National
1. 14th edition of Indo–Mongolian joint military training called Exercise Nomadic Elephant-XIV commenced from 5 October 2019. It is being conducted over a period of 14 days from 5-18 October 2019 at Bakloh, a town in Himachal Pradesh.
2. A 28-member delegation from European Union met PM Modi on October 28, 2019. The delegation will visit Kashmir on October 29, 1019. The delegation is to check on the reality of the situation in Kashmir. This is the first trip to the region by a foreign delegation after India revoked Article 370 and integrated Kashmir with the rest of the country. India rejected US ‘s plea to visit the region earlier in October.
3. A 28-member delegation from European Union met PM Modi on October 28, 2019. The delegation will visit Kashmir on October 29, 1019. The delegation is to check on the reality of the situation in Kashmir. This is the first trip to the region by a foreign delegation after India revoked Article 370 and integrated Kashmir with the rest of the country. India rejected US ‘s plea to visit the region earlier in October.
4. A Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) between Indian Army and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China was conducted on 30 October 2019 on the Chinese side at Bum La, Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh, India. The meeting was organized by PLA.
5. A delegation of Group of Intellectuals and Academicians (GIA) presented a ‘Report from Ground Zero’ on Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh after setting aside of Article 370 & 35A to Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (MoS) in PMO.
6. A joint military training exercise “Vajra Prahar” is conducted in Seattle between October 13, 2019 and October 28, 2019. The exercise is conducted alternately in India and US. The Special Forces and the Southern Command of Indian Armed Forces will participate in the exercise
7. A Memorandum of Understanding has been drafted by India, Nepal and Bhutan to create a trans-boundary wildlife conservation park. The park will include bio-diversity rich landscapes
8. A new building of Police Headquarters (PHQ) was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Home Affairs Shri Amit shah. The officers and Jawans of Delhi Police Wing are getting a new building headquarters after 70 years. The building was opened on October 31, 2019 to commemorate Sardar Vallabhai Patel’s birth Anniversary.
9. According to the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standard Authority of India), 37.7% of samples tested failed to meet the quality norms. This was mainly because, the presence of contaminants like sugar, Maltodextrin and fats were above permissible limits. The study noted that processed milk including that of major brands failed to meet the prescribed quality norms. Around 10.4% of the samples were non-compliant.
10. As part of Indian Navy’s Overseas Deployment to Africa, Europe and Russia, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tarkash arrived at St Denis, Reunion Island, France on 3 October 2019 for a three day visit. Indian Navy ships are regularly deployed overseas as part of Indian Navy’s mission of building ‘bridges of friendship’ as well as strengthening international cooperation with friendly countries.
11. As per the India Innovation Index (III) 2019 released by NITI Aayog, Karnataka emerged as the Most Innovative State among Major States. The index was released by NITI Aayog’s vice chairman Rajiv Kumar and CEO Amitabh Kant.
12. As per the report released by World Bank on ‘South Asia Economic Focus, Making (De)Centralization Work’, Bangladesh has become the second-fastest growing economy in South Asia after Bhutan. According to the World Bank, Bangladesh and Nepal are estimated to grow faster than India in 2019.
13. At the Goa Maritime Conclave, 2019, the National Security Advisor offered countries in the IOR use of facility to track the movement of vessels on high seas. India has a specialized center operating for the purpose called the IFC – IOR (Information Fusion Center – Indian Ocean Region). The center acts as an information sharing hub.
14. Bali Jatra, one of the biggest trade fairs of Odisha, is scheduled to begin on 12 November 2019. The trade fair will continue for 8 days and this year’s Baliyatra will be jointly organized by Cuttack District Administration, Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) and District Cultural Council.
15. Brahmos missile is considered as one of the fastest supersonic missiles. Philippines army is acquiring Indian-manufactured weapon in order to strengthen its coastal defences. In 2018, Indian PM Modi signed 4 bilateral agreements during his visit to Philippines, and acquiring Brahmos is one among them.
16. BRAHMOS Supersonic Cruise Missile, with major indigenous systems, was successfully test fired from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur in Odisha. The missile was test-fired for its full strike range of 290-km during the launch jointly conducted by Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and BrahMos Aerospace.
17. Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a full cadre review for the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). This has resulted in creation of more than 3,000 new posts and raising of two operational commands for ITBP that guards Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
18. Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi has recommended Justice SA Bobde as his successor. CJI Gogoi will demit his office on November 17, 2019. He was sworn in as the 46th CJI on October 3, 2018.
19. Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Jagan Mohan Reddy launched YSR Vahana Mitra scheme which provides Rs.10,000 allowance to self-employed drivers of the state. This latest scheme which is available only in Andhra Pradesh is the fulfilment of an election promise made by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy during his 3,648 km padayatra.
20. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield, is now open for tourists and Tourism. He made the announcement on Siachen while inaugurating newly constructed ‘Colonel Chewang Rinchen Bridge’ over Shyok River in Eastern Ladakh.
21. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a proposal for admission of girl children in Sainik schools across the country. These admissions will start from next academic session (2021-22) in a phased manner. For the smooth implementation of this directive, Defence Ministry has directed all concerned authorities for ensuring availability of necessary infrastructure as well as sufficient female staff in Sainik schools.
22. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved issuance of two Open General Export Licences (OGELs) for export of certain parts and components as well as intra-company transfer of technology to select countries. This decision is expected to give a boost to defence exports and enhance ease of doing business (EDB).
23. Defense Minister Raj Nath Singh to visit France on 7th October, 2019. He will receive the Rafale Fighter Jets manufactured for India. He will meet French President Macron the next day. He will also hold annual defence dialogue with his French counterpart.
24. During the Vibrant Gujarat Summit held by the Gujarat State Government in January 2019, a partnership memorandum was signed by the Uzbekistan President and the Gujarat Government. Following the summit, Uzbekistan sought India’s help for conducting similar event. India extended its support and Gujarat CM Rupani is to visit Uzbekistan to attend the summit.
25. Following orders from NGT (National Green Tribunal) and CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) the Punjab Government had ordered the closure of traditional kilns in March 2019. This was mainly to control the toxicity of the NCR (National Capital Region). The stubble burning, industrial and kiln smoke from Punjab, brought by the retreating monsoon during this time, slogged Delhi making lives difficult. Schools are closed and the routine normal life is highly disrupted.
26. Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly is all set to become the new president of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) with elections unlikely to be held at BCCI’s Annual General Meeting on October 23. He defeated Brijesh Patel in a see-saw battle and is expected to be the only presidential nominee.
27. Four sites from India have been chosen for the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The awards were announced in Penang, Malaysia on 14 October 2019. This year marks the 20 years since the institution of awards.
28. Ganga Aamantran is an initiative to connect stakeholders of the Ganga river. It is the first effort of National Mission for Clean Ganga. It is an open – water rafting and kayaking expedition that is to be held on the Ganges between 10th October 2019 and 11th November 2019.
29. In a unique gesture to mark 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev (founder of Sikhism and the first of ten Sikh Gurus), Air India has painted Sikh religious symbol ‘Ik Onkar’ on the tail of one of its aircraft. ‘Ik Onkar’ religious symbol is a central tenet of Sikh religious philosophy.
30. In the last 10 days, around 1,700 cases of Dengue were reported in multiple districts of Telangana. The state received rains for few days that washed away the mosquito larvae collected in dumps and stagnant water.
31. India and Japan will be holding a two-week-long joint military exercise called Dharma Guardian-2019 in Mizoram from 19 October to 2 November 2019. This Joint Military Exercise will be conducted at Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School in Vairengte, Mizoram.
32. India Meteorological Department (IMD) is collaborating with meteorological agencies in China and Pakistan, among others, to provide climate forecast services to countries in Hindu-Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region. These countries have agreed to establish regional climate centre that will provide forecasting services and climate analyses. This centre will be under World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). It will help to better forecast impact of climate change on Hindu Kush mountains. It will take a few years to take shape. It will also provide data services, training and capacity-building, research and development.
33. India ranked 68th in the annual Global Competitiveness Index. It is the worst performing among the BRICS nations along with Brazil that is ranked at 71. The Global Competitive Index is compiled by World Economic Forum. The Forum has mapped 141 countries using 103 indicators.
34. India was raked 63rd in World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking released on October 24, 2019. The ranking comes when the leading financing institutions including RBI, World Bank and IMF are slashing country’s growth forecasts. In 2014, India was ranked 142 among 190 countries. As compared to 2018, India moved up 14 places in the ranking mainly due to several reforms in the trade and commerce sector.
35. India’s new monsoon model, called the Monsoon Mission Coupled Forecast Model (CFS), has failed to forecast the excess rainfall received during August-September 2019. It was deployed by the IMD (India Meteorological Department) under National Monsoon Mission (NMM).
36. Indian Air Force (IAF) has carried out successful firing of two BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles from a mobile platform at Trak Island in Andaman Nicobar group of islands. The drill was conducted to check IAF’s capability to hit targets with ‘pin-point’ accuracy at designated mock targets close to 300 km and a direct hit on the target was achieved in both the cases.
37. Indian Air Force is participating in a bilateral joint exercise with Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), dubbed as EX-EASTERN BRIDGE-V at Masirah Air Force Base in Oman. The Joint Exercise will be held from 17 to 26 October 2019.
38. Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force participated in a Joint Military Exercise called ‘Ekuverin’ at Aundh Military Station in Pune, Maharashtra. This year was the tenth edition of the joint military exercise which was organised from 7 to 20 October 2019.
39. Indian Army to conduct exercise codenamed as ‘Sindhu Sudarshan’ in the deserts of Rajasthan from 29 November to 4 December 2019. More than 40,000 troops will be participating in an all-arms battle array of Divisions and Brigades carrying out offensive operations in deserts. The exercise will showcase a high degree of synergy between the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.
40. Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde (aged 63) was appointed as 47th Chief Justice of India (CJI). His Warrant of Appointment was signed by President Ram Nath Kovind under Article 124 of the Constitution of India. He will take oath as the next head of the Indian judiciary on 18 November 2019, a day after incumbent Ranjan Gogoi demits office. His tenure will be of total 17 months and will be demitting office on 23 April 2021. Being senior most judge, his name was recommended by incumbent CJI Gogoi as per the established procedure.
41. Kais Saied is elected as the new President of Tunisia after a landslide victory in recently concluded Presidential runoff. The Independent law professor Kais Saied won against his rival, Nabil Karoui. He won Tunisia’s presidential election with 72.71% of votes.
42. Ladakh administration is organizing the first-ever Ladakh Literature festival. The three day Literature Festival is being organized from 29 to 31 October 2019. At venues like historic Leh palace and Central Asian Museum the Ladakh Literature Festival will now be held annually.
43. Last week of October is observed as Vigilance Awareness Week under the aegis of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). This year, the week falls from 28th October, 2019 to 2nd November, 2019.
44. Last week of October is observed as Vigilance Awareness Week under the aegis of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). This year, the week falls from 28th October, 2019 to 2nd November, 2019.
45. Ministry of Science and Technology issued the “Guidelines for the Evaluation of Nano pharmaceuticals in India” on October 24, 2019. This is the most crucial step for delineating quality, safety and efficacy assessment of the novel nano formulations. The guidelines are important as they help to provide predictable regulatory pathways and transparency for nano pharmaceuticals in India.
46. NASA reported that ozone hole near south pole is in its smallest size since it was discovered. In 2006, the hole was 10.3 million square miles. However, recently it has reduced to 3.6 million square miles. Scientists say that the hole is smaller than it was found in 1985.
47. Navies of India and Bangladesh will participate for the first time in a IN-BN Bilateral Exercise at Visakhapatnam from 12 to 16 October 2019. This exercise which takes place a week after Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India, will entail development of mutual communication and sharing of best practices, thus adding a new dimension to India- Bangladesh maritime relations.
48. Odisha Disaster Preparedness Day and National Day for Disaster Reduction is observed every year on 29 October to commemorate destruction brought by Super Cyclone 1999 and to prepare ourselves for future disasters.
49. On 25 October, 2019, at the Jodhpur Military station, the white-water rafting expedition called the “Rudrashila” was flagged in by Lt General VS Sreenivas. It was undertaken by the Kalidhar Battalion. The aim of the expedition is to prepare the soldiers to overcome adversities with grit and determination. The team will also spread awareness on social issues of “Swachh Bharat” campaign and “Preservation of river eco-system”
50. On 25th October, 2019, Government of India is to organize 4th Ayurveda day. The day is being celebrated by Ministry of AYUSH as Dhanvantari Jayanti falls on the day. Dhanvantari is a Hindu god who cures diseases.
51. On 6th October, 2019, Ministry of Science and Technology launched new set of crackers called Eco – friendly crackers. These crackers help to reduce particulate emissions by 30% by producing same level of light and sound.
52. On October 10, 2019, at the Conference of Central Council of Health and Family Welfare, Union Minister Harsha Vardhan released National Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy survey, 2019. The survey was conducted between 2015 and 2019. Diabetes and Diabetic retinopathy have been emerging as significant non – communicable diseases that lead to ocular morbidity.
53. On October 21, 2019, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh chaired the Defence Acquisition Council. The objective of the council is to ensure expeditious procurement to meet the requirements of the armed forces.
54. On October 24, 2019, the member states of United Nations endorsed a proposed road map for action on nitrogen challenges called Colombo Declaration on Sustainable Nitrogen Management. It was organized by Sri Lanka with the support of UN and its member nations. A two-day event was conducted to frame the declaration
55. On October 26, 2019, in the city of Ayodhya 4 lakh earthen lamps were lit along the banks of Sarayu river. The event was organized by the Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath. It was the third and largest Deepotsav in Ayodhya after he came to power.
56. On October 27, 2019, USA president Donald Trump announced that the Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi died in a raid conducted by US special forces in north western Syria. According to the announcement, Baghdadi killed himself by detonating a suicide vest. He died running into a dead-end tunnel. He ignited the vest killing himself and his three children. His body was mutilated by the blasts.
57. On the occasion of Durga Puja, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee presented Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman 2019 to 79 community Durga Pujas that received awards in different categories.
58. On the occasion of International Snow Leopard Day, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched the first national protocol to enumerate the population of this elusive and endangered species of snow leopard in India. The Day is celebrated on 23 October every year to protect and conserve snow leopards and preserve beautiful wildlife of Himalayas.
59. PM Modi is to pay tribute to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhai Patel on October 31, 2019. The event is to be conducted at the Statue of Unity, Kevadiya. PM will also participate at the Ekta Diwas Parade and interact with the Civil Service probationers attending the first foundation civil service course, Aarambh.
60. Police Commemoration Day (Police Martyr’s Day) is observed every year on 21 October in memory of the policemen killed at Hot Springs in North Eastern Ladakh by Chinese troops on this date in 1959.
61. President Ram Nath Kovind presented prestigious President’s Colours to the Army Aviation Corps. The president, who is also the Supreme Commander of armed forces, awarded the Colours at a grand ceremonial parade held at Combat Army Aviation Training School in Nashik, Maharashtra. He also visited the School of Artillery at Deolali.
62. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s second Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (built at Sahibganj) online from Ranchi, Jharkhand. He also laid the foundation of a secretariat building in the state capital (Ranchi) which will come up at an estimated cost of Rs.1238.92 crore.
63. Prime Minister Narendra Modi released commemorative stamp to honour Marshal of Air Force late Arjan Singh in New Delhi. It was released ‘at home’ programme of the Indian Air Force to mark its 87th raising day. The stamp was released as a tribute to his exemplary service to nation.
64. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a book titled ‘Bridgital Nation: Solving Technology’s People Problem’ in New Delhi on 20 October 2019. He presented books’ first copy to eminent industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata. The book has been authored by N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons and Roopa Purushothaman.
65. Rafael Mariano Grossi of Argentina has been appointed as the new Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a United Nations’ nuclear watchdog. The Argentine diplomat will succeed late Yukiya Amano as the new chief of IAEA.
66. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the highest bridge in India. The bridge was named after the “Lion of Ladakh” Col Chewang Rinchen. It stands at 14,650 feet across the Shyok river.
67. Researchers from Kerala have discovered new species of eel-loach named ‘Pangio bhujia’ in Kozhikode district of state. It is unique species of miniature well-dwelling subterranean fish. It is the first species of eel-loach in the world that has been discovered to be living in subterranean environments. Eel-loaches are generally found in fast-flowing streams in the south and the south-east Asia.
68. Sajjan Jindal, Chairman and Managing Director, JSW Steel has been appointed as the Vice-Chairman of World Steel Association (Worldsteel). He is appointed for a period of one year. The association also elected YU Yong, Chairman, HBIS Group Co, as Chairman. Apart from this, the board also elected a 14-member Executive Committee.
69. Scientists at the British Natural History Museum in London, UK have officially named a tiny species of beetle that was discovered more than 50 years ago as ‘Nelloptodes gretae’, to honour the 16-year-old Swedish climate activist’s ‘outstanding contribution’ in raising global awareness of climate change.
70. Single-use plastic will be banned inside and within a 100 metre periphery of all Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monuments across the country. The announcement in this regard was made by Union Tourism Minister Prahlad Patel on the sidelines of the launch of the tourism ministry’s annual ‘Paryatan Parv’ in New Delhi. The Paryatan Parv showcases traditional cuisines and handicrafts from across Indian states and is an attempt by tourism ministry to promote tourism in India.
71. Sri Lanka unveiled a 350-metre-tall Lotus Tower which is now being dubbed as South Asia’s tallest tower in Colombo city. Though the tower is still under construction President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena decided to open the tower to public. As per the President, Lotus Tower is foreseen to be one of the significant landmarks and an epitome of island country’s culture, economy and development.
72. Switzerland Glaciers have lost a tenth in their volume in the past five years. The melting is the largest in the last 5 years of observation. The Cryospheric commission at the Swiss Academy of Sciences published the annual study on the state of glaciers. According to the study, around 20 glaciers have shown melt rates that have reached record levels
73. The 11th DefExpo is scheduled to be held for the first time in Lucknow between 5th and 8th February 2020. It is an exhibition where the Indian Defense industry showcase its capabilities and promotes its export potential. It is a biennial exhibition. The last DefExpo was held in Chennai in 2018.
74. The 62-year-old State Legislative Council of Jammu and Kashmir has come to an end with State Administration issuing formal orders for its abolition with immediate effect. The transition of Ladakh region as the youngest Union Territory will be done on 31 October 2019.
75. The 76th anniversary of Azad Hind Movement was commemorated at Red Fort, Delhi. The Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Prahlad Singh attended the celebration. Last year PM Modi attended the celebrations unveiling the plaque to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the formation of Azad Hind Government.
