29th October 2025

1. HAL and PJSC-UAC Signed MoU for Production of Civil Aircraft SJ-100 in India
2. UN Convention Against Cybercrime held in Hanoi, Vietnam
3. IUCN Adopted 1st Ever Global Soil Security Law Framework
4. Union MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh Represents India in 19th Mid-Term Ministerial Meeting of NAM in Uganda
5. SBI and BoB to Establish IDPIC for Real-Time Fraud Detection
6. Paytm Enables UPI Payments for NRIs using International Mobile Numbers
7. Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser Appointed as New Chair of the Board
8. Japan Successfully Launches HTV-X1 Cargo Spacecraft to ISS
9. India Hosts 4th SAAF Championships 2025 in Ranchi; India tops with 20 Golds
10. World Sight Day 2025 – October 9
11. International Day of Care and Support 2025 – October 29
12. World Stroke Day 2025 – October 29
13. MDL, Swan Defence Sign Pact to Build Navy Landing Platform Docks
14. James Anderson Receives Knighthood for Services to Cricket
15. Indian Army to Procure First Indigenous Software-Defined Radios
16. Agriculture Minister Inaugurates NSC Seed Processing Plant
17. 72 Nations Sign Historic UN Cybercrime Convention in Hanoi
18. 20th East Asia Summit Adopts Kuala Lumpur Declaration
19. Ministry of Coal is Set to Launch “Koyla Shakti” Dashboard
20. National Maritime Heritage Complex Logo Launched at India Maritime Week 2025
21. HAL to Manufacture Russian SJ-100 Passenger Aircraft in India
22. Cabinet Approves NBS Rates for Rabi 2025–26 Fertilisers
23. India’s IIP Growth at 4.0% in September 2025
24. Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica, Heads Toward Cuba
25. Bust of Rabindranath Tagore Unveiled at Indian Embassy in Beijing
26. Lando Norris Wins Mexico GP, Takes F1 Championship Lead
27. India Sweeps Kabaddi Gold at Asian Youth Games
28. Union Home Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates India Maritime Week
29. Vajra Chandrasekera Wins 2025 Le Guin Fiction Prize

National News

1. Union Minister Inaugurates NSC Seed Processing Plants and Online Platform

• What:
  • Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the National Seeds Corporation’s new seed processing plant in New Delhi and virtually launched five other NSC plants across the country.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to ensure easy access to high-quality seeds for farmers, address issues of fake and substandard seeds, and improve agricultural productivity.
• Tell me more:
  • The five NSC seed processing plants inaugurated virtually are located in Bareilly, Dharwad, Hassan, Suratgarh, and Raichur.
  • The Beej Bhawan in Pusa has a processing capacity of one ton per hour, while each of the five new plants has a processing capacity of four tons per hour.
  • The Minister also launched the Seed Management 2.0 system and an online seed booking platform to help farmers book seeds directly, ensuring transparency and timely access.

Source: NOA

2. Ministry of Coal to Launch Koyla Shakti Dashboard

• What:
  • The Ministry of Coal will launch “Koyla Shakti,” a Smart Coal Analytics Dashboard, as a unified digital platform for real-time monitoring and analysis of coal sector operations.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to promote data-driven decision-making, transparency, and operational efficiency in coal production, supply, and logistics.
• Tell me more:
  • Koyla Shakti integrates data from multiple stakeholders, including coal-producing companies, central and state departments, power generation firms, and port authorities.
  • The dashboard ensures real-time visibility of coal production, transportation, and dispatch activities. It offers features like unified visibility, real-time monitoring, data-driven insights, and incident response alerts.
  • The system supports policy planning, forecasting, and seamless coordination among different stakeholders.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Amit Shah Inaugurates India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai

