1. Gujarat becomes first state to launch Gati Shakti Portal
Tags: National State News National News
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the Gati Shakti Portal on 6 October and said that Gujarat is the first state in India to have launched Gati Shakti Port at the state level.
Important facts
In order to rapidly expand the Internet service, the Gati Shakti Portal started by the Central Government was also started by the Gujarat Government.
This portal has been started based on the guidance and guidelines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The portal has been developed by Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board in collaboration with Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics.
The portal will provide ease of doing business to the investors by bringing more transparency in governance. This will save time, money and logistics cost.
It will integrate more than 500 layers of data from 21 state government departments and 52 sub-departments.
Portal focuses on the speedy execution of infrastructure projects in the state.
The main objective of this portal is to reduce red tapism.
With the help of this, infrastructure projects will be accelerated.
PM Gati-Shakti Scheme
Gati Shakti Yojana or 'National Master Plan for Multi-Modal Connectivity Plan' was launched on 13 October 2021 for coordinated and execution of infrastructure projects to reduce logistics cost.
It is a digital platform that will bring together 16 Ministries including Railways and Roadways for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure connectivity projects.
This will help in overcoming long-standing issues such as inconsistent planning, lack of standardisation, problems related to clearances, and timely construction and utilization of infrastructure capabilities.
This platform aims to prevent overlapping of works by addressing the issue of government departments working in tandem.
2. OPEC Plus member countries cut oil production, US stockpiles fall
Tags: International News
Representatives of OPEC Plus member countries met in Vienna on 5 October after two and a half years in which the member countries agreed to cut the amount of oil production by two million barrels per day.
Important facts
This decision to cut production will come into effect from November.
The US has criticized the cut in oil production quotas by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies.
This move of OPEC will have the most negative impact on low and middle income countries.
Earlier, OPEC countries had made a symbolic cut in production last month.
Why is OPEC Plus slashing production?
Oil prices skyrocketed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The recent cut is the biggest since 2020 when OPEC Plus members cut production by 10 million bpd during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This cut will boost oil prices and will be extremely beneficial for Middle Eastern member states.
This will reduce oil demand in a faltering global economy and the cuts will increase profits.
About OPEC
It is a permanent, intergovernmental organisation that was established in 1960 at the Baghdad Conference by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
The purpose of this organisation is to coordinate and integrate the petroleum policies of its member countries and to ensure the stabilisation of oil markets to ensure efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to the consumer.
Headquarters - Vienna (Austria)
OPEC has 14 member states (Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Libya, Nigeria, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of the Congo, Angola, Ecuador and Venezuela).
OPEC plus
It is a coalition of OPEC members and the world's 10 major non-OPEC oil exporting countries.
Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, South Sudan and Sudan.
3. PM Modi inaugurates AIIMS in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh
Tags: National State News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Kothipura in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh on 6 October.
Important facts
Spread over an area of 247 acres, this Rs 1,471 crore 750 bedded premier medical institution will provide super specialty medical treatment to the people of the area.
The PM also inaugurated 140 crore Government Hydro Engineering College at Bandla in Bilaspur.
He also laid the foundation stone of Rs.350 crore medical devices park to be set up under the Nalagarh and Pinjore-Nalagarh four-lane road project to be constructed at a cost of Rs 1,692 crore under Bharat Mala project.
The PM also participated in Kullu Dussehra celebrations at Dhalpur Ground in Kullu.
Kullu Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh
Dussehra is world famous in Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh.
The specialty of Kullu Dussehra is the chariot procession of Lord Raghunath.
The week-long Kullu Dussehra has traditionally been a majestic festival.
It signifies the victory of good over evil.
According to legends, Kullu was ruled by Raja Jagat Singh in the 16th century.
The king was told that someone named Durgadatta had beautiful white pearls and that the king wanted pearls.
Durgadatta tried to convince the king that he did not have pearls, the king did not believe him.
Durgadutt set himself on fire along with his family and cursed the king.
The king felt guilty and on the advice of a learned Brahmin went to the shelter of Lord Raghunath.
Raja Jagan Singh started organizing the Kullu Dussehra festival.
4. India emerges as the world’s largest producer and consumer of sugar
Tags: National Economy/Finance National News
As per Ministry of Consumer Affairs, India emerges as the world’s largest producer and consumer of sugar and world’s 2nd largest exporter of sugar.
Important facts
India has produced more than 5000 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of sugarcane during the sugar season (October-September) 2021-22.
Out of this, about 3574 LMT of sugarcane has been processed by sugar mills to produce about 394 lakh metric tonnes of sugar (sucrose).
