1. 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.
2. 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
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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
7. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Launches Digital Notary Portal
Tags: National News
Union Minister for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, launched the new Notary Portal in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The portal is a significant step towards creating a paperless, faceless, and efficient system, aligning with the goals of Digital India.
It is designed to be user-friendly and aims to assist both Notaries and the public in streamlining processes.
Key Features of the Notary Portal:
The portal offers an online interface between notaries and the government for various services.
Services include the submission of applications for appointment as notaries, issuance and renewal of Certificates of Practice, change of practice area, and submission of annual returns.
Central Notaries can submit applications online, track their progress, and download digitally signed Certificates of Practice through Digilocker.
Benefits and Impact:
The portal eliminates the need for physical submission of applications and requests, enhancing convenience.
It promotes transparency and efficiency in the notary services process.
The launch is seen as a significant advancement towards the digitalization of legal services in India.
8. West Bengal Assembly Passes Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill
Tags: National News
The West Bengal Assembly passed the Aparajita Bill, an anti-rape bill, on 3 September during a special session.
An Overview of the News
The bill received unanimous support, with the Opposition, including BJP MLAs and the Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, backing the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government.
'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024,' was introduced by West Bengal Law Minister Moloy Ghatak.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
Capital Punishment: The bill proposes capital punishment for individuals convicted of rape if the victim dies or is left in a vegetative state.
Life Imprisonment: It mandates a life sentence without parole for those convicted of rape and gang rape. Repeat offenders may face life imprisonment or death penalty, plus financial fines.
Amendments: Changes to sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) 2023 regarding rape, gang rape, repeat offenders, and victim identity disclosure. Removal of age-based punishment sections.
Expedited Investigation: Rape investigations must be completed within 21 days, with a 15-day extension possible with valid reasons.
Special Task Force: Creation of the 'Aparajita Task Force' at the district level, led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police, to handle these cases.
Specialized Courts: Proposal for 52 special courts to handle rape and sexual offences, designed to reduce victim trauma.
Penalties for Publishing Proceedings: Unauthorized publication of court proceedings will result in 3 to 5 years imprisonment and fines to protect victim privacy.
Context and Urgency:
The special session of the Assembly was convened following the rape-murder of a woman medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The Assembly met for two days to urgently address issues related to crimes against women and to fast-track punishments for perpetrators.
9. IndiaFirst Life Insurance Launches First IFSC Insurance Office in GIFT City
Tags: National News
IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited has launched its International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Insurance Office (IIO) at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
An Overview of the News
This makes IndiaFirst Life the first Indian life insurer to operate in GIFT City.
Product Offering:
IndiaFirst Life introduces the 'IndiaFirst Life Wealth Wise Plan,' a Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) specifically designed for global Indians.
The plan is denominated in US dollars and aims to cater to international consumers seeking long-term wealth and legacy creation.
Expansion Strategy:
The initiative focuses on reaching international customers through partner banks and selected broker partners.
Current shareholders of IndiaFirst Life include Bank of Baroda (BoB), Union Bank of India (UBI), and Carmel Point Investments India Private Limited (CPIIPL).
IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited
Established- 2009
Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
MD & CEO- Rushabh Gandhi
10. Delhi's IGI Airport Becomes India's First Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport
Tags: National News
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi has become the first airport in India to achieve net zero carbon emission status.
An Overview of the News
The achievement was recognized under the Airport Council International's (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme.
GMR Group-led Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) operates IGIA.
Early Achievement of Target
Initially, IGIA aimed to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
The target was achieved ahead of schedule due to various sustainability initiatives.
Key Sustainability Initiatives
Adoption of renewable energy sources.
Development of green airport infrastructure.
Promotion of electric vehicles at the airport.
Level 5 Net Zero Emission Accreditation
IGIA achieved Level 5, the highest accreditation level in the ACA programme, in 2024.
This accreditation signifies a 90% reduction in scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions.
Residual emissions were offset through approved carbon removal strategies.