• What:
  • India Maritime Week 2025 (IMW 2025) has begun at the NESCO Grounds in Mumbai, organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) in partnership with the Indian Ports Association.
• Why:
  • The event aims to showcase India’s growing maritime strength, attract global investment, and support the country’s transition into a global maritime hub under the theme “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision.”
• Tell me more:
  • The event witnessed the presence of Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, and Odisha, along with Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.
  • IMW 2025 includes major conferences such as Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS 2025), the QUAD “Ports of the Future” conference, The Great Oceans Dialogue, and the SheEO Conference.
  • India’s coastline spans over 11,000 kilometers, with 13 maritime states and union territories contributing around 60 percent to the national GDP.
  • The 2025 edition features over 350 speakers from 100 countries, more than 500 companies, and over one lakh delegates, creating investment opportunities worth 10 lakh crore rupees.
  • Under Sagarmala, 839 projects worth 70 billion dollars have been identified, with 272 projects worth 17 billion dollars already completed.
  • India’s maritime policies focus on the pillars of security, stability, and self-reliance, supported by initiatives such as the Sagarmala Project, Blue Economy, and Green Maritime Vision.

Source: PIB TOI

International News

1. United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime 2025 Held in Hanoi, Vietnam

• What:
  • The United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, adopted in 2024 and signed in Hanoi in 2025, aims to strengthen international cooperation in combating cybercrime.
• Why:
  • The Convention seeks to create global legal standards to address offences like illegal access, cyber fraud, and online child exploitation while ensuring data privacy and human rights protection.
• Tell me more:
  • 72 states of the 193 UN member states signed the Convention as of October 28, 2025.
  • The treaty, hosted for signing by Viet Nam in collaboration with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), will enter into force 90 days after 40 countries ratify it.
  • A policy discussion on promoting international cooperation under the Convention was co-organised by Viet Nam’s Ministry of Public Security and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
  • The Convention serves as a global framework for sharing data, electronic evidence, and investigative experience among nations.

Source: Convention VN UN

2. IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi – Motion 007 on Soil Security Law

• What:
  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has adopted Motion 007 on Soil Security Law, the world’s first model legal framework for soil protection.
• Why:
  • The resolution aims to formally recognise soil security as vital for food, water, biodiversity, and climate resilience, and to guide countries in developing strong soil protection laws.
• Tell me more:
  • The motion was co-sponsored by Save Soil (Isha Outreach) and the Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies at Pace University, with support from Aurora, an Australian soil security think tank.
  • The motion introduces five key dimensions of soil security: capacity, condition, capital, connectivity, and codification.
  • The resolution will lead to the creation of a working group to design an international convention or global legal instrument on soil security.
  • Over 90 IUCN member nations will be encouraged to integrate the Model Soil Security Law into their national frameworks.
  • The framework aims to embed soil protection in agricultural, climate, and restoration policies and promote regenerative farming.
  • Save Soil and its partners have consulted representatives from France, Germany, Japan, and Canada since January 2025 to promote the law.

Source: TOI DTE

3. IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi – First-Ever Global Policy on Synthetic Biology

• What:
  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) adopted the first-ever global policy on synthetic biology at its World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi to guide its use in nature conservation.
• Why:
  • The policy aims to ensure that applications of synthetic biology support conservation while balancing innovation with safety, ethical oversight, and community participation.
• Tell me more:
  • The policy was adopted by IUCN’s Members’ Assembly comprising governmental, non-governmental, and Indigenous Peoples’ organisations.
  • It covers synthetic biology used in conservation, industry, agriculture, and medicine, considering both its potential benefits and risks to nature.
  • It provides a framework for case-by-case decision-making on how and when synthetic biology applications may be approved.
  • The policy was developed through extensive consultations, including the first-ever IUCN Citizens’ Assembly, which proposed 80 recommendations.
  • It incorporates the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent to involve Indigenous Peoples and local communities in decision-making.

