1 PM Modi launched airports in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh
On October 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched three airports . New airports have been built in Surguja , Chhattisgarh , Rewa in Madhya Pradesh and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh . These airports have been built under the Central Government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN. Flight operations will soon be started here. The new airport in Surguja, Chhattisgarh is named Maa Mahamaya Airport . This airport spread over 365 acres has been built at a cost of Rs 80 crore. Currently, only two flights will take off from Rewa airport in Madhya Pradesh. One flight will fly from Singrauli to Rewa and the other from Jabalpur to Rewa. It has been built in 1.5 years at a cost of Rs 450 crore. An airport has been built near the Air Force Station in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
2 India-China agree on new system of patrolling in Ladakh
On 21 October, Indian Foreign Ministry Secretary Vikram Misri told about a major agreement between India and China . Both countries have agreed to patrol the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This can resolve the border dispute between the two countries in eastern Ladakh and can also reduce the conflict. Foreign Ministry Secretary Vikram Misri said that for the last several weeks, officials of India and China were talking on this issue. Army officers were also involved in the talks. After agreeing on the new system of patrolling, both countries can withdraw the armies. Soldiers are not allowed to go to patrolling points in Depsang Plain Demchok yet. The armies are still present here. The new system of patrolling is related to these points. This can avoid a conflict like Galwan of 2020. On 15 June 2020, China had gathered soldiers in the border areas of Eastern Ladakh on the pretext of exercise. After this, there were incidents of infiltration at many places. The Indian government also deployed soldiers in this area in equal numbers as China. The situation became so bad that bullets were fired on the LAC.
3 New Delhi: 15th Kaleidoscope Academic Conference begins on the sidelines of World Telecommunication Standardization Conference
The 15th Kaleidoscope Academic Conference began in New Delhi on the sidelines of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly . The conference is organized by the International Telecommunication Union – ITU . The theme of this three-day event is: Innovation and Digital Transformation for a Sustainable World . The conference has provided a platform to leading thinkers from academia, industry and government to discuss world-class developments in 5G, AI, IoT, quantum communication and other transformational technologies. This year’s event has received the highest number of papers. This reflects the growing global interest in shaping the future of digital infrastructure and telecommunication standards.
4 Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launched e-shram portal in New Delhi
Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched “ e-SHRAM – One Stop Solution ” in New Delhi . Speaking on the occasion, he said that this portal will provide seamless access to various social security schemes to workers in the unorganized sector. The portal aims to provide information about various social security and welfare schemes meant for workers in the unorganized sector on a single platform. The e-SHRAM portal was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on 26th August, 2021 and in a span of 3 years, more than 30 crore workers have registered themselves on e-SHRAM so far.
5 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman approved the creation of CGM post in five nationalized banks
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has approved the creation of the post of Chief General Manager (CGM) below the board level in five more nationalised banks . These banks include Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank and UCO Bank, the Finance Ministry said . The Finance Minister has also approved the increase in the existing number of CGMs in banks which already have these posts. With this amendment, the number of CGM posts has increased from 80 to 144 in all 11 nationalised banks. The number of posts has been revised based on the business structure of the banks, with a ratio of one CGM for every four General Managers, the ministry said. The move has been taken due to the demands being received from various banks and substantial growth in the business, work area, domain and branch expansion of banks, which requires a dedicated pyramid of officers at the senior level. This will significantly enhance the administrative structure and efficiency of the banks.
6 Book “Mountain Mammals of the World” written by M.K.Ranjitsinh
Few Indian conservationists have had as profound an impact as M.K. Ranjitsinh , whose new book “ Mountain Mammals of the World ” (published by Penguin Random House) is a testament to his lifelong dedication. Ranjitsinh, who hails from the royal family of Wankaner, Gujarat, has played a key role in shaping India’s wildlife conservation policies, and this book is the result of his decades of research, exploration and unflinching passion for the natural world.
7 Abhyudaya Jindal appointed new President of Indian Chamber of Commerce
The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) , a leading national trade association, has appointed Abhyudaya Jindal , Managing Director, Jindal Stainless Limited , as its new President. The announcement was made during the ICC’s Annual Plenary Session held in New Delhi where Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal was present as the Chief Guest. Piyush Goyal emphasized the important role of young leaders who will be instrumental in shaping India’s future. He urged ICC to increase support to startups, women entrepreneurs and the emerging startup ecosystem. Goyal emphasized the need to leverage government initiatives to enhance skill development and employability among the youth. He exhorted ICC to promote India as a global tourism hub and connect local talent with international opportunities.
8 Sudarshan Chakra Corps of Indian Army conducted Exercise ‘Swavalamban Shakti’
The Army’s Sudarshan Chakra Corps under the Southern Command is currently conducting ‘ Swavalamban Shakti Exercise ‘ at Babina Field Firing Range near Jhansi. The main objective of this exercise is to enhance the combat capabilities of the Army through integration of emerging and special technologies. The exercise began on October 17, 2024, and will continue till October 22, as stated in a defence release. The Sudarshan Chakra Corps, also known as XXI Corps, is a strike corps of the Army and is headquartered in Bhopal.
9 Archery World Cup: India’s Deepika Kumari won silver medal in women’s recurve category
India’s Deepika Kumari won the silver medal in the women’s recurve category at the Archery World Cup Final in Tlaxcala, Mexico . She lost to China’s Li Jiaman in the final. Deepika entered the final by defeating host Mexico’s Alehandra Valencia 6-4 in the semi-finals. Deepika Kumari was the runner-up in the Archery World Cup for the fifth time.
10 Bala Devi became the first Indian woman to score 50 international goals
Indian women footballer Bala Devi has achieved a great feat for India. She is often referred to as the ‘ goal machine ‘ of Indian women’s football . Bala Devi etched her name in the history books by becoming the first Indian woman to score her 50th international goal in a match against Pakistan during the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship in Nepal . Bala Devi also serves as a police inspector in Manipur , which shows her commitment to both her sport and community.
11 Indian players won gold in the Asian Championship
On 20 October, Indian athletes won seven gold medals in the 17th Asian Cross Country Championship held in Hong Kong . India’s Gulveer Singh and Seema won gold medals in the men’s and women’s individual 10 km event . Apart from this, India also won all four team titles – men’s, women’s, under-20 men’s and under-20 women’s . Vinod Singh of Madhya Pradesh State Athletics Academy won the gold medal in the 8 km individual event of the under-20 group. India’s Ekta Dey won the gold medal in the junior women’s team event .
12 World Iodine Deficiency Day
World Iodine Deficiency Day , also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day , is observed annually on 21 October . The purpose of celebrating this day is to raise awareness about the essential role of iodine in maintaining good health and emphasize the consequences of iodine deficiency. This document outlines the importance of iodine in daily nutrition and the importance of iodine in preventing its deficiency disorders. Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism and are important for foetal and infant development. Iodine found in foods and iodised salt exists in several forms including sodium and potassium salts, inorganic iodine (I2), iodate and iodide.
13 Police Commemoration Day
In our country, 21 October is celebrated every year as National Police Commemoration Day. This day was first decided to be celebrated in the year 1960 , after which this day is celebrated every year and the martyrdom of the policemen who were martyred while protecting the border of our country is remembered and they are given respect. On 21 October 1959, 10 brave police personnel sacrificed their lives in an ambush attack by armed Chinese troops in the Hot Spring area of Ladakh . In memory of these martyrs and all other policemen who sacrificed their lives during duty, 21 October is celebrated as Police Commemoration Day.