26 September 2023 Current Affairs – The Day’s Top News | GKSERIES

Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why; many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 26 September 2023, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.

World’s Second Largest Hindu Temple outside India to be Inaugurated in US

In a historic moment for devotees of Hinduism and lovers of art and culture, the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, is set to be inaugurated on 8^th October 2023, under the guidance of its spiritual head, Mahant Swami Maharaj. This monumental temple, constructed outside of India, is poised to become the second-largest Hindu temple in the world, following the majestic Angkor Wat in Cambodia. With its intricate design, spiritual significance and commitment to sustainability, the Swaminarayan Akshardham stands as an evident to human dedication, tradition and artistry.

An Evident to Ancient Wisdom

The temple’s design is a true evident to ancient wisdom, featuring elements drawn from Hindu scriptures and culture. Among its awe-inspiring features are 10,000 statues and statuettes, intricate carvings of Indian musical instruments and dance forms and more. This architectural masterpiece is a reflection of the rich heritage it represents.

A Glimpse of Grandeur

Measuring an impressive 255ft x 345ft x 191ft, the New Jersey Akshardham temple is possibly the second largest temple globally, only surpassed by Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. The temple complex boasts one main shrine, 12 sub-shrines, nine shikhars (spire-like structures) and nine pyramidal shikhars, with the largest elliptical dome of traditional stone architecture ever constructed.

A Vision of Inclusivity

Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader behind this endeavour, envisioned a place of universal significance. It was his wish to create a space not just for Hindus or Indians but for people from all corner of the world. This Akshardham serves as a hub for learning and embracing universal values rooted in Hindu traditions.

The Power of Voluntarism

The temple’s construction is an evident to the power of voluntarism, with over 12,500 volunteers from across the United States dedicating more than 12 years to its realization. Guided by artisan volunteers from India, they brought this monumental project to life, embodying the rich tradition of Seva (selfless service).

A Lifetime Opportunity

Volunteers from various walks of life, such as the dedicated team of women volunteers from Alabama and Ravi Patel, an accountant from Atlanta, have poured their hearts and souls into the temple’s construction. They attest to the transformational impact this endeavor has had  on their lives.

Materials from around the World

The construction of the Akshardham temple utilized an impressive two million cubic feet of stone sourced from different corners of the globe. Limestone from Bulgaria and Turkey, marble from Greece, Turkey and Italy, granite from India and China and sandstone from India were among the materials used.

Symbolic Water Reservoir, The Brahma Kund

A highlight of the Akshardham Temple is the Brahma Kund, a traditional Indian stepwell containing water from over 300 bodies of water worldwide, including the holy rivers of India and all 50 states of the U.S. This sacred water source adds to the spiritual significance of the temple.

Use of Sustainable Practices

In keeping with modern values, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has incorporated sustainable practices into the temple’s construction. These include a solar panel farm, the use of fly ash concrete mix and a commitment to planting over two million trees worldwide in recent decades.

Poshan Abhiyaan 2023, Mission, Theme, App and Significance

Poshan Abhiyan 2023

Poshan Abhiyan, also known as the National Nutrition Mission (NNM), is an initiative launched by the Government of India to improve the nutritional status in the country. The initiative focuses on the nutrition of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under 6 years of age.

Under Poshan Abhiyan, the government is organizing various activities, including:

• Raising awareness about nutritious food
• Improving access to nutritious food
• Improving nutrition services

Poshan Abhiyan is a critical initiative for improving the nutritional status in India. The initiative is important for ensuring a healthy and prosperous future for all citizens of the country.

What is Poshan Abhiyan 2023?

Poshan Abhiyaan was launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 8th March, 2018 in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. The focus of Abhiyaan is to lay emphasis on nutritional status of adolescent girls, pregnant women, lactating mothers and children from 0-6 years age. The programme, through use of technology, convergence and community involvement with a targeted approach strives to reduce the level of stunning, under-nutrition, Anemia and low birth weight in children, as also focus on adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers, thus holistically addressing malnutrition.