76. The 94th Raising Day of the Military Nursing Service (MNS) is being celebrated on 1 October 2019. On the occasion, nursing officers would re-dedicate themselves to render high quality, selfless nursing care to their patients by reading the Florence Nightingale Pledge, a modified version of the Hippocratic Oath.
77. The Air Independent Propulsion system enhances the submerged endurance of the submarines several times. As compared to other technologies fuel cell AIP has merits in performance. DRDO is now set to build fuel-cell based AIP system for Indian Naval Submarines.
78. The annual Ganges river Dolphin census is conducted by the World Wide Fund in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh Forest Department. The census is undertaken along the 250 km stretch of Upper Ganga between the Hastinapur Wild life sanctuary and Narora Ramsar site
79. The annual military exercise called KAZIND 2019 between India and Kazakhstan army commenced at Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand on 3 October 2019. The year 2019 is the 4th edition of joint military exercise. The exercise will conclude on 15 October 2019 with a 72 hour exercise which will showcase the joint skills of soldiers while conducting Counter Terrorism and counter insurgency operations.
80. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Economist Surjit S Bhalla as Executive Director for India on board of International Monetary Fund (IMF). The 71 year old Bhalla is appointed for a period of three years from the date of assumption of charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
81. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of IAS Pankaj Kumar as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which issues Aadhaar.
82. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of senior IAS officer Sanjeev Nandan Sahai as the new power secretary. The order in this regard was issued by Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.
83. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Anup Kumar Singh as the new Director-General of National Security Guard (NSG), also known as ‘black cats commando’ force. He is a 1985-batch Gujarat cadre IPS officer. His appointment will be from the date of joining post and up to 30 September 2020 or till further orders, whichever is earlier.
84. The ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) recently discovered that the present-day state of Andhra Pradesh had a maritime center near the banks of Swarnamukhi river around 2,000 years ago.
85. The Asia – Pacific Group of FATF (Financial Action Task Force) slammed Pakistan as the later failed to take actions against terror groups. On 5th October, 2019, the group published report on Money Laundering and terror financing in Pakistan.
86. The C40 Summit is to take place in Copenhagen between 9th October and 12th October, 2019. The aim of the summit is to show how cities are delivering their strong commitments for healthier, sustainable, resilient and inclusive future.
87. The Credit Suisse Group which is a Switzerland-based multinational investment bank, has released the 10th edition of its annual Global Wealth Report. The report tracks both growth and distribution of wealth, in terms of numbers of millionaires and billionaires, proportion of wealth that they hold as well as the status of inequality globally.
88. The Culture Department of Uttar Pradesh government is organising India’s first training and performance programme of world famous KHON Ramlila, a masked form of Ramlila art of Thailand, in collaboration with Thailand government.
89. The Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO) is a global research program to outreach carbons role on Earth. It is a community of scientists including physicists, biologists, geo – scientists and chemists working across several traditional disciplinary lines.
90. The DEFCOM 2019 is scheduled to be held on 26 and 27 November 2019 at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The curtain raiser ceremony for event was held on 22 October 2019 at India Habitat Centre (IHC) New Delhi. DEFCOM 2019 will seek to deliberate on theme, Communications as a Decisive Catalyst for Jointness’.
91. The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) begins manufacturing of hypersonic missiles. These missiles are five times faster than the speed of sound. DRDO is set to operate a wind tunnel to test and fine tune the technology
92. The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) signed 30 licensing agreement for ToT-Transfer of Technology with 16 Indian companies. The list of companies includes start-ups as well. The main purpose of the agreement is to fulfill the requirements of the armed forces.
93. The Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat Parv is to be inaugurated by Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank. It is organized by Kendra Vidhyalaya Sangathan under Ministry of HRD.
94. The Global Bio-India summit is to be held for the first time in India between November 21 and November 23, 2019. It is being organized by BIRAC and DBT of Ministry of Science and Technology. The purpose of the summit is to attract investments, showcase the country’s indigenous strengths and aspirations.
95. The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is jointly published by Concern worldwide and Welthungerhilfe. The score if the index is calculated by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). It measures and tracks hunger at regional, national and global levels. The 2019 Global Hunger Index measures hunger of 117 countries. India was ranked 102
96. The Government of India in its major boost towards cash less digital economy launched the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) channel. The transactions through the channel has reached One Billion in the month of October
97. The Government of India is planning to set up a National Coordination Center (NCC) that will function as a data bank of Maoists. It will act as a synergy point for anti – Maoist operations and intelligence gathering.
98. The IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) said that India received 10% above average monsoon rains in 2019. It is the highest in 25 years.
99. The India Energy Forum organized the 11th Nuclear Energy Conclave in New Delhi. The theme of the event was “Economics of Nuclear Power-Innovation towards safer and cost-effective technologies”. It was inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for development of North Eastern Region, Minister of State Atomic Energy and Space, Prime Minister’s Office and Personnel, public grievances and pensions.
100. The India Myanmar Naval Exercise called IMNEX-2019 is being organised in Visakhapatnam from 19 to 22 October in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The opening ceremony of the second edition of Indo-Myanmar joint naval exercise was conducted onboard INS Ranvijay.
101. The Indian Air Force said that the accidental shoot down of Mi 17 chopper in February 2019 was a big mistake. A Spyder air defence system of India shot the chopper near Srinagar airfield. It was an unmanned aerial vehicle that mistook the chopper for a Pakistani chopper.
102. The Indian Air Force will be carrying out a joint military exercise called ‘Shinyuu Maitri’ with Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) from 17 to 23 October 2019. The joint exercise will be held at Air Force Station, Arjan Singh in Panagarh town, West Bengal.
103. The Indian Army has begun to digitize its official records under its new programme called “OASIS”-Officers Automated Structures Information System. Under the programme, the records of the army officers are to be digitized. The software is to be hosted in the Army’s intranet.
104. The Indian army will begin its first ever mountain combat on October 7. The exercise is to test the mobility, coordination and communication of the troops in difficult terrain. The exercise is to be conducted in two phases.
105. The Indian Meteorological Department said that the retreat of monsoon that was delayed by more than a month is to happen by October 10, 2019. The monsoon this year was 110% of Long Period Average (LPA) with above average precipitation. The LPA between 1961 and 2010 was 88 centimeters.
106. The Indian Oil had taken several initiatives to support Government drive to eliminate single use plastic. The Corporation announced about the conversion of plastic to bitumen on 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The initiatives are part of Clean India Campaign
107. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) celebrated its 58th raising day on 24th October, 2019. The function was held at Greater Noida and was attended by Union Minister of state Home Kishan Reddy.
108. The International Bird Survey is being conducted by eBird organization biennially. Once in May and once in October. The aim is to gather information in the form of checklists of birds and share it to the environmental conservation and education institutes. The Cornell University Ornithology Lab, that holds world’s largest birds’ database helped in conducting the survey.
109. The joint military exercise of India and French troops is to be held between 31st October 2019 and 13th November 2019. It is a biennial exercise conducted alternately in India and France. The exercise is to be conducted at the Foreign Training Node at Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan.
110. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) joined hands with the Goa Government to generate employment opportunities in Goa. They inaugurated a series of initiatives. The initiatives were all first of their kind. There were no spinning and weaving activities in Goa earlier.
111. The Minister of Electronics and Information Technology (MeiTY) Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad unveiled a series of new initiatives at the Start-Up Summit at New Delhi
112. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organized first National Nutrition Survey. The ministry took help from UNICEF to complete the survey. The survey was conducted between 2016 and 2018.
113. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released a commemorative postal stamp of National Institute of Nutrition. It was introduced under the “Corporate My Stamp” scheme of India Posts. The stamp was released during the completion of Centenary Celebrations of National Institute of Nutrition. The theme of the celebration was “Empowering the nation through nutrition”
114. The Ministry of home Affairs on October 24, 2019, released the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D). The data are being updated to date 01.01.2018.
115. The Ministry of Union Minority Affairs organizes “Hunar Haat”. The event intends to provide employment opportunities to traditional culinary experts, artisans and craftsmen. The theme of the events to be organized between 2019 and 2020 will be based on Theme: Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat
116. The National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey was released by the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan at the 13th Conference of Central Council of Health and Family Welfare.
117. The National Crime Bureau Statistics for the year 2017 was released on October 21, 2019. The report reveled that Tamil Nadu topped in grave crimes followed by Maharashtra.
118. The National Health Authority and CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) are together organizing the Asia Health Conference, 2019. It includes CII National Biotechnology Conclave, CII 12th Medical Technology Summit, CII Ayurveda Conclave, CII 16th Health Summit, CII Health Tech, CII Public Health Conference, CII 13th Health Insurance Summit and CII National Pharmaceuticals Conclave
119. The ninth India-US Defence Technologies and Trade Initiative (DTTI) group meeting is scheduled to happen in New Delhi in last week of October. DTTI is a flexible mechanism and not a treaty or law, which makes sure that senior leaders from both countries are engaged consistently to strengthen opportunities in field of defence.
120. The northeastern state of Manipur is hosting the 3rd state level Shirui Lily Festival, 2019 from 16-19 October. The festival was inaugurated by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism and Culture Prahlad Singh Patel at Shirui Vangayan Ground of Ukhrul in Manipur. Minster Patel along with State Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated the Strength of Unity Statue as a mark of opening 3rd edition of four-day state festival.
