Title: Deeper role: On the U.S. and West Asia conflicts
The Biden administration’s decision to send an advanced anti-missile system to Israel, and soldiers to operate it, is the latest sign that the U.S. is getting drawn into the unfolding conflict in West Asia. Ever since the latest war here broke out, after Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, the U.S. had publicly maintained that it did not want a regional war. The U.S President adopted a twin approach — to give Israel a free hand in its war on Gaza, while spending America’s diplomatic and military resources to prevent an escalation. When Israel carried out a disastrous, disproportionate war on Gaza, facing allegations of genocide, Mr. Biden sent Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken several times to the region to keep the American coalition intact. The U.S. launched an airstrike campaign against Yemen’s Houthis — who “declared war against Israel” and attacked commercial vessels in the Red Sea — and also strikes against Hashad al-Shabi, the Shia militias in Iraq and Syria, while Secretary Blinken held the American-Arab alliance together. But what Mr. Biden did not do was to put meaningful pressure on Israel, which is now accused by a UN investigation of having committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The Brown University’s Costs of War project says that the Biden administration has sent $17.9 billion in military assistance to Israel since October 2023. Washington did little when Israel took the war to Iran by bombing the Iranian embassy in Damascus or when it launched the Lebanon invasion.
The U.S. decision to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system also points to the precarious security situation its ally is in. After 12 months of war, Israel is yet to meet its objectives. Hamas still fires rockets into Israel. Hezbollah has stepped up rocket and drone attacks after Israel’s Lebanon invasion. On Sunday, a Hezbollah drone struck an Israeli military base, killing four soldiers. On October 1, Iran launched a massive ballistic missile attack on Israel. While most of the 200 Iranian missiles were intercepted by Israeli and American systems, dozens hit at least two Israeli air bases. With Israel preparing its response to Iran amid Iranian threats of a counter-retaliation, the U.S. finds it necessary to bolster the defences of its ally. The move also underscores the argument that Israel is overwhelmingly dependent on the U.S. for security and defence, which gives Washington substantial leverage over Tel Aviv. For some strange reasons, the Biden administration has, until now, refused to use that leverage as Israel has gone rogue in Gaza, West Bank, Syria and Lebanon. This escalation cycle could drag the U.S. deeper into the conflict, with disastrous consequences for all parties, unless Washington reins in its closest ally.
Meaning of the word:
Word
Meaning
Synonyms
Antonyms
Disproportionate
Disproportionate meaning is too large or too small in comparison to something else, or not deserving its importance or influence
UnequalImbalancedExcessiveOverwhelming
ProportionateBalanced Equal Fair
Genocide
Genocide is violence that targets individuals because of their membership of a group and aims at the destruction of a people.
Massacre Ethnic cleansingHolocaust Mass murder
Peace ProtectionPreservationHumanitarianism
Precarious
The meaning of PRECARIOUS is dependent on chance circumstances, unknown conditions, or uncertain developments.
Unstable Risky UncertainInsecure
Stable Secure Safe Certain
Substantial
“Substantial” means something that is of considerable importance, size, or worth. It often refers to something solid, meaningful, or significant. For example, a “substantial” amount of evidence means a large and convincing quantity of proof, or a “substantial” improvement suggests a notable and impactful change.
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 theKaimur 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 approximately4,300 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 lateRatan 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 MinisterJagat 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 AdmiralSanjay Bhalla emphasized that this partnership reflects the Navy’s dedication to improving thefinancial 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 theFood 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.
Between1901 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 launchCo-Districts, a pioneering initiative aimed at decentralizing district administration and enhancing governance at the grassroots level. The initiative was inaugurated by Chief MinisterHimanta 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-districtsinaugurated the following day.
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 the1979 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.
The United India Insurance Company Limited (UIIC) has officially released the notification for UIIC AO Recruitment 2024. This recruitment drive offers a significant opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the insurance sector. This position have total of 200 vacancies across various disciplines for the Administrative Officer post.
The online registration process begins on 15 October 2024 and will remain open until 05 November 2024. Interested candidates must carefully review the eligibility criteria, selection process, and other details before applying.