The Abhiyaan is being implemented in all districts of Haryana. Nuh and Panipat districts were selected for Phase-I. For Phase-II, 10 districts, namely Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Bhiwani, Yamuna Nagar, Gurugram, Palwal, Rohtak, Sirsa and Sonipat were selected. Remaining districts are covered in the Phase III.

Know about Poshan Abhiyan

POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) was launched by the government on March 8, 2018.

• The Abhiyaan targets to reduce stunting, undernutrition, anemia (among young children, women and adolescent girls) and reduce low birth weight by 2%, 2%, 3% and 2% per annum respectively.
• The target of the mission is to bring down stunting among children in the age group 0-6 years from 38.4% to 25% by 2022.
• POSHAN Abhiyaan aims to ensure service delivery and interventions by use of technology, behavioural change through convergence and lays-down specific targets to be achieved across different monitoring parameters.
• Under the Abhiyaan, Swasth Bharat Preraks will be deployed one in each district for coordinating with district officials and enabling fast and efficient execution of the Abhiyaan across the country. Swasth Bharat Preraks would function as catalyst for fast tracking the implementation of the Abhiyaan.

Poshan Abhiyan Objectives

• Prevent and reduce Stunting in children (0- 6 years)
• Prevent and reduce under-nutrition (underweight prevalence) in children (0-6 years)
• Reduce the prevalence of anemia among young Children(6-59 months)
• Reduce the prevalence of anemia among Women and Adolescent Girls in the age group of 15-49 years
• Reduce Low Birth Weight (LBW)

Poshan Abhiyan Components

1. Convergence: VHSND Day will ensure synergy between various departments and ministries. The Abhiyaan is to ensure convergence of all nutrition related schemes of MWCD on the target population. The Abhiyaan will ensure convergence of various programmes. This will be done by setting achievable targets, sector level meetings with concerned Secretaries, joint meeting of Secretaries of line Ministries under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary, joint guidelines for each level, joint monitoringvisits and decentralized planning.rammes. This will be done by setting achievable targets, sector level meetings with concerned Secretaries, joint meeting of Secretaries of line Ministries under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary, joint guidelines for each level, joint monitoring.
2. ICDS-CAS: Software based tracking of nutritional status will be done. AWWs and Supervisors will be provided with mobile phone. Growth monitoring devices (Stadiometer, infantometer, weighing scales (infant) and weighing scale (mother and child)will be provided as well.will be provided as well.
3. Behavioral change: The Abhiyaan will be run as a Jan Andolan where mass involvement of people is desired. A community based event will happen once a month to create awareness and address issues.
4. Incentives: Front line workers will be given incentives for performance.
5. Training and Capacity Building: Incremental Learning Approach will be adopted to teach 21 thematic modules. The training will be given by Master Trainers to front line workers.
6. Grievance Redressal: A call centre will be setup for ease of access to solutions to any issues faced.

Events under Poshan Abhiyan 2023

Community Based Events (CBE)

Community based events (CBE) are being celebrated on 8th & 22nd of every month in all anganwadis. The themes includes Annaprasan Diwas, Suposhan Diwas , Celebrating coming of age – getting ready for preschool at AWC, Messages related to public health for improvement of nutrition and to reduce illness anaprashan diwas, Suposhan Diwas, etc. The expenditure will be Rs 15.58 crore @ 250/- per event per AWC .

Village Health Sanitation Nutrition Day (VHSND)

Village Health Sanitation Nutritional Dayis to being conducted regularly on 15th of the month in convergence with Health Deptt, Gram Panchayat.

