International Day of Older Persons | October 1

The International Day of Older Persons is observed globally on October 1 each year to celebrate the contributions of senior citizens and raise awareness about issues affecting aging populations.

The 2026 United Nations International Day of Older Persons, under the theme "The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives," calls on Governments, civil society, the private sector, researchers and older persons themselves to examine how societies can ensure that the additional years gained translate into healthy, productive, dignified and equitable lives for all.

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International Day of Older Persons | October 1

The number of older people (defined as those aged 65 years or older) tripled from around 260 million in 1980 to 761 million in 2021. Between 2021 and 2050, the global share of the older population is projected to increase from less than 10% to around 17%.

The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), adopted in 2002, remains the cornerstone of international efforts, alongside growing momentum to strengthen the human rights framework for older persons.

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International Day of Non-Violence | 2 October

The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.

According to General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness". The resolution reaffirms "the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence" and the desire "to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence".

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World Space Week | October 4 to 10

For World Space Week 2026, celebrated globally from October 4 to 10, the theme is “Rocket Revolution.”

By resolution 54/68 of 6 December 1999, the General Assembly proclaimed World Space Week, to celebrate the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition.

Each year a theme is selected by the World Space Week Association Board of Directors in close coordination with the UN Office of Outer Space Affairs. The theme provides broad guidance to World Space Week participants on the content of their programmes.

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World Space Week | October 4 to 10

World Space Week is the largest annual space event in the world. It helps build up the workforce of tomorrow by inspiring students; demonstrates visible public support for the space programme; educates the public about space activities; and fosters international cooperation in space outreach and education.

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Federal Bank Appoints Virat Diwanji as Executive Director

Federal Bank has appointed Virat Diwanji as Executive Director, effective October 12, 2026, following approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The appointment brings a senior consumer-banking professional to the bank’s leadership team as Federal Bank continues to strengthen its retail and consumer banking franchise.

Diwanji is currently serving as National Head – Consumer Banking at Federal Bank, where he oversees a broad portfolio covering branch banking, retail liabilities and assets, wealth management, business banking, digital banking, customer experience, recovery and collections.

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Federal Bank Appoints Virat Diwanji as Executive Director

He joined Federal Bank in 2025 after spending more than three decades with Kotak Mahindra Bank, where he held several senior leadership positions. His roles at Kotak included Group President & Head – Consumer Bank, giving him extensive experience across retail banking and consumer-focused businesses.

At Federal Bank, Diwanji has been involved in overseeing multiple consumer banking functions, spanning physical and digital channels as well as customer-facing and operational businesses.

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Federal Bank Appoints Virat Diwanji as Executive Director

His elevation to the position of Executive Director comes as Federal Bank continues to focus on expanding its retail franchise and strengthening its presence across consumer banking segments.

The appointment, effective October 12, follows the RBI’s approval and adds his experience across consumer banking, digital services, wealth management, business banking and collections to the bank’s senior leadership.

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NETSCOUT Launches nGenius Copilot to Accelerate Network Problem Solving with Conversational AI

NETSCOUT, a provider of network observability, AIOps, cybersecurity and DDoS protection solutions, has announced nGenius Copilot, an AI-powered conversational extension to its nGeniusONE platform. The solution is designed to provide intuitive access to NETSCOUT Smart Data, helping organisations investigate service disruptions and assess business impact more efficiently.

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NETSCOUT Launches nGenius Copilot to Accelerate Network Problem Solving with Conversational AI

nGenius Copilot uses natural-language questions to help users analyse network, application, service and user interactions. It is grounded in NETSCOUT Smart Data, which the company describes as high-fidelity, contextual data derived from observed interactions across enterprise environments. The conversational AI transforms questions into evidence-based answers, relevant visualisations, supporting evidence and suggested follow-up questions. This enables experienced engineers to accelerate complex investigations while allowing a wider range of professionals to access operational intelligence.