Notification Overview
The UIIC AO Recruitment 2024 presents an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking a stable career in the insurance sector. With 200 vacancies available, applicants should not miss this chance to apply between 15 October and 5 November 2024. Selected individuals will receive a competitive gross pay of approximately ₹88,000 per month.
The recruitment drive includes 200 vacancies across various categories such as Generalist, Legal, Finance, Risk Management, and more:
Post/Discipline
Vacancy
Generalists
100
Risk Management
10
Finance & Investment
20
Automobile Engineers
20
Chemical/Mechatronics Engineers
10
Data Analytical Specialists
20
Legal
20
Total
200
UIIC AO Notification 2024: Important Dates
The application process for UIIC AO Recruitment 2024 will run from 15 October to 05 November 2024. The online exam scheduled for 14 December 2024.
Activity
Important Dates
Notification Release Date
14 October 2024
Apply Online Starts
15 October 2024
Apply Online Ends
05 November 2024
Exam Date
14 December 2024
Edusprint Academy: Preparing Aspirants for Banking Exams
For candidates interested in applying for UIIC AO and other banking sector examinations, Edusprint Academy offers specialized coaching designed to equip aspirants with the necessary skills and knowledge. With experienced instructors and tailored preparation strategies, Edusprint helps candidates maximize their potential and succeed in competitive exams.
The State Bank of India plans to recruit 10,000 new employees in the financial year 2024-25. This recruitment will cover various positions beyond just Probationary Officers (PO) and clerks, addressing the growing needs of everyday banking. The bank is also making significant investments in technology to enhance its digital channels.
In a recent statement to PTI, SBI Chairman CS Shetty remarked, “We are strengthening our workforce both on the technology front and in general banking. We have announced the recruitment of about 1,500 technology professionals at entry and slightly higher levels.”
He further elaborated, “Our technology recruitment will focus on specialized roles such as data scientists, data architects, and network operators. Our current requirement is around 8,000 to 10,000 positions.”
Shetty also mentioned that SBI plans to open 600 branches nationwide in the current financial year. As of March 2024, SBI boasts a network of 22,542 branches across the country.
While the bank has not officially disclosed specific posts for these recruitments, media reports suggest a range of opportunities will be available.
Edusprint Academy: Preparing Aspirants for Banking Exams
For those looking to seize these opportunities, Edusprint Academy offers specialized training for banking exams. With experienced faculty and comprehensive coaching, EduSprint prepares aspirants to excel in SBI and other banking recruitment processes. Their tailored programs focus on enhancing the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in competitive exams.
The IBPS will conduct the IBPS PO Prelims Exam on 19th and 20th October 2024 for candidates who have applied for the IBPS PO Recruitment 2024. The exam date, venue, and shift timings for the prelims have been detailed in the IBPS PO Prelims Admit Card 2024. You can download the admit card starting 11th October 2024 from the official website at www.ibps.in.
IBPS PO Admit Card 2024 Download Link [Active]
How to Download the IBPS PO Prelims Admit Card 2024
To download the IBPS PO Call Letter 2024, candidates need the following details:
Login ID/Registration Number
Date of Birth/Password
Follow this step-by-step guide to download your IBPS PO Admit Card 2024:
Click on “CRP-PO/MT” to navigate to the relevant section.
Select “Common Recruitment Process for Probationary Officer/Management Trainee-XIV.”
Click on “Online Preliminary Examination Call Letter for IBPS PO/MTs-XIV.”
Enter your Registration Number/Roll Number and Date of Birth/Password, then fill in the captcha code.
Your admit card will be displayed on the screen. Download it.
Save the IBPS PO Admit Card 2024 and print a copy for future reference.
IBPS PO 2024 Prelims Shift Timings
The IBPS PO 2024 Prelims Exam will have 8 shifts, with 4 shifts scheduled each day, each lasting 1 hour. The specific shift timings for each candidate will be indicated on their respective IBPS PO Admit Card 2024. Below are the shift details:
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2.What is the primary purpose of the ‘Anna Darpan’ platform initiated by the Food Corporation of India (FCI)?
A) To increase food prices B) To streamline and enhance supply chain operations C) To promote international trade D) To reduce the number of Mandis E) To eliminate the use of technology in agriculture
B) To streamline and enhance supply chain operations
3.What disease has the World Health Organization (WHO) declared India has successfully eliminated as a public health problem, which is caused by a bacterial infection?
