Daily Current Affairs 17th October 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

International 6G Symposium Inaugurated by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia

Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the Union Minister of Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, inaugurated the International 6G Symposium alongside the ITU-WTSA24 and IMC 24 events. He emphasized the transformative potential of 6G technology in driving economic growth and innovation, stating that the shift towards software-centric approaches offers a significant opportunity for India, which boasts a large pool of engineering and software talent. Scindia projected that India will contribute 10% of global 6G patents through the Bharat 6G Alliance, reinforcing the nation’s ambition to lead in this new technological era.

Kaksar Bridge Renamed in Honor of Kargil War Hero Capt. Amit Bhardwaj

In a poignant ceremony, Kaksar Bridge was renamed Capt. Amit Bhardwaj Setu to honor the sacrifice of Capt. Amit Bhardwaj during the Kargil War. The event, attended by prominent military and civil officials, including CEC Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon and Major General K. Mahesh, SM, celebrated Bhardwaj’s bravery and dedication to his nation.

Cabinet Approves 3% DA Hike for Central Govt Employees

In a significant move, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a 3% hike in the dearness allowance (DA) for central government employees and pensioners, bringing the total DA to 53% of the basic pay. This increase is aimed at compensating employees against rising prices and is effective from July 1, 2024. The decision, announced by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, will result in an annual cost of ₹9,448.35 crore to the exchequer, benefiting approximately 49.18 lakh employees and 64.89 lakh pensioners.

40th Raising Day of National Security Guard

On October 16, 2024, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, commemorated the 40th Raising Day of the National Security Guard (NSG), praising the bravery and dedication of its personnel. In a heartfelt message on social media platform X, he stated, “On the 40th Raising Day of National Security Guard, we salute the valor, dedication, and unwavering spirit of our brave soldiers. Their relentless efforts ensure the safety and security of our nation. We honor their service and commitment in defending India from all threats. Jai Hind!”

Supreme Court’s Justice Statue Removes Blindfold

The traditional Lady of Justice, often depicted blindfolded with scales and a sword, has undergone a symbolic transformation in the Supreme Court of India. Under the guidance of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, the newly commissioned statue sheds the blindfold and replaces the sword with the Constitution. 

Appointments News

Praveen Vashista to Take Over as Special Secretary, Internal Security

Senior IPS officer Praveen Vashista has been appointed as the new Special Secretary for Internal Security. This key appointment underscores the government’s focus on strengthening internal security in the country.

International News

President Murmu Awarded Honorary Doctorate in Algeria

President Droupadi Murmu, on her three-nation tour, received an Honorary Doctorate in Political Science from Sidi Abdellah Science and Technology Pole University in Algiers on October 14. Expressing her gratitude, she stated, “It is indeed a humbling experience for me to be honoured with the Honorary Doctorate. This is an honour for my country more than for me as an individual.” She underscored the importance of education in reducing inequalities and urged Algerian students to engage with India’s educational initiatives.

CJI Chandrachud Nominates Justice Sanjiv Khanna as Successor

Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to become the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI), following the recommendation by current CJI DY Chandrachud in a letter to the Union law ministry. Justice Khanna, the second-most senior judge of the Supreme Court, will take over the position after Justice Chandrachud’s retirement on November 10, 2024.

State News

Kaziranga Named India’s Second Largest Butterfly Diversity Hub

Kaziranga National Park, renowned for its iconic one-horned rhinoceros, has now gained recognition as India’s second-largest butterfly diversity hub. Following Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh, Kaziranga is home to an impressive 446 butterfly species. This newfound distinction highlights the park’s rich biodiversity.

Nayab Saini Sworn in as Haryana CM, BJP Wins Third Term

Nayab Singh Saini was sworn in as Haryana’s Chief Minister for the second time, marking BJP’s third consecutive term in power in the state. Governor Bandaru Dattatreya administered the oath at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, and NDA leaders. Saini’s council of 13 ministers also took the oath. Saini, a Dalit leader from Kurukshetra, led the BJP to victory in the October 5 Assembly elections, securing 48 seats in the 90-member house. Saini’s rise to the top post continues from his earlier roles in the BJP, including as Haryana BJP chief.

Defence News

India, U.S. Finalize $3.5bn Agreement for MQ-9B Armed UAVs

On October 15, 2024, India and the U.S. concluded a major defense deal worth $3.5 billion for the procurement of 31 MQ-9B armed High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). Manufactured by General Atomics, the MQ-9B systems are acquired through an inter-governmental agreement under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

Business News

SECL Becomes First Coal Company to Open Four AMRIT Pharmacies

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a Chhattisgarh-based subsidiary of Coal India, has opened its fourth AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) Pharmacy, making it the first coal company to do so. This 216th AMRIT pharmacy, located at SECL’s Health Centre in Indira Vihar Colony, Bilaspur, will provide generic and life-saving medicines at highly subsidized rates, benefiting SECL employees, the general public, and underserved tribal and rural communities. This initiative aligns with the government’s Special Campaign 4.0 to promote inclusivity and improve access to healthcare.

Summits and Conferences News

SCO Summit 2024: Key Outcomes and Strategic Insights

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, held in Islamabad on October 15-16, 2024, gathered high-level officials from member states to address regional security, economic cooperation, and terrorism. India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, along with leaders from China, Russia, Iran, and Central Asian countries, attended the event. Despite strained India-Pakistan relations and ongoing China-India border disputes, the summit provided a platform for multilateral dialogue, but no bilateral talks were expected.

Banking News

HDFC Opens First Singapore Branch to Expand Global Presence

HDFC Bank has officially opened its first branch in Singapore as part of its strategy to expand its international operations. Granted a wholesale banking license by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), effective from October 15, 2024, the bank aims to offer a variety of financial products and services to residents of Singapore.

Important Days News

International Abhidhamma Divas 2024: Date, History, Teachings, Celebrations, and Significance

India, the birthplace of Buddhism, holds an enduring spiritual legacy as the land where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment and shared profound teachings that continue to influence human thought and understanding. Central to this spiritual tradition is the Abhidhamma, a deep philosophical component of Buddhism that focuses on mental discipline, self-awareness, and ethical conduct.

The International Abhidhamma Divas celebrates on 17th October, this rich philosophical tradition. It highlights the relevance of Abhidhamma teachings in guiding mental and ethical discipline, while also emphasizing India’s significant role in preserving and promoting the Buddhist legacy to the world. This celebration is a reflection of the deep connection between India and Buddhism, where sacred sites such as Bodh Gaya serve as living symbols of Buddha’s journey toward Nirvana.

World Anaesthesia Day 2024: Date, History, Theme, Significance, and More

World Anaesthesia Day is celebrated annually on October 16 to highlight the vital role of anaesthesia in modern medicine. It commemorates the first successful public demonstration of diethyl ether anaesthesia in 1846 and recognizes the contributions of anesthesiologists worldwide. The day serves as a reminder of how anaesthesia has transformed medical care by making surgeries painless, enhancing patient safety, and improving outcomes.

The theme for World Anaesthesia Day 2024 is “Workforce Well Being.”