Author name: Ajay Gulia

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New Cancer Therapy Target Identified by IACS Scientists

Scientists from the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) in Kolkata have identified a potential new cancer therapy target by activating the DNA repair enzyme Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1).

Their study shows that cancer cells survive chemotherapy by using TDP1 to repair DNA damage caused by Topoisomerase 1 (Top1) inhibitors, such as Camptothecin. The enzyme Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) enhances this repair process by phosphorylating TDP1, which is crucial for cancer cell survival during treatment. The researchers propose that combining CDK1 inhibitors with Top1 inhibitors could overcome drug resistance, offering a more effective cancer treatment. Further studies are being conducted to validate this approach.

Source : https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2063775

Renowned industrialist Ratan Tata passes away in Mumbai

Renowned industrialist Ratan Tata passed away peacefully in Mumbai on 9 October 2024 at the age of 86. His demise marks the end of an era that witnessed the Tata Group’s meteoric rise to prominence.

Tata, who served as the chairman of the Tata Group from 1991 to 2012, is credited with transforming the conglomerate into a global industrial powerhouse. Under his leadership, the Tata Group expanded its operations into diverse sectors such as automobiles, steel, hospitality, and information technology.

Nobel Prize 2024 in Literature awarded to South Korean author Han Kang

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to South Korean author Han Kang for her powerful poetic prose that addresses historical traumas and highlights the fragility of human life. The announcement was made by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

Han Kang is renowned for her novel The Vegetarian, which consists of three parts, and she is the first South Korean writer to receive this prestigious award. She began her literary career in 1993 with poems published in Literature and Society and made her prose debut in 1995 with the short story collection Love of Yeosu, followed by several other novels and short stories.

WHO declares that India has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem

India has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, becoming the third country in the South-East Asia region to achieve this milestone, as announced by the World Health Organization (WHO). The certification was presented to Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the National Health Mission, during the WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee meeting in New Delhi on October, 2024.

Trachoma, a contagious bacterial eye infection caused by Chlamydia Trachomatis, was once a leading cause of blindness in India, especially in underprivileged areas. Left untreated, it can cause irreversible blindness. Globally, around 150 million people are affected by trachoma, with 6 million at risk of serious complications.

India’s efforts to eliminate trachoma began in 1963 with the National Trachoma Control Program, later integrated into the National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB). By 1971, blindness due to trachoma stood at 5%, but through sustained efforts, it dropped to less than 1%. The WHO’s SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement) played a key role in combating the disease, and India was declared trachoma-free by 2017.

India continued its surveillance through the National Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT only) Survey between 2021 and 2024. WHO reviewed these reports, leading to India’s official certification for trachoma elimination.

RBI Kept Repo rate remains unchanged at 6.50% for tenth time in a row

On October 9, 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept the policy repo rate steady at 6.5% for the tenth consecutive time. Five out of six members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) supported the decision. Other key rates, such as the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate at 6.25% and both the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and the bank rate at 6.75%, also remained unchanged.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das announced a shift in the central bank’s monetary policy stance from “withdrawal of accommodation” to “neutral.” This change allows the RBI to balance inflation control with economic growth support. Despite risks from rising global crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions, India’s inflation rate eased to 3.65% in August, within the RBI’s target range of 2-6%, though food inflation remained high at 5.65%.

The neutral stance provides the RBI with flexibility to respond to inflationary pressures and growth objectives without rushing policy decisions.

David Baker, John Jumper, and Demis Hassabis awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

David Baker, John Jumper, and Demis Hassabis were awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking contributions to protein structure research.

Baker received half of the prize for his work in computational protein design, where he developed new types of proteins. The other half was jointly awarded to Jumper and Hassabis for their role in creating an AI model that solved a long-standing challenge in predicting complex protein structures. Baker is based at the University of Washington, while Jumper and Hassabis are part of Google DeepMind in London.

Indian Air Force celebrates 92nd Raising Day on 8 October 2024

The 92nd Raising Day of the Indian Air Force was celebrated on 8 October 2024 at Tambaram Air Force Station near Chennai, marking the first time the event was held there. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan hoisted the flag, while Chief of Air Staff A.P. Singh inspected the parade and presented awards for distinguished performance.

The event celebrated achievements like the successful hosting of the largest multi-lateral exercise Tarang Shakthi after 61 years, with participation from over 30 nations. The Air Force’s role in humanitarian efforts and disaster relief was also praised. The celebration included a special parade and performances by the Suriya Kiran and Tarang teams, attended by former defense chiefs, military officials, and veterans.

