National news
Banjara Virasat Museum in Washim, Maharashtra inaugurated by PM Modi
On 5 October 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Washim and Thane, Maharashtra, and launched several initiatives focused on agriculture and infrastructure development.
- Inauguration of Banjara Virasat Museum:
- PM Modi inaugurated the Banjara Virasat Museum at Poharadevi, Washim.
- The museum showcases the rich history and legacy of the Banjara community, with portraits of Banjara leaders and the Banjara movement.
- The Prime Minister paid tribute to Sant Sevalal Maharaj and Sant Ramrao Maharaj and played the Nangara, a traditional Banjara musical instrument.
- 18th Installment of PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi:
- PM Modi released the 18th installment of the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi, worth Rs 20,000 crore, benefiting around 9.5 crore farmers nationwide. Each eligible farmer receives Rs 6000 per year in three installments under this scheme.
- 5th Installment of NaMo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana:
- The Prime Minister released the 5th installment of the NaMo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana, a Maharashtra government scheme providing Rs 6000 per year to farmers in three installments.
- Launch of Unified Genomic Chip for Cattle and Buffaloes:
- PM Modi launched the Unified Genomic Chip, GAUCHIP for cattle and MAHISHCHIP for buffaloes, to improve cattle breeding through genomic selection.
- This technology will help identify high-quality bulls early and make sex-sorted semen affordable, reducing costs for farmers by Rs 200 per dose.
Yogi Adityanath Marks Mahakumbh-2025 with Logo Reveal
- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveiled the multi-colored logo for Mahakumbh 2025.
- The logo includes a temple, a seer, an urn, the Akshayvat tree, and Lord Hanuman, representing the spiritual essence and the confluence of nature and humanity in the Sanatan civilization.
- The logo’s motto is: “Sarvasiddhipradah Kumbhah” (Kumbh bestows all types of spiritual powers).
- The Kumbh Mela is recognized by UNESCO as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ and is the world’s largest peaceful gathering of pilgrims.
- It brings together millions of devotees and sadhus from across the world for ritual baths in the sacred rivers at the Triveni Sangam (confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers).
Religious Symbolism:
The Amrit Kalash depicted in the logo has deep religious symbolism:
- Mouth: Represents Lord Vishnu.
- Neck: Symbolizes Rudra (Shiva).
- Base: Embodies Brahma.
- Middle: Represents all goddesses.
- Water: Symbolizes the entire ocean.
Geographical Importance:
- The logo highlights the Triveni Sangam and includes a live satellite image of the area to emphasize the spiritual and geographical significance of Prayagraj.
Event Details:
- The Mahakumbh 2025 will take place from January 14 to February 26, 2025, at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
- Celebrated every 12 years, this event is marked by sacred baths, with its history traced back to the sixth century, when Chinese traveler Xuanzang documented a gathering at the Ganges.
Types of Kumbh Melas:
- Kumbh Mela: Occurs every four years at one of four designated locations.
- Ardh Kumbh Mela: Celebrated every six years at Allahabad (Prayagraj) and Haridwar.
- Purna Kumbh Mela: Held every 12 years.
- Maha Kumbh Mela: The largest, held every 144 years after 12 Purna Kumbhs, specifically in Prayagraj.
State news
Telangana Launches State Chapter of NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform
In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance women-led businesses, Telangana has become the first state in India to launch its own chapter of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP). The ‘WEP Telangana Chapter’ was inaugurated by BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, in Hyderabad, with key figures including Jayesh Ranjan, State IT and Industries Secretary, and Sangeetha Reddy, co-chair of WEP, in attendance.
Leadership:
- Sita Pallocholla has been appointed as the Mission Director of the WEP Telangana Chapter.
- The Women Entrepreneurs Hub (WE HUB) will serve as the nodal body for the initiative in the state.
Objectives of WEP Telangana Chapter:
- Support for Women Entrepreneurs: The primary goal is to provide support through mentoring, financing, and skill development.
- Access for All: Ensure that women from both urban and rural areas have equal access to resources and opportunities.
- Economic Boost: By fostering entrepreneurship among women, the platform aims to stimulate economic growth in Telangana.
- Collaboration: The chapter will collaborate with other organizations to create a supportive network for women entrepreneurs to learn and succeed.
- Positive Impact: This initiative is expected to positively influence Telangana’s economy and establish the state as a leader in promoting women’s entrepreneurship in India.
About Telangana:
- Chief Minister: Revanth Reddy
- Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma
- Capital: Hyderabad
- UNESCO Heritage Site: Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple (Cultural Heritage)
About NITI Aayog:
- Chief Executive Officer: B. V. R. Subrahmanyam
- Chairperson: Narendra Modi
- Established: 2015
International news
India Joins International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) as an Affiliate Member
India has joined the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) as an affiliate member, with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), securing the membership during the 26th IMDRF Session in September 2024, held in Seattle, USA.
Significance:
- Global Collaboration: This membership strengthens India’s collaboration in international medical device regulation.
- Boost for Domestic Industry: It enhances the competitiveness of India’s medical device sector and promotes “Brand India” globally.
