NATIONAL NEWS

First Heritage Train of Gujarat Flagged Off

· The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, inaugurated Gujarat's first-ever heritage train.

· This three-coach train will connect Ekta Nagar or Kevadia, where the Statue of Unity and Sardar Vallabhai Patel's memorial are located, to Ahmedabad.

· This new train reflects the glorious heritage of the region and is designed with modern amenities.

· Although the engine looks like a steam engine, it will be powered by electricity.

· The train will be pulled by an electric engine that has been designed to resemble a steam locomotive and has wooden interiors.

Sachin Tendulkar's Statue To Be Unveiled

· Ahead of the World Cup match between India and Sri Lanka, a life-size statue of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar will be unveiled at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

· The statue depicts Tendulkar in motion, playing a stroke, and is placed next to the Sachin Tendulkar stand.

· The inauguration ceremony will be attended by several dignitaries, including Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, treasurer Ashish Shelar, and officials from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).

· The statue has been created by Pramod Kamble, a painter-sculptor from Ahmednagar in the state.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

WHO Regional Committee for SE Asia

· Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya addressed the 76th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for South-East Asia (SEARO) in New Delhi.

· Along with Dr. Mandaviya, WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was also present virtually in the session.

· During this, Dr. Mandaviya was also unanimously elected Chairman of the 76th session of the Regional Committee for South-East Asia (SEARO).

· Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya declared the progress of Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers (AB-HWCs) which have played a vital role in providing a wide range of primary health services.

· More than 2,110 million people were enrolled in AB-HWC centers as of 24 October 2023.

'AI Safety Summit' 2023

· Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar will participate in the two-day 'AI Safety Summit' 2023 in the United Kingdom

· The summit, organized by the UK Government, will bring together Ministers and representatives from various countries, including the UK, US, France, Indonesia, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea, among others.

· The Electronics and IT Ministry said the summit will see the participation of leading global think tanks, renowned academic institutions specializing in Artificial Intelligence, and government representatives from like-minded nations.

· The Ministry added that the Minister will engage in meaningful dialogues with his counterparts from around the world, centered on the theme of “AI for Good.”

BANKING

Merger of Fincare Small Finance Bank with AU Small Finance Bank

· AU Small Finance Bank and Fincare Small Finance Bank have agreed to merge under Banking Regulation Act of 1949.

· The merger is dependent on the approval of both banks' shareholders, as well as the Reserve Bank of India under the Banking Regulation Act and the Competition Commission of India.

· Once the necessary approvals are secured, Fincare Small Finance Bank will merge into AU Small Finance Bank.

· Merger requires that both banks receive the approval of at least two-thirds of their respective shareholders before submitting the merger proposal to the RBI for final approval.

RBI Revises Bulk Deposit Limit of RRBs

· The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has conducted a review of bulk deposit limits for financial institutions, specifically focusing on Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).

· As a result, the bulk deposit limit for RRBs has been significantly increased from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 1 crore.

· This carries significant implications for the operational framework of RRBs, promoting equity among banks.

· A substantial change aimed at promoting equity among banks, especially those serving rural and semi-urban areas.

SPORTS

National Games 2023

· Priyanka Goswami of Uttar Pradesh has set a new National Games record in the women’s 20km Race Walk with an impressive time of 1 hour 36 minutes 35 seconds.

· Tejas Ashok Shirse of Maharashtra set a new National Games record in Men's 110M hurdles by finishing it in 13.80 seconds.

· Maharashtra is leading the medal table in the National Games 2023 with 114 medals including 47 gold.

· Haryana was on second spot with 50 medals, while defending champion Services Sports Control Board is placed in third place with 33 medals.

AWARDS & PRIZES

BALLON D’OR Award

· Inter Miami owner and football legend David Beckham honored famous footballer Lionel Messi with the prestigious Ballon d'Or Award on 31 October 2023.

· Lionel Messi has been awarded the Ballon d'Or award for the eighth time.

· By winning this award, Lionel Messi has once again become the best football player in the world.

· Aitana Bonmati (Spain) won the Women's Ballon d'Or, which is awarded to the world's best female football player.

· The Ballon d'Or is football's most prestigious award, an honor given to an individual player.

IMPORTANT DAYS

National Unity Day

· Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, known as National Unity Day, is celebrated every year on October 31.

· It is commemorated to celebrate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

· He played an important role in guiding the nation through its struggle for independence and post-independence challenges.

· One of his most remarkable achievements was the integration of the princely states into the newly independent India, that earned him the title “Iron Man of India.”