PREFACE
It gives us great pleasure to release the monthly edition of the PRAVAHINI - Monthly e-Compendium & Weekly e-Periodicals of Current Affairs. The magazine’s members have shown considerable cooperation as well as devotion. We at successmantra.in work tirelessly to create this magazine and bring it to you with a great sense of gratitude.
The PRAVAHINI October-2021 eBook covers the current events that happened in the month of October. Current Affairs is a crucial component of any competitive exams including CLAT, AILET, DU-LLB, HM, CAT, IAS, PCS, SSC, Banking, MBA and various other competitive examinations.
Current Affairs play the bigger role in many competitive and government exams. It holds the power of making or breaking your chance of success. Therefore, the candidates should cover the Current Affairs thoroughly and smartly.
The PRAVAHINI October-2021 eBook is divided into different sections keeping in mind the need of various exams. The sections covered namely International, National, Economy, Ecology and Environment, Science & Technology, Legal Affairs, Sports, States News Makers and few others.
We would also be pleased to receive any suggestion that could assist us with the upcoming editions.
Success Mantra (GTB Nagar, Delhi)
Website: www.successmantra.in
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. National Affairs
2. International Affairs
3. Economic Affairs
4. Appointments
5. Awards And Honors
6. Important Dates & Sports
7. Reports And Indexes
8. Miscellaneous
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
TATA SONS WINS BID FOR AIR INDIA
Mumbai-based conglomerate Tata Sons will take over the loss-making national carrier Air India, the Centre announced Friday as it looks to close one of its most ambitious disinvestment projects.
The Tata Group placed a winning bid of Rs 18,000 crore. Along with the assets, the new owner will also take on around Rs 15,300 crore of debt.
While this kicks off the NDA government’s mega privatisation plans, it would mean the government ceding 100% stake in the airline that it nationalised in 1953, taking over control from the Tata Group.
The scope of the sale includes 100% of the government’s stake in Air India and 100% of the airline’s shareholding in low-cost airline Air India Express Ltd and 50% in Air India SATS Airport Services Private Ltd.
History of Air India: JRD Tata founded the airline in October 1932 and it was at that time called Tata Airlines.
This marks the return of Air India to Tata fold after 68 years. The government nationalised the airline in 1953. With this, the airline will go back to the Tatas who have a long history with the national carrier.
Why does the government of India sell Air India?
Air India has been in losses ever since its merger with domestic operator Indian Airlines in 2007. The airline, which was formed by the Tatas as a mail carrier in 1932, will give the successful bidder control of 4,400 domestic and 1,800 international landing and parking slots at domestic airports, as well as 900 slots at airports overseas.
Besides, the bidder would get 100 per cent of the low-cost arm Air India Express and 50% of AISATS, which provides cargo and ground handling services at major Indian airports.
PM MODI LAUNCHED SBM-U 2.0 & AMRUT 2.0
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0 and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.
Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 have been designed to realise the aspiration to make all our cities 'Garbage Free' and 'Water Secure'.
SBM-U 2.0 envisions making all cities ‘Garbage Free’ and ensuring grey and black water management in all cities.
The Mission will focus on source segregation of solid waste, utilizing the principles of 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), scientific processing of all types of municipal solid waste and remediation of legacy dumpsites for effective solid waste management. The outlay of SBM-U 2.0 is around ₹1.41 lakh crore.
AMRUT 2.0 aims to provide 100% coverage of water supply to all households in around 4,700 urban local bodies by providing about 2.68 crore tap connections and 100% coverage of sewerage and septage in 500 AMRUT cities by providing around 2.64 crore sewer/septage connections, which will benefit more than 10.5 crore people in urban areas.
PM MODI LAUNCHED JAL JEEVAN MISSION MOBILE APP
PM Modi launched the Jal Jeevan Mission mobile application for improving awareness among stakeholders and for greater transparency and accountability of schemes under the initiative.
PM Modi will also launch the Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh, which will facilitate contributions for providing tap water connection in every rural household, school, Anganwadi centre, etc. Contributions can be made by any individual, organisation, philanthropist, be it in India or overseas.
