GK Current Affairs Quiz 25th October 2019 with Questions and Answers: General Knowledge section of Versionweekly aims to help every competitive exam aspirant to revise the day at ease. Instantly obtain Latest Daily Current Affairs with all essential info, Be the first to know all the Today Current affairs 25 October 2019 top news, Major Issues, Current News, Important events in National Current News as well as International level with clear explanation.
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- GK Current Affairs Quiz 25th October 2019
- GK Current Affairs Quiz 24th October 2019
- GK Current Affairs Quiz 23rd October 2019
- GK Current Affairs Quiz 22nd October 2019
- GK Current Affairs Quiz 21st October, 2019
Todays GK Current Affairs Quiz 26-10-2019 with Questions and Answers
Q. Deepika Padukone and _____________ were named the ambassadors for Bharat Ki Laxmi, an initiative to celebrate the contribution & accomplishments of women of the nation for the public good.
(a) MC Mary Kom
(b) PV Sindhu
(c) Mithali Raj
(d) Priyanka Chopra
(e) Sania Mirza
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (b) PV Sindhu
Explanation: Deepika Padukone and PV Sindhu were named the ambassadors for Bharat Ki Laxmi, an initiative to celebrate the contribution & accomplishments of women of the nation for the public good.
Q. Who awarded the 2019 Udyog Rattan Award?
(a) Ministry of Social & Economy
(b) Department of Economic Studies
(c) IIM-Ahmedabad
(d) Institute of Economic Studies
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (d) Institute of Economic Studies
Explanation: Shri. Thakur Anup Singh, Marg ERP Ltd’s Chairman and Managing Director were awarded the Udyog Rattan Award-2019 by the Institute of Economic Studies. The award recognized his exceptional work in transforming the Indian industry landscape how MSMEs can accelerate their business using technology.
Q. Which among the following became the first kerosene-free district of Gujarat?
(a) Jamnagar
(b) Junagadh
(c) Porbandar
(d) Gandhinagar
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (d) Gandhinagar
Explanation: Gandhinagar has become the first kerosene-free district of Gujarat. The Union Home Minister Amit Shah allotted over 1000 free LPG connections to women of the district.
Q. Where was the 19th Indo-Swedish Joint Commission for Economic, Industrial, and Scientific Cooperation (JCEC) held?
(a) New Delhi
(b) Mumbai
(c) Stockholm
(d) Gothenburg
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (c) Stockholm
Explanation: The 19th Indo-Swedish Joint Commission for Economic, Industrial, and Scientific Cooperation (JCEC) was held in Stockholm, Sweden, from 22nd to 23rd October 2019. Commerce and Industry & Railways Minister, Piyush Goyal, participated in the meeting.
Q. Deepika Padukone and _____________ were named the ambassadors for Bharat Ki Laxmi, an initiative to celebrate the contribution & accomplishments of women of the nation for the public good.
(a) Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd
(b) Idea Cellular
(c) Tata Teleservices
(d) Aircel Ltd.
(e) MTNL
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (e) MTNL
Explanation: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the merger of loss-making telecom firms BSNL and MTNL as part of a revival package.
Q. Name the Belgian Paralympic athlete who recently ended her life at the age of 40 through euthanasia (the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering).
(a) Peter Genyn
(b) Laurens Devos
(c) Marieke Vervoort
(d) Sven Decaesstecker
(e) Florian Van Acker
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (c) Marieke Vervoort
Explanation: Marieke Vervoort, Belgian Paralympic athlete has ended her life at the age of 40 through euthanasia (the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering).
Q. Which of the following day is being celebrated as United Nations Day every year since 1948?
(a) 28th October
(b) 27th October
(c) 26th October
(d) 25th October
(e) 24th October
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (e) 24th October
Explanation: 24th October is celebrated as United Nations Day every year since 1948.
