International Methanol Seminar and Expo 2024

• NITI Aayog is organizing a two-day International Methanol Seminar and Expo 2024 in New Delhi, from October 17- 18, 2024.
• The event, in collaboration with the Methanol Institute of the U.S., will showcase advances in methanol production, applications, and technology.
• A major focus will be on methanol's role in global energy transition and its rise as a low-carbon fuel in green shipping.
• VK Saraswat from NITI Aayog emphasized methanol’s versatility, being producible from biomass, coal, and renewable sources.
• Methanol, as a cleaner and more affordable fuel than fossil fuels, is set to play a vital role in India’s clean energy future.

Constitutional Validity of Section 6A of Citizenship Act for Assam Immigrants upheld

• The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, related to Assam immigrants, with a 4:1 majority verdict on October 17, 2024.
• A five-judge bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud stated that the Assam Accord addressed the issue of illegal migration politically.
• Justices Surya Kant, MM Sundresh, and Manoj Misra ruled that Parliament had the power to enact Section 6A.
• Section 6A, added in 1985, grants citizenship to those of Indian origin who entered Assam before January 1, 1966.
• Indigenous groups in Assam have opposed Section 6A, arguing it legitimizes the entry of migrants from Bangladesh after the cutoff date.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Simplifies Subscription Cancellations with the "Click-to-Cancel" Rule

• The US Federal Trade Commission has announced a final “click-to-cancel” rule on 17 October 2024.
• It aims to make subscription cancellations as simple as signing up.
• The rule prohibits companies from requiring unnecessary cancellation steps.
• This rule will require sellers to provide clear information to customer about free trails and paid subscription.
• It prohibits sellers from misrepresenting facts, failing to disclose terms without consent.
• The rule was implemented due to a rise in complaints and unused service costs by consumers.
• Established in 1914, the US FTC enforces consumer rights and antitrust laws to prevent deceptive practices and promote competition.

149th Assembly of the International Parliamentary Union Held

• 149th Assembly of International Parliamentary Union (IPU) organized in Geneva between 13th to 17 October 2024.
• Theme was "Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for a more peaceful and sustainable future,"
• Emphasizing STI’s crucial role in addressing global peace, sustainability, and development issues.
• Jamaica rejoined the International Parliament of the United Nations (IPU) as its 181st Members.
• Founded in 1889 in Paris, promotes global dialogue, peace, democracy, and sustainable development, with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
• IPU is a global platform that unites 181 national parliaments and 15 regional bodies.
• It promotes dialogue, cooperation, and action on global issues.

The 2024 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

• The Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) publish their yearly report on MPI on October 17, 2024.
• The report integrates violent conflict data with multidimensional poverty data to comprehend their interconnectedness across countries.
• "Poverty amid conflict" is the theme for the 2024 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).
• The 2024 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index is based on 10 indicators and measures poverty across three dimensions: health, education, and living standards.
• The report utilises data from Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) and its database now encompasses data from 112 countries.
• MPI values are significantly higher in conflict-affected regions, which leads to stagnation, or slower reduction of poverty.
• 1.1 billion people suffer from acute multidimensional poverty, with over half being children who suffer from inadequate housing, sanitation, electricity, nutrition, and school.

CBDT amends income tax rules

• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified amendments to income tax rules.
• To simplify the process of claiming credit for TCS collected and TDS deducted for salaried employees.
• To enable the claiming of TCS credit for minors in the hands of their parents.
• The Income Tax Act rules have been amended to include any tax deducted or collected at source to make tax deductions in the case of salaried employees.
• The rules have also been amended to allow the credit of TCS to a person other than the collectee.
• Such as a parent in the case of a minor collectee, when the minor’s income is clubbed with that of the parent.

Inauguration of India’s first self-powered indoor air quality monitor

• Union Minister Jitendra Singh, inaugurated the country’s first self-powered indoor air quality monitor, Pavana Chitra, at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, on October 17, 2024.
• Pavana Chitra is an off-grid, self-powered indoor air quality monitor that blends technology, tradition, and art.
• It operates on indigenous indoor solar cells developed by CSIR-NIIST, reflecting eco-friendly and innovative design.
• It is crafted from locally available materials and designed to mimic the natural process of photosynthesis.

The Indian Coast Guard has successfully conducted the 'Sagar Kavach' coastal security exercise (Defence)

• Indian Coast Guard conducted the 'Sagar Kavach' coastal security exercise on October 16-17, 2024.
• This coastal security exercise conducted across Gujarat and the Union Territory of Dadara and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
• The exercise aimed to improve maritime and coastal security preparedness while validating existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• The Coast Guard Regional Headquarters in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, coordinated the exercise.
• The Indian Navy, State Police, Marine Police, Border Security Force, National Security Guard, Gujarat Maritime Board, Intelligence Bureau, and port authorities were actively participated in this exercise.
• The Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, and Marine Police utilized various vessels for aerial and maritime surveillance during the exercise.

Haryana's chief minister, Nayab Singh Saini, was sworn in for a second term

• Nayab Singh Saini took oath as Chief Minister of Haryana on 17 October, 2024 for his second term.
• Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) maintains its leadership for a third consecutive term.
• The BJP won 48 out of 90 seats in the October 2024 assembly elections, outperforming the Congress party with 37 seats.
• The BJP secured 8 out of 17 SC seats in elections.
• As per article 164(1A) of the constitution the Chief Minister and several ministers were took oath administered by Governor of Haryana Bandaru Dattatreya.
• Nayab Singh Saini, born in 1970, has been involved in politics for three decades, winning the Kurukshetra Lok Sabha seat in 2019.

Madhya Pradesh Installed ‘Pink Alarms’

• ‘Pink alarms’ have been installed at Datia District Hospital and Medical College in Madhya Pradesh to enhance women’s safety.
• This initiative was developed by District Collector Sandeep Makin to protect women staff at public hospitals.
• When pressed, the alarm triggers a siren, ensuring security personnel reach the scene within five minutes.
• Alarms are installed in staff duty rooms on all three floors of the Maternity Ward, Trauma Center, and New OPD Block.
• Datia District Hospital is the first government hospital in Madhya Pradesh to provide this safety feature for women.

"Mera Hou Chongba" festival in Manipur

• The "Mera Hou Chongba" festival in Manipur celebrated On October 17.
• It celebrates unity, especially important amidst current ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
• Held on the 15th Lunar day of Mera Month, the festival took place at Sana Konung and Kangla Uttra in Imphal.
• The festival aims to strengthen bonds of brotherhood and promote harmony among Manipur’s diverse indigenous communities.
• "Mera Hou Chongba" highlights the state's cultural diversity and the collective spirit of unity across its hill and valley communities.