A) Malaria B) Tuberculosis C) Trachoma D) HIV/AIDS E) Leprosy
5.For what contributions were David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John M. Jumper awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry?
A) Development of new antibiotics B) Innovations in drug delivery systems C) Computational protein design and AI-based protein structure prediction D) Discoveries in renewable energy E) Advancements in agricultural biotechnology
9.What is the name of the policy launched by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on October 7, 2024, and what is its main purpose?
A) Sewa Yojana; to enhance road safety B) Humsafar Policy; to enhance convenience and develop wayside amenities on National Highways C) Swachh Bharat Policy; to improve cleanliness on highways D) Suraksha Scheme; to provide insurance for travelers E) Sewa Safar Policy; to promote eco-friendly transportation
B) Humsafar Policy; to enhance convenience and develop wayside amenities on National Highways
10.Where will the 38th Summer National Games be hosted, and where were the 37th National Games conducted?
A) 38th in Uttarakhand, 37th in Goa B) 38th in Goa, 37th in Uttarakhand C) 38th in Punjab, 37th in Kerala D) 38th in Himachal Pradesh, 37th in Maharashtra E) 38th in Delhi, 37th in Karnataka
13.For what contribution was Pappammal awarded the Padma Shri in 2021 who has recently passed away ?
A) Promoting traditional Indian medicine B) Advancements in technology C) Sustainable agriculture and organic farming D) Environmental conservation E) Education reform
Democracy in Action, Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir Voters Give Their Mandate
The recently concluded Assembly elections of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir and the Election Commission announced the result on October, 2024. In Jammu and kashmir alliance led by INC-NC and in Haryana BJP party won the mandate from the people. The elected governments will assume the office for the next five years.
Jammu & Kashmir Elections
Significance:
Marks the return of an elected government after a 6-year gap following the collapse of the PDP-BJP coalition in 2018 and the abrogation of Article 370.
First assembly elections since 2014, conducted in three phases (September 18, September 25, and October 1).
Historic moment for democracy, with citizens voting after a long time.
Results of jammu and kashmir
National Conference (NC): 42 seats
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): 29 seats
Indian National Congress (INC): 6 seats
Haryana Elections: Election Results:
BJP: Won 48 seats, securing its third consecutive term in the state.
Congress: Won 37 seats and was leading in 1 more seat.
Others: INLD – 2, Independents – 3.
Food Corporation of India Launches ‘Anna Darpan’ for Supply Chain Modernization
The Food Corporation of India (FCI), under the Department of Food & Public Distribution, has initiated a comprehensive digital transformation effort to modernize its supply chain management system through the new integrated platform called ‘Anna Darpan.’
Overview of ‘Anna Darpan’:
Purpose: The system aims to streamline and enhance supply chain operations across all levels, including Mandis, Mills, and Depots (both owned and hired) as well as divisional, regional, zonal, and headquarters operations.
Development: The System Integrator for this initiative is M/s Coforge Limited, which signed the contract with FCI on June 14, 2024. Coforge is responsible for the system’s end-to-end design, development, implementation, and maintenance, alongside FCI’s IT Division.
Key Objectives:
The strategic vision of FCI for ‘Anna Darpan’ includes:
Improved Efficiency and Productivity: Streamlining processes to optimize performance across the supply chain.
Interactive and User-Friendly Interface: Designing an intuitive user interface to enhance user interaction.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data analytics to inform strategic and operational decisions.
About the Food Corporation of India (FCI)
Chairman & Managing Director (MD): Ashok Kumar Meena
Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
Established: 1965
International news
WHO declares that India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem in 2024
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that India has successfully eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem, becoming the third country in the South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone.
Certification Event: The official certification was presented to Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the National Health Mission, by Ms. Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, during the WHO Regional Committee meeting in New Delhi.
About Trachoma:
Trachoma is a bacterial eye infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
It is contagious and spreads through contact with the secretions of infected individuals.
If left untreated, it can lead to irreversible blindness.
WHO classifies Trachoma as a neglected tropical disease, affecting around 150 million people globally, with 6 million at risk of severe visual impairment.
Historical Context:
In the 1950s and 1960s, Trachoma was a leading cause of blindness in India.
