Daily Current Affairs 21st October 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

First-Ever Coal Gallery Inaugurated at National Science Centre, New Delhi

Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey inaugurated the first-ever coal gallery at the National Science Centre in New Delhi. The exhibition, titled “Black Diamond – Unveiling the Depths,” highlights coal’s journey from its formation to its essential role in modern energy production. Through immersive displays, the gallery educates visitors on coal extraction, mining technologies, environmental practices, and future innovations in sustainable energy.

Saharanpur, Rewa, and Ambikapur Airports Launched by PM Modi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated three new airports developed under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh today. The newly inaugurated airports are located in Rewa (Madhya Pradesh), Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh), and Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh). 

International News

Subianto Announces Indonesia’s Largest-Ever Cabinet

Newly inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto has unveiled Indonesia’s largest-ever Cabinet, comprising 109 members. Named the “Red and White Cabinet” after Indonesia’s flag, this lineup reflects his vision of a strong, unified government. Subianto, who was sworn in on Sunday, seeks to unite the nation’s multicultural fabric and diverse political interests. Analysts, however, have noted that the expanded Cabinet might overburden the bureaucracy.

India Doubles Grant to Enhance Education in Sri Lanka’s Plantation Sector

India has increased its grant for upgrading schools in Sri Lanka’s plantation areas, raising its total commitment to Rs. 600 million (INR 172.25 million). This initiative is aimed at improving educational infrastructure in the Indian-origin Tamil community, with the focus on nine schools across Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern Provinces. The move strengthens India-Sri Lanka bilateral ties in education, continuing the legacy of development cooperation initiated in previous years.

State News

Haryana Becomes First State to Implement Dalit Sub-Quotas

In a landmark move, Haryana has become the first state to implement sub-quotas for the Dalit community by subclassifying the Scheduled Castes (SCs). The decision follows the Supreme Court’s August 2023 ruling, granting states the power to divide SCs and STs for preferential reservations. Haryana’s move, backed by a state commission’s recommendations, is aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of the “Deprived Scheduled Castes” (DSC), who are more marginalized in employment sectors compared to “Other Scheduled Castes” (OSC). The state has divided the SC community into two groups: DSC, which includes 36 castes like Balmikis and Dhanaks, and OSC, which includes castes such as Chamars and Jatavs.

Madhya Pradesh Introduces ‘Pink Alarms’ for Enhanced Women’s Safety at Datia Hospital

In a pioneering move aimed at enhancing the safety of women in healthcare settings, Madhya Pradesh has installed ‘pink alarms‘ at the government-run district hospital and medical college in Datia. This initiative addresses growing concerns about the safety of female staff in public hospitals, a pressing issue that gained heightened attention following the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

Schemes News

Government to Extend UDAN Scheme for 10 More Years: Transforming India’s Aviation Landscape

In a landmark announcement on October 21, 2024, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu declared that the government will extend the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme for an additional 10 years. The decision, made during a special event celebrating eight years of the scheme, reinforces the government’s commitment to enhancing regional air connectivity and making air travel accessible to every citizen of India.

The UDAN scheme, launched on October 21, 2016, has been instrumental in not only boosting regional airlines but also creating thousands of jobs and significantly contributing to the growth of tourism across India. With 601 air routes and 71 operationalized airports under the scheme, UDAN has drastically improved air travel infrastructure in underserved and remote regions.

PM Modi Launches Karmayogi Saptah to Boost Civil Service Skills

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Karmayogi Saptah, or National Learning Week, on October 19, 2024, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. This initiative is part of Mission Karmayogi, which aims to foster continuous skill enhancement among civil servants, aligning their competencies with the evolving goals of India, especially towards achieving a developed nation by 2047.

Appointments News

Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar Appointed as Chairperson of NCW

Smt. Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), making her the 9th individual to hold this esteemed position. The announcement was made by the Narendra Modi government, highlighting a commitment to advancing women’s rights and issues in India.

