IMPORTANT DAYS
Hindi Diwas 2024 observed on September 14.
• Hindi Diwas is observed annually on September 14.
• On September 14, 1949, the Constituent Assembly designated Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Indian Union (Article 343).
• Since 1953, September 14 has been officially recognized as Hindi Diwas across the country.
• The day also commemorates the birth of Beohar Rajendra Simha, born on September 14, 1900.
• Beohar Rajendra Simha played a key role in the adoption of Hindi in Devanagari script as India’s official language.
• Hindi is one of the world's most spoken languages, with approximately 600 million speakers globally.
• Hindi Diwas highlights the significance and promotion of Hindi as a major language in India.
STATE NEWS
Telangana State government has decided to celebrate 17 September as Praja Palana Day.
• The Telangana State government will observe September 17 as Praja Palana Day.
• September 17 marks the integration of Hyderabad State into the Indian Union in 1948.
• On this day, the national flag will be raised at all government offices, urban local bodies, and gram panchayats.
• Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will lead the flag-hoisting ceremony in Hyderabad.
• The Union government has designated September 17 as Hyderabad Liberation Day.
• Hyderabad gained independence from Nizam’s rule on September 17, 1948.
• The liberation was achieved under Operation Polo, led by the first Indian Minister of Home Affairs, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
• The observance will include official programs to commemorate the historical event.
Ladakh Zanskar Festival began in Sani.
• The 9th Edition of the Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2024 started on September 13 in the scenic village of Sani.
• The festival, running from September 13-14, 2024, has attracted many tourists, locals, and officials.
• The festival, running from September 13-14, 2024, has attracted many tourists, locals, and officials.
• One of the major highlights is the traditional Cham dance, performed by monks in elaborate masks and costumes.
• Sani village in Zanskar is currently buzzing with excitement as the cultural festival unfolds.
• The festival showcases captivating dance performances and other cultural events.
• This two-day festival is a vibrant display of Zanskar’s cultural heritage and natural landscapes.
• The Ladakh Zanskar Festival emphasizes the region's unique traditions and picturesque surroundings.
Maharashtra to establish Tribal University in Nashik.
• Maharashtra will establish a Tribal University in Nashik with 80% reservation for students from tribal communities.
• The university aims to advance the social development of tribal communities through education and skills training.
• It will offer education from kindergarten (KG) to postgraduate (PG) levels, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
• The institution will adhere to high standards of excellence in governance and academic rigor and will seek NAAC accreditation.
• A similar Tribal University has already been established in Odisha.
• The new university in Nashik will focus on providing quality education and skill development tailored to the needs of tribal students.
• The initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and support the holistic growth of tribal communities.
AWARDS
Indian-origin lecturer Prasanthi Ram won the Singapore Literature Prize.
• Prasanthi Ram, an Indian-origin lecturer at Nanyang Technological University, has won the Singapore Literature Prize for her book Nine Yard Sarees.
• The book Nine Yard Sarees, published in 2023, explores the lives of a Tamil Brahmin family scattered across Singapore, Sydney, New York, and Connecticut.
• A three-member panel headed by poet Cyril Wong selected Prasanthi Ram as the winner.
• The best English creative non-fiction prize was awarded to Indian-origin author Shubigi Rao for her book Pulp III: An Intimate Inventory Of The Banished Book (2022).
• Professor Emeritus Peter Ellinger received the best English debut prize for his memoirs titled Down Memory Lane: Peter Ellinger’s Memoirs (2023).
• Prasanthi Ram’s win highlights the international recognition of Indian-origin writers in literature.
• The Singapore Literature Prize honors outstanding literary works and is awarded annually.
• Ram’s book delves into the cultural and generational experiences of a Tamil Brahmin family across different global cities.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Mexico First country to Elect Judges at All Levels
• Mexico became the first country to allow voters to elect judges at all levels.
• The reform was approved by the upper chamber with 86 votes in favor and 41 against, meeting the required two-thirds majority
• This decision followed protests where demonstrators stormed the Upper House, leading to a postponement of the debate.
• Outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador championed the reform, criticizing the existing judicial system for favoring political and economic elites.
• The reform will enable the election of Supreme Court judges and other high-level as well as local judges by popular vote.
• The upper chamber’s approval was secured with support from the ruling MORENA party and its allies.
• The reform has triggered widespread protests, diplomatic tensions, and concerns among investors.
• Opponents, including court employees and law students, have organized numerous demonstrations against the plan.
DEFENCE
Indian army to participate in India-Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najah.
• The Indian Army is participating in the fifth edition of Exercise Al Najah with Oman.
• The joint military exercise is scheduled from September 13 to 26 at the Rabkoot Training Area in Salalah, Oman.
• Exercise Al Najah has been held biennially since 2015, alternating between India and Oman.
• A contingent of 60 Indian Army personnel will be involved, including a battalion from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
• The focus of the exercise is on operations in desert environments and enhancing joint military capabilities for counter-terrorism.
• The exercise includes tactical drills such as joint planning, cordon and search operations, and urban combat.
• Members from various arms and services of the Indian Army will participate in the exercise.
• Exercise Al Najah aims to strengthen cooperation and operational effectiveness between the armed forces of India and Oman.