Current Affairs - September 25, 2024 Current Affairs

The Indian tennis duo of Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Vijay Sundar Prashanth won the Hangzhou Open 2024 men's doubles title. They defeated the German pair of Constantin Frantzen and Hendrik Jebens in the final. This was Jeevan’s second ATP title, his first since the 2017 Chennai Open, which he won with Rohan Bopanna. For Vijay, this victory marked his maiden ATP title win.

Armenia has become the largest importer of arms from India, purchasing weapons worth a total of $600 million by the beginning of the financial year 2024-25. The equipment purchased includes the Pinaka multiple-launch rocket system, Akash anti-aircraft system, howitzers, anti-tank rockets, and anti-drone systems. Armenia's defence partnership with India is part of its strategy to strengthen its military capabilities. Armenia's capital is Yerevan, and its currency is the Armenian Dram. The current president of Armenia is Vahagn Khachaturyan.

World Bollywood Day is observed annually on September 24th to celebrate the rich heritage and global influence of Indian cinema. The day provides a platform for Bollywood enthusiasts, actors, directors, and producers to honour the contributions of Indian films to global culture. It aims to raise awareness about the impact of Bollywood and the broader Indian film industry, showcasing its artistry and storytelling that resonate across cultures worldwide.

The 'Bana Kaih' scheme was launched in Mizoram by Chief Minister Lalduhoma to provide financial assistance and support to farmers and entrepreneurs. The scheme aims to promote economic growth and self-sufficiency through various programs, including the introduction of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for key crops like ginger, broom, turmeric, and Mizo Bird's Eye chili. It also offers grants up to Rs 1 lakh for small livelihood projects, particularly benefiting individuals who cannot access loans. The Mizoram State Policy Coordination Committee, chaired by the Chief Minister, oversees the scheme’s implementation.

Jitendra J Jadhav, a Distinguished Scientist with nearly four decades of experience in aircraft design and development, has been appointed as the Director General of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) effective from September 11, 2024. Jadhav's illustrious career includes significant contributions to India's aeronautical engineering, particularly in the development of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). His leadership is expected to further strengthen India's indigenous aircraft development capabilities.

Tata Steel has commissioned India’s largest blast furnace at its Kalinganagar facility in Odisha, representing a significant advancement in the steel industry. With an investment of Rs 27,000 crore, this expansion increases the plant’s capacity from 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 8 MTPA. The new facility incorporates advanced and eco-friendly technologies designed to enhance production efficiency while meeting the demands of various sectors such as automotive, infrastructure, and defence. Key features include energy recovery systems and a focus on environmental protection, solidifying Tata Steel's commitment to sustainable practices in manufacturing.

S&P Global Ratings has maintained its economic growth forecast for India at 6.8% for the financial year 2024-25. This forecast aligns with their projection of steady growth for the country. Comparatively, other agencies like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Moody's have slightly different forecasts, with the RBI estimating a 7.2% growth for the same period and Moody's predicting a growth rate of 7.2% for 2024 and 6.6% for 2025.

World Pharmacist Day is celebrated every year on September 25th, providing a platform to acknowledge the critical contributions of pharmacists to global healthcare. In 2024, this day falls on a Wednesday, highlighting the importance of recognizing the role pharmacists play in improving health outcomes. The day has historical roots dating back to the founding of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in 1912 and aims to raise public awareness about the profession, celebrate its contributions, and promote initiatives that underline the significance of pharmacy in healthcare systems worldwide.

Iran has unveiled the new Shahed-136B suicide drone amid rising tensions in the Middle East. This drone is part of Iran's military modernization program and represents an upgraded version of the previous Shahed-136 model. The Shahed-136B features enhanced capabilities, including a range of over 4,000 kilometres and a more powerful warhead. Its design improvements, such as a reduced radar signature and a turbojet engine, increase its stealth and effectiveness, making it comparable to cruise missiles. The unveiling highlights Iran's focus on advancing its military technology in the context of regional instability.

The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is scheduled to take place in Goa from November 20th to 28th, 2024. Goa has been hosting this prestigious event, which was founded in 1952 and is held annually. This year's festival will showcase a diverse range of films, including feature films, non-feature films, and documentaries from around the world. The event will also include masterclasses, workshops, and interactive sessions with filmmakers and industry experts. Goa's picturesque landscape and vibrant culture provide a unique backdrop for this celebration of cinema.

AIIMS Delhi has collaborated with Intuitive to set up a da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery training centre that focuses on multidisciplinary surgical training. This centre will provide advanced training in robotic surgery techniques for surgeons and care teams, covering specialities like urology, gynaecology, and general surgery. Led by Director Dr Srinivas and Professor DR. V K Bansal from the Department of Surgery, this initiative underscores AIIMS Delhi's commitment to innovative medical education and healthcare excellence ¹. The partnership aims to enhance the skills of medical professionals, ultimately benefiting patients through improved surgical outcomes.

Apraava Energy secured an interstate transmission project in Rajasthan through competitive bidding conducted by the central government. The project involves building 200 km of transmission lines and a pooling station to facilitate the evacuation of 5.5 GW of renewable power from the Renewable Energy Zone in Rajasthan, covering areas such as Jaisalmer and Barmer. This initiative is crucial for supporting the growth of renewable energy in the region. Apraava Energy is headquartered in Mumbai.

The 41st Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Commanders’ Conference was inaugurated by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. The conference focused on addressing evolving maritime security challenges and highlighted strategic discussions for the future of the ICG. The Defence Minister emphasized the ongoing construction of 31 ICG ships by Indian shipyards, with a total worth of over Rs 4,000 crore, aimed at enhancing India's maritime capabilities. Key figures include Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and Chief of Army Staff Upendra Dwivedi.