National news
NITI Aayog to Host International Methanol Seminar

The Second International Methanol Seminar and Expo 2024, hosted by NITI Aayog, will be held on October 17-18, 2024, at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. This event is part of India’s Methanol Economy Programme, launched in 2016 in collaboration with the Methanol Institute, USA. The seminar will focus on the role of methanol as a low-carbon fuel and its significance in the global energy transition, with an emphasis on green shipping.
Key government-supported R&D projects include:
- High-ash coal to methanol conversion
- DME (Dimethyl Ether) production
- Conversion of diesel engines to methanol blends (MD15)
- Methanol use in cooking and heating.
The Methanol Expo will showcase cutting-edge technologies in methanol production, storage, and application.
NITI aayog: NITI Aayog, or the National Institution for Transforming India Aayog, is a policy think tank of the Government of India established on January 1, 2015. It replaced the Planning Commission, which was responsible for formulating five-year plans for the country.
The key officials of NITI Aayog are:
- Narendra Modi: The Prime Minister of India and the Chairperson of NITI Aayog
- Suman Bery: The Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog
- B. V. R. Subrahmanyam: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog
Indian Railways Reduces Advance Reservation Period from 120 to 60 Days

The Indian Railways has announced a significant policy change, reducing the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for long-distance train bookings from 120 days to 60 days, effective November 1, 2024. This change aims to enhance passenger convenience by minimizing fund blockage for advance ticket purchases, particularly during peak travel seasons like festivals.
Key Details:
- Effective Date: November 1, 2024; bookings made before October 31 will retain the 120-day ARP.
- Cancellations: Passengers can cancel bookings beyond the new 60-day ARP without issues.
- Exemptions: Daytime express trains like the Taj Express and Gomti Express will maintain their existing advance reservation limits, and the 365-day advance booking for foreign tourists remains unchanged.
Reasons for Change:
- Administrative Load Reduction: High cancellation (around 21%) and no-show rates (4-5%) have prompted this revision, leading to resource wastage.
- Encouraging Genuine Bookings: Shortening the ARP aims to mitigate fraudulent activities and promote genuine reservations, as 85% of tickets are typically booked less than two months in advance.
Indian Railways Overview
- Founded: 1853
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Key Officials
- Minister of Railways: Ashwini Vaishnaw: He is also the Minister of Communications and Electronics & Information Technology.
- Chairman of the Railway Board: Satish Kumar
Maharishi Valmiki’s Name for All ST Schools, Raichur University: CM Siddaramaiah

On Valmiki Jayanti, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the renaming of all Scheduled Tribe (ST) residential schools and Raichur University in the state after Maharishi Valmiki. This decision was made during a celebration organized by the Department of Backward Classes Welfare to honor Valmiki’s contributions.
Key Points from Siddaramaiah’s Address:
- Renaming Initiative: All ST residential schools and Raichur University will honor Maharishi Valmiki, emphasizing the need to remember and celebrate his life and contributions.
- Welfare Commitment: The CM highlighted his government’s dedication to marginalized communities, including the establishment of hostel facilities in every hobli and the implementation of Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) policies for equitable budget allocations.
- Call for Unity: Siddaramaiah urged marginalized groups to unite, seek truth, and reflect on their realities, rather than following others blindly.
- Cultural Contributions: He recognized the significant literary contributions of historically marginalized communities, mentioning that Kalidasa and other influential figures belonged to such backgrounds.
- Valmiki’s Legacy: The CM addressed myths about Valmiki, noting his mastery of Sanskrit and authorship of the Ramayana, which embodies principles of equality and fairness.
Valmiki Jayanti:
- Celebrated on October 17, this day honors Maharishi Valmiki, the Adi Kavi or first poet of Sanskrit literature. His epic, the Ramayana, teaches ethics, morality, and the triumph of good over evil. Across India, various prayers, rituals, and cultural activities are held to reflect on his teachings and contributions to Indian culture.
About Valmiki:
- Maharishi Valmiki, originally named Ratnakar, transformed from a life of crime to become a sage following a divine encounter, marking his significant impact on Sanskrit literature and Indian philosophy.
India’s First Self-Powered Indoor Air Quality Monitor Launched at Thiruvananthapuram Airport

Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, inaugurated Pavana Chitra, India’s first self-powered indoor air quality monitoring facility, at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. This facility is notable for being powered by indigenous solar cells developed by the CSIR-NIIST using locally sourced materials.
Key Details:
- Inauguration: Pavana Chitra marks a significant advancement in air quality monitoring, emphasizing India’s commitment to sustainable technology.
- Technology: The facility operates off-grid, showcasing India’s capabilities in harnessing homegrown solutions to tackle environmental issues.
Focus on Biotechnology:
During a subsequent event at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Dr. Singh highlighted the crucial role of biotechnology in India’s upcoming industrial revolution and its potential for global leadership. He met with 300 SC/ST farmers and artisans, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies to enhance the value of agricultural products and assert India’s leadership in the biotechnology sector.
Sanskrit to Become Mandatory in 416 Uttarakhand Madrasas

The Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board (UMEB) has proposed to make Sanskrit a compulsory subject in 416 madrassas across the state, aiming to enhance the educational curriculum and promote academic growth for over 70,000 students.
Key Details:
- Compulsory Sanskrit Proposal: The initiative seeks to formally introduce Sanskrit as a mandatory subject, with a proposal already drafted and discussions in progress with the state’s Sanskrit department.
- MoU: To facilitate this integration, the UMEB plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sanskrit department to ensure collaboration and resource sharing.
- Integration of Computer Studies: Alongside Sanskrit, the board is considering the addition of computer studies to enrich the madrassa curriculum.
- Positive Educational Outcomes: The introduction of the NCERT syllabus in madrassas has led to over 95% student success this year, highlighting the effectiveness of updated educational content.
- Recruitment of Sanskrit Teachers: After obtaining government approval, madrassas will start recruiting qualified Sanskrit teachers to implement the new curriculum.
- Current Language Offerings: Arabic is currently taught in over 100 madrassas, and the integration of both Arabic and Sanskrit classes is expected to create a diverse linguistic environment for students.
‘Mera Hou Chongba’ A Celebration of Unity in Manipur

The “Mera Hou Chongba” festival was celebrated in Manipur amid ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. This annual festival is a vital cultural event focused on reinforcing bonds of brotherhood and harmony among the state’s indigenous communities, emphasizing Manipur’s rich cultural diversity.
Key Details:
- Date and Location: The festival occurred on the 15th Lunar day of Mera Month, held at Sana Konung and Kangla Uttra in Imphal, the capital of Manipur.
- Objective: The primary aim of “Mera Hou Chongba” is to promote unity and solidarity among various ethnic groups in Manipur, particularly between the communities in the hills and valleys.
- Participants: The event featured participation from village chiefs, cultural troupes, and invitees from various villages, showcasing a diverse representation of the state’s indigenous cultures.
Manipur:
- Capital: Imphal (Executive Branch)
- Governor: Lakshman Acharya
- Chief minister: N. Biren Singh
Despite the current ethnic tensions, the festival serves as a reminder of the importance of communal harmony and cultural richness in Manipur.
Economy news
World Bank Maintains India’s GDP Growth Forecast at 7% for FY25

On October 10, 2024, the World Bank (WB) released its report titled “South Asia Development October 2024 Update: Women, Jobs and Growth,” retaining India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25) at 7% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y). This projection is attributed to:
- Increased Agricultural Production: Higher yields contributing to economic growth.
- Robust Employment Growth: Driven by effective policy initiatives.
- Boost in Private Consumption: Reflecting enhanced consumer spending patterns.
Additionally, the World Bank has kept India’s GDP growth forecast at 6.7% for FY26 (2025-26).
Key Highlights from the Report:
- The World Bank has increased its growth projection for the South Asia region to 6.4% in 2024, up from a previous estimate of 6.0%. This positive adjustment is influenced by:
- Strength of Domestic Demand: Particularly in India.
- Quicker Recoveries: In crisis-affected countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
- The report anticipates South Asia’s output growth will moderate to 6.2% in 2025, supported by strong private consumption in India and increased tourism and hydropower exports from Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
About the World Bank:
- President: Ajay Banga
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
- Established: 1944
Banking news
Utkarsh Small Finance Bank Appoints Mary Kom and Sunil Chhetri as Brand Ambassadors

