Dear Readers, Here we have given the list of Important Weekly Current Affairs of Oct 22nd to 31st Oct 2024. Candidates those who are preparing for Upcoming SBIClerk 2024 and other competitive exams can make use of it.

Weekly Current Affairs Oct 22nd to 31st PDF Download

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

• International Stuttering Awareness Day 2024 is observed on the 22nd of October 2024 & this year, the theme of International Stuttering Awareness Day 2024 is 'The Power of Listening.'
• World Iodine Deficiency Day, also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day, is observed on 21st October every year.
• World Development Information Day 2024 is observed on the 24th of October 2024.
• International Snow Leopard Day is celebrated on October 23 each year to raise awareness about the conservation of snow leopards and their endangered status & the theme for International Snow Leopard Day 2024 is “Safeguarding Snow Leopard Habitats for Future Generations.”
• ITBP Raising Day 2024 is observed on the 24th of October 2024.
• World Polio Day 2024 is observed on the 24th of October
• United Nations Day 2024 is observed on the 24th of October 2024 commemorating the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945.
• International Artist Day is celebrated annually on October 25 to honour and recognize artists from various fields, including visual arts, music, dance, literature, and performance.
• National Lemur Day is celebrated on October 25, 2024, under the theme "Lemurs, a National Treasure, a Global Pride."
• Disarmament Week is observed annually from October 24 to 30,2024 starting on the United Nations (UN) Day.
• Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week is observed annually from October 24 to 31 & This year's theme is "The New Digital Frontiers of Information: Media and Information Literacy for Public Interest Information."
• World Stroke Day 2024 is observed on the 29th of October 2024 & the theme for World Stroke Day 2024 is “#GreaterThanStroke Active Challenge.”
• The International Day of Care and Support is observed annually on October 29 to honour caregivers' invaluable role in society & the Theme for 2024“Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide”
• International Animation Day (IAD) is celebrated annually on October 28 to honour the origins and impact of animation as a significant artistic and cultural medium.
• National Unity Day 2024 is observed on the 31st of October 2024.
• World Savings Day 2024 is observed on the 31st of October 2024. (30th October in India)

CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING & FINANCE

• Freo, a digital banking startup backed by Peak XV, has secured a corporate agent license from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has banned four finance companies from sanctioning and disbursing new loans due to excessive interest rates charged to borrowers.The companies affected by the ban include:

1. Navi Finserv (led by Sachin Bansal)
2. DMI Finance (backed by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group)
3. Asirvad Micro Finance Ltd. (promoted by Manappuram Finance)
4. Arohan Financial Services Ltd. (Kolkata-based MFI)

• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has asked both bank-sponsored and non-bank-sponsored insurance companies to implement IFRS 17 regulations by FY27, a move that will give these companies sufficient time for implementation.
• PFC Infra Finance IFSC Limited (PIFIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC), has received approval from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) to commence operations as a finance company in IFSC (International Financial Services Centre) located in GIFT City, Gujarat.
• Public sector Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has launched the 'Mahila Shaksham' scheme to finance individual women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• HDFC Bank, India's leading private sector bank, has inaugurated its first branch in Singapore after receiving a wholesale banking license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) effective 15th October 2024.
• The total number of dematerialized (demat) accounts reached 175.4 million, with an increase of 4.4 million accounts in September 2024.
• The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has approved the establishment of Chief General Manager posts in 5 additional nationalized banks: Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, and UCO Bank.
• State Bank of India (SBI) plans to raise ₹5,000 crore in the domestic debt capital market through non-convertible, perpetual, subordinated, unsecured Basel III-compliant Additional Tier I (AT-I) bonds.
• Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has initiated steps to introduce India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the country, aiming to significantly benefit the Maldivian economy.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a ‘Certificate of Registration’ (CoR) to PB Fintech's wholly-owned subsidiary, PB Financial Account Aggregators Private Limited, allowing it to commence the ‘Account Aggregator’ business.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is conducting a pilot project for the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), known as the digital rupee.
• The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI's) report indicates a slowdown in certain high-frequency indicators but maintains confidence in a recovery due to anticipated consumption demand during the festive season.
• India has provided a new Line of Credit of INR 487.60 Crores to the Government of Mauritius for financing a water pipeline replacement project.
• Non-bank players in the microfinance (MFI) sector may be required by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to submit granular monthly data, including:
• Weighted average lending rates.
• Spread charged on the cost of funds.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a Scholarship Scheme for faculty members from academic institutions.
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $241.3 million loan to enhance electricity distribution in West Bengal.
• Bima Sugam, a digital insurance platform, is ready for launch as confirmed by Debasish Panda, the chairperson of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
• Union Bank of India has a robust credit pipeline of ₹75,000 crore, with ₹39,000 crore pending sanction and ₹36,000 crore awaiting disbursement.
• Nearly two years after issuing a notification, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) decided to implement amendments to insider trading norms for asset management companies (AMCs), designated persons, trustees or their immediate relatives from November 1, 2024.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is preparing proposals to tighten the norms around the listing of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) amidst a surge of investor interest and multiple instances of gross violations and fraudulent practices in the segment.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) updated the 'Alert List' of unauthorised forex trading platforms by adding 13 more entities, including TDFX and Inefex, taking the total to 88.
• India's Gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow at 7.2% in the fiscal year 2024-25.
• HDFC Bank surpassed its gender diversity goal of 25% women in its workforce, achieving this one year ahead of the FY25 target.
• Federal Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhashini, an AI-powered language translation platform, to add vernacular language support to its AI virtual assistant, Feddy.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in India is gaining momentum, particularly among private banks, with asset size and CRAR (Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio) being key factors influencing the rate of adoption.
• The Department of Financial Services (DFS) in the Finance Ministry announced a major revamp of the middle level management structure in nationalised banks.
• State Bank of India (SBI) raised ₹5,000 crore through the issuance of Additional Tier-I (AT-I) bonds.
• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has approved Paytm to onboard new UPI users, contingent on compliance with procedural guidelines and circulars.
• The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) imposed a penalty of Rs 54 lakh on the Union Bank of India for failing to report suspicious transaction reports (STRs) and lacking due diligence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
• Muthoot Finance raised $400 million through the issuance of Senior Secured Notes.
• Israel officially became the 69th member of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the 20th non-regional member, effective 1st October.
