Table of Contents
National News
India’s First Writer’s Village Opens in Dehradun
India’s first ‘Writer’s Village’ was inaugurated in Dehradun by former President Ram Nath Kovind, along with Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh (retd) and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. This unique village aims to foster creativity and provide a nurturing environment for writers from across the country, establishing Dehradun as a new cultural hub for literary talent.
International News
Brazil Opts Out of China’s Belt and Road Initiative
In a significant diplomatic decision, Brazil has chosen not to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), becoming the second member of the BRICS bloc, after India, to opt out of Beijing’s ambitious multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project. The move has sparked widespread interest and debate, as it reflects Brazil’s cautious stance on joining China’s influential global initiative. The decision, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and influenced by Celso Amorim, his special presidential adviser for international affairs, signals Brazil’s intent to pursue alternative forms of collaboration with China, without becoming bound by the BRI’s framework.
Business News
GAIL and VERBIO India Partner to Advance Agricultural Residue-based CBG Projects
GAIL (India) Limited and VERBIO India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop agricultural residue-based compressed biogas (CBG) projects in India. This collaboration aims to turn agricultural waste into renewable energy, aligning with India’s climate objectives and enhancing rural incomes. The MoU was signed by GAIL’s Executive Director, Sumit Kishore, and VERBIO’s Managing Director, Ashish Kumar, with the event attended by Sandeep Kumar Gupta, C&MD of GAIL, and Claus Sauter, Founder/CEO of VERBIO.
Banking News
FSIB Recommends Ashok Chandra as Next MD and CEO of PNB
The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) has recommended Ashok Chandra as the next Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Punjab National Bank (PNB). Currently serving as Executive Director at Canara Bank since November 2022, Chandra’s banking career began in September 1991 with Corporation Bank. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics and is a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers. He will succeed Atul Kumar Goel, whose tenure ends on December 31, 2024.
Slice Completes Merger with North East Small Finance Bank
Fintech firm Slice has successfully merged with North East Small Finance Bank over a year after receiving approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This merger consolidates their operations, assets, and brand identities into one institution, enhancing the bank’s footprint in India’s northeastern region.
SBI and India Exim Bank Bridge Trade Financing Gaps in Africa
The State Bank of India (SBI) and India Exim Bank are actively supporting businesses in African countries by addressing the trade finance gap, as highlighted by the South African heads of the two organizations during the India Entrepreneurs Forum (IEF).
Appointments News
Vipin Kumar Assumes Role as Chairman of Airports Authority of India
Vipin Kumar, a 1996-batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre, has officially taken charge as the Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Before this new role, he served as the Additional Secretary in the Department of School Education & Literacy under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Bharti Airtel Announces Shashwat Sharma as New CEO
In a significant restructuring move, Bharti Airtel has appointed Shashwat Sharma as the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2026. This decision is part of a structured succession plan, allowing the incumbent MD and CEO, Gopal Vittal, to transition into the role of Executive Vice Chairman. This change comes after Vittal’s 12-year tenure, during which Airtel expanded its revenue market share from 30% to 40% and increased its market capitalization fivefold.
Awards News
Rodri Clinches Men’s Ballon d’Or 2024 and Bonmati Wins it for Spain
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris was a night dominated by Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, who triumphed over competitors from Real Madrid to claim football’s most prestigious individual award. The event was also notable for numerous other recognitions, including those for promising young talents, coaching excellence, and outstanding club achievements.
Chiranjeevi Honored with ANR Award by Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan recently honored renowned Telugu film star Chiranjeevi at the ANR National Awards 2024, an event organized by the Akkineni International Foundation. This prestigious award recognizes artists for their lifetime contributions to cinema. During the ceremony, Bachchan praised Chiranjeevi’s remarkable impact on the film industry and expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards him and the contributions of the Telugu film industry to Indian cinema.
Pro Kabaddi League Wins ‘Best Sports League’ at CII Awards
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) proudly received the prestigious ‘Best Sports League of the Year’ award at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Sports Business Awards 2024. The award ceremony, part of the CII Score Card 2024 event, took place in New Delhi on October 18, coinciding with the launch of PKL’s 11th season.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Honoured with Fiji’s Highest Civilian Award
The Republic of Fiji has bestowed its highest civilian award, the “Honourary Officer of the Order of Fiji,” on Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. This recognition, presented by Fiji’s President, Ratu Wiliame M. Katonivere, acknowledges Sri Sri’s contributions to promoting peace, unity, and uplifting communities globally. Sri Sri expressed his gratitude on social media, saying, “Honoured to receive Fiji’s highest civilian award.”
Schemes News
Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (PMVKY), launched on October 28, 2014, is an initiative targeting the upliftment and inclusion of India’s tribal communities, who represent 8.9% of the population. Addressing their unique socio-economic challenges, this scheme emphasizes sustainable development with a budget allocation of ₹26,135.46 crore from 2021-2026. The program is aligned with the government’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and focuses on empowering tribes across the nation with essential services, financial assistance, and preservation of cultural heritage.
Nationwide Volunteering Initiative: ‘This Diwali with MY Bharat’
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has launched a nationwide volunteering initiative, ‘This Diwali with MY Bharat – Ye Diwali MY Bharat Ke Saath,’ to commemorate the first anniversary of the MY Bharat Portal. Scheduled from October 27 to 30, 2024, the initiative aims to engage over 200,000 volunteers across 500 locations in India, promoting social service and community spirit during the Diwali festivities. This initiative not only underscores the significance of volunteerism but also strengthens the connection between local communities and volunteers.
Rajasthan Government Launches Scheme to Lure Investments
To encourage private investment and boost economic growth, the Rajasthan government has launched the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS) 2024. This new flagship initiative is designed to provide enhanced financial incentives across a broader range of sectors. The introduction of RIPS comes just ahead of the ‘Rising Rajasthan’ Global Investment Summit 2024.
Sports News
Australian wicketkeeper-Batter Matthew Wade Retires from International Cricket
Veteran Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade has officially retired from international cricket after an illustrious 13-year career, leaving a lasting impact on the sport. Known for his fighting spirit, Wade’s journey from a hard-hitting batter to a strategic finisher has been nothing short of inspiring. Following his retirement, Wade will now transition into a new phase of his career, joining Australia’s coaching staff for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan and the subsequent ODI series. Wade’s expertise and experience are expected to greatly benefit the next generation of Australian cricketers.
Chirag Chikkara Leads India to Gold at U23 World Wrestling Championships
Chirag Chikkara made history by becoming only the third Indian wrestler to win the Under-23 World Championship, contributing to India’s impressive total of nine medals at the tournament. Competing in the men’s freestyle 57kg category, Chikkara secured a thrilling victory with a narrow 4-3 win over Abdymalik Karachov of Kyrgyzstan in the final seconds of the match.
Important Days
Ayurveda Day 2024, Date, Theme, History and Significance
Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems, has its roots in ancient India and continues to offer a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. As we prepare to celebrate the 9th Ayurveda Day on October 29, 2024, this observance aligns with Dhanvantari Jayanti and brings together over 150 countries under the theme, “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health.” This year’s theme highlights Ayurveda’s potential to address global health issues, including non-communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, climate-related health issues, and more.
World Cities Day 2024, Date, Theme, Significance, Events
World Cities Day, celebrated annually on October 31, spotlights the successes of urbanization and addresses the challenges arising from rapid urban growth. The day was initiated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 to encourage a global dialogue on sustainable urban development, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) – which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
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