Current Affairs - September 30, 2024 Current Affairs

Tropical Storm Krathon is currently moving towards the Philippines, with northern Luzon on high alert as authorities prepare for its potential impact. The storm is expected to strengthen into a typhoon and may make landfall near Taiwan. South Korea is also bracing for Typhoon Krathon, as it could affect Jeju Island after passing near Taipei. Weather agencies are closely monitoring the storm's progress as it intensifies. Such storms can cause severe weather conditions, making preparations essential for affected regions.

As of September 20, India’s foreign exchange reserves reached a record high of $692.3 billion, driven by market interventions by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and inflows into stocks and bonds. This reserve includes $605.7 billion in foreign currency assets, $63.6 billion in gold reserves, and $18.5 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) with the International Monetary Fund. The rise in reserves helps India maintain financial stability, manage currency volatility, and enhance investor confidence.

International Translation Day is commemorated annually on September 30 to recognize the vital contributions of translators and language specialists worldwide. This day acknowledges their role in facilitating global communication, understanding, and collaboration. The United Nations emphasizes the significance of this day in promoting international cooperation, peace, and security. By observing International Translation Day, the world highlights the importance of languages and the translation profession in bridging cultural and linguistic divides, ultimately advancing global understanding and progress. This observance encourages appreciation for the intricate work of translators and language specialists.

THDC India Limited (THDCIL) was honoured with the "Best Display" award at the UP International Trade Show 2024 in Greater Noida, recognizing its commitment to sustainability and energy security. The company showcased its cutting-edge power solutions, earning praise from Union Minister Shandilya Giriraj Singh, who presented the award. As a Mini Ratna Category-I Enterprise, THDCIL operates several power plants, including the Tehri Dam and Koteshwar Dam, and is venturing into thermal power generation and solar parks.

M V Shreyams Kumar of Mathrubhumi has been elected as the President of The Indian Newspaper Society (INS), succeeding Rakesh Sharma of Aaj Samaj. Kumar, born on April 15, 1967, is an experienced media professional and politician who has previously served as a member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly and Rajya Sabha. He has played a significant role in expanding the Mathrubhumi group’s media presence, launching several editions and platforms to serve the Malayalee community both in India and abroad. His leadership will be pivotal for the INS in advocating for the interests of the publishing industry.

A new species of catfish, Exostoma sentiyonoae, was discovered in the Dzuleke River in Nagaland, which is part of the Barak River system. The discovery was made by researchers Bungdon Shangningam from the Zoological Survey of India and Limatemjen from Kohima Science College. The newly identified catfish, catalogued as holotype ZSI FF 9871, measures 75.8 mm in length. This discovery adds to the rich biodiversity of Nagaland, a state known for its unique flora and fauna, further emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts in the region.

Finland, a recent NATO member, will host the Northern Land Command, strengthening the alliance's presence in northern Europe. This strategic move aims to enhance deterrence and defence capabilities in the region. The command, named Multi Corps Land Component Command, will operate under NATO's Norfolk Joint Force Command and Finland's land force command, with an initial annual budget of €8.5 million. This development underscores Finland's commitment to regional security and its partnership with NATO, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Gulveer Singh claimed the gold medal in the men's 5,000-meter race at the World Athletics Continental Tour in Japan with an impressive time of 13 minutes 11.82 seconds, setting a new record. This achievement surpassed his own previous record of 13 minutes and 18.92 seconds set earlier in 2024. Singh has consistently shown his prowess in long-distance running, also breaking the men's 10,000 meters record at the Ten Track Meet in California earlier in the year. His performances have positioned him as one of India's leading athletes in distance running.

Sumant Kathpalia has been reappointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of IndusInd Bank for a three-year term from March 24, 2025, to March 23, 2028, pending approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and shareholders. Since joining IndusInd Bank in 2007, Kathpalia has played a crucial role in the bank’s turnaround and growth, implementing effective strategies in financial management, investor relations, and digitization. His extensive 36-year banking experience includes significant positions at Citibank, Bank of America, and ABN AMRO.

The 70th edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race took place at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, Kerala. This annual boat race is one of the most prestigious and eagerly awaited events in Kerala's sporting calendar. During this race, the boat Karichal Chundan, rowed by Pallathuruthy Boat Club, secured a narrow victory, clocking a time of 4 minutes, 29.785 seconds. Alappuzha, also known as the "Venice of the East," is famous for its intricate network of waterways and hosts many such boat races.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) inaugurated the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, which is now referred to as the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE). The facility is a state-of-the-art cricketing hub spread over 40 acres, featuring 86 pitches, including 45 outdoor nets and 8 premium indoor pitches. Bengaluru has long been associated with the NCA and is a prime location for developing cricket talent in India, offering world-class infrastructure and training grounds.

Marburg viral disease, caused by the Marburg virus, which is closely related to the Ebola virus, recently resulted in 6 deaths in Rwanda. The virus is transmitted from African fruit bats to primates and spreads through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals. Marburg has a high fatality rate, ranging from 24% to 88%, with no specific treatment available. The disease is known for causing severe symptoms such as fever, chills, headaches, and severe bleeding in its advanced stages, making it a serious public health concern.

Telangana has launched the ‘Darshini’ scheme, an initiative by the state's Tourism and Culture Department. The scheme is designed to provide educational tours for students, exposing them to the region’s rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and scientific institutions. It caters to students from Class 2 through university, with tailored trips based on age group. The government has allocated ₹12.10 crore for the program, which includes one-day tours for younger students and longer four-day trips for university-level participants. This initiative promotes experiential learning through travel.