National news
Black Diamond Exhibition: A Journey Through Coal’s Significance and Innovations
Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey inaugurated the first-ever coal gallery, titled “Black Diamond – Unveiling the Depths,” at the National Science Centre in New Delhi. The exhibition explores coal’s journey from formation to its vital role in modern energy production, focusing on aspects such as extraction, mining technologies, environmental practices, and future innovations in sustainable energy.
Key Features of the Exhibition:
- Dynamic Diorama & Virtual Mine Descent: Offers interactive displays, including a diorama of open-cast mining and a simulated coal mine experience.
- Dragline Simulator: Allows visitors to operate mining machinery.
- Digital Diorama: Highlights Coal India Limited’s reclamation efforts.
- Raniganj Mining Rescue Tribute: Commemorates the bravery of miners involved in the historic Raniganj rescue operation.
Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Saharanpur, Rewa, and Ambikapur Airports Launched by PM Modi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated three new airports developed under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The newly inaugurated airports are located in Rewa (Madhya Pradesh), Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh), and Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh).
Overview of RCS-UDAN:
- Launch Date: October 21, 2016, as part of India’s National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP).
- Vision: A 10-year plan aimed at enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in remote and underserved regions.
- Impact: Completed seven years of operation, facilitating travel for over 14.4 million passengers.
- Inaugural Flight: The first RCS-UDAN flight was inaugurated on April 27, 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi.
- Focus: Improving unserved air routes in underserved regions and fulfilling the aspirations of common citizens.
Milestones in RCS-UDAN Development:
- UDAN 1.0: Awarded 128 flight routes to five airline companies, adding 36 operational airports.
- UDAN 2.0: Connected 73 underserved and unserved airports, introducing helipads.
- UDAN 3.0: Launched tourism routes and connected water aerodromes with seaplanes, particularly in the Northeast.
- UDAN 4.0: Focused on operations in the Northeast, hilly states, and islands, including helicopters and seaplanes.
- UDAN 5.0: Improved based on stakeholder feedback, focusing on larger aircraft and removing the 600 km distance cap, requiring airlines to start operations within four months of route award.
UDAN scheme
The UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, launched in India, is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity and making air travel more affordable for the common citizen. Here’s an overview of the history and development of the scheme:
Launch and Objectives
- Launch Date: The UDAN scheme was launched on October 21, 2016, as part of India’s National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP).
- Objective: The primary goal was to improve air connectivity to underserved and unserved airports across the country, making air travel accessible to a larger population. The initiative aimed to foster economic growth, boost tourism, and improve accessibility in remote regions.
Haryana Becomes First State to Implement Dalit Sub-Quotas
In a landmark decision, Haryana has become the first state in India to implement sub-quotas for the Dalit community by subclassifying Scheduled Castes (SCs). This move follows a Supreme Court ruling in August 2023 that empowered states to divide SCs and STs for preferential reservations. The initiative aims to address the underrepresentation of “Deprived Scheduled Castes” (DSC), which are more marginalized in employment compared to “Other Scheduled Castes” (OSC).
Key Features:
- Subdivision of SC Community: The SC community is divided into two groups:
- DSC: Includes 36 castes, such as Balmikis and Dhanaks.
- OSC: Includes castes like Chamars and Jatavs.
- Reservation Quota: Each subgroup will receive 50% of the 20% SC quota for government jobs, promoting equitable distribution of benefits within the SC community.
Historical Context:
- In 2020, Haryana enacted legislation reserving 50% of the SC quota in higher education for deprived groups.
- The recent decision is influenced by the Supreme Court’s August 2023 verdict, which overturned a previous ruling that prohibited subclassifications, recognizing the socio-economic diversity within SC/ST communities.
This initiative marks a significant step towards targeted support for the most disadvantaged groups within the Dalit community, ensuring more equitable access to opportunities in government employment.
Haryana:
- Governor: Bandaru Dattatreya
- Chief minister: Nayab Singh Saini
- Capital: Chandigarh
PM Modi Launches Karmayogi Saptah to Boost Civil Service Skills
On October , 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Karmayogi Saptah (National Learning Week) at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. This initiative is part of Mission Karmayogi, which aims to enhance the skills of civil servants, ensuring their competencies align with India’s evolving goals, particularly the vision for a developed nation by 2047.
Key Features of Karmayogi Saptah:
- Commitment to Learning: Each participant (Karmayogi) is encouraged to dedicate at least four hours to competency-linked learning through various courses and webinars, promoting a culture of lifelong learning and citizen-centric governance.
