Current Affairs - October 25, 2024 Current Affairs

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided significant financial support to Assam's renewable energy initiatives by approving a $434.25 million loan. This funding will facilitate the construction of a 500 MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic facility in the Karbi Anglong district, substantially enhancing the state's renewable energy capacity. The project includes a battery energy storage system to ensure grid stability and meet peak power demands. By promoting sustainable energy development, ADB's loan aligns with India's goals of reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy security. This collaboration demonstrates ADB's commitment to supporting environmentally friendly infrastructure projects in developing regions.

IIM Shillong has partnered with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to promote entrepreneurship in the Northeast through the STEM Program. This 18-month initiative will offer training, mentorship, and incubation support to emerging entrepreneurs, aiming to foster sustainable and innovative businesses in the region. The program will be overseen by the IIM Shillong Foundation for Incubation and Enterprise (IIMSFIE), reinforcing IIM Shillong's commitment to regional development and entrepreneurship support.

In a major push for rural infrastructure, the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, inaugurated panchayat projects totalling Rs 7,160 crore. These projects include the construction of 2,615 panchayat buildings and a resource centre. Alongside the buildings, solar panel installations and street light projects are set to enhance energy access and infrastructure across Bihar’s villages. Additional resource centres and completed panchayat buildings further emphasize the state’s commitment to rural development and modernization.

Hindalco Industries, a leading player in the metals sector and part of the Aditya Birla Group, has joined the International Copper Association. As a major producer of copper and aluminium, Hindalco manufactures copper cathodes and continuous-cast copper rods for domestic and international markets. With the CEO of Copper Business being Rohit Pathak, the company's membership in ICA underscores its commitment to global cooperation and best practices in the copper industry. Founded in 1958, Hindalco has established itself as a key player in India's metals landscape.

Vishvajit Ramchandra More made a remarkable achievement by securing a bronze medal in the 55 kg Greco-Roman category at the Under-23 Wrestling World Championship. He triumphed over Adam Ulbashev with a score of 14-10, demonstrating his exceptional wrestling skills. This victory showcases India's growing presence in international wrestling competitions. The championship also saw other notable performances, including Ali Abdollah Ahmadi Vafa winning gold and Rashad Mammadov taking silver in the same category. Vishvajit's bronze medal win is a testament to India's rising talent in wrestling.

The 21st Livestock Census, set to launch on October 25, 2024, will collect detailed data on 15 livestock species, including information on pastoralist holdings and gender roles in animal husbandry. This census is distinct for its use of mobile data collection methods, enabling efficient and accurate recording by over 1 lakh field officials across villages and urban areas. This comprehensive approach aims to better inform policies for livestock management and agricultural development.

Rani Rampal, renowned as the "Queen of Indian Hockey," has brought an end to her remarkable 15-year international hockey career. With 254 international matches and 120 goals under her belt, Rani leaves behind a legacy of outstanding achievements. Her leadership and scoring prowess guided India to numerous milestones, including a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Rani's accolades include the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and the Padma Shri, solidifying her status as one of India's greatest female hockey players. Her retirement marks the end of an era in Indian women's hockey.

The maiden Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) between India and Germany involved the Indian Navy's INS Delhi and Germany’s frigate Baden-Württemberg, along with the tanker Frankfurt Am Main. This exercise in the Indian Ocean included complex operations such as cross-deck flying, underway replenishment, and weapon firing. MPX signifies an important step in strengthening naval interoperability and maritime relations between India and Germany, underscoring a shared commitment to regional security and defence collaboration.

The 31st edition of SIMBEX, a bilateral maritime exercise between India and Singapore, commenced on October 23, 2024, in Visakhapatnam. This exercise aims to fortify maritime ties and enhance strategic partnership between the two nations through advanced naval drills, anti-submarine warfare, and tactical operations. The exercise consists of two phases: the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase, taking place in the Bay of Bengal. SIMBEX demonstrates India's commitment to strengthening regional maritime cooperation and securing vital sea lanes. Visakhapatnam's strategic location makes it an ideal host for this significant naval exercise.

Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, has collaborated with Nvidia to establish a robust AI infrastructure in India, aligning with the Prime Minister's vision of self-sufficiency in AI development. This partnership leverages India's vast IT talent, digital data, and youthful population, aiming to position the country as a leading intelligence market. The initiative involves deploying Nvidia's GB 200 supercomputer technology for large-scale AI capabilities. With Jio's affordable data and robust connectivity infrastructure, Reliance Industries is poised to drive India's transformation into an intelligence-driven economy, which is estimated to generate immense value between $500 billion and $700 billion annually.

The Indian men's football team has achieved a notable improvement in the FIFA rankings, climbing to the 125th position globally. This advancement is attributed to their 1-1 draw against Vietnam in a recent international friendly. With 1133.78 points, India also secured the 22nd rank in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) standings. Although the team is still seeking its first win under new coach Manolo Marquez, this rise in rankings demonstrates their resilience and potential for growth. The global football landscape sees Argentina leading the top spot, followed closely by France, Spain, England, and Brazil.

International Dwarfism Awareness Day is observed annually on October 25, coinciding with the birthday of Billy Barty, a renowned advocate for individuals with dwarfism. This day aims to raise awareness about conditions like Achondroplasia, promote understanding, and encourage the inclusion of people with short stature. Founded by Little People of America (LPA) in 2012, this observance celebrates diversity and challenges societal perceptions of short-statured individuals. By educating the public about dwarfism, its types, and its effects, International Dwarfism Awareness Day fosters a more inclusive and accepting environment for those with dwarfism.