DigiLocker and UMANG Integration: Simplifying Access to Government Services 

  • DigiLocker, a secure cloud platform for storing and verifyingŸ documents, has integrated with the UMANG app to provide streamlined access to various government services. 
  • This partnership significantly advances India’s digital governance, allowing users to manage multiple services from a single platform.

Key Highlights:

  • Enhanced Accessibility: The integration enables citizens to access multiple government  services seamlessly through the DigiLocker app, making interactions with the government more efficient.
  •  Legal Validity: Documents stored and issued via DigiLocker are legally equivalent to  physical originals, ensuring authenticity and reliability in compliance with regulatory standards.

 

PM Modi Celebrates 3rd Anniversary of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed 3 years of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, highlighting its transformative impact on India's infrastructure development.

Key Highlights:

PM's Vision for Viksit Bharat:

  • PM Modi emphasized that the GatiShakti initiative is accelerating India's progress towards a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India). The plan, announced on the 75th Independence Day 2021, aims to enhance multimodal connectivity by integrating infrastructure projects across various ministries and states, making project execution faster and more efficient.

 

President Droupadi Murmu Begins Three-Nation Visit of Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi 

  • President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi was the first Indian President toŸ visit these three African nations.
  • This visit comes a year after the African Union became a permanent member of the G-20 group duringŸ India's presidency of the G-20 in 2023.

 About Algeria : 

  • President : Abdelmadjid Tebboune
  • Prime Minister : Nadir Larbaoui
  • Capital : Algiers
  • Currency : Algerian dinar

About Mauritania :

  • President : Mohamed Ould Ghazouani
  • Prime Minister : Mokhtar Ould Djay
  • President of the National Assembly : Mohamed Ould Meguett
  • Capital : Nouakchott
  • Currency : Ouguiya

About Malawi :

  • President : Lazarus Chakwera
  • Capital : Lilongwe
  • Currency : Malawian kwacha

 

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers hands over the second Survey Vessel, INS Nirdeshak, to the Indian Navy

  • Nirdeshak, the second of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships, was delivered to the Indian Navy on October 8, 2024.
  • It was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau.
  • The first ship of the SVL class, INS Sandhayak, was commissioned on February 3, 2024.
  • INS Nirdeshak is the second in a series of four such vessels being constructed by GRSE, with the first delivered to the Navy 10 months ago in December 2023.

 About GRSE :

  • Founded : 1884
  • Headquarters : Kolkata, West Bengal, India
  • Chairman & MD : Cmde PR Hari

 

India Ranks 105th in 2024 Global Hunger Index, Faces "Serious" Hunger Crisis

  • India ranks 105th out of 127 countries in the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI), placing it in the "serious" category.
  • With a GHI score of 27.3, India shares the serious category alongside countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Child Malnutrition Indicators: 

  • 5% of children under five in India are stunted (low height for age, indicating chronic malnutrition). 
  • 7% of children under five are wasted (low weight for height, indicating acute malnutrition).
  • 9% of children in India die before their fifth birthday.

 Undernourishment in Population:

  • 7% of India’s population is undernourished, indicating insufficient caloric intake across
  • significant sections of society.

 Comparison with South Asian Neighbors:

  • Countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have fared better, achieving "moderate" GHI scores, unlike India, which remains in the serious category.

 

Jannik Sinner Defeats Novak Djokovic to Win Shanghai Masters 2024

  • World No. 1 Jannik Sinner secured the Shanghai Masters title by defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets, 7-6(4), 6-3.
  • The victory denied Djokovic a chance to become only the third male player to achieve 100 career singles titles, a milestone shared by Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).

Aryna Sabalenka Clinches Historic Third Wuhan Open Title After Gritty Battle with Zheng Qinwen

  • Aryna Sabalenka became the first player to win the Wuhan Open three times, defeating local star Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 in a thrilling final. 
  • Sabalenka's record in Wuhan remains perfect, improving to 17-0, having previously won the event in 2018 and 2019.

 

International Day of Rural Women: October 15 

  • International Day of Rural Women 2024 is observed on the 15th of October 2024.
  • This year's theme, "Rural Women Sustaining Nature for OurŸ Collective Future: Building climate resilience, Conserving Biodiversity, and Caring for land towards gender equality and Empowerment,“

White Cane Safety Day: October 15 

  • White Cane Safety Day 2024 is observed on the 15th of October 2024. (This day is dedicated to visually impaired people)

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day: October 15

  • Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day 2024 is observed on the 15th of October 2024.