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NETSCOUT Launches nGenius Copilot to Accelerate Network Problem Solving with Conversational AI

As hybrid IT environments become increasingly complex, resolving service disruptions often requires teams to analyse data across applications, infrastructure, networks and external services. nGenius Copilot is designed to simplify this process by helping users identify contributing conditions, understand affected services and assess business impact.

According to NETSCOUT, nGenius Copilot can help organisations accelerate problem identification, prioritise business impact, scale operational expertise and improve cross-team collaboration. It also brings Smart Data into everyday operational workflows, allowing more professionals to benefit from information already collected by their organisations.

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Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan hands over 3 lakh houses worth Rs 3,600 cr to Andhra Pradesh

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan handed over the first instalment for three lakh houses worth 3,600 crore rupees to Andhra Pradesh under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin 2.0. The event was organised in Guntur district in the presence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Mr Chouhan also laid the foundation stone for the country’s first pilot housing project using 3D concrete printing technology, under which 177 houses will be constructed at a cost of 14 crore rupees.

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Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan hands over 3 lakh houses worth Rs 3,600 cr to Andhra Pradesh

The initial allocation proposed by officials was 76,000 houses. However, following Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s request to ensure that every poor family in the state gets a permanent home, the allocation was increased to three lakh houses.

Describing the 3D concrete printing project at Burripalem and Obulnayudupalem as a major step towards modernising rural housing, Mr Chouhan said the 14-crore pilot project will help reduce construction time, costs and labour requirements. The project will use advanced machinery and 3D concrete printing technology to construct 177 houses, with the work expected to be completed within six months. The houses are also designed to provide greater durability and a longer lifespan than conventional structures.

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Aman Sehrawat clinches Asian Games men’s freestyle 57kg wrestling Gold

Indian wrestler Aman Sehrawat clinched the men’s 57kg gold after edging out North Korea’s world champion Chong Song Han 11-7 in a fierce final in Asian Games at Nagoya in Japan . The 23-year-old Indian, who had won a bronze at the Hangzhou Asian Games, showed immense tactical acumen to thwart a tricky Han and complete his climb to the top of the podium. Aman’s gold also adds to India’s strong showing in wrestling after Sujeet Kalkal won men’s 65kg gold .

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Asian Games: India wins five gold, two silver, two bronze medals ; Climbs to fourth place in medal tally

India won five gold, two silver and two bronze medals at the Asian Games in Japan today.

In Hockey, India thrashed Malaysia 5-1 to defend their men’s gold and the triumph also secured them a direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. For India, captain Harmanpreet Singh netted two goals while Jugraj, Hardik and Shilanand scored one goal each.

In Men’s Cricket, India won the gold defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 19 runs in the T20 final at Nisshin.

Wrestler Aman Sehrawat clinched the men’s 57kg gold after edging out North Korea’s world champion Chong Song Han 11-7 in a fierce final. Kumkum Mohod won the individual gold medal in the women’s recurve archery event.

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Asian Games: India wins five gold, two silver, two bronze medals ; Climbs to fourth place in medal tally

In Golf, Pranavi Urs became the first Indian woman to win an Asian Games gold medal in the women’s individual title. India also bagged silver in the team event. Wrestler Antim Panghal sealed a silver medal in the women’s 53 kg category.Deepak Punia won bronze in the men’s 97kg freestyle wrestling event after defeating Mongolia’s Gankhuyag Ganbaatar. Archer Neeraj Chauhan got bronze in the men’s individual recurve event.

India has climbed to fourth position in the overall medal standings. The country’s medal tally has risen to 85, including 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze medals.

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Pranavi Urs becomes first Indian woman golfer to win Gold medal at Asian Games

Pranavi Urs became the first Indian woman golfer to win a gold medal in the Asian Games, holding on to a slender one-stroke lead in the final round to achieve the historic feat. She also helped the country claim the team silver.

