National News

India's Massive Infrastructure Investment

• India is set to embark on an ambitious infrastructure development plan, with a staggering investment of ₹143 lakh crore scheduled between fiscal years 2024 and 2030.
• This commitment exceeds double the funds allocated to infrastructure over the past seven financial years starting from 2017. A remarkable highlight is the allocation of ₹36.6 lakh crore to eco-friendly projects, showcasing a fivefold increase compared to the previous sustainability-focused initiatives.
• This emphasis on green investments underlines India's dedication to environmental sustainability.Within this investment, the hydrogen sector stands to gain substantially, with an estimated ₹1.5 lakh crore dedicated between fiscal years 2024 and 2030.
• This remarkable growth will be driven by mandates promoting green hydrogen use and incentive schemes.
• However, it's essential to note that the production cost of green hydrogen is double that of fossil-based hydrogen, making it a challenging yet environmentally friendly endeavor.

Dharmendra Pradhan's IndiaSkills 2023-24 Launch

• The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has unveiled the IndiaSkills 2023-24 program, marking a significant step in promoting skill development.
• India's 11th position in the WorldSkills 2022 competition demonstrates its growing prowess in this field.
• Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the need to expand skill development and shift the focus towards employable skills, highlighting the importance of workforce market acceptance.
• In a proud moment, 18 candidates from India received accolades at the World Skills Competition 2022 Special Edition.
• India's participation across 50 skills resulted in an impressive 11th position, accompanied by 2 Silver Medals, 3 Bronze Medals, and 13 Medallions for Excellence.

International News

Reviving India-Sri Lanka Ferry Service

• An age-old sea route between India and Sri Lanka has been resurrected with the inauguration of the passenger ferry service named 'Cheriyapani.'
• This high-speed craft offers travelers a one-of-a-kind experience. With an approximate one-way ticket cost of Rs 7,670 and a generous baggage allowance of up to 40 kg per passenger, it's set to enhance connectivity between Nagapattinam in Tamil Naduand Kankesanthurai in Jaffna, Northern Sri Lanka.
• The passenger ferry service operates from 7 am to 11 am for the outbound journey and from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm for the return trip.
• This revival of the passenger ferry service has the potential to make a profound impact by boosting religious tourism in the coastal regions of both India and Sri Lanka, opening up new possibilities for travelers.

Biden's Visit to Israel Amid Conflict

• Amid an ongoing conflict with Hamas fighters, United States President Joe Biden is set to visit Israel. The trip, confirmed by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, underscores the strong support for Israel.
• The conflict began when Hamas fighters breached Israel's fortified Gaza border, prompting a declaration of war by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• The visit will involve discussions on increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and meetings with regional leaders, including Jordan's King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

State News

Ujjwala Scheme's Diwali Gift

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has brought joy to beneficiaries of the Ujjwala scheme by announcing a special Diwali gift - a free cooking gas cylinder.
• This gesture holds immense significance, improving the lives of the less privileged.
• Chief Minister Adityanath made this announcement during an event in Bulandshahr, where he also inaugurated various development projects worth Rs 632 crore.
• He praised the impact of the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' campaign and celebrated the achievements of women like Parul Chaudhary and Annu Rani, who have won gold medals in the Asian Games.

Banking News

RBI's Penalties on Co-Operative Banks and HFC

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken strict action against several banks and a housing finance company in Gujarat for their failure to comply with banking regulations.
• These actions include penalties imposed on:
• Gujarat Mercantile Co-operative Bank Ltd. - ₹4.50 lakh for various violations.
• Nagarik Sahakari Bank Ltd. - ₹2.00 lakh for breaching sections of the Banking Regulation Act.
• Makarpura Industrial Estate Co-operative Bank Ltd. - ₹2.00 lakh for non-compliance.
• The Sevalia Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd. - ₹50,000 for non-compliance.
• West End Housing Finance Limited - ₹1.70 lakh for not adhering to National Housing Bank (NHB) directives.
• These penalties reflect the RBI's commitment to enforcing banking regulations and maintaining the integrity of the banking sector.