 

Global Handwashing Day: October 15

  • Global Handwashing Day 2024 is observed on the 15th of October

World Students Day: October 15 

  • World Students Day 2024 is observed on the 15th of October 2024, to honor the birthday of our former president, the late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

 

Australia's New Working Holiday Visa Program for Indian Youth: 

  • Australia has introduced a new First Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) for Indian citizens, enabling young Indians aged 18 to 30 to work and holiday in Australia for up to one year.
  • This initiative, part of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), strengthens the economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

 

Odisha introduces Gramodaya scheme for welfare initiatives in villages affected by Left-Wing Extremism 

  • The Odisha government has launched Gramodaya, a new scheme to ensure that welfare programmes reach people living in the Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts.

 About Odisha :

  • Governor : Raghubar Das
  • Chief Minister : Mohan Charan Majhi
  • Capital : Bhubaneswar
  • National Park : Simlipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries : Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary,
  • Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, Hadagarh Wildlife Sanctuary

 

Delhi implements total firecracker ban to tackle winter air pollution 

  • The Delhi government has imposed a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, selling, and bursting of all kinds of firecrackers, including online sales, effective until January 1, 2025.
  • The Delhi police have been tasked with enforcing the ban strictly and are required to submit daily action-taken reports to a designated committee.
  • Real-time Air Quality Monitoring:For the first time, drones will be used for real-time air quality monitoring at various pollution hotspots across the city.
  • Air Quality Index (AQI) on October 9, 2024:On October 9, 2024, Delhi’s air quality wasŸ recorded in the "poor" category, with an AQI reading of 220.

AQI Categories:

  • 0-50: Good
  • 51-100: Satisfactory
  • 101-200: Moderate
  • 201-300: Poor
  • 301-400: Very Poor
  • 401-500: Severe

About Delhi : 

  • Governor : Vinai Kumar Saxena
  • Chief Minister : Atishi Marlena Singh (AAP)

 

India to Ink $3.3 Billion Contract with US for MQ-9B Predator Drones

  • India is set to sign a major $3.3 billion (Rs 28,000 crore) defence deal with the United States for 31 MQ-9B Predator drones.
  • This acquisition is part of India's growing defence partnership with the US, which hasŸ secured over $25 billion in Indian defence contracts in less than two decades.

 Significance of the MQ-9B Predator Drones:

  • The MQ-9B Predator is a high-altitude, long-endurance drone designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) missions and precision strikes.
  • India will deploy these drones for strategic ISR missions in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), where China is expanding its naval influence.
  • The drones are equipped with Hellfire missiles, GBU-39B precision-guided bombs, advanced navigation systems, and sensor suites.

 Deal Details:

  • The deal includes 15 Sea Guardians for the Navy and 8 Sky Guardians each for the Army and Air Force.
  • The drones will be delivered over a period of four to six years.
  • A separate contract with General Atomics will establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India, with 34% of components to be sourced from Indian companies

 

 Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Achieves Maharatna Status, Becoming the 14th Central Public Sector Enterprise Recognized by the Government of India

  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been upgraded to Maharatna status, becoming the 14th Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) to receive this classification in India.
  • This upgrade marks a significant achievement for HAL, enhancing its role in the Indian aerospace and defence sector.

 

World Anaesthesia Day: October 16

  • World Anaesthesia Day 2024 is observed on the 16th of October 2024.
  • World Anaesthesia Day is observed on October 16 in remembrance of W.T.G. Morton, who made the first successful official demonstration of ether as an anaesthetic on this date 173 years ago.

 World Food Day: October 16

  • World Food Day 2024 is observed annually on the 16th of October 2024.

 The World Food Day 2024 theme is “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future,” World Anaesthesia Day: October 16

  • World Anaesthesia Day 2024 is observed on the 16th of October 2024.
  • World Anaesthesia Day is observed on October 16 in remembrance of W.T.G. Morton, who made the first successful official demonstration of ether as an anaesthetic on this date 173 years ago

 

World Health Organisation declares India free from Trachoma as a public health problem in 2024

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) declared India free from Trachoma as a public health problem in 2024.
  • India is the third country in the South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone.

What is Trachoma?:

  • Trachoma is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis that affects the eyes.
  • It is classified as a neglected tropical disease by the WHO.

