In a landmark agreement to promote sustainable energy within India’s healthcare and research sector, aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) and a cleaner, greener future, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN).
The partnership is aimed at harnessing solar power for ICMR institutes across the country, supporting India's push towards renewable energy and sustainability.
Under this agreement, NVVN will supply, install, test, commission, and maintain rooftop solar panels at 15 ICMR institutes with a combined capacity of 4,559 KW.
The project also includes a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for grid-connected solar projects, offering a fixed solar tariff for the next 25 years, ensuring long-term cost efficiency and sustainability for ICMR’s operations.
Seven institutes are already benefitting from solar power under earlier projects, and the MoU with NVVN will extend solarization efforts,
to additional facilities, significantly reducing ICMR’s carbon footprint and energy expenditure.
This partnership effectively advances India’s national renewable energy goals, fostering a sustainable future in healthcare research, and positioning ICMR as a leader in green energy adoption within the biomedical field.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved to confer the status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages. The Classical Languages serve as a custodian of Bharat’s profound and ancient cultural heritage, embodying the essence of each community’s historical and cultural milestone.
The Government of India decided to create a new category of languages as "Classical Languages" on 12th October 2004 declaring Tamil as Classical Language and setting following as criteria for the status of Classical Language:
A. High Antiquity of its early texts/ recorded history over a thousand years.
B. A body of ancient literature/ texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generation of speakers.
C. The literary tradition must be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
A Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC) was constituted by the Ministry of Culture under Sahitya Akademi in Nov 2004 to examine the proposed languages for the status of Classical L.
The criteria were revised in Nov 2005 as following, and Sanskrit was declared as Classical Language:
I.High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history from 1500 to 2000 years.
II. A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers.
III. The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
IV. The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.
the proposal from Bihar, Assam, West Bengal was also received for conferring status of Classical Language to Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali.
Accordingly,Linguistics Experts Committee (under Sahitya Akademi) in a meeting on 25.07.2024, unanimously revised the criteria as below. Sahitya Akademi has been appointed as nodal agency for the LEC.
i. High antiquity of (its) is early texts/recorded history from 1500 through 2000 years.
ii. A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a heritage by generations,
iii. Knowledge texts, especially prose texts in addition to poetry, epigraphical and inscriptional evidence.
iv. Classical Languages and literature could be distinct from its current form or could be discontinuous with later forms of its offshoots.
The committee also recommended following languages fulfill revised criteria to be considered as Classical Language.
I. Marathi
II. Pali
III. Prakrit
IV. Assamese
V. Bengali
The primary states involved are Maharashtra (Marathi), Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh (Pali and Prakrit), West Bengal (Bengali), and Assam (Assamese). The broader cultural and academic impact will extend nationally and internationally.
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved modification of the existing Productivity Linked Reward (PLR) Scheme for the major ports and dock labour Board employees/workers from 2020-21 to 2025-26.
The modified PLR scheme applicable from 2020-21 to 2025-26 will benefit about 20,704 employees of Major Port Authorities and,
Dock Labour Board Employees/workers. The total financial implication for the entire period will be about Rs.200 crore.
Productivity |Linked Reward (PLR) has been calculated on the wage ceiling for calculation of a Bonus at Rs.7000/- per month. PLR shall be paid annually by enhancing the port-specific performance weightage from 50% to 55% and further increasing to 60%.
The All India Port performance weightage will also come down to 40% over a period till 2025-26, This is replacing the existing equal weightage of 50% for the All India port performance and the specific Port performance. It is expected that the proposed modification will bring about the efficiency factor along with competition among the Major Ports.
Productivity Linked Reward (PLR) is an existing scheme for the employees/workers of Major Port Trusts and Dock Labour Board, wherein financial reward is being granted to employees/workers on yearly basis based on the settlement arrived at between Management and the Labour Federations of the Major Port Authorities.
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of ‘Letter of Intent’ thus enabling India to join the ‘Energy Efficiency Hub’.
India will join the International Energy Efficiency Hub (Hub), a global platform dedicated to fostering collaboration and promoting energy efficiency worldwide.
This move solidifies India's commitment to sustainable development and aligns with its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Established in 2020 as the successor to the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC), in which India was a member, the Hub brings together governments, international organizations, and private sector entities,
to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions. By joining the Hub, India will gain access to a vast network of experts and resources, enabling it to enhance its domestic energy efficiency initiatives. As of July, 2024, sixteen countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, European Commission, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg,
Russia, Saudi Arabia, United States and United Kingdom) have joined the Hub.
