National News

IMI 5.0 Campaign to Boost Measles and Rubella Vaccination Concludes

• India's Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 5.0, a flagship immunization campaign initiated by the Health Ministry, is concluding today.
• This campaign aims to ensure that children who missed vaccine doses or fell behind their vaccination schedule, as well as pregnant women across the country, receive the necessary immunizations.
• IMI 5.0 is a substantial effort to enhance immunization coverage for all vaccines provided under the Universal Immunization Programme, following the National Immunization Schedule.
• Unlike previous iterations, this year's campaign covered all districts in the country and extended its focus to children up to five years of age, expanding its reach beyond the previous limit of two years.
• Additionally, IMI 5.0 emphasized improving vaccination coverage for measles and rubella with the goal of eliminating both infections from the country by 2023.

State News

'Juhi' Mascot Unveiled for Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2023

• In a vibrant ceremony at Project Bhawan in Dhurva, Ranchi, Jharkhand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren unveiled 'Juhi,' the mascot for the upcoming Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2023.
• 'Juhi' draws inspiration from the beloved elephant at Betla National Park. This event also marked the commencement of the Trophy Tour for the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023, with the trophy embarking on a tour across all districts of the state from October 13, 2023, to October 25, 2023.
• The unveiling of 'Juhi' and the launch of the Trophy Tour signify the exciting countdown to the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023, promising a celebration of athleticism, heritage, and unity.

Defence News

First Mobile Tower Installed at Siachen Glacier by Indian Army

• The Siachen Glacier, renowned as the world's highest battlefield, has witnessed a groundbreaking development with the installation of a mobile tower.
• The Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army, in collaboration with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), accomplished this remarkable feat, enhancing mobile communication for soldiers deployed at altitudes exceeding 15,500 feet.
• The 'Siachen Warriors' in partnership with BSNL erected the first-ever BSNL Base Transceiver Station (BTS) at forward posts in the Siachen Glacier region.
• This strategic installation aims to bridge the communication gap for soldiers stationed in one of the harshest terrains on Earth, ultimately contributing to the well-being of these courageous defenders.

3 Naga Battalion Receives President’s Colour

• In a significant ceremony at the Kumaon Regimental Centre (KRC) in Ranikhet, the 3rd Battalion of the Naga Regiment, known as 3 Naga, was honored with the prestigious President’s Colour award.
• This award, symbolized by a flag, was conferred upon the battalion by Army Chief Gen. Manoj Pande, marking a remarkable milestone in the unit's illustrious history.
• It recognizes their unwavering commitment, dedication, and acts of valor. The 3rd Battalion of the Naga Regiment, established on October 1, 2009, in Haldwani, nestled in the Kumaon Hills, holds historical significance for the Kumaon and Naga regiments and is a moment of pride for both the battalion and the entire nation.

Banking News

ICICI Bank Launches 'iFinance,' a Multi-Bank Account Solution

• ICICI Bank has introduced 'iFinance,' a revolutionary feature that simplifies financial management for millions of customers, including retail clients and sole proprietors.
• This innovative service empowers customers to consolidate their savings and current accounts from multiple banks into one convenient location, accessible through ICICI Bank's digital platforms, including the iMobile Pay app, Retail Internet Banking (RIB), Corporate Internet Banking (CIB), and InstaBIZ, the Bank's mobile app designed for businesses.
• 'iFinance' offers users a unified view of their finances across multiple banks, providing a range of powerful features to enhance financial well-being and simplify banking.

Business News

Zomato Launches 'Xtreme' Parcel Delivery Service Focused on Merchants

• Zomato, a prominent Indian food tech company, has introduced 'Xtreme,' a hyperlocal delivery service that leverages its extensive fleet of over 3 lakh two-wheeler delivery
• 'Xtreme' offers a versatile solution for both businesses and individual users, enabling them to ship small parcels of various items, including documents, medicines, food, groceries, apparel, cosmetics, and more.
• These parcels can weigh up to 10 kg, making 'Xtreme' a flexible option for a wide range of delivery needs. The service has been rolled out in nearly 750-800 cities where Zomato provides food delivery and can be accessed through a separate app.

Indian Oil Corporation Invests ₹1,660 Crore in NTPC Green Energy JV

• The Indian Oil Corporation's board has approved an equity investment of ₹1,660.15 crore to secure a 50% stake in the joint venture company Indian Oil NTPC Green Energy. This strategic move aligns with their commitment to renewable energy initiatives.
• The joint venture, established in June, brings together Indian Oil Corporation and NTPC Green Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of power producer NTPC.
• The collaboration is focused on developing renewable energy-based power projects, with a specific emphasis on solar PV and wind technologies.
• The approved funds will be utilized to set up state-of-the-art renewable energy power plants, playing a crucial role in meeting the round-the-clock power requirements of upcoming projects within IndianOil refineries.

