India has been re-elected as the President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and France as the co-president for a tenure of two years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release a commemorative coin of rupees 75 denomination on the 75th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) (October 16) to mark the long-standing relation of India with FAO.
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari flagged off a Special Kisan Rail ‘Nagpur-Adarsh Nagar New Delhi’ from Nagpur Railway Station through video conferencing.
Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched WhatsApp based helpline-cum-grievance redressal mechanism under Nirbadh initiative to ensure uninterrupted service delivery to subscribers due to covid pandemic.
Gujarat Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading zinc producer Hindustan Zinc Ltd for the settings up of the world’s biggest Zinc Smelter project in Dosawada in Tapi District.
Union Minister of State for Home G. Kisan Reddy has Inaugurated 21st All India Conference of Directors, Fingerprint Bureau 2020.
India contributed USD one million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East during COVID-19 pandemic.
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has constituted a committee for preparing the professional Engineers Bill under the chairmanship of M. S Ananth, former director, IIT Madras.
India has collaborated with Australia to promote cooperation in surface and groundwater training, education and research to achieve water security for agricultural, urban, industrial and environmental purposes.
MSME Ministry has introduced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools on its single window system ‘Champions’ in order to solve issues faced by MSMEs and provide assistance to them. The Champions system was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 1, 2020. CHAMPIONS – Creation and Harmonious Application of Modern Process for Increasing the Output and National Strength.
The Union Cabinet has approved the demerger of the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) and the Nagarnar Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh.
The Government of India has constituted a panel under the cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba to streamline telecom spectrum allocation.
The Union Cabinet has approved a special package worth Rs 520 crore for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Union Territories under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) for a period of five years till fiscal year 2023-2024. The cabinet was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Early Salary in collaboration with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched “Salary Card”, a zero touch digital card. The Salary Card credit solution is powered by Rupay.
Chandigarh University Gharuan has emerged as top Stand-Alone University in India for filling highest number of patents in a year.
Jammu and Kashmir has won the bid to host the 50th annual Skal International Asia Area (SIAA) Congress in 2021 against four other cities.
Tata Power has received a letter of award from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) to develop 100 MW solar project at Dholera Solar Park in Gujarat.
GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) recently received the trophies of the Airports Council International (ACI), Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Departures Awards for being ‘Best Airport by Size and Region’.
IT Services major Wipro has announced to acquire Eximius Design for $80 million.
Meerut post office has started a new initiative called “My Stamp” to issue postage stamps for customers on their birthdays, anniversaries, marriages.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the second phase of “Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna” for the underprivileged Thalassemic patients.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has rolled out campaign ‘Red light on, Gaadi off’ to tackle air pollution.
National level Ayush Sanjivani quiz contest on MyGov platform has been concluded. It was held by Ministry of AYUSH.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and DAKSH Society, Bengaluru have signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the DAKSH Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Law and Technology at IIT-Delhi.
International News:
Robert Destro, who holds the designation of Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights will also hold a concurrent designation of United States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.
New Zealand passport is now the most powerful in the world as per the recent global rankings and india has secured 58th position.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has chosen “India Sat”, an indigenous experimental satellite developed by three students of Tamilnadu.
The Bangladesh Government has officially called off the development of a deep-sea port at Sonadia island off the country’s southeastern coast.
Pakistan and Nepal have been re-elected to the UN Human Rights Council from the Asia Pacific region.
Russia has given Regulatory approval to a second COVID-19 vaccine,named “EpiVacCorona”, after early stage studies.
State News:
Maharashtra government ordered SIT (Special Investigation Team) probe into the Jalyukt Shivar Scheme.“Jalyukt Shivar Scheme was launched by the Devendra Fadnavis-led government and CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General).
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik virtually launched a first-of-its-kind initiative the ‘Sujal: Drink from Tap Mission’ to supply quality drinking water right from the tap.
Nongkrem dance festival will be observed on 24th and 25th November, 2020 in Meghalaya.
Odisha Government has signed an agreement with Indian Rugby Football Union to sponsor the Indian National Rugby Team for a period of three years (till 2023).
Mizoram has announced to provide full sponsorship including coaching expenses for students who aspire to join civil and other Central services.
National and International Appointments:
Romania’s 2008 Olympic champion Constantina Dita has been appointed as an ambassador for the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships to be held in Gdynia.
Awards and Honor:
Seema Gupta, Director of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, has won the GOLD Stevie Award in the lifetime achievement- business category in the 17th annual Stevie Awards for women in business.
Bank of Ghana has won the Central Bank of the Year Award 2020 and Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney has won the Governor of the Year at the Central Bank of the Year Award 2020.
Books and Authors:
New children’s book “Bhrigu and The Palace Of Mirror” has been Written and illustrated by Director Soumitra Ranade.
Obituaries and Retirement:
Well-known Kuchipudi classical dancer and Guru Shobha Naidu has passed away recently.
Renowned Gujarati singer Kaumudi Munshi known as nightingale of Gujarat passed away.
Renowned Malayalam poet Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri has died recently.
Costume designer Bhanu Athaiya, India’s first Oscar winner, passed away.
Banking News:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised maximum aggregate retail exposure limit of banks to entities having turnover upto ₹ 50 crore to ₹ 7.5 crore for increasing credit flow to small businesses.
The World Bank has approved $12 billion to help developing countries financially for buying and distributing coronavirus vaccines, tests, and treatments.
Important Days:
International Day of Rural Women is observed on 15th October. Theme 2020- Building rural women’s resilience in the wake of COVID-19.
International E-Waste Day is observed globally on 14th October. This year the day will be observed on the Theme of Education.
Global Handwashing Day is celebrated every year on 15th October. Theme 2020- Hand Hygiene for All.
World Students Day is celebrated every year on 15th October to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Theme 2020- Learning for people, planet, prosperity and peace.