About WHO : 

  • Established : 7 April 1948
  • Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland
  • Director General : Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
  • Parent Organization : United Nations Economic and Social Council

 

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Calls for Peace, Stability, and an Inclusive Indo-Pacific at 19th East Asia Summit

  • Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) on 11 October 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
  • In his address, PM Modi emphasized ASEAN's central role in the Indo-Pacific regional architecture, India's Indo-Pacific Vision, and Quad cooperation.

About East Asia Summit :

  • The East Asia Summit (EAS) is a forum for leaders of countries in the Indo-Pacific region to discuss political, security, and economic challenges.
  • The EAS was established in 2005 by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and is held annually.
  • The EAS was launched in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2005.
  • The EAS was originally attended by 16 countries from East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Oceania.
  • In 2011, membership expanded to 18 countries, including Russia and the United States.

 The 18 countries are:

  • Ten ASEAN member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar,
  • Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
  • Other members: Australia, China, Japan, India, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States

 

Director General Paramesh Sivamani appointed as the 26th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard

  • Director General Paramesh Sivamani took over as the 26th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

About Indian Coast Guard :

  • Founded : 18 August 1978
  • Headquarters : New Delhi, India

 

National Space Commission Approves India's Fifth Lunar Mission: Lunar Polar Exploration Mission

  • The National Space Commission has cleared India's fifth lunar mission, named the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX).
  • LUPEX is a joint mission between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
  • It will also involve observation instruments from NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).
  • The mission aims to explore the Moon's southern polar region, focusing on investigating the presence of water and other elements, potentially as surface ice.
  • Mission Components: LUPEX will consist of a lander and a rover
  • Launch Schedule: The LUPEX mission is currently scheduled for launch in 2025.
  • Operational Duration: It is expected to operate for up to 100 days on the lunar surface, significantly longer than Chandrayaan-3's operational period

 

CBDT Issues Guidance Note for Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas (DTVSV) Scheme, 2024

  • The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued a Guidance Note in the form of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to address queries from stakeholders regarding the Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas (DTVSV) Scheme, 2024.
  • This move aims to provide clarity and assist taxpayers in understanding the provisions of the scheme.
  • It aims to resolve common queries and ensure smoother implementation of the scheme.
  • The Guidance Note is available on the Income Tax Department’s portal.
  • The DTVSV Scheme, 2024, announced in the Union Budget 2024-25 by the Finance Minister, aims to resolve pending income tax disputes.

 

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2024

  • The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2024 will be observed on October 17th

 

Development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat

  • The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.
  • The project will be executed in two phases, aiming to showcase India's 4,500-year-old maritime heritage.

 

 India raises concerns over terrorism at SCO meeting hosted in Pakistan

  • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called for an “honest conversation” about the lack of trust and neighbourly ties within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), implicitly criticizing China and Pakistan regarding issues of territorial integrity and terrorism.
  • Jaishankar's visit marked the first time an Indian foreign minister visited Pakistan in nearly a decade, highlighting a significant diplomatic engagement.
  • China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): Jaishankar's comments followed Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s proposal to expand CPEC as part of a “robust SCO connectivity framework,” which India opposes due to its passage through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
  • Principles of Cooperation: Jaishankar argued that cooperation among SCO members should be based on mutual respect and sovereignty, not unilateral agendas.

 Note :

  • Pakistan will host the 2024 SCO Summit in Islamabad on October 15-16, 2024.

About SCO :

  • Established : 15 June 2001
  • Headquarters : Beijing, China
  • Secretary General : Zhang Ming

 

Minister of Information Technology and Biotechnology Priyank Kharge states Karnataka's goal to become Asia's hub for gaming and animation

  • Priyank Kharge, Minister of Information Technology and Biotechnology, announced that Karnataka aims to become the gaming and animation capital of India and Asia during the Indian Gaming Convention (IGC) in New Delhi.
  • The state plans to establish a gaming accelerator by the end of the financial year to support the growth of the gaming industry.

Key Highlights :

  • eSports Olympics: Kharge expressed interest in hosting India’s first government-sponsored eSports Olympics to maintain leadership in the gaming sector.
  • Gaming Community: India has the world's second-largest gaming community, with approximately 425 million gamers.