• Department of Financial Services (DFS) Secretary M Nagaraju is likely to chair this meeting with the managing directors (MDs) and chief executive officers (CEOs) of public sector banks (PSBs) on November 5, 2024.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) denied Religare Enterprises' application to appoint Rakesh Asthana as its whole-time director without providing specific reasons.
• Aditya Birla Housing Finance Ltd. (ABHFL), a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited., has partnered with BharatPe, a fintech company, to enhance access to home loans and loans against property for BharatPe's merchant partners.
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) retained India's GDP growth rate at 7% for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, and projected 6.5% growth for FY2025-26 in its World Economic Outlook (WEO).
• National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), through its international subsidiary NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), is collaborating with Al Etihad Payments (AEP) to establish a domestic card scheme called JAYWAN in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• A report from the State Bank of India (SBI) indicates a cumulative 74.2% decline in income disparity for individuals earning up to Rs 5 lakh annually between fiscal years 2013-14 and 2022-23.
• According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India's foreign exchange reserves fell by $2.163 billion to $688.267 billion for the week ending October 18, 2024.
• In 2023-24, Indian banks increased their overseas presence by expanding both their balance sheet size and the number of branches and employees.
• Chennai-based public sector lender Indian Bank has raised Rs 5,000 crore through the issuance of long-term infrastructure bonds.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revoked the certificate of authorization (CoA) of UAE Exchange Centre LLC (UAEEC) for failing to comply with regulatory requirements.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) took action against Navi Finserv and Asirvad Microfinance, barring them from sanctioning and disbursing loans due to excessively high interest rates charged to borrowers.
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 434.25 million (about Rs 3,600 crore) loan to increase renewable energy capacity and improve energy security in Assam.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) injected ₹25,000 crore into the banking system through a Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction.
• The World Bank is launching its first-ever debt-for-development swap, intended to assist countries facing liquidity challenges by reducing debt servicing costs and redirecting funds towards development-focused projects.
• The Finance Ministry may extend the Interest Equalisation Scheme beyond December 31, 2024 if the Commerce Department revamps it to demonstrate that it benefits Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and promotes exports of labour-intensive items.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das received an A+ grade in the Central Bank Report Cards 2024 for the second consecutive year.
• The State Bank of India (SBI) was named the "Best Bank in India for 2024" by Global Finance Magazine, a prestigious US-based financial publication.
• Pakistan has requested an additional loan of 10 billion yuan (approximately USD 1.4 billion) from China, on top of the existing 30 billion yuan (USD 4.3 billion) trade facility.
• Capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) imposed a penalty of ₹16 lakh on Edelweiss Asset Management Ltd, CEO Radhika Gupta, and fund manager Trideep Bhattacharya for mutual fund regulation violations.
• BharatPe has renamed its 12% Club app to Invest BharatPe, reflecting its new focus on investment and wealth management.
• The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has granted a €300 million (approximately ₹2,800 crore) loan for the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project.
• CSB Bank, a leading private sector bank, has launched a new loan product, SME Turbo Loan, to offer quick and seamless credit access to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
• Cashfree Payments has received certification from the National Payments Corporation of India for its UPI Switch service.
• Equitas Small Finance Bank has launched ‘Selfe Loans’ ahead of the festive season to support small businesses in meeting financial needs.
• Solex Energy has partnered with the State Bank of India (SBI) to offer solar financing options for commercial, industrial, and institutional customers.
• Jio Financial Services and BlackRock Inc. announced the establishment of two joint venture companies to operate in the mutual fund business.
• InCorp Global is the first firm at the GIFT International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) to receive a Bookkeeping, Accounting, Taxation, and Financial Crime Compliance (BATF) license.
• Jio Financial Services, a non-banking financial company (NBFC), has introduced SmartGold, allowing customers to buy digital gold via the JioFinance app.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das proposed the establishment of RB-CRIS, a climate risk data repository aimed at improving the availability of high-quality climate-related data.
• Banks and large finance companies will have to disclose their governance, strategy, and risk management structures to manage climate change risks by FY26.
• ManipalCigna Health Insurance, a rapidly growing standalone health insurance company, has introduced a new health insurance product named 'ManipalCigna Sarvah.'

