“IMPORTANT DAYS”

International Dwarfism Awareness Day 2024

International Dwarfism Awareness Day, celebrated annually on October 25, highlights the lives and challenges faced by people with dwarfism, while also raising awareness about conditions like Achondroplasia. This day encourages understanding and inclusion of people with short stature, breaking stereotypes and misconceptions. The history of this day dates back to 2012, when Little People of America (LPA), an organization founded in 1957 by actor Billy Barty, introduced the observance in honor of his birthday.

“CULTURAL EVENT”

International Gita Mahotsav 2024

A Grand Cultural Event The International Gita Mahotsav will be celebrated from November 28 to December 15, 2024, in Kurukshetra, Haryana, promising a grand display of Indian heritage, spirituality, and culture. Since 2016, this event has expanded globally, spreading the message of the Bhagavad Gita and enhancing Haryana’s global presence. Initiated by the Haryana Government, the Gita Mahotsav emphasizes Kurukshetra’s significance as the sacred land where the Bhagavad Gita was delivered by Lord Krishna to Arjuna.

“DEFENCE”

SIMBEX 2024: Strengthening Maritime Partnership Between India and Singapore

The 31st edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is underway from October 23 to 29, 2024, at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) in Visakhapatnam. This annual exercise showcases the evolving maritime collaboration between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), furthering the strategic partnership and shared objectives of maritime security and interoperability.

India’s fourth nuclear submarine launched into water

India’s fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), referred to as S4*, was launched into water at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam.

This submarine is bigger and more capable than the first, INS Arihant (S2), which is essentially a technology demonstrator developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel programme. India currently has two SSBNs operational. INS Arihant was quietly commissioned into service in August 2016. It has a displacement of 6,000 tonnes and is powered by an 83 MW pressurised light-water reactor with enriched uranium.

“SPORTS”

Ferrari’s Leclerc wins US Grand Prix

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc clinched his third Formula One race of the season as he finished ahead of teammate Carlos Sainz to win the United States Grand Prix. Monaco native Leclerc helped Ferrari finish the race one-two as Spaniard Sainz was placed second, 8.562 seconds behind Leclerc’s winning time of 1:35:09.639 in a memorable race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Leclerc had also won the Monaco Grand Prix and Italian Grand Prix this year.

“APPOINTMENTS”

Dr. Neena Malhotra Appointed Ambassador to Sweden

The Government of India has appointed Dr. Neena Malhotra as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Sweden. Currently serving as an Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of External Affairs, Dr. Malhotra is an esteemed Indian Foreign Service officer from the 1992 batch. She has a distinguished career, having previously served as the Indian Ambassador to Italy, the Republic of San Marino, and the United Nations Organizations in Rome.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna Appointed as 51st Chief Justice of India

In a major judiciary update, Justice Sanjiv Khanna has been appointed as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI), with his oath-taking ceremony set for November 11, 2024. His appointment follows CJI DY Chandrachud’s recommendation and was confirmed by President Droupadi Murmu. Justice Khanna will serve as CJI until his retirement on May 13, 2025, holding a tenure of approximately 183 days.

Vietnam appoints Army General Cuong as new President after long turmoil

Vietnam elected Luong Cuong, a military general, as its new president, the fourth official to fill the role in 18 months. Cuong, 67, was elected by the National Assembly to replace To Lam, who remained president even after he was formally appointed as the general secretary of the ruling Communist Party in August. The role of the general secretary is the most powerful position in Vietnam while the presidency is largely ceremonial.

Pam Kaur appointed as first female CFO of HSBC

The British multinational bank Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) made history by appointing Pam Kaur as its first female Chief Financial Officer (CFO). She succeeds Georges Elhedery, who has been appointed HSBC’s chief executive officer (CEO). The 60-year-old Indian-born British citizen Pam Kaur joins a growing list of women who occupy top posts in the global banking system.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

India & Pakistan extends Kartarpur Corridor agreement till 2029

The governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to extend the validity of the Agreement on Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for five years until 24 October 2029. The initial agreement was to lapse on 24 October 2024. The agreement between the two countries comes in the background of the Minister for External Affairs, Dr S Jaishnakar’s visit to Pakistan for the 23rd Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisations (SCO) Council of Heads of Government, held in Islamabad on 15 & 16 October 2024.