Art and Culture 

First Asian Buddhist Summit in New Delhi from tomorrow - The Hindu

The Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation, is holding the first Asian Buddhist Summit in Delhi. The summit themed “Role of Buddha Dhamma in strengthening Asia” is a manifestation of India’s Act East Policy, which is principled on collective, inclusive, and spiritual development of Asia.

Economy 

What are major challenges faced by Indian cities? - The Hindu

October 31 is observed every year as World Cities Day. The world’s urban population has reached an estimated 4.7 billion, or 57.5% of the world’s total population, with projections to double by 2050. The theme for this year’s World Cities Day is ‘Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalysing Local Action for Urban Sustainability’.

Faculty of ICSSR institutes appeal to Education Minister to expedite implementation of ‘delayed’ 7th CPC pay scales - The Hindu 

Faculty and staff members from across 24 Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) institutions have written to Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan expressing concern over the delay in implementation of the 7th Central Pay Commission revised pay scales, eight years after the announcement by the Centre.  

Environment 

On the new coastal zone plan of Kerala - The Hindu

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has approved the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMPs) of 10 coastal districts of Kerala. The plan, prepared in tune with the provisions of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019, permits the coastal districts to take advantage of the relaxed Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules and initiate development activities including construction of buildings towards the seaward side.

The worsening impact of climate change - Indian Express 

Sci and Tech 

First science result from Aditya L1, ISRO’s sun mission, is out - The Hindu

The first science result from the Aditya-L1 mission, India’s first scientific mission dedicated to studying the sun, is out. Scientists who developed the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) aboard Aditya-L1 predicted the onset time of a coronal mass ejection on the sun on July 16. The VELC was developed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAp), Bengaluru.

Aditya-L1

How cyber scams use social engineering and malicious APKs to swindle users - The Hindu

Recently, traveller Bhargavi Mani claimed that she lost close to ₹1 lakh while trying to book lounge access at the Bengaluru airport. The scam was allegedly executed after Ms. Mani was asked to download an APK (Android Package format) file that looked like a regular app, shared via a WhatsApp chat originating from an international number.

Layer of graphene oxide halts frost formation on flat areas - The Hindu 

Researchers have developed a new strategy that prevents frost formation before it begins. The researchers discovered that tweaking the texture of any surface and adding a thin layer of graphene oxide prevents 100% of frost from forming on surfaces for one week or even longer. 

Sleep apnea contributes to dementia in older adults - The Hindu 

Obstructive sleep apnea contributes to the development of dementia among adults — particularly women, a study suggests. 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

• Definition: A common sleep-related breathing disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to airway blockage.
• Cause: Blocked airway prevents airflow, lowering blood oxygen levels and triggering a reflex that wakes the person to resume breathing, disrupting sleep.
• Types:

1. Hypopnea: Reduced breathing with insufficient oxygen intake.
2. Apnea: Complete cessation of breathing.

• Symptoms: Snoring is a primary symptom; occurs mostly in middle-aged and older adults.
• Health Implications: Affects cardiovascular health, mental health, quality of life, and driving safety.
• Treatment: Positive Airway Pressure Device: Keeps airway open.

ICMR announces ‘First in the World Challenge’ to encourage scientists to find innovative ideas to tackle health issues - The Hindu 

Aimed at encouraging Indian scientists to come up with innovative ideas for finding solutions to difficult health problems, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced a new initiative called “First in the World Challenge”.

Defence 

Amid plans to upgrade Su-30 jets, IAF focusing on AI-based solutions - The Hindu

The financial aspects of the comprehensive upgrade to the first batch of Su-30MKI jets are being worked out and the process will start as soon as it is approved, a senior official of the Indian Air Force said recently. 

Su-30MKI Fighter Jet

• Overview: A multirole combat fighter developed by Sukhoi Design Bureau and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF), based on the Su-30.
• Key Features:
  • Fourth-generation fighter with thrust vectoring control and canards.
  • Powered by two AL-31 FP high-temperature, modular turbojet engines.
  • Equipped with BrahMos air-launched supersonic cruise missiles (tested in 2017).
  • Features DRDO’s indigenous Tarang radar warning receiver (RWR).
  • Maximum unrefuelled range of 3,000 km; can reach 8,000 km with in-flight refueling.
• Manufacturer: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).