02nd November, 2023

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform for youth of the country on the occasion of National Unity Day on 31 October.
2. Gwalior and Kozhikode have joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
3. Central Railway has commissioned the Block Proving by Axle Counter (BPAC).
4. National Medical Commission (NMC) is set to launch ‘One nation, one registration platform’ for doctors.
5. President Droupadi Murmu has attended ‘Ladakh Union Territory 4th Foundation Day’ in Leh.
6. Karnataka has celebrated 50 years of formation by celebrating ‘Karnataka Rajyotsava Day’ on November 1.
7. United Kingdom has hosted the AI Safety Summit 2023 on 1st and 2ndNovember at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire.
8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has virtually inaugurated Agartala-Akhaura rail link connecting India and Bangladesh.
9. Competition Commission of India has permitted Motilal Oswal Alternates to buy stake in SK Finance.
10. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said in a Rozgar Mela that participation of Women in workforce has raised to 37% in 2022-2023 from 23% in 2017-2018.
11. The growth of eight key infrastructure sectors has been slowed down to a 4-month low of 8.1% in September 2023 against 8.3% a year ago as per data released in Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
12. Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has made ‘penny drop’ verification mandatory for the withdrawal of funds by the subscribers of National Pension System (NPS).
13. Reserve Bank of India has decided to directly regulate entities facilitating cross border payments transactions for the import and export of the goods and services.
14. Reserve Bank of India has prescribed norms for closure of District Central Co-operative Banks (DCCB).
15. SBI card has partnered with Reliance Retail to introduce a co-branded RuPay credit card.
16. India-born author Nandini Das has won 111th British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding 2023.
17. Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Adm R Hari Kumar has presented the maiden ‘NIB’ (Navy’s Intellectual Beacon) to Cdr M Arun Chakravarthy.
18. Dinanath Rajput, a social worker from Bastar, Chhattisgarh has won Second Annual Rohini Nayyar Prize for Rural Development.
19. Vihaan Talya Vikas, a 10-year-old boy from Bengaluru has won prestigious ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ award in London.
20. Halloween Day 2023
21. World Vegan Day
22. PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated National Games 2023 at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.
23. Nokia has partnered with TATA Play Fiber to launch India’s first WiFi6-Ready broadband network.
24. Koppu Sadashiv Murthy has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).
25. Collins Dictionary has named the abbreviation of Artificial Intelligence ‘AI’ as Word of the Year 2023.
26. ISRO Chairman S Somnath has written his autobiography in Malayalam titled ‘Nilavu Kudicha Simhangal’.

National News

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform for youth of the country on the occasion of National Unity Day on 31 October.
   • About Mera Yuva Baharat (MY Bharat)-
     • It is an autonomous body which will benefit the youth in age group of 15-29 years.
     • The beneficiaries will be in age-group of 10-19 years.
     • It is a Phygital Platform (Physical + Digital)
   • Objectives–
     • To make it a whole of Government platform dedicated to the advancement of the youth
     • For Leadership Development in the youth
     • For better alignment between the aspirations of the youth and the community needs
     • To Enhance efficiency through Convergence of existing programmes
     • For providing a one-stop shop for young people and Ministries
     • To create a centralized youth database
     • For improving two-way communication to connect youth government initiatives and activities of other stakeholder that engage with youth
     • To ensuring accessibility by creating a Phygital Ecosystem – a blend of physical and digital experiences.
       Source: PIB

2. Gwalior and Kozhikode have joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
   • Designation–
     • Gwalior– UNESCO ‘City of Music’.
     • Kozhikode– UNESCO ‘City of Literature’

3. Central Railway has commissioned the Block Proving by Axle Counter (BPAC).
   • About BPAC–
     • It ensures that the track section is empty before permitting another train in that section.
     • It eliminates human error and controls safe movement of trains between stations.
     • The system does not permit any other train if there is any other train, parted train, detached wheels, rail trolley or other rail vehicle in that section.
       Source: Business Standard, ME
4. National Medical Commission (NMC) is set to launch ‘One nation, one registration platform’ for doctors.
   • Objective–
     • To eliminate duplication and red tape and
     • To allow the public to access information on any physician working in India
   • The information on the database available for general public contains–
     • Medical practitioner’s qualifications
     • Date of registration
     • Place of working (name of hospital/institute)
     • Speciality
     • Year of passing
     • University (name of the institute/university where qualification was obtained)