About the Jal Jeevan Mission app:
The Jal Jeevan Mission App has been launched to improve awareness among stakeholders and for greater transparency and accountability of schemes under the Mission.
All details about the mission, including how many households received water, quality of water, among other things, will be available in one place on the mobile application.
About the Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh (RJJK):
Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh (RJJK) will enable individuals, institutions, corporations, or philanthropists, either in India or abroad, to contribute/donate to provide tap water connection in every rural household, school, Anganwadi centre, ashram shala, and other public institutions.
The RJJK has been launched as a registered public charitable trust, set up by the department of drinking water and sanitation, under the ministry of Jal Shakti.
PM MODI DEDICATED 35 PSA OXYGEN PLANTS TO NATION
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated 35 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plants to the nation through video-conferencing, during an event at AIIMS Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.
These 35 PSA Oxygen Plants have been established under PM CARES, across 35 States and Union Territories.
Now all districts of the country will now have commissioned PSA Oxygen Plants.
As per the data, a total of 1,224 PSA oxygen plants have been funded under the PM-CARES (Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situation) fund across the country till date and of these, more than 1,100 plants have already been commissioned providing an output of over 1,750 MT oxygen per day.
WHY IS INDIA FACING COAL SHORTAGE?
India is facing a severe coal crisis with over half of its coal-fired power plants left with coal stocks that would last less than three days while 80% of its plants left with less than a week’s coal stock.
As of September 29, 2021, almost 16 out of 135 coal-fired power plants in India had zero coal stocks, according to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
Coal accounts for more than 70 per cent of India's electricity output and utilities account for approximately 75 per cent of India's coal consumption.
India is the world’s 2nd largest importer of coal though it has the 4th largest coal reserves. Three-fourths of India's electricity demand is fulfilled with coal.
In a report by S&P’s unit CRISIL, the Asian coal prices (global coal prices) are expected to continue to rise. The coal inventory at Indian thermal plants is expected to improve gradually only by March 2022.
But as of now, the power plants are struggling to meet the surging demand for power production as economic activity rebound from the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
FIRST FEMALE PRIME MINISTER OF TUNISIA
Najla Bouden Romdhane has been named Tunisia’s first female prime minister, two months after President Kais Saied assumed executive authority, sacked the prime minister and suspended parliament.
Romdhane, 63, was assigned to form a new government amid growing domestic and international discontent about the president’s power seizure.
Born in Tunisia’s central Kairouan province in 1958, Romdhane is a geology professor at the National School of Engineers in the capital Tunis.
There was no immediate reaction from Tunisia’s powerful General Labour Union or political parties to Romdhane’s appointment.
6TH INDIA-UK JOINT EXERCISE 'AJEYA WARRIOR'
The 6th Edition of India–UK Joint Company Level Military Training EXERCISE AJEYA WARRIOR has commenced at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.
The exercise is part of an initiative to develop interoperability and sharing expertise with friendly foreign nations. Armies would familiarise themselves with each other’s weapons, equipment, tactics, techniques, etc.
The troops of the two countries will also share the experiences that they have learnt during the conduct of several military operations in their respective countries and overseas engagements.
The exercise will conclude with a gruelling 48 hours exercise to validate the performance of both armies in conducting joint military operations in a semi-urban environment.
MITRA SHAKTI: JOINT EXERCISE B/W INDIA & SRI LANKA
India & Sri Lanka, a bilateral joint exercise called Mitra Shakti's 8th edition was conducted from 4 October to 15 October at Ampara in Sri Lanka.
In the joint exercise, all arms contingent of 120 personnel from the Indian Army will participate alongside the battalion of the Sri Lankan Army.
Mitra Shakti was conducted to push close relations between the armies of India and Sri Lanka. It also seeks to reinforce interoperability and share best practices to counter insurgency and terrorism operations.
It will involve tactical level operations at the sub-unit level. Operations were held in a global Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism environment.
The exercise will act as the catalyst to bring synergy and cooperation at the grassroots. A level between the Indian and Sri Lankan Army.
INDIA-JAPAN MARITIME BILATERAL EXERCISE JIMEX-21
The Indian Navy and Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force are all set to mark the fifth edition of India-Japan Maritime Bilateral Exercise, popularly known as JIMEX-21.
