Author name: Ajay Gulia

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Gulveer Singh won gold medal in the men’s 5,000 meters race at the World Athletics Continental Tour in Japan

Gulveer Singh, a 26-year-old Indian athlete, won the gold medal in the men’s 5,000 meters race at the World Athletics Continental Tour in Japan on 28 September 2024. He set a new national record with a time of 13 minutes and 11.82 seconds, breaking his previous record of 13 minutes and 18.92 seconds.

Earlier this year, Gulveer also broke the men’s 10,000m record at the Ten Track Meet in California, finishing in 27 minutes and 41.81 seconds, surpassing the 16-year-old record held by Surender Singh. However, he missed the Paris Olympics qualification time of 27:00.00 by over 41 seconds.

NASA and SpaceX launched Crew-9 mission to bring back astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore

NASA and SpaceX launched the Crew-9 mission on September 28, 2024, from Cape Canaveral. The mission has two people on board and two empty seats to bring back astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) for months.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore went to the ISS on Boeing’s Starliner, but it was found unsafe for humans. The Starliner returned to Earth safely, but the astronauts were left behind in space.

Andro Village’s Recognition as Best Tourism Village in Heritage Category (2024)

Andro Village in Manipur has been recognized as one of the Best Tourism Villages in the Heritage category in the 2024 edition of the Best Tourism Villages Competition, organized by the Ministry of Tourism. The award ceremony took place on 27 September 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, during World Tourism Day celebrations.

Andro Village was selected for its unique cultural heritage, including its ancient fire worship tradition and historical temple, which attract tourists from around the world. The local community actively participates in preserving this heritage and engaging in tourism, creating income and employment for the villagers.

India Rises to 39th Place in Global Innovation Index 2024

India has moved up to 39th place among 133 global economies in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024. Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced that India ranks 1st among 10 economies in Central and Southern Asia, and also among lower-middle-income economies. India ranks 4th in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Science & Technology Cluster Ranking, with cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai listed among the world’s top 100 clusters.

India’s rise is significant, as it was ranked 81st in 2015. The GII evaluates innovation in 133 countries and tracks global trends, helping governments assess their innovation performance. The top five most innovative countries in 2024 are Switzerland, Sweden, the US, Singapore, and the UK.

The Global Innovation Index (GII), which started in 2007 by INSEAD, a business school, and World Business, a British magazine, provides a comprehensive measure of global innovation.

Govt declares Eco-Sensitive Zone around Gir protected area

The government has declared 1.84 lakh hectares around the Gir Protected Area as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) on 25 September 2024.

The goal is to protect Asiatic lions in Gir, their only natural home, while allowing for sustainable development.

State Forest Minister Mulubhai Bera mentioned that the current ESZ includes areas within 10 km of the Gir boundary, covering 196 villages in three districts and 17 rivers. The new zone will add over 24,000 hectares of forest and 1.59 lakh hectares of non-forest land.

PM Modi launches three PARAM Rudra Supercomputers

The PARAM Rudra Supercomputers are a significant milestone in India’s technological advancements. Developed under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), these supercomputers were dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 26 September 2024.

Key points about PARAM Rudra:

  1. Deployment Locations: The supercomputers have been installed in three major cities: Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata.
  2. Purpose: They are designed to support advanced scientific research across various fields, including physics, earth sciences, and cosmology.
  3. High-Performance Computing (HPC): Alongside PARAM Rudra, a specialized HPC system tailored for weather and climate research was also inaugurated.
  4. Self-Reliance: These supercomputers are a testament to India’s push towards self-reliance in technology and innovation.
  5. Cost: The project is valued at around ₹130 crore

World Tourism Day, celebrated annually on September 27

World Tourism Day, celebrated annually on September 27, highlights tourism’s role in connecting people and boosting economies. India’s Ministry of Tourism will celebrate the day in New Delhi, with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressing the event and announcing the best tourism village awards.

The 2024 theme is ‘Tourism and Peace’, focusing on promoting a sustainable and equitable tourism industry for future generations.

Established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1980, the day emphasizes tourism’s contribution to sustainable development, global unity, and cultural exchange.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili highlighted tourism’s role in building trust, respect, and inclusive growth, while helping prevent conflicts.

Kamal Chawla wins Gold in IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship

Indian snooker Kamal Chawla secured his first IBSF World 6-Red title by defeating Pakistan’s Asjad Iqbal 6-2 in the final on 25th November 2024, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. This victory is especially meaningful for Chawla, who had been the runner-up in the 2017 edition of the tournament.

Alongside his triumph, India won three bronze medals: Malkeet Singh in the men’s category, Vidya Pillai, and Keerthana Pandian in the women’s category. Pillai, the defending women’s champion, was unable to retain her title, losing 2-4 in the semifinals to Hong Kong’s Ng On Yee.