Of this, 35 lakh metric tonnes of sugar was used to prepare ethanol and 359 lakh metric tonnes of sugar was produced by sugar mills.
All the records of sugarcane production, sugar production, sugar export, sugarcane procurement, cane arrears payment and ethanol production were set during the same season.
Another centre of attraction in the current season is the record highest sugar export of around 109.8 lakh metric tonnes.
The policies of the Government of India and supportive international prices have played a major role in the achievement of the Indian sugar industry.
About Rs 40,000 crore foreign exchange has been earned for the country from exports.
The largest producer of sugarcane in the world
Brazil is the largest producer of sugarcane in the world.
India is the second largest producer of sugarcane.
Brazil produced about 32 million ton of sugar in 2021-22.
Major sugarcane-producing states in India
Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka account for nearly 80 percent of the total sugar production in the country.
The other major sugarcane-producing states are Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Haryana, and Punjab.
Since 2010-11, India has consistently produced surplus sugar, comfortably exceeding the domestic requirements.
5. India emerges as the world’s largest producer and consumer of sugar
Tags: National Economy/Finance National News
As per Ministry of Consumer Affairs, India emerges as the world’s largest producer and consumer of sugar and world’s 2nd largest exporter of sugar.
Important facts
India has produced more than 5000 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of sugarcane during the sugar season (October-September) 2021-22.
Out of this, about 3574 LMT of sugarcane has been processed by sugar mills to produce about 394 lakh metric tonnes of sugar (sucrose).
Of this, 35 lakh metric tonnes of sugar was used to prepare ethanol and 359 lakh metric tonnes of sugar was produced by sugar mills.
All the records of sugarcane production, sugar production, sugar export, sugarcane procurement, cane arrears payment and ethanol production were set during the same season.
Another centre of attraction in the current season is the record highest sugar export of around 109.8 lakh metric tonnes.
The policies of the Government of India and supportive international prices have played a major role in the achievement of the Indian sugar industry.
About Rs 40,000 crore foreign exchange has been earned for the country from exports.
The largest producer of sugarcane in the world
Brazil is the largest producer of sugarcane in the world.
India is the second largest producer of sugarcane.
Brazil produced about 32 million ton of sugar in 2021-22.
Major sugarcane-producing states in India
Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka account for nearly 80 percent of the total sugar production in the country.
The other major sugarcane-producing states are Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Haryana, and Punjab.
Since 2010-11, India has consistently produced surplus sugar, comfortably exceeding the domestic requirements.
6. Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel wins UN refugee award
Tags: Awards Person in news International News
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on 4 October honoured former German Chancellor Angela Merkel with the UNHCR 'Nansen' Refugee Award for the year 2022 for her 'moral and political courage' during the refugee crisis in Syria.
Important facts
The award selection committee said she was chosen for her leadership, courage and compassion, which helped ensure the protection of millions of desperate asylum seekers.
Merkel will be honoured with the award on October 10 in Geneva.
Merkel's efforts for refugee protection
Under the leadership of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Germany gave asylum to more than 1.2 million refugees and asylum seekers in 2015 and 2016.
These refugees had reached Germany to save lives from violent conflict in Syria and other places.
UN Refugee Agency High Commissioner Filippo Grandi praised the former chancellor's resolve to stand up for the protection of refugees, human rights and international law.
About UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award
This award was established in 1954.
This award is given every year in memory of Fridjof Nansen, devoted to Norway's scientific, diplomatic and human welfare work.
This award is awarded to an individual, group or organisation that has made efforts to protect refugees, displaced and homeless people.
7. Centre designates 10 members of Hizb- Ul- Mujahideen, LeT outfits as terrorists under UAPA
Tags: National National News
The Union Home Ministry on October 5 designated a total of 10 members of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and other banned organizations as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Important facts
Five of these terrorists are associated with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, two from Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen and one each from Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jammu and Kashmir Islamic Front and Harkat-ul-Jihad-e-Islami.
The names of the five declared terrorists of Pakistan are Shaukat Ahmed Sheikh, who is currently a resident of Pakistan and serving as the Chief Launching Commander of Hizb-ul-l Mujahideen. Apart from this, the names of Habibullah Malik alias Sajid Jatt, Basit Ahmed Reshi and Imtiaz Ahmed Kandu alias Sajjad are included.
The Home Ministry has claimed that Malik has created a network of hardline terrorists and is the mastermind of several terrorist attacks in the Valley.
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
This Act was passed in 1967.
The Act provides for special procedures for dealing with terrorist activities.
Illegal activities are those actions which promote activities by any individual/organization which violates the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country.
