NTPC launches world’s first CO2-to-Methanol Plant
NTPC, India’s largest power producer, inaugurated the world’s first CO2-to-methanol conversion plant at its Vindhyachal facility on Friday, coinciding with its 50th Raising Day celebration. The company has also developed and tested the ‘first Indigenous catalyst’ for Methanol Synthesis and made substantial progress with hydrogen, carbon capture, and other innovative technologies.
India, France elected president, co-president of International Solar Alliance for two years
India and France have been elected President and Co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for the two-year term from 2024 to 2026. India ran unopposed for the presidency, while France emerged victorious in the contest with Grenada for the Co-Presidency. The ISA Assembly also elected eight vice presidents for the standing committee, with two representatives from each of ISA’s four regional categories. Ghana and Seychelles were selected as Vice Presidents for the Africa region, Australia and Sri Lanka for Asia and the Pacific, Germany, and Italy for Europe and Others, and Grenada and Suriname for Latin America and the Caribbean. The election of the president and co-president follows a process aimed at ensuring equitable geographic representation, with ISA members divided into four regional groups: Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Others, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Israeli researchers develop software enabling in-memory processing, bypassing CPU
Israeli researchers have developed software that enables computers to process data directly in memory, bypassing the need for the central processing unit (CPU), according to a statement from the Israel Institute of Technology. This innovation addresses the energy- and time-intensive data transfers between memory and the CPU, which have increasingly become bottlenecks in modern computing. By performing some computations in memory, this approach reduces dependence on the CPU, leading to significant time and energy savings. The researchers aim to tackle the “memory wall” problem, where increases in processor speeds and memory capacity outpace data transfer rates.
Gujarat becomes India’s first state to implement a dedicated semiconductor policy
The Gujarat government has introduced India’s first ‘Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-2027.’ Led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, this ambitious policy aims to solidify Gujarat’s position as a leader in semiconductor self-reliance, supported by the newly created ‘Gujarat State Electronics Mission.’ Marking a milestone under this policy, CM Patel recently laid the foundation stone for Micron’s advanced semiconductor assembly, test, mark, and pack (ATMP) plant in Sanand, a project valued at over Rs 22,500 crore. In Dholera’s emerging ‘Semicon City,’ Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL) and Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) are establishing India’s first AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication facility with an investment exceeding Rs 91,000 crore. In further expansion, CG Power and Renesas will set up a state-of-the-art Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Sanand, a project totaling more than Rs 7,500 crore. The government has also approved Kaynes Semicon’s facility in Sanand, anticipated to produce around 6 million chips daily with an investment of Rs 3,300 crore. These projects, supported by the Gujarat Semiconductor Policy, are set to generate thousands of high-skilled jobs across the state.
Australia proposes ban on social media for children under 16
The Australian government will legislate for a ban on social media for children under 16, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday, in what it calls a world-leading package of measures that could become law late next year. Australia is trialing an age-verification system to assist in blocking children from accessing social media platforms, as part of a range of measures that include some of the toughest controls imposed by any country to date.
India makes formal bid to host 2036 Olympics
India has officially submitted its bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as reported by ANI, citing a source from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. A formal ‘Letter of Intent’ was sent by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Future Host Commission on 1 October, expressing India’s interest in hosting the event, the report said. India recently concluded its campaign at the Paris Olympics, bringing home a total of six medals - five bronze and one silver.
Kannada short film ‘Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know’ qualifies for Oscars 2025
Kannada's short film ‘Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know’, directed by Chidananda S. Naik, has qualified for the 2025 Oscars in the Live Action Short Film category. Produced by the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), this film has already garnered international acclaim, winning the first prize at the Cannes Film Festival’s La Cinef Selection earlier this year. Filmed entirely at night, the 16-minute short film invites viewers into the rich tapestry of the Indian landscape, connecting them with its unique culture and atmosphere. The film presents a poignant narrative centered on an elderly woman who steals the village rooster, leading to an unexpected cessation of sunlight and resulting in turmoil within the community. In a desperate attempt to restore harmony, a prophecy is invoked, leading to the exile of the woman’s family as they embark on a mission to reclaim the rooster.
