Monthly Current Affairs (Beepedia) October 2024-1 (1)

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
INDEX
RBI, Banking and Economy ___________________________________________ 2
SEBI and Financial Awareness _________________________________________ 12
NABARD and Agriculture ___________________________________________ 19
National __________________________________________________________ 25
International _____________________________________________________ 30
States____________________________________________________________ 36
Reports and Indexes _______________________________________________ 45
Science and Technology ___________________________________________ 60
Defence __________________________________________________________ 69
Events ___________________________________________________________ 76
Awards & Rewards ___________________________________________________ 83
Appointments _____________________________________________________ 88
Important Days ___________________________________________________ 90
Obituaries_________________________________________________________ 94
Books ___________________________________________________________
Sports ___________________________________________________________ 95
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Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
RBI, Banking and Economy
News Related to RBI:
Topic Details
- Centre appointed Ram Singh, Saugata Bhattacharya, and Nagesh Kumar
as external members for a four-year term.
New MPC Members - Next MPC meeting: Oct 7-9.
- Responsible for setting interest rates and influencing inflation and growth in
India.
- RBI proposed the Reserve Bank – Climate Risk Information System (RB-
CRIS) to improve climate data access.
RB-CRIS Proposal
- Two parts: Public web-based directory and data portal for regulated entities
for climate risk assessment.
- MPC kept repo rate at 6.5%, stance shifted to neutral.
Repo Rate Unchanged - GDP growth projection for FY25: 7.2%.
- New MPC members: Saugata Bhattacharya, Nagesh Kumar, Ram Singh.
- UPI123Pay limit raised to ₹10,000; UPI Lite to ₹1,000, wallet limit at ₹5,000.
UPI Transaction Limit
- New RTGS and NEFT beneficiary account name look-up facility introduced
Increase
for verification.
- RBI restricted four NBFCs from new loans due to high lending rates and
Cease and Desist Order regulatory violations: Asirvad Micro Finance, Arohan Financial Services, DMI
for NBFCs Finance, and Navi Finserv.
- Remedial actions required to lift restrictions.
- Bank deposits grew by 11.79% Y-o-Y as of Oct 4.
- Credit growth slowed to 12.77% Y-o-Y.
Bank Deposit Growth
- Rising loan-to-deposit ratio raises concerns over long-term financial
stability.
- Decline of 4.97% Y-o-Y in Aug 2024 to $3.2 billion.
LRS Outward
- Primary reason: slower growth in international travel.
Remittances
- Equity and debt investments increased by 33.18%.
- NRI deposits rose to $7.82 billion between Apr-Aug 2024.
- FCNR (B) deposits saw highest inflows.
NRI Deposits Surge
- NRO accounts cater to NRIs in rupees; FCNR protects against currency
fluctuations.
Illegal Forex Platforms - RBI added 13 unauthorized forex trading firms to its Alert List.
Alert - Objective: Protect investors from unregulated forex trading activities.
- Minimum net worth of ₹300 crore mandated for CCP authorization.
Central Counterparty
- Foreign CCPs need RBI recognition to operate in India.
Authorization Criteria
- Aim: Ensure stability and transparency in settlements.
- RBI’s domestic gold reserves rose to 60% of total holdings by Sep 30.
Domestic Gold Reserves - Total gold reserves reached 854.73 tonnes.
Increase - India’s foreign-exchange reserves hit a record $704.9 billion on Sep 27,
covering 11.8 months of imports.
Learn Along:
About RBI
Founded: 1 April 1935 Headquarters: Mumbai Governor: Shaktikanta Das

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
RBI Penalties:
Penalty
Bank Name Reason for Penalty Inspection Date/Details
Amount
Non-compliance with Income Statutory inspection on March 31,
Mansing Co-
Recognition, Asset Classification, 2023, revealed failure to classify
operative Bank, ₹1 lakh
and Provisioning norms for Urban certain loan accounts as NPAs
Dudhondi
Co-operative Banks (UCBs) and provide for them.
Jaihind Urban Co-
Failure to conduct an annual Regulatory compliance deficiency
operative Bank, ₹50,000
review of dormant accounts detected.
Pune
Failure to transfer eligible Penalty imposed under Section
Sonbhadra Nagar
₹2.50 amounts to the Depositor 47A(1)(c) of the Banking
Sahkari Bank,
lakh Education and Awareness Fund Regulation Act, 1949, following an
Sonbhadra
within the prescribed time inspection on March 31, 2023.
Violating RBI's Supervisory
The Parwanoo
Action Framework (SAF) by Regulatory compliance deficiency
Urban Co-operative ₹5 lakh
paying dividends against specific detected.
Bank, Parwanoo
directions
SG Finserve Non-compliance with conditions
Limited (formerly ₹28.30 of its Certificate of Registration FY23 financial statements
Moongipa lakh (CoR), accepting public funds, revealed the violation.
Securities) and extending loans improperly
Non-compliance with directives
Arunachal Pradesh on asset classification, exposure
₹14 lakh Regulatory deficiency detected.
Rural Bank limits, and Know Your Customer
(KYC) norms
Violations included lack of risk
Family Home
categorization, no review of risk
Finance Pvt. Ltd., ₹50,000 Non-compliance with KYC norms.
categorization, and failure in
Mumbai
periodic KYC updates.
Nazareth Urban Co-
Loans sanctioned to a director's Based on the bank's financial
operative Bank ₹1 lakh
relative, violating regulations. position as of Mar 31, 2023.
Ltd., TN
Vidyasagar Central
Breach of exposure limit on RBI penalty for non-compliance
Co-operative Bank, ₹2 lakh
Housing Finance. with housing finance regulations.
WB
NABARD’s inspection found non-
Aurangabad Violated Section 26A and CIC
compliance with Depositor
District Central Co- ₹1.25 Membership regulations by failing
Education Fund transfers and
operative Bank, lakh to transfer funds to the Depositor
failure to submit credit info to
Bihar Education Fund.
CICs.
Data Related News:
Topic Key Points

India's Textiles Sector - 11% YoY growth in RMG exports, targeting USD 350 billion by 2030.
Growth - PM MITRA and PLI Scheme to inject ₹90,000 crore and create jobs.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
Topic Key Points

- National Technical Textiles Mission focuses on strategic applications in
geotextiles, medical, and defense textiles.
- State-level policies complement central frameworks.
- Cuts 2025 world trade growth forecast to 3% from 3.3%.
- Global trade faces risks from conflicts, energy price disruptions.
- Asian exports rebounding; India, Vietnam emerging as key players.
WTO Trade Forecast
- Manufacturing output could rise 9% if more women join.

World Bank on Female
- Female LFPR in India at 41.7% in FY24.
Workforce
- Closing gender gap could boost South Asian GDP by 51%.
Participation
- Barriers include unsafe transport, lack of childcare.
- Core sectors contracted by 1.8% in August 2024, first decline in 42 months.
- Steel and fertilisers grew, other sectors declined.
- Excess rainfall impacted coal, crude oil, and electricity.
- Expected to affect IIP growth.
Core Sector
Contraction
- CAD widened to $9.7 billion (1.1% of GDP) from $8.9 billion in Q1FY24.
- Merchandise trade deficit at $65.1 billion.
- Net FDI inflows rose to $6.3 billion; balance of payments stable.
India’s Q1FY25 Current

Account Deficit (CAD)

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
Topic Key Points

- Reached 27% of the full-year target of ₹4.35 trillion.
- Net tax receipts at ₹8.73 trillion; capital expenditure at ₹3 trillion.
- ADB notes risk of missing capital expenditure targets, impacting
infrastructure growth.
Fiscal Deficit (April-

August 2024)
- ICI fell to 154.8, a 10-month low.

- Positive YoY growth but steel output weak.
- August IIP shows slight contraction; September IIP due on Nov 12.
Core Sector Output

Weakness
- Revenue growth estimated at 5-7% YoY, slowest in 4 years.

- Construction sector stagnation impacting performance.
- Export sectors driving EBITDA margin improvement.
India Inc Revenue

Growth Q2FY25:
CRISIL
- Domestically held gold reserves up to 60% of total holdings.

- Total gold reserves at 854.73 tonnes; forex reserves at $704.9 billion as of
RBI’s Gold Reserves
Sep 30.
- India is the second-largest reserve accumulator globally.
- Cargo volume rose by 5.03% to 413.74 MMT in Sep 2024.
Cargo Volume at Major
- MSDC meeting resolved over 100 state issues, enhanced security initiatives
Ports
in ports.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
Topic Key Points

- India's FY25 GDP growth forecast revised to 6.9-7.1%.
- Downside risks from oil price volatility and weak exports.
- Fiscal deficit on track for FY25 and FY26 targets; inflation projected at 4.3%-
4.5%.
NIPFP GDP Forecast

Revision
Learn Along:
Learn Along:
About WTO
 The WTO has 166 members, accounting for 98% of world trade.
Functions:
 Administering WTO trade agreements
 Forum for trade negotiations
 Handling trade disputes
 Monitoring national trade policies
 Technical assistance and training for developing countries
 Cooperation with other international organizations
 Formation: 1 January 1995 Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
About World Bank
Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States Founded: July 1944 President: Ajay Banga
WTO accepts India request to defer ICT import duty dispute ruling until Apr
 WTO's dispute settlement body (DSB) accepted a request from India and Chinese Taipei to delay the
adoption of the ruling against India's import duties on certain IT products until April 25, 2025.
 The decision follows a mutual resolution effort between the two sides, extending previous delays
requested by India and Chinese Taipei.
 The matter was discussed at the DSB meeting in Geneva on October 28, where both parties requested
additional time for dispute resolution.
 The original ruling, issued by the WTO panel in April 2023, stated that India’s import duties on specific
IT products violated global trading norms.
 The dispute was initiated by Chinese Taipei, EU, and Japan in 2019 over duties on items like telephones,
data transmission machines, and other electronics.
 India argues that these products fall under the ITA-2 agreement, which it did not sign, unlike the ITA-1
agreement signed in 1997.
 The WTO allows member countries to request delays in adopting panel rulings if both parties mutually
agree.
 The WTO’s appellate body remains non-functional due to disagreements among members, particularly
the US blocking appointments, leading to pending disputes.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
NITI Aayog raises asset monetisation target for

FY25 to Rs 1.9 trn
 NITI Aayog has increased the asset

monetisation target for FY25 by Rs 23,000 crore
to Rs 1.9 trillion, moving closer to the Rs 6 trillion
goal under the National Monetisation Pipeline
(NMP).
 The NMP, unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman in August 2021, has achieved Rs 3.9
trillion in the first three years, missing the Rs 4.3
trillion target slightly.
 Despite the revised target for FY25, the
government will fall short of the overall Rs 6 trillion
target by about Rs 20,000 crore.
 Highway and coal block monetisation are
expected to contribute Rs 54,000 crore and Rs
55,000 crore, respectively, in FY25.
 Sectors like railways, power, and petroleum are
projected to raise nearly Rs 46,000 crore
cumulatively in the final year.
 Several ministries have met their revised targets but fell short of the original goals, especially in sectors
like railways, telecommunications, and civil aviation.
 The Ministry of Coal has significantly surpassed its targets, raising Rs 1.54 trillion against the initial Rs
80,000 crore target.
HDFC Bank Inaugurated its First Branch in Singapore
 HDFC Bank has inaugurated its first branch in Singapore on 15th October 2024, offering a wide range
of financial products and services.
 The bank has been granted a wholesale banking license by the Monetary Authority of Singapore
(MAS).
 Previously, the Singapore office functioned as a representative office of HDFC Limited, providing loan-
related services to NRIs for housing loans in India.
 The new branch will serve MNCs, portfolio investors, wealth customers, and trade partners of Indian
clients in Singapore.
Learn Along:
About HDFC Bank
CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan Founded: August 1994 Headquarters: Mumbai
SBI and India Exim Bank bridge trade financing gap in Africa
 SBI and India Exim Bank are addressing trade finance challenges faced by African businesses,
particularly small and mid-sized firms.
 At the India Entrepreneurs Forum event, Consul General Mahesh Kumar emphasized the need for easier
financing solutions for smaller businesses.
 SBI funds African banks through syndications, indirectly enabling smaller businesses to access trade
finance and supports over 40 African nations with guarantees and project bid bonds.
 India Exim Bank's Trade Assistance Programme (TAP) aims to enhance trade by boosting commercial
banks' capacity for cross-border transactions in underserved regions.
 India Exim Bank is active in 31 African countries, working on projects like Ethiopia's national ID rollout
and Burundi’s electrical network.
 The two banks work complementarily, not competitively, strengthening India-Africa trade ties.
 SBI’s multicurrency management minimizes the impact of BRICS' local currency initiatives.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The efforts reflect India’s expanding economic partnership with Africa, with both banks playing vital
roles in trade facilitation.
 Initiatives are crucial for increasing India’s trade footprint and supporting African development through
finance solutions.
Learn Along:
About SBI
Chairperson: Challa Sreenivasulu Setty Founded: 1 July 1955 Headquarters: Mumbai
SBI raises ₹5,000 crore via bonds at 7.98%
 State Bank of India (SBI) raised ₹5,000 crore through its first Basel III compliant Additional Tier 1
bond issuance for FY24 at a 7.98% coupon rate.
 The bonds are perpetual with a call option after 10 years and on each anniversary thereafter.
 The issue received bids 3.5 times the base size of ₹2,000 crore, totaling 108 bids from diverse
institutional investors.
Solex Energy partners with SBI to provide finance for solar projects
 Solex Energy partnered with State Bank of India (SBI) to offer solar financing for commercial,
industrial, and institutional customers.
 Under SBI’s Surya Shakti Solar Finance Scheme, loans up to ₹10 crore will be provided for solar
projects across India.
 The collaboration aims to make solar energy accessible and accelerate the growth of renewable energy
in India.
 Solex Energy will provide end-to-end support, including site evaluation, design, and regulatory
approvals.
 SBI will offer a digital platform for a smooth loan application process.
 The partnership seeks to empower clients to adopt solar solutions and drive business expansion.
 Solex Energy plans to increase its solar module manufacturing capacity from 700 MW to 1.5 GW in
Tadkeshwar, Gujarat.
 Other banks like ICICI Bank have similar agreements, such as with Tata Power Solar Systems Ltd, to
finance solar projects for residential and corporate customers.
District master plan under PM GatiShakti for infra planning
 Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal launched a district master plan under the PM GatiShakti initiative
for 27 aspirational districts.
 The plan will be expanded to cover over 750 districts within the next 18 months.
 PM GatiShakti features a national master plan portal for efficient infrastructure planning and
implementation.
 Guidelines for logistics planning were also launched to help cities tailor their strategies.
 The initiative includes 1,600+ layers of data for faster, better, and cost-effective infrastructure planning.
 The portal was developed by BISAG-N (Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and
Geoinformatics) in Gujarat.
 GIS-enabled platform aims to save budget and improve planning efficiency through data-backed
decision-making.
 GatiShakti is positioned as a model for global infrastructure planning in the future.
Combined capex of state govts to undershoot FY25 budget estimates: ICRA
 ICRA projects a 12.6% increase in capital spending for 13 major state governments in FY25, reaching
Rs 6.5 trillion, below the 24% growth in budget estimates (BE).
 The first four months of FY25 saw a 13.5% decline in capital spending to Rs 1.2 trillion, due to factors
like general elections, a high base, and heavy monsoon rainfall.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 States like Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have adequate fiscal space to meet
their budgeted capex, while others may experience revenue shortfalls.
 The combined fiscal deficit for these states is projected at Rs 8.8 trillion for FY25, up from Rs 8.5
trillion in the BE and Rs 7.2 trillion in FY24.
 Revenue deficit is expected to rise to Rs 2.2 trillion from Rs 1.9 trillion in FY25 BE.
 Debt-to-GSDP ratios vary, with Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka below 20%, while Andhra
Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, and West Bengal have 30-40%, and Punjab exceeds 40%.
 Total revenues are expected to grow by 10% in FY25, below the 18% BE projection.
 States' own tax revenues are forecasted to grow by 11.5%, still below the 19.4% anticipated in the BE.
Learn Along:
About ICRA
CEO: Ramnath Krishnan Headquarters: India Founded: 1991
Ministry of Rural Development signs MoU with ten banks to promote individual financing for higher
order enterprises
 Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) signed an MoU with
nine Public Sector Banks and one Private Bank to finance individual women entrepreneurs.
 The banks involved are Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, Central
Bank of India, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab National Bank, UCO Bank, and IDBI Bank.
 These banks have designed specific loan products to offer bigger ticket size loans to women under
DAY-NRLM, aiding in the scaling up of enterprises.
 The initiative aligns with the "Lakhpati Didi" goal announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
 The initiative aims to support economic activities in rural areas, benefiting many women SHG
members.
 Since DAY-NRLM's inception, over ₹9.5 crore in loans have been extended to self-help groups.
 The move to extend individual loans marks a strategic shift, showing women's progression from small
to higher-order enterprises.
India's foreign exchange reserves drop $2.16 bn to $688.26 bn: Govt data
 India's forex reserves fell by USD 2.163 billion to USD 688.267 billion for the week ending October 18,
according to the RBI.
 In the previous week, reserves had declined sharply by USD 10.746 billion to USD 690.43 billion, one of
the largest drops in recent times.
 Earlier, in the week before, reserves dropped by USD 3.709 billion to USD 701.176 billion.
 At the end of September 2024, reserves reached an all-time high of USD 704.885 billion.
 Foreign currency assets decreased by USD 3.865 billion to USD 598.236 billion in the week ending
October 18.
 Gold reserves increased by USD 1.786 million to USD 67.444 billion during the same period.
 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) fell by USD 68 million to USD 18.271 billion.
 India's reserve position with the IMF decreased by USD 16 million to USD 4.316 billion.
 Changes in foreign currency assets are influenced by the appreciation or depreciation of non-US
currencies like the euro, pound, and yen.
India largest growing economy: IMF lists 3 focus areas for growth reforms
 India is projected to remain the fastest-growing economy globally, with the IMF estimating a 7% growth
rate for FY 2024-25.
 Growth will be driven by positive macroeconomic fundamentals, recovery in rural consumption, and
easing inflation, expected to drop to 4.4%.
 Implementing the 2019-2020 labour codes will ensure flexible labour markets while providing social
protection.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 Liberalizing trade can enhance competitiveness by allowing productive firms to thrive and create jobs.
 Infrastructure reforms should focus on both physical and digital infrastructure, along with agriculture
and land reforms.
 Strengthening education, skilling, improving the business environment, and boosting female labour
participation are crucial.
 Addressing youth unemployment remains a significant concern for sustained economic growth.
Learn Along:
About IMF
Founded: July 1944 Managing Director: Kristalina Georgieva Headaquarters: Washingaton D.C.
India’s coking coal imports surged to a six-year high in the first half of 2024-25
 India's coking coal imports reached a six-year high at 29.6 million tonnes (mt) during April-September
of the current fiscal.
 Imports rose by 3% year-on-year, up from 28.8 mt during the same period last year.
 Current imports exceeded H1 FY20 levels (29.3 mt) and have steadily increased since H1 FY22 (27.7
mt), reaching 28.8 mt in H1 FY23.
 The surge in imports aligns with higher steel production in India.
 Indian mills are increasingly sourcing discounted coking coal from Russia, reducing imports from
Australia.
 Russia's coking coal shipments to India also reached a six-year high, jumping by nearly 40% to 4 mt
in H1 FY25 from 2.9 mt in the previous year.
 India remains the second-largest producer of crude steel and the largest importer of coking coal
globally.
5-year Cruise Bharat Mission launched
 The Cruise Bharat Mission was launched by the central government, aiming to boost cruise tourism in
India to 1 million passengers and create 400,000 jobs by 2029.
 The mission involves setting up a dedicated fund, easing cabotage regulations, and offering financial
incentives to boost cruise operations.
 Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the mission's focus on infrastructure development,
enhancing the cruise experience, and ensuring sustainability.
 The mission will be implemented in three phases, increasing sea cruise calls from 125 to 500 by Phase-
3 and expanding international cruise terminals from 2 to 10.
 By Phase-3, river cruise passengers are expected to grow from 0.5 million to 1.5 million, with river
cruise terminals increasing from 50 to 100.
 The government plans to develop new cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations, integrating all cruise
circuits across the Indian Subcontinent by 2029.
 A special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be created for cruise development under the Indian Ports
Association (IPA), and a cruise development cess will be levied at major ports.
 Fiscal incentives, demand assessments, and business model studies will guide cruise shipping
regulations and financial support for development.
 The mission will create a National Cruise Infrastructure Master Plan 2047 and establish cruise-specific
National Occupational Standards (NOS) for youth employment.
India’s energy demand to triple by 2050
 India has become the third-largest power market globally with a GDP growth of 7% and power
demand rising over 8%.
 Energy demand in India is projected to triple by 2050, positioning the country as a critical investment
destination.
 India's economy has surpassed France and the U.K., and is expected to overtake Germany and Japan
within the next 5-10 years.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 Renewables are growing rapidly, with an expectation of over 200 GW of solar and wind capacity by
2030, making India the second-largest solar module manufacturer globally.
 Despite renewable growth, 70% of India's power is still sourced from coal, with plans for 50 GW of coal
and 10 GW of nuclear capacity by 2030.
 Achieving a net-zero scenario requires India to exceed 50% electrification, balancing fossil fuel and
electric economies.
 Challenges in energy storage, grid infrastructure, and renewable deployment need to be addressed
to drive a low-carbon future.
 The global focus on energy transition is increasing as greenhouse gas emissions have not yet
peaked, raising concerns about rising global temperatures.
 India's electric mobility sector is expanding, with lithium-ion battery demand expected to rise from 10
GWh to 200 GWh by 2035.
 Domestic lithium-ion battery production is set to reach 150 GWh by 2030, covering 13% of total cell
demand, boosted by the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
Adani Group starts India's biggest hydrogen blending in natural gas project
 The Adani Group has started blending green hydrogen with natural gas for cooking purposes in
Ahmedabad, aiming to reduce emissions and meet net-zero targets.
 Adani Total Gas Ltd, a joint venture with TotalEnergies, is blending 2.2-2.3% green hydrogen in piped
natural gas supplies to 4,000 consumers in Shantigram, Ahmedabad.
 Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources like wind or solar power through the
process of electrolysis, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen.
 The firm plans to gradually increase the hydrogen blend to 5% and ultimately to 8%, expanding its supply
to other parts of Ahmedabad and areas where it holds a city gas license.
 The initiative is seen as a significant step toward decarbonizing India's energy landscape and
transitioning to cleaner energy solutions.
 The project marks the biggest effort so far in hydrogen blending by ATGL, reaffirming their commitment
to sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint.
 State-owned NTPC and GAIL (India) Ltd are also conducting similar pilots with hydrogen-blended
natural gas in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, respectively.
 Although green hydrogen is considered a future fuel, its tendency to corrode pipelines limits its usage,
but studies show up to 10% blending is safe.
 Higher blends of up to 30% are possible with modifications in the pipeline material grade and equipment.
 The high cost of green hydrogen production remains a challenge, but its integration is crucial for
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change.
Driving towards net zero: India's strategic push for sustainable trucking
 India's nominal GDP is projected to double to over $7 trillion by FY 2030-31, making it the third-largest
economy.
 India is committed to sustainable growth, aiming to reduce CO₂ emissions by 1 billion tonnes and cut
carbon intensity by 45% by 2030, with a net-zero target by 2070.
 Focus on decarbonizing key sectors like automotive, power, steel, and trucking, as India is the third
most polluted country.
 Heavy commercial trucks contribute 53% of particulate matter emissions, despite being only 3% of
the fleet; their numbers are expected to grow significantly by 2050.
 Transition to Zero Emission Trucks (ZETs), such as battery-electric and fuel-cell trucks, could reduce
CO₂ emissions by up to 3.8 gigatonnes by 2050.
 Challenges include the high cost of ZETs, overloading practices, and electricity infrastructure
demands.
 NITI Aayog's e-FAST initiative and Telangana's ZET Accelerator are advancing the electrification of
freight, with Telangana aiming for 30% electric truck sales by 2030.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The PM E-DRIVE Scheme offers ₹10,900 crore to promote sustainable vehicle adoption, with more
schemes needed for subsidies and scrappage incentives.
 Strict emissions regulations and supportive policies are essential for achieving India's 2070 net-zero
target.
SEBI and FINANCIAL AWARENESS

SEBI introduces new asset class; liberalises MF Lite framework
 SEBI introduced a new asset class and launched the Mutual Funds Lite (MF Lite) framework for
passively managed schemes.
 The MF Lite framework offers greater flexibility and higher risk-taking capabilities for investors with a
minimum investment of ₹10 lakh.
 SEBI did not introduce tighter norms for Futures & Options (F&O) trading as anticipated by market
participants.
 The T+0 settlement cycle will be expanded from 25 to 500 top market cap scrips, offering faster
settlements for investors.
 The timeline for Rights Issues was reduced to 23 working days, faster than the 40 days required for
preferential allotment.
 Regulations for Investment Advisors (IAs) and Research Analysts (RAs) were simplified to encourage
growth and registration.
 Amendments were made to the Insider Trading Regulations to broaden the definition of connected
persons and immediate relatives.
 Investors can now trade using UPI block mechanism or a 3-in-1 trading facility in the secondary
market.
 The SEBI board also approved measures to speed up the resolution of regulatory violations and made
amendments to Listing and Disclosure Requirements.
Learn Along:
About SEBI
 The Securities and Exchange Board of India was established as a statutory body in the year 1992 and the
provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (15 of 1992) came into force on January 30,
1992.
 Chairperson: Ms. Madhabi Puri Buch Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
SEBI introduces liquidity window facility for investors in debt securities
 SEBI introduced a liquidity window facility for debt securities through a stock exchange mechanism,
effective November 1.
 The facility allows investors to sell listed debt securities back to the issuer using a put option on
specified dates, enhancing liquidity.
 Aimed at addressing the illiquidity of corporate bonds, it targets retail investors to encourage their
investment in debt securities.
 Issuers can choose to offer this facility at the time of issuance for new debt securities, applicable to
public offers or private placements.
 Board approval and oversight by the Stakeholders Relationship Committee (SRC) or a similar board-
level committee are required.
 The facility is valid for one year after issuance, with 10% of the issue size allocated for the liquidity
window.
 Investors can exercise the put option by blocking securities during trading hours, with settlement
completed within four working days.
 Issuers must manage purchased securities within 45 days, either by selling on exchanges or
extinguishing them.
SEBI bars First Overseas Capital to be lead manager for fresh mandates

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 SEBI has barred First Overseas Capital Ltd (FOCL) from taking any new mandates as a lead manager
for public debt issues due to alleged violations of merchant banker regulations.
 A show cause notice was issued to FOCL for breaching Merchant Bankers (MB) rules, specifically
related to capital adequacy requirements.
 SEBI's order stated that FOCL acted as a merchant banker without maintaining the minimum net worth of
₹5 crore, violating MB norms.
 FOCL also allegedly accepted public deposits to meet underwriting obligations, breaching the
Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI rules.
 The regulator found FOCL's underwriting obligations at times exceeded twenty times its net worth.
 Inspections in August 2022 and February 2024 revealed repeated non-compliance with capital adequacy
requirements by FOCL.
FinMin flags softer urban demand, factory output, maintains growth figure
 Finance Ministry noted concerns of softening consumer sentiments and faltering demand, especially
in urban India, despite projecting 6.5%-7% growth in 2024-25.
 Rural demand is improving due to a favorable monsoon, but urban demand has shown a slowdown
in the first half of the financial year.
 Indicators of urban demand decline: slower FMCG sales, 2.3% drop in automobile sales, and a fall in
housing sales in Q2.
 Reasons for slowdown: softening consumer sentiments, above-normal rainfall, and seasonal factors
affecting purchases.
 Manufacturing growth was just 1% in August, with reduced momentum in September due to lower oil
prices and affected steel output.
 RBI’s October bulletin noted weak trends in GST collections, bank credit growth, and merchandise
export.
 Latest RBI surveys showed a sequential improvement in consumer confidence and optimism in
manufacturing.
 Growth risks could emerge from geopolitical conflicts, potentially impacting household sentiments
and spending intentions on durable goods.
Slice, North East Small Finance Bank merge one year after RBI approval
 Fintech firm Slice completed its merger with North East Small Finance Bank, unifying their operations,
assets, and brand identities.
 The merger received necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals, including a no-objection
certificate (NOC) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
 The merged entity aims to enhance the bank’s presence in India’s north-eastern region.
 It plans to introduce banking products like savings accounts, fixed deposits, and credit products.
 Integration will focus on streamlining operations and leveraging the strengths of both organizations.
 Slice had earlier acquired a 5% stake in the bank for $3.4 million in September 2022.
 The merger aims to redefine banking standards across the nation, driven by Slice’s technology and
innovation.
Govt. doubles loan limit under Mudra Yojana to ₹20 lakh
 The loan limit under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) has been doubled to ₹20 lakh to boost
entrepreneurship.
 This enhancement aims to support the unfunded segment, aligning with the overall objective of the
Mudra Scheme.
 The increase was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2024-25
and formalized through a government notification.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The new limit applies to those who have availed and successfully repaid previous loans under the Tarun
category.
 A new category, Tarun Plus, covers loans from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh for eligible entrepreneurs.
 The move is expected to aid upcoming entrepreneurs in their growth and expansion.
 Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU) will provide guarantee coverage for PMMY loans up
to ₹20 lakh.
Learn Along:
About Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
(Ministry Of Finance)
Launched: April 8, 2015
 Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) is a flagship scheme of Government of India.
 The scheme facilitates micro credit/Loan up to Rs. 10 lakhs (Now 20 Lakhs) to income generating micro enterprises
engaged in the non farm sector in manufacturing, trading or service sectors including activities allied to
agriculture such as poultry, dairy, beekeeping, etc.
 The Scheme provides financial assistance extended by Member Lending Institutions to the non-corporate, non-
farm sector income generating activities of micro and small entities.
Central govt pensioners to get additional compassionate pension after 80
 The Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare (DoPPW) announced that central government
pensioners aged 80 and older are eligible for additional compassionate allowance.
 New guidelines simplify the process for civil service retirees to access these supplementary benefits
once they reach 80 years.
 The additional allowance is structured as follows: 20% of basic pension from 80-85 years, 30% from 85-
90 years, 40% from 90-95 years, 50% from 95-100 years, and 100% for 100 years or older.
 The allowance is effective from the first day of the month when a pensioner reaches the designated age.
 The scheme is designed to help pensioners manage the rising cost of living associated with ageing.
 The initiative aims to provide financial support and ensure compliance in disbursement processes.
Bima Sugam digital insurance platform launch soon: IRDAI
 Bima Sugam, a digital insurance platform, is set for launch, as announced by IRDAI chairperson
Debasish Panda.
 The platform aims to offer various insurance schemes for easy customer comparison and selection.
 It is part of the Bima Trinity initiative by IRDAI to boost insurance coverage in India.
 Bima Trinity includes Bima Sugam, Bima Vistaar (covering life, health, and property), and Bima Vahak
(women-centric distribution channels).
 The initiative was discussed at the 17th Health Insurance Summit, organized by the Confederation of
Indian Industry (CII).
 Bima Vistaar aims to provide comprehensive coverage, while Bima Vahak focuses on increasing local
distribution through women-centric networks.
 The platform is expected to enhance accessibility and boost insurance adoption across the country.
Learn Along:
About IRDAI
Founded: 1999 Headquarters: Hyderabad Chairperson: Debasish Panda
Union Cabinet approves establishment of Rs.1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund for Space Sector
under aegis of IN-SPACe

