current affairs 11 September 2024

National Forest Martyrs Day

In India, National Forest Martyrs Day is observed annually on September 11 to honor the sacrifice of those who laid down their lives in the protection of the country’s forests and wildlife.

History:

• 1730 Khejri Massacre: In the Khejri massacre of 1730, 363 members of the Bishnoi community sacrificed their lives to save Khejri trees from being cut down. This event occurred under the orders of Maharaja Abhay Singh Rathore of the Marwar kingdom. The Bishnoi community demonstrated their commitment to environmental conservation through this act.

• Establishment in 2013: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change declared September 11 as National Forest Martyrs Day in 2013. This day is celebrated to honor the legacy of those who have sacrificed their lives for the protection of forests and wildlife.

Objectives:

• To raise awareness about the importance of forest conservation.

• To recognize the dedication of forest protectors, rangers, and officials.

• To honor past sacrifices and remind future generations of the need to protect the environment.

Significance of National Forest Martyrs Day 2024:

• Remembering countless sacrifices: This day is dedicated to honoring forest protectors, rangers, and workers who sacrificed their lives for the protection of India’s forests and wildlife.

• Raising awareness: To spread awareness about the crucial role of forests in ecological balance and highlight the urgent need to protect them from deforestation, poaching, and other threats.

• Inspiring conservation efforts: To motivate current and future generations to actively participate in environmental conservation efforts.

• Acknowledging environmental activism: To recognize and honor conservation efforts such as those of the Bishnoi community and reinforce the importance of community participation.

• Highlighting the role of forest personnel: To draw attention to the often-overlooked contributions of forest personnel and underscore their crucial role in challenging conditions.

• Promoting sustainable practices: To emphasize the need for sustainable practices in forest resource management and ensure that forests continue to thrive for future generations.

• Commemorating the Khejri massacre: To poignantly remember the 1730 Khejri massacre where 363 Bishnois sacrificed their lives to protect trees, symbolizing the deep bond between humanity and nature.

Launch of Six New Initiatives and Portals as Part of the 100 Days Report of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs

On September 11, Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju inaugurated six new initiatives and portals as part of the 100 days report of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs at the Parliament House Annex, New Delhi. Here is the information about these initiatives and portals:

Inaugurated Initiatives/Portals:

• NeVA 2.0: NeVA 2.0 introduces an advanced state legislature integration to promote a user-friendly interface, a paperless legislative environment, and real-time governance.

• NeVA Mobile App Version 2.0: The new version 2.0 of the NeVA mobile app provides a user-friendly application, allowing easy access to legislative documents.

• SLMS Portal: Based on the 28th COSL report, this new portal brings together major stakeholders—government ministries, the Cabinet Secretariat, legislative departments, and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs—on a single platform.

• CCMS Portal: This portal connects Members of Parliament, government ministries, and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs on a single platform. It provides real-time access to committee documents, enabling informed and digital interactions between stakeholders.

• NYPS Portal 2.0: This portal now allows not only students but also all citizens to participate individually, in groups, or through institutions. The expansion aims to spread democratic values and significantly enhance reach among youth.

• EMRSS Scheme: The ministry is launching a National Youth Parliament Competition for students of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) to strengthen democratic values, promote discipline, and familiarize tribal students with parliamentary processes through annual competitions.

National Research Foundation (NRF)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the first meeting of the governing board of the National Research Foundation (NRF), focusing on shaping India's science and technology landscape and revitalizing research and development programs.

During the meeting, PM Modi emphasized the importance of overcoming obstacles in the country’s research ecosystem, setting ambitious goals, and conducting path-breaking research with local solutions to global problems.

Key Points of the Meeting:

• Institutional Upgradation: Standardization and upgradation of institutions, creating a list of domain experts, and developing a dashboard to monitor research and development activities.

• Resource Utilization: Scientifically monitoring resources for research and innovation, and ensuring adequate funding for the scientific community.

• Grading of Atal Tinkering Labs: Evaluating the impact of these labs to enhance their effectiveness.

• Research Focus Areas: Exploring new solutions in environmental challenges, EV battery materials, lab-grown diamonds, etc.