UP International Trade Show 2024 from September 25 to 29, 2024, in Greater Noida

The 2nd edition of UP International Trade Show 2024 is being held from September 25 to 29, 2024, at the India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. This is co-organized by the Government of Uttar Pradesh and India Exposition Mart Ltd., aimed at showcasing the state’s diverse business, trade, craft, culture, and innovation.

Key Highlights:

  • Focus on MSMEs and GI Products: The event emphasizes Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Geographical Indication (GI) products, and the One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative.
  • Wide Range of Sectors: Exhibits will cover sectors like agriculture, automobile, defense, e-commerce, electronics, health, IT, and renewable energy.
  • Business and Public Hours: Business hours are from 11 AM to 3 PM, while public hours are from 3 PM to 10 PM.
  • Government Support: Various government schemes and policies will be featured to promote industrial development and ease of doing business in the state.

Objectives:

  • Economic Growth: The event aims to support Uttar Pradesh’s goal of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy by providing a platform for businesses to expand.
  • Investment Attraction: It seeks to attract significant investments by showcasing the state’s potential as a top investment destination.
  • Cultural Showcase: The event will also highlight Uttar Pradesh’s rich craft, cuisine, culture, and traditions.

This edition is expected to be larger and more impactful, building on the success of the first edition to boost the state’s economic and cultural profile.

SP Dharkar has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of Air Staff

Air Marshal SP Dharkar has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of Air Staff, succeeding Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who will become the Chief of Air Staff on 30 September 2024.

A distinguished fighter pilot with over 3,600 flying hours, Dharkar has extensive experience and impressive credentials. He is an alumnus of several prestigious military institutions and was commissioned in June 1985.

Dharkar has commanded a frontline fighter squadron and a Fighter Flying Training Establishment, and held important roles in military education. He has also served as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training), Air Defence Commander at the Eastern Air Command, and was the first Director General of the Defence Space Agency. For the last two years, he has led the Eastern Air Command.

Make in India initiative celebrated its 10th anniversary on 25th September 2024

The Make in India initiative celebrated its 10th anniversary on 25th September 2024. Launched by the Modi government in 2014, the program aimed to boost manufacturing, innovation, and infrastructure development, positioning India as a global manufacturing hub.

Over the past decade, India has made significant progress, becoming the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer and reducing mobile imports by 85%. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme attracted investments of over ₹1.28 lakh crore, and the startup ecosystem flourished, with one startup launched every hour, creating 1.5 million jobs. India also became a global leader in vaccine production, supplying 50% of the world’s COVID vaccines.

Other milestones include the introduction of the Vande Bharat train and India’s leadership in digital payments, with UPI surpassing global platforms. The initiative has significantly strengthened India’s economy and global standing.

Asia Power Index 2024 : India has emerged as the third most powerful nation in Asia, surpassing Japan

India has emerged as the third most powerful nation in Asia, surpassing Japan in the 2024 Asia Power Index. This achievement is driven by a 4.2-point rise in India’s economic capability, fueled by strong post-COVID economic growth.

Additionally, India’s score in future resources increased by 8.2 points, reflecting the potential of its youthful population to deliver a demographic dividend in the future. India’s Diplomatic Influence also grew, with increased diplomatic activity in 2023, helping India rise in the rankings.

The Asia Power Index assesses 27 countries based on their ability to shape the regional and global environment.

Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 2.0: A Step Towards Healthier Communities

The Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 2.0 is a significant initiative launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, aimed at combating tobacco use among the youth. The 60-day campaign focuses on raising public awareness, particularly through social media, about the dangers of tobacco.

It promotes Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) by enforcing guidelines in schools and colleges and strengthening tobacco control laws like COTPA 2003 and PECA 2019. Additionally, the campaign supports the creation of Tobacco-Free Villages to foster healthier communities.

The campaign was launched on 24 September 2024 by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, at Lady Hardinge Medical College. Tobacco Cessation Centres were also inaugurated in medical institutions across India as part of the initiative.

55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2024

A review meeting for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024 was held in Panaji on 24 September, chaired by Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Goa Chief Secretary Punit Goyal, IFFI Director Shekhar Kapoor, and others attended, and they later met with Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.

The 55th edition of IFFI will take place from November 20 to 28 in Goa. Organized by the NFDC and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, this festival celebrates global cinema. New highlights include the Best Indian Debut Director Award and various events focused on youth and emerging talent.

10th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference, held on 23-24 September 2024 in New Delhi

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla chaired the 10th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference, which concluded on 24th September 2024 in New Delhi.