JIMEX-21 will be held from 6 October to 8 October in the Arabian Sea with special focus on maritime security cooperation.
The JIMEX series of maritime exercises began in 2012 and its last edition was held in September 2020.
JIMEX-21 will see the participation of India's indigenously built guided missile stealth destroyer Kochi and guided missile frigate Teg, under the command of Rear Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet.
In addition to the ships, P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, integral helicopters and MiG 29K fighter aircraft will also participate in the exercise.
It aims to develop common understanding of operational procedures and enhance interoperability through conduct of a multitude of advanced exercises, across the entire spectrum of maritime operations."
JIMEX-21 will enhance the cooperation and mutual confidence between the two navies and fortify the long-standing bond of friendship between the two countries.
ETHIOPIAN PM ABIY AHMED ELECTED FOR THE 2ND TERM
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been sworn in for a new five-year term as his government faces a host of challenges, including a months-long conflict in the northern region of Tigray.
Abiy’s Prosperity Party was declared the winner of parliamentary elections earlier this year in a vote criticised and, at times, boycotted by opposition parties but described by some outside electoral observers as better run than those in the past.
He has been serving as prime minister of Ethiopia since 2018.
Abiy won the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for restoring ties with neighbouring Eritrea and pursuing sweeping political reforms.
INDIA JOINED HIGH AMBITION COALITION (HAC)
India, at a ceremony held between the French and Indian Governments officially joined the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People.
HAC is a group of 70 nations encouraging the adoption of the global goal to protect 30x30 (30 percent of the world’s land and ocean by 2030).
The Union Environment Ministry in an official statement said that India is the first BRICS bloc of major emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to join the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People.
India’s announcement of joining HAC comes in the lead up to a high-level biodiversity meeting in China from October 11 to 15.
The Indian & French Government signed the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People agreement to protect at least 30% of the planet’s lands and seas by 2030.
What is the High Ambition Coalition?
The High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People is an intergovernmental group of 70 nations co-chaired by Costa Rica and France and the United Kingdom as the Ocean co-chair.
Objective - Championing a global deal for people and nature, HAC has the central goal of protecting at the least 30% of the world’s land and ocean by 2030.
The 30x30 target is the global target that aims to stop the accelerating loss of the species as well as protect the vital ecosystems that are the source of economic security.
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
INDIA & AUSTRALIA AGREED TO END FTA BY 2022
India and Australia agreed to close the trade Agreement, FTA, between the 2 nations by 2022.
The announcement was made by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Australian counterpart Don Tehan.
Addressing the event as an enormous day for the economic partnership between the 2 countries, agreed on a roadmap towards finalizing the FTA after today's discussion. The 2022 deadline is the conclusion of the FTA.
Under two conditions, article 24 of the World Trade Organization, WTO allows countries to make customs unions (CUs) or FTAs. First, members should substantially eliminate all internal trade barriers inside the union; second, external trade barriers shouldn't be raised on average.
The deal leverages the complementarities between the 2 countries and would unlock the trade potential. India didn't join RCEP because it had not been within the economic interest of RCEP.
WORLD BANK ESTIMATED INDIA' GDP GROWTH AT 8.3%
The World Bank has estimated India’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the current fiscal year 2021-22 to grow by 8.3% in its latest economic update for South Asia.
India’s economy, South Asia’s largest, is expected to grow by 8.3 per cent in the fiscal year 2021-22, aided by an increase in public investment and incentives to boost manufacturing,”.
The World Bank said in its update on South Asia, titled ‘Shifting Gears: Digitization and Services-led Development.
The GDP growth projection for India in three fiscal years as per World Bank is as follows:
• 2021-22 (FY22): 8.3%
• 2022-23 (FY23): 7.5%
• 2023-24 (FY24): 6.5%
APPOINTMENTS
KANGANA RANAUT AS BRAND AMBASSADOR OF ODOP SCHEME
The Yogi Adityanath government of Uttar Pradesh has roped in film actress Kangana Ranaut as the brand ambassador of its highly ambitious scheme 'One District One Product' (ODOP).
The Yogi government has launched One District One Product (ODOP) scheme with an aim to encourage such indigenous and specialized products and crafts of UP that are not found anywhere else.