Poshan Phagwada

• To celebrate the 2nd anniversary of Poshan Abhiyaan, Poshan Pakhwada was celebrated from 8- 22nd March, 2020 (suspended on 17th March, 2020 due to Corona scare) with the theme “Increasing male engagement in Poshan Abhiyaan to improve nutritional outcomes”.
• During the planning phase of the Pakhwada, a video conference was addressed by Hon’ble Chief Minister and Chief Secretary, Haryana on 29- 2- 2020 with all the Deputy Commissioners in the State in order to make Poshan Pakhwada a successful event. Directions were issued to all concerned Deputy Commissioners to focus all the activities undertaken during the Poshan Pakhwada on Anaemia and malnutrition.
• Several meetings were conducted at all levels i.e State, District and Block with the line departments to deliberate and plan the activities to be organized during Pakhwada. A State level meeting was held on 2nd March, 2020 with Secretaries of all the line department to discuss and plan the activities to be conducted during the Poshan Pakhwada under the Chairpersonship of Chief Secretary, Haryana.
• At district level, Deputy commissioners were directed to spearhead all activities to be conducted during this fortnight. They were further instructed to mobilize the community at all levels, especially in villages and to monitor the activities of Poshan Pakhwada and the outcome of concerted efforts. Since the theme was to increase male engagement during Pakhwada, they were advised to involve daily wage earners, factory workers, construction workers and other sectors which are male dominated areas of workforce.

National Award Winning Malayalam Filmmaker K G George Passed Away At 78

On Sunday, The world of Malayalam cinema mourned the loss of veteran filmmaker K G George, who passed away at the age of 78 in an old age home near Kakkanad. The filmmaker had been battling health issues for the last five years, following a stroke that significantly impacted his life. The news of his demise drew condolences and tributes from people across the spectrum, including politicians, actors, and fellow directors, who took to social media to express their sorrow.

A Cinematic Journey Like No Other

K G George’s contributions to Malayalam cinema were unparalleled. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his condolences and hailed George’s legacy as an “irreparable loss to the Malayalam film industry.” He praised George’s ability to dissect societal issues by delving into the intricate structure and the psychology of individuals. Vijayan also acknowledged George’s efforts to bridge the gap between artistic and commercial cinema, an achievement that only a few directors can claim.

A Versatile Storyteller

K G George’s filmography is a testament to his versatility and prowess as a filmmaker. Throughout his career, he explored a wide range of themes in his films, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Some of his most acclaimed works include “Ulkaddal” (1979), “Onappudava” (1978), “Yavanika” (1982), and “Adaminte Variyellu” (1984). These films not only won him critical acclaim but also secured numerous state film awards.

National Recognition and Highest Honors

In 1976, K G George received the National Award for Best Feature Film for “Swapnaadanam,” a testament to his exceptional storytelling abilities. Additionally, his dedication and influence in the Malayalam film industry were recognized in 2015 when he was selected for the J C Daniel Award, the Kerala government’s highest honor for outstanding contributions to Malayalam cinema.

Political Satire Masterpiece

Among his many accomplishments, George’s directorial prowess shone brightly in “Panchavadi Palam” (1984), which is hailed as one of the finest political satire films in Malayalam cinema. The film’s incisive commentary and thought-provoking narrative continue to resonate with audiences even today.

K G George: A Cinematic Giant Whose Legacy Endures in Malayalam Cinema

As the Malayalam film industry bids farewell to this cinematic giant, K G George’s legacy lives on through his remarkable body of work. His films will continue to inspire and entertain generations, ensuring that he remains an indomitable presence in the annals of Malayalam cinema history.

India gets its 54th Tiger Reserve “Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve” in MP

Madhya Pradesh, which is home to the most number of tigers in the country, has got a new protected area for the big cats named ‘Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve’. The Madhya Pradesh Government has unveiled the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, becoming the seventh tiger reserve in the state and the 54th in India. MP retained the “tiger state” status in the 2022 census with the number of big cats in the state rising to 785 from 526 in 2018. Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve has become the seventh tiger reserve of Madhya Pradesh. About 1,414 square kilometres in the tiger reserve has been included in the core area and 925.12 square kilometres in the buffer zone, the official said.

As per the report ‘Status of Tigers: Co-predators & Prey in India-2022’, released by the National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India in July this year, MP (785) has the highest number of tigers in the country, followed by Karnataka (563) and Uttarakhand (560).

About Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

• Location: It is spread across Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur districts of Madhya Pradesh.
• It is spread over an area of 2,339 square kilometres.
• It is the seventh tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
• It will encompass areas within the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary.
• A green corridor linking Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) with Durgavati will be developed for the natural movement of the tiger to the new reserve.
• Rivers: Parts of the reserve fall under the Narmada and Yamuna River basins.
• The Singorgarh Fort is located within the reserve.
• Vegetation: Dry deciduous type
• Flora: The chief floral elements include Teak, Saja, Dhaora, Ber, Amla, etc.
• Fauna: Tiger, leopard, wolf, jackal, Indian fox, striped hyena, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chital, Sambhar, Black Buck, Barking deer, Common Langur Rhesus Macaque etc.

India’s first lighthouse festival took place in Goa

Introduction

On September 23, India witnessed a historic event as the country’s first-ever lighthouse festival illuminated the picturesque state of Goa. Organized by the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, this festival is part of a grand vision to transform 75 lighthouses across India into thriving tourist hubs. The Indian Lighthouse Festival in Goa, which commenced on September 23 and extends to September 25, marks a significant milestone in the journey to resurrect these historic structures and celebrate their cultural and historical significance.

Inauguration at Fort Aguada Lighthouse

The festival kicked off with a grand inauguration ceremony at the iconic Fort Aguada Lighthouse in Panjim, Goa. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who spearheads this initiative, inaugurated the event. The Fort Aguada Lighthouse, with its rich history and stunning vistas, provided the perfect backdrop for this transformative endeavor.

Extending the Celebration Nationwide

While the festival’s heart beats in Goa, its spirit extends nationwide. Over the course of three days, all lighthouses in the country will be part of this celebration. The goal is to rekindle their historical significance and cultural value, bringing them back into the spotlight as beacons of both safety and culture.

Dignitaries in Attendance

The inaugural session witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Tourism Minister Shripad Naik, and Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte. Their collective presence underscores the government’s commitment to this ambitious project.

The ‘Lighthouse Heritage Tourism’ Campaign

Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had previously launched the ‘Lighthouse Heritage Tourism’ campaign, setting the stage for this monumental transformation. The campaign’s vision is clear: to convert 75 historic lighthouses into bustling tourist destinations. These lighthouses are undergoing extensive renovations, equipping them with modern amenities and facilities to enhance the visitor experience.

From Guiding Ships to Guiding Tourists

In his remarks during the festival’s inauguration, Minister Sonowal highlighted the historical role of lighthouses in guiding ships to safety. He emphasized that these lighthouses, once guiding maritime vessels, will now serve as serene havens for people to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of nature.

Showcasing India’s Cultural Heritage

The Indian lighthouse initiative is not just about preserving structures; it’s about showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage. These magnificent lighthouses will serve as catalysts for tourism, boosting the local economy and creating opportunities for people to connect with their heritage.

Conclusion

The Indian Lighthouse Festival in Goa is not just a celebration; it’s a manifestation of a grand vision to breathe new life into historic lighthouses. It is a reminder of their importance in both guiding ships and guiding tourists towards India’s vibrant cultural tapestry. As the festival’s beams of light cut through the night sky, it symbolizes the dawn of a new era for these iconic structures and the promise of tourism that will benefit communities and travelers alike.

World Environmental Health Day 2023, Date, History, Theme and Significance
Introduction

Every year on September 26, World Environmental Health Day is celebrated to highlight the intricate relationship between humans and their environment. This annual observance emphasizes the profound impact of our surroundings on our well-being and aims to promote healthier and safer communities worldwide.

Understanding Environmental Health

Definition

Environmental Health is a critical branch of public health that focuses on examining and enhancing the connection between human beings and their environment. It encompasses various facets of our daily lives, including our living spaces, food, surroundings, and the air we breathe.

Objectives

• Fostering Healthy Communities: Environmental Health endeavors to create communities that are not only safe but also conducive to promoting overall human and environmental well-being.
• Promoting Human Health: By addressing environmental factors, it contributes significantly to improving human health and ensuring a better quality of life for all.

The Theme of World Environmental Health Day

The theme for this year’s World Environmental Health Day is “Global Environmental Public Health: Standing up to protect everyone’s Health each and every day” underscores the collective responsibility to safeguard the health of every individual by addressing global environmental challenges consistently.