As a member of the Hub, India will benefit from opportunities for collaboration with other member states, sharing its expertise and learning from international best practices. The country will also contribute to global efforts to address climate change by promoting energy-efficient technologies.
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs for Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase-II comprising three corridors. The total length of the approved lines will be 118.9 km with 128 stations.
The project completion cost is Rs.63,246 crore and is planned to be completed by 2027.
Once Phase-II is fully operational, Chennai city will have a total Metro Rail network of 173 Km. The Phase II Project comprises the following three corridors:
Corridor-(i): from Madhavaram to SIPCOT for a length of 45.8 Km with 50 stations.
Corridor-(ii): from Lighthouse to Poonamalle Bypass for a length of 26.1 Km with 30 stations, and,
Corridor-(iii): from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur for a length of 47 Km with 48 stations.
Once Phase-II is fully operational, the Chennai city will have a total Metro Rail network of 173 Km.
The Phase-II Chennai Metro Rail Project is set to be a transformative development for the city.
It promises to deliver enhanced connectivity, reduced traffic congestion, environmental benefits, economic growth, and improved quality of life. By addressing key urban challenges and providing a foundation for future expansion, Phase-II will play a crucial role in shaping the city's development trajectory and sustainability.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi approved the proposal of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) for rationalization of all Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers into two-umbrella Schemes viz.
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY), a cafeteria scheme and Krishonnati Yojana (KY). PM-RKVY will promote sustainable agriculture, while KY will address food security & agricultural self-sufficiency. All components shall leverage technology to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the various components.
The PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY) will be implemented with a total proposed expenditure of Rs.1,01,321.61 crore. These Schemes are implemented through the State Governments.
This exercise ensures that all the existing schemes are being continued. Wherever it was considered necessary to give fillip to any area for farmer’s welfare,
the scheme has been taken up in Mission mode, for example, National Mission for Edible Oil-Oil Palm [NMEO-OP], Clean Plant Program, Digital Agriculture & National Mission for Edible Oil-Oil Seeds [NMEO-OS].
The scheme Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), a component under the KY, is being modified by adding component namely,
MOVCDNER- Detailed Project Report (MOVCDNER-DPR), which will provide flexibility to the North Eastern states to address critical challenges.
One important change is to provide, in PM-RKVY, the state governments be given flexibility to reallocate funds from one component to another based on their state-specific requirements.
Out of the total proposed expenditure of Rs.1,01,321.61 crore the projected expenditure towards central share of DA&FW is Rs.69,088.98 crore and states share is Rs.32,232.63 crore. This includes Rs.57,074.72 crore for RKVY and Rs.44,246.89 crore for KY.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds), a landmark initiative aimed at boosting domestic oilseed production and achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in edible oils. The Mission will be implemented over seven years, from 2024-25 to 2030-31,
with a financial outlay of Rs 10,103 crore.
The newly approved NMEO-Oilseeds will focus on enhancing the production of key primary oilseed crops such as Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum, as well as increasing collection and extraction efficiency from secondary sources like Cottonseed, Rice Bran, and Tree Borne Oils.
The mission aims to increase primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31. Together with NMEO-OP (Oil Palm), the Mission targets to increase domestic edible oil production to 25.45 million tonnes by 2030-31 meeting around 72% of our projected domestic requirement.
This will be achieved by promoting adoption of high-yielding high oil content seed varieties, extending cultivation into rice fallow areas, and promoting intercropping. The Mission will harness the ongoing development of high-quality seeds by using cutting-edge global technologies such as genome editing.
To ensure the timely availability of quality seeds, the Mission will introduce an Online 5-year rolling seed plan through the ‘Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI)’ Portal, enabling states to establish advance tie-ups with seed-producing agencies, including cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and government or private seed corporate
65 new seed hubs and 50 seed storage units will be set up in public sector to improve the seed production infrastructure.
Additionally, over 600 Value Chain Clusters will be developed across 347 unique districts, covering more than 10 lakh hectares annually. These clusters will be managed by value chain partners such as FPOs, cooperatives, and public or private entities.