Justice Sanjeev Khanna appointed as Chief Justice of India, effective November 11
The central government has officially notified the appointment of Justice Sanjeev Khanna as the next Chief Justice of India, set to take effect on November 11. This appointment comes in the wake of the retirement of the current Chief Justice, DY Chandrachud, on November 10. Justice Khanna will become the 51st Chief Justice of India. The Ministry of Law and Justice issued a notification confirming that, under clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution, the President has appointed Justice Sanjeev Khanna, currently serving as a Supreme Court judge, as the new Chief Justice.
New Zealand crowned Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 champions after beating South Africa in final
The White Ferns clinched their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title, overcoming South Africa by 32 runs in a thrilling final. Star allrounder Amelia Kerr led from the front, top-scoring with 43 runs and taking 3/23, steering her team to a historic victory at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Put in to bat first, New Zealand’s innings began steadily, with veteran opener Suzie Bates contributing 32 runs at the top of the order. In doing so, Bates also set a new record, becoming the most-capped player in Women’s Internationals.
Deepika Kumari bags sixth Archery World Cup medal with silver in Mexico
Indian archer Deepika Kumari captured her sixth World Cup medal, winning silver after a 0-6 defeat to China’s Li Jiaman in the championship round. The 2010 Commonwealth Games champion delivered an outstanding performance in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, defeating Li’s teammate Yang Xiaolei 6-0 and then overcoming eventual bronze medallist Alejandra Valencia 6-4 in a close contest on her home turf.
India to host first-ever Kho Kho World Cup in 2025
The first-ever Kho Kho World Cup is scheduled to take place in India in 2025. The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), in partnership with the International Kho Kho Federation, officially announced this. This groundbreaking tournament will feature 24 countries across six continents, showcasing 16 teams in both men’s and women’s categories. Originating as a traditional mud-based game, Kho Kho has transformed into a globally recognized sport, now played on mats, with participation from 54 nations. The World Cup aims to honor this rich cultural heritage while highlighting the sport’s competitive nature.
India launches first indigenous multi-purpose vessel ‘Samarthak’
The Indian Navy marked a significant milestone with the launch of Samarthak, the first vessel under the two Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) project being constructed by L&T Shipyard at Kattupalli. This event highlights India’s progress in indigenous shipbuilding, aligning with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
WHO approves Bavarian Nordic’s mpox vaccine for adolescents
The World Health Organization said it had approved Bavarian Nordic’s mpox vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 17 years, an age group considered especially vulnerable to outbreaks of the disease that has triggered global concern. The WHO said in a statement that it gave the Jynneos vaccine prequalification for adolescents on Oct. 8. The WHO declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years in August after a new type of the virus spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to its neighbours. The United Nations agency approved the use of the vaccine in September as the first shot against mpox in adults, making it easier for badly hit African countries to access the vaccine.
Claudia Sheinbaum sworn in as Mexico’s first woman President
Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in as Mexico’s first woman president. Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City, was elected president following the June 2 elections, securing nearly 58 percent of the vote, according to preliminary results from the Mexican electoral office.
Nobel Peace Prize 2024
The Nobel Peace Prize 2024 was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo "for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for demonstrating through witness testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again".
Cabinet approves National Maritime Heritage Complex in Gujarat
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat. This major project, aimed at preserving and showcasing India’s 4,500-year-old maritime heritage, will be executed in two phases. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the museum at Lothal will be the largest maritime heritage complex in the world.
Sanjeev Kumar Singla appointed as India’s next Ambassador to France
Diplomat Sanjeev Kumar Singla has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to France, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. An Indian Foreign Service officer of batch 1997, Singla presently serves as the Ambassador of India to Israel. His contributions to shaping India’s foreign policy towards Israel have been described as significant. Singla handled sensitive matters, particularly the complex Israel-Palestine conflict, with caution and diplomacy. His careful approach to these issues ensured that India maintained balanced relations in the region during volatile times.
