Table of Contents
National News
PM Modi to Launch National Learning Week Initiative
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the ‘Karmayogi Saptah‘ National Learning Week (NLW) aimed at enhancing the individual and organizational capacity of civil servants. This initiative, part of the broader ‘Mission Karmayogi’ launched in September 2020, seeks to foster a future-ready civil service that embodies Indian values while maintaining a global outlook.
International News
India and Colombia Sign Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement
India and Colombia have signed an Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement on October 15, 2024, to enhance collaboration in the film industries of both nations. This agreement, signed by Dr. L. Murugan, India’s Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, and Jorge Enrique Rojas Rodriguez, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, marks a significant step in deepening cultural ties and cooperation across various sectors. The partnership aims to pool creative and technical resources, enabling filmmakers from both countries to collaborate on film projects, thereby expanding their markets and promoting goodwill.
India Delivers Haemodialysis Machines to PNG, Supplies Aid to Lebanon
India has fulfilled a significant commitment made during the third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC III) Summit by sending its first consignment of 12 Haemo-Dialysis machines to Papua New Guinea (PNG). Also in response to rising tensions and ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon, India has dispatched the first tranche of a 33-ton consignment of medical supplies as part of a humanitarian effort to support Lebanon.
FATF Tightens Grey Listing Rules with New Risk-Based Focus
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has introduced significant changes to its criteria for placing countries on its grey list, aiming to relieve the burden on least developed countries (LDCs) while targeting nations that pose greater risks to the international financial system.
State News
Haryana CM Saini Fulfills First Poll Promise: Free Dialysis for Kidney Patients
In a significant move, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has fulfilled his first poll promise by announcing that all government hospitals in the state will provide free dialysis to chronic kidney patients. This decision was made during his inaugural cabinet meeting after the BJP’s return to power for a third consecutive term, where Saini emphasized the people’s mandate against Congress’ narrative during the elections.
Banking News
India and South Korea Set to Join FTSE Russell EMGB Index in 2025
Global index provider FTSE Russell has announced that India’s sovereign bonds will be included in its Emerging Markets Government Bond Index (EMGBI) starting September 2025. This follows similar inclusions by JP Morgan and Bloomberg Index Services, which could potentially attract billions of dollars into India’s local bond market.
Additionally, South Korean government bonds are set to be added to the FTSE World Government Bond Index (WGBI) in November 2025 after spending two years on the watch list.
Defence News
Indian Coast Guard Conducts ‘Sagar Kavach’ Coastal Security Drill
The Indian Coast Guard successfully conducted the coastal security exercise ‘Sagar Kavach’ on October 16-17, covering Gujarat, Daman & Diu, as well as Goa and Maharashtra. The exercise aimed to enhance coastal and maritime security, improve coordination among agencies, and test existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in response to potential threats such as infiltration and smuggling. It involved a wide range of stakeholders, including the Indian Navy, State Police, Marine Police, and port authorities.
Appointments News
Acko Appoints Sandip Goenka as CEO of ACKO Life
Acko has appointed Sandip Goenka as the CEO of its newly launched life insurance division, ACKO Life. As a founding member of the division, Sandip has been pivotal in establishing the D2C life insurance business. With over two decades of experience in life, health, general insurance, and consulting, he brings significant expertise to drive growth and operational efficiency. Sandip’s previous roles include CFO at Exide Life Insurance and leadership positions at TATA AIA and EY. His knowledge in actuarial sciences, M&As, and cross-cultural business management will be instrumental in Acko Life’s expansion.
Summits and Conferences News
NHRC Concludes National Conference, Advocates for Older Persons’ Rights
On its 31st Foundation Day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) organized a day-long national conference on the “Rights of Older Persons” at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. During the keynote address, Acting Chairperson Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani emphasized the invaluable role of elders as the architects of the nation’s history, keepers of cultural heritage, and foundational pillars of families.
Agreements News
India and Germany Set to Sign Labor Mobility Pact
India and Germany are set to sign a pact next week to facilitate the movement of workers and recognize skills between the two countries. Through the agreement, skilled professionals here can be easily absorbed by German industry, sources familiar with the development.
Business News
Jio Payments Bank Secures Mutual Funds Distribution License from AMFI
Jio Payments Bank, a subsidiary of Jio Financial Services, has successfully obtained a mutual fund distribution license from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). This Category 1 Execution-only Platform (EOP) license enables Jio Payments Bank to distribute the direct plans of various mutual fund schemes, marking a significant step in its expansion within the financial services sector.
Ranks & Reports News
2024 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)
The 2024 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report highlights the alarming interconnections between violent conflict and multidimensional poverty across various nations. According to the report, approximately 1.1 billion people live in acute multidimensional poverty, with 455 million residing in conflict-affected regions.
The analysis emphasizes that these areas see higher poverty rates and slower progress in poverty reduction. The report was jointly published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and includes updated data from 112 countries and over 1,359 subnational regions.
Important Days News
World Statistics Day 2024, Date, Theme, History and Significance
World Statistics Day is an international celebration held every five years to highlight the significance of statistics in shaping societies, improving lives, and driving informed decision-making. In 2024, the global community will come together on October 20th to commemorate this special day. This celebration underscores the vital role statistics play in fostering sustainable development, promoting transparency, and empowering policymakers across the world.
Awards News
Rajkumar Hirani Honoured with National Kishore Kumar Award 2023
In a heartwarming tribute to the legacy of legendary singer and actor Kishore Kumar, the renowned filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani was conferred with the prestigious National Kishore Kumar Award for the year 2023. The award ceremony took place in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, the birthplace of Kishore Kumar, on the occasion of the 37th death anniversary of the iconic singer. This award, instituted by the Madhya Pradesh Government’s Department of Culture, celebrates artists who have significantly contributed to Indian cinema in various fields, much like Kishore Kumar himself.
Mohanji Receives Prestigious 2024 Humanitarian Award
On September 19, 2024, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Mohanji, a global humanitarian leader, received a special recognition for his worldwide contributions at the 9th Conscious Companies Awards event. This prestigious annual event honors ethical and visionary leaders whose work fosters conscious leadership, aligns people, profit, and purpose, and promotes a better, more sustainable world.
Chiratae Ventures Honors Narayana Murthy with Patrick J. McGovern Awards
Chiratae Ventures, a prominent Indian venture capital fund, has recognized three influential leaders with the 2024 Patrick J. McGovern Awards. Narayana Murthy, the Founder of Infosys, received the India Lifetime Achievement Award for his groundbreaking contributions to the tech industry.
Shantanu Narayen, Chair and CEO of Adobe, was awarded the Global Lifetime Achievement Award, while Abhinav Asthana, CEO and Founder of Postman, received the Exceptional Entrepreneurial Achievement Award. The awards honor the legacy of Patrick J. McGovern, a pioneer in technology media and an early supporter of Indian entrepreneurship.
Arjun Erigaisi Wins WR Chess Masters, Nears 2800 Elo Rating
Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi showcased brilliant form to secure the WR Chess Masters title after defeating France’s Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in an Armageddon game, following two draws in Classical chess. With this win, Arjun edges closer to the 2800 Elo rating mark, finishing with a live rating of 2796. The 21-year-old earned a prize of 20,000 Euros, defeating friend R. Praggnanandhaa in the semifinals, and plans to chase the 2800 milestone at the European Cup starting October 20.
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