1. Jordan Becomes First Country to Eliminate Leprosy, Verified by WHO
Tags: International News
Jordan became the first country verified by WHO to eliminate leprosy on 19 September 2024.
An Overview of the News
Jordan has not reported any locally transmitted cases of leprosy for over two decades.
An independent review team, commissioned by WHO, verified the elimination after an extensive assessment.
Despite the elimination of leprosy, Jordan will maintain robust surveillance systems to manage future potential cases, including foreign-borne infections.
Leprosy, a neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, remains a global issue, with more than 200,000 new cases reported annually across 120 countries.
About Leprosy
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae.
It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract mucosa, and eyes.
Leprosy is curable, and early treatment can prevent long-term disabilities.
Patients often face stigmatization and discrimination due to physical deformities.
Transmission:
The disease spreads through droplets from the nose and mouth, requiring prolonged, close contact with an untreated person.
It does not spread through casual contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, or sharing meals.
Once treatment begins, the patient is no longer contagious.
Treatment:
Leprosy is treated with Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT), which combines three drugs: dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine.
For PB cases, treatment lasts 6 months, while for MB cases, it lasts 12 months.
MDT is provided free of charge by WHO and helps cure the disease by killing the bacteria.
About the World Health Organization (WHO)
Founded: 7 April 1948
Founding Countries: United States, Brazil, Mexico, France, Türkiye, and others.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Current Director-General: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
2. WAAYU Launches as India's First Zero-Commission Food Delivery App on ONDC
Tags: National News
WAAYU, India's first zero-commission food delivery app, is now live on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
An Overview of the News
The app aims to create a seamless connection between restaurants and consumers, eliminating commission fees.
Growth and Expansion
Since its launch in May 2023, WAAYU has onboarded over 3,000 restaurants in major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Jaipur, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
WAAYU collaborates with buyer apps like TATA Neu and OLA to enhance order volume and customer experience.
Strategic Partnerships
The entry of Flipkart as a buyer app on the ONDC network, alongside other platforms like Paytm and Tata Neu, is expected to boost demand for WAAYU's services.
This strategic expansion aims to democratize the food delivery ecosystem in India, benefiting both restaurants and consumers.
Company Vision and Technology
Founded by Mandar Lande and Anirudha Kotgire, WAAYU is developed by Destek Infosolutions Pvt Ltd, based in Pune.
With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, WAAYU plans to use its AI-based platform for steady expansion across the country.
3. Cabinet Approves 'One Nation, One Election', Chandrayaan-4, Venus Mission, and Key Schemes for Farmers, Tribals, and AVGC Sector
Tags: National News
On September 19, the Union Cabinet approved the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, Chandrayaan-4, Venus mission and major initiatives for farmers, tribals and the AVGC sector.
An Overview of the News
One Nation, One Election Proposal:
The Union Cabinet accepted recommendations from the High-Level Committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
The plan is to conduct simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the first phase.
Local body elections (panchayats, municipalities) to follow within 100 days of general elections.
Chandrayaan-4 Mission:
Approved by the government to advance space technologies.
It focuses on successfully landing on the moon and returning to Earth.
Venus Orbiter Mission:
Mission to Venus approved for scientific exploration of its atmosphere.
Scheduled launch: March 2028, with a total budget of ₹1,236 crore.
Nutrient-Based Subsidy (Rabi 2024-25):
Subsidy for phosphatic and potassium fertilizers approved.
Estimated financial implication: ₹24,000 crore.
Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA):
Continuation approved to ensure stable prices for farmers.
Total financial outlay: ₹35,000 crore, promoting self-sufficiency in essential commodities.
Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gramme Abhiyan:
Scheme to improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities.
Outlay: ₹79,156 crore, benefiting 63,000 villages and over 5 crore tribal people.
National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR:
Approved for animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality (AVGC-XR).
Aims to boost India’s global soft power and attract foreign investment.