This Act imposes reasonable restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression, the right to assemble without arms and to form associations provided by Article 19 of the Constitution.
8. Centre designates 10 members of Hizb- Ul- Mujahideen, LeT outfits as terrorists under UAPA
Tags: National National News
The Union Home Ministry on October 5 designated a total of 10 members of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and other banned organizations as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Important facts
Five of these terrorists are associated with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, two from Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen and one each from Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jammu and Kashmir Islamic Front and Harkat-ul-Jihad-e-Islami.
The names of the five declared terrorists of Pakistan are Shaukat Ahmed Sheikh, who is currently a resident of Pakistan and serving as the Chief Launching Commander of Hizb-ul-l Mujahideen. Apart from this, the names of Habibullah Malik alias Sajid Jatt, Basit Ahmed Reshi and Imtiaz Ahmed Kandu alias Sajjad are included.
The Home Ministry has claimed that Malik has created a network of hardline terrorists and is the mastermind of several terrorist attacks in the Valley.
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
This Act was passed in 1967.
The Act provides for special procedures for dealing with terrorist activities.
Illegal activities are those actions which promote activities by any individual/organization which violates the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country.
This Act imposes reasonable restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression, the right to assemble without arms and to form associations provided by Article 19 of the Constitution.
9. MoU signed between Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and NAFED
Tags: National National News
The Department of Agriculture Farmers Welfare and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 4 to celebrate and promote millet as the International Year of Millet 2023.
Important facts
Keeping in view the initiative of International Year of Millet (IYOM)-2023, both the organizations will work together for promotion and marketing of millet based products.
India is preparing to put nutritious cereals back on the world map.
Under the MoU, maximum value creation and support for coarse grain based products, organized promotion, market and effective market linkages will be established across the country.
International Year of Millet (IYOM)-2023
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted India's resolution and declared 2023 as the International Year of millets in March 2021.
India's proposal received the support of 72 countries.
In 2021, NITI Aayog signed a letter of intent with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP).
The partnership focuses on mainstreaming millets and helping India take a global lead in promoting its health benefits.
The objective of this partnership is to build resilient livelihoods for smallholder farmers and to build adaptability to climate change and changing food systems.
Why is millet called a superfood?
India is the 5th largest exporter of Millets globally.
Millets are one of the oldest food items in the country.
Known as a superfood, Millets can address issues related to nutritional security, food system security and farmers' welfare.
These are a rich source of protein, fibre, minerals, iron, calcium and have a low glycemic index.
They are known for their nutrient rich content and certain characteristics like drought tolerance, photo-insensitivity, resilience to climate change etc.
They can be cultivated with less water and less cost.
It can also grow well in dry areas or on land with low fertility.
What are Millets?
They include jowar (sorghum), ragi (finger millet), korra (foxtail millet), arke (kodo millet), sama (little millet), bajra (pearl millet), chena/barr (proso millet) and sanwa (barnyard millet).
10. MoU signed between Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and NAFED
Tags: National National News
The Department of Agriculture Farmers Welfare and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 4 to celebrate and promote millet as the International Year of Millet 2023.
Important facts
Keeping in view the initiative of International Year of Millet (IYOM)-2023, both the organizations will work together for promotion and marketing of millet based products.
India is preparing to put nutritious cereals back on the world map.
Under the MoU, maximum value creation and support for coarse grain based products, organized promotion, market and effective market linkages will be established across the country.
International Year of Millet (IYOM)-2023
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted India's resolution and declared 2023 as the International Year of millets in March 2021.
India's proposal received the support of 72 countries.
In 2021, NITI Aayog signed a letter of intent with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP).
The partnership focuses on mainstreaming millets and helping India take a global lead in promoting its health benefits.
The objective of this partnership is to build resilient livelihoods for smallholder farmers and to build adaptability to climate change and changing food systems.
Why is millet called a superfood?
India is the 5th largest exporter of Millets globally.
Millets are one of the oldest food items in the country.
Known as a superfood, Millets can address issues related to nutritional security, food system security and farmers' welfare.
These are a rich source of protein, fibre, minerals, iron, calcium and have a low glycemic index.
They are known for their nutrient rich content and certain characteristics like drought tolerance, photo-insensitivity, resilience to climate change etc.
They can be cultivated with less water and less cost.
It can also grow well in dry areas or on land with low fertility.
What are Millets?
They include jowar (sorghum), ragi (finger millet), korra (foxtail millet), arke (kodo millet), sama (little millet), bajra (pearl millet), chena/barr (proso millet) and sanwa (barnyard millet).
