NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Kerala Tops Urban Governance Index in India: Kerala has earned the top spot in the Urban Governance Index (UGI) by the Praja Foundation, because of its strengths in managing finances and planning at the local level. However, the study also points out areas where Kerala can improve, especially in city administration. The UGI is a study that looks at how well cities are governed in India. It took two years to complete and checked various aspects of governance. Kerala scored 59.31 out of 100, beating Odisha, which scored 55.10. This index can attract investments and improve the sustainability of cities by keeping governance efficient and up-to-date.
2. India Jumps to 39th in Global Innovation Index 2024: India has moved up to 39th place out of 133 countries in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024. This shows a big improvement in how India supports innovation. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced this news, highlighting that India is the leader in innovation in Central and Southern Asia. The GII is published every year and provides valuable information about different economies. It focuses on key areas like education and skills (human capital), infrastructure (like roads and buildings), and how advanced the market is.The 2021 report noted that India is becoming an important place for innovation. The GII also helps countries work together on innovation strategies, which can influence policies worldwide.
3. India Becomes Third Largest Ethanol Producer and Consumer: India has recently become the third-largest producer and consumer of ethanol in the world. This change is thanks to important policy changes made by the Indian government to encourage the use of biofuels and improve energy sustainability. The government has launched several programs to increase ethanol production, including financial support for sugarcane farmers and manufacturers. These policies aim to make more ethanol available for blending with fuels, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support farmers in rural areas.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. New Invasive Flatworm Species Discovered in Southeastern USA: Scientists first noticed this flatworm in 2020, but they thought it was part of a different species, Obama nungara, which is from South America. After closer study, they realized it was a new and different species. This shows how important it is to correctly identify species.Amaga pseudobama has been confirmed in several southern states. It was even found in samples taken as early as 2015 in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. This means it may already be present in other nearby states and could have been spreading for the past decade. This flatworm is small and brown, only a few centimetres long. Its slimy body helps it move easily.
2. Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan: Shigeru Ishiba has been chosen as the new leader of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), replacing Fumio Kishida, who resigned due to corruption scandals and economic problems. The election was unusual, with nine candidates competing. Ishiba won in a close run-off against Sanae Takaichi, receiving 215 votes to her 194 after no one won a majority in the first round. The LDP selects its leaders through internal voting, not a public election. With general elections more than a year away, Ishiba might call for early elections to strengthen his public support.
3. ‘Most Dangerous Bird in the World’ Faces Extinction Threat: The cassowary, often called the ‘most dangerous bird in the world,’ is at risk due to hunting and habitat loss. With fewer than 5,000 left in Australia, efforts to protect this species are becoming more urgent. The cassowary is a large, flightless bird found in the rainforests of New Guinea and northern Australia. It is known for its bright blue neck, black feathers, red wattles, and a helmet-like structure called a casque on its head. Cassowaries are important for the environment because they spread seeds through their droppings, which helps maintain plant diversity in rainforests. Studies show that they can adjust their eating habits, which allows them to survive even in areas where habitats are fragmented.
4. Global Aerospace Summit Begins in Abu Dhabi: The Global Aerospace Summit recently held its seventh edition in Abu Dhabi from September 25 to 26, 2024. This event is an important platform for people involved in the aerospace industry to come together and discuss crucial topics such as sustainability, innovation, and involving young talent. During the summit, Rami El Samra, Vice President of Emirates, spoke about how AI could change aviation. He explained that adopting AI could make airline operations more efficient and improve the customer experience. He also reflected on how the aviation industry has evolved since Emirates was established in 1985.
OTHER UPDATES:
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Scientists Discover New Mechanism for Protein Regulation in Cells: Scientists at the Biotechnology & Innovation Council — Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (BRIC-CDFD) in Hyderabad have discovered a new process involving the Wntless (WLS) protein, which is crucial for the development of organs in animals with backbones (vertebrates). This discovery helps explain how proteins move inside cells. WLS is a protein found in cell membranes and is important for releasing another protein called Wnt3a. Wnt3a helps with signalling that guides the early stages of organism development. WLS ensures that proteins go to the right places in the cell, helping organs like the intestines, lungs, inner ear, and eyes develop properly.
2. New Zealand Scientists Discover Rare Ghost Shark Species: The new species, named the Australasian Narrow-nosed Spookfish (Harriota avia), was discovered in an area called Chatham Rise, located east of New Zealand. Ghost sharks live in very deep waters, sometimes as far down as 2,600 meters (1.6 miles), which makes them hard to study. At first, scientists thought this ghost shark was part of a species that is found in many places. However, genetic testing showed that Harriota avia is unique to the waters around Australia and New Zealand. Understanding these genetic differences is important for protecting the species.Studying ghost sharks is crucial for coming up with ways to protect them, especially since they live in such deep and difficult-to-reach parts of the ocean. Knowing more about their population and health will help scientists create plans to conserve them.
3. New Catfish Species Exostoma Sentiyonoae Discovered in Nagaland: A new species of catfish, called Exostoma sentiyonoae, has been discovered in the Dzuleke River in Nagaland, India. This river is part of the Barak River system, and the discovery is important because it shows how rich the region’s aquatic life is. This is the first time a member of the Exostoma genus has been found in the Dzuleke River. The discovery shows that there could be many more undiscovered species in the area because of its rough terrain and limited research on fish.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. India Joins US-Led Minerals Security Finance Network: India has officially become part of the Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN), a group led by the United States. This network was created to help countries work together to secure important minerals needed for technology and clean energy. The announcement was made by the US State Department on September 23, 2024, during the United Nations General Assembly. The network now includes 14 countries and the European Union.
2. Bank of Baroda Unveils Co-Branded Travel Debit Card in Collaboration with EaseMyTrip: Bank of Baroda, in collaboration with EaseMyTrip.com, has introduced a ‘Bank of Baroda EaseMyTrip Co-branded Travel Debit Card’, targeting frequent travellers and those spending on entertainment and lifestyle.This is the first co-branded travel debit card to be launched by a public sector bank.The card offers an array of exclusive benefits across travel bookings, hotel stays, OTT streaming platforms, and popular e-commerce sites, ensuring that users enjoy year-round savings with no minimum order value. From discounts on flights and hotel bookings to complimentary premium memberships, the card is designed to redefine the customer experience.
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