Daily Current Affairs 18th October 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

SC Upholds Section 6A of Citizenship Act by 4-1 Majority

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court on October 17 upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, with a 4-1 majority, affirming the Assam Accord. The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, deemed the provision constitutional, recognizing its role in addressing illegal immigration from Bangladesh into Assam. Justice JB Pardiwala dissented, calling Section 6A unconstitutional.

“Scam se Bacho” Government and Meta Team Up to Fight Online Scams

In a significant move to tackle the rising tide of online scams and cyber frauds, the Secretary of Information and Broadcasting, Sh. Sanjay Jaju, delivered the keynote address at the launch of the “Scam se Bacho” campaign in New Delhi. This initiative, developed by Meta in collaboration with key government ministries.

NITI Aayog to Host International Methanol Seminar

NITI Aayog is gearing up to host the Second International Methanol Seminar and Expo 2024 on October 17-18, 2024, at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. This two-day event is a significant part of India’s Methanol Economy Programme, initiated in 2016 in collaboration with the Methanol Institute, USA.

Indian Railways Reduces Advance Reservation Period from 120 to 60 Days

In a significant policy shift, the Indian Railways has announced a reduction in the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for long-distance train bookings from 120 days to 60 days, effective November 1, 2024. This decision aims to enhance passenger convenience by reducing the blocking of funds for ticket bookings made months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like festivals.

International News

Israel Kills Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar

On the evening of October 17, 2024, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) made a significant announcement: Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas in Gaza, was killed during a targeted ground operation in Rafah, located in southern Gaza. Sinwar, one of the most feared and influential leaders of Hamas, was among three high-ranking Hamas militants killed during this mission. His identity was confirmed using DNA testing, which relied on samples obtained from his previous imprisonment in Israel.

Ex-RAW Official Vikas Yadav Wanted by FBI in Plot to Murder Khalistani Terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

The US Justice Department has charged former Indian intelligence officer Vikash Yadav with orchestrating a plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani terrorist residing in New York. Yadav, along with co-conspirator Nikhil Gupta, hired an individual to execute the killing for $100,000 in 2023, but the assassin turned out to be an FBI informant.

Indo-Turkiye Friendship Association Launched in Hyderabad

In a significant move to strengthen bilateral ties, the Indo-Turkiye Friendship Association (ITFA) was inaugurated in Hyderabad on October 16, 2024. The initiative seeks to enhance cooperation in key areas such as economy and trade, culture and tourism, science and technology, and education between India and Turkiye. This launch is particularly poignant as both regions commemorate notable historical milestones—300 years since the Nizams of the Asaf Jah dynasty in Hyderabad and a century since the abolition of the Ottoman Sultanate and Caliphate.

Om Birla Addresses the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla recently addressed the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held from October 13 to 17, 2024, at the IPU headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. During his address, Birla emphasized the critical need for multilateralism in today’s world, advocating for dialogue and cooperation among parliaments in the realms of science, technology, and innovation for the common good.

Timeline of India-Canada Tensions: A Diplomatic Downturn

Tensions between India and Canada have escalated significantly, particularly following the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. This incident triggered a series of diplomatic retaliations, including the expulsion of Indian diplomats by Canada and subsequent expulsions by India. The conflict has deep roots, dating back to controversies involving Sikh separatism and criticisms exchanged over various issues, including farmer protests in India. Below is a timeline detailing key events that have contributed to the strained relations.

Banking News

RBI Bars Navi Finserv, 3 NBFCs for Lending Violations

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has barred four non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), including Sachin Bansal’s Navi Finserv, from sanctioning and disbursing loans starting October 21, 2024. The ban affects Navi Finserv, Asirvad Microfinance, Arohan Financial Services, and DMI Finance, which were found guilty of charging exorbitant interest rates and failing to comply with regulatory pricing policies. The move is part of the RBI’s ongoing crackdown on excessive interest rates and non-compliance with guidelines.

State News

Maharishi Valmiki’s Name for All ST Schools, Raichur University: CM Siddaramaiah

On the occasion of Valmiki Jayanti, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that all Scheduled Tribe (ST) residential schools in the state and Raichur University will be named after Maharishi Valmiki. The announcement was made during a programme organized by the Department of Backward Classes Welfare to celebrate the contributions of Valmiki.

India’s First Self-Powered Indoor Air Quality Monitor Launched at Thiruvananthapuram Airport

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, has inaugurated Pavana Chitra, India’s first self-powered indoor air quality monitoring facility, located at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. This innovative facility is powered by indigenous indoor solar cells developed by the CSIR-NIIST, utilizing locally available materials.

Sanskrit to Become Mandatory in 416 Uttarakhand Madrasas

The Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board (UMEB) has proposed making Sanskrit a compulsory subject in 416 madrassas across the state. This initiative aims to enhance the educational curriculum and support the academic growth of students. The board plans to formalize this change by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state’s Sanskrit department.

Jharkhand Cabinet Boosts Women’s Honorarium and Key Initiatives

In a significant move, the Hemant Soren cabinet in Jharkhand has increased the monthly honorarium for women under the Maiyaan Samman Yojana from ₹1,000 to ₹2,500. This decision is seen as a response to the BJP’s Gogo Didi Yojana, which promises ₹2,100 per month to women as outlined in their election manifesto. Alongside this, the cabinet approved 28 proposals aimed at improving infrastructure, education, and social welfare in the state.

‘Mera Hou Chongba’ A Celebration of Unity in Manipur

The “Mera Hou Chongba” festival was celebrated in Manipur amidst ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. This annual festival serves as a significant cultural event aimed at reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood and harmony among the indigenous communities of the state, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry of Manipur.

Sports News

Ganguly Takes Charge as JSW Sports Director of Cricket, Heads Delhi Capitals

Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian cricket captain and ex-BCCI President, has been named the Director of Cricket for JSW Sports. In this role, Ganguly will oversee all cricketing operations for the organization, including its key franchises like Delhi Capitals’ men’s and women’s IPL and WPL teams, and Pretoria Capitals, which competes in the SA20 League.

Vivaan Secures Silver, Naruka Takes Bronze at Shooting World Cup

India’s shooting contingent made a strong mark at the ISSF World Cup Final with Vivaan Kapoor securing a silver medal in the men’s trap event and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka claiming a bronze in the men’s skeet competition. These achievements raised India’s total medal count to four at the prestigious event, reflecting the nation’s growing prowess in the global shooting arena.

Neetu David, Alastair Cook, and AB de Villiers Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

In a historic recognition, former Indian cricketer Neetu David, along with England’s Alastair Cook and South Africa’s AB de Villiers, has been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame for 2024. This accolade highlights their remarkable contributions to cricket, marking a significant moment for women’s cricket in India as David becomes the second woman from the country to receive this honor, following Diana Edulji’s induction in 2023.