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
S.No. Financial Estimate

 Union Cabinet approved a Rs. 1,000 crore Venture Year (In Rs.Crores)
Capital Fund for the space sector under IN-SPACe.
 The deployment period is up to five years, starting from I 2025-26 150.00
fund operations.
 Annual allocation: Rs. 150-250 crore from 2025-26 to 2 2026-27 250.00
2029-30.
 Investment range: Rs. 10-60 crore per startup, 3 2027-28 250.00
depending on the stage and growth potential.
 Fund aims to support approximately 40 startups across 4 2028-29 250.00
the space value chain.
 Key goals: capital infusion, retention of space 5 2029-30 100,00
companies, and five-fold expansion of the space
economy in the next decade. Total Envelope 1000.00
 It promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat, fosters innovation, and (VC)
drives economic growth.
 Expected benefits: job creation across upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors, boosting R&D
and private sector growth.
 Established under 2020 space sector reforms to strengthen India’s global competitiveness in space.
 Operates as an Alternative Investment Fund under SEBI regulations, targeting early-stage equity
investments.
 Targets growth of the Indian space economy from $8.4 billion to $44 billion by 2033.
 Addresses the need for risk capital, enhancing investor confidence and attracting private
investments.
Q2 investments up 42.5%, capex recovers
 New investments in Q2 of 2024-25 rose to ₹9.21 lakh crore, a 42.5% increase from Q1.
 Maharashtra led with 661 projects worth ₹2.81 lakh crore, followed by Gujarat at ₹1.39 lakh crore.
 Government projects accounted for 1,093 out of 2,684 total new investments, with mega projects
(₹1,000 crore+) increasing from 132 to 173.
 Central government capex surged by 185.6% to reach around ₹1.54 lakh crore, while state capex grew
67% to ₹1.62 lakh crore.
 Private sector investments grew at 22.2%, contributing to 66% of total investments, with foreign
investments doubling to ₹54,519 crore.
 Manufacturing investments increased by 79% to ₹2.22 lakh crore, while infrastructure outlays grew
by 45% to about ₹4.17 lakh crore.
 Electricity and irrigation projects rose by 24.2% and 24.7%, respectively, while mining sector faced an
18.1% decline.
 Jammu and Kashmir entered the top 10 states for the first time with ₹18,592 crore in investments.
 The upward trend is expected to continue, but effective execution is vital for growth and job creation.
Paytm gets NPCI nod to onboard new UPI users
 Paytm has received approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to onboard new
Unified Payment Interface (UPI) users.
 This approval comes after a nine-month embargo imposed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which
restricted Paytm from adding new customers.
 NPCI's approval is conditional on Paytm’s adherence to all guidelines on risk management, brand
guidelines, multi-bank rules, and customer data.
Learn Along:
About UPI

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application
(of any participating bank), merging several banking features, seamless fund routing & merchant payments
into one hood.
 It also caters to the “Peer to Peer” collect request which can be scheduled and paid as per requirement and
convenience.
 NPCI conducted a pilot launch with 21 member banks. The pilot launch was on 11th April 2016 by Dr. Raghuram
G Rajan, Governor, RBI at Mumbai.
Maldives President introduces UPI payment service to boost economy
 Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has initiated steps to introduce India’s Unified Payments
Interface (UPI) in the country, aiming for economic benefits.
 UPI, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), facilitates real-time inter-bank
transactions via mobile phones.
 A consortium led by TradeNet Maldives Corporation Limited will oversee UPI implementation,
involving banks, telecoms, and fintech companies.
 An inter-agency team is established to manage the UPI setup, including the Ministry of Finance,
Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, and Monetary Authority.
 The move aims to improve financial inclusion, transaction efficiency, and digital infrastructure in the
Maldives.
 Tourism remains the primary economic driver, contributing 30% of GDP and over 60% of foreign
exchange for the Maldives.
UPI volume up 52% in H1CY24, transaction value rises 40%: Report
 UPI transaction volume surged by 52% in the first half of 2024 (H1CY24), rising from 51.9 billion to
78.97 billion, compared to the same period in 2023.
 The value of UPI transactions increased by 40%, reaching Rs 116.63 trillion in H1CY24, up from Rs
83.16 trillion in H1CY23.
 The average ticket size of UPI transactions decreased to Rs 1,478 in H1CY24 from Rs 1,603 in
H1CY23, indicating more use for small-value transactions.
 Daily UPI transactions crossed 501 million in September 2024, marking the highest level since UPI's
inception in 2016.
 Debit card transactions saw an increase in the average ticket size to Rs 2,830, while credit card
transactions averaged Rs 5,190 in H1CY24.
 In-store merchant categories like grocery stores, restaurants, and pharmacies contributed 68% of
transaction volumes and 53% of values.
 Digital categories such as e-commerce, gaming, utilities, and government services were significant
drivers of transaction volumes and values.
 The growth in UPI usage highlights its widespread adoption for small payments and its role in driving
real-time payment services in India.
UPI crosses 500 million daily transactions; value falls flat in September

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 UPI daily transactions crossed 501 million in

September 2024, the highest since UPI's launch in 2016.
 UPI volume saw a 0.5% increase to 15.04 billion in
September, compared to 14.96 billion in August.
 In value terms, UPI secured ₹68,800 crore, with total
value at ₹20.64 trillion, nearly the same as August.
 UPI transactions grew 42% in volume and 31% in value
year-on-year in September 2024.
 Growth was driven by Person to Merchant (P2M)
transactions for buying goods and services.
 IMPS transactions fell by 5% in volume to 430 million
in September, while value declined by 2% to ₹5.65
trillion.
 FASTag transactions dropped by 3% in volume but saw a marginal rise in value to ₹5,620 crore.
 Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) volume remained stable at 100 million, with a 2% decline
in value to ₹24,143 crore.
 UPI continues to play a significant role in India's digital transaction ecosystem, with micro transactions
contributing to growth.
Navi climbs UPI leaderboard for second consecutive time, now fifth largest
 Navi, owned by Flipkart co-founder Sachin Bansal, became India's fifth-largest UPI player,
processing 120.41 million transactions worth ₹6,549.1 crore in September.
 Surpassed Amazon Pay in August, with 20 million fewer transactions than the fourth-largest player,
Cred, which had 140 million.
 Navi's UPI transactions grew 35.7% month-on-month, from 88.71 million in August to 120.41 million
in September.
 Growth driven by cashbacks and rewards launched in April for UPI users.
 Market share stands at 0.8%, while PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm dominate with 92.5% of UPI
volumes in September.
 PhonePe leads the market, processing 7.22 billion transactions worth ₹10.3 trillion.
 Google Pay follows with 5.62 billion transactions, totaling ₹7.46 trillion.
World Bank, ADB Commit $1.6 Billion for Amaravati Development
 World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have committed $1.6 billion (₹13,600 crore) for
Phase-I development of Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh's capital city.
 Funds disbursement will start in January 2025 and must be utilized within five years.
 The Indian government will contribute an additional ₹1,400 crore, bringing the total project cost to
₹15,000 crore.
 Each institution will contribute $800 million (₹6,800 crore), with loan repayment managed by the Central
government.
 The project will be implemented by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Regional Development Authority and
funded by the Department of Economic Affairs.
 The success of Phase-I could lead to potential funding for Phase-II, depending on timely completion.
 The initiative aims to ensure holistic urban development, integrating global expertise in urban planning,
governance, and infrastructure design.
Learn Along:
About World Bank
Established: July 7, 1944 Headquarters: Washington, D.C President : Ajay Banga
About ADB
 Established in 1966, the ADB is a multilateral development bank with the mission to promote economic growth
and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 Headquartered in Manila, Philippines, ADB comprises 68 member states and is governed by a board of governors,
funded by member contributions, retained earnings, and loan repayments.
 President: Masatsugu Asakawa
Payments major PhonePe launches firecracker insurance policy for Diwali
 PhonePe partnered with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance to offer affordable insurance for firecracker-
related accidents during Diwali.
 The insurance cover provides a sum insured of Rs 25,000 for a premium of Rs 9, including GST, valid
for 10 days from October 25 to November 3, 2024.
 The coverage includes hospitalisation, day care treatment, and accidental death, limited to the
policyholder.
 The short-term coverage is specifically tailored for the festive season, providing affordable and timely
protection.
 The plan targets Diwali, when firecracker accidents are most common, with a minimal cover amount
to ensure low premium cost.
Learn Along:
About PhonePe
CEO: Sameer Nigam Founded: 2015 Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Direct tax collections jump 182% in 10 years to over Rs 19.60 trn in FY24
 Direct tax collections surged by 182% to over Rs 19.60 trillion in 2023-24, during the 10-year period
of the Modi government.
 Corporate tax collections more than doubled to over Rs 9.11 trillion, and personal income tax
increased nearly four-fold to Rs 10.45 trillion.
 In 2014-15, direct tax collections were Rs 6.96 trillion, with Rs 4.29 trillion from corporate tax and Rs
2.66 trillion from personal income tax.
 The number of income tax returns filed rose from 4.04 crore in 2014-15 to over 8.61 crore in 2023-24.
 The direct tax-to-GDP ratio increased from 5.55% in 2014-15 to 6.64% in 2023-24.
 Tax buoyancy improved significantly from 0.86 to 2.12, indicating better revenue mobilization efficiency.
 The number of taxpayers increased from 5.70 crore in AY 2014-15 to 10.41 crore in AY 2023-24.
Cabinet approves 3% hike in Dearness Allowance; now stands at 53%
 The Union Cabinet announced a 3% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for
central government employees and pensioners.
 This increase will benefit approximately 4.9 million employees and 6.5 million pensioners, effective
from July 1, 2024.
 The DA and DR rates are now set at 53% of the basic salary and basic pension, following the 7th
Central Pay Commission's recommendations.
 DA and DR adjustments are made twice a year; the previous revision was a 4% hike effective from
January 2024.
 The combined impact on the exchequer for this hike is estimated at Rs 9,448.35 crore annually.
 The increase aims to cushion living costs against inflation, with CPI inflation exceeding 5% in
September.
Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary inaugurates GST Bhawan at Nangal Raya,
Janakpuri, Delhi
 Union Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, inaugurated a new GST office building in
Nangal Raya, Delhi, aimed at improving tax administration and public service.
 The facility will serve as the official complex for CGST Delhi formations, representing a major step
towards enhancing GST infrastructure in the capital.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The building's strategic location in Delhi supports its role as a transit hub for interstate commerce,
facilitating efficient GST implementation.
US continues to be largest source of FDI in India
 The US remained the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India, followed by Mauritius,
Singapore, and the UK, according to the RBI’s annual census.
 Out of 41,653 entities, 37,407 reported FDI and/or Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) in their balance
sheets for March 2024.
 Over 75% of the companies reporting inward FDI were subsidiaries of foreign companies.
 Non-financial companies contributed nearly 90% of the FDI equity at face value.
 Total FDI in India surged by 23.3% in 2023-24, while ODI growth was much lower at 3.4%.
 Unlisted entities saw 17.5% growth in FDI, and listed entities experienced a 29.8% increase.
 The ratio of outward to inward DI stock declined to 16.1% from 19.3% in the previous year.
 Foreign subsidiaries in India showed strong trade linkages, with 35.4% of sales from exports and 31.5%
from imports. Total sales and purchases increased by 13.2% and 10.6%, respectively.
India’s textile sector expected to grow $350 billion by 2030
 India's textile sector is projected to reach $350 billion by 2030.

 The sector saw an 11% year-on-year growth in ready-made garments as per August 2024 trade data.
 The Ministry of Textiles aims to drive growth through various schemes and policy initiatives.
 Key schemes include PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park and
Production Linked Incentive (PLI).
 These schemes are expected to attract investments of over ₹90,000 crore in the next 3 to 5 years.
 National Technical Textiles Mission is another major initiative to establish India as a global leader in
technical textiles.
 The government's efforts aim to enhance global competitiveness and boost textile exports.
 These initiatives are critical for achieving sustainable growth in the sector.
 The textile sector is a significant contributor to India's economy and employment generation.
GST growth slowed in Sept., net inflows near ₹1.53 lakh cr.
 Gross GST revenues grew by 6.5% in September,

totaling ₹1,73,240 crore, marking a 40-month low.
 Net GST receipts were 3.9% higher year-on-year but
grew only 1.5% compared to August.
 Gross revenues from imports rose by 8%, outpacing
domestic revenues for the third consecutive month.
 Seven states recorded a contraction in GST revenues,
while Gujarat's revenues were flat.
 Domestic refunds to taxpayers increased by 24.3%,
continuing a trend of growth in refunds.
 Export-related refunds of Integrated GST (IGST) surged
by 39.2% in September.
 Overall GST refunds rose by 31%, continuing from a 38% rise in August, after a 19% contraction in July.
 The data shows a moderation in the growth of both gross and net revenues this financial year.
 The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) provided the provisional figures for these
trends.
NABARD and AGRICULTURE
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches various initiatives related to the agricultural and animal
husbandry sector worth around Rs 23,300 crore in Washim, Maharashtra

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched initiatives worth ₹23,300 crore in the agricultural and animal
husbandry sector in Washim, Maharashtra.
 Key initiatives include the Unified Genomic Chip for cattle and indigenous sex-sorted semen
technology to improve livestock breeds.
 Sex-sorted semen, previously costing ₹800 and produced by multinational companies, is now available
to farmers at ₹250, developed under the 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives.
 The National Dairy Development Board developed this indigenous technology, making it more
affordable and accessible to farmers.
 Genomic chips based on DNA technology aim to enhance the genetic improvement of cattle, with
proven success in countries like the USA, Denmark, and Netherlands.
 The Cow Chip for cows and Mahish Chip for buffaloes were also inaugurated by the Prime Minister.
 Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted that under PM Modi's leadership, India has become the
world's top milk producer, increasing production by 57.62% over the last 9 years.
 India's milk production is growing at an annual rate of 6%, significantly higher than the global average of
2%.
 The Rashtriya Gokul Mission has played a vital role in India's rise to the number one position in milk
production.
 These initiatives aim to improve livestock breed quality and support farmers in increasing productivity
and profitability.
Cabinet approves the PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) to promote sustainable
agriculture and Krishonnati Yojana (KY) to achieve food security for self sufficiency
 The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the rationalization of
Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) into two umbrella schemes: Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi
Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY).
 PM-RKVY will focus on promoting sustainable agriculture, while KY will address food security and
agricultural self-sufficiency.
 The total expenditure for these schemes is ₹1,01,321.61 crore, implemented through State
Governments.
 Key mission-mode initiatives include the National Mission for Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), Clean
Plant Program, and Digital Agriculture.
 The Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) will be
modified to add a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for flexibility in addressing challenges.
 States are encouraged to create a Comprehensive Strategic Document on agriculture, addressing
climate resilience and value chain development.
 The rationalization aims to avoid duplication and ensure efficient implementation of agriculture
schemes.
The rationalisation of Various Schemes has been undertaken to:
• To avoid duplication, ensure convergence and provide flexibility to States.
• Focus on emergent challenges of Agriculture - Nutrition security, Sustainability, Climate
resilience, value chain development & private sector participation.
• State governments will be able to draw a comprehensive strategic plan suiting their
requirements for agriculture sector.
• Annual Action Plan (AAP) of States can be approved in one go rather approving individual
scheme-wise AAPs.
• One important change is to provide, in PM-RKVY, the state governments be given flexibility to
re-allocate funds from one component to other based on their state specific requirements.
• Out of the total proposed expenditure of Rs.1,01,321.61 crore the projected expenditure
towards central share of DA&FW is Rs.69,088.98 crore and states share is Rs.32,232.63 crore.
This includes Rs.57,074.72 crore for RKVY and Rs.44,246.89 crore for KY.
The PM-RKVY comprises of the following schemes:
1. Soil Health Management
2. Rainfed Area Development

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
3. Agro Forestry
4. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
5. Agricultural Mechanization including Crop Residue Management
6. Per Drop More Crop
7. Crop Diversification Programme
8. RKVY DPR component
9. Accelerator Fund for Agri Startups
Cabinet Approves National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) for 2024-25 to 2030-
31
 The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the National Mission on
Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) to boost domestic oilseed production and achieve self-
reliance in edible oils.
 The mission will be implemented from 2024-25 to 2030-31 with a financial outlay of ₹10,103 crore.
 It focuses on key oilseed crops like Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and
Sesamum, aiming to increase oilseed production from 39 million tonnes to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-
31.
 The mission includes promoting high-yielding seed varieties, expanding cultivation into rice fallow
areas, and encouraging intercropping.
 A 5-year rolling seed plan through the SATHI Portal will ensure timely seed availability, with 65 new
seed hubs and 50 storage units to improve infrastructure.
 600 Value Chain Clusters across 347 districts will be developed, offering farmers access to high-quality
seeds and training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
 The mission aims to expand oilseed cultivation by an additional 40 lakh hectares, utilizing fallow lands
and promoting crop diversification.
 Support will be provided to FPOs, cooperatives, and industry players for post-harvest unit upgrades
and recovery from sources like cottonseed and rice bran.
 Public awareness on dietary guidelines for edible oils will be promoted through an IEC campaign, and
farmers’ incomes will be boosted.
 This mission will reduce import dependency, enhance soil health, and contribute to Atmanirbharta
(self-reliance) in edible oils.
FCI Launches Digital Transformation with ANNA DARPAN Initiative
 The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is undergoing a digital transformation as part of its 100 Days
Achievements program.
 A new system called ANNA DARPAN is being introduced to enhance the management of the food supply
chain, replacing the older Depot Online System.
 ANNA DARPAN uses advanced technology to streamline the management of mandis, mills, and
depots, improving the efficiency of food distribution.
 The main goals of ANNA DARPAN include:
 Improving efficiency and productivity in the supply chain.
 Ensuring the platform is user-friendly for all stakeholders.
 Using data analytics to support better decision-making.
 This transformation is expected to make FCI’s operations smoother and more efficient, contributing to
better food supply chain management across India.
Learn Along:
About FCI
Founded: 14 January 1965 Headquarters: New Delhi, India Chairman&MD: Ashok Kumar Meena
India, UAE to set up food corridor at $2 bn investment
 India and the UAE will establish a food corridor with an expected investment of $2 billion, aiming to
boost Indian farmers' income and create more jobs.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The food corridor will cater to the UAE market and beyond, enhancing food security in the UAE and
providing new opportunities for food processing in India.
 Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced the creation of a small working group comprising the central
and state governments and the UAE to expedite the project.
 Plans include setting up food parks in India, which will support job creation in the food processing
industry for Indian youth.
 The UAE has committed $2 billion for food processing facilities and logistics, aimed at utilizing Indian
agricultural products.
 The initiative is expected to be implemented within the next two-and-a-half years, with further investments
dependent on business opportunities.
 High-quality food products from Indian farmers will be processed and sold in the UAE and other Gulf
markets.
 The collaboration is designed to fast-track investments in food processing facilities, boosting economic
ties between India and the UAE.
 This project aims to strengthen India's food processing sector and ensure sustainable income for
farmers while enhancing export opportunities.
Cabinet approves continuation of supply of free Fortified Rice under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan
Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes from July, 2024 to December, 2028
 The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of fortified
rice supply under all government schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
(PMGKAY), from July 2024 to December 2028.
 This initiative will continue as a central sector initiative with 100% funding by the Government of India,
providing a unified mechanism for implementation.
 Fortified rice will be supplied through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), ICDS, PM
POSHAN, and other welfare schemes across all States and Union Territories (UTs).
 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) set the target for universal fortified rice
coverage by March 2024, which has been successfully achieved.
 Rice fortification involves adding Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) with Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12
to regular rice as per FSSAI standards.
 The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) highlighted anaemia as a major issue, affecting various
age groups in India, along with deficiencies in Vitamin B12 and folic acid.
 Food fortification is recognized globally as a safe and effective measure to combat micronutrient
malnutrition, especially in vulnerable populations.
 Given that 65% of India's population consumes rice as a staple, it serves as an ideal medium for
delivering micronutrients to address nutritional gaps.
Learn Along:
About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
 In the wake of economic disruptions caused by the unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, the
Government in March 2020 had announced the distribution of additional free-of-cost foodgrains (Rice/Wheat)
to about 80 Crore National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries at the scale of 5 Kg per person permonth
under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), over and above the regular monthly NFSA foodgrains i.e.
regular entitlements of their ration cards.
 Thereby, effectively doubling the quantity of monthly foodgrains being normally delivered to the NFSA households,
so that the poor, needy and the vulnerable households/beneficiaries do not suffer on account of non-
availability of adequate foodgrains during the times of economic crisis.
Centre forms panel to reduce gap between farm to fork in perishables
 Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a committee to reduce the gap between
farmers' prices and consumer rates for perishables like tomatoes.
 To achieve this, the Centre and states may share transportation costs, ensuring cheaper prices for
city consumers and better earnings for farmers.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 Recent RBI working paper highlighted that farmers' share is only 33.5% for tomatoes, while for eggs
and chana, it is 75%.
 The minister noted that the spike in fertiliser demand is due to transport delays, but there is no shortage
nationwide.
 Kharif sowing improved with 106.5 Target 2024- Actual 2023- %
million hectares sown by August 23, Crops 25 24* Change
2% higher than the previous year. Rice 136.3 137.82 -1.12
 Chouhan proposed a model farm Wheat 115 113.29 1.49
experiment to boost earnings from Maize 40 37.66 5.85
small plots of 1-2.5 acres across
Total Coarse
different states.
Cereals 42.25 35.53 15.91
 Around 2.5 million new farmers joined
the PM KISAN scheme since the Modi Total Shree Ann 18.1 17.57 2.93
government's third term. Total Pulses 29.9 24.24 18.93
 He emphasized better coordination Total Foodgrains 341.55 332.29 2.71
among Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Total Oilseeds 44.75 39.66 11.37
which are run by ICAR, universities, and
states. Sugarcane 470 453.15 3.59
 Chouhan’s focus is on changing Cotton** 35 32.52 7.09
traditional farming practices and Jute & Mesta# 10.45 9.69 7.27
making agriculture more profitable. Centre ups foodgrains production target for 2024-25
by 2.71 %
Centre raises MSP of wheat, five other rabi crops for

2025-26
 Union Cabinet raised the MSP for rabi crops for the
2025-26 marketing season by 2.4-7%, effective from
April.
 Wheat MSP increased by 6.59% to Rs 2,425 per quintal,
the second significant hike in nearly a decade.
 Inflationary impact of these hikes is expected to be
minimal, around 0.18-0.20% over a year, according to
the Bank of Baroda.
 Wheat stocks in the Central Pool were 24.14 million
tonnes as of September 1, 2024, lower than last year's
but higher than in 2022.
 Barley saw the highest MSP hike at 7.03%, while
mustard, lentil, gram, and safflower MSPs were also increased.
 The MSP hikes align with the 2018-19 Budget commitment to set prices 1.5 times the cost of
production.
Only one-third of an agricultural household’s income in India comes from cultivation
 The All-India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey 2021-22 by NABARD reveals that 57% of rural
households depend on agriculture for their livelihood, despite rising agrarian distress.
 The average monthly income for agricultural households was ₹13,661, higher than non-agricultural
households at ₹11,438 in 2021-22.
 Cultivation contributes only one-third of an agricultural household’s income, while two-thirds come from
services, wage labour, and other sources.
 Income disparities are evident, with households having over 2 hectares of land earning much more than
those with smaller holdings.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 Over 56% of agricultural households rely on three or more income sources, compared to 66% of non-
agricultural households depending on a single source.
 In the past five years, 30% of agricultural households faced crop failures due to irregular rainfall, pests,
and droughts, while 12% faced losses due to price fluctuations.
 Despite an average monthly income of ₹13,661, the average consumption expenditure is ₹11,710, leaving
a net surplus of only ₹1,951.
 Agricultural households carry an average debt of ₹91,231, nearly seven times their monthly gross income,
reflecting the ongoing financial constraints faced by farmers.
Learn Along:
About NABARD
Founded: 12 July 1982 Chairman: Shaji K V Headquarters: Mumbai
BRIC-National Agri-Food Biomanufacturing Institute, Mohali to be Inaugurated, by Union Science &

Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh
 BRIC-NABI, a new National Agri-Food Biomanufacturing Institute, will be launched in Mohali, Punjab,
merging NABI and CIAB under the Department of Biotechnology.
 The institute aims to enhance agricultural biotechnology and biomanufacturing with a focus on high-
yield crops, sustainable technologies, and value-added products.
 It supports the vision of "Doubling Farmers' Income" and "Make in India" initiatives.
 The BioNEST BRIC-NABI Incubation Centre will promote entrepreneurship, providing R&D facilities,
mentorship, and support to local youth, women, and farmers.
 Focus areas include genetic manipulation, biopesticides, and biofertilizers, aiming to boost crop
yields and sustainable farming.
$25 Million Pandemic Fund Project
 Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched the Pandemic Fund Project on "Animal Health Security
Strengthening in India" in New Delhi.
 The project is a $25 million initiative funded by the G20 Pandemic Fund, aiming to enhance pandemic
preparedness related to animal health.
 The project supports the National Animal Disease Control Program (NADCP) to control Foot and
Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis, with 90.87 crore FMD vaccines and 4.23 crore Brucellosis
vaccines administered so far.
 It aims to create FMD Disease-Free Zones in nine states and focuses on disease surveillance, including
genomic and environmental monitoring.
 Two documents were released: Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTG) for better livestock
care and the Crisis Management Plan (CMP) for Animal Diseases for rapid disease response.
 The project emphasizes a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health
to prevent zoonotic diseases.
 It aims to strengthen India’s animal health systems to prevent future pandemics, implemented in
collaboration with ADB, FAO, and the World Bank.
 The initiative highlights the livestock sector's role in social and economic upliftment, supporting disease
management and national action plans.
 It aims to reduce zoonotic risks and enhance animal health systems for early warning, lab
development, and cross-border collaboration.
GAIL and VERBIO Sign MoU to Develop Agricultural Residue-Based CBG Projects
 GAIL (India) Limited and VERBIO India signed an MoU to establish agricultural residue-based
Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants in India.
 The MoU aims to leverage both companies' strengths to promote clean energy solutions and maximize
the use of agricultural waste.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 Plans include scouting locations for greenfield CBG plants, conducting feasibility studies, and forming
a Joint Venture (JV) for project management.
 GAIL may also consider acquiring equity in VERBIO’s existing CBG plant in Punjab.
 The collaboration aims to replicate successful CBG models implemented in Punjab across India.
Learn Along:
About GAIL
Headquarters: New Delhi Founded: 1984 Chairman & MD: Sandeep Kumar Gupta
NATIONAL
Nutrition support for TB patients hiked to ₹1,000
 The Union Health Ministry has doubled the monthly nutrition support for tuberculosis (TB) patients
under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana from ₹500 to ₹1,000.
 Household contacts of TB patients are now included under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat
Abhiyaan, receiving community-based social support.
 Energy Dense Nutrition Supplementation will be provided to patients with a BMI less than 18.5 to
improve their nutritional status.
 The Ni-kshay Mitra initiative under the Abhiyaan has been expanded to cover family members of TB
patients.
 Nutritional support under the scheme has been increased to ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 for all TB patients.
 These measures aim to enhance nutritional care and community involvement in supporting TB-affected
households.
 The initiative reflects a significant effort to improve the health outcomes of TB patients in India.
 Focus on holistic support and wider coverage indicates the government's commitment to a TB-free
India.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Join Forces to Empower Gram Panchayats and
Localize SDGs
 Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) have partnered to strengthen
grassroots governance and localize Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 IIT Delhi leads as the National Coordinating Institute for UBA, with 15,000 students from 3,822
institutions working with Gram Panchayats (GPs) to shape Gram Panchayat Development Plans
(GPDPs) for 2025-26.
 Students will participate in Special Gram Sabhas on 2nd October 2024, contributing to Sabki Yojana
Sabka Vikas.
 The People’s Plan Campaign (PPC) launches on 2nd October 2024, promoting a “Lab to Field”
approach, where students apply their technical skills to rural planning.
 The initiative aligns with visions of “New India”, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Viksit Bharat, fostering self-
reliance and development.
 Students provide innovative solutions for rural challenges, helping GPs create inclusive, sustainable
development plans.
 This collaboration enriches GPDPs with creative and practical solutions, supporting the “Sabka Saath,
Sabka Vikas” vision.
 The initiative promotes a hands-on governance experience for students, blending academic
knowledge with real-world rural development.
 It reflects a commitment to a participatory and inclusive governance model, shaping the future of rural
India through education and innovation.
India, U.S. sign pact on critical minerals
 India and the U.S. signed an MoU to expand and diversify critical minerals supply chains.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The agreement was signed by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina
Raimondo.
 The MoU aims to reduce reliance on China, which dominates the critical minerals trade.
 Both nations are exploring combined engagements with third countries for sourcing capital, technology,
and minerals.
 Africa and Latin America are seen as potential regions for collaboration in critical minerals.
 This partnership could also open new markets for critical minerals.
 The collaboration highlights India's and the U.S.'s strategic focus on supply chain diversification in
critical sectors.
Department of Posts and Amazon Sign Landmark MoU to Enhance Logistics Collaboration
 Amazon and the Department of Posts (DoP) have collaborated since 2013 for parcel transmission
across India.
 The partnership aims to boost India’s e-commerce sector by improving logistical capabilities and
supporting job creation.
 A new MoU was signed to deepen this collaboration, with Sh. Kushal Vashist from DoP and Sh.
Venkatesh Tiwari from Amazon leading the agreement.
 The MoU focuses on logistics expansion, capacity-sharing, and network utilization to strengthen
operations.
 Quarterly reviews will be conducted to monitor progress and explore further partnership opportunities.
 Amazon will benefit from increased access to DoP’s 1.6 lakh post offices, enhancing parcel delivery
even to remote areas.
 The Department of Posts will scale up its parcel business and improve e-commerce logistics
expertise.
 This partnership supports India’s goal of becoming a global logistics hub.
 The collaboration emphasizes economic growth, efficiency in operations, and improved business
expansion for both organizations.
Learn Along:
About Amazon
Founded: 5 July 1994 Headquarters: Washington, United States CEO: Andy Jassy
India, ASEAN nations to look at linking payment systems
 India to share Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) like Aadhaar and UPI with ASEAN nations, focusing
on education, healthcare, agriculture, and climate change.
 India-ASEAN summit led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized cross-border linkages of
payment systems using digital solutions.
 Both parties reaffirmed peace, stability, maritime safety, and freedom of navigation in the region,
advocating for peaceful dispute resolutions.
 Agreed on fintech innovation, cybersecurity cooperation, and responsible use of AI technologies to
support the digital economy.
 Pm Narendra Modi met with Japan's PM Shigeru Ishiba, discussing collaboration in infrastructure,
connectivity, defence, and technology.
 Discussions with New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon covered economic cooperation, tourism,
education, and innovation, welcoming New Zealand to the International Solar Alliance.
 Reaffirmed commitment to enhancing the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership,
focusing on trade, semiconductors, and cultural ties.
 ASEAN comprises 10 member countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand,
Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
Learn Along:
About ASEAN
Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia Founded: 8 August 1967

