1. India celebrates 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with tributes and commemorative programs
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Commemorative events were organized across India and in Indian missions abroad on the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 2 October 2023.
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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.
2. Dr. Mohammed Muizzu wins the Maldives presidential election
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Dr. Mohammed Muizzu of the opposition PPM PNC alliance won the presidential election in Maldives with more than 53% of the votes.
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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
3. Marico's Saugata Gupta appointed ASCI Chairman
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Saugata Gupta, Managing Director and CEO of Marico Limited, was named the new Chairman of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).
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Parth Sinha, President of Response at Bennett Coleman & Company Limited, was elected as the Vice Chairman of ASCI.
Sudhanshu Vats, Deputy Managing Director, Pidilite Industries Limited, was appointed as the Honorary Treasurer of ASCI.
About ASCI:
ASCI, established in 1985, is a voluntary self-regulatory organization within the Indian advertising industry.
It operates as a non-profit company under Section 25 of the Companies Act.
ASCI's primary mission is to promote self-regulation in advertising and protect the interests of consumers.
It enforces a code of self-regulation that mandates advertising that is legal, decent, honest, truthful and non-dangerous or harmful while ensuring fairness in competition.
Regulatory Role:
ASCI reviews and resolves complaints related to advertisements on various media channels including print, TV, radio and digital platforms.
It collaborates with government bodies such as the Department of Consumer Affairs, FSSAI, Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to regulate misleading advertisements in specific sectors.
The Supreme Court of India has recognized ASCI's self-regulatory mechanism as an effective tool to regulate TV and radio advertising content.
ASCI is a member of the International Council on Advertising Self-Regulation (ICAS).
Recognition and Headquarters:
ASCI has received awards from the European Advertising Standards Alliance (EASA) for its efforts, including recognition for its mobile app "ASCIOnline".
The headquarters of the organization is located in Mumbai, India.
4. K.N. Shanth Kumar elected chairman of PTI's Board of Directors
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KN Shanth Kumar was elected as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Press Trust of India (PTI) for a one-year term.
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K.N. Shanth Kumar was elected after the Annual General Meeting held in New Delhi.
This change marks an important development in Indian journalism.
Shanth Kumar has replaced Avik Sarkar.
PTI chief appointed
Hindustan Times CEO Praveen Someshwar was elected vice-chairman of PTI's board of directors.
K.N. Shanth Kumar's distinguished career
Shanth Kumar, 62, has extensive experience in media management.
He has a long association with The Printers (Mysore) Pvt. Ltd.
His contributions extend to leadership roles in industry organizations including the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) and the Indian Newspaper Society (INS).
About Press Trust of India (PTI)
PTI, established in 1947, is India's largest and oldest private news agency.
Owned by a consortium of newspapers, it reinvests profits in its growth.
Shanth Kumar's election marks a new era for PTI, underscoring its commitment to delivering credible news in a changing media landscape.
5. Chairman Dr. Manoj Soni administered oath to Dr. Dinesh Das as UPSC member
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On September 29, 2023, Dr. Dinesh Dasa took the oath of office and secrecy as a member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This oath was administered by UPSC Chairman Dr. Manoj Soni.
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Dr. Dinesh Dasa holds a PhD in Forest Law and Sustainable Development from Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar and an M.Sc. in Forestry (Agroforestry and Ecology) from Gujarat Agricultural University, Navsari.
Dr. Dasa served as the Chairman of Gujarat Public Service Commission from February 2016 to January 2022.
He was also the Chairman of the Standing Committee of All India Public Service Commission from December 2020 to January 2022.
Standing Committee of All India Public Service Commission:
The Standing Committee consists of 9 members representing all the 28 State Public Service Commissions. It coordinates with UPSC on various matters.
Dr. Dasa chaired the drafting committee responsible for creating model syllabus and examination pattern for civil services examinations in the states.
The draft proposed by the committee of Dr. Dinesh Dasa received significant approval during the 20th National Conference of Chairman of all State Public Service Commissions held on 12-13 January, 2018 in Goa.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC):
UPSC is a central recruitment agency in India and functions as an independent constitutional body.
