National news
India’s Textiles Sector Targets $350 Billion by 2030
India’s textiles sector is set for significant expansion, with Ready-Made Garments (RMG) exports showing an 11% year-on-year growth as of August 2024. The sector is projected to grow to USD 350 billion by 2030, driven by a strong raw material base, end-to-end value chain, a growing domestic market, and large export capabilities.
Key government schemes are instrumental in achieving this target:
- PM MITRA Parks: Seven mega parks have been sanctioned, expecting Rs. 90,000 crore in investments, generating 3 lakh jobs.
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Focuses on MMF Apparel and Technical Textiles, with Rs. 28,000 crore investment and 2.5 lakh job creation.
- National Technical Textiles Mission: Promotes startups and research in sectors like geotextiles, agro textiles, and defense textiles.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the PM MITRA Park at Amaravati, Maharashtra, which will provide world-class infrastructure for the textile industry.
Ministry of textile: Officeholder: Giriraj Singh (Minister) constituency: bihar
Kaimur Approved as Bihar’s Second Tiger Reserve
The central government has granted in-principle approval for Bihar’s second tiger reserve, located in Kaimur district. The decision follows a proposal to convert the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) into a tiger reserve.
Current Situation:
- Until now, Bihar had only one tiger reserve, the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran.
- VTR is currently home to 54 tigers, exceeding its ideal capacity of 45.
Approval and Process:
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) granted in-principle approval in its 12th meeting.
- Further technical approvals are required for formal declaration.
Objectives:
- Manage Bihar’s growing tiger population by establishing a second reserve.
- Ensure an eco-friendly environment in both VTR and the upcoming Kaimur Tiger Reserve.
Significance:
- The new reserve is a major step in wildlife conservation in Bihar.
- Kaimur’s forests, spanning 1,134 square kilometers, are the largest in the state, with 34% green cover.
- These forests are connected to wildlife corridors in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, enhancing their importance as a tiger habitat.
About Tiger Reserves:
- Protected areas for tiger conservation, often designated as national parks or wildlife sanctuaries.
- State governments notify tiger reserves under Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, on advice from the NTCA.
About NTCA:
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, responsible for strengthening tiger conservation efforts in India. It was established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, with amendments in 2006.
Bihar:
- Capital: Patna
- Chief minister: Nitish Kumar
- Bird: House sparrow
World’s Highest Imaging Cherenkov Telescope Unveiled in Ladakh
Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, inaugurated the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh. This observatory is the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia and the highest in the world, situated at an altitude of approximately 4,300 meters.
Key Features:
- Location: MACE is positioned in Hanle, Ladakh, at 4,300 meters, offering optimal observation conditions free from atmospheric interference.
- Gamma-Ray Observations: The observatory will focus on high-energy gamma rays, enabling research on phenomena like Supernovae, Black Holes, and Gamma-Ray Bursts.
Significance:
- Built by BARC: The facility was indigenously developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with support from Indian industry partners, marking a significant milestone in India’s astrophysical research capabilities.
- Global Collaboration: MACE aims to foster international collaborations and advance India’s contributions to space research.
- Inaugural Ceremony: Dr. Mohanty praised MACE as a monumental achievement for India, paying tribute to Dr. Homi J. Bhabha’s legacy and recognizing the collaborative efforts that made the project a reality.
This observatory symbolizes India’s commitment to scientific advancement and will inspire future generations of Indian scientists.
Honoring Ratan Tata: Bihar Postal Circle Releases Special Cover
In honor of the late Ratan Naval Tata, the Bihar Postal Circle has issued a special commemorative cover celebrating his vast contributions to industry, philanthropy, and national development. This tribute not only reflects Tata’s enduring values and leadership but also highlights the profound respect he earned throughout his life.
Key Points:
- Date of Tribute: The cover was released following Tata’s passing on October 10, 2024, when he was honored with state rites in Mumbai.
- Significance: The special cover is regarded as a notable collector’s item, recognizing Tata’s visionary work and its lasting impact on society.
Enhanced Nutritional Support for Tuberculosis Patients Announced by Union Minister JP Nadda
On October 2024, Union Minister Jagat Prakash (JP) Nadda, representing the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, announced significant enhancements to nutritional support for Tuberculosis (TB) patients. These initiatives are designed to improve the health and recovery of TB patients and their household contacts.
Key Initiatives:
- Increased Nutritional Support:
- The Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) will increase monthly nutritional support from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 per patient for TB patients throughout their treatment.
