Daily Current Affairs 21st Oct, 2024: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
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This post contains important current affairs of 21st Oct, 2024. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 21st Oct, 2024. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these current affairs we would recommend to you to try 21st Oct, 2024 Current affairs test.
National News
First-Ever Coal Gallery Inaugurated at National Science Centre, New Delhi
- Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey inaugurated the inaugural coal gallery at the National Science Centre in New Delhi.
- The exhibition, called “Black Diamond – Unveiling the Depths,” presents an in-depth look at coal’s journey from its natural formation to its pivotal role in contemporary energy production. Visitors can explore immersive displays showcasing coal extraction techniques, mining technologies, environmental sustainability efforts, and potential future advancements in clean energy.
Saharanpur, Rewa, and Ambikapur Airports Launched by PM Modi
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three new airports under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN, from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
- The airports, located in Rewa (Madhya Pradesh), Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh), and Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh), have been developed to enhance regional air connectivity and bring aviation services closer to citizens in these areas.
International News
Subianto Announces Indonesia’s Largest-Ever Cabinet
- Newly sworn-in Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has revealed the largest Cabinet in the nation’s history, comprising 109 members.
- The “Red and White Cabinet,” named after the Indonesian flag, represents his vision for a unified government that reflects Indonesia’s cultural diversity and various political interests. However, analysts have expressed concerns that this larger Cabinet might strain the government bureaucracy.
India Doubles Grant to Enhance Education in Sri Lanka’s Plantation Sector
- India has significantly increased its grant to improve educational facilities in Sri Lanka’s plantation regions, committing Rs. 600 million (INR 172.25 million).
- This initiative targets nine schools, primarily serving the Indian-origin Tamil community, in the Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern Provinces. The move reinforces India’s long-standing educational cooperation with Sri Lanka and supports efforts to uplift marginalized communities.
State News
Haryana Becomes First State to Implement Dalit Sub-Quotas
- In a groundbreaking decision, Haryana has become the first Indian state to introduce sub-quotas for the Dalit community by subclassifying Scheduled Castes (SCs). This move follows a Supreme Court ruling from August 2023 that allowed states to divide SC and ST categories for preferential reservations.
- Haryana’s plan, based on recommendations from a state commission, seeks to address the lack of representation among the “Deprived Scheduled Castes” (DSC) compared to “Other Scheduled Castes” (OSC). The state has divided the SCs into two groups: DSC, including 36 castes like Balmikis and Dhanaks, and OSC, which comprises castes such as Chamars and Jatavs.
Madhya Pradesh Introduces ‘Pink Alarms’ for Enhanced Women’s Safety at Datia Hospital
- In a proactive initiative aimed at improving the safety of women in healthcare environments, Madhya Pradesh has implemented ‘pink alarms’ at the Datia government hospital and medical college.
- This move is a response to growing concerns about the safety of female healthcare workers, particularly following the tragic assault and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.
Schemes News
Government to Extend UDAN Scheme for 10 More Years: Transforming India’s Aviation Landscape
- On October 21, 2024, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu announced that the government will extend the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme by an additional 10 years.
- This scheme, originally launched in 2016, has significantly expanded regional air connectivity, making air travel more accessible to all citizens. The UDAN initiative has operationalized 71 airports and opened 601 air routes, boosting tourism and regional economic development.
PM Modi Launches Karmayogi Saptah to Boost Civil Service Skills
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Karmayogi Saptah, or National Learning Week, on October 19, 2024, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.
- This week-long initiative is part of Mission Karmayogi, which seeks to continuously enhance the skills of civil servants in line with India’s future development goals, particularly as the nation looks toward becoming a developed country by 2047.
Appointments News
Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar Appointed as Chairperson of NCW
- Smt. Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), becoming the 9th person to hold this esteemed position.
- The appointment underscores the Narendra Modi government’s continued focus on advancing women’s rights in India.
Abhyuday Jindal Named New President of Indian Chamber of Commerce
- Abhyuday Jindal, the Managing Director of Jindal Stainless Limited, has been appointed as the new president of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
- The announcement came during ICC’s annual plenary session in New Delhi, where Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal attended as the chief guest.
Defence News
Indian Army’s Sudarshan Chakra Corps Holds ‘Swavlamban Shakti’ Exercise
- The Sudarshan Chakra Corps of the Indian Army’s Southern Command is conducting ‘Exercise Swavlamban Shakti’ at Babina Field Firing Ranges near Jhansi.
- The exercise, which began on October 17, 2024, aims to improve combat capabilities by integrating niche and emerging technologies. It is set to conclude on October 22.
India and Oman Conduct Joint Naval Drill ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ off Goa
- India and Oman conducted their bilateral naval exercise ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ from October 13-18, 2024, off the coast of Goa.
- The exercise included participation from the Indian Navy’s INS Trikand and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, as well as the Royal Navy of Oman’s vessel Al Seeb.
Important Days News
World Iodine Deficiency Day 2024, A Comprehensive Overview
- World Iodine Deficiency Day, observed annually on October 21st, aims to raise global awareness about the importance of iodine in health and the harmful consequences of iodine deficiency.
- The event highlights national and international efforts to combat this public health issue, as well as the success of various initiatives that work to ensure sufficient iodine intake worldwide.
Ranks & Reports News
Economic Freedom of the World: 2024 Annual Report
- The Economic Freedom of the World: 2024 Annual Report evaluates the level of economic freedom enjoyed by individuals in 165 regions.
- The top three regions for economic freedom based on 2022 data are Hong Kong (1st), Singapore (2nd), and Switzerland (3rd).
- The report also highlights a global decrease in economic freedom over the past three years, reversing nearly two decades of progress.
Sports News
Liu Yukun, Yang Ji-in Shine as ISSF Athletes of the Year
- China’s Liu Yukun, the reigning Olympic champion in shooting from the Paris 2024 Games, was honored as the male athlete of the year by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).
- South Korea’s Yang Ji-in was named the female athlete of the year for her outstanding achievements in the sport.
Bala Devi Becomes First Indian Woman to Score 50 International Goals
- Ngangom Bala Devi, an Indian forward playing for Manipur Police and the national football team, has become the first Indian woman to score 50 international goals.
- Her milestone was achieved during the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship in a match against Pakistan, cementing her status as a leading figure in Indian women’s football.
Books and Authors News
A Book Titled “Mountain Mammals of the World” By M.K. Ranjitsinh
- M.K. Ranjitsinh, a renowned Indian conservationist, has published a new book titled Mountain Mammals of the World. This book, released by Penguin Random House, reflects Ranjitsinh’s extensive efforts in wildlife conservation.
- His contributions have shaped many of India’s conservation policies, and this work highlights his decades-long commitment to protecting endangered species.
Business News
Adar Poonawalla Acquires 50% Stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions
- In a significant cross-industry partnership, Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, has agreed to acquire a 50% stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and its digital subsidiary Dharmatic Entertainment. The deal, worth ₹1,000 crore, is a landmark investment connecting the entertainment and pharmaceutical industries.
Science and Technology News
IIT Madras Set to Launch International Research Centre in Dubai by 2025
- The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has announced plans to establish its first international flagship center in Dubai, set to open in 2025. The research hub will focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration between India and the UAE.