In Current Affairs for 21 October 2024, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 21 October 2024
India’s UPI In Maldives
- President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to introduce India’s Unified Payment Interface in the Maldives.
- The move is expected to bring significant benefits to the Maldivian economy, including increased financial inclusion, improved efficiency in financial transactions and enhanced digital infrastructure.
- Indian tourists will be able to make transactions in Indian rupees on UPI-enabled apps without going through the hassle of converting currency. In this regard, President Muizzu has decided to set up a consortium to introduce UPI in the Maldives.
- He also suggested that banks, telecom companies, state-owned companies, and fintech companies operating in the country should be included in the consortium.
- During the visit of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in August this year, an MoU was signed between the two countries to implement the Unified Payments Interface in the Maldives.
- The financial interface operated by National Payments Corporation of India has been operational in several international locations, including UAE, Sri Lanka, France, Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal, the UK, and Mauritius. With the implementation of UPI, India continues its commitment towards sharing developmental experiences with partner nations.
India And Germany
- India and Germany are set to sign a pact next week to facilitate the movement of workers and recognize skills between the two countries. Through the agreement, skilled professionals here can be easily absorbed by German industry, sources familiar with the development.
- This is the first agreement under the G20 “Skills-based migration pathways” framework, which was agreed upon by the member countries last year in New Delhi. Under this framework, the top 20 economies of the world have recognised that integrated skill-based migration pathways help expand job opportunities for skilled professionals across the globe and lead to formalizing the workforce and benefit both countries of origin and destination.
- Focus Areas of the Agreement
- Labour Mobility: Enhance labor mobility between the two countries.
- Skill Recognition: Establish frameworks for recognizing and certifying each other’s skills.
- Non-Traditional Sectors: Facilitate Indian professionals moving into sectors like teaching and nursing.
“Scam Se Bacho”
- Government and Meta have joined forces for the “Scam se Bacho” campaign to tackle the rising threat of online scams. During the launch of the campaign in New Delhi, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju delivered the keynote address, describing the initiative as a timely and essential step toward safeguarding citizens from the increasing danger of online fraud.
- He emphasized that it reflects a whole-of-government approach to fostering a culture of digital safety and vigilance. The secretary highlighted that India, with over 900 million internet users, has experienced extraordinary digital growth under the Digital India initiative.
- However, he cautioned that this progress has also led to a rise in cyber fraud, with 1.1 million cases reported last year. This initiative by Meta is launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre. It aims to combat the growing menace of scams and cyber fraud.
ITUWTSA-2024
- India’s candidates have been elected in leadership positions in all 10 Study Groups of the International Telecommunication Unions’ (ITU) Standardization Sector (ITU-T) in the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) which is underway in New Delhi.
- The study groups include Operational aspects, Economic & policy issues, security, future networks among others. The Ministry of Communications in a statement said, India has retained its Chair position in one group and secured Vice-Chair positions in all other 9 Study Groups.
- With this India has enhanced its leadership position in ITU-T to 11 positions in WTSA-2024 from 7 in WTSA-2022.
- India is currently hosting the International Telecommunication Unions’ (ITU) World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 at Bharat Mandapam.
- It is for the first time that WTSA is being conducted in the Asia-Pacific region and it would set the direction of standardization activities ITU-T and its work for the next four years. This year’s WTSA-24 has witnessed more than 3700 delegates from over 160 countries, the highest ever for any WTSA assembly.
National Commission For Women
- Vijaya Rahatkar has been appointed as the Chairperson of National Commission for Women NCW. A notification in this regard has been issued by Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- Ms Rahatkar has served as Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women and Mayor of Aurangabad. She has also worked as BJP National secretary and President of party’s women wing. The Ministry also notified about appointment of Dr Archana Majumdar as Member of the NCW.
Digital Innovation And Global Collaboration
- India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, which was held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, concluded.
- The four-day event brought together more than three thousand industry leaders, policymakers, and tech experts from over 190 countries.
- Policymakers and industry leaders called for collaboration to accelerate the digital transformation and innovation roadmap.
- The 8th edition of India Mobile Congress showcased India’s innovation ecosystem, where leading telecom companies and innovators highlighted advancements in quantum technology and circular economy. Spotlight was also on 6G, cloud and edge computing, the Internet of Things, semiconductors, cybersecurity, green tech, SATCOM, and electronics manufacturing. Asia’s largest digital technology forum, India Mobile Congress, has become a well-known platform across the globe for showcasing innovative solutions, services, and state-of-the-art use cases for industry, government, academics, and startups.
- The India Mobile Congress 2024 showcased over 400 exhibitors, about 900 startups, and participation from over 120 countries. The event also showcased more than 900 technology use case scenarios and hosted more than 100 sessions and discussions with over 600 global and Indian speakers.
