Current Affairs

Current Affairs is the most important part of every competitive exam in India. At gknow.in, we provide accurate, exam-focused, and easy-to-read current affairs to help aspirants prepare confidently for SSC, UPSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, State PCS, and other government exams.

This parent category covers all major current affairs topics, including:

  • National Current Affairs – Government updates, policies, bills, and major developments

  • International Affairs – Global events, agreements, and geopolitical updates

  • Awards & Honours – National and international recognitions

  • Culture & Heritage – Festivals, traditions, and notable cultural events

  • Science & Technology – ISRO, DRDO, space missions, innovations, discoveries

  • Polity & Governance – Constitutional amendments, committees, judicial updates

  • Important Days & Themes – Monthly observances and exam-relevant themes

  • Government Schemes – New initiatives, updates, launches, and budgets

Our content is:
✅ Daily updated
✅ Exam-oriented
✅ Available in simple language

Unity Day- October 31st, birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Unity Day, also known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, is celebrated in India on October 31st each year to honor the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the country’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. Known as the Iron Man of India, Patel played a crucial role in the political integration of India by merging over 560 princely states into the Union of India.

The day is marked by various events, including the Run for Unity, where people from all walks of life participate in marathons to symbolize the unity and integrity of the nation. Government officials, students, and citizens come together to take a pledge to preserve the unity, integrity, and security of the country.

Unity Day serves as a reminder of Patel’s vision and efforts to create a united India, and it continues to inspire people to work towards national integration and harmony.

PM Modi launched the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) on 29 October 2024. This scheme provides free annual health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh for every citizen aged 70 and above, regardless of income. It aims to ease healthcare expenses for the elderly and support their well-being.

The scheme has already helped 4 crore people, and the new card specifically targets senior citizens to expand healthcare access. To use the card, beneficiaries must register through the PM-JAY portal or app and complete eKYC.

This expansion will cost ₹3,437 crore and aims to address India’s rapidly aging population. By 2050, around 19.5% of Indians will be elderly. Nearly 6 crore elderly people are expected to benefit, including those already covered by existing schemes like CGHS and ECHS.

Yashaswini Ghorpade and Krittwika Roy won the women’s doubles title at the WTT Feeder Cagliari table tennis tournament

On October 27, 2024, India’s Yashaswini Ghorpade and Krittwika Roy won the women’s doubles title at the WTT Feeder Cagliari table tennis tournament in Italy. They defeated South Korea’s Yoo Siwoo and Kim Haeun 3-1 in the final match. Earlier in the tournament, the Indian team, seeded second, won against Italy’s Arianna Barani and Maria Picu 3-0 in the first round and Japan’s Sachi Aoki and Sakura Yokoi 3-0 in the quarter-finals.

In the semi-final, they defeated Germany’s Sophia Klee and Franziska Schreiner 3-1 to reach the final. Additionally, Yashaswini Ghorpade reached the mixed doubles semi-finals with Harmeet Desai, but they lost 3-0 to Italy’s John Oyebode and Gaia Monfardini.

AIIMS Delhi starts GRASSROOT trial to evaluate advanced stent retriever for stroke treatment

On October 28, 2024, AIIMS Delhi announced the start of the GRASSROOT clinical trial in New Delhi. This trial will test the safety and effectiveness of a new stent retriever designed for treating stroke clots. AIIMS explained that this device is specifically made to address the needs of stroke patients in India.

Dr. Sailesh Gaikwad, Head of Neurosciences at AIIMS, stated that the trial aims to improve stroke recovery and set new standards for stroke care. He also mentioned that the treatment would be affordable to make it accessible to more patients in India and globally.

PM Modi and Spanish PM launch C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara

On October 28, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez inaugurated the Tata Aircraft Complex in Vadodara, India, to build C-295 military aircraft. This complex is India’s first private-sector assembly line for making military planes.

The project includes many Indian defense companies, like Bharat Electronics Ltd., Bharat Dynamics Ltd., and various smaller businesses. Out of the 56 C-295 aircraft for India, Tata will make 40 in Vadodara, while Airbus will supply 16 from Spain.