121. The October 2019, iteration of the Army Commander Conference was conducted between October 14 and October 18, 2019. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the conference. All important issues such as operational readiness of the field formation, issues related to higher defence management, aspects of organizational restructuring and reforms were debated in the conference
122. The oldest known natural pearl in the world was discovered recently off the coast of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) by Abu Dhabi archaeologists working at a Neolithic site on Marawah Island. It has been dubbed as ‘Abu Dhabi Pearl’. It was discovered in soil layers that have been radiocarbon dated to 5,800-5,600 BCE, during the Neolithic period.
123. The ongoing frenetic of the North-East Monsoon in the Peninsular India were supported by the same factors that propelled the South-West monsoon. The Indian monsoon of 2019 saw a neutral Pacific (neither El Nino nor La Nina), a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and a positive Equatorial Indian Ocean Oscillation (EQUINOO).
124. The second assembly of International Solar Alliance (ISA) is to be hosted by India. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is hosting the event. It is to be held in New Delhi between October 30 and 31, 2019.The ISA brings together 81 nations. It offers concrete solutions to reduce the cost of solar installations in developing countries.
125. The second edition of the Defense of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 2019, a large joint exercise was conducted by the ANC (Andaman and Nicobar Command) between October 14 and October 18, 2019. Mobilisation and Field manoeuvres were carried out by the Indian Army, Coastal Guard, Air Force and Indian Navy to validate defensive plans of the ANC.
126. The state government of Nagaland has launched an ex-gratia scheme for students studying outside Nagaland, called ‘Nagaland Government Ex-gratia Scheme for Students Studying outside Nagaland’ (NGESSO). The scheme is the initiative of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
127. The state government of West Bengal is setting up Kanyashree University in Nadia district and Kanyashree colleges across the state so as to empower girls. The Kanyashree university would be only for women.
128. The Study published in the Conservation Biology Journal noted that the chicks of birds that were exposed to noise were smaller than the ones in quiet nests. On the whole 88 birds were put under observation. They were split into two group. One half were bred in noisy environment and the other half were bred in no noise environment.
129. The Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat is a cleanliness survey that is carried out by QCI – Quality Council of India. The council tool 720 Non – Suburban stations and Suburban Stations for the survey.
130. The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare attended the G20 Okayama Health Minister Meeting that was held between October 19 and October 20, 2019. It was held under the Presidency of Japan.
131. The Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt Nirmala Sitaraman released a commemorative coin on Paramahansa Yogananda to mark his 125th birth anniversary on October 29, 2019.
132. The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund-UNICEF provides emergency and healthcare to children and mothers in countries that were devastated by world war II. The organization releases “The State of the World’s Children Report” annually.
133. The Vishakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has achieved great results from its long battle against plastic bags. The measures taken by the corporation and their strict implementation is the sole success in the battle.
134. The Wildlife Week is celebrated all over the country every year between 2nd October and 8th October. The aim is to preserve animal life in India. Through out the week events and campaigns are organized to teach people about animal life and encourage them save large number of animals by not killing them for food and other purposes.
135. The World Bank recently released its South Asia Economic Focus, 2019. The report says that Bangladesh and Nepal are growing faster than India. However, it assured that India is still a fast-growing economy. India is relatively hit hard by the recent global economic slowdown.
136. The World Cities Day (WCD) is being celebrated by the United Nations to promote the international community’s interest in global urbanization. It also intends to address the challenges of urbanization and to contribute to sustainable urban development around the world. It was established in 2013.
137. The World Economic Outlook is a biennial report that is released in April and October. According the report released recently on October 15, 2019, the global economy is at its slowest pace of growth at 3%. This is a serious climb down from 3.8% in 2017.
138. The World Osteoporosis Day is observed by the International Osteoporosis Foundation annually. The purpose is to create awareness for the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of osteoporosis. It was launched in 1996. Only in 1998 and 1999, the WHO acted as a co-sponsor of the campaign.
139. The World Statistics Day was celebrated for the first time in 2010. It was declared by the United Nations Statistical Commission. It is celebrated once in 5 years. India celebrates Statistics Day on 29th June, on the birthday of the legend statistician Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis.
140. Three Indian-origin chief executive officers (CEOs) have been featured in ‘The Best-Performing CEOs in World, 2019' list of world’s top 10 best-performing chief executives. The list is compiled by the Harvard Business Review (HBR) and features 100 CEOs.
141. To boost to its firepower, the Indian army has inducted US made precision-guided Excalibur artillery ammunition and indigenous Dhanush howitzer in its inventory. The announcement regarding ammunition’s induction was made in an Army Commander’s Conference.
142. Torrential rain and tornado-like winds lashed large parts of Japan, as the country was hit by Typhoon Hagibis. The typhoon is being touted as the strongest storm the country faced in past 60 years since Kanogawa Typhoon (1958).
143. Union Minister of State for Culture, Prahlad Singh Patel, inaugurated an e-portal and a YouTube channel of Rashtriya Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) at an ‘Digital Bharat-Digital Sanskriti’ program being held at CCRT headquarters, in New Delhi. Union Minister will also release a book titled ‘Dewas Ki Sanskritik Parampara’ written by Jeevan Singh Thakur and published by CCRT.
144. Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Harsh Vardhan and Harsimrat Kaur Badal flagged off ‘Sarbat Da Bhala Express’ train at New Delhi railway station. The ‘New Delhi-Lohian Khas-New Delhi Intercity Express’ was recently renamed as ‘Sarbat da Bhala Express’ by Indian Railways. The renamed train will ply from New Delhi to Lohian Khas via holy city Sultanpur Lodhi.
International
1. The Syrian government and Opposition delegates met for the first time in the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland to draft a new constitution and to chart a political settlement to end eight-and-a-half-year civil war. A total of 150 Syrian constitutional committee delegates representing the Syrian government, opposition and civil society met under UN auspices. The new constitution would act as a prelude to U.N. supervised elections for their war-torn country.
2. The All India Institute of Ayurveda under Ministry of AYUSH and FiZ-Frankfurter Innovationzentrum Biotechnologie Gmbh signed MoU in the event “German/Indian knowledge exchange regarding current developments in the health care sector”
3. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, India has signed an agreement with the Saudi Arabia to launch the RuPay card in the country. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the two countries for the purpose. The step will benefit not only 2.6 million Indians in Gulf Kingdom but also pilgrims visiting Haj and Umrah.
4. PM Modi visited Saudi Arabia to attend the Future Investment Initiative. During his visit, the two sides held bilateral talks during which they reviewed historical and close relations between the countries.
5. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia. He is visiting the country to attend the third Future Investment Initiative and to hold bilateral discussion with King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. PM will sign minimum of 12 agreements during his visits in areas such as defence, civil aviation, infrastructure, non-renewable energy sector, etc.
6. To mark the celebrations of 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, the Pakistan government will now issue tourist visas to non-Indian Sikhs visiting Kartarpur corridor and other gurdwaras in the country.
7. India has approached the world body ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) after Pakistan denied permission for PM Modi to use its air space. The overflight clearances are granted by other countries according to ICAO guidelines.
8. The 29th ministerial meet of BASIC countries was held at Beijing between October 25-26, 2019. The BASIC countries include Brazil, South Africa, India and China.
9. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is to visit India on November 1, 2019 for the fifth biennial Inter Governmental Consultations. She will meet PM Modi during her visit. The leaders will have separate engagement with the CEOs and business nations of both nations. The countries will discuss deepening of cooperation in traditional sectors like skill development, energy and transport
10. Indian tourists will be now be exempted from visas to enter Brazil for tourism or business purposes. The exemption is also available for Chinese tourists. Both India and China are part of BRICS, an association of 5 major emerging national economies. Other three are Brazil, Russia and South Africa.
11. On October 29, 2019, the Prime Minister Modi is to attend the third session of Future Investment Initiative Forum in Saudi Arabia. The PM will deliver a keynote address at the forum. He will also meet the Saudi king Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He will hold delegation level talks with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman
12. On October 24, 2019, India signed the Agreement with Pakistan for the operationalization of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor at Zero Point, International Boundary. The representatives from Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs and the representatives from Punjab Government were present during the ceremony.
13. Vice President, M. Venkaiah Naidu will lead the Indian delegation at 18th Summit of Heads of State and Government of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). The summit will be held at Baku, Azerbaijan on 25 to 26 October 2019 and will be preceded by Senior Officials Meeting and Ministerial Meeting.
14. The Union Cabinet on October 24, 2019 approved the proposal for Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation between India and USA.
15. Government of India is training officers of Government of Nepal on ‘Anti Money Laundering (AML) and Countering Financing of Terrorism (CFT)’ in India at the Regional Centre of National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN) in Bengaluru.
16. United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has launched its cinema ad campaign ‘Feed Our Future’ against hunger and malnutrition in India. It has been launched by WFP in collaboration with UFO Moviez – India’s largest in-cinema advertising platform and SAWA -the Global Cinema Advertising Association. It is also supported by Showbox Music TV Channel, LF (Living Foodz TV Channel) and Red FM 93.5. It will help drive the message of zero hunger deeper into the hearts & minds of India.
17. Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan is to visit Russia and Japan between October 22 and October 26 2019. This is a follow up visit of PM Modi for the Eastern Economic Forum in September 2019.
