IMPORTANT DAYS
World Mental Health Day 2024 celebrated on October 10
• World Mental Health Day is celebrated annually on October 10 to raise awareness about mental health issues.
• The 2024 theme focuses on “Mental Health at Work,” emphasizing the importance of mental well-being in the workplace.
• The day serves as a platform for stakeholders to discuss their efforts and initiatives related to mental health.
• The inaugural observance took place on October 10, 1992.
• This global event aims to promote education surrounding mental health.
• Richard Hunter, Deputy Secretary General, was instrumental in launching World Mental Health Day.
AWARDS
Nobel Prize in chemistry has been awarded jointly to David Baker, Demis Hassabis and John Jumper.
• The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to David Baker for his work in computational protein design.
• Demis Hassabis and John Jumper were recognized for their development of AlphaFold 2, an AI model for protein structure prediction.
• Baker led a team that created a new protein using innovative software methods back in 2003.
• AlphaFold 2 is capable of predicting the structures of millions of proteins.
• This year's award continues a trend of recognizing contributions from non-chemists in the field.
• In 2023, the prize was given to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus, and Alexei I. Ekimov for their work on quantum dots.
• Baker is affiliated with the University of Washington in Seattle.
• Hassabis and Jumper are both researchers at Google DeepMind in London.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
President Droupadi Murmu will be the first Indian president to visit Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi.
• President Droupadi Murmu will make history as the first Indian president to visit Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi from October 13-19.
• This trip marks the first-ever visit by an Indian Head of State to these three African nations.
• Murmu is also the first Indian president in 39 years to visit Algeria at the head of state or government level.
• During her visit, she will inaugurate the India Centre at the Hamma Botanical Garden.
• She will address the India-Algeria Economic Forum, highlighting economic ties.
• The President will launch the India Corner at Hamma Garden in Jardin d’essai.
• This visit aims to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between India and these African countries.
SPORTS
Indian women’s team created history by winning bronze medal at the Asian Table Tennis Championships
• The Indian women's table tennis team made history by winning their first-ever bronze medal at the Asian Table Tennis Championships.
• In the semifinals, India faced Japan and suffered a 1-3 defeat.
• Ayhika Mukherjee narrowly lost her match against Miwa Harimoto, finishing 2-3.
• Manika Batra provided a comeback for India with a decisive 3-0 victory over Satsuki Odo.
• In the other semifinal, Hong Kong triumphed over China with a score of 3-0.
• India secured their place in the semifinals by defeating South Korea 3-2 in the quarterfinals.
• This bronze medal marks a significant milestone for the Indian women's team in the tournament's history.
NATIONAL NEWS
‘Study In India’ Campaign has been launched by India at UAE Education Show.
• India launched its ‘Study in India’ campaign at the 20th International Education Show in Sharjah, UAE.
• Organized by EdCIL, a Miniratna company under the Ministry of Education, the campaign aims to establish India as a prominent global education hub.
• The India Pavilion at Expo Centre Sharjah was inaugurated by Ahmed Mohamed Obaid Al Naboodah and Yatin Patil, Deputy Consul General of India in Dubai.
• The campaign highlights over 590 Indian universities and institutions, promoting the country’s diverse educational offerings.
• The ‘Study in India’ portal serves as a centralized platform, simplifying the application process for international students.
• India boasts the second-largest higher education sector in the world, showcasing its robust educational infrastructure.
• The International Education Show is organized in collaboration with the Sharjah Private Education Authority.
• The event features participation from over 100 universities and educational institutions across more than 20 countries.
MISCELLANEOUS
Industrialist Ratan Tata passed away on 09 October 2024 at the age of 86.
• Ratan Tata, the renowned industrialist and philanthropist, passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86 due to age-related ailments.
• He had been receiving treatment at a private hospital and was in critical condition prior to his death.
• The Maharashtra government declared a one-day state mourning on October 10, 2024, in honor of his contributions.
• Tata received the Padma Vibhushan in 2008 and the Padma Bhushan in 2000 for his outstanding service.
• In recognition of his philanthropic efforts, he was awarded the Assam Baibhav in 2021 for his contributions to cancer care in Assam.
• He was also honored with the Order of Australia in 2023 and the Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in 2014.
• Tata passed away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and philanthropy.
