Current Affairs - Places

The 'Bima Sakhi Yojana,' aimed at empowering women across India through financial security and skill development, will be launched by the PM in Panipat on December 9. The initiative promotes economic participation and entrepreneurship among women by providing financial assistance, access to insurance products, and skill development opportunities. Panipat is the chosen location for this significant event.

The 'One Day One Genome' initiative was launched in New Delhi on the 1st foundation day of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC). This initiative aims to showcase India’s microbial diversity by releasing fully annotated bacterial genomes, along with summaries, infographics, and genome data. It focuses on leveraging this data for a better understanding of microbial functions, which could enhance areas like agriculture, human health, and environmental sustainability. The initiative is coordinated by BRIC-NIBMG under the Department of Biotechnology.

Bengaluru, Karnataka, has been chosen as the location for the BIMSTEC Energy Centre, following the signing of a Host Country Agreement between India and BIMSTEC. This initiative aims to strengthen energy cooperation among BIMSTEC member states, promoting energy security and sustainable development in the Bay of Bengal region. The centre will foster inter-grid connectivity, regional connectivity, and collaboration on energy issues. The agreement was formalized by MEA Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumder and BIMSTEC Secretary General Indramani Pandey, marking a significant step in India's engagement with BIMSTEC and its commitment to regional cooperation.

PV Sindhu, the renowned Indian badminton player and Olympic medallist, laid the foundation stone for the PV Sindhu Centre for Badminton and Sports Excellence on November 7 in Chinna Gadili, near Visakhapatnam. This three-acre facility, backed by the Andhra Pradesh government, aims to provide state-of-the-art training resources for aspiring badminton players. With support from stakeholders like Greenko and guidance from her coach Pullela Gopichand, the centre is envisioned to enhance Indian badminton talent and bring training infrastructure in line with global standards.

Anish Sarkar, a 3-year-old chess sensation from Kolkata, has etched his name in history as the youngest-rated chess player. Achieving a remarkable FIDE rating of 1555 on November 1st, 2024, Anish surpassed the previous record held by Tejas Tiwari, who was five years old when he gained his rating. This feat showcases Anish's exceptional talent and potential in the world of chess. Notably, he has even had the opportunity to play against renowned Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, demonstrating his skills against experienced opponents. Kolkata can pride itself on nurturing this young chess prodigy.