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1. Which country will External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visit to attend the SCO Heads of Government meeting on October 15-16, 2024?
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will lead India's delegation to Pakistan for the SCO Heads of Government meeting, marking the first visit by an Indian EAM since 2015. The visit is focused on regional cooperation, with no bilateral meetings planned. This meeting is significant as it comes at a tense time in India-Pakistan relations, which have been strained since 2019. The SCO meeting provides a platform for regional cooperation, and India's participation underscores its commitment to the organization. Jaishankar's visit is a follow-up to Pakistan's invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the SCO summit.
2. Where was the Global Summit on 'Spirituality for Clean and Healthy Society' organized?
The Global Summit on 'Spirituality for Clean and Healthy Society' was organized by Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya at Mount Abu, Rajasthan. During the summit, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the importance of spirituality in cultivating inner strength, and purity in thoughts, and actions for achieving societal peace and harmony. The location, Mount Abu, is a significant spiritual hub, further aligning with the summit's focus on integrating spirituality with societal well-being.
3. Which organization partnered with ICMR to promote solar energy across 15 health research facilities?
NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) has partnered with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to implement solar power solutions across 15 ICMR institutes. NVVN will install and maintain rooftop solar panels with a capacity of 4,559 KW, ensuring that the health research facilities benefit from clean, renewable energy. This initiative includes a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement, which guarantees stable solar energy tariffs, thereby contributing to both sustainability and cost-efficiency for ICMR's operations, reducing their reliance on conventional power sources.
4. Which city won the Irani Cup title after a 27-year gap?
Mumbai has clinched the Irani Cup title after a 27-year wait, marking a significant achievement for the team. Led by Ajinkya Rahane, the reigning Ranji champions drew the match against the Rest of India after taking a first-innings lead. Despite early challenges in their innings, a remarkable double century from Sarfaraz Khan helped Mumbai to a total of 537 runs. In response, the Rest of India scored 416 runs, with Abhimanyu Easwaran's impressive knock of 191. The final innings saw Mumbai score 329 runs before the match ended in a draw, securing the title based on the first-innings lead.
5. Which country received the first batch of US-made Harpoon missile systems to enhance its coastal defence capabilities?
Taiwan has received its first batch of US-made Harpoon missile systems to strengthen its coastal defence. The Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile designed by McDonnell Douglas. These shore-mounted systems enhance Taiwan's ability to defend against naval threats, utilizing active radar homing and low-altitude flight patterns to evade enemy defences. The delivery of these missile systems is a strategic move aimed at bolstering Taiwan's maritime security, especially in light of growing regional tensions.
6. Which two countries are redrawing their Alpine border due to rapid glacial melting caused by climate change?
Italy and Switzerland are revising their Alpine border due to the significant impact of climate change on glaciers. Rising global temperatures are causing glaciers to shrink, altering natural watershed lines that historically defined the frontier between the two nations. This adjustment has economic implications, particularly for tourism-dependent regions, and highlights the broader consequences of climate change on natural boundaries and ecosystems. The border change primarily affects areas around the Matterhorn, with Italy expected to lose territory and Switzerland gaining it. This development underscores the urgent need for adaptive measures to address climate-driven geographical shifts.
7. Which company partnered with the Department of Posts to enhance India's e-commerce logistics?
Amazon has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Posts to enhance logistics capabilities and expand parcel delivery services across India. This partnership builds on an ongoing collaboration since 2013, leveraging DoP's extensive postal network to support Amazon's e-commerce operations and contribute to job creation. The MoU aims to improve operational efficiencies, share capacities, and utilize networks to boost delivery reach across India, thereby promoting the growth of e-commerce logistics.
8. Which institution has developed a new technique for enhanced retinal drug delivery using mild laser-induced convection?
Researchers at IIT Madras have made a significant breakthrough in retinal drug delivery by utilizing mild laser-induced convection. This innovative technique drastically reduces drug diffusion time in the retina from 12 hours to just 12 minutes, offering safer and more effective treatment options for retinal diseases such as retinal tears and diabetic retinopathy. The findings, published in the Wiley Heat Transfer Journal, demonstrate the potential to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. By leveraging laser technology, IIT Madras researchers have paved the way for more efficient and targeted retinal drug delivery systems.
9. In which country will India participate in the Euronaval 2024 event?
India is set to participate in Euronaval 2024, which will be held in France, specifically in Paris. The event, scheduled for November, will see participation from 104 countries and focus on innovations in naval defence, addressing modern challenges such as drones and next-generation missiles. Euronaval 2024 aims to present resilient, adaptable, and sustainable solutions for future naval forces, drawing lessons from global conflicts, such as in Ukraine while emphasizing the importance of agility and maritime capabilities in evolving naval strategies.
10. Which zoo initiated celebrations for the 70th Wildlife Week with various events and activities?
Mysuru Zoo launched the 70th Wildlife Week celebrations, observed from October 2-8, with an array of engaging events and activities. The zoo's initiatives include a cyclothon, photography exhibition, and waste-to-wealth competition, aiming to promote wildlife conservation awareness. Additional activities comprise sustainable gardening sessions, wildlife yoga, and an animal keeper's day. These events strive to inspire community involvement in sustainable practices and foster environmental responsibility, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts and the role zoos play in promoting ecological awareness.
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