Current Affairs Oner - Liner : 10th October 2024

• National:
• On October 2, 2024, eight products used by Assam’s Bodo Tribe received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. These include Bodo Handloom Textiles, Traditional Rice Beer (Jou), Bamboo Handicrafts, Traditional Ornaments, Herbal Medicines, Musical Instruments, Traditional Attire (Dokhona), and Traditional Food Items. This recognition helps preserve their cultural heritage and promotes their unique identity.

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have launched a new system to block fraudulent calls, especially those spoofed to appear as local numbers but originating internationally. This initiative, rolled out in two phases, currently blocks about 4.5 million spoofed calls daily. Users can report suspicious calls via the ‘Chakshu’ facility on the Sanchar Saathi platform.
• The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) has integrated the UMANG app with DigiLocker, enhancing access to government services. This allows users to manage multiple services through a single platform, simplifying citizen-government interactions.
• The Union Cabinet approved the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, on October 9, 2024. This complex aims to showcase India’s rich maritime history and heritage, featuring various exhibits and interactive displays.
• The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of fortified rice supply under all government schemes until December 2028. This initiative aims to combat nutritional deficiencies by providing rice enriched with essential vitamins and minerals like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. It is part of the government’s broader strategy to improve nutritional security across India.
• The ‘Study in India’ campaign was launched on October 9, 2024, at the 20th International Education Show in Sharjah. This initiative aims to attract international students to Indian universities by highlighting the diverse educational opportunities available in India.
• The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has suspended Delhi’s National Zoological Park for six months due to concerns over the welfare of Shankar, a solitary African elephant. The zoo must either relocate Shankar or improve his living conditions by April 7, 2025.
• International:
• The Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between India and the UAE came into effect on August 31, 2024. It aims to enhance economic cooperation and protect investments between the two countries. Key features include investment protection, dispute resolution mechanisms, and balancing investor protection with the state’s right to regulate.
• Banking:
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.50% for the tenth consecutive time. This decision aims to balance inflation control with economic growth. The repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks.
• Jio Financial Services Ltd (JFSL) and BlackRock received in-principle approval from SEBI to set up a mutual fund business on October 3, 2024. This approval marks a significant step for both companies as they venture into the Indian mutual fund market.
• Apps & Portals:
• The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has launched ANNA DARPAN, a digital platform aimed at modernizing its supply chain management. This initiative integrates operations across Mandis, mills, and depots, enhancing efficiency and transparency.
• Sports:
• Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from professional tennis after a remarkable 23-year career. The 38-year-old Spaniard, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, will make his final appearance at the Davis Cup Finals in November.
• The Indian women’s team won a historic bronze medal at the Asian Table Tennis Championships on October 9, 2024, in Astana, Kazakhstan. This was India’s first-ever medal in the women’s team event at this championship. The team included Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula, Ayhika Mukherjee, Suthirtha Mukherjee, and Diya Chitale.
• Important Days:
• World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10th, focuses on “Mental Health at Work” this year. It highlights the importance of supportive work environments for mental well-being. The day aims to raise awareness and encourage actions to improve mental health in workplaces.
• Appointments:
• Manish Tiwary has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Nestlé India Limited, effective August 1, 2025. The announcement was made on October 7, 2024. Tiwary, who previously held a senior position at Amazon India, will succeed Suresh Narayanan, who is set to retire on July 31, 2025.
• Awards & Honours:
• The 70th National Film Awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu on October 8, 2024. Rishab Shetty won Best Actor for Kantara, while Nithya Menen and Manasi Parekh shared Best Actress for Thiruchitrambalam and Kutch Express. Aattam won Best Feature Film, and Kantara was named Best Popular Film.
• Obituaries:
• Dr. P. Venugopal, a pioneer in cardiac surgery and former Director of AIIMS, passed away on October 8, 2024, at 82. He performed India’s first heart transplant and conducted over 50,000 heart surgeries.

Questions:

1 Where was the Asian Table Tennis Championships held in 2024?

• A) Tokyo, Japan
• B) Beijing, China
• C) Astana, Kazakhstan
• D) Seoul, South Korea

Answer: C) The 2024 Asian Table Tennis Championships took place in Astana, Kazakhstan, where the Indian women’s team secured their historic bronze medal.

2 On which date is World Mental Health Day observed annually?

• A) September 10
• B) October 10
• C) November 10
• D) December 10

Answer: B) World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 every year to raise awareness about mental health issues and mobilize efforts to support mental well-being.