The leaders also visited the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara and held talks. They announced that 2026 will be celebrated as the Year of Cultural Tourism and Artificial Intelligence between India and Spain.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is visiting India for three days

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is visiting India for three days. This is his first visit to India, and the first visit by a Spanish Prime Minister in 18 years. His wife, Begona Gomez, is with him on this trip.

Prime Minister Sanchez will meet with India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, for official talks. Together, they will open the TATA Aircraft Complex in Vadodara on October 28, 2024. This new facility will produce C-295 military aircraft and is India’s first private assembly line for military planes. It is part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, created through a partnership between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus Spain.

During his visit, Sanchez will also meet with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar. He will then travel to Mumbai to speak with leaders from business, think tanks, and the film industry. India and Spain are also expected to sign several agreements to strengthen their relationship.

Arjun Erigaisi crosses  2800 Elo rating mark in Chess; second Indian to achieve the mark

Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi reached the prestigious 2800 Elo rating milestone with a win at the European Chess Club Cup in Serbia on October 24, 2024. At 21, he became only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to achieve this.

Erigaisi secured this rating by defeating Russian Grandmaster Dmitry Andreikin in Round 5 with the White pieces, propelling him to world No. 3 in the rankings. Elo ratings are widely used to measure chess players’ skill levels.

Manika Batra Makes History as First Indian Table Tennis Player to Reach Top 8 at WTT Champions Event

Manika Batra made history as the first Indian table tennis player to reach the quarterfinals at the WTT Champions Montpellier 2024 in France on October 27, 2024. Ranked 30th globally, she defeated Romania’s world No. 14 Bernadette Szocs 3-1 to secure her spot in the top eight, following a 3-0 win over the USA’s Lily Zhang.

However, in the quarterfinals, she was defeated 3-0 by China’s Qian Tianyi, who is ranked 21st and recently bested the world No. 4, Wang Yidi. Earlier in the year, Batra also beat Szocs during India’s 3-2 victory over Romania at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Cyclone ‘Dana’ made landfall early morning on October 25, 2024 in coastal Odisha

Cyclone ‘Dana’ made landfall early morning on October 25, 2024, between Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara district and Dhamra in Bhadrak district, Odisha.

  • Wind speeds reached approximately 110 kmph along the Odisha coast, causing damage across Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore districts.
  • Power lines were snapped, large trees uprooted, and thatched and asbestos houses and paddy crops sustained significant damage.
  • No casualties have been reported, aligning with the state’s ‘Zero Casualty Mission’.
  • Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the situation, instructed district collectors to assess damage, and conducted an aerial survey of affected areas.
  • Roads were cleared by disaster response teams, and power restoration is expected by the afternoon.
  • Residents who took shelter in cyclone centers are returning home, and services at Bhubaneswar’s airport and railway station have resumed.
  • The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) downgraded ‘Dana’ to a deep depression as it moves further inland.

Kho Kho World Cup from January 13–19, 2025, at New Delhi

The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) announced the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, set for January 13–19, 2025, at New Delhi’s IGI Stadium, marking a significant global debut for the traditional Indian sport. Twenty-four nations from six continents will compete, with both men’s and women’s divisions hosting 12 teams each. Participating nations include:

  • Africa: Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda
  • Asia: India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, South Korea, Sri Lanka
  • Europe: England, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland
  • North America: Canada, United States
  • South America: Brazil, Peru
  • Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

Men’s Division: 16 teams will compete, including India, Pakistan, and Australia.
Women’s Division: Key teams include India, Kenya, and Germany, with Pakistan fielding teams in both divisions.

KKFI president Sudhanshu Mittal emphasized the tournament’s importance for elevating Kho Kho globally, with the official tagline, #TheWorldGoesKho, unveiled alongside an exhibition match between Team Maharashtra and the Rest of India. KKFI aims to solidify Kho Kho’s international appeal and growth through this event.

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) celebrated its 63rd Raising Day on October 24, 2024

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) celebrated its 63rd Raising Day on October 24, 2024. This special occasion commemorates the formation of the ITBP, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s borders along the Himalayas.