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
Cabinet approves development of National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), Lothal, Gujarat
 The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the development of the National
Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat in two phases.
 The project includes Phase 1B and Phase 2, which will be funded through voluntary contributions and
developed as per the master plan.
 A Light House Museum under Phase 1B will be funded by the Directorate General of Lighthouses
and Lightships (DGLL).
 A Governing Council, headed by the Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, will oversee the future
phases under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
 Phase 1A of the project is 60% complete and is expected to be finished by 2025, with the EPC mode
used for Phases 1A and 1B.
 Phase 2 will involve land subleasing/PPP to develop NMHC as a world-class heritage museum.
 The NMHC project is expected to create around 22,000 jobs, including 15,000 direct and 7,000 indirect
employment opportunities.
 The complex will benefit local communities, tourists, researchers, educational institutions, and
cultural organisations, promoting growth and development.
'Humsafar Policy' launched by Nitin Gadkari to boost facilities on highways
 Union Minister Nitin Gadkari unveiled the Humsafar Policy, aimed at enhancing infrastructure along
India's national highways to improve the travel experience for commuters.
 The policy focuses on providing essential amenities like hygienic toilets, baby care rooms, wheelchair
accessibility, and adequate parking facilities.
 EV charging stations will be installed at strategic points to support the growth of electric vehicles and
promote eco-friendly transport.
 The policy includes the establishment of restaurants, food courts, and dormitories at fuel stations to
cater to the needs of travellers and truck drivers.
 It aims to boost local economies by creating new business opportunities at petrol pumps, rest stops,
and food courts along highways.
 One of the primary goals is to enhance road safety by reducing driver fatigue through better facilities,
which will lower the risk of accidents.
 The Humsafar Policy supports India's transition towards sustainable travel by modernising the national
highway network to meet international standards.
 This initiative is a step towards creating a traveller-friendly infrastructure that caters to the needs of
families, individual commuters, and long-haul drivers.
 The policy reflects a forward-looking approach to infrastructure development, aligning with the growing
demands of modern-day travellers in India.
Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy to Inaugurate Rooftop Solar Power Plant at GSI
Training Institute, Hyderabad
 Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, will inaugurate a Rooftop Solar Power
System at the Geological Survey of India Training Institute (GSITI), Hyderabad.
 The inauguration will involve a ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a Switch-on ceremony, where the
solar plant will be activated.
 The event emphasizes environmental sustainability with the planting of saplings on the GSITI campus,
showcasing the institute's green initiatives.
 The initiative aligns with India’s broader efforts in enhancing solar energy adoption across sectors.
Learn About
About Rooftop Solar Power Plant
 The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15th February 2024 to
promote renewable energy through rooftop solar panel installations across government offices and homes in India.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The project aims for 100% Solarization of all government buildings, setting a national standard for energy efficiency
and carbon emission reduction.
 It contributes to India's commitment to combat climate change by reducing reliance on non-renewable energy and
limiting global warming.
Government extends “Samarth” (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector) till March 2026
 Samarth is a demand-driven, placement-oriented skilling program by the Ministry of Textiles,

extended for FY 2024-25 and 2025-26 with a budget of Rs. 495 Crore to train 3 lakh people.
 The scheme aims to create jobs in the organized textile sector, covering the entire textile value chain
except Spinning and Weaving.
 It offers entry-level skilling and upskilling/reskilling programs to improve productivity in Apparel,
Garmenting, and traditional sectors like handloom, handicraft, silk, and jute.
 Training programs are aligned with technological and market needs, making the curriculum more
relevant.
 Implemented through Textile Industry Associations, Central/State agencies, and sectoral
organizations such as the Central Wool Development Board and Central Silk Board.
 So far, 3.27 lakh candidates have been trained, with 2.6 lakh (79.5%) employed.
 The scheme strongly emphasizes women's employment, with 2.89 lakh (88.3%) women trained.
 It supports the industry in addressing skill gaps and meeting evolving demands.
Government and Meta join forces for "Scam se Bacho" Campaign to tackle rising online scams
 Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of Information and Broadcasting, delivered the keynote at the launch of "Scam se
Bacho", a National User Awareness Campaign in New Delhi.
 The campaign is an initiative of Meta in collaboration with key ministries, including MeitY, MHA, MIB, and
the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
 It aims to address the rising cases of cyber frauds and online scams, aligning with the government's
commitment to enhancing cyber safety.
 India, with over 900 million internet users, is facing 1.1 million cyber fraud cases reported in 2023
amidst rapid digital growth.
 The campaign reflects a whole-of-government approach to fostering digital safety and vigilance in the
country.
 "Scam se Bacho" seeks to empower citizens with the tools and knowledge to protect themselves from
cyber threats.
 Meta’s global expertise will help enhance digital security, ensuring that India's digital progress is
matched by robust safety measures.
Learn Along:
About META
Founded: January 4, 2004 Headquarters: California, U.S. Chairman and CEO:Mark Zuckerberg
Inauguration of ‘Aviation Park’ Showcasing India’s Aviation Heritage
 Aviation Park was unveiled by Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, within the
ministry's premises.
 The park features aircraft models, representing the evolution of India's Civil Aviation sector.
 It symbolizes the ministry’s focus on progress and innovation in aviation.
 The backdrop includes architectural columns that reflect India's regional diversity and rich cultural
heritage.
 A dedicated path within the park outlines key milestones in India's civil aviation history, from early flights
to modern advancements.
 The park emphasizes sustainability, using bamboo for shaded seating, promoting eco-friendly
construction.
 It aims to blend aviation achievements with architectural and cultural legacy, serving as an
educational destination.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 Shri Naidu praised the collaborative efforts involved, marking the park as a symbol of India's global
aviation influence.
 The park aims to inspire future generations of aviation enthusiasts.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Launches ‘eShram – One Stop Solution’ for Welfare of Unorganised Workers
 Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the “eShram – One Stop Solution” in New Delhi to
enhance social security access for unorganised workers.
 The eShram platform facilitates the integration of welfare schemes, enabling 60,000 to 90,000 new
registrations daily.
 It aims to simplify registration and act as a bridge connecting workers to government benefits.
 Dr. Mandaviya urged unorganised workers to register, ensuring access to a wide range of social security
schemes for better livelihoods.
 Sushri Shobha Karandlaje emphasized state integration with eShram for last-mile connectivity and
identification of left-out beneficiaries.
 The platform consolidates data from various Central Ministries/Departments, integrating schemes like
One Nation One Ration Card, MGNREGA, and Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan.
 Launched on 26th August 2021, eShram has registered over 30 crore workers in 3 years.
 The ongoing integration aligns with the recent Budget Announcement and the Ministry’s 100 days
agenda for worker welfare.
EC signs agreement on electoral cooperation with Uzbeki poll body
 The Election Commission of India (ECI) signed an ‘electoral cooperation’ agreement with
Uzbekistan’s central poll body during Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar's visit to Tashkent as
an international observer for the October 27 elections.
 The MoU aims to strengthen interaction between the two Election Management Bodies (EMBs),
fostering mutual benefits for both democracies.
 Both countries have a history of mutual cooperation, with officials participating as election observers in
each other’s elections.
 During the Lok Sabha elections in India earlier this year, a four-member delegation from Uzbekistan
participated in the international election visitors’ programme.
 The ECI and CEC Uzbekistan collaborate through global forums like the Association of World Election
Bodies and the Association of Asian Election Authorities.
 The ECI has signed MoUs with 30 EMBs globally, along with The International Institute for Democracy
& Electoral Assistance, supporting sustainable democracy worldwide.
 The agreement highlights India’s commitment to international electoral cooperation and enhancing
democratic processes.
Learn Along:
About Uzbekistan
Capital: Tashkent Currency: Uzbekistani Som President: Shavkat Mirziyoyev
‘International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System’
 Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia launched the 'International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention
System' to protect citizens from cyber-crime.
 The system, developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in collaboration with Telecom
Service Providers (TSPs), aims to block spoofed international calls that mimic Indian mobile
numbers.
 Cybercriminals have been using such calls for financial scams, impersonation, and spreading panic
through fake communications.
 The system aims to significantly reduce fraudulent international calls displaying +91 numbers for Indian
subscribers.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The initiative is part of DoT's broader efforts to create a safe digital space for Indian citizens.
Cyclone ‘Dana’ forms over Bay of Bengal
 Cyclonic storm Dana has formed over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to cross Odisha and West
Bengal coasts as a severe cyclonic storm on October 24-25.
 Coastal districts like Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore will experience high winds,
while Puri, Cuttack, Jajpur, and other regions will also face significant wind speeds and heavy rainfall.
Spain And India To Strengthen Alliance On Energy Security, Green Transition
 Spain’s President Pedro Sánchez visited India for the first time in 18 years, advocating for enhanced
renewable energy and infrastructure collaboration at the CII Spain-India Business Summit.
 Spain aims to support India's goal of generating 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 through expertise
in solar and wind power.
 Spain's railway and subway technology could aid India's expanding infrastructure projects, ensuring
sustainable transport systems.
 The summit emphasized strategic India-Spain ventures to enhance energy security and economic
competitiveness globally.
Learn Along:
About Spain
Capital: Madrid Currency: Euro
India and Singapore to explore joint development, production of equipment for armed forces
 India and Singapore have agreed to extend the Joint Military Training-Army agreement for another
five years, as part of their ongoing defence cooperation during the sixth India-Singapore Defence
Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi.
 Both sides will focus on co-development and co-production of defence equipment, emphasizing
industry cooperation.
 Collaboration will be explored in niche areas such as automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), along
with cyber security.
 The extension of defence ties aligns with India’s Act East policy, with Singapore being a key partner in
promoting economic cooperation and regional connectivity.
 The dialogue highlighted the deep bilateral defence relations based on mutual commitment to regional
peace, stability, and security.
Learn Along:
About Singapore
Currency: Singapore dollar Capital: Singapore
Mobile app for birth and death registration launched
 Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Civil Registration System (CRS) mobile app for hassle-
free birth and death registration.
 The app, developed by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, allows registration
anytime, anywhere, in the state’s official language.
 Amit Shah also unveiled a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Janganana Bhawan, ahead of Sardar
Patel's birth anniversary on October 31.
 October 31 is observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) to honor Patel’s role in unifying
India.
INTERNATIONAL
Sheinbaum becomes Mexico's first female prez, vows 'it's time for women'

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in as Mexico's first woman president, vowing to enhance women's
rights and ensure economic stability.
Learn Along:
About Mexico
Capital: Mexico City Currency: Mexican peso
NATO to set up northern land command in eastern Finland
 NATO will establish a new land command in Finland, near the Russian border, in 2024 to lead land
force operations in northern Europe during military conflicts.
 Finland joined NATO in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and is organizing the alliance’s
presence on its territory.
 The new command, called Multi Corps Land Component Command, will be located in Mikkeli and
operate under NATO's Norfolk Joint Force Command, working with Finland's own land force command.
 Sweden, also a new NATO member, will coordinate visits of foreign NATO troops and international drills
in northern Finland.
Learn Along:
About NATO
 The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military
alliance of 32 member states—30 European and 2 North American.
 Founded: 4 April 1949 Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
Britain returns Chagos Islands to Mauritius, but retains

Diego Garcia airbase
 Britain has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos

Islands to Mauritius, ending a long-standing dispute
following a ruling by the International Court of Justice
(ICJ).
 The UK unlawfully separated the Chagos archipelago
from Mauritius in 1965 before granting Mauritius
independence in 1968.
 Chagossians were expelled in the 1960s and 1970s,
which was labeled a crime against humanity to establish
the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) for military purposes.
 The agreement follows 13 rounds of negotiations, with support from the ICJ, United Nations General
Assembly, and International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (Itlos).
 UK will retain control of the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, which remains crucial for national
and global security.
 The treaty allows the Chagossians the right to return to the islands, except Diego Garcia.
Learn Along:
About UK
Capital: London Currency: Pound sterling
About Mauritius
Capital: Port Louis Currency: Mauritian Rupee
Myanmar to send representative to ASEAN summit for first time in three years
 Myanmar will send a representative to the ASEAN summit in Laos for the first time in three years, as
the country faces a civil war.
 ASEAN leaders will discuss the ongoing Myanmar conflict, which has seen little diplomatic progress
despite efforts over the past three years.
 The junta has ignored the "five-point consensus" peace plan, continuing its crackdown on dissent after
the February 2021 coup.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 China and Japan will also attend the summit, with China calling for reconciliation in Myanmar and
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expected to participate.
 The South China Sea dispute will be another major topic, involving confrontations between China and
the Philippines over territorial claims.
 Malaysia will take over as ASEAN chair after the summit, with plans for further informal talks on
Myanmar involving Indonesia, Laos, and Malaysia in December.
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About ASEAN
Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia Founded: 8 August 1967
Nepal’s 18-year-old Nima Rinji Sherpa is youngest to scale all 14 tall peaks
 Nima Rinji Sherpa, an 18-year-old from Nepal, became the youngest climber to scale all 14 tallest
mountains (over 8,000 meters).
 His final climb was of Mt Shishapangma (8,027 meters) in China on October 11, 2024.
 Nima's accomplishment is part of his project, #SherpaPower, dedicated to the Sherpa community and
its contributions to mountaineering.
 Nima started his journey at age 16 by summiting Mt Manaslu (8,163 meters) in September 2022.
 His passion for mountaineering grew from his love for mountain photography and telling the Sherpa
community’s story.
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About Nepal
Capital: Kathmandu Currency: Nepalese Rupee
India didn’t sign letter of support by 104 nations for U.N. Secretary-General after ban by Israel
 India did not sign a letter, supported by 104 countries, condemning Israel's ban on UN Secretary
General Antonio Guterres from entering Israeli territory.
 Countries from Europe, Africa, and much of the Global South signed the letter, which expressed concern
over Israel's decision.
 India has abstained from several resolutions critical of Israel, including at least four on Palestinian
issues.
 The letter, circulated by Chile and supported by countries like Brazil, South Africa, and Indonesia,
defended the UN Secretary General and the UN's role.
 The letter criticized Israel's decision, stating it undermines the UN's ability to mediate conflicts and provide
humanitarian aid.
 Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz issued the ban on October 2, 2024, accusing Guterres of failing to
criticize Iranian missile strikes.
 10 members of the UN Security Council, including France, Russia, and China, supported the letter,
while the US, UK, and Japan did not.
Hurricane Oscar hits Cuba as it struggles with power outage
 Hurricane Oscar made landfall in eastern Cuba during a nationwide power outage, impacting 10
million people.
 The Category 1 hurricane weakened to a tropical storm but still poses risks of flash flooding and
mudslides in eastern areas.
 Cuba is also struggling with fuel shortages, worsened by reduced shipments from Venezuela.
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About Cuba
Capital: Havana Currency: Cuban Peso
India, US, Australia & Japan to continue Quad Cyber Challenge to strengthen cybersecurity
 Quad Cyber Challenge is being continued by India, the US, Australia, and Japan to enhance
responsible cyber ecosystems.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 Focus areas include strengthening public resources and raising cybersecurity awareness.
 The initiative is spearheaded by the Quad Senior Cyber Group to boost cybersecurity education and
build a skilled workforce.
 The 2023 Quad Cyber Challenge was launched as a public campaign to improve cybersecurity across
the four countries.
 On October 10, 2024, the US hosted a Quad Cyber Challenge event at the White House with officials
from all Quad nations.
 The campaign aims to foster joint efforts in cybersecurity to create a secure digital environment.
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About Quad
 The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad, is a strategic security dialogue between
Australia, India, Japan, and the United States that is maintained by talks between member countries.
 Established: 2007 (1st time); lasted until 2008, 2017 (re-established after negotiations in November)
India and Bhutan to Strengthen Hydropower Cooperation
 Bhutan's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Lyonpo Gem Tshering, met with India’s Union
Minister of Power, Manohar Lal, in New Delhi.
 The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in the hydropower sector between India and
Bhutan.
 Discussions included the Puna-1 Hydroelectric Power (HEP) Project, emphasizing enhanced
collaboration to increase energy production.
 Puna-2 Tariff Finalization was also a key point of discussion.
 Both sides explored future avenues of cooperation in energy generation.
 The partnership is strategic and mutually beneficial, providing renewable energy to India and
supporting Bhutan’s economy.
 The meeting aims to further regional energy security and sustainable energy cooperation.
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About Bhutan
Capital: Thimpu Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum, Indian Rupee
Indo-Turkiye Friendship Association launched in Hyderabad to strengthen ties
 The Indo-Turkiye Friendship Association (ITFA) was established on October 16, 2024, in Hyderabad,
aiming to boost cooperation in economy, trade, culture, tourism, science, technology, and education
between India and Turkiye.
 Consul General Orhan Yalman Okan and ITFA Chairman Faiz Khan highlighted ITFA's role in
strengthening ties and promoting Hyderabad as a destination for Turkish tourists.
 Turkish tourism has seen a significant increase, with 3.5 lakh Indians visiting Turkiye in 2023, and
projections for 4 lakh visitors soon.
 Telugu films are increasingly being shot in Turkiye, with financial incentives offered to Tollywood
filmmakers.
 Turkish language courses have been introduced for the first time at Maulana Azad National Urdu
University in Hyderabad, fostering cultural exchange.
 ITFA plans to organize cultural events and education fairs, promoting Turkish universities to Indian
students.
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About Turkiye
Capital: Ankara Currency: Turkish lira
India, Germany to ink pact on labour mobility, skill recognition next week
 India and Germany are set to sign a pact to facilitate worker movement and skills recognition next
week.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 This is the first agreement under the G20 “Skills-based migration pathways” framework, established in
New Delhi last year.
 The pact aims to provide job opportunities for Indian skilled professionals in Germany and formalize the
workforce.
 It will address Germany's challenges of a declining working-age population and an untrained
workforce in emerging technologies.
 The agreement will open up non-traditional sectors for Indian workers, like teaching, nursing, and
manufacturing.
 A digital visa for eligible workers will be introduced by the end of 2024, along with job fairs in Indian
educational institutions.
 Courses to address the language barrier, as well as collaboration on occupational safety, health, and
social security, will be part of the initiative.
 The move aligns with India's demographic dividend and Germany's demand for a future-ready skilled
workforce.
 The pact coincides with the visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to India, amid geopolitical challenges
and evolving migration dynamics.
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About Germany
Capital: Berlin Chancellor: Olaf Scholz Currency: Euro
‘Germany has given India special status for military purchase’
 Germany has granted special status to India to expedite military purchase approvals, stated German
Ambassador Philipp Ackermann.
 The P-75I submarine deal, worth ₹43,000 crore, is a top agenda during the visits of German Chancellor
Olaf Scholz and Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez to India.
 Germany’s TKMS (Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems) and Spain’s Navantia are competing to sell six
advanced submarines to the Indian Navy.
 The field evaluation trials have been completed, and bids are under review for technical compliance.
 The German defence sector is mostly privatized, but there is strong government support to accelerate
these deals.
 An Indian Navy team evaluated TKMS in March, while Navantia’s offer was reviewed in June.
WHO secures $1 billion for 2025-28, with $700 million in new funding
 WHO secured $1 billion in pledges for its 2025-28 budget, with $700 million in new funding
commitments and $300 million from reaffirmed pledges.
 The funding was announced at the WHO Investment Round Signature Event during the World Health
Summit in Berlin, co-hosted by Germany, France, and Norway.
 The pledges support the Fourteenth General Programme of Work 2025-2028, approved by WHO's 194
Member States earlier this year.
 Germany committed nearly $400 million, including $260 million in new voluntary funding, making it a
major contributor.
 Other notable pledges included $50 million each from the Wellcome Trust and the WHO Foundation,
and $10 million each from Resolve to Save Lives and the World Diabetes Foundation.
 16 African governments have already committed funding, while France, Spain, the UK, and the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation are expected to contribute.
 The funding aims to ensure global health equity and enhance WHO's capacity for planning and
response.
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About WHO
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland Founded: 7 April 1948 Director-General: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
WHO gives approval to first Mpox diagnostic test

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 WHO listed the first Mpox in vitro diagnostic under its Emergency Use Listing procedure.
 Alinity m MPXV assay, developed by Abbott Molecular Inc, received approval for emergency use.
 This move aims to expand diagnostic capacity in countries facing Mpox outbreaks.
 The test allows quick and accurate detection of monkeypox virus (clade I/II) DNA from human skin
lesion swabs.
 This diagnostic tool will support global efforts in managing the Mpox crisis.
Egypt is certified malaria-free by WHO
 The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Egypt as malaria-free, a historic achievement for
a country with over 100 million people.
 This success follows nearly a 100-year effort by the Egyptian government and people to eliminate a
disease present since ancient times.
 Egypt becomes the third country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to achieve this milestone,
after the UAE and Morocco.
 WHO’s certification requires proof of interrupted indigenous malaria transmission for at least three
consecutive years and capacity to prevent re-establishment.
India makes pledge of $300 million for WHO programme
 India, the sixth largest global contributor to the World Health Organisation (WHO), has pledged over
$300 million for WHO's core programme from 2025 to 2028.
 The largest portion, $250 million, will fund the Centre of Excellence for Traditional Medicine.
 WHO has received over $2.2 billion in pledges towards addressing a $7.1 billion funding gap.
 The funds aim to save at least 40 million lives by enhancing vaccine delivery, supporting 3.2 million
health workers, and prequalifying 400 health products annually.
 India's commitment is the largest in Southeast Asia, including $38 million for WHO's new regional
office, $10 million for digital health, and $4.6 million for thematic funding.
 WHO's South-East Asia Region has secured pledges of over $345 million for its core work from 2025
to 2028.
 Indonesia and Bhutan are expected to announce their contributions in the coming weeks.
 A ceremony will take place in November at the G-20 summit in Brazil.
U.S., Japan and South Korea join hands to support digital infrastructure in India
 The DiGi Framework was launched by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation
(DFC), Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), and Korea Eximbank to support digital
infrastructure in India.
 It focuses on 5G, Open RAN, submarine cables, telecom towers, smart cities, AI, and quantum
technology projects in collaboration with the Indian private sector.
 The framework aims to provide a streamlined process for strategic digital deals, enhancing policy
dialogues with the Indian government.
 It aligns with the U.S.-Japan-Republic of Korea trilateral summit goals to promote sustainable
development in the Indo-Pacific region.
 The initiative reflects efforts to promote high-quality investments, focusing on sustainable growth in
India’s ICT sector.
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About Japan
Capital: Tokyo Currency: Japanese yen
About USA
Capital: Washington, D.C. Currency: U.S. dollar
About South Korea
Capital: Seoul Currency: South Korean won

