capabilities, Feddy can now react to user requests in 14 different Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Assamese, Punjabi, Urdu, Manipuri, and Bodo.

 

Daily GK Update- 3rd Oct, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CSIR-NIScPR Commemorates 83 Years of Scientific Excellence of CSIR: CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) celebrated the 83rd Foundation Day of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) at the National Agricultural Science Complex, Pusa, New Delhi.On the occasion, a special issue of ‘Science Reporter’, a monthly publication of CSIR-NIScPR was also released during the event. The title of the issue is “Science Reporter: A Six Decade Journey in Science Communication (1964-2024)”.Awards were distributed by distinguished guests to retirees, employees completing 25 years of service, and meritorious 10th and 12th-class students.

 

2. PM Narendra Modi participates in Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has participated in the Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024 programme on the occasion of 155th Gandhi Jayanti in New Delhi.The event marks the completion of 10 years of the launch of one of the most significant mass movements for cleanliness, the Swachh Bharat Mission.The Prime Minister will launch several projects related to sanitation and cleanliness, worth over nine thousand six hundred crore rupees. These include projects under AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0, National Mission for Clean Ganga and 15 Compressed Biogas Plant projects under GOBARdhan Scheme.The Swachh Bharat Diwas programme will showcase India’s decade-long sanitation achievements and those in the recently concluded Swachhata Hi Seva campaign. It will also set the stage for the next phase of this national endeavour.

 

3. Who will implement the Cruise Bharat Mission?: The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is the nodal ministry for implementing the Cruise Bharat Mission.The mission will be implemented with the support of all regulatory agencies, such as Customs, Immigration, CISF, State Tourism Departments, State Maritime Agencies, District Administrations, and local police.

The ministry will establish a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for cruise development under the Indian Ports Association. The Indian Port Association is an association of major ports in India.

 

4. Kerala Launches India’s First Supercapacitor Manufacturing Facility: Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, recently inaugurated India’s first supercapacitor manufacturing facility at Keltron Component Complex Limited (KCCL) in Kallyassery, Kannur. This marks an important milestone for both Keltron and India’s electronics industry. The Kerala government has plans to invest ₹1,000 crore more to boost the electronics sector. This includes upgrading current factories and building new infrastructure, like an IT corridor and an electronics manufacturing park in Amballur. These steps aim to make Kerala a leader in electronics manufacturing.

 

5. IIT Madras Researchers Develop New Method for Retinal Treatment: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, have developed new techniques to treat eye problems like retinal tears and diabetic retinopathy. These eye conditions affect about 11 million people in India. The research uses mild laser-induced convection, a method that makes delivering treatment to the retina faster and more effective. The study is the result of over 10 years of work between Professor Arunn Narasimhan and eye specialist Dr. Lingam Gopal. They studied how heat from lasers affects the retina and helps deliver medicine more efficiently. By using computer simulations and experiments, they discovered that by gently heating the eye, they could speed up the process of getting medication to the retina.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Claudia Sheinbaum sworn in as Mexico’s 1st female president: Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in as Mexico’s first woman president.She vowing to bolster women’s rights and ensure Latin America’s number 2 economy remains a secure destination for international investment.The 62-year-old climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City is set to serve a six-year term, ending in 2030.Sheinbaum’s inauguration is the culmination of a four-decade rise in Mexican politics, punctuated by her history-making election as the first woman to lead Mexico City.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Arti Sarin becomes first woman to take over as DG, Armed Forces Medical Services: Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin became the first woman officer to take over as the Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS).The DGAFMS is directly responsible to the Ministry of Defence for overall medical policy matters which relate to the Armed Forces.Prior to assuming the appointment of 46th DGAFMS, the Flag Officer held the coveted appointments of DG Medical Services (Navy), DG Medical Services (Air) and Director & Commandant of Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune. She is an alumna of AFMC, Pune and was commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services in December 1985.The Flag Officer has the rare distinction of serving in all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces, having served as Lieutenant to Captain in the Indian Army, from Surgeon Lieutenant to Surgeon Vice Admiral in the Indian Navy, and as an Air Marshal in the Indian Air Force.

 

2. Taiwan Receives First Shipment of Harpoon Missile Systems: Taiwan has received its first shipment of 100 land-based Harpoon anti-ship missile systems from the United States, which arrived at Kaohsiung Port on September 27. This is an important step in strengthening Taiwan’s military, especially during times of regional tension. This shipment will make Taiwan’s defenses stronger against threats from the sea and highlight the ongoing support from the U.S., which is important for maintaining security in the region.