Under Article 312 of the Indian Constitution, the Parliament is empowered to establish All India Services with recruitment by UPSC. State level administrative services recruitment is controlled by State Public Service Commissions.
The composition, appointment, removal, powers and functions of UPSC are defined in Articles 315 to 323 of Part XIV of the Indian Constitution.
UPSC Member Provisions:
The President appoints both the Chairman and other members of the UPSC.
A UPSC member serves for a term of six years or until he reaches the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Once a person holds the post of UPSC member, he is not eligible for reappointment.
Members can resign by submitting written resignation to the President of India.
The Chairman or any UPSC member can be removed from his office only by order of the President of India.
The President has the power to suspend the Speaker or any other member before the expiry of their term, subject to reference to the Supreme Court.
6. RBI appointed KN Madhusudanan as part-time chairman of Dhanalakshmi Bank
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KN Madhusudanan has been appointed part-time chairman of Dhanalakshmi Bank by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) after a vacancy of 21 months.
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Madhusudanan's appointment is effective from September 26, 2023 and is for a tenure of 3 years.
Prior to this role, KN Madhusudanan served as an independent director on the board of the bank with effect from November 9, 2022.
KN Madhusudanan took over as part-time Chairman from G Subramaniam Iyer.
G Subramonia Iyer, who also served as an independent director, resigned from his post in December 2021.
After Iyer's resignation, the bank remained without a chairman for 21 months.
Background of KN Madhusudanan:
KN Madhusudanan is currently the Managing Director of various private limited companies, including companies focused on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
His career started in civil construction in 1983.
He founded the Maavanal Group of companies and established two crushing units, Maavanal Granites Private Limited and Vajra Rock Mining Industries in Pathanamthitta, Kerala.
He is also the Promoter and Managing Director of M/s Mawanal Granites Pvt. Ltd.
About Dhanlaxmi Bank
Established - 14 November 1927
Headquarters - Thrissur
CEO & MD - J. Of. Shivan
About Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Established - 1 April 1935, Kolkata
Founder - British Raj
Governor - Shaktikanta Das
Headquarters - Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
7. Appointment of Gokul Subramaniam as Chairman of Intel India
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Intel Corporation, the leading digital chip maker headquartered in the United States, has elected Gokul Subramaniam as the President of Intel India.
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Gokul Subramaniam's responsibilities in his new role include overseeing Intel's engineering and design operations in India.
His duties include fostering innovation, enhancing cross-group efficiencies and ensuring successful execution of Intel products from Indian facilities.
It is noteworthy that he will continue to lead client platforms and systems within the Client Computing Group (CCG).
In June 2023, Nivrutti Rai, former country head of Intel India and vice president of Foundry Services, resigned from her post.
Subsequently, in July 2023, he took up the role of Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Invest India, an investment promotion and facilitation agency run by the Government of India.
About Intel Corporation
It is commonly called Intel, is a technology company and multinational corporation based in Santa Clara, California.
It has the distinction of being one of the world's leading semiconductor chip manufacturers, recognized for substantial revenue generation in the industry.
Established - July 18, 1968
Founders - Gordon Moore, Robert Noyce and Arthur Rock
President -Frank D. Yeary
CEO - Pat Gelsinger
8. Banmali Agarwal appointed Chairman of Tata Advanced Systems
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Banmali Agarwal has been appointed as the new Chairman of Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).
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He will replace Vijay Singh, who has retired.
This leadership change is part of the Tata Group's commitment to strengthen its presence in the aerospace and defense sector.
Background of Banmali Agarwal:
Banamali Agarwal is a key figure within the Tata Group.
He also serves as a senior advisor to Tata Sons and holds the position of Chairman at Tata Electronics.
Contribution of Vijay Singh:
Vijay Singh, the outgoing Chairman of TASL, has also been the Vice Chairman of Tata Trust.
During his tenure, TASL witnessed significant developments and strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the Tata Group's presence in the aerospace and defense sector.
