IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024 observed on 13 October

• International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed annually on 13 October to raise awareness about reducing disaster risks.

• The theme for 2024 is "Empowering the next generation for a resilient future," emphasizing the role of education in disaster preparedness.

• The focus this year is on educating and empowering children to protect themselves and act as change-makers in their communities.

• The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989 to promote a global culture of risk awareness and disaster reduction.

• Poverty, inequality, and discrimination are both causes and effects of heightened disaster risk.

• By 2030, projections indicate the world could face around 560 disasters per year, significantly impacting vulnerable populations.

• Climate change and disasters are expected to push an estimated 37.6 million more people into extreme poverty by 2030.

• In a worst-case scenario, an additional 100.7 million people could fall into poverty by 2030 due to climate-related disasters.

World Standards Day 2024 observed on October 14.

• World Standards Day is observed annually on October 14 to honour international standards and their creators.

• The day is celebrated by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

• It aims to raise awareness among regulators, industries, and consumers regarding the significance of standards in the global economy.

• The 2024 theme is "Shared Vision for a Better World: Standards for the Changing Climate."

• World Standards Day originated in 1946 when representatives from 25 countries convened in London to promote standardization.

• This meeting led to the establishment of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 1947.

• The first official celebration of World Standards Day occurred in 1970.

• The day acknowledges the efforts of experts who develop voluntary technical norms, which are vital for international standards

NATIONAL NEWS

November 26 will be commemorated as a “Constitution Glorification Campaign".

• November 26, 2024, marks the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution, to be celebrated with a nationwide “Constitution Glorification Campaign.”

• Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced plans for the campaign as part of the commemoration.

• Constitution Day is observed every year on November 26, celebrating the adoption of the Constitution in 1949.

• The Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, marking the establishment of the Republic of India.

• Kiren Rijiju emphasized the initiative to build Constitution buildings in every district across the country.

• The “Constitution Glorification Campaign” aims to honor and raise awareness of the significance of the Constitution.

• The campaign will highlight the journey and importance of the Indian Constitution over the last 75 years.

Government issued a notification to revoke the President’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir.

• The government has issued a notification to revoke President’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir before appointing a new Chief Minister.

• President's rule was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir in 2018 by then-President Ram Nath Kovind.

• It marked the first instance of President’s rule in the state since 1996, during a period of heightened militancy.

• The National Conference-Congress alliance has won the recent Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections and will form the new government.

• Omar Abdullah has been chosen as the leader of the alliance and is set to become the next Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

• The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, was passed by Parliament on August 5, 2019.

• On the same day, Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated.

• President's rule is enforced under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution.

• The recent developments are expected to bring new leadership and political stability to the region.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd became 14th Maharatna CPSE.

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been elevated to the status of the 14th Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE).

• The upgrade was approved by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

• HAL's elevation to Maharatna status was recommended by the Inter-Ministerial Committee led by the Finance Secretary and the Apex Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited operates under the Department of Defense Production as a CPSE.

• In 2023-24, HAL achieved a turnover of ₹28,162 crore and a net profit exceeding ₹7,500 crore.

• The Maharatna status grants HAL greater financial autonomy and operational flexibility.

On 13 October, the 149th assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union began in Geneva.

• The 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) commenced in Geneva on 13 October and will run until 17 October.

• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is leading an Indian parliamentary delegation at the event.

• Om Birla will address the Assembly on the theme of leveraging science, technology, and innovation for a peaceful and sustainable future.

• He will participate in the Governing Council meetings of the IPU, which is the organization's highest decision-making body.

• During the event, Om Birla will also engage in bilateral meetings with other parliamentary leaders.

• The Indian delegation includes Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Singh, the general secretaries of both Houses, and several other MPs.

• The IPU comprises 180 parliamentarians and 15 associate members, representing both large nations like China and India, as well as smaller countries like Cabo Verde and Palau.

STATE NEWS

Telangana became third state to launch caste survey.

• Telangana has initiated a Comprehensive Household Caste Survey, becoming the third state after Andhra Pradesh and Bihar to conduct such a survey.

• The survey aims to ensure targeted and equitable distribution of resources across all communities in the state.

• Orders for the door-to-door survey were issued by State Chief Secretary Shanti Kumari.

• The ruling Congress promised a caste survey as part of its campaign for the 2023 Assembly elections.

• The Planning Department will serve as the nodal agency overseeing the survey, which is expected to be completed within 60 days.

• The survey is intended to plan and implement initiatives for the upliftment of OBCs, SCs, STs, and other marginalized sections of society.

• The focus of the survey is to enhance opportunities in social, economic, employment, education, and political spheres.

• Telangana's caste census is part of a broader effort to promote inclusivity and equitable development across the state.

RANKING AND INDEX

India placed in the 'serious' category in the Global Hunger Index 2024.

• India ranks 105th in the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI), placing it in the "serious" category.

• The GHI tracks hunger levels in 127 countries, using indicators like malnutrition and child mortality to calculate scores.

• India's GHI score for 2024 is 27.3, reflecting serious hunger levels, with 13.7% of the population being undernourished.

• The report was released by the German charity Welthungerhilfe and the Irish organisation Concern Worldwide.

• India is among 42 countries in the "serious" category, alongside Pakistan and Afghanistan, while South Asian neighbors like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are in the "moderate" category.

• Concerning child nutrition, 35.5% of Indian children under five are stunted, 18.7% are wasted, and 2.9% die before reaching five years of age.

• Globally, 733 million people face hunger, and 2.8 billion cannot afford a nutritious diet every day.

• The 2024 report warns that without significant progress, hunger levels in many of the world's poorest countries will remain high for decades.