18. The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum met PM Narendra Modi on October 21, 2019. The discussion of the meeting was based on the steps to ensure Ease of Doing Business.
19. Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo popularly known as Jokowi has been sworn into office for his second and final five-year term. The 58-year-old Jokowi took oath at a ceremony in Indonesian capital, Jakarta. The ceremony was attended by politicians and many foreign dignitaries.
20. The officials of European Union (EU) have called for a ceasefire in Afghanistan, stating that the breakdown in talks between United States and Taliban presented an opportunity to push anew for a truce (an agreement to end the fighting). In September 2019, citing a Taliban attack that killed a US soldier, US President Donald Trump declared talks with insurgents ‘dead’.
21. President of Chile Sebastian Pinera has declared a state of emergency in Santiago (Capital of Chile), following the worst violence the city has seen in years. The state emergency decision was taken after violent protests over an increase in the price of metro tickets held in the state, following which protesters blocked the railway system and clashed with the police. Protestors clashed with riot police in several parts of Santiago, and attacked the subway system.
22. The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit is to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan. The summit is to be held between October 25 and October 26, 2019. The 18th NAM summit will be preceded by Ministerial meetings and senior official meetings.
23. Sri Lanka has been removed from ‘Grey List’ of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) following the new measures taken by the country on financial security. The word ‘Grey List’ identified by FATF refers to a jurisdiction with strategic Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) deficiencies.
24. India will be hosting the 91st Interpol General Assembly in 2022. The announcement comes after a proposal in this regard received the overwhelming support of member countries at 2019’s congregation held at Santinago in Chile on 19 October 2019. The proposal was given to Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock by Union Home Minister Amit Shah when the two met in New Delhi during Stock’s official visit (August 2019).
25. On 19 October, 2019, the 4th India-ASEAN Business summit and the India-Philippines Business Conclave was organized. President Ram Nath Kovind who is on a 7-day official visit to Philippine and Japan addressed the summit.
26. President Ram Nath Kovind is on his official tour to Philippines and Japan. In the first leg of his visit he reached Manila, Philippines on October 17, 2019. He met his Philippines counter part and signed four agreements on science and technology, culture, tourism and maritime. The agreement includes sharing of white shipping data. White shipping includes information about identification and movement of commercial and non-military vessels.
27. The Bangladesh PM Sheik Hasina announced that India Bangladesh rail links that were closed after 1965 war will be reopened. The announcement was made at the inaugural function of the first intercity train between Dhaka and Kurigam.
28. The second edition of Indo-French Knowledge Summit is being held from17-18 October 2019 at University of Lyon in France. The summit is dedicated to higher education, research and innovation.
29. The Jaffna International Airport (JIA) in Sri Lanka received its inaugural flight from Chennai, Tamil Nadu in presence of country’s President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe. Alliance Air, the subsidiary of Air India sent its inaugural flight from Chennai to newly upgraded Jaffna International Airport at Palaly, (20 km north of Jaffna city of Sri Lanka). It carried Air India CMD Ashwini Lohani and its CEO C.S.Subbiah among other invitees from aviation sector.
30. United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the establishment of first graduate-level, research-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) university in the world. The university is named as Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) after Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces. He has for long advocated for UAE’s development of human capital via knowledge and scientific thinking to take the nation into future. The university campus will be in Masdar City.
31. The US Government has imposed sanctions against the Turkish ministries for their military actions in Northern Syria. Actions has been taken against Turkish defence and energy ministries. The sanctions also freeze Turkish assets held by the ministry in US and has banned all the financial transactions with them related to US.
32. Prince Williams, the Duke of Cambridge and his Duchess arrived in Pakistan on October 15, 2019. This is the first high official visit from Britain to Pakistan since 2006. The visit was organized upon request of UK and commonwealth office. The UK aims at access to quality education to girls and young women in Pakistan.
33. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has given United States the final authorisation to impose tariffs on European Union (EU) products in retaliation for illegal subsidies given to Airbus. Earlier in October 2019, a WTO arbitrator gave US the green light to slap tariffs on US $7.5 billion worth of European Union imports.
34. President Ram Nath Kovind will begin his seven-day visit to Philippines and Japan on 17th October, 2019. The President’s first visit will be Philippines. He will hold delegation level restricted talks with his Filipino counter part Rodrigo Roa Duterte. He leaves for Japan on October 21, 2019. President is visiting Japan to attend the Enthronement ceremony of the Japanese emperor Naruhito.
35. The six-day plenary meeting of FATF – Financial Action Task Force is to be held in Paris. It is a part of the FATF Week that is being celebrated between October 13 and October 18, 2019. The meeting is attended by representatives from 205 countries and jurisdictions all around the world. It includes IMF, UN, World Bank and other leading organizations. The meeting will focus on financial flows that are linked to terrorism and crime.
36. Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent charge) Prahlad Singh Patel participated in BRICS Culture Ministers’ meeting held in Curitiba, Brazil. At the meet the minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to contribute towards strengthening bonds between member countries.
37. The RCEP – Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership hosted meeting on October 11 and 12, 2019 in Xinhua Thailand. The trade ministers of 16 nations met and discussed on economic affairs in the region. However, due to India’s tough stand on market access, e – commerce and investment the grouping will meet once again.
38. To expand the bilateral relations in various fields, India and Sierra Leone signed six agreements including extending a credit line of $30 million for rice cultivation. The agreement was signed during the second leg of Vice President Venkaiah Naidu’s five-day visit to the West African countries, as part of which he reached Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone.
39. After Chennai Connect, the second informal summit at Mahabalipuram, India, the Chinese President visited Nepal. This is the first visit by a Chinese President in 22 years. The trade of the land locked Himalayan nation is dominated by the Indian sub-continent. Increasing its connectivity with Beijing it now seeks to end Indian dominance in its trade.
40. India has joined the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance on Technology Governance, a league of 15 of world’s leading city networks and technology governance organisations that will work towards advancing responsible and ethical use of smart city technologies.
41. Dubai will be hosting the 2019 First Global DXB Challenge, a large gathering for creative young minds in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence. It will be held for the first time in the region from 24 to 27 October 2019 at the Festival Arena in Dubai, UAE.
42. India has announced significant relaxations in its e-visa policy or rules for Chinese nationals. The announcement comes at a time when the leaders of the two nations Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping had met for the second informal summit, in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu.
43. India has extended more than $60 million line of credit to Union of Comoros in the field of Energy and Maritime Defence Cooperation. The announcement was made during the first-ever high-level official visit to Comoros by Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu from 10 – 14 October 2019.
44. On October 11, 2019, the Chinese President Xi Jing Ping arrived at the Chennai airport along with 90 delegations for a 2 day long informal summit. His welcome ceremony was grand and was organized by the Tamil Nadu Government in a traditional way. Ahead of the summit 2,000 children wore Xi Jing Ping masks on their faces and created formations of “Welcome” in Mandarin. The leaders held a 2 and half hour talks over lunch.
45. Donors from across the world including governments, philanthropists and private firms have pledged just over $14 billion for the next three years to save 16 million lives and help end AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria by 2030. It was promised at the Sixth Replenishment Conference of Global Fund to fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria (GFTAM) held in Lyon, France.
46. As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia embarks on a broad programme of economic and social reforms, the country announced that it will allow women in kingdom to serve in armed forces. This move is the latest in a series of measures aimed by country towards women empowerment and increasing the rights of women in kingdom, even as rights groups accuse Saudi Arabia of cracking down on women activists.
47. On October 9, 2019, the United Nations called its member states to pay their outstanding dues. As the organization is facing severe financial crisis, there may not be enough funds to pay staff salaries next month. According to the United Nations, out of 193 members, 129 had paid their regular budget. The regular budget for the UN for a year is 5.4 billion USD. This is separate from the peace keeping budget of 6.3 billion USD.
48. The 9th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Intersessional Ministerial meeting will be held in Bangkok in Thailand. India will be represented by Union Commerce Minister Piysuh Goyal. This will be the last Ministerial before 3rd Leaders Summit to be held on 4 November 2019 in Bangkok. It also comes at a crucial stage where RCEP is scheduled to be announced as concluded in November 2019.
49. PM Imran Khan will arrive in Beijing on 8th October, 2019. He will engage China at the highest level of talks. It includes projects in hydro power, steel mills and oil refinery that are part of the 60 billion USD CPEC – China – Pakistan Economic Corridor. He will also hold talks with Chinese top leaders and discuss about the stalled CPEC projects.
50. On 5th October PM Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart signed several MoUs that included connectivity, trade, transport and defense.
51. While the Pallavas sea port Mamallapuram is getting a historic fillip for India – China meet next week, archaeological evidences show that trade links between them existed since ancient times. The Land of Dragon (China) traded silk, pots with the ancient sea port Mamallapuram 2000 years ago.
52. To deal with the nexus of terrorist groups India called for increased cooperation between the United Nations (UN) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Speaking at the General Assembly the first Secretary to India’s Permanent Mission said that the activities of terror groups Boko Haram, ISIL, AI Shabab has increased in recent days. In these situations, UN should cooperate with other bodies like FATF to prevent terrorism.
53. The US Labor Department reports that the unemployment rate fell to 3.5% from 3.7%. The main reason behind the development is that the economy added 136,000 jobs in September 2019.
54. PM Modi held meeting with the Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina at Hyderabad House. The leaders jointly inaugurated 3 projects and signed seven agreements during the meeting.