BJP retained Haryana; NC and Congress alliance secured a majority in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly

On 8 October 2024, vote counting for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana was completed.

Haryana Assembly Elections 2024:

  • BJP secured a majority in the 90-member Haryana Legislative Assembly and retained power for the third consecutive term, winning 48 seats.
  • Congress won 37 seats, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) got 2 seats, and independents won 3 seats.

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024:

  • The National Conference and Congress alliance secured a majority with 48 seats in the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
  • National Conference won 42 seats, and Congress won 6 seats. BJP secured 29 seats.
  • Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won 3 seats, while Jammu & Kashmir People’s Conference, CPI(M), and Aam Aadmi Party each won 1 seat. Independents secured 7 seats.

2024 Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded to John H. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton

U.S. scientist John Hopfield and British-Canadian Geoffrey Hinton won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for their pioneering work that laid the foundation for machine learning. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences highlighted that their discoveries, rooted in physics, have contributed to the development of artificial neural networks, which are revolutionizing various fields.

Hopfield, a Princeton professor, created an associative memory model that stores and reconstructs patterns, while Hinton, from the University of Toronto, developed methods that autonomously detect properties in data, enabling tasks like identifying elements in images.

Hinton, an AI pioneer, quit Google in 2023 to freely address the dangers of AI, expressing concerns about computers potentially surpassing human intelligence sooner than expected.

The prize includes 11 million Swedish crowns ($1.1 million), shared between the winners. The Nobel Prize, established by Alfred Nobel’s will in 1901, is one of the most prestigious global honors for scientific achievements.

ISSF Junior World shooting championship 2024 : India finishes at top in overall medal tally with 13 gold

At the 2024 ISSF Junior World Shooting Championship in Lima, Peru, Indian shooters delivered an outstanding performance, leading the medals tally with a total of 24 medals: 13 gold, 3 silver, and 8 bronze.

Mukesh Nelavalli was a standout, winning seven medals, including five golds. Divanshi also shone by claiming her second individual gold in the women’s 25m standard pistol event. The Indian team excelled in team events as well, with the junior men’s 50m pistol team taking gold.

India finished far ahead of Italy (13 medals) and Norway (10 medals), among 51 participating nations and over 560 shooters.

Govt extends tenure of M. Rajeshwar Rao as Deputy Governor of the RBI for one more year

The Central Government has extended the tenure of Mr. M. Rajeshwar Rao as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India for one more year, starting from October 9, 2024, or until further orders.

This is his second one-year extension, following his initial appointment in October 2020 for a three-year term. Mr. Rao will continue overseeing the Department of Regulation, Department of Communication, Enforcement Department, Legal Department, and Risk Monitoring Department.

Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun awarded 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine for microRNA discovery

On October 7, 2024, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. This discovery is crucial for understanding how gene activity is regulated and how organisms develop and function.

The Nobel Assembly at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute made the announcement, highlighting the discovery’s fundamental importance. The winners will receive a prize of $1.1 million. This is the 115th Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine since 1901, with only 13 women among the 229 laureates.

India successfully test fires indigenous VSHORADS missiles in Rajasthan’s Pokhran

On October 7, 2024, India successfully conducted three flight tests of the indigenously developed Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles at the Pokhran firing ranges in Rajasthan. These tests, conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), were part of development trials aimed at enhancing India’s ability to counter aerial threats, including enemy aircraft and drones.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the success, highlighting the technological edge the VSHORADS system will provide to the Indian Armed Forces. This advanced, 4th-generation weapon system is expected to replace the aging Russian Igla missiles, addressing the long-standing need for modernization in India’s short-range air defense. Two private companies have been key partners in the project, reflecting India’s growing focus on indigenous defense technology development.

PM Modi inaugurates the Banjara Virasat Museum in Pohardevi, Washim, Maharashtra.

On October 5, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Banjara Virasat Museum in Pohardevi, Washim, Maharashtra. The museum, which spans four stories and contains 13 galleries, showcases the rich heritage of the Banjara community, including portraits of its leaders and historical movements.

During his visit, Modi paid floral tributes to the memorials of Sant Sevalal Maharaj and Sant Ramrao Maharaj, both revered spiritual leaders of the Banjara community. He also performed rituals at the Jagdamba Temple in Pohardevi.