Mukesh Ambani Tops Forbes' 2024 List of Richest Indians

• Mukesh Ambani has regained his title as the richest person in India, according to Forbes' 2024 list.

• His net worth is currently estimated at $119.5 billion.

• The total wealth of India's 100 richest individuals has exceeded $1.1 trillion this year.

• This figure represents a significant 40% increase from the previous year.

• Reliance Industries continues to play a crucial role in Ambani's financial success.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India has become third largest supplier of nutrition and health support to UNICEF.

• India has become the third-largest supplier of health and nutrition support for children to UNICEF globally.

• Indian companies have provided UNICEF with goods and services worth over $6 billion for its global operations.

• The contribution includes essential supplies such as medications, vaccines, and nutrition products to meet children’s health needs worldwide.

• UNICEF's supply division director, Leila Pakkala, highlighted the crucial role Indian suppliers play in UNICEF’s global mission for children.

• Leila Pakkala made her first official visit to India to acknowledge the country’s contribution to UNICEF's mission.

• The "PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana" has allocated ₹500 crore under its Innovative Projects component to advance rooftop solar technologies and integration strategies.

• The scheme seeks to support new pilot projects from companies, universities, and industries to enhance solar energy innovations.

• The National Institute of Solar Energy will oversee the implementation of the Innovative Projects component under the scheme.

• Financial support of up to ₹30 crore, or 60% of the project cost, will be provided for selected solar rooftop projects.

WHO declares that India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem in 2024

• India, along with Nepal and Myanmar, has been certified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as having eliminated trachoma as a public health issue.

• With this certification, India joins 19 other countries worldwide that have successfully eradicated trachoma.

• Trachoma remains a significant public health concern in 39 countries globally, affecting around 1.9 million people with blindness.

• The WHO credits India's success to the National Trachoma Control Program.

• Initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission have also contributed to this achievement.

• Trachoma is a preventable disease that can lead to severe eye problems and blindness if left untreated.

• The elimination of trachoma highlights India's progress in improving public health and sanitation.

SPORTS

India got the hosting rights for the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025.

• India has been awarded the hosting rights for the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 by the International Shooting Federation.

• A team of 23 Indian shooters will participate in the upcoming event.

• Kalikesh Singh Deo, president of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), emphasized the increasing prominence of India in the shooting sport.

• This growth is attributed to a focused and collaborative effort by various stakeholders in developing a robust shooting ecosystem.

• Hosting prestigious events like the ISSF World Cup Final demonstrates India's capability to enhance the global standing of shooting sports.

• The event is expected to further inspire and promote shooting among aspiring athletes in India.

Asian Table Tennis Championships 2024 Men’s and Women’s Wins Bronze

• At the Asian Table Tennis Championships 2024 in Astana, Kazakhstan, the Indian men’s team secured a bronze medal, marking their third consecutive bronze in this event.

• The top-ranked women's doubles pair from India, Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee, also won a bronze medal at the same championships.

• This achievement makes Ayhika and Sutirtha the first all-Indian women’s doubles team to win a medal at the Asian Championships.

• The last time an Indian woman won a medal in doubles at the Asian Championships was in 1952 when Gool Nasikwala took gold with Japan’s Yoshiko Tanaka.

• The bronze medals highlight India's growing strength in table tennis on the Asian stage.

• The Indian men’s team has consistently performed well in recent championships, demonstrating their skill and teamwork.

• The success of Ayhika and Sutirtha marks a significant milestone for Indian women in sports.

APPOINTMENTS

Noel Tata has been appointed Chairperson of Tata Trust.

• Noel Tata has been unanimously appointed as the Chairperson of Tata Trust, the philanthropic division of the Tata Group.

• This decision was made during a board meeting following the death of Ratan Tata, who passed away at the age of 86.

• Noel Tata is Ratan Tata’s half-brother and has been associated with the Tata Group for 40 years.

• He currently serves on the boards of several prominent companies, including Tata Steel and Voltas.

• Tata Trusts holds a 66% stake in Tata Sons, playing a crucial role in its governance.

• In addition to his new role, Noel Tata is the chairman of Tata International and Tata Investment Corporation Ltd.

• His long-standing experience with the Tata Group positions him well to lead the Trust’s philanthropic efforts.

• The appointment underscores the ongoing commitment of the Tata family to the group’s legacy of social responsibility.

MISCELLANEOUS

Indian Army rolls out its first overhauled T-90 Bhishma tank.

• The Indian Army has unveiled its first overhauled T-90 Bhishma tank, enhancing its operational capabilities.

• This tank is recognized for its superior firepower, speed, and protective features.

• The overhaul demonstrates the indigenous maintenance and technical expertise developed in India.

• Measuring 9.6 meters in length and 2.8 meters in width, the T-90 Bhishma weighs approximately 47 tonnes.

• It is armed with a 125 mm smoothbore gun capable of firing a variety of shells.

• Additionally, the tank features an anti-aircraft gun that can engage targets within a range of two kilometers.

• The modernization of the T-90 Bhishma signifies a significant advancement in India’s armored capabilities.

Nima Rinzee Sherpa became the youngest person to climb all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres.

• Nima Rinzee Sherpa, an 18-year-old climber from Nepal, has set a new world record as the youngest person to scale all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters.

• His remarkable achievement was completed on October 9 when he successfully summited the 8,027-meter Shisha Pangma in Tibet.

• This climb marked the culmination of a two-year expedition to conquer some of the world’s most challenging mountains.

• Sherpa began his journey in high-altitude climbing at the age of 16.

• He accomplished the feat of climbing all 14 eight-thousanders in just 740 days.

• His historic achievement highlights the growing prowess of young climbers in the mountaineering community.