55. After North Korea tested a ballistic missile from the coast of Wonsan, US tested an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile. The missile was launched from the California base.
56. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth jointly inaugurated two landmark projects in Mauritius via video conferencing. These projects are Phase-1 of Metro Express service and a new ENT Hospital.
57. Ambassadors of five nations namely Kazakhstan, European Union (EU), France, Denmark and Mexico present credentials to President of India Ram Nath Kovind, at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 3 October 2019.
58. Ecuador will withdraw from 14-nation Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) from 1 January 2020. The country stated its internal fiscal problems as the reason for the withdrawal from the group.
59. Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina arrived in New Delhi on a four day visit to India. She will be attending India Economic Summit of World Economic Forum in Delhi on 3 October 2019. This is the first visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after assuming office for third consecutive term as Bangladesh PM and in second term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
60. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jingping would be visiting Mamallpuram, Tamil Nadu for the second edition of informal summit between India and China.
61. Rapidly-moving Typhoon ‘Mitag’ is bearing down on northern Taiwan, where it is expected to bring high winds and heavy rain. With the worst of the weather expected to arrive in the island country, the warnings have been issued for parts of island’s east and north, including the capital, Taipei.
Business, Economy & Banking
1. The Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) will now be eligible to apply for National Pension System (NPS) at par with Non Resident Indians (NRIs). The permission to permit OCI to enroll in NPS was given by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). The decision is one of the endeavours of PFRDA towards promoting and developing NPS and increasing pension coverage in country.
2. The governing council meeting of National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) was chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in North Block, New Delhi. Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Anurag Thakur was also present at the meet.
3. Government of India has accorded ‘Maharatna’ status to public sector undertaking’s (PSU’s) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Power Grid Corporation. Two separate orders to this effect were issued by Department of Public Enterprises, under Union Ministry of Heavy Industry and Public Enterprises.
4. Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology (MeiTY) Ravi Shankar Prasad unveiled a MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), a platform to connect startup ecosystem, at the MeitY Startup Summit 2019. This hub will facilitate MeitY’s vision of promoting startups, technology innovation and creation of Intellectual Properties.
5. The Indian Railways has started its pilot project of allowing e-commerce consignments in non-peak hours. The project was earlier launched by the Eastern Railways for the first time in India when it allowed the Amazon consignments in its EMU local (suburban services)
6. Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology (MeiTY) Ravi Shankar Prasad unveiled a slew of new initiatives and programmes, including BHIM 2.0 that packs-in new functionalities, supports additional languages and has increased transaction limits.
7. IIT Delhi will announce its Endowment Fund on October 31, 2019 ahead of its Golden Jubilee Convocation ceremony. The aim is to collect funds from the alumni, bankers and industrialists. The institute has set its target as 1 billion USD.
8. Mukesh Ambani-led Oil-to-telecom major Reliance Industries (RIL) has become the first company in India to hit the market capitalisation (m-cap) of Rs.9 lakh crore. RIL was also the first company to reach Rs.8 lakh crore mark in August 2018. IT giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) was at a distant second with a m-cap of Rs.7.66 lakh crore. It was the also second company to reach Rs.8 lakh crore mark.
9. Payment technology major Mastercard along with its brand ambassador MS Dhoni launch a nationwide campaign dubbed as ‘Team Cashless India’ to accelerate the acceptance and adoption of digital payments in India.
10. Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), India’s nodal national agency responsible for administering Central Excise, Service Tax, Customs, GST, & Narcotics has launched a revamped and streamlined programme to attract investments into India and strengthen Make in India through manufacture and other operations. The programme is launched under bond scheme of Customs Act, 1962 as this section enables conduct of manufacture and other operations in a customs bonded warehouse.
11. Air India, the flag carrier airline of India has become the first airline in the world to use a Taxibot on an A-320 aircraft with passengers on board. Ashwani Lohani, Chairman and MD of Air India flagged off the flight AI665 (Delhi – to Mumbai) and it was carried to runway using Taxibot at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), New Delhi.
12. Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated a conference on ‘One Nation One Tag – FASTag’ in New Delhi, to roll out the process for having a unified electronic system across the country. MoS Road Transport and Highways, Gen. (Retd.) V.K Singh and ministers and senior officials from several states were also present on the occasion.
13. The third India Energy Forum by CERAWeek was held in New Delhi from 13-15 October 2019. At the forum the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel Dharmendra Pradhan called for the inclusion of petroleum products under GST regime and urged Union finance minister to at least begin by including natural gas and ATF (aviation turbine fuel) in GST.
14. The GST collection in September 2019, dropped sharply to a 19-month low. This reflects the widening slowdown of the economy. The tax collections were Rs 91,916 crore in September. This was 2.67% less as compared to September 2018.
15. India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra), a part of Fitch group has lowered India’s gross domestic product (GDP) forecast for financial year (FY) 2019-20 to 6.1%. This was second downgrade in the last two months. Earlier in August 2019, Ind-Ra had revised GDP growth estimate to 6.7% from its earlier forecast of 7.3%. It has cited slowdown in both rural and urban consumption demand growth as one of the key reasons for the downward revision of GDP in its August 2019 forecast.
16. The Union Finance Minister on 10th October, 2019 announced that a high level committee will be formed to look into the regulations that govern multi state cooperative banks. RBI imposed banking restrictions on PMC bank in September. This has left 1000s of investors and account holders worried. The amended framework is to be submitted in the winter session of the parliament.
17. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given its final nod to Kerala Government for the formation of Kerala Bank. The final nod by RBI was subjected to certain conditions. RBI’s approval is valid only till 31 March 2020.
18. Additional installment of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief was approved by the Union Cabinet on October 9, 2019. According to the approval, the central government employees are provided with a increase of 5%. Currently it is 12% of the basic pay. Similarly, the Dearness Relief to the pensioners was increased to 5% while its current rate is 12% of the pension.
19. The National E – assessment scheme was launched to make income tax assessment faster, smoother and hassle – free. The system focuses on eliminating the middle men between the tax payer and the officer. It aims at communicating directly to the tax payer when an issue arises in the process of tax assessment.
20. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notified that only FPIs – Foreign Portfolio Investors located in FATF countries or managed by an enterprise based under FATF jurisdiction can deal in Participatory Notes.
21. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notified that only FPIs – Foreign Portfolio Investors located in FATF countries or managed by an enterprise based under FATF jurisdiction can deal in Participatory Notes.
22. According to RBI Consumer Confidence Survey, the consumer confidence dipped to a six-year low. The federal bank says that this is mainly due to decline in employment, income and discretionary spending. The CSI – Current Situation Index fell to 89.4 whereas it was recorded as 95.7 in July. Previously the index hit its low in 2013, when it reached 88.
23. Union Minister of Health Harsh Vardhan launched the ‘Trans Fat Free’ logo of FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) at 8th International Chefs’ Conference held in New Delhi.
24. The US imposed tariffs on 7.5 billion USD worth European exports. The WTO had earlier ruled that US could target goods from EU nations as they had failed to comply ruling regarding subsidies for Airbus.
25. Union Power Minister (Independent charge) Raj Kumar Singh and Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi have jointly launched PRAKASH – Power Rail Koyla Availability through Supply Harmony Portal in New Delhi.
26. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has launched a computer-generated Document Identification Number (DIN) to ensure greater transparency and accountability in tax administration. Thus from now onwards, every CBDT communication will have to have a documentation identification number. The DIN system has been created as per the direction of Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance.
Science & Technology
1. As per Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), a malware was identified in state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) system at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP), Tamil Nadu. The matter was conveyed to the DAE by Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) on 4 September 2019 and was immediately investigated by DAE specialists.
2. Researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States (US) have developed a new technology to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from a stream of air, virtually at any concentration level. This is a new advance that may pave the way for new strategies to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) levels. The study by researchers was published in the journal Energy and Environmental Science.
3. The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has conducted a Whole Genome Sequencing of around 1,008 Indians from different populations across country in order to generate data on genetic diseases and to know risk of genetic diseases in future generations. The project is called as IndiGen Genome project.
4. Scientists have accidentally discovered ‘the footprints a monstrous galaxy’ being called as ‘Cosmic Yeti’ in early universe that has never been seen before. The discovery provides new insights into the first growing steps of some of biggest galaxies in universe. The astronomical findings were published in Astrophysical Journal.
5. In next 2 months, ISRO will launch 14 small foreign satellites in its next three PSLVs (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles). The projects are to be implemented by November and December.
6. The researchers from IIT Hyderabad and School of Architecture, Bhubaneswar have developed bio-bricks from agricultural waste. The product serves dual purposes of development of eco-friendly sustainable material and also waste management.
7. The Chinese scientists are constructing a huge cosmic ray observation station that is equivalent to 200 soccer fields in Sichuan province. The observatory is located 4,400 meters above sea level.
8. National Cyber Security Coordinator’s office in partnership with Data Security Council of India (DSCI) launched a platform called ‘TechSagar’. It is a platform to discover consolidated and comprehensive repository of India’s cyber technological capabilities through a portal.
9. The researchers, including those from Queen Mary institute of London in United Kingdom (UK) have developed a new dielectric capacitor, a device that stores energy (like battery). The study was published in journal Nature Communications.
