PM-RKVY and Krishonnati Yojana approved by Cabinet

• The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriye Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and the Krishonnati Yojana (KY) to enhance sustainable agriculture and achieve food security in India, as of October 4, 2024.
• The total proposed expenditure for these schemes exceeds ₹1 lakh crore.
• With over ₹ 57000 crore allocated to PM-RKVY and ₹44246 crore for the Krishonnati Yojana.
• The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare's proposal aims to streamline all centrally sponsored schemes under these two initiatives.
• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that these decisions aim to increase farmers' income and ensure food security for the middle class.
•  The rationalization of schemes will prevent duplication, promote convergence, and allow state governments to create tailored strategic plans for agriculture.

National Mission on Edible Oils and Oilseeds approved

• The government has launched the National Mission on Edible Oils and Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) for the period 2024-25 to 2030-31, with a budget of ₹10103 crore as of October 4, 2024.
• The initiative aims to achieve self-reliance in oilseed production over the next 7 years.
• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the mission will enhance the production of essential oilseed crops, including rapeseed mustard, groundnut, soybean, sunflower, and sesame.
• It will also improve collection and extraction efficiency from secondary sources such as cottonseed, rice bran, and tree-butter oils.
•  The mission targets increasing primary oilseed production from 39 million metric tonnes in 2022-23 to 69.7 million metric tonnes by 2030-31.

India to join International Energy Efficiency Hub

• The Union Cabinet approved India's signing of a letter of intent to join the International Energy Efficiency Hub on October 4, 2024.
• This decision underscores India's dedication to sustainable development and its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• By becoming a member, India is making significant progress toward a sustainable future, facilitating a transition to a low-carbon economy and enhancing energy security.
•  Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that India will gain access to a strategic group of 16 nations sharing innovative energy practices.
•  Membership will enable India to collaborate with other countries, share its expertise, and adopt international best practices while contributing to global climate change efforts.

40 Megawatts of electricity to be exported to Bangladesh by Nepal

• India, Nepal, and Bangladesh signed a trilateral agreement on October 4, 2024, allowing Nepal to export 40 megawatts of electricity to Bangladesh via India's power grid.
•  This marks the first time Nepal will sell electricity to Bangladesh, as it has previously only exported to India.
• Under the deal, Nepal will transmit energy through the 400 KV Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur line to India, which will then send it to Bangladesh.
• The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) will track the exported energy at Muzaffarpur and expects to earn around ₹330 million.
• The countries agreed to develop the Sunkoshi-3 hydropower project collaboratively and conduct a feasibility study for a future cross-border transmission line between Nepal and Bangladesh.

India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves Cross $700 Billion

• On October 4, 2024, India has become the fourth country globally to accumulate over $700 billion in foreign exchange reserves, after China, Japan, and Switzerland.
• These reserves can cover 11.9 months of imports, surpassing the six-month standard.
• Foreign exchange reserves serve as a crucial financial buffer for countries.
• In India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) manages these reserves, with enabling provisions laid down in the RBI Act of 1934.

ISSF Junior World Championship

• The Indian trio of Mukesh Nelavalli, Raajwardan Patil, and Harsimar Singh Rattha won the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol team event at the ISSF Junior World Championship in Peru on October 4, 2024.
• This victory earned India its 11th gold medal in the competition. With a total of 16 medals, including 1 silver and 4 bronze, India maintained its position at the top of the medal tally.
• China ranked second, having won 3 golds and 1 silver. India’s outstanding performance solidified its dominance in the championship.  

8 traditional products of Assam receive GI Tags

• The Geographical Indications (GI) Registry in Chennai has granted GI tags to 8 traditional products from Assam, as of October 4, 2024.
•  This achievement highlights the cultural heritage of the Bodo community and includes traditional food items and 3 distinctive rice beer varieties.
• The Bodo Traditional Brewers Association applied for the GI recognition of these rice beer variants, which are an integral part of Bodo culture.
• The GI tags help preserve traditional knowledge, safeguard cultural heritage, promote sustainable local industries, and affirm the unique identity of the Bodo community.

The list is as follows:-

Digital Family Health Card on Pilot basis launched in Telangana

• Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy launched Digital Family Health Cards on a pilot basis on October 4, 2024.
• These cards aim to streamline health and ration benefits for eligible families by consolidating all necessary information into one digital card.
• The pilot will run until October 8 in selected blocks across the state.
• "One Card-One State" approach will simplify access to multiple schemes, including education and health.
• It will enable people to obtain ration supplies through district shops after verification. The project aims to integrate all departments under one digital platform.

World Space Week 2024

• World Space Week (WSW) is celebrated from October 4 - 10, 2024, under the 2024 theme “Space & Climate Change.”
• It aims to highlight the impact of space technology in combating climate change, showcasing how space exploration enhances our understanding and management of Earth’s climate.
• The 2024 WSW seeks to educate, inspire, and connect people globally, focusing on the collaboration between space technology and climate science.
• This important week will underscore the vital role of satellites and space technology in monitoring environmental changes and developing strategies to address the effects of climate change.

World Animal Day 2024

• World Animal Day was celebrated on October 4, 2024, focusing on critical issues related to animal rights, welfare, and conservation.
• This global observance acts as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility towards the myriad species that share our planet.
• For 2024, the theme is “The World Is Their Home Too", conveying a significant message that reflects both environmental and ethical aspects.
•  By stating this theme, organizers underscore that animals are not just inhabitants of the Earth; they are vital elements of the global ecosystem.