CM Yogi also presented Kangana with a silver coin which was used for ‘Ram Janm Bhumi Pujan’.
The scheme encourages such indigenous and specialized products and crafts of UP that are not found anywhere else.
AWARDS & HONOURS
NOBEL PRIZE AWARDED IN PHYSIOLOGY OR MEDICINE
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2021 was awarded jointly to David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian “for their discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch.”
These breakthrough discoveries launched intense research activities leading to a rapid increase in our understanding of how our nervous system senses heat, cold, and mechanical stimuli.
The laureates identified critical missing links in our understanding of the complex interplay between our senses and the environment. The announcement was made by a panel at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.
About the David Julius: David Julius of the University of California utilised capsaicin, a pungent compound from chili peppers that induces a burning sensation, to identify a sensor in the nerve endings of the skin that responds to heat.
About the Ardem Patapoutian: Ardem Patapoutian, who is with Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Scripps Research, used pressure-sensitive cells to discover a novel class of sensors that respond to mechanical stimuli in the skin and internal organs.
The Nobel Prize: The prestigious award comes with a gold medal and 10 million Swedish kronor (over $1.14 million).
The prize money comes from a bequest left by the prize’s creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, who died in 1895. The other prizes are for outstanding work in the fields of physics, chemistry, literature, peace and economics.
NOBEL PRIZE AWARDED IN CHEMISTRY (2021)
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2021 was awarded jointly to Benjamin List and David W.C. MacMillan “for the development of asymmetric organocatalysis.”
This has had a great impact on pharmaceutical research and has made chemistry greener. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2021.
Catalysts are thus fundamental tools for chemists, but researchers long believed that there were, in principle, just two types of catalysts available: metals and enzymes.
Benjamin List and David MacMillan are awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2021 because in 2000 they, independent of each other, developed a third type of catalysis. It is called asymmetric organocatalysis and builds upon small organic molecules.
About the Benjamin List: Benjamin List, born 1968 in Frankfurt, Germany. Ph.D. 1997 from Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany. Director of the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany.
About David W.C. MacMillan: David W.C. MacMillan, born 1968 in Bellshill, UK. Ph.D. 1996 from University of California, Irvine, USA. Professor at Princeton University, USA.
NOBEL PRIZE AWARDED IN PHYSICS 2021
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Physics 2021.
Syukuro Manabe, Klaus Hasselmann, Giorgio Parisi jointly won the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics for groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of complex physical systems.
The Nobel Prize in Physics is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden. The prestigious award comes with a gold medal and 10 million Swedish kronor (over $1.14 million).
Contribution of Syukuro Manabe and Klaus Hasselmann:
Syukuro Manabe (Princeton University, USA) and Klaus Hasselmann (Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, Hamburg, Germany) awarded for the physical modelling of Earth’s climate, quantifying variability and reliably predicting global warming”.
Contribution of Giorgio Parisi:
Giorgio Parisi (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy) was awarded for the discovery of the interplay of disorder and fluctuations in physical systems from atomic to planetary scales.
MARIA RESSA & DMITRY MURATOV WINS NOBEL PEACE PRIZE
Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov, journalists whose work has angered the rulers of the Philippines and Russia, were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Maria Ressa uses freedom of expression to expose abuse of power, use of violence and growing authoritarianism in her native country, the Philippines.
Dmitry Muratov has for decades defended freedom of speech in Russia under increasingly challenging conditions.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee is convinced that freedom of expression and freedom of information are crucial prerequisites for democracy and protection against war and conflict.
The 2021 peace prize laureates are representative of all journalists who stand up for this ideal in a world in which democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly adverse conditions.
The prize is the first Nobel Peace Prize for journalists since the German Carl von Ossietzky won it in 1935 for revealing his country’s
secret post-war rearmament programme.
Muratov is the first Russian to win the peace prize since Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1990. Gorbachev himself has long been associated with Novaya Gazeta, having contributed some of his Nobel prize money to help set up the paper in the early post-Soviet days when Russians anticipated new freedoms.
Ressa is the first winner of a Nobel prize in any field from the Philippines.
