Current Affairs - September 27, 2024 Current Affairs

Tech Mahindra has entered into a partnership with the University of Auckland to foster innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and quantum computing. This collaboration focuses on sectors such as healthcare, banking, and government, aiming to enhance the industry-academic partnership. By exploring advanced technologies like spiking neural networks and quantum security, the partnership seeks to drive innovations that can significantly impact drug discovery and personalized healthcare. Furthermore, the initiative aims to boost graduate employability and provide students with practical exposure to emerging technologies, highlighting the importance of combining academic insights with real-world applications.

The Indian government designated 1.84 lakh hectares around the Gir Protected Area as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) to protect Asiatic lions and promote sustainable development. This ESZ spans 196 villages across three districts and includes 17 rivers, with a 10 km buffer zone from the Gir Protected Area's boundary. Gir National Park, located in Gujarat, India, is renowned for its conservation efforts and is home to a thriving population of Asiatic lions.

China successfully launched the Smart Dragon-3 rocket from an offshore platform near Haiyang, Shandong Province. This mission placed eight satellites, including Tianyi-41, into their designated orbits, showcasing China's growing capabilities in space technology. The launch was managed by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center and marked another milestone in China's space advancements, driven by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. This development is part of the broader effort to enhance satellite deployment and bolster China's space program.

The Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft, belonging to Russia, successfully returned two Russian cosmonauts, Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub, and a NASA astronaut, Tracy Dyson, to Earth on September 23, 2024. The spacecraft landed near Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, following a 374-day mission for the Russian cosmonauts and 184 days in space for the NASA astronaut. The mission underscores Russia's ongoing involvement in the International Space Station program, in collaboration with NASA and other space agencies.

World Tourism Day is celebrated on September 27 each year to recognize the social, cultural, and economic significance of tourism globally. The event was first initiated in 1980 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The theme for 2024 is "Tourism and Peace," highlighting how tourism fosters global peace, sustainable development, and cultural exchange. This year, Georgia has been selected as the host country, reflecting the international focus on promoting tourism as a driver of peace and understanding.

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, is a landmark law in India aimed at protecting women from domestic abuse within all domestic relationships, regardless of their religion or social status. The Act serves as a civil code designed to safeguard the constitutional rights of women by providing protection and legal recourse against any form of domestic violence. The Supreme Court recently reaffirmed that this law applies universally to all women in India, ensuring their protection from abuse.

India has secured the 39th position among 133 global economies in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024, marking a significant improvement from its 81st position in 2015. This achievement is attributed to India's thriving innovation ecosystem, fueled by entrepreneurs, startups, and public-private partnerships. Additionally, India ranked 1st in Central and Southern Asia, 1st among lower-middle-income economies, 4th in WIPO's Science and Technology Cluster Rankings, and 7th globally in intangible asset intensity. Major Indian cities, such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai, are also listed among the world's top 100 Science and Technology clusters.

The seventh edition of the Global Aerospace Summit took place in Abu Dhabi from September 25-26, focusing on sustainability, youth engagement, and innovation in the aerospace, space, and defence sectors. This premier event brought together industry leaders, government officials, and startups to showcase innovations and discuss the future of the aerospace sector. Abu Dhabi's strategic location highlights its growing influence as a global aerospace hub, with the space economy projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035.

India is preparing to host the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) in 2024, with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) initiating outreach sessions in major cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. These sessions aim to provide a platform for students to learn from industry experts and understand the significance of telecommunications standards in advancing technologies such as 5G and the future 6G. The initiative highlights India's role in the global telecom landscape, emphasizing the importance of standardization in ensuring interoperability and shaping the future of communication technologies.

In the IMD World Talent Ranking 2024, India is ranked 58th globally, with a talent score of 40.47 out of the 67 economies surveyed. The ranking assesses the competitiveness of economies based on their ability to attract, develop, and retain talent. Switzerland leads the 2024 list, followed by Singapore, reflecting their strong talent management systems. India's drop in rank highlights the challenges it faces in improving its global competitiveness and talent development compared to other nations.

India's election to the GlobE Steering Committee was a significant milestone, and it took place during a plenary session in Beijing on September 26, 2024. This development strengthens India's role in combating corruption globally, building on its prior support for the G-20 initiative. As a member of the Steering Committee, India will play a crucial role in shaping the global anti-corruption agenda, leveraging its experience and expertise in the field. The Globe Network, an initiative of the G-20, aims to enhance cooperation among anti-corruption law enforcement authorities worldwide.

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was enacted in 1958, granting security forces extraordinary powers to maintain law and order in disturbed areas. Section 3 of the AFSPA Act enables the extension of these powers, as seen in the recent six-month extension in eight districts of Nagaland and three districts of Arunachal Pradesh. This legislation allows security forces to arrest individuals and conduct searches without a warrant, aiming to restore peace and stability in affected regions. The AFSPA has been a subject of debate regarding its implications on human rights and regional autonomy.

Kamal Chawla, an Indian veteran cueist, secured his first IBSF World 6-Red title by defeating Pakistan's Asjad Iqbal 6-2 in the final. This victory marked a significant achievement for Chawla and contributed to India's overall medal tally at the championship. Additionally, India claimed three bronze medals through Malkeet Singh, Vidya Pillai, and Keerthana Pandian, showcasing the country's growing presence in international cue sports. Chawla's win highlighted his skill and experience in the 6-red snooker format.

The High-Performance Computing systems, Arka and Arunika, have been specifically designed to enhance India's computational capabilities for reliable weather forecasting, particularly for extreme climate events. With an investment of ₹850 crores, these systems will be located at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting in Noida, significantly improving India's weather forecasting capabilities. This initiative aims to provide better preparedness and response to challenges posed by climate variability and extreme weather events.

B Vanlalvawna, a 1998-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Cambodia. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). His appointment comes at a time of growing diplomatic relations between India and Cambodia. Cambodia, with its capital Phnom Penh and its leaders Prime Minister Hun Manet and President Hun Sen, share historical and cultural ties with India.

World Environmental Health Day is celebrated every year on September 26, highlighting the crucial link between environmental health and human well-being. This observance serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the planet's health. As we confront complex environmental challenges, the day encourages individuals and communities to reflect on the importance of clean air, safe water, proper sanitation, and effective waste management. By recognizing the significance of these elements, World Environmental Health Day emphasizes that neglecting environmental health poses serious risks to both nature and humanity.