The 23-year-old from Mysore sent in three birdies to recover from a horrendous triple bogey on the third hole, which had wiped away her three-stroke overnight lead. With a final round score of even-par 70, she ended with a total of 15-under 265 for four days, a stroke ahead of the pack. Pranavi’s medal was India’s first gold since the 2002 men’s individual top honours bagged by Shiv Kapur.

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Deposit growth gets a leg-up for banks in Q2 due to FCNR(B) mobilisation

Both public- and private-sector banks reported strong deposit growth in the July-September quarter of FY27 (Q2FY27), aided by foreign currency non-resident (bank), or FCNR(B), deposits mobilised under the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) concessional swap window, which closed on August 31. Advances also recorded healthy growth, according to provisional data released by banks.

Indian banks mobilised nearly $133 billion through FCNR(B) deposits under the RBI’s concessional swap window.

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Deposit growth gets a leg-up for banks in Q2 due to FCNR(B) mobilisation

Bank of Baroda (BoB), India’s second-largest state-owned bank, reported 17 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth in domestic deposits to 14.88 trillion, while advances grew 13.5 per cent to Rs 11.87 trillion. Retail advances grew nearly 19 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 3.24 trillion. BoB mobilised around $8 billion under the RBI’s concessional swap window.

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Bajaj Finance plans to raise up to Rs.175 bn via QIP, preferential warrants

Bajaj Finance has approved plans to raise up to Rs.175 billion through a qualified institutional placement (QIP) and a preferential issue of warrants to its promoter and holding company, Bajaj Finserv, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.

The company’s board approved raising up to Rs.117 billion through a QIP by issuing equity shares to qualified institutional buyers. It also approved a preferential issue of warrants convertible into equity shares for an aggregate amount of up to Rs.58 billion to Bajaj Finserv.

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Bajaj Finance plans to raise up to Rs.175 bn via QIP, preferential warrants

The proposed fundraising comprises two components — an equity issuance to institutional investors and a warrant issue to the promoter. The company will seek shareholder approval for both proposals through an extraordinary general meeting, in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

The issue price for the preferential warrants will be determined at a later stage in accordance with applicable laws. At least 25 per cent of the consideration for the warrants will be payable at the time of allotment, while the remaining 75 per cent will be payable when the warrants are exercised and the corresponding equity shares are allotted.

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Bajaj Finance plans to raise up to Rs.175 bn via QIP, preferential warrants

The warrants can be converted into an equivalent number of equity shares, which will rank equally with the company’s existing fully paid-up equity shares. If Bajaj Finserv does not exercise the conversion option within 18 months of the warrant allotment, or within another period permitted under applicable regulations, the consideration amount payable will stand forfeited.

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RBI names Sudhakar Malli executive director, to oversee bank supervision

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Sudhakar Malli as executive director with effect from October 1, 2026.

Prior to his appointment, Malli was serving as chief general manager-in-charge of the Department of Supervision at the central bank. He has around three decades of experience, including over two and a half decades in the supervision of banks, non-banking financial companies and co-operative banks.

Malli has also served in supervisory roles in overseas jurisdictions for around five years and has worked in the area of currency management. As executive director, he will look after the Department of Supervision (Supervisory Assessment).

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VB-G RAM G: Work demand from households rises 34% to 15.64 mn in September

Households demanding work under the newly launched VB G RAM G or Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Grameen), which replaced MGNREGA from July 1 continued to be robust for the second month running in September 2026, clocking a growth of almost 34 per cent at 15.64 million as compared to the same month last year.

This is also significantly higher (almost 26.1 per cent) than the 12.4 million households that demanded work under the scheme in August 2026.

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VB-G RAM G: Work demand from households rises 34% to 15.64 mn in September

Data also showed that in September 2026 around 8.65 crore persondays of work were generated, which was lower than the 11.99 crore persondays of September 2025.

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Uflex, US firm Spectra enters race for proposed polymer banknote programme

Homegrown polymer science firm Uflex, in partnership with the US-based Spectra Systems, has submitted bids for the proposed polymer banknote programme as the RBI evaluates potential suppliers to manufacture polymer-based currency substrate, .