- This change will allow TB patients to receive nutritional support totaling between Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000 annually under the NPY.
- Energy Dense Nutritional Supplementation (EDNS):
- EDNS will be introduced for all TB patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 18.5 kg/m² at the time of diagnosis.
- Eligible patients will receive EDNS for the first two months of their treatment.
- Financial Implications:
- The enhancements to nutritional support will require an additional expenditure of Rs 1,040 crores, which will be shared between the central and state governments in a 60:40 ratio.
Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY)
- Launched By: The Government of India, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Purpose: The scheme aims to provide nutritional support to Tuberculosis (TB) patients and improve their recovery and overall health.
- The Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) was launched on October 7, 2020. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to enhance the nutritional support provided to tuberculosis (TB) patients in India, aiming to improve their health outcomes and recovery rates.
Banking news
Indian Navy Partners with Bajaj Allianz for Naval Civilians’ Insurance Coverage
As part of its commitment to enhancing the welfare of Naval Civilians, the Indian Navy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance. This initiative is a key highlight of 2024, the “Year of Naval Civilians”.
Key Features:
- Voluntary Life Insurance: Naval civilians are offered affordable life insurance options, including term insurance, at competitive rates.
- The policy aims to provide financial relief to families in the event of the employee’s death or other covered situations.
Commitment to Welfare:
- Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla emphasized that this partnership reflects the Navy’s dedication to improving the financial security and quality of life for its civilian workforce.
- This initiative is part of broader efforts in human resource management to ensure inclusivity and support for naval civilian personnel and their families.
Indian navy:
Indian navy: Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy is Admiral R. Hari Kumar
History of Indian navy: The Indian Navy was officially formed on September 5, 1612, when the British East India Company established a naval force to protect its trade interests in the Indian Ocean. However, the modern Indian Navy, as we know it today, came into existence after India gained independence on August 15, 1947, and was officially commissioned as the Royal Indian Navy. Following the country’s transition to a republic, it was renamed the Indian Navy on January 26, 1950.
International news
India Joins 44th Codex Nutrition Committee Meeting
India actively participated in the 44th session of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU) held in Dresden, Germany, from October 2 to October 6, 2024. India played a crucial role in advocating for updates to outdated FAO/WHO probiotic guidelines, promoting international harmonization to facilitate global trade. The committee agreed to revisit the guidelines, incorporating recent scientific developments.
- Probiotic Guidelines:
- India pushed for revising outdated FAO/WHO documents on probiotics, stressing the need for updated guidelines in line with scientific advancements.
- Advocated for global harmonization of probiotic regulations to boost international trade.
- The committee agreed to review probiotic guidelines from 2001 and 2002, incorporating modern research.
- Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs):
- India provided insights on NRVs for children aged 6 to 36 months.
- The committee agreed to calculate the combined NRV-R for this group based on subgroups (6–12 months and 12–36 months), supported by countries like Canada, Chile, and New Zealand.
FAO/WHO Announcements:
- Plans for a Joint Statement on Healthy Diet Principles.
- Updates on evaluating Alternative Animal Source Foods (A-ASFs).
- FAO introduced a new “Food and Diet” domain on the FAOSTAT database.
Session Overview:
- Opened by Germany’s Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, who stressed the importance of food safety for global food security.
- Chaired by Ms. Martine Püster, with Dr. Carolin Bendadani as co-chair.
About CCNFSDU:
- A unit of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), established by FAO and WHO in 1963, responsible for setting international standards for special dietary foods like infant formulas and dietary supplements.
- The CAC ensures consumer safety and fair trade practices, with input from 189 member countries, including India.
FAO:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. Here are some key points about FAO:
Overview:
- Founded: October 16, 1945.
- Headquarters: Rome, Italy.
- Member Countries: 195 member countries, two associate members, and one observer (the European Union).
- the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is Qu Dongyu.
Argentina’s Foreign Minister Diana Mondino’s Official Visit to India (5-9 October 2024)
- Diana Mondino, Argentina’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Worship, concluded a five-day official visit to India, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
- During her visit, she met with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, and Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal.
7th India-Argentina Joint Commission Meeting
- Co-chaired by Dr. S. Jaishankar and Ms. Diana Mondino in New Delhi.
- Discussions focused on increasing cooperation in defence, energy, space, nuclear, railways, infrastructure, healthcare, IT, pharmaceuticals, education, agriculture, and mining.
The visit underscored the strong Strategic Partnership established during President Mauricio Macri’s visit to India in 2019.
