Weekly Roundup: Nipha Virus, Jawan, Asian world Cup 2023 and More

 National

National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR):

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National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR):

NDEAR is a strategic initiative led by India's Education Ministry to modernize the education system by leveraging technology. As part of this effort, the Ministry encourages each Indian state to establish Vidya Samiksha Kendras (VSKs), which are specialized data centers tasked with gathering and managing data related to educational programs and schemes.

 

Malappuram Municipality's 'Badai Bazaar':

'Badai Bazaar' represents a progressive endeavor undertaken by Malappuram Municipality in India. This initiative offers complimentary services and support to senior citizens within the community. 'Badai Bazaar' serves as a dedicated center for the elderly, providing access to various amenities, healthcare resources, social engagement opportunities, and assistance with daily living, fostering an age-friendly environment.


ICCR's 'Vaishali' Festival of Democracy (September 15):

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is organizing a 'Festival of Democracy' at Nalanda University in Bihar. This event, named 'Vaishali,' is scheduled for September 15th and aims to celebrate and promote democratic values.


Ayushman Bhav Initiative by the Union Health Ministry:

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The Union Health Ministry has launched the "Ayushman Bhav" initiative, with the goal of extending healthcare services to every village and town across India.

 

Ayushman Apke Dwar 3.0:

Under the "Ayushman Apke Dwar 3.0" program, beneficiaries enrolled in the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) scheme can now independently download their health cards.

 

Cartoonist Ajit Ninan's Passing:

On September 9th, acclaimed cartoonist Ajit Ninan passed away. His most famous creation was 'Detective Moochhwala,' featured in the children's magazine Target.

 

Digital Transition of Gujarat Vidhan Sabha:

Gujarat Vidhan Sabha is undergoing a digital transformation, marking a shift towards modernizing its operations and processes.


Nipah Virus outbreak

Nipah Virus virions| Image credit: Flickr

Nipah virus (NiV) is a virus that can jump from animals to humans (zoonotic) and can also spread through contaminated food or direct person-to-person contact. It was first discovered during an outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore, mostly affecting pigs and those who had close contact with them.

Since May 2018, when Kerala experienced its first Nipah virus outbreak in Kozhikode district, there have been three more outbreaks of the virus, with the most recent occurring in late August 2023. Interestingly, three out of the four Nipah outbreaks in Kerala, which happened in 2018, 2021, and 2023, have all occurred in Kozhikode district. The one in 2019, however, took place in Ernakulam district. The reasons for this geographic pattern are still not fully understood.

 

Indian Air Force's New C-295MW Transport Aircraft:

The Indian Air Force proudly received its inaugural C-295MW transport aircraft from Airbus, marking a significant milestone in bolstering the country's military aviation capabilities. This modern aircraft promises improved transport logistics and enhanced strategic mobility.

 

CJI D.Y. Chandrachud and the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG):

Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, played a pivotal role in integrating the Supreme Court with the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG). The NJDG is a sophisticated data platform rooted in the 'open data policy' and the ambitious e-court project. It functions as a comprehensive national repository, meticulously cataloging legal cases from across the country, including those initiated, pending, and resolved, offering valuable insights for the legal community and policymakers.

 

Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023:

Effective October 1, the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023, will lead in a digital era for birth certificates in India. This legal amendment modernizes the process of registering births and deaths, enabling the issuance of digital birth certificates, streamlining administrative procedures, and enhancing record-keeping efficiency.

 

First DD National Show (September 15, 1959):

On September 15, 1959, a significant moment in Indian television history occurred when the first-ever show aired on DD National, marking the beginning of television broadcasting in India.


Farewell to Mumbai's Iconic Red Double-Decker Buses:

Red Double-Decker bus of Mumbai

Mumbai recently bid a nostalgic farewell to its iconic red double-decker buses, signaling the end of an era in the city's public transportation. The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport phased out these beloved buses, which have been a familiar sight on Mumbai's streets for many years.


