National News

India Celebrates Good Manufacturing Practice Day

• The Indian government, in partnership with the Indian Drugs Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA), marked the inaugural National Current Good Manufacturing Practice Day (cGMP Day) on October 10th.
• This initiative emphasizes the significance of adhering to cGMP guidelines in pharmaceutical manufacturing, with a focus on elevating product quality and ensuring patient safety.
• These guidelines form the foundation of pharmaceutical operations, setting crucial standards to enhance product quality by regulating various facets of the manufacturing process.

International News

Second Largest Hindu Temple Outside India Unveiled in the US

• On October 8th, 2023, the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, was inaugurated, becoming the second-largest Hindu temple globally, surpassed only by Cambodia's Angkor Wat.
• This temple is the third Akshardham, meaning the 'abode of the divine,' constructed by the organization, following two others in New Delhi and Gujarat, where BAPS is headquartered.

Defence News

Indian Navy Introduces 360 Degree Appraisal System

• The Indian Navy, renowned for its commitment to excellence, has launched the transformative '360 Degree Appraisal Mechanism.'
• This initiative recognizes the valuable contributions of both male and female personnel and aims to enhance their professional and personal development.
• The mechanism includes input from peers and subordinates, in addition to senior officer evaluations, aligning with the Indian Navy's mission to remain a 'Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future-Proof Force.'

Indian Air Force Unveils New Ensign on Its 91st Anniversary

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 91st anniversary at the Bamrauli Air Force Station in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
• This significant event witnessed several historic firsts, including the inclusion of the Air Force crest and the first-ever woman officer to command the Air Force Day Parade.
• Group Captain Shaliza Dhami made history as the first woman officer to command the Air Force Day Parade.
• The introduction of the new IAF ensign symbolizes the IAF's commitment to its identity and heritage.

Economy News

GST Council Implements Measures to Boost Foreign Trade

• The 52nd GST Council meeting, led by Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, resulted in important decisions and recommendations aimed at enhancing foreign trade.
• GST rates for food preparations made from millet flour were adjusted, and the taxation of imitation zari threads was clarified.
• Additionally, foreign-going vessels converting to coastal runs will be subject to 5% IGST, with conditional exemptions for reversion to foreign-going status.
• The GST rate on molasses will be reduced from 28% to 5%.

Banking News

YES Bank Introduces ONDC Network Gift Card

• YES Bank, a prominent Indian financial institution, has made a significant leap in the digital commerce space by introducing the ONDC Network Gift Card.
• In partnership with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), this innovative card allows customers to make purchases from any brand or seller across various segments, leveraging the Rupay network.
• Customers can load amounts up to Rs 10,000, catering to a wide range of shopping budgets.

Indian Navy & SBI Launch 'Nav-ECash' Card

• To support the Digital India initiative, the State Bank of India (SBI) introduced the NAV-eCash card on the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya.
• This card utilizes dual-chip technology, enabling both offline and online payments, even in areas with limited internet access.

Important Days News

Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Day 2023

• Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Day, celebrated on October 9th, commemorates the establishment of the Indian Foreign Service.
• This institution plays a critical role in India's diplomatic, consular, and commercial representation worldwide, contributing to India's international relationships.

World Post Day 2023

• World Post Day, observed on October 9th, honors the creation of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874.
• It recognizes the vital role post offices play in connecting communities and providing financial services to billions of people worldwide.

Indian Air Force Day 2023

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 91st Air Force Day on October 8th, 2023, with an impressive air display in Prayagraj.
• The motto, "Nabham Sparsham Deeptham," reflects the IAF's commitment to reaching new heights. The IAF, with over 1400 aircraft and 1,70,000 personnel, continues to soar.

Agreements News

India and Saudi Arabia Collaborate on Green Hydrogen

• India and Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to secure a green hydrogen supply chain and collaborate on power grid interconnection.
• Both countries aim to establish comprehensive supply and value chains in various areas of energy collaboration, emphasizing Business-to-Business (B2B) summits and regular interactions.

Awards News

Nobel Prize 2023 in Economic Sciences Awarded to Claudia Goldin

• Claudia Goldin received the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2023 for her contributions to understanding women's labor market outcomes.
• Her research has shed light on the causes of gender disparities in earnings and labor market participation.

Sports News

David Warner Sets ODI World Cup Record

• Australian opener David Warner became the fastest player to reach 1000 runs in the ODI World Cup during a match against India.
• He achieved this milestone in just 19 innings, breaking the joint record held by Sachin Tendulkar and AB de Villiers.

Kenyan Kiptum Breaks Marathon World Record

• Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum set a new men's marathon world record, clocking a time of two hours and 35 seconds at the Chicago Marathon.
• This remarkable achievement surpassed the previous record set by Eliud Kipchoge in the 2022 Berlin Marathon.

Obituaries News

British Filmmaker Terence Davies Passes Away

• British filmmaker Terence Davies, known for his thought-provoking films like 'Distant Voices, Still Lives' and 'The Long Day Closes,' has sadly passed away at the age of 77.
• His unique approach to cinema explored various themes, leaving a lasting impact on cinephiles worldwide.