1. Dr Dinesh Dasa as UPSC Member
DR Dinesh Dasa takes the oath of office and Secrecy as a Member, of UPSC. The Oath was administered by the Chairman, UPSC Dr Manoj Soni.
Dr Dasa has a Ph.D. in Forest Laws and Sustainable Development, from Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar, and an M.sc. Forestry (Agroforestry and Ecology), Gujarat Agriculture University, Navsari has wide experience as Chairman, Gujarat Public Service Commission, Feb 2016- Jan 2022.
During his tenure, the commission processed 827 advertisements to recruit 26,116 officers in which a total of 62 lakh candidates registered.
Dr. Dasa was Chairman, of the Standing Committee of All India Public Service Commissions from Dec 2020- Jan 2022 The Standing Committee is a 9 members committee constituted by the Hon’ble Chairman UPSC in the National Conference every year and it represents all 29 State PSCs to coordinate with UPSC on various issues.
2. Iran Launches Noor 3 Military Satellite
Iran has successfully placed its third military satellite, Noor 3, into orbit. The launch was carried out by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards using a three-stage Qasem rocket.
Noor 3 is classified as an imaging satellite. This designation indicates that the satellite is equipped with imaging technology for capturing high-resolution images of Earth’s surface. Notably, Noor 1 and Noor 2, the satellite’s predecessors, were also launched aboard qased rockets in April 2020 and March 2022.
Noor 3 was launched to the current altitude of Noor 2 and not at its original position. The two Satellites are in roughly the same orbital plane, so, that they work together.
3. India’s first 5G Training Labs and 5G Health Applications
The Minister for Development of North East Region, Tourism and Culture, G Kishan Reddy launched India’s first 5G training labs and 5G applications in the health sector in all the eight North Eastern States. The Project is centrally funded through the North East Council (NEC) and is being implemented by Assam Electronic Development Corporation.
The main aim is to establish a 5G Digital ecosystem in the northeast region to provide high-quality health services and reduce medical expenses. These Technological advancements will help to achieve sustainable development goals in 2030.
4. Indonesia Launches ‘Whoosh’, Southeast Asia’s First High-Speed Railway
President Joko Widodo officially inaugurated Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s infrastructure development. The ambitious project, known as the ‘Whoosh’ high-speed railway, is a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and is poised to dramatically reduce travel times between two vital Indonesian cities.
The high-speed railway connects the sprawling metropolis of Jakarta with Bandung, the bustling capital of West Java province. This transformational rail link is set to reduce the arduous three-hour commune between these cities to a mere 40 minutes, greatly enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating economic growth.
The important feature of the high-speed railway is its commitment to environmental sustainability. By utilizing electrical energy, it is anticipated that the railway will contribute to a significant reduction in carbon emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
5. Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti Assumes Charge as Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff
Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, AVSM, VSM assumed charge as Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff ON 1st Oct 23. He was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1st July 1988 and is a Navigation and Direction Specialist.
In his career spanning over 35 years, he has held a variety of command and staff appointments both ashore and afloat. The Flag Officer has commanded INS Nishank, a Missile Boat, INS Kora, a Missile Corvette, and a Guided Missile Destroyer INS Kolkata.
On promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral in 2019, he was appointed as the Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, and subsequently as Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. On elevation to the rank of vice Admiral in 2021, he took over as Director General of Project Seabird prior to taking over the present appointment as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff at NHQ MoD.
The Flag Officer was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2020 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022 by the Hon’ble President of India.
6. Intelligent Grievance Monitoring System
Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the IGMS 2.0 Public Grievance Portal and Automated Analysis in Tree Dashboard Portal of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). The IGMS 2.0 dashboard has been implemented by IIT Kanpur upgrading DARPG Information Systems (CPGRAMS) with Artificial Intelligence capabilities.
The main aim is to achieve a complete fileless office and the communication should be on e-portal. The IGMS portal will thus help the DARPG to create a draft letter for the selected scheme and expedite the grievance redressal process by the concerned ministry.
7. PATA Travel Mart 2023
Ministry of Tourism organized the inaugural ceremony for the PATA Travel Mart 2023 in New Delhi. The Mart is organized from Oct 4th to 6th 2023, bringing together tourism professionals and business stakeholders from across the world. The physical version of the Travel Mart is being held after a hiatus of three years due to the pandemic.
PATA Travel Mart is one of the Important international trade exhibitions promoting the tourism sector and a platform for trade interactions between global buyers and sellers.
