part 25

[Virtual Presenter] The theme of the 92nd I-A-F day is “Bhartiya Vayu Sena – Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar” (Potent, Powerful, and Self Reliant). Background: i.The India Air Force (I-A-F--) was founded as a part of the British Royal Air Force under the name Royal Indian Air Force (R-I-A-F-) on 8th October 1932. ii.The first official flight happened on 1st April 1933 with 6 trained officers and 19 Hawai Sepoys of the Royal Air Force. iii.RIAF was renamed as I-A-F in 1947. It is now one of the four branches of the Indian Armed Forces. Events 2024: i.The 92nd I-A-F Day was commemorated from 6th to 8th October 2024 at Air Force Station, Tambaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The celebration included the airshows, parade, and static display showing the idea of ‘Aatmanirbharta’. ii.The Air show was held under the theme “Bhartiya Vayu Sena – Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar” (Potent, Powerful, and Self Reliant) The theme highlights IAF’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding India’s airspace while focusing on self reliance. Highlights: i.The parade commenced with the marching in of the President’s Colours, symbolising pride, unity, strength and esprit de corps.The parade was followed by an aerial display. ii.The static display featured state of the art such as A-L-H Mk-4, C-295 Transport aircraft, Akash Missile Defence System, HTT-40, and Rohini radar. Click here to know more About Indian Air Force (I-A-F--): Chief of the Air Staff(C-A-S--) Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh Motto Touch the sky with Glory (Nabhah Sparsam Diptam – नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्) Headquarter New Delhi, Delhi Established 1932 World Mental Health Day 2024 – October 10 World Mental Health Day (W-M-H-D-) is annually observed across the globe on 10th October to spread awareness of mental health issues and encourage efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues. The annual observance of W-M-H-D is led by the World Federation for Mental Health(W-F-M-H-), the founder of the WMHD. Theme: i.The theme of UN’s WMHD 2024 is “Mental Health at Work’.The 2024 theme promotes the need to build a healthy and safe working environment in different aspects of the workplace. ii.The theme of the W-M-H-D campaign led by the World Federation for Mental Health(W-F-M-H-), the founder of WMHD, is “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”. Symbol: The green ribbon is the international symbol demonstrating the support for mental health. It represents hope, strength, support, and encouragement. Background: i.World Mental Health Day (W-M-H-D-) was started as an annual activity of W-F-M-H in 1992 by then Deputy Secretary General of W-F-M-H-, Richard Hunter. Report Errors in the P-D-F [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 315.

[Audio] ii.The first ever WMHD was observed on 10th October 1992. iii.The World Health Organization(WHO) has been organising the global campaign of WMHD since 2013. UN System Mental Health and Well-being Strategy for 2024 and beyond: The United Nations System Mental Health and Well-being Strategy for 2024 and beyond, launched in November 2023, is designed to assist the United Nations in creating a working environment that is conducive to good mental health and that ensures that support is available when it is needed. The first UN System Workplace Mental Health and well-being strategy was launched in 2018. Mental Health: i.Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. ii.Multiple individual, social and structural determinants may combine to protect or undermine our mental health and shift our position on the mental health continuum. About the World Federation for Mental Health(WFMH): President- Tsuyoshi Akiyama Secretary General– Gabriel Ivbijaro Headquarters- Virginia, The United States of America (USA) Founded– 1948 World Egg Day 2024 – October 11 World Egg Day (WED) is annually observed across the globe on the 2nd Friday of October to raise awareness of the high-quality protein and vital nutrients found in eggs and the vital role of egg farmers around the world. The WED 2024 (28th WED) was observed on 11th October 2024. WED 2023 was observed on 13th October 2023 and WED 2025 will be observed on 10th October 2025. Theme: The theme of WED 2024 is "United by Eggs". The 2024 theme highlights how eggs, with their widespread use in traditional and modern food, show their universal popularity and significance in promoting health and well-being. Background: i.World Egg Day was established by the International Egg Commission (IEC), the only organisation that represents the global egg industry. ii.The decision to celebrate "World Egg Day" annually on the second Friday of October was made during the IEC Conference held in Vienna, Austria in 1996. iii.The first ever World Egg Day was observed on 11th October 1996. Significance: i.World Egg Day highlights the role of the egg industry in enhancing food security and contributing to economic development. ii.Eggs are nutrient-dense foods that support the health, development, and function of both the body and brain. iii.One egg has about 72 calories, 6 grams of high-quality protein, 5 grams of fat, and 1.6 grams of saturated fat, along with iron, vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids. About the International Egg Commission(IEC): IEC is the only organisation that represents the global egg industry. Chairman– Juan Felipe Montoya Established – 1964 Headquarter – London, the United Kingdom(UK) Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 316.