The National Trachoma Control Program was launched in 1963, later integrated into the National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB).
The prevalence of blindness due to Trachoma decreased from5% in 1971to less than 1% today.
Interventions:
Implementation of the WHO SAFE strategy, which includes Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement.
India was declared free frominfective Trachoma in 2017; however, surveillance for Trachoma cases has continued since 2019.
WHO:
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Founded: 7 April 1948
Director-General: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Banking news
Bank of Baroda Launches ‘BoB Masterstroke Savings Account’ and Appoints Sachin Tendulkar as Brand Ambassador
Bank of Baroda (BOB) introduced the BoB Masterstroke Savings Account, tailored for high-end customers seeking premium banking services. In conjunction with this launch, BOB appointed renowned cricketer Sachin Tendulkar as its global brand ambassador.
Features of BoB Masterstroke Savings Account:
Higher Interest Rates: Offers attractive interest rates through the Flexi Fixed Deposit facility.
Loan Benefits: Provides a 0.25% concession on retail loan interest rates.
Premium Cards: Includes the bob World Opulence Visa Infinite Debit Card (Metal Edition) and a lifetime-free Eterna Credit Card (subject to eligibility).
High Withdrawal Limits: Daily ATM withdrawal limit of ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh for Point of Sale (POS) transactions.
Free Transactions: Unlimited free NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS transactions.
Sweep Facility: Available for account balances over ₹20 lakh, enabling better fund management.
Minimum Balance Requirement: A Quarterly Average Balance (QAB) of ₹10 lakh is required, with a penalty of ₹3,000 for non-compliance each quarter.
Role of Sachin Tendulkar:
As the global brand ambassador, Tendulkar will enhance BOB’s visibility and promote initiatives related to financial literacy and fraud prevention. He will feature in various branding campaigns, starting with “Play The Masterstroke.”
Additional Information:
Oman Operations Sale: BOB plans to sell its operations in Oman to Bank Dhofar as part of its strategy to rationalize foreign operations. This sale is pending approval from relevant regulatory authorities.
The total business of BOB’s operations in Oman was 113.35 million Omani Rial, with a net worth of 25.54 million Omani Rial.
About Bank of Baroda (BOB):
Managing Director (MD) & CEO: Debadatta Chand
Headquarters: Vadodara, Gujarat
Establishment: 1908
Tagline: India’s International Bank
ICICI Bank Partners with PhonePe for Instant UPI Credit
ICICI Bank Limited has partnered with PhonePe, India’s largest digital payments platform, to offer instant credit to its pre-approved customers through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) within the PhonePe application. This initiative aims to enhance the purchasing power of customers ahead of the festive season, allowing them to buy high-ticket items like electronics, travel, hotel bookings, and bill payments.
Key Features:
Credit Line Access: Eligible ICICI Bank customers can access up to ₹2 lakh in credit with a 45-day repayment period.
Interoperability: The credit line facility is interoperable across different UPI payment applications, providing customers with greater flexibility and convenience.
Market Insights:
PhonePe dominates the UPI transaction market, holding a 49% market share of total UPI transaction volumes in India, significantly ahead of competitors like Google Pay (38%).
The PhonePe platform processes transactions worth nearly ₹200 crore per month.
About ICICI Bank Limited:
Managing Director (MD) & CEO: Sandeep Bakshi
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established: 1994
Tagline: “Hum Hai Na, Khyal Apka”
About PhonePe:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Sameer Nigam
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Established: 2015
Award news
Baker, Hassabis, Jumper Awarded Nobel 2024 in Chemistry for Pioneering Protein Research
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to David Baker for his innovative work in computational protein design and to Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper for their groundbreaking AI-based protein structure prediction. These discoveries, recognized by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, represent major advancements in understanding and designing proteins.
Awarded by: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
Winners:
David Baker (University of Washington, USA): Recognized for his pioneering work in computational protein design.
Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper (Google DeepMind, UK): Honored for their groundbreaking AI-based protein structure prediction.
Significance:
These advancements have revolutionized the understanding and design of proteins, contributing to progress in biotechnology and medicine
Defence news
Indian Navy Commissions New Deep-Water Survey Vessel
The Indian Navy has received its latest large Survey Vessel for deep water hydrographic mapping specially designed, Nirdeshak (Yard 3026), second of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships, steered by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and being built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata was delivered to the Indian Navy.