Rappler, which she co-founded in 2012, has grown prominent through investigative reporting, including into large scale killings during a police campaign against drugs.
TANZANIAN NOVELIST WON NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE
Tanzanian novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah has been awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2021.
The Swedish Academy bestowed on him the honour “for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents.”
The 72-year-old author was born in Zanzibar and has written 10 novels and several short stories. All his works are weaved with a common thread — the experience of refugees, mirroring his own.
However, his writing reflects his clear-eyed perspective of the past, one that is not dipped in nostalgia.
His first novel was Memory of Departure (1987), but his breakthrough work was Paradise (1994).
Who is Abdulrazak Gurnah?
The Tanzanian novelist was born in Zanzibar in 1948 and has since lived in the UK and Nigeria. He writes in English, and his most famous novel is Paradise, which was shortlisted for the Booker prize in 1994.
Gurnah currently lives in the UK and taught English Literature at the University of Kent.
Until recently, he was Professor of English and Postcolonial Literatures at the University of Kent, Canterbury and has published ten novels and a number of short stories.
KARNATAKA VIKAS GRAMEENA BANK WINS 2 AWARDS
Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB), sponsored by Canara Bank, has bagged two national awards (‘APY Big Believers’ and ‘Leadership capital’) for significant enrolment under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) from the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
KVGB Chairman P. Gopi Krishna received awards from PFRDA Chairman Supratim Bandopadhyay.
KVGB is playing a pivotal role in implementing all three social security schemes (PMJJBY, PMSBY and APY) launched by the Central government.
KVGB has a business turnover of ₹28,410 crores with a clientele base of nearly 90 lakh in nine districts – Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada – of Karnataka.
IMPORTANT DAYS AND DATES
GANDHI JAYANTI CELEBRATED ON 2ND OCTOBER
Every year 2nd October is celebrated as a Gandhi Jayanti to remember the birth anniversary of the father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi.
The year 2021 marks the 152nd birth anniversary of the global peace icon who was born on 2 October 1869, in Porbandar in Gujarat. This day is referred to as Gandhi Jayanti in India.
On 15 June 2007, the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence.
The International Day of Non-Violence is observed 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 International Day is an occasion to “disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness”.
The leadership of Mahatma Gandhi:
Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence, has been the inspiration for non-violent movements for civil rights and social change across the world.
Throughout his life, Gandhi remained committed to his belief in non-violence even under oppressive conditions and in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The theory behind his actions, which included encouraging massive civil disobedience to British law as with the historic Salt March of 1930, was that “just means lead to just ends”; that is, it is irrational to try to use violence to achieve a peaceful society.
He believed that Indians must not use violence or hatred in their fight for freedom from colonialism.
Gandhi Jayanti 2021: Significance
Gandhi was a preacher of non-violence. He had also played a major role in the Indian independence movement.
On 6th July 1944, Subhash Chandra Bose addressed Gandhi as “The Father of the Nation” and on 28 April 1947, Sarojini Naidu during a conference also referred to Gandhi as “Father of the Nation.”
Few Important events done by Mahatma Gandhi are listed below:
• 1913 – Gandhi’s activism and arrest in South Africa
• 1917 – Gandhi established Sabarmati Ashram
• 1920-1922 – Non-Cooperation Movement
• 1921 – Gandhi was given exclusive authority over the Indian National Congress
• 1930 – Salt (Dandi) March
• 1942 – Quit India Movement
• 1947 – British Declared Indian Independence
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS: 1ST OCTOBER
International Day of Older Persons is observed globally on 1st October every year.
The day aims to raise awareness about issues affecting the elderly, such as senescence and elder abuse, and appreciate the contributions that older people make to society.
The theme of International Day of Older Persons 2021: Digital Equity for All Ages.
History: On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons (resolution 45/106).
This was preceded by initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed later that year by the UN General Assembly.
WORLD HABITAT DAY OBSERVED ON OCTOBER 4TH
The United Nations designated the first Monday of October as World Habitat Day. In 2021, World Habitat Day is being celebrated on October 04.
The day is commemorated every year worldwide to throw light on the condition of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter.
