National News

Government Introduces Tradable Green Credit Program for Sustainable Actions

• The government has launched a groundbreaking program enabling individuals and entities to earn and trade green credits as incentives for environmentally friendly actions.
• This initiative, known as the Tradable Green Credit Program, is designed to encourage positive environmental contributions through a market-based approach.
• The program operates at the national level, promoting a competitive marketplace for green credits and aiming to incentivize proactive environmental actions.
• The initiative is part of the voluntary 'LiFE' (Lifestyle for Environment) campaign, encouraging industries, companies, and entities to fulfill their environmental obligations and promote voluntary environmental measures.

APAAR ID: Streamlining Academic Records with One Nation One Student ID Card

• The Ministry of Education and the Government of India have introduced the APAAR ID, commonly known as "One Nation One Student ID Card."
• This innovative program aims to centralize academic data digitally, including degrees, scholarships, rewards, and other academic credits for students.
• The APAAR ID system promises a more organized and easily accessible academic experience for students across India.
• By registering and downloading their APAAR ID, students can unlock a multitude of benefits and conveniently store their academic records.

International News

Sri Lanka's Trade Revisions: Paving the Path for Economic Transformation

• Sri Lanka's State Minister of Finance, Shehan Semasinghe, has announced the country's intention to renegotiate its free trade agreements (FTAs) with key bilateral partners.
• The initial focus of this trade renegotiation effort will be engaging in discussions with pivotal partners like India, China, and Thailand.
• The objective is to successfully conclude ongoing negotiations with these countries before advancing to a broader regional trade agreement.
• Sri Lanka's ultimate goal in this renegotiation process is to become a member of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a comprehensive agreement involving 16 Asian countries, aimed at enhancing trade and economic cooperation within the region.

Honoring Rabindranath Tagore's Legacy in Vietnam

• India's External Affairs Minister, Jaishankar, recently unveiled a bust of Nobel Laureate writer and poet Rabindranath Tagore in Bac Ninh city, Vietnam. This gesture symbolizes the enduring historical and cultural ties between the two nations.
• The relationship between India and Vietnam dates back to ancient times, with Indian monks playing a significant role in introducing Buddhism to Vietnam, establishing a shared spiritual heritage.
• The inauguration of Tagore's bust stands as a testament to the deep-rooted relationship, fostering a brighter future for diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations.

State News

Bharat Rashtra Samithi's Manifesto: Empowering the Underprivileged in Telangana

• The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) recently unveiled its transformative manifesto, focusing on uplifting the lives of underprivileged citizens.
• Party president and Chief Minister Chandrashekar Rao outlined several significant pledges during a press conference on October 15th.
• These include providing life insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh to over 93 lakh Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, supplying superfine rice through the public distribution system to all ration card holders, and offering a monthly honorarium of ₹3,000 to eligible women under the Saubhagya Laxmi scheme.
• Established in 2001 with the primary objective of achieving statehood for Telangana, BRS is committed to the welfare of the marginalized sections of society.

Banking News

RBI Imposes Penalties on Financial Institutions for Regulatory Non-Compliance

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a firm stance on regulatory non-compliance by imposing penalties on Union Bank of India, RBL Bank, and Bajaj Finance for various breaches of regulatory guidelines.
• Union Bank of India has been penalized ₹1 crore for failing to adhere to regulatory guidelines on 'Loans and Advances – Statutory and Other Restrictions.' Similarly, RBL Bank and Bajaj Finance faced penalties of ₹64 lakh and ₹8.50 lakh, respectively, for violations related to RBI's regulatory norms.

Important Days News

World Food Day 2023: Addressing Hunger and Food Security Through Water

• World Food Day, observed annually on October 16, is a global initiative aimed at tackling hunger, food security, and proper nutrition.
• The theme for World Food Day 2023 is “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind,” emphasizing the critical role of water in food production, nutrition, and livelihoods.
• The day traces its roots back to the establishment of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945.
• It was officially recognized as a global holiday during the FAO Conference in 1979, promoting the importance of food and nutrition worldwide.