Q. Name the exercise to be conducted by the Indian Army for the year 2019 in the deserts of Rajasthan.
(a) Mitra Shakti
(b) Maitree
(c) Sindhu Sudarshan
(d) Ajeya Warrior
(e) Him Vijay
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (c) Sindhu Sudarshan
Explanation: The Mohun Bagan Athletic Club has conferred life membership to Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee.
Q. The Vijaya Bank Heritage Museum has been inaugurated at the headquarters of the erstwhile Vijaya Bank in?
(a) Bengaluru
(b) Chennai
(c) Ahmedabad
(d) Kolkata
(e) Delhi
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (a) Bengaluru
Explanation: The Vijaya Bank Heritage Museum has been inaugurated at the headquarters of the erstwhile Vijaya Bank in Bengaluru.
Q. _________________________ has become the 1st Indian man to win a gold medal at the Wushu World Championships held in Shanghai.
(a) Vikrant Baliyan
(b) Sushil Kumar
(c) Praveen Kumar
(d) Akhil Kumar
(e) Shiv Thapa
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (c) Praveen Kumar
Explanation: Praveen Kumar has become the 1st Indian man to win a gold medal at the Wushu World Championships held in Shanghai.
Q. The Indian Army will conduct exercise code–named “Sindhu Sudarshan” for the year 2019 in ________________ to evaluate the capability of the defence services in an integrated air-land battle.
(a) Nagaland
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Assam
(d) Rajasthan
(e) J&K
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (d) Rajasthan
Explanation: The Indian Army will conduct exercise codenamed “Sindhu Sudarshan” for the year 2019 in Rajasthan to evaluate the capability of the defence services in an integrated air-land battle.
Q. Who has authored the book “Ten Studies in Kashmir: History and Politics” published by Academic Foundation?
(a) Ramachandra Guha
(b) Kashi Nath Pandit
(c) Bipan Chandra
(d) Satish Chandra
(e) Romila Thapar
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (b) Kashi Nath Pandit
Explanation: Kashi Nath Pandit has authored the book “Ten Studies in Kashmir: History and Politics” published by Academic Foundation.
Q. Who among the following has been conferred the life membership to the Mohun Bagan Athletic Club?
(a) Amartya sen
(b) CV Raman
(c) Kailash Satyarthi
(d) Rabindranath Tagore
(e) Abhijit Banerjee
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (e) Abhijit Banerjee
Explanation: The Mohun Bagan Athletic Club has conferred life membership to Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee.
Q. Where was the International Conference on Neurological Disorders and Therapeutics held?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Gujarat
(c) Bihar
(d) Karnataka
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (b) Gujarat
Explanation: The International Conference on Neurological Disorders and Therapeutics (ICNDT) was organized by NIPER-Ahmedabad at Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on 25 October 2019. The Union Minister for Shipping and Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya chaired the conference.
Q. When was the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) formed?
(a) 1948
(b) 1956
(c) 1962
(d) 1978
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (c) 1962
Explanation: ITBP is formed in October 1962 and headquartered in New Delhi. ITBP functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The minister responsible is Nirmala Sitharaman. The director-general of ITBP is Surjeet Singh Deswal.
Q. Name the Indian cricketer who has recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
(a) Wasim Jaffer
(b) Joginder Sharma
(c) VRV Singh
(d) Abhishek Nayar
(e) RP Singh
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (d) Abhishek Nayar
Explanation: Veteran Mumbai all-rounder Abhishek Nayar has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
Q. The ________ raising day of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) was celebrated by ITBP recently.
(a) 23rd
(b) 46th
(c) 58th
(d) 72nd
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (c) 58th
Explanation: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) celebrated its 58th Raising Day on 24 October 2019. Special events were conducted in ITBP’s headquarters in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. MoS Home Kishan Reddy attended the function and paid tributes to the martyrs of the central armed forces and witnessed the raising day parade celebrations. The parade showcased courage and valour of various contingents.