Source: IUCN

4. 19th NAM Mid-Term Ministerial in Uganda

• What:
  • India’s Minister of State for External Affairs and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh is leading the Indian delegation at the 19th Mid-Term Ministerial of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Kampala, Uganda.
• Why:
  • The meeting aims to deepen global cooperation among developing nations under the theme “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.”
• Tell me more:
  • The 19th NAM Mid-Term Ministerial is being held in Kampala on October 15-16, while the Senior Officials Meeting took place on October 13-14.
  • Uganda is serving as the Chair of NAM for the period 2024-26.
  • India is a founding member of NAM and continues to uphold its principles and values.
  • At the Senior Officials Meeting, Secretary (West) Sibi George represented India and held several bilateral meetings with delegates from Brunei, Chad, Comoros, Eritrea, Indonesia, Kuwait, Lesotho, Malaysia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Uganda.
  • During his visit, Kirti Vardhan Singh is expected to meet Ugandan leaders and counterparts from other NAM Member States.

Source: BS TOI

5. Japan Launches Powerful H3 Rocket with HTV-X1 Cargo Craft

• What:
  • Japan’s space agency (JAXA) successfully launched its most powerful H3 rocket carrying the new unmanned cargo spacecraft HTV-X1 on its first mission to deliver supplies to the International Space Station (ISS).
• Why:
  • The mission aims to demonstrate Japan’s ability to deliver supplies to space and establish self-reliant space transportation capabilities essential for its space program and national security.
• Tell me more:
  • The H3 rocket with the HTV-X1 lifted off from Tanegashima Space Center and entered its target orbit 14 minutes after launch.
  • HTV-X1 will arrive at the ISS within a few days, where astronaut Kimiya Yui will capture it using a robotic arm.
  • The new HTV-X spacecraft replaces the earlier H-II Transfer Vehicle (Kounotori), which completed nine missions between 2009 and 2020.
  • It can carry larger payloads, supply power during flight, and stay connected to the ISS for up to six months.
  • After completing its ISS mission, it will perform a three-month orbital flight for technical research.

Source: IE

6. 20th East Asia Summit Adopts Kuala Lumpur Declaration

• What:
  • The 20th East Asia Summit adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration to reaffirm its commitment to regional peace, stability, and cooperation.
• Why:
  • The declaration aims to strengthen strategic trust among participating nations and promote responsible, transparent, and predictable behaviour in regional and international affairs.
• Tell me more:
  • The declaration highlighted the need for information exchange on regional development cooperation and security policies.
  • The East Asia Summit serves as a key forum for dialogue on political, security, and economic issues in the Asia-Pacific region.

Source: NOA AUS

7. Bust of Rabindranath Tagore Unveiled at Indian Embassy in Beijing

• What:
  • A bust of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, sculpted by Chinese artist Yuan Xikun, was unveiled at the Indian Embassy in Beijing during a symposium titled ‘Sangamam: A Confluence of Indian Philosophical Traditions’.
• Why:
  • The unveiling celebrates Tagore’s lasting influence on India-China cultural ties and commemorates a century since his historic visit to China.
• Tell me more:
  • The event was organized by the Indian Embassy in Beijing and attended by Indian Ambassador Pradeep Rawat.
  • Ambassador Rawat called Tagore’s 1924 visit to China a milestone in civilizational dialogue between the two nations.
  • The bust reflects Tagore’s message of universal humanism and his friendships with Chinese scholars like Xu Zhimo and Liang Qichao.
  • Yuan Xikun, the sculptor, is also known for his 2005 Mahatma Gandhi statue located at Chaoyang Park in Beijing.
  • The Jin Tai Art Museum, curated by Yuan, is also situated in Chaoyang Park where India celebrates Gandhi Jayanti annually.