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated three new airports in Rewa (Madhya Pradesh), Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh), and Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh) under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN.
• According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), India's ambitious target of installing 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 could lead to annual solar equipment imports of around $30 billion, primarily due to a heavy reliance on Chinese goods.
• The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced significant progress under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to boost regional air connectivity and make air travel more accessible and affordable.
• Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu announced the extension of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme for another 10 years.
• Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, introduced the “eShram – One Stop Solution” in New Delhi.
• India has decided to pause all new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) as part of an initiative to overhaul its strategy for maximizing trade and investment benefits.
• The 2nd National Lighthouse Festival was observed on October 19 and 20, 2024, across 75 historic lighthouses in India.
• Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, launched the International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System on October 22, 2024, at BSNL Bhawan, Delhi.
• Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s visit to Australia emphasised the critical role of education in advancing the India-Australia partnership.
• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a consultation paper on the ‘Terms and Conditions of Network Authorisations’ to be granted under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
• The Indian government is set to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with a nationwide program spanning two years, from 2024 to 2026.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to launch the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PM-JAY) specifically for senior citizens.
• The Union Cabinet has approved two major railway projects worth Rs 6,798 crore for the states of Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.
• The Union Labour Ministry is expected to organize a “Chintan Shivir” (brainstorming session) in early December to discuss the rollout of the four new labour codes and address labour-welfare policies.
• The Civil Aviation Minister, K Rammohan Naidu, announced plans to establish 50 new airports across India over the next five years to further enhance the country's airport ecosystem.
• The Indian government has updated the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) guidelines for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) for the fiscal year 2024-25, emphasizing two main areas: Health and Nutrition and the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme.
• Vishwa Samudra Engineering (VSE), a Hyderabad-based firm, has secured $40 million (over ₹322 crore) in funding from Switzerland's Xport Finance to construct, operate, and maintain an urban ropeway in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency.
• IndiaAI and Meta have partnered to launch the Center for Generative AI, Srijan (सृजन) at IIT Jodhpur.
• India needs 400 million women in its workforce by 2047 to achieve a $30 trillion economy.
• 21st Livestock Census: Launched by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, the census will be conducted from October 2024 to February 2025 at a cost of Rs 200 crore, funded entirely by the central government.
• The Indian government has launched a Weather Forecasting initiative at the Gram Panchayat level in New Delhi, aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and empowering rural communities, particularly farmers.
• Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus inaugurated the Final Assembly Line (FAL) complex for C295 military aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking India's first private sector-led military aircraft manufacturing facility.
• In the first quarter of 2024, Indian citizens lost Rs 120.30 crore to “digital arrest” frauds, according to government data.
• On the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various health sector projects worth approximately Rs 12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi.
• The Airbus C295 transport aircraft project was highlighted as a symbol of India-Spain defence ties.
• Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Saudi Arabia (October 29-30, 2024) aims to enhance India-Saudi Arabia strategic ties and foster trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
• The “Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs” scheme, launched in 2020 with a budget of Rs 6,865 crore, may be extended by 4-5 years beyond FY25 to solidify outcomes for farmers' collectives.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day with the launch and foundation of multiple health projects worth ₹12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi.
• Chennai and Bengaluru lead in offering internships under the PM Internship Scheme, with 7,875 and 5,179 internships respectively, followed by Gurugram (4,576), Hyderabad (4,472), and Mumbai (4,288).
• Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced that India will establish its own space station, the Bharatiya Antriksh Station, by 2035.
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate a series of infrastructure and development projects in Ekta Nagar, aimed at boosting tourism, accessibility, and sustainability in the area surrounding the Statue of Unity.
• NMDC Ltd, India’s leading iron ore producer, commenced Vigilance Awareness Week 2024 with a pledge to uphold integrity, transparency, and ethical practices in alignment with the year’s theme: “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity.”
• India’s first ‘Writer’s Village’ was inaugurated in Dehradun by former President Ram Nath Kovind, alongside Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh (retd) and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
• The Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, recently released a ₹100 commemorative coin in honor of HH Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi Ji to celebrate her Birth Centenary.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met classical musician Bharat Balvalli to launch his biography titled 'Bharatvakya.'

