- National:
- On October 17, 2024, the IndiaAI Mission selected eight projects to enhance Safe and Trusted AI development. These projects, chosen from over 2,000 proposals, focus on themes like Machine Unlearning, Synthetic Data Generation, and AI Bias Mitigation. The initiative aims to advance ethical and secure AI practices in India.
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- On October 7, 2024, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) honored India for its remarkable progress in maternal health and family planning. India reduced its Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) by 70% between 2000 and 2020. This achievement positions India to meet the SDG target of an MMR below 70 before 2030.
- On October 25, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz co-chaired the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) in New Delhi. This event focused on technology, innovation, sustainability, green transition, migration and mobility, and defence and security cooperation.
- On October 24, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved two railway projects worth Rs 6,798 crore. These projects involve doubling the Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga and Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur sections (256 km). They aim to enhance connectivity, reduce logistics costs, and support socio-economic growth, with completion expected within five years.
- On October 24, 2024, the government launched the Gram Panchayat-Level Weather Forecasting initiative in New Delhi. This program provides hourly updates and five-day forecasts to nearly 2.6 lakh gram panchayats via digital platforms like e-GramSwaraj, Gram Manchitra, and the Meri Panchayat app.
- On October 21, 2024, Bihar Industry Minister Nitish Mishra inaugurated the state's first dry port at Bihta, near Patna. This facility aims to boost exports by providing logistics support, warehousing, and customs services. It is expected to enhance Bihar's industrial sector and global trade presence.
- Banking:
- Sohan Lal Commodity Management (SLCM), India’s largest post-harvest logistics and agri-solutions company, announced a strategic partnership with Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Bandhan Bank on October 8, 2024. The collaboration aims to offer Unified Collateral Management Solutions to facilitate post-harvest credit for farmers and agricultural stakeholders at competitive rates.
- Economy:
- On October 24, 2024, the HSBC Flash India Composite PMI rose to 58.6 from 58.3 in September. This index, which measures the combined output of India's manufacturing and service sectors, has been above 50 for 39 consecutive months, driven by stronger demand and job creation.
- According to the Finance Ministry, Indians' overseas investments increased by 58% during the first half of the current fiscal year, reaching USD 8.9 billion compared to USD 5.6 billion in the same period last year.
- Science & Technology:
- On October 24, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved a Rs 1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund for the space sector under the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe). This fund aims to support space startups, drive innovation, and position India as a global leader in space technology.
- On October 12, 2024, a new snake species named Anguiculus dicaprioi was discovered in the western Himalayas. Named after Leonardo DiCaprio for his environmental activism, this viper species lives at elevations around 6,000 feet.
- Reports:
- According to a recent UNESCO "Global Education Monitoring Report" report, India allocated 4.1% to 4.6% of its GDP to education between 2015 and 2024. This is higher than countries like China and Japan. The report highlights India's stable investment in education, aligning with international benchmarks.
- Sports:
- Rani Rampal, former Indian women's hockey captain, announced her retirement on October 24, 2024. She scored 205 goals in 254 matches during her 16-year career. Under her leadership, India achieved their best-ever fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics.
- Maria Sharapova and the Bryan Brothers have been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame's Class of 2025. The induction ceremony will take place from August 21-23, 2025, in Newport, Rhode Island, celebrating their remarkable contributions to tennis and their lasting impact on the sport.
- Defence:
- On October 12, 2024, the Indian Army launched the Agniastra during the Army Commanders Conference in Gangtok. Developed by Major Rajprasad RS, this portable multi-target detonation device has a range of 2.5 kilometers and enhances room interventions, remote bunker destruction, and counter-terrorism operations.
- Appointments:
- On October 25, 2024, the RBI approved the third term for Amitabh Chaudhry as the MD and CEO of Axis Bank. His new term starts on January 1, 2025, and will last until December 31, 2027. This follows approval from Axis Bank's board and shareholders.
- On October 16, 2024, the ACC extended the tenure of Registrar General Mritunjay Kumar Narayan until August 4, 2026. Praveen Vashista was appointed as Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, effective from December 31, 2024.
- On October 24, 2024, Dr. Neena Malhotra was appointed as India's next Ambassador to Sweden. She currently serves as an Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of External Affairs and will soon take up her new assignment.
- Awards & Honours:
- On October 24, 2024, Venezuelan opposition leaders Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia were awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought by the European Parliament. This honor recognizes their efforts to restore democracy and freedom in Venezuela.
- Books:
- Former Indian Wrestler Sakshi Malik unveiled her memoir titled ‘Witness’ on October 23, 2024. The memoir explores her journey from a small town in Haryana to becoming an Olympic medalist, sharing personal anecdotes and challenges faced. The book also highlights her views on gender equality and the future of wrestling in India.
- Obituaries:
- Dhaneswar Majhi, a veteran tribal leader and former Rajya Sabha MP, passed away at 83 on October 9, 2024, in Odisha's Kalahandi district. Majhi was a five-time MLA from Kesinga and Narla constituencies and had joined the BJP ahead of the 2024 elections.
Questions:
1 The UNESCO report compares India’s education expenditure to which of the following countries?
- A) United States and Canada
- B) China and Japan
- C) Australia and New Zealand
- D) Brazil and South Africa
2 What is the title of Sakshi Malik's memoir?
- A) Triumph
- B) Journey
- C) Witness
- D) Victory
