1 Namo Shetkari Mahasamman Nidhi Yojana
Maharashtra government will distribute Rs 1,720 crore to farmers as the first installment of funds under the Namo Shetkari Mahasamman Nidhi Scheme . It is noteworthy that this new financial scheme of the government under which Rs 6,000 will be paid annually to more than 1 crore farmers of the state. This proposal to provide benefits to farmers was approved in the cabinet meeting in May.
2 Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission included in PDG
Indian Pharmacopoeial Commission (IPC) has joined the Pharmacopoeial Discussion Group (PDG) , an important step towards promoting global pharmaceutical standards, regulatory compliance and international recognition of Indian pharmaceutical products. IPC is the only encyclopedia body in the world that was selected for the pilot phase starting in September 2022 . The inclusion of IPC as a permanent PDG member was confirmed in September 2023 after a one-year pilot phase.
3 Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal released “Compendium of PM Gati Shakti” on the occasion of completion of two years of PM Gati Shakti.
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal released the “ Compendium of PM Gati Shakti ” yesterday in New Delhi on the occasion of completion of two years of PM Gati Shakti. This compendium includes some of the best use cases showcasing the adoption and benefits of PM GatiShakti across the country. Over the past two years, PM Gatishakti has been instrumental in planning over 7,000 km of expressways, ranging from digital surveys through GIS maps to field surveys. The year 2022-23 saw a significant increase in Final Location Survey (FLS) for new railway lines with over 400 projects as against only 57 last year, resulting in 13,500 km long railway lines being planned. The platform has also revolutionized the preparation of detailed surveys for petroleum and natural gas pipelines, reducing the time taken for the process from 6-9 months to just a few hours, thereby reducing deforestation and protecting the environment. Commitment to conservation has been demonstrated.
4 Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research – NIMSR inaugurated
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the first medical college, Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research – NIMSR, at Freebagi, Kohima in Nagaland . Speaking at the event, Dr. Mandaviya said that this institute strengthens Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a prosperous India with healthcare facilities. He said that NIMSR will not only provide medical facilities but will also promote research into incurable diseases for the people of Nagaland.
5 Uttar Pradesh: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurates the fourth phase of Mission Shakti
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the fourth phase of Mission Shakti . Under this mission, special programs related to women’s safety, self-respect and empowerment will be organized in 18 districts till 23 October. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, women empowerment rallies along with awareness programs will be organized in these districts. Public representatives will also participate in these programs organized at district and divisional level.
6 Notification issued for Green Credit Program (GCP) and Ecomark Scheme under LIFE i.e. Environment Friendly Lifestyle Initiative to promote sustainable lifestyle and environment protection
To take forward the ‘LIFE’ – ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ campaign announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the year 2021 , the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has launched two pioneering initiatives to combat climate change. , indicating the country’s proactive approach to encouraging sustainability and environmentally conscious practices. These initiatives, the Green Credit Program (GCP) and the Ecomark scheme, seek to encourage environmentally friendly practices present in tradition and conservation; Which displays the ideas of the concept of LIFE i.e. environment friendly lifestyle.
- Green Credit Program (GCP): Providing incentives to environmental activities
- Ecomark Scheme: To provide incentives to eco-friendly products
7 GI tag granted to Goan cashew nuts
In a significant development, cashew from Goa , known for its long and cherished heritage, has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag . This recognition, granted by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai, establishes Goa cashew as a unique product originating from a specific geographical area. GI tag acts as a trademark, which makes it distinguishable in the international market. The impact of this prestigious tag on the cashew industry of Goa is substantial, as it aims to preserve tradition and authenticity.
8 Assam launches Orunodoi 2.0 scheme
Assam has introduced Orunodoi 2.0, an upgraded version of its poverty alleviation scheme . The new scheme was launched with the distribution of Orunodoi cards to additional beneficiaries, which is an important step in empowering the deprived sections of the society. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma personally started the distribution process of Orunodoi cards to the new beneficiaries. The event took place in Kokrajhar and included the presentation of cards to some newly enrolled beneficiaries.Orunodoi 2.0 aims to expand the reach of the poverty alleviation programme . About 7.30 lakh new beneficiaries will be included in this programme , taking the total number of beneficiaries to 26 lakh. In Kokrajhar district alone, 21 thousand new beneficiaries will be added to Orunodoi 2.0.
