Current Affairs - October 14, 2024 Current Affairs

India's first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers was inaugurated by Dr Jitendra Singh in Pune, marking a significant milestone in the country's biotechnology sector. Developed by Praj Industries, the facility specializes in producing Polylactic Acid (PLA) bioplastic. This initiative is part of India's rapidly growing bio-economy, valued at over $150 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $300 billion by 2030, driven by over 8,500 biotech startups. The facility underscores India's commitment to biotechnology research and innovation, positioning itself as a key player in the global biotech industry.

Telangana has launched a comprehensive household caste survey, joining Andhra Pradesh and Bihar as the third state to conduct such a survey. This initiative aims to ensure targeted resource distribution among Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other communities. A commission led by former High Court judge Justice Shameem Akhtar will study the sub-classification of SCs. The survey will provide valuable data on socio-economic status, education levels, income, employment, and political representation, enabling evidence-based policy interventions.

India has emerged as the second-largest supplier of restricted critical technologies to Russia, which includes essential components like microchips, circuits, and machine tools. These technologies are crucial for Russia's economy and military, especially amid its ongoing war efforts. India’s exports of these restricted items rose significantly, reaching $95 million in July 2024, an increase from $60 million in prior months. Only China surpasses India in supplying such restricted items to Russia.

World Standards Day is celebrated annually on October 14 to honour the significant contributions of individuals and organizations involved in developing and implementing international standards. These standards are crucial for ensuring safety, quality, efficiency, and interoperability across various industries. The day raises awareness about the importance of standardization in facilitating international trade and improving the quality of life. In 2024, the theme is “Advancing Health Equity through Standards,” highlighting the role of standards in addressing global challenges such as digital transformation and climate change.

Dr S Jaishankar launched the eMigrate V2.0 portal and app to promote orderly and responsible migration for Indian workers, providing them with social security and streamlined passport issuance processes. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 10 and features 2.81 lakh registered foreign employers, facilitating a secure and legal migration experience for Indian workers. The portal aims to safeguard the interests of Indian workers abroad and ensure their well-being.

Harmanpreet Kaur made history at the IWLF National Weightlifting Championships by setting a new national record in the 76 kg Senior women's category. She achieved an impressive 127 kg lift in clean & jerk and a total lift of 223 kg. This remarkable feat showcases her exceptional strength and skill, cementing her position among India's top weightlifters. Other notable performers at the event included Heena and G. Ravishankar, who also set junior national records in their respective categories, highlighting the growing talent in Indian weightlifting.

Nicaragua has cut diplomatic ties with Israel, condemning its actions in Gaza and labelling its government "fascist and genocidal". This move aligns with Nicaragua's leftist stance and follows similar decisions by other Latin American countries. The country previously broke relations with Israel in 1982 and 2010 under President Daniel Ortega's administration. Nicaragua's government expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemned the war's expansion into Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran, reflecting a consistent stance among leftist governments in the region, emphasizing humanitarian concerns over diplomatic relations.

Navi, co-founded by Sachin Bansal, has achieved significant growth and has become the fifth-largest player on UPI in India. In September 2024, Navi processed an impressive 120.4 million transactions valued at ₹6,549.1 crore, surpassing Amazon Pay's UPI volumes. The company is closing in on the fourth spot, trailing Cred by just 20 million transactions. Navi's rise underscores its increasing influence in India's digital payments landscape, competing with established players like Paytm, Google Pay, and PhonePe. Its growth trajectory indicates a promising future in the fintech sector.

India ranks 105th out of 127 countries in the 2024 Global Hunger Index, falling under the "serious" hunger category with a GHI score of 27.3. This ranking indicates that 13.7% of India's population is undernourished, with alarming rates of child malnutrition, including 35.5% stunted, 18.7% wasted, and 2.9% child mortality. In comparison, neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have lower hunger levels, categorized as "moderate". The Global Hunger Index is published annually by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe to track hunger levels worldwide.

Wayanad district in Kerala has received an advanced X-band radar to bolster disaster preparedness following the devastating floods and landslides in July 2024 that claimed over 200 lives. The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences approved the installation to improve monitoring and prediction of natural disasters. The X-band radar will track soil movements to predict landslides and monitor weather patterns, utilizing radio waves to detect objects and measure distance, velocity, and characteristics. This technology operates in the 8-12 GHz range, offering higher-resolution images and detecting smaller particles like rain droplets or fog. Its primary application is in meteorology, but its limitations are due to its shorter range.

The International Day of Rural Women is celebrated every year on October 15. This day acknowledges the crucial contributions of rural women to agriculture, rural development, and poverty alleviation. In 2024, the theme is "Rural Women Sustaining Nature for Our Collective Future," emphasizing the role of rural women in building climate resilience and promoting biodiversity. The observance also highlights the need for gender equality and the empowerment of rural women, who make up 22% of the global population.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has achieved Maharatna status, granting it enhanced operational autonomy and financial powers. This upgrade enables HAL to invest up to 15% of its net worth in projects and ₹5,000 crore in foreign ventures. To qualify, HAL demonstrated an average annual turnover exceeding ₹25,000 crore, a net worth of over ₹15,000 crore, and a net profit exceeding ₹5,000 crore over three years ¹. As a Maharatna company, HAL joins the ranks of prominent PSUs like NTPC, ONGC, and BHEL, showcasing its substantial operational success.

The Asian Table Tennis Championships 2024 took place in Astana, Kazakhstan, marking a significant milestone for Indian table tennis. Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee secured a historic bronze medal in the Women's Doubles category, achieving India's first-ever medal in the event. The Indian duo lost to Japan's Miwa Harimoto and Miyuu Kihara in the semi-finals. Kazakhstan hosted the prestigious championships, providing a platform for top Asian players to compete. The event showcased exceptional talent and determination in the sport.

Noel Tata has been appointed as the chairman of Tata Trusts, which holds a significant 66% ownership of Tata Sons. This pivotal role positions him to influence the strategic, investment, and philanthropic directions of the Tata Group, one of India's largest conglomerates valued at $165 billion. His appointment follows the death of his half-brother, Ratan Tata, marking an important transition for the Trusts and the broader Tata Group. The Tata Trusts play a critical role in the governance of Tata Sons by appointing a third of the board members and holding veto power over significant decisions, thus ensuring a strategic direction aligned with the group’s philanthropic goals.