26 September 2024 Current Affairs

26 September 2024 Current Affairs

DAILY-CURRENT-AFFAIRS-BY-EDUSPRINT

National news

Marhowra Plant to Export Evolution Series Locomotives to Africa by 2025
Marhowra Plant to Export Evolution Series Locomotives to Africa by 2025

Wabtec Locomotive Private Limited, a joint venture between Indian Railways and Wabtec, will start exporting Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives from its Marhowra plant to global customers, particularly in Africa, beginning in 2025. This marks the plant’s first venture into manufacturing locomotives for international markets, highlighting India’s emerging role in the global locomotive manufacturing sector.

Locomotive Features and Strategic Alignment:

  • ES43ACmi locomotives feature a 4,500 HP Evolution Series engine.
  • Engineered for high fuel efficiency and reliable performance in extreme conditions.
  • Supports “Make in India” and “Make for the World” initiatives under “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

Economic and Strategic Impact:

  • First export initiative from the Marhowra plant, starting in 2025.
  • Boosts local manufacturing, job creation, and global footprint.
  • Successfully produced around 650 locomotives for Indian Railways, showcasing a strong partnership.

Marhowra Plant Overview:

  • Established in 2018 on 70 acres in Marhowra, Bihar.
  • Designed to manufacture 1,000 advanced locomotives for Indian Railways.
  • Employs approximately 600 people; delivers 100 locomotives annually.
  • Ongoing enhancements to support long-term export production and competitiveness.
Pune Airport To Be Named After Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj
Pune Airport To Be Named After Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj

Maharashtra government approved a proposal to name Pune airport as Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Pune International Airport. Airport renaming proposal put forward last month Last month, Murlidhar Mohol proposed naming the airport after the 17th-century saint, noting that Lohegaon, where the airport is situated, was the village of Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s mother.

Procedure for Renaming:

  • The process involves a state assembly resolution, followed by approval from the Union cabinet.
  • The final decision is made by the central government and is officially notified in the Gazette of India.

About Sant Tukaram Maharaj:

  • A revered 17th-century Marathi poet and Hindu saint, also known as Tuka, Tukobaraya, or Tukoba.
  • A prominent figure in the Warkari sampradaya, which worships the god Vithoba.
  • Known for his devotional poetry called Abhanga and community-centric kirtans (spiritual songs).

Contribution to Warkari Tradition:

  • Sant Tukaram’s teachings and works are central to the Warkari sect across Maharashtra.
  • Credited with initiating the Wari pilgrimage, where lakhs of devotees participate annually, starting from Dehu and Alandi to Pandharpur, honoring Sant Tukaram and Sant Dyaneshwar.

Maharashtra:

  • Capital: Mumbai
  • Chief minister: Eknath Shinde
  • Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan
Goa Maritime Symposium 2024
Goa Maritime Symposium 2024
  • The Indian Navy hosted the fifth edition of the Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS) 2024 from 23-24 September at the newly inaugurated Chola building, Naval War College, Goa.
  • The symposium centered around the theme: “Common Maritime Security Challenges in the IOR – Progressing Lines of Effort to Mitigate Dynamic Threats such as Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and Other Illegal Maritime Activities.”

Guiding Principle: The event was aligned with the “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) initiative, promoting regional security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Participation:

  • Delegates from 14 IOR littoral nations, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, participated in the symposium.
  • Observers from Kenya and Tanzania also attended, contributing to discussions on enhancing maritime cooperation.

Theme Focus:

  • Addressed non-traditional maritime security challenges in the IOR, particularly IUU fishing and other illegal maritime activities.
  • Aimed to strengthen regional security through cooperative strategies and information-sharing mechanisms among participating nations.

Goa:

  • Capital: Panaji (Executive Branch)
  • CM: Pramod Pandurang Sawant
  • Governor: Shri Sreedharan Pillai


Economy news

7th Annual PLFS Report (2023-24)
7th Annual PLFS Report (2023-24)

The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 7th Annual Report of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for the period from July 2023 to June 2024. Key highlights include:

1. Unemployment Rate (UR)

  • Overall Unemployment Rate: The unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above in usual status (ps+ss) remained steady at 3.2%.
  • Male Unemployment Rate: Decreased marginally from 3.3% (2022-23) to 3.2% (2023-24).
  • Female Unemployment Rate: Increased from 2.9% (2022-23) to 3.2% (2023-24).

2. Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

  • The LFPR for persons aged 15 years and above rose from 57.9% in 2022-23 to 60.1% in 2023-24, indicating a higher engagement of the population in the labor market.

3. Worker Population Rate (WPR)

  • The WPR for persons aged 15 years and above increased from 56.0% (2022-23) to 58.2% (2023-24), reflecting improved employment conditions.

About MoSPI: Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation: Rao Inderjit Singh (Constituency: Gurugram, Haryana).

