DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: Oct. 2, 2023

Appointment of Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan as BRO chief

Tags: Person in news

Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan took over the role of the 28th Director General (DG) of the Border Roads Organization (BRO) following the retirement of Lieutenant General Rajiv Chaudhary on October 2, 2023.

An Overview of the News

• Srinivasan is an alumnus of the National Defense Academy and the Indian Military Academy, who was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers in 1987.

• He has participated in major military operations including Operation Vijay, Operation Rakshak and Operation Parakram.

• Lieutenant General Srinivasan's expertise lies in serving in the border areas of India, particularly Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, providing unique insight into the infrastructure needs.

Command and Staff Appointments:

• Throughout his career, Srinivasan completed prestigious courses including the Defense Services Staff College, Higher Command and National Defense College.

• He has commanded units such as 58 Engineer Regiment and 416 Engineer Brigade.

• Held important positions like Deputy Director General of Discipline and Vigilance, Commandant of Bengal Engineer Group and Center Roorkee, Chief Engineer of Southern Command and Assistant Director General in Engineer-in-Chief Branch.

Legacy and Achievements of Border Roads Organization (BRO):

• Established on May 7, 1960 with the primary objective of securing India's borders through infrastructure development in the far northern and northeastern areas.

• BRO's contribution includes construction and dedication of more than 63,000 kilometers of roads, 976 bridges, six tunnels and 21 airfields.

• In the last year, BRO completed a record-breaking 193 projects in eight border states and three Union Territories, at a total cost of ₹5,400 crore.

Union Minister Hardeep S Puri inaugurates India Pavilion at ADIPEC 2023

Tags: International News

Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurated the Indian Pavilion at the International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2023).

An Overview of the News

• The Indian pavilion is one of the 30 country pavilions at the event.

• Minister Puri also participated in bilateral discussions with industry leaders, including the interim CEO of British Petroleum and other key personalities.

ADIPEC 2023

• The Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2023) opened on October 2, 2023 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

• ADIPEC will involve more than 160,000 people from 164 countries.

• The event will run until October 5 and focuses on the theme "Decarbonizing. Fast. Together".

• ADIPEC's goal is to bring together the global energy industry to advance decarbonization efforts in today's energy systems and collaborate on the energy future.

Highlights of the Event

• ADIPEC 2023 features more than 2,200 global companies across 16 exhibition halls.

• The event covers four specialized areas: Decarbonization Accelerator, Maritime and Logistics Sector, Digitalization in the Energy Sector, and Manufacturing and Industrialization Exhibition and Conference.

• Organized by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), ADIPEC facilitates networking, business development and the exploration of new products, solutions and technologies.

Global Importance and Timeliness

• ADIPEC 2023 is strategically timed as it takes place ahead of the hosting of COP28 in the UAE, emphasizing the program's role in aligning the energy industry with low-carbon, high-growth energy solutions.

• Experts from diverse sectors within the energy ecosystem have gathered to address critical energy and climate challenges, making ADIPEC 2023 an important event for a more sustainable energy future.

India's first solar roof cycling track 'Healthway' inaugurated in Hyderabad

Tags: Science and Technology

India's first solar rooftop cycling track 'Healthway' inaugurated in Hyderabad, paving the way for sustainable urban mobility.

An Overview of the News

• The program was presided over by State Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister K Tarakrama Rao.

• The cycling track is named "Healthway" and is a pioneer project in India.

• This is the second program of its kind globally, showcasing innovation in sustainable infrastructure.

Location and features of the cycling track:

• The track is located along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) between the main carriageway and the service road.

• Its total length is 23 kilometers and it consists of two sections: a pink line of 8.5 kilometers and a blue line of 14.5 kilometers.

• The track is three lanes wide, measuring 4.5 metres, with one meter of green space on each side.

Facilities and Services Available:

• The cycling track is designed as a hub for cyclists and visitors.

• It provides amenities like adequate parking space, surveillance cameras, food courts, drinking water, first aid facilities and toilets.

• Additionally, there will be bicycle repair shops, bicycle docking stations, rental services and more to enhance the visitor experience.

Solar Energy Generation and Environmental Benefits:

• A total of 16,000 solar panels have been installed along the track.

• These solar panels generate 16 megawatts (MW) of power, which is used to illuminate the track at night and provide protection to cyclists from sun, rain and adverse weather conditions.

• This initiative is in line with sustainability goals and promotes eco-friendly transportation options.

Union Minister Narayan Rane inaugurates 'Khadi Mahotsav' in Mumbai

Tags: Festivals

Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Department Minister Narayan Rane inaugurated 'Khadi Mahotsav' in Mumbai.