Q. How much did the Odisha State approve under the ABADHA scheme?
(a) Rs.1,412 crore
(b) Rs.3,208 crore
(c) Rs.2,450 crore
(d) Rs.4,769 crore
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (b) Rs.3,208 crore
Explanation: Odisha cabinet approved projects worth Rs.3,208 crore under Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture (ABADHA) scheme.
Q. Centre has approved Tamil Nadu’s proposal to establish ________ new medical institutes.
(a) 6
(b) 8
(c) 12
(d) 15
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (a) 6
Explanation: The government of India has approved Tamil Nadu’s proposal to establish six new medical. The Centre will enter into an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government for building each of the six medical colleges.
Q. The Central Government, Odisha State government, and the World Bank signed a loan agreement worth ________ to support smallholder farmers in the state.
(a) $40 million
(b) $65 million
(c) $5 billion
(d) $10 billion
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (b) $65 million
Explanation: The Central Government, Odisha State government, and the World Bank signed a loan agreement worth $65 million on 24 October to support smallholder farmers in the state. The loan agreement to support the Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture program.
Q. When was the 58th raising day of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) celebrated?
(a) 10 July
(b) 12 September
(c) 27 September
(d) 24 October
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (d) 24 October
Explanation: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) celebrated its 58th Raising Day on 24 October 2019. Special events were conducted in ITBP’s headquarters in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. MoS Home Kishan Reddy attended the function and paid tributes to the martyrs of the central armed forces and witnessed the raising day parade celebrations. The parade showcased courage and valour of various contingents.
Q. Which of the following is the loudest bird in the world?
(a) Emu
(b) Bellbird
(c) Mallard
(d) Black Kite
(e) Hoatzin
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (b) Bellbird
Explanation: Bellbird is the loudest bird in the world.
Q. Which railway zone launched the One Touch ATVM?
(a) South East Central Railway zone
(b) Western Railway zone
(c) Central Railway zone
(d) South Central Railway zone
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (c) Central Railway zone
Explanation: The Central Railway launched One Touch ATVM for fast ticketing at 42 suburban stations.
Q. Who was awarded the Udyog Rattan Award in 2019?
(a) Anup Singh
(b) Kiran Tilak
(c) Kumar Sanjay Krishna
(d) Sumeet Jerath
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (a) Anup Singh
Explanation: Shri. Thakur Anup Singh, Marg ERP Ltd’s Chairman and Managing Director were awarded the Udyog Rattan Award-2019 by the Institute of Economic Studies. The award recognized his exceptional work in transforming the Indian industry landscape how MSMEs can accelerate their business using technology.
Q. Kanya Sumangala Yojana was launched in which state?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Bihar
(c) Punjab
(d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (d) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Kanya Sumangala Yojana was launched in Uttar Pradesh for the education, health and financial security of every girl child. The scheme was launched by UP CM Yogi Adityanath on October 25, 2019.
Q. Who has become the third Indian batsman to enter the top list in all formats of cricket?
(a) Virat Kohli
(b) Ajinkya Rahane
(c) Rohit Sharma
(d) Ravindra Jadeja
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (c) Rohit Sharma
Explanation: Rohit Sharma has become the third Indian batsman to enter the top 10 list in all formats of cricket. His memorable run during India’s test series against South Africa led him to jump 12 positions to be ranked 10th in the ICC Test Player Rankings. The only two Indian batsmen who have entered the top 10 list in all formats of cricket include Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir.
Q. The BJP won how many seats in Maharashtra assembly elections?
(a) 105
(b) 120
(c) 115
(d) 95
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (a) 105
Explanation: The BJP won 105 seats in the Maharashtra assembly elections 2019, while its ally the Shiv Sena won 56 seats. The Congress won 44 seats and the NCP won 54 seats.
Q. Aaditya Thackeray, the Yuva Sena chief has won by over 67,000 votes from which seat?
(a) Bhokar
(b) Karad South
(c) Parli
(d) Worli
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (d) Worli
Explanation: Aaditya Thackeray, the Yuva Sena chief won from Worli by a margin of over 67,000 votes. The youngest of the Thackerays has created history by becoming the first member of the Shiv Sena family in 50 years to contest and win an election.