[Audio] World Standards Day 2024 – October 14 World Standards Day (WSD), also known as International Standards Day, is annually observed across the globe on 14th October to highlight the importance of standards-related efforts and honour the collaborative contributions of individuals and organizations committed to developing voluntary standards. The day is observed by the members of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Theme: The theme of WSD 2024 is "Shared Vision for a Better World: Standards for the Changing Climate". The 2024 theme highlights the importance of collaboration to achieve shared goals with a particular focus on tackling climate change. The theme will be fixed together by ISO, IEC and ITU based on a seminal issue relevant to standardization. Note: A shared vision for a better world – is a multi-year campaign started in 2021 with an aim to raise awareness about the contribution of International standards to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs). Background: i.On 14th October 1946, delegates from 25 countries met in London, the United Kingdom(UK) to create a new international organization to promote standardisation. ii.Following this, the "International Organization for Standardization (ISO)" was formed in 1947. iii.The first ever World Standards Day was officially launched on October 14, 1970, by then president of ISO, Faruk Sunter. Significance: i.Standardisation involves the development and agreement on common technical specifications or criteria for products, services, and processes. ii.The Standards are considered as a tool to achieve 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. iii.The day creates an opportunity to recognize the contributions of the many experts who volunteer their time to develop and maintain international standards. iv.These standards are used by businesses, governments, and consumers around the world to ensure that products and services are safe, reliable, and compatible. Observance in India: i.The annual observance of World Standards Day in India is led by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India, under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. ii.BIS, Jammu & Kashmir Branch Office (JKBO) inaugurated its World Standards Day 2024 celebrations with an event featuring the Manak Mahotsav and a Stakeholders Conclave at the BIS JKBO office. About the International Organization for Standardization (ISO): President – Sung Hwan Cho Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland Established in – 1947 International Day of the Girl Child 2024- October 11 The United Nations (UN's) International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) is annually observed globally on October 11 to address the challenges faced by girls and to promote their empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. The 2024 International Day of the Girl theme is 'Girls' vision for the future'. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected].

[Audio] The theme conveys two ideas such as the need for urgent action and persistent hope.It focuses on the importance of immediate action, along with the belief that girls, with their powerful voice and vision for the future,can lead the way toward positive change. Note: At present, nearly 1 in 5 girls are not completing lower secondary school and nearly 4 in 10 girls are not completing upper secondary school. Background: In 1995, the World Conference on Women was held in Beijing, China where the UN adopted the "Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action", the most progressive blueprint ever devised for advancing not only women's rights but also the rights of girls.The Beijing Declaration notably stands out as the first to specifically call out girls' rights. i.On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution A/RES/66/170 and declared October 11 of every year as the International Day of the Girl Child(IDGC). The IDGC focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls' empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights. ii.The first International Day of the Girl Child was observed on 11 October 2012. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Goals : 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by world leaders in 2015, outlined sustainable progress for everyone. i.To achieve all these goals,gender equality and women's empowerment are essential. ii.Upholding the rights of women and girls is significant for ensuring justice and inclusion, balanced economies, and a sustaining environment for future generations. iii.UN Women Strategic Plan 2022–2025 sets a vision and roadmap for supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) by 2030. Over 370 Million Girls and Women Globally Affected by Childhood Sexual Violence The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) released its 'First global and regional estimates on sexual violence against children', published before the International Day of the Girl Child. It highlights the scale of the violation worldwide, especially for adolescent girls, often with lifelong consequences. These findings come ahead of the first-ever Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children, which will take place in Colombia , on November 7-8, 2024. i.As per the above published report, more than 370 million girls and women – or 1 in 8 -experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18. When 'non-contact' forms of sexual violence, such as online or verbal abuse are included, the number of girls and women affected rises to 650 million globally or 1 in 5. ii.Sexual violence against children has increased globally, Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest number of victims, with 79 million girls and women affected (22%), followed by 75 million in Eastern and SouthEastern Asia (8 %), 73 million in Central and Southern Asia (9%), 68 million in Europe and Northern America (14%). iii.Although more girls and women are affected, an estimated 240 to 310 million boys and men(around 1 in 11),.