• Hub and Spoke Program: Connecting universities with nascent research programs to established institutions for consultation.

The governing board also discussed aligning research and development with national priorities such as electric vehicles, advanced materials, smart infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture. They emphasized promoting both fundamental research and translational research to bridge academic and industrial applications.

The NRF will play a strategic role in establishing India globally, promoting scientific innovation, and fostering a robust research ecosystem in alignment with the "Developed India 2047" vision.

Exercise Eastern Bridge VII

Exercise Eastern Bridge VII will be held from September 11 to 22, 2024, at Oman’s Air Force Base Masirah. This is the seventh edition of the exercise, aimed at enhancing interoperability between the Royal Oman Air Force (ROAF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Key Points of the Exercise:

• Participants:

• The Indian Air Force contingent includes MiG-29, Jaguar, and C-17 aircraft.

• The exercise will feature joint participation from both ROAF and IAF.

• Objectives:

• The objective of the exercise is to improve the tactical and operational skills of both air forces.

• It aims to enhance mutual understanding and increase the capability for effective collaboration in various scenarios.

• Training Focus:

• The exercise will include complex aerial maneuvers, air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, and military coordination.

• It reflects the emerging defense needs and strategic interests of both countries.

• Strategic Importance:

• Exercise Eastern Bridge VII highlights the enduring partnership between ROAF and IAF.

• It underscores their commitment to regional security and stability.

• The exercise provides a platform for both teams to engage in joint training missions, strengthen strategic cooperation, and boost operational readiness.

• It presents a significant opportunity for both air forces to share expertise, gain operational experience, and enhance collaborative capabilities in addressing diverse defense challenges

National Florence Nightingale Award

On the occasion of the 2024 ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the National Florence Nightingale Award. This award honored 15 nurses for their exceptional dedication and community service.

National Florence Nightingale Award:

• Establishment: The award was established in 1973 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, to recognize outstanding services rendered by nurses and midwives to society.

• Eligibility: Registered Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Registered Nurses and Midwives, and Registered Female Applicants.

• Award Details: Each award includes a certificate of merit, a cash prize of ₹1,00,000, and a medal.

Award Recipients:

Shubhi Gupta

Shubhi Gupta recently delivered an impressive performance at the Commonwealth Chess Championship held in Sri Lanka, winning multiple medals.

• Achievements at the Championship:

• Under-16 Category: Shubhi won the gold medal, securing a total of eight points with seven wins and two draws.

• Under-20 Girls Category: She also earned a bronze medal in the Under-20 girls' category.

Recognition and Previous Achievements:

• Shubhi Gupta is a Woman FIDE Master and the current Under-19 Girls National Champion.

• She has previously won the gold medal in the U-12 category at the Commonwealth Youth Chess Championship.

• Two years ago, she also clinched the gold medal at the World Chess Championship.

Background:

• Shubhi Gupta hails from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and has consistently won numerous awards due to her exceptional chess skills.

Fourth Intercontinental Cup Men's Football Championship

Syria won the Fourth Intercontinental Cup Men's Football Championship by defeating India 3-0. Syrian captain Mahmoud Al-Mawas was honored with the Syed Abdul Rahim Best Player Award.

Event Details:

• Venue: The Fourth Intercontinental Cup Football Championship was held at the GMC Balayogi Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Tournament Format:

• The Fourth Intercontinental Cup featured three teams: India, Syria, and Mauritius. It was played in a round-robin format, with each team playing against each other once.

• Syria remained undefeated in this tournament, winning against both India and Mauritius.

About the Intercontinental Cup:

• The Intercontinental Cup Men's Football competition is organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

• It was initially started as a replacement for the Nehru Cup.

• Typically, four countries participate, but this edition included only three teams.

• In 2023, India, Mongolia, Vanuatu, and Lebanon participated, with the Cup being won by India.

Second Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation

The second Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation will be held from September 11 to 12, 2024, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

• The event is jointly hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.

• The first ministerial conference was held in Beijing, China, in 2018.

• : India had offered to host the second conference in 2020, but it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aviation in India:

• Growth: India is the fastest-growing aviation market globally and currently ranks as the third-largest domestic market.

