International Monetary Fund Maintains India's GDP Growth Rate at 7% for the Current Fiscal Year

  • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) retained India's GDP growth rate at 7% for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, and projected 6.5% growth for FY2025-26 in its World Economic Outlook (WEO). • Deloitte India Projection: Deloitte India's Economic Outlook also forecasts India's GDP growth between 7% and 7.2% for the current fiscal year.

Key Drivers of India's Growth:

  • Moderating inflation • Record Kharif crop production
  • Increased government spending
  • Growing investments in manufacturing

 About IMF :

  • Founded : 1 July 1944 • Headquarters : Washington, D.C, United States • Managing Director : Kristalina Georgieva

 

Ustad Allauddin Khan Festival Celebrates 50th Anniversary in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh

  • The Ustad Allauddin Khan Festival is being held in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh, marking its golden jubilee year (50th anniversary).
  • The festival will take place over three days, concluding on October 10.
  • It is organized jointly by the Madhya Pradesh Culture Department, Ustad Allauddin Khan Music and Art Academy, and the Maihar District Administration.
  • The event will feature performances by many well-known personalities from the music world across the country.
  • Significance of Ustad Allauddin Khan:Ustad Allauddin Khan was a prominent figure in the music industry, known for his contributions to promoting music traditions in Madhya Pradesh.
  • Exhibitions:Two exhibitions will be held during the festival:
  • ‘Devi’: This exhibition will showcase a collection of miniature paintings based on the 108 names of Goddesses.
  • Tantu’: This exhibition will focus on string instruments, highlighting their significance in music.

About MP :

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

 

European Parliament Awards Sakharov Prize to Venezuelan Opposition Leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González

  • The European Parliament has awarded its prestigious Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, leaders of Venezuela's democratic opposition.
  • This recognition honors their efforts to restore democracy and freedom in Venezuela amid political repression.

Key Points:

  • Award Background:
  • The Sakharov Prize, established in 1988, is named after Andrei Sakharov, a Soviet dissident and Nobel laureate. It is the highest tribute the European Union pays to individuals or groups defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.
  • Past recipients include global figures like Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, and Denis Mukwege.
  • The Sakharov Prize comes with an €50,000 ($54,000) endowment and will be formally presented in mid-December at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

 The award also highlights the international community's solidarity with those advocating for democracy and human rights.

 

Scientists discover concealed ocean 700 kilometers beneath Earth's surface

  • Scientists at Northwestern University have discovered a massive water reservoir, dubbed a "sixth ocean," located approximately 700 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface within the mantle.
  • This hidden ocean is estimated to be three times larger than all of Earth's surface oceans combined.
  • The discovery was made using around 2,000 seismographs across the United States.
  • These instruments analyze seismic waves that penetrate the Earth’s layers, revealing insights into its internal structure.
  • This finding challenges existing knowledge about Earth's geology and highlights the importance of studying the planet's internal processes.
  • Currently, the world recognizes five major surface oceans — Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern (Antarctic) Oceans.
  • This new "sixth ocean" is unlike any surface ocean, existing deep within the Earth's mantle.

 

 Tito Mboweni, South Africa’s First Black Central Bank Governor, Passed Away

  • Tito Mboweni, who was the first Black governor of the South African Reserve Bank was heralded by financial markets and business for keeping tight fiscal controls on the nation’s public spending, has passed away at the age of 65.

About Tito Mboweni :

  • Mboweni served as the governor of the South African Reserve Bank from 1999 to 2009.
  • He was recognized for maintaining tight fiscal controls on the nation’s public spending, which earned him praise from financial markets and the business community.

 

 Nobuyo Oyama, Iconic Voice Actor of Japanese Cartoon Doraemon, Passed Away

  • Nobuyo Oyama, the iconic voice actor for Doraemon, passed away at the age of 90.

 About Nobuyo Oyama :

  • Oyama began her career in the 1960s and became famous for her voice acting in anime and children’s programs.
  • She voiced Doraemon in the popular Japanese anime series from 1979 to 2005, gaining a large fan following in Japan and internationally.

 

International Artist Day - October 25

  • International Artist Day is celebrated annually on October 25 to honour and recognize artists from various fields, including visual arts, music, dance, literature, and performance.

