NATIONAL:
1. Earth's Core
Why in news – Recent studies show evidence of the leaking of Earth’s core.
Key Points –
• Scientists have detected a surprising amount of a rare version of helium, called helium-3, in volcanic rocks on Canada’s Baffin Island.
• It supports the theory that the noble gas is leaking from Earth’s core.
• The research team also detected helium-4 within the rocks.
• While helium-4 is common on Earth, helium-3 is more readily found elsewhere in the cosmos.
Mechanism –
• As Earth’s rocky portion stirs and convects like hot water on a stove top, material ascends, cools, and sinks.
• During the cooling stage, helium is lost to the atmosphere and then to space.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. 25th Bhutan-China Border Talks
Why in news - In Beijing, Bhutan, and China signed a Cooperation Agreement.
Key Points –
• It is a significant progress towards the 3-Step Roadmap initiated in 2021.
• Both countries claim the Doklam Plateau.
• Sikkim-Tibet Convention (1890) - It delineated the border between Sikkim (then a British protectorate) and Tibet (which was under Chinese influence), passing through the Doklam Plateau.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES:
1. Ayushman Bharat
Why in news – 26 crore Ayushman Cards have been created under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (AB- PMJAY) so far.
Key Points –
• By - Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Implementing Agency: National Health Authority.
• Objectives: to meet SDGs and its underlining commitment, which is to “leave no one behind.”
• It was recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
• It aims to holistically address the healthcare system (covering prevention, promotion and ambulatory care) at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.
• It comprises two inter-related components –
(a) Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) – to transform the existing Sub Centres and Primary Health Centres.
(b) Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) - It provides health cover of five lakh rupees per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to beneficiary families.
SECURITY:
1. 4th Goa Maritime Conclave 2023
Why in news - Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Goa Maritime Conclave 2023.
Key Points –
• Organized by: Indian Navy.
• Venue: Goa.
• Theme: Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region: Converting Common Maritime Priorities into Collaborative Mitigating Frameworks.
• Participants (12 Indian Ocean littorals) - Bangladesh, Comoros, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
2. Chetak Helicopters
Why in news – Indian Army will begin phase-out of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters from 2027.
Key Points –
• Manufactured by: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Its manufacturing started in 1962 with the help of France.
• Cheetahs have especially been crucial for operations in Siachen.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. Gudavi Bird Sanctuary
Why in news – Recently, several birds died at the Gudavi bird sanctuary.
Key Points –
• More than 30 birds, including spoonbills, herons, and black-headed ibis, were found dead.
• Location: Shivamogga, Karnataka.
• It is situated around the Gudavi Lake.
• Birds: Birds: Grey Heron, Night Heron, Little Cormorant, Junglefowl, Indian Pond Heron, Darter, Indian Shag etc.
2. ‘Green Credit’ Program
Why in news – The Centre recently notified the Green Credit program.
Key Points –
• By - Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate.
• It was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24.
• Objective: to create a market-based mechanism for undertaking environment-friendly activities such as afforestation programs, water conservation etc.
• It aims to incentivize voluntary environmental actions of various stakeholders.
• Green Credit: it is an incentive that individuals, farmer-producer organizations (FPOs), industries, and rural and urban local bodies, among other stakeholders, will be able to earn for environment-positive actions.
FESTIVALS:
1. Bani Festival
Why in news – 3 people lost their lives in the traditional Banni festival.
Key Points –
• It is celebrated in Andhra Pradesh on the night of the Dussehra celebration.
• It is a traditional stick-fight.
Historical Significance –
• This festival was celebrated by people under the Vijayanagara Empire.
• The objective of this event was to snatch the idols from God’s team, leading to a fierce battle known as the Banni Fight.
• It is celebrated on account of the victory of Lord Mala Malleswara Swamy and Goddess Parvati over demonish Mani and Mallasura.
BIHAR:
1. 37th National Games
Why in news – Bihar Women’s rugby team won a silver medal in the ongoing 37th edition of the National Games.
Key Points –
• They lost to Odisha in the final by 7-12.
• Bihar Women’s rugby team’s coach - Dulanjana Vijayasinghe (Sri Lanka).
2. Asian Para Games
Why in news – Shuttler Pramod Bhagat bagged a gold medal in men's singles SL3 event.
Key Points –
• Pramod Bhagat beat compatriot Nitesh Kumar to claim the gold medal.
• He won a bronze each in Men's Doubles SL3-SL4 and Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5 events.
• The state government has announced a reward of Rs 2 crore for Bhagat.
• Pramod Bhagat completed hat-trick of medals.
• Hangzhou is the fourth Asian Para Games for Bhagat who has won at least one medal in each of the last three Asian Para Games.
POINTERS:
• Which state's Sonam Zomba has won the title in the women's strawweight category in the 13th edition of Matrix Fight Night (MFN) - Arunachal Pradesh.
• India has won a historic total of how many medals at the Para Asian Games 2023 - 111 medals.
• Which company has launched India's first Satellite-Based Gigabit Broadband Service to extend high-speed internet access to remote regions in India for nationwide coverage - Reliance Jio.
• The 15th Tribal Youth Exchange Program has been inaugurated in which city – Mumbai.
• Which state/UT government has unveiled Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana – Delhi.
• From India, who has become a part of the prestigious 18-member steering committee of the International Competition Network (ICN) - Competition Commission of India (CCI).
• Which day is celebrated all over India on 31 October 2023 - National Unity Day.
• Which company may soon become the first Indian company to assemble iPhones for India and other global markets - Tata Group.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with whom to develop industrial cooperation in 'ring forging' for commercial engines in aerospace - Safran Aircraft Engines (France).
• PM Modi launched which initiative on Sardar Patel's birth anniversary to celebrate National Unity Day at Statue of Unity - Mera Yuva Bharat.
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