Bio-RIDE Scheme:
Unified Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development scheme approved.
New component: Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry, with an outlay of ₹9,197 crore.
4. Government renames Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands as Sri Vijaya Puram
Tags: National News
The central government announced the renaming of Port Blair in Andaman & Nicobar Islands as "Sri Vijaya Puram" to shed colonial legacy.
An Overview of the News
Union Home Minister Amit Shah shared the decision, emphasizing the importance of the island in India's freedom struggle and history.
Significance of the New Name
"Vijaya Puram" symbolizes the victory of India's freedom struggle and the unique role played by the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in this historic journey.
The islands once served as the naval base of the Chola Empire, and now play a crucial role in India's strategic and developmental aspirations.
Historical Importance of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The islands are known for being the location where Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose first unfurled the Indian national flag (Tiranga).
The Cellular Jail, where freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar were imprisoned, is also located here.
Previous Renaming Initiatives
In 2018, as part of honoring Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, three key islands were renamed:
Ross Island became "Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep."
Neil Island was renamed "Shaheed Dweep" (Martyr's Island).
Havelock Island was renamed "Swaraj Dweep" (Self-rule Island).
Constitutional Provision for Changing State and Union Territories Names
Parliamentary Power: The Parliament has the authority to change the name of a state.
Constitutional Basis: Article 3 of the Constitution of India grants this power.
Procedure: Article 3 outlines the procedure for altering the area, boundaries, or name of a state.
5. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Launches 'Rangeen Machhli' App
Tags: National
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, launched the "Rangeen Machhli" mobile app.
An Overview of the News
The "Rangeen Machhli" app was launched on 12 September 2024 at ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar.
Attendees included George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and other senior officials.
Purpose of the App:
Developed by ICAR-CIFA with support from Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
Aimed at addressing the needs of the ornamental fisheries sector.
Provides resources for hobbyists, aquarium shop owners, and fish farmers.
Features of the App:
Multilingual Support: Offers information in eight Indian languages.
Educational Modules:
Basics of Aquarium Care: Includes topics like types of aquariums, fish care, water filtration, lighting, feeding, and maintenance.
Ornamental Aquaculture: Covers breeding and rearing of ornamental fish.
Find Aquarium Shops Tool: Helps users locate nearby aquarium shops through a dynamic directory.
Comprehensive Guidance:Offers details on care, breeding, and maintenance practices for ornamental fish.
6. Indian and Omani Armies Begin 5th Edition of Joint Exercise "AL NAJAH" in Salalah
Tags: Defence International News
The Indian Army contingent has departed for the 5th edition of the India-Oman Joint Military Exercise “AL NAJAH” in Salalah, Oman.
An Overview of the News
The Defence Ministry announced that the Indian Army’s contingent comprises 60 personnel from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
The Royal Army of Oman’s contingent also consists of 60 personnel from the Frontier Force.
Objectives and Schedule
The primary goal of the joint exercise is to enhance the joint military capability of both nations for counterterrorism operations.
The exercise will focus on operations in a desert environment.
Exercise AL NAJAH has been conducted biennially since 2015, alternating between India and Oman.
About Oman
Sultan - Haitham bin Tariq Al Said
Capital - Muscat
Official Language - Arabic
Official Religion - Islam
Currency - Omani rial
7. Union Cabinet Approves Rs. 2,000 Crore 'Mission Mausam'
Tags: National News
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved 'Mission Mausam' with a Rs. 2,000 crore budget for the next two years, to be spearheaded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
An Overview of the News
Mission Mausam aims to significantly enhance India's weather and climate science, research, and services.
It is designed to improve resilience against extreme weather events and climate change impacts.
Key Components
Advanced Technology Integration: Includes next-generation radars, satellite systems with advanced sensors, high-performance supercomputers, and AI/machine learning technologies.
Enhanced Forecasting: Improved accuracy and timeliness of weather and climate information, including monsoon forecasts, air quality alerts, and extreme weather warnings.