Source: IE

Banking and Economy

1. SBI and BoB to Launch Digital Payment Intelligence Platform

• What:
  • State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of Baroda (BoB) will lead the creation of the Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation (IDPIC) to detect and prevent fraudulent digital transactions in real time across banks.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to strengthen fraud detection and risk management as digital transactions and related bank frauds rise sharply in India.
• Tell me more:
  • IDPIC will be a Section 8 company with an authorised capital of Rs 500 crore and paid-up capital of Rs 200 crore.
  • All 12 state-run banks will hold equity stakes in the proposed entity.
  • SBI and BoB have each committed initial funding of Rs 10 crore, and two senior executives from both banks will serve as directors.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the company’s articles of association, and the name has been submitted to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for reservation.
  • The move follows recommendations of a committee led by former NPCI chairman A. P. Hota to create a Digital Payments Intelligence Platform (DPIP).

Source: ET

2. Paytm Enables UPI Payments for NRIs Using International Numbers

• What:
  • Paytm (One 97 Communications Limited) has announced that Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can now log in to the Paytm app using their international mobile numbers to make UPI payments through their NRE or NRO accounts.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to help NRIs stay financially connected with India’s digital payments ecosystem and make secure, quick transactions without currency conversion or extra charges.
• Tell me more:
  • NRIs from 12 countries can now make payments, transfer money, and pay at shops or online platforms by scanning a UPI QR code.
  • The feature is powered by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and is currently in beta mode.
  • It will soon be available for residents of Singapore, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, the USA, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK, France, and Malaysia.
  • Paytm users can also access features like UPI statement downloads, total balance view across accounts, and automatic spend classification.
  • The setup process for NRIs includes downloading the app, logging in with an international number, verifying via SMS, and linking their bank account.

Source: N18

3. India’s Industrial Output Grows by 4% in September 2025

• What:
  • The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) recorded a growth rate of 4 percent in September 2025, remaining unchanged from the previous month’s estimate.
• Why:
  • The growth reflects steady improvement in industrial activity, supported by strong performance in key manufacturing sectors like basic metals, electrical equipment, and motor vehicles.
• Tell me more:
  • The Quick Estimate of IIP for September 2025 stands at 152.8, up from 146.9 in September 2024.
  • Sector-wise growth was -0.4 percent in Mining, 4.8 percent in Manufacturing, and 3.1 percent in Electricity.
  • The indices stood at 111.2 for Mining, 154.3 for Manufacturing, and 213.3 for Electricity.
  • Based on use-based classification, IIP registered 1.4 percent growth in Primary goods, 4.7 percent in Capital goods, and 10.5 percent in Infrastructure/Construction goods, while Consumer durables rose by 10.2 percent.
  • The top positive contributors were “Manufacture of basic metals” (12.3%), “Manufacture of electrical equipment” (28.7%), and “Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers” (14.6%).

Source: PIB

Defence News

1. MDL and Swan Defence Partner to Build LPDs for Indian Navy

• What:
  • Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) signed an agreement with Swan Defence and Heavy Industries to collaborate on designing and constructing Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) for the Indian Navy.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to enhance India’s naval strength by developing advanced LPDs for amphibious operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief missions.
• Tell me more:
  • The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) recently approved the acquisition of LPDs as a key capability addition to the Indian Navy.
  • MDL will provide expertise in ship design, project management, and system integration for the project.
  • Swan Defence will offer its large shipbuilding infrastructure for constructing the vessels.
  • The partnership combines technical, financial, and operational strengths of both companies to deliver optimal solutions for the Navy.
  • Vivek Merchant, Director of Swan Defence, and Capt. Jagmohan, CMD of MDL, emphasized that the collaboration would deliver globally competitive, technologically advanced ships built in India.

Source: ET

2. Indian Army Signs Contract for Indigenous Software Defined Radios

• What:
  • The Indian Army has signed a contract to procure its first indigenously designed and manufactured Software Defined Radios (SDRs), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
• Why:
  • The new SDRs aim to enhance secure, real-time communication and operational readiness in information-intensive, network-centric battlefields.
• Tell me more:
  • The SDRs are equipped with high data rates and Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) capabilities for improved coordination and data sharing.
  • DRDO developed the SDRs in collaboration with BEL, using indigenous technology standards for military communications.
  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation, in partnership with the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and Tri-Services, earlier launched the Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) standard 1.0 to ensure interoperability of SDRs.
  • IRSA defines standard interfaces, APIs, and mechanisms for waveform portability and certification, ensuring compatibility across military networks.