Objectives:
- Skill Development: The program emphasizes creative problem-solving and the necessity for a skilled workforce to drive national development.
- Lifelong Learning: Encourages public servants to engage in continuous education, fostering unity across government sectors.
Highlights of National Learning Week:
- Indic Day Webinar Series: Scheduled for October 21, 2024, featuring prominent speakers discussing topics such as Indian Knowledge Systems and digital infrastructure.
- Key Speakers: Notable figures like Vedic scholar Mr. David Frawley and tech innovator Mr. Nandan Nilekani will explore the integration of traditional wisdom with modern technology.
International news
IOCL and Nepal Oil Corporation Sign B2B Framework Agreements
On October, 2024, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) signed a Business to Business (B2B) Framework Agreement aimed at developing petroleum infrastructure in Nepal with a total investment of approximately Rs. 15 billion.
Key Highlights of the Agreement:
- Petroleum Pipeline Construction:
- A 50-kilometer pipeline will be established from Siliguri, India, to Charali, Jhapa, Nepal.
- This pipeline will enhance the transportation of petroleum products into Nepal.
- Storage and Distribution Infrastructure:
- A state-of-the-art terminal will be built in Charali to improve storage and distribution capabilities in the region.
- Additionally, a 62-kilometer pipeline will connect Amlekhgunj to Lothar in Chitwan, Nepal.
- A modern terminal at Lothar will have a storage capacity of 91,900 kiloliters.
Signatories:
- The agreement was signed by:
- Dr. Chandika Prasad Bhatta, Executive Director of NOC.
- Senthil Kumar, Director of IOCL.
- The signing took place in New Delhi, with senior officials including:
- Pankaj Jain, Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG), India.
- V. Satish Kumar, Chairman of IOCL.
Background: This collaboration follows a Government-to-Government (G2G) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in May 2023 between India’s MoP&NG and Nepal’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies. This agreement marks a significant step in enhancing energy cooperation between India and Nepal, strengthening bilateral ties and contributing to Nepal’s petroleum infrastructure development.
IOCL:
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Founded: 30 June 1959
- Interim Chairman: Satish Kumar Vaduguri
Nepal:
- Capital: Kathmandu
- President: Ram Chandra Poudel
- Currency: Nepalese Rupee
Economy news
India Achieves Milestone of $700 Billion in Foreign Reserves
Key Highlights:
In September 2024, India made history by surpassing $700 billion in foreign exchange reserves, reaching a total of $704.885 billion as of the week ending September 27, 2024. This achievement positions India as the fourth country globally, joining China, Japan, and Switzerland in this elite club.
- Increase in Reserves: India’s foreign reserves rose by $12.59 billion during this period.
- Foreign Currency Assets (FCA): FCA, a significant component of the overall reserves, increased by $10.46 billion, reaching $616.154 billion.
- Gold Reserves: The country’s gold reserves also saw an uptick, growing by $2.184 billion to $65.796 billion.
- Composition of FCA: FCA are maintained as a multi-currency portfolio, primarily composed of major currencies like the US Dollar (USD), Euro, Pound Sterling, and Japanese Yen.
Factors Contributing to the Increase: The surge in foreign reserves is attributed to several factors, notably:
- $30 billion in foreign inflows in 2024, driven largely by investments in local bonds.
- India’s recent inclusion in a significant J.P. Morgan index, which boosted investor confidence and attracted capital.
Scheme news
Government to Extend UDAN Scheme for 10 More Years: Transforming India’s Aviation Landscape
On October 21, 2024, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu announced a 10-year extension of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, marking its eighth anniversary. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to improving regional air connectivity and ensuring air travel accessibility for all citizens of India.
Key Highlights:
- Launch and Impact: The UDAN scheme was launched on October 21, 2016, and has significantly boosted regional airlines while creating thousands of jobs and enhancing tourism across India.
- Operational Achievements: With 601 air routes and 71 operationalized airports, UDAN has improved air travel infrastructure, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
- Growth of Regional Airlines: The scheme has facilitated the rise of regional airlines, offering affordable airfares and connecting smaller cities, thereby promoting economic growth and creating job opportunities in aviation and tourism.
Objectives of UDAN:
- Enhance regional air connectivity by providing subsidies to airlines operating on unserved or underserved routes.
- Foster tourism and trade by linking smaller cities to major hubs.
- Make flying affordable for the average citizen by capping airfares on select routes.