[Audio] World Arthritis Day 2024 – October 12 World Arthritis Day (WAD) is annually observed across the globe on 12th October to raise awareness about Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs), their prevention and the importance of accessing effective treatments for arthritis. 12th October 2024 marks the observance of the 29th WAD. Theme: The theme of WAD 2024 is "Informed Choices, Better Outcomes". The theme highlights the critical role of evidence-based information in empowering individuals with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases to take control of and effectively manage their health Background: i.World Arthritis Day was first established in 1996 by Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI). ii.The first WAD was celebrated on 12th October 1996 and the event has been observed every year since. What is Arthritis? Arthritis is a most common musculoskeletal condition characterized by inflammation, tenderness, or swelling in the joints, which are the areas where two bones come together. Commonly affected joints include the knees, shoulders, hands, feet, ankles, and hips. Symptoms: Pain, redness, heat, and swelling in joints Types: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Gout, Psoriatic arthritis, Septic arthritis RMD: i.RMDs are chronic systemic diseases that can affect any part of the body, including the joints, muscles, bones, and organs. ii.There are over 200 different types of RMDs. iii.RMDs can affect people of all ages, from children to young adults. Some RMDs are more common in women of reproductive age. The EULAR Campaigns 2024: i.The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) includes the EULAR 2024 forum, which serves as a platform for sharing the latest research developments, best practices, and advancements in the field of rheumatology and the management of RMDs. ii.The EULAR Manifesto for 2024-2029 advocates for a unified European approach to safeguard citizens, health and social care systems, and the economy against the effects of RMDs. This Manifesto was unveiled at the EULAR Congress in Vienna in June 2024 and at subsequent events held at European institutions. About the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR): President- Prof. Daniel Aletaha (Austria) Headquarters – Zürich, Switzerland Established – 1947 World Day Against The Death Penalty 2024 – October 10 World Day Against the Death Penalty is annually observed across the globe on October 10th to raise awareness about the death penalty and to demand its abolition. 10th October 2024 marks the observance of the 22nd World Day Against the Death Penalty. The theme of World Day Against the Death Penalty 2024 is "Death Penalty and Safety". Background: i.The World Day Against the Death Penalty was initiated by the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty (WCADP), with the support of numerous organisations like Amnesty International, the United Nations(UN), and the European Union(EU) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024.