India’s foreign exchange reserves reached a record high, crossing the USD 700 billion mark for the first time

India’s foreign exchange reserves reached a record high, crossing the USD 700 billion mark for the first time. As of September 27, 2024, the reserves surged by USD 12.588 billion to USD 704.885 billion, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This is a significant increase from the previous high of USD 692.296 billion, offering a robust economic buffer against global financial uncertainties.

The largest part of the reserves, Foreign Currency Assets (FCA), stood at USD 616.154 billion, with the country’s gold reserves valued at USD 65.796 billion. These reserves now cover more than a year’s worth of projected imports, showcasing India’s economic resilience. In 2023, India added around USD 58 billion to its reserves, contrasting with the USD 71 billion decline in 2022.

Foreign exchange reserves, held in currencies like the US Dollar, Euro, Yen, and Pound, are vital for managing currency volatility. The RBI has been managing the rupee’s stability by buying dollars when the rupee strengthens and selling when it weakens, making the rupee one of Asia’s most stable currencies. This stability enhances the attractiveness of Indian assets to international investors.

Govt approve the National Mission on Edible Oils and Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)

On 3 October 2024, the Indian government approved the National Mission on Edible Oils and Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) for 2024-25 to 2030-31, with a budget of ₹10,103 crore. The mission aims to make India self-reliant in oilseed production over the next seven years.

The mission targets increasing oilseed production from 39 million metric tonnes in 2022-23 to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31 and domestic edible oil production to 25.45 million tonnes, meeting 72% of India’s projected needs. It will also employ advanced technologies like genome editing and benefit farmers, reduce import dependence, save foreign exchange, and enhance environmental sustainability.

India to Join International Energy Efficiency Hub by signing the Letter of Intent

On 3 October 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the signing of a letter of intent for India to join the International Energy Efficiency Hub, a global platform aimed at fostering collaboration and promoting energy efficiency. This decision aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, marking a significant step towards a low-carbon economy and improved energy security.

As of July 2024, 16 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, are members of the Hub.

Government Grants Classical Language Status to Five Indian Languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali

On 3 October 2024, the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved conferring the status of classical language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. Classical languages are recognized as custodians of India’s ancient cultural heritage, representing the historical and cultural achievements of their respective communities.

The classical language category was created on October 12, 2004, with Tamil being the first to receive this status. The criteria for classical status include the language’s high antiquity, a recorded history of over a thousand years, and a significant body of original ancient literature. This recognition is expected to create employment opportunities in academia, research, archiving, translation, and digital media through the preservation and digitisation of ancient texts.

International Film Festival and Forum on Environment and Wildlife, “Vatavaran” inaugrated in New Delhi

The International Film Festival and Forum on Environment and Wildlife, Vatavaran was inaugurated on 3 October 2024 at Paryavaran Bhawan, New Delhi, with the theme “Wetlands for Life”, focusing on raising awareness and promoting conservation of the wetlands ecosystem.

During the event, Jitendra Kumar, Director General of Forests in the Ministry of Environment, emphasized the ecological and economic importance of wetlands to India, noting that 6% of Indians depend on wetlands for their livelihoods. Taina Dyckhoff, Head of Climate and Environment at the German Embassy to India, highlighted the successful bilateral cooperation between India and Germany in environmental and wetlands conservation.

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Sharjah and Dubai

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is currently being held in Sharjah and Dubai, UAE, from October 3 to October 20. This tournament features 10 teams: Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies.

Group Stages:

  • Group A: Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
  • Group B: South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Scotland

Claudia Sheinbaum sworn in as Mexico’s first woman President

On October 1, 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in as Mexico’s first female president, succeeding Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The 62-year-old climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City took office for a six-year term, lasting until 2030.

Sheinbaum was elected in the June 2 elections, winning nearly 58% of the vote. In her inauguration speech, she recognized the struggles of women in Mexico and pledged to maintain the country’s daily oil production at 1.8 million barrels. This historic moment marks a new chapter in the world’s most populous Spanish-speaking nation.

10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission

Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024 celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission on October 2, 2024, a nationwide cleanliness initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014.

The theme for the event was “Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata” (Natural Cleanliness, Cultural Cleanliness), focusing on integrating cleanliness into daily life and culture.

The event marked the culmination of the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) campaign, which ran from September 17 to October 2, 2024, encouraging public participation and improving sanitation workers’ welfare. PM Modi, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, launched projects worth ₹9,600 crore, including initiatives under AMRUT and the National Mission for Clean Ganga.