About Karnataka :

  • Governor : Thawar Chand Gehlot
  • Chief Minister : Siddaramaiah (INC)
  • Capital : Bangalore

 

Omar Abdullah Takes Oath as Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir; Surinder Kumar Choudhary Appointed as Deputy Chief Minister

  • Omar Abdullah took oath as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir marking his second term as Chief Minister (CM).
  • He previously served from 2009 to 2014.
  • National Conference’s Surinder Kumar Choudhary was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister.
  • Choudhary defeated BJP leader Ravinder Raina from the Nowshera constituency.
  • This is the first elected government since 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories (Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh).
  • The oath was administered by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.

 

Nayab Singh Saini set to be sworn in as Haryana Chief Minister

  • Nayab Singh Saini will be sworn in as the 20th Chief Minister of Haryana in Chandigarh.
  • He was unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in Haryana, paving the way for his appointment as CM.
  • The oath of office and secrecy will be administered by Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya.

About Haryana :

  • Governor : Bandaru Dattatreya
  • Chief Minister : Nayab Singh Saini
  • Capital : Chandigarh

 

Aishath Azeema appointed as the new Maldives Ambassador to India

  • Senior diplomat Aishath Azeema is set to replace Ibrahim Shaheeb as the top Maldivian envoy to India.
  • The appointment comes after President Mohamed Muizzu's first state visit to India, indicating efforts to reinforce ties with one of the Maldives' closest bilateral partners.

 About Maldives :

  • President : Mohamed Muizzu
  • Capital : Malé
  • Currency : Maldivian rufiyaa

 

Indian Army plans month-long events to commemorate 62nd anniversary of the Battle of Walong

  • The Indian Army is planning a month-long series of events from October 17 to November 14, 2024 to mark the 62nd anniversary of the Battle of Walong during the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
  • Key Events: Activities will include the inauguration of the newly renovated Walong War Memorial, Shaurya Sthal at Lama Spur, and various infrastructure projects in border areas.
  • Historical Significance: The Battle of Walong was significant as Indian forces halted the advance of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) for 27 days in challenging terrain during the Sino-Indian War.

 

WWF 2024 Living Planet Report: Alarming Decline in Global Wildlife Populations

  • The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) released its 2024 Living Planet Report, highlighting a significant decline in global wildlife populations.
  • According to the report, there has been an average 73% decrease in monitored wildlife populations since 1970, underscoring the urgent need to address biodiversity loss.

Overall Decline (1970-2020):

  • Freshwater species: 85% decline
  • Terrestrial species: 69% decline
  • Marine species: 56% decline

Regional Impacts:

  • Latin America and the Caribbean: 95% decline
  • Africa: 76% decline
  • Asia-Pacific: 60% decline
  • North America: 39% decline
  • Central Asia: 35% decline

About WWF:

  • The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), established in 1961, is the world’s leading conservation organization, headquartered in Gland, Switzerland.
  • It operates in over 100 countries to address threats to biodiversity and promote sustainable solutions.

 

Neetu David Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame: A Historic Achievement for Indian Women's Cricket

  • Former Indian spinner Neetu David, who holds the record for the best bowling figures (8/53) by a woman in individual Test innings, has been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.
  • She becomes only the second female cricketer from India to receive this prestigious honor, following in the footsteps of former captain Diana Edulji.

India on track to becoming third-largest economy by FY31:  S&P report

India to Become Third-Largest Global Economy by 2030

  • S&P Global Ratings reports that India is set to be the third-largest global economy by 2030, up from its current position as the fifth-largest.
  • The Indian economy is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years, making it the fastest-growing major economy until 2027.

Ambition for $30 Trillion Economy by 2047

  • India aims to grow its economy to $30 trillion by 2047, compared to its current size of $3.6 trillion.

 

Indian Railways Announces New 60-Day Advance Ticket Booking Policy

  • Indian Railways has unveiled a significant update to its advanced train ticket reservation system, allowing passengers to book tickets 60 days in advance starting from November 1, 2024.
  • This change aims to provide greater flexibility and convenience for travellers planning their journeys.

Key Highlights:

New Booking Window:

  • Passengers will now be able to book train tickets up to 60 days prior to the train's scheduled departure, as opposed to the current 120-day booking window. This change is intended to enable travellers to make reservations based on more immediate travel plans.
  • The new 60-day advance booking rule does not apply to certain daytime express trains, such as the Taj Express and Gomti Express, which have distinct advance booking regulations.
  • The option for foreign tourists to book tickets 365 days in advance will remain unchanged.