To address this dependency and promote self-sufficiency, the Government of India has undertaken a series of measures to enhance domestic production of edible oils, including the launch of the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) with an outlay of Rs 11,040 crore to boost oil palm cultivation in the country in 2021.
The Adani Group and Google announced a partnership aimed at enhancing their sustainability efforts and contributing to the growth of clean energy in India. Adani Group said that it would supply renewable energy generated from a new solar-wind hybrid project located at Khavda, Gujarat, home to the world's largest renewable energy facility.
The project is expected to commence commercial operations in the third quarter of 2025.
With its strong track record in executing large-scale renewable projects, including wind, solar, hybrid, and energy storage, Adani is well-equipped to deliver tailored energy solutions for commercial and industrial (C&I) clients.
The collaboration also aligns with Google’s ambitious goal of achieving 24/7 carbon-free energy for its operations worldwide. The tech giant also aimed to reduce 50 per cent of all its combined Scope 1, 2, and 3 absolute emissions by 2030. This initiative was started by the company in 2019.
Navratna defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel's leading aerospace and defence company, have announced the establishment of a joint venture company (JVC), which has been incorporated in the name of BEL IAI AeroSystems Private Ltd.
The JVC with its registered office in Delhi shall be the single point of contact (SPOC) for extending long-term product support to the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) systems of India's defence forces, Bengaluru-headquartered BEL said.
BEL said the JVC has been set up to provide life cycle support, both technical and maintenance related, for MRSAM air-defence systems of the country.
MRSAM is an advanced, path-breaking air and missile defence system that protects against a variety of aerial threats, according to the company.
Reliance Group entered into a strategic partnership with Druk Holding and Investments Ltd. (DHI), the commercial arm of Bhutan’s government, to develop significant renewable energy projects in the country. The agreement, signed on October 2, 2024, includes plans for a 500 MW solar plant and a 770 MW hydropower project.
The solar plant, to be built in Gelephu Mindfulness City, will be developed in two 250 MW phases over the next two years. Once completed, it will be Bhutan’s largest solar installation. Simultaneously, Reliance Power Ltd. and DHI will jointly develop the 770 MW Chamkharchhu-1 hydro project, classified as a run-of-the-river facility.
This venture is jointly promoted by Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. and Reliance Power Ltd.
The partnership marks one of the largest foreign direct investments in Bhutan’s renewable energy sector by an Indian private company. It aligns with Bhutan’s net-zero goals and aims to enhance the country’s sustainable energy solutions.
The men’s final of this year’s China Open was billed as a battle between two titans and it didn’t disappoint.
After three grueling sets, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz emerged victorious over world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, winning 6-7 6-4 7-6 to claim his 16th ATP Tour title.
Despite now beating Sinner in all three of their games this season, world No. 3 Alacaraz was full of praise for the Italian.
Both men shared all four grand slam titles this year – Sinner winning the Australian Open and US Open, while Alcaraz won Wimbledon and the French Open.
On 4 October 1957, the launch into outer space of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, opened the way for space exploration. A decade later, on 10 October 1967, the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies entered into force.
World Space Week is an annual event celebrated from October 4 to 10, highlighting the benefits of space exploration and promoting international cooperation in space activities.
This year's World Space Week, celebrated annually from Oct. 4 to Oct. 10, features events highlighting the theme "Space & Climate Change,".
October 4 is celebrated as World Animal Day, highlighting the importance of animals and spreading awareness for their welfare. This day educates people about the world's most dangerous species, and at the same time they are also taught how to protect and rescue them.
The theme for World Animal Day 2024 is “The world is their home too.”
This day was first observed on March 24, 1925, at the Sports Palace in Berlin, Germany. This day marks the initiative of cynologist and animal protection advocate Heinrich Zimmermann. The aim is to raise awareness about animal welfare and over 5,000 people attended to show their support for the cause.
Almost four months after her landslide election victory, Claudia Sheinbaum will be sworn in Tuesday (October 1, 2024) as Mexican president, taking over as the Latin American nation's first woman leader at a time when it is wracked by criminal violence.
The 62-year-old former Mexico City mayor and ruling party heavyweight will take office in the presence of foreign dignitaries including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and US First Lady Jill Biden.
Ms. Sheinbaum will take the oath of office in Congress, officially becoming leader of the world's most populous Spanish-speaking country, home to 129 million people