Q. Who among the following key candidates lost the Maharashtra assembly election 2019?
(a) Chandrakant Patil
(b) Pankaja Munde
(c) Dhananjay Munde
(d) Rohit Pawar
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (b) Pankaja Munde
Explanation: Pankaja Munde, daughter of late BJP leader Gopinath Munde lost her Parli seat to her cousin Dhananjay Munde. Pankaja Munde, sitting MLA from Parli, was seeking re-election.
Q. Which of the following is a new generation alternate fuel?
(a) Biofuel
(b) Electric Vehicle
(c) CNG
(d) All the above
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (d) All the above
Explanation: Biofuels, Compressed natural gas (CNG), Liquefied natural gas (LNG), or electric vehicle charging is a new generation alternate fuel.
Q. Which State approved various projects under the ABADHA scheme?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Bihar
(c) Punjab
(d) Odisha
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (d) Odisha
Explanation: Odisha cabinet approved projects worth Rs.3,208 crore under Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture (ABADHA) scheme.
Q. With which country did India sign MoU with the Kartarpur corridor?
(a) Nepal
(b) Bhutan
(c) Pakistan
(d) Bangladesh
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (c) Pakistan
Explanation: India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Kartarpur Corridor. The agreement will operationalize the Kartarpur Corridor that will pave the way for Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit the holy Darbar Sahib shrine in Pakistan. The Kartarpur corridor links two important Sikh shrines on both sides. India has asked Pakistan to reconsider its demand for charging $20 service fee a pilgrim.
Q. Who released the 2018 Data on Police Organizations?
(a) Ministry of Defence
(b) Ministry of Home affairs
(c) Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions
(d) Ministry of Human Resource Development
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (b) Ministry of Home affairs
Explanation: Centre released the Bureau of Police Research and Development’s (BPRD) flagship publication 2018 Data on Police Organizations (DoPO 2018). The DoPO was released by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri G. Kishan Reddy in New Delhi on 24 October 2019.
Q. For the establishment of 6 new medical colleges in Tamil Nadu, how much amount will be borne by the Central government?
(a) 49%
(b) 60%
(c) 54%
(d) 50%
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (b) 60%
Explanation: For the establishment of 6 new medical colleges in Tamil Nadu, 60% of funding will be borne by the Centre and 40% by the State. Accordingly, the Centre had sanctioned Rs.1,170 crore, and the State government will share funds amount to Rs.780 crore.
Q. Which party won the maximum seats in Haryana?
(a) BJP
(b) Congress
(c) JJP
(d) Independents
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (a) BJP
Explanation: The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) the maximum seats in Haryana – 40, however, the party could not secure majority to form government in the state. Total 46 seats are required to form a Government in Haryana.
Q. Name the Micro enterprise which has secured a non-banking finance company licence from the Reserve Bank of India.
(a) Trison Financial Services
(b) Vreedhi Financial Services
(c) Kamal Financial Services
(d) India Financial Services
(e) Oqpi Financial Services
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (b) Vreedhi Financial Services
Explanation: Vreedhi Financial Services (VFS) has secured a non-banking finance company licence from the Reserve Bank of India.
Q. The Government e-Marketplace has signed a MoU with which of the following bank to offer services including transfer of funds through GeM Pool Accounts, advising of Performance Bank Guarantees (e-PBG) and Earnest Money Deposit to the registered users on the portal?
(a) ICICI Bank
(b) HDFC Bank
(c) Yes Bank
(d) Axis Bank
(e) Federal Bank
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (e) Federal Bank
Explanation: The Government e-Marketplace has signed a MoU with Federal Bank to offer services including transfer of funds through GeM Pool Accounts, advising of Performance Bank Guarantees (e-PBG) and Earnest Money Deposit to the registered users on the portal.