Source: HBL

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. Cabinet Approves Nutrient Based Subsidy Rates for Rabi 2025-26

• What:
  • The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers for the Rabi season 2025-26.
• Why:
  • The decision ensures smooth availability of key fertilisers like DAP and NPKS to farmers at affordable prices while maintaining stable retail rates.
• Tell me more:
  • The subsidy rates will be effective from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
  • The tentative budget for the Rabi 2025-26 season is Rs 37,952.29 crore, higher by Rs 736 crore than the Kharif 2025 season and Rs 14,000 crore more than the previous Rabi year.
  • Subsidy rates have been set at Rs 43.02 per kg for Nitrogen (N), Rs 47.96 per kg for Phosphorus (P), Rs 2.38 per kg for Potash (K), and Rs 2.87 per kg for Sulphur (S).
  • The rates were decided considering international import prices and nutrient requirements.
  • Subsidies will be directly provided to fertiliser manufacturers and importers to ensure consistent availability for farmers.

Source: PIB TOI

Awards

1. James Anderson Knighted for Services to Cricket

• What:
  • England’s legendary fast bowler James Anderson has been knighted for his outstanding contribution to cricket at a ceremony held at Windsor Castle.
• Why:
  • The honour recognises Anderson’s remarkable achievements, longevity, and impact on the game over more than two decades of international cricket.
• Tell me more:
  • The 43-year-old received the knighthood from the Princess Royal and was the only sportsperson included in former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list.
  • Anderson is England’s all-time leading wicket-taker with 704 wickets in 188 Tests, making him the most successful pace bowler in Test history.
  • He retired from Test cricket in July 2024 after his farewell match at Lord’s.
  • Anderson continues to play for Lancashire and may extend his career into the 2026 season.

Source: IT

2. Sri Lankan Writer Wins 2025 Ursula K Le Guin Prize

• What:
  • Sri Lankan author Vajra Chandrasekera won the 2025 Ursula K Le Guin Prize for Fiction for his novel Rakesfall, receiving a $25,000 award recognizing writers who “imagine real grounds for hope.”
• Why:
  • The award celebrates fiction that reflects Ursula K Le Guin’s values—courage, imagination, and the ability to envision alternative futures inspired by social, moral, and philosophical depth.
• Tell me more:
  • Rakesfall, published by Tor Books in April 2025, follows two souls who meet during the Sri Lankan civil war and continue to reconnect through lifetimes, exploring themes of power and memory.
  • The judging panel praised the novel as “a titanic work of art” with moral clarity comparable to Le Guin’s own writing.
  • In his acceptance speech, Chandrasekera called the book “a story about power, greed, and the cost of control in a world driven by late capitalism.”
  • Chandrasekera will join the Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library in 2026 as a fellow.

Source: IE

Important Days

1. World Sight Day 2025 – October 9

• World Sight Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of October, is a global event meant to draw attention to blindness and vision impairment.

Source: WHO

2. International Day of Care and Support 2025 – October 29

• Theme: Care and Support for All – Addressing all rights-holders, including those providing and receiving care and support

Source: UN UN

3. World Stroke Day 2025 – October 29

Sports

1. South Asian Athletics Championships 2025

• What:
  • India finished first in the South Asian Athletics Championships 2025 held in Ranchi, topping the medal tally with 20 gold, 20 silver, and 18 bronze medals.
• Tell me more:
  • The event took place at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Morabadi, Ranchi, with around 300 athletes from six countries — India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives — competing in 37 events.
  • Sri Lanka finished second with 16 golds and a total of 40 medals, while Nepal came third.
  • India’s key gold medal performances came from Ruchit Mori in men’s 400m hurdles (50.10s, a new meet record), Mohd Sazid in men’s long jump (7.68m), Reet Rathore in women’s high jump (1.76m), and Abhishek in men’s 10000m (30:29.46).
  • In field events, Damneet Singh won gold in hammer throw (66.99m) with Ashish Jakhar taking silver, while Amandeep Kaur clinched gold in women’s 800m (2:04.66).
  • India’s women’s 4x400m relay team also secured gold with a timing of 3:34.70, ahead of Sri Lanka.