Vessel: Nirdeshak (Yard 3026), the second of four large Survey Vessel (Large) ships.
Design: Guided by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, adhering to Indian Register of Shipping standards for safety and performance.
Background:
The contract for four Survey Vessels was signed on October 30, 2018.
The first ship, INS Sandhayak, was commissioned on February 3, 2024.
Purpose:
Conduct hydrographic surveys, focusing on coastal and deep-water mapping, port approach surveys, and navigational channel determination.
Collect oceanographic and geophysical data for defense and civil applications like marine resource exploration and environmental monitoring.
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.
Multinational Malabar Naval Exercise 2024 Start in the Bay of Bengal
The 28th edition of the multi-national Malabar Naval exercise, hosted by the Indian Navy, commenced in the Bay of Bengal on 8 November 2024. The exercise will be held from 8 to 18 October 2024. The Opening ceremony of the Malabar Naval exercise was held onboard the Indian Naval Ship Satpura at Visakhapatnam on 9 October 2024.
Background:
The Malabar exercise began as a bilateral initiative between the Indian and United States navies in 1992 and has evolved into a Quad Naval Exercise with the participation of India, Japan, Australia, and the United States.
Japan joined in 2015, and Australia has been a participant since 2007.
The 27th edition was hosted by the Royal Australian Navy near Sydney in August 2023.
Objectives:
The exercise aims to enhance cooperation among the navies of the participating nations, focusing on advanced warfare tactics, collective planning, and regional security.
The Quad’s primary goal is to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region, encompassing the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific Ocean.
Exercise Phases:
The Malabar exercise is divided into two main phases:
Sea Exercise: Focuses on combat operations.
Harbour Exercise: Aims to foster camaraderie among naval personnel from participating countries.
Naval Participation:
Approximately eight naval ships and 12 aircraft are involved in the exercise.
Indian Navy:
Guided-missile destroyer INS Delhi and four support ships.
United States Navy: Guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey and P-8 Poseidon aircraft.
Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force: Murasame-class destroyer JS Ariake.
Royal Australian Navy: Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart and P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
Scheme news
Launch of Humsafar Policy by Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari launched the Humsafar Policy in New Delhi on 7 October 2024. Nitin Gadkari launched the policy at a function in the presence of the Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Ajay Tamta, Chairman of National Highway Authority of India ( NHAI), Santosh Kumar Yadav and senior officers of the ministry and the NHAI.
Objectives of the Humsafar Policy
Enhance Convenience: Aims to improve the travel experience on National Highways and Expressways.
Development of Wayside Amenities: Focuses on creating world-class facilities for travelers.
Service Provider Framework: Establishes standards for service providers, including eateries, fuel stations, and trauma centers along highways.
Hygienic Facilities: Ensures standardized and well-maintained amenities for commuters.
Instant Access to Information: Travelers can find details of nearby service providers through the NHAI’s Rajmarg Yatra app.
Key Differences Between Highways and Expressways
Ownership:
National Highways are managed by the central government.
Expressways can be owned by either central or state governments.
Design and Functionality:
National Highways: Connect important cities and ports; prioritize connectivity over speed with frequent entry and exit points.
Expressways: Designed for fast-moving vehicles with controlled access, fewer sharp curves, and higher speed limits.
The Humsafar Policy aims to significantly improve the infrastructure and services available on National Highways and Expressways, enhancing safety and convenience for all travelers.
Sports news
Uttarakhand to host next Summer and Winter National Games
The Indian Olympic Association has chosen Uttarakhand to host the 38th Summer National Games.The state will also hold the next Winter Games. The 37th National Games was held in Goa from 25 September -9 November 2023.
Event Overview:
Host State: Uttarakhand
Dates: January 28 – February 14, 2025
Organizer: Indian Olympic Association (IOA)
Key Points:
Uttarakhand has been selected to host the 38th Summer National Games.
This event will also include the next Winter Games, marking a significant milestone as it will be the first time the Winter Games are held outside Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The 37th National Games were recently conducted in Goa from September 25 to November 9, 2023.