The day is marked by various events, including a grand parade showcasing the diverse skills of ITBP personnel, such as women contingents, ski units, mounted columns, paratroopers, mountaineering teams, and dog squads.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders extended their greetings and praised the ITBP for their valour and dedication in protecting the nation under harsh conditions.

United Nations Day, observed annually on October 24

United Nations Day, observed annually on October 24, celebrates the founding of the United Nations in 1945 when the UN Charter came into force. Established post-World War II, the UN was created to foster global peace, security, and cooperation.

The charter drafting began on April 25, 1945, with representatives from 50 countries gathering in San Francisco; it was adopted on June 25 and formally enacted on October 24. United Nations Day highlights the organization’s crucial role in international diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and global development.

2024 BRICS Summit : Key points from the Kazan declaration

The 2024 BRICS Summit, held in Kazan, Russia from October 22 to 24, focused on various global issues. Key points from the Kazan declaration include:

  1. Ukraine: BRICS emphasized the need for adherence to the UN Charter and supported peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
  2. Middle East: The group expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, condemning Israeli military actions in Gaza, West Bank, and Southern Lebanon, and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
  3. Western Sanctions: BRICS criticized unilateral sanctions, highlighting their negative impact on the global economy and sustainable development goals.
  4. International Financial System: They advocated for reforms to make the global financial architecture more inclusive and equitable.
  5. BRICS Grain Exchange: A new initiative was launched for a commodities trading platform, starting with grain, aimed at expanding to other agricultural sectors.
  6. Cross-Border Payment System: BRICS welcomed the use of local currencies and development of a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive cross-border payment system.
  7. BRICS Clear Depository: The group discussed establishing an independent cross-border settlement and depository infrastructure to support financial market resilience.
  8. Financial Innovation: They encouraged interbank cooperation to promote innovative financing solutions, including transactions in local currencies.
  9. IMF and G20: BRICS reaffirmed their support for a well-resourced IMF and emphasized the importance of the G20 for global economic cooperation.
  10. Pandemic Prevention: They supported initiatives for early warning systems and vaccine research to prevent future pandemics.
  11. Big Cats Conservation: BRICS acknowledged India’s initiative to create an International Big Cats Alliance for the preservation of endangered big cats.

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a global coalition launched by India in April 2023 to conserve the world’s seven principal big cat species: tigers, lions, snow leopards, leopards, jaguars, pumas, and cheetahs. The initiative aims to prevent illegal wildlife trade, promote natural habitat conservation, and mobilize resources for protection efforts..

Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026

The organisers of the 2026 Commonwealth Games have decided to reduce the number of sports to just 10, removing prominent sports like hockey, badminton, wrestling, cricket, squash, and shooting to manage financial and operational risks while maintaining a multi-sport feel.

The 23rd edition of the Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026, across four venues. Approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories, including India, will participate in the event.

Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Dana’ in the Bay of Bengal Moving Towards Odisha

A severe cyclonic storm named ‘Dana’ is getting stronger in the Bay of Bengal and is moving towards the Odisha coast at 4 km per hour. It is expected to make landfall on the night of October 24-25, between Bhitarkanika and Bhadrak or Balasore. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the storm will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 100 to 110 km per hour, gusting up to 120 km per hour.

The government has begun evacuating people from areas that may be severely affected. Six IAS officers are in charge of relief and rescue operations in six districts. Schools, colleges, and universities in 14 districts will be closed for three days, and exams have been canceled. All doctors’ leaves are canceled, and hospitals are preparing with extra medicines. The East Coast Railways has canceled 198 trains for three days, and over 500 cyclone shelters with basic supplies are ready. The state has asked for more NDRF teams, and fishermen are banned from going to sea starting tomorrow.

India-Pakistan agree to extend Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor agreement for another five years

India and Pakistan have agreed to extend the validity of the Agreement on the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for an additional five years. The original agreement, signed on October 24, 2019, allows Indian pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, through the corridor.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the extension ensures uninterrupted access for pilgrims. India has also requested Pakistan to remove the $20 service fee per pilgrim per visit, responding to continued requests from pilgrims. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reaffirmed the Modi government’s commitment to facilitating Sikh pilgrims’ access to their holy sites.

