Table of Contents
National News
Union Cabinet Approved the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat
In a significant move to preserve and showcase India’s rich maritime heritage, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. The project will unfold in two phases, and it aligns with the government’s broader vision to highlight the country’s ancient maritime prowess, which dates back over 4,500 years. The National Maritime Heritage Complex is set to be a world-class museum that will boost tourism, create jobs, and promote India’s cultural and maritime legacy.
PM Modi Inaugurates Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) Mumbai
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) in Mumbai, aiming to enhance youth employability and create an industry-ready workforce for Industry 4.0. The IIS, built on a 4-acre campus at the National Skill Training Institute, focuses on cutting-edge technologies like factory automation, AI, data analytics, and additive manufacturing.
Govt to set up 10 new ESIC medical colleges, extend unemployment allowance
The government, led by Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, has announced the establishment of 10 new ESIC medical colleges and the extension of the unemployment allowance scheme under the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna until June 2026. These decisions align with the Prime Minister’s Independence Day (2024) promise to add 75,000 medical seats in the next five years.
International News
Tunisia’s President Kais Saied Secured Second Five-Year Term
President Kais Saied has secured a second five-year term as Tunisia’s leader in an election marked by both overwhelming numbers and significant concerns. The Independent High Authority for Elections of Tunisia (ISIE) announced on October 7, 2024, that Saied had won a staggering 90.7 percent of the votes cast, a figure that has raised eyebrows among democratic observers worldwide.
China’s ‘Anaconda Strategy’ Tightens Grip on Taiwan
Beijing is systematically increasing pressure on Taiwan through a multifaceted strategy that military officials describe as the “Anaconda Strategy,” aimed at compelling Taipei to accept reunification as inevitable. Although the situation around Taiwan has been relatively stable compared to global conflicts like those in Ukraine, this calm may be deceptive. Chinese military activities are intensifying, with a marked increase in air and naval incursions near Taiwan, raising concerns about a potential blockade or cyber warfare aimed at crippling Taiwan’s economy and communications.
Appointment News
Manish Tiwary Appointed as Managing Director of Nestlé India Limited
In a significant leadership transition, Manish Tiwary, former head of Amazon India, has been appointed as the Managing Director of Nestlé India Limited. His tenure will begin on 1st August 2025, following the retirement of the company’s current Chairman and Managing Director, Suresh Narayanan, who will step down on 31st July 2025. This leadership change marks an important phase for Nestlé India as it moves forward under the guidance of a seasoned business leader with nearly three decades of experience in the consumer goods and e-commerce sectors.
Scheme News
Atal Pension Yojana Crosses 7 Crore Enrollments Milestone
The Atal Pension Yojana (APY), launched in 2015 to provide a universal social security system for all, particularly the underprivileged and workers in the unorganized sector, has achieved a major milestone. As of FY 2024-25, total enrollments have surpassed 7 crore, with over 56 lakh new enrollments added in the current financial year. This achievement highlights the success of the scheme in reaching vulnerable sections of society.
Humsafar Policy: Transforming India’s Highway Infrastructure
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to revolutionise the travel experience on India’s national highways. The Humsafar Policy, launched on Tuesday, represents a comprehensive approach to enhancing highway infrastructure and services, promising to transform the journey for millions of travellers across the country.
Science and Technology News
WHO Certifies India’s Triumph Over Trachoma Elimination
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially validated India’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, marking a significant achievement in public health. Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is one of the leading causes of global blindness. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised India for its commitment to combating this debilitating disease, joining the ranks of Nepal and Myanmar in the WHO South-East Asia Region and 19 other countries worldwide that have achieved this milestone.
India’s Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (Lupex) Approved
India’s National Space Commission has officially approved the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (Lupex), marking the country’s fifth lunar mission. This mission follows the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 in August 2023, which made India the fourth nation to land on the Moon. Lupex is a collaborative endeavor between India’s ISRO and Japan’s JAXA, aimed at exploring the Moon’s resources, particularly water in its polar regions.
Marburg Virus Outbreak in Rwanda: A Public Health Crisis
The recent outbreak of Marburg virus in Rwanda has raised significant alarm, marking the first reported cases in the country. As of late September 2024, health officials confirmed 26 cases, including 12 fatalities, with over 80% of infections occurring among healthcare workers. The Marburg virus is one of the deadliest pathogens known, causing severe hemorrhagic fever with a case fatality rate ranging from 24% to 88%. Given Rwanda’s limited healthcare resources, this outbreak poses a substantial threat to the country’s already fragile health system.
State News
Himachal Pradesh Launches Groundbreaking Social and Environmental Initiatives
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has unveiled a transformative state government initiative named ‘Sankalp’, marking a significant step in Himachal Pradesh’s fight against drug trafficking and addiction. The initiative was officially announced on October 6, 2024, at an event organized by Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan in the state capital, Shimla.
Books and Authors
A New Book “War” By Veteran Investigative Journalist Bob Woodward
Veteran investigative journalist Bob Woodward, best known for his role in uncovering the Watergate scandal, is set to release his latest book titled War, which has already begun to shake the political landscape. This highly anticipated book delves deep into the dynamics of power between former U.S. President Donald Trump, current President Joe Biden, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, revealing shocking insights into their leadership and the ongoing global crises.
Important Days
International Day of the Girl Child, Empowering the Next Generation
The International Day of the Girl Child, commemorated globally on October 11th, stands as a testament to the world’s commitment to recognizing and uplifting the rights, voices, and potential of girls everywhere. As we approach the 2024 observance, the theme “Girls’ Vision for the Future” emerges as a powerful rallying cry, embodying both the urgent need for action and the persistent hope that defines the spirit of young women and girls across the globe. This theme resonates deeply in our current global context, where the intersection of multiple crises disproportionately affects the lives and futures of girls worldwide.
National Postal Day 2024, Celebrating India’s Postal Heritage
Every year on October 10th, India commemorates National Postal Day, a significant observance that marks the establishment of the Indian Postal Service. This annual celebration serves as a tribute to the vast network of postal workers and the crucial role they play in connecting the nation through communication services. The day holds particular importance as it commemorates the founding of the postal service during the East India Company’s rule, establishing a legacy that continues to evolve and serve the nation’s communication needs.
Obituaries News
Tata Sons Chairman Ratan Tata Passes Away At 86
Tata Sons Chairman, Ratan Tata passed away on 9 October 2024 at the age of 86 due to prolonged age-related illness at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai. His passing marks the end of an era, as Tata’s leadership and vision left an indelible mark on India’s business and philanthropic landscape. His contributions to the Tata Group, the Indian economy, and global business have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest industrialists of all time.
Passing of P. Venugopal: A Pioneer in Cardiac Surgery
Dr. P. Venugopal, the former Director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and a celebrated cardiac surgeon, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2024, at the age of 82. Renowned for conducting India’s first heart transplant and performing over 50,000 heart surgeries throughout his illustrious career, Venugopal’s contributions to medicine have left an indelible mark on the field of cardiac care. His integrity and pioneering spirit made him a revered figure in the medical community.
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