Current Affairs - 01 October 2024: iDEX Initiative, Cruise Bharat Mission, BharatGen AI, KAZIND-2024, and More

• iDEX Initiative - Quantum Key Distribution Contract:
  On 01 October 2024, the Indian Army signed its eighth procurement contract under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative. This contract, for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) with QuNu Labs, was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Lt. Gen. NC Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff. The QKD system will replace algorithm-based encryption, enhancing security and optimizing manpower.

• Cruise Bharat Mission:
  The Ministry of Shipping launched the Cruise Bharat Mission, a five-year plan to develop 10 sea cruise terminals, 100 river cruise terminals, and five marinas across India. This initiative aims to integrate cruise circuits across the Indian subcontinent and boost tourism infrastructure in the country.

• BharatGen AI Initiative:
  The BharatGen initiative, launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and spearheaded by IIT Bombay, focuses on creating generative AI for Indian languages. Funded by the government, this project is part of the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) and aims to democratize AI technology across India.

• KAZIND-2024 Joint Military Exercise:
  The 8th edition of the India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise KAZIND-2024 began on 30 September 2024 at the Surya Foreign Training Node in Auli, Uttarakhand. Scheduled to run until 13 October 2024, this exercise will enhance military cooperation between India and Kazakhstan, building on the previous edition held in Otar, Kazakhstan.

• Pusa 2090 - Basmati Rice Variety:
  Pusa 2090 is a high-yield basmati rice variety developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). Known for its good grain quality and disease resistance, this variety is favored by farmers for its adaptability to different climatic conditions.

• Nipah Virus - Public Health Concern:
  The Nipah virus (NiV) continues to be a significant health concern in India, especially in Kerala. NiV is transmitted from fruit bats to humans and can spread through contaminated food or direct contact with infected individuals. Its high mortality rate has led to increased government action and preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.

• Neutrino Fog:
  The phenomenon of "Neutrino Fog" refers to interference caused by neutrinos in detecting dark matter. Neutrinos, which pass through matter undetected, can create noise in dark matter detectors, complicating the search for these elusive particles.

• Operation Amrith - Combating Antimicrobial Resistance:
  Kerala launched Operation Amrith, a new initiative aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by enforcing stricter regulations on the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics. This operation targets the misuse of antibiotics and encourages prescriptions-only sales.

• World War II Pillboxes in Visakhapatnam:
  Monsoon erosion in Visakhapatnam has revealed long-buried World War II pillboxes, concrete defense structures used during the war. These structures, uncovered on the city’s beaches, highlight Visakhapatnam’s strategic importance during the war.

• Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi - Enhancing Tourist Experience:
  The Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi initiative seeks to improve tourism in India by training local individuals, including cab drivers, restaurant staff, and shopkeepers, to act as ambassadors and storytellers for tourists. This initiative, aligned with the ‘Athithi Devo Bhava’ philosophy, is being piloted at six locations across India, including Orchha, Gandikota, Bodh Gaya, and Aizawl.

Key Highlights:

• Indian Army’s iDEX contract for Quantum Secure Key Distribution signed with QuNu Labs.
• Shipping Ministry unveils the Cruise Bharat Mission to boost tourism infrastructure.
• BharatGen AI initiative to bring generative AI to Indian languages.
• India-Kazakhstan KAZIND-2024 joint military exercise kicks off in Uttarakhand.
• Nipah virus continues to be a health concern in Kerala, with government action underway.
• Kerala launches Operation Amrith to combat the misuse of antibiotics.
• Historical World War II pillboxes unearthed in Visakhapatnam due to monsoon erosion.
• Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi initiative focuses on enhancing the tourism experience.

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