IMPORTANT DAYS

Valmiki Jayanti 2024 or Pragat Diwas observed on 17 October

• Valmiki Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day of the Ashwin month in the Hindu calendar.

• In 2024, it will be observed on 17th October across India.

• The day marks the birth anniversary of Maharshi Valmiki, a revered sage and scholar.

• Maharshi Valmiki is renowned for composing the Ramayana, a major epic of Hinduism with 24,000 verses.

• He is also called the ‘Adi Kavi,’ meaning the first poet of the Sanskrit language.

• Members of the Valmiki sect honor him as a divine messenger and celebrate this day as Pargat Divas.

festival

• The festival is observed with reverence, and a procession called Shobha Yatra is taken out.

• Valmiki Jayanti is an important occasion, highlighting his contributions to literature and Hinduism.

APPOINTMENTS

CJI Chandrachud nominates Justice Khanna as his successor.

• Justice Sanjiv Khanna has been nominated by CJI Chandrachud as his successor.

• Justice Khanna will become the 51st Chief Justice of India, serving a six-month tenure.

• His term will end on May 13, 2025, upon his retirement.

• Justice Khanna is currently the second-most senior judge of the Supreme Court.

• Current CJI DY Chandrachud will retire on November 8 after a two-year term.

• Justice Khanna began his legal career at the Tis Hazari district courts.

• He was elevated as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court in 2005.

• Unlike many other justices, he has never served as Chief Justice of a High Court.

• Justice Khanna was part of the five-judge bench that recently ruled the electoral bond scheme unconstitutional.

Senior BJP leader Nayab Singh took oath as Chief Minister of Haryana for the second consecutive time on 17 October.

• Nayab Singh was sworn in as Chief Minister of Haryana for the second consecutive time on 17 October.

• The swearing-in ceremony took place at Shalimar Ground in Panchkula.

• On October 16, Singh met with Governor Bandaru Dattatreya to claim the formation of a new government after being elected as the BJP legislature party leader.

• Haryana Governor Dattatreya administered the oath of office and secrecy to Nayab Singh.

• In the Haryana Assembly elections held on 5 October, the BJP won 48 out of 90 seats.

• This victory secures the BJP's third consecutive term in the state.

• Nayab Singh continues to lead the government following a successful electoral campaign.

NATIONAL NEWS

A two-day International Methanol Seminar and Expo 2024 is being organized by NITI Aayog in New Delhi from October 17.

• NITI Aayog is hosting a two-day International Methanol Seminar and Expo 2024 in New Delhi, starting on October 17.

• The seminar is organized in partnership with the Methanol Institute from the United States.

• It will showcase advancements in projects, products, and R&D related to methanol production and technology worldwide.

• A key focus will be the role of methanol in the global energy transition and its potential as a low-carbon fuel for green shipping.

• Methanol is a versatile fuel that can be derived from various domestic feedstocks, including biomass, coal, and renewables.

• Recognized as one of the cleanest fuels, methanol is also more affordable than fossil fuels.

• The event aims to promote awareness and collaboration in the methanol sector for sustainable energy solutions.

Kaziranga National Park emerged as India's second butterfly diversity hub.

• Kaziranga National Park has been recognized as India's second hub for butterfly diversity.

• The park is home to over 446 butterfly species.

• It follows Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh in terms of butterfly diversity.

• The inaugural "Butterfly Conservation Meet-2024" took place from September 27 to 29.

• The event attracted 40 butterfly enthusiasts from across India.

• Participants focused on detailed butterfly records and sharing the status of butterfly populations.

• During the meet, a total of 85 butterfly species were observed.

• The primary goal of the meet was to raise awareness about the significance of butterfly conservation in Kaziranga.

STATE NEWS

Mera Hou Chongba 2024 has been celebrated in Imphal, Manipur.

• Mera Hou Chongba 2024 was celebrated in Imphal, Manipur.

• The festival aims to strengthen the bonds between indigenous communities in the hills and valleys.

• The State Level Organizing Committee held the celebrations at the Manipur Royal Palace.

• The titular King of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, hosted a reception for village chiefs.

• The festivities began with the rituals of Men Tongba and Yenkhong Tamba at Kangla Uttra.

• The event included the exchange of gifts among participants.

• Cultural programs showcasing the heritage of indigenous communities were also a highlight of the celebration.