- National:
- The Ministry of Power (MoP) has launched the CSIRT–POWER facility to protect India’s power sector from cyber threats. This facility will coordinate incident responses, enhance cybersecurity measures, and share information on sector-specific threats.
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- Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) signed a contract with Morocco on September 30, 2024, to produce 150 8x8 Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) vehicles. The manufacturing facility in Casablanca is expected to be operational within a year, with the first vehicles rolling out within 18 months.
- On October 3, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved India’s decision to join the International Energy Efficiency Hub. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to enhancing energy efficiency and promoting sustainable development.
- On October 3, 2024, the Union Cabinet granted classical language status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. This recognition underscores the historical and cultural importance of these languages. It’s a significant step in preserving and promoting India’s rich linguistic heritage
- The Special Campaign 4.0 was launched at Akashvani Stations and Offices on 2nd October 2024, as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Led by Dr. Pragya Paliwal Gaur, the campaign focuses on cleanliness and sanitation across Prasar Bharati offices until 31st October 2024. Over 300 Akashvani Kendras are involved, targeting more than 1000 locations for cleaning activities.
- On October 2nd, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the ‘Bapu Tower’ in Patna to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. The tower, located at Gandhi Maidan, is a museum dedicated to Gandhi’s life and his connection to Bihar. It aims to inspire visitors with Gandhi’s teachings and promote his values of peace and harmony.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Lal Tipara Gaushala with a Bio-CNG plant in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, on October 2nd. The plant will produce three tonnes of natural gas daily from 100 tonnes of cow dung and generate 20 tonnes of organic manure. This initiative aims to promote sustainable practices and convert waste into wealth.
- On October 2, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. This initiative aims to develop around 63,843 tribal villages, benefiting over 5 crore tribal people. It includes 25 interventions by 17 ministries, focusing on social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood.
- International:
- Nepal, India, and Bangladesh signed a tripartite agreement on October 3, 2024, in Kathmandu. The agreement aims to facilitate cross-border electricity trade, allowing Nepal to export surplus electricity to Bangladesh via India during the rainy season (June 15 to November 15).
- The UK has decided to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, announced on October 3, 2024. This agreement includes provisions for the resettlement of displaced Chagossians while the UK and US will retain control over the Diego Garcia military base for the next 99 years.
- MoUs:
- The Department of Posts and Amazon signed a landmark MoU on October 4, 2024, in New Delhi. This collaboration aims to enhance logistics by leveraging DoP’s extensive postal network for Amazon’s parcel deliveries across India. It focuses on synchronizing logistics operations, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-sharing opportunities, benefiting both parties by improving efficiency and expanding reach.
- India and Nepal signed 12 MoUs for High Impact Community Development Projects on September 27, 2024, at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu. These projects, worth NRs. 474 million, aim to improve infrastructure in education, healthcare, agriculture, and water supply. Since 2003, India has completed 490 out of 563 such projects in Nepal, enhancing local community development.
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) signed an MoU with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) on October 4, 2024, in New Delhi. This partnership aims to promote sustainable energy in healthcare by installing rooftop solar panels at 15 ICMR institutes, totaling 4,559 KW. The initiative supports India’s renewable energy goals and ensures long-term cost efficiency for ICMR.
- Science & Technology:
- Earth is getting a temporary “mini-moon”! The asteroid, named 2024 PT5, was discovered in August and is about the size of a school bus, approximately 10 meters wide. It entered Earth’s orbit on September 29 and will remain with us until November 25.
- Index & Ranking:
- Kerala topped the Urban Governance Index (UGI) 2024, released by the Praja Foundation, with a score of 59.31%. The state excelled in fiscal empowerment and participatory governance. Odisha followed in second place with 55.10%. The index evaluated urban governance across Indian cities based on 42 indicators.
- Apps & Portals:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Single Window IT System (SWIT), developed by Dev Information Technology, to streamline business operations in India’s International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs). This platform aims to simplify procedures, enhance transparency, and boost efficiency for companies setting up in these financial zones.
- Defence:
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has received approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to form a joint venture with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The new entity, BEL IAI AeroSystems Private Limited, will focus on maintaining and supporting the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, enhancing India’s air defense capabilities.
- Appointments:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Shri Aviral Jain as the new Executive Director, effective October 1, 2024. He previously served as the Regional Director for Maharashtra and has over 30 years of experience in key areas like supervision and currency management.
- Awards & Honours:
- Alexander Dunn has been awarded the 2024 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize. The award will be presented during the International Conference on Number Theory at SASTRA University in Kumbakonam, South India, from December 20-22, 2024.
Questions:
1 Which state topped the Urban Governance Index (UGI) 2024, released by Praja Foundation?
- A) Tamil Nadu
- B) Maharashtra
- C) Kerala
- D) Gujarat
2 Who has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) effective October 1, 2024?
- A) Aviral Jain
- B) Saugata Bhattacharya
- C) Ram Singh
- D) Nagesh Kumar