[Audio] ii.The first-ever World Day Against the Death Penalty was observed in 2003. Amnesty International Global Report i.According to the Amnesty International global report titled 'Death sentences and executions in 2023' Abolition: 112 countries have abolished death penalty for all crimes, while 9 countries have abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes only and 23 countries haven't carried out an execution in last 10 years. Retention: 55 countries (including India) have retained the practice of executing the death penalty. The top 5 countries with the most capital punishment execution in 2023 are China followed by Iran, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and the USA. ii.According to recent statistics by Amnesty International,27,687 persons are facing the threat of capital punishment globally. Amnesty International recorded at least 1,153 executions in 16 countries – a 31% increase from the 883 executions in 20 countries in 2022. Death Sentence in India: i.At the end of 2023, 120 death sentences were imposed by trial courts and 561 prisoners were living under a sentence of death in India. ii.In India capital punishment is the highest legal punishment, where a person is executed by hanging. About Amnesty International : Secretary -General – Agnès Callamard Headquarters– London, United Kingdom(UK) Established– 1961. International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024 – October 13 The United Nations (UN's) International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) is annually observed across the globe on 13 October to promote a global culture of risk awareness and disaster reduction. IDDRR also encourages the implementation of frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction(SFDRR) 2015-2030 which focuses on reducing disaster risk and enhancing preparedness globally. Theme: The theme of IDDRR 2024 is "Empowering the next generation for a resilient future". The theme highlights the role of education in protecting and empowering youth for a disasterfree future. The theme is aligned with the Summit of the Future which was held in September 2024, where "youth and future generations" was one of its five priorities. Background: i.In 1989, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/44/236, which proclaimed the decade from 1990 to 1999 as the "International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction" (IDNDR). The resolution also declared to celebrate the 2nd Wednesday of October throughout the decade as IDNDR. The first IDNDR was observed on 10 October 1990. ii.In 2009, the UNGA adopted the resolution A/RES/64/200 and officially designated 13 October as the IDDRR. Since 2010, IDDRR has been annually observed on 13 October. Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030: i.The SFDRR 2015-2030 was adopted at the 3rd UN's World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai(Japan) on March 18, 2015. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 320.

[Audio] ii.The SFDRR outlines 7 global targets and 4 priority actions to prevent new and reduce existing disaster risks. iii.It was the first major agreement of the post-2015 development agenda that aims to achieve a substantial reduction of disaster risk and to prevent and reduce losses in lives, livelihoods, economies, and basic infrastructure. iv.The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) (formerly UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR)) is a part of the UN Secretariat that supports the implementation and review of the Sendai Framework. Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction: i.The UN Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR 2024) is indeed the flagship report of the United Nations on global efforts to reduce disaster risk. ii.It is a biennial global assessment of disaster risk reduction and a comprehensive review and analysis of the natural hazards that are affecting humanity. iii.GAR Special Report 2024: Forensic insights for future resilience – Learning from past disasters examines current and emerging trends, demonstrating how detailed forensic analysis can facilitate more focused and effective approaches to risk reduction. iv.The GAR is published by the UNDRR and the first GAR was published in 2009. Note: According to the reports from UNICEF, approximately 1 billion children around the world are at extreme risk from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. About United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR): The UNDRR is a member of the UN Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). Head – Kamal Kishore Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland Established – 1999 International Day of Rural Women 2024 – October 15 The United Nations (UN's) International Day of Rural Women (IDRW) is annually observed across the globe on 15th October to recognise the contribution of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security, and eliminating rural poverty. Theme: The theme of IDRW 2024 is "Rural Women Cultivating Good Food for All". The theme emphasizes the crucial contributions of rural women and girls to the global food system. Background: i.The IDRW was created in 1995 by Civil society organizations at the 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing, China. ii.On 18 December 2007, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/62/136 and declared the 15th of October of every year as the IDRW. iii.The first-ever IDRW was observed on 15 October 2008. Contribution of Rural Women to Development: i.Women constitute a substantial portion of the agricultural labour force, actively participating in both formal and informal agricultural activities in rural areas. ii.Women globally make up 67% of the healthcare workforce and an estimated 70% of community healthcare workers. 2024 Events: Global Commemoration of the International Day of Rural Women 2024 includes, Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected].

