Table of Contents
National News
Classical Language Status Granted to Marathi, Bengali, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese
In a significant move, the Union Cabinet approved the conferral of classical language status to Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit on October 3, 2024. This decision, following long-pending demands, highlights India’s rich linguistic heritage and aims to preserve and promote these ancient languages.
Shyamji Krishna Varma: Revolutionary Patriot and Nationalist on His Birth Anniversary
Shyamji Krishna Varma (4 October 1857 – 30 March 1930), an Indian revolutionary, played a pivotal role in India’s fight for independence. He founded the Indian Home Rule Society, India House, and The Indian Sociologist in London, which became key platforms for nationalist movements abroad. A scholar of Sanskrit and Indian languages, he was deeply influenced by Swami Dayanand Saraswati and Herbert Spencer, advocating for aggressive resistance to colonialism. Despite facing persecution, Varma’s work inspired future generations of freedom fighters.
Cabinet Approves 78-Day Productivity Linked Bonus for Railway Employees
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a ₹2,028.57 crore Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for 11.72 lakh railway employees, recognizing their exceptional performance in the 2023-24 financial year. Each eligible employee will receive a maximum bonus of ₹17,951, typically disbursed ahead of the Durga Puja and Dussehra holidays. This initiative aims to motivate staff across various categories, including track maintainers, loco pilots, and station masters, by incentivizing continuous improvements in operational efficiency and service delivery.
International News
Sheinbaum Leads as Mexico’s First Woman President
Claudia Sheinbaum made history by being sworn in as Mexico’s first female president, marking a significant milestone for the nation. Taking office after outgoing president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, her close ally from the Morena party, Sheinbaum’s leadership symbolizes a continuation of progressive policies.
Bharat Electronics and Israel Aerospace Industries Form Joint Venture
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna defense PSU, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel’s leading aerospace and defense company, have established a joint venture (JV) named BEL IAI AeroSystems Private Ltd. The JV, headquartered in Delhi, aims to serve as the single point of contact for long-term product support of the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) systems utilized by India’s defense forces. This partnership underscores the long-standing collaboration between BEL and IAI on various strategic programs, enhancing India’s defense capabilities while aligning with the government’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
Defence News
Arti Sarin: First Woman DG of Armed Forces Medical Services
Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, became the first woman officer to take over as the Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS). The DGAFMS is directly responsible to the Ministry of Defence for overall medical policy matters which relate to the Armed Forces.
Schemes News
Cabinet Approves PM-RKVY and Krishonnati Yojana for Sustainable Agriculture
Business News
Reliance Group Collaborates with Bhutan on Renewable Energy
Anil Ambani’s Reliance Group is making significant strides into Bhutan’s renewable energy sector by planning the development of 1,270 megawatts of solar and hydroelectric power projects. In a strategic partnership with Druk Holding and Investments Ltd (DHI), the commercial arm of the Bhutanese government.
Adani and Google Partner to Boost Clean Energy in India
In a new partnership aimed at enhancing sustainability, the Adani Group will supply renewable energy from its upcoming solar-wind hybrid project in Khavda, Gujarat, to Google starting in 2025. The Khavda project, located in the world’s largest renewable energy facility, is set to begin commercial operations in Q3 2025. With a strong track record in large-scale renewable projects, Adani will provide tailored energy solutions to support Google’s carbon-free energy goal and help reduce the carbon footprints of industrial clients.
Science & Technology News
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Launches to ISS for Science Expedition
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission successfully launched on Sept. 28, 2024, from Space Launch Complex-40, Cape Canaveral, at 1:17 p.m. EDT. The mission is part of NASA’s continued efforts to support scientific research aboard the ISS. Astronaut Nick Hague and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will spend five months aboard the space station, conducting crucial scientific experiments.
State News
PM Modi Inaugurates GAIL’s First CBG Plant in Jharkhand
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated GAIL (India) Limited’s Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) plant in Ranchi, Jharkhand, via virtual mode during a ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, marking Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024. This facility, with a feedstock processing capacity of 150 Tonnes Per Day (TPD) and a production capacity of 5 Tonnes Per Day (TPD), represents an investment of ₹26 crore and aims to convert the organic fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) into renewable energy.
Nagaland Gears Up for 25th Hornbill Festival Celebration
The Department of Tourism in Nagaland is set to celebrate the 25th Hornbill Festival, marking its silver jubilee from December 1 to 10 at the Heritage Village, Kisama. Dr. G. Hukugha Sema, Commissioner and Secretary for Tourism, expressed excitement, stating it’s going to be a remarkable festival.
PM Modi Launches Gaushala with Bio-CNG Plant in MP
Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the ‘Lal Tipara Gaushala’ with Bio-CNG plant in Gwalior and launched various development projects of Rs 685 crore in Madhya Pradesh on the occasion of Swachhta Diwas. Swachhta Diwas is observed on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) every year.
Sports News
Praveen Jayawickrama Receives 1 Year Ban for ICC Anti-Corruption Breach
Sri Lanka spinner Praveen Jayawickrama has been banned from all forms of cricket for one year, with the last six months suspended, for breaching the sport’s anti-corruption code, as per International Cricket Council (ICC). According to ICC charges related to the Sri Lanka Premier League and International Cricket.
Carlos Alcaraz Shocks World No. 1 Sinner in Final
Two upcoming tennis giants featured in the final game of the China Open 2024, Carlos Alcaraz from Spain beat the World No.1 Jannick Sinner from Italy in the final game and won the title. The Spaniard has beaten the Sinner three times this year in all competitions.
Important Days
World Animal Day 2024: Celebrating Our Planet’s Creatures
World Animal Day stands as a global celebration dedicated to illuminating the critical issues of animal rights, welfare, and conservation. This annual observance serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility towards the countless species that inhabit our planet alongside us. As we approach the 2024 celebration, it’s essential to understand the depth and significance of this important day.
World Space Week, 2024 Observed from 4 to 10 October
World Space Week (WSW) is an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition. The United Nations General Assembly declared in 1999 that World Space Week will be held each year from October 4-10.
Miscellaneous News
Assam’s Cultural Heritage: Eight Traditional Products Receive GI Tags
The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai has recently granted prestigious GI tags to eight unique products from the Assam region, marking a significant milestone in preserving and recognizing the cultural heritage of the Bodo community. These products encompass traditional food items and distinctive varieties of rice beer, each carrying centuries of cultural significance and traditional knowledge.
21st December 2024 Current Affairs (Dail...
20th December 2024 Current Affairs (Dail...
19th December 2024 Current Affairs (Dail...