 

3. EURONAVAL 2024: EURONAVAL 2024 is shaping up to be an important event in the world of naval defense, with close to 500 exhibitors expected to participate. The event will be held from November 4th to 7th, 2024, at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre. Thirteen countries will have their own dedicated spaces, called national pavilions, where they can showcase their products and ideas more effectively. The countries hosting these pavilions are Brazil, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

 

4. Lt. Gen. Asim Malik Appointed New Pakistan’s ISI Chief: Lt. Gen. Muhammad Asim Malik has been appointed as the new Director General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), taking over from Lt. Gen. Nadeem Anjum. This change comes at a time when Pakistan is facing growing security risks and political unrest, particularly due to tensions from supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Lt. Gen. Malik is 59 years old and comes from a military family—his father, Lt. Gen. Ghulam Muhammad Malik, also served in the army. He studied at the University of Balochistan and continued his education at well-known defence institutions in the U.S. and U.K. During his military training at the Pakistan Military Academy, he won the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour,’ a recognition given to the best cadet.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Virat Kohli becomes fourth player to complete 27,000 international runs: Indian batsman Virat Kohli became only the fourth player in history to complete 27,000 runs in international cricket across formats, a feat that he achieved on the fourth day of the ongoing second Test against Bangladesh here.Kohli made a brisk 47 off 35 balls with four fours and a six as he helped India push on further in an aggressive mode to make up for the lost time in the Test due to incessant rains.Kohli became only the second Indian to achieve the feat after the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, who amassed a massive 34,357 runs across the length of his career. He is also the fastest batter to reach 27000 runs, reaching the impressive landmark in just 594 innings.Sachin is followed by Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara (28,016 runs) and, Australia’s Ricky Ponting at third (27,483 runs).Kohli has more than 8,800 runs in Tests, 13,906 runs in 295 ODIs, and another 4,188 runs in 125 T20Is. He has only retired from the T20 format after India won the T20 World Cup 2024 earlier this year. India’s talisman is still a long way from matching Sachin’s record, as the former cricketer scored 15,921 runs in 200 Tests.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Survey Discovers New Reptile and Amphibian Species: A survey of reptiles and amphibians, known as herpetofauna, was conducted in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), specifically in the Masinagudi Division, from September 7th to 9th, 2024. This survey discovered a large variety of species, with a total of 33 reptiles and 36 amphibians identified. Four of these species might even be completely new to science. The survey covered areas at different heights, ranging from 300 to 2,000 meters above sea level, across different types of habitats. It was led by Deputy Director Arun Kumar P., with guidance from Field Director D. Venkatesh. This was the first full study of herpetofauna in this part of the reserve, which made the findings even more exciting.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SEBI approved new asset class for HNIs with riskier appetite: Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved a new asset class, allowing high-net-worth investors to invest in riskier regulated products.The new asset class is to have a minimum investment amount of Rs 10 lakh. The offerings under the new product will be referred to as ‘Investment Strategies’, to maintain a clear distinction from the schemes offered under the traditional mutual funds.The new product is intended to add depth and variety to the investment landscape of the country through a new asset class.SEBI floated a consultation paper on introducing a ‘New Asset Class’ in July, inviting public comments by August 6, 2024.The move is aimed at creating a new product that lies between mutual funds and portfolio management services (PMS), catering to investors with higher risk-taking capabilities and larger ticket sizes. Among other important decisions, the regulator also approved rules for a new investment product under mutual funds.

 

2. GST collections hit a 40-month low in September, with revenues at ₹1.73 lakh crore: Growth in India’s Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections slumped to a 40-month low of 6.5% in September, with revenues at ₹1,73,240 crore, about 1% lower than the tally in August.Net GST receipts, after adjusting for refunds made to taxpayers, were 3.9% higher than a year ago, marking the slowest growth in this financial year.However, net collections were 1.5% higher than August’s receipts, at ₹1,52,782 crore. In the preceding month, net GST receipts had grown 6.5% while gross collections were up 10%.As many as seven States recorded negative revenue growth, led by a 33% contraction in Manipur, while revenues were flat in Gujarat. Ten States underperformed the national level 6% uptick in domestic revenues, including Telangana (1%), Rajasthan (2%), Uttar Pradesh (3%), and Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and West Bengal (5% each). Poll-bound Haryana recorded the sharpest rise in revenues of 24%, followed by Delhi where receipts grew 20%.