An Overview of the News

• 'Khadi Mahotsav' was organized on 2nd October, showcasing the government's support for Khadi and Village Industries (KVIC).

• 'Khadi Mahotsav' is a month-long event, which is scheduled to run till 31 October 2023 in Mumbai.

• It serves as a platform not only to showcase Khadi products but also to promote indigenous goods through 'Vocal for Local' exhibitions.

• Customers can avail 20 to 25 percent discount on Khadi products during the festival.

India celebrates 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with tributes and commemorative programs

Tags: Person in news

Commemorative events were organized across India and in Indian missions abroad on the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 2 October 2023.

An Overview of the News

• An all-religion prayer meeting was held at Bapu's Samadhi at Rajghat in the national capital, where dignitaries including the President, Vice President and Prime Minister paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

• Bangladesh celebrated the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with programs organized by Gandhi Ashram in Noakhali.

• The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Temple Trees in Colombo.

• Additionally, the nation also remembered former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary, and dignitaries paid floral tributes at his memorial Vijay Ghat in the national capital.

Gandhi Jayanti 2023:

• Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on 2 October to commemorate the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

• The theme of Gandhi Jayanti 2023 is “One Date One Hour Together”, with emphasis on citizen-led one-hour Shramdaan for cleanliness on October 1, 2023 at 10 am.

Life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi:

• Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat.

• His philosophy was based on two pillars: Satyagraha (force of truth) and Ahimsa (non-violence).

• Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948.

Military Nursing Service celebrated 98th Foundation Day

Tags: National News

The Military Nursing Service (MNS) celebrated its 98th Raising Day on October 1, 2023.

An Overview of the News

• MNS is recognized as one of the oldest and most prestigious women's services within the armed forces.

• Serving and retired MNS officers paid homage at the National War Memorial on September 30, 2023.

Social gathering and distinguished presence

• Additional DGMNS organized a social gathering at MNS Officers Mess, AH(R&R), New Delhi.

• The event was attended by over 300 guests including senior dignitaries from the three Services and experienced MNS officers.

Historical importance of MNS

• The origins of the MNS date back to the colonial era when British and Indian soldiers served in the British Army.

• In 1888, the Indian Army Nursing Service (IANS) was established, marking the formal beginning of military nursing in India.

• IANS officers played a vital role in providing medical care during the First and Second World Wars.

• On October 1, 1926, the Permanent Nursing Service was established and designated as the Indian Military Nursing Service.

• After Independence, the MNS became part of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and has since earned a reputation for dedication and exemplary service in both war and peace, making it one of the world's top nursing services known for its resilience and courage.

Dr. Mohammed Muizzu wins the Maldives presidential election

Tags: Person in news International News

Dr. Mohammed Muizzu of the opposition PPM PNC alliance won the presidential election in Maldives with more than 53% of the votes.

An Overview of the News

• Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of the ruling MDP received 46% of the vote in the runoff, up from 39% in the first round, but he fell short of the 50% needed to win.

• The elections saw an improved turnout of 86% in the second round compared to 78% in the first.

About Maldives

• It is officially called the Republic of Maldives.

• It is located in the Indian Ocean.

• It is classified as an archipelagic state.

• This country is located in South Asia.

• Geographically, it is located south-west of Sri Lanka and India.

• Maldives is located about 750 kilometers from the mainland of the Asian continent.

Capital - Male

Currency - Maldivian Rufiyaa

Official language - Dhivehi

India won 60 medals including 13 gold in Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou

Tags: Sports News

As of 2 October 2023, India has won 60 medals (13 gold, 24 silver, 23 bronze).

An Overview of the News

• A 655-member Indian contingent participated in the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou.

• The event began on 23 September and will end on 8 October.

Previous performances at Jakarta 2018:

• India achieved a historic record with 70 medals (16 gold, 23 silver, 31 bronze).

Asian Games 2023 total medal tally as of 2 October 2023:

• China is on top with 142 gold medals.

• Japan is in second place with 31 gold medals.

• The Republic of Korea is in third place with 30 gold medals.

Hangzhou Asian Games 2023:

• Chinese President Xi Jinping officially opened the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China on September 23, 2023.

• The 19th Hangzhou Asian Games will be held from 23 September to 8 October 2023.

• The opening ceremony was held at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, also known as the Big Lotus.

• Nearly 12,500 athletes from 45 countries and territories in Asia are competing in 61 disciplines across 40 sports.

• The slogan of the Games is 'Heart to Heart, @Future.'

Important Points

• India has sent a strong delegation of 665 members to these games.

• During the opening ceremony, the Indian team flag was raised by Indian men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh and Olympic bronze medalist in boxing Lovlina Borgohain.