In 2024, India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) investigated counterfeit batches of 'Abhayrab,' a popular rabies vaccine manufactured by Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL). Spurious vials were detected in several states, raising serious public health concerns. The fake vaccines lacked efficacy, potentially leaving bite victims unprotected against the fatal rabies virus. Authorities launched raids, seized counterfeit stocks, and arrested suspects involved in the distribution network. IIL urged consumers to verify batch numbers on their official website and report suspicious products. Health officials advised purchasing vaccines only from licensed pharmacies and government hospitals. The incident highlighted vulnerabilities in India's pharmaceutical supply chain and prompted calls for stricter tracking mechanisms to prevent counterfeit drugs from reaching patients.

OPEC+ has decided to maintain its current oil production targets for October, holding steady on its existing output policy amid fluctuating global energy markets. The alliance, comprising OPEC members and allies led by Russia, opted against increasing or cutting supply, balancing concerns over slowing demand—particularly from China—against tight market conditions. This decision follows previous gradual output cuts aimed at supporting prices. Analysts note the move reflects cautious strategy as the group monitors economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and energy demand forecasts heading into Q4 2024.

India and Bangladesh held discussions on strengthening cultural cooperation during the celebration of 'Nazrul Borsho,' marking the birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the National Poet of Bangladesh and a revered figure in Indian literature. Both nations emphasized deepening ties through shared cultural heritage, music, literature, and arts. Officials explored joint initiatives including cultural exchanges, festivals, and academic programs honoring Nazrul's legacy. The dialogue reaffirmed the enduring bond between the two countries rooted in common linguistic and cultural traditions, aiming to promote mutual understanding and people-to-people connections.

A building in Satya Niketan, South Delhi, collapsed, killing and injuring several people. Rescue operations were launched immediately by NDRF and local authorities. Preliminary investigations revealed multiple violations, including illegal construction, unauthorized floors, and ignored municipal norms. The building reportedly lacked proper structural approvals. Authorities launched a probe targeting builders and officials who allowed violations. MCD ordered surveys of nearby structures. The incident reignited debate over rampant illegal construction and lax enforcement in Delhi.

The Karnataka High Court ruled that property owned by an unemployed woman cannot be automatically presumed to be a joint family asset. The court held that merely because a woman lacks independent income, it doesn't mean her property was acquired using joint family funds. This landmark judgment protects women's property rights, emphasizing that gifts, inheritance, or personal savings could be valid sources. The ruling prevents families from wrongfully claiming ownership over women's self-acquired assets.

Hinjewadi, Pune's major IT hub housing lakhs of techies, witnessed massive protests over crumbling infrastructure, including pothole-ridden roads, absence of footpaths, and the long-delayed Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro line. Despite being a key economic zone, basic amenities remain neglected. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray joined the agitation, slamming the ruling government for ignoring IT professionals' grievances. Protesters demanded immediate road repairs, metro completion, and better civic planning, threatening escalated action if demands go unmet.

# Satya Niketan Hostel Collapse in Delhi

A portion of a hostel building in Satya Niketan, South Delhi, collapsed, triggering panic and rescue operations. The structure was an old, dilapidated building reportedly operating as a paying guest accommodation with unauthorised construction and additional floors built without proper approvals. Authorities cited structural weaknesses, lack of maintenance, and illegal modifications as key causes. Several residents were trapped, prompting NDRF and fire brigade teams to launch rescue efforts. The MCD ordered investigations into building violations, raising concerns over rampant unauthorised constructions across Delhi.

The Punjab cabinet has formally opposed the appointment of the new Lahore High Court Chief Justice, stating that the required constitutional consent from the provincial government was not obtained before the decision. The cabinet members expressed concerns over bypassing due process, arguing that such appointments must involve consultation with the provincial leadership as mandated by law. This dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the provincial and federal governments over judicial appointments. The cabinet demanded adherence to constitutional provisions and warned of potential legal challenges if proper protocols are not followed in future judicial nominations.

A building collapsed in Delhi's Burari area, killing several people and injuring many others. The multi-story structure, reportedly built illegally, crumbled trapping residents under debris. Following the tragedy, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) ordered the immediate sealing of all illegal constructions above four floors across the city. Rescue operations were conducted by NDRF and local teams. Authorities launched investigations into building violations, holding contractors and officials accountable for negligence in approving unauthorized constructions.

North Korea has commissioned its second naval destroyer amid rising regional tensions, as the U.S., South Korea, and Japan launched joint military drills aimed at countering North Korean threats. The destroyer enhances Pyongyang's naval capabilities, signaling its continued military modernization despite international sanctions. The trilateral exercises focus on missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, and interoperability. North Korea condemned the drills as provocative, while allied nations emphasized their defensive nature. The developments underscore escalating military competition in the Korean Peninsula and broader Indo-Pacific region.

**NRI Life Certificate Submission Made Easy**

Retired NRIs can now submit their Jeevan Pramaan (life certificate) digitally without visiting India. Pensioners can use the Jeevan Pramaan app with Aadhaar-based biometric authentication via smartphones or laptops. Alternatively, they can visit Indian embassies or consulates abroad for certificate submission. Some banks also accept video-based verification. The government has streamlined the process to ensure uninterrupted pension disbursement. Pensioners must submit certificates annually, typically by November 30, to avoid pension suspension.

India has urged the United Nations to ensure its officially backed world maps accurately depict Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as integral parts of India. New Delhi raised concerns over maps that misrepresent its sovereign boundaries, particularly regarding the Line of Actual Control and territories administered by India. India reiterated that J&K and Ladakh are union territories following the 2019 abrogation of Article 370. The demand underscores India's firm stance on territorial integrity at international platforms.

The Central Information Commission (CIC) directed CBSE to charge fees for providing Board exam answer sheet copies as per RTI Act rules, not its own inflated rates. CIC ordered CBSE to amend its circular that imposed higher charges on students seeking copies of their evaluated answer sheets. The Commission found CBSE's practice of charging excessive fees violated RTI provisions, which mandate nominal charges for providing information. This ruling benefits lakhs of students who seek answer sheet copies for re-evaluation or verification purposes annually, ensuring transparency and affordability in accessing their own academic records under the Right to Information Act.

A building collapsed in Satya Niketan, South Delhi, trapping several people and killing at least some residents. Rescue operations were launched immediately by NDRF and local authorities. Investigations revealed multiple violations, including illegal construction, unauthorized additional floors, and lack of proper building permits. The structure reportedly exceeded sanctioned limits. MCD and police have initiated probes, and action against the building owner and officials who overlooked violations is being pursued. Residents had earlier raised safety concerns that went unheeded.

Iran's Shahed-136 drone, originally a simple one-way attack UAV, has been transformed by Russia into a more lethal weapon in the Ukraine war. Russia rebranded it as the "Geran-2," modifying its navigation, warhead, and production capabilities. Initially cheap and inaccurate, Russian engineers improved its guidance systems and began mass-producing it domestically. These drones overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses through swarm tactics, striking energy infrastructure and civilian targets. The evolution highlights how low-cost drones are reshaping modern warfare strategy globally.