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
Construction of ‘world’s biggest building’ begins in Saudi Arabia: All about ‘Mukaab’
 Saudi Arabia has begun construction of the Mukaab, a massive cube-shaped structure in Riyadh,
intended to be the world's largest structure.
 The Mukaab will be the central element of the New Murabba development in downtown Riyadh, launched
in February 2023.
 The structure will be 400 meters on each side, capable of fitting 20 Empire State Buildings within it.
 It will feature the world’s first fully enclosed skyscraper and a dome displaying holographic images,
with hotel rooms offering immersive experiences.
 The architectural design is inspired by the Najd region, incorporating overlapping triangular forms.
 The first phase aims to be completed by 2030, providing 8,000 homes for 35,000 people, with a long-
term goal to house 400,000 people.
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About Saudi Arabia
Capital: Riyadh Currency: Saudi Riyal
STATES
UP CM inaugurates healthcare projects worth ₹1,147 crore at SGPGI Lucknow
 UP CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurated healthcare projects worth ₹1,147 crore at SGPGI, Lucknow,
including Advanced Diabetes Centre, Tele ICU, and Saloni Heart Centre.
 He laid the foundation stone for the Advanced Pediatric Centre, which will have 575 beds and offer
services from 22 departments.
 The state now has medical colleges in 64 districts, up from 18 districts before 2017, under the One
District, One College initiative.
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About Uttar Pradesh
Chief minister: Yogi Adityanath Governor: Anandiben Patel Capital: Lucknow
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates GAIL's first CBG Plant in Jharkhand
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated GAIL (India)’s first CBG Plant in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on
Swachh Bharat Diwas, 2024.
 The plant processes 150 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily to produce 5,000 kg of bio-CNG and 25
tons of bio-manure.
 It was built in 7.86 acres at the Jhiri dumping site, Ranchi, Jharkhand.
 The biogas will fuel over 600 vehicles per day, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and
promoting clean fuel.
 The plant uses water scrubbing technology for gas purification.
 This is the first CBG plant in Jharkhand, promoting the circular economy and local employment.
 The plant supports energy security and reduces India's reliance on fossil fuels.
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About Jharkhand
Chief minister: Hemant Soren Founded: 15 November 2000
Capital:Ranchi Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan
Himachal tourism to receive USD 162 mn loan from Asian Development Bank
 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a USD 162 million loan to support tourism
development projects in Himachal Pradesh.
 The project focuses on upgrading and preserving heritage and cultural sites, while promoting
sustainable and inclusive tourism.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 Heritage and cultural centers in Mandi and Hamirpur will be promoted, and Naggar Castle in Kullu
will be restored.
 Modern tourist facilities, such as a convention center in Kangra and beautification of public spaces,
are part of the plan.
 Improvements will feature green solutions, including solar lighting and electric vehicles, with facilities
for elderly, women, children, and persons with disabilities.
 The project will also develop wellness centers, adventure sports centers, and biking trails, creating
employment opportunities and boosting the local economy.
 Wayside amenities in Kullu, Hamirpur, and Kangra will be enhanced to improve tourist experiences.
 ADB will assist in strengthening the institutional capacity of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism
Development Board.
 The project will help develop a tourism strategy and marketing plan, focusing on district-level
destination management.
 These initiatives aim to boost tourism, making it more sustainable, inclusive, and economically
beneficial for local communities.
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About ADB
 Established in 1966, the ADB is a multilateral development bank with the mission to promote economic growth
and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
 Headquartered in Manila, Philippines, ADB comprises 68 member states and is governed by a board of governors,
funded by member contributions, retained earnings, and loan repayments.
 President: Masatsugu Asakawa
About Himachal Pradesh
• Capitals: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter) Chief minister: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
• Governor: Shiv Pratap Shukla
Gujarat: Ahmedabad Police to get high-tech Command and Control Centre with AI Integration
 The Ahmedabad Police has established a state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre in Gujarat
to enhance citizen safety and police capabilities.
 This facility features cutting-edge technologies and enables officers to monitor three locations
simultaneously for improved operational efficiency.
 Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration will allow the police to monitor social media and identify suspects
quickly, enhancing crime control.
 The AI system also utilizes video analytics to analyze CCTV footage, aiding in vehicle tracking and
identifying criminals even when license plates are unclear.
 This advanced setup will make the work of the officers easier and more efficient with the help of the
Artificial Intelligence Development Program.
 The high-tech centre was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the presence of Gujarat
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on October 3.
 This facility aims to strengthen city security and significantly boost police capacity in Ahmedabad.
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About Gujarat
Capital: Gandhinagar Governor: Acharya Devvrat Chief minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel
Gujarat Unveils Barda Jungle Safari: A New Wildlife Adventure
 Gujarat inaugurated the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary and Jungle Safari to enhance tourism and reduce
pressure on Sasan Gir.
 Spanning 192 square kilometers, the sanctuary offers a unique view of 22 mammal species, including
Asiatic Lions, leopards, and 269 bird species like peacocks and Indian paradise flycatchers.
 The safari covers the Bhanwad-Ranavav area and runs along the Kilganga River, promising a rich
encounter with diverse flora and fauna.
 The sanctuary hosts 368 plant species and aims to boost wildlife conservation efforts in Gujarat.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The initiative is part of the government’s broader focus on conservation, led by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
 The Barda Jungle Safari aims to attract tourists and create a new wildlife adventure experience.
Home minister Amit Shah unveils Gujarat’s largest waste-to-energy power plant
 Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a 15 MW waste-to-energy power plant in Ahmedabad,
Gujarat.
 The plant, set up under the PPP model near Piplaj village, was built at a cost of ₹375 crore.
 This facility is Gujarat's largest waste-to-energy power plant, as per the State government.
 The inauguration took place in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Health Minister
Rushikesh Patel.
 The plant will generate electricity using solid waste, contributing to sustainable energy in the State.
Gujarat govt unveils new Textile Policy
 Gujarat's new textile policy offers 10% to 35% capital subsidy, replacing the previous 5-6% interest
subsidy.
 Power subsidy of ₹1 per unit introduced for the first time.
 Launched by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel during Udyog Saahasikta Divas to boost
competitiveness, sustainability, and employment.
 Focuses on garments, technical textiles, weaving, knitting, and MMF production, with an emphasis
on technical textiles for industries like automotive, healthcare, and infrastructure.
 Capital Subsidy ranges from 10% to 35% of eligible fixed capital investment (eFCI), capped at ₹150
crore.
 Interest Subsidy of 5% to 7% for up to 8 years.Power Tariff Subsidy of ₹1/unit for five years.
 Payroll assistance of ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per month per worker, with additional support for female
workers.
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Banjara Virasat Museum in Pohardevi in Maharashtra
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Banjara Virasat Museum in Pohardevi, Washim,
Maharashtra, celebrating the heritage of the Banjara community.
 The four-story museum features 13 galleries showcasing the Banjara legacy and the portraits of
community leaders.
 The Prime Minister addressed a function in Washim to launch initiatives worth ₹23,300 crore related to
the agricultural and animal husbandry sectors.
 The museum highlights the cultural and historical significance of the Banjara community.
 The initiatives launched aim to enhance the agricultural and animal husbandry sectors in Maharashtra.
 The museum and initiatives reflect the government's focus on preserving cultural heritage and
supporting rural development.
 The Banjara Virasat Museum serves as a tribute to the Banjara community's contributions to Indian
culture and society.
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About Maharshtra
Chief minister: Eknath Shinde Capital: Mumbai Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan
Maharashtra Minister Announces ₹15 Crore Grant for Water Sports Tourism
 Maharashtra’s Rural Development and Tourism Minister Girish Mahajan announced a grant of ₹15
crore for the development of water sports tourism at Mehrun Lake in Jalgaon.
 He made the announcement during the inauguration of Maharashtra's first Aquafest, a three-day water
tourism festival.
 Additionally, ₹20 crore has been sanctioned for the development of Chowpatty at Mehrun Lake.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
India Inaugurates First Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers in Pune
 India's first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers was inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh in Jejuri,
Pune, showcasing indigenous technology for Polylactic Acid (PLA) bioplastic production.
 The facility, built by Praj Industries, marks India's commitment to sustainable solutions and the
transition from fossil-based plastics to eco-friendly alternatives.
 Dr. Singh highlighted India's growing Bioeconomy, which reached $150 billion in 2023 and is projected
to hit $300 billion by 2030.
 Green Growth and initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make-in India, and Lifestyle for the
Environment (LiFE) emphasize biosafety, ethics, and sustainable growth.
 The BioE3 Policy approved by the government focuses on addressing climate change, resource
depletion, and waste generation.
 India ranks 12th globally and 3rd in Asia-Pacific in biotechnology, with over 8,500 biotech startups
as of 2023, up from just 50 in 2014.
 India is the largest vaccine manufacturer and has the 3rd largest startup ecosystem, with 95 bio
incubators.
‘Nijut Moina’ scheme: First instalment of monthly stipend handed over to girl students in Assam
 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma distributed the first instalment of stipends to girl students
under the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme.
 The scheme, launched in August 2024, supports girl students from Class 11 to post-graduation to
promote women's education and prevent child marriages.
 The stipend amounts are ₹1,000 per month for higher secondary students, ₹1,250 for degree students,
and ₹2,500 for post-graduation students.
 All girl students in government institutions, except those in private colleges, will be eligible for the scheme,
irrespective of their financial background.
 The stipend will be credited directly into the bank accounts of students for 10 months each year, with
a break during June and July.
 Married women pursuing post-graduation or B.Ed are eligible, but those marrying before completing
under-graduation will lose the stipend.
 An estimated ₹1,500 crore is needed over five years to benefit around 10 lakh girls, with a first-year
expenditure of ₹300 crore covering about two lakh girls.
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About Assam
Capital: Dispur Chief minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma Governor: Lakshman Acharya
8 products used by Assam tribe, including traditional food items, granted GI tag
 The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai granted GI tags to eight products from Assam,
including traditional food items and rice beer varieties.
 Three rice beer variants received GI tags, filed by the Bodo Traditional Brewers Association:
1. Bodo Jou Gwran, with the highest alcohol content (16.11%).
2. Maibra Jou Bidwi, served as a welcome drink by the Bodo tribes.
3. Bodo Jou Gishi, another traditionally fermented rice beer.
 The Bodo community believes rice beer originated from Lord Shiva and is consumed as a medicinal
drink.
 Four food products filed by the Association of Traditional Food Products also received GI tags:
1. Bodo Napham, made with fermented fish.
2. Bodo Ondla, a rice powder curry with garlic, ginger, and alkali.
3. Bodo Gwkha, prepared during the Bwisagu festival.
4. Bodo Narzi, a semi-fermented food made from jute leaves, rich in Omega 3 and minerals.
 The Bodo Aronai, a traditional cloth, also received a GI tag, filed by the Association of Traditional Bodo
Weavers.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
Odisha plans wind, solar projects for ₹4,671 crore
 Odisha's Single Window Committee (SWC) approved ₹4671.81 crore worth of investment proposals in
the renewable energy sector.
 The approval was granted during the seventh SWC meeting, chaired by Hemant Sharma, principal
secretary of the energy department.
 The projects approved include 749.5MW of renewable energy projects.
 A 600MW pumped storage plant (PSP) by OHPC in Kalahandi district was approved.
 Three wind power projects totaling 148.5MW by ONGC Tripura Power Company in Nabarangpur,
Khordha, and Jagatsinghpur districts received approval.
 A 1.4MW rooftop solar project in Bhubaneswar was also greenlit.
 These investments align with Odisha's goal to achieve 10 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
 The projects reflect Odisha's commitment to expanding its renewable energy infrastructure.
 The initiative supports the state’s sustainable energy development efforts.
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About Odisha
Chief minister: Mohan Charan Majhi Capital: Bhubaneswar Governor: Raghubar Das
Nagaland Partners with Wales for 25th Hornbill Festival
 The Nagaland government has signed Wales as a Country Partner for the 25th Edition of the Hornbill
Festival.
 Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, during his official visit to Wales, announced the partnership with the Welsh
Government, British Council, and Wales Arts International.
 The partnership will mark the conclusion of the Wales in India 2024 celebration.
 The partnership is seen as a platform to exchange ideas and experiences between both regions.
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About Nagaland
Capital: Kohima Chief minister: Neiphiu Rio Governor: La. Ganesan
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal gives approval to investment promotion scheme
 Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme 2024 (RIPS-2024) was approved by Chief Minister Bhajanlal
Sharma during a cabinet meeting.
 The scheme aims to attract investments for the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit from
December 9-11, 2024.
 RIPS-2024 is considered the most attractive investment promotion scheme in the country, offering
significant incentives.
 The minimum investment limit for incentives has been reduced to ₹25 crore for most sectors and ₹10
crore for tourism units.
 New sectors like aerospace, defense, drones, semiconductors, agri-tech, and waste recycling are
included under RIPS-2024.
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About Rajasthan
Governor: Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde Chief minister: Bhajan Lal Sharma Capital: Jaipur
Rajasthan govt signs Rs 3 trillion green energy agreement with UAE
 Rajasthan government signed an MoU with the United Arab Emirates for a ₹3 lakh crore investment
in renewable energy.
 The investment aims to establish solar, wind, and hybrid projects of 60 GW capacity in the state’s
western districts.
 Rajasthan’s target is to contribute 250 GW towards India’s 500 GW solar energy goal set by the central
government.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 Rajasthan currently ranks first in India for renewable energy production due to favorable investment
policies.
 In the past 10 months, Rajasthan signed MoUs worth ₹2.24 lakh crore to set up 32,000 MW power plants.
 The UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner and plays a key role in the shift from traditional to
renewable energy.
Rajasthan Launches Investment Promotion Scheme 2024
 The Rajasthan government launched the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS) 2024 to
boost private investment across multiple sectors.
 It is an upgrade from RIPS 2022, introduced ahead of the ‘Rising Rajasthan’ Global Investment
Summit in December 2024.
 RIPS 2024 aims to attract investment with enhanced financial incentives for a broader range of sectors,
supporting both new and existing businesses.
 It includes new sunrise sectors like Aero & Space, Defence, Drones, Semiconductors, Agri-Tech,
and Waste Recycling.
 Offers a 25% additional sunrise booster for the first three units in sunrise sectors, along with existing
subsidies.
 Expands to new manufacturing areas like Construction Equipment, Pumped Hydro Storage, and
Electrolyser Manufacturing.
 Focuses on service sectors like Higher Education, Knowledge-based industries, and Vocational
Training, and supports women-led startups.
 Investment MoUs worth ₹15 lakh crore were signed, reflecting strong investor confidence in Rajasthan.
 The Global Investment Summit (Dec 9-11, 2024) aims to showcase Rajasthan as a competitive
investment hub.
Rajasthan to launch new mineral policy to boost revenue, streamline mining
 Rajasthan plans to introduce a new mineral policy aimed at boosting mining revenue and optimizing
operations before the “Rising Rajasthan” summit in December.
 The policy focuses on zero-loss mining, advanced technologies, and sustainability to enhance
investment and employment, as stated by Principal Secretary of Mines T Ravikant.
 The goal is to increase the mining sector's contribution to Rajasthan's GDP from 3.4% in FY24 to 5%
by FY30 and 8% by FY47.
 The draft policy promotes domestic and foreign investment, joint ventures, and aims to curb illegal
mining while ensuring environmental protection.
 Sustainable practices like waste management, site reclamation, and ecosystem protection are key
elements of the policy.
 Rajasthan's mining sector currently produces 22 major and 36 minor minerals, generating over ₹7,460
crore in revenue in FY24.
 The policy aims to leverage new technology to expand the sector's potential and promote sustainable
mining practices.
Telangana becomes third state to start caste survey
 The Telangana government initiated a comprehensive caste-based household survey for targeted
and equitable resource distribution among all communities.
 Telangana becomes the third state to conduct such a survey after Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.
 The survey was part of the Congress party's election guarantees and will be conducted door-to-door.
 It aims to address socio-economic, educational, and employment opportunities for OBCs, SCs, STs,
and other weaker sections.
 The Planning Department has been appointed as the nodal department, and the survey will be
completed in 60 days.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The initiative aims to ensure justice and equitable resource distribution among various communities in
Telangana.
Learn Along:
About Telangana
Capital: Hyderabad Chief minister: Revanth Reddy Founded: 2 June 2014
The Second Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Star Party observed in Ladakh
 The second Star Party was held at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve from 29 September to 4 October 2024,
attracting expert astro-photographers and amateur astronomers.
 Organized by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in collaboration with BARC and the Department
of Wildlife Protection of UT Ladakh, it was attended by over 45 astronomy enthusiasts from across
India.
 Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR), known for its exceptionally dark night skies, is a prime location for
astro-tourism and serious astronomical observations.
 HDSR aims to preserve the darkness of the night sky by curbing light pollution and promoting astro-
tourism, training local villagers as HDSR Astronomy Ambassadors.
Madhya Pradesh: ‘Pink Alarms’ Installed for Women’s Safety
 Madhya Pradesh has introduced ‘pink alarms’ at the government district hospital and medical college in
Datia for women’s safety.
 This initiative follows the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata, raising
concerns about the safety of female staff.
 The pink alarm system, initiated by District Collector Sandeep Makin, triggers a siren, prompting
security personnel to reach the location within five minutes.
 Pink alarms are installed in the Maternity Ward, Trauma Center, and New OPD Block on all three floors.
 This is the first government hospital in Madhya Pradesh to provide such a facility for women's security.
 The alarm is meant to enhance quick response to emergencies, ensuring safety in public hospitals.
Learn Along:
About Madhya Pradesh
Capital: Bhopal Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel CM: Mohan Yadav
Nayab Singh Saini takes oath as Haryana CM along with 13 Ministers
 Nayab Singh Saini took oath as the Chief Minister of Haryana for the second term after the BJP retained
power in the third consecutive Assembly election.
 The new Ministry consists of 13 members, including two women, with Governor Bandaru Dattatreya
administering the oath.
 The Other Backward Classes (OBC) have the highest representation, with five ministers, while two
members from Jat and Scheduled Caste communities were included.
Learn Along:
About Haryana
Chief minister: Nayab Singh Saini Governor: Bandaru Dattatreya Capital: Chandigarh
Haryana govt implements sub classification of Scheduled Castes
 The Nayab Singh Saini-led Haryana Cabinet announced the implementation of the Supreme Court’s
order on sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) on October 17, 2024.
 The decision aims to enhance Dalit outreach by providing 20% reservation for SCs in government jobs
and education, with a 10% sub-quota for ‘deprived SCs.’
 It follows the Supreme Court’s August 1 verdict, allowing states to create sub-classifications within SC
quotas based on quantifiable data to uplift underprivileged castes.
 The 2020 Bill proposed increasing the sub-quota for ‘deprived SCs’ in government education within the
20% SC quota.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 According to the 2011 Census, SCs comprise 20.2% of Haryana’s population, with Jatavs forming nearly
50% of the SC population.
Uttarakhand Madrasa Board planning to introduce Sanskrit education
 The Uttarakhand Madrasa Board is planning to introduce Sanskrit education as an optional subject
in over 400 madrasas across the state.
 The introduction of the NCERT syllabus in madrasas has already shown success, with a pass rate over
96%, highlighting the potential of madrasa students.
 The 'modern madrasas' initiative aims to provide a balanced curriculum, offering students broader
opportunities beyond traditional theological education.
Learn Along:
About Uttarakhand
Capital: Dehradun Chief Minister : Pushkar Singh Dhami Governor: Lt. Gen (Retd.) Gurmeet singh
8th Uttarakhand Bird Festival
 The 8th Uttarakhand Bird Festival was held from October 18-20, 2024, at Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
near Mussoorie, showcasing 95 bird species and 22 butterfly species.
 Notable sightings included the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Long-tailed Broadbill, and Wallcreeper,
with the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide indicating possible shifts in foraging habits.
 The event emphasized zero-waste, with 450 students from 22 schools participating in science-centric
activities to promote sustainability and nature awareness.
 Uttarakhand is home to over 690 bird species, making it a prime location for birdwatchers and
conservationists.
 The festival highlighted the role of citizen science in wildlife conservation, encouraging local communities
to contribute data for conservation strategies.
 Such events aim to raise awareness, foster a conservation culture, and inspire future generations to
protect avian habitats.
India’s First Writers’ Village
 Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, will inaugurate ‘Writers’ Village’
(Lekhak Gaon) near Dehradun, marking a major cultural milestone.
 It is India’s first dedicated space for writers and artists to gather, create, and collaborate.
 The inauguration will include figures like former President Ram Nath Kovind, Uttarakhand Governor
Gurmeet Singh, and CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, launching a three-day International Literature, Art,
and Culture Festival.
 The festival will have representatives from over 65 countries, with 40 countries attending on-site,
promoting cultural exchange.
 The village will host regular events, workshops, and residencies, fostering a vibrant literary
community in the Himalayan region.
Manipur: Mera Hou Chongba festival
 Mera Hou Chongba Festival 2024 was observed in Imphal, Manipur, promoting harmony between
indigenous communities of the hills and the valley.
 The main event took place at Kangla, a significant holy site in Imphal.
 It symbolizes cultural exchange and fosters unity among different communities in Manipur.
 Mera Hou Chongba is the only festival in Manipur where both hill and valley communities celebrate
together.
 It serves as an important platform for mutual understanding and cooperation among diverse
communities.
Learn Along:

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
About Manipur
Capital: Imphal Governor: Lakshman Acharya Chief minister: N. Biren Singh
T.N. declares heatwaves a State-specific disaster
 Tamil Nadu government declared heatwaves as a State-specific disaster, offering ₹4 lakh ex-gratia
to families of those dying from heat-related causes, including relief workers.
 The decision allows for immediate relief to those affected by extreme heat, especially during April and
May 2024.
 Relief measures will be funded by the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
 The state recorded temperatures exceeding 40°C, significantly impacting public health, particularly the
elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
 Relief efforts include medical care, oral rehydration salts (ORS), and drinking water kiosks in affected
areas.
 Urban heat islands worsened conditions in urban centers like Chennai, Madurai, and Thoothukudi.
 Barren rocky hillocks in regions like Madurai, Tiruchi, Vellore, Namakkal, Dindigul, and Krishnagiri
further aggravated heat by radiating warmth at night.
Learn Along:
About Tamil Nadu
Capital: Chennai Chief minister: M K Stalin Governor: R. N. Ravi
A.P. govt., Meta agree for service delivery through WhatsApp
 Andhra Pradesh's ITE&C Department has partnered with Meta to deliver citizen services via
WhatsApp Business Solution.
 The collaboration aims to deploy e-governance systems, promoting efficient and citizen-centric
services.
 The initiative facilitates seamless communication between the government and citizens through
WhatsApp.
 Initially, 13 departments will use WhatsApp for delivering various services.
 The partnership aligns with the government's plan to introduce 100 services by November 31, 2024 in
Phase-I.
Learn Along:
About Andhra Pradesh
Governor: S. Abdul Nazeer Capital: Amaravati CM: N. Chandrababu Naidu
Kerala launches Citizen Sentinel app to keep tabs on traffic rule violations
 Kerala’s Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar launched the Citizen Sentinel app on October 18,
2024, enabling the public to report traffic rule violations.
 The app allows users to upload photos and videos (up to 8 MB) of violations, which will be verified by
the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD).
 After verification, e-challans will be sent to vehicle owners for the reported violations.
 The app, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), is part of Kerala's 100-day action plan.
Learn Along:
About Kerala
CM:Pinarayi Vijayan Governor:Arif Mohammed Khan Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala Launches India’s First Supercapacitor Manufacturing Facility
 Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated India’s first supercapacitor manufacturing
facility at Keltron Component Complex Limited (KCCL) in Kannur.
 Keltron, founded in 1974, is a leading government-run company in the electronics and IT sectors, and
this facility strengthens its position.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The ₹42 crore facility was developed with help from ISRO and will support industries like defence and
electric vehicles.
 The Kerala government plans to invest ₹1,000 crore to further develop the electronics sector, including
new infrastructure projects.
 Supercapacitors are crucial for industries needing fast energy solutions, such as electric vehicles,
defence, and space missions.
 KCCL aims to produce 2,000 supercapacitors daily, generating an estimated revenue of ₹22 crore per
year.
 The project highlights the collaboration between the government and industry leaders to promote
Kerala’s growth in high-tech electronics.
 The facility positions Kerala as a key hub in India’s electronics manufacturing industry, with plans for
future expansion.
MISSION BASUNDHARA 3 aims to provide land rights to Indigenous people
 Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launched Mission Basundhara 3.0 in Guwahati to grant land rights
to indigenous people.
 The mission aims to digitize land-related services and publish maps for public benefit.
 The CM also unveiled Digidoc, a digital directory for managing non-registrable and optional registrable
documents.
 Digidoc is expected to enhance service efficiency, reduce processing time, and improve public
convenience.
 The Assam government initiated Mission Basundhara in 2021 to address land rights issues, particularly
for indigenous communities.
 This effort was launched soon after Sarma assumed office, marking a significant move after 75 years of
independence.
 In Mission Basundhara 1, the state disposed of eight lakh applications within nine months.
 Mission Basundhara 3.0 continues these efforts, emphasizing land digitization and improved
accessibility.
 The initiative aligns with the government's goal of streamlined land administration in Assam.
Learn Along:
About ASSAM
Capital: Dispur Chief minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma Governor: Lakshman Acharya
REPORTS AND INDEXES

Abu Dhabi named world's wealthiest city with US$ 1.7 trillion
 Abu Dhabi is ranked as the world’s richest city in terms of Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs), managing
US$ 1.7 trillion as of October 2024.
 Cities following Abu Dhabi include Oslo, Beijing, Singapore, Riyadh, and Hong Kong, collectively
holding US$ 12.5 trillion, or two-thirds of global SWF wealth.
 Abu Dhabi’s SWFs include ADIA, Mubadala, ADIC, ADQ, Lunate, ADFD, Tawazun, and EIA.
 Abu Dhabi’s total public capital, including Central Banks (CBs) and Public Pension Funds (PPFs), is
estimated at US$ 2.3 trillion, projected to reach US$ 3.4 trillion by 2030.
 The report provides insights into Abu Dhabi’s history, tribes, government bodies, and key leaders,
along with public finances, fiscal balances, and debt.
 Abu Dhabi’s asset owners include SWFs, CBUAE, ADDoF, PPFs like ADPF and GPSSA, and Royal
Private Offices (RPOs).
 The report also offers an overview of investments by Abu Dhabi funds and a detailed playbook of all
major asset owners.
 99 companies listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) are included in the analysis.
World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature’s Living Planet Report 2024

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The Living Planet Report 2024 by World Wide Fund (WWF) reveals a 73% decline in wildlife
populations from 1970-2020, compared to a 69% decline in 2022.
 The report highlights the need for a significant “collective effort” in the next five years to address the
climate and nature crises.
 The Living Planet Index (LPI), provided by the Zoological Society of London, tracks 35,000 population
trends of 5,495 species.
 The sharpest decline is in freshwater ecosystems at 85%, followed by terrestrial ecosystems at 69%
and marine ecosystems at 56%.
 Habitat loss and degradation, primarily due to farming practices and food consumption, are the
leading threats to wildlife.
 Other significant threats include over-exploitation, invasive species, and diseases.
 Declines in wildlife populations serve as an early warning sign of increasing extinction risks and loss
of healthy ecosystems.
 The report emphasizes the catastrophic consequences of ecosystem loss for both people and nature
worldwide.
Learn Along:
About World Wide Fund
Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland Founded: 29 April 1961 Director General: Kirsten Schuijt
Global Hunger Index 2024
 In the 2024 Global Hunger Index, India ranks 105th out of the 127 countries with sufficient data to
calculate 2024 GHI scores.
 With a score of 27.3 in the 2024 Global Hunger Index, India has a level of hunger that is serious.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
Minority report: Unemployment rate among

religious minorities up in 2023-24
 Joblessness among India's minorities

increased in 2023-24, despite an unchanged
national unemployment rate for the first time in
five years.
 The unemployment rate was highest among
Sikhs (5.8%), followed by Christians, with
Muslims seeing the sharpest increase from
2.4% to 3.2%.
 Hindus experienced a marginal decline of 0.1
percentage point in their unemployment rate
during the same period.
 The unemployment rate for all religious
segments declined compared to the pre-Covid
year 2019-20, with Muslims having the lowest
rate among minorities.
 Disguised unemployment in rural areas
contributed to lower unemployment rates, while
urban areas saw higher joblessness among
minorities.
 The labour force participation rate (LFPR)
increased across communities, but Muslims and
Sikhs remained below the national average.
 A higher proportion of Christians and Sikhs were
in salaried jobs, while Muslims had the steepest
decline in regular wage employment from 21.5%
in 2019-20 to 18% in 2023-24.
 Literacy rates improved for all communities, but
Muslims had the lowest literacy rate, rising from
75% in 2019-20 to 77.6% in 2023-24.
 Sikhs saw the largest increase in literacy by 3.7
percentage points, while Hindus experienced the
least increase.
 Muslim poverty remains higher than other
communities, despite their lower unemployment rate,
as they tend to accept lower-paying jobs to avoid unemployment.
 Cultural factors contribute to the lower unemployment rate among Muslim women, as many are reluctant
to seek employment.
 The overall trend shows a decline in regular salaried jobs across all religious communities, with the
steepest drop among Muslims.
All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey (NAFIS) 2021-22 by NABARD
 The NAFIS 2021-22 survey by NABARD reported that the proportion of rural households with
outstanding debt increased from 47.4% in 2016-17 to 52.0% in 2021-22, despite a 57.5% rise in their
average monthly income.
 The average monthly income of rural households grew from Rs 8,059 in 2016-17 to Rs 12,698 in
2021-22, with a CAGR of 9.5%, outpacing the nominal GDP growth rate of 9%.
 Average monthly expenditure for rural households rose from Rs 6,646 to Rs 11,262 during the same
period, indicating higher spending patterns.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The average size of land owned by rural households decreased from 1.08 hectares in 2016-17 to 0.74
hectares in 2021-22.
 The share of food in the consumption basket of rural households declined from 51% in 2016-17 to 47%
in 2021-22.
 Financial savings among rural households increased to Rs 13,209 in 2021-22 from Rs 9,104 in 2016-
17, with 66% of households reporting savings compared to 50.6% earlier.
 The proportion of agricultural households taking loans from institutional sources rose from 60.5% in
2016-17 to 75.5% in 2021-22.
 Households with pension recipients grew from 18.9% in 2016-17 to 23.5% in 2021-22, highlighting
increased access to social security.
 The NAFIS survey collected data from over one lakh households, focusing on the economic and
financial status of rural India for the period July 2021 to June 2022.
Learn Along:
About NABARD
Established: 12 July 1982 Chairman: Mr. Shaji K V Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Expect Indian apparel exporters to post 9-11% revenue growth in FY25: ICRA
 Indian apparel exporters are expected to witness a 9-11% revenue growth in FY25, driven by retail
inventory replenishment and global sourcing shift to India, as per ICRA.
 Long-term prospects are favorable due to factors like evolving consumer trends, the production-linked
incentive (PLI) scheme, export incentives, and proposed FTAs with the UK and EU.
 The projected growth follows a weak performance in FY24, affected by high inventory levels, sluggish
demand, supply chain disruptions (e.g., Red Sea crisis), and increased competition.
 Capex spending is anticipated to rise in FY25 and FY26, ranging from 5-8% of turnover, driven by
demand revival.
 Despite revenue growth, operating margins may contract by 30-50 bps YoY in FY25 due to rising labor,
freight, and other operating costs.
 Geo-political tensions in Bangladesh could shift capacity expansion to India, supporting Indian growth.
 However, Bangladesh maintains competitiveness due to labor availability and preferential duty access
to the US and EU.
 The PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel scheme is expected to boost India's presence in
the global apparel market, particularly in the man-made fiber value chain.
Rising deficit and debt puts Indian states under fiscal strain: NSE Report
 The NSE's State of States report highlights fiscal challenges, with states' fiscal deficits exceeding
recommended limits and rising debt-to-GDP ratios in FY25.
 The foodgrain production target for FY25 is set at 341.55 million tonnes, a 2.71% increase over the
previous year, with significant growth expected in pulses, oilseeds, and maize production.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 21 states, representing 95% of India's GDP, are analyzed, with an expected average GDP growth of
11.2% in FY25, lower than the 11.8% in FY24.
 The fiscal deficit for FY25 is projected at 3.2% of GSDP, surpassing the 3% threshold recommended
by the 15th Finance Commission.
 Capital expenditure growth is anticipated to slow to 6.5% in FY25, down from 39.3% in FY24, due to
declining revenue receipts.
 Market loans are expected to finance 79% of the fiscal deficit, with gross borrowings projected to rise by
7% to ₹10.8 trillion.
 Heavily indebted states like Punjab, Bihar, and West Bengal face debt-to-GDP ratios exceeding 40%,
limiting funds for development.
 The report calls for fiscal consolidation, reducing contingent liabilities, and improving fiscal credibility
for better financial stability.
 Effective risk-based pricing for state development loans (SDLs) and a clear consolidation roadmap
are suggested to improve states' fiscal health.
India poised to be 3rd largest economy, rising population a challenge: S&P
 India is set to become the third-largest global economy by 2030, but rising population presents
challenges in basic service coverage and investment needs, according to S&P Global Ratings.
 India's economy is projected to grow from $3.6 trillion today to $30 trillion by 2047, making it the fastest-
growing major economy over the next three years.
 India's inclusion in JP Morgan's Government Emerging Market Bond Index (2024) could unlock
significant domestic capital resources and boost government funding.
 By 2035, emerging markets will drive 65% of global economic growth, with India, China, Vietnam, and
the Philippines leading in the Asia-Pacific region.
 India is expected to face population challenges, becoming the world's most populous country by 2035,
requiring increased investment to maintain productivity.
 India's economic growth will also be fueled by capital expenditure increases, helping improve its fiscal
flexibility for long-term growth.
 Moody’s projects India's real GDP growth at 7.2% in 2024 and 6.6% in 2025, driven by rising household
incomes and demand for energy-intensive products.
 The country's fast-growing economy and expanding population will continue to increase demand for
carbon-intensive products, despite advancements in renewable energy.
2024 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)
 The 2024 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report examines the link between violent
conflict and multidimensional poverty across countries over time.
 The Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) is the primary source, complemented by analyses using
other conflict datasets.
 Findings indicate that MPI values are higher in conflict-affected areas, with protracted conflicts causing
poverty to be reversed, stagnant, or slow to reduce.
 The updated MPI database includes data from 20 new countries, covering 112 countries and 1,359
subnational regions.
 1.1 billion people out of 6.3 billion live in acute multidimensional poverty, with over half being children.
 Key deprivations involve lack of adequate housing, sanitation, electricity, nutrition, and school
attendance.
 Addressing global poverty requires focus on individuals in violent conflict settings, emphasizing the "last
mile" of poverty elimination.
 The report underlines the need for targeted interventions in conflict-prone regions to achieve effective
poverty reduction.
 It highlights that sustainable development is closely tied to managing and reducing the impacts of
conflict on poverty.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
Findings:
Who are the poorest? What deprivations do poor people experience?
 Over half of the 1.1 billion poor people are  Large proportions of the 1.1 billion poor people
children under the age of 18 (584 million). lack adequate sanitation (828 million), housing
Globally,27.9 percent of children live in poverty, (886 million) and cooking fuel (998 million).
compared with 13.5 percent of adults.  Well over half of the 1.1 billion poor people live
 83.7 percent of poor people live in rural areas. with a person who is undernourished in their
Across all world regions people in rural areas household (637 million). In South Asia 272
are poorer than people in urban areas. Overall, million poor people live in households with at
28.0 percent of the global rural population are least one undernourished person, and in Sub-
poor, compared with 6.6 percent of the urban Saharan Africa 256 million do.
population.  Around half of all poor people lack electricity
 83.2 percent of the world’s 1.1 billion (579 million), and over half live in a household
multidimensionally poor people live in Sub- where no one has completed six years of
Saharan Africa and South Asia. Sub- Saharan schooling (590 million).
Africa has 553 million people living in poverty,  Nearly half of all poor people do not have an
and South Asia, 402 million. improved source of drinking water (513 million).
 Nearly two- thirds of poor people live in  482 million poor people live in households
middleincome countries (749 million, 65.2 where one or more children are out of school.
percent).
How has poverty changed? Do conflict-affected countries fare worse in
poverty?
 Of 86 countries with harmonized data, 76  Of the 1.1 billion poor people, 218 million (19.0
significantly reduced poverty according to the percent) live in war- affected countries. Nearly
MPI value in at least one time period. 40.0 percent of poor people (455 million) live in
 Of 17 countries with trend data that end in countries experiencing war, fragility and/or low
2021/22 or later,7 spanning at least part of the peacefulness, according to at least one of three
COVID-19 pandemic, only 9 (Benin, Cambodia, widely used definitions.
Comoros, the Kingdom of Eswatini, Kenya,  While national rates vary, overall, in countries
Mozambique, the Philippines, the United affected by war (using conflict definitions from
Republic of Tanzania, and Trinidad and UCDP), the incidence of poverty is 34.8
Tobago) experienced significant reductions in percent, much higher than the 10.9 percent in
both MPI value and incidence of poverty. countries not affected by war or minor conflicts.
Multidimensional poverty is also more than
twice as high in fragile and conflictaffected and
low- peacefulness countries.
 On average, the percentage of poor people
deprived in each of the 10 global MPI indicators
is higher in conflict settings (as defined by
UCDP) than in other countries; deprivations in
nutrition, electricity, water and sanitation are
some of the most pronounced among poor
people in conflict settings. For example, in non-
conflict-affected countries 5.6 percent of the
population are poor and lack access to
electricity. In war- affected countries this figure
jumps to 26.9 percent. Similarly, while 4.4
percent of the population in non-
conflictaffected countries are poor and have a
child not attending school, the proportion
increases to 17.7 percent in war- affected
countries.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 Poverty reduction tends to be slowest in the

settings most affected by conflict — where
poverty is the highest. So, people living in these
contexts are being left behind in terms of
multidimensional poverty.
 In Afghanistan the incidence of poverty rose by
more than 5 percentage points from 2015/2016
to 2022/2023. In 2022/2023 nearly two- thirds
of Afghans were poor (64.9 percent), and
almost three of every five poor people were
children.
 The difficulty of gathering data in countries and
subregions affected by conflicts means that
multidimensional poverty is likely
underestimated.
MPI Indicators
Dimensions of Indicator Deprived if living in the household where… Weight

Poverty
Health Nutrition Any adult under 70 years of age or any child for whom there 1/6
is nutritional information is undernourished.
Child Any child under the age of 18 years has died in the family in 1/6
mortality the five-year period preceding the survey.
Education Years of No household member aged ‘school entrance age + six 1/6
schooling years or older has completed at least six years of schooling.
School Any school-aged child is not attending school up to the age 1/6
attendance at which he/she would complete class eight.
Standard of Cooking The household cooks with dung, wood, charcoal or coal. 1/18
living Fuel
Sanitation The household’s sanitation facility is not improved 1/18
(according to SDG guidelines) or it is improved but shared
with other households.
Drinking The household does not have access to improved drinking 1/18
Water water (according to SDG guidelines) or improved drinking
water is at least a 30-minute walk from home, round trip.
Electricity The household has no electricity. 1/18

Housing At least one of the three housing materials for roof, walls and 1/18
floor are inadequate: the floor is of natural materials and/or
the roof and/or walls are of natural or rudimentary materials.
Assets The household does not own more than one of these assets: 1/18
radio, television, telephone, computer, animal cart, bicycle,
motorbike or refrigerator, and does not own a car or truck.
Economic Freedom of the World: 2024 Annual Report

 The annual index published in Economic Freedom of the World measures the degree to which people in
165 jurisdictions around the globe are allowed to make their own economic choices.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 In the year with the most recent data (2022), the most-economically free jurisdictions were Hong Kong
(1st), Singapore (2nd), Switzerland (3rd), New Zealand (4th), the United States (5th), Denmark and Ireland
(tied for 6th), Canada (8th), and Australia and Luxembourg (tied for 9th).
 Averaging across all countries, global economic freedom increased from 2000 to 2019, but declined in
each of the three years since then, erasing more than a decade of gains.
 Compared with the 25 percent least-economically free places, in the freest places:
 GDP per person is 7.6 times greater;
 the poorest 10 percent earn eight times as much;
 the average person lives 16 years longer and is 40 percent more satisfied with his or her life;
 youth literacy is nearly universal and there is no gap between boys and girls;
 environments are cleaner; and
 people are more tolerant of other genders, minorities, and immigrants.
 Conversely, compared with the top 25 percent, in the 25 percent least economically-free countries:
 the infant mortality rate is nine times greater;
 extreme poverty is 30 times as common;
 two-and-a-half times as many children work;
 corruption is higher; and
 only 78 percent of girls aged 15 to 24 are literate.
WWF’s 2024 Living Planet Report
 WWF's 2024 Living Planet Report shows a decline in all indicators tracking global nature.
 The report uses the Living Planet Index, which monitors wildlife population sizes as a measure of
extinction risks and ecosystem losses.
 Wildlife populations have declined by an average of 73% over the past 50 years.
 Freshwater populations experienced the worst decline, reducing by 85%.
 Regions like Latin America and the Caribbean faced significant impacts, with climate change as the
primary cause.
 The report identifies five tipping points that could trigger severe consequences if crossed.
 Hurricane Milton was noted as the strongest Gulf of Mexico hurricane since Rita (2005) and the fifth
most intense in the Atlantic.
 Hurricane intensity is linked to low atmospheric pressure.
 Efforts to protect corals in Indonesia offer hope for climate resilience.
129 mn Indians living in extreme poverty in 2024: World Bank report
 129 million Indians are living in extreme poverty in 2024, earning less than $2.15 per day, down from
431 million in 1990.
 However, using the $6.85 per day poverty threshold, more Indians are below the poverty line now than
in 1990, driven by population growth.
 Extreme poverty in India declined by 38 million in 2021 but had risen during the previous two years.
 The report does not include the latest 2022-23 Household Consumption and Expenditure Survey due
to incomplete analysis.
 Global poverty reduction has nearly stalled, making 2020-2030 a "lost decade" for progress.
 At the current pace, it could take decades to eradicate extreme poverty and over a century to raise
people above $6.85 per day.
 India's contribution to global extreme poverty is expected to decline significantly over the next
decade.
 Changes in India's data collection methods could impact future poverty assessments.
 The MMRP recall period was used exclusively in the 2022-23 survey for improved data accuracy.
Climate change impact harsher on poorer farmers in India: FAO report

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October 2024
 Poor households globally lose 5% of their income from heat stress and 4.4% from floods annually,
as per the FAO report.
 The report titled "The unjust climate" was presented by FAO economist Nicholas Sitko in New Delhi,
focusing on the impact of climate change on rural poor.
 Climate stress affects on-farm income in India, with droughts forcing the poor to allocate more
resources to farming due to reduced off-farm employment.
 The income gap widens for households exposed to climate stressors compared to those that aren't,
linked to structural inequalities.
 The report suggests expanding social security and anticipatory social protection to support families
ahead of extreme weather.
 Livelihood support programs can reduce reliance on negative coping strategies and prevent poverty
escalation.
 Recommendations include workforce diversification, improving off-farm employment, and addressing
gender barriers in non-farm jobs.
 NITI Aayog's Ramesh Chand highlighted India's efforts like NICRA, agricultural district contingency
plans, and the employment guarantee scheme.
Poverty, Prosperity and Planet: Pathways out of the Polycrisis’ report
 129 million Indians are living in extreme poverty in 2024 (below $2.15/day), down from 431 million in
1990, according to the World Bank.
 With a higher poverty standard of $6.85/day, more Indians are below the poverty line in 2024 than in
1990, driven by population growth.
 Extreme poverty in India declined by 38 million in 2021, despite increases in the previous two years.
 The report, "Poverty, Prosperity and Planet," did not incorporate data from the 2022-23 Household
Consumption and Expenditure Survey (HCES).
 Global poverty reduction is stagnating, with 2020–2030 projected as a lost decade for progress.
 At the current rate, it will take decades to eradicate extreme poverty and over a century to achieve the
$6.85/day poverty threshold.
 India's contribution to global extreme poverty is expected to decline significantly over the next
decade, despite the global target of 3% remaining out of reach.
 Methodological changes in the 2022-23 HCES using the Modified Mixed Reference Period (MMRP)
for consumption data collection need careful evaluation.
The World Wildlife Fund’s 2024 Living Planet Index (LPI) report
 The 2024 Living Planet Index (LPI) by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) shows a 73% average decline
in wildlife populations since 1970, not indicating extinction or total species loss.
 This 73% decline reflects an average across 34,836 studied populations; it does not mean that 73% of
populations are in decline—50% declined, while 43% increased and 7% were stable.
 The 2022 LPI recorded a 69% decline, with the latest 4% difference due to changes in data access and
types of populations studied, not an accelerated decline.
 Recent changes include focusing only on native species, excluding non-native populations, which
affected trends, especially in Europe, Central Asia, and Africa.
 In Africa, a 45% rise in population data (mainly declining populations) led to a significant shift in the
regional LPI.
 Europe and Central Asia saw fewer populations counted due to the exclusion of non-native species,
altering the trend without actual population changes.
 50% of populations are declining, but targeted conservation efforts should focus on critically declining
populations rather than assuming all populations are affected.
 Efficient resource allocation towards the most vulnerable populations can enhance restoration and
conservation outcomes.