Luong Cuong elected as Vietnam’s new President

Luong Cuong, a senior member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), has been elected as Vietnam’s new President during the 8th session of the 15th National Assembly (NA). Cuong, who is a permanent member of the CPV Central Committee Secretariat, was elected by 440 deputies, representing 91.67% of the total.

He replaces To Lam, who had also held the role of general secretary of the Communist Party. Although the presidency is primarily ceremonial in Vietnam, Cuong pledged to fulfill his responsibilities to the party, state, and people after taking the oath.

16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024

The 16th BRICS Summit was held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024, with leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa in attendance. The summit also welcomed new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.

Key discussions centered on economic cooperation, trade in national currencies, sustainable development, and digital inclusion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to these goals and explored enhancing bilateral ties. Leaders also addressed global economic challenges, climate change, and innovation, emphasizing collaboration among emerging economies.

Stage-2 of GRAP invoked in Delhi and NCR region to tackle air pollution

Due to worsening air quality in Delhi and the NCR region, Stage-2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been activated from October 22, 2024. The decision was made by the Commission for Air Quality Management, which advised citizens to avoid dust-generating construction and open burning of waste and biomass during October to January.

An 11-point action plan has been enforced, including daily road cleaning, water sprinkling, and strict dust control at construction sites. The committee also emphasized targeted pollution control at hotspots and ensuring uninterrupted power supply to minimize the use of alternative power generators.

United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Colombia from 21 October to 1 November 2024

The United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) has begun in Colombia on 21 October 2024, where nearly 200 countries will assess progress on global biodiversity commitments. The focus is on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, signed by 196 countries, aimed at halting and reversing nature loss.

Key tasks include reviewing how countries’ National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) align with the framework, advancing the monitoring system, and enhancing resource mobilization. Additionally, COP16 will finalize a mechanism for sharing benefits from digital genetic resource data. Colombia’s Environment Minister Susana Muhamad and Convention Executive Secretary Astrid Schomaker highlighted the importance of accelerating biodiversity action.

Maldivian President decides to introduce India’s UPI in Maldives

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to introduce India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in the Maldives, based on a cabinet recommendation. This initiative is expected to boost the Maldivian economy by promoting financial inclusion, improving transaction efficiency, and strengthening digital infrastructure. Indian tourists will be able to use UPI apps to make payments in Indian rupees without converting currency.

A consortium, including banks, telecoms, state-owned companies, and fintech firms, will be set up to implement UPI in the Maldives. The move follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in August 2024 between India and the Maldives, as part of India’s efforts to share developmental tools with partner nations. UPI is already in use in several countries, including the UAE, Sri Lanka, and Singapore.

Prabowo Subianto became the President of Indonesia

In Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto became the president of the world’s third-largest democracy on October 20, 2024. He will be the eighth president of Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population.

The 73-year-old, a former special forces commander, won the election held on February 14, 2024, with almost 60% of the vote. His policies, like providing free meals to school children, helped him secure a strong victory.

Karva Chauth Celebrated Across India on October 20

Karva Chauth was celebrated across the country on 20 October 2024. On this day, married women fast from morning until they see the moon at night. The tradition is believed to strengthen the relationship between husband and wife and is thought to help ensure the husband’s long life.

Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar killed in Rafah, during encounter with Israeli forces

Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar has been killed in Rafah, southern Gaza, during a chance encounter with Israeli forces. Sinwar, dressed in combat gear, was found dead in the rubble after a tank shell struck the building. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the military success but emphasized that the war is not yet over. While Hamas has not officially confirmed Sinwar’s death, he was considered a key figure behind the October 7 attacks on Israel.

Sinwar, aged 61 and known as Abu Ibrahim, became the head of Hamas’ political bureau after Ismail Haniyeh was killed in July this year. This follows Israel’s earlier killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah through airstrikes in Lebanon.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the U.S. will step up efforts to end the Gaza war in light of Sinwar’s apparent death. Blinken also referenced Sinwar’s previous refusal to resolve the conflict diplomatically. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli PM Netanyahu discussed working together to secure the release of hostages.