10. Scientists led by Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf have found new compound of Plutonium unexpectedly in France. The team was actually trying to create plutonium dioxide nano particles using different precursors. In the process, the plutonium at its pentavalent state showed a peculiar behavior. The scientists then learnt that the strange behavior of Plutonium at its pentavalent state was because it was stable! The team confirmed its stability using Pu M4 edge technology.
11. The Engineers at the Stanford University have developed a new catalyst that helps to turn carbon dioxide from cars into fuels like propane or natural gas.
12. The scientists at John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, US, have developed Lithium-Ion batteries that can operate under extreme conditions like submersion, ballistic impact, cutting and heat. In simple lay man terms, they can operate even under fire!
13. NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch made history when they ventured outside International Space Station (ISS) for first ever all women spacewalk. It was the first time in more than half a century of space exploration that two women astronauts walked in space together.
14. A team of researchers from India and United Kingdom collaborated to create a new robot named Pepe which encourages children to wash their hands. The research project outcomes were presented at 28TH IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (held in New Delhi) on Global Handwashing Day 2019 (marked on 15 October every year).
15. The Reusable Launch Vehicle Program was launched by ISRO in 2016. It aims to cut down the launch cost by reusing the spacecraft. So far, the RLV (Reusable Launch Vehicle) has been tested over water. For the first time, ISRO will test in land.
16. NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has launched a satellite called ICON or Ionospheric Connection Explorer to explore the mysterious, dynamic region where air meets space. The ICON satellite rocketed into orbit following a two-year delay and was dropped from a plane flying over the Atlantic off the Florida coast.
17. The Indian Space flight mission Gaganyaan will orbit the Earth for seven days and is scheduled in December 2021. Four Indian Air Force Pilots are to participate in the mission. The training for the pilots to enter space has commenced in Russia.
18. The robotic Mission Extension Vehicle-1 (MEV-1) was successfully launched atop of Russian Proton rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. It is first of its kind commercial satellite-servicing spacecraft. It is designed to dock with aging spacecraft more than 22,000 miles above Earth, then extend its life with aid of solar-electric thrusters. Its successful launch marks beginning of era of commercial satellite servicing in the space.
19. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Children’s agency of the United Nations has now become the first UN organization to hold and make transactions in cryptocurrency. UNICEF now joins a number of other aid agencies that accept donations in cryptocurrencies, such as American Red Cross.
20. The properties of newly discovered antibiotic have specific application in agriculture greatly. It is a soil bacterium and is known as “phazolicin”. This compound was unknown previously and was recently isolated in the tropical rain forests of Mexico.
21. On 8th October 2019, 20 new moons of Saturn were discovered. With this Saturn has a total of 82 moons today. It is the highest of any planet in solar system. Till date Jupiter had the highest number of moons. It has 79 moons.
22. The researchers of USA captured images of formation of viruses from particles. The research provided a detailed view of mechanism with which the particles self – assembled to form a parasite. The study was performed on single stranded RNA virus. The researchers believe that this new advancement will help to find new treatment approaches for viral diseases.
Government Schemes
1. The state government of Nagaland has launched an ex-gratia scheme for students studying outside Nagaland, called ‘Nagaland Government Ex-gratia Scheme for Students Studying outside Nagaland’ (NGESSO). The scheme is the initiative of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
2. Around 2,209 panchayats were brought under natural farming under Prakritik Kheti Khushshal Kissan Yojana. The State is promoting Organic and Zero Budget Naturna Farming under the scheme.
3. The state government of Odisha has signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) with UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) to provide safe drinking water to every household in the state. The LoU was signed by state housing and urban development department (HUDD) to provide 24-hour safe drinking water. The project has been named as ‘Drink from Tap Mission’.
4. The Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath launched flagship scheme “Mukhya Mantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana”. It was launched in Lucknow for the state of Uttar Pradesh. Smriti Irani, the Union Minister was present in the occasion.
5. Chief Minister of Odisha and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik launched a social service initiative of the party dubbed as ‘Odisha-Mo Parivar’ (Odisha, my family). The initiative is aimed at encouraging environment protection, blood donation and the welfare of Odias in distress.
6. Under the aegis of Union Ministry of Human Resource Development, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) have launched an online aptitude test dubbed as ‘Tamanna’ (Try And Measure Aptitude And Natural Abilities) in a bid to help students make right career choices.
7. The Government of Odisha and the World Bank have signed 165 million USD loan agreement to strengthen smallholder farmers. The aim of the loan is to implement “Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture”.
8. Actor Deepika Padukone and shuttler PV Sindhu has been named as the ambassadors for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new initiative called ‘Bharat Ki Laxmi’ movement.
9. Ahead of scheduled assembly elections, Delhi Government has agreed to implement ambitious Central scheme Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) that promises small and marginal eligible farmers an income support of Rs.6,000 a year in three instalments.
10. Indian Railways will run its first Buddhist Circuit train from 20 to 26 October 2019 covering sites related to Gautam Buddha in India and Nepal.
11. To mark World Food Day, on October 16, 2019, the Health and Family Welfare Ministry launched the Food Safety Mitra Scheme. The main objective of the scheme is to scale up Eat Right India movement. The campaign along with Fit India movement will achieve huge success according to the ministry.
12. The GOAL (Going Online As Leaders) program aims to inspire, guide and encourage tribal girls across India to become village level digital leaders for their community. The program was launched by Facebook to empower women by providing digital literacy, leadership, life skills and entrepreneurship skills. In order to become a beneficiary of the program the girls should be above 18 years of age and should have dropped out of school. Also, it is important that the girl is of tribal origin.
13. Indian Railways has launched 10 ‘Sewa Service’ trains, in a bid to improve last-mile connectivity. These Sewa Service trains will connect small towns with their closest major cities and ease the hassle of travelling for daily passengers. These trains will also help divert short distance traffic from roads to the railways.
14. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) have developed two diagnostic kits under Make in India initiative. The kits are called Blue tongue sandwich ELISA (sELISA) and Japanese Encephalitis lgM ELISA.
15. The second phase of an Indo-Dutch project called Local Treatment of Urban Sewage Streams for Healthy Reuse, or LOTUS-HR was launched at Barapullah drain in New Delhi by Minister of Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan and the Dutch Royal couple, Netherlands King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima.
16. The Skill India Rozgar Mela is conducted by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. It was recently organized on 12th and 13th October, 2019. 100+ corporate participated in the event and 2000 youths were shortlisted.
17. The state government of West Bengal is setting up Kanyashree University in Nadia district and Kanyashree colleges across the state so as to empower girls. The Kanyashree university would be only for women.
18. ‘Yuva Sahakar’- Cooperative Enterprise Support and Innovation Scheme 2019 was launched at the opening ceremony of first ever ‘India International Cooperatives Trade Fair’ in New Delhi on 11 October 2019 by Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar.
19. Online integration for payments and various banking services is one of the priorities for GeM. So far, GeM has signed MoU with 14 Public Sector and private banks to enable this. It is also working with others banks, TReDs, and SIDBI to provide invoice financing and Bill Discounting to MSMEs registered on GeM. This will help MSMEs access easy credit and do better business with Government Departments.
20. In order to tackle malnutrition, GoI is planning to develop an atlas to map crops and food grains grown all over the country. The initiative was launched by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani during the fifth National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges
21. Union Cabinet has approved relaxation of mandatory requirement of Aadhaar Seeded data as pre-condition for release of funds to beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri KisanSamman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme.
22. SUMAN scheme – Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan scheme was launched by the Union Minister Dr Harsha Vardhan at the conference of Central Council of Health and Family Welfare. The scheme provides free medicines for pregnant women. It focuses to bring down the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in the country.
23. Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed a contract with Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore for introducing a two-year fellowship programme called ‘Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF) programme’. The step is taken to boost skill development at the district level.
24. The Government of India launched the GEMINI device that will provide information related to disaster warning. This is exclusively designed for fishermen about disasters when they are 10 to 12 km away from the coast.
25. On October 9, 2019, the cabinet appraised decisions under Empowered Program Committee (EPC), Mission Steering Group (MSG) and National Health Mission. The press release statements of the cabinet are as follows
26. Under National Health Mission (NHM) at least 14 states were penalized for not performing in various health parameters. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare runs the scheme in terms of “result based funding”. The penalized states will lose funds from Central Government.
27. Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme – DHRUV is a 14 day learning programme launched on October 10, 2019 from Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru. The programme was launched by Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ in presence of Dr K Sivan, Chairman, ISRO, Wing Cdr. Rakesh Sharma, AC (Retd.) and others.
28. On October 7, 2019, the eDant Seva was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family welfare. It is an initiative under the National Oral Health Program. The initiative aims to sensitize the importance of maintaining oral health. It provides information about nearest oral health service facility. It also provides oral health information collected from authentic scientific sources.
29. The Union Health Ministry released its data on PMJAY – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The scheme aimed at helping economically vulnerable persons. It aimed to cover more than 10 crore families.
30. The National Health Authority (NHA) has joined hands with international giant Google to collaborate as well as strengthen the implementation of government’s flagship health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).
31. Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Jagan Mohan Reddy launched YSR Vahana Mitra scheme which provides Rs.10,000 allowance to self-employed drivers of the state. This latest scheme which is available only in Andhra Pradesh is the fulfilment of an election promise made by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy during his 3,648 km padayatra.