The day is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns. The theme for 2021 World Habitat Day is “Accelerating urban action for a carbon-free world”.
History: In 1985 the United Nations designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day. World Habitat Day was first celebrated in 1986 with the theme “Shelter is My Right”.
WORLD SPACE WEEK: 4TH TO 10TH OCTOBER
The World Space Week (WSW) is observed every year from October 4 to 10, to celebrate science and technology, and their contribution towards the betterment of the human condition.
WSW was declared by the United Nations General Assembly on December 6, 1999. The 2021 theme is “Women in Space”!
History of World Space Week: WSW was declared by the United Nations General Assembly on December 6, 1999.
The dates commemorate the launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik I, on 4 October 1957 and the entry into force of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies on 10 October 1967.
GANGA RIVER DOLPHIN DAY: OCTOBER'S 5TH
In India, the 'Ganga dolphin Day' is observed each year on October 5 to raise knowledge and support the protection of Ganga River Dolphins.
On this day in 2010 the Ganga Dolphins were declared national aquatic animals. WWF, The World Wide Fund for Nature, in 2012 and the Uttar Pradesh government jointly began the dolphin conservation campaign.
The Gangetic Dolphins are included under the primary Schedule of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. They have been declared "Endangered" under IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).
They're listed under Appendix I as most endangered under the Convention on International trade in endangered species (CITES).
The Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary was established in Bihar under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
NATIONAL WILDLIFE WEEK B/W 2ND TO 8TH OCT.
National Wildlife Week is annually celebrated across India between 2nd to 8th October to guard and preserve flora and fauna of India.
The Wildlife Week 2021 is widely known from 2 October to 8 October. In 2021, India is commemorating 67th Wildlife Week.
The National Wildlife Week theme 2021: "Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet".
The Indian Board of Wildlife was established, and the Wildlife Week was conceptualized in 1952 to boost awareness about the future goals of protecting the wildlife of India.
Initially, in 1955 the Wildlife day was celebrated, later upgraded as Wildlife Week in 1957.
The theme shows the central role of forests, forest species and ecosystems services in supporting the livelihoods of many people globally, especially of Inherent and native societies with historical ties to forested and forest-adjacent areas. This aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
INDIAN AIR FORCE DAY: 8TH OCTOBER
Every year on 8 October, the country observes the Indian Air Force Day (IAF). The day is celebrated to raise awareness around the world about IAF as an organisation that works towards strengthening national security.
As a proud moment for India, this year marks 89 years since the IAF's foundation, because, on this day in 1932, the Air Force in India was officially recognised and raised as a supporting force of the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom (UK).
Every year, this special day is celebrated at the Hindon Air Force Station in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad city.
The Indian Air Force was recognised and established on 8 October, 1932, by the British Empire. Also known as Bharatiya Vayu Sena, its first operational squadron or regiment came into being in April 1933.
Additionally, only after its involvement and participation in World War II, the Air Force in India came to be identified as the Royal Indian Air Force.
Among the other armed forces, the IAF is a crucial organ that plays an important role in the wars for the country.
The fourth-largest operational air force in the world, the primary mission of the IAF is to secure the Indian airspace as well as also conducts aerial activities during armed conflicts.
WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY: 9TH OCTOBER
Every year, World Migratory Bird Day is marked on the second Saturdays of May and October. This year, it is being observed today, 9 October.
The World Migratory Bird Day aims to raise global awareness about the ecological importance of migratory birds, threats faced by them, and the need to conserve them and their habitation.
Theme: The theme of World Migratory Bird Day 2021 is “Sing, Fly, Soar – Like a Bird”. It aims to educate the people about migratory birds and the need for international cooperation in order to conserve them.
This year's annual global campaign focuses on the phenomena of “bird flight” and “bird song” to connect and inspire people across the world who share a common desire to celebrate migratory birds and to team up in a global effort to protect the habitats of these birds so that they can survive.
The theme appeals to individuals all over the world to use their own creativity and voices to express their shared appreciation of birds and nature.
History: In 2006, the day originated when the United Nations (UN) made the decision to raise awareness of the migratory linkages between regions across the world. Since then, a total of 118 countries have hosted and participated in the event.