The conference focused on issues like the digitisation of legislative assemblies, building the capacity of legislators, and the role of legislative bodies in promoting sustainable and inclusive development. Speakers, chairmen, and presiding officers from various states and union territories participated. Discussions highlighted the importance of making legislative bodies more engaged with the public. Participants shared innovative practices from their assemblies, and a key goal discussed was completing the digitisation of state assemblies to create a unified digital platform.

The CPA India Region, established in 2004, includes 31 branches, comprising the Indian Parliament and 30 state and union territory legislatures.

India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL-NAJAH 5 from 13th to 26th September 2024

The India-Oman joint military exercise, AL-NAJAH 5 – 2024, is taking place at the Rabkoot Training Area in Oman from 13th to 26th September. The Indian Army is represented by 60 personnel from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.

The exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability between the two armies, covering combat first aid, weapon handling, and counter-drone drills. It also includes firing drills with Assault Rifles, Snipers, and Pistols, simulating real combat situations. The training involves both armies working together on combat scenarios like hostage rescue and casualty evacuation, along with cultural exchanges to strengthen ties. The exercise will conclude with a live-fire demonstration.

Laapataa Ladies is India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars in the Best Foreign Film category

Filmmaker Kiran Rao’s comedy-drama Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars in the Best Foreign Film category. The Film Federation of India confirmed the news, saying a 13-member committee, led by Assamese director Jahnu Barua, unanimously chose the film.

Laapataa Ladies, produced by Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, features strong, well-defined characters that highlight the diverse lives of Indian women, blending both submission and dominance. The film is a light-hearted comedy about two young brides who get separated on a train, leading to a series of funny events and mix-ups.

PM Modi addressed the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2024, in New York. He spoke on several important global issues, emphasizing India’s role in the world.

Key points from his speech:

  1. Global Cooperation: Modi stressed the need for countries to work together and called for reforms in international organizations to make them more effective.
  2. Climate Change: He talked about India’s commitment to fighting climate change, focusing on renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.
  3. Terrorism: Modi condemned terrorism and called for a united effort to fight it globally.
  4. Technology: He highlighted India’s progress in digital technology and called for ethical guidelines on its use worldwide.
  5. Health: Modi discussed India’s contributions to vaccine production during COVID-19 and called for stronger global health systems.
  6. Economic Growth: He promoted India’s economic progress and invited global businesses to invest in India, showcasing its potential in manufacturing and innovation.

Sangram Singh win MMA fight at Gama International Fighting Championship

Indian wrestler Sangram Singh made history by becoming the first Indian male wrestler to win an MMA  (mixed martial arts) fight. He achieved this at the Gama International Fighting Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia, on 22 September 2024.

Sangram, who is also a Commonwealth heavyweight wrestling champion, won the match in just 90 seconds against his Pakistani opponent, Ali Raza Nasir. This victory was also the fastest win by any Indian fighter in the 93 kg division of the championship.

India won double gold medals in Chess Olympiad

India’s teams delivered outstanding performances at the 45th International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess Olympiad, held in Budapest, Hungary. Both the men’s and women’s teams won the Gold on 22 September 2024.

In the open section, India’s men’s team secured their first-ever gold, with Arjun Erigaisi’s crucial win over Slovenia’s Jan Subelj in the final round. China, who was in second place, lost points to the USA, allowing India to officially claim the title. The men’s team included Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Pentala Harikrishna, and Srinath Narayanan.

The Indian women’s team also won gold, defeating Azerbaijan 3.5-0.5 in the final. The women’s team featured Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, Tania Sachdev, and captain Abhijit Kunte.

Amar Preet Singh appointed as next Chief of Air Staff

Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, currently the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, has been appointed as the next Chief of the Air Staff. He will take over from Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari on the 30 September 2024.

Commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in December 1984, Mr. Singh has served for nearly 40 years in various roles. He is a graduate of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and National Defence College. He is also a Qualified Flying Instructor and Experimental Test Pilot with over 5,000 hours of flying experience on different aircraft.

PM Modi attends the sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, on 21 September 2024. The summit was hosted by US President Joe Biden. The Prime Ministers of Australia, Anthony Albanese, and Japan, Fumio Kishida, also joined the meeting.

About the QUAD

The Quad is a group of four countries: India, Australia, Japan, and the US. They work together to keep the Indo-Pacific region open, free, and peaceful. Their efforts help support development and achieve important global goals.

The Quad meets through meetings, summits, and joint military exercises. The main goal is to protect the sea routes in the Indo-Pacific from military or political control. Japan’s Prime Minister first suggested the idea in 2007, but the group became active again in 2017. In 2021, they held their first leaders’ meeting online.

India will host the next (7th) Quad Leaders’ Summit in 2025.

Anurag Garg become Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

Anurag Garg, IPS has become the new Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), taking over from Anish Dayal Singh, who held the position temporarily after S N Pradhan’s retirement in August. Garg is a 1993 batch IPS officer from the Himachal Pradesh cadre.