Argentina:
- Capital: Buenos Aires
- Official Language: Spanish
- Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)
- President : The current President is Javier Milei, who took office on December 10, 2023.
Award news
2024 Nobel Prize in Literature to South Korean Han Kang
The Swedish Academy awarded South Korean novelist Han Kang the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, making her the first Asian woman to win the prestigious award. Han Kang is the second South Korean to receive a Nobel Prize, following former President Kim Dae-Jung, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000.
Award Ceremony: Han Kang will be honored with an 11 million Kroner prize at a ceremony on 10 December 2024 in Stockholm, Sweden.
About Han Kang:
- Won the 2016 International Booker Prize for her novel “The Vegetarian”.
- Selected by the Swedish Academy for her intense poetic prose that explores historical traumas and the fragility of human life.
- Notable works include: Your Cold Hands, Greek Lessons, Human Acts, and The White Book.
- Began her literary career in the early 1990s with poetry and short stories.
Nobel Prize in Literature:
- Instituted in 1900 by the Nobel Foundation.
- The first winner was Sully Prudhomme of France in 1901.
- Rabindranath Tagore was the first Asian and Indian to win in 1913.
Between 1901 and 2024, the Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded 117 times to 121 individuals.
Science news
India Approves Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (Lupex) in Collaboration with JAXA
India’s National Space Commission has approved the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (Lupex), marking the country’s fifth lunar mission in collaboration with Japan’s Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). This mission is part of India’s broader lunar ambitions, including plans to send an astronaut to the Moon and ensure a safe return.
Key Highlights:
- Mission Duration: Lupex aims for a lunar surface duration of up to 100 days, extending beyond the 20-day duration of Chandrayaan-3.
- Lander and Rover Development: JAXA will design the rover and rocket, while ISRO will develop the lander system. The Lupex rover will weigh approximately 350 kg, significantly larger than the 26 kg Pragyan rover from Chandrayaan-3.
- Target Area: The mission will focus on the Moon’s south pole to investigate water and other resources, as well as examine the interaction of water with lunar regolith.
- Future Developments: A new lander engine will be developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) for potential human landings on the Moon.
- Cabinet Approval: After the Union cabinet’s approval for Chandrayaan-4, Lupex is expected to seek similar clearance soon, allowing ISRO to commence preparations for the mission.
National Space Commission (NSC)
- Established: The National Space Commission was established in 2020 to enhance India’s space capabilities and coordinate space activities across various ministries and departments.
- Purpose: The NSC aims to promote the development of space technology, facilitate collaboration in research and development, and implement policies related to space exploration and utilization.
- Head: The National Space Commission of India is headed by the Prime Minister of India. As of now, Narendra Modi serves as the Prime Minister and, therefore, the Chairman of the National Space Commission.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO):
- Capital: The capital of ISRO is Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, where its headquarters is located.
- Founded Year: ISRO was founded in 1969.
- Head: The current Chairman of ISRO is S. Somanath, who took office in 2022.
Sports news
Young Sherpa Conquers World’s Tallest Mountains at 18
Nima Rinji Sherpa, an 18-year-old Nepali mountaineer, made history on October 9, 2024, by becoming the youngest person to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks. His final summit was Tibet’s 26,335-foot Shisha Pangma, completing his journey of conquering the “eight-thousanders,” considered the ultimate mountaineering achievement due to the dangerous “death zones” at such high altitudes.
Nima hails from a family of experienced mountaineers, with his father, Tashi Sherpa, confident in his son’s success. The previous record-holder was Mingma Gyabu “David” Sherpa, who achieved the feat in 2019 at age 30.
What are the 14 mountains?
14 peaks in the world that exceed 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) above sea level, often referred to as the “eight-thousanders.” All of these mountains are located in the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges in Asia:
- Mount Everest (8,848.86 m / 29,031.7 ft) – Nepal/China
- K2 (8,611 m / 28,251 ft) – Pakistan/China
- Kangchenjunga (8,586 m / 28,169 ft) – Nepal/India
- Lhotse (8,516 m / 27,940 ft) – Nepal/China
- Makalu (8,485 m / 27,838 ft) – Nepal/China
- Cho Oyu (8,188 m / 26,864 ft) – Nepal/China
- Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m / 26,795 ft) – Nepal
- Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,781 ft) – Nepal
- Nanga Parbat (8,126 m / 26,660 ft) – Pakistan
- Gasherbrum I (8,080 m / 26,509 ft) – Pakistan/China
- Broad Peak (8,051 m / 26,414 ft) – Pakistan/China
- Gasherbrum II (8,035 m / 26,362 ft) – Pakistan/China
- Shishapangma (8,027 m / 26,335 ft) – China
- Annapurna I (8,091 m / 26,545 ft) – Nepal
Nepal:
- Capital: Kathmandu
- Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
- Prime Minister: Pushpa Kamal Dahal (also known as Prachanda)
Indian Men & Women’s team wins Bronze at Asian TT Championships 2024
The Indian men’s and women’s teams secured bronze medals at the 27th Asian Table Tennis Championships 2024 held in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Historic Bronze for Indian Women
- The Indian women’s team consisting of Ayhika Mukherjee, Manika Batra, and Sutirtha Mukherjee lost their semi-final to eventual winner Japan (3-1), earning India’s first women’s medal since 1960.
