Indo-Pacific Region:
- In the context of China’s growing dominance in the South China Sea, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez emphasized the need to protect free shipping in that area and said that ‘the contribution of India and Spain is important in building a safe Indo-Pacific region for all’.
- The contribution of the Indo-Pacific region to the global GDP is 36 percent.
- It is also the largest region with a share of 60 percent of the world’s population.
- The region, which accounts for 50 percent of the world’s maritime trade, faces security challenges including piracy, terrorism, natural disasters, arms and drug trafficking, and illegal fishing.
- The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, also known as the Quad, is an informal strategic dialogue between the United States, Japan, Australia, and India.
- One of Quad’s primary objectives is to work for a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
Sagar Mala Project:
- The Sagarmala project seeks to build a string of ports around India’s coastline.
- The aim of the initiative is to promote “port-led development” along India’s 7500 km coastline.
- The Sagarmala project is a flagship project of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
- It promotes port oriented development in the country.
- The maritime sector in India is the backbone of the country’s commerce and has grown manifold over the years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Drug Free India (Nasha Mukt Bharat):
- In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a drug-free India (Nasha Mukt Bharat), NCP is undertaking various ongoing activities.
- Labs secretly manufacturing methamphetamine in liquid form have been found in five places – Gandhinagar and Amreli in Gujarat, Jodhpur and Sirohi in Rajasthan and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.
- The Prime Minister mentioned about the National Action Plan against Narcotics brought in 2018.
- The program aims at creating awareness, capacity building, rehabilitation and concrete measures to eradicate drug addiction by 2023.
October 30: World Thrift Day
- World Thrift Day is observed on 30th October every year in India and it is observed on 31st October all over the world.
October 31: Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day
- Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day is observed every year on October 31 to commemorate the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Important Facts:
- In the 68th Ballon d’Or football award ceremony held in France, Sonda Rodri of Spain was awarded as the best footballer and Aitana Bonmati of the same country as the best player.
- India Women won the 3rd ODI against New Zealand Women.