32. Union Ministry of Tourism launches Audio Guide facility App called ‘Audio Odigos’ for 12 sites of India (including Iconic Sites). The launch was made during the ongoing celebrations of nationwide ‘Paryatan Parv 2019’. This year is the 3rd edition of Paryatan Parv.
33. The Cabinet Minister of Consumer Affairs, food and public distribution mooted the clean water mission that is to set standards for safe drinking water
34. Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) have launched an Automated Real Time Performance Smart-board for effective monitoring and measurement of key programmes of government. The key programmes include Digital India, Aadhaar, Digital Payments among others.
35. India has doubled the number of LED street lights from 49 lakh in March 2018 to 1 crore as on 1 October 2019. This one crore target has been reached by the country even as it missed the scaled-down target to replace 1.34 crore conventional street lights with energy efficient LED lights by March 2019.
36. On the occasion of 150th birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog’s Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and UNICEF India, including Generation Unlimited, launched ‘The Gandhian Challenge’ for school children. This innovation challenge provides a platform for every child across India to ideate innovative solutions for a sustainable India of their dreams, using Gandhi’s principles.
37. State-owned construction firm NBCC (India) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Department of Sports under Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) to provide Project Management Consultancy for development of National Sports University at Imphal, Manipur. The approximate cost of project would be Rs.400 crore.
38. Union Ministry for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has notified changes in Apprenticeship Rules (1992) as Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2019 with an aim to increase skilled manpower in the country, and raise minimum stipend payable to trade apprentices.
Awards & Honours
1. The 28th Vyas Samman for the year 2018 was conferred on noted Hindi poet and writer Leeladhar Jagoori for his poetry collection ‘Jitne Log Utne Prem’, at a function held in New Delhi. Jagoori was conferred the prestigious award for his poetry collection by renowned author and scholar Govind Mishra.
2. The SEED awards are granted to organizations working towards achieving sustainable development goals (SDG). The 2019 SEED awards included SEED Low carbon, SEED South Africa Climate Adaptation, SEED Africa Awards and SEED Gender Equality Awards. 14 finalists from Asian and African countries were awarded for their works towards achieving SDGs.
3. President Ram Nath Kovind presented the National Corporate Social Responsibility Awards (NCSRA) to selected companies in New Delhi. These awards are highest recognition given by Government of India in domain of CSR and are awarded to companies for their outstanding contribution in area of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
4. Lucknow-based City Montessori School (CMS) has won the Guinness World Record for becoming the ‘world’s largest school’ in terms of strength of students.
5. The European Union (EU) Parliament awarded the ‘Sakharov Prize for Human Rights’ to Uighur intellectual Ilham Tohti (49), who has been jailed and sentenced to life imprisonment in China for “separatism”. The award was announced by European Parliament head David Sassoli, who also urged China to immediately release Ilham Tohti as well as called for the respect of minority rights in China.
6. Union Minister of Panchayati Raj Narendra Singh Tomar conferred the National Panchayat Awards 2019 at a function in New Delhi. The Minister also launched a Spatial Planning Application called ‘Gram Manchitra’ which is a Geo Spatial based decision support system for panchayats. The panchayats can utilize this App to plan, develop and monitor developmental activities on real time basis.
7. The Vice President Shri Venkaiyah Naidu presented the “Most Eminent Senior Citizen Award” to scholar, legal luminary and former Attorney General of India Shri K Parasaran. He was honored with the award on the occasion of Elder’s Day celebration organized by Age Care India.
8. On the occasion of Durga Puja, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee presented Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman 2019 to 79 community Durga Pujas that received awards in different categories.
9. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) awarded 46 biomedical scientists from different institutes across the country for excellence in biomedical research. The scientists were felicitated at the event held at ICMR, Delhi for their remarkable contribution. The event was attended by Union Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan.
10. The 2019 Booker Prize was jointly won by Margaret Atwood and Bernardine Evaristo after judges defied the rules by declaring a tie. Even though the organisers told 2019’s judges that they were not allowed to pick two winners, but Peter Florence, the chair of the five-member judging panel, decided to flout the rules anyways. The rules were changed after the last tie in 1992.
11. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the prestigious 2019 Nobel Prize for Economics to Indian-American Abhijit Banerjee, his wife, Esther Duflo, and Michael Kremer of United States for their ‘experimental approach to alleviating global poverty’. Their research will help the world community to understand, address and fight the formidable challenge of poverty.
12. Noted director and producer Priyadarshan, was conferred the Madhya Pradesh government’s National Kishore Kumar Samman for 2018-19 at a function held in Khandwa, the birthplace of the legendary singer- actor, Kishore Kumar.
13. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu was given ‘The Order of the Green Crescent’, the highest Civilian Honour of Comoros, in Moroni (Comoros capital). He was conferred the honour by Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros. He is the first to receive the honour from India.
14. Environmentalist Chandi Prasad Bhatt was awarded Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration for the years 2017 and 2018 for his services in promoting and preserving national integration in the country. The award would be presented on 31 October 2019, in a function at Jawahar Bhawan, New Delhi.
15. The 100th Nobel Prize for peace has been awarded to the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abhiy Ahmed Ali for his efforts towards peace and international cooperation. The prize was awarded in particular to honor his initiatives to resolve border conflict with Eritrea.
16. The Nobel Prize in Literature for the year 2018 was awarded to Polish author Olga Tokarczuk and for the year 2019 was awarded to Austrian author Peter Handke.
17. Senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Ramesh Pandey was selected by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for prestigious Asia Environmental Enforcement Award. This is the fourth time the Awards will be given and there will be also a separate category for Africa-Asia cooperation in the area of illegal trade in wildlife.
18. The 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to John B Goodenough, M Stanley Whittingham and Akira Yoshino for the development of lithium-ion batteries. These three scientists created the right conditions for a wireless and fossil fuel-free society.
19. The 2019 Nobel prize for Physics was awarded to Swiss Scientists Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz and Canadian – American physicist James Peebles. One half of the prize was won by the American for his contribution towards “Theoretical discoveries in physical cosmology”. The other half was shared between the Swiss scientists for their work on “Discovery of an exoplanet orbiting a star similar to sun”.
20. Britain’s Peter Ratcliffe and William Kaelin and Gregg Semenza of US shared the 2019 Nobel Medicine Prize for their work on how cells sense and adapt to oxygen availability. The team revealed the understanding of how oxygen levels affect cellular metabolism.
21. At the Safaigiri 2019 organized by the India Today group, the Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was awarded “The most effective Swachhata Ambassador”. The former Indian Cricketer was chosen as he utilized his fame and popularity to ensure India achieved its goal of Swachh Bharat.
22. President Ram Nath Kovind will be conferring ‘Vayoshreshtha Samman-2019’ on Eminent Senior Citizens & Institutions in recognition of their services towards the cause of elderly persons on 3 October 2019. The awards will be conferred at a function organized by Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi and Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot will preside over the function.
Sports
1. India is scheduled to participate in Olympics 2020 that is to be conducted in Tokyo between 24 July 2020 and 9 August 2020. Indian athlete made their official debut in 1900 Olympics that was held in Paris. However, they appeared continuously in every edition since 1920.
2. Praveen Kumar has scripted the history by becoming the first Indian man to win a gold medal at Wushu World Championships. He defeated Russel Diaz of Philippines with 2-1 in the 48kg category event. The Indian saw off his Filipino opponent in men’s Sanda event of 15th World Wushu Championships held in Shanghai, China.
3. Great Britain beats India with 2-1 in final to win men’s Sultan of Johor Cup hockey tournament held at Johor Bahru in Malaysia. The Indian junior men’s hockey team suffered defeat as Great Britain score 20 seconds before full-time. Great Britain was this years’ defending country after they were crowned champions in 2018.
4. The 2019 Military World Games (also known as Olympic Games for military) is being held from 18–27 October 2019 in the capital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China. Its opening ceremony was held on 18 October 2019 and the event was officially inaugurated by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
5. Raunak Sadhwani will be the 65th Indian Grand Master (Chess) at the age of 13 years! On October 18, 2019, Sadhwani with a rating of 2479 has already gained 23 points to cross the stipulated mark of 2500 in live ratings. He just needs to turn up for the next two rounds to gain his final norms.
6. Barcelona FC captain Leonel Messi won the Golden Shoe for the 2018/19 season, for being the top scorer in the European leagues with 36 goals (in 34 games). This is his sixth Golden Shoe.
7. In order to further the Fit India Movement, Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) has decided to allow national and state sports federations, leagues and clubs to organise sports events in all sporting facilities owned by the government, without paying any fee.
8. AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships 2019 was hosted by Ulan-Ude, Russia from 3 to 13 October 2019. The best female boxers in the world competed in 11th edition of the female elite competition for the most prestigious boxing titles in word. Around 224 competitors from 57 nations participated.
9. The World Youth Chess Championship concluded in Mumbai, Maharashtra on 12 October 2019. India ended the World Youth Chess Championship by bagging 7 medals including 1 gold and 3 silver and 3 bronze medals. Only the Under-16 Girls category proved to be elusive for India in the chess championship.
10. The ‘India Sports Summit- Fitness: $10 Billion Opportunity’ was held on 10 October 2019 in New Delhi. It was organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in partnership with Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS), Sportscom, and Sportskeeda
11. The World Athletics Championship is organized by IAAF – International Association of Athletics Federations. This year it was held between September 27 and October 6, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. Athletes from 209 countries from all over the world participated in more than 49 athletic events.
References:
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