The number of births in China tumbled 10% last year to hit their lowest level on record - a drop that comes despite a slew of government efforts to support parents and amid increasing alarm that the country become demographically imbalanced.
China had just 9.56 million births in 2022, according to a report published by the National Health Commission. It was the lowest figure since records began in 1949.
The high costs of childcare and education, growing unemployment and job insecurity as well as gender discrimination have all helped to deter many young couples from having more than one child or even having children at all.
Much of the demographic downturn is the result of China's one-child policy imposed between 1980 and 2015, though the abandonment of that policy is having some effect.
Plaque of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' Unveiled in Premises of Permanent Mission of India to UN in New York
A plaque with the inscription 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' was installed in the premises of the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, embodying New Delhi's commitment to unity and global collaboration.
The plaque was unveiled at a special ceremony by the President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Vinay Sahasrabuddhe and India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj.
The gold-hued plaque with the phrase 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' written in Hindi and 'The World is One Family' in English adorns a wall inside the entrance of the premises of India's Permanent Mission in the city.
The unveiling of the plaque took place a day after the Permanent Mission of India, along with the ICCR, organised an international conference on 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' at the United Nations headquarters.
RBI Slaps Rs 5.39 crore Penalty on Paytm Payments Banks
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of Rs. 5.39 crore on Paytm Payments Bank for violating Know Your Customer norms, among others.
As per RBI, Paytm Payments Bank failed to meet certain regulatory provisions under Know Your Customer (KYC), as well as the norms on enhancement of maximum balance at the end of the day as indicated in the licensing conditions of payments banks.
The bank was also found non-compliant with the 'Cyber Security Framework in Banks', in the context of 'Guidelines on Reporting of Unusual Cyber Security Incidents' and 'Securing Mobile Banking Applications Including UPI Ecosystem'.
South Indian Bank Names V. J. Kurian as its New Chairman
V. J. Kurian was appointed as the non-executive part time chairman of the Thrissur based South Indian Bank with effect from November 2 to March 22, 2026.
The Reserve Bank of India conveyed its approval for the appointment.
Kurian will succeed Salim Gangadharan, who will be retiring as non-executive part-time chairman of the bank on November 1 after completion of his term.
Rohit Sharma Hits Fastest World Cup Hundred by an Indian
Rohit Sharma recorded the fastest World Cup hundred by an Indian in 63 balls during the match against Afghanistan in Delhi.
He surpassed Virender Sehwag's 81-ball hundred against Bermuda in the 2007 World Cup. Rohit also broke the record for most hundreds in the World Cup with his seventh century across three editions, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's tally of six from as many seasons.
The 11th Sultan of Johor Cup to Be Held in Johor, Malaysia
The 11th edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup in 2023 is scheduled to be held in Johor, Malaysia. Hockey India announced the 20-member Indian junior men's hockey team that will participate in the 11th Sultan of Johor Cup. This prestigious tournament is set to take place from October 27 to November 4. Notably, this year's edition will feature eight teams, expanding from the customary six.
In this year's Sultan of Johor Cup, India has been placed in Pool B. They will face tough competition from Malaysia, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Pool A will consist of Germany, Australia, South Africa, and Great Britain. The tournament promises fierce competition, as these junior teams strive to prove their mettle on the international stage.
India launched 'Operation Ajay' to bring back its citizens from Israel, where a war is raging between Israel and Hamas. The first flight of 212 Indians landed in Delhi, where they were welcomed by Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar. He praised Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar for their efforts to ensure the safety of Indians in Israel. He also interacted with the students who were among the passengers.
Petroleum Minister Inaugurates 26th Energy Technology Meet
Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Pertroleum & Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs inaugurated the 26th Energy Technology Meet at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi in the presence of Rameshwar Teli, Minister of State of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Labour & Employment, Pankaj Jain, Secretary, P&NG and Anil Kakodkar, Eminent Scientist and Chairman of Scientific Advisory Committee on Hydrocarbons of MoP&NG, CMDs, Directors and Senior Executives of Oil Companies.
The revered annual convention cum exhibition, co-hosted by EIL & NRL, provided a common forum for refiners and technology service providers for the exposition of recent advances and technological developments in the energy sector and in particular the refining and petrochemicals sectors. The meet was attended by more than 1300 delegates from across the globe.
