Daily GK Update: 29th October 2023

 Sports

1. Darpan Inani, Soundrya Pradhan, Ashwin won gold in chess Darpan Inani, So

• Indian Chess players Darpan Inani, Soundrya Pradhan and Ashwin  bagged a gold medal in the men’s chess at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China.
• Other winners: 
• Kishan Gangoli, Aryan Joshi and Somendra won a bronze medal in the men's chess B2 category team.
• Himanshi Rathi, Sanskruti More and Vruthi Jain won a bronze medal in the women's chess B1 category team
• Anita and Narayana Konganapalle  won a silver medal in rowing at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games

 State Affairs

2. Kerala becomes the first State to have hallmarking centers

• Kerala became the first state in India to have hallmarking centres in all 14 districts.
• Aim: It will make Kerala a hub of gold business and further strengthen its claim to being the most reliable market in the country to buy gold ornaments
• There are about 12K gold merchants in the State with majority holding BIS registration. 
• Gold merchants gave hallmarking and hallmarking unique identification numbers even for pieces with weight below two grams

 State Affairs

3. Union Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti inaugurates SARAS Ajeevika Mela

• Minister of State for Rural Development, Sadhvi Niranjan inaugurated the SARAS Ajeevika Mela showcasing the best of crafts by rural Self Help Group (SHG) Women at Gurugram.
• This is the second edition of Saras Ajeevika Mela. 
• To empower at least two crores Lakhpati didis of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission. 
• The two-week-long Mela will witness over 800 SHG women from across the country showcasing their handicraft and handloom products.

 Obituaries

4. Actor Matthew Perry passed away at 54

• “Friends” star Matthew Perry passed away in Los Angeles home at the age of 54.
• He was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. 
• The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. 
• He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his pitch perfect comedic timing and wry wit. 
• His legacy will live on through countless generations.

 Defense

5. US and South Korean militaries hold joint future combat drills

• In Gangwon Province in South Korea, the US and South Korean militaries held joint future combat drill exercises. 
• Aim: To beef up future combat capabilities, with the troops wearing multiple integrated laser engagement systems (MILES), which uses lasers to simulate actual battle.
• The South Korean army training was an attempt to modernize their military and improve their responses to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.

 Important Dates

6. World Stroke Day is observed on 29th October 2023

• World Stroke Day is observed on 29th October 2023 which serves as a critical reminder of the prevalence and impact of strokes on individuals and communities worldwide.
• The theme for World Stroke Day 2023 is "Together we are Greater Than Stroke."
• Aim: To raise awareness about strokes, their prevention, treatment, and the importance of timely intervention.
• Strokes, often referred to as brain attacks, are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide.

 Defense

7. IAF signs contract for procurement of automatic weather stations

• The Indian Air Force recently signed a contract with an Indian manufacturer for the procurement of Automatic Weather Stations at 82 IAF locations.
• Aim: To provide a major boost to Aerospace Safety by making available real-time weather updates during flying operations and training. 
• The IAF is working on the upgrade program of the Su-30MKI fleet where 84 planes would be upgraded indigenously with advanced made-in-India radars ( Virupaaksha ) and weapon systems.

 Sports

8. Manu Bhaker secures India's 11th Paris Olympics quota in Korea

• In shooting, Manu Bhaker secured the 11th Paris Olympics quota place for India after finishing fifth in women’s 25-metre sports pistol at the Asian Championships in Changwon, Korea
• Arjun Babuta in men’s 10 metre air rifle event and Sarabjot Singh in men’s 10 metre air pistol event have also secured Paris 2024 quotas.
• Manu is the second shooter after 10-metre air pistol marksman Sarabjot Singh to clinch an Olympic quota in the pistol events

 Sports

9. Neeraj Yadav clinched a gold medal in the men's javelin throw

• Indian Neeraj Yadav clinched a gold medal in the men's javelin throw-F55 event at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2023   
• Other winners: 
• Tek Chand Mahlawat begged a bronze medal in the men's javelin throw-F55 at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2023
• Dilip bagged a gold medal in the men's 400m - T47 event at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2023
• Pooja baggeda bronze medal in the women's 1500m T-20 event at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2023

 Sports

10. Indian para-athletes create history with India's highest-ever Medal Tally

• Medal Tally in the Para Asian Games 2023 with 111 medals, including 29 Gold medals 31 Silver medals and 51 bronze medals.
• India sent its largest contingent this year, consisting of 303 athletes (191 male & 112 female). 
• Out of the 111 medals, female athletes have contributed 40 medals, i.e. 36% of the medal tally.
• Be it the Khelo India Scheme at the grassroots level or the Target Olympic Podium Scheme for elite athletes.