- On the last day of the event today, dignitaries from governments, industry, and academia deliberated on the latest efforts in artificial intelligence AI governance and actionable strategies for future AI regulation and policy.
Malawi; 4 MoUs Signed
- President Droupadi Murmu, on her visit to Malawi as part of her trip to three African nations, held bilateral meetings with her counterpart, Lazarus Chakwera.
- India and Malawi had signed 4 important MoUs for cooperation in the fields of sports, youth matters, pharmaceuticals, and art and culture.As a goodwill gesture, India is giving 1000 metric tonnes of rice and Bhabhatron cancer treatment machines to Malawi.
- President Droupadi Murmu had also announced to open a permanent artificial limb replacement centre in Malawi.
- The bilateral and delegation-level talks had reaffirmed the strong commitment of both nations towards the progress and prosperity of the two countries.
Karmayogi Saptah-National Learning Week
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the Karmayogi Saptah-National Learning Week in New Delhi.
- During the week, each Karmayogi will commit to achieving a target of at least four hours of competency-linked learning.
- The Mission Karmayogi was launched in September 2020 aimed to promote citizen-centric governance with the help of a robust digital ecosystem.
- It is a competency-driven capacity building and human resource management programme designed for Civil Servants. The National Learning Week will provide fresh impetus towards individual and organisational capacity development.
- During the week, each Karmayogi will commit to achieving a target of at least four hours of competency-linked learning. The participants need to complete the courses available on iGOT platform. The courses are available in webinar format designed by professionals. During the week, eminent speakers will deliver lectures and help the Karmayogi to work towards citizen-centric delivery in an effective manner.
First Ever Rupee Denominated Line Of Credit
- India has extended a new Line of Credit for 487.60 crore rupees to the Mauritius government for financing a water pipeline replacement project.
- This is the first-ever rupee-denominated Line of Credit to have been extended by India for project financing to any country under the Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS).
- The project envisages the replacement of approximately 100 kilometres of obsolete water pipeline in Mauritius.
- The Government of India-supported Line of Credit will be financed by the State Bank of India at concessional terms. External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar made the formal offer to his Mauritian counterpart, Maneesh Gobin, which has now been accepted by the Government of Mauritius.
- This is yet another reflection of India’s long-standing commitment to the overall socio-economic development of countries in the Global South. India’s development projects continue to be driven by the aspirations and needs of its partner countries.
AROHA-2024 Conference
- Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud inaugurated the international conference Advancements of Research and Global Opportunities for Holistic Ayurveda (AROHA-2024) in New Delhi.
- The three-day event primarily aims to position Ayurveda as a key pillar of global health and wellness. Addressing the conference, the CJI highlighted the importance of Ayurveda in medicine. He expressed optimism that in the future, Ayurveda will be recognized as a legitimate method of treatment rather than merely an option.
- The Minister of State for Ayush, Mr Jadhav said that Ayurveda has seen tremendous growth since 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
- The minister added that the government has launched several schemes to promote Ayurveda internationally. He announced that the government has decided to open ten new Ayurveda centres across the nation, keeping in mind the growing demand for the sector.
- Conference agenda covers a wide range of topics, including Ayurveda, ethnomedicine, quality control, standardization, diagnosis, drug delivery, evidence-based understanding, and globalization.
Pavana Chitra
- Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, unveiled the country’s first self-powered indoor air quality monitor, Pavana Chitra, at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
- Pavana Chitra embodies a powerful fusion of technology, tradition, and art, presenting an off-grid, self-powered indoor air quality monitor powered by indigenous indoor solar cells developed by CSIR-NIIST. It is crafted from locally available materials and designed to mimic the natural process of photosynthesis.
7th International Solar Alliance Assembly
- Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly will be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from 3rd of next month. The four-day event will continue till 6th of November.
- The ISA Assembly will deliberate on initiatives of the International Solar Alliance, ISA that impact energy access, security and traditions with a focus on empowering member countries to adopt solar energy and mobilise finance to speed up solar deployment.
- Emphasised that the widespread adoption of solar energy solutions is one of the most powerful weapons in the battle against global warming. ISA was established as a joint initiative between India and France to address climate change. through initiatives like ISA, India has taken significant strides in progressing the global climate action under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India Sends Haemodialysis Machines
- India is sending humanitarian assistance to Lebanon in the form of 33 tonnes of medical supplies. The first tranche of 11 tonnes of medical supplies was dispatched.
- The consignment comprises a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including cardiovascular medications, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics, and anesthetics.
- Meanwhile, the first consignment of 12 haemodialysis machines with portable RO units also departed from Pipavav for Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
- External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a social media post that this fulfils India’s commitment made at the FIPIC III Summit, and the assistance will help strengthen the healthcare system of Papua New Guinea.
Moonlight programme
- European Space Agency (ESA) has introduced a new programme called the Moonlight Lunar Communications and Navigation Services (LCNS).