Appointment news
Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar Appointed as Chairperson of NCW
Smt. Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), becoming the ninth person to hold this esteemed position. Her appointment, announced by the Narendra Modi government, underscores a commitment to advancing women’s rights and issues in India.
Tenure Details:
- Effective Immediately: Her term will last for three years or until she reaches the age of 65, whichever comes first.
Previous Roles:
- Chairperson of Maharashtra State Commission for Women (2016-2021): Smt. Rahatkar spearheaded various impactful initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment, including:
- “Sakshama”: A support program for acid attack survivors.
- “Prajwala”: Connecting self-help groups to central government schemes.
- “Suhita”: A 24×7 helpline service for women.
- Focused on legal reforms addressing:
- The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).
- Efforts against triple talaq.
- Establishing anti-human trafficking units.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) was established in 1992 by the Government of India to safeguard and promote the rights and interests of women. Its formation was in response to growing concerns about women’s status in society and increasing demands for an official body that could address issues related to women’s welfare, equality, and justice.
Key Historical Milestones:
- Establishment: The NCW was set up under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, and became functional on January 31, 1992. This act provided the legal framework for the commission’s role and responsibilities in protecting women’s rights.
- Mandate and Objectives: The primary objectives of the NCW are:
- To review the legal and constitutional safeguards for women.
- To recommend changes and improvements in laws to meet the needs of women.
- To advise the government on policy matters affecting women.
- To investigate specific issues of discrimination and violations of women’s rights.
Abhyuday Jindal Named New President of Indian Chamber of Commerce
Abhyuday Jindal has been appointed as the new president of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), a key national business association. The announcement was made during ICC’s annual plenary session in New Delhi, with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal serving as the chief guest.
Minister’s Address:
- Piyush Goyal emphasized the crucial role of young leaders in shaping India’s future.
- He urged the ICC to enhance support for startups, women entrepreneurs, and the evolving startup ecosystem.
- Goyal highlighted the importance of leveraging government initiatives to boost skill development and employment for the youth.
- He encouraged the ICC to promote India as a global tourism hub and to connect local talent with international opportunities.
Vision for India:
- Goyal remarked, “The India story is shining bright, and the world is watching,” stressing the need for collaboration between industry and government.
- He called for a collective effort from citizens to contribute to a prosperous India.
Abhyuday Jindal’s leadership at the ICC is anticipated to focus on driving growth and innovation within India’s business landscape.
ICC (Indian chamber of commerce):
The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), one of India’s oldest and most prominent business organizations, was established in 1925 in Kolkata. It was founded by a group of pioneering Indian industrialists to promote and safeguard the interests of Indian businesses during British colonial rule. Over the decades, it has played a significant role in shaping the economic and industrial policies of India.
Founders included prominent Indian industrialists such as G.D. Birla, P.C. Chatterjee, and Badridas Goenka, who were at the forefront of India’s economic activities.
Modern Role:
- Today, the ICC represents a wide range of sectors including manufacturing, services, agriculture, and international trade. It hosts annual conferences, trade expos, and policy discussions to address the evolving needs of Indian businesses in the global economy.
- The chamber also focuses on sustainability, innovation, digital transformation, and startup incubation, adapting to the dynamic challenges of the 21st century.
Prabowo Subianto Takes Office as President of Indonesia
In Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto took over as president of the world’s third-largest democracy today.
- Prabowo will officially become the eighth president of the world’s most populous Muslim majority nation.
- The 73-year-old former special forces commander won the February 14 contest with nearly 60 per cent of the vote after sweeping the country’s election with policies like free meals for school children.
Indonesia:
- The currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah
- The capital of Indonesia is Jakarta
State news
Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary Approved as the 8th Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh
The State Wildlife Board (WLB) of Madhya Pradesh has approved the declaration of Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) as the 8th Tiger Reserve (TR) in the state. This decision is now pending final approval from the Government of India (GoI).
Key Details:
- Historical Context:
- In 2011, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) granted in-principle approval to designate Ratapani WLS as a TR.
- The latest approval follows the declaration of Veerangana Durgavati TR as the 7th TR in Madhya Pradesh in 2023.
- Geographical Information:
- The proposed TR will encompass a total area of 1,271.465 square kilometers (sq km), integrating both Ratapani WLS and Singhori WLS.
- Core Area: 763.812 sq km designated for tiger habitat.
- Buffer Zone: 507.653 sq km to protect wildlife.
Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Current Area: Ratapani WLS currently spans 823 sq km, located in Raisen and Sehore districts.
- Wildlife Census: According to the 2022 Tiger Census:
- Total wild animals: 3,123
- Tigers: 56
- Leopards: 70
- Cultural Significance: The sanctuary is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Bhimbetka rock shelters, Ginnourgarh fort, Keri Mahadeo, and Ratapani dam.
About Madhya Pradesh:
- Chief Minister: Mohan Yadav
- Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
- Capital: Bhopal
- Other Notable National Parks:
- Bandhavgarh National Park
- Kanha National Park
Defence news
Launch of Indian Naval Ship (INS) Samarthak
On October 14, 2024, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) launched the first of class Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), named INS Samarthak, at its shipyard in Kattupalli, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The launch was officiated by Shashi Tripathi, President of the Navy Wives Welfare Association (NWWA), in the presence of Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS).
Key Details:
- Significance of Name:
- The name ‘Samarthak,’ meaning ‘Supporter,’ reflects the vessel’s intended operational versatility.
- Contract Background:
- The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with L&T Shipbuilding Limited on March 25, 2022, for the construction of two MPVs, with the launch of INS Samarthak being the first under this agreement.
Larsen and toubro:
- CEO: S N Subrahmanyan (1 Jul 2011–)
- Founded: 7 February 1946, Mumbai
- Headquarters: Mumbai
Indian navy:
- Head: Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi
- Founded: 26 January 1950
Cabinet Committee on Security Approves New Missile Testing Range in Andhra Pradesh
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of a new missile testing range in Nagayalanka village, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh.
Key Details:
- Purpose: The new missile testing range will facilitate the test firing of various tactical missile systems, including:
- Surface-to-air missile systems
- Anti-tank missiles
- Other missile systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Additional Approvals:
- The CCS has also sanctioned the purchase of 31 Predator long-endurance armed drones from the United States.
- Approval for two nuclear submarines to be constructed by ATV Project India Limited to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy.
About the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Role: DRDO serves as the Research and Development (R&D) wing of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
- Chairman: Dr. Samir Vankatpati Kamat
- Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
- Established: 1958
Indian Army’s Sudarshan Chakra Corps Holds ‘Swavlamban Shakti’ Exercise
The Army’s Sudarshan Chakra Corps of the Southern Command is conducting Exercise SWAVLAMBAN SHAKTI at the Babina Field Firing Ranges near Jhansi from October 17 to October 22, 2024. This exercise focuses on enhancing combat capabilities through the integration of niche and emerging technologies.
Objectives:
- Integrate New Technology Equipment (NTEs) into the Army’s operational strategies.
- Ensure readiness for evolving warfare scenarios.
- Prioritize critical technologies for future development.
Leadership:
- The exercise was launched by Lt Gen Prit Pal Singh, General Officer Commanding of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps.
Participation:
- Approximately 1,800 personnel are involved.
- Equipment includes 210 armored vehicles, 50 specialist vehicles, and various aviation assets.
India and Oman Conduct Joint Naval Drill ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ off Goa
The India-Oman bilateral naval exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr took place off the coast of Goa from October 13 to 18, 2024. The exercise involved the Indian Navy’s INS Trikand and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, along with the Royal Navy of Oman’s vessel Al Seeb. The exercise was divided into two key phases.
1. Harbour Phase (October 13-15, 2024)
- Engaged personnel from both navies in professional interactions through Subject Matter Expert Exchanges and planning conferences.
- Organized various sports fixtures and social events to enhance camaraderie and collaboration.
2. Sea Phase (October 16-18, 2024)
- Conducted a series of naval maneuvers, including:
- Gun firings at surface inflatable targets.
- Close-range anti-aircraft firings to ensure operational readiness.
- Replenishment at Sea Approaches (RASAPS) for practicing logistical coordination.
- Helicopter operations from INS Trikand, featuring cross-deck landings and vertical replenishment (VERTREP) with RNOV Al Seeb.
- The Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft provided Over-the-Horizon Targeting (OTHT) data for improved targeting precision.
- Indian Navy Sea Riders embarked on RNOV Al Seeb for a day to enhance interoperability and share best practices.
Outcomes of the Exercise
- The exercise successfully enhanced interoperability between the Indian and Omani navies.
- Strengthened mutual understanding of each other’s tactics and operational best practices.
- Fostered cohesion through professional and social interactions, promoting a collaborative spirit.
Indian navy:
- Head: Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi
- Founded: 26 January 1950