 

National Lemur Day - October 25, 2024

  • National Lemur Day is celebrated on October 25, 2024, under the theme "Lemurs, a National Treasure, a Global Pride."
  • This day highlights the importance of lemurs, the iconic animals of Madagascar, and their critical role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems

 

Disarmament Week: October 24 - 30

  • Disarmament Week is observed annually from October 24 to 30,2024 starting on the United Nations (UN) Day.
  • This week aims to raise awareness about the importance of disarmament and promote international dialogue to reduce the spread and impact of weapons.

 

 Global Media and Information Literacy Week: October 24 – 31

  • Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week is observed annually from October 24 to 31.
  • It aims to raise awareness about the importance of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and celebrates the progress made towards ensuring that people around the world are equipped with the skills to critically navigate the information landscape.

 

IndiaAI and Meta Establish 'Srijan' Center for Generative AI at IIT Jodhpur

  • IndiaAI and Meta have partnered to launch the Center for Generative AI, Srijan (सज न) at IIT Jodhpur.
  • Additionally, they have introduced the "YuvAi Initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building," in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), to promote open-source AI development in India.
  • This collaboration aims to advance research, skill development, and fostering innovation in AI to support India's vision of tech sovereignty.

 

 India May Miss $30 Trillion Economy Goal by 2047 Due to Female Workforce Shortfall

  • India needs 400 million women in its workforce by 2047 to achieve a $30 trillion economy.
  • A joint report by Magic Bus India Foundation and Bain & Company reveals that India needs to integrate 145 million women into the workforce by 2047 to meet its goal of becoming a $30 trillion economy.
  • The country is projected to add only 110 million women, reaching 255 million female workers by 2047, leaving a gap of 145 million
  • Current Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) stands at 35-40%, but it must nearly double to 70% by 2047 to meet the economic goal.

 

Government Doubles Mudra Loan Limit to Boost Entrepreneurship under 'Tarun Plus'

  • The government has raised the limit on Mudra loans under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh under a new category, ‘Tarun Plus’, to further support budding entrepreneurs and enhance the nation’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

 Key Highlights:

  • Objective of Expansion: The increase in loan limit aims to “fund the unfunded” by providing financial support to emerging entrepreneurs who have successfully repaid loans in the previous ‘Tarun’ category. This aligns with the government's vision of building a robust entrepreneurial environment.
  • Announcement and Implementation: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced this in her July 2024 Union Budget. The new limit will be available specifically for those who have availed and repaid earlier loans under the ‘Tarun’ category.
  • Scheme Overview: PMMY was launched on April 8, 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide collateral-free micro-credit to non-corporate, non-farm microentrepreneurs for income-generating activities.

Loans under PMMY are distributed in three categories:

  • Shishu – Up to Rs 50,000
  • Kishore – Between Rs 50,000 and Rs 5 lakh
  • Tarun – Up to Rs 10 lakh

 

India Set to Participate in Euronaval 2024 Defence Exhibition in France

  • Euronaval 2024 is the world's largest naval defence trade show, scheduled to take place in Paris, France from November 4-7, 2024.
  • International Participation:India is among 104 countries invited to attend the exhibition.
  • Focus Areas:The exhibition will showcase innovative solutions aimed at:
  • Protecting naval forces and maritime infrastructure against air and surface drones.
  • Developing next-generation anti-ship missiles and missile systems designed to target multiple hostile drones.
  • Themes:The event will emphasize themes such as innovation, sovereignty, and international cooperation within the naval industry.

 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Introduces New Telescope for Gravitational Wave Research in Space

  • The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) unveiled a newly developed prototype of a telescope that can be used to study gravitational waves in outer space.
  • The telescope is part of a collaborative mission between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) known as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA).
  • The primary goal of the LISA mission is to detect and study gravitational waves through the deployment of three spacecraft arranged in a triangular formation.

 About NASA :

  • Established : July 29, 1958
  • Headquarters : Washington, D.C, United States of America
  • Administrator : Bill Nelson

 

International Animation Day (IAD) - October 28, 2024

  • International Animation Day (IAD) is celebrated annually on October 28 to honour the origins and impact of animation as a significant artistic and cultural medium.