S&P Global Ratings’ Economic Outlook for India (FY25-FY28)

S&P Global Ratings has maintained India’s GDP growth forecast at 6.8% for FY25 and 6.9% for FY26 in its report titled “Economic Outlook Asia-Pacific Q4 2024: Central Banks To Remain Cautious Despite U.S. Rate Relief.” Key highlights include:

  • GDP Growth Projections:
  • FY24: 8.2%
  • FY25: 6.8%
  • FY26: 6.9%
  • FY27 & FY28: 7%
  • Inflation Forecast:
  • FY25: 4.5%
  • FY26 & FY27: 4.6%
  • FY28: 4.1%
  • RBI’s inflation target: 4% (with a tolerance band of +/- 2%).
  • Regional Context:
  • Asia-Pacific GDP growth is projected at 4.4% annually for 2024 to 2027.
  • RBI’s Monetary Policy:
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to cut interest rates in October 2024 as part of its inflation control measures.

About S&P Global Ratings

  • CEO: Douglas L. Peterson
  • Founded: 1860
  • Headquarters: New York, USA

Appointment news

Jitendra J Jadhav Appointed as Director General of Aeronautical Development Agency
Jitendra J Jadhav Appointed as Director General of Aeronautical Development Agency

The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet has approved Jitendra J Jadhav as the new Director General of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), effective September 11, 2024. Jadhav, a Distinguished Scientist with nearly 40 years of experience in aircraft design and development, brings a wealth of expertise to India’s aeronautical sector.

Jadhav’s Illustrious Career

  • Joining ADA: Jadhav began his career at ADA in 1999 as a Scientist/Engineer ‘E’, laying the groundwork for his impactful journey in Indian aviation.
  • Aircraft Development: He has played a pivotal role in both combat and civil aircraft development, significantly enhancing India’s indigenous capabilities.
  • Tejas LCA Project: As Project Director for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) in 2013, he led the team that achieved the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC), facilitating its induction into the Indian Air Force.

Award news

Vinod Bachchan Honored at the House of Lords, UK Parliament
Vinod Bachchan Honored at the House of Lords, UK Parliament

Bollywood producer Vinod Bachchan was awarded the Global Prestige Award at the House of Lords, UK Parliament, for his significant contributions to Indian cinema. Hosted by Lord Bellamy KC and Lord Rami Ranger CBE, the ceremony recognized Bachchan’s influential role in promoting Indian culture through hits like Tanu Weds Manu, Zila Ghaziabad, Ginny Weds Sunny, and Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana.

Contributions to Indian Cinema

  • Notable Works: Producer of successful films such as:
    • Tanu Weds Manu
    • Zila Ghaziabad
    • Ginny Weds Sunny
    • Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana
  • Impact: Recognized for his influential role in promoting Indian cinema globally, entertaining millions, and showcasing Indian culture and traditions.

Cultural Exchange Vision

  • Statement: Bachchan expressed gratitude and highlighted the importance of cultural exchange through cinema, celebrating the rich heritage of both India and the UK. He acknowledged the inspiring influence of leaders like Lord Rami Ranger in fostering national pride and cooperation.

UK:

  • Capital: London
  • President: Keir Starmer

Science and tech news

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Poised to Make History as Pilot of Axiom-4 Mission to the ISS
Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Poised to Make History as Pilot of Axiom-4 Mission to the ISS

In a monumental step for India’s space program, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will pilot the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025. Background The Ax-4 mission is the result of a bilateral agreement between India and the US. Over a year ago, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the US. It was announced that an Indian astronaut would travel to the ISS. Following this, ISRO signed a space flight agreement with Axiom Space, an American provider of human spaceflight services.

Crew Composition

  • Pilot: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Indian Air Force (IAF) test pilot.
  • Backup: Group Captain Prashanth Nair, also an IAF test pilot.
  • International Crew Members:
    • Slawosz Uznanski (Poland)
    • Tibor Kapu (Hungary)
      Both represent their nations’ inaugural ISS missions.

Role of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla

  • Responsibilities:
    • Critical spacecraft operations including navigation and docking.
    • Rigorous training for emergency handling, system checks, and microgravity experiments.

Training

  • Facilities: Crew training will take place at NASA, SpaceX, ESA, and JAXA.
  • Focus Areas: Mastery of ISS systems, safety protocols, and technology demonstrations.

Mission Details

  • Duration: Crew will spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS.
  • Significance: Marks a historic return to space for India, Poland, and Hungary, emphasizing international collaboration in space exploration.

About Axiom-4 Mission

  • Type: Private spaceflight operated by Axiom Space.
  • Spacecraft Used: SpaceX Crew Dragon, launched using the Falcon 9 rocket.
  • Context: This mission is part of Axiom Space’s ongoing efforts to establish a sustainable human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Tata Steel Commissions India’s Largest Blast Furnace in Kalinganagar
Tata Steel Commissions India’s Largest Blast Furnace in Kalinganagar

Tata Steel has commissioned India’s largest blast furnace at its Kalinganagar facility in Odisha, investing ₹27,000 crore to expand capacity from 3 MTPA to 8 MTPA. This expansion aims to meet the rising demands of industries such as automotive, infrastructure, shipbuilding, defence, and oil and gas. Odisha has emerged as Tata Steel’s largest investment destination, with over ₹100,000 crore invested in the past decade.