Benefits
Sectoral Impact: Direct benefits to agriculture, disaster management, defence, aviation, water resources, power, tourism, shipping, transport, energy, and health sectors.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Enhancements in urban planning, transport, offshore operations, and environmental monitoring.
Implementation
Primary Institutes: India Meteorological Department, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting.
Supporting Institutions: Includes Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, National Institute of Ocean Technology, along with national and international collaborations.
8. Tobacco Cessation Clinic Inaugurated at AIIMS, New Delhi
Tags: National News
AIIMS inaugurated a dedicated Tobacco Cessation Clinic (TCC) on 10th September in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The clinic is a collaboration between the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) and AIIMS' Department of Pulmonary, Critical, and Sleep Medicine.
It aims to support individuals suffering from tobacco addiction as part of the Tobacco-Free AIIMS initiative.
Director of AIIMS-Delhi - Dr. M. Srinivas
Head of Department of Pulmonary, Critical and Sleep Medicine - Dr. Anant Mohan
About AIIMS
All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS) Idea Origin: Concept proposed in 1946 following the Health Survey of the Government of India.
Initial Proposal: Jawaharlal Nehru initially proposed AIIMS in Calcutta, but it was established in New Delhi after West Bengal CM Bidhan Chandra Roy's refusal.
Foundation: AIIMS Delhi's foundation stone was laid in 1952.
AIIMS Act: Rajkumari Amrit Kaur introduced the AIIMS Bill in 1956, leading to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Act.
Establishment: AIIMS was officially established in 1956.
Leadership: The Minister of Health and Family Welfare serves as AIIMS President; Dr. Kaushal Kumar Verma is the Dean.
9. Indian Army and Indian Air Force Sign MoU with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya
Tags: National News
Indian Army and Indian Air Force have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya to Boost Logistics Skills.
An Overview of the News
The MoU was signed in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on September 9, 2024, in New Delhi.
Key Objectives of the MoU
Skill Enhancement: Aimed at enhancing the skills of Indian Army and Air Force personnel in logistics operations.
Capability Building: Focused on developing in-house expertise across various facets of logistics, supporting military efficiency and national development plans.
Alignment with National Plans: Supports the goals of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan 2021 and the National Logistics Policy 2022.
Importance of Logistics in Defence
Strategic Role of Logistics: Described by Raksha Mantri as vital for military operations and national security, emphasizing the need for a seamless logistics system to mobilize troops, equipment, and supplies efficiently.
Innovation & Collaboration: The partnership will utilize knowledge and innovation to meet the dynamic logistics needs of modern warfare.
Educational and Experiential Learning
Logistics Education and Research: Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya will serve as a critical partner by providing cutting-edge logistics education, research, and innovation.
Real-World Case Studies: The MoU includes provisions for experiential learning through real-world case studies, which will help develop future logistics experts and managers in the Armed Forces.
10. President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Vishwashanti Buddha Vihara in Maharashtra
Tags: State News National News
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Vishwashanti Buddha Vihara in Udgir, Latur district, Maharashtra.
An Overview of the News
President installed a statue of Gautama Buddha inside the vihara and paid tribute to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar by offering flowers at his statue.
The event included a traditional Buddha worship ceremony.
Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale, and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended the event.
Features of the Buddha Vihara
The newly inaugurated Buddha Vihara is a replica of the Buddha Vihara in Kalburgi, Karnataka.
Located on a 15-hectare site, it features a meditation centre that can accommodate 1,200 followers.
The main entrance, inspired by the Sanchi Stupa in Bihar, serves as an impressive entryway to the premises.
About Maharashtra
It is a state located in the western part of India and covers a significant part of the Deccan Plateau.
Chief Minister - Eknath Shinde
Governor - C.P. Radhakrishnan
Official Animal - Indian giant squirrel
Official Bird - Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Official Dance -Lavani