 

Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das awarded A+ grade in Central Bank Report Cards 2024 in the United States of America

  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das received an A+ grade in the Central Bank Report Cards 2024 for the second consecutive year.
  • Denmark's Christian Kettel Thomsen, and Switzerland's Thomas Jordan have also been ranked under the 'A+' category of central bankers.
  • The award was presented by Global Finance in Washington, D.C.
  • Grades were assigned on an “A+” to “F” scale, evaluating success in key areas like inflation control, economic growth targets, currency stability, and interest rate management.
  • An “A” reflects outstanding performance, while an “F” indicates a clear failure.

Key Highlights :

  • Global Finance Report: Since 1994, Global Finance has published annual Central Bank Report Cards, grading governors from nearly 100 countries, regions, and territories, including the EU, Caribbean, and African regions.

 

Global Finance Magazine Recognizes State Bank of India as Best Bank in India for 2024

  • The State Bank of India (SBI) was named the "Best Bank in India for 2024" by Global Finance Magazine, a prestigious US-based financial publication.
  • The award was presented at the 31st Annual Best Bank Awards event, which took place alongside the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington, D.C.
  • SBI Chairman CS Setty accepted the award, which acknowledges SBI’s commitment to delivering quality services and supporting financial inclusion across India.

About SBI :

  • Established : 1 July 1955
  • Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Chairman : Challa Sreenivasulu Setty

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Launch Multiple Health Sector Initiatives on Dhanvantari Jayanti

  • On the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various health sector projects worth approximately Rs 12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi.

Expansion of Health Coverage:

  • A significant initiative under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) will expand health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, providing health benefits regardless of income.

 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveils scholarship program for Sanskrit students statewide

  • Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath launched a scholarship scheme at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, aimed at supporting Sanskrit students across UP.
  • A total of ₹586 lakh (₹5.86 crore) will be distributed among 69,195 students pursuing Sanskrit studies. • The government plans to revive residential Gurukul-style Sanskrit schools throughout the state, emphasising traditional education.

About UP :

  • Governor : Anandiben Patel
  • Chief Minister : Yogi Adityanath
  • Capital : Lucknow

 

Indian-origin Prabhakar Raghavan appointed as Google’s new Chief Technologist

  • Prabhakar Raghavan, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-Madras), has been appointed as Google’s Chief Technologist.
  • He was previously the Senior Vice President at Google, overseeing various products, including Google Search, Assistant, Geo, Ads, Commerce, and Payments.

 

Inauguration of India's First Private Sector-Led Military Aircraft Facility for C295 Production in Vadodara

  • Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus inaugurated the Final Assembly Line (FAL) complex for C295 military aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking India's first private sector-led military aircraft manufacturing facility.
  • The inauguration was led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, signifying a robust partnership between India and Spain in defence manufacturing.
  • C295 Aircraft Production:
  • The facility will manufacture 40 of the 56 C295 aircraft ordered by the Indian Air Force (IAF), while the remaining 16 will be imported from Spain.

The first "Make in India" C295 aircraft is expected to roll out by September 2026, with the final deliveries by August 2031.

 

 ISRO and DBT Collaborate on Experiments for India’s First Space Station: Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)

  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have signed an agreement to develop and conduct biological and environmental experiments for the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), expected to be operational by 2028-2035.
  • Focus is on exploring health and sustainability factors in space, which are crucial for future long-term missions.

 

Indian Shuttlers Shine at Japan Para Badminton International 2024, Securing 24 Medals

  • Indian para-badminton players showcased remarkable performances at the Japan Para Badminton International 2024, winning a total of 24 medals.

Key highlights :

Medal Tally

  • 6 Gold
  • 9 Silver
  • 9 Bronze

Standout Performances:

  1. Sivarajan Solaimalai
  • Won gold in men's singles (SH6).
  1. Sukant Kadam
  • Secured gold in men's singles (SL4), defeating compatriot Tarun.
  1. Nitesh Kumar
  • The reigning Paralympic champion earned silver in the men's singles
  1. Manisha Ramdass
  • Achieved gold in the women’s singles (SU5)
  1. Hardik Makkar & Ruthick Ragupati
  • Won gold in men’s doubles (SU5).

 

World Stroke Day: 29th October

  • World Stroke Day 2024 is observed on the 29th of October 2024.
  • The theme for World Stroke Day 2024 is “#GreaterThanStroke Active Challenge.” The theme has been designated by the World Stroke Organization (WSO).

