International News:

Putin's Historic Visit to Kyrgyzstan

• Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first overseas trip since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for him, attracting global attention to Kyrgyzstan, a Central Asian nation with strong historical ties to Moscow.
• During his meeting with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Putin emphasized the significance of Russia as Kyrgyzstan's top trade partner and largest investor, reaffirming their mutual commitment to cooperation.
• As part of his visit, Putin took part in a ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of Russia's Kant military airbase outside Bishkek, which strategically projects Moscow's power in the region, underscoring Russia's geopolitical interests in Central Asia.

State News:

Nitin Gadkari Approves Arunachal Pradesh Bridge Projects

• In a boost to connectivity within Arunachal Pradesh, Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently greenlit seven bridge projects under the Setu Bandhan scheme, with a combined budget of Rs 118.5 crore.
• These bridges will not only enhance accessibility to remote areas but also improve the efficiency of transporting agricultural produce and other goods, thereby fostering economic development.
• This development is in line with the government's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Arunachal Pradesh residents, ensuring better access to essential services, including healthcare and education.

Uttar Pradesh's Tele-Technology-Based Mental Health Services

• Uttar Pradesh recently received the third prize for its commendable efforts in operationalizing Telemanas, a tele-technology-based mental health and counseling service.
• Pinky Joval, the Mission Director of the National Health Mission in Uttar Pradesh, accepted the award from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
• Launched on World Mental Health Day, the National Tele Mental Health Programme aims to create a digital mental health network, ensuring 24/7 mental health care services across the state, even in remote regions.

54th International Film Festival of India in Goa

• The 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), celebrated for showcasing global cinema, is scheduled to grace the coastal state of Goa from November 20 to 28.
• Organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and the Entertainment Society of Goa, the festival is known for its rich history of promoting international and Indian cinema.
• The 54th edition will include a competitive segment for feature films from directors worldwide.
• The responsibility for managing the festival now rests with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) following the merger of film media units.

Udaipur Aims to Be India First Wetland City

• The Rajasthan government, in collaboration with the Environment and Forest Department, is striving to elevate Udaipur, often called the 'City of Lakes,' to international prominence by becoming India's first wetland city.
• Udaipur boasts five major lakes - Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai - and covers 37 square kilometers, fulfilling Ramsar Convention requirements.
• The Ramsar Convention aims to protect and sustainably use wetlands of international importance, further highlighting Udaipur's ecological significance.

Miniature Eastern Ghats in Visakhapatnam

• Scheduled to open in November 2023, the 'Miniature Eastern Ghats' (MEG) forest arena in Visakhapatnam promises to be a major tourist draw.
• Beyond its breathtaking mountain landscape, MEG offers a diverse range of medicinal plants, making it a living pharmacy, and features an astrology-themed garden, with 27 varieties of plants associated with the zodiac signs.
• The project, funded by government and private organizations as part of their corporate social responsibility activities, aims to showcase the biodiversity of the Eastern Ghats.

Banking News

RBI Imposes Fine on Paytm Payments Bank

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a substantial fine of ₹5.39 crore on Paytm Payments Bank for non-compliance with KYC protocols, cybersecurity measures, and regulatory requirements.
• Paytm's lapses also include issues with SMS delivery receipt checks and V-CIP infrastructure.
• These deficiencies in compliance raised concerns about the security of the platform.

RBI Cancels Registration of Ind Bank Housing Ltd

• In a significant regulatory move, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has canceled the Certificate of Registration of Chennai-based Ind Bank Housing Ltd due to its financial challenges, including a widening net loss and negative capital adequacy ratio.
• This decision, along with the discontinuation of new loans and the expiration of credit periods for existing loans, is aimed at mitigating further financial risk and refocusing on recovering existing loans.

Business News

RITES Ltd Attains 'Navratna' Status

• RITES Ltd, a renowned Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Railways, has achieved 'Navratna' status, becoming India's 16th CPSE to attain this recognition.
•  Known for its transport infrastructure consultancy and other services, RITES Ltd met specific financial benchmarks, signaling its substantial contribution to India's growth and development.

Important Days News

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2023

• The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, observed annually on October 13, emphasizes disaster awareness, community education, and resilience against natural and man-made disasters.
• The theme for UN International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2023 is "Fighting inequality for a resilient future."
• This day, established in 1989 by the United Nations, promotes a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction, celebrating how communities worldwide are reducing their exposure to disasters and acknowledging the importance of mitigating risks.

Summits and Conferences News

India-France Defence Ministers' Dialogue

• The Indian Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, wrapped up his European tour with a significant meeting in Paris with the French Minister of Armed Forces, Mr. Sebastien Lecornu.
• Their dialogue, the 5th Annual Defence Dialogue, encompassed various facets of defense cooperation, emphasizing strategic collaboration between the two nations in light of evolving global challenges, military-to-military engagements, and the need for enhanced defense industrial cooperation.

Ninth G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit

• The Ninth P20 Summit, hosted by the Parliament of India, in partnership with the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), takes place in New Delhi on October 13-14, 2023, with a Pre-Summit Parliamentary Forum scheduled for October 12.
• The theme, "Parliaments for One Earth, One Family, One Future," aligns with the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, stressing the interconnectedness of the world as one family.
• The summit seeks to address global challenges, accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promote gender equality, and empower women for active participation in shaping sustainable economies.

Appointments News

South Indian Bank Appoints New Chairman

• VJ Kurian has been appointed as the non-executive part-time chairman of the South Indian Bank, effective from November 2, 2023, until March 22, 2026.
• This transition follows the retirement of the current non-executive part-time chairman, Salim Gangadharan, on November 1, 2023.

Awards News

Saraswati Samman for Tamil Writer Sivasankari

• Tamil writer Sivasankari received the prestigious 'Saraswati Samman' in 2022 for her memoirs, "Surya Vamsam."
• The award, presented by the K.K. Birla Foundation, was given to her along with a citation, a plaque, and a prize of ₹15 lakh.
• "Surya Vamsam," a two-volume work, provides insight into her life's journey and societal transformations over seven decades, adding to the illustrious list of Saraswati Samman awardees.

Sports News

Neeraj Chopra Appointed Laureus Ambassador

• Asian Games gold medalist and Olympic champion in men's javelin, Neeraj Chopra, was named a Laureus Ambassador, aligning with the Laureus Sport for Good initiative.
• This recognition follows his historic gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics, making him the first Indian track and field athlete to achieve this feat.
• Neeraj joins distinguished athletes like Kapil Dev, Rahul Dravid, and Sachin Tendulkar, who are associated with Laureus, further strengthening India's representation in the organization.