Han Kang Wins Nobel Prize for Literature
On October 10, 2024, South Korean author Han Kang was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. She was recognized for her evocative storytelling, bringing to life poignant narratives of human experience. The Nobel Committee highlighted her novel “Greek Lessons”, which particularly stood out for its depth and beauty.
- Han Kang began her career as a poet in 1993.
- In 1995, she transitioned to writing fiction.
- She becomes the 18th woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature and the first South Korean woman to receive this honor.
- Previously, Han Kang won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016 for her novel “The Vegetarian,” which gave her international recognition.
- The Nobel Prize announcements began on October 7, 2024.
Other Nobel Prize winners so far:
- October 7: Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their groundbreaking work on micro RNA.
- October 8: Geoffrey Hinton (known as the ‘Godfather of AI’) and American scientist John J. Hopfield were honored with the Nobel Prize in Physics for their work on machine learning and artificial neurons.
- October 9: Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to David Baker, John Jumper, and Demis Hassabis for creating AI models that help design and understand the structure of proteins.
Prime Minister Modi Attends ASEAN-India Summit
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Laos on October 10 for a two-day visit. He is attending the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS).
- Laos is the current chair of ASEAN and is hosting these two significant summits.
- PM Modi’s participation in the ASEAN-India Summit marks his 10th time attending this event.
- The ASEAN, founded on August 8, 1967, now has 10 member countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
- ASEAN’s goal is to promote stability and economic growth in its member nations.
- The East Asia Summit (EAS), launched in 2005, is a major platform for Indo-Pacific dialogue. It has 18 members, including the 10 ASEAN nations, along with Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the USA.
Ratan Tata Passes Away at Age 86:
- Indian industrialist Ratan Tata passed away on October 9, 2024, at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, at the age of 86.
- Tata, former chairman of Tata Sons, was known for his business acumen and philanthropy. He had previously been hospitalized on October 7 but had reassured the public that there was no reason for concern.
Some highlights from his life:
- Ratan Tata led the Tata Group to launch India’s cheapest car and acquired Air India in 2021 for ₹18,000 crore.
- Born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai, he was the great-grandson of Tata Group founder Jamshedji Tata.
- He joined the family business in 1962 and worked at Tata Steel’s shop floor.
- In 1991, he succeeded J.R.D. Tata as chairman of the Tata Group.
- Under his leadership, Tata’s revenue increased 50 times, primarily driven by international sales of brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley Tea.
- After stepping down in 2012, he briefly returned to oversee the ousting of his successor Cyrus Mistry in 2016.
India Approves 2 Indigenous Nuclear Submarines:
- On October 9, 2024, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by PM Modi, approved the construction of two indigenous nuclear-powered submarines and the purchase of 31 MQ-9B drones from the United States. The combined deal is worth ₹80,000 crore.
- INS Arighat, launched in 2017, served as the inspiration for these new submarines.
- These submarines will be built in Visakhapatnam’s shipbuilding center, with potential collaboration from private firms like Larsen & Toubro.
- The submarine project will cost ₹40,000 crore, and the other ₹40,000 crore will go towards the acquisition of 16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian MQ-9B drones.
- The drones will enhance India’s surveillance capabilities. 15 drones will go to the Navy, 8 to the Army, and 8 to the Air Force.
- The drones will be assembled in India, with the U.S. company General Atomics setting up a maintenance and repair facility in the country.
Rafael Nadal Announces Retirement:
- Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal announced his retirement on October 10, 2024. His final match will be the Davis Cup Finals in November.
- Nadal made the announcement via a video on social media, thanking his fans in 12 languages.
- He is the second-highest Grand Slam winner with 22 titles, just behind Novak Djokovic’s 24. His wins include 12 French Open titles, 2 Australian Opens, 2 Wimbledon, and 4 US Open titles.
- Nadal also won two Olympic gold medals: in 2008 for singles and in 2016 for doubles.
- He is one of the few players to achieve a Golden Slam, winning all four Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold in the same year.
- Nadal has won 92 ATP singles titles, of which 63 were on clay courts. He first became world number one after defeating Roger Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon final.
Shefali Verma Becomes Youngest to Score 2,000 Runs in T20:
- Indian cricketer Shefali Verma became the youngest player to score 2,000 runs in women’s T20 International cricket on October 9, 2024. She achieved this milestone at 20 years and 255 days during a match against Sri Lanka in the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
- The previous record was held by Ireland’s Gaby Lewis, who reached 2,000 T20I runs at 23 years and 35 days.
- The Women’s T20 World Cup is being held in UAE from October 3 to October 20.
- India is in Group A along with Australia and Pakistan.