About IMDRF:
- Established: 2011, aiming for international medical device regulatory harmonization.
- Members: Includes regulatory authorities from countries like the USA, UK, EU, Japan, Brazil, and organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO).
- 2024 Chair and Secretariat: The USA.
Banking news
LIC Increases Stake in Bank of Maharashtra to 7.10% via QIP
The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has raised its stake in Bank of Maharashtra from 4.05% to 7.10%, as per an exchange filing on October 5, 2024.
- Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP): The increase follows the allotment of 25.96 crore equity shares priced at ₹57.36 each through a QIP, aimed at boosting the bank’s balance sheet for expansion.
- Strategic Move: LIC’s increased stake, surpassing 5%, reflects its confidence in the bank’s growth potential and long-term prospects.
- Compliance: The transaction complies with SEBI regulations regarding disclosure obligations for listed entities.
Comparative Investments:
- LIC’s past adjustments include:
- Reducing its stake in Mahanagar Gas by 2% and in Aurobindo Pharma from 5.01% to 2.265%.
- Conversely, LIC raised its stake in IRCTC from 7.278% to 9.298% in September 2024.
- This latest acquisition aligns with LIC’s strategic investment approach, focusing on public sector undertakings (PSUs).
LIC:
- Founded: 1 September 1956
- Headquarters: Mumbai
- Head: Siddhartha Mohanty
Award news
Nobel Prize in Medicine 2024: Discovery of microRNA
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA (miRNA) and its essential role in regulating gene activity after transcription.
The Karolinska Institute in Sweden recognized the two scientists for uncovering this new class of small RNA molecules that play a critical role in controlling gene expression, significantly advancing our understanding of genetic regulation and its implications in health and disease.
The Nobel Prize is a set of prestigious international awards given annually in recognition of outstanding contributions in six categories: Peace, Literature, Chemistry, Physics, Medicine, and since 1969, Economic Sciences. Here are the essential facts:
1. History of the Nobel Prize:
- Founder: Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor, engineer, and industrialist, best known for inventing dynamite.
- First Awarded: 1901.
- Reason for Creation: Nobel established the prizes in his will, signed in 1895, to honor individuals and organizations who have contributed significantly to humanity.
2. Nobel Prize Categories:
- Peace: Awarded to individuals or organizations working to promote peace. Given in Oslo, Norway.
- Literature: For authors, poets, and playwrights with outstanding literary works.
- Chemistry: For significant achievements in the field of chemistry.
- Physics: For groundbreaking discoveries in physics.
- Physiology or Medicine: For advancements in medical research.
- Economic Sciences: Established in 1969, awarded for contributions to economics (not part of the original five).
3. Nobel Prize Awarding Institutions:
- Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences: Awards prizes for Physics, Chemistry, and Economic Sciences.
- Karolinska Institute (Sweden): Awards the Medicine prize.
- Swedish Academy: Awards the Literature prize.
- Norwegian Nobel Committee (Norway): Awards the Peace Prize.
4. Key Facts:
- Alfred Nobel’s Will: His fortune was left to fund the prizes.
- First Recipients (1901):
- Peace: Henri Dunant and Frédéric Passy.
- Literature: Sully Prudhomme.
- Physics: Wilhelm Röntgen (for discovering X-rays).
- Chemistry: Jacobus Henricus van ‘t Hoff.
- Medicine: Emil von Behring (for serum therapy).
- First Woman to Win a Nobel Prize: Marie Curie (Physics, 1903; Chemistry, 1911).
- Nobel Prize Medal: The medals vary in design for each category but always feature the image of Alfred Nobel.
5. Nobel Prize Facts:
- Youngest Nobel Laureate: Malala Yousafzai, awarded the Peace Prize in 2014 at the age of 17.
- Only Organization to Win Multiple Peace Prizes: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has won three times.
- Only Nobel Laureate in Both Chemistry and Peace: Linus Pauling (Chemistry, 1954; Peace, 1962).
6. Nobel Peace Prize Facts:
- Awarded in Oslo, Norway, unlike the other prizes which are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden.
- The Peace Prize has been awarded to individuals, organizations, and movements working toward conflict resolution, disarmament, and human rights.
7. Recent Nobel Prize Winners (Selected):
- Medicine (2024): Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun (for the discovery of microRNA).
- Peace (2023): Narges Mohammadi (for advocating for women’s rights in Iran).
8. Nobel Prizes and India:
- Rabindranath Tagore (1913) – Literature (First Indian Nobel laureate).
- C. V. Raman (1930) – Physics (for the Raman Effect).
- Amartya Sen (1998) – Economic Sciences.
- Mother Teresa (1979) – Peace Prize for her humanitarian work in India.
Defence news
Visakhapatnam Hosts Malabar 2024 Naval Drill
MALABAR exercise will kick off from 8th October in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. It will be hosted by India, this year’s exercise will see the participation of Australia, Japan, and the United States of America beginning with the Harbour Phase in Visakhapatnam, followed by the sea phase. The exercise will be conducted from 8th October to 18th October.