The programme was initiated by Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Pvt Ltd (BRBNMPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

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Uflex, US firm Spectra enters race for proposed polymer banknote programme

As per the tender document, it seeks Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP), coated uniformly with opacifying ink to the required colour, along with an anti-static coating, to provide a good surface for printing and ink adhesion. It requires 68,000 reams, 34,000 each for ₹10 and 20 denominations.

Polymer (plastic) currency is used fully or partially by around 60 countries.

Australia was the first to introduce it in 1988. Other major nations that use polymer banknotes include the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam, and Romania.

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Govt raises deepwater gas price ceiling to $9.89 per MMBtu, APM cap at $7

The government has raised the ceiling price for natural gas produced from difficult fields such as the KG-D6 block of Reliance Industries and BP to $9.89 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) for the six months beginning October 1, from $8.90 previously, while keeping the ceiling for gas produced from the legacy fields of state-run ONGC and Oil India Ltd at $7 per MMBtu.

The new ceiling for gas from deepwater, ultra-deepwater and high-pressure, high-temperature discoveries is applicable for the period October 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027, according to a notification by the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell of the oil ministry.

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Govt raises deepwater gas price ceiling to $9.89 per MMBtu, APM cap at $7

The higher ceiling could provide some relief to producers developing India's more technically challenging offshore gas resources, where production costs are generally higher than those from mature onshore and legacy fields.

For gas produced by ONGC and OIL from their nomination fields, the government has notified an APM price of $11.22 per MMBtu for October, but the actual price remains capped at $7 per MMBtu, according to PPAC.

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Govt raises deepwater gas price ceiling to $9.89 per MMBtu, APM cap at $7

For gas produced from new wells of ONGC and OIL in their nomination blocks, the government allows a 10 per cent premium over the prevailing APM gas price, subject to the applicable ceiling. With the APM price for October capped at $7 per MMBtu, the effective price for new-well gas would accordingly be up to $7.70 per MMBtu.

The APM ceiling was raised to $6.75 per MMBtu from April 2025 and moved to $7 in April this year.

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APEDA Facilitates Export of Bihar’s Makhana from Purnea to Greece

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the flag-off of a consignment of 1 MT of Popped (Phool) Makhana from Purnea, Bihar, for export to Greece, marking another step towards expanding international market access for Bihar’s traditional Makhana and creating opportunities for improved farmer realisation through export-oriented value chains.

The consignment, sourced by Indo Global Export, Belouri, Purnea, is being exported to Greece through S. S Foods Exports Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. The shipment will move from Mundra Port in India to Piraeus Port in Greece.

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APEDA Facilitates Export of Bihar’s Makhana from Purnea to Greece

The export has also resulted in higher price realisation compared with the prevailing domestic market selling price, highlighting the potential of international markets to create additional value for Makhana producers. Such export-led market access can strengthen linkages between producers and international buyers while creating opportunities for improved returns to farmers.

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Government Extends Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products ( RoDTEP) Scheme upto 31st December 2026

The Department of Commerce, has vide Notification No. 41/2026-27 dated 30th September 2026 extended the continuation of Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme upto 31st December 2026 and shall be available for exports made by Domestic Tariff Area (DTAs) Units, Advance Authorisation (AA) Holders, Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Units and Export Oriented Units(EOUs).

The RoDTEP Scheme refunds embedded, un-rebated Central, State and local duties, taxes and levies borne on exported products — including prior-stage cumulative indirect taxes

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Indian Naval Ship Trishul Arrives at Valencia, Spain

Indian Naval Ship Trishul, a frontline guided missile stealth frigate, arrived at Valencia, Spain, on 30 Sep 2026 as part of her ongoing deployment to the Mediterranean, Atlantic and adjoining maritime regions.

During the port call, INS Trishul will undertake professional interactions, cross-deck visits, sporting and cultural engagements with the Spanish Navy. The engagements will provide opportunities for exchange of operational experiences and foster greater mutual understanding between the two Navies.