[Audio] i.Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)'s "Rural Women, Women with Rights" campaign, a collaborative work initiative that joins efforts, articulates networks, and disseminates knowledge and positive experiences to promote the full autonomy of women in the rural world. ii."17 Days of Activism for the Empowerment of Rural Women Leaders and their Communities" held from 1-17 October 2024. iii.The event titled "Breaking the barriers: Gender equality, water and financial inclusion in agrifood systems in Asia and the Pacific" organised by the FAO in Asia-Pacific on 17th October 2024. Key Facts: i.According to the FAO, Women make up 43% of the global agricultural labour force, yet they face significant discrimination. ii.On average, women earn 18.4% less than men in wage employment in agriculture. iii.Giving women the same opportunities as men could raise agricultural production by 2.5 to 4% in the poorest regions and the number of malnourished people could be reduced by 12 to 17%. About the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA): UNGA is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN. President – Dennis Francis (Trinidad & Tobago) Headquarters – New York, The United States of America(USA) Established – 1945 World Sight Day 2024 – October 10 World Sight Day (WSD), also known as World Eye Day or World Vision Day, is observed annually on the second Thursday of October across the globe to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. It is coordinated by the London(the United Kingdom, UK) based International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and the Geneva(Switzerland) based World Health Organization(WHO). The aim of WSD is to promote the ideas of eye health, preventive measures to avoid blindness and to ensure quality and equal eye treatment for all people in the world. WSD 2024 falls on October 10th 2024. WSD 2023 was observed on 12th October 2023 and WSD 2025 will be observed on 9th October 2025. 2024 Theme: The theme of the WSD 2024 is "Children, Love Your Eyes". The theme focuses on the eye care of children. The main aim is to reduce the screen time of children to prevent short sightedness (myopia) and other disorders along with ensuring quality and accessible eye treatment for all children without any discrimination Background : i.The Sight First campaign of the Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) initiated the World Sight Day(WSD). This campaign was launched in 1990, aims to preserve and restore sight, and promote eye care worldwide. ii.The LCIF integrated the WSD with VISION 2020, which was then coordinated by the WHO and the IABP. iii. In 1999, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially launched the WSD and WSD was first observed on October 12, 2000. Love Your Eyes Campaign: IABP launched the Love Your Eyes Campaign in.

[Audio] Initiatives by WHO WHO eyes :It is an app available in 14 languages, which helps in checking an individual's vision without the help of an eye care provider. SPECS 2030: A comprehensive programme to make eye care facilities accessible to a wider population of people. It targets a 40% increase in the accessibility of spectacles to the individuals of a country. Integrated people-centred eye care (IPEC): Launched in 2023, for the integrated People- Centered eye care in South East Asia. It is one of the key programmes in IN SIGHT 2030 strategy. INSIGHT 2030 came as a replacement for VISION 2020. Keypoints: i.According to the WHO, nearly 220 crore people across the world are visually impaired, and 10 crore people suffer from a vision disability that could have been avoided or is still unaddressed. ii.According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the IAPB, more than 1.3 crores of people worldwide have vision impairment related to their work, with an estimated 350 lakh eye injuries happening in the workplace each year. Among all cases of blindness, 90% of them can be avoided or treated if identified early. Related Observance : i.Prevention of Blindness Week is a week-long campaign observed every year from April 1-7 by the Government of India(GoI) to spread awareness of blindness among people. ii.World Glaucoma Week is observed every year in the second week of Marchto raise worldwide public awareness of glaucoma. About International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB): President – Caroline Casey Founded – 1975 Headquarters – London, the United Kingdom(UK) Global Handwashing Day 2024 – October 15 The Global Handwashing Day(GHD) is annually observed across the globe on 15th October to raise awareness about the importance of handwashing with soap and water in preventing the spread of infections and diseases. 15th October 2024 marks the observance of the 17th GHD. Theme: The theme of Global Handwashing Day 2024 is "Why are clean hands still important?". The 2024 theme highlights the importance of clean hands in preventing outbreaks and pandemics, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare. Background: i.Global Handwashing Day(GHD) was initiated by the Global Handwashing Partnership (GHP) in August 2008 during the annual World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden. ii.The first-ever GHD was observed on 15th October 2008. Note: Annually the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates World Hand Hygiene Day on 5th May to raise awareness of the importance of handwashing to prevent the spread of infections. Global Handwashing Partnership: i.The Global Handwashing Partnership works to save children's lives and improve health by promoting the important habit of handwashing with soap. ii.It is a coalition of international stakeholders who work explicitly to promote handwashing with soap and recognize hygiene as a pillar of international development and public health. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected].

