National News

PM Modi Inaugurates Airports Under RCS-UDAN Initiative.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated three new airports in Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Rewa (Madhya Pradesh), and Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh) as part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik).
• This government initiative aims to enhance infrastructure and connectivity, especially in remote areas, and marks the 7th anniversary of the program, which has served over 14.4 million passengers since its inception.

  Key developments include:

• UDAN 1.0: 128 flight routes awarded to five airlines across 70 airports.
• UDAN 2.0: Connection of 73 underserved airports, including helipads.
• UDAN 3.0: Introduction of tourism routes and seaplanes.
• UDAN 4.0: Focus on North-Eastern regions and islands.
• UDAN 5.0: Recent enhancements based on stakeholder feedback.

JP Nadda Inaugurates 2nd Medicine Update BJMFCON 2024.

• Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Chemicals & Fertilizers, JP Nadda, inaugurated the 2nd Medicine Update BJMFCON 2024 organized by the Bihar & Jharkhand Medical Forum (BJMF).
• As the chief guest, he also unveiled the ‘Souvenir and BJMF Directory’, highlighting the contributions of medical professionals in the region.
• The Bihar & Jharkhand Medical Forum (BJMF) is a socio-scientific organization comprising doctors from Bihar and Jharkhand, who have been practicing in the Delhi NCR region and serving its diverse population.
• The inaugural Medicine Update took place in 2023, aiming to enhance medical knowledge and practices among healthcare professionals in the area.

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Launches ‘eShram-One Stop Solution’ for Unorganized Workers.

• Union Labour Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has officially launched the ‘eShram-One Stop Solution’ aimed at supporting unorganized workers across India.
• This innovative platform is designed to integrate and streamline information about various social security and welfare schemes specifically tailored for unorganized labor.
• The eShram-One Stop Solution will enhance awareness among unorganized workers about the benefits and schemes available to them, making it easier for them to access vital resources.
• Currently, the platform has successfully mapped and integrated 12 schemes from different central ministries and departments, ensuring comprehensive coverage for beneficiaries.
• Since its initial launch on August 26, 2021, eShram has enrolled over 30 crore unorganized workers, showcasing its effectiveness in reaching this vital segment of the workforce.
• This initiative represents a significant step toward empowering unorganized workers and improving their socio-economic conditions through enhanced access to government support.

Diabetes Prevalence in Jammu Reaches 18.9%: New Study Findings.

• A recent study reveals that the overall prevalence of diabetes in Jammu stands at 18.9%, with a concerning 26.5% in urban areas compared to just 5% in rural regions.
• Conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in partnership with the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), this comprehensive analysis is part of the ICMR-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) national study, which encompasses data from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
• This groundbreaking study also indicates that 10.8% of Jammu's population is affected by prediabetes, with 13.4% in urban areas and 9.3% in rural areas.
• The Jammu phase involved a survey of 1,520 participants, offering valuable insights into the health challenges faced by the region.
• Additionally, the survey highlighted the prevalence of other health issues, reporting hypertension rates at 27.1%, generalized obesity at 41.7%, and abdominal obesity at a staggering 62.7%.
• These findings underscore the urgent need for public health initiatives aimed at addressing the growing diabetes crisis and related health concerns in Jammu.

Datia District Hospital Implements ‘Pink Alarms’ for Women’s Safety.

• In a proactive step towards enhancing women’s safety, Datia District Hospital and Medical College in Madhya Pradesh has installed a ‘pink alarm’ system.
• This initiative, inspired by the tragic case of a trainee doctor’s rape and murder in Kolkata, aims to provide immediate security assistance to women in the hospital.
• Developed by District Collector Sandeep Makin, the pink alarm system alerts security personnel within five minutes of activation.
• Alarms have been strategically placed in staff duty rooms across the Maternity Ward, Trauma Center, and New OPD Block, making this facility the first of its kind in a government hospital in the state.
• When activated, the alarm triggers a siren, prompting security personnel to respond swiftly to any distress signal.
• This measure is part of a broader commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of women in healthcare settings.

   Key Information About Madhya Pradesh:

• Capital: Bhopal
• Chief Minister: Dr. Mohan Yadav
• Deputy Chief Ministers: Jagdish Devda & Rajendra Shukla
• Speaker of Madhya Pradesh Assembly: Narendra Singh Tomar
• Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel

First-Ever Coal Gallery Unveiled at National Science Centre, New Delhi.

• In a significant development for energy education, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey inaugurated the first-ever coal gallery at the National Science Centre in New Delhi.
• The exhibition, titled ‘Black Diamond – Unveiling the Depths’, delves into the lifespan of coal, providing visitors with valuable insights into the discovery of coal, the coal extraction process, and the various techniques used in coal mining.
• This initiative aims to educate the public about the importance of coal as a vital energy source and its role in India's economic development.
• The coal gallery is expected to enhance awareness of the coal industry and its environmental implications, making it a valuable addition to the National Science Centre's educational offerings.

   Key Appointments

• Vikram Dev Dutt: New Secretary of the Ministry of Coal.
• Vijaya Rahatkar: Chairperson of the National Commission for Women.
• Abhyuday Jindal: New President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce.

                         Appointment

Vikram Dev Dutt Takes Charge as Coal Secretary.