- Dates and Location:
- Held from 8th to 18th October 2024 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
- Hosted by India with participation from Australia, Japan, and the United States.
- The exercise will consist of two phases: Harbour Phase (Visakhapatnam) and Sea Phase.
- Focus and Objectives:
- Designed to enhance naval cooperation and operational capabilities.
- Key areas of focus include:
- Special operations
- Surface warfare
- Air warfare
- Anti-submarine warfare
- Activities will be carried out through a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE).
- Key Activities:
- Anti-submarine warfare drills
- Surface warfare operations
- Air defense exercises
- Goal: Improve situational awareness through coordinated maritime operations.
- Distinguished Visitors’ Day:
- Planned for October 9 during the Harbour Phase.
- Hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
- Delegations from participating countries will attend.
- Deployments:
- Australia: HMAS Stuart, an Anzac Class Frigate with an MH-60R helicopter and P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
- USA: USS Dewey, an Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer with an integral helicopter and P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
- Japan: JS Ariake, a Murasame-Class Destroyer.
- Special Forces:
- Special Forces from Australia, Japan, the USA, and India will participate, focusing on high-level coordination in special operations.
- About the Malabar Exercise:
- Started in 1992 as a bilateral naval exercise between India and the US.
- Became trilateral with the inclusion of Japan in 2015.
- Expanded to a quadrilateral format with Australia joining in 2020.
VSHORADS 4th Gen Missile Tested by DRDO
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted three flight tests of the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) on October 3-4, 2024 at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan.
- Key Performance: The missile was tested against high-speed aerial targets at maximum range and altitude, demonstrating its capability to intercept fast-moving aerial threats with precision and reliability.
- Significance: The successful tests mark a major step toward enhancing India’s air defense capabilities and align with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, paving the way for early user trials and rapid production.
- Development: The VSHORADS is a fourth-generation, miniaturized missile system developed by DRDO. Two production agencies have been engaged in the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) mode for its rapid production.
DRDO:
- Date founded: 1958
- Headquarters: DRDO Bhavan, New Delhi, India
- Agency executive: : Sameer V. Kamat, Chairman, DRDO
Sports news
Nitish Kumar Unveils Logo, Mascot for Upcoming Women’s Asian Champions Trophy
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled the logo and mascot for the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024. The mascot, ‘Gudiya’, is inspired by Bihar’s state bird, the sparrow, symbolizing alertness, strategy, and sportsmanship. Gudiya holds a hockey stick and a goalkeeper’s glove to represent the sport and its defensive aspects.
- Tournament Details: The tournament will take place from November 11 to 20, 2024, in Rajgir, Bihar. It features six countries: India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan.
- Cultural Significance: The logo incorporates the Bodhi tree and a hockey stick, symbolizing Bihar’s rich cultural heritage, knowledge, and India’s national sport. The tournament reinforces the Bihar government’s commitment to women’s empowerment.
- Previous Winners:
- 2010: South Korea
- 2011: South Korea
- 2013: Japan
- 2016: India
- 2018: South Korea
- 2021: Japan
- 2023: India
Bihar:
- Capital: Patna
- Chief minister: Nitish Kumar
- Governor: Rajendra Arlekar
Important days
World Cotton Day 2024, Celebrating Cotton’s Global Impact
Celebrated on October 7, 2024, World Cotton Day highlights the global importance of cotton, a versatile crop essential to industries ranging from textiles to medical supplies, animal feed, and edible oil production.
- Historical Origins: World Cotton Day was initiated by the “Cotton Four” nations—Burkina Faso, Benin, Chad, and Mali—in collaboration with other African cotton producers. The goal was to promote cotton by-products and expand market opportunities.
- First Celebration: The inaugural World Cotton Day was celebrated on October 7, 2019, in Geneva, marking the start of this annual global observance. It emphasizes cotton’s role in economic development and its wide-ranging applications.
World Habitat Day 2024, Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Urban Future
Celebrated annually on the first Monday of October, in 2024 it was observed on October 7.
- Purpose: Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985, the day focuses on raising awareness of the fundamental right to housing and the need for everyone to have access to a safe, decent, and affordable place to live.
- Theme for 2024: “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future” emphasizes the role of youth in shaping sustainable and inclusive urban environments.
Significance: World Habitat Day serves as a global reminder to address housing challenges and promote inclusive urban development for all.
Obituary news
Remembering Keki N. Daruwalla: Celebrated Poet and Former IPS Officer
Keki N. Daruwalla, the renowned Indian English poet and former IPS officer, passed away at the age of 87 in New Delhi. Born on January 24, 1937, in Lahore (now in Pakistan), Daruwalla had a distinguished career both in literature and public service.
- Career in Public Service: A 1958 batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh Cadre, he joined the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and rose to the rank of secretary. He retired in 1995 as the chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) and later served on the National Commission for Minorities from 2011 to 2014.
- Literary Contributions: Daruwalla published his first poetry collection, “Under Orion,” in 1970. His second book, “Apparition in April,” earned him the UP State Award in 1972. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1984 for his work “The Keeper of the Dead.” In recognition of his contributions to literature and education, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2014.