5. President Droupadi Murmu has attended ‘Ladakh Union Territory 4th Foundation Day’ in Leh.
   • Ladakh foundation day– 31 October
   • She has interacted with members of self-help groups and local tribals in Leh.
     Source: The Hindu

State News

1. Karnataka has celebrated 50 years of formation by celebrating ‘Karnataka Rajyotsava Day’ on November 1.
   • Historical facts–
     • Karnataka was made by separating all Kannada-speaking regions from the Mysore Princely State.
     • It is the result of Karnataka Ekikarana movement.
     • Earlier it was named as Mysore and It was renamed as Karnataka by Mysore State (Alteration of Name) Act, 1973
     • Established- November 1, 1956
       Source: The Hindu

International News

1. United Kingdom has hosted the AI Safety Summit 2023 on 1st and 2ndNovember at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire.
   • About AI Safety Summit 2023–
     • It brings together political leaders and tech experts to discuss both the promise and potential threats of this rapidly advancing AI technology.
     • The summit resulted in signing of Bletchley Declaration.
   • About Bletchley Declaration–
     • It lays out plans for greater transparency from AI developers regarding safety practices and more scientific collaboration on understanding AI’s risks.
     • It was agreed to by 28 countries, including US, UK, and China
       Source: Indian Express
2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has virtually inaugurated Agartala-Akhaura rail link connecting India and Bangladesh.
   • Objective–
     • To boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
   • Project Funding–
     • Entire project is funded by India.
     • The Ministry for Development of North East Region (DoNER) funded the work on the Indian side, and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) funded the expense for the Bangladesh side as ‘Aid to Bangladesh’.
   • Implementing Agency–
     • The project is completed by The Indian Railway Construction International Limited (IRCON) on the Indian side and Texmaco, a private Indian firm on the Bangladesh side.

   • Trains connecting India and Bangladesh-
     • Bandhan Express:
       • Connects Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with Khulna, Bangladesh.
       • It operates via the Petrapole-Benapole border crossing.
     • Maitree Express:
       • Connects Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with Dhaka Cantonment, Bangladesh.
       • This service has been operational since April 2008.
     • Mitali Express:
       • Connects Siliguri in North Bengal, India, with the capital of Bangladesh.
       • This service was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dhaka in March 2021.

Source: Indian Express

Banking and Economy

1. Competition Commission of India has permitted Motilal Oswal Alternates to buy stake in SK Finance.
   Source: ET
2. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said in a Rozgar Mela that participation of Women in workforce has raised to 37% in 2022-2023 from 23% in 2017-2018.
   • About Rozgar Mela–
     • A Rozgar Mela is a 1/2-day event where several employers and job seekers come together for the purpose of applying and interviewing for jobs.
     • Organised by– National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
     • NSDC comes under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
       Source: Deccan Herald, msde.gov.in

   
   
3. The growth of eight key infrastructure sectors has been slowed down to a 4-month low of 8.1% in September 2023 against 8.3% a year ago as per data released in Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
   • About IIP–
     • The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is an index which shows the growth rates in different industry groups of the economy in a stipulated period of time.
     • Published by– Central Statistical Organization
     • Frequency– Monthly
     • Base year– 2011-2012
       Source: Business Standard, ET

4. Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has made ‘penny drop’ verification mandatory for the withdrawal of funds by the subscribers of National Pension System (NPS).
   • Objective– For timely money transfer and secure transaction
   • Key details   –
     • The penny drop process is used by CRAs to verify active savings accounts, matching the name with PRAN or submitted documents.
     • Name matching during the penny drop is crucial for processing exit/withdrawal requests and bank account modifications.
     • Applicable to NPS, APY, and NPS Lite.
     • PFRDA emphasizes successful penny drop verification with name matching for secure transactions.

