IMPORTANT DAYS

World Heart Day 2024 celebrated on September 29

• World Heart Day is celebrated globally on September 29 each year.

• The event aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and promote heart health.

• From 2024 to 2026, the campaign will adopt the theme "Use Heart for Action."

• Initiated by the World Heart Federation (WHF) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1999.

• Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide.

• Approximately 18.6 million people die each year due to CVDs.

• The day serves as a call to action for improving heart health globally.

NATIONAL NEWS

Government proposed 2022-23 as the new base year for GDP computation.

• The government plans to adopt 2022-23 as the new base year for GDP calculations, with data set to be published in February 2026.

• The current base year for GDP is 2011-12; the last revision occurred in 2015, shifting from 2004-05.

• Adjustments to the base year will also apply to retail inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index, and factory output growth, as indicated by the Index of Industrial Production.

• An Advisory Committee on National Accounts Statistics (ACNAS), led by Biswanath Goldar, is tasked with completing this revision by early 2026.

• This shift aims to enhance the accuracy and relevance of India’s economic data.

• GDP, or Gross Domestic Product, is a crucial indicator that reflects the total value of goods and services produced within a country.

• The proposed changes are part of the government's efforts to improve GDP calculations.

• The new base year is expected to provide a more accurate representation of the economy's performance.

Government released new draft guidelines on passive euthanasia.

• The Union Health Ministry has released a draft on passive euthanasia guidelines.

• The guidelines emphasize that doctors must carefully assess the withdrawal of life support for terminally ill patients.

• Key considerations include the patient's brainstem death and informed decisions made by the patient or their family.

• The document highlights that many ICU patients are terminally ill and unlikely to benefit from life-sustaining treatments.

• The draft states that doctors should refrain from initiating life-support measures for patients with no expected benefit.

• Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the guidelines by October 20.

• The aim is to ensure patient welfare in decisions about life support.

• The guidelines seek to clarify the ethical considerations surrounding end-of-life care.

APPOINTMENTS

Udhayanidhi Stalin became deputy CM of Tamil Nadu.

• Udhayanidhi Stalin has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

• He previously served as the Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development.

• In his new role, he will also manage the Planning and Development portfolio.

• The swearing-in ceremony took place at Raj Bhavan, attended by Chief Minister MK Stalin.

• Alongside Udhayanidhi, four other DMK legislators were sworn in as cabinet ministers.

SPORTS

New National Cricket Academy inaugurated in Bengaluru by BCCI.

• The new National Cricket Academy (NCA) was inaugurated in Bengaluru by the BCCI on September 29.

• Spanning over 40 acres, the NCA aims to serve as India’s hub for cricket talent development and sports science promotion.

• The facility includes three grounds and a total of 86 pitches, offering comprehensive training options.

• Ground A features an 85-yard boundary and is equipped with 13 pitches made of Mumbai red soil.

• Advanced floodlights and modern broadcasting capabilities at Ground A enable night matches and live telecasts.

• Grounds B and C are designated practice areas, with 75-yard boundaries and a mix of 11 Mandya soil pitches and 9 Black Cotton soil pitches from Kalahandi, Odisha.

• The NCA is designed to provide state-of-the-art training facilities for aspiring cricketers.

STATE NEWS

Three villages in Madhya Pradesh have been awarded the title of ‘Best Tourism Village’ by the central government.

• The central government has awarded the title of ‘Best Tourism Village’ to three villages in Madhya Pradesh: Pranpur, Sabarvani, and Ladpura Khas.

• Pranpur, located in Ashoknagar district, received the award in the Craft category.

• Sabarvani, situated in Chhindwara district, and Ladpura Khas from Niwari district were recognized in the Responsible Tourism category.

• These accolades are part of the Best Tourism Villages competition 2024, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

• The initiative began in 2023 to identify and promote villages that maintain their cultural and natural heritage through sustainable practices.

• This year, a total of 36 villages were acknowledged across eight categories.

• The inaugural edition of the Best Tourism Villages Competition in 2023 received applications from 795 villages.

• In its second edition, the competition saw a significant increase, with 991 applications submitted from 30 states and Union Territories.