Business News

IDFC's Merger with IDFC First Bank Approved

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has granted approval for the merger of the Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC) and IDFC First Bank.
• This merger follows the completion of HDFC's merger with HDFC Bank. T
• he share exchange ratio of "155:100" has been agreed upon, meaning that for every 100 shares of IDFC, shareholders will receive 155 shares of IDFC First Bank.
• This move represents a significant development in the Indian banking and financial sector.

Important Days News

World Trauma Day 2023

• World Trauma Day, observed every year on October 17, aims to raise awareness about trauma, its causes, symptoms, and prevention.
• While the theme for World Trauma Day 2023 has not been announced, the primary goal remains educating people about the causes and consequences of trauma and promoting strategies for trauma care and prevention.
• Trauma encompasses emotional responses to accidents, injuries, physical violence, natural disasters, or any incident affecting an individual both physically and mentally.

Kati Bihu 2023

• Kati Bihu, also known as Kongali Bihu, is a significant festival celebrated by the Assamese people in Assam. It falls on the first day of the 'Kati' month, usually in the middle of October.
• Kati Bihu marks the beginning of the rice crop's growth and the start of the new harvest season.
• It is one of the three major festivals in Assam, emphasizing the importance of the harvest and connecting people to their agricultural roots.

Ranks & Reports News

Kempegowda International Airport's Punctuality

• A recent report by aviation analytics firm Cirium has recognized the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru as the "world's most punctual airport" for the past three consecutive months.
• The report covers a substantial number of flights operated from KIA, with high punctuality rates for departures.
• While KIA excelled in on-time departures, it had an OTP rate of 79.46% for arrivals, the lowest among the top five airports featured in the report.
• This achievement highlights India's growing prominence in the aviation industry.

Appointments News

Arindam Bagchi's Appointment as India's Ambassador to UN in Geneva

• Arindam Bagchi, currently serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as India's next Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva.
• Bagchi's extensive experience in international diplomacy, including his work at India's permanent mission at the United Nations in New York, positions him to play a crucial role in representing India's interests on the global stage.
• His appointment follows the commendable tenure of the outgoing Indian envoy to the UN in Geneva, Indra Mani Pandey.

Awards News

ISO Certification for Bhopal Mahila Thana

• Bhopal Mahila Thana in Bhopal has achieved a significant milestone by securing ISO certification.
• This recognition highlights the police station's commitment to maintaining high standards in its operations and infrastructure.
• Over the past three years, the station has made substantial improvements to its infrastructure, adopting a "victim-friendly" approach.
• It has even established facilities like a play area for children, additional toilets, and a feeding room for women. This certification marks a remarkable achievement for Bhopal Mahila Thana.

Sports News

Ashutosh Sharma Breaks Yuvraj Singh's Record

• In a remarkable feat, Ashutosh Sharma, a middle-order batter for the Railways cricket team, has broken Yuvraj Singh's record for the fastest fifty by an Indian.
• Ashutosh achieved this milestone during a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Group C clash in Ranchi against Arunachal Pradesh.
• He took the crease with just five overs to go and went on to smash a fifty off just 12 balls, surpassing Yuvraj Singh's record from the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.
• This astonishing performance underscores the talent and potential in Indian cricket.

India's Strong Representation at the Asian Para Games

• India is gearing up for the fourth Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, with a robust contingent of 303 athletes and a total of 446 members.
• This significant participation, supported by the Sports Ministry, reflects India's commitment to promoting para sports and providing opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
• In the previous edition, India's contingent returned with an impressive tally of 72 medals, including 15 gold medals.
• This year's Asian Para Games will witness India's largest-ever contingent, emphasizing its growing prominence in para sports.

Science & Technology News

PM Modi's Ambitious Space Plans

• India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has unveiled ambitious plans to expand the country's space activities.
• These plans include sending India's first astronaut to the moon by 2040 and establishing a native space station by 2035.
• Following the success of the Chandrayaan-3 lunar probe, India is preparing for lunar exploration, with a roadmap that includes building a next-generation launch vehicle and human-centric laboratories.
• Additionally, India has signed NASA's Artemis Accords, highlighting its commitment to international collaboration in space exploration.