PM Modi Dedicates Diwali to Indian Soldiers
- Addressing the nation in the 25th edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme, PM Narendra Modi on Sunday dedicated this year’s Diwali to the Indian soldiers while lauding their courage.
- “Our jawans are on duty and guarding us. That is why we are celebrating Diwali joyfully,” he said. “Every citizen of the country is proud of our soldiers,” he added.
India Ranks 133rd in Commonwealth Youth Index
- India has ranked very poorly at 133 in a new Global Youth Development Index compiled by the Commonwealth Secretariat on the countries prospects for young people in employment, education, health, civic and political spheres.
- India ranked 133rd in the index covering 183 nations, below neighbouring countries like Nepal (77), Bhutan (69) and Sri Lanka (31) and trailing behind the South Asian average.
- The top 5 countries on the index are Germany (1), Denmark (2), Switzerland (4), and United Kingdom (5).
October 31: Rashtriya Ekta Diwas
- Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) is observed across India on 31 October to commemorate birth anniversary of Independent India’s first Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhai Patel.
- Observance of the day provides an opportunity to re-affirm inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand actual and potential threats to unity, integrity and security of our country.
- The idea of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was mooted by PM Narendra Modi in October 2014 to mark the birth anniversary of country’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- About Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- He was born on 31 October, 1875 at Karamsand, Gujarat.
- He is known as the Iron Man of India or Bismarck of India.
- By profession, he was a barrister and had successfully practiced law.
- Later he left law practice and joined the Indian national movement under leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. In India’s independence struggle,
- he played a major role in organizing peasants’ movements on Gandhian principles in Bardoli and Kheda in Gujarat and during the Quit India movement.
- His biggest contribution to India was his role in the integration of the over 500 princely states with India during 1947-49.
- He is also remembered as the Patron Saint of India’s civil servants for establishing modern All-India services.
Strong Earthquake of Magnitude 6.6 Hits Italy
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A 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck central Italy on Sunday causing the collapse of buildings, including historic churches, according to reports.
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The earthquake originated at a depth of 10 kilometres, around 6 kilometres north of the city of Norcia. No casualties were reported immediately.
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This comes after an earthquake of 6.2 magnitude in central Italy claimed more than 300 lives in August.
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Wild Animals Count Could Fall 67% from 1970-2020: Study
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The number of wild animals across the world could fall by 67% in the fifty years to 2020, according to a study by World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
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It attributed the fall in animal numbers to the destruction of forested areas and pollution.
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WWF researchers reportedly monitored the changing presence of 14,152 populations of the 3,706 vertebrate species to draw conclusions.
Odisha Govt to Announce New Tourism Policy
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Odisha is set to unveil a new tourism policy focusing on infrastructure development at tourist sites and promoting the hotel industry, state Tourism Minister Ashok Panda said.
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He further said officials were asked to form a land bank for future tourist infrastructure development.
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Himachal Becomes 2nd Open Defecation Free State
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Himachal Pradesh was on Friday declared ‘Open Defecation Free’, becoming India’s second state to get this status after Sikkim.
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The newly acquired status will entitle Himachal Pradesh to receive World Bank funding under Rs. 9,000 crore project to sustain sanitation campaign.
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The state achieved this five months before the target, Secretary in the ministry of rural development Parmeshvaran Iyer said.
October 31: World Cities Day
- The World is observing Cities Day globally on 31st October to work together for a planned and sustainable urban life in the wake of rapid growth of population and problems.
- The day aims to promote international community’s interest in global urbanization, push forward cooperation among countries in meeting opportunities and addressing challenges of urbanization, and contributing to sustainable urban development around the world.
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SBI to Allot Shares to Govt for Rs. 5.6k cr Capital Infusion
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The country’s largest state lender State Bank of India will issue equity shares on preferential basis to the Centre for capital infusion of Rs. 5,681 crore, the bank said in a filing before the Bombay Stock Exchange on Saturday.
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The transaction is subject to the approvals by the Government of India and the Reserve bank of India.
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47th International Film Festival to be Held in Goa in Nov
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The 47th International Film Festival of India will be held in Goa between November 20 and 28.
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Award-winning films on ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ will also be screened during the festival, being held jointly by the Goa Government, Information and Broadcasting Ministry and Directorate of Film Festivals.
- It will screen 26 feature films, including ‘Airlift’ and ‘Sultan’, and 21 non-feature films.
- The government will spend Rs. 82 crore for developing infrastructure for tourists in 2016-17, he added.