- It was announced at the International Astronautical Congress and is focused on building important infrastructure for future missions to the Moon over the next 20 years.
- The Moonlight programme aims to create a network of around five satellites that will orbit the Moon.
- These satellites will help spacecraft land accurately, enable fast communication, and assist with movement on the Moon’s surface. The system will support more than 400 planned Moon missions by allowing smooth communication and data transfer between Earth and the Moon.
- Satellite Constellation: The group of satellites will be able to transmit data over a very long distance—more than 400,000 kilometres between the Earth and the Moon. The first satellite, called Lunar Pathfinder, will launch in 2026, and basic services will start by late 2028.
- The full system will be operational by 2030. Special attention will be given to the Moon’s South Pole. This region is important because of its sunlight conditions and the possibility of finding water ice there.
- The Moonlight programme will work alongside NASA’s Artemis programme, which is planning to send humans back to the Moon. ESA is also involved in NASA’s Artemis Gateway project and aims to launch its own spacecraft, Argonaut, by 2031.
Current Affairs 21 October 2024 Question
- Name Of The Campaign Announced To Commemorate The 75th Anniversary
Of The Indian Constitution
A. Constitution Awareness Drive
B. Constitution Glorification Campaign
C. Democratic Ideals Program
D. None of the Above
ANSWER: B - Murine Typhus, Is Caused By Which Agent
A. Fungus
B. Bacteria
C. Virus
D. Protozoa
ANSWER: B - Where Was The 149th Assembly Of The Inter-parliamentary Union Held
A. Geneva
B. London
C. Paris
D. New Delhi
ANSWER: A - Orphan Drugs Are Used To Treat Which Kind Of Diseases
A. Bacterial diseases
B. Rare diseases
C. Viral diseases
D. Parasitic diseases
ANSWER: B - Which State Has Become The Third State To Conduct A Caste Based Census
A. Kerala
B. Maharashtra
C. Telangana
D. Gujarat
ANSWER: C - Mount Adams, A Stratovolcano, Is Located In Which Country
A. United States of America
B. Russia
C. Indonesia
D. Australia
ANSWER: A - Which Ministry Launched Emigrate V2.0 Web Portal & Mobile App
A. Ministry of Home Affairs
B. Ministry of External Affairs
C. Ministry of Defence
D. Ministry of Tourism
ANSWER: B - Name Of The First Vessel Launched Under The Two Multi-purpose Vessel
Project By The Indian Navy
A. Viksit
B. Kaveri
C. Samarthak
D. Samudra
ANSWER: C - TREES Initiative, Aims To Combat Desertification In Which Region
A. Southeast Asia
B. Sub-Saharan Africa
C. Arctic Circle
D. None of the Above
ANSWER: B - Which State Has Bagged The Best State Award In 5th National Water Awards
2023
A. Odisha
B. Jharkhand
C. Bihar
D. Gujarat
ANSWER: A - Which City Hosted The SCO Summit
A. Islamabad
B. New Delhi
C. Beijing
D. Moscow
ANSWER: A - Which Indian Received The IAF World Space Award For The Chandrayaan-3
Mission
A. Manoj Govil
B. S. Somnath
C. P K Mishra
D. Pawan Kumar Goenka
ANSWER: B - Which Space Organization Has Launched The Europa Clipper Mission To
Explore Jupiter’s Moon
A. ISRO
B. NASA
C. CNSA
D. ESA
ANSWER: B - Nemaline Myopathy, A Rare Congenital Disorder, Primarily Affects Which Part
Of Body
A. Kidneys
B. Lungs
C. Skeletal muscles
D. Heart
ANSWER: C - Primary Purpose Of The MQ-9B Predator Drones Recently Acquired By India
From The United States
A. Surveillance and reconnaissance
B. Agricultural monitoring
C. Weather forecasting
D. None of the Above
ANSWER: A - Which National Park Emerged As India’s Second Butterfly Diversity Hub
A. Kaziranga National Park
B. Keoladeo National Park
C. Periyar National Park
D. Rajaji National Park
ANSWER: A - Which City Is The Host Of Seventh Session Of The International Solar Alliance
(ISA) Assembly
A. Hyderabad
B. New Delhi
C. Mumbai
D. Chennai
ANSWER: B - Mera Hou Chongba Festival Has Been Celebrated In Which State
A. Nagaland
B. Manipur
C. Assam
D. Sikkim
ANSWER: B - Which Institution Organized The International Methanol Seminar And Expo
2024
A. NITI Aayog
B. Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
C. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
D. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
ANSWER: A - At Which Among Following Sessions Of Muslim League, Mohammed Ali Jinnah
Invented A New Slogan “Divide And Quit”
A. Lucknow Session 1931
B. Karachi Session 1933
C. Lahore Session 1940
D. Karachi Session 1943
ANSWER: D