Q. The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Forum is to be held in _________.
(a) New Delhi
(b) Mumbai
(c) Riyadh
(d) Jeddah
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (c) Riyadh
Explanation: The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Forum is to be held in Riyadh. The Prime Minister will be attending the third session of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Forum in Riyadh. He will deliver the keynote address in the Forum. During his visit, he will hold a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Riyadh.
Q. NSE Indices Ltd launched Nifty Midcap150 Quality _________ Index.
(a) 50
(b) 100
(c) 200
(d) 500
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (a) 50
Explanation: NSE Indices Ltd launched the Nifty Midcap150 Quality 50 Index, a new smart beta index, on 24 October. It will track the performance of mid-cap companies based on profitability, leverage, and earnings growth variability.
Q. India has been ranked at which position in the 2019 Ease of Doing Business rankings?
(a) 56th
(b) 63rd
(c) 68th
(d) 78th
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (b) 63rd
Explanation: India was ranked at the 63rd position in the 2019 Ease of Doing Business rankings. The rankings were released by the World Bank on October 24, 2019. In 2014, India was ranked at the 77th position.
Q. When is the National Unity Day celebrated in India?
(a) 25th October
(b) 27th October
(c) 29th October
(d) 31st October
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (d) 31st October
Explanation: The National Unity Day is celebrated on October 31, 2019 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Ironman Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This year to mark the day, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah will launch the commemorative Run for Unity from Major Dhyanchand National Stadium, New Delhi.
Q. On which day the United Nations observes World Development Information Day every year?
(a) 21 October
(b) 22 October
(c) 23 October
(d) 24 October
(e) 25 October
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (d) 24 October
Explanation: The United Nations observes World Development Information Day on 24 October every year.
Q. As per the relaxed norms of government for setting up petrol pumps, the retailers must set up ________ of the total outlets in rural areas within five years.
(a) 5%
(b) 10%
(c) 15%
(d) 25%
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (a) 5%
Explanation: As per the relaxed norms of government for setting up petrol pumps, the retailers must set up 5% of the total outlets in rural areas within five years.
Q. The Union Government recently relaxed the norms for setting up Petrol Pumps. As per the norms, which companies will be allowed to run Petrol Pumps?
(a) Non-oil companies
(b) Manufacturing Companies
(c) IT Companies
(d) Outsourcing companies
Answer/ Explanation
Answer: (a) Non-oil companies
Explanation: The Union Government recently relaxed norms for setting up petrol pumps, enabling the non-oil companies to run petrol pumps. With this, private and foreign companies will be allowed to enter the fuel retailing sector.
Todays TOP GK Current Affairs One-Liners in Short 26-10-2019
International
NATO Defence Ministers lash out at Turkey for its military operation in Syria
- NATO defence ministers have slammed Turkey for its military operation in Syria. The first day of a two-day meeting of the ministers in Brussels was dominated by the issue, with Turkey isolated among the 29 member states.
- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed that the ministers agreed on the need to maintain our unity in the fight against ISIS.
- Germany presented an idea to deploy international troops to create a security zone in northeast Syria.
- The top commander of Syria’s Kurdish force, Mazloum Abdi, welcomed the proposal.
- Instead of this plan, they stressed their broad support for ways to engage the international community to find a political situation in northern Syria.
- It is planning to beef up its presence in the northeast corner of Syria to protect oil fields there from being retaken by the Islamic State terror group.
- The US is committed to reinforcing its position, in coordination with its SDF partners, in northeast Syria with additional military assets to prevent those oil fields from falling back to into the hands of ISIS or other destabilizing actors.
- Turkish and Syrian ambassadors clashed at their first UN Security Council encounter since Turkey launched a cross-border offensive earlier this month.
- Syrian Ambassador Bashar Ja’afari told council members his government condemns in the strongest terms the Turkish aggression.
- He accused the Europeans of creating the current situation.
- These countries played a vital role in sponsoring secessionist, illegitimate militias in the northeast of Syria.