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October 2024
India Ranks 79th place in Rule of Law Index Ranking 2024
 India ranks 79th out of 142 countries in the 2024 Rule of Law Index by the World Justice Project,
reflecting governance, rights, and business environment.
 In governance, India ranks 60th in constraints on government powers and 44th in open government,
showing mixed progress.
 The country ranks 102nd in fundamental rights protection, indicating ongoing challenges in enforcing
citizens' rights.
 India is 98th in order and security, highlighting issues with law enforcement and public safety.
 The criminal justice system ranks 82nd, noted for slow processes and inefficiency, affecting public
confidence.
 In the business climate, India ranks 97th in absence of corruption, 78th in regulatory enforcement,
and 107th in civil justice delivery.
 Regionally, India ranks third in South Asia, behind Nepal (69) and Sri Lanka (75), but ahead of
Bangladesh (127) and Pakistan (129).
 G7 countries rank higher, with Germany (5th) leading, reflecting stronger rule of law frameworks
compared to India.
 The lowest rank is held by Venezuela (142nd), showing extreme governance challenges

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October 2024
IMF World Economic Outlook
 IMF's World Economic Outlook (WEO) maintained India's growth projections at 7% for FY 2024-25
and 6.5% for FY 2025-26.
 Global output is expected to grow at 3.2% in both 2024 and 2025, per the report.
 The decline in India’s growth from 8.2% in 2023 is due to the exhaustion of pent-up demand from the
pandemic.
 The U.S. economy is projected to grow at 2.8% in 2024 and 2.2% in 2025, showing an upward revision
from the July update.
 Global inflation is expected to reduce to 3.5% by 2025 from 9.4% in Q3 2022, as disinflationary measures
have prevented a global recession.
 The outlook is dominated by downside risks such as geopolitical tensions, protectionist policies, and
prolonged tight monetary policies.
 The Russia-Ukraine conflict and escalating West Asia tensions remain significant geopolitical risks
affecting global projections.
 The IMF’s ‘triple policy pivot’ includes moving towards a neutral monetary policy, building fiscal
buffers, and implementing structural reforms for productivity growth.
 Focus areas include aging populations, climate transition, and resilience building across global
economies.
Learn Along:
About IMF
Founded: July 1944 Managing Director: Kristalina Georgieva Headquarters: Washington, D.C.U.S.
2024 Global Nature Conservation Index
 India ranked 176th in the Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024 with a score of 45.5 out of 100,
placing it among the five worst performers.
 The NCI, launched in October, evaluates conservation using four markers: land management,
biodiversity threats, capacity and governance, and future trends.
 Developed by the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and BioDB.com, the NCI assesses
global conservation efforts to guide policies for long-term biodiversity protection.
 India's low rank is due to inefficient land management, high pesticide use, and minimal marine
conservation (only 0.2% of waterways protected).
 Major challenges include habitat loss, deforestation (23,300 sq. km lost from 2001-2019), and climate
change impacts on sensitive ecosystems like alpine regions and coral reefs.
 Despite 40% of marine and 65% of terrestrial species in Protected Areas, significant population declines
persist, highlighting concerns over biodiversity conservation.
 The findings align with India's struggles in SDG 14 (Life below water) and SDG 15 (Life on land),
emphasizing the need for better strategies.
 Stronger political will, enhanced laws, and funding are crucial to improving conservation outcomes and
achieving a more sustainable future.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Emissions Gap Report 2024
 India's GHG emissions rose by 6.1% in FY23, the steepest increase among major economies, compared
to China's 5.2% increase, as per the UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2024.
 India's GHG emission stands at 4,140 MtCO₂e, lower than China's 16,000 MtCO₂e and the US's 5,970
MtCO₂e, while the EU's emission is 3,230 MtCO₂e.
 The report warns that failure to cut global GHG emissions by 42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035 will make
the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target unattainable.
 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are crucial for achieving these cuts, with countries
expected to submit updated NDCs before COP30 in Brazil.
 Without stronger NDC targets, global temperatures could rise by 2.6-3.1°C by the end of the century,
causing severe impacts on ecosystems and economies.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 India's updated NDCs aim to reduce emissions, with potential

to lower G20 emissions by 0.8 GtCO₂e annually by 2030.
 The adoption of clean technology in countries like India and
China must outpace rising energy demand to achieve global
emission reduction.
 Natural factors, such as climate-induced declines in
hydropower, pose challenges to sustaining emission reductions.
 The report highlights a potential to cut emissions by 31
gigatons of CO₂e by 2030 and 41 gigatons by 2035, mainly
through solar and wind energy and forest conservation.
 Achieving these reductions is feasible with costs under $200 per
ton of CO₂e, focusing on renewable energy, energy
efficiency, and ecosystem restoration.
Income disparity declines 74.2% among those earning up to Rs 5 lakh
 A State Bank of India (SBI) report noted a 74.2% decline in income

disparity for those earning up to ₹5 lakh annually between FY14 and FY23.
 The income distribution curve shifted rightward from AY15 to AY24,
indicating increased income for lower-income groups, showing the impact of
government efforts at the bottom of the pyramid.
 For those earning up to ₹3.5 lakh, income disparity fell from 31.8% in FY14
to 12.8% in FY21, with a 19% income increase relative to their population.
 The lower-income group (< ₹5.5 lakh) showed consistent positive growth
over the last decade, except during AY20 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh have shown rising
shares in the income tax base, unlike saturated states like Maharashtra and
Delhi.
 Direct taxes contributed 56.7% to total tax revenue in AY24, the highest in
14 years, while the direct tax-to-GDP ratio reached 6.64%, the highest
since 2000-01.
 Income Tax Returns (ITRs) filed in AY24 reached 8.6 crore, with 79% filed
on or before the due date, a significant compliance improvement.
 The report attributes this progress to tax simplification, increased
compliance, and alignment with a progressive taxation regime.
 The findings debunk the myth of worsening inequality, highlighting the positive impact of tax policies on
income growth for lower-income groups.
Pew Research Centre report
 The US foreign-born population reached a record

47.8 million in 2023, an increase of 1.6 million
from the previous year, marking the largest annual
rise in over 20 years.
 Immigrants make up 14.3% of the US population,
the highest percentage since 1910 but still below
the peak of 14.8% in 1890.
 Mexico, India, and China are the top birthplaces of
immigrants in the US, with Mexico accounting for
10.6 million immigrants.
 Asian immigrants now represent 28% of the total
US immigrant population, while Latin America
(excluding Mexico) contributes 27%.

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October 2024
 The spike in immigration is attributed to the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which diversified
the sources of immigration from Asia and Latin America.
 India saw rising immigration, with 145,000 people migrating to the US in 2022 alone.
 Mexican immigration has slowed, with their share dropping from 29% in 2010 to 23% in 2022.
 As of 2022, 49% of immigrants are naturalized US citizens, while 23% are unauthorized.
 Immigrant populations are concentrated in states like California, Texas, Florida, and New York, with
63% living in 20 major metropolitan areas.
 Education levels vary, with 72% of South Asian immigrants holding a bachelor’s degree or higher,
while 51% of Mexican immigrants have not completed high school.
GNPA ratio to improve to decadal best of 2.5% in FY25: Crisil report
 Gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) for the banking system are projected to improve to a decadal
best of 2.5% in FY25 from 2.8% in FY24, according to Crisil.
 There are concerns about rising stress in unsecured loans (e.g., personal loans, credit cards) and
microfinance (MFI) loans.
 Credit growth is expected to moderate to 14% in FY25 from 16% in FY24, driven by slower economic
growth and regulatory measures on unsecured lending.
 Unsecured loan GNPAs are expected to rise from 1.5% to 2% in FY25, with loans unpaid for over 30
days also increasing.
 MFI credit costs are expected to rise from 2% to 3.5%, with collection efficiency dropping by 2-3%.
 Factors such as loan waivers, elections, and over-leveraged borrowers are impacting the MFI sector.
 Despite challenges in unsecured and MFI loans, the overall asset quality will benefit from improvements
in corporate sector exposure.
 Net interest margins are expected to dip by 0.20%, affecting profitability due to rising deposit costs.

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October 2024
 The gap between deposit growth and credit growth is narrowing, with deposits expected to grow close
to 14% in FY25.
2024 Best Countries ranking by US News & World Report
 The 2024 Best Countries ranking by US News & World Report evaluates countries based on factors
like quality of life, business climate, and cultural influence.
 The ranking, conducted with the Wharton School, surveyed 17,000 people from 89 countries between
March and May 2024.
 India performed in the 2024 Best Countries list, with its ranking across various categories:
Category
Rank
Overall rank 33
Adventure 58
Agility 40
Cultural influence 34
Entrepreneurship 32
Heritage 10
Movers 7
Open for business 46
Power 12
Quality of life 40
Social purpose 77
Category Top 5 Rankings Top 10 Overall Rankings

Overall Rank (2024) 1. Switzerland 1. Switzerland
2. Japan 2. Japan
3. United States 3. United States
4. Canada 4. Canada
5. Australia 5. Australia
6. Sweden
7. Germany
8. United Kingdom
9. New Zealand
10. Denmark
Best Countries for Quality of Life 1. Denmark
2. Sweden
3. Switzerland
4. Norway
5. Canada
Best Countries for Entrepreneurship 1. Germany
2. United States
3. Japan
4. United Kingdom
5. Switzerland

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
Category Top 5 Rankings Top 10 Overall Rankings

Best Countries for Cultural Influence 1. Italy
2. France
3. United States
4. Spain
5. Japan
Best Countries for Adventure 1. Brazil
2. Italy
3. Greece
4. Spain
5. Thailand
ICICI Lombard General Insurance's 7th edition of its India Wellness Index 2024
 Financial wellness has declined, especially among millennials, with a 6% drop in their financial health
due to lack of motivation and resources.
 Corporate employees saw a 7% drop in financial awareness and influence, and a 9% decline in access
to financial infrastructure, particularly in Tier 1 cities.
 Mental wellness is a concern across all age groups, with 80% of Indians reporting at least one stress
symptom, and 69% experiencing at least one symptom of depression.
 Heart health awareness is high, with 89% aware of heart disease symptoms, but only 25% accurately
identifying the correct symptoms.
 Millennials reported a 5% decline in physical and family wellness, while Gen Z showed 80% physical
wellness and 75% financial confidence.
 Family wellness saw a 5% decrease among millennials, with only 68% feeling they manage family
responsibilities well.
 Social media is a key platform for wellness information, with 70% of Indians using platforms like
Instagram and YouTube for physical and mental wellness advice.
 Varanasi and Chandigarh ranked highest in overall wellness, with 87% and 86% scores, respectively,
while the West zone lagged at 69%.
 Tier 1 cities reported lower financial and mental wellness, with 59% of corporate employees feeling
inadequate access to mental health resources.
Kerala Tops Urban Governance Index in India
 Kerala ranked first in the Urban Governance Index (UGI), recognized for its strengths in financial
management and local planning.
 The UGI is a study on city governance in India, taking two years to complete, and measures various
governance aspects. Kerala scored 59.31 out of 100, ahead of Odisha with 55.10.
 Kerala excelled in fiscal empowerment, scoring 23.22 out of 30, outperforming Maharashtra.
 Despite strong finances, Kerala ranked 20th in city administration empowerment, indicating room for
improvement in managing its cities.
 Kerala allows mayors to present an annual report on city commissioners, showcasing its progressive
local governance practices.
 Kerala is one of four states requiring city councillors to participate in deliberative committees, ensuring
active local governance.
 The state is adopting new technologies to enhance service delivery and city management.
 Challenges include vacant local government positions and the involvement of multiple agencies in city
functions, reducing the power of city governments.
 Kerala faces the common issue of a weak mayoral system, limiting mayors' decision-making powers.

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October 2024
 However, Kerala is a model for holding timely municipal elections, unlike other states where elections
are delayed.
Global Innovation Index 2024
 India secured the 39th position in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024 among 133 economies,
showcasing its strong innovation ecosystem supported by government policies, R&D investment, and
a collaborative environment.
 India’s rise from 81st in 2015 to 39th reflects its transformation into a global innovation leader, with a
robust intellectual property framework and entrepreneurship initiatives.
 India ranks 1st in Central and Southern Asia, 1st among lower-middle-income economies, and 4th
globally in the WIPO Science & Technology (S&T) Cluster Ranking, with cities like Mumbai, Delhi,
Bengaluru, and Chennai in the World’s Top 100 S&T clusters.
 Government initiatives like Start-Up India, Digital India, and the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) have
been crucial in fostering entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
 The Atal Innovation Mission has established 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs and incubated over 3,500
startups, creating 32,000 jobs in the ecosystem.
 India's growth is driven by a focus on public-private collaboration, intellectual property protection,
and scaling up innovation infrastructure.
 Programs like Startup India, launched in 2016, have recognized 1,49,414 startups by September 2024,
fueling the startup ecosystem.
 Digital India aims to build a digitally empowered society, promoting digital infrastructure, governance,
and citizen empowerment.
 India has been recognized alongside China, Turkey, and others as one of the fastest-rising economies
in innovation over the past decade.
 India’s continued focus on emerging technologies and inclusive growth will further enhance its global
competitiveness and influence in the global tech industry.
Bloomberg Billionaires’ Index
 Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, became the second richest person globally, with a net worth of $206
billion, surpassing Jeff Bezos.
 Elon Musk remains the richest with a net worth of $256 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires'
Index.
 Mrk Zuckerberg co-founded Facebook (now Meta) in 2004, and Meta now includes Instagram and
WhatsApp, boasting 4 billion monthly users and $134.9 billion in revenue in 2023.
 Elon Musk is predicted to become the first trillionaire by 2027, followed by Gautam Adani in 2028.
 Gautam Adani, currently the 17th richest with $100 billion, has an annual wealth growth rate of 123%.
 Mukesh Ambani, with $107 billion, is the richest Asian and Indian on the list.
 Other top 10 billionaires include Bernard Arnault (LVMH), Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Larry Page, Steve
Ballmer, and Larry Ellison.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY and ENVIRONMENT

Survey Discovers New Reptile and Amphibian Species
 A herpetofauna survey was conducted in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), specifically in the
Masinagudi Division, from September 7-9, 2024.
 The survey identified a total of 33 reptile species and 36 amphibian species, with four potentially new
species to science.
 The four new species discovered include two geckos (from the Cnemaspis and Hemidactylus genera),
one skink, and one frog from the Sphaerotheca genus.
 These species will undergo further taxonomic and molecular studies to confirm if they are new to
science.

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October 2024
 Several endangered species were observed, including the cave dancing frog (Micrixalus spelunca)
and Indraneil’s night frog (Nyctibatrachus indraneili).
 Other notable species recorded include the striped coral snake (Calliophis nigrescens), king cobra
(Ophiophagus hannah), and Nilgiri burrowing snake (Plectrurus perrotetii).
 The Masinagudi Division is ecologically important due to its diverse habitats, making it a biodiversity
hotspot with forests, shrub jungles, and water sources crucial for wildlife.
‘Most Dangerous Bird in the World’ Faces Extinction Threat
 The cassowary, often called the ‘most dangerous bird in the world’, is native to the rainforests of New
Guinea and northern Australia, but is now endangered due to hunting, habitat loss, and
fragmentation.
 There are less than 5,000 cassowaries left in Australia, and their loss poses a threat to the rainforests
as they are essential seed dispersers for native plants.
 World Cassowary Day is observed on September 26 to raise awareness about their importance and the
need for conservation.
 The southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) is the largest of the three species, found in lowland
rainforests and eucalyptus forests in Australia and New Guinea.
 Cassowaries are crucial to the ecosystem, helping maintain native plant diversity by dispersing seeds
across fragmented landscapes.
 A 2015 study highlighted that human activities like logging and hunting are critical threats to the
northern cassowary populations.
 The cassowary’s role as a frugivorous bird is vital for the health of rainforest ecosystems, and their
extinction would have severe consequences for forest regeneration
India's First 3D Selfie Science Museum Launched at IBR International Convocation
 India's first-ever 3D Selfie Science Museum was launched during the Annual International
Convocation of the India Book of Records (IBR).
 The museum offers an interactive way to explore scientific concepts, promoting a deeper interest in
science among students and learners.
 Esteemed guests from Nepal, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia participated, including notable figures
from the Vietnam Records Organization (VietKings).
 The event honored several record holders and achievers who exemplify perseverance and excellence,
both from India and abroad.
 IBR publishes an annual book with over 10,000 entries and holds monthly convocations to celebrate
record holders.
 The organization follows the International Protocol for New Records and nominates some record
holders for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Award.
 The launch of the 3D Selfie Science Museum marks a significant addition to the educational landscape,
inspiring innovation and scientific exploration.
Launch of BharatGen: The first Government-funded Multimodal Large Language Model Initiative
 BharatGen, a pioneering generative AI initiative, aims to revolutionize public service delivery and
enhance citizen engagement through language, speech, and computer vision models.
 It was inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, emphasizing India's leadership in homegrown AI
technologies, similar to achievements like UPI.
 BharatGen is the world’s first government-funded Multimodal Large Language Model project,
focusing on Indian languages and inclusivity.
 Spearheaded by IIT Bombay under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems
(NM-ICPS), it involves collaboration with premier institutes like IIIT Hyderabad, IIT Madras, and IIM
Indore.

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October 2024
 The project focuses on India's socio-cultural and linguistic diversity, supporting social equity and
cultural preservation through AI.
 BharatGen’s multilingual and multimodal models are built on India-centric datasets, enhancing data
sovereignty and accurate representation of Indian languages.
 It aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat, reducing reliance on foreign technologies and fostering a domestic AI
ecosystem for startups, industries, and government agencies.
 BharatGen promotes data-efficient learning, especially for languages with limited digital presence,
and fosters AI research through training programs and collaborations.
 The project is expected to be completed in two years with milestones extending up to July 2026, including
extensive AI model development and AI adoption across industries.
 It will democratize access to AI, allowing innovators, researchers, and startups to build AI applications
quickly and affordably.
ISRO plans to launch 112-day mission to the planet Venus in March 2028
 India's maiden mission to Venus is scheduled for launch in March 2028 with a 112-day journey to the
planet.
 The ₹1,236-crore Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) was recently approved by the Union Cabinet.
 The launch is set for March 29, 2028, with arrival at Venus on July 19, 2028.
 Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3) will place the spacecraft in an Elliptical Parking Orbit (EPO) of 170 km
x 36,000 km.
 Minimum energy requirement for the mission involves placing the spacecraft in an elliptical orbit of 500
x 60,000 km around Venus.
 The mission will use aerobraking over six to eight months to reach a Science Orbit of 200 x 600 km
for a five-year study.
 19 payloads will be onboard, including 16 Indian and 3 international or collaborative payloads.
 Key studies include examining Venus' atmosphere, mapping topography, and studying its interaction
with the sun.
 Objectives also cover analyzing Venusian airglow, solar X-ray spectrum, and sub-surface
characteristics.
ISRO, DBT ink deal to conduct experiments
 ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have signed an agreement for experiments to be
conducted on the upcoming Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India's indigenous space station,
expected between 2028-2035.
 Proposed experiments include effects of weightlessness on muscle loss, algae for nutrition, algae-based
jet fuel production, and radiation impact on astronauts' health.
 Gaganyaan Mission (India’s first crewed mission) is set for 2025-26, with three uncrewed test missions
planned beforehand, possibly featuring biology experiments.
 The International Space Station (ISS), operational since 1998, is set for decommissioning by 2030, while
China's Tiangong Station became fully operational in 2022.
 ISRO-DBT's collaboration aligns with the BIOE3 policy, which promotes bio-manufacturing to boost
India's bio-economy to $300 billion by 2030.
 This collaboration aims to foster innovations in human health research, novel pharmaceuticals,
regenerative medicine, and bio-waste management.
 The initiative is expected to support multiple start-ups in the space bio-manufacturing sector.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
Swallowtail butterflies in key Assam habitat face a citrus

worry
 India hosts 77 of the 573 swallowtail butterfly species

globally, with 69 species found in the northeastern part,
designated as a "swallowtail-rich zone" by the IUCN under
the Swallowtail Conservation Action Plan.
 A study in the Bodoland Territorial Region, Assam,
highlights the threat to swallowtail butterflies due to the
overexploitation of 25 host plant species valued for their
medicinal properties.
 Illegal cattle farming, agriculture, tea cultivation, illegal tree felling, and pesticide use are critical factors
contributing to the butterfly population's decline.
 Kushal Choudhury from Bodoland University authored the study, documenting 4,267 individuals
across 35 species; 3 species are endemic, and 12 enjoy federal protection.
 Butterflies are indicators of environmental health, and the
Bodoland region is vital for their larval host plants and adult
resources.
 The study area is part of the "citrus belt of the world", with
52 varieties of citrus species crucial for the Papilio genus'
larvae.
 Shrinking forested lands and overexploitation have
reduced the availability of wild citrus species, impacting
butterfly populations.
 The extensive harvesting of Aristolochiaceae plants has
decreased the density of Atrophaneura, Pachliopta, and
Triodes butterflies, which depend on these plants.
 The exploitation of Ligustrum cordatum has similarly
affected Lamproptera swallowtails, while Graphium species suffer from the loss of Lauraceae and
Magnoliaceae host plants.
 The study emphasizes the importance of host plants for the long-term survival and ecological well-being
of these butterfly species.
Indian Council of Medical Research signs MoU with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam to Boost Solar Power
Usage in Health Research Facilities
 ICMR signed an MoU with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) to promote sustainable energy in India's
healthcare and research sector.
 The partnership aligns with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision and aims to harness solar power for ICMR
institutes.
 NVVN will install, test, and maintain rooftop solar panels at 15 ICMR institutes, with a capacity of 4,559
KW.
 The project includes a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) ensuring a fixed solar tariff for the next 25
years.
 Seven ICMR institutes are already using solar power, and the MoU expands these efforts to more
facilities.
 This initiative will significantly reduce ICMR’s carbon footprint and energy costs.
 The collaboration supports India’s renewable energy goals and positions ICMR as a leader in green
energy adoption in biomedical research.
Learn Along
About ICMR
The Indian Council of Medical Research, the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion
of biomedical research, is one of the oldest and largest medical research bodies in the world.
Founded: 1911 Headquarters: New Delhi

