Current Affairs

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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.

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.

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