 

International Day of Care and Support: October 29, 2024

  • The International Day of Care and Support is observed annually on October 29 to honour caregivers' invaluable role in society.
  • This day acknowledges the dedication of caregivers, promotes supportive policies, and emphasizes the importance of care work in building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Theme for 2024

  • “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide”

 

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Presents Jharkhand Artwork to President Putin at BRICS Summit

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted artwork from Jharkhand to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the BRICS summit held in Kazan.

Sohrai Painting:

  • Origin: Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand.
  • Significance: Represents indigenous artistic traditions and is recognized as an ODOP (One District One Product) item.
  • Characteristics: Utilizes natural pigments and simple tools; intricate designs created using brushes made from twigs, rice straw, or fingers.
  • Themes: Depicts animals, birds, and nature, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle and reverence for wildlife in tribal culture.

 

 Additional Gifts from PM Modi:

  • To Iran: A Mother of Pearl SeaShell Vase, showcasing coastal craftsmanship.
  • To Uzbekistan: A Warli Painting from Maharashtra.

Warli Painting:

  • Origin: Tribal art form from the Warli tribe in Maharashtra, primarily in Dahanu, Talasari, and Palghar regions.
  • Historical Significance: One of the oldest art forms in India, dating back to around 3000 BCE.

 

Bihar's First Dry Port Inaugurated by Industry Minister Nitish Mishra in Bihta Near Patna

  • Bihar's first dry port was inaugurated by Industry Minister Nitish Mishra in Bihta, a town near the state capital, Patna.
  • Purpose: The dry port is part of Bihar’s initiative to enhance the export of goods produced in the state, developed in collaboration with a private company.
  • Definition: A dry port, or inland container depot (ICD), serves as a logistics facility located away from seaports or airports, facilitating cargo handling, storage, and
  • Functionality: The dry port acts as a crucial link between sea/air ports and inland regions, streamlining the movement of goods and improving logistical efficiency.
  • Size and Management: The Bihta dry port covers an area of seven acres and operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, managed by Pristine Magadh Infrastructure Private Limited in collaboration with the state industry department.
  • First Export: The first consignment exported from the Bihta dry port was leather shoes sent to Russia, marking a significant milestone for the facility.

About Bihar :

  • Governor : Rajendra Arlekar
  • Chief Minister : Nitish Kumar
  • Capital : Patna

 

Delhi Developer Draws Attention for Owning jiohotstar.com Domain Name

  • A Delhi-based developer gained attention after revealing ownership of the domain name com.
  • Purchase Rationale: The developer purchased the domain anticipating a potential merger between Reliance JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar.
  • Cybersquatting Definition: Cybersquatting refers to the act of registering a domain name with the intent to profit from a trademark, corporate, or personal name.
  • Perception of Cybersquatting: Cybersquatting is often viewed as a form of extortion or an attempt to undermine competitors in business.
  • Legal Context in India: Currently, there are no specific laws in India that prohibit or penalize cybersquatting.

 

2023 Breaks Climate Records with Surging Greenhouse Gas Concentrations – WMO Bulletin

  • 2023 was the warmest year on record, marked by a historic rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations, as per the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
  • Carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels have risen 11.4% in the past 20 years and are now at levels not seen in 3-5 million years when temperatures were 2-3°C warmer and sea levels 10-20 meters higher.
  • Impact of Rising CO₂ Concentrations:
  • The globally averaged CO₂ concentration reached 420 parts per million (ppm), while methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) concentrations also surged, reaching 1,934 parts per billion (ppb) and 336.9 ppb respectively.
  • These levels represent a 151% increase in CO₂, 265% in methane, and 125% in nitrous oxide compared to pre-industrial levels (before 1750).

 

India Gets Cabinet Committee on Security Approval to Establish Missile Testing Range on East Coast

  • The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the establishment of a new missile testing range in Andhra Pradesh.
  • The missile testing range will be located in the Nagayalanka area of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Purpose of the Range: The range is intended for test-firing tactical missile systems, including:
  • Surface-to-air missile systems
  • Anti-tank missiles

 

NMDC Ltd Celebrates Vigilance Awareness Week 2024: Promoting Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity

  • NMDC Ltd, India’s leading iron ore producer, commenced Vigilance Awareness Week 2024 with a pledge to uphold integrity, transparency, and ethical practices in alignment with the year’s theme: “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity.”

NMDC has organized:

  • Training sessions for employees on ethical governance, procurement processes, CDA rules, and preventive vigilance.
  • Programs targeting transparency and responsibility at every operational level.