 

 Supreme Court Upholds Constitutionality of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955

  • A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, in a 4:1 majority judgment, has upheld the constitutionality of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, which allows immigrants from Bangladesh residing in Assam to secure Indian citizenship.
  • The ruling emphasized the importance of fraternity as a foundational value of the Constitution.

 Judgment Overview:

  • The majority opinion, authored by Justice Surya Kant, emphasized that the principle of fraternity should not be selectively applied, stating that it requires diverse groups to “live and let live.”

Section 6A Details:

  • The provision allows immigrants who entered Assam from Bangladesh before January 1, 1966, to be deemed Indian citizens.
  • Those arriving between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971, can gain citizenship subject to specific However, it bars citizenship for those who entered after March 25, 1971.

 

Saudi Arabia launches digital platform to ensure wage protection, human rights of expat workers

  • The new labour rules in Saudi Arabia — under a digital platform called Musaned — will benefit at least 10 African countries and 9 Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Vietnam, Philippines and Sri Lanka.

Key Features

  • Employment Contract Review: Workers can easily access and review their employment contracts.
  • Financial Transaction Tracking: It allows workers to track financial transactions between themselves and their employers.
  • Linking to Insurance and Benefits: The platform can be linked to contract insurance and health benefits to provide additional protection.

About Saudi Arabia:

  • Capital: Riyadh
  • King: Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
  • Crown Prince: Mohammed bin Salman
  • Official Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)

 

Karnataka renames all residential schools as Maharishi Valmiki Schools; Raichur University gets a new name too

  • Valmiki Jayanti 2024: The Karnataka government, led by CM Siddaramaiah, has renamed all government residential schools in the state Maharishi Valmiki Residential Schools.
  • In addition, Raichur University will be renamed Maharishi Valmiki University.
  • The announcement made by the Chief Minister coincides with Valmiki Jayanti, a day on which the nation celebrates the birth anniversary of the legendary poet.
  • It is observed on October 17.
  • Valmiki is celebrated as the “Adi Kavi”, meaning the first poet of Sanskrit literature.

About Karnataka:

  • Capital: Bengaluru
  • Chief Minister: Siddaramaiah
  • Governor: Thawarchand Gehlot

 

Nikita Porwal Crowned Femina Miss India World 2024

  • Nikita Porwal, from Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, has been crowned Femina Miss India World 2024.
  • She will represent India in the Miss World

 

MS Dhoni continues as brand ambassador and stakeholder of Garuda Aerospace

  • MS Dhoni, former Indian cricket captain, announced that his association with Garuda Aerospace, an IPO-bound drone company, continues to flourish.
  • Dhoni, who is both a brand ambassador and stakeholder in the company, expressed his belief in Garuda’s vision to make India a drone hub by 2030.
  • He first began his association with Garuda in 2022,
  • when 100 drones were launched by PM Narendra Modi across 100 locations in India.

 

Israel kills Hamas chief: Yahya Sinwar

  • Israel’s Foreign Minister confirmed that Israeli troops in Gaza have killed Hamas’ top leader Yahya Sinwar, a chief architect of Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023that sparked the Israel-Hamas war.

Who was Yahya Sinwar?

  • Yahya Sinwar was a prominent leader of Hamas, a Palestinian militant organization that governs the Gaza Strip and is designated as a terrorist organization by many countries, including Israel, the United States, and the European Union

 

PhonePe Introduces Firecracker Insurance Policy for Diwali Celebrations

  • PhonePe has collaborated with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance to offer an affordable firecracker-related accident insurance policy for Diwali.
  • The policy is specifically aimed at protecting Diwali against accidents caused by firecrackers.

 Key Highlights :

Coverage Details:

  • Sum insured: Rs 25,000.
  • Premium: Rs 9, inclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST).
  • Duration: Coverage for 10 days from October 25, 2024, to November 3, 2024. Sale of policies ends on November 3, 2024.

 

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud Recommends Justice Sanjiv Khanna as His Successor

  • Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud has recommended Justice Sanjiv Khanna as his successor.
  • The recommendation was made in a letter to the Ministry of Law and Justice.
  • Justice Khanna is expected to become the 51st Chief Justice of India.
  • His tenure is projected to last for six months, as he is set to retire on May 13, 2025.
  • CJI Chandrachud is scheduled to retire on November 10, 2024.