The World Migratory Bird Day was conceptualized as a part of the UN’s agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds.
In Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, World Migratory Bird Day is marked on the second Saturday of every October. While in the US and Canada, the day is observed on the second Saturday of every May.
WORLD POST DAY: 9TH OCTOBER
World Post Day is celebrated each year on October 9 globally.
The purpose of World Post Day is to create awareness of the role of the postal sector in people’s and businesses’ everyday lives and its contribution to the social and economic development of countries.
The theme of 2021 World Post Day is “Innovate to recover.”
History of World Post Day: World Post Day is celebrated each year on 9 October, the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874 in the Swiss Capital, Bern.
It was declared World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969. Since then, countries across the world participate annually in the celebrations.
Posts in many countries use the event to introduce or promote new postal products and services.
• Universal Postal Union Headquarters: Bern, Switzerland.
• Universal Postal Union Director-General: Masahiko Metoki.
• Universal Postal Union Founder: Heinrich von Stephan.
• Universal Postal Union Founded: 9 October 1874.
REPORTS AND INDEXES
MUKESH AMBANI TOPPED HURUN INDIA RICH LIST 2021
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani has topped IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List 2021 again this year, with about 9 percent change in its total wealth to Rs 7.18 lakh crore.
Under his leadership, Reliance Industries has become the first Indian company to cross the $200 billion (INR 15 lakh crore) market cap driven by retail and telecom operations.
Within four decades of operation, Reliance Industries becomes the 57th most valuable firm in the world according to Hurun Global 500 Most Valuable Companies 2021.
Raking second on the list is Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, whose wealth rose 261 per cent to Rs 5.05 lakh crore.
He jumped two places to secure the second position on the list. The Adani group has a combined market capitalisation of Rs 9 lakh crore, and except Adani Power, all listed companies are valued at more than Rs 1 lakh crore.
OTHER RICHEST INDIANS IN THE TOP 10:
• SP Hinduja & family moved down two positions to the fourth rank in the list.
• LN Mittal & family moved up eight positions to the fifth rank.
• Cyrus S Poonawalla of Serum Institute of India occupies the sixth position.
• Radhakishan Damani of Avenue Supermarts retained the seventh position.
• Vinod Shantilal Adani & family moved up twelve places to the eighth rank.
• Kumar Mangalam Birla & the family of Aditya Birla Group occupies the Ninth position.
• The tenth position in the list is secured by Jay Chaudhry of cloud security company Zscaler.
THE STATE OF THE WORLD'S CHILDREN REPORT 2021
The Union Health Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, Released The State of the World’s Children 2021 Report on 5 October 2021 in New Delhi.
The State of the World’s Children 2021 Report is UNICEF’s global flagship publication. The report focuses on the impact of the COVID 19 Pandemic on the mental health of children and youth.
This report examines the psychological state of youngsters, adolescents and caregivers. It focuses on dangers and guarding factors at critical moments within the lifetime.
It also delves into the social determinants which ultimately shape psychological state and well-being.
The report pointed out that children and youths might have the COVID 19 impact on their mental health for years to come. The mental health carried before the pandemic situation added up to the Pandemic situation had added to the strain on mental health.
In India, Mental health is often undiagnosed, and few are hesitant for seeking help.
UNESCO RELEASED 2021 STATE OF THE EDUCATION REPORT
On the Occasion of the World Teachers’ Day (5th October), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched its 2021 State of the Education Report (SOER) for India: “No Teacher, No Class”.
This publication is the annual flagship report of UNESCO New Delhi and it is based on extensive research.
This third edition of the State of Education Report focused on the theme of teachers, teaching and teacher education. Access to the internet in schools is 19 per cent all over India.
Key Points of the reports: The Higher proportion of women teachers: Chandigarh, Delhi, Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Nadu.
The lower proportion of women teachers: Tripura, Assam, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Bihar.
Increase the number of teachers and improve working conditions in North-Eastern states, rural areas and the ‘aspirational districts.
Increase the number of physical education, music, art, vocational education, early childhood and special education teachers. Provide teachers with meaningful Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training.
Develop teaching governance through consultative processes, based on mutual accountability.