World Students Day 2023: Embracing Learning Through Failures

• World Students Day, observed on October 15 each year, is dedicated to commemorating the birth anniversary of the late Indian President, A.PJ. Abdul Kalam.
• The theme for World Students Day 2023 is “FAIL: First Attempt in Learning,” encouraging students to view failures as opportunities for growth and continued educational endeavors.
• This theme, introduced by the Ministry of Education and the Government of India, celebrates Dr. Kalam’s remarkable contributions to education and his dedication to the welfare of children and students worldwide.

International Day Of Rural Women 2023: Celebrating Rural Women's Contributions

• The International Day of Rural Women, celebrated annually on October 15, recognizes the vital contributions of rural women worldwide and their essential roles in agricultural labor, particularly in developing nations.
• The theme for International Day of Rural Women 2023 is “Rural Women Cultivating Good For All,” highlighting the critical role of all rural women and girls in agricultural labor and their contribution to agricultural and rural development.

World Anaesthesia Day 2023: Recognizing the Role of Anaesthesia in Cancer Care

• World Anaesthesia Day, celebrated on October 16 each year, emphasizes the critical role of anaesthesia in modern medical treatments, especially in cancer care.
• It commemorates the birth of anaesthesia as a medical practice, dating back to October 16, 1846, when the first successful demonstration of ether anaesthesia took place at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, USA.
• The theme for World Anaesthesia Day 2023 is ‘Anaesthesia and Cancer Care,’ shedding light on the indispensable role of anaesthesia in cancer treatments.

Appointments News

Dr. B K Mohanty Appointed as Director of Finance at IREDA

• Bijay Kumar Mohanty has officially assumed the position of Director (Finance) at the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA).
• The appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), is for a period of five years.
• Mohanty, a seasoned finance professional with over 25 years of experience in the Indian power sector, brings valuable knowledge and expertise to enrich IREDA’s leadership.

Awards News

Nawanpind Sardaran Village in Punjab Recognized as the Best Tourism Village

• Nawanpind Sardaran village in Gurdaspur, Punjab, was awarded the title of “Best Tourism Village of India 2023” by the Union Ministry of Tourism.
• This recognition acknowledges the efforts of the Sangha sisters, dedicated to preserving their ancestral homes and promoting sustainable tourism in their village.
• Their initiatives extend beyond tourism, involving the local community and creating employment opportunities in collaboration with the Gurdaspur district administration.

Sports News

PM Narendra Modi Confirms India's Bid to Host 2036 Olympics

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Session, expressing India's eagerness to host the Olympics and Youth Olympics in the coming years.
• India's pride in hosting the IOC Session and the invitation to host the 2029 Youth Olympics demonstrates India's commitment to global sports diplomacy and its readiness to contribute significantly to the global sports arena.

Grandmaster Raunak Sadhwani Secures U-20 World Junior Rapid Chess Championship

• Grandmaster Raunak Sadhwani clinched the FIDE World Junior Rapid Chess Championship in Sardinia, Italy, with a remarkable performance.
• Raunak became a grandmaster at a young age and earned a bronze medal with the Indian team at the 2022 FIDE Olympiad, showcasing his extraordinary talent in chess.

Science & Technology News

ISRO Collaborates with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) for 'Space on Wheels' Exhibition

• The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) have joined hands to create the "Space on Wheels"
• This initiative aims to bring the wonders of space exploration to the East Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh, making it accessible to students and space enthusiasts in the region.
• The program offers valuable insights into ISRO’s activities and India's space missions while inspiring the youth to explore rewarding career opportunities in space science.

Obituaries News

Remembering the Legacy of Former Chief Election Commissioner MS Gill

• Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Manohar Singh Gill passed away at the age of 86.
• He played a significant role in shaping India's electoral processes during his tenure as CEC.
• Notably, he was the first former CEC to enter politics and served as the Union Sports Minister, demonstrating his dedication to public service in various capacities.