National
16th Agricultural Science Congress (ASC) 2023
⇒ Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala inaugurated the 16th Agricultural Science Congress (ASC) at Hotel Le Meridien, Kochi on 10 October 2023.
- Shri Rupala also inaugurated the Agri Expo being held on the side-line of the event which showcases innovative agricultural technologies of public and private sector research institutes, universities, agro-industries, extension agencies and NGOs.
- The Union Minister gave away Dr. B P Pal Award for Excellence in Agricultural Sciences, Dr. A B Joshi Memorial Lecture Award and several other NAAS awards to the recipients.
» The XVI Agricultural Science Congress was organized from 10 to 13th October 2023 in offline mode.
Organised by:
Organised by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), the Agricultural Science Congress was held for the first time in Kerala, hosted by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).
Aim:
The primary aim of the ASC was to generate a scientific discourse around transforming India’s agri-food systems into sustainable enterprises to facilitate its benefit for generations to come.
Highlights:
- The Congress discussed 10 thematic areas, including all issues related to agriculture and allied areas and sustainability issues on land and water, agricultural production systems, products, agricultural machinery, climate action, economics, renewable or alternative energy, precision farming, alternative farming systems, coastal agriculture, next-generation technologies, etc. As many as 114 papers were presented at the Congress.
- With a comprehensive agenda, the 16th Agricultural Science Congress (ASC) featured five plenary lectures by prominent figures in the field of agriculture and allied sectors.
- The Congress also hosted three panel discussions and four symposiums covering an array of topics, including coastal agriculture and livelihood, mainstreaming millets, and youth empowerment and gender equity.
- The Congress witnessed the convergence of over 1500 delegates from India and abroad.
Mental Health Conclave on World Mental Health Day 2023
⇒ Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya virtually addressed at Mental Health Conclave on World Mental Health Day 2023 on 10 October 2023.
- Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya stated that “Mental health is a universal human right.”
Key Points:
» During the Conclave, the Union Health Minister launched the logo of Tele-MANAS.
» He also inaugurated the new facilities in National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore namely Platinum Jubilee Auditorium and Academic facility, New Administrative Office complex at NIMHANS, Centre for Brain and Mind.
Dr. Mandaviya commemorated the states on their performance, and states/UTs were awarded certificate of appreciation with memento for achieving the highest number of calls in the National Tele Mental Health Programme.
- Ranking from first to third, in the larger states category Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh were awarded.
- Whereas, Telangana, Jharkhand, and Kerala were awarded for their performance in the smaller states category.
- The states of Assam, Mizoram and Manipur received the award in the North East category.
- In the Union Territory category, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu were awarded.
International
141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session
⇒ Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai on 14 October 2023.
- India hosted the IOC session for the second time after a gap of about 40 years. The IOC’s 86th session was held in New Delhi in 1983.
- The 141st IOC Session, held in India embodies the nation’s dedication to fostering global cooperation, celebrating sporting excellence and furthering the Olympic ideals of friendship, respect, and excellence.
» The 141st IOC Session was held in from 14 October to 17 October 2023 in Mumbai, India.
Participation:
The session was also attended by the President of the International Olympic Committee, Mr. Thomas Bach and other members of the IOC, along with prominent Indian sports personalities and representatives from various sports federations, including the Indian Olympic Association.
About IOC session:
- Established in on 23 June 1894, the International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit independent international organisation.
- The IOC session serves as a key meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) members.
- Important decisions regarding the future of the Olympic games are made at the IOC Sessions.
- The Session provides an opportunity for interaction and knowledge sharing among the various stakeholders related to sports.
Important Day
World Mental Health Day 2023
⇒ World Mental Health Day 2023 is celebrated every year on 10 October.
- The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
- The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
Theme:
The theme of World Mental Health Day 2023 was ‘Mental health is a universal human right”.
History
- World Mental Health Day owes its inception to the dedicated efforts of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). Established in 1948, this global organization has been advocating for mental health for decades.
- In 1992, they took a significant step by launching World Mental Health Day, a day devoted to addressing the often-overlooked issue of mental health. Since then, this day has grown into a global movement, raising awareness and fostering understanding in over 150 countries.
82nd CSIR Foundation Day
⇒ CSIR-NIScPR celebrated 82nd Foundation Day of CSIR on 10th October, 2023 at CSIR-NIScPR campus.
About CSIR:
- The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research was established in 1942 with its corporate office in New Delhi.
- CSIR, a network of 38 national laboratories spread over the country, is a premier R&D Organisation in India providing S & T inputs to a diverse spectrum of economic, industrial and societal sectors.
About CSIR-NIScPR:
- CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), New Delhi came into existence in 2021.
- It came into existence with the merger of erstwhile CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR), New Delhi and erstwhile CSIR-National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies (CSIR-NISTADS), New Delhi.
- It is a flagship research institution in India that specializes in the field of science communication and policy studies.