- Turkey’s ambassador, Feridun Sinirlioglu, called it a limited counter-terrorism operation to eliminate the longstanding existential terror threat along their border with Syria.
- Michael Barkin, a special advisor at the US Mission to the United Nations, told the council that the US is hopeful the permanent cease-fire will be honoured and civilians will be protected.
Protests in Lebanon enters 2nd week
- Protests in Lebanon entered a second week on 24 October, 2019 with demonstrators blocking main roads in Beirut and other parts of the country.
- October 17 by a proposed tax on calls made through messaging apps, the protests have morphed into a cross-sectarian street mobilisation against a political system seen as corrupt and broken.
- Embattled Prime Minister Saad Hariri has presented a package of reforms, including cutting ministerial salaries, but the rallies have continued, crippling Beirut and other major cities.
- Hariri held meetings with security and military leaders, stressing the need to maintain security and open roads, the state-run National News Agency reported.
US urges Bangladesh to postpone relocation of Rohingyas
- The US has urged Bangladesh to postpone relocation of Rohingyas to the uninhabited island Bhashan Char.
- In a statement given at the House Foreign Affairs Sub Committee, acting assistant secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asia Alice G Wells urged Bangladesh to postpone any refugee relocation to Bhashan Char until independent experts can determine it a suitable location.
- Appreciating Bangladesh for allowing Rohingya refugees to take shelter in the country that opening its border for 700,000 Rohingya refugees since August 2017 deserves recognition from international partners, including the United States.
- Myanmar must create conditions for the Rohingya’s voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation and guarantee their rights as recommended by the Annan Commission.
- Earlier on October 21, Bangladesh had assured European Union that relocation of the Rohingyas to the Bhashan Char will be voluntary.
- Government of Bangladesh has been keen to relocate the Rohingya refugees to the Bhashan char island where arrangements for relocating 1 lakh people have been made at a cost of 23,000 crores Taka.
- It has built houses, cyclone shelters, a three-metre high and 13-km long flood-defence embankment, food warehouses and other basic facilities on the island.
- While the government planned to relocate Rohingyas, environmentalists say that the Bhashan Char which has emerged less than two decades back from the sea falls in an ecologically fragile area prone to floods, erosion and cyclone.
- The issue of forced relocation and lack of mobility on the island has also been raised by organisations working among the Rohingyas.
National
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on a four-day visit to Gujarat
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be on a four-day visit to Gujarat from today (25 October, 2019). During this visit, he will dedicate and lay foundation stones of series of development projects in his Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency.
- Mr Shah will also celebrate Diwali festival and Gujarati New Year on 27th & 28th October, 2019 along with his family in Ahmedabad.
- On the first day, Mr. Shah will distribute financial assistance to the beneficiaries of various government schemes at a programme to be held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.
- Mr. Shah will allot houses built by the Gandhinagar Urban Development Authority to the beneficiaries at the same venue.
- After that, he will inaugurate a bridge and also lay the foundation stone of APMC at Kalol town in Gandhinagar district. He will also distribute the assistive kits to the Divyangs on this occasion.
- Mr. Shah will dedicate various projects including an overbridge, at a function in Bopal area of Ahmedabad on 26 October, 2019.
- After that, he will lay the foundation stone of various development projects and distribute financial assistance to government beneficiaries at Sanand in Ahmedabad district.
President Ram Nath Kovind to visit Rajgir for Golden Jubilee celebration of Vishwa Shanti Stupa
- President Ram Nath Kovind will visit Rajgir in Bihar today (25 October, 2019). Mr. Kovind will inaugurate day long golden jubilee celebrations of Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda) in Rajgir.
- More than 300 Buddhist monks, devotees and eminent personalities from Japan, Thailand, Srilanka, Bhutan, Nepal, US and other countries have arrived to take part in the function.
- During his brief visit, the President will participate in prayers and also address the gathering at the venue.