Reconstitution of Monetary Policy Committee

The Indian government has reconstituted the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on 1 October 2024, under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934. This committee plays a crucial role in setting the country’s monetary policy, including interest rates. The MPC’s decisions directly impact inflation rates, economic growth, and overall financial stability in India.

The reconstituted MPC consists of six members:

  1. Governor of the Reserve Bank of India – Chairperson, ex officio.
  2. Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, in charge of Monetary Policy – Member, ex officio.
  3. One officer of the Reserve Bank of India, nominated by the Central Board – Member, ex officio.
  4. Prof. Ram Singh, Director, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi – Member.
  5. Saugata Bhattacharya, Economist – Member.
  6. Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Director and Chief Executive, Institute for Studies in Industrial Development, New Delhi – Member.

The members appointed by the Central Government will hold office for a period of four years or until further orders, whichever is earlier. 

International Day of Non-Violence – 2 October

The International Day of Non-Violence is marked on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.

The General Assembly, in a resolution adopted on 5 June 2007, established the commemoration, the International Day as an occasion to disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.

Contributions to India’s Independence

His leadership in the Champaran and Kheda Satyagrahas, the Salt March, and the Quit India Movement galvanized millions to join the freedom struggle without resorting to violence. His philosophy of Satyagraha (truth and non-violence) became a powerful tool for social and political change.

Mark Rutte, the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, became the Secretary-General of NATO

On October 1, 2024, Mark Rutte, the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, became the Secretary-General of NATO, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg, who held the position for ten years.

During the handover ceremony in Brussels, Rutte emphasized key priorities for NATO, such as strengthening its defenses, boosting support for Ukraine, and enhancing global partnerships. His leadership comes at a crucial time due to ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions, with his experience as a consensus-builder and commitment to transatlantic relations being seen as valuable in addressing modern security challenges.

Parth Rakesh Mane secures double Gold at ISSF Junior World Championship in Peru

Indian shooter Parth Rakesh Mane secured two gold medals at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Championship in Lima, Peru, on October 1, 2024. He won the individual gold in the 10m air rifle event with a score of 250.7, narrowly defeating China’s junior Asian champion Huang Liwanlin by 0.7 points. Parth, along with Ajay Malik and Abhinav Shaw, also clinched the gold in the men’s team event.

India’s third gold of the day came in the junior women’s 10m air rifle team event, with Gautami Bhanot, Sambhavi Kshirsagar, and Anoushka Thakur securing victory. India currently leads the medal tally with five golds.

Mithun Chakraborty Honored with Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024

Legendary Actor Mithun Chakraborty will be honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 70th National Film Awards ceremony in October 2024. Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honor in cinema. This award, named after the father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke, is given for lifetime contributions to Indian cinema.

Mithun Chakraborty, affectionately known as Mithun Da, has had a remarkable career spanning nearly five decades. He made his acting debut in 1976 with the film “Mrigayaa,” which earned him his first National Film Award for Best Actor.  Over the years, he has appeared in over 350 films across multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Odia, Bhojpuri, and Telugu.

Eighth edition of the India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise KAZIND-2024 begins in Uttarakhand

The Eighth edition of the India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise KAZIND-2024 began on 30 September 2024 in Uttarakhand. The Indian Armed Forces, represented by a battalion of the KUMAON Regiment with 120 personnel, are participating. The joint military exercise will be conducted from up to 13 October 2024.

The exercise aims to improve the joint military capability of both nations for counter-terrorism operations, focusing on semi-urban and mountainous terrain. It also promotes sharing of best practices, enhances defence cooperation, and strengthens interoperability and camaraderie between the two armies.

India won the SAFF Under-17 Championship

India won the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-17 Championship by defeating Bangladesh 2-0 in the final on 28 September 2024 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan.

Mohammed Kaif scored the first goal in the 58th minute with a header from a corner delivered by Ngamgouhou Mate. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Nazmul Huda Faysal secured India’s victory with a powerful strike from the edge of the box.

Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah Killed in Israeli Airstrike

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on September 28, 2024. Nasrallah, who had led the Iran-backed militant group for over three decades, was a significant figure in Middle Eastern politics and conflicts. The airstrike targeted Hezbollah’s central headquarters, resulting in the deaths of several key leaders, including Nasrallah.

Under Nasrallah’s leadership, Hezbollah evolved from a militia into a powerful political and military force in Lebanon, with substantial influence across the region.

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