Significance

  • This expansion positions Tata Steel to meet the rising demands across multiple sectors, including automotive, infrastructure, shipbuilding, defence, and oil and gas.
  • Tata Steel’s cumulative investment in Odisha has surpassed ₹100,000 crore over the last decade, making it the largest investment destination for the company.

Advanced Features of the New Blast Furnace

  • Volume: 5,870 m³.
  • Technology Enhancements:
    • Top Combustion and Preheating Stoves: Utilizes four top combustion and two preheating stoves for optimized fuel efficiency.
    • Energy Recovery Systems: Features the world’s largest Top Gas Recovery Turbine (TRT) with a 35 MW capacity, allowing a 10% recovery of energy from by-product gas.
    • Eco-Friendly Design: Incorporates a dry gas cleaning plant and an evaporative cooling system, reducing water and power consumption by about 20%, alongside a zero-process water discharge plan and rainwater harvesting initiatives.

Sports news

Jeevan-Vijay Pair Wins Hangzhou Open 2024
Jeevan-Vijay Pair Wins Hangzhou Open 2024

India’s Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Vijay Sundar Prashanth won the men’s doubles title at the 2024 Hangzhou Open, defeating Germany’s Constantin Frantzen and Hendrik Jebens with a score of 4-6, 7(7)-6(5), 10-7 on September 24. This victory, secured at the Hangzhou Olympics Sports Centre, marks their first ATP Tour title together.

Match Highlights

  • Duration: The final lasted 1 hour and 49 minutes.
  • Set Breakdown: The German pair initially dominated, winning the first set after breaking in the fifth game. The Indian duo fought back in the second set, holding serve and clinching it in a tie-breaker.
  • Super Tiebreaker: Tied at one set each, the match proceeded to a 10-point super tiebreaker. After trailing 5-4, Jeevan and Vijay won six of the last eight points to secure the championship.

Individual Achievements

  • Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan: This victory marks his second ATP title, with his first win at the 2017 Chennai Open.
  • Vijay Sundar Prashanth: This title is his first on the ATP circuit.
Iran Unveils New Shahed-136B Suicide Drone

In a significant military showcase amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Iran has introduced the upgraded Shahed-136B suicide drone alongside the Jihad ballistic missile. This unveiling is part of Iran’s military modernization program.

Features of the Shahed-136B Drone

  • Enhanced Design: The Shahed-136B features a more powerful warhead, reduced radar signature, and an aerodynamic design that differs from the delta wing configuration of its predecessor, the Shahed-136.
  • Operational Range: The drone boasts an operational range of 2,500 to 4,000 kilometers (1,550 to 2,500 miles), allowing for extended deployment capabilities.
  • Launch Considerations: Its larger size indicates that the Shahed-136B may require more complex or static launch systems compared to the compact Shahed-136, which can be rapidly deployed from moving vehicles.

Books and author news

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Releases “Khaki Mein Sthitapragya”
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Releases "Khaki Mein Sthitapragya"

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami released a book titled “Khaki Mein Sthitapragya—Ek IPS Adhikari ki Smiritiyan avam Anubhav,” authored by Anil Raturi, former Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttarakhand. The book was launched at the Institute of Research Development & Training (IRDT) auditorium in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

  • About the Book:
  • The book compiles the author’s memories and experiences as an IPS officer.
  • “Sthitapragya” signifies maintaining calmness and equanimity in both success and failure.
  • It serves as a guide for young officers to face challenges with patience and resilience.

Uttarakhand:

  • Capital: Dehradun (Winter)
  • Chief minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
  • Governor: Gurmit Singh

Important days

Antyodaya Diwas 2024: Commemoration of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya
Antyodaya Diwas 2024: Commemoration of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya

Antyodaya Diwas is observed annually on September 25th in India to honor the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, a prominent Indian leader and co-founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the predecessor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Born in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, on September 25, 1916, Upadhyaya was a philosopher dedicated to the upliftment of the poor and marginalized.

Philosophy and Contributions Upadhyaya championed the philosophy of integral humanism, focusing on social justice, economic equality, and self-reliance. He emphasized the upliftment of the most disadvantaged individuals, embodied in the term “Antyodaya,” which translates to “upliftment of the last person.” His vision included addressing the needs of society’s underprivileged, reflected in various activities and government appeals on this day.

Government Initiatives On Antyodaya Diwas, the government promotes welfare schemes like the Antyodaya Anna Yojana, which provides food grains to impoverished families at subsidized rates, along with other rural welfare programs.

Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM)

  • Aim: To create effective institutional platforms for rural poor, enhancing household income through sustainable livelihoods and improved access to financial services.
  • Agenda: The NRLM aims to cover 7 crore rural households across 600 districts, 6,000 blocks, and 6 lakh villages in India through self-managed Self Help Groups (SHGs) over 8-10 years.
  • Values: Focus on inclusion of the poorest, transparency, accountability, community self-reliance, and ownership in all processes.

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