Future Planning:
Details regarding the venues, events, and schedules will be finalized during the IOA’s General Assembly meeting scheduled forOctober 25, 2024.
About the National Games:
The National Games are organized by the IOA and hosted by state governments, aiming to identify and promote athletic talent for representation at theSummer Olympics.
They are held on the Olympic model, and although initially planned to occur every two years, the schedule has become irregular after the 24th edition.
The first National Games took place in 1924 in Lahore (now in Pakistan) and were originally known as the All-India Olympic Games; the name was changed to National Games in 1940.
Important days
Celebrating World Post Day: Honoring Postal Services
World Post Day is celebrated each year on 9 October. The event was declared by the 1969 Universal Postal Congress in Tokyo as a means to mark the anniversary of the Universal Postal Union’s (UPU) creation in 1874.
Date & Significance:
Celebrated annually on October 9 to mark the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland.
Aims to raise awareness of the role of postal services in communication and development.
History: Declared during the UPU Congress in Tokyo, Japan, in 1969.
2024 Theme:
“150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations”.
Commemorates UPU’s 150 years of achievements and highlights its commitment to fostering communication for peace, prosperity, and global understanding.
World Mental Health Day 2024
World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10, was first initiated in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). This global observance aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental health care worldwide.
History: Initiated in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH).
Objective:
To raise global awareness about mental health issues.
Mobilize efforts to support mental health care.
Significance:
Provides a platform for stakeholders in mental health to discuss their work.
Encourages action to improve access to mental health care for all people worldwide.
Obituary news
Passing of Pappammal, Renowned Organic Farmer and Padma Shri Awardee
Pappammal, also known as Rangammal, was a celebrated Indian organic farmer who made significant contributions to sustainable agriculture in Tamil Nadu. She was honored with the Padma Shri award by the Government of India in 2021 for her exceptional work in promoting organic farming practices.
Contributions:
Pappammal was closely associated with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), where she played a vital role in educating farmers about modern farming technologies and practices.
She organized various discussion forums through TNAU’s extension department, impacting thousands of farmers in the region.
Annual Calendar for Recruitment through RRBs for the Year 2025
In accordance with the approval of the Board (CRB & CEO), the following Annual Recruitment Calendar for 2025 has been established for Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs).
Important Notes:
Zonal Railways and Production Units are advised to deduct any vacancies already indented for recruitment in 2024 while finalizing assessed vacancies if the recruitment process is incomplete.
The Chairperson, RRB/Bengaluru, will circulate a detailed schedule for assessing vacancies. Zonal Railways, Production Units, and RRBs should take immediate action as indicated and provide updates for the Board’s information and consideration.
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Nijut Moina Scheme Launched in Assam to Fight Child Marriage
In a significant move to fight against child marriage in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta BiswaSarma of Assam has initiated the disbursement of monthly financial assistance under the Nijut Moina scheme. This step marks a decisive phase in the government’s ongoing battle against this social issue, aiming to provide crucial support to families and empower young girls to pursue their education and well-being.
Main objectives
To increase enrollment of girl students in Higher Education.
To increase the percentage of girls educated beyond matriculation in Assam.
To reduce dropouts among girl students.
To increase the overall GER of the State.
To eliminate the social evil of child marriage
CM’s Remarks
On the occasion Navratri, our war against child marriage has entered into a decisive phase as we began disbursing monthly financial assistance under scheme.
On the 11th (day) of every month, Assam’s daughters will receive fixed payments to be in college
Nijut Moina is unique as it incentivises positive social outcomes, funds higher education, reduces family expenses and bars child marriage by encouraging girls to remain in college.
The scheme aims to cover 10 lakh girl students with an outlay of Rs 1,500 crore.
He Also mentioned overwhelming evidence of past efforts that steered the government to take this initiative.
Studies showed how Assam’s crackdown on child marriage has arrested maternal and infant mortality rates. With Nijut Moina, this social evil will get a final nail in the coffin.
Scope of Applicability
Target Group
Financial assistance is available for girl students enrolled in government and venture educational institutions at the following levels:
Higher Secondary First Year
Graduation First Year (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com)
Post-Graduation First Year (M.A., M.Sc., M.Com, B.Ed)
Disciplinary Requirements
Students must adhere to their institution’s rules and regulations. Violations may lead to withdrawal of benefits.