He previously served as Additional Director General in the Border Security Force (BSF) and was promoted to DGP in Himachal Pradesh police. Garg, originally from Uttar Pradesh, holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from IIT Delhi and a PG Diploma in Public Policy. He is also an alumnus of the National Defence College, Delhi.

India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, to be launched by the end of this year

ISRO Chairman S Somanath announced that India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, is on track to be launched by the end of this year. The Union Cabinet recently approved expanding the Gaganyaan program and constructing the first Indian Space Station.

Somanath also shared updates on the Chandrayaan-4 mission, which has completed its engineering phase. This mission, approved on 18 September, aims to develop technologies for a safe return to Earth after a lunar landing and collecting moon samples. It will help India achieve a lunar landing by 2040. The government plans to build the Indian Space Station by 2035.

PM Modi’s Three-Day US Visit: 21 to 23 September 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a three-day visit to the United States on 21 September. He will attend the 4th annual Quad leaders’ Summit in Delaware, where discussions will cover topics like climate change and emerging technologies. Modi will also hold a meeting with US President Joe Biden to strengthen India-US relations.

On 22 September, Modi will visit New York, meet with the Indian community, and hold talks with business leaders about collaboration in areas like Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing.

On the final day, he will address the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the UN, focusing on global cooperation for a better future.

India-USA Joint Military Exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas 2024’ from 9 to 22 September 2024

The 20th edition of the India-USA Joint Military Exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas 2024’ conducted from 9 to 22 September 2024, at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan. Women soldiers from both India and the US played pivotal roles in every phase of the exercise in Yudh Abhyas 2024.

600 Indian Army personnel from the RAJPUT Regiment and a similar-sized U.S. contingent from the 1-24 Battalion of the 11th Airborne Division, Alaska, were participated.

The main goal is to improve joint military capabilities, focusing on counterterrorism operations in semi-desert environments. This year’s exercise has expanded in terms of personnel and advanced equipment, reflecting growing operational complexity. It strengthens military ties between India and the USA, aligning with India’s strategy of multi-alignment while maintaining autonomy.

Rising Cash Circulation Despite Surge in Digital Transactions in India

India leads in digital financial transactions, but cash in circulation has more than doubled in the last eight years. According to RBI, the currency in circulation increased significantly after the 2016 demonetization of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes. The cash in circulation stood at Rs 34.70 lakh crore as of September 6, 2024, up from Rs 16.5 lakh crore before demonetization.

Demonetization aimed to eliminate black money and encourage digital payments. After demonetization, the value of banknotes in circulation fell by 20.2% by March 2017.

UPI transactions increased tenfold, from 12.5 billion in 2019-20 to 131 billion in 2023-24, making up 80% of digital payment volumes. A PwC report predicts digital transactions will grow from 159 billion in 2023-24 to 481 billion by 2028-29. UPI payments grew by 45% annually, with transaction values exceeding Rs 20.65 trillion for three consecutive months. In July 2024, daily UPI transactions averaged Rs 66,590 crore.

Experts suggest the rise in cash is due to economic growth and low-value transactions avoiding GST.

Jordon becomes first Leprosy free country

On 19 September 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Jordan as the first country to eliminate leprosy. This is an important achievement in global health.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Jordan for its efforts to stop the disease. Jordan has not had any local cases of leprosy in over 20 years, confirmed by an independent assessment. However, leprosy is still found in more than 120 countries, with over 200,000 new cases reported each year.

World Food India 2024 from 19 to 22 September in New Delhi

World Food India 2024, a four-day global event, began on September 19, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event, organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), brings together over 90 countries, 26 Indian states and Union Territories, and 18 Central Ministries. It focuses on innovation, technology, and sustainability in the food processing sector.

Key features include exhibitions, knowledge sessions, and networking opportunities (G2B and B2B meetings). Special events like the Global Food Regulators Summit and a CEO roundtable are part of the agenda. Japan is the partner country, while Vietnam and Iran are focus countries.

59 percent voter turnout in the first phase of Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections

On 18 September 2024, Jammu and Kashmir saw its highest voter turnout in 35 years, with around 59 percent of voters participating in the first phase of assembly elections. The voting process was peaceful across 24 assembly constituencies in seven districts: Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Kishtwar, Anantnag, Ramban, and Doda.

Youth and women voters played a key role, showing enthusiasm and trust in the democratic process. In the Kashmir division, Kulgam recorded the highest turnout with 61.57 percent, while Kishtwar in the Jammu division saw a turnout of 77.23 percent.

Polling took place across 3276 stations, with strong security and webcasting measures. Special arrangements, including home-voting and polling stations for Kashmiri migrants, were introduced to enhance participation.

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