9 Keeping in mind the needs and challenges of fishermen, the 10th phase of Sagar Parikrama started in Chennai.
Union Fisheries Minister Parshottam Rupala launched the 10th phase of Sagar Parikrama in Chennai . Sagar Parikrama is an ambitious project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi , which has been started keeping in mind the needs and challenges of the fishermen. Shri Rupala said that the government will provide such equipment to the fishermen which will enable them to avoid entering international waters. He said that this project will be implemented in collaboration with Indian Space Research Organisation-ISRO.
10 Ferry service started again after 40 years between Nagapattinam of India and Kankesanthurai of Sri Lanka.
The ferry service between Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu) in India and Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka has resumed after 40 years. Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Union Minister Sarvananda Sonowal, Minister of State E.V. Velu and Raghupathi flagged off the first ferry service virtually. This boat will take three hours to reach Kankesanthurai port of Sri Lanka.
11 Coastal Security Exercise – East Coast Sagar Kavach 02-23
Indian Navy conducted a two-day massive coastal security exercise – Sagar Kavach 02/23 involving all maritime security agencies in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Union Territory of Puducherry . The exercise was conducted on 11 and 12 October, 2023. It is headed by the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, FO C-in-C (East), Eastern Naval Command, who also holds the authority of the Commander-in-Chief, Coastal Defense (East). Around 2500 personnel from Indian Navy, Coast Guard, State and Union Territory Administrations, Maritime Police, Fisheries, Customs, Intelligence agencies, Light Houses, Port Forests etc. participated in the exercise. The objective of the exercise was to assess the effectiveness and robustness of the coastal security mechanism while dealing with maritime threats.
12 USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to assist Israel
In the wake of a surprise attack on Israel by Hamas , the US has deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford demonstrated its support for Israel by deploying an aircraft carrier strike group . The purpose of this deployment is to prevent further expansion of the conflict in the region. USS Gerald R. Ford holds the title of being the largest warship ever built . Its length is 337 metres, at its widest point the flight deck measures 78 metres, and its height is 76 metres. At full load, it displaces a massive weight of 1,00,000 tonnes, which is equivalent to almost four times the weight of the steel used for the Howrah Bridge. In comparison, India’s INS Vikrant weighs 45,000 tonnes at full load, with dimensions of 262 m x 62 m x 59 m. It carries 90 aircraft and 4,500 personnel.
13 MRPL bags ‘Best Innovation in Refinery’ award for 2nd consecutive year 2022-23
Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) has once again won the prestigious ‘ Best Innovation in Refinery ‘ award for the year 2022-23 , given by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas at the 26th Energy Technology Meet 2023. This is a significant achievement. This is the second consecutive year that MRPL has received this honour, after tough competition with major players in the industry including IOCL, BPCL and HPCL.
14 Raunak became Chess Under-20 World Champion
India’s Grandmaster Raunak Sadhwani, 17, became the Under-20 World Junior Rapid Chess Champion after a strong performance in Italy . Raunak from Nagpur , Maharashtra won the winner’s trophy in the 11th round with 8.5 points. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Raunak Sadhwani on his victory in the FIDE World Junior Rapid Chess Championship.
15 Rohit Sharma became the player to hit most sixes.
After completing 100 runs in the World Cup , Rohit Sharma created another record by surpassing West Indies legend Chris Gayle for hitting most sixes in international cricket matches . The Indian captain overtook Gayle’s record of 553 sixes in international cricket by hitting a six off Naveen Ul Haq in the eighth over. India’s Rohit Sharma overtook West Indies’ Chris Gayle for the record of hitting most sixes across all formats (Test, ODI and T20) in international cricket. With the six hit immediately after Rohit completed his half-century, he now has 554 sixes across formats. This list includes big cricketers like Gayle, Shahid Afridi, Brendon McCullum, Martin Guptill and MS Dhoni.
16 Rohit Sharma made the world record of century in the World Cup
Indian captain Rohit Sharma scored the 31st century of his ODI career and led India to a huge win in the World Cup 2023 match against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Rohit Sharma completed his century in 63 balls , making him the fastest century by any Indian in the history of the World Cup . Before Rohit, this achievement was in the name of Kapil Dev who had achieved this feat in 72 balls against Zimbabwe in 1983 and the Indian captain completed the feat of this former all-rounder in nine balls, helping India chase the target of 273 runs. Had dominated Afghanistan and won by eight wickets.