Girls receiving scooters under the Banikanta Kakati Award or daughters of ministers, MPs, and MLAs are not eligible.
Financial Incentives
Higher Secondary: ₹1,000 per month for a maximum of 10 months (total ₹10,000 per year).
Graduation: ₹1,250 per month for a maximum of 10 months (total ₹12,500 per year).
Post-Graduation: ₹2,500 per month for a maximum of 10 months (total ₹25,000 per year).
Exclusions: No payments will be made during summer or prolonged vacations, and the scheme is not effective in June and July.
India-Maldives Economic Aid and Currency Swap Agreement
India extended significant financial assistance to the Maldives, including a $750 millioncurrency swap to ease the Maldives’ foreign exchange crisis. This includes a $400 million swap and ₹3,000 crore ($357 million) under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework, valid until 2027.
Debt Management: The currency swap will help the Maldives manage its foreign exchange reserves, which are under pressure due to an external debt of 110% of its GDP, primarily from Chinese loans.
Bilateral Trade: India and the Maldives are initiating discussions on a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aiming to deepen economic ties and counterbalance Chinese influence.
Strategic Projects: Key projects include the development of a commercial port at Thilafushi Island, refitting of a Coast Guard ship, tourism and agriculture expansion, and the inauguration of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport runway.
Security Collaboration: India reaffirmed its role as the Maldives’ “first responder” in crisis situations, with both nations agreeing to strengthen maritime security cooperation.
Reconciliation: Despite previous political tensions, Indian and Maldivian leaders reconciled, focusing on mutual benefits and strategic cooperation in economic and security sectors.
India-UAE UPI-AANI Integration and Economic Cooperation
India and UAE are interlinking their national payment systems, UPI (India) and AANI (UAE), to enable seamless cross-border transactions and real-time remittances. This initiative will benefit over 3 million Indians living in the UAE, promoting speed, transparency, and cost efficiency in cross-border payments.
JAYWAN Card Scheme: NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) is collaborating with Al Etihad Payments (AEP) to launch the JAYWAN card scheme in the UAE. Based on India’s RuPay card platform, this will enhance UAE’s digital payment sovereignty.
12th India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments (HLJTFI): Co-chaired by Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this task force promotes trade, investment, and economic ties between the two nations.
Food Parks: The UAE has committed to investing $2 billion in Indian food parks over the next 2-2.5 years to secure food security for the UAE, increase incomes for Indian farmers, and create jobs for Indian youth. A working group will focus on creating food corridors for this mission.
RBI Maintains Repo Rate at 6.50%, Adopts Neutral Stance to Balance Inflation and Growth
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has maintained the policy repo rate at 6.50% for the tenth consecutive time since February 2023. Consequently, the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate remains at 6.25%, and both the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and Bank Rate are at 6.75%.
Key Highlights:
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has adopted a ‘neutral’ monetary policy stance, prioritizing inflation control while supporting economic growth.
The policy’s goal is to achieve consumer price index (CPI) inflation of 4% (with a tolerance band of ±2%).
India’s real GDP grew by 6.7% in Q1 of FY 2024-25, primarily due to private consumption and investment.
The next MPC meeting is scheduled for December 4-6, 2024.
RBI:
Formed in 1935
Headquarters: Mumbai
Governor: Shaktikanta Das
Award news
Physics Nobel Prize 2024: AI pioneers John Hopfield & Geoffrey Hinton
The Royal Swedish Academy of Science, Stockholm, Sweden, has chosen John J. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton for the Nobel Prize in Physics for the year 2024.
American John Hopfield and British-Canadian Geoffrey Hinton were chosen for their pioneering work in the development of artificial intelligence (AI). They have been honoured for their discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks.
Both the winners will share the prize money of 11 million Swedish kroner, and they will be conferred the prize on 10 December 2024 in Stockholm.
About the Work of the Nobel Prize winner
John Hopfield was honoured with his invention of a network that uses a specific method for saving and recreating patterns.Geoffrey Hinton,also known as the godfather of artificial Intelligence, developed a new type of network using the Hopfield network, which revolutionised machine learning.
