Current Affairs - September 16, 2024 Current Affairs

Iran took a significant step forward in its aerospace program by launching the Chamran-1 research satellite into orbit, its second successful satellite launch this year. The satellite was carried by the Ghaem-100 carrier rocket, manufactured by the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This launch demonstrates Iran's progress in advancing its orbital manoeuvring technology and solid-fuel satellite launching capabilities. Notably, Iran achieved another milestone earlier this year by sending a satellite into an orbit above 500 km using the Ghaem-100 carrier.

World Ozone Day, observed annually on September 16, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994. This date commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol on September 16, 1987, which was a landmark agreement aimed at phasing out substances responsible for ozone depletion. The day highlights the importance of the ozone layer in protecting Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation and supports global efforts to address climate change. Recent developments, such as the Kigali Amendment, continue to build on these efforts by targeting substances like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

HDFC Bank is focusing on increasing the income of 5 lakh marginal farmers earning less than ₹60,000 annually by 2025 through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative known as 'Parivartan'. Launched in 2014, Parivartan is one of India’s largest CSR programs and covers various pillars such as skill development, financial literacy, healthcare, and rural development. This initiative aims to foster sustainable growth and uplift rural communities by addressing critical areas such as income enhancement for marginal farmers and promoting inclusive development.

The International Day for Interventional Cardiology is observed annually on September 16th to raise awareness about the critical field of interventional cardiology and its role in treating heart diseases. This specialized field employs minimally invasive procedures, such as catheter-based techniques and stent insertions, to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions. Recognizing the significance of interventional cardiology is crucial, as cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally. By observing this day, healthcare professionals and organizations aim to promote education, awareness, and advancements in cardiac care.

Operation Sadbhav is a humanitarian relief operation launched by the Government of India to provide assistance to countries affected by Typhoon Yagi, including Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. The operation is part of India's broader effort to contribute to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) within the ASEAN region, aligning with its 'Act East Policy'. Under Operation Sadbhav, India has extended assistance worth US$ 1 million to Vietnam, including 35 tons of humanitarian aid, such as water purification items, blankets, and solar lanterns.

The Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility, also known as VINETRA, was commissioned at INS Satavahana in Visakhapatnam by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-chief, Eastern Naval Command. Visakhapatnam is home to the Eastern Naval Command, one of the three command-level formations of the Indian Navy. This city hosts key naval establishments, including the Naval Dockyard, and serves as a strategic location for India's maritime defence. The VINETRA facility enhances the escape capabilities of the crew from distressed Kalvari-class submarines, aligning with India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative and highlighting the nation's focus on self-reliance in defence capabilities.

The 4th RE-INVEST Summit was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, marking a significant milestone in India's renewable energy journey. The prime minister's inauguration highlighted India's commitment to a green future, as it is the first G-20 nation to meet its Paris climate goals. The summit showcased innovations in renewable energy, including the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, aimed at making every home a power producer. Gujarat's hosting of this event underscores India's priority for accelerating the clean energy sector and advancing climate goals.

India participated in the G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting in Cuiaba, Brazil, from September 12-13, 2024. The meeting aimed to enhance agricultural cooperation and address market access issues. Led by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ram Nath Thakur, the Indian delegation engaged in bilateral discussions with several global partners, including Japan, Brazil, the U.S., and Germany. The discussions covered various topics such as agricultural technology, food processing, sustainability, climate-smart agriculture, and organic farming. This meeting highlights India's efforts to strengthen its global partnerships in the agricultural sector.

INSV Tarini is set to embark on the historic Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition, carrying Lt Cdr Roopa and Lt Cdr Dilna on their remarkable journey around the world. This voyage aims to promote maritime heritage, seamanship skills, and gender equality while showcasing India's growing prominence in global maritime activities. The Indian Navy has revitalized its sailing tradition through pioneering efforts, including circumnavigation missions aboard INSV Mhadei and INSV Tarini. With rigorous training and thousands of miles of sailing experience, the officers are well-prepared for this challenging expedition.

Operation CHAKRA III is a collaborative effort between the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to combat cybercrime. The operation led to the arrest of a key suspect in Mumbai and the recovery of substantial assets, including 57 gold bars, ₹16 lakh in cash, and cryptocurrency management devices. This operation underscores the focus on disrupting sophisticated cybercrime activities involving virtual assets and bullion. By working together, the CBI and FBI aim to dismantle transnational cybercrime networks and protect individuals from financial crimes.

The Polaris Dawn mission was a historic achievement, marking the world's first commercial spacewalk and the farthest journey by humans since NASA's Apollo Program. SpaceX's mission included a crew of four, Jared Isaacman, Scott "Kidd" Poteet, Anna Menon, and Sarah Gillis, who accomplished several milestones during their five-day spaceflight. The mission demonstrated the capabilities of SpaceX's extravehicular activity spacesuit and its Starlink satellite network. SpaceX's successful completion of the Polaris Dawn mission represents a significant step forward in private space exploration and commercial spaceflight.

Engineer's Day is commemorated annually on September 15 to honour the birth anniversary of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, a renowned civil engineer and innovator. This day acknowledges the pivotal role engineers play in shaping society and technology. Sir Visvesvaraya's contributions to India's national infrastructure and his title as "the maker of modern Mysore" are celebrated through various events and tributes. By observing Engineer's Day on September 15, India recognizes the significance of engineering and its impact on the country's development and progress.

Global Bio-India 2024, the fourth edition of the event, successfully concluded in New Delhi. Held from September 12-14, 2024, the event was organized by the Department of Biotechnology and BIRAC. It focused on showcasing India's capabilities in 'Biotech Innovation' and 'Bio-manufacturing.' The event featured the launch of 11 new products by Indian biotech startups and was inaugurated by Dr Jitendra Singh. The choice of New Delhi as the venue underscores its significance as a key hub for major biotechnology events in India.