India And UK Holds the First 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue

• The first-ever India-UK '2+2' foreign and defence discussion, which took place on 16^th October 2023.
• It signifies a crucial advancement in the bilateral ties of India and the United Kingdom.
• Both the parties emphasized on methods to strengthen collaboration in key sectors including trade and investment, defence, crucial technologies, civil aviation, healthcare, and energy.

BRS in Telangana Unveils Manifesto for Underprivileged

• The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) revealed a manifesto presenting a range of revolutionary plans intended to enhance the well-being of underprivileged.
• The BRS manifesto entails offering life insurance worth ₹5 lakh to more than 93 lakh families falling Below Poverty Line (BPL).
• It also underscores the significance of food security by ensuring the distribution of high-quality rice through the public distribution system.
• This undertaking aligns with the Telangana Annapurna program, aiming to guarantee that no household experiences food insecurity.

SC Refers Electoral Bond Case to 5-Judge Constitution Bench

• On 16th October 2023, the Supreme Court directed petitions contesting the 2018 Electoral Bonds Scheme to a five-judge Constitution Bench.
• Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, leading a three-judge bench, disclosed this during the mentioning hours.
• Electoral bonds are introduced to provide cash donations to political parties.
• This change aims to make political funding more transparent and accountable.

Nitin Gadkari’s Biopic

• A biographical movie delving into the life of the current Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari is set to premiere on October 27th 2023.
• Titled 'Gadkari,' the film aims to showcase various dimensions of his journey.
• Actor Rahul Chopda has been selected to depict the character of Nitin Gadkari in this cinematic biography.

UP Government Launches 'Swachch Tyohar, Swasth Tyohar' Campaign

• Uttar Pradesh Government has launched a cleanliness campaign 'Swachch Tyohar, Swasth Tyohar' (Clean Festival, Healthy Festival), especially in and around temples.
• The urban development and energy departments have called for celebrating Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali festivals as 'Swachch Tyohar, Swasth Tyohar' by giving the mantra 'Cleanliness is next to Godliness'.
• Instructions have been issued to all municipal officials and employees to ensure cleanliness of the roads and streets, areas around religious places, monasteries, temples and Durga Puja pandals.

PM To Inaugurate Global Maritime India Summit 2023

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the third edition of Global Maritime India Summit 2023 in Mumbai via video conferencing on 17^th October 2023.
• The Prime Minister also unveiled ‘Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’, a blueprint for the Indian maritime blue economy. 
• The summit provides an excellent platform for attracting investment in the country's maritime sector.