IMPORTANT DAYS
Ayurveda Day 2024 celebrated on 29 October
• Ayurveda Day is celebrated on Dhanvantari Jayanti, the 13th day of the dark fortnight in Ashwin.
• This celebration typically occurs in late October or early November.
• In 2024, the 9th Ayurveda Day will be observed on October 29.
• The theme for Ayurveda Day 2024 is "Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health."
• The previous year's theme, in 2023, was "Ayurveda for One Health."
• Dhanvantari Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of Ayurveda.
• Ayurveda Day promotes the integration of traditional medicine into global health practices.
SPORTS
Afghanistan A won the ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024.
• Afghanistan A won the ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024.
• They triumphed over Sri Lanka A by seven wickets in the final match.
• The final took place at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground.
• Sri Lanka set a target of 133 runs, finishing with 133/7.
• Sahan Arachchige was the standout performer, scoring 64 runs off 47 balls.
• Nimesh Vimukthi and Pawan Rathnayake added valuable contributions with 23 and 20 runs, respectively.
• Afghanistan successfully chased down the target with three overs remaining, while Eshan Malinga, Dushan Hemantha, and Sahan Arachchige took the only wickets for Sri Lanka.
APPOINTMENTS
Vipin Kumar became the new chairman of Airports Authority of India.
• Vipin Kumar has been appointed as the new Chairman of Airports Authority of India (AAI).
• He previously held the position of Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Education's Department of School Education & Literacy.
• Kumar’s leadership aims to enhance airport infrastructure and improve air navigation services.
• The Airports Authority of India was established on April 1, 1995, by an Act of Parliament.
• AAI was created through the merger of the National Airports Authority and the International Airports Authority of India.
• Currently, AAI manages 133 airports, which include 28 civil enclaves.
• It also oversees 8 airports that operate under private control.
NATIONAL NEWS
Swachh Diwali Shubh Diwali campaign has been launched.
• The Swachh Diwali Shubh Diwali campaign was launched by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, on October 28.
• The initiative aims to enhance cleanliness in public areas during the Diwali festival.
• The campaign will run until November 3.
• The Minister urged citizens to pay attention to their own streets and neighborhoods during the festive season.
• He highlighted the importance of collective efforts under the Swachhata Hi Seva initiative.
• Emphasis was placed on sustaining cleanliness efforts until all target areas are thoroughly cleaned.
• The campaign encourages community involvement to foster a cleaner environment during Diwali.
Swavlamban 2024’ Exhibition has been launched by Navy Chief Dinesh Tripathi
• The ‘Swavlamban 2024’ exhibition was inaugurated by Navy Chief Dinesh Tripathi at Bharat Mandapam to promote indigenization.
• The event showcases innovations from young Indian entrepreneurs.
• It aims to strengthen collaborations between the Indian Navy and industry stakeholders.
• Admiral Tripathi explored various exhibits, including an advanced anti-drone gun developed by an Indian firm.
• Approximately 115 stalls represented various agencies, including the Indian Army, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Border Security Force (BSF).
• The Swavlamban initiative, launched in 2022, focuses on partnering with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to meet the Navy's operational needs.
• The exhibition takes place in Delhi on October 28 and 29.
• Featured products include advanced technologies such as autonomous systems, AI, quantum tech, and surveillance solutions for air and surface domains.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Lahore became the most polluted city in the world.
• Lahore has reached an alarming air quality level of 700 on the Air Quality Index (AQI), making it the most polluted city globally.
• The AQI of 700 indicates severe pollution, prompting health authorities to issue urgent warnings to residents.
• Citizens are advised to take immediate precautions to safeguard their health.
• Winter months exacerbate pollution as cold air traps harmful particles closer to the ground.
• A thick layer of toxic pollutants, primarily carbon and smoke, blankets the city.
• Major contributors to Lahore's pollution include the burning of crop residues, industrial emissions, and waste disposal practices.
• The combustion of coal, garbage, oil, and tires further deteriorates air quality.
• Immediate action is essential to combat the rising pollution levels and protect public health.
U.S., France, and Armenia emerged as India's top three defence export destinations.
• The U.S., France, and Armenia are the top three destinations for India's defense exports.
• India currently exports military equipment to over 100 countries worldwide.
• The Defence Ministry is focused on boosting defense exports and enhancing domestic production.
• Indian firms supply aircraft and helicopter components to major global defense companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing in the U.S.
• Exports to France primarily include software and electronic equipment.
• Armenia receives significant defense equipment, including ATAGS artillery guns, Pinaka rocket launchers, and Swathi radars.
• India's Defence Industrial Base is expanding, featuring 16 public sector units and around 430 licensed firms.
• The sector also includes approximately 16,000 medium and small-scale enterprises contributing to defense manufacturing.