- The Vishwa Shanti Stupa has completed 50 years of its establishment. To mark this occasion Buddhist monks will today chant traditional mantras in unison for peace, fraternity, humanity and compassion.
- Situated on Ratnagiri hillock, this iconic structure was constructed by Japanese Buddhist monk popularly known as Fujii Guruji in 1969.
- Legend says Ratnagiri hillock of Rajgir attaches important relation with Lord Buddha because after getting the enlightenment he spent a monastic life and preached his disciples at nearby Griddhakut Parvat.
National Unity Day to be celebrated on Oct 31
- National Unity Day will be celebrated on 31st October to mark the birth anniversary of Ironman Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- Preparations are in full swing to celebrate the day in a grand manner.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kevadia in Gujarat to pay homage to the great leader at the Statue of Unity.
- To celebrate the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, celebrations will be held in more than 600 districts of the country.
- Home Minister Amit Shah will flag off the commemorative Run For Unity from New Delhi’s Major Dhyanchand National Stadium.
IIT-Bombay topped QS India University Rankings
The latest 2 edition of Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) India University Rankings 2020 was released recently.
IIT Bombay has again topped all Indian Institutes in the list with an overall score of 88.5 followed by IISc- Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (ranked 2 with 84.7 score).
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi has improved a notch to rank 3 with 82.2 scores.
IIM Kozhikode & MRPL joined hands to support women entrepreneurs
- IIM Kozhikode and Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals Ltd. have announced a special drive Labelled as La Eve to support women entrepreneurs in the country.
- The initiative aims to identify innovative, promising women-founded start-ups to provide a comprehensive start-up support programme.
- The initiative would be steered by the institute’s entrepreneurship development centre.
Indian Army to conduct Sindhu Sudarshan exercise
- The Indian Army will conduct exercise Sindhu Sudarshan for the year 2019 in the deserts of Rajasthan from November 29 to December 4, 2019.
- The aim of this exercise is to evaluate the capability of the defence services in an integrated air-land battle.
- The operational efficiency of the Strike Corps fighting in the desert terrain will be assessed during the exercise.
Assam government started scholarship scheme
- The Assam government has decided to start a scholarship scheme for children of tea tribe community, studying in 10th and 12th classes.
- It would cover students of all tea gardens in the state.
- An amount of 10 thousand rupees will be provided to each student.
- ‘Shramik Mitras’ would be appointed in every tea garden to make people aware of the scheme.
First national protocol launched to Enumerate Snow Leopard
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the first national protocol to enumerate the snow leopard population in the country on the occasion of International Snow Leopard Day.
- The Day is celebrated on October 23 every year to protect and conserve the snow leopards and preserve the beautiful wildlife of the Himalayas.
- India is believed to have 400 to 700 snow leopards.
Economy
GeM and Federal Bank signed MoU
- The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) signed a MoU with Federal Bank to offer a number of services including transfer of funds through GeM Pool Accounts (GPA), advising of Performance Bank Guarantees (e-PBG) and Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) to the registered users on the portal.
- The MoU will facilitate a cashless, paperless and transparent payment system on the portal.
Sports
Under 19 World Cup schedule
- Holders India will begin their Under-19 World Cup defence with a clash against Sri Lanka on January 19th at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
- Four-time champions India have been grouped alongside New Zealand, Sri Lanka and first-timers Japan in Group A in the tournament, starting on 17th January, 2020.
- India will take on Japan on January 21st and New Zealand and January 24th in the 16-team tournament, the final of which is scheduled for 9th February.
- Last edition’s runner-up and three-time champion Australia will take on West Indies in Group B opening encounter that also features England and debutants Nigeria.
- Group C will see Pakistan battle alongside Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Scotland.
- Hosts South Africa will play their opening match against Afghanistan on January 17th. The United Arab Emirates and Canada are the other teams in Group D.
- The top 11 full Members in the last edition in New Zealand and the five regional champions, who have qualified for the event, will also play warm-up matches from 12-15 January in Johannesburg and Pretoria.