Role of TASL within the Tata Group:
TASL serves as the strategic aerospace and defense arm of Tata Sons, the parent company of the Tata Group.
It plays a vital role in both operational and operational tasks related to defense efforts within the group.
Integration of Defense Institutions:
In 2018, Tata Sons took the initiative to integrate various group entities into a single defense sector.
The move brings together companies like Tata Power SED, TAL Manufacturing, Tata Advanced Materials and the defense division of Tata Motors under TASL.
Government approves Airbus deal:
Government of India approves ₹21,000 crore deal between TASL and Airbus.
Under this agreement, Airbus will deliver 16 aircraft in fly-away condition within four years, while TASL will manufacture and assemble the remaining 40 aircraft at its newly established facility in Vadodara.
9. M S Swaminathan, father of India's Green Revolution, passes away at the age of 98
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On 28 September 2023, famous farmer and 'Father of India's Green Revolution' M.S. Swaminathan died at the age of 98.
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M. S. Swaminathan's agricultural journey began in 1949 when he began researching crop genetics, which included important crops like potato, wheat, rice, and jute.
Green Revolution:
During a critical period in India's history, Swaminathan collaborated with scientist Norman Borlaug and others to develop high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice.
This collaboration marked the beginning of the 'Green Revolution', a transformative initiative aimed at significantly increasing crop productivity through the use of chemical-biological technology.
Honors and Awards for Outstanding Contribution:
Swaminathan received several prestigious awards, including the first World Food Prize in 1987 for introducing high-yielding wheat and rice varieties into India.
He established the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai.
He was also awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1971 and the Albert Einstein World Science Award in 1986.
National Recognition:
In India, Swaminathan received several high civilian awards, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
He was also a recipient of the HK Firodia Award, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award and the Indira Gandhi Award.
Typical Careers in Administration:
Swaminathan served as the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
He also headed the International Rice Research Institute.
In 1979, he became Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Global Environmental Leadership:
In 1988, Swaminathan became President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, highlighting his dedication to environmental protection.
His influence extended globally, contributing to various international agricultural and environmental initiatives.
Time magazine recognized him as one of the 20 most influential Asians of the 20th century.
10. Indian tennis player Leander Paes nominated for 2024 Tennis Hall of Fame
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On September 26, 2023, legendary Indian tennis player and multiple Grand Slam champion Leander Paes received a historic nomination for the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2024.
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Leander Paes (India) - Leander Paes is the first male player from Asia to be nominated for the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Potentially the first Indian tennis player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Leander Paes, 50, is one of the six players who have received nominations for the year 2024.
There are a total of six tennis players who have been nominated. Apart from Leander Paes, five other contenders are vying for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
These nominees include former world number-one Spanish tennis player Carlos Moyá, Serbia's Ana Ivanovic, Italy's Flavia Pennetta, South Africa's Cara Black, and Canada's Daniel Nestor.
Path to Hall of Fame induction
Nominations: Players are nominated in various categories, such as "Most Awarded Player" for Leander Paes.
Fan Voting: Tennis fans around the world have the opportunity to vote for their favorite nominees.
Announcement: The results of fan voting will be revealed in January 2024.
Formal Induction: Selected players will be officially inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in July 2024.
Li Na's leading achievement
Chinese tennis player Li Na set an example by becoming the first player from Asia to be nominated for the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2019.
Her victories at the Australian Open and French Open in the women's category propelled her to this prestigious recognition.
Leander Paes: A Tennis Icon
Early Life: Born on 17 June 1973 in Kolkata, India into a sports family.
Olympic glory: Won a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, becoming the first Indian tennis player since KD Jadhav to win an individual Olympic medal.
National Recognition: Awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award for his extraordinary achievements.
Double success: Partnership with Mahesh Bhupathi, significant contribution to Indian tennis history.
Three decades of legacy: Actively involved in tennis from 1990 to 2020.
About the International Tennis Hall of Fame
Founded: 1880 by James J. Founded by Van Allen.
Location: Located in Newport, Rhode Island, United States.
Recognition: Honors both players and contributors who have had a lasting impact on the game of tennis around the world.