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
PM E-DRIVE Scheme: Driving Towards a Greener Future
 The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme, with a
financial outlay of Rs. 10,900 crore, is active from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026.
 It aims to promote mass mobility through electric vehicles (EVs) by offering incentives for EV
purchases and developing charging infrastructure to reduce environmental impacts.
 The scheme includes subsidies for e-2 wheelers, e-3 wheelers, e-ambulances, e-trucks, and e-buses,
and emphasizes building a robust EV manufacturing ecosystem.
 Rs. 4,391 crore has been allocated for the procurement of 14,028 electric buses in nine major cities,
while Rs. 500 crore each is set aside for e-ambulances and e-trucks.
 Charging infrastructure development is a key focus, with plans to install 22,100 fast chargers for e-
4Ws, 1,800 for e-buses, and 48,400 for e-2Ws and e-3Ws, with a budget of Rs. 2,000 crore.
 Testing facilities will be upgraded with an investment of Rs. 780 crore to support green mobility.
 Only EVs with advanced batteries are eligible for demand incentives, with incentives set at Rs. 5,000
per kWh for FY 2024-25 and Rs. 2,500 per kWh for FY 2025-26.
 The scheme introduces e-Vouchers for customers to avail incentives, authenticated via Aadhaar and
processed through the PM E-DRIVE portal.
 This initiative supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat goal, promoting domestic manufacturing, job
creation, and investment in sustainable transportation.
 The scheme aims to advance India’s clean energy transition and fuel security, contributing to a
sustainable future for transportation in the country.
MSDE partners with Meta for AI Assistant in Skill India Mission and 5 Centers of Excellence in NSTIs
 The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) partnered with Meta to launch an AI
Assistant for the Skill India Mission and establish 5 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in Virtual Reality
(VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs).
 CoEs will be located in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jodhpur, Chennai, and Kanpur to provide immersive
skill development training using VR and MR technology.
 The AI chatbot, powered by Meta's Llama model, will enhance the Skill India Digital (SID) Portal by
offering 24/7 assistance, interactive Q&A, and personalized learning in English, Hindi, and Hinglish.
 The chatbot will allow users to search courses, find skill centers, explore job listings, and receive tailored
feedback, with Sarvam AI handling its development and pilot phase.
 The partnership aims to democratize access to AI and frontier technologies, supporting India’s AI
Mission and enabling socio-economic transformation.
 The CoEs will provide realistic simulations and increase engagement and accessibility to skill
development in a safe, immersive environment.
 The launch of the AI chatbot on the Skill India Digital Portal will further revolutionize learning and
improve student interaction with course content.
India has eliminated trachoma, says WHO
 WHO has officially recognized that India has successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health
problem.
 Trachoma is a bacterial infection that affects the eyes, leading to blindness if untreated.
 India is now the third country in the Southeast Asia Region to achieve this significant milestone.
Bihar gets green light for second tiger reserve in Kaimur
 The central government has given in-principle approval for Bihar's second tiger reserve in Kaimur
district, following a proposal from the Bihar government.
 The new Kaimur Tiger Reserve will join the existing Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), which currently
houses 54 tigers, exceeding its capacity of 45.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 National Tiger Conservation Authority's (NTCA) technical committee approved the proposal to develop
the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) into a tiger reserve.
 The decision addresses the growing tiger population at VTR, with plans to relocate some tigers to
Kaimur for sustainable management.
 KWLS will feature a buffer zone including the Shergarh Fort and 58 villages, adjusted following NTCA
objections to earlier proposals.
 The push for Kaimur's development as a tiger reserve began in 2018 after sightings of tigers and their
tracks were reported.
 This initiative represents a significant step towards wildlife conservation in Bihar, enhancing the state's
efforts in tiger protection and habitat development.
New X-Band Radar Approved for Wayanad Flood Monitoring
 In July 2024, floods and landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, killed over 200 people; an X-band radar will
be installed to improve weather tracking and provide early warnings.
 Radar stands for "radio detection and ranging", using radio waves to detect objects and measure
distance and speed.
 Doppler radar helps in tracking cloud movement, direction, and rainfall intensity by measuring
changes in signal frequency.
 X-band radar operates in the 8-12 GHz range, providing high-resolution images but with a shorter
range, and will monitor soil movement in Wayanad.
 India's radar network dates back to the 1950s and includes X-band and S-band radars; plans are
underway to install 60 new weather radars by 2026 under Mission Mausam.
 The NISAR project, a collaboration between NASA and ISRO, will use synthetic aperture radar to map
Earth's surface, focusing on land changes; launch expected in 2025.
 NISAR will employ both L-band and S-band frequencies for detailed monitoring of deforestation and
soil movement.
India to seek certification from WHO for eliminating Kala-azar
 India is nearing the elimination of Kala-azar as a public health problem, having maintained cases below
1 in 10,000 for two years, a criterion set by the WHO.
 Kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) is the second deadliest parasitic disease after malaria; in 2023, India
recorded 595 cases and four deaths, while in 2024, 339 cases and one death were reported.
 If this trend continues for another year, India could seek elimination certification from the WHO, following
Bangladesh, which achieved this milestone in 2023.
 Kala-azar is transmitted by female sandflies, with symptoms like fever, weight loss, enlarged
spleen/liver, and anaemia; it is fatal in over 95% of untreated cases.
 The National Health Policy (2002) aimed for elimination by 2010, later revised to 2020, with WHO now
targeting 2030 for full eradication.
 Key efforts include active case detection, vector control, and community awareness in affected states
like Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh.
 Strategies involve early diagnosis, integrated vector management, supervision, monitoring, and
advocacy for sustained impact.
 Continued focus on poverty reduction, sanitation, rapid diagnosis, and treatment access is crucial for
sustaining elimination gains and ensuring long-term success.
Kaziranga Has Been Named Second Largest Butterfly Diversity Hub Of India
 Kaziranga National Park is now recognized as India's second-largest butterfly diversity hotspot, with
446 butterfly species, following Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh.
 This discovery, led by Dr. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi, a researcher since 2007, highlights Kaziranga's
abundant biodiversity outside typical species-rich areas like the Himalayan and Patkai ranges.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The study identified 18 new butterfly species in Kaziranga, including notable ones like Burmese
Threering, Glassy Cerulean, and Peacock Oakblue.
 The first 'Butterfly Conservation Meet-2024' was held in September, attracting over 40 butterfly experts
from institutions like North Eastern Hill University and the Maharashtra Forest Department.
 Kaziranga’s Panbari Reserve Forest also contributes to its butterfly diversity, further enhancing the
region's ecological richness.
 A new visual guidebook detailing the 446 butterfly species in Kaziranga has been authored by Dr.
Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi.
 Butterfly conservation is crucial for maintaining Kaziranga's biodiversity, as highlighted by experts during
the meet.
 Kaziranga National Park, located in Assam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for two-thirds of
the world's one-horned rhinoceros and its floodplain ecosystems.
First-ever coal gallery inaugurated at National Science Centre in New Delhi
 Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Minister of State for Coal and
Mines Satish Chandra Dubey inaugurated the first-ever coal gallery at the National Science Centre,
New Delhi.
 The exhibition is titled ‘Black Diamond – Unveiling the Depths’ and covers the lifecycle of coal,
including its discovery, extraction process, and mining techniques.
 The gallery aims to provide a real experience of coal and other minerals.
 It offers insights into the history, techniques, and importance of coal mining.
 The initiative enhances public awareness of coal's role in energy and mining sectors.
Greenhouse gas concentrations surge again to new record in 2023
 Greenhouse gas levels reached a new record in 2023, driven by CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide
concentrations, as per the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
 CO2 levels surged to 420 ppm, marking an 11.4% increase over the last 20 years, with significant rises
due to fossil fuel combustion and vegetation fires.
 Methane accounts for 16% of warming effects, with emissions mainly from agriculture, wetlands, and
biomass burning. Its growth in 2023 was record high for the past five years.
 Nitrous Oxide (N2O), which contributes to both warming and ozone depletion, saw a smaller increase
from 2022 to 2023 compared to the previous year.
 The El Niño phenomenon and reduced carbon absorption by forests further contributed to the CO2
rise in 2023, highlighting concerns about climate feedback loops.
 Radiative forcing from long-lived greenhouse gases rose by 51.5% since 1990, with CO2 contributing
81% of this increase.
 Current levels of greenhouse gases make it challenging to meet the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting
global warming to below 2°C.
 The WMO Bulletin emphasized the need to enhance the understanding of carbon-climate feedbacks
and warned of a potential vicious cycle if ecosystems start emitting more greenhouse gases.
 Climate change effects, like wildfires and warmer oceans, could reduce the effectiveness of carbon
sinks and further accelerate global warming.
Asiatic Golden Cat Rediscovered in Manas National Park
 The Asiatic golden cat was recently spotted in Manas National Park, Assam, marking a significant
conservation milestone; the last sighting was in 2007.
 This rediscovery indicates a positive sign for wildlife conservation and results from joint efforts by the
Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak, a biodiversity research organization.
 Historical ethnic conflicts in Manas National Park had hindered conservation, making this sighting a
victory for perseverance.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) is a medium-sized wild cat found in southern China,
Southeast Asia, and Northeast India; it adapts to diverse environments, including sub-alpine forests
and tropical rainforests.
 The species can inhabit altitudes up to 3,738 meters, showcasing its adaptability.
 Despite its adaptability, it is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN and protected under India’s
Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
 The rediscovery emphasizes the importance of sustained conservation efforts in regions affected by
past conflicts.
 It offers hope for the recovery of other endangered species, highlighting the impact of collaborative
conservation initiatives.
 Continued support is crucial to maintain biodiversity in Assam and beyond.
India and Germany Sign Joint Declaration to Boost R&D in Advanced Materials
 Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and German Federal Minister Ms. Bettina Stark-Watzinger
exchanged a Joint Declaration of Intent to boost Indo-German cooperation in research and
development on advanced materials.
 The declaration aims to drive innovation and address global challenges through cutting-edge research.
 The meeting marked the Golden Jubilee of Indo-German science and technology collaboration,
highlighting joint projects like Waste to Wealth and AI for Sustainability.
 The Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC) has facilitated over 50 joint projects,
promoting research and young talent exchange between the two nations.
 Discussions covered India's initiatives like the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF),
National Quantum Mission, and potential collaboration in the National Hydrogen Mission.
 The declaration will be featured at the upcoming Indo-German Inter-Governmental Consultations, led
by the Indian PM and German Chancellor.
Learn Along:
About Germany
Capital: Berlin Chancellor: Olaf Scholz
India will have its own Space Station by 2035, which will be known as "Bharatiya Antriksh Station"
 India aims to establish its own Space Station, named Bharatiya Antriksh Station, by 2035.
 The announcement was made by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology,
following the signing of an MoU between ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
 The MoU promotes the integration of biotechnology with space technology, marking a shift from lab
research to practical applications.
 It supports public-private participation, contributing to India's growing space sector and the rise of
nearly 300 space startups.
 The collaboration introduces the BioE3 Policy aimed at achieving a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030,
focusing on microgravity research, bioastronautics, and space biotechnology.
 Key initiatives will boost the national human space programme, benefiting fields like regenerative
medicine, novel pharmaceuticals, and bio-based technologies.
 This partnership enhances human health research and efficient waste management in space.
 The MoU envisions new opportunities for startups to create commercially viable solutions in space and
biotechnology.
'IndiaAI' and Meta announces the establishment of the Center for Generative AI, Shrijan (सज
ृ न) ) at IIT
Jodhpur
 IndiaAI and Meta have established the Center for Generative AI, Shrijan (सज
ृ न), at IIT Jodhpur and
launched the YuvAI initiative for Skilling in collaboration with AICTE.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 Shrijan aims to foster AI research, focusing on Large Language Models (LLMs), supporting indigenous
AI innovation through hackathons, training workshops, and startup incubation.
 The center plans to nurture 1 lakh youth developers over three years, advancing skills in healthcare,
education, agriculture, and other sectors.
 Meta has committed ₹750 Lakhs for the project over three years, with a focus on open-source AI and
responsible innovation.
 The YuvAI initiative aims to train 100,000 young developers, bridging the AI talent gap in India and
supporting real-world applications of open-source LLMs.
 GenAI Resource Hub, LLM courses, and hackathons will help participants develop AI solutions, with
top ideas receiving seed grants and mentoring.
 The center will collaborate with national and global stakeholders to promote open science, policy
advisory, and technology development.
 The initiative aligns with India’s $5 trillion economy goal, driving inclusive growth through AI and
supporting Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in the AI sector.
 Key sectors include smart cities, financial inclusion, and sustainability, with emphasis on ethical AI
use and comprehensive development.
Green Energy Goal: Wind players fret over land issues
 Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) aims to exceed India's 500 GW renewable
energy target by 2030, including 100 GW from wind energy.
 India has reached 210 GW in renewable capacity, with an additional 160 GW in the installation pipeline
and 100 GW under tendering, according to MNRE Additional Secretary Sudeep Jain.
 India ranks fourth globally in wind capacity but needs to increase annual additions from 2.8 GW to 10 GW
to meet targets, as per Girish Tanti of Suzlon.
 Land acquisition is identified as a major hurdle in scaling up wind energy capacity.
 The focus is on streamlining land development, approvals, and improving coordination to accelerate
growth in the wind energy sector.
 Achieving these targets is crucial for India's renewable energy transition and meeting its sustainability
goals.
Sarvam AI Launches New Language Model for Indian Languages
 Sarvam AI, an emerging player in India's generative AI sector, launched Sarvam-1, an open-source
language model focused on Indian languages in October 2024.
 Sarvam-1 supports ten Indian languages, including Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, and English, following the
launch of Sarvam 2B in August 2024.
 It has 2 billion parameters, making it a small language model (SLM), compared to larger models like
GPT-4 with over a trillion parameters.
 Powered by 1,024 GPUs from Yotta and trained using NVIDIA's NeMo framework, it uses a custom
training corpus called Sarvam-2T, consisting of 2 trillion tokens.
 The dataset is evenly distributed across ten languages, with 20% in Hindi, improving both monolingual
and multilingual tasks.
 With 4-6 times faster inference speeds, Sarvam-1 is efficient for deployment on edge devices,
supporting real-world applications with limited computational resources.
Three scientists discover new genus of jumping spiders ‘Tenkana’ in South India
 New genus of jumping spiders, named ‘Tenkana’, has been discovered across southern India by a
team of arachnologists.
 Tenkana includes two previously known species and a newly discovered species, Tenkana jayamangali,
found in Karnataka.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The genus name ‘Tenkana’ comes from the Kannada word for ‘south’, indicating its presence in
southern India and northern Sri Lanka.
 It belongs to the Plexippina subtribe and differs from related groups like Hyllus and Telamonia.
 Tenkana spiders prefer drier areas and ground habitats, unlike other species that live in forests.
 The genus is found in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
 Researchers include scientists from India and Canada, with findings published in the journal Zookeys.
 Genetic analysis and physical examinations were conducted by experts, including Kiran Marathe, Wayne
Maddison, and John Caleb T.D..
 Two species, Tenkana manu and Tenkana arkavathi, were reclassified from the genus Colopsus to
Tenkana.
New Himalayan Snake Species Named After Hollywood Actor Leonardo DiCaprio
 A new snake genus and species, ‘Anguiculus dicaprioi’,

discovered in the Himalayas, is named after actor and
environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio.
 ‘Anguiculus dicaprioi’ is found in central Nepal to Chamba,
Himachal Pradesh, while ‘Anguiculus rappii’ is found in
Sikkim, Bhutan, and Arunachal Pradesh.
 These snakes are active from May to August; ‘Anguiculus
rappii’ is rare and hasn’t been recorded for decades.
India spells out finance needs for biodiversity, conservation
 India plans to spend around ₹81,664 crore on biodiversity and conservation from 2025 to 2030.
 Between 2018 and 2022, India spent ₹32,207 crore, mainly from central government allocations to
various Ministries and statutory bodies.
 To meet future goals, additional funding beyond routine government spending is required.
 At the ongoing COP-16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Colombia, India highlighted
the need for international finance.
 The Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) sets biodiversity goals to halt
biodiversity loss by 2030.
 The Digital Sequence Information (DSI) agreement, under discussion at COP-16, focuses on sharing
benefits from genetic data uploaded to global databases.
 India’s biodiversity financing strategy seeks support aligned with KMGBF targets for effective
implementation.
DEFENCE
Bharat Electronics, Israel Aerospace Industries form joint venture firm
 Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have established a joint
venture company (JVC) named BEL IAI AeroSystems Private Ltd.
 The JVC, headquartered in Delhi, will serve as the single point of contact (SPOC) for long-term support
of the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) systems for India's defense forces.
 The partnership strengthens the long-standing relationship between BEL and IAI, which collaborate on
strategic defence programs.
 The JVC will provide life cycle support, including technical and maintenance services, for the MRSAM
air-defense systems.
 MRSAM is an advanced system designed to protect against various aerial threats, jointly developed by
IAI and DRDO.
 It is currently used by the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Israeli defense forces.
 The MRSAM system includes Advanced Phased Array Radar, Command and Control shelter, mobile
launchers, and interceptors with an advanced RF seeker.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The formation of this JVC aligns with the Indian government's Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, promoting self-
reliance in defense.
 The JVC will leverage the combined expertise of IAI and BEL to enhance India's air defense capabilities.
2 women Navy officers begin voyage around the world
 Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K. and Roopa A. of the Indian Navy embarked on a 23,000 nautical mile
globe-circumnavigating expedition from Goa, lasting 240 days.
 The expedition, Navika Sagar Parikrama (second edition), was flagged off by Navy Chief Admiral
Dinesh K. Tripathi from INS Mandovi.
 The officers sail aboard the INSV Tarini, a 56-foot vessel that has previously clocked over 66,000 nautical
miles.
 The journey covers four continents, three oceans, and three challenging capes in five legs, stopping
at Fremantle, Lyttleton, Port Stanley, and Cape Town.
 The mission includes national scientific research in collaboration with NIO, WII, Sagar Defence, and DFRL
for marine studies, drone visuals, and customized meals.
 INSV Tarini is equipped with advanced navigation, safety, and communication systems, and
underwent recent upgrades for the voyage.
 The first edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama occurred in 2017, with notable expeditions including Goa to
Rio and Port Louis.
17th India-Germany MCSG Meeting Held in Berlin
 The 17th edition of the India-Germany Military Cooperation sub-group (MCSG) meeting was held in
Berlin.
 Discussions focused on new initiatives to enhance bilateral military cooperation and strengthen
ongoing defence engagements.
 The meeting aimed at expanding cooperation across the strategic and operational levels between the
two nations.
 The forum is essential for fostering defence ties and exploring new avenues for collaborative military
efforts.
 Defence cooperation between India and Germany spans multiple areas, including strategic
discussions and operational coordination.
 The discussions at the MCSG meeting are part of ongoing efforts to enhance military cooperation
between the two countries.
 This engagement underlines the importance of international defence partnerships in ensuring regional
security and global cooperation.
INDIAN NAVY'S FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON VISITS BANDER ABBAS, IRAN
 INS Tir, INS Shardul, and ICGS Veera arrived at Bandar Abbas, Iran as part of a long-range training
deployment in the Persian Gulf.
 The visit strengthens maritime cooperation and fosters mutual understanding between India and Iran.
 The ships were escorted by IRI Naval ship Zereh and received a ceremonial welcome by the IRI Navy
and Indian dignitaries.
 Activities planned include maritime security engagements, professional exchanges, cross-training, and
a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX).
 The visit enhances interoperability between the Indian Navy and IRI Navy.
 Earlier, Iranian Training Flotilla ships visited Mumbai in March 2024, and IRI Naval Ship Dena
participated in the Naval Exercise MILAN 24.
 The visit aligns with India's SAGAR vision for Security & Growth for All in the Region.
 The engagement underscores India's commitment to regional maritime cooperation.
CHANAKYA DEFENCE DIALOGUE – 2024

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The Indian Army and Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) will conduct the Second Chanakya
Defence Dialogue-2024 on October 24-25 in New Delhi.
 The event's theme is "Drivers in Nation Building: Fuelling Growth through Comprehensive
Security", focusing on the role of security in national development.
 The Fireside Chat titled "Pillars of Security: Powering India's Path to Viksit Bharat by 2047"
emphasized security as key to economic growth and innovation.
 The need for collaboration between government, industry, and civil society was highlighted to address
emerging security challenges.
 Topics like Border Area Development, Youth, Sports, and Women Empowerment were discussed,
with key figures like MLA Oken Tayeng and Lt Gen (Dr) Madhuri Kanitkar.
 The dialogue aims to foster strategic partnerships and contribute to national security and development
by providing a platform for experts and leaders.
INDIAN ARMY CONDUCTED “ARMY SPORTS CONCLAVE”
 The Indian Army hosted the Army Sports Conclave to highlight its role in India's sporting ecosystem,
especially as the country gears up to host the 2036 Olympics.
 The conclave focused on collaboration with the Indian Olympics Association, Sports Authority of India
(SAI), and National Sports Federations to enhance India’s global sporting potential.
 The Indian Armed Forces have a long tradition of contributing to India's success in international
competitions like the Asian Games and Olympics.
 The Indian Army’s Mission Olympics Wing, established in 2001, trains 9000 sportspersons across 28
sports nodes. Collaborating with SAI, they also run Boys and Girls Sports Companies for nurturing
young talent.
 A Paralympic Node was created to support and train disabled soldiers for paralympic sports.
 The conclave emphasized a multi-agency approach to elevate India’s sports standards, integrating
physical and mental preparation for athletes.
INDIA- KAZAKHSTAN JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE KAZIND -2024 COMMENCES IN AULI
 The 8th edition of India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise KAZIND-2024 commenced at Surya
Foreign Training Node, Auli, Uttarakhand, and will be held from 30th September to 13th October
2024.
 The exercise has been conducted annually since 2016, with the previous edition held in Otar, Kazakhstan
in 2023.
 The Indian Armed Forces, represented by 120 personnel from the KUMAON Regiment and other arms,
are participating along with the Indian Air Force, while Kazakhstan is represented by Land Forces and
Air Borne Assault Troopers.
 The aim is to enhance joint military capabilities for counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban and
mountainous terrain, under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
 KAZIND-2024 aims to develop inter-operability, strengthen defence cooperation, and foster
camaraderie between the two armies.
Medium Transport Aircraft to be procured will replace AN-32 and IL-76 fleets of IAF
 The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to procure a Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) in the 18-30 tonne
category to replace the aging AN-32 and IL-76 aircraft.
 Over 100 AN-32 aircraft are currently in service as the IAF's workhorse, while the IL-76 falls in the heavy
lift category with a 45-50 tonne capacity.
 The IAF issued a Request for Information (RFI) in December 2022 for up to 80 MTAs to meet its future
payload requirements.
 Airbus A-400M, Lockheed Martin C-130, and Embraer C-390 are the main contenders, with varying load
capacities from 20 to 37 tonnes.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The 2020 Ladakh standoff with China highlighted the need for enhanced airlift capability to support Army
operations in high altitude areas.
 Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems plan to set up an MRO facility in India for the C-130J
fleet, enhancing local defense infrastructure.
 Embraer and Mahindra signed an MoU to jointly bid for the MTA tender, aiming to expand their presence
in India's defense sector.
 The IAF's current transport fleet includes C-17 Globemaster and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft,
supporting strategic airlift and heavy transport requirements.
DRDO finishes trials of short range air defence system
 Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed development trials
of the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORAD).
 The trials involved three successful consecutive flight tests at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in
Rajasthan.
 VSHORAD is an indigenously developed fourth-generation miniaturized air defence system.
 The tests demonstrated the missile's capability against high-speed targets, proving critical parameters
like maximum range.
 Two production agencies have been engaged in a Development cum Production Partner mode for
manufacturing.
 This air defence system aims to strengthen India's indigenous defense capabilities.
 The successful tests mark a significant milestone in enhancing the country's air defence technology.
Learn Along:
About DRDO
Formed: 1958 Chairman: Dr Samir V Kamat Headquarters: New Delhi
Air Force plans to procure 12 early warning aircraft
 The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to procure 12 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft
under two different programs.
 One program involves a follow-on order of six AEW&C systems based on Embraer aircraft, similar to
the existing Netra systems.
 These six new systems, termed Mk1A, will have minor modifications and will be developed in
collaboration with DRDO's Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS).
 The second program includes six AEW&C systems developed by DRDO and mounted on Airbus A-321
aircraft.
 The Airbus A-321 aircraft for this project were transferred from Air India to the IAF and await
modifications pending contract finalization.
 The Airbus-based AEW&C-Mk2 aims to provide 300-degree coverage and is currently in negotiation
regarding configurations and pricing.
 The existing Netra AEW&C systems provide 240-degree airspace coverage, while the Israeli Phalcon
AWACS systems provide 360-degree coverage.
3rd EDITION OF INDIAN NAVY'S NAVAL INNOVATION AND INDIGENISATION SEMINAR

(SWAVLAMBAN – 2024)
 The 3rd edition of the Indian Navy's Naval Innovation and Indigenisation (ΝΙΙΟ) Seminar,
Swavlamban 2024, will be held on 28-29 Oct 2024 at Bharat Mandapam.
 The event builds on past successes, where over 2000 proposals from Indian industry were converted
into 155 challenges to develop prototypes, engaging 200+ MSMEs/Startups under the iDEX Scheme.
 Swavlamban 2024 will showcase cutting-edge technologies like air and surface surveillance,
autonomous systems, AI, and quantum technologies.
 Interactive sessions on 29 Oct 2024 will focus on emerging technologies, future warfare,
indigenisation, and fostering an innovation ecosystem.

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October 2024
 Key participants will include policy makers, startups, MSMEs, and venture capitalists, providing a
platform for collaboration and discussion.
 The seminar aims to further drive innovation and indigenisation in naval technologies, boosting India's
defense capabilities.
 The event is part of the Navy's initiative to inculcate an innovative culture and promote self-reliance in
defense.
Renaming of Kaksar Bridge to Capt Amit Bhardwaj Setu
 CEC Dr. Jaffer Akhoon attended the renaming of Kaksar Bridge to Capt Amit Bhardwaj Setu, honoring
Capt Amit Bhardwaj's sacrifice during the Kargil War.
 Capt Amit Bhardwaj of the 4 JAT Battalion sacrificed his life in 1999, leading a search and rescue
patrol during the Kargil War.
 Sunita Dhonkaria, Capt Bhardwaj's sister, inaugurated the memorial at the bridge in his honor.
 The Sadbhavana Scheme and the Army’s contributions to the community were highlighted during the
ceremony.
INDIAN NAVY - ROYAL NAVY OF OMAN MARITIME EXERCISE (NASEEM AL BAHR)
 INS Trikand and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft participated in the Indo-Oman bilateral naval
exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr with the Royal Navy of Oman Vessel Al Seeb off Goa from 13 to 18 October
2024.
 The exercise was conducted in two phases: harbour phase (13-15 October) and sea phase (16-18
October).
 Harbour phase included professional interactions, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, planning
conferences, sports, and social engagements.
 Sea phase involved gun firings, anti-aircraft firings, manoeuvres, Replenishment at Sea
Approaches (RASAPS), and cross-deck landings with vertical replenishment (VERTREP).
 The Dornier aircraft provided Over-the-Horizon Targeting (OTHT) data, enhancing real-time
communication and coordination.
 Indian Navy Sea Riders embarked on RNOV Al Seeb to further boost interoperability and understanding
of naval best practices.
 The exercise succeeded in strengthening cohesion, mutual understanding, and interoperability
between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman.
 It reaffirms India’s commitment to collaboration and mutual growth with nations in the Indian Ocean
Region.
Exercise Swavlamban Shakti
 Exercise SWAVLAMBAN SHAKTI is a major military exercise by the Sudarshan Chakra Corps of the
Indian Army at Babina Field Firing Ranges near Jhansi, running until October 22.
 The exercise focuses on integrating New Technology Equipment (NTEs) into the Army's strategies to
enhance preparedness for future warfare.
 Around 1,800 soldiers, supported by 210 armored vehicles, 50 special-purpose vehicles, and aircraft,
are participating in this exercise.
 Over 50 NTEs from DRDO labs, defense startups, and 40+ industry partners are being showcased,
including swarm drones, kamikaze drones, drone jammers, robotic mules, GPADS, and directed
energy weapons.
 It aims to identify advanced technologies for further development or procurement, strengthening the
Army's combat capabilities.
 Sudarshan Chakra Corps, formed in 1996 in Western India, is known for offensive operations,
mechanized infantry, and significant roles in the Kargil War.
 The Corps specializes in counter-insurgency and mountain warfare, reinforcing India's defense against
diverse threats.

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October 2024
EXERCISE MALABAR 2024
 The Opening Ceremony of MALABAR 2024 was held on 09 Oct 24 aboard INS Satpura at
Visakhapatnam, under the Eastern Naval Command.
 This 28th edition of the multi-national maritime exercise began on 08 Oct 24 and will continue until 18
Oct 24.
 Exercise MALABAR 2024 Sea Phase began on 14 Oct 24 off Visakhapatnam's coast.
 Initially a bilateral exercise between India and the US since 1992, MALABAR has expanded to include
Japan and Australia.
 The exercise will feature live weapon firings, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare drills, and joint
manoeuvres involving a range of naval assets.
 It will take place in two phases, both at Harbour and at Sea, with destroyers, frigates, corvettes, aircraft,
and submarines participating.
 MALABAR 2024 aims to enhance understanding, collaboration, and joint operations among the
navies to tackle maritime challenges.
 The exercise aligns with India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, reflecting
its growing engagement with like-minded nations.
Rajnath flags off Sagarmala Parikrama to Thoothukudi
 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the Sagarmala Parikrama, a 1,500-km journey by an
autonomous surface vessel from Mumbai to Thoothukudi.
 The vessel is built by Sagar Defence Engineering and showcased at Swavlamban, an event of the Naval
Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO).
 The initiative highlights the Indian Navy's focus on deploying autonomous vessels for surface and
underwater operations.
 ADITI 3.0 and the 13th Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC 13) were launched to promote
indigenous defence tech and innovation.
 ADITI 3.0 includes a challenge for developing a high-power microwave weapon system, while DISC 13
presents seven challenges in AI, communication, and autonomous bots.
 Navy aims to become fully 'Aatmanirbhar' (self-reliant) by 2047, addressing 173 challenges with
swadeshi (indigenous) solutions.
SINGAPORE INDIA MARITIME BILATERAL EXERCISE (SIMBEX) 2024 - 23 TO 29 OCT 24
 The 31st Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is being held from 23 to 29 Oct 2024
at Visakhapatnam.
 The exercise involves the Republic of Singapore Navy Ship RSS Tenacious, which arrived in
Visakhapatnam on 23 October.
 SIMBEX, initiated as 'Exercise Lion King' in 1994, is a key maritime collaboration between India and
Singapore.
 It consists of two phases: the Harbour Phase (23-25 Oct) in Visakhapatnam and the Sea Phase (28-29
Oct) in the Bay of Bengal.
 Aims include strengthening strategic partnership, enhancing interoperability, and improving maritime
domain awareness.
 The Harbour Phase features SMEEs, cross-deck visits, and pre-sail briefings, while the Sea Phase
includes naval drills, ASW training, and tactical manoeuvres.
MARITIME PARTNERSHIP EXERCISE (MPX) WITH GERMAN NAVY (21-23 OCT 24)
 The Indian Navy’s Destroyer INS Delhi and German Navy’s Frigate Baden-Württemberg and Tanker
Frankfurt Am Main conducted a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) in the Indian Ocean.
 The exercise included cross deck flying operations, underway replenishment, weapon firing, and
tactical manoeuvres.

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October 2024
 This is the first-ever IN-GN Maritime Partnership Exercise in the Bay of Bengal, enhancing maritime
ties and interoperability between the two navies.
 INS Delhi is a guided missile destroyer and part of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy.
 Baden-Württemberg is the lead ship of the F125 class of German Navy frigates.
 Frankfurt Am Main is the second ship of the Berlin-class replenishment ships of the German Navy.
 The exercise aims to strengthen maritime connectivity and cooperation between India and Germany.
India to procure 15 more C-295 transport aircraft from Airbus
 India plans to procure 15 additional C-295 transport aircraft from Airbus, apart from the 56 already
contracted.
 Of these 15 aircraft, 12 will be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL), while 3
will be in fly-away condition to meet urgent needs.
 Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Pedro Sanchez will inaugurate the Tata Aircraft Complex in
Vadodara, which is India’s first private sector final assembly line (FAL) for military aircraft.
 The FAL will cover the entire lifecycle, from manufacture to maintenance, aiming to achieve 78%
indigenisation for the additional aircraft.
 The 56-aircraft deal, worth ₹21,935 crore, was signed in 2021, with 16 delivered from Spain and 40
built in India by TASL.
 The first six C-295 aircraft have already been inducted into the Indian Air Force's 11 Squadron based
in Vadodara.
 The maritime reconnaissance variant of the C-295 is being developed by the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO).
 The FAL in Vadodara was established in record time of two years, with significant indigenisation of
components and sub-assemblies.
LAUNCH OF ‘ABHAY’, SEVENTH SHIP OF ASW SWC (GRSE) PROJECT
 'Abhay', the seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), was launched on 25
Oct 24 at L&T, Kattupalli by GRSE for the Indian Navy.
 The launch ceremony was presided over by VAdm Rajesh Pendharkar, FOC-in-C (East), and the ship
was launched by Mrs. Sandhya Pendharkar, President, NWWA, Eastern Region.
 The contract for eight ASW SWC ships was signed between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Garden
Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in April 2019.
 The Arnala class ships will replace the existing Abhay class ASW Corvettes and are designed for anti-
submarine operations, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and Mine Laying Operations.
 These ships are 77 meters long, with a maximum speed of 25 knots and an endurance of 1800
nautical miles (NM).
 The launch reinforces Aatmanirbhar Bharat in shipbuilding, with over 80% indigenous content,
promoting domestic defence manufacturing and employment.
U.S., France, Armenia emerge as India's top three defence export customers
 The U.S., France, and Armenia have emerged as the top three importers of Indian military exports amid
a push to increase indigenous defence equipment exports.
 India currently exports military equipment to over 100 countries, according to official sources as of
October 28, 2024.
 Exports to the U.S. include parts for aircraft and helicopters, while exports to France focus on software
and electronics; exports to Armenia include ATAGS artillery guns, Pinaka rocket systems, and Swathi
radars.
 The Defence Ministry is promoting exports and manufacturing to enhance domestic production for
internal and global needs.
 India's Defence Industrial Base consists of 16 Defence PSUs, 430 licensed firms, and 16,000 MSMEs.

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October 2024
 Defence production value has tripled since 2014-15, rising from ₹46,429 crores to ₹1.27 lakh crores in
the last fiscal year.
 The private sector contributed 21% to total defence production.
 Major indigenous platforms include LCA Tejas jets, warships, Dhanush artillery, MBT Arjun, and
Akash missile systems.
ICG launches two Fast Patrol Vessels with over 60% indigenous content built by Goa Shipyard Ltd
 Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched two Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), ‘Adamya’ and ‘Akshar’, with over
60% indigenous content, built by Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL) on October 28, 2024.
 These FPVs are part of an 8-vessel contract with GSL, worth ₹473 crore.
 The vessels are designed for protection, monitoring, control, and surveillance of offshore assets and
island territories.
 Each 52m-long FPV features a max speed of 27 knots, Controllable Pitch Propeller propulsion, and
a 320-ton displacement.
 This marked the first simultaneous launch of two vessels using a Ship Lift System.
EVENTS
International Film Festival on Environment & Wildlife ‘Vatavaran’ Inaugurated
 The International Film Festival and Forum on Environment and Wildlife, Vatavaran was inaugurated
at Paryavaran Bhawan, New Delhi.
 The theme of the three-day film festival is “Wetlands for Life”, focusing on wetland conservation and
awareness.
 Around 6% of Indians depend on wetlands for their livelihood, underscoring the need for conservation.
 The festival aims to encourage discussions on meaningful environmental issues and develop
conservation strategies.
 Wetlands play a crucial role in India’s environmental sustainability and economic framework.
 The event seeks to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices for wetland ecosystems.
2024 edition of annual apex-level international conference IPRD to held in New Delhi
 The 2024 Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD), an annual international conference of the Indian
Navy, begins in New Delhi.
 The theme for this year's three-day conference is "Resource Geopolitics and Security in the Indo-
Pacific."
 IPRD is the primary platform for the Indian Navy's strategic international engagement, focusing on
maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
 The conference will explore how marine resources, both traditional and new, impact geopolitics in the
Indo-Pacific region.
 It highlights the importance of resource management in ensuring regional security and stability in the
Indo-Pacific.
NITI Aayog Launches First State Chapter of Women Entrepreneurship Platform
 NITI Aayog launched its first State Chapter of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) in
partnership with WE Hub and the Telangana government.
 The platform supports over 30,000 registered women entrepreneurs and has 400 mentors from various
industries.
 Sita Pallocholla, CEO of WE Hub, has been appointed Mission Director of the WEP Telangana
Chapter.
 WE Hub will act as the nodal agency for all WEP activities in Telangana.

