1.World Polio Day: 24 October:-
The World Polio Day is celebrated annually on October 24.The day is observed to raise awareness for polio vaccination and eradication of polio.It provides an opportunity to highlight global efforts toward a polio-free world and honour the tireless contributions of those on the frontlines in the fight to eradicate polio from every corner of the globe.As of August 2020, Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two nations which remain with the continued transmission of wild poliovirus.2020 theme “A win against polio is a win for global health.”
2.Pakistan to remain in grey list of FATF till February 2021:-
The global terror financing watchdog, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has announced that Pakistan will continue to remain on its grey list till February 2021.This decision has been taken since Pakistan has not been able to fulfil six out of the 27 mandates to check terror funding.FATF has strongly urged Pakistan to swiftly complete its full action plan by February 2021.The FATF Headquarters: Paris, France
3.Saad al-Hariri renamed Lebanon Prime Minister:-
Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun designated Sunni Muslim politician Saad al-Hariri as prime minister.Hariri won the backing of a majority of parliamentarians in consultations with Aoun.Sunni leader Hariri’s last coalition government was toppled almost exactly a year ago as protests gripped the country.Hariri was backed by his own Future lawmakers, the Shi’ite Amal party, Druze politician Walid Jumblatt’s party and other small blocks.
4.Andorra Joins IMF as its 190th Member:-
Andorra has joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to become its 190th member.IMF’s Membership allows the Andorran government to benefit from IMF policy advice, especially as the country tackles the crisis caused by COVID-19 and can now receive an annual review or “health check” of its economy by the IMF, tap technical assistance, and access IMF lending if needed. Andorra is a microstate situated between France and Spain. However, it is the largest microstate in Europe.
5.India gets Chairmanship of ILO Governing body after a gap of 35 years:-
After a gap of 35 years, India assumed the Chairmanship of Governing Body of International Labour Organisation (ILO).Labour Secretary Apurva Chandra has been elected as the Chairperson of the Governing Body of the ILO for the period October 2020-June 2021.The Governing Body (GB) is the apex executive body of the ILO, which decides policies, programmes, agenda, budget, and elects the Director-General. At present, the ILO has 187 members. Chandra will be presiding over the upcoming Governing Body’s meeting, to be held in November 2020.
6.NITI Aayog panel for reforms in urban planning education:-
A panel constituted by the NITI Aayog will look into introducing reforms in the urban planning education system.The 14-member advisory committee, headed by NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar, will review the urban planning education system in India and examine the availability, demand and supply of qualified urban planners in the country.NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant and secretaries of three ministries—Housing and Urban Affairs, Higher Education and Panchayati Raj—are among the members of the committee.
7.World Bank sanctions Rs 3 crore for Goa to develop India’s first sand dune parks:-
India’s first sand dune parks and interpretation centre is set to be developed in Goa. The Goa state biodiversity board has proposed the project, which will be implemented with financial assistance from the World Bank. The World Bank has sanctioned around Rs.3 crore under the programme. Park would also have Bridges made of nature friendly material to reduce trampling on sand dune vegetation. Besides this, nurseries of sand dune vegetation will also be set up, which will enable its replantation on beach stretches where vegetation has gone extinct.
8.Mastercard partners with Atlantis to expand Digital First Program in India:-
Mastercard has entered into a partnership with Atlantis to expand the Digital First Program in India. The partnership aims to provide the users of Mastercard, a technology solution that enables them to enjoy a best-in-class digital banking experience. After the launch in India, the partnership will expand to Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The partnership allows the users of the Mastercard to have immediate account access and convenient payments.
9.Bank of Baroda ties up with Toyota Kirloskar Motor:- 
State-owned Bank of Baroda (BoB) announced a tie up with Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) to enable finance options for the automaker’s customers and dealers. Following the pact, BoB will be one of the preferred financiers for the entire range of vehicles sold by TKM. The new service facilitates customers to avail customised solutions such as high on-road funding of 90 per cent, long repayment period of 84 months, no prepayment or foreclosure charges. This relationship will augment the MSME segment with dealer finance program and retail segment with auto loan finance and also provides an opportunity to cross-sell other bank products to these dealers.