Different activities will be conducted such as the PATA Gold Award, and PATA Youth Symposium. Mart is a B2B Mart bringing the thematic products forward such as wellness, adventure, heritage, culinary art, and craft of the different states to a global audience.
8. 15th Meeting of JWG on Trade between India and Bangladesh
The 15th meeting of the Joint Working Group on Trade between India and Bangladesh was held in Dhaka Bangladesh. The meeting discusses bilateral issues such as the removal of port restrictions, groundwork for the commencement of a comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), etc.
The Meeting concluded with a successful discussion on economic engagement, regional cooperation, and sustainable development. The meetings play an important role in the quick resolving of bilateral issues which is done by removing trade barriers, making customs procedures simple, infrastructure development, and transit facilities for easy access of cross border trade.
9. The Atal Bihari Training Centre for Disability Sports
The Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Training Centre for Disability Sports to provide equal opportunities in sports to individuals with disabilities. The significant initiative underscores our nation’s commitment to promote sports inclusivity and accessibility for all.
The main goal is to promote our nation’s commitment to promoting sports inclusivity and accessibility for all. The Training Centre for Disability Sports represents an important step towards providing equal opportunities in sports to individuals with disabilities and thus fostering their talents and encouraging their participation in various sporting disciplines.
10. Badis Limaakumi New Fish Species Discovered
New Fish Species Badis Limaakumi discovered in the Malak River in Nagaland. Fish from the Badis Species are also called as chameleon Fish due to their ability to change color rapidly when breeding or wanting to blend into their surroundings or when stressed.
The Chameleon Fish is widely distributed in South Asia and is found in heavily vegetated ditches, ponds, slow-flowing streams, and swamps. The study was published in the taxonomic journal called ‘Zootaxa’ and also there are 14 valid species of Badis from India.
11. Formation of National Turmeric Board
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced the formation of the National Turmeric Board fulfilling long pending demands of the Turmeric farmers. Farmers in Telangana particularly produce Turmeric in huge quantities. Nizamabad, Nirmal, and Jagital districts are known for huge cultivation of Turmeric.
The Production of turmeric has increased after covid and it is important that we pay attention to the production and export of turmeric. From India, the finger and bulb varieties of turmeric are exported abroad other than the domestic needs.
12. Noida 2.0
The Master plan for the Dadri Noida-Ghaziabad Investment Region (DNGIR), often referred to as Noida 2.0, has taken an innovative approach by introducing a “no relocation policy” for the current population within the region. Unlike conventional projects, this plan aims to integrate existing rural communities into the evolving industries and economic landscape set to emerge by 2041.
Noida 2.0, an extension of Noida in the National Capital Region (NCR), addresses the growing challenge of limited space for industrial expansion.
The 2041 master plan focuses on a transformative vision, emphasizing the seamless integration of residential areas with the region’s upcoming developments. The main focus is to improve the quality of life and job opportunities for the local population.
13. Green War Room
Delhi’s Environment Minister launched a “Green War Room” to Monitor air pollution 24*7 and ensure effective implementation of the government’s “Winter action plan”. Officials will monitor air pollution levels from the war room and coordinate with each other departments to keep AQI under control.
The war room will be connected to a mobile application called the Green Delhi App. A 17-member team will look after the green war room consisting of engineers and scientists and complaints could also be sent and those will be monitored by the Green War Room.
14. Divya Kalamela
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) organizes unique event showcasing the products and craftsmanship of regular Divyang entrepreneurs/artisans from across the country. It was organized at Secunderabad, Hyderabad.
It is a unique initiative of DEPwD towards the economic empowerment of Divyangjan. Around 100 Divyang artists and entrepreneurs from about 20 states/ UTs showcased their products and skills.
It was a great opportunity for all to go ‘Vocal for local’ and products made by Divyang craftsmen with their extra determination can be seen and purchased.
15. 11th Meeting of the India-UAE High-Level Joint Task Force on Investments
The 11th meeting of the UAE- India High-Level Joint Task Force on Investments was held in Abu Dhabi, co-chaired by His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), and Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Government of India.
The Joint Task Force has provided an important mechanism for discussion on opportunities and prospects for investments in both countries. The two sides also discussed ways and incentives for encouraging further growth in investment flows from UAE sovereign investment into India.
Also, the Indian side shared opportunities for investments in priority sectors like renewable energy, health, semiconductors, and monetization sectors in India.
