Private lender HDFC Bank on Wednesday inaugurated its first branch in Singapore to provide banking services in the country.

"HDFC Bank has been granted a wholesale banking license by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) effective 15th October 2024. This allows the Bank to offer a wide range of financial products and services to residents of Singapore," the lender said in a statement.

HDFC Bank will continue to provide loan-related administrative services to NRIs in Singapore for availing housing loans and purchase of properties in India through its new branch, it said.

In a significant advancement for India's military capabilities, the country has finalised a deal with the United States to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones. This agreement, which marks a pivotal step in defence collaboration between the two nations, was approved by India's Cabinet Committee on Security earlier this month.

According per the reports, the Indian Navy is expected to receive 15 units of the 'SeaGuardian' variant, while both the Army and Air Force will be allocated eight 'SkyGuardian' drones each. The total cost of this transaction is projected to be under $3.5 billion. The drones will be supplied by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) under a Foreign Military Sales contract.

The MQ-9B Predator drone, a variant of the well-known MQ-9 'Reaper', is classified as a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). It boasts the ability to remain airborne for 40 hours at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet, with an external payload capacity of 2,155 kg.

A new Statue of Justice unveiled in the Supreme Court library for judges does not have the iconic blindfold and the sword. The new open-eyed statue instead holds a copy of the Constitution of India in the left hand. There, however, is no change in the scales of justice in her right hand.

The blindfold in the colonial era statue signified equality before the law. And the sword had represented authority and the power to punish injustice.

A well placed source said Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud believes that India should move forward from the British legacy. According to the CJI, the law is never blind; it sees everyone equally.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for Indian Navy’s second Very Low Frequency (VLF) Naval Station in the Damagundam forest area of Vikarabad district on Tuesday. This facility, which is set to be operational by 2027, is expected to enhance Indian Navy’s communication with ships and submarines.

“This establishment will greatly benefit the armed forces. Once the VLF station becomes operational, it will significantly support the armed forces. With warfare becoming increasingly dynamic, seamless coordination between ‘men and machine’ is essential,” said Mr. Singh while speaking at the venue.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced three Artificial Intelligence Centres of Excellence (AI-COE) focused on Health, Agriculture and Sustainable cities today in New Delhi. Mr. Pradhan said these centres will play a major role in promoting research, innovation, and economy, and ensuring public welfare. These three CoEs for Artificial Intelligence will be led by top educational institutions, in consortium with industry partners and startups. They will conduct interdisciplinary research, develop cutting-edge applications, and create scalable solutions in these three areas.
These centres will be established in AIIMS Delhi, IIT Ropar and IIT Kanpur. The centre at AIIMS Delhi, along with IIT Delhi, will work in the field of health, the centre at IIT Ropar will work in agriculture and the one at IIT Kanpur will work for a sustainable city.

Mr Pradhan said that this landmark decision will strengthen the position of the country in AI. He added that after 10 years, these AI-COEs will work as a solution giver to the world.

The establishment of these centres was announced in the Budget for 2023-24, as part of the vision to Make AI in India and Make AI work for India.

As the nation prepares to honour the valiant soldiers who fought in the Battle of Walong during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the Indian Army is set to commence a month-long series of commemorative events marking the 62nd Walong Day.

The commemoration will begin on October 17, 2024, and continue until November 14, 2024, honouring the indomitable spirit, sacrifice, and courage of the heroes who defended the nation's eastern front.

This year's commemoration promises a vibrant mix of activities aimed at engaging local communities and honouring the memory of the fallen heroes. The meticulously planned events include white water rafting, motorcycle rallies, bicycle rallies, battlefield treks, adventure treks, and a half marathon, all reflecting the adventurous spirit of the Indian Army in the rugged terrain of Arunachal Pradesh.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday to represent India at the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG). The summit is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, with Pakistan hosting the event under tight security measures.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has emphasized that the focus of the summit will be on the trade and economic agenda of the organization. “The 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government will be held on October 16, 2024, in Islamabad under Pakistan’s chairmanship. The SCO CHG meeting is held annually, concentrating on economic cooperation and trade issues,” the MEA statement read.

Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation at the summit, reaffirming India’s active participation within the SCO framework. “India remains actively engaged in various initiatives and mechanisms under the SCO format,” the release said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has secured $1 billion in pledges for its next budget, spanning 2025-28. Nearly $700 million of this was made in terms of new funding commitments from various European countries, foundations, and organisations. Meanwhile, $300 million was made up from reaffirmed funding commitments.

The funding was announced during the WHO Investment Round Signature Event, held at the World Health Summit in Berlin, co-hosted by Germany, France, and Norway.

This event marked a crucial moment in the global health strategy outlined by WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work 2025-2028, approved by the Organisation’s 194 Member States earlier this year at the World Health Assembly.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary inaugurated a new National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) extension centre at the Andhra Medical Tech Zone (AMTZ) campus in Visakhapatnam today. Sharing details Mr Jayant Chaudhary informed that the extension centre will provide training in Computer Software Applications (CSA) under the Crafts Instructor Training Scheme (CITS), starting from the 2024-25 academic session. The Minister said it will also offer short-term courses on various applications of computers, under the Advanced Vocational Training scheme, implemented by the Directorate General of Training (DGT).

Mr Chaudhary expressed his gratitude to the state government for its support and reaffirmed the central government’s commitment, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, to strengthening skill infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh.

The Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Monday, October 14, urging the central government to withdraw the controversial 2024 Waqf Amendment Bill. Minister for Waqf, Haj pilgrimage, and sports, V Abdurahiman, presented the resolution, stating that the bill undermines the federal principles enshrined in the Constitution.

Abdurahiman argued that the bill infringes on state rights regarding Waqf matters, effectively weakening the authority of Waqf boards and tribunals, which are tasked with overseeing Waqf properties. “This bill not only violates the secular principles outlined in the Constitution but also threatens democratic values by replacing elected representatives with a board of nominated members and a nominated chairman,” he said.