 

Daily GK Update- 2nd Oct, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024 closing ceremony held in Ranchi: The 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024 ended on 30 September 2024 with an official ceremony in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annpurna Devi, presided over the closing ceremony.The 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024 was officially launched on 1 September 2024 by Annpurna Devi and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.The Rashtriya Poshan Maah is held annually from 1-30 September 2024.The 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah focused on Anaemia, Growth Monitoring, Complementary Feeding, and Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi. It also focused on Technology for better governance and. ‘Environmental Sustainability’. The Anganwadi centers across the country were encouraged to plant trees under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative to promote environmental sustainability.

 

2. CSIR-NIScPR Commemorates 83 Years of Scientific Excellence of CSIR: CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) celebrated the 83rd Foundation Day of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) at the National Agricultural Science Complex, Pusa, New Delhi.On the occasion, a special issue of ‘Science Reporter’, a monthly publication of CSIR-NIScPR was also released during the event. The title of the issue is “Science Reporter: A Six Decade Journey in Science Communication (1964-2024)”.Awards were distributed by distinguished guests to retirees, employees completing 25 years of service, and meritorious 10th and 12th-class students.

 

3. PM Narendra Modi participates in Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has participated in the Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024 programme on the occasion of 155th Gandhi Jayanti in New Delhi.The event marks the completion of 10 years of the launch of one of the most significant mass movements for cleanliness, the Swachh Bharat Mission.The Prime Minister will launch several projects related to sanitation and cleanliness, worth over nine thousand six hundred crore rupees. These include projects under AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0, National Mission for Clean Ganga and 15 Compressed Biogas Plant projects under GOBARdhan Scheme.The Swachh Bharat Diwas programme will showcase India’s decade-long sanitation achievements and those in the recently concluded Swachhata Hi Seva campaign. It will also set the stage for the next phase of this national endeavour.

 

4. Cruise Bharat Mission launched to promote Cruise Tourism: The ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ is a new project launched by the Indian government to promote cruise tourism in India.Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal officially inaugurated at Mumbai port on the cruise ship ‘Empress’.The mission aims to tap into India’s potential as a major cruise destination and increase the number of people who travel by cruise ships. The goal is to double cruise passenger traffic by the year 2029.

 

5. Who will implement the Cruise Bharat Mission?: The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is the nodal ministry for implementing the Cruise Bharat Mission.The mission will be implemented with the support of all regulatory agencies, such as Customs, Immigration, CISF, State Tourism Departments, State Maritime Agencies, District Administrations, and local police.

The ministry will establish a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for cruise development under the Indian Ports Association. The Indian Port Association is an association of major ports in India.

 

6. Govt gives additional charge of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam CMD to Ajit Kumar Saxena: The Union government has assigned the additional charge of CMD of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) to Ajit Kumar Saxena.Saxena is currently the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of MOIL, a PSU under the Ministry of Steel.Atul Bhatt the CMD of RINL is on personal leave from September 9 till November 30, which is also the date of his superannuation.

 

7. Ram Singh, Saugata Bhattacharya, Nagesh Kumar appointed as new MPC members: The Government has appointed the Director of the Delhi School of Economics, Ram Singh, noted economist Saugata Bhattacharya, and the Director of the Institute for Studies in Industrial Development, Nagesh Kumar, to the Monetary Policy Committee.The panel, which decides interest rates, is headed by the Reserve Bank of India Governor.The reconstituted MPC is scheduled to have its first meeting from October 7 to 9. Following the MPC meeting, Governor Das will announce the bi-monthly monetary policy on October 9.The members of the MPC appointed by the central government will hold office for a period of four years, with immediate effect or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

 