5. Reserve Bank of India has decided to directly regulate entities facilitating cross border payments transactions for the import and export of the goods and services.
   • These entities will be treated as Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB).
   • Key guidelines–
   • Minimum Net Worth Requirement:
     • Non-bank payment aggregators providing payment aggregation and payment gateway services are required to have a minimum net worth of ₹15 crore at the time of application for authorization from the RBI.
     • By March 31, 2026, these non-bank entities must have a minimum net worth of ₹25 crore.
   • Transaction Limits:
     • For import and export transactions processed by payment aggregators, the maximum value per unit of goods/services sold or purchased is capped at ₹25,00,000.
       Source: livemint

   
   
6. Reserve Bank of India has prescribed norms for closure of District Central Co-operative Banks (DCCB).
   • New norms for closure of DCCBs–
     • DCCBs are now permitted to close un-remunerative branches without requiring prior permission from RBI.
     • Approval from the Registrar of Cooperatives Societies in respective State is necessary.
     • The decision to close down branches should be taken by the Board after taking account of all relevant factors.
     • Banks are supposed to give two-month advance notice to depositors or clients in local newspaper.
     • DCCB have to return their licence for closed branch to regional office of the RBI.
       Source: ET

7. SBI card has partnered with Reliance Retail to introduce a co-branded RuPay credit card.
   • Key feature–
     • Card will offer wide range of benefits and discounts in shopping online at Reliance stores.
       Source: TOI

   
   

Defence News

1. Indian Airforce has phased out Mig-21 Bison aircraft in a ceremony held at Air Force Station Uttarlai, Barmer, Rajasthan.
   • Key Facts–
     • These aircrafts have served for almost six decades after being inducted in1966.
     • It was designed by Soviet Union.
     • These aircrafts will be replaced by the Indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A.
     • Tejas LCA Mark-1A aircraft are manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Source: ET, HAL

Important Days

1. October 31– Halloween Day 2023
   Source: guidely
2. November 1– World Vegan Day
   Source: vegan day

Awards

1. India-born author Nandini Das has won 111th British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding 2023.
   • She has won the award for her debut book titled-
     • ‘Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire’
   • About British Academy Book Prize–
     • The British Academy Book Prize (earlier known as Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize) was established in 2013 to reward and celebrate the best works of non-fiction.
     • It includes the work that demonstrate rigour and originality and have contributed to public understanding of other world cultures and their interaction.
     • The prize is worth British Pound Sterling (GBP) 25,000.
       Source: The Hindu
2. Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Adm R Hari Kumar has presented the maiden ‘NIB’ (Navy’s Intellectual Beacon) to Cdr M Arun Chakravarthy.
   • Cdr M Arun Chakravarthy has won Indian Navy’s Sardar KM Panikkar ‘NIB’ essay competition.
   • It was introduced to promote reading, writing and thinking skills amongst the Naval community.
     Source: PIB

3. Dinanath Rajput, a social worker from Bastar, Chhattisgarh has won Second Annual Rohini Nayyar Prize for Rural Development.
   • He has led the establishment of a Farmers Producers Organization (FPO) that has grown to include over 6,000 tribal women in four districts.
   • He helped women to sell and market their produce in the Naxal-affected state of Chhattisgarh.

4. Vihaan Talya Vikas, a 10-year-old boy from Bengaluru has won prestigious ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ award in London.
   • About ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’–
     • It gives a global platform for showcasing the world’s most exceptional wildlife photography.
     • Organized by– Natural History Museum
     • It is also referred to as the ‘Oscars of Photography’
       Source: TOI

   
   

Sports

1. PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated National Games 2023 at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.
   • Motto of National Games 2023– ‘Get Set Goa’
     Source: livemint

2. Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 Men’s FIFA World Cup.

Source: Indian Express

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Nokia has partnered with TATA Play Fiber to launch India’s first WiFi6-Ready broadband network.
   • About WiFi6-Ready broadband–
     • It offers an improved indoor experience, can be set up in a mesh or interconnected router system.
     • It ensures faster internet over vast areas, supporting low-latency tasks like gaming, and offering enhanced gigabit speeds to numerous devices.
       Source: livemint

Appointments

1. Koppu Sadashiv Murthy has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).

Source: BHEL

Miscellaneous

1. Collins Dictionary has named the abbreviation of Artificial Intelligence ‘AI’ as Word of the Year 2023.
   • Definition of AI as per Collins Dictionary– Modelling of human mental functions by computer programs.
     Source: ET

2. ISRO Chairman S Somnath has written his autobiography in Malayalam titled ‘Nilavu Kudicha Simhangal’.
   • About book–
     • ‘Nilavu Kudicha Simhangal’ can be translated as ‘Lions that drank the moonlight’.
     • The book focuses on the power of hard work and perseverance in face of difficulties.
     • The book is inspired from the success of Chandrayaan-3 mission.
     • Published by– Lipi Publication
       Source: Indian Express

   
   

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