Daily Current Affairs 30th October 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

PM Modi Unveils ₹12,850 Cr Health Projects on Ayurveda Day

On the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched, inaugurated, and laid the foundation for healthcare projects valued at over ₹12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi. These projects mark a significant enhancement to India’s healthcare infrastructure, supporting the Prime Minister’s vision of accessible, high-quality healthcare for all citizens.

Cultural Tribute Konark Wheel Replicas Unveiled at Amrit Udyan

Four sandstone replicas of the iconic Konark wheel have been installed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and Amrit Udyan, according to an official statement released. This initiative aims to highlight and promote India’s rich cultural heritage, providing visitors with a deeper appreciation of the country’s historical artistry and craftsmanship.

India Rolls Out Its First Made-In-India C295 Aircraft by September 2026

India is set to mark a significant milestone in its aerospace industry with the rollout of the first locally assembled C295 military transport aircraft from the Vadodara facility in September 2026. This initiative, part of the “Make in India” campaign, represents a robust collaboration between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems. The facility was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, highlighting the deepening defense ties between India and Spain.

Ayushman Bharat: Free Health Coverage for Seniors 70+

In a significant expansion of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card on October 29, 2024, providing free healthcare coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of income.

This extension, rolled out on Ayurveda Day at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi, enables seniors to avail free treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh annually at AB PMJAY empaneled hospitals. The initiative, however, excludes seniors in Delhi and West Bengal due to non-implementation by these state governments.

PM Modi Unveils ₹12,850 Cr Health Projects on Ayurveda Day

On the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched, inaugurated, and laid the foundation for healthcare projects valued at over ₹12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi. These projects mark a significant enhancement to India’s healthcare infrastructure, supporting the Prime Minister’s vision of accessible, high-quality healthcare for all citizens.

International News

Indian Railways Renews MoU with Switzerland for Advanced Infrastructure Modernization

Indian Railways has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Switzerland’s Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) to deepen technical collaboration, targeting infrastructure modernization and operational efficiency. Signed via video conferencing, this agreement marks the continuation of a partnership initiated in 2017, focusing on areas critical to railway technology enhancement.

The MoU renewal received backing from India’s Ministry of Railways and Ministry of External Affairs, with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighting the alignment with India’s modernization goals.

World’s First Green Energy Island Sails Into Cost Storm

In the heart of the North Sea, an ambitious green energy project is taking shape. Named after Belgium’s Princess Elisabeth, this groundbreaking energy island represents a bold step towards renewable energy transformation. At a bustling shipyard along the North Sea coast, workers are constructing massive concrete structures that will form the foundation of this world-first initiative.

State News

Rajasthan Village Adopts Green Technology for Zero-Waste Goal

Aandhi, a small village located about 43 km from Jaipur in Rajasthan, is making strides towards becoming a zero-waste model through the implementation of green technology interventions. This initiative aims to transform various types of waste such as food waste, agricultural waste, wastewater, and hospital waste generated from local sources, including schools, farms, and community health centers, into valuable resources.

Defence News

GSL Unveils Two Indigenous Fast Patrol Vessels for Coast Guard

Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) launched two indigenous fast patrol vessels, Adamya and Akshar, designed for the Indian Coast Guard, on 28th October. These vessels are intended to enhance the protection of offshore assets, island territories, and conduct surveillance operations.

Important Days News

World Savings Day 2024, Date, Origin, Benefits and Impact

Saving money is an essential step towards achieving financial goals, preparing for future expenses, and reducing financial stress. Observed annually in India on October 30, World Savings Day promotes awareness about the importance of saving. Globally, however, it is observed on October 31. The occasion encourages individuals to reflect on their spending and saving habits, contributing to financial well-being and security.

National Unity Day Celebration: Amit Shah Flags Off ‘Run for Unity’

In New Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the ‘Run for Unity’ to commemorate National Unity Day on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary, highlighting Patel’s role in India’s unification and development. Joined by dignitaries, Shah honored Patel’s legacy and emphasized Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a unified and developed India by 2047.

Business News

Nita Ambani Unveils Free Healthcare for 1 Lakh Women & Children

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Nita M. Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, introduced the New Health Seva Plan, a significant initiative providing free health screenings and treatments to over 1,00,000 women and children from underserved communities.

IndusInd Bank &Tata Power: Financing Solar for MSEs

IndusInd Bank has partnered with Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) to provide collateral-free solar financing solutions for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in India. This strategic alliance aims to facilitate easy access to solar energy financing, promoting sustainability and reducing operational costs for MSEs. The loans, which range from ₹10 lakhs to ₹2 crores, are subject to the bank’s credit approval, require a 20% margin, and feature competitive interest rates with repayment terms of up to seven years.

Jio Financial Services Launches SmartGold for Convenient Digital Gold Investments

Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) has introduced SmartGold, a digital gold investment platform, allowing customers to invest in 24-karat physical gold through the JioFinance app. This offering aligns with the company’s broader strategy to enhance financial services accessibility during the auspicious Dhanteras season. Customers can start investing with a minimum of just ₹10, ensuring a flexible and secure investment experience. The underlying gold will be stored in insured vaults, allowing customers to redeem their digital gold for cash or physical gold coins and jewelry at any time.

Jio Financial and BlackRock Form Joint Ventures for Mutual Funds

On October 28, 2024, Jio Financial Services Ltd (JFSL) and BlackRock Inc. officially announced the incorporation of two joint venture companies, Jio BlackRock Asset Management Private Limited and Jio BlackRock Trustee Private Limited, to enter the mutual fund sector in India. This strategic move follows the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) granting in-principle approval for the companies to act as co-sponsors and establish a mutual fund. JFSL has invested a total of ₹82.9 crore for a 50% stake in both entities, which includes ₹82.5 crore for Jio BlackRock Asset Management and ₹40 lakh for Jio BlackRock Trustee.

Ranks & Reports News

Greenpeace Report: 77% of Women Feel Unsafe on Delhi Buses After Dark

Despite the Delhi government’s “Pink Ticket” scheme enabling free bus travel for women since October 2019, a recent Greenpeace report reveals that 77% of women feel unsafe on buses after dark due to poor lighting, infrequent schedules, and incidents of harassment, particularly in overcrowded buses. While the scheme has issued over 100 crore tickets and contributed to both economic savings for women and environmental benefits, safety remains a primary concern.

Sports News

India Claims Runner-Up Spot at Asian Armwrestling Cup

India achieved a commendable runner-up position in the overall team standings at the Asian Arm Wrestling Cup 2024, which took place at the Aurika Skycity Hotel in Mumbai. The Indian team finished second in the medal tally, only behind Kazakhstan, the top-ranking nation in the world of arm wrestling.

Awards News

Wagh Bakri Tea Group Honored with Prestigious Generational Legacy Award

The Wagh Bakri Tea Group has received the esteemed “Generational Legacy Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Indian Economy” from Hurun India. This recognition, awarded during the inaugural Hurun India Family Business Awards, highlights the group’s substantial impact on the Indian economy and celebrates its enduring legacy in the tea industry.