8. 2 October – Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Sastri Birth Anniversary: The nation celebrated Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, to honour the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, affectionately known as Bapu, the father of the nation. This year marks the 155th birth anniversary of Gandhi.October 2 also holds global significance as the International Day of Non-Violence. On June 15, 2007, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence, in recognition of Gandhi’s contributions to non-violent resistance.Gandhi earned the title “Father of the Nation” from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose for his pivotal role in India’s fight for independence.Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti is celebrated every year on October 2nd to honor the birth anniversary of India’s third Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 1 October – International Coffee Day: International Coffee Day is celebrated on 1st October every year to promote and celebrate coffee as a beverage.Theme 2024 – Coffee, Your Daily Ritual, Our Shared Journey International Coffee Day was celebrated for the first time on October 1, 2015. It was organised by the International Coffee Organisation (ICO), which was established in 1963. Hosted by the ICO, International Coffee Day promotes the fair trade of the beverage.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Arti Sarin becomes first woman to take over as DG, Armed Forces Medical Services: Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin became the first woman officer to take over as the Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS).The DGAFMS is directly responsible to the Ministry of Defence for overall medical policy matters which relate to the Armed Forces.Prior to assuming the appointment of 46th DGAFMS, the Flag Officer held the coveted appointments of DG Medical Services (Navy), DG Medical Services (Air) and Director & Commandant of Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune. She is an alumna of AFMC, Pune and was commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services in December 1985.The Flag Officer has the rare distinction of serving in all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces, having served as Lieutenant to Captain in the Indian Army, from Surgeon Lieutenant to Surgeon Vice Admiral in the Indian Navy, and as an Air Marshal in the Indian Air Force.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India wins SAFF U-17 Championship 2024 after beating Bangladesh: The undefeated Indian football team lifted the 2024 Men’s SAFF U17 Championship by defeating Bangaldesh 2-0 in the final.The final was played at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan.The Indian boy’s football team, also famously known as Blue Colts, remained undefeated throughout the tournament.India and Bangladesh have met five times in the SAFF men’s age group tournament finals. India has won four times – U18 in 2019, U20 in 2022, U16 in 2023 and U17 in 2024. Bangladesh has won once in U16 in 2015.Seven teams -India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan participated in the 2024 Men’s SAAF U17 Championships.India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives were in Group A, and Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan were in Group B.

Captain of Indian team – Ngamgouhou Mate

 

2. Virat Kohli becomes fourth player to complete 27,000 international runs: Indian batsman Virat Kohli became only the fourth player in history to complete 27,000 runs in international cricket across formats, a feat that he achieved on the fourth day of the ongoing second Test against Bangladesh here.Kohli made a brisk 47 off 35 balls with four fours and a six as he helped India push on further in an aggressive mode to make up for the lost time in the Test due to incessant rains.Kohli became only the second Indian to achieve the feat after the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, who amassed a massive 34,357 runs across the length of his career. He is also the fastest batter to reach 27000 runs, reaching the impressive landmark in just 594 innings.Sachin is followed by Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara (28,016 runs) and, Australia’s Ricky Ponting at third (27,483 runs).Kohli has more than 8,800 runs in Tests, 13,906 runs in 295 ODIs, and another 4,188 runs in 125 T20Is. He has only retired from the T20 format after India won the T20 World Cup 2024 earlier this year. India’s talisman is still a long way from matching Sachin’s record, as the former cricketer scored 15,921 runs in 200 Tests.

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IBBI to celebrate its Eighth Annual Day: The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) is celebrated its Eighth Annual Day on 1st October 2024.To mark the occasion, an annual publication, IBBI has Over the past eight years, the IBC has significantly accelerated the resolution of insolvency cases, bolstered investor and stakeholder confidence and fostering a more favourable environment for business growth.The Code’s deterrent effect, enabling the transfer of control of a Corporate Debtor, has significantly influenced debtor behaviour. The risk of ownership transfer is a strong incentive, encouraging disciplined management and discouraging insolvency-triggering actions.

 

2. SEBI approved new asset class for HNIs with riskier appetite: Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved a new asset class, allowing high-net-worth investors to invest in riskier regulated products.The new asset class is to have a minimum investment amount of Rs 10 lakh. The offerings under the new product will be referred to as ‘Investment Strategies’, to maintain a clear distinction from the schemes offered under the traditional mutual funds.The new product is intended to add depth and variety to the investment landscape of the country through a new asset class.SEBI floated a consultation paper on introducing a ‘New Asset Class’ in July, inviting public comments by August 6, 2024.The move is aimed at creating a new product that lies between mutual funds and portfolio management services (PMS), catering to investors with higher risk-taking capabilities and larger ticket sizes. Among other important decisions, the regulator also approved rules for a new investment product under mutual funds.

 

3. GST collections hit a 40-month low in September, with revenues at ₹1.73 lakh crore: Growth in India’s Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections slumped to a 40-month low of 6.5% in September, with revenues at ₹1,73,240 crore, about 1% lower than the tally in August.Net GST receipts, after adjusting for refunds made to taxpayers, were 3.9% higher than a year ago, marking the slowest growth in this financial year.However, net collections were 1.5% higher than August’s receipts, at ₹1,52,782 crore. In the preceding month, net GST receipts had grown 6.5% while gross collections were up 10%.As many as seven States recorded negative revenue growth, led by a 33% contraction in Manipur, while revenues were flat in Gujarat. Ten States underperformed the national level 6% uptick in domestic revenues, including Telangana (1%), Rajasthan (2%), Uttar Pradesh (3%), and Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and West Bengal (5% each). Poll-bound Haryana recorded the sharpest rise in revenues of 24%, followed by Delhi where receipts grew 20%.