Utkarsh Small Finance Bank (SFB) has appointed Mary Kom, an Olympic boxer, and Sunil Chhetri, the former captain of the Indian football team, as its brand ambassadors. Their roles will focus on promoting various initiatives, including:
- Financial Literacy Campaigns: Aimed at educating the public about financial management.
- Product Launches and Branch Inaugurations: Enhancing the bank’s outreach and engagement.
- Social Media Campaigns: Focusing on financial inclusion and resilience.
The bank plans to launch a multi-channel campaign featuring ad films and social media content that highlight stories of financial empowerment, with both ambassadors at the forefront.
About Mary Kom
- Full Name: Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom
- Achievements:
- Only woman to win the World Amateur Boxing Championship six times.
- First Indian female boxer to win a gold medal at the Asian Games (2014) and the Commonwealth Games (2018).
- Represented India at the 2012 London Summer Olympics, winning a bronze medal.
- Awards: Padma Shri (2006), Padma Bhushan (2013), Padma Vibhushan (2020), and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2009).
About Sunil Chhetri
- Position: Former captain of the Indian national football team (2005-2024).
- Achievements:
- Scored 94 goals in 151 international appearances.
- Key player in winning the SAFF Championship in 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023.
- First Indian footballer to play in the Major League Soccer (MLS) for the Kansas City Wizards in 2011.
- Awards: Padma Shri (2019), Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2021), and multiple AIFF Player of the Year awards.
About Utkarsh Small Finance Bank
- Managing Director & CEO: Govind Singh
- Headquarters: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Founded: April 2016
- Tagline: “Aap Ki Umeed ka Khata”
Appointment news
Ganguly Takes Charge as JSW Sports Director of Cricket, Heads Delhi Capitals

Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian cricket captain and ex-BCCI President, has been appointed as the Director of Cricket for JSW Sports. In this position, he will oversee all cricketing operations, including managing key franchises such as the Delhi Capitals (men’s and women’s IPL teams) and the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 League.
Key Highlights:
- Role at JSW Sports: Ganguly will lead all cricket-related activities and manage cricketing properties under JSW Sports.
- Past Association: He has a long-standing relationship with JSW Sports, having joined Delhi Capitals in 2019 as an advisor. He later became the Director of Cricket for the team, collaborating closely with head coach Ricky Ponting.
- Statements:
- Parth Jindal, founder of JSW Sports, expressed enthusiasm about Ganguly’s appointment, highlighting his status as family within the organization and recognizing his sharp cricketing mind.
- Ganguly expressed his excitement about rejoining JSW Sports, emphasizing his strong personal and professional connections with the JSW Group and the Jindal family. He is confident in contributing to the organization’s innovative cricket projects.
JSW:
- Headquarters: Maharashtra
- Founder: Sajjan Jindal
- CEO: Prashant Jain (17 Jun 2017–)
- Date founded: 1994
Agreement news
AICTE and SIDM Sign MoU to Enhance Academia-Industry Collaboration in Defence and Aerospace

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi aimed at creating a future-ready workforce for the Defence and Aerospace sectors.
- Key Signatories: The MoU was signed by Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, and Rajinder Singh Bhatia, President of SIDM, in the presence of Union Minister Rajnath Singh from the Ministry of Defence.
- Objectives: The MoU seeks to establish a robust partnership between academia and the defence industry, focusing on:
- Training graduates from AICTE-approved institutions to meet the needs of the Defence and Aerospace sectors.
- Facilitating the hiring of skilled graduates by the defence industry.
- Duration: The agreement is set for three years and includes initiatives to:
- Develop faculty and student capabilities through awareness programs.
- Provide industry internships in Defence and related sectors to enhance students’ employability.
Sports news
Vivaan Secures Silver, Naruka Takes Bronze at Shooting World Cup