India’s foreign exchange reserves cross USD 700 billion first time
India’s foreign exchange reserves have reached an unprecedented milestone, crossing the USD 700 billion mark for the first time. According to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday, the reserves surged by USD 12.588 billion in the week ending on September 27, pushing the total to USD 704.885 billion. The previous high stood at USD 692.296 billion just a week earlier, marking a significant boost in India’s economic buffer. This substantial foreign exchange reserve is a crucial shield for the domestic economy, helping to protect it from global financial shocks and uncertainties.
Centre declares Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali as classical languages
The Union Cabinet officially granted classical language status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali, recognizing their historical and cultural significance. This decision marks a significant addition to India’s classical language list, which was first established on October 12, 2004, with the declaration of Tamil as a classical language. The category was created to honor languages with a long and rich history, ancient literature, and cultural heritage.
The status of a classical language is granted based on specific criteria, including the language’s antiquity, with recorded texts dating back over a thousand years, a body of ancient literature considered a valuable heritage by generations, and an original literary tradition not borrowed from other linguistic communities.
The Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC), constituted by the Ministry of Culture under Sahitya Akademi in November 2004, reviewed and revised the criteria, leading to the declaration of Sanskrit as a classical language in 2005. Since then, Telugu (2008), Kannada (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014) have also received classical language status.
Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin becomes first woman to take over as DG, Armed Forces Medical Services
Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin became the first woman officer to take over as the Director General, of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS). The DGAFMS is directly responsible to the Ministry of Defence for overall medical policy matters that relate to the Armed Forces.
Before assuming the appointment of 46th DGAFMS, the Flag Officer held the coveted appointments of DG Medical Services (Navy), DG Medical Services (Air), and Director & Commandant of Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune. She is an alumna of AFMC, Pune, and was commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services in December 1985. She is an MD in Radiodiagnosis from AFMC, Pune, and a Diplomate National Board in Radiation Oncology from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, complemented with training in Gamma Knife Surgery from the University of Pittsburgh. In a career spanning 38 years, the Flag Officer has held prestigious academic and administrative appointments including Professor & Head, Radiation Oncology, Army Hospital (R&R) and Command Hospital (Southern Command)/AFMC Pune, Commanding Officer, INHS Asvini, Command Medical Officer in the Indian Navy’s Southern and Western Naval Commands.
India to take part in Euronaval 2024 defence exhibition in France
India is among 104 countries invited to attend the world’s largest naval defence trade show that will be held in Paris from November 4-7. This year, there will be shows on innovative solutions to protect naval forces and maritime infrastructure against air and surface drones, next-generation anti-ship missiles, missile systems to destroy multiple hostile drones, and many other latest features to strengthen naval forces around the world. The event, focusing on innovation, sovereignty, and international cooperation, will bring together the key players in the Naval industry which includes shipbuilders, equipment manufacturers, institutions, and experts. It offers a unique opportunity to discover the latest technological developments that will shape the navies of tomorrow.
Mithun Chakraborty to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2022
Actor Mithun Chakraborty, widely regarded as one of the most versatile figures in Indian cinema, will be honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2022. The announcement was made by Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw. Mithun Chakraborty’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated film star has been one of determination and resilience. Born Gourang Chakraborty on June 16, 1950, in Kolkata, West Bengal, he earned national recognition with his very first film, Mrigayaa (1976), for which he won the National Film Award for Best Actor. An alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Mithun went on to establish a lasting legacy in Indian cinema.
Air Marshal S P Dharkar appointed as the next IAF Vice Chief
Air Marshal SP Dharkar, a distinguished fighter pilot, has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of Air Staff. He will succeed Air Marshal AP Singh, who is set to become the Chief of Air Staff. Dharkar will assume his new role once the Chief takes over. With more than 3,600 flying hours, Air Marshal Dharkar brings extensive experience. He is an alumnus of the Rashtriya Indian Military College in Dehradun, the National Defence Academy in Pune, the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, and the Air War College in the United States. Commissioned in June 1985, he has earned credentials as a Qualified Flying Instructor, Fighter Strike Leader, Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner, and Air Force Examiner.