- This was the first women’s medal since the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU) started organizing the event in 1972.
Bronze for Indian Men’s Team
- The Indian men’s team, featuring Sharath Kamal, Manav Thakkar, and Harmeet Desai, lost to Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) (3-0) in the semi-finals, earning their third consecutive bronze (2021, 2023, and 2024).
Asian Table Tennis Championships 2024
- The event took place from 7-13 October 2024, with 210 players from 26 countries participating.
- It served as a qualifying event for the 2025 World Table Tennis Championships in Doha, Qatar.
State news
Assam Launches Co-Districts Initiative for Decentralized Governance
Assam has become the first state in India to launch Co-Districts, a pioneering initiative aimed at decentralizing district administration and enhancing governance at the grassroots level. The initiative was inaugurated by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and aims to bring governance closer to citizens by establishing 21 co-districts across the state.
Key Features of Co-Districts:
- Smaller Administrative Units: Co-Districts operate below the district level, streamlining essential services such as issuing certificates, ration cards, land permits, and government approvals.
- Local Empowerment: The initiative empowers local officials to provide various services, including land sale permissions and welfare schemes, directly to residents.
- Oversight by Guardian Ministers: Each district’s governance will be overseen by guardian ministers, who will act as chief ministers for their respective areas.
Background:
- Launched in 2023, the initiative replaces the previous system of 24 civil sub-divisions as part of Sarma’s vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.”
- The government plans to introduce co-district offices in all 126 assembly constituencies in Assam.
- Phase 1 of the initiative began on 4th October 2024, with 18 co-districts inaugurated the following day.
About Assam:
- Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
- Governor: Lakshman Prasad Acharya
- Airports: Jorhat Airport (Rowriah Airport); Salonibari Airport
- UNESCO Heritage Sites: Kaziranga National Park, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Books and author news
Brian Lara Publishes Memoir “LARA: The England Chronicles”
Former Trinidadian cricketer Brian Charles Lara, known as “The Prince of Port of Spain,” has released his memoir titled “LARA: The England Chronicles.” Published by Simon & Schuster LLC, the book delves into Lara’s childhood, his aspirations of representing the West Indies, his remarkable batting achievements, and his experiences as a captain. It also provides an in-depth look at cricket in Trinidad and Tobago.
About Brian Lara:
- Lara played for the West Indies from 1990 to 2007 and announced his retirement from international cricket in 2007.
- He captained the West Indies to victory in the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy, marking the team’s first major ICC title since the 1979 Cricket World Cup.
Obituary news
Padma Vibhushan Business Tycoon Ratan Naval Tata Passes Away
Ratan Naval Tata, a prominent figure in Indian business, passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86 due to age-related medical complications at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, Maharashtra. In recognition of his contributions, the Maharashtra government declared a day of mourning. His last rites, following Parsi tradition, were scheduled for October 10, 2024, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah expected to attend.
Early Life and Education
- Born on December 28, 1937, to Soonoo and Naval Tata.
- Attended school in Mumbai and studied architecture and structural engineering at Cornell University in the United States, returning to India in 1962 to join the Tata Group.
Awards and Honors
Ratan Tata received numerous accolades throughout his career, including:
- Padma Vibhushan (2008) – India’s second-highest civilian award
- Padma Bhushan (2000) – India’s third-highest civilian award
- Udyog Ratna (2023) – Maharashtra’s industry award
- Assam Baibhav (2021) – Assam Government award
International Honors:
- Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (2009)
- Commander of the Legion of Honour (2016, France)
- Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (2012, Japan)
- Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia (2023)
- Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2009)
- Medal of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay (2004)
Ratan Tata’s legacy includes his significant impact on the Tata Group and Indian industry, making him a respected and beloved icon in the business world.
