Daily GK Update: 1st November 2023

 Defense

1. IAF fighter squadron converts from MiG-21 to SU-30 MKI

• The Number 4 Squadron (Oorials) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) based at Air Force Station Uttarlai (Barmer) is converting from the MiG-21 to the Su-30 MKI.
• The MiG-21 was the first supersonic fighter in service of the IAF and was inducted in 1963. 
• The conversion of this squadron to Su-30 MKI implies that the IAF now operates only two squadrons of the MiG-21. The IAF remains committed to phasing out the MiG-21 aircraft by the year 2025.

 Summits & Conferences

2. Rajeev Chandrasekhar to participate in 'AI Safety Summit' 2023 in UK

• Union Minister of State for Skill Development Rajeev Chandrasekhar participated in the “AI Safety Summit 2023” that is scheduled to be held in United Kingdom on November 1-2, 2023. 
• It will bring together Ministers and representatives from various countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada, France among others.
• Aim: To enhance the lives of its citizens while emphasizing the importance of effectively addressing user harm and mitigating risks.

 Defense

3. India, Singapore strengthen bilateral defense ties

• India and Singapore decided to further boost interaction between their armed forces as well as cooperation in military technologies and industries. 
• The two countries have also inked an implementing agreement on submarine rescue support between their navies.
• India is fortunate to have a defence partner like Singapore.
• The interaction will benefit both countries on many bilateral issues that are being pursued to further strengthen our special relationship.

 Honours & Awards

4. Bangalore Kid Wins ‘Wildlife Photographer Of The Year’ Award

• Vihaan Talya Vikas from Bengaluru was awarded the best photographer in his category at the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition held in London.
• Organized by the Natural History Museum, London, the competition showcases the finest wildlife photography from around the world. 
• The event is also considered the ‘Oscars of Photography’. 
• His photo of a spider along with Krishna’s carving clicked on the outskirts of the city and helped him bag the award

 Sports

5. Saudi Arabia To Host 2034 World Cup

• Saudi Arabia was the only football association to present a bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup before the deadline closed, soccer's global governing body FIFA confirmed.
• FIFA had invited bids from Asia and Oceania for the tournament and Saudi Arabia announced it would bid only minutes after the announcement
• It also confirmed that the sole confirmation of interest in hosting the 2030 World Cup came from Morocco, Portugal, Spain and Uruguay, hosting celebratory games

 Honours & Awards

6. Social worker Deenanath Rajput from Bastar won Rohini Nayyar Prize

• The 2nd Rohini Nayyar Prize 2023 for outstanding contribution to rural development was presented to Deenanath Rajput, an engineer-turned-social worker, for his work on empowering tribal women in Bastar, Chhattisgarh.
• The prize was presented in memory of late economist-administrator  Rohini Nayyar. 
• It came with a trophy and cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.
• His work has included providing agricultural extension services to farmers and building cold storage infrastructure.

 Schemes

7. PM launcheD 'Mera Yuva Bharat platform on the National Unity Day

• PM Narendra Modi launched 'Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)’ platform for the youth of the country on October 31st, at Kartavya Path on National Unity Day. 
• THE VISION:
• 'Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)’ is envisioned as a pivotal, technology-driven facilitator for youth development and youth-led development, with the overarching goal to provide equitable opportunities to contribute to the creation of a “Viksit Bharat”.

 Important Dates

8. World Vegan Day is observed on 1st November

• World Vegan Day is celebrated every year on November 1 to promote the environmental and health impacts of the vegan diet. 
• The theme of 'World Vegan Day 2023' is ''Celebrating for a Good Cause'.
• Aim: To spread awareness among people about the advantages of a vegan diet on health and well-being.
• A vegan diet consists of eliminating all animal products, including meat, eggs, poultry, and other items derived from animals.

 National & International Organizations

9. Nokia Partners with TATA Play Fiber to Launch India’s First WiFi6

• Nokia has teamed up with broadband provider Tata Play Fiber to roll out India's first WiFi6-ready broadband network.
• As part of the deal, the Finnish gear maker will provide Tata Play Fiber with a variety of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and WiFi equipment, including optical line terminal (OLT) and optical network terminal (ONT) with WiFi6.
• The partnership with Nokia allows us to bring Wi-Fi6-ready network to our customers - which is a first in the category.

 Banking & Finance

10. India’s Fiscal Deficit Reaches 39.3% of FY24 Target in First Half of the Yr

• The central government's fiscal deficit touched 39.3 per cent of the full-year target in the first half of the FY 23 slightly higher than 37.3 per cent recorded in the 2022
• The fiscal deficit, or the gap between expenditure and revenue, worked out at ₹ 7.02 lakh crore at the end of Sept, as per data released by the Controller General of Accounts.
• In the Union Budget, the government projected to bring down the fiscal deficit to 5.9 per cent of the GDP in the 23-24FY