ADB projects India’s growth at 7% for FY24, 7.2% for FY25
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected India’s economic growth at 7% for the financial year 2024 and 7.2% for FY2025, stating that the country’s economy remains strong. ADB’s Country Director for India, Mio Oka, said that India has displayed resilience in the face of global geopolitical challenges and is set for steady expansion. Oka added that improvements in agriculture are expected to boost rural spending, complementing the robust performance of the industry and services sectors.
In its September edition of the Asian Development Outlook (ADO), ADB reported that a favorable monsoon across most regions of India is expected to lead to strong agricultural output, positively impacting the rural economy in FY2024. Additionally, the report holds an optimistic view of the industry and services sectors, private investments, and urban consumption for both FY2024 and FY2025.
India Remains Nepal’s Largest Trading Partner
India continues to hold its position as Nepal’s largest trading partner, according to the latest Nepal Trade Statistics released by the Department of Customs. As of mid-September in the fiscal year 2024-25, Nepal’s trade deficit reached NPR 237.45 billion. Nepal currently maintains trade relations with 145 countries but has a trade deficit of over 100. Nepal faces the highest trade deficit among its neighbors with India and China, amounting to NPR 144.67 billion and NPR 51.80 billion, respectively. Nepal exports various goods to India, including hydroelectric power, resin, agricultural produce, yarn, pashmina shawls, hide and skins, handicrafts, and silver and gold jewelry. On the other hand, Nepal’s imports from India primarily consist of petroleum products, chemical fertilizers, salt, sugar, rice, vehicles, copper, and cotton, among other items.
Sri Lanka President Dissanayake picks Harini Amarasuriya as PM
Sri Lanka’s new president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, named Harini Amarasuriya, a college professor and first-time lawmaker, as the new prime minister of the Indian Ocean island nation on Tuesday, making her the third woman to be appointed to the post. Dissanayake, 55, a Marxist-leaning firebrand politician, who was elected president in the election, was also scheduled to pick the rest of his cabinet.
India achieves historic double gold at 2024 Chess Olympiad
The Indian contingent has secured double gold medals in both the open and women’s categories at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary. This historic achievement has drawn widespread acclaim, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating the teams for their stellar performances. India’s maiden gold in the open section came after Arjun Erigaisi’s decisive win against Slovenia’s Jan Subelj in the final round. India’s title was confirmed after second-placed China dropped critical points in their fixture against the USA, allowing India to clinch the gold. The open category team featured prominent chess players, including Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Pentala Harikrishna, and Srinath Narayanan. Prior to this victory, India’s best achievements in the open section were bronze medals in 2014 and 2022.
Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is India’s official entry for the 97th Oscars
India has officially selected ‘Laapataa Ladies’ as its entry for the Best Foreign Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. The film, directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, aims to spotlight significant social issues while representing Indian cinema on the global stage. ‘Laapataa Ladies’ explores themes of gender equality and women’s empowerment in rural India. The film follows the story of two brides who are inadvertently switched during a train journey in 2001.
Quad launches MAITRI maritime initiative in Indo-Pacific; India to host first training workshop in 2025
India will host the inaugural symposium of the new regional maritime initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), to train Quad partners “to monitor and secure their waters, enforce their laws, and deter unlawful behavior.” The first MAITRI workshop will be hosted by India in 2025, said Nancy Izzo Jackson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs. The MAITRI initiative was among the major outcomes of the sixth summit-level meeting of the Quad group of countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US. President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Delaware. The initiative highlights the Quad’s commitment to regional security and capacity building, particularly in the maritime domain.
Quad launches MAITRI maritime initiative in Indo-Pacific; India to host first training workshop in 2025
India will host the inaugural symposium of the new regional maritime initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), to train Quad partners "to monitor and secure their waters, enforce their laws, and deter unlawful behavior". The first MAITRI workshop will be hosted by India in 2025, said Nancy Izzo Jackson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs.
The MAITRI initiative was among the major outcomes of the sixth summit-level meeting of the Quad group of countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US. President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Delaware. The initiative highlights the Quad’s commitment to regional security and capacity building, particularly in the maritime domain. It also builds on the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), a previous initiative designed to deliver maritime domain awareness information to partners. With MAITRI, countries in the Indo-Pacific can better enforce their maritime laws and deter unlawful activities.
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