Kenya President Ruto Chooses Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President after Gachagua's Impeachment
Kenya's President William Ruto nominated Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as his new deputy, hours after the Senate voted to impeach the last man in the job, Rigathi Gachagua.
Ruto's nomination of a close ally, who still needs to be approved by parliament, came after a period of political turmoil, mass protests and the first removal of a Kenyan deputy president by impeachment.
India and South Korea Set to Join FTSE Russell EMGB Index in 2025
Global index provider FTSE Russell announced that India's sovereign bonds will be included in its Emerging Markets Government Bond Index (EMGBI) starting September 2025. This follows similar inclusions by JP Morgan and Bloomberg Index Services, which could potentially attract billions of dollars into India's local bond market.
Additionally, South Korean government bonds are set to be added to the FTSE World Government Bond Index (WGBI) in November 2025 after spending two years on the watch list.
India's First Self-Powered Indoor Air Quality Monitor Launched at Thiruvananthapuram Airport
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, inaugurated Pavana Chitra, India's first self-powered indoor air quality monitoring facility, located at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. This innovative facility is powered by indigenous indoor solar cells developed by the CSIR-NIIST, utilising locally available materials.
The air quality monitor operates off-grid, highlighting India's advancements in sustainable technology using locally sourced materials.
This initiative reflects India's commitment to utilising home-grown solutions in addressing environmental challenges.
Jitendra Singh referred to Thiruvananthapuram as the 'science capital of India,' recognising its role in scientific research and innovation.
Jio Payments Bank Secures Mutual Funds Distribution License from AMFI
Jio Payments Bank, a subsidiary of Jio Financial Services, successfully obtained a mutual fund distribution license from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). This Category 1 Execution-only Platform (EOP) license enables Jio Payments Bank to distribute the direct plans of various mutual fund schemes, marking a significant step in its expansion within the financial services sector.
The entry of Jio Payments Bank into the mutual fund distribution space is expected to enhance competition, particularly in the direct plan segment, providing more options for investors.
India and Mauritania took a significant step towards enhancing their bilateral relations by signing four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during Indian President Droupadi Murmu's visit to the North African country. This visit, a historic moment in Indo-African diplomacy, marked the first time an Indian President set foot in Mauritania, as part of President Murmu's three-nation tour, which also included Algeria and Malawi.
The four MoUs were signed between India and Mauritania, aiming to enhance collaboration in multiple areas. These MoUs focused on:
Training of Diplomats – Establishing a framework for capacity-building and exchange of knowledge between the foreign services of both countries.
Cultural Exchange – Fostering mutual understanding and appreciation through cultural programs, exhibitions, and artist exchanges.
Visa Exemption – Offering visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders to facilitate smooth diplomatic engagements.
Foreign Office Consultations – Enhancing regular consultations between the foreign offices of both nations to ensure continuous dialogue on bilateral and international issues.
Indo-Turkiye Friendship Association Launched in Hyderabad
To strengthen bilateral ties, the Indo-Turkiye Friendship Association (ITFA) was inaugurated in Hyderabad. The initiative seeks to enhance cooperation in key areas such as economy and trade, culture and tourism, science and technology, and education between India and Turkiye. This launch is particularly poignant as both regions commemorate notable historical milestones—300 years since the Nizams of the Asaf Jah dynasty in Hyderabad and a century since the abolition of the Ottoman Sultanate and Caliphate.
Consul General of Turkiye in Hyderabad, Orhan Yalman Okan, and ITFA Chairman Faiz Khan highlighted the rich historical connections between India and Turkiye, dating back over a millennium. The relationship has been marked by significant cultural exchanges, such as the marriage of Turkish Princess Durrushehvar Sultan to Nawab Azam Jah of Hyderabad, fostering deep affection for Turkish culture in India.
Vasant Anant Gadgil, a revered Sanskrit scholar and founder of Sharda Gyan Peetham, passed away at the age of 94 in Pune. His contributions to the promotion of Sanskrit were vast, spanning from teaching at Tilak Maharashtra University to conducting international efforts in places like the US and Africa. He was deeply involved in researching ancient Sanskrit texts, such as the Vedas and Upanishads, and was a significant figure at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute.
In 2012, Gadgil was felicitated by then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, and he was also the recipient of the prestigious Mahakavi Kalidas Sanskrit-Vrati National Award for his research and development efforts in the language. His legacy continues through his family, with his wife, son Shrivardhan Gadgil, daughter-in-law, and grandson.
World Statistics Day, celebrated on October 20, is an international celebration held every five years to highlight the significance of statistics in shaping societies, improving lives, and driving informed decision-making. This celebration underscores the vital role statistics play in fostering sustainable development, promoting transparency, and empowering policymakers across the world.
The first World Statistics Day was celebrated on October 20, 2010, following a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. The aim is to raise awareness about the importance of reliable data and statistics in shaping global policies and contributing to the welfare of nations.
AAP introduces 'Shiksha Par Baat' to Involve Parents in Delhi's Education Policy
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched a new initiative, led by senior leader and former Education Minister Manish Sisodia, to involve parents in shaping Delhi's education policy. The programme, titled 'Shiksha Par Baat, Manish Sisodia Ke Saath,' aims to gather feedback from parents across Delhi on the city's education system and discuss the future direction of government schools.
Union Minister Virendra Kumar Inaugurates the 21st Divya Kala Mela at Jabalpur
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar inaugurated the 21st Divya Kala Mela at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The event organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, through the National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC), will concluded on October 27, 2024.
The mela features dedicated stalls and exhibitions for Divyang artists to showcase their creative prowess and offer a glimpse into the incredible artistic expressions of this community.