Table of Contents
National News
₹200 Crore Census Aims to Boost Livestock Sector in India
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched the 21st Livestock Census on Friday, which will be conducted until February next year at a cost of ₹200 crore. He emphasized that the collection of precise data is crucial for the government to formulate effective policies aimed at ensuring animal health security and promoting growth in the livestock sector.
International News
NCGG Completes 34th Training for Maldivian Civil Servants, Boosting Indo-Maldivian Ties
The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) has successfully concluded its 34th Capacity Building Programme (CBP) for Maldivian civil servants in New Delhi. Held from October 14–25, 2024, this two-week program, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), represents the second initiative under a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Maldives’ Foreign Minister Mr. Moosa Zameer. The MoU, effective from 2024 to 2029, aims to train 1,000 Maldivian civil servants, reinforcing India’s commitment to enhancing governance across the Maldives.
State News
NTPC & Indian Army Collaborate for Sustainable Energy in Ladakh
NTPC has teamed up with the Indian Army to establish a solar hydrogen-based microgrid at Chushul, Ladakh, aimed at ensuring a stable power supply for off-grid Army locations using green hydrogen. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for this innovative project through video conferencing. This initiative is significant in replacing existing diesel generators with a sustainable energy solution capable of providing 200 kW of power year-round, despite the region’s harsh winter conditions where temperatures can drop to -30°C at an altitude of 4,400 meters.
Defence News
GRSE’s Seventh ASW Ship, ‘Abhay’, Joins Indian Navy Fleet
On October 25, 2024, the Indian Navy’s seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), named ‘Abhay’, was launched at M/s L&T’s Kattupalli facility. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), this vessel marks a significant addition to India’s maritime defense capabilities.
Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024 Culminates at New Delhi
The Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024 concluded on October 25th at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi, marking the second edition of this significant international seminar hosted by the Indian Army. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, strategic thinkers, academics, veterans, and defense personnel from various countries, all focused on analyzing India’s strategic directions and developmental priorities.
Summits and Conferences News
Asia Clean Energy Summit 2024
The Asia Clean Energy Summit (ACES), a cornerstone event of the annual Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW), is held on the 11th edition from October 22-24, 2024, in Singapore. This premier conference and exhibition brings together experts, innovators, and policymakers to advance clean energy solutions in Asia.
Bhupendra Patel Inaugurates 17th Urban Mobility India Conference & Expo 2024
Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the 17th Urban Mobility India Conference & Expo-2024 today at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The event, running from October 25 to 27, 2024, gathers over 2,000 professionals and academics to discuss the future of urban transport in India. The conference focuses on the theme “Standardisation and Optimisation of Urban Transport Solutions,” aiming to enhance urban mobility through integrated strategies and innovative practices.
Awards News
María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia Awarded the 2024 Sakharov Prize
The European Parliament has announced that María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia will be the recipients of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. This prestigious award recognizes their relentless efforts to restore democracy and freedom in Venezuela amidst severe political and economic challenges. The award decision was made by the Conference of Presidents and was publicly announced by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
Important Days News
World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2024, Date, History & Significance
The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is celebrated annually on October 27 to honor the efforts of audio-visual preservation professionals and institutions that work to protect our cultural heritage for future generations. Established by UNESCO in 2005, this day highlights the importance of preserving audiovisual materials like films, sound recordings, and broadcasts, which face unique risks such as chemical decay and technological obsolescence.
Diwali 2024 Date and Significance: Is Deepawali On October 31 or November 1?
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most cherished festivals celebrated across India and in Indian communities around the world. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. As the festival approaches, there’s often confusion regarding its exact date, as the celebration spans several days and dates may vary depending on regional traditions and practices. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on either October 31 or November 1, 2024, depending on the location, with each day having a special ritual dedicated to the gods and goddesses. Below, we explore the festival’s dates, timings, significance, and customs in detail.
Agreements News
EC Signs Electoral Cooperation Pact with Uzbekistan
The Election Commission of India signed an agreement for electoral cooperation with Uzbekistan’s central poll body. This agreement was formalized during Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar’s visit to Tashkent, where he is serving as an international observer for the upcoming elections scheduled for October 27.
Economy News
NIPFP Lowers India’s FY25 GDP Growth Estimate to 6.9-7.1%
The National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) has revised its growth forecast for India to 6.9-7.1% for FY25, citing a notable moderation in growth during the June quarter. This slowdown is attributed to a significant contraction in net exports and reduced government consumption due to the implementation of the model code of conduct.
Mudra Loan Limit Doubled to Rs 20 Lakh: A Boost for Entrepreneurs
The government has doubled the limit of Mudra loans under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, introducing a new ‘Tarun Plus’ category. This change, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her July 2024 Budget speech, aims to promote entrepreneurship and support emerging business owners. The increase is designed to empower budding entrepreneurs who have successfully repaid previous loans under the existing Tarun category, furthering the government’s commitment to “Funding the Unfunded.”
Appointments News
Amitabh Chaudhry Re-Appointed as MD and CEO of Axis Bank by RBI
Axis Bank has officially announced the re-appointment of Amitabh Chaudhry as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for a new three-year term, effective from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027.
Business News
Nvidia Overtakes Apple A New Leader in Market Value
Nvidia has officially dethroned Apple as the world’s most valuable company, achieving this milestone on Friday after a remarkable surge in its stock price driven by soaring demand for its cutting-edge supercomputing AI chips. At one point, Nvidia’s market value soared to an impressive $3.53 trillion, just edging out Apple, which was valued at $3.52 trillion, according to data from LSEG.
Airbus Launches State-of-the-Art Headquarters and Training Centre in India
Airbus has inaugurated its new India and South Asia Headquarters and Training Centre, marking a significant investment in the Indian aerospace sector. Located in the National Capital Region (NCR), this facility is poised to play a key role in training pilots and technicians and expanding Airbus’s industrial footprint in India. The centre is equipped with four A320 simulators and boasts a capacity to train up to 800 pilots and 200 technicians annually.
EIB Funds ₹2,800 Cr for Bengaluru Suburban Railway to Enhance Urban Mobility
The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has announced a significant loan of €300 million (approximately ₹2,800 crore) for the construction of a new suburban railway network in Bengaluru. This initiative aims to build four dedicated rail corridors covering 149 km, with plans for 58 stations and two depots. EIB Vice-President Nicola Beer highlighted that this project will facilitate a shift from road to rail, effectively tackling issues like congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing affordable mobility for residents.
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