- National:
- On October 20, 2024, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh released the Jammu-related data from the ICMR-India Diabetes (INDIAB) Study. This study revealed that 18.9% of the Jammu population has diabetes, highlighting the urgent need for action against the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the region.
- On October 18, 2024, the Karnataka government launched Shiksha Copilot, an AI-powered digital assistant. Developed in collaboration with the Sikshana Foundation and Microsoft Research India, this initiative aims to improve learning outcomes by helping teachers create personalized lesson plans and resources.
- On October 29, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched healthcare projects worth approximately Rs 13,000 crore on Dhanvantari Jayanti. These initiatives include expanding the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, launching drone-based healthcare delivery services, and inaugurating new medical colleges and healthcare facilities across India.
- On October 29, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new Jan Aushadhi Kendra at AIIMS, New Delhi. The Kendra aims to provide over 2,047 quality generic medicines and 300 surgical devices at affordable prices, enhancing access to healthcare for patients.
- On October 22, 2024, Lahore was declared the most polluted city in the world with an Air Quality Index (AQI) level of 394. This hazardous level is due to industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and stubble burning. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is monitored and released by various agencies, such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in India.
- On October 25, 2024, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) launched the Digital Memorial of Valour in New Delhi. This platform allows citizens to pay tribute to martyrs by digitally adorning their photos with wreaths and candles.
- The Union Government approved an Rs 177-crore project to develop Muthalapozhi Harbour in Thiruvananthapuram on October 28, 2024. The project aims to enhance infrastructure, improve safety, and boost the local fishing industry.
- Dhanteras, a significant festival in the Hindu calendar, is celebrated on October 29, 2024. It marks the first day of the five-day-long Diwali festival. On this auspicious day, people purchase gold, silver, and new utensils, believing that these items will bring good luck, prosperity, and wealth.
- MoUs:
- On October 21, 2024, in Seychelles, India and Seychelles signed an MoU for collaboration in auditing. The MoU aims to enhance collaboration and exchange expertise in auditing, fostering knowledge exchange and capacity-building among auditing professionals.
- On October 19, 2024, BEML Limited and Power Finance Corporation (PFC) signed an MoU in New Delhi. This agreement aims to finance and execute critical infrastructure projects in defence, rail transportation, and infrastructure development. The MoU was signed by BEML CMD Shantanu Roy and PFC CMD Parminder Chopra.
- Science & Technology:
- The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) discovered carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on Charon, Pluto's largest moon. This significant finding adds to Charon's known chemical inventory, including water ice and organic materials, enhancing our understanding of its surface and environmental processes.
- On October 10, 2024, Ultraviolette inaugurated its 6th UV Space Station in Visakhapatnam. This facility showcases the F77 MACH 2 electric motorcycle and offers sales, service, and spares, with advanced digital diagnostics and direct technical support from the Bengaluru headquarters.
- Sports:
- On October 29, 2024, former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade announced his retirement from international cricket. Wade, who played 36 Tests, 97 ODIs, and 92 T20Is, cited the T20 World Cup loss to India and the emergence of Josh Inglis as reasons.
- Afghanistan A won the ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 by defeating Sri Lanka A by seven wickets in the final on October 27, 2024, at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman. They chased down the target of 134 runs, with Sediqullah Atal scoring 55 runs off 55 balls.
- Defence:
- In the fiscal year 2023-24, the United States, France, and Armenia emerged as India's top three defence export destinations, with India achieving record-high defence exports of Rs 21,083 crore (approximately $2.63 billion)
- On October 28, 2024, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi launched the Swavlamban 2024 exhibition at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event promotes indigenization by showcasing innovations from young entrepreneurs and strengthening collaborations between the Indian Navy and industry stakeholders.
- Appointments:
- Vipin Kumar, an IAS officer, was appointed as the new Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on October 28, 2024. He previously served as Additional Secretary in the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education.
- On October 28, 2024, Bharti Airtel announced that Shashwat Sharma will become the new MD & CEO effective from January 1, 2026. Shashwat Sharma, currently the Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Gopal Vittal, who will transition to Executive Vice Chairman.
- Awards & Honours:
- On October 29, 2024, Rodri won the Men’s Ballon d’Or 2024, recognized for his standout performances with Manchester City and Spain's Euro 2024 victory. Aitana Bonmati clinched the Women’s Ballon d’Or 2024, her second consecutive win, for leading Barcelona to a historic quadruple and helping Spain win the Nations League.
- On October 28, 2024, Chiranjeevi was honored with the Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR) National Award in Hyderabad. The award was presented by Amitabh Bachchan in recognition of Chiranjeevi's outstanding contributions to Indian cinema. This event marked the 100th birth anniversary of ANR.
- On October 18, 2024, the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) was honored with the Best Sports League of the Year award at the CII Sports Business Awards 2024 in New Delhi. This recognition highlights PKL's significant contribution to promoting kabaddi and enhancing India's sports landscape.
- On October 26, 2024, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was honored with Fiji's highest civilian award, the Honorary Officer of the Order of Fiji, by President Ratu Wiliame M. Katonivere. This award recognizes his contributions to global human upliftment and community harmony through his work with The Art of Living Foundation.
Questions:
1 Who was appointed as the new Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on October 28, 2024?
- A) Rakesh Kumar
- B) Sanjay Kumar
- C) Vipin Kumar
- D) Ajay Bhalla
2 Which sports league was awarded the Best Sports League of the Year at the CII Sports Business Awards 2024?
- A) Pro Kabaddi League (PKL)
- B) Indian Premier League (IPL)
- C) Indian Super League (ISL)
- D) Hockey India League (HIL)