Table of Contents
National News
Decode PM’s address in the 115th Episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’
In the recent episode of Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister of India touched on several pivotal themes: the country’s unity, cultural heritage, the significance of self-reliance, and growing technological advancements. This comprehensive session highlighted India’s journey of resilience and progress while celebrating its diverse cultural tapestry and strides in innovation.
Sohrai Paintings: A Gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented unique, handcrafted artifacts representing different regions of India to leaders of various countries during the recently held BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. These gifts, each selected for their cultural significance and historical roots, showcased the country’s diverse traditional art forms, including Jharkhand’s Sohrai painting and Maharashtra’s Mother of Pearl Sea Shell Vase and Warli Painting. The carefully chosen items served as cultural ambassadors, promoting Indian indigenous art on a global stage.
Centre to Begin Census from 2025: Key Details
The Central government is set to commence the long-awaited census exercise in 2025, aiming for completion by 2026. This census was originally scheduled for 2021 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following its completion, the BJP-led government plans to initiate a delimitation exercise for Lok Sabha seats, which is expected to be finalized by 2028.
Railway Protection Force Unveils ‘Digital Memorial of Valour’
On October 25, 2024, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) launched the ‘Digital Memorial of Valour’ in New Delhi, a heartfelt initiative dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of its brave personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
International News
US, Japan, and South Korea Collaborate on India’s Digital Infrastructure
The United States, Japan, and South Korea have jointly announced the Digital Infrastructure Growth Initiative for India (DiGi Framework), marking a new chapter in digital infrastructure support for India. The DiGi Framework, formalized on October 25, 2024, was signed by US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), and Korea Eximbank. It targets key technological advancements in India, including 5G, Open RAN, submarine cables, optical fiber networks, data centers, smart cities, e-commerce, AI, and quantum technology.
Salt Typhoon: Chinese Espionage Group Targets Trump and Vance in 2024 U.S. Election
A cyber-espionage operation allegedly orchestrated by a Chinese hacking group known as “Salt Typhoon” has reportedly targeted the phone data of former President Donald Trump, his running mate JD Vance, and various Democratic figures, including staff from Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign. Sources indicate that investigators are assessing whether the hackers accessed or monitored any communications data through a sophisticated breach of telecom systems. The Trump campaign was informed about the breach earlier this week, highlighting the serious implications for national security amid a contentious election season.
Banking News
SBI Named Best Bank in India for 2024 by Global Finance Magazine
State Bank of India (SBI) has been awarded the title of Best Bank in India for 2024 by Global Finance Magazine during its 31st Annual Best Bank Awards, held in Washington, coinciding with the Annual Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank. SBI Chairman CS Setty accepted the award, highlighting the bank’s dedication to exceptional services and its role in promoting financial inclusion across the nation. This recognition underscores SBI’s long-standing commitment to winning customer trust and its pivotal role in the evolving Indian banking landscape.
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Receives RBI Approval for Foreign Exchange Services
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank has secured approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for foreign exchange services, marking a significant milestone in its operational capabilities. The bank has been granted the ‘Authorised Dealer Category 1 licence,’ allowing it to offer a comprehensive range of foreign exchange products and services. This development aligns with the bank’s strategy to enhance its service offerings and cater to the growing demand for forex solutions among its customers.
Business News
Solex Energy Partners with SBI for Solar Project Financing
Solex Energy has partnered with the State Bank of India (SBI) to provide financing options for solar projects, targeting commercial, industrial, and institutional customers. Under this collaboration, SBI will offer loans up to ₹10 crore through its Surya Shakti Solar Finance Scheme, aiming to make solar energy more accessible and affordable in India.
Economy News
Drop in India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves to $688.26 Billion
India’s foreign exchange reserves decreased by $2.163 billion, bringing the total to $688.267 billion for the week ending October 18, as reported by the Reserve Bank of India. This decline follows a significant drop of $10.746 billion in the previous week, marking one of the largest reductions in reserves in recent times.
Important Days News
International Animation Day, History, Significance, Celebration
International Animation Day (IAD) was created by ASIFA (Association Internationale du Film d’Animation) in 2002 to honor the origins and influence of animation. It commemorates the first public projection of animated images, Émile Reynaud’s Théâtre Optique in Paris on October 28, 1892. International Animation Day, also known as IAD, is held annually on 28th October.
International Day of Care and Support, Date, History, Significance, Objectives
Every year on October 29th, the International Day of Care and Support is observed to honor the accomplishments of caregivers and promote laws and programs that promote and improve care in all of its manifestations. The International Day of Care and Support 2024 celebrates the essential role of compassion, solidarity, and care in building stronger, more inclusive communities.
Vigilance Awareness Week, Dates, Significance, Objectives, Theme
Vigilance Awareness Week is an initiative by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to combat corruption in India through awareness, education, and active participation of citizens. This week-long observance serves to strengthen ethics and transparency within governance and public administration, aligning with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary on October 31.
October 27, Indian Army Infantry Day, Context, PM Remarks
Infantry Day is celebrated annually in India on October 27 to commemorate the significant role played by the infantry in protecting the nation’s sovereignty and security. This day marks the landing of the 1st Battalion of the Sikh Regiment at Srinagar airfield in 1947, a pivotal moment in the defense of Jammu and Kashmir against invading forces.
Ranks & Reports News
India Ranks 79th in World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index 2023
The World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2023 reveals that India ranks 79th out of 142 countries, reflecting a continuing decline in the rule of law globally. This year’s Index shows a decline in the rule of law in 59% of the countries surveyed, marking the sixth consecutive year of global declines since 2016. Notably, India has experienced a drop in several key areas, particularly in the Fundamental Rights factor, where its score fell from 0.50 in 2022 to 0.49 in 2023. This decline is attributed to ongoing issues such as corruption, judicial inefficiency, and government overreach.
Appointments News
Deepak Agarwal Appointed as Managing Director of NAFED by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
In a recent development, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed Deepak Agarwal, a 2000-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, as the new Managing Director (MD) of the National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED). This appointment is set for a period of five years, signifying a stable leadership aimed at enhancing the efficiency and reach of NAFED, a pivotal organization in India’s agricultural sector.
Awards News
Bibhab Talukdar Wins IUCN’s Top Conservation Leadership Award
Assam-based conservation scientist Bibhab Kumar Talukdar has been awarded the prestigious Harry Messel Award for Conservation Leadership by the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Abu Dhabi. This honor, awarded during the 5th IUCN SSC Leaders’ Meeting, acknowledges his groundbreaking contributions to species conservation, particularly for Asian rhinos, through both leadership and on-ground initiatives. Talukdar has been an influential conservationist associated with IUCN SSC since 1991 and became Chair of the Asian Rhino Specialist Group in 2008.
Bhubaneswar’s Public Transport System Shines at UMI 2024
The 17th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Exhibition 2024 concluded with a valedictory session led by Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs and Power, Shri Manohar Lal, at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This three-day event brought together key stakeholders and experts to discuss advancements in sustainable urban mobility solutions.
Shaktikanta Das Earns A+ in Central Bank Report Card 2024
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has been awarded an A+ grade in the Central Bank Report Cards 2024, marking his second consecutive year of recognition. This accolade was presented by Global Finance during an event in Washington, D.C. The grades, ranging from “A+” to “F,” assess central banks on their effectiveness in critical areas such as inflation control, economic growth targets, currency stability, and interest rate management.
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