• Fleet Expansion: Over the past decade, the number of aircraft in India has increased from 400 to over 800, and the number of airports has grown from 74 to 157.

Development of Indian Aviation:

• 1911: Monseigneur Pigot operated the first commercial flight from Allahabad to Naini, which was also the world's first air mail service.

• 1932: Tata Airlines (now Air India) began scheduled air services, marking a new direction for Indian aviation.

• 1960: Air India introduced the Boeing 707, becoming Asia's first jet-equipped airline. By 1962, it operated the world's first all-jet fleet.

• 1971: Air India acquired the Boeing 747, establishing itself as a luxury carrier and setting international travel standards.

• 1994: The Air Corporation (Transfer of Undertakings and Repeal) Act ended regulation in the Indian aviation sector, allowing private companies like Jet Airways and Air Sahara to enter the market.

• Early 2000s: The rise of low-cost airlines like Air Deccan, SpiceJet, and IndiGo made air travel more accessible and positioned India as the world's third-largest aviation market.

• 2022: The privatization of Air India under the Tata Group was a significant milestone, revitalizing the aviation sector and promising improvements in services and connectivity.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) City Plan

• The Telangana government has announced the plan for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) city near Hyderabad. This city will span 200 acres.

• The AI city aims to serve as a dynamic hub for the AI ecosystem.

• An AI Advisory Council will be established, supported by an AI research and collaboration network that includes leading universities, global institutions, and innovative trainers.

• The AI city was launched by A. Revanth Reddy during the Global AI Summit 2024.

• The city will offer an ideal environment for AI development and support next-generation AI technology.

• It provides direct access to scientific facilities and a world of artificial creations.

R.S. Sharma

R.S. Sharma has been appointed as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

About R.S. Sharma:

• He previously served as the Director General and Mission Director of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), where he played a crucial role in the rollout of Aadhaar, the world’s largest digital identification program.

• He has also held prestigious roles as the Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the CEO of the National Health Authority (NHA), leading projects such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and CoWIN.

• He has been a member of the ONDC Advisory Council and the ONDC Technology and Strategy Review Council.

Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC):

• ONDC is a network for e-marketplaces.

• It was launched in 2021 under Digital India by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

• It acts as a bridge between public service delivery and technological advancements in the retail trade sector.

• It is a non-profit organization that provides a network allowing local digital commerce stores in various industries to be discovered and utilized by any network-enabled applications.

• ONDC offers services including grocery, home decor, cleaning essentials, food delivery, and other product delivery services.

"OCEAN 2024"

• Russia has commenced its largest naval exercise in decades, involving all 5 fleets.

• "OCEAN 2024" will be conducted simultaneously in the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic Seas.

• The exercise will include over 400 warships, submarines, and auxiliary ships, more than 120 aircraft, and over 90,000 personnel.

• The aim of the exercise is to assess the combat readiness of the Russian Navy and Air Force, as well as their interoperability.

• China is also participating in this exercise, having sent four ships and 15 aircraft from the People's Liberation Army.

• Representatives from 15 other countries have also been invited to observe the exercise.

Ashok Raj Sigdel Sworn in as Nepal's New Army Chief

• Ashok Raj Sigdel has taken the oath as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Nepal. 

• He is the 45th Chief of Army Staff of Nepal. 

• The newly appointed COAS, Ashok Raj Sigdel, was sworn in by President Ramchandra Paudel. 

• A special ceremony was held at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas, for this occasion.

About Nepal:

• Officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

• It is a landlocked country in South Asia. To the north, it borders China’s autonomous region of Tibet, and to the south, east, and west, it is surrounded by India.

• Nepal encompasses various geographic regions, including the Terai, Hill, and Himalayan regions. The world’s highest peak, Mount Everest (Sagarmatha), at 8,848 meters (29,035 feet), is located in the northern part of Nepal near the border with China.

• Important rivers in Nepal include the Gandak, Karnali, and Mahakali, which are significant water sources.

• Capital and largest city: Kathmandu

• The term ‘Nepal’ was first used by Kautilya in his Arthashastra.