Historical Perspective

The Role of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH)

For over three decades, the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) has been at the forefront of efforts to combat health issues that threaten human lives and well-being. In 2011, IFEH established World Environmental Health Day, designating September 26 as a day to raise awareness about environmental health concerns.

Significance of World Environmental Health Day

Recognizing the Interconnectedness

• Integral Connection: Understanding the inseparable link between the environment, health, and the economy is vital. It underscores the importance of investing in a sustainable and green recovery that benefits all communities.
• Creating Balance: As our world faces growing environmental challenges, it is imperative for humanity to take proactive steps towards restoring balance in our ecosystems.

Responding to Global Crises

• COVID-19 Recovery: The World Health Organization’s “Manifesto for a healthy recovery of COVID-19” emphasizes the need to capitalize on global momentum in addressing health and environmental concerns.
• SDGs and Environmental Health: Environmental Health plays a pivotal role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It aligns with 7 SDGs, encompasses 19 targets, and relates to 30 indicators, underlining its significance in global development.

Conclusion

World Environmental Health Day serves as a poignant reminder of the profound influence our environment wields on our health and well-being. It calls upon individuals, communities, and nations to take collective action in fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and the environment, thereby ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

World Tourism Day 2023, Date, History, Significance and Theme

World Tourism Day 2023 is observed on 27 September globally. This day is celebrated every year to focus on promoting tourism in various parts of the world. It was initiated by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). It is celebrated to promote tourism and understand its importance. World Tourism Day aims to make people understand the joy of exploring the world. It is an extremely important event.

Theme of World Tourism Day 2023

This World Tourism Day 2023, the UNWTO, under the theme “Tourism and green investment” highlights the need for more and better-targeted investments for the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN roadmap for a better world by 2030. Now is the time for new and innovative solutions, not just traditional investments that promote and underpin economic growth and productivity.

Significance of World Tourism Day 2023

World Tourism Day intends to raise awareness about the significance of tourism in affecting the social, political, economic and cultural values of the international community. It is important to note that tourism plays a significant role in improving a nation’s economy and enhancing its image. World Tourism Day is important because it helps to promote the advantages of tourism. The event is set to be led by the representatives of the tourism sector of Bali. The representatives from UNWTO states will also be invited to the event.

History of World Tourism Day 2023

The first World Tourism Day was held in 1980. As the Global Day of Observance for tourism, it offers a chance to celebrate the sector’s vital role in advancing peace and prosperity and UNWTO’s global regions take turns in hosting the official celebrations, always around a timely and relevant theme.

The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) started World Tourism Day in 1979. The celebrations for the same officially began in 1980. It is celebrated on 27 September every year because the date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of UNWTO. In 1997, UNWTO decided that the day would be celebrated in different host countries each year. The initial commemoration of World Tourism Day focused on the promotion of tourism as a whole with a central theme.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• World Tourism Organisation Founded: 1946;
• World Tourism Organisation Headquarters: Madrid, Spain;
• World Tourism Organisation Secretary-General: Zurab Pololikashvili.

Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 Exhibition Inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to inaugurate the Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 exhibition at Hindan Air Base in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. In addition to the exhibition, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will formally induct the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force. Key military officials, including IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, will be in attendance for this significant event.

Details of the C-295 Aircraft

• The Indian Air Force recently received its first C-295 aircraft, marking a significant milestone.
• This acquisition follows a Rs 21,935-crore deal between New Delhi and Airbus Defence and Space, which was signed two years ago.
• Airbus is responsible for delivering the initial 16 aircraft in a ‘fly-away’ condition from its final assembly line in Seville, with completion expected by 2025.
• An industrial partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India will oversee the manufacturing and assembly of the subsequent 40 aircraft.

Distinguished Presence

• IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, along with other top military officials, will join Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in inaugurating the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition.

This event not only highlights the Indian Air Force’s modernization efforts but also showcases India’s growing capabilities in the field of defense technology.