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

• The regional assembly of Portugal's Azores Islands approved the establishment of the largest protected marine area in the North Atlantic.
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) elected 18 members to the 47-member Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term.
• Indian pharmaceutical company Zydus Lifesciences Limited announced that its typhoid vaccine, ZyVac TCV, has received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification, making it eligible for United Nations procurement programs.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has secured $1 billion in pledges for its budget covering 2025-28.
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted artwork from Jharkhand to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the BRICS summit held in Kazan.
• Commonwealth countries have adopted the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration for One Resilient Common Future, urging all 56 nations to take action in protecting and restoring ocean health.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : STATE NEWS

• The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government approved two master plans for development projects by the Noida Authority and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) over the next 15 years.
• Over 446 butterfly species have been documented in Kaziranga National Park (KNP), making it the second-highest concentration of butterfly species in India, following Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh.
• In Madhya Pradesh, in a first of its kind of initiative, `pink alarms’ have been installed at the government-run district hospital and medical college in Datia.
• Bhubaneswar, Odisha will host the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), which marks the contribution of the overseas Indian community to the development of the country, in January 2025.
• Kerala's Minister for Transport, K.B. Ganesh Kumar, launched the Citizen Sentinel app, allowing citizens to upload photos and videos of traffic violations via the NextGen Parivahan app.
• Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma launches Mission Basundhara 3.0 to digitise land services to grant land rights to indigenous people.
• Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various projects worth Rs 7,160 crore.
• The Ustad Allauddin Khan Festival is being held in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh, marking its golden jubilee year (50th anniversary).
• Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Nijut Moina Scheme to provide monthly financial assistance, aiming to increase girls' enrolment in higher education and fight child marriage.
• The Gujarat government approved the Gujarat Inland Vessel (Registration, Survey, Operation of Category ‘C’ Inland Vessels) Rules 2024 to ensure safe boating and water sports activities in the state.
• Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath launched a scholarship scheme at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, aimed at supporting Sanskrit students across UP.
• The Consumer Affairs Ministry launched the FCI Grievance Redressal System (FCI GRS) mobile app to assist rice millers in Punjab with their grievances related to the procurement of paddy and custom milled rice (CMR).
• The Chhattisgarh government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has announced an increase in the reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC) in local body elections.
• The Karnataka Cabinet approved the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024-29, with a target to attract ₹1,500 crore in investments in the tourism sector.
• Bihar's first dry port was inaugurated by Industry Minister Nitish Mishra in Bihta, a town near the state capital, Patna.
• A Delhi-based developer gained attention after revealing ownership of the domain name com.
• The Rajasthan government has introduced the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS) 2024 to boost private investment and economic growth in the state.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BUSINESS NEWS

• India's capital expenditure (capex) for the current fiscal year (FY25) may fall short by around ₹50,000 crore, compared to the target of ₹11.11 lakh crore, due to a slowdown in asset-creating spending prompted by general elections.
• The Goods and Services Tax (GST) on term life and health insurance premiums for senior citizens may soon be exempted.
• Upstox, one of India's leading stockbroker fintech firms, has introduced the TBT Engine (Tick-by-Tick Engine), marking a significant advancement in retail trading.
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India is likely to become the world's third-largest economy by 2027, currently standing as the fifth largest with a GDP of approximately $3.9 trillion.
• The Indian government is projected to surpass its target of Rs 56,260 crore in dividend receipts from central public-sector enterprises (CPSEs) for the fiscal year 2025 (FY25), with expectations of receiving around Rs 65,000 crore.
• India's retail inflation saw a significant increase in September 2024, reaching a nine-month high due to rising food prices.
• India's wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation increased to 1.84% in September 2024, driven primarily by rising food prices, according to recent government data
• The Group of Ministers (GoM) has proposed significant changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on term life insurance and health insurance premiums.
• Recent data released by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) indicates a notable improvement in India's direct tax to GDP ratio, which has risen to 11% in FY23, the highest level recorded since 2007-08.
• Exports to eight out of India’s top 10 destinations, including the Netherlands, the United States (US), and the United Kingdom (UK), showed positive growth in the first half of FY25.
• State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is gearing up to launch its long-awaited 4G services across India, with plans to eventually transition to 5G.
• The revenue growth of Indian companies in the July-September quarter is estimated to be 5-7% year-on-year (Y-o-Y), marking the slowest growth in the last 16 quarters, according to CRISIL.
• Moody's Ratings has upgraded the ratings on bonds of Vedanta Resources Ltd (VRL), acknowledging the company’s successful efforts to access funding.
• State-owned NTPC Ltd is set to enhance its thermal power generation capacity by an additional 6 gigawatts (GW) by the financial year 2026-27, aligning with the government’s strategy to increase thermal power generation to meet rising energy demands.
• The government has raised the limit on Mudra loans under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh under a new category, ‘Tarun Plus’, to further support budding entrepreneurs and enhance the nation’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and MD of Nestle India, highlighted a positive shift in FSSAI’s regulatory approach over the last decade.
• Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, aims to double its production capacity to 2 million tonnes over the next few years, according to CEO Arun Misra.
• India's reliance on imported crude oil and natural gas continued to rise in the first half of the financial year 2025 (H1 FY25).
• India’s monthly economic report identifies geopolitical conflicts and uncertain trade policies of major economies as major risks to its economy.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

• Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar has been appointed as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW).
• Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, a 1993-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre, has assumed charge as the Secretary of the Ministry of Coal.
• S Gopalakrishnan, a 1991-batch IAS officer, has been appointed the new chairman of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC).
• James Gorman, currently an executive at Morgan Stanley, has been appointed as the new chairman of The Walt Disney Company, effective January 2, 2025.
• Prabowo Subianto has assumed office as the President of Indonesia, marking his leadership of the world's third-largest democracy.
• Pension regulator Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has appointed Chitra Jayasimha as the Chairperson of the Board of National Pension System (NPS) Trust with effect from October 17, 2024.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has appointed Barenya Senapati as the Finance Director.
• Vietnam has elected Luong Cuong, a military general, as its new president, marking the fourth official to hold the position in 18 months.
• JP Morgan Chase Bank India has announced the elevation of Pranav Chawda as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• Axis Bank has confirmed the re-appointment of Amitabh Chaudhry as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the bank for another three years, starting from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027.
• The Union government notified the appointment of Justice Sanjiv Khanna as the 51st Chief Justice of India with effect from November 11, 2024.
• The Governing Board of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (Icrisat) has appointed Himanshu Pathak as the Director -General Designate of the institute.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed Deepak Agarwal as the regular Managing Director (MD) of the National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED) for a term of five years.
• Prabhakar Raghavan, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-Madras), has been appointed as Google’s Chief Technologist.
• The Centre appointed 29 officers as joint secretaries in different departments as part of a significant bureaucratic reshuffle.
• Gopal Vittal has been promoted to Executive Vice-Chairman of Bharti Airtel, effective January 1, 2026.
• The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) recommended Ashok Chandra for the position of Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Punjab National Bank (PNB).
• HSBC named Pam Kaur as its first female Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a landmark in the bank’s 160-year history.
• Ghana's Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has been appointed as the new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

• The European Parliament has awarded its prestigious Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, leaders of Venezuela's democratic opposition.
• The Republic of Fiji awarded Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar the prestigious title of “Honourary Officer of the Order of Fiji,” its highest civilian recognition, in appreciation of his efforts to promote peace, unity, and community upliftment worldwide.
• Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, a renowned conservation scientist from Assam, has been honored with The Harry Messel Award for Conservation Leadership by the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

• India and Pakistan have renewed their agreement to operate the Kartarpur Corridor for an additional five years, extending its validity until October 24, 2029.
• Delhi's State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education to implement the PM-SHRI (Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India)
• Air India (AI) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have announced an expanded codeshare agreement, adding 11 Indian cities and 40 international destinations to their network.
• DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations Limited has entered into an exclusive partnership with Krattworks Ltd., an Estonian defence drone manufacturer, to produce and distribute defence drones in India.
• YouTube has launched its Shopping Affiliate Programme in India, allowing content creators to monetize their videos by tagging products from major e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Myntra.
• Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of South Wales (UNSW) in Australia to promote innovation and support start-ups focusing on clean and renewable energy technologies.
• India and Germany have signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including green hydrogen, innovation, and technology.
• GAIL (India) Limited and VERBIO India Private Limited have signed an MoU to explore the development of Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants using agricultural residue in India.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have signed an agreement to develop and conduct biological and environmental experiments for the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), expected to be operational by 2028-2035.
• Indian Railways has renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Switzerland’s Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, and Communications (DETEC) to enhance technical cooperation in railway technology and infrastructure.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

• Private sector lender Kotak Mahindra Bank has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the ₹4,100-crore personal loan book of Standard Chartered Bank, India, subject to regulatory approval.
• Adar Poonawalla, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Serum Institute of India, has announced a ₹1,000 crore investment in Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment through his company, Serene Production.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed acquisition of Aavas Financiers Limited by Aquilo House Private. Limited.
• Manipal HealthMap has acquired iGenetic Diagnostics, securing a 100% stake in the company.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved Fortis Healthcare Limited’s (FHL) acquisition of an additional 31.52% share capital in Agilus Diagnostics Limited.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has granted approval for a proposed combination involving significant corporate restructuring in the power sector.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed acquisition involving additional shareholding in Thoughtworks Holding, Inc.
• Slice has successfully completed its merger with North East Small Finance Bank, consolidating operations, assets, and brand identities.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

