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Daily News Analysis

Massive tremors felt in Delhi-NCR, epicenter in Nepal 

News: Massive tremors rattled the Delhi-NCR region today as a powerful earthquake struck with its epicenter located in Nepal. The quake, measuring a staggering magnitude of 7.5 on the Richter scale, sent shockwaves across the northern plains of India, leaving residents in a state of panic and chaos. Buildings swayed, and people rushed out into the streets, fearing for their safety.

• The impact of the earthquake was felt across a wide area, causing structural damage to buildings, roads, and infrastructure. Reports of injuries and casualties began to emerge as rescue and relief efforts were swiftly mobilized.
• Nepal, too, experienced significant tremors, raising concerns about the well-being of its residents. The seismic activity serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to earthquakes, underscoring the importance of preparedness and disaster management in the face of such natural disasters.
• Authorities are working tirelessly to assess the extent of the damage and provide assistance to those affected by this powerful earthquake.

50th India International Knit Fair to be held from October 12 to 14

News: The India Knit Fair Association facility (IKHFA) in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu will host the 50th India International Knit Fair on October 12 and 14. 

• The fair’s primary themes include digitalization, artificial intelligence, environmental social governance, and active sportswear.
• The show will feature seventy exhibitors from Gujarat, Tiruppur, Chennai, Coimbatore, and Karur.
• According to A. Sakthivel, the Association’s Chairman, the IKFA is affiliated with the NIFT Alumni, the Association of Buying Agents for Textiles, the Sourcing Consultants Association, and Brand Sourcing Leaders.
• Prominent purchasers and their delegates from the US, UK, Europe, and other nations have been invited to the fair.

More than a hundred dolphins died in the tributary of the Amazon River last week

News: Last week in a Brazilian tributary of the Amazon River, more than a hundred dolphins perished. Experts believe that a severe drought and increasing temperatures may have contributed to some deaths and that many more may soon pass away if water temperatures continue to rise.

• At least 70 of the bodies were discovered floating on Thursday, according to local media, when the water in Lake Tefe reached 39 degrees Celsius, 10 degrees warmer than the typical temperature for this time of year.
• The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, a division of the Brazilian government responsible for overseeing conservation zones, announced last week that teams of veterinarians and specialists in aquatic mammal care had been dispatched to look into the fatalities.
• Wilson Lima, the governor of Amazonas, issued a state of emergency earlier on Friday in response to the drought.

Amazon River

• The Amazon River is the world’s largest river by discharge volume, flowing through South America.
• Originating in the Peruvian Andes, it spans over 4,000 miles, emptying into the Atlantic Ocean in Brazil.
• Known for its rich biodiversity, it hosts countless species and is vital to the region’s ecosystem and indigenous communities.

India’s first solar roof cycling track was inaugurated in Hyderabad 

News: Yesterday, state Minister of Urban Development and Municipal Administration K Tarakarama Rao dedicated the nation’s first solar roof cycling track in Hyderabad. Healthway is a cutting-edge track that is the second of its kind in the world.

• The track, which is situated between the main roadway and service road on the Outer Ring Road (ORR), is set to open 24/7, providing a significant boost to the city’s cycling community. Additionally, it is a crucial step towards establishing Hyderabad as the nation’s hub for active transportation.
• Following the track’s opening, the Minister gave a speech in which he announced plans to install comparable tracks in other locations, such as the Financial District and the area surrounding Gandipet Lake.
• The 23 km trail is divided into two sections: a blue line that runs 14.5 km from Kollur to Narsingi with five access points, and a pink line that runs 8.5 km from Nanakramguda to Telangana State Police Academy.
• There is one meter of green space on either side of the three-lane, 4.5-meter-wide track. It is anticipated that the track will develop into a popular gathering place with amenities like plenty of parking, security cameras, food courts, drinking water, first aid, and restrooms.
• Bicycle repair shops, bike docking and rental stations, and other services will all be made available in an effort to make things easier for tourists.  To produce 16 megawatts (MW) of power, a total of 16,000 solar panels were placed.
• This power will be used to illuminate the track at night and shield cyclists from the sun, rain, and other weather conditions.

PM SVANidhi scheme achieves momentous milestone of covering over 50 lakh street vendors, says Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs 

News: Reaching over 50 lakh street vendors nationwide, the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi, or PM SVANidhi, programme has accomplished a significant milestone.

• For many years, street vendors have been an important part of the informal urban economy by giving city dwellers access to necessities. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched the program, which has been crucial in integrating them into the formal economy and opening up new opportunities for upward mobility.
• A deliberate attempt has been made to expand the scheme in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s objective of expanding its reach. The Ministry initiated a campaign to update the goals to be met under the Scheme, starting on July 1st, this year.
• During this time, a number of high-level reviews and monitoring projects were carried out. Due to the combined efforts of those involved, about 66 lakh loans totaling more than 8,600 crore rupees were given to more than 50 lakh street sellers.
• The plan has received enthusiastic support from the states, and the most recent campaign has produced remarkable outcomes. States have successfully onboarded over 12 lakh new vendors in the last three months, which is a record, and many more are in the enrollment process.
• The PM SVANidhi Scheme is a microcredit program designed to give working capital loans of up to 50,000 rupees to urban street vendors without the need for collateral. It was introduced on June 1st, 2020.

World Animal Day

News: World Animal Day, observed on October 4th each year, is a global celebration dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the welfare and conservation of animals worldwide. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of animals in our lives and the need to protect their rights and habitats.

• World Animal Day was established in 1931 by a group of ecologists in Florence, Italy, and has since grown into a significant event celebrated in various countries.
• It encourages people to come together to support animal welfare organizations, advocate for animal rights, and take action to protect endangered species and their habitats.
• Activities on World Animal Day include educational programs, fundraising events, adoption drives, and initiatives to combat animal cruelty. It’s an opportunity to recognize the vital role animals play in our ecosystems and to reflect on our responsibilities as stewards of the planet.
• On this day, individuals and organizations around the world unite to make a positive difference in the lives of animals and promote a more compassionate and sustainable future for all species.