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October 2024
 The platform aims to promote and support women entrepreneurs across sectors by providing resources,
tools, and networking opportunities.
 WEP will offer customized support like digital skilling, access to financial services, mentorship, and
market linkages.
 The initiative focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs and helping them overcome challenges to
business growth.
Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024
 Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State, inaugurated the Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024
in Mumbai, themed 'Global Synergy in Ayush'.
 The summit aims to promote Ayush-based healthcare (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy)
as part of India's Medical Value Travel (MVT) offerings.
 The summit featured discussions on global collaborations, insurance coverage for Ayush, and
opportunities in international medical tourism.
 Ayurveda remains the most commonly used Ayush system, with over 86% usage across India.
 The event also highlighted India's growing presence in Medical Tourism, ranking 10th globally with its
integrated and cost-effective healthcare solutions.
19th Francophonie Summit
 19th Francophonie Summit will be hosted by France on October 4-5, 2024, in Paris and Villers-
Cotterêts.
 The summit will address key global issues such as renewal of multilateralism and digital technology
development, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
 Over 100 heads of states and officials will attend, discussing topics relevant to non-French-speaking
nations, including India.
 The summit promotes cultural and linguistic diversity as essential for fostering global cooperation.
 The l'Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) aims to promote French language and
cooperation between 88 member states.
 Democracy, peace, and prosperity are core goals, with a focus on reducing the North-South divide.
 France supports India's bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council as part of
renewing multilateralism.
 The summit will emphasize AI regulation, with France hosting the AI Action Summit in 2025.
 FrancoTech Fair will bring together exhibitors to discuss challenges in AI, energy, and education,
offering opportunities for Indian innovators.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launches ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’
 Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ at Mumbai port, aiming to
make India a global hub for cruise tourism.
 The mission seeks to double cruise passenger traffic by 2029, promoting India as a leading global
cruise destination.
 The government is committed to leveraging the Blue Economy to boost the cruise tourism sector.
 Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) related to the tourism sector were signed at the
event.
 This initiative aligns with India's broader goals of economic growth through sustainable maritime
development.
 The Cruise Bharat Mission is part of India's effort to enhance its standing in the global tourism and
maritime industries.
India launches ‘Study in India’ campaign at UAE Education Show

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October 2024
 India launched its ‘Study in India’ campaign at the 20th International Education Show in Sharjah,
aiming to attract international students to its universities.
 Organized by EdCIL, under the Ministry of Education, the campaign positions India as a global
education hub.
 The India Pavilion was inaugurated by Ahmed Mohamed Obaid Al Naboodah from the Sharjah
Chamber of Commerce and Yatin Patil, Deputy Consul General of India in Dubai.
 The programme showcases over 590 Indian universities offering courses with benefits like fee waivers
and scholarships for international students.
 EdCIL’s portal simplifies the admission process by allowing students to explore programs, apply to
multiple institutions, and manage visas.
 India’s higher education, ranked second largest globally, is home to prestigious institutions like IITs, NITs,
IIMs, and emerging universities.
 The programme has already attracted 69,000 students for the 2024-25 academic year, with 4,000
students already in India.
 The International Education Show is a major event featuring over 100 universities from 20+ countries,
including India, Canada, and the UK, showcasing global education opportunities.
44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related summits kicked off in Vientiane, Laos
 The 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits began in Vientiane, Laos, with a focus on peace, stability, and
sustainable development.
 Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith called on ASEAN countries to uphold multilateralism based on
equality and mutual benefit.
 The theme for Laos’ chairmanship is ‘ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience’, aimed at
building a more integrated and resilient ASEAN community.
 The summits emphasize addressing pressing challenges and seizing opportunities for the benefit of
ASEAN people.
 Cooperation guided by the ‘ASEAN Way’ promotes regional peace and socio-economic development
within Southeast Asia and beyond.
 The event includes the 27th ASEAN-China Summit, the ASEAN Plus Three Summit (ASEAN-China,
Japan, South Korea), and the 19th East Asia Summit.
 These summits provide a platform for dialogue on regional cooperation, connectivity, and resilience
amidst global challenges.
 ASEAN remains committed to maintaining peace and fostering socio-economic growth while enhancing
regional cooperation.
ITU World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly 2024
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the ITU - World Telecommunication Standardization
Assembly (WTSA) 2024 and the India Mobile Congress 2024 on 15th October in New Delhi.
 WTSA 2024 is a pivotal event organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), held
every four years, and this is the first time it's being hosted in India and the Asia-Pacific.
 The event will gather over 3,000 leaders from 190+ countries to discuss standards for next-gen
technologies like 6G, AI, IoT, Big Data, and cybersecurity.
 Hosting WTSA in India offers a chance for the country to influence the global telecom agenda and support
startups in developing IPRs and Standard Essential Patents.
 The India Mobile Congress 2024 will showcase advancements in 6G, 5G, Quantum technology,
Circular Economy, and more.
 It is Asia’s largest digital technology forum, with 400+ exhibitors, 900+ startups, and participants from
over 120 countries.
Mindfulness India Summit scheduled for Oct. 17-18
 The third edition of the Mindfulness India Summit will take place in Mumbai on October 17 and 18.

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October 2024
 The summit's focus is on providing leaders and professionals with strategies to create healthier and
empathetic work environments.
 It is organized by the Mindful Science Centre and led by Manish Behl, a global mindfulness expert.
 Key topics to be explored include mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and neuroscience.
 The event is supported by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), with The Hindu as the media
partner.
 The summit will feature over 30 international experts in mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and
neuroscience.
 The summit aims to enhance professional skills by integrating mindfulness into leadership and
workplace strategies.
21st ASEAN-India and the 19th East Asia Summits
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Laos to attend the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th
East Asia Summit.
 The summits are crucial amidst ongoing developments in Myanmar, where ethnic armed groups are
challenging the military junta, affecting regional connectivity and security.
 2024 marks a decade of India’s Act East Policy, with ASEAN relations being a key component of this
policy and India's Indo-Pacific vision.
 PM Narendra Modi will engage in bilateral meetings with ASEAN leaders after attending the ASEAN-
India Summit in Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
 Laos is the current chair of ASEAN, and PM Narendra Modi's visit is at the invitation of the Laotian
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
 The ASEAN Summit, which began on October 6, is significant due to maritime tensions between the
Philippines and China in the South China Sea and the Myanmar crisis.
‘Lighthouse Tourism Conclave 2024’
 2nd National Lighthouse Festival began with the Lighthouse Tourism Conclave 2024 in Puri, hosted
by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), focusing on lighthouse tourism and
heritage conservation.
 Over 100 participants attended, including officials, tourism experts, and conservationists,
emphasizing the role of lighthouses in boosting local economies and preserving maritime heritage.
 The event highlighted plans to develop 75 iconic lighthouses across 9 coastal states and 1 union
territory with a ₹60 crore investment, providing modern amenities like museums and amphitheaters.
 In Odisha, five lighthouses—Gopalpur, Puri, Chandrabhaga, Paradip, and False Point—are part of this
initiative to promote tourism.
 The fiscal year 2023-24 saw 16 lakh visitors, with 10 lakh visitors already recorded in 2024-25, creating
650 job opportunities in related sectors.
 Two panel sessions discussed the cultural, economic, and sustainable preservation aspects of
lighthouses, encouraging collaboration among stakeholders.
 The conclave aims to raise awareness of the historical and tourism value of lighthouses and strengthen
efforts for their sustainable development.
 The festival’s cultural celebration featured performances like Ganesh Vandana and Assamese
traditional dances, culminating in a performance by singer Papon.
First-ever International conference - Advancements of Research & Global Opportunities for Holistic
Ayurveda - AROHA-2024 in Delhi
 All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) is organizing its first International conference, AROHA-2024,
from October 17-19, 2024 in New Delhi, focusing on "Advancements in Research and Global
Opportunities for Holistic Ayurveda."

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October 2024
 The conference aims to position Ayurveda as a key pillar of global health, with participation from
experts in Japan, Colombia, Australia, Germany, Sri Lanka, and Argentina.
 Topics covered include Ayurveda, ethnomedicine, quality control, diagnosis, drug delivery,
evidence-based practices, and globalization.
 The event features three-day workshops, 16 scientific sessions, and over 400 research papers.
 AIIA has global collaborations with 17+ countries, including partnerships with London School of
Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, AIST Japan, and Western Sydney University.
 The event will explore the integration of traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific
advancements.
SCO Summit 2024
 Islamabad hosted the SCO Summit 2024 on October 15-16, featuring participation from regional
leaders, including India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
 This marks the first high-level Indian visit to Pakistan in nearly nine years, highlighting a significant
diplomatic event.
 Attendees include Prime Ministers from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Tajikistan,
Uzbekistan, and Iran’s First Vice-President.
 The summit provides Pakistan an opportunity to showcase its diplomatic efforts and strengthen
relations with SCO member states.
 Pakistan hosted the summit under its rotating chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of
Government (CHG).
Learn Along:
 The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), founded in 2001 in Shanghai, expanded to nine members with
India and Pakistan joining in 2017.
 India became an SCO observer in 2005 and has actively participated in security and economic collaboration
discussions.
WAVESummit
 Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, inaugurated a symposium on
‘Emerging Trends and Technologies in Broadcasting’ at India Mobile Congress 2024.
 The event highlighted the transformative impact of technological advancements on India's broadcasting
sector, with emphasis on improving access for vulnerable populations.
 The WAVESummit 2025 will focus on content creation, offering 27 challenges for creators to showcase
their talent, promoting employment generation.
 The AVGC sector (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics) is gaining attention, with the government
promoting ease of business through a single-window system.
 The Union Cabinet’s approval for FM radio auctions in 234 cities aims to enhance local content and
create job opportunities.
 5G and D2M broadcasting (Direct-to-Mobile) are seen as future technologies with immense potential,
providing content directly to mobile phones without internet connectivity.
 Prasar Bharati is conducting D2M trials with IIT Kanpur and Saankhya Labs, exploring both high-power
and low-power transmitters.
 The Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector is projected to reach ₹3.08 trillion by 2026, with immersive
technologies driving this growth.
 The symposium included sessions on immersive technologies, D2M and 5G broadcasting, and digital
radio technology, attracting over 100 national and international participants.
NITI Aayog to launch International Methanol Seminar
 NITI Aayog is hosting the Second International Methanol Seminar and Expo 2024 from 17th-18th
October 2024 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.

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October 2024
 This event is part of the Methanol Economy Programme, which started in September 2016, and will
showcase progress in methanol production, applications, and R&D initiatives.
 The seminar will focus on methanol's role in the global energy transition and its rise as a low-carbon
fuel, especially in green shipping.
 Global experts, industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers will gather to discuss methanol’s
impact on industries such as transportation, shipping, and power generation.
 NITI Aayog is partnering with Methanol Institute, USA, and the Government of India has supported R&D
projects in areas like methanol from high-ash coal, diesel engine conversions, and methanol
cooking.
149TH ASSEMBLY OF INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU) CONCLUDES
 Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU),
emphasizing the importance of multilateralism and cooperation among parliaments in science,
technology, and innovation for the common good.
 The 149th IPU Assembly was held from 13-17 October 2024 at the IPU headquarters in Geneva,
Switzerland.
 The Indian delegation, led by Om Birla, included Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Singh and
other Members of Parliament.
 The assembly theme was “Harnessing Science, Technology, and Innovation for a Peaceful and
Sustainable Future”.
 The IPU Assembly serves as a platform for parliamentary dialogue, exchange of views, and collaborative
action.
 Jamaica rejoined the IPU as the 181st Member Parliament during this assembly.
Learn Along:
 The IPU, founded in 1889 in Paris, is the world’s first permanent international political organization, promoting
peace, democracy, and sustainable development.
 It comprises 181 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies.
 The IPU was established by Fredric Passey (France) and William Randal Cremer (England) to promote arbitration
and mediation in resolving international disputes.
8th Future Investment Initiative
 Union Minister Piyush Goyal will visit Saudi Arabia from 29th-30th October 2024 to strengthen the
India-Saudi Arabia strategic partnership in trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
 He will attend the 8th Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, a key event that gathers global
leaders, investors, and innovators.
 The visit aims to boost business-to-business engagement and showcase India's growth in sustainable
development, AI, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.
 He will engage with global investors to enhance investor confidence, promote Make in India, and
attract investment flows.
 The Minister will inaugurate the Diwali Utsav at Lulu Hypermarket and unveil the One District, One
Product (ODOP) Wall at the Indian Embassy, promoting India's cultural heritage.
 He will hold bilateral meetings with key Saudi ministers, focusing on energy transition, digital
transformation, and trade facilitation.
 He will co-chair the 2nd Ministerial Meeting of the Economy and Investment Committee, addressing
sectors like agriculture, food security, energy, technology, and infrastructure.
 The visit aims to position India as a global investment destination, aligning with its broader economic
goals.
Asia Clean Energy Summit and Asia Carbon Summit 2024
 The Asia Clean Energy Summit (ACES), part of the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW),
held its 11th edition from 22-24 October 2024 in Singapore.

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 Co-organised by ERI@N and SERIS, it is supported by ADB, EDB, EMA, and Enterprise Singapore.
 ACES is recognized as Asia’s leading event for clean energy technology, policy, and finance, backed
by government agencies, research institutes, and industry players.
 The inaugural Asia Carbon Summit was launched on 24 October 2024 alongside ACES.
 The Asia Carbon Summit serves as a platform for leaders and experts to advance carbon markets in
Asia.
 It aims to address carbon market complexities, promote tradable carbon reductions and removals,
and leverage carbon credits for sustainable development.
16th BRICS Summit 2024 in Kazan
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, chaired by
Russia.
 Discussions focused on multilateralism, countering terrorism, economic growth, sustainable
development, and concerns of the Global South.
 The Summit welcomed 13 new BRICS partner countries and addressed global uncertainties like
conflicts, climatic impacts, and cyber threats.
 PM Modi emphasized a people-centric approach and called for the adoption of a Comprehensive
Convention on International Terrorism at the UN.
 The Summit concluded with the adoption of the Kazan Declaration, and PM Narendra Modi congratulated
President Putin for hosting it while wishing Brazil for its upcoming BRICS presidency.
Pravasi Parichay 2024
 The 2024 edition of Pravasi Parichay, a key diaspora engagement event, was inaugurated by
Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan at the Embassy Auditorium in Riyadh.
 The event began with a session on “Classical Languages of India”, showcasing the country's linguistic
diversity.
 The Indian community in Saudi Arabia presented a play featuring all 11 classical languages: Tamil,
Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Odia, Pali, Prakrit, and Sanskrit.
 The play included narration, poetry recitals, dances, and songs, with a special focus on Pali and Prakrit
poetry.
 The event also included a quiz and a painting exhibition by women artists, enriching the cultural
experience.
Learn Along:
 Pravasi Parichay was launched in 2023 by the Embassy of India and the Diaspora Engagement Division,
becoming a significant cultural celebration.
 The first edition was held in October-November 2023 in collaboration with Indian diaspora associations in Saudi
Arabia.
 The event aims to enhance cultural ties and strengthen diaspora engagement.
Climate and Health Conference 2024
 The inaugural Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC 2024) is being held from October 29-31
in Harare, Zimbabwe, with over 400 representatives from 54 African countries attending.
 The conference integrates Africa into the global climate-health discussion, addressing climate-
sensitive diseases and Africa’s limited adaptive capacity.
 CHAC 2024 aims to share innovations and best practices to enhance climate resilience in health,
focusing on using research evidence to guide climate adaptation strategies.
 Key themes include the health impacts of climate change, equitable climate research, translating
research into policy, and redefining Africa’s health approach.
 Africa suffers disproportionately from climate impacts like droughts and floods; despite only contributing
3% to global emissions, the continent faces high climate-related losses.

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 Climate change exacerbates health issues, especially in areas with low adaptive capacity like the Horn
of Africa and Sahel, impacting disease management such as HIV in Eswatini.
 CHANCE, a networking initiative concurrent with CHAC 2024, promotes collaboration on climate-health
research and advocacy for evidence-based policy.
 The conference, hosted by CeSHHAR Zimbabwe with Zimbabwe’s government ministries, has a
theme of “Cultivating Resilience in Health” and aims to foster equitable climate strategies in Africa.
AWARDS AND REWARDS

Award/Honor Recipient Details
Recognized for wildlife and community
Hulikanu Progressive
J.T. Rajappa conservation work in Nagarahole, Karnataka; ₹3
Adivasi Wildlife Award
lakh cash prize.
Nobel Prize in
Victor Ambros, Gary Awarded for discovering microRNA's role in gene
Physiology or Medicine
Ruvkun regulation.
2024
Recognized for lifetime contributions to Indian
Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Mithun Chakraborty cinema; presented at the 70th National Film
2022
Awards.
Maria Corina Recognized for promoting democracy in
Vaclav Havel Rights Prize
Machado Venezuela.
Marathi, Bengali,
Classical Language Approved by Union Cabinet, adding to the
Assamese, Pali,
Status existing six classical languages of India.
Prakrit
Vayalar Ramavarma Awarded for his novel Kattoorkadavu; includes ₹1
Ashokan Charuvil
Literary Award lakh cash prize and sculpture.
Kishore Kumar Samman Recognized by the Madhya Pradesh government
Rajkumar Hirani
2023 for contributions to Indian cinema.
Vera Voronova,
MIDORI Prize for Awarded for contributions to biodiversity
Ysabel Agustina
Biodiversity 2024 conservation; $100,000 cash prize.
Carlos
Hindustan
HAL granted Maharatna status, increasing
Maharatna CPSE Status Aeronautics Limited
autonomy in financial decisions.
(HAL)
Odisha won Best State; 38 awards given across
5th National Water Various States and
nine categories to recognize water conservation
Awards Entities
efforts.
Crowned Femina Miss India; will represent India
Femina Miss India 2024 Nikita Porwal
at Miss World.
Victoria and Albert
Won for her artwork Marigolds, addressing child
Museum Illustration Aditi Anand
labor themes; award includes GBP 3,000 prize.
Award
Recognized for Chandrayaan-3 mission's
IAF World Space Award S. Somanath
achievements in lunar exploration.
Global Anti-Racism
Awarded for her work in combating systemic
Championship Award Urmila Chaudhary
racism and promoting justice in Nepal.
2024

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October 2024
Award/Honor Recipient Details

SHRM HR Excellence Recognized for excellence in inclusion, equity,
SAIL
Awards 2024 and workforce management.
Harry Messel Award for Bibhab Kumar Recognized for conservation efforts, particularly
Conservation Leadership Talukdar for Asian rhinos; awarded by IUCN SSC.
Top Central Banker Ranked top central banker by Global Finance
Shaktikanta Das
Ranking magazine for the second consecutive year.
IFFI 2024 Country of Recognized as Country of Focus at IFFI 2024 for
Australia
Focus contributions to cinema.
Honored for contributions to mental health
Mahatma Gandhi
Darasing Khurana awareness at the Global Mental Health Summit in
Leadership Award
the UK.
María Corina
Sakharov Prize for Awarded by the EU Parliament for promoting
Machado, Edmundo
Freedom of Thought democracy in Venezuela.
González
Fiji's Highest Civilian Recognized for humanitarian work through 'The
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Award Art of Living Foundation'.
National Kishore Kumar Presented by the Madhya Pradesh Government
Rajkumar Hirani
Award in honor of Kishore Kumar's legacy.
Kerala Government presented a ₹2 crore cheque
Kerala State Felicitation P.R. Sreejesh
for his contributions to Indian hockey.
70th National Film Awards
 President Droupadi Murmu led the 70th National Film Awards ceremony on October 8, 2024, at Vigyan
Bhavan, New Delhi, celebrating the outstanding contributions to Indian cinema.
 A memorable occasion during this award show was the awarding of the coveted Dadasaheb Phalke
Award to veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, in honor of his remarkable multi-decade career.
Category Winner Film
Best Feature Film Aattam Aattam
Best Popular Film Kantara Kantara

Best Actor Rishab Shetty Kantara
Best Actress Nithya Menon and Manasi Parekh -
Best Director Sooraj Barjatya -

Best Supporting
Neena Gupta -
Actress
Best Supporting Actor Pawan Malhotra -

Best Debut Fouja, Pramod Kumar -
Best Telugu Film Kartikeya 2 Kartikeya 2
Best Tamil Film Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1 Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1
Best Punjabi Film Baaghi Di Dhee Baaghi Di Dhee

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October 2024
Best Odia Film Daman Daman
Soudi Velakka
Best Malayalam Film Soudi Velakka CC.225/2009
CC.225/2009
Best Marathi Film Vaalvi Vaalvi
Best Kannada Film KGF: Chapter 2 KGF: Chapter 2
Best Hindi Film Gulmohar Gulmohar
Best Lyrics Fouja Fouja
Pritam (Songs), AR Rahman (Background

Best Music Director -
Score)
Best Sound Design Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1 Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1
Best Screenplay Aattam Aattam

Best Dialogues Gulmohar Gulmohar
The Nobel Prize 2024
Category Winners Contributions/Work

Foundational work on artificial neural networks (ANNs),
John Hopfield, including Hopfield networks and Restricted Boltzmann
Physics
Geoffrey Hinton Machines (RBMs), crucial for deep learning and generative
AI technologies.
Nihon Hidankyo Efforts to achieve nuclear disarmament and raise

Peace (Japanese Hibakusha awareness about the humanitarian consequences of
movement) nuclear weapons, keeping the "nuclear taboo" alive.
Daron Acemoglu, Research on wealth inequality between nations, focusing

Economics Simon Johnson, James on the impact of political and economic institutions,
Robinson particularly those introduced by European colonisers.
Advancements in computational protein design and
David Baker, Demis predicting protein structures, including AlphaFold and
Chemistry
Hassabis, John Jumper Rosetta, with applications in medicine, biotechnology, and
life sciences research.
Poetic prose exploring historical traumas and human
Han Kang (South fragility, notable works include The Vegetarian, Human
Literature
Korea) Acts, and The White Book, emphasizing themes like
violence, loss, and independence.
Bhubaneswar wins the ‘City with the Best Public Transport System’ at 17th Urban Mobility India (UMI)
Conference & Exhibition 2024
 17th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Exhibition 2024 concluded at Mahatma Mandir,
Gandhinagar, focusing on sustainable urban mobility solutions.
 Union Minister Manohar Lal highlighted India's third position globally in operational rail network and
aims for the second largest metro network soon.

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October 2024
 The National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), part of One Nation One Card initiative, is being widely
adopted across Indian metro networks, enhancing urban mobility.
 Key award categories included Sustainable Transport System, Best Public Transport, Safety and
Security, and Green Transport Initiatives.
 The awards also acknowledged innovations in multimodal integration, passenger services, and public
involvement in transport.
 The event featured participation from various dignitaries, including ministers and experts, promoting
collaboration and innovation in the urban transport sector.
Sl. No. Award Category Winner
City Organisation
1 City with the Most Sustainable Transport Kochi Kochi Metro Rail
System Corporation Ltd.
2 City with the Best Public Transport System Bhubaneswar Capital Region Urban
Transport (CRUT)
3 City with the Best Non-Motorized Transport Srinagar Srinagar Smart City
System Ltd.
4 City with the Best Safety and Security System Gandhinagar Gandhinagar
& Record Municipal
Corporation
5 City with the Best Intelligent Transport Surat Surat Municipal

System (ITS) Corporation
6 City with the Most Innovative Financing Jammu Jammu Smart City
Mechanism Ltd.
7 City with Best Record of Public Involvement Bengaluru Bangalore

in Transport Metropolitan

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October 2024
Sl. No. Award Category Winner
City Organisation
Transport
Corporation
8 Metro Rail with the Best Multimodal Bengaluru Bangalore Metro Rail
Integration Corporation Ltd.
9 Metro Rail with the Best Passenger Services Mumbai Mumbai Metro One
and Satisfaction Pvt. Ltd.
About 17th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Exhibition 2024:
 The 17th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Exhibition 2024 was organized by the Ministry of Housing
and Urban Affairs with support from Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation.
 The event attracted 2200+ delegates and featured 76 exhibitors, including 67 Indian and 17 foreign participants
from countries like Germany, France, and Spain.
 The conference focused on “Standardisation and Optimisation of Urban Transport Solutions”, emphasizing the
integration of various modes of urban mobility and use of big data for planning.
 It discussed E-Bus ecosystem, digital public infrastructure, and innovative financing aligned with the Make in
India policy.
 Deliberations also addressed solutions for clean air cities, urban freight, and urban transport in small and mid-sized
towns.
Ministry of Jal Shakti launches 6th National Water Awards, 2024
 The 6th National Water Awards (NWA) 2024 has been launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti on the
Rashtriya Puraskar portal.
 Categories include ‘Best State’, ‘Best District’, ‘Best Village Panchayat’, ‘Best Urban Local Body’,
‘Best School/College’, and others.
 Winners for 'Best State' and 'Best District' receive a trophy and citation; others receive cash prizes, a
trophy, and a citation.
 Cash prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ranks are Rs. 2 lakhs, Rs. 1.5 lakhs, and Rs. 1 lakh, respectively.
 Introduced in 2018, NWAs aim to recognize efforts in water resource management and promote ‘Jal
Samridh Bharat’.
 The awards encourage a holistic approach to managing surface and groundwater resources.
 Previous editions have awarded 82 winners (2018), 98 (2019), 57 (2020), 41 (2022), and 38 (2023).
 The 2021 awards were not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sl. No. Category of Award Eligible Entity Award No. of Awards/Prize money
1. Best State State Government/ UT Trophy with 3 Awards

Citation
2. Best District District Administration/ Trophy with 5 awards

DM/DC Citation
(One award from each of the
five zones i.e. Northern,
Southern, Western, Eastern &
North Eastern)

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October 2024
3. Best Village Village Panchayat Cash Awards & 3 Awards

Panchayat Trophy with
Citation First award: Rs.2 lakh
Second award: Rs.1.5 lakh
Third award: Rs.1 lakh
4. Best Urban Local Urban Local Body Cash Awards & 3 Awards
Body Trophy with
5. Best School or School/College Cash Awards & 3 Awards

College Trophy with
6. Best Institution Institutions/RWAs/ Cash Awards & awards

(other than Religious organizations Trophy with (i) 2 awards for campus usage
School/College) Citation (First award: Rs.2 lakh;
Second award: Rs.1.5 lakh)
(ii) 1 award for other than
campus (Award: Rs.2 lakh)
7. Best Industry Small/Medium/Large Cash Awards & 3 Awards

Scale Industry Trophy with
8. Best Civil Society Registered NGOs/ Civil Cash Awards & 3 Awards
societies Trophy with
9. Best Water User Water User Cash Awards & 3 Awards

Association Associations Trophy with
APPOINTMENTS
Organization Name News Learn Along
RBI The government has extended the term of RBI Deputy Governor M. Founded:
Rajeshwar Rao for a period of one year. He was appointed as RBI 1 April 1935
Deputy Governor in October 2020 for a period of three years. PTI
Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal (ACM) A. P. Singh became the Chief of Air Staff after Founded:
the retirement of ACM V. R. Chaudhari. 8 October
1932
IndusInd Bank The board of IndusInd Bank has approved the reappointment of Sumant Founded:
Kathpalia as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & April 1994
CEO) for another three-year term from March 24, 2025, to March 23,

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October 2024
2028, pending approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Headquarters
shareholders. : Mumbai
IL&FS IL&FS Group announced the appointment of Nand Kishore as its new Founded:
Chairman and Managing Director effective Oct. 1. 1987
Armed Forces Surgeon Vice-Admiral Arti Sarin became the first woman officer to ---
Medical Services assume charge as the Director-General of the Armed Forces Medical
Services.
IndusInd Bank The board of IndusInd Bank has approved the reappointment of Sumant Founded:
Kathpalia as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & April 1994,
CEO) for another three-year term from March 24, 2025, to March 23, Mumbai
2028, pending approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and
shareholders.
Bank of Baroda Bank of Baroda (BoB) signed Sachin Tendulkar as its global brand Founded:
ambassador. 20 July 1908
GeM portal The government has given L Satya Srinivas, Additional Secretary in Launched:
Department of Commerce, the additional charge of CEO of public August 9,
procurement portal GeM. 2016
Indian Railway Manoj Kumar Dubey, a 1993-batch Indian Railway Accounts Service Headquarters
Finance officer, was named Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) and Chief : New Delhi
Corporation Executive Officer (CEO) of the Indian Railway Finance Corporation Founded:
(IRFC). IRFC is a miniratna public sector firm run by the Ministry of 12 December
Railways. 1986
BCCI Retired IPS officer Sharad Kumar has been named the new head of the Headquarters
BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit, succeeding KK Mishra. : Mumbai
Founded:
December
1928
Bandhan Bank The Reserve Bank of India has appointed Partha Pratim Sengupta as Headquarters
the MD & CEO of Bandhan Bank. He has been appointed to the post for : Kolkata
three years from the date of taking charge, which should not be later than Founded:
November 10, the lender has informed the stock exchanges. 2001
National Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar has been appointed the ninth Chairperson of ---
Commission for the National Commission for Women (NCW), succeeding Rekha
Women Sharma.
Indian Chamber of The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the 100-year-old leading Founded:
Commerce National Chamber of Commerce, announced the appointment of Mr 1925
Abhyuday Jindal, Managing Director of Jindal Stainless Limited, as the
new President of ICC.
Indian Coast Paramesh Sivamani took over as the 26th Director-General of the Indian ---
Guard Coast Guard. He was elevated to the rank of Additional Director-General
in September 2022, and was subsequently posted at the Coast Guard
headquarters in Delhi.
Yes Bank Private sector lender Yes Bank announced the appointment of Nirav Dalal Headquarters
as country head – financial markets. : Mumbai
India Senior IPS officer Praveen Vashista has been appointed as the new ---
Special Secretary for Internal Security.
Acko General Acko has appointed Sandip Goenka as the CEO of its newly launched Headquarters
Insurance life insurance division, ACKO Life. : Bengaluru
National Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed Deepak Established:
Agriculture Agarwal, a 2000-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2nd October
Cooperative Uttar Pradesh cadre, as the new Managing Director (MD) of the National 1958
Marketing Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED).
Federation of India
Axis Bank Axis Bank has officially announced the re-appointment of Amitabh Headquarters
Chaudhry as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for a : Mumbai
new three-year term, effective from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027.

