Daily Current Affairs 15th Oct, 2024

Maharashtra Government Renames Skills University in Honor of Ratan Tata

In a significant move, the Maharashtra government announced on October 14, 2024, that the Maharashtra State Skills Development University will now be called the “Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata Skills University.”
This renaming honors the late Ratan Tata, who passed away on October 9, 2024.
Tata was renowned for his contributions to education, skill development, and philanthropy.
His body was laid in state for public homage at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), where he received full state honors.

Telangana Launches Caste Survey, Becomes Third Indian State to Do So

Telangana has initiated its caste-based household survey, becoming the third state in India to undertake such a survey after Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.
This initiative aims to ensure a fair and targeted distribution of resources among various communities within the state.

India Rises to Second Place in Supplying Restricted Technologies to Russia

India has become the second-largest supplier of restricted critical technologies to Russia, according to US and European officials.
This highlights the growing difficulty in curbing exports that are aiding President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts.

Dia Mirza Joins Jury for ALT Environmental Film Festival 2024

Bollywood actress and environmental activist Dia Mirza has been named a jury member for the 2024 All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF), scheduled from November 22 to December 8.
The festival will feature 72 films, with 38 Indian premieres, focused on topics such as climate change and wildlife conservation.
Mirza expressed her excitement, highlighting the festival’s role in fostering important discussions on sustainability.

S. Paramesh Becomes New Director General of Indian Coast Guard

S. Paramesh has officially taken over as the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard at its New Delhi headquarters.
This appointment follows the tragic death of his predecessor, DG Rakesh Pal. Paramesh had been serving as the officiating Director General and was formally appointed a day before his official assumption of duties, where he received a ceremonial guard of honor.

Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme Aims to Empower Millions

The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme was launched on October 3, 2024, with the goal of providing internship opportunities to one crore young people over the next five years.
The initiative, managed through an online portal, allows participants to gain exposure in various professional settings.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs also announced that the registration portal went live on October 12, 2024, at 5 pm.

Skill Ministry Collaborates with Meta to Launch AI Assistant for Skill India

The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has partnered with Meta to introduce an AI-powered assistant for the Skill India Digital (SID) Portal.
In addition, five Centres of Excellence (CoEs) focusing on Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) will be set up across India as part of this initiative.

Bank of Baroda Launches ‘bob Utsav Deposit Scheme’ for Festive Season

In celebration of the festive season, Bank of Baroda (BoB) has introduced a special 400-day term deposit scheme known as the ‘bob Utsav Deposit Scheme.’
This offering provides attractive interest rates for various categories of depositors, including general, senior, and super senior citizens, making it a highly beneficial investment option.

Navi Climbs to 5th Spot in UPI Ecosystem for the Second Time

Fintech company Navi, co-founded by Sachin Bansal, has achieved the fifth position in India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ecosystem.
In September 2024, Navi processed 120.41 million transactions worth Rs 6,549.1 crore, cementing its place among the top UPI players for the second consecutive time.

Wholesale Inflation Rises to 1.84% in September Due to Soaring Food Prices

India’s wholesale price inflation (WPI) rose to 1.84% in September 2024, compared to 1.31% in August, largely driven by skyrocketing food prices.
Vegetable prices saw a sharp surge, with onions, potatoes, and tomatoes witnessing price increases of 78.8%, 78.1%, and 74.5%, respectively.
Food price inflation jumped to 11.53%, its highest level in two years, even as prices for other commodities like fuel and manufactured goods showed signs of easing.

World Food Day 2024: Date, History, and Theme

World Food Day, observed every year on October 16, focuses on combating hunger and malnutrition worldwide.
As World Food Day 2024 approaches, it is important to reflect on this year’s theme and the pressing global challenges related to food security.

World Students’ Day 2024 Celebrates Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s Legacy

World Students’ Day is celebrated annually on October 15 in honor of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s former president and renowned scientist.
Known as the “Missile Man of India,” Dr. Kalam’s contributions to science, education, and youth empowerment are widely recognized.
The day also marks his birthday and continues to inspire students to pursue academic excellence and innovation.

5th National Water Awards 2023 Winners Announced

The Ministry of Jal Shakti’s Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR) has announced the winners of the 5th National Water Awards 2023.
These awards celebrate the efforts of individuals, organizations, and institutions in water conservation and management across India, with 38 winners recognized in 9 categories.

Mendis and Beaumont Secure ICC Player of the Month Awards for September 2024

Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis and England’s Tammy Beaumont have been named ICC Players of the Month for September 2024.
Both players earned the accolade for the second time, recognizing their consistent performances in international cricket.

ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath Receives IAF World Space Award for Chandrayaan-3

Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was awarded the prestigious International Astronautical Federation (IAF) World Space Award.
This honor recognizes the success of India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, which achieved a historic soft landing on the Moon’s South Pole.
The award was presented in Milan, Italy, symbolizing India’s growing achievements in space exploration.

India’s First Biopolymer Facility Opens in Pune

In a significant step towards bolstering India’s position in biotechnology and sustainable solutions, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers in Jejuri, Pune in October 2024.

ShakthiSAT Mission to Train 12,000 Girls in Space Technology

Space Kidz India, an aerospace startup, has launched the ShakthiSAT mission, aiming to train 12,000 girls aged 14 to 18 from 108 countries in space technology.
This initiative will be part of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-4 mission, slated for 2026.
A prototype will be presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi either later this year or in early 2025, empowering young women in the field of space exploration.

Harmanpreet Singh Becomes Most Expensive Player at Hockey India League Auction

Indian hockey captain and drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh was the most expensive player sold on the first day of the Hockey India League auction.
He was bought by Soorma Hockey Club for a staggering Rs 78 lakh.
A total of 54 players, including 18 international stars, were up for bidding, with eight franchises competing for top talent.