Important Days News

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2023: Water Sustaining Bird Life

• World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2023, celebrated twice a year, features the fall celebration this year on October 14, focusing on the theme "Water: Sustaining Bird Life."
• This day emphasizes the importance of migratory birds and their conservation efforts, highlighting their remarkable journeys and the vital role of water in their lives.
• The idea for World Migratory Bird Day was initiated in 1993 in the United States, encouraging bird festivals and educational programs. In 2016, the first global World Migratory Bird Day was celebrated.

Summits and Conferences News

PM Modi to Inaugurate 141st IOC Session in Mumbai

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the 141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) session at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai on October 14.
• This marks India's second time hosting the IOC session, with the previous session held in New Delhi in 1983, setting the foundation for the growth of sports in India.
• The IOC session serves as a pivotal platform for critical decisions regarding the future of the Olympic Games, fostering interaction and knowledge exchange among stakeholders in the world of sports.

Ranks and Reports News

Mumbai Climbs to 19th Spot, Bengaluru to 22nd, and New Delhi to 25th in the Knight Frank Index

• London-based property consultant, Knight Frank, has released its Global Prime Residential Index, providing insights into the performance of cities worldwide in the residential real estate market.
• Mumbai, with a remarkable annual percentage change of six percent, has ascended to the 19th position on the index, a significant improvement from its 95th position in Q2 2022.
• Bengaluru, often referred to as India's Silicon Valley, stands as the second-highest ranked Indian city on the index, moving up to the 22nd position from the 77th spot in Q2 2022.
• New Delhi, India's capital, secured the 25th position on the Global Prime Residential Index. Chennai and Kolkata, two other major Indian cities, were ranked 4th and 5th among Indian cities and stood at the 39th and 40th positions globally.

Awards News

NTPC Recognized as One of Forbes "World’s Best Employers 2023"

• NTPC Limited, India's largest integrated energy conglomerate, has achieved a remarkable distinction by being named one of the "World’s Best Employers 2023" in the Forbes World’s Best Employers list.
• This prestigious recognition places NTPC at the 261st position among the top 700 companies globally, highlighting its exceptional commitment to fostering a positive work environment and employee-centric practices.
• NTPC's inclusion on the Forbes World’s Best Employers List 2023 underscores the company’s commitment to a progressive "People before PLF" (Plant Load Factor) approach, emphasizing employee well-being and development as fundamental to its operations.

Appointments News

Sandeep Shandilya Assumes Role as Hyderabad Police Commissioner

• The Election Commission of India announced the appointment of senior IPS officer Sandeep Shandilya as the new police commissioner of Hyderabad on October 13.
• Shandilya, an officer of the 1993 IPS batch, currently serves as the director of the Telangana State Police Academy (TSPA).
• His appointment comes after the transfer of the former police commissioner, CV Anand. Sandeep Shandilya has had a distinguished career in the Indian Police Service, serving in various positions and demonstrating his experience and leadership.
• In 2006, he served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police for the South Zone, showcasing his capabilities in maintaining law and order.

Sports News

Neeraj Chopra Nominated for 2023 World Athlete of the Year Award

• World Athletics, the global governing body for athletics, has officially nominated Neeraj Chopra for the prestigious Men’s Athlete of the Year award for 2023.
• This nomination recognizes Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic and world champion, as a contender for the title of the world's best male athlete.
• The voting process for the 2023 World Athletes of the Year award is underway, with the finalists to be determined after a thorough three-way voting process.
• The winners will be officially announced on December 11, 2023, through World Athletics' social media platforms.

Shubman Gill Named ICC 'Player of the Month' for September

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recognized outstanding cricketing performances by awarding the 'Player of the Month' titles for September 2023.
• India’s Shubman Gill has been named the ICC Men’s 'Player of the Month' for his prolific run-scoring and significant contributions to his team's success.
• Additionally, Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu has been named the ICC Women's 'Player of the Month.' These awards celebrate individual excellence and the positive impact of these players on their respective teams.

T20 Cricket to be Included in the 2028 Olympics

• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has accepted the recommendation to include T20 cricket for both men and women at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, marking a significant decision that embraces one of the world's most popular sports.
• The LA28 local organizing committee played a crucial role in advocating for cricket's inclusion, aligning with the broader goal of creating a diverse and dynamic sporting environment for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
• India's strong performance at the Hangzhou Asian Games and its significant presence on the IOC's social media handles were influential factors in this decision.