[Audio] Handwashing: Handwashing is one of the most efficient and low-cost methods of preventing infections such as diarrhoea and pneumonia. Benefits : i.Handwashing can significantly reduce the number of young children who get sick and reduce the number of school days children miss because of gastrointestinal illness by 29 to 57%. ii.Handwashing can also reduce respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by about 16%– 21% World Students' Day 2024 – October 15 World Students' Day (WSD) is annually observed on 15 October to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India (from 2002 to 2007), who is fondly known as the Missile Man of India . 15th October 2024 marks the 93rd birth anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. The day honours the contributions of students and promote awareness about the importance of education. Theme: The theme of WSD 2024 is "Empowering Students to be Agents of Change". The theme highlights students to take responsibility for their education and future by viewing themselves as leaders and innovators. About Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: i.Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. ii.As an aerospace Scientist, he worked with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). iii.He was elected as the President of India in 2002 and held the post till 2007. He was nominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its National Democratic Alliance(NDA). iv.After completing his term as President, he served as a visiting professor in various esteemed institutes and universities of India, such as the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong (Meghalaya), Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and Indore (Madhya Pradesh). v.He passed away in Shillong, Meghalaya on 27th July 2015. Noted positions held by Kalam: i.He served as the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister and Secretary of the Department of DRDO from July 1992 to December 1999. ii.He served as the first Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Government of India (GoI), in the rank of Cabinet Minister, from November 1999 to November 2001. iii.He also served as the Chief Project Coordinator of the Pokhran-II nuclear tests, a series of 5 nuclear bomb test explosions conducted by India at the Indian Army's Pokhran Test Range in May 1998. iv.He was part of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) committee working under Vikram Sarabhai, the renowned space scientist. Significant Works: i.He played a major role as in the development of India's first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLVIII) which successfully injected the Rohini satellite into the near-earth orbit in July 1980. ii.He served as the Chief Executive of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) at the DRDO. He was the key figure in the development of ballistic missiles like the Prithvi, and Agni. Awards/Honours:.

[Audio] ii.In 1997, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna for Science and Engineering. iii.He has also received other noted awards including Veer Savarkar Award (1998) and; the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration (1997). Books: Wings of Fire: An Autobiography (1999); India 2020 – A Vision for the New Millennium (1998); Evolution of Enlightened Societies (2006); My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions (2013); Turning Points: A Journey Through Challenges (2014); Reignited: Scientific Pathways to a Brighter Future (2015). Tributes: i.In 2005, Switzerland declared May 26 as the Science Day in honour of visiting President APJ Abdul Kalam. ii.In 2017, the Odisha government formally named Wheeler Island as APJ Abdul Kalam Island, as a tribute to APJ Abdul Kalam on his 2nd death anniversary. iii.In 2023, Aurangzeb Lane in Lutyens' Delhi has been officially renamed to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Lane. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) workers in Delhi unveiled a signboard bearing the name of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. NMDC in 2015, changed the name of Aurangzeb Road to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2024 – October 17 The United Nations (UN)'s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (IDEP) is annually observed across the globe on October 17 to promote understanding and dialogue between people living in poverty and wider society. The day aims to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies and core elements of the Sustainable Development Goal(SDG) 16. 17th October 2024 marks the 32nd commemoration of IDEP. SDG 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels Theme: The theme of IDEP 2024 is "Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment Acting together for just, peaceful and inclusive societies". The theme highlights one of the Hidden Dimension of Poverty, the social and institutional maltreatment experienced by people living in poverty. Origin: ii.On 17th October 1987, a massive gathering was organised at the Trocadéro Plaza in Paris, France to honour the victims of hunger, violence, and ignorance. iii.The gathering proclaimed poverty as a violation of human rights. iv.Since then, the 17th of October of every year has been observed as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Background: i.On 22 December 1992, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/47/196 and proclaimed the 17th October of every year as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. ii.The first ever UN-recognised IDEP was observed on 17th October 1993. Poverty: i.The revised 2017 Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) defined extreme poverty.