• Vikram Dev Dutt has officially assumed the role of Secretary of the Ministry of Coal.
• A distinguished 1993-batch IAS officer from the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre, Dutt previously held the position of Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
• He succeeds Shri VL Kantha Rao, who is currently serving as the Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and also holds additional responsibilities for the Ministry of Coal.
• Prior to Shri Rao, Shri Amrit Lal Meena served as the Secretary.

   Recent Appointments in Key Positions

• Chairperson of National Commission for Women: Vijaya Rahatkar (9th; replaces Rekha Sharma)
• Member of the National Commission for Women: Dr. Archana Majumdar
• President of Indian Chamber of Commerce: Abhyuday Jindal (replaces Ameya Prabhu)
• Director of Cricket at JSW Sports: Saurav Ganguly
• Chief Minister of Haryana: Nayab Singh Saini (2nd term)
• Chief Minister of UTs of Jammu and Kashmir: Omar Abdullah

                          Defence

Army's Sudarshan Chakra Corps Conducts ‘Swavlamban Shakti’ Exercise.

• The Sudarshan Chakra Corps of the Southern Command is currently executing Exercise SWAVLAMBAN SHAKTI at the Babina Field Firing Ranges near Jhansi.
• This exercise is designed to enhance combat capabilities by integrating niche and emerging technologies into the Indian Army's operational strategies.
• The XXI Corps, commonly known as the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, is headquartered in Bhopal.
• Under the leadership of Lt Gen Prit Pal Singh, General Officer Commanding, this exercise focuses on incorporating New Technology Equipment (NTEs) to ensure the Army's preparedness for future warfare scenarios.
• Around 1,800 personnel, along with 210 armored vehicles, 50 specialist vehicles, and various aviation assets, are participating in this significant exercise.

   Recent Defence Exercises

• Exercise Malabar 2024: Conducted between India, Australia, Japan, and the USA in Visakhapatnam.
• Exercise KAZIND 2024: The 8th edition between the Indian Army and Kazakhstan military in Auli, Uttarakhand.
• Exercise Eastern Bridge: The 7th edition involving the Indian Air Force and Royal Oman Air Force at Masirah Air Force Base, Oman.
• Exercise Al NAJAH: The 5th edition between the Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman in the Rabkoot Training Area, Salalah, Oman.
• Exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield: Conducted in collaboration with South Korea and the USA.

                             Sports

Deepika Kumari Shines at Archery World Cup.

• Deepika Kumari has once again showcased her exceptional talent by winning the silver medal in the women’s recurve category at the Archery World Cup Final in Tlaxcala, Mexico.
• Competing fiercely, she faced Li Jiaman of China in the final match, where she was narrowly defeated with a score of 0-6.
• Earlier in the competition, Deepika demonstrated her skill by defeating Alejandra Valencia from Mexico in the semi-finals with a score of 6-4.
• This achievement marks the fifth time Deepika has finished as a runner-up at the prestigious Archery World Cup, further solidifying her status as one of the top archers in the world.
• Her consistent performances continue to inspire aspiring archers in India and around the globe.

New Zealand Clinches Women's T20 Cricket World Cup by Defeating South Africa.

• In a historic victory, New Zealand has secured its first-ever Women's T20 Cricket World Cup title by defeating South Africa by 32 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
• Batting first, New Zealand set a target of 159 runs, and South Africa struggled in their chase, managing only 126 runs for the loss of nine wickets in the allotted 20 overs.
• Amelia Kerr stood out in the tournament, being named both Player of the Series and Player of the Match for her exceptional performance.
• This victory marks a significant achievement for New Zealand, who has now successfully claimed the coveted trophy after reaching the final for the third time.
• The win is a testament to the team's hard work and dedication, solidifying their place in women's cricket history.

Bala Devi Makes History as First Indian Woman to Score 50 International Goals.

• Bala Devi, often hailed as the "goal machine" of Indian women's football, has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to score 50 international goals.
• She achieved this remarkable milestone during the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship in Nepal, in a match against Pakistan.
• Bala Devi began her football journey in Manipur, where her exceptional talent shone through from a young age, earning her accolades in various youth tournaments.
• Her professional career kicked off with New Radiant WSC in the Maldives in 2014.
• She gained further recognition when she signed with Rangers in Scotland, making her the first Indian woman to score in a European professional league.
• After a successful stint in Spain with Málaga, Bala returned to India to join Odisha WFC, continuing to inspire the next generation of female athletes in the country.
• Her achievements mark a significant milestone in Indian women's football, showcasing her dedication and skill on the international stage.

                          Obituary

Veteran Actor Debraj Roy Passes Away at 69.

• Debraj Roy, a celebrated veteran actor, has passed away at the age of 69 in Kolkata. Known for his significant contributions to Bengali cinema, Debraj also made his mark on Doordarshan and was associated with Akashvani.
• Debraj Roy made his cinematic debut in Satyajit Ray’s critically acclaimed film Pratidwandi in 1970.
• He rose to fame shortly after with his outstanding performance in Mrinal Sen’s landmark film Calcutta 71.
• Throughout his illustrious career, he collaborated with renowned directors such as Tarun Majumdar, Bibhuti Laha, and Tapan Sinha, earning accolades for his versatile acting skills.
• His legacy in the film industry will be remembered by fans and peers alike, as he played a crucial role in shaping Bengali cinema.