Abhyuday Jindal Named New President of Indian Chamber of Commerce

The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), a prominent national business association, has appointed Abhyuday Jindal, Managing Director of Jindal Stainless Limited, as its new president. The announcement was made during ICC’s annual plenary session held in New Delhi, where Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal served as the chief guest.

Defence News

Indian Army’s Sudarshan Chakra Corps Holds ‘Swavlamban Shakti’ Exercise

The Army’s Sudarshan Chakra Corps of the Southern Command is currently conducting ‘Exercise SWAVLAMBAN SHAKTI’ at the Babina Field Firing Ranges near Jhansi, with the primary objective of enhancing combat capabilities through the integration of niche and emerging technologies. The exercise commenced on 17th October, 2024 and is set to continue until October 22, as stated in a defense release.

The XXI Corps or Sudarshan Chakra Corps, a strike corps of the army, is headquartered in Bhopal.

India and Oman Conduct Joint Naval Drill ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ off Goa

The India-Oman bilateral naval exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr, held from October 13 to 18, 2024, off the coast of Goa, featured the participation of the Indian Navy’s INS Trikand and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, alongside the Royal Navy of Oman’s vessel Al Seeb. The exercise was conducted in two phases.

Important Days News

World Iodine Deficiency Day 2024, A Comprehensive Overview

World Iodine Deficiency Day, also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day, is observed annually on 21st October. The primary goal of this observance is to raise awareness about the importance of iodine in maintaining good health and to emphasize the adverse consequences of iodine deficiency, which remains a global public health issue. This article provides a detailed overview of iodine’s essential role, the impacts of deficiency, national and global efforts to eradicate iodine deficiency, and the achievements of various programs aimed at ensuring adequate iodine intake.

Ranks & Reports News

Economic Freedom of the World: 2024 Annual Report

The Economic Freedom of the World: 2024 Annual Report evaluates the extent to which individuals in 165 jurisdictions can make their own economic choices. According to the latest data from 2022, the top three most economically free regions are Hong Kong (1st), Singapore (2nd), and Switzerland (3rd). The report indicates a global decline in economic freedom over the past three years, reversing a trend of improvement that lasted nearly two decades.

Sports News

Liu Yukun, Yang Ji-in Shine as ISSF Athletes of the Year

China’s Liu Yukun, the reigning Olympic champion in the Paris 2024 Olympics, was honored as the athlete of the year by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). Also, Korea’s Yang Ji-in, was named the female athlete of the year, recognizing her remarkable achievements in the sport.

Bala Devi Becomes First Indian Woman to Score 50 International Goals

Ngangom Bala Devi, born on February 2, 1990, has etched her name in Indian football history by becoming the first Indian woman to score 50 international goals. Playing as a forward for the Manipur Police and the Indian national team, Devi’s journey reflects her dedication and significant contributions to women’s football in India. Her recent achievement was celebrated following a goal against Pakistan in the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in Indian sports.

Books and Authors News

A Book Titled “Mountain Mammals of the World” By M.K. Ranjitsinh

Few conservationists in India can claim a legacy as impactful as M.K. Ranjitsinh, whose new book, Mountain Mammals of the World, published by Penguin Random House, serves as a testament to his lifelong dedication to protecting endangered species. As a member of the royal family of Wankaner, Gujarat, Ranjitsinh has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s wildlife conservation policies, and his latest literary endeavor reflects the culmination of decades of research, exploration, and unwavering passion for the natural world.

Business News

Adar Poonawalla Acquires 50% Stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions

In a significant development within the Indian entertainment industry, Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, has entered into a binding agreement to acquire a 50% stake in Karan Johar’s renowned production house, Dharma Productions, and its digital arm, Dharmatic Entertainment. The deal, valued at ₹1,000 crore, represents a landmark partnership between two major entities from vastly different industries: cinema and pharmaceuticals.

Science and Technology News

IIT Madras Set to Launch International Research Centre in Dubai by 2025

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has announced plans to launch its inaugural international flagship centre in Dubai, focusing on research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Set to open in early 2025, this initiative aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between India and the UAE.