Source: OC

2. Lando Norris Wins Mexico City Grand Prix

• What:
  • Lando Norris won the Mexico City Grand Prix with a dominant lights-to-flag performance, regaining the Formula 1 championship lead from McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.
• Why:
  • The victory strengthened Norris’s confidence and McLaren’s momentum as the title race tightens with only four races left in the season.
• Tell me more:
  • Norris’s win marked his first time back on top of the championship standings since March, when Piastri had taken the lead after winning the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
  • In the last five races, Norris recovered 35 points that he lost due to a fuel-line failure during the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
  • The win also ended Max Verstappen’s run, who had been posing a major threat with three wins and a second place in his last four races.

Source: BBC

3. India Wins Double Gold in Kabaddi at Asian Youth Games 2025

• What:
  • India achieved a kabaddi double at the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, with both Under-18 boys’ and girls’ teams winning gold medals while remaining unbeaten.
• Why:
  • The victories highlight India’s dominance in youth kabaddi and strengthen its position as Asia’s leading kabaddi nation.
• Tell me more:
  • The girls’ team defeated Iran in the final, recording the largest victory margin in a Youth Games kabaddi final since 2013.
  • Raider Neha Patel scored 28 points, while defender Riya Singh led a strong defensive effort throughout the tournament.
  • The double gold at Isa Sports City in Riffa added significantly to India’s overall medal tally at the Games.

Source: NOA

Memorandum of Understanding

1. HAL Signs MoU with Russia for SJ-100 Aircraft Production

• What:
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russia’s Public Joint Stock Company United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) for the production of civil commuter aircraft SJ-100 in Moscow, Russia.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to strengthen short-haul air connectivity in India under the UDAN scheme by enabling HAL to manufacture SJ-100 aircraft domestically.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed by Prabhat Ranjan from HAL and Oleg Bogomolov from PJSC-UAC in the presence of DK Sunil, CMD, HAL, and Vadim Badeka, Director General, PJSC-UAC.
  • SJ-100 is a twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft.
  • More than 200 SJ-100 aircraft have already been produced and are operated by over 16 commercial airlines.
  • HAL stated that this will be the first instance of a complete passenger aircraft being produced in India.
  • The earlier such project by HAL was the production of AVRO HS748 between 1961 and 1988.

Source: ET

Appointments

1. Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser Becomes Board Chair

• What:
  • Citigroup announced that its CEO, Jane Fraser, has been elected as the chair of the board of directors, taking on a dual role at the bank.
• Tell me more:
  • Jane Fraser, who became Citigroup’s CEO in 2021, succeeds John Dugan as chair; Dugan will now serve as the lead independent director.
  • The board has approved a one-time equity award of 25 million dollars for Fraser, which will fully vest within five years.
  • Citigroup now joins other major U.S. banks, like JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America, where the CEO also serves as chair.

Source: RT

Miscellaneous

1. Jamaica Declared Disaster Area After Hurricane Melissa

• What:
  • Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the country a disaster area after Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms on record, caused widespread destruction across the island.
• Why:
  • The declaration enables the government to mobilize emergency relief measures and manage the crisis response after the hurricane severely damaged infrastructure, homes, and essential services.
• Tell me more:
  • The country’s main agricultural area, St. Elizabeth parish, was reported to be “under water.”
  • Before hitting Jamaica, Melissa had already caused seven deaths in the region — three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic.

Source: ALJ

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