Daily GK Update: 31st October 2023

Sports

Tejas Ashok Shirse of Maharashtra achieved an incredible feat, setting a new National Games record in Men's 110M hurdles by finishing it in 13.80 minutes.
Priyanka Goswami of Uttar Pradesh has also set a new National Games record in the women’s 20km Race Walk with an impressive time of 1:36:35.
Gold medal of Women’s 3M Springboard bagged by Palak Sharma of Madhya Pradesh and that of Men's won by H London Singh of Services.

Important Dates

The birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first home minister of Independent India, is celebrated as National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on October 31
Aim: To maintain the integrity and unity of the Indian nation.
Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel also dubbed as ‘Sardar Patel’ was born on October 31, 1875, into a landowning family of the Leva Patidar caste. He earned the title “Iron Man of India.”

Banking & Finance

Fincare Small Finance Bank (Fincare SFB) is set to merge with AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) in 2024.
AU SFB announced its approval of the amalgamation.
As per the terms of the merger, shareholders of Fincare SFB will receive 579 shares in AU SFB for every 2,000 shares they hold in Fincare SFB.
Following the transaction, it is expected that existing shareholders of Fincare SFB will maintain approximately 9.9% ownership in AU SFB.

Banking & Finance

IndusInd Bank announced a strategic collaboration with Viamericas Corporation to offer digital inward remittance services to NRIs in the USA through IndusInd Bank ‘Indus Fast Remit’, a remittance service platform
Aim: To enable NRIs to benefit from highly competitive exchange rates for digital inward remittances to India
Objective: To allow NRIs to book remittance transactions through auto debit payment mode as well as transfer funds through the overseas Bank account

National & International Organizations

Tata-owned Big Basket scored the overall highest score of 6 out of 10 points according to research firm Fairwork India 2023.
Big Basket, BluSmart, Zomato, Urban Company, and Swiggy scored the highest points in the Fairwork India Report 2023.
Fairwork assessed platforms against five principles: fair pay, fair conditions, fair contracts, fair management, and fair representation
Ride-hailing majors Uber and Ola, along with Porter, are the worst platforms for gig workers

International Affairs

Norway will help fund India’s ‘Hunger Project’ and help strengthen women leaders to protect the environment and promote food security in Uttarakhand.
Aim: To strengthen elected women’s leadership in gram panchayats so that they can play a pivotal role in conserving forests and natural resources and adopt strategies.
Objective: To promote sustainable living, and food security and collaborate with members of van panchayats and the local community, especially women.

Defense

‘Mahabali’ will play a vital role in towing, berthing, and salvage operations, enhancing the Navy’s operational efficiency.
This addition underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to modernization and its role in securing the nation’s maritime interests.
Navy continues to invest in advanced technology to maintain its superiority in the Indian Ocean Region.

Honours & Awards

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) felicitated Nita Ambani, with the 2023 Global Leadership Award for Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility.
She is a businesswoman, has impacted millions of lives in India through Reliance Foundation’s initiatives in education, arts, sports, and healthcare.
She champions women’s and children’s causes, contributing significantly to bridging the gender divide and enhancing women’s roles in India’s economy

National & International Appointments

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif has become the global face of the Swiss watchmaking brand, Rado.
Rado released the new Centrix models marking the partnership and onboarding of its new global brand ambassador.
Centrix was first launched in 2010, the model took cues from the sand dunes.
The partnership between the two transpired in which Katrina Kaif personifies confidence and grace, while walking out in a desert landscape with a Rado Centrix donning her wrist.

Arts & Culture

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh sent a powerful message of unity and harmony as he participated in the Mera Houchongba 2023 celebrations in Imphal.
Aim: To bring together the diverse communities of the state, emphasizing the strong bond between the people of the hills and the valley.
About Mera Hounchongba
The festival is observed and celebrated during the month of ‘Mera,’ which typically falls in September or October.