India Launches State-of-the-Art National Survey Network
Union Minister of State, Jitendra Singh, launched the state-of-the-art National Survey Network, comprising Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS). This network, operated by the Survey of India, will revolutionise precise location-based services in India.
India now boasts a world-class Precise Location-based service capable of providing centimetre-level positioning services in real-time. The Survey of India has established over 1,000 CORS stations across the country, enabling this high precision. This development ensures that India has its own high-accuracy mapping and positioning data, allowing for tailored solutions to the country's unique needs.
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDR) is celebrated every year on October 13. The day is dedicated to create awareness about disasters, their impact on living beings, and preventive measures. One of the main aims behind observing this day is to educate communities about the risks posed by disasters, and prepare them to survive through both natural and human-made disasters.
The history of International Day for Disaster Reduction dates back to 1989 when the United Nations General Assembly established the day to promote a culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction across the globe. Since then, the day is observed annually on October 13 to appreciate and honour the efforts of communities in reducing the global risks of disasters through awareness, advocacy, and several other means.
The theme of UN International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2023 is 'Fighting inequality for a resilient future'.
Govt Introduces Shreshta Scheme for Quality Education of SC Students
In a remarkable move towards enhancing education and bolstering the socio-economic advancement of Scheduled Caste (SC) students, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment unveiled the 'Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas' (SHRESHTA). The primary objective of this initiative is to extend the influence of government development programs and address service gaps in regions predominantly inhabited by SC communities within the education sector.
SHRESHTA, designed to provide high-quality education to SC students, aims to create an environment conducive to their holistic development and secure their future prospects. The scheme's implementation comprises two distinct approaches. The first category includes top CBSE/State Board-affiliated private residential schools known as SHRESHTA institutions.
The second implementation approach relates to existing NGO/VO-operated schools and hostels. This approach is specifically intended for educational institutions up to the 12th grade that are managed by voluntary organizations (VOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
JK Group's B-School Launches First Residential MBA Programme in Product Management
JK Group's Hari Shankar Singhania School of Business (HSB) launched the first two-year fully residential MBA programme with specialiation in product management programme at its campus in JK Lakshmipat University's premises in Jaipur.
According to a statement issued by the group, this is the only full-time residential MBA in Product Management course to be offered by an Indian business school.
Addressing the launching ceremony of the programme, R P Singhania, the chairman and MD of JK Tyre and Industries and also the pro-chancellor of K Lakshmipat University (JKLU), said that the course is designed to equip learners with cutting-edge, industry-relevant skills that will empower them to make informed business decisions.
The programme is designed for those who are comfortable with technology, preferably with a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) background, and a proven track record of two to four years in full-time industry roles.
UP Bags Award for Using Tele Tech for Mental Health & Counselling
UP bagged the third prize in operationalising telemanas- using tele technology for mental health and counselling - on the National Mental Health Day.
The award was given by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Mission director, National Health Mission Uttar Pradesh, Pinky Joval received the award.
The National Tele Mental Health Programme was inaugurated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on October 10, 2022 on the occasion of World Mental Health Day.
Vivek Agnihotri Launches His Latest Book 'The Book of Life: My Dance with Buddha for Success'
Vivek Agnihotri, director of 'The Kashmir Files' launched his latest book, 'The Book of Life: My Dance with Buddha for Success' in Lucknow. He also directed a medical drama film 'The Vaccine War' in 2023. Balram Bhargava is the writer of the book on which the movie is based. Bhargava's book, 'Going Viral – Making of Covaxin: The Inside Story', documents his experiences.
This book is an initiative which will herald a new era in the realm of books, wherein the creativity that is innate in every one of us finds expression. For this, and to establish a connection between him and readers, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri linked this book to the Internet. Here, anyone can voice his opinions on the stories featured in this book and share his thoughts and perspectives, making this book interactive; only then will The Book of Life find its true meaning.
Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Appointment of Five Judicial Officers as Kerala High Court Judges
The Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, recommended the names of five Judicial Officers for appointment as as Judges of Kerala High Court.
the Collegium stated that the Kerala High Court Chief Justice, had recommended the elevation of the five judicial officers, in consultation with his two senior-most colleagues, and that the Chief Minister and the Governor of the State had also concurred with the recommendation.
The following are the Judicial Officers who have been recommended to be elevated as Judges of the High Court of Kerala: M. B. Snehalatha, Johnson John, G. Girish, C. Pratheepkumar and P. Krishna Kumar.