Humsafar Policy launched by Nitin Gadkari

• Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari launched the ‘Humsafar Policy’ in New Delhi on October 8, 2024.
• It is aimed at improving travel convenience on national highways and promoting the development of wayside amenities.
• Nitin Gadkari emphasized that the initiative will benefit local marginalized communities and enhance the overall travel experience by ensuring safe and pleasant journeys.
•  He noted that the policy prioritizes environmental considerations, incorporating elements like water and soil conservation, waste recycling, and solar energy.
•  The ‘Humsafar’ policy will offer standardized, well-maintained, and hygienic facilities, with information available via the ‘Rajmarg Yatra’ app for commuters.

Reversible Neutering Vaccine for Dogs developed (Health and Nutrition)

• Chilean scientists have developed a reversible neutering vaccine for dogs that requires only a simple injection, eliminating the need for traditional surgical neutering as of October 8, 2024.
• One of the first dogs to receive this innovative treatment was a small terrier in Santiago.
• The vaccine, created by veterinarian Leonardo Saenz, halts reproductive hormones in dogs, temporarily preventing them from reproducing, similar to conventional neutering methods.
• It is effective for both male and female dogs and costs approximately $54. This non-surgical approach could facilitate larger-scale neutering efforts.

India Eliminated Trachoma as Public Health Problem

v

• The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that India has successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health issue on October 8, 2024.
• This achievement makes India the third country in the Southeast Asia Region to reach this milestone.
•  The certification was officially granted during the WHO Regional Committee meeting held in New Delhi.
• Trachoma is a contagious bacterial infection affecting the eyes, transmitted through secretions from the eyes, eyelids, nose, or throat of infected individuals.
• Between the 1950s and 1960s, trachoma was a leading cause of blindness in India.

UAE Launched Nationwide Campaign to Support Lebanese People

• The UAE launched "The UAE Stands with Lebanon," a national campaign running from October 8–21, 2024, uniting the UAE community to support Lebanon during its crisis.
• It aims to mobilize the entire UAE community, including individuals, institutions, and both public and private sector organizations, in a collective effort to provide aid to Lebanon.
• Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan leads the initiative, highlighting UAE’s dedication to humanitarian aid.
• UAE’s President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, committed $100 million in emergency aid for Lebanon, reinforcing strong support.
• 6 planes have already delivered 205 tonnes of essential supplies, including medical aid and food, in coordination with WHO and other international bodies.

UPI and AANI link-up

• Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced on October 8, 2024, that the governments of India and the UAE are collaborating to link India's UPI with the UAE's AANI system.
• This integration aims to enable smooth cross-border transactions, significantly benefiting the over 3 million Indians living in the UAE.
•  The connection between these national payment platforms will facilitate real-time remittances between the two nations, enhancing the speed, transparency, accessibility, and cost efficiency of cross-border transfers.
• This initiative aligns with the broader vision of improving the remittance process for users in both countries, making it easier for individuals to send money across borders.

Exercise MALABAR 2024 Naval Drill launched in Visakhapatnam

• The MALABAR Naval Drill exercise commenced in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, hosted by India will run from October 8 to 18, 2024.
• This year's event includes participation from Australia, Japan, and the United States.
• The exercise aims to improve collaboration and operational capabilities among the navies involved.
•  Key areas of focus encompass special operations, surface warfare, air warfare, and anti-submarine warfare, all conducted through a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE).
• The overarching goal is to enhance situational awareness in the maritime domain through coordinated and integrated operations among the participating navies.

New Anti-Corruption Unit Chief Appointed by BCCI

• The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appointed retired IPS officer Sharad Kumar as the new head of its Anti-Corruption Unit on October 8, 2024.
• This strategic move aims to combat corruption in cricket by leveraging Sharad Kumar's extensive law enforcement experience.
• He served as the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from 2013 to 2017, where he managed several high-profile terror investigations and enhanced the agency's capabilities.
• Additionally, he held the position of Vigilance Commissioner at the Central Vigilance Commission from June 2018 to April 2020 and was also the interim Central Vigilance Commissioner.

SP Dharkar

• Air Marshal SP Dharkar, a highly accomplished fighter pilot with over 3,600 flying hours, assumed the role of Vice Chief of the Air Staff on October 8, 2024.
• He brings a wealth of experience in aviation and has held various leadership roles within the Indian Air Force.
• He takes over from Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who has been appointed as the Chief of Air Staff.
• Air Marshal SP Dharkar has piloted multiple fighter jets and trainer aircraft, including commanding a MiG-27 squadron and leading a frontline fighter unit.
• He was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command and the first Director General of the Defence Space Agency (DSA), where he oversaw the organization’s formation and military space operations.