Machine learning is a branch of computer science that uses data and algorithms to enable artificial intelligence to mimic the way humans learn and continuously improve its accuracy.
Artificial intelligence is a technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem-solving, decision-making, creativity, and autonomy.
Indian/Indian origin scientists to win Physics Nobel Prize
The first Indian who won the Nobel Prize in Physics was Sir Chandrashekhara Venkata Raman (C.V. Raman) in 1930.
In 1983, Indian -American Subhramanayam Chandrashekhar got the Nobel Prize for Physics.
Nobel Prize in Physics
The first person to receive the Prize was Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen of Germany in 1901. Rontgen discovered electromagnetic rays, which he named X-rays. These revolutionised diagnostic medicine.
John Bardeen of the United States of America is the only person to have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics twice, in 1956 and 1972.
In 2023, Pierre Agostini (France), Ferenc Krausz (Hungarian-Austrian) and Anne L’Huillier(France) were awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize.
Nobel Prize
The Nobel Prize was founded in memory of Alfred Nobel, who, in his will, asked to establish a foundation to give prizes to those persons or institutions that, during the preceding year, had conferred the greatest benefit to “humankind.”
The Nobel Foundation was established in 1900, and the first prize was in 1901.
Appointment news
RBI Deputy Governor M. Rajeshwar Rao’s Tenure Extended for One Year
The Indian government has approved a one-year extension for M. Rajeshwar Rao as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), effective from October 9, 2024. This marks his second consecutive one-year extension.
Approval: The extension was sanctioned by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as per a notification dated October 4, 2024.
Previous Appointment: Rao was initially appointed as Deputy Governor in October 2020 for a three-year term, which was extended by one year in October 2023.
Professional Background: M. Rajeshwar Rao holds an economics degree and an MBA from the University of Cochin. He joined the RBI in 1984 and served in various roles, including as executive director from November 2016.
India Announces Key Ambassadorial Appointments
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has named Sanjeev Kumar Singla as India’s next Ambassador to France, a key diplomatic role reflecting India’s strong ties with France.
Current Role: Singla is currently serving as India’s Ambassador to Israel.
Background: A 1997-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Singla brings a wealth of experience, including his prior role as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Strategic Importance: This appointment underscores the significance of the India-France partnership, particularly in areas such as defense, technology, and economic cooperation.
BCCI Appointment of New Anti-Corruption Unit Chief
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a significant move in its fight against corruption by appointing retired IPS officer Sharad Kumar as the new chief of its Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). This strategic appointment brings decades of law enforcement experience to cricket administration.
Dipa Karmakar Announces Retirement: The End of a Historic Gymnastics Journey
Dipa Karmakar, India’s pioneering gymnast, announced her retirement at age 30, marking the end of an illustrious career.
Rio 2016 Olympics: She gained national fame after finishing 4th at the 2016 Rio Olympics, performing the highly risky “Produnova” vault, often called the “vault of death.” Her near-podium finish earned her global recognition despite not winning a medal.
Career Highlights: Karmakar won a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Her career was hampered by injuries and knee surgeries, leading to her decision to retire after failing to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Important days
Indian Air Force Day 2024: Theme, Slogan, Significance and Historical Journey
India celebrates its 92nd Indian Air Force Day on October 8, 2024, at Marina Beach in Chennai, featuring a grand airshow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m..
Distinguished Attendees: Key figures include:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh
Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam
Theme: The theme for 2024 is “Bhartiya Vayu Sena: Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar” (Potent, Powerful, and Self-Reliant), highlighting the IAF’s focus on self-sufficiency, modernization, and operational excellence.
Commitment to Modernization: The theme reflects IAF’s dedication to:
Enhancing operational readiness
Advancing technological capabilities
Innovating in defence
Achieving self-reliance in defence production
Historical Journey: The IAF was founded onOctober 8, 1932, beginning as an auxiliary air force under British administration. Its first flight took place onApril 1, 1933, and over the last nine decades, the IAF has grown into one of the world’s most powerful air forces.
5.Who were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for the year 2024 for their pioneering work in artificial intelligence?
A) Albert Einstein and Richard Feynman B) John J. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton C) Stephen Hawking and Niels Bohr D) Marie Curie and Max Planck E) Roger Penrose and Andre Geim