[Audio] The international poverty line of USD 2.15 increases by less than 1%, and the higher poverty lines of USD 3.65 and USD 6.85 more relevant for assessing poverty in lower- and upper-middleincome countries also increase by less than 2%. ii.Around 575 million people (around 7% of the global population) are expected to be trapped in extreme poverty by 2030. Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2024: Poverty Amid Conflict: "Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2024: Poverty Amid Conflict" published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) states that around 455 million multidimensionally poor people are living in countries experiencing conflict, fragility, or 'low peacefulness'. India is among the top 5 countries with the largest populations in poverty. India has 234 million people living in poverty, which is medium Human Development Index(HDI). The other countries among the top 5 are Pakistan (93 million), Ethiopia (86 million), Nigeria (74 million) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (66 million). Points to note: i.The 2024 report presents MPI data from 112 countries (6.3 billion people) covering 1,359 subnational regions. ii.Around 1.1 billion of 6.3 billion people live in acute multidimensional poverty and over half of them (584 million) are children under the age of 18. iii.Around 40% of poor people (455 million) live in countries experiencing war, fragility and/or low peacefulness. iv.The MPI is measured over a 10-year period (2012-2023) to create a comparable index of global levels and trends. UN Women: World survey on the role of women in development 2024 According to the report titled "World survey on the role of women in development 2024: Harnessing Social Protection for Gender Equality, Resilience and Transformation" published by UN Women(United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women), around 2 billion women and girls are without access to any form of social protection. Points to note: i.Over 63% of women across the globe still give birth without access to maternity benefits, with the rate rising to 94% in sub-Saharan Africa. ii.Out of the 1,000 social protection measures introduced by governments across 171 countries, only 18% is focused on women's economic security. World Food Day 2024 – October 16 The United Nations (UN)'s World Food Day (WFD) is annually observed across the globe on 16 October to raise awareness about healthy diets, promote action against malnutrition and food security, and the need for regular access to nutritious food. The day also commemorates the establishment of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN in 1945. Theme: The theme of WFD 2024 is "Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future". The theme highlights the essential human right to accessible, nutritious, affordable, and sustainable food, highlighting its importance in safeguarding everyone's well-being and.

[Audio] Background: i.WFD was established in 1979 during the 20th session of the Conference of FAO, held in Rome, Italy. ii.On 5 December 1980, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/35/70 and proclaimed the 16th of October of every year as WFD. iii.The first-ever WFD was observed on 16 October 1981. World Food Day Events 2024: i.The 2024 WFD events are taking place as part of the 4th edition of the World Food Forum (WFF 2024), a youth-led movement and network to transform our agrifood systems The 2024 WFF flagship events are scheduled from 14 to 18 October 2024 at the Headquarters of FAO in Rome, Italy. The WFF 2024 is committed to the theme: "Good food for all, for today and tomorrow" ii.WFF was organised around the three pillars of the WFF, Global Youth Forum, FAO Science and Innovation Forum, and FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum. FAO Award for Achievement: i.The FAO Conference, during its 42nd Session in June 2021, agreed to institute the "FAO Award for Achievement." ii.This award, designed to be an integral part of the annual World Food Day celebrations, will be presented to commendable entities or individuals, including FAO teams and employees. iii.The Award is conferred for activities and programs with remarkable achievements conducted during the biennium preceding the current year. Nature of the Award: A scroll describing the achievements of the recipient institution and/or an award; A cash prize of USD 10,000. Winners of FAO Award for Partnership 2024: The Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) in Wallingford, the United Kingdom(UK). The Metropolitan City of Ulsan from the Republic of Korea. Junior World Food Day 2024: i.The 4th edition of the hybrid Junior WFD event held in Rome on 17 October 2024. It includes international food heroes and chefs, Max Mariola, Matteo Ward, Andile Mnguni, and Shreyaa Venkat. Key Facts: i.Agriculture accounts for 70% of global freshwater withdrawals, followed by industry, which accounts for below 20%, and domestic municipal, which accounts for 12%. Global water demand for agriculture is expected to increase by 35% by 2050. ii.Around 600 million people depend, at least partially, on aquatic food systems for a living. iii.With around 730 million people facing hunger and more than 2.8 billion people globally unable afford healthy diets, Points to Note: i.During the celebration the FAO signed the Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM). This agreement involves work on FAO's upcoming project of a Food and Agriculture Museum and Network, as part of a collaboration between FAO and host country, Italy. ii.To be inaugurated on 16 October.