India’s shooting contingent made a strong mark at the ISSF World Cup Final with Vivaan Kapoor securing a silver medal in the men’s trap event and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka claiming a bronze in the men’s skeet competition. These achievements raised India’s total medal count to four at the prestigious event, reflecting the nation’s growing prowess in the global shooting arena.
Key Highlights:
- Vivaan Kapoor won a silver medal in the men’s trap event, scoring 44 in the final. The gold medal was awarded to Ying Qi of China, while Tolga N Tuncer from Turkey took home the bronze with a score of 35. Kapoor qualified for the final with a score of 120 out of 125.
- Anant Jeet Singh Naruka earned a bronze medal in the men’s skeet competition, shooting 43 in the final. The gold and silver medals went to Italy’s Tammaro Cassandro and Gabriele Rossetti, with scores of 57 and 56, respectively. Naruka qualified by scoring 121 out of 125.
- India’s medal tally was bolstered by Sonam Maskar, who won silver in the women’s 10m air rifle, and Akhil Sheoran, who secured a bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions.
- Naruka and Maheshwari Chauhan narrowly missed a podium finish in the skeet mixed team event, finishing fourth after losing the bronze medal match to China at the Paris Olympics.
Neetu David, Alastair Cook, and AB de Villiers Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

In a historic moment for cricket, Neetu David, along with Alastair Cook of England and AB de Villiers of South Africa, has been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame for 2024. This recognition is particularly significant for women’s cricket in India, as David becomes the second Indian woman to receive this honor, following Diana Edulji‘s induction in 2023.
Neetu David
- A celebrated left-arm spinner, David played 10 Tests and 97 ODIs for India from 1995 to 2008, taking 41 and 141 wickets, respectively.
- She is renowned for her exceptional bowling performance of 8/53 against England in 1995, the best figures by a woman in a Test innings.
- After retiring, David has been pivotal in promoting women’s cricket as the chairperson of India’s national selection committee.
Alastair Cook
- Cook is one of the finest opening batters in Test history, scoring 12,472 runs in 161 Tests and 3,204 runs in 92 ODIs.
- Known for his consistency and leadership, he captained England to significant victories, including the 2010-11 Ashes and the 2012 series in India.
- He holds the world record for playing 159 consecutive Test matches.
AB de Villiers
- De Villiers is celebrated for his innovative batting, scoring over 20,000 international runs across all formats with averages above 50 in both Tests and ODIs.
- He holds the record for the fastest ODI century and is also regarded as one of cricket’s best fielders.
Rafael Nadal Announces Retirement from Professional Tennis

On October 10, 2024, Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from professional tennis, effective at the end of 2024. His final tournament will be the Davis Cup 2024, scheduled for November in Malaga, Spain.
Career Highlights
- Early Start: Nadal began his professional career in 2001 at the age of 15.
- Total Titles: He has amassed 92 singles titles, including 22 Grand Slam titles, 11 doubles, and 6 team titles.
- World No. 1: Achieved the No. 1 ranking in the world for the first time in 2008, after defeating Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final.
- Career Golden Slam: At 24, he became the youngest male player to complete the Career Golden Slam, winning all four Grand Slam tournaments and the Olympic gold medal in singles and doubles.
- Surface Slam: In 2010, Nadal won Grand Slam titles on three different surfaces in the same year.
- Dominance at ATP Events: He holds the record for the most titles in the ATP tour events at Monte-Carlo (11 titles) and Barcelona (12 titles).
Nadal’s retirement marks the end of an illustrious career, highlighting his immense contributions to the sport and his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.