• The first woman to set foot on the Moon will be dressed in a designer spacesuit, thanks to a collaboration between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Italian fashion house Prada.
• India’s fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), referred to as S4*, was launched into water at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam.
• The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved two significant defence deals involving the purchase of 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs from the United States. and the Indigenous construction of two Nuclear Attack Submarines (SSN).
• Scientists at Northwestern University have discovered a massive water reservoir, dubbed a "sixth ocean," located approximately 700 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface within the mantle.
• The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) unveiled a newly developed prototype of a telescope that can be used to study gravitational waves in outer space.
• The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the establishment of a new missile testing range in Andhra Pradesh.
• Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) launched two indigenous fast patrol vessels (FPVs), named Adamya and Akshar, for the Indian Coast Guard.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

• The Indo-Oman bilateral naval exercise, Naseem Al Bahr, took place off the coast of Goa from October 13 to 18, 2024.
• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in co-ordination with other agencies has undertaken two-day 'Sagar Kavach' exercise along the coast of Goa and Maharashtra to protect the country's maritime interests and to test the agencies' collective response to security threats.
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) Europa Clipper has embarked on its long voyage to Jupiter, where it will investigate Europa, a moon with an enormous subsurface ocean that may have conditions to support life.
• The Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for a new Very Low Frequency (VLF) Station of the Indian Navy.
• Euronaval 2024 is the world's largest naval defence trade show, scheduled to take place in Paris, France from November 4-7, 2024.
• Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is on an official visit to India from October 28-30, 2024.
• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Chowgule & Company Private. Limited., Goa, for the procurement of six Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard at a total cost of ₹387.44 crore.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

• Lahore, a major city in Pakistan, has been ranked as the most polluted city in the world for the second time in a week, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 208, surpassing New Delhi’s score of 164.
• A recent World Bank report, "Poverty, Prosperity and Planet: Pathways out of the Polycrisis," provides insights into poverty trends in India and worldwide.
• India's imports of Russian crude rose by 2.5% from April to September compared to the same period last year, solidifying Russia's status as the largest seaborne crude export destination for India.
• 2023 was the warmest year on record, marked by a historic rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations, as per the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

• India's Arjun Kadhe and Rithvik Bollipalli achieved a remarkable victory by winning the men's doubles title at the Almaty Open 2024 ATP 250 tennis tournament in Kazakhstan.
• The competition for the top two positions in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 has become fierce, with India and Australia aiming to secure their berths for the final at Lord’s in 2025.
• Charles Leclerc delivered a stunning performance at the United States Grand Prix, marking Ferrari's first win at the event since 2018.
• Deepika Kumari secured the silver medal in the women’s recurve event at the Archery World Cup Final 2024 held in Tlaxcala, Mexico.
• Indian para-badminton players showcased remarkable performances at the Japan Para Badminton International 2024, winning a total of 24 medals.
• Chirag Chikkara has etched his name in history by becoming only the third Indian wrestler to clinch a gold medal at the Under-23 World Championships, contributing to India’s impressive nine medals at the tournament.
• The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Best Sports League of the Year’ award at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Sports Business Awards 2024.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

• Sanskrit scholar and the founder of Sharda Gyan Peetham, Vasant Anant Gadgil, passed away in Pune, Maharashtra at the age of 94.
• Tito Mboweni, who was the first Black governor of the South African Reserve Bank was heralded by financial markets and business for keeping tight fiscal controls on the nation’s public spending, has passed away at the age of 65.
• Nobuyo Oyama, the iconic voice actor for Doraemon, passed away at the age of 90.
• Professor Rohini Godbole, a well-known physicist and Padma Shri recipient, passed away in Bengaluru at the age of 72.