IMPORTANT DAYS

World Post Day 2024 celebrated on October 9.

• World Post Day is celebrated annually on October 9.

• This day marks the anniversary of the Universal Postal Union's founding in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland.

• In 2024, the UPU will commemorate its 150th anniversary.

• The Universal Postal Congress in Tokyo declared October 9 as World Post Day in 1969.

• The theme for this year is “150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations.”

• World Post Day aims to raise awareness about the postal sector's significance in daily life for individuals and businesses.

• The celebration highlights the vital role of postal services in fostering communication across nations.

SPORTS

India will host World Pickleball Championship series in Mumbai

• The inaugural World Pickleball Championship series in India will take place in Mumbai from November 12 to 17, 2024.

• Approximately 650 players from 6 to 7 countries are expected to participate in the championship.

• The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) is the organizing body for this event.

• Previously, the championship was held in locations such as Vietnam and Bali.

• Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, making it a unique and rapidly growing sport.

• The AIPA, founded by Sunil Valavalkar in 2007, serves as the governing body for pickleball in India.

• This event marks the first time India will host the World Pickleball Championship series.

NATIONAL NEWS

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a majority in 90-member Haryana Legislative Assembly.

• The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a majority in the 90-member Haryana Legislative Assembly, winning 48 seats.

• This victory marks the BJP's third consecutive term in Haryana.

• In Haryana, Congress won 37 seats, while the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) secured two seats.

• BJP leader and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini emerged victorious from the Ladwa constituency.

• Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, representing Congress, won in the Julana constituency.

• Polling for the Haryana assembly was conducted on October 5.

• In Jammu and Kashmir, the National Conference and Congress alliance is poised to form the next government, with the National Conference winning 42 seats and Congress 6.

• The BJP managed to secure 29 seats in Jammu and Kashmir, while the Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party won three seats.

• Polling in Jammu and Kashmir occurred in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1.

‘Humsafar Policy’ has been launched by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

• The 'Humsafar Policy' was launched by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to enhance travel on national highways.

• This initiative aims to improve wayside amenities and make highway travel more convenient.

• Gadkari highlighted that the policy will benefit local marginalized communities.

• The scheme is designed to ensure easy, secure, and enjoyable travel experiences for commuters.

• An emphasis on environmental sustainability is central to the policy, incorporating cleanliness and ecological considerations.

• Key aspects of the policy include solar energy use, waste recycling, soil conservation, and water conservation.

• Commuters will enjoy access to standardized, clean, and well-maintained facilities along the highways.

• The "Rajmarg Yatra" app will provide travelers with quick access to information about nearby service providers.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

Mindfulness India Summit will be organized from 17-18 October.

• The third edition of the Mindfulness India Summit will take place in Mumbai on October 17-18.

• This year's theme is “Thrive in the Age of Disruption,” focusing on the challenges of modern business.

• The summit aims to unite leaders and professionals to promote healthier, more empathetic work environments.

• Organized by the Mindful Science Centre, the event will be led by global mindfulness expert Manish Behl.

• Key topics will include mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and neuroscience.

• Participants can engage in workshops aimed at enhancing personal and professional well-being.

• The event will culminate in the prestigious Mindfulness Impact Awards, recognizing significant contributions in the field.

Prime Minister Modi will visit Vientiane for the ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits.

• Prime Minister Modi will visit Vientiane, Laos, on October 10-11, 2024, at the invitation of Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

• The visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of India's Act East Policy, emphasizing the significance of ASEAN relations in India's regional strategy.

• During the trip, Modi will participate in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit, both hosted by Laos.

• The ASEAN-India Summit aims to assess progress in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and explore future cooperation opportunities.

• The East Asia Summit serves as a vital platform for discussing strategic trust and regional issues with partner nations.

• This visit highlights the importance of strengthening ties between India and ASEAN member states.

• Modi's engagement at these summits reflects India's commitment to enhancing its role in the Indo-Pacific region.

• The summits will facilitate dialogue on pressing regional challenges and opportunities for collaboration.

MISCELLANEOUS

India took part in 44th session of Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses.

• The 44th session of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU) took place in Dresden, Germany, from October 2 to 6, 2024.

• India participated actively, presenting valuable insights on dietary reference values for infants aged six to thirty-six months.

• The country advocated for the establishment of standardized probiotic guidelines for foods and dietary supplements.

• India received widespread international support during the discussions on nutrient requirements and probiotic recommendations.

• The session was chaired by Ms. Martine Püster, with Dr. Carolin Bendadani serving as co-chair.

• FAO/WHO announced plans for a Joint Statement on Healthy Diet Principles during the meeting.

• Updates were shared on reviewing the benefits and risks associated with Alternative Animal Source Foods (A-ASFs).