Oil minister launched India’s first green hydrogen fuel cell bus in Delhi

Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri flagged off India’s first green hydrogen fuel cell bus in Delhi 

The success of this project can catapult India from being a net importer of fossil energy to becoming a net exporter of clean hydrogen energy.

Aim: To provide global leadership to other countries in terms of technology transfer, while becoming a large green hydrogen producer and supplier of manufacturing parts.

India bags Gold medal in Men’s 10-meter air rifle event at Asian Game 2023

Indian trio Rudrankksh Patil, Divyang Panwar, and Aishwary Tomar clinched gold in the Men’s 10m air rifle event in Asian Games 2023

India won its first medal in shooting as the trio of Ramita Jindal, Mehuli Ghosh, and Ashi Chouksey earned a Silver in the women’s 10m air rifle event.

Indian duo Arjun Lal Jat and Arvind Singh won a silver in men’s lightweight double sculls in the rowing discipline.

India has secured six medals – one gold, three silver, and two bronze

World Pharmacists Day is observed on 25th September

World Pharmacist Day is celebrated on September 25 as a dedicated occasion to recognize and honor pharmacists for their significant contributions to improving global health.

The theme of 2023 is Pharmacy Strengthening Health Systems.

Objective: To promote and support initiatives that raise awareness of and advocate for the vital contributions made by pharmacists worldwide.

This special day emphasizes the vital role that pharmacists play in enhancing human life.

UPNEDA and SIDBI join hands to promote green projects

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) have signed two MoUs to make direct financing options available for MSMEs.

The first one is a structured arrangement for solarisation of residential units at Ayodhya.

The second one is for bio-energy and renewable project financing. 

Aim: To disseminate information about solar and green projects to MSMEs.

Utkarsh Small Finance Bank Leads the Way with ICCW

Utkarsh Small Finance Bank (USFB) Limited announced the launch of Interoperable Cardless Cash Withdrawal (ICCW) Using UPI on ATMs 

It is an innovative service, set to revolutionize cash withdrawal experiences.

Aim: To offer process-centric, technology-driven, and customer-oriented services that lead to a reliable, scalable, and sustainable institution, driving socio-economic change.

ICCW’s advantage is Elimination of skimming, cloning, and other card-related frauds.

India Become First Team In ODI Cricket History To Hit 3000 Sixes

Indian cricketers created history and became the first team to hit the 3000 sixes mark (3007) in ODI cricket. 

No team has hit 3000 sixes in ODIs so far.

West Indies (2953) is the team with the most number of sixes in ODIs after India. 

Pakistan (2566), Australia (2476), New Zealand (2387), England (2032), South Africa (1947), Sri Lanka (1779), Zimbabwe (1303) and Bangladesh (959) are in this list.

Marco Bezzecchi won inaugural race in India Grand Prix 2023

Marco Bezzecchi won the inaugural Indian Grand Prix 2023 with a dominant performance from start to finish.

Pramac Racing rider and sprint winner Jorge Martin, who risked a penalty by unzipping his leathers, finished second 

Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia suffered a crash that blew the world championship contest wide open. 

Pole-sitter Bezzecchi lost out on a sprint podium after a collision with teammate Luca Marini, eventually finishing fifth

75 per cent Indian villages declared ODF Plus

According to Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat about 4.4 lakh or 75 per cent of India’s villages have achieved the open defecation free-plus status.

An ‘ODF Plus’ village is one that has sustained its Open Defecation Free (ODF) status along with implementing either solid or liquid waste management systems.

The top performing states and UTs which have 100 per cent ODF Plus villages are Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadra Nagar Haveli, Goa, Gujarat etc.

Tamil Nadu, Kerala may join hands to count endangered Nilgiri tahr

Tamil Nadu Forest Department joints hand with Kerala to conduct a synchronized census, as the animal is only found in select habitats in the two States.

After launching Project Nilgiri Tahr 2022 for the conservation of the State animal, TN is now working on a standardized protocol to count the endangered population of southern India’s only mountain ungulate 

Objective: To restore the ecosystem’s fragmentation, particularly in the Shola grasslands, where the Tahr thrives