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Indian Naval Ship Trishul Arrives at Valencia, Spain

The port call is part of the Indian Navy’s sustained maritime engagement with friendly foreign countries and partner navies. Earlier during the deployment, INS Trishul participated in the 24th edition of Exercise VARUNA with the French Navy at Toulon, comprising professional engagements during the harbour and sea phases.

The deployment underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to operational readiness, maritime engagement and international outreach, contributing towards a secure and stable maritime environment.

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Context Matters, Care Matters, Compassion Matters": CEO BHASHINI at MNS Centenary Scientific Conclave

The Military Nursing Service (MNS) organised the Scientific Conclave on “Digital Innovations in Nursing Practice: Harmonizing Technology with Compassionate Care” as part of the closing ceremony of its Centenary Year 2026 at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt. The conclave brought together senior leadership, nursing professionals, healthcare practitioners and technology stakeholders to deliberate on the evolving role of digital innovation in strengthening healthcare delivery and nursing practice.

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Context Matters, Care Matters, Compassion Matters": CEO BHASHINI at MNS Centenary Scientific Conclave

Shri Amitabh Nag, CEO, BHASHINI, was invited as the Keynote Speaker at the inaugural ceremony of the Scientific Conclave, where he delivered a keynote address titled “Wired in Wellness: The Scope of Opportunities of Digital Health in Transforming the Healthcare Landscape.”

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Mumbai's Jawahar Dweep Becomes India's First Plastic-free Oil Terminal

Mumbai Port Authority declared its Jawahar Dweep Marine Oil Terminal plastic-free, a milestone in the port's push toward more sustainable operations. The declaration came during Swachhata Abhiyan 2026, a cleanliness program held at Grey Gate, Indira Dock, Mumbai to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal led the event, while Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairperson of Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA), and Deputy Chairman Ravish Kumar Singh along with other officials.

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Mumbai's Jawahar Dweep Becomes India's First Plastic-free Oil Terminal

The plastic-free status for Jawahar Dweep, one of the port's key oil terminals, reflects a broader effort to cut single-use plastic across Mumbai Port's operations. The authority said it would continue pushing similar reductions at its docks, residential colonies and coastal areas through the year.

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MoRTH to Organise “Chintan Shivir 2026” to Shape Future-Ready, Safe and High-Quality Highway Infrastructure

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways will organise Chintan Shivir 2026 on 5–6 October 2026 at Ekta Nagar, Narmada District, Gujarat, bringing together senior representatives from the Centre, States and implementing agencies to deliberate on key issues concerning the development and delivery of highway infrastructure in the country.

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MoRTH to Organise “Chintan Shivir 2026” to Shape Future-Ready, Safe and High-Quality Highway Infrastructure

The two-day conclave will focus on identifying key implementation challenges and deliberating on innovative and replicable approaches, along with policy and institutional interventions to improve project delivery, quality, safety and efficiency in the highway sector.

The Chintan Shivir will feature five key thematic sessions covering PM GatiShakti and integrated infrastructure planning; Land Acquisition and Bhoomi Rashi; Model Concession Agreements and Ratings; Designing Safe Highways; and Quality Assurance and Project Monitoring.

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MoRTH to Organise “Chintan Shivir 2026” to Shape Future-Ready, Safe and High-Quality Highway Infrastructure

The session on PM GatiShakti and integrated infrastructure planning will focus on coordinated and integrated planning for infrastructure development. Discussions on Land Acquisition and Bhoomi Rashi will provide an opportunity to deliberate on issues affecting project implementation and ways to facilitate smoother project execution. The session on Model Concession Agreements and Ratings will focus on relevant contractual and implementation aspects, while Designing Safe Highways will address road safety considerations in highway planning and development. The Quality Assurance and Project Monitoring session will deliberate on measures to strengthen quality, monitoring and project outcomes.

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