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October 2024
Supreme Court  Justice Sanjiv Khanna has been appointed as the 51st Chief ---
Justice of India (CJI), effective November 11, 2024.
 He succeeds Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who retires on
November 10, 2024.
ICRISAT The Governing Board of the International Crops Research Institute for the Founded:
Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has announced the appointment of Dr. 1972
Himanshu Pathak as the Director General-designate of the esteemed
institute.
India Dr. Neena Malhotra, a 1992 batch Indian Foreign Service officer, has been ---
appointed as India's Ambassador to Sweden. Currently an Officer on
Special Duty in the Ministry of External Affairs she has previously served
as Ambassador to Italy the Republic of San Marino and at the United
Nations in Rome.
Bharti Airtel Bharti Airtel announced a top-level recast including a new chief executive ---
officer (CEO). Chief Operating Officer (COO) Shashwat Sharma will take
charge as the next managing director (MD) and CEO while incumbent
Gopal Vittal has been named vice-chairman from January 1, 2026.
Airports Authority Vipin Kumar, a 1996-batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre, has officially Headquarters
of India taken charge as the Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI). : New Delhi
Before this new role, he served as the Additional Secretary in the
Department of School Education & Literacy under the Ministry of Education. Founded:
1 April 1995
Punjab National The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) has recommended Headquarters
Bank Ashok Chandra as the next Managing Director (MD) and Chief : New Delhi
Executive Officer (CEO) of Punjab National Bank (PNB. Founded:
19 May 1894
India Rajesh Kumar Singh took over as Defence Secretary at South Block, ---
New Delhi.
He succeeded Giridhar Aramane, a 1988-batch IAS officer from the
Andhra Pradesh cadre, who retired after a two-year tenure.
IMPORTANT DAYS

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October 2024
Day/Week Observance Significance

October 5 World Teachers Day World Teachers Day is celebrated on October 5. The theme of
World Teachers Day this year is ‘Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards
a New Social Contract for Education.’
World Cotton Day Every year, October 7 is celebrated as World Cotton Day,
reaffirming global commitments to enhancing the sustainability of the
cotton sector and highlighting its role on the world stage.
7 October The theme of World Cotton Day 2024 is “Cotton for Good”.
World Habitat Day World Habitat Day is marked on the first Monday of October each
year and is recognized by the United Nations to reflect on the state
of towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter.
On 7 October 2024, the Global Observance of World Habitat Day, will
be under the theme “Engaging youth to create a better urban
future.”
October 10 World Mental Health World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10, was
Day 2024 first initiated in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health
(WFMH) aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and
mobilize efforts in support of mental health care worldwide. The
theme for 2024 is Mental Health at Work.
Day/Week Observance Significance

21st October World Iodine Deficiency Day World Iodine Deficiency Day, also known as Global
Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day, is observed
annually on 21st October. The day aims to raise
awareness about the essential role of iodine in
maintaining good health and to emphasize the
consequences of iodine deficiency.

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October 2024
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) On October 24, 2024, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police
63rd Raising Day (ITBP) celebrated its 63rd Raising Day, marking yet
another year of exceptional service in protecting India's
northern borders and contributing to national security.
Widely known as the "Sentinels of the Himalayas" or
"Himveers", the ITBP is famed for its steadfastness
24 October and courage in securing the most difficult and
treacherous terrains along the India-China border.
World Polio Day World Polio Day is observed annually on October 24
worldwide. The day is dedicated to creating
awareness about the disease and supporting all
initiatives to prevent it. The day highlights the global
efforts to end poliomyelitis (polio) across the globe.
United Nations Day United Nations Day, on 24 October, marks the
anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN
Charter. With the ratification of this founding
document by the majority of its signatories, including
the five permanent members of the Security Council,
the United Nations officially came into being.
October 28 Vigilance Awareness Week 2024  Vigilance Awareness Week 2024 began with the
to November theme "Culture of Integrity for Nation’s
3, 2024 Prosperity" and the integrity pledge was
administered by Central Vigilance
Commissioner Shri Praveen Kumar Srivastava
and Vigilance Commissioner Shri A.S. Rajeev
at Satarkata Bhawan, New Delhi.
 The week is observed from October 28 to
November 3, 2024, with a three-month
campaign running from August 16 to November
15, 2024.
 The campaign covers five focus areas: Capacity
Building Programs, Systemic Improvement
measures, Up-dation of
Circulars/Guidelines/Manuals, Complaint
disposal, and Dynamic Digital Presence.

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October 2024
OBITUARIES
Name of Person Field Points to Remember
Mohan Raj Actor Veteran actor Mohan Raj, popularly known by his stage
name Keerikkadan Jose, passed away. He was 70.
Ratan Naval Tata Businessman Ratan Naval Tata passed away leaving behind a legacy
of leadership, ethical business practices, and
philanthropy.
Born on 28th December 1937, Ratan Tata led the Tata
Group for over two decades. He was chairman from
1991 to 2012 and returned briefly as interim chairman in
2016. Under his leadership, the company grew rapidly.
Its Group’s revenue increased from $5.7 billion in 1991 to
nearly $100 billion by 2012.
Ratan Tata has received many awards for his work.
These include the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the
Padma Vibhushan in 2008. He was awarded the Oslo
Business for Peace Award in 2010. In 2014, Queen
Elizabeth II awarded Ratan Tata the prestigious
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British
Empire, one of the UK’s highest civilian honours.
Atul Parchure Actor Renowned Marathi actor Atul Parchure passed away at the age
of 57, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.
Vasant Anant Sanskrit Scholar Vasant Anant Gadgil, a revered Sanskrit scholar and founder of
Gadgil Sharda Gyan Peetham, passed away at the age of 94 in Pune.
His contributions to the promotion of Sanskrit were vast, spanning

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October 2024
from teaching at Tilak Maharashtra University to conducting

international efforts in places like the US and Africa.
In 2012, Gadgil was felicitated by then Gujarat Chief Minister
Narendra Modi, and he was also the recipient of the prestigious
Mahakavi Kalidas Sanskrit-Vrati National Award for his
research and development efforts in the language.
Rohini Godbole Professor Padma Shri recipient and pioneer of particle physics in India,
Professor Rohini Godbole, passed away in Pune.
She won many accolades and awards, including the Padma Shri,
Ordre national du Mérite from France, among others.
SPORTS
Mumbai wins Irani Cup after a gap of 27 years
 Mumbai won the Irani Cup for the 15th time, 27 years after their last victory, on October 5, 2024, in
Lucknow.
 Despite a 121-run first-innings lead, Mumbai faced a challenging situation at 171 for 8 before Kotian
and Mohit Avasthi formed a vital 158-run partnership.
 This win adds another feather to Ajinkya Rahane's cap, as he continues to lead Mumbai to success in
red-ball cricket.
Rethin, Vaidehi win National tennis crowns
 Rethin Pranav won the men’s title at the Fenesta National tennis championship with a hard-fought
victory over Nitin Kumar Sinha, scoring 6-4, 2-6, 6-2.
 In the women's final, Vaidehi Chaudhari defeated Maaya Rajeshwaran with a score of 6-3, 6-3.
 Under-18 boys’ title was claimed by Aradhya Kshitij, who won against Shanker Heisnam with a score
of 5-7, 7-5, 6-4.
 Under-18 girls’ title was secured by Prisha Shinde, defeating Diya Ramesh with a comeback win of 1-
6, 7-6(4), 6-2.
Kriish Tyagi wins a double crown in Uzbekistan
 Kriish Tyagi achieved a double crown in the ITF junior tennis tournament held in Fergana,
Uzbekistan.
 He won the singles title by defeating Zangar Nurlanuly of Kazakhstan with a score of 7-6(2), 6-3.
 The 17-year-old also claimed the doubles title in partnership with Dmitry Bessonov.
 The duo defeated Artem Bogomolov and Ivan Gretskiy with a score of 3-6, 6-3, [10-4] in the doubles
final.
 He is currently ranked 89th in the ITF junior rankings, showcasing his rising talent in the tennis circuit.
Ravindra Jadeja – Newest member of 3000 runs and 300 wickets elite club
 Ravindra Jadeja became the third Indian cricketer to achieve the milestone of 3,000 runs and 300
wickets in Test cricket during the second Test match against Bangladesh in Kanpur.
 He dismissed Khaled Ahmed, marking his 300th Test wicket, and joined the elite club alongside Kapil
Dev and Ravichandran Ashwin.
 Kapil Dev was the first to reach this feat, finishing with 5,248 runs and 434 wickets, while Ashwin
followed with 3,422 runs and 523 wickets.
 Jadeja is the first Indian left-arm spinner to take 300 Test wickets and the seventh overall Indian
bowler to achieve this.
 Anil Kumble holds the record for most Test wickets for India with 619, followed by Ashwin, Kapil Dev,
Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, and Ishant Sharma.

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October 2024
India breaks world records: fastest 50, 100 and 200 in Test cricket history
 India, led by Rohit Sharma, set a new record for the fastest fifty, hundred, and 200 runs in Test cricket
history.
 The record was achieved against Bangladesh at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur, on September 30, 2024.
 Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma played a key role in achieving the fastest team hundred in Test
history.
 India surpassed England's record for the fastest team fifty in Test cricket, reaching the milestone in just
three overs
Virat Kohli Achieved The Fastest 27000 Runs Milestone
 Virat Kohli became the fourth player in cricket history to score 27,000 international runs across all
formats.
 He achieved this milestone during the 2nd Test against Bangladesh, scoring 47 runs off 35 balls.
 He is the second Indian to reach this feat after Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the record with 34,357
runs.
 He is also the fastest to reach 27,000 runs, achieving it in just 594 innings.
 Kumar Sangakkara (28,016 runs) and Ricky Ponting (27,483 runs) are second and third on the all-time
list.
India to host first kho kho World Cup next year
 The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) will host the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup next year, marking
a significant step toward international recognition of the sport.
 The tournament will be held over one week in early next year in New Delhi.
 A total of 24 countries will participate, with 16 men's teams and 16 women's teams.
 The KKFI is focusing on promoting the sport at the grassroots level by targeting 200 elite schools across
10 cities.
Tennis: Carlos Alcaraz Defeats Jannik Sinner to Win First China Open Title
 Carlos Alcaraz of Spain, the second seed, defeated world No. 1 Jannik Sinner to win his first China
Open title with a score of 6-7, 6-4, 7-6.
9th edition of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup begins
 The ninth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup begins in Sharjah, UAE.
 India will play its first match against New Zealand on the 4th of October.
 Ten teams are participating in the tournament, which will be held from 3rd to 20th October.
 India is in Group A with Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
 Group B includes Bangladesh, England, Scotland, South Africa, and West Indies.
Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar announces retirement
 Dipa Karmakar, a celebrated Indian gymnast, has officially announced her retirement from professional
gymnastics after 25 years in the sport.
 Dipa Karmakar became the first Indian woman to win a bronze medal in the vault category at the 2014
Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
 She won another bronze medal at the 2015 Asian Championships and made history by finishing fourth
in the vault event at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
 Despite facing injuries and surgeries post-Rio, she secured a gold medal at the 2018 Artistic
Gymnastics World Cup in Turkey.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 In 2021, she won another gold medal at the Asian Gymnastics Championships in Tashkent,
showcasing her resilience.
 Dipa has been honoured with prestigious awards like the Padma Shri, Arjuna Award, and the Major
Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
ISSF Junior World shooting championship, India finishes at top in overall medal tally with 13 gold
 Indian shooters topped the medals tally at the ISSF Junior World Shooting Championship in Peru,
securing a total of 24 medals.
 The medal count included 13 gold, three silver, and eight bronze medals, placing India at the top of the
leaderboard.
 Italy finished in second place, while Norway secured the third spot in the overall rankings.
 On the final day, the team of Deepak Dalal, Kamaljeet, and Raj Chandra won the men’s 50m pistol
team gold medal.
India have two stars in the top five in FIDE’s latest rankings
 India now has two players in the top 5 of the FIDE chess rankings, with Arjun Erigaisi ranked No. 3
and Gukesh ranked No. 5 after their historic performances at the Chess Olympiad.
 Both the Indian teams won gold medals at the Chess Olympiad, along with four individual golds for
the country’s players.
 Arjun Erigaisi is just three points away from breaking into the 2800 club after gaining 19 rating points
and overtaking Fabiano Caruana for the No. 3 spot.
 D Gukesh gained 30 rating points, rising to No. 5 and also leading the junior rankings, overtaking
Nodirbek Abdusattorov.
 Divya Deshmukh topped the junior women’s rankings, and both she and Gukesh won individual golds
at the Budapest Chess Olympiad.
 China's Ding Liren, current world champion, slipped out of the top 20 after a poor performance at the
Olympiad.
 Koneru Humpy, ranked No. 6, represents India in the women’s rankings, though she did not compete
in the Olympiad.
 All three Indians, Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and Divya Deshmukh, remained unbeaten during the
Olympiad, leading India to victory.
 Divya Deshmukh gained 18 rating points, largely due to her stellar performance at the Olympiad.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
Billiards: Cueist Pankaj Advani wins Singapore Open Title
 Pankaj Advani, the renowned Indian cueist, won the Songhe Singapore Open Billiards title with a 5-
1 victory over Jaden Ong.
 He concluded the match with a 74-6 win in the final frame, showcasing his superior skills.
 Pankaj Advani will next compete in Doha in November to defend his World Billiards title.
US tennis star Coco Gauff wins China Open final
 Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old American tennis star, won the 2024 China Open final, defeating Karolina
Muchová with a score of 6-1, 6-3.
 The victory marks Gauff's second title of the year and her eighth career singles title overall.
 Gauff became the youngest China Open champion in 14 years and the second American to win the
tournament after Serena Williams.
Asian Youth Archery Championship 2024
 Vaishnavi Pawar, a rising Indian archer, won a silver medal in the recurve U-18 women's team
category at the Asian Youth Archery Championship 2024 in Taipei City.
 The Indian team defeated South Korea in the semi-final in a shoot-off, showcasing their skill and
determination.
 This silver medal highlights Vaishnavi Pawar's growing status in the Indian archery scene and her
potential in international competitions.
Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024
 Bihar CM Nitish Kumar unveiled the logo and mascot for the Women's Asian Champions Trophy-
2024 to be held in Rajgir from November 11-20.

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 The mascot, named 'Gudiya', is inspired by Bihar’s state bird, the sparrow, symbolizing alertness and
strategy.
 The tournament is a joint venture between Hockey India and the Bihar government, hosted at the new
Rajgir Hockey Stadium.
 The Bihar government allocated ₹10 crore for the event.
 Six countries—India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan—are participating in the
competition.
 The hockey stick in Gudiya's hand represents the sport, while the goalkeeper's glove symbolizes
defense and alertness.
 The logo reflects Bihar's cultural heritage, featuring a Bodhi tree and a hockey stick, symbolizing
knowledge and India's national sport.
 The mascot reinforces the state's commitment to women empowerment through sports.
Harmanpreet Kaur Sets New National Record in 76 kg Women’s Category at IWLF National
Weightlifting Championships
 Harmanpreet Kaur set a new national record in the 76 kg Senior women category at the IWLF
National Weightlifting Championships.
 She lifted 127 kg in clean and jerk and 223 kg in total at the Rainbow Khelo India Residential Academy
in Nagrota Bagwan, Himachal Pradesh.
 In the Junior section, Heena set a record with 123 kg in clean and jerk and 211 kg in total in the 76 kg
category.
 G. Ravishankar set a new national record in the Junior section with a total lift of 311 kg, surpassing
the previous record of 304 kg held by Ramkaran Prajapati.
Harmanpreet Singh emerges as most expensive player in Hockey auction
 India captain Harmanpreet Singh became the most expensive player in the Hockey India League
auction, sold for ₹78 lakh to Soorma Hockey Club.
 Abhishek was the second-most expensive player, bought by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for ₹72
lakh.
 Hardik Singh was acquired by UP Rudras for ₹70 lakh.
 The Hockey India League is set to begin on 28th December this year.
Asian TT Championships: India win historic bronze in women's doubles event
 India won three medals at the Asian Table Tennis Championships, including a historic bronze in the
women's doubles.
 The pair of Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee secured the first-ever women's doubles medal
for India in the event, losing to Japan's Miwa Harimoto and Miyuu Kihara in the semifinals.
 The duo had earlier defeated South Korea's Kim Nayeong and Lee Eunhye to secure the bronze.
 The Indian women's team also won a bronze in the team event, their first-ever team medal since the
competition began in 1972.
 The team of Manika Batra, Ayhika Mukherjee, and Sutirtha Mukherjee lost 1-3 to Japan in the
semifinals.
 In the men's team event, India won another bronze, with Achanta Sharath Kamal, Manav Thakkar, and
Harmeet Desai losing 0-3 to Chinese Taipei in the semifinals.
 In men's singles, Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah were eliminated in the pre-quarterfinals.
 Thakkar was defeated by Hong Kong's Baldwin Chan after earlier upsetting world No. 14 Jang Woojin
of South Korea.
India awarded hosting rights for ISSF Junior World Cup next year
 India was awarded the hosting rights for the ISSF Junior World Cup in 2025 by the International
Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).

Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 ISSF President Luciano Rossi expressed support for India's bid to host more big-ticket international
tournaments in the future.
 The World Cup Final, where the top performers of the year compete, will be hosted at Dr. Karni Singh
Ranges.
 A 23-member Indian squad will compete against the world's best shooters in this prestigious event.
FIFA bans Curto for 10 games
 FIFA banned Italian footballer Marco Curto for 10 games for making a discriminatory remark at South
Korea forward Hee Chan Hwang in a pre-season game between Como and Wolves.
Gymnast Dipa Karmakar announces retirement
 Dipa Karmakar, the Indian gymnast who narrowly missed a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics,
announced her retirement from a 13-year-long career on social media.
 Dipa's breakthrough came at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, where she won bronze in the vault
event, marking India's first-ever medal in women's gymnastics at the Games.
 She made history again at the 2016 Rio Olympics, becoming the first Indian female gymnast to compete
at the Summer Olympics in nearly five decades, finishing fourth in the vault final.
 Dipa has also secured gold and bronze medals at various World Cups and Asian Championships,
earning her international recognition.
 List of Dipa Karmakar’s achievements
Year Achievements
2014 Bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games (Vault)
2016 Fourth place at the Rio Olympics (Vault)
2017 Gold medal at the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships (Vault)
2019 Gold medal at the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships (Vault)
2016 Arjuna Award
2017 Padma Shri
IOA announces dates for National Games
 The 38th National Games will be held in Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14 next year, as
announced by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
 The decision is subject to approval by the IOA General Assembly, which will meet on October 25.
 The announcement reflects Uttarakhand's enthusiasm and readiness to support major sports events.
Rafael Nadal announces retirement: 22-time Grand Slam champion to retire after Davis Cup
 Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from professional tennis after the Davis Cup final in Malaga
in November 2024.
 The 38-year-old tennis legend has won 22 Grand Slam titles and an Olympic singles gold in his
illustrious career.
Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 Nadal has been included in Spain's squad for the Davis Cup Finals scheduled from November 19 to
24, marking his last professional appearance.
India to host Asian women’s handball championship
 The 20th Asian Women’s Handball Championship will be held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium,
New Delhi, from December 1 to 10.
 The tournament was initially scheduled in Almaty, Kazakhstan, but later shifted to India.
 Participating teams include Iran, South Korea, China, Japan, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and
India.
 This championship is a qualifying event for the World Women’s Championship scheduled in Germany
and the Netherlands next year.
 It is a major event for women’s handball in Asia and offers an opportunity for teams to secure a spot at
the global championship.
Arjun Erigaisi Wins WR Chess Masters Cup But Misses Out On 2800
 GM Arjun Erigaisi won the 2024 WR Chess Masters Cup, defeating Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in
armageddon.
 He claimed the €20,000 top prize and earned 27.84 FIDE Circuit points with this victory.
 Despite the win, Erigaisi fell short of crossing the 2800 FIDE rating mark, as Vachier-Lagrave forced
two draws in the classical games.
 Erigaisi needed a classical win on the final day to achieve 2800 for the first time in his career.
 Vachier-Lagrave had drawn all his classical games but won three armageddon games in the tournament.
 Currently ranked world no. 4 with a live rating of 2796.1, Erigaisi defeated compatriots Vidit Gujrathi and
R. Praggnanandhaa en route to the title.
 This win solidifies Erigaisi's position among the top chess players globally.
Akhil Sheoran’s Bronze Medal at ISSF World Cup 2024
 Akhil Sheoran secured a bronze medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event at the ISSF World Cup 2024,
marking a significant comeback after his Olympic heartbreak.
 He made a decisive leap from 6th to 3rd place during the gruelling 45-shot final, finding his rhythm in
the prone position, and tied with the Czech Republic’s Jiri Privratsky, who took silver.
 His bronze was the only medal for the Indian contingent that day, with Chain Singh finishing 7th.
Three new inductees added to ICC Hall of Fame
 Alastair Cook, Neetu David, and AB de Villiers have been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame as
members 113, 114, and 115 respectively.
 The ICC Hall of Fame, established in 2009, recognizes the most exceptional cricketers throughout
history.
 Alastair Cook is England’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket, having played over 250 matches and
leading England to many victories before retiring in 2018.
 Neetu David, a former Indian left-arm spinner, is the second Indian woman in the Hall of Fame, following
Diana Edulji. She was the first Indian woman to achieve 100 wickets in ODIs.
 David led the wicket-taking charts in the 2005 ICC Women's World Cup, helping India reach the final
for the first time.
 AB de Villiers, known as Mr. 360, amassed over 20,000 international runs with record-breaking
performances, including the fastest fifties, hundreds, and 150s in ODIs.
 The Class of 2024 will be honored in Dubai this week, coinciding with the conclusion of the ICC Women’s
T20 World Cup.
Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
Virat Kohli Becomes 4th Indian Batter to Reach 9,000 Test Runs
 Virat Kohli has become the fourth Indian batsman to reach 9,000 Test runs, achieving this milestone
against New Zealand at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
 He reached this mark during India’s second innings in the ongoing match.
 He follows Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar as the only other Indians to achieve
this feat.
 At 35 years old, Virat Kohli is the second-highest Test run-getter among active players, after Joe Root
of England.
 In the overall list of Test run-scorers, Kohli is ranked 18th.
Manipur’s Bala Devi becomes first Indian to score 50 international goals
 Ngangom Bala Devi becomes the first Indian to score 50 international goals in football, marking a
historic milestone.
 She achieved this feat during a dominant match against Bangladesh in the SAFF Women’s
Championship.
India climbs one place to 125th in official FIFA rankings, Argentina still on top
 India moved up one spot to 125th in the latest FIFA rankings.

 Argentina remains at the top position, followed by France (2nd), Spain (3rd), and England (4th).
 Brazil holds the fifth position in the rankings.
 Portugal rose to 7th, and Italy moved up to 9th among the top ten teams.
 Netherlands dropped to 8th, and Colombia fell to 10th.
 Germany climbed two spots to reach 11th, nearing the top ten.
FIFA - Top 10 teams
1. Argentina
2. France
3. Spain
4. England
5. Brazil
6. Belgium
7. Portugal
8. Netherlands
9. Italy
10. Colombia
Deepika bags her fifth silver at Archery World Cup Final; Dhiraj falls early
 Deepika Kumari won her fifth silver medal at the World Cup Final, losing 0-6 to China's Li Jiaman in
the final.
 Despite a strong semifinal win against Mexico's Alejandra Valencia (6-4), she couldn’t maintain
momentum in the final.
 It was her ninth appearance at the World Cup Final, adding to her previous bronze medals.
 Dola Banerjee remains the only Indian to win gold at the World Cup Final, in Dubai 2007.
 The five-member Indian contingent concluded the campaign with just one medal, secured by Deepika.
 The compound archers—Prathamesh Fuge, Priyansh, and Jyothi Surekha Vennam—ended without
medals, with Fuge finishing fourth.
Japan Para Badminton International 2024
 India won 24 medals at the Japan Para Badminton International, including 6 gold, 9 silver, and 9
bronze.
Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 Sivarajan Solaimalai clinched gold in men’s singles SH6 and also won men’s doubles with Sudarsan
Saravanakumar Muthusamy.
 Sukant Kadam secured gold in men’s singles SL4 and silver in men’s doubles (SL3-SL4) with Dinesh
Rajaiah.
 Manisha Ramdass triumphed in women’s SU5, defeating Japan’s Mamiko Toyoda, while Neeraj took
silver in women’s SL3.
 Hardik Makkar and Ruthick Ragupati won gold in men’s doubles SU5, with Hardik also securing silver
and bronze in singles.
 In men’s doubles WH1-WH2, Abu Hubaida and Prem Kumar Ale won bronze, while Alphia James
took silver in women’s singles WH2.
 Reigning Paralympic champion Kumar Nitesh won silver in SL3 after a close final against Japan’s
Daisuke Fujihara.
PSA Challenger squash title in France
 India’s Akanksha Salunkhe won the 2eme Open International Feminin de Couzeix/Limoges 2024
PSA Challenger title in France, marking her first PSA World Tour squash title of the year.
 Ranked 74th globally, Salunkhe defeated Malaysia's Yasshmita Jadish Kumar (World No. 87) in the
final with a score of 3-0 (11-7, 11-7, 11-6).
Sultan of Johor Cup
 India Colts won the Bronze Medal at the Sultan of Johor Cup after defeating New Zealand 2-2 (3-2) in
a dramatic shootout.
 Goalkeeper Bikramjit Singh made three crucial saves, while Gurjot Singh, Manmeet Singh, and
Sourabh Anand Kushwaha scored in the shootout.
New World Test Championship high for Ravichandran Ashwin
 Ravichandran Ashwin surpassed Nathan Lyon in the World Test Championship (WTC) wicket tally
during the India vs New Zealand 2nd Test in Pune.
 Ravichandran Ashwin started the match with 186 WTC wickets, just one behind Lyon.
 Ravichandran Ashwin has achieved this milestone in four fewer Tests than Lyon since the WTC's
inception in 2019.
 He also surpassed Lyon in the all-time Test wicket-takers list, with 531 wickets in 104 Tests, becoming
the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history.
 Lyon, in comparison, has 530 wickets in 129 Tests.
 Ashwin's achievement adds to his status as one of the leading spin bowlers in international cricket.
Most wickets in the ICC World Test Championship
Player WTC wickets

Ravichandran Ashwin 189
Nathan Lyon 187
Pat Cummins 175
Mitchell Starc 147
Stuart Broad 134
Rabada becomes fastest to 300 Test wickets by balls bowled
 Kagiso Rabada reached his 300th Test wicket in his 65th Test, becoming the sixth South African to
achieve this milestone.
 Rabada’s Test bowling average stands at 22, and he ended with figures of 3-26.
Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
Rani Rampal, Indian women’s hockey legend, retires
 Rani Rampal, Indian women’s hockey legend, announced her retirement on October 24, 2024, after
representing India in 254 international matches and scoring 120 goals.
 She led India to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and was the youngest
player to debut for Indian hockey at age 14 in 2008.
 Rani's career highlights include silver at the 2009 Asia Cup, bronze at the 2014 Asian Games, and
Asia Cup victory in 2017.
 She received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Padma Shri in 2020 for her contributions to Indian
hockey.
 Hockey India retired her iconic No. 28 jersey in recognition of her contributions.
 Rani became the first Indian woman hockey player to have a stadium named after her in Raebareli.
Ballon d’Or 2024 highlights: Rodri, Bonmati win men’s and women’s player of the year, Real Madrid
and Barca Femeni best clubs, Lamal bags Kopa trophy
 Rodri, a midfielder from Spain and Manchester City, won his first Ballon d'Or in 2023, becoming the first
non-forward to win since Luka Modric in 2018.
 He surpassed Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham to claim the title, following victories in both the Premier
League with City and the European Championship with Spain.
 In the women's category, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati won the Ballon d'Or for the second time in a row,
joining Alexia Putellas as the only players to retain the title.
 Bonmati played a key role in Barcelona’s Liga F and Champions League victories.
Full list of winners (2024)
Ballon d'Or
Men: Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)
Women: Aitana Bonmati (Spain, Barcelona)
Yashin Trophy: Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)
Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
Johan Cruyff Trophy
Men: Carlo Ancelotti (Italy, Real Madrid)
Women: Emma Hayes (England, Chelsea / USA national team)
Club of the Year
Men: Real Madrid
Women: Barcelona
Gerd Müller Trophy
Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich) and Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain / Real Madrid)
Sócrates Award
Jennifer Hermoso (Spain, Tigres UANL)
Matthew Wade retires from international cricket
 Matthew Wade, T20 World Cup winner in 2021, retired from international cricket and will join Australia’s
white-ball coaching staff.
 Wade will work under Andre Borovec for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan and the ODI series
in Melbourne.
 The 36-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has played 36 Tests, 97 ODIs, and 92 T20Is over a 13-year
career.
 His last international appearance was in the 2023 T20 World Cup.
Under-23 World Wrestling Championships
 Chirag Chikkara won gold in the men’s freestyle 57kg category at the U23 World Championships in
Tirana, securing India’s only gold among nine medals.
Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
 Chikkara clinched a 4-3 win against Abdymalik Karachov of Kyrgyzstan, becoming the second Indian
male after Aman Sehrawat to win gold at the U23 Championships.
 India finished with nine medals: one gold, one silver, and seven bronze, placing fourth in the team
rankings with 82 points.
 India’s men's freestyle medal haul included four medals: Chikkara’s gold and three bronzes from Vicky
(97kg), Sujeet Kalkal (70kg), and Abhishek Dhaka.
 The Indian women's team won one silver (Anjli, 59kg) and three bronzes: Neha Sharma (57kg),
Shiksha (65kg), and Monika (68kg).
 Vicky won bronze in the 97kg category, making it India’s highest weight category medal at this
tournament.
 Sujeet Kalkal overcame a 0-4 deficit to win bronze in the 70kg category.
 Vishvajit More secured a bronze in the men's 55kg Greco-Roman category, rounding off India’s
performance.
 This year’s medal tally is an improvement over the previous year, where India won only two bronzes in
freestyle.
Ravindra Jadeja becomes 5th highest wicket-taker for India in Tests
 Ravindra Jadeja reached a milestone by becoming India's fifth-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 312
wickets, surpassing Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma (both with 311 wickets).
 In the third Test against New Zealand, Ravindra Jadeja achieved his 14th Test five-wicket haul by
dismissing Will Young, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Ish Sodhi, and Matt Henry.
 His accomplishment places him alongside legendary bowlers like Anil Kumble (619 wickets),
Ravichandran Ashwin (533), Kapil Dev (434), and Harbhajan Singh (417).
ICC appoints new Independent Chair of the Anti-Corruption Unit
 The International Cricket Council (ICC) appointed Sumathi Dharmawardena P.C. as the new
Independent Chair of its Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).
 Sumathi Dharmawardena succeeds Sir Ronnie Flanagan, who retired after 14 years in the role.
 He has extensive experience, including as Additional Solicitor General in Sri Lanka, representing the
Ministry of Sport in legal matters.
 His work includes collaborations with Interpol and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to
combat corruption in sports.
 Sumathi Dharmawardena was involved in creating the Prevention of Offences relating to Sports Act
and will lead the ACU starting 1 November 2024.
India claims second place in the Asian Armwrestling Cup
 India achieved runner-up position in the overall team standings at the 2024 Asian ArmWrestling Cup
in Mumbai, with Kazakhstan taking the top spot.
 Nine countries competed across six divisions: para, masters, sub-junior, junior, youth, and senior,
covering various weight classes.
 Notable Indian wins included Denic Lalruattluanga from Mizoram winning gold in the Men’s Seniors
80kg Right, and Yogesh Chaudhary from Haryana securing double golds in the Women’s Seniors
80kg+ Left and Right.
 Lalruattluanga, nicknamed the ‘Strap Man,’ overcame Kazakh opponent Islam Nurmanov in a thrilling
rematch to win gold, marking a proud moment for India.
Sources of the News:
Monthly BeePedia
October 2024
The Hindu,The Indian Express,Business Standard, The Financial Express ,PIB, etc.

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WTO Trade Forecast

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NITI Aayog raises asset monetisation target for

 NITI Aayog has increased the asset

HDFC Bank Inaugurated its First Branch in Singapore

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SBI raises ₹5,000 crore via bonds at 7.98%

District master plan under PM GatiShakti for infra planning

Combined capex of state govts to undershoot FY25 budget estimates: ICRA

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5-year Cruise Bharat Mission launched

India’s energy demand to triple by 2050

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SEBI and FINANCIAL AWARENESS

SEBI introduces liquidity window facility for investors in debt securities

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Govt. doubles loan limit under Mudra Yojana to ₹20 lakh

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Central govt pensioners to get additional compassionate pension after 80

Bima Sugam digital insurance platform launch soon: IRDAI

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S.No. Financial Estimate

Q2 investments up 42.5%, capex recovers

Paytm gets NPCI nod to onboard new UPI users

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Maldives President introduces UPI payment service to boost economy

UPI volume up 52% in H1CY24, transaction value rises 40%: Report