MISCELLANEOUS
NEW TIGER RESERVE IN CHHATTISGARH
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) approved the Chhattisgarh government’s proposal to declare the combined areas of the Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve.
The new Reserve is located in the northern part of the state, bordering Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. This will be the fourth Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh, after the Udanti-Sitanadi, Achanakmar, and Indravati Reserves.
The Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary was identified as part of the Sarguja Jashpur Elephant Reserve in 2011.
The Guru Ghasidas National Park used to be part of the Sanjay National Park in undivided Madhya Pradesh. Both were identified as reserve forests, and had been in line to be notified as Tiger Reserve since 2011.
The constituent units of the new Tiger Reserve, Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary, are spread over 1,44,000 hectares (1,440 sq km) and 60,850 hectares (608.5 sq km) respectively.
Guru Ghasidas National Park is in Koriya district; Tamor Pingla is in Surajpur district in the northwestern corner of Chhattisgarh.
Guru Ghasidas National Park was the last known habitat of the Asiatic cheetah in the country.
Originally part of the Sanjay Dubri National Park, Guru Ghasidas Park was created as a separate entity in Chhattisgarh’s Sarguja region after the formation of the state in 2001.
Wildlife experts and activists in the state believe that turning Guru Ghasidas into a Tiger Reserve is important because it connects Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh and provides a corridor for tigers to move between the Bandhavgarh and Palamau Tiger Reserves.
Bhoramdeo, on the other hand, connects the Indravati Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh with the Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh and, experts say, the decision to create a Tiger Reserve at Guru Ghasidas National Park should not affect attempts to notify Bhoramdeo as a Tiger Reserve too.
NASA ALL SET TO LAUNCH 'PSYCHE MISSION'
NASA is all set on 'Psyche Mission' to visit the enormous asteroid known as Psyche, considered frozen remains of the molten core of an ancient world.
Psyche is an asteroid orbiting in the central asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, made of metal according to Earth-based radar and optical telescopes.
The asteroid might have an iron-rich interior from any planetary block that got chipped off by constant collisions in the belt.
The asteroid is 280 Kms wide at its widest point. The Psyche Mission is set to launch in August 2022, which will orbit around the asteroid for 2 years and map the surface. It will also look for ancient magnetic fields, neutrons and gamma rays on the surface.
This is the first mission to explore an asteroid with a surface covering substantial amounts of metal rather than rock or ice. It provides the first-hand opportunity to examine the interiors of a rocky planet.
WHO APPROVED FIRST ANTI-MALARIA VACCINE
The World Health Organization endorsed the first anti-malaria vaccine.
The WHO said that it recommended the widespread use of the RTS, S/AS01 (RTS, S) malaria vaccine amidst children in sub-Saharan Africa.
It is also recommended to other regions with mild to high P. falciparum malaria transmission, based on ongoing pilot performance in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi.
The development comes when WHO and its partners have reported winning the fight against Malaria that accounts for the death of 2,60,000 African children periodically under five.
Malaria remains a principal cause of childhood illness and death in sub-Saharan Africa. The vaccine does significantly reduce life-threatening critical Malaria.
The European Medicines Agency was first approved in 2015 by the European Medicines Agency for use in Africa in infants and children.
'DART MISSION' TO BE LAUNCHED BY NASA
NASA is set to launch the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft on November 24, 2021.
NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test DART) spacecraft will be launched in SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. The Mission is set to launch on November 24, 2021, from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
NASA aims to build advanced technologies to protect the Earth from dangerous asteroid collisions.
There had been numerous warnings from astronomers and scientists that there might be an asteroid Collision without a proper defence system.
The DART mission is based on the idea of developing a defence system against asteroid collisions. It is in the final stages of advancement.
Under the mission, spacecraft will be sent towards the Didymos asteroid system, approximately 109.4 kilometres away from Earth.
DART spacecraft: DART spacecraft comprises compressed Roll-Out Solar Arrays (ROSA) and a Didymos Reconnaissance & Asteroid Camera for Optical (DRACO) navigation.
This suicidal spacecraft will hit the system at the speed of 24,140 Kmph. This spacecraft has been built and improved at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL).
SM Current Affairs OCTOBER 2021 Set 02 - CLICK HERE