India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, held in New Delhi, from 15 to 18 October 2024

The India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, concluded on 18 October 2024. The four-day event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 October, brought together over 3,000 industry leaders, policymakers, and tech experts from more than 190 countries. On the final day, discussions focused on collaboration to drive digital transformation and innovation.

The 8th edition of IMC highlighted India’s innovation ecosystem, with advancements in 6G, quantum technology, the Internet of Things, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and green tech. The event featured 400 exhibitors, 900 startups, and over 900 technology use cases. It hosted 100 sessions, with more than 600 speakers. On the final day, discussions centered on AI governance and strategies for future regulation and policy.

Virat Kohli becomes 4th Indian Cricketer to reach 9,000 Test Runs

Virat Kohli has achieved another milestone in his illustrious career by becoming the fourth Indian cricketer to reach 9,000 Test runs. This remarkable feat was accomplished during the first Test match against New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 18, 20242.

Kohli joins the elite club of Indian cricket legends, which includes Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 runs), Rahul Dravid (13,265 runs), and Sunil Gavaskar (10,122 runs). Kohli reached the milestone in 197 Test innings, making him the fourth-fastest Indian and the 13th-fastest overall to achieve this landmark.

Reflecting on his journey, Kohli has consistently demonstrated his exceptional skill, dedication, and passion for the game. His highest Test score is an unbeaten 254, and he has accumulated 29 centuries and 31 half-centuries in his Test career.

Nobel Prize 2024 in Economics awarded to to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson

On October 14, 2024, the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel was awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson for their research on how institutions are formed and their impact on a nation’s prosperity. Their work demonstrates that societal institutions, especially those introduced during European colonization, play a crucial role in determining a country’s long-term economic success or stagnation.

They found that inclusive institutions, which benefit society as a whole, promote growth, while extractive institutions, which exploit the population for the benefit of those in power, hinder development. The laureates’ research also explains why reforms are often difficult to implement in countries with extractive institutions and why, in some cases, democratization occurs as a solution to this problem. Their work sheds light on the challenge of reducing global income disparities by emphasizing the critical role of institutions.

Justice Khanna will be the 51st Chief Justice of India

Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud has recommended Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the second-most senior judge of the Supreme Court, as his successor. Upon approval by the government, Justice Khanna will become the 51st Chief Justice of India.

  • Justice Khanna will serve a six-month tenure, ending on May 13, 2025.
  • Supreme Court judges retire at the age of 65, and CJI Chandrachud will retire on November 10, 2024.
  • The outgoing CJI traditionally nominates the second-most senior judge as the next CJI.
  • Justice Khanna was born on May 14, 1960, and enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983.
  • He practiced at district courts, the Delhi High Court, and various tribunals.
  • Justice Khanna was appointed as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court in 2005 and became a permanent judge in 2006.
  • He was elevated to the Supreme Court on January 18, 2019.

Nayab Singh Saini sworn in as the Chief Minister of Haryana

Nayab Singh Saini was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Haryana for a second term on October 17, 2024, marking the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) third consecutive government in the state. The oath was administered by Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya at a ceremony in Panchkula.

The BJP won 48 out of 90 seats in the recent elections, while Congress secured 37. The event was attended by key BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, as well as NDA allies like Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu.

Omar Abdullah sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir

Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on 16 October 2024. This is the first elected government in the Union Territory since it was reorganized in 2019 after the removal of Article 370. The oath ceremony took place in Srinagar, and Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha gave him the oath of office.

Several ministers were also sworn in, including National Conference MLAs Javed Ahmed Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar, Sakina Itoo, Surinder Kumar Chowdhary, and independent MLA Satish Sharma.

The National Conference won 42 out of 90 seats, and their ally Congress won 6.

Omar Abdullah, who was the Chief Minister from 2009 to 2014, comes from a famous political family. His grandfather, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, and his father, Farooq Abdullah, both served as Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir.

Scroll to Top