IMPORTANT DAYS
World Rabies Day celebrated on September 28
• World Rabies Day is celebrated annually on September 28 to raise awareness about rabies prevention and advancements in combating the disease.
• This day marks the anniversary of Louis Pasteur's death, the French scientist who created the first rabies vaccine.
• The 18th World Rabies Day is observed this year, focusing on the theme “Breaking Rabies Boundaries.”
• Established in 2007, this day aims to highlight the dangers of rabies, one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.
• Rabies has a long history, with references found in ancient Mesopotamia and India, including detailed descriptions in texts like the Susruta Samhita.
• The disease is transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal and is entirely preventable.
• Once contracted, the rabies virus affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and often death.
• Efforts continue globally to educate communities and reduce the incidence of rabies through vaccination and awareness initiatives.
AWARDS
Manipur’s Andro village received the Best Heritage Tourism Village of 2024 award.
• Andro village in Manipur was awarded the Best Heritage Tourism Village of 2024.
• The village's unique cultural practices and historical significance contributed to its recognition.
• A prominent temple in Andro showcases the area's rich heritage.
• Centuries-old fire worship traditions attract international tourists.
• Local community engagement strategies have been implemented to promote heritage.
• The Best Tourism Villages Competition recognized Andro in the heritage category.
• Villagers actively participate in sustaining their cultural practices.
• Andro's award highlights its importance as a cultural and historical destination.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
India joined the Minerals Security Finance Network
• India has officially joined the Minerals Security Finance Network.
• This network is a US-led initiative aimed at securing supply chains for critical minerals.
• It stems from the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), which includes 14 countries and the EU.
• India was inducted into the MSP in June 2023.
• The primary goal of the network is to stimulate public and private investment in mineral supply chains.
• The MSP focuses on essential minerals such as cobalt, nickel, lithium, and 17 rare earth elements.
• Rare earth elements are categorized into light rare earth elements (LREE) and heavy rare earth elements (HREE).
• Membership in the network enhances collaboration among countries to ensure mineral security.
NATIONAL NEWS
Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi initiative has been launched by the Ministry of Tourism.
• The Ministry of Tourism launched the Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi initiatives on World Tourism Day, September 27, 2024.
• These national initiatives aim to enhance travelers' experiences through responsible tourism.
• A key focus is on training women and youth to develop innovative tourism products and experiences.
• Examples of new offerings include heritage walks, culinary tours, craft tours, nature hikes, and homestays.
• The program also emphasizes digital literacy training to help participants promote their offerings effectively.
• Since August 15, approximately 3,000 individuals have received training in six pilot destinations.
• The initiatives aim to make local experiences more discoverable for both domestic and international travellers.
• Overall, the effort seeks to improve the quality of tourist experiences while empowering local communities.
APPOINTMENTS
Liberal Democratic Party leader, Shigeru Ishiba, will become Japan’s next prime minister.
Liberal Democratic Party leader, Shigeru Ishiba, will become Japan’s next prime minister.
• He defeated hardline nationalist Sanae Takaichi in a close run-off, receiving 215 votes to Takaichi's 194.
• Ishiba, a former Defence Minister, is set to assume the role of Prime Minister once parliament convenes in October.
• The LDP has maintained a dominant presence in Japanese politics for the past seven decades.
• This leadership change marks a significant moment in Japan's political landscape.
• Ishiba’s victory signals a potential shift in the party’s direction and policies.
DEFENCE
Indian Army celebrated 198th Gunners Day.
• The Indian Army celebrated its 198th Gunners Day on September 28.
• This day marks the establishment of the first Indian Artillery Unit, the 5 (Bombay) Mountain Battery, in 1827.
• The Regiment of Artillery is one of the largest branches of the Indian Army.
• Key contributions of the artillery include its roles in conflicts such as those in 1947-48, 1962, 1965, 1971, and 1999.
• The first recorded use of artillery in India dates back to the 14th century during the Deccan War.
• Recent advancements include the standardization of the 155mm artillery gun and the adoption of systems like Ultra-Light Howitzers and K9 Vajra.
• The modernization efforts aim to enhance the operational capabilities of the artillery regiment.
• The artillery played a crucial role in shaping India’s military history.
SUMMIT WND AND CONFERENCE
World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly 2024 will be hosted by India.
• India will host the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 from October 15 to 24 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• The assembly will be preceded by the Global Standards Symposium (GSS) on October 14.
• Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), WTSA occurs every four years.
• The main objective is to define the work program, methods, and structure for ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T).
• The event is expected to attract 1,800 to 2,000 delegates from 193 member countries and global standardization bodies.
• The ITU, established in 1865, is a United Nations agency focused on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
• India has been a member of the ITU since 1869 and has been part of its Governing Council since 1952.
• The summit aims to enhance global collaboration in telecommunications and ICT standardization.