Amrit Awards Presented by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar:

The prestigious 'Amrit' awards, honoring excellence in the performing arts, will be presented by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on an upcoming occasion. These awards are a national recognition bestowed upon performing artists, educators, and scholars who have made significant contributions to the performing arts. Sandhya Purecha, Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, shared this information, underlining the importance of these awards in recognizing talent and dedication in the field.


International

Morocco Earthquake near Marrakech:

A recent earthquake rattled the vicinity near the ancient city of Marrakech in Morocco leading to the death of around 2900 people and leaving 2500 people injured. This seismic event has drawn attention to the region's geological dynamics and the importance of preparedness and response measures.


Entertainment

Golden Lion in Venice for "Poor Things":

The prestigious Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival was bestowed upon the film "Poor Things," which is a modern adaptation of the classic story "Frankenstein." The movie stars acclaimed actress Emma Stone, signifying its excellence in filmmaking.


Jawan: Blockbuster of the year

Image credit: Flickr

Shah Rukh Khan-led actioner ‘Jawan’ creates history.  It earned over a whopping Rs 550 crores worldwide, making it the second highest-earning Bollywood movies around the world. It's worth noting that this film is the first Bollywood project for director Atlee, who originally comes from the Tamil film industry. 'Jawan' tells an engaging story about a father and son, both played by SRK, who join forces to address important social problems in India.


Sports

India wins Asian Cup 2023 against Sri Lanka

India won the Asia Cup 2023 trophy. India and Sri Lanka faced each other in the finals in Colombo. India lifted the Asia Cup after 5 years. 

  • Kuldeep Yahad- Player of the Series
  • Mohammad Siraj- Player of the Match
  • Ravindra Jadeja- Catch of the Match

Prathamesh Jawkar in Archery World Cup Final:

Prathamesh Jawkar, a proficient Indian archer, exhibited remarkable prowess by advancing to the silver medal showdown in the prestigious Archery World Cup Final held in Hermosillo. His impressive performance underscores his competence and competitiveness on the global stage of archery.


Coco Gauff's Victory in the US Open:

Emerging tennis sensation Coco Gauff achieved a momentous career milestone by clinching her inaugural Grand Slam title at the renowned US Open. Her victory in this prestigious tennis tournament symbolizes her exceptional talent, dedication, and the promise of a bright future in the world of professional tennis, inspiring fellow athletes and fans worldwide.


David Warner's Record in International Cricket:

Australian cricket luminary David Warner achieved a historic milestone by surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in the number of centuries scored as an opening batsman in international cricket. This feat underscores Warner's consistency and excellence as a cricket opener cement his legacy as a prominent figure in the sport.


Yin Ruoning Achieves World No. 1 Ranking in Women's Golf:

Chinese golfer Yin Ruoning has achieved the prestigious status of World No. 1 in women's golf. This remarkable achievement solidified her as the top ranked female golfer on the international stage. Her accomplishment highlights China's growing presence and influence in the global golfing community.


Technology, Science & Others

World Suicide Prevention Day:

Theme: "Creating Hope Through Action" (September 10)

September 10th is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day, with the central theme for the year is"Creating Hope Through Action." This day is dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention and emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in instilling hope and support for those in need.

 

Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards:

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has publicized the list of winners of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) awards for 2022, considered among the prestigious prizes for science in India. SSB Prize, instituted in memory of the first Director ­General (CSIR), is usually announced on the foundation day of the institution- September 26.

 

Picoflare Jets and Solar Wind:

Scientists are exploring the possibility that tiny "Picoflare jets" may be a source of the solar wind, which is a rapid stream of charged particles emitted by the sun. However, the exact origin of these jets remains a subject of scientific investigation.


Ian Wilmut and the Groundbreaking Cloning of Dolly the Sheep:

Dolly The Sheep

Ian Wilmut, a distinguished Scottish scientist, led a pioneering scientific the team that achieved a momentous breakthrough by successfully cloning Dolly the sheep. Dolly's creation was a remarkable achievement in the field of genetics, as she was the first mammal to be cloned from an adult somatic cell.