Dipa Karmakar

• Dipa Karmakar, India's pioneering gymnast, announced her retirement from the sport on October 8, 2024.
•  Renowned for her daring “Produnova” vault, famously known as the “vault of death,” she leaves a legacy of courage and determination that has transformed Indian gymnastics.
• Dipa became a national hero after finishing fourth at the Rio 2016 Olympics, where she executed the perilous Produnova vault.
• Although she did not secure a medal, her remarkable performance gained international acclaim.
• Throughout her career, she achieved significant milestones, including winning a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
• However, injuries and surgeries on both knees impacted her performance, leading to her retirement after she was unable to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Sanjeev Kumar Singla

• Sanjeev Kumar Singla has been appointed as India’s new Ambassador to France on October 8, 2024, presently served as Ambassador to Israel.
• This transition occurs during a sensitive period due to the ongoing Israel-Palestine crisis, highlighting India's diplomatic strategies in the Middle East.
• Sanjeev Singla is an experienced diplomat from the 1997 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and will soon commence his duties in France.
•  He served as India’s Ambassador to Israel since October 2019, where he concentrated on fostering strong ties between India and Israel.
• Additionally, he supported the Indian community in Israel and navigated the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
•  His adept management of these delicate issues earned him the reputation of being an “expert on Israel.”

Ajit Vinayak Gupte

• Ajit Vinayak Gupte has been appointed as India's next Ambassador to Germany, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs on October 8, 2024.
• Currently serving as the Ambassador to Egypt, he will soon transition to his new role in Germany.
• Ajit Gupte is a seasoned Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 1991 batch, with extensive experience in various diplomatic positions.
• Prior to his tenure in Egypt, he was India’s Ambassador to Denmark from November 2017 to March 2021.
• His rich experience in international relations has well-prepared him for the important responsibilities he will undertake in Germany.

70th National Film Awards

• President Droupadi Murmu presented the 70th National Film Awards for the year 2022 in New Delhi on October 8, 2024.
• Legendary actor Mithun Chakraborty received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor in Indian cinema.

                                                National Film Awards 2022 - Key Winners

Red Panda Program selected for WAZA Conservation Award 2024

• The Red Panda Program at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling has been named a finalist for the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Conservation Award 2024, on October 8, 2024.
• The park has implemented various habitat restoration projects in partnership with different institutions and the Indian government.
• From 2022 to 2024, nine captive-bred red pandas (seven females and two males) were successfully released into Singalila National Park in West Bengal.
• The zoo's conservation initiatives are enhanced by its Biobanking and Genetic Resource Facility.
• It preserves the gametes, tissues, and DNA of red pandas and other endangered species for future use.
• The WAZA award winner will be revealed on November 7, during the 79th WAZA Annual Conference at Taronga Zoo in Australia.

Nijut Moina Scheme launched in Assam

• Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the disbursement of monthly financial assistance under the Nijut Moina scheme to combat child marriage on October 8, 2024.
• This initiative is a significant step in government`s ongoing effort to address this social issue by providing essential support to families and empowering young girls to focus on their education and well-being.
• The scheme aims to increase girl students' enrollment in higher education, enhance the percentage of girls educated beyond matriculation, reduce dropout rates, and boost the overall Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in the state.
• Nijut Moina incentivizes

1. positive social outcomes,
2. funds for higher education,
3. alleviates family expenses,
4. and discourages child marriage by encouraging girls to stay in college, targeting 10 lakh students with a budget of ₹1500 crore.

National Workshop on Forest Rights Act and PESA held in Jabalpur

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs are conducting a two-day national workshop in Jabalpur, starting on October 8, 2024.
•  It is to train trainers on issues related to the Forest Rights Act and the Panchayat Extension in Scheduled Areas (PESA).
• This collaboration aims to enhance capacity building and training for tribal communities, especially members of District and Sub-Division Level Committees and elected representatives in PESA areas.
• The focus is on strengthening Gram Sabhas in PESA regions and ensuring effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act.
•  Around 150 Master Trainers from various states and Union Territories where the Forest Rights Act is in force will participate in the workshop to enhance their understanding and skills in these critical areas.

Indian Airforce Day 2024

• The 92nd Indian Air Force Day was celebrated on October 8, 2024, honoring the exceptional dedication and sacrifices of its air warriors.
• This occasion highlights the IAF's remarkable journey from its modest origins to becoming one of the world's leading aerial forces.
•  The theme for 2024, “Bhartiya Vayu Sena: Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar” (Potent, Powerful, and Self-Reliant), reflects the IAF's future vision.
• It aligns with India's goal of achieving self-sufficiency in defense capabilities while ensuring operational excellence.
• The Air Show 2024 featured an impressive aerial display, showcasing the organization’s commitment to enhancing operational readiness, advancing technological capabilities, fostering innovation in defense, and achieving greater self-reliance in defense production.