 

Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman S. Somanath honoured with the IAF World Space Award for Chandrayaan-3 achievement

  • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that its Chairman S. Somanath has received the International Astronautical Federation’s (IAF) prestigious World Space Award for Chandrayaan-3’s remarkable achievement.
  • Chandrayaan-3 was launched July 6, 2023 from Sriharikota spaceport and it successfully made the soft landing near the South Pole on August 23.

 About ISRO :

  • Formed : 15 August 1969
  • Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka
  • Chairman : S. Somanath

 

Ashalata Devi poised to make history as the first Indian woman footballer to reach 100 international appearances

  • Captain Ashalata Devi will become the first Indian woman footballer to play 100 international matches when she competes in the opening match of the SAFF Championship against Pakistan.

About Captain Ashalata Devi :

  • Ashalata was called up to the India U-17 team in 2008 at the age of 15 and began playing football at age 13.
  • She made her debut for the Indian national team in March 2011 during the pre-Olympics tournament in Dhaka against Bangladesh.

 

UN General Assembly Elects 18 New Members to Human Rights Council for 2025-2027 Term

  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) elected 18 members to the 47-member Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term.
  • The countries elected to the Council are Benin, Bolivia, Colombia, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Iceland, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Mexico, North Macedonia, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland, and Thailand.
  • The newly elected members will serve three-year terms starting from January 1, 2025.
  • The Human Rights Council consists of 47 members and is based in Geneva. It is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally.
  • About a third of the council's members are replaced each year to ensure staggered terms, promoting continuity within the Council's operations.

About UNGA : 

  • Formation : 1945
  • Headquarters : New York City, U.S
  • President : Philemon Yang

 

Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar was appointed as Chairperson of the National Commission for Women

  • Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar has been appointed as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW).
  • She will be the 9th Chairperson of NCW.
  • The appointment made under Section 3 of the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, will be for a period of three years or until she reaches the age of 65, whichever comes first.

 

First Woman on Moon to Wear Prada-Designed Spacesuit for NASA's 2026 Mission

  • The first woman to set foot on the Moon will be dressed in a designer spacesuit, thanks to a collaboration between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Italian fashion house Prada.
  • As part of Nasa’s historic Artemis III mission to the lunar South Pole, Prada has teamed up with Axiom Space to create a cutting-edge spacesuit for the astronauts heading to the Moon in 2026.
  • The spacesuit, known as the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), is designed not just for aesthetics but for performance, durability, and adaptability.

 

Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman Conduct Maritime Exercise (Naseem Al Bahr)

  • The Indo-Oman bilateral naval exercise, Naseem Al Bahr, took place off the coast of Goa from October 13 to 18, 2024.
  • The Indian Navy participated with Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trikand and a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, while the Royal Navy of Oman was represented by RNOV Al Seeb.

 

Lahore Ranked as World's Most Polluted City for the Second Time in a Week

  • Lahore, a major city in Pakistan, has been ranked as the most polluted city in the world for the second time in a week, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 208, surpassing New Delhi’s score of 164.

 

International Stuttering Awareness Day 2024

  • International Stuttering Awareness Day 2024 is observed on the 22nd of October 2024.
  • This year, the theme of International Stuttering Awareness Day 2024 is 'The Power of Listening.'

 

 Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Launches ‘eShram – One Stop Solution’ for the Welfare of Unorganised Workers

  • Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, introduced the “eShram – One Stop Solution” in New Delhi.
  • This event was attended by Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, and other senior officials from the Ministry.
  • Simplified Registration Process: The One Stop Solution aims to streamline the registration for unorganised workers and enhance their access to government welfare schemes, serving as a vital link to various benefits.
  • Encouragement to Register: He urged all unorganised workers to register on the eShram portal to benefit from the government’s social security initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and ensuring wellbeing.

 

Madhya Pradesh: 'Pink Alarms' Introduced at Datia District Hospital and Medical College to Enhance Women's Safety

  • In Madhya Pradesh, in a first of its kind of initiative, `pink alarms’ have been installed at the government
  • run district hospital and medical college in Datia.
  • The issue of safety of women staff at public hospitals came to the fore recently after the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

 Alarm System Details:

  • Concept Origin: The pink alarm system was developed by District Collector Sandeep Makin.
  • Functionality: Pressing the pink alarm will trigger a siren, alerting security personnel who will respond within five minutes.

