Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of various development projects worth 4200 crore rupees at Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand this Afternoon. Addressing a public gathering on the occasion, he said, the development of border areas is the priority of the Central Government. Mr Modi said that the Central Government is continuously working to bring development in the border villages by developing them under the Vibrant Village Scheme.

The prime minister said, his government has worked to strengthen the army by equipping it with modern facilities. The Prime Minister has said that India is moving towards new heights of development.

The second spaceport of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which will be dedicated exclusively for Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs) developed by the private sector, will come up in about two years at Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu.

On October 10, Dr. Pawan Goenka, chairman, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) said, “We are developing a full launch centre in Thoothukudi district, which will be dedicated for SSLV launches. Right now, about 2,000 acres has been acquired and handed over to ISRO. The project team is in place, the budget has been defined, the planning has been done, and we will be taking off in about two years from now.”

World Arthritis Day is observed on October 12 every year. It aims to create awareness about rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMSs). Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects the joints. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types of arthritis. The theme for the World Arthritis Day 2023 is "Living with an RMD at all stages of life."

Arthritis causes pain in your joints and makes it difficult to move them. Joints are areas where two bones come together, such as your knees, fingers or hips. These joints can become swollen, stiff, and painful if you have arthritis. It can happen for a variety of causes, including aging or when your body's defense system begins attacking your own joints.

Chief secretary Durga Shankar Mishra said on October 14, a women empowerment rally would be organized in all the district headquarters to create awareness among the people. The participants would move on vehicles and 112 PVR vehicles and ambulance would also be part of the rally. Songs regarding empowerment of women would be played, with participants carrying posters and banners on various schemes launched by the government, he said.

The people would be enlightened about Mission Shakti campaign, widow pension scheme, Janani Suraksha Yojana, CM Kanya Sumangala Yojana, CM Samuhik Vivah Yojana, Beti Bachao- Beti Padhao, CM Bal Sewa Yojana and other schemes launched by the central and state governments. The participation of the local people’s representatives should be ensured in the awareness rally. Prominent women and women police officers will also present on the occasion, he said.

Addressing the Association’s 23rd Council of Ministers at Colombo, External Affairs minister Dr. Subramanyam Jaishankar laid emphasis on India’s priority of creating an Indian Ocean community that is strong and resilient. He added that India seeks to promote close collaboration within the region and continue to be the first responder.

The external affairs minister highlighted the importance of a secure and prosperous Indian Ocean while mentioning India’s policy of SAGAR and Neighbourhood first. He emphasized that the Indian Ocean region has a critical role in the global maritime trade and security, making it essential to maintain stability and cooperation among the nations bordering the Indian Ocean. He added that India would continue its approach contributing towards capacity building and securing the region.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday launched the trailer of KTB- Bharat Hain Hum, an animated series spread over two seasons featuring stories from the Indian freedom struggle from the 1500s to 1947.

Produced by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s Central Bureau of Communication, and Graphiti Studios, the series has 52 episodes of 11 minutes each. It is hosted by the iconic animated characters Krish, Trish and Balti boy.

“The series has been created by Munjal Shroff and Tilakraj Shetty from Graphiti Studios,” said the Ministry.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde today said that approval has been given to establish an Independent Scheduled Tribes Commission for Maharashtra on the lines of the Central Government.

The proposal was approved in the State Tribal Advisory Council meeting held in Mumbai. Along with this, various issues like reorganization of scheduled areas of the state, provision of funds according to population, starting of project office in talukas of tribal districts, and other issues were discussed in the meeting.

The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is celebrating a nationwide Khadi Mahotsav from the second to 31st of October. This festival is dedicated to supporting the "Vocal for Local" initiative and the 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan'.

Talking to Akashwani News, KVIC Chairman, Manoj Kumar highlighted the impact of the event in promoting India’s indigenous rough spun fabric.

Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari today launched the India Jewellery Shopping Festival (IJSF) 2023 in New Delhi. Speaking at the event Mr. Gadkari said that this industry provides employment to lakhs of people and contributes to the nation’s growth through exports. He added that there is a bright future for this industry.
 
The launch will be held across the country from 15th October to 22nd November.
The B2C scheme will run from tomorrow till 17th November. The B2B scheme has been running since 1st June and will continue till 31 October.
 
The festival will offer benefits to both the B2B and the B2C segments wherein business owners can be a part of the festival by paying an enrollment fee.

India has launched Operation Ajay to facilitate the return from Israel of its citizens who wish to return. In a social media post External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, special charter flights and other arrangements being put in place. He said, Government is fully committed to the safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad. Indian Embassy in Israel said, it has emailed the first lot of registered Indian citizens for the special flight today. It said, messages to other registered people will follow for subsequent flights. The Embassy said, it has been working constantly to help fellow citizens in Israel through a 24-hour helpline. It urged people to remain calm and vigilant and follow the security advisories.