 

India Inaugurates First ‘Writer’s Village’ in Dehradun

  • India’s first ‘Writer’s Village’ was inaugurated in Dehradun by former President Ram Nath Kovind, alongside Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh (retd) and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
  • This unique initiative aims to foster creativity and provide a nurturing environment for writers across the country, establishing Dehradun as a new cultural hub for literary talent.

 

Release of ₹100 Commemorative Coin Honouring HH Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi Ji

  • The Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, recently released a ₹100 commemorative coin in honour of HH Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi Ji to celebrate her Birth Centenary. The event took place at the National Museum, serving as a heartfelt tribute to her significant      contributions to spirituality, inner peace, and selfrealization on a global scale.

 

Prime Minister Modi Launches Bharat Balvalli's Biography 'Bharatvakya'

  • Prime MinisterNarendra Modi recently met classical musician Bharat Balvalli to launch his biography titled 'Bharatvakya.'
  • The meeting took place and highlighted Balvalli’s deep passion for culture and spirituality.

About 'Bharatvakya'

  • Author: The biography is written by Pravin Vitthal Tarde.
  • Content: It aims to intertwine the themes of music, spirituality, and nation-building, reflecting Balvalli's journey and contributions to these areas.

 

 

Commonwealth Nations Endorse Historic First Ocean Declaration

  • Commonwealth countries have adopted the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration for One Resilient Common Future, urging all 56 nations to take action in protecting and restoring ocean health.
  • The declaration was agreed upon during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Samoa.

Key Highlights :

Goals of the Declaration: The declaration outlines goals for:

  • Protecting 30% of the oceans by 2030.
  • Restoring degraded marine ecosystems by 2030.
  • Urgently finalizing a Global Plastics Treaty to combat ocean pollution

 

 GSL launches two indigenous fast patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard

  • Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) launched two indigenous fast patrol vessels (FPVs), named Adamya and Akshar, for the Indian Coast Guard.
  • The launch ceremony was officiated by Priya Paramesh, wife of Indian Coast Guard Director General Paramesh Sivamani, with traditional Atharva Veda chants.

About Goa Shipyard Limited

  • Founded : 1957
  • Headquarters : Vasco da Gama, Goa
  • Chairman & MD : Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay

 

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Awarded Fiji's Highest Civilian Honour

  • The Republic of Fiji awarded Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar the prestigious title of “Honourary Officer of the Order of Fiji,” its highest civilian recognition, in appreciation of his efforts to promote peace, unity, and community upliftment worldwide
  •  Fiji’s President, Ratu Wiliame M. Katonivere, presented this honor, and Sri Sri expressed gratitude on social media, saying he was “Honoured to receive Fiji’s highest civilian award.”

 

Chirag Chikkara Makes History at Under-23 World Wrestling Championships

  • Chirag Chikkara has etched his name in history by becoming only the third Indian wrestler to clinch a gold medal at the Under-23 World Championships, contributing to India’s impressive nine medals at the tournament.
  • Competing in the men’s freestyle 57kg category, Chikkara secured a thrilling victory with a narrow 4-3 win over Abdymalik Karachov of Kyrgyzstan in the final moments of the match.

 India secured a total of nine medals at the championships:

  • 1 Gold Medal: Chirag Chikkara (Men’s Freestyle 57kg)
  • 2 Silver Medals
  • 6 Bronze Medals

 India finished fourth in the overall team rankings with 82 points, trailing behind:

  • Iran: 158 points
  • Japan: 102 points
  • Azerbaijan: 100 points

 

Pro Kabaddi League Receives ‘Best Sports League of the Year’ Award

  • The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Best Sports League of the Year’ award at the Confederation of Indian Industry
  • (CII) Sports Business Awards 2024.
  • The award ceremony took place, in New Delhi, coinciding with the launch of PKL’s 11th season.

 

National Unity Day 2024 : 31st October

  • National Unity Day 2024 is observed on the 31st of October 2024.
  • The National Unity Day 2024 was first started in the year 2014 by our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honour the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on 31st October 1875.

 

World Savings Day : 31st October

  • World Savings Day 2024 is observed on the 31st of October 2024. (30th October in India)
  • World Savings Day, also called World Thrift Day, was first established in the year 1924 during the first International Savings Bank Congress.