Current Affairs - October 15, 2024 Current Affairs

Abu Dhabi has been crowned the world's richest city due to its substantial sovereign wealth funds, estimated at $1.7 trillion. This significant wealth is primarily attributed to the discovery of oil in the 1950s, making Abu Dhabi one of the world's top energy producers. The city holds 95% of the UAE's oil reserves and 92% of its gas reserves, solidifying its position as a global financial powerhouse. This ranking is based on the city's impressive capital reserves, surpassing other major cities like Oslo, Beijing, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

The Indian Navy's Multi-Purpose Vessel 'Samarthak' was launched as the first ship under a two-vessel project being constructed by L&T Shipyard. These vessels are designed for a variety of tasks, including towing ships, launching and recovering targets, and operating uncrewed autonomous vehicles. With a length of 106 meters and a width of 16.8 meters, these vessels can reach a maximum speed of 15 knots, enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy for multiple maritime roles.

Odisha took the top spot in the 'Best State' category at the 5th National Water Awards, 2023, announced by Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri CR Paatil. Uttar Pradesh secured second place, while Gujarat and Puducherry jointly claimed third. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding efforts in water conservation and management across various categories, including states, districts, villages, and individuals. The National Water Awards aim to promote holistic water resource management and encourage exemplary work in achieving the government's vision of 'Jal Samridh Bharat'.

The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) partnered with Meta to introduce an AI-powered assistant on the Skill India Digital (SID) Portal. This initiative aims to enhance the learner experience by providing 24/7 course support in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and Hinglish. Built on Meta’s open-source Llama model, the AI assistant is designed to streamline learning experiences and improve skill development outcomes for Indian youth. Additionally, the partnership includes the establishment of five Centres of Excellence in Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) across India, further enhancing technological integration in skill training.

Dr. S. Somnath, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), received the prestigious IAF World Space Award for leading the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. This historic achievement marked India as the first nation to land near the Moon's South Pole. As ISRO chief, Dr Somnath played a crucial role in India's space exploration endeavours. His contributions have been recognized globally, and this award is a testament to his exceptional leadership and vision in the field of space technology.

Amit Kumar, currently serving as Executive Director at Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), is slated to take over as the Chairman & Managing Director of AI Assets Holding Limited. This entity operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, providing unified asset-holding services for the government. Notably, Amit Kumar's new role signifies a significant shift in leadership within the organization. Interestingly, there is another notable figure with the same name, Amit Kumar, a renowned playback singer and actor, son of legendary singer-actor Kishore Kumar.

The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron made a significant visit to Bahrain and the UAE, aiming to enhance naval cooperation and interoperability with the Royal Bahrain Naval Forces and the UAE Navy. Indian Naval Ship Tir and Indian Coast Guard Ship Veera arrived at Port of Manama, Bahrain, while INS Shardul arrived at Port Rashid, Dubai. This strategic move strengthens India's maritime ties with Gulf nations, promoting regional stability and defence collaboration. The visit included professional interactions, joint exercises, and cultural exchanges, highlighting India's commitment to securing maritime interests and fostering diplomatic relationships.

India withdrew its High Commissioner and senior diplomats from Canada in response to Canadian allegations linking Indian diplomats to the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan figure. This diplomatic escalation further strained relations between the two countries, with India also expelling six Canadian diplomats. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government made the allegations, which led to a significant diplomatic rift.

World Students’ Day is celebrated annually on October 15 to commemorate the life and contributions of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, a revered educator, scientist, and former President of India. This day marks Dr. Kalam’s birthday and pays tribute to his dedication to education, innovation, and the youth of the nation. Established in 2010, World Students’ Day emphasizes the importance of education in achieving personal and societal progress, reflecting Dr. Kalam's belief in hard work, discipline, and passion. The celebration serves to inspire students to pursue their goals while honouring Dr. Kalam's enduring legacy.

World Food Day is observed annually on October 16 to raise global awareness about hunger, malnutrition, and food security. This day marks a call to action to ensure everyone's right to adequate nutrition. The theme for World Food Day 2024, "Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future," emphasizes the importance of accessible, diverse, nutritious, and safe food. Established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, World Food Day aims to promote global cooperation and sustainable solutions to eradicate hunger.

Partha Pratim Sengupta has taken the reins as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Bandhan Bank, replacing founder Chandra Sekhar Ghosh who resigned on July 9, 2024. Sengupta brings 40 years of banking experience, having led the Indian Overseas Bank and held key roles at the State Bank of India. His appointment is for a three-year term, effective November 10, 2024. With Ratan Kesh serving as interim MD and CEO, Sengupta's leadership is expected to bring clarity and stability to Bandhan Bank's operations.

The Maharashtra government announced on October 14, 2024, that the Maharashtra State Skills Development University will be renamed the "Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata Skills University" to honour the significant contributions of the late industrialist Ratan Tata to education and skill development. This decision reflects the state's recognition of Tata's philanthropic efforts and commitment to empowering youth, particularly in rural areas. The renaming also included other honours, such as a request for the Bharat Ratna Award and the renaming of the Udyog Ratna Award in his memory, showcasing Tata’s enduring legacy in India.

Arjun Vajpai achieved a remarkable milestone on October 9, 2024, by becoming the first Indian to successfully summit Mt. Shishapangma, one of the world's 14 peaks over 8,000 meters. This accomplishment is particularly significant as it marks Vajpai's 8th successful ascent of an 8,000-meter peak. Starting his mountaineering journey at just 16 years old, Vajpai aims to summit all 14 of these towering mountains. His achievements not only highlight his skill but also set new records, including the fastest ascent from Base Camp to the summit and back in under 72 hours.

S Paramesh has been appointed as the new chief of the Indian Coast Guard, succeeding the late former Director General Rakesh Pal. With over three decades of service, Paramesh has held key positions such as Deputy Director General (Operations and Coastal Security) and commanded several major vessels of the Indian Coast Guard. He is also a recipient of the prestigious President’s Tatrakshak Medal for his distinguished service and contributions to coastal security and maritime operations.

The Bank of Baroda has launched the 'Bob Utsav Deposit Scheme', a limited-period 400-day term deposit offering competitive interest rates to various depositor categories. The scheme provides interest rates ranging from 7.30% for general citizens to 7.90% for super senior citizens. Additionally, the Bank of Baroda has increased interest rates on term deposits for select tenors, including a 30 basis points increase for the 3-5-year bucket. This move aims to capitalize on the current interest rate cycle, providing attractive savings options for customers during the festive season.

Jannik Sinner made history by defeating Novak Djokovic 7-6(4), 6-3 in the Shanghai Masters final, securing his seventh title of the year. This impressive victory marked Sinner's third consecutive win over Djokovic, levelling their head-to-head series at 4-4. Sinner's remarkable performance has earned him a milestone, becoming the first player since Andy Murray in 2016 to win more than six titles in a calendar year. With 65 wins this season, Sinner solidifies his position among the world's top tennis players.