Current Affairs - October 7, 2024 Current Affairs

The Assam government introduced the 'Nijut Moina' scheme, which offers monthly stipends to female students in order to promote women's education and reduce dropout rates. The scheme provides ₹1,000 for higher secondary students, ₹1,250 for degree students, and ₹2,500 for post-graduation students. With a budget of ₹1,500 crore over 5 years, this initiative reflects Assam's efforts to support and enhance educational opportunities for women from class 11 through post-graduation.

DRDO conducted three successful flight tests of the 4th Generation VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System) on October 3-4, 2024, at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. These tests demonstrated the missile’s critical performance parameters, including its range, altitude, and hit-to-kill capability. The VSHORADS was developed indigenously, supporting India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, which focuses on self-reliance in defence technology.

Vaishnavi Pawar played a crucial role in securing the silver medal for India in the recurve U-18 women's team event at the 2024 Asian Youth Archery Championship. Alongside teammates Pranjal Tholiya and Jannat, Pawar demonstrated exceptional skill and composure under pressure. As the first shooter in every round, she set the tone for the team's success. The Indian team's impressive run included a thrilling semi-final shoot-off victory over South Korea, highlighting Pawar's leadership and archery prowess. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Pawar's budding career.

The 77th session of the WHO Southeast Asia Region took place in New Delhi, where Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda addressed several significant points. He emphasized the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which provides healthcare benefits to over 120 million families, and India's support for the WHO's Global Traditional Medicine Centre initiative. Additionally, he mentioned the establishment of clinics and centres under the National Programme for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) for early preventive care. Nadda was also elected as the Chairperson of the WHO Southeast Asia session, reflecting India's leadership role in health initiatives.

The MALABAR 2024 naval drill is set to begin on October 8 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This year's exercise, hosted by India, includes participation from Australia, Japan, and the United States. The drill will commence with a Harbour Phase in Visakhapatnam, followed by a Sea Phase, running until October 18. The exercise aims to enhance cooperation and operational capabilities among the participating navies, focusing on critical areas such as special operations, surface warfare, air warfare, and anti-submarine warfare. These coordinated activities will help improve situational awareness in the maritime domain.

World Cerebral Palsy Day 2024 is observed globally on October 6. The theme for this year, ‘Uniquely CP,’ focuses on raising awareness and promoting inclusivity for individuals with cerebral palsy. The day serves to highlight the challenges faced by those with the condition while celebrating their unique talents and abilities. Programs organized by DEPwD aim to shed light on the message that disability does not define a person’s identity, encouraging society to recognize their strengths and contributions.

Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun, two American scientists, have been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA. Their research has significantly advanced our understanding of how organisms develop and function. The Nobel Prize committee recognized their pioneering work, which has opened up new avenues for research in molecular biology and disease treatment. The United States has a long history of producing Nobel laureates, and this award adds to the country's impressive list of scientific achievements. Ambros and Ruvkun share the 1.1 million dollar prize.

The GREEN Meghalaya Plus Scheme aims to expand forest conservation by offering monetary rewards to villages, communities, clans, or individuals who protect forested areas. This initiative is part of the state government's Payment for Ecosystem Services program, launched in 2022, which supports the conservation of natural forests for a minimum of 30 years. The scheme has already benefited over 3,000 individuals and communities, conserving more than 54,000 hectares of natural forest. By expanding forest conservation by an additional 50,000 hectares, the program promotes sustainable ecosystem management and contributes to a greener future for Meghalaya.

The Banjara Virasat Museum, located in Pohardevi, Washim, Maharashtra, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister to showcase the Banjara community's rich heritage through 13 galleries. This museum honours the community's spiritual leaders, Sant Sevalal Maharaj and Sant Ramrao Maharaj. Notably, Sant Sevalal Maharaj's final resting place or Samadhi is also situated at Pohradevi in Maharashtra's Washim district, known as Banjara Kashi. This initiative highlights the government's efforts to preserve and promote India's diverse cultural heritage.

World Cotton Day is observed annually on October 7 to raise awareness about the significance of cotton as a vital global commodity and to highlight the challenges faced by cotton farmers and the cotton industry. The day brings attention to the socio-economic importance of cotton production, especially for developing countries. India, as the second-largest cotton producer after China, plays a crucial role in this global industry. The celebration also emphasizes the need for sustainable cotton farming practices.

The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has increased its stake in the Bank of Maharashtra from 4.05% to 7.10% by allotting 25.96 crore equity shares at ₹57.36 each through a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP). This strategic investment indicates LIC’s confidence in the bank's growth potential and aims to bolster its balance sheet for future expansion plans. The increase in shareholding surpasses 5%, demonstrating LIC's commitment to supporting the public sector bank. This move aligns with LIC's overall investment strategy amidst its recent adjustments in other holdings.

Adani Group launched India's largest hydrogen blending project, blending 2.2-2.3% green hydrogen in piped natural gas in Ahmedabad. This initiative aims to reduce emissions and align with net-zero goals. The hydrogen is produced using renewable energy through electrolysis, a process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. This blended hydrogen is then supplied to households, representing a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions and carbon reduction in India.

World Habitat Day is observed annually on the first Monday of October, which falls on October 7 2024. This day emphasizes the importance of providing decent and safe living conditions for all. The 2024 theme, "Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future," highlights the need for youth involvement in shaping sustainable urban environments. Since its inception in 1985, World Habitat Day has raised awareness about housing and urban development issues, promoting global cooperation and action to address these challenges. The United Nations General Assembly designated the first Monday in October for this observance.

Pankaj Advani won the Songhe Singapore Open Snooker title by defeating Jaden Ong with a score of 5-1. In the tournament, he also secured a narrow 4-3 victory over Thailand's Dechawat Poomjaeng in the quarterfinals. Advani showcased his dominance in the final, winning the last frame with a score of 74-6. This victory adds to Advani's illustrious career, and he is set to defend his world billiards title in Doha in November 2024.