National News

54th IFFI Reveals Indian Panorama Lineup for 2023 in Goa

• The 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has officially unveiled its selection for the Indian Panorama in 2023.
• This prestigious event will feature 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films, celebrating the artistic excellence and cultural diversity of Indian cinema.
• The festival is scheduled to run from November 20 to November 28 in Goa. The 12-member feature film jury, led by TS Nagabharana, has meticulously handpicked these films, making them a must-watch for all film enthusiasts.
• Organized by the National Film Development Corporation under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, the Indian Panorama showcases films of remarkable cinematic, thematic, and aesthetic quality, meticulously chosen by renowned figures from the Indian film industry.

NCERT's Transition from 'India' to 'Bharat' in Upcoming Books

• In a significant move, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has approved the replacement of the term "India" with "Bharat" in all textbooks nationwide.
• This change aims to embrace the traditional and indigenous name for the country, emphasizing its rich historical and cultural heritage.
• The committee also recommends a shift from "ancient history" to "classical history" in the curriculum, offering a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of India's historical evolution.
• This alteration will provide a deeper exploration of specific periods or aspects of India's classical history, enriching the nation's education system.

International News

Bhutan and China Make Progress in Border Talks

• China and Bhutan are making strides in resolving their longstanding border disputes.
• Bhutan's foreign minister's visit to Beijing for talks with his Chinese counterpart indicates significant progress in the negotiation process.
• Bhutan and China have been in dispute since the 1980s, specifically concerning areas like Jakarlung, Pasamlung, and Doklam.
• Bhutan maintains that discussions about tri-junction points, involving India, China, and Bhutan, can only happen after India and China resolve their border issues, closely monitoring the resolution of these disputes before comprehensive talks regarding tri-junction points.

Sri Lanka Announces Free Visas for Indian Tourists to Boost Tourism

• In an effort to revitalize its tourism sector, Sri Lanka has taken a significant step by waiving visa fees for tourists from seven countries, including India.
• This policy aims to attract more visitors and help the country recover from recent economic challenges.
• To boost tourist arrivals, Sri Lanka's Cabinet has initiated a pilot project to issue free tourist visas to travelers from China, India, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan, effective until March 31, 2024.
• India has historically been Sri Lanka's top source market, and this change makes it easier and more affordable for Indian tourists to visit Sri Lanka, fostering tourism and cultural exchange.

State News

Amit Shah Inaugurates IFFCO’s Nano DAP Plant in Gandhinagar, Gujarat

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, inaugurated the Nano DAP (Liquid) Plant of the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO) at Kalol in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Nano DAP (Liquid) is a groundbreaking product that contains 8 percent nitrogen and 16 percent phosphorus.
• It is poised to replace the traditional 50 kg bags of DAP, promoting natural farming practices and offering a multi-faceted solution to address the challenges faced by Indian farmers.
• This shift toward more sustainable agriculture also contributes to land conservation, providing a boost to India's agricultural sector.

Banking News

MeitY Urges RBI to Design More Detailed KYC to Ensure Traceability

• In response to the proliferation of illegal instant loan apps in India, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has proposed a solution to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Department of Financial Services (DFS).
• MeitY suggests creating a detailed KYC (Know Your Customer) process known as KYDFA (Know Your Digital Finance App) for companies, similar to the KYC process for bank accounts.
• KYDFA aims to ensure that only legitimate financial apps, following the law, can use the Indian banking system.
• This will help trace illegal apps and take legal action against them, enhancing financial security and privacy for users.

Important Days News

World Development Information Day 2023

• World Development Information Day, celebrated on October 24th each year by the United Nations, serves as a platform to draw attention to pressing global development issues and the critical need for enhanced international cooperation to address them.
• Established in 1972, this day is dedicated to promoting the effective dissemination of information and mobilizing public opinion to foster greater awareness of development challenges. It coincides with United Nations Day.

Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2023

• Global Media and Information Literacy Week, observed from October 24 to 31 every year, is an event of great importance in the realm of information and media literacy.
• The theme for Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2023 is "Media and Information Literacy in Digital Spaces: A Collective Global Agenda."
• This theme underscores the growing importance of digital literacy in a world where information is increasingly disseminated through digital channels.

UN Disarmament Week 2023

• UN Disarmament Week, celebrated from October 24 to 30, 2023, is an annual event organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).
• It plays a vital role in raising awareness of the significance of disarmament and advocating for the elimination of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
• Disarmament is essential for achieving global peace and security, making their elimination a necessity for creating a safer world for all.

Awards News

US President Biden Honors Indian-American Scientists with National Medals

• US President Joe Biden awarded the White House National Medal for Technology and Innovation and the National Medal of Science to Ashok Gadgil and Subra Suresh, respectively, in recognition of their groundbreaking work.
• Ashok Gadgil, a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UC Berkeley, was honored with the White House National Medal for Technology and Innovation.
• Subra Suresh, a professor at large at Brown University's School of Engineering, was awarded the National Medal of Science, the highest honor bestowed upon scientists in the United States.

Agreements News

QatarEnergy and Italy’s Eni Ink 27-Year Natural Gas Deal

• State-owned QatarEnergy recently announced a significant development in its efforts to expand its presence in the European gas market.
• The company has entered into a long-term agreement with Italy’s Eni to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) for a period of 27 years.
• This marks a significant shift in Qatar’s LNG export strategy, which traditionally favored Asian markets.

Appointments News

Air Marshal Sadhna Saxena Nair Takes Charge as DG Hospital Services

• Air Marshal Sadhna S Nair has taken on the role of Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces), making history as the first woman to hold this esteemed position.
• She brings her dedication and expertise to provide high-quality medical care, a testament to her commitment to the Indian military.

Chetan Bhagat Appointed Brand Ambassador for Edtech Startup, Henry Harvin Education

• Renowned author and speaker Chetan Bhagat has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador for Edtech startup Henry Harvin Education (HHE).
• This partnership reflects their commitment to empowering the youth of India through quality education and resources.

Sports News

India’s Unnati Hooda Wins Abu Dhabi Masters 2023

• Young Indian badminton talent Unnati Hooda secured victory in the women's singles event at the Abu Dhabi Masters 2023, marking her second BWF Super 100 World Tour title.
• Her remarkable journey and triumph highlight her rising star status in the world of badminton.

Science & Technology News

Skyroot Aerospace Unveils Vikram-1 Rocket, Scheduled for Full Launch Next Year

• Skyroot Aerospace unveiled its technologically advanced Vikram-1 orbital rocket with a payload capacity of approximately 300 Kg to Low Earth Orbit.
• The rocket, constructed with 3D printed liquid engines, marks a significant step in India's space exploration.
• The new global headquarters of Skyroot Aerospace, MAX-Q, houses state-of-the-art infrastructure for space launch vehicle design, manufacturing, and testing, supporting the nation's efforts in space technology and exploration.