About MP :

  • Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
  • Chief Minister: Mohan Yadav
  • Capital: Bhopal

 

Odisha To Host 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas In Bhubaneswar

  • Bhubaneswar, Odisha will host the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), which marks the contribution of the overseas Indian community to the development of the country, in January 2025.
  • The chief minister has approved the proposal sent by the Ministry of External Affairs for hosting the three-day event beginning from January 8.

About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas :

  • Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a significant Central programme recognising Indian immigrants’ contributions to the country’s development.
  • It commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa on January 9.
  • Since 2003, it has been held annually, and since 2015, biennially, with 17 events held so far.
  • The 17th edition took place in Indore of Madhya Pradesh in 2023.

 

Prabowo Subianto Assumes Office as President of Indonesia

  • Prabowo Subianto has assumed office as the President of Indonesia, marking his leadership of the world's third-largest democracy.
  • He is officially the eighth president of Indonesia, which is recognized as the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation.

About Indonesia :

  • Capital : Jakarta
  • Currency : Indonesian rupiah

 

Indian Coast Guard Performs 'Sagar Kavach' Exercise Along the Coasts of Maharashtra and Goa

  • The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in co-ordination with other agencies has undertaken two-day 'Sagar Kavach' exercise along the coast of Goa and Maharashtra to protect the country's maritime interests and to test the agencies' collective response to security threats.
  • The Coast Guard is conducting the exercise in co-ordination with the Indian Navy, Customs, Coastal Police, Central Industrial Security Force, Mormugao Port Authority and the Goa government's Fisheries and Captain of Ports departments.

About ICG :

  • Founded: 1 February 1977.
  • Director General: S Paramesh

 

Deepika Kumari Wins Silver at Archery World Cup Final 2024

  • Deepika Kumari secured the silver medal in the women’s recurve event at the Archery World Cup Final 2024 held in Tlaxcala, Mexico.
  • The accomplished Indian archer faced a challenging match against Li Jiaman of China, ultimately losing 6-0 in the final.

 

World Iodine Deficiency Day: 21st October

  • World Iodine Deficiency Day, also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day, is observed on 21st October every year.

 

PFRDA Appoints Chitra Jayasimha as Chairperson of National Pension System Trust Board

  • Pension regulator Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has appointed Chitra Jayasimha as the Chairperson of the Board of National Pension System (NPS) Trust with effect from October 17, 2024.

 

Vietnam Names Army General Luong Cuong as New President Following Months of Turmoil

  • Vietnam has elected Luong Cuong, a military general, as its new president, marking the fourth official to hold the position in 18 months.
  • The presidency is the second highest role in Vietnam's political structure, although it is largely ceremonial.
  • The general secretary is the most powerful position in Vietnam, while the presidency mainly involves ceremonial duties and engaging with foreign dignitaries.

About Vietnam :

  • Prime Minister : Phạm Minh Chính
  • Capital : Hanoi
  • Currency : Vietnamese đồng

 

India Launches 4th Nuclear Submarine Equipped with Advanced Weapons

  • India’s fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), referred to as S4*, was launched into water at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam.
  • This submarine is bigger and more capable than the first, INS Arihant (S2), which is essentially a technology demonstrator developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel programme.
  • The S4* features significant indigenous content, showcasing extensive involvement from the Indian industry.

Key Highlights :

  • Current Status of SSBNs:India currently has two operational SSBNs:
  • INS Arihant (S2) (commissioned in August 2016, 6,000 tonnes, 83 MW pressurized light-water reactor).
  • INS Arighaat (S3) (commissioned in August 2024, similar specifications to INS Arihant).
  • INS Aridhman (S4), is undergoing sea trials and is expected to be commissioned in 2025.

 

Renewal of the Kartarpur Corridor Agreement Between India and Pakistan

  • India and Pakistan have renewed their agreement to operate the Kartarpur Corridor for an additional five years, extending its validity until October 24, 2029.
  • This follows the original agreement established in 2019, which was set to expire on October 24, 2024.

Facilitation for Pilgrims: 

  • The corridor enables Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan without a visa, requiring only a nominal fee of $20 per person.

 Importance of the Corridor:

  • The Kartarpur Corridor spans 4.1 km, commencing from Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab, India, and leading to the sacred Gurdwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib, where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, spent the final years of his life.

 

World Polio Day : 24th October

  • World Polio Day 2024 is observed on the 24th of October 2024.

 

United Nations Day: 24th October

  • United Nations Day 2024 is observed on the 24th of October 2024.
  • United Nations Day is celebrated annually on October 24, commemorating the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945.