Current Affairs - September 10, 2024 Current Affairs

South Korea is hosting an international summit beginning on September 9, 2024, to draft a non-binding blueprint for the responsible use of AI in military applications. The event, held in Seoul, involves participation from over 90 countries, including major global powers like the U.S. and China. The summit will focus on setting minimum guidelines for the use of AI in military operations, legal reviews, and oversight mechanisms for autonomous weapons systems, aiming to ensure ethical and controlled implementation of AI technologies in defence sectors.

The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, a groundbreaking nuclear facility, is situated in Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in the UAE's energy landscape. This plant, operational since 2020, plays a crucial role in the UAE's strategy for energy security and sustainability, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Its four reactors contribute substantially to the country's clean energy goals, providing 25% of the UAE's electricity.

Nepal officially joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as its 101st member. The ratification was delivered by Nepal's Charge d'Affaires, Dr Surendra Thapa, during a meeting in New Delhi with Abhishek Singh, Joint Secretary in India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The ISA, headquartered in Gurugram, India, aims to promote solar energy globally. Nepal’s membership follows that of Paraguay, which was the 100th member to join the alliance.

The Centre for in-situ and Correlative Microscopy (CISCoM) was inaugurated at IIT Hyderabad to foster advanced research and collaboration across scientific disciplines. The facility, backed by ₹60 crore funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) and ₹20 crore from academic and industrial partners, offers cutting-edge microscopy techniques that enable real-time analysis. This high-end research centre will play a key role in enhancing research capabilities and partnerships within the scientific community.

Harvinder Singh, the gold medal-winning archer, and sprinter Preeti Pal have been selected as the flag bearers for the closing ceremony of the Paris Paralympics. This prestigious role acknowledges their exceptional achievements and highlights their contributions to Indian para-athletics. Harvinder Singh is celebrated for his groundbreaking success in archery, and Preeti Pal, known for her sprinting prowess, represents a significant moment for Indian sports on the global stage. Their selection reflects the growing recognition and prominence of Indian para-athletes in international events.

The 20th edition of the Indo-US joint military exercise 'Yudh Abhyas' began at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. This annual exercise, alternately held in India and the United States since 2004, focuses on enhancing counter-terrorism strategies in semi-desert conditions. Both nations aim to improve their joint operational capabilities under the UN Charter, fostering greater military cooperation and coordination between India and the United States.

RBL Bank has collaborated with Indian Oil Corporation to introduce the 'Xtra Credit Card.' This partnership aims to moderate the growth of RBL Bank's credit card portfolio and enhance customer engagement. The new credit card is part of RBL Bank's strategy to achieve a 15% increase in credit card outstanding while addressing regulatory concerns over the unsecured credit segment. The collaboration with Indian Oil reflects a focus on leveraging co-branded partnerships to boost market presence and customer value.

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on September 10 to raise awareness about suicide prevention, reduce stigma, and emphasize the preventability of suicides. This day was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO). The theme for 2024-2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide".

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has partnered with Swiggy to launch a program aimed at enhancing skilling and employment opportunities for Swiggy's delivery partners and restaurant staff. This initiative will provide training through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) and aims to benefit around 2.4 lakh individuals. The collaboration focuses on improving skills in the logistics and retail sectors, contributing to the overall growth and employment prospects within Swiggy's network.

India and the UAE have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for civil nuclear cooperation, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. This agreement, involving the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC), aims to enhance collaboration in nuclear energy, operations, and maintenance. It is the first MoU of its kind between the two entities and builds on prior agreements to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy. This landmark deal signifies a deepening of ties and commitment to advancing nuclear energy capabilities.

According to Counterpoint Research, India has emerged as the world’s second-largest market for 5G smartphones, surpassing the United States. This development highlights India's rapid technological progress and the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity. China remains the largest market with a 32% share, while India holds a substantial 13% share, placing it in second position. The United States has moved to third place with a 10% market share. This shift reflects the growing influence of emerging economies in the global tech landscape.

The new turmeric-related plant species, Curcuma ungmensis, was discovered near Ungma village in Nagaland. As documented in the journal Phytotaxa, this plant is part of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and has striking yellow flowers that bloom from August to October. While Curcuma ungmensis primarily grows in Southeast Asia, including countries like Myanmar and Thailand, its presence in Nagaland marks a significant botanical discovery in India.

The world’s first dedicated Asian King Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre was inaugurated in Bharivaisi, Campierganj Range of the Gorakhpur Forest Division in Uttar Pradesh on September 6, 2024. This facility, opened by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is a significant milestone in wildlife conservation, focusing exclusively on the critically endangered Asian King Vulture, also known as the red-headed vulture. The centre's establishment highlights Uttar Pradesh's dedication to preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species.