Daily Current Affairs 25th Sept, 2024

National News

PM Modi Concludes Successful Three-Day U.S. Visit

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up a productive three-day visit to the United States, which took place from September 21 to 23, 2024.
• His itinerary included participating in the 6th Quad Summit, attending the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations, holding bilateral discussions, and engaging with the Indian community abroad.

State News

Goa Hosts Fifth Edition of Maritime Symposium 2024

• The Indian Navy organized the fifth edition of the Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS) from September 23-24, 2024, under the leadership of the Naval War College in Goa.
• This year’s event, held in the recently inaugurated Chola building, was themed “Common Maritime Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) – Advancing Efforts to Address Emerging Threats Such as Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and Other Unlawful Maritime Activities.”

Pune Airport to be Named After Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj

• The Maharashtra state government has officially approved the proposal to rename Pune Airport as Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Pune International Airport.
• The suggestion was made last month by Murlidhar Mohol, highlighting that Lohegaon, where the airport is situated, was the village of Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s mother.

Mizoram Launches Bana Kaih Scheme for Farmers and Entrepreneurs

• Chief Minister Lalduhoma launched Mizoram’s flagship Hand Holding Scheme, known as the Bana Kaih, during an event at Vanapa Hall.
• This initiative aims to provide financial aid and support to local farmers and entrepreneurs, promoting economic growth and self-reliance through tailored programs.

International News

Marhowra Plant to Export Evolution Series Locomotives to Africa by 2025

• Wabtec Locomotive Private Limited, a joint venture between Indian Railways and Wabtec, is gearing up to export Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives to Africa by 2025.
• This marks the first time the Marhowra plant will manufacture locomotives for international export, showcasing India’s growing presence in global locomotive manufacturing.

PM Modi Addresses 79th U.N. General Assembly Session

• On September 22, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 79th U.N. General Assembly session, themed “Summit of the Future,” in New York.
• Modi underscored the need for reforms in global institutions, arguing that such changes are vital to maintaining global peace and promoting development.
• The summit, organized ahead of the high-level meeting of world leaders, was kicked off by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who called on global leaders to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism in addressing humanity’s pressing challenges.

Russia and China Launch Joint Naval Drills in the Sea of Japan

• Russia and China commenced joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan, which involve the use of anti-aircraft and anti-submarine weapons.
• The aim of these drills is to strengthen the strategic cooperation between the two militaries and improve their collective ability to address security threats.

Iran Unveils New Suicide Drone Shahed-136B

• Amid increasing tensions in the Middle East, Iran has revealed the Shahed 136B suicide drone and Jihad ballistic missile.
• These were showcased for the first time as part of Iran’s military modernization efforts in a region experiencing rising instability.

Agreements News

Rubber Research Institute Signs MoU with Indian Oil

• The Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research involving Rubber Process Oils, marketed by IOCL, for use in various rubber products, including those in tyre and non-tyre categories.

Sports News

Jeevan-Vijay Pair Wins Hangzhou Open 2024

• India’s Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Vijay Sundar Prashanth clinched the men’s doubles title at the 2024 Hangzhou Open.
• They triumphed over Germany’s Constantin Frantzen and Hendrik Jebens in a thrilling final, winning 4-6, 7(7)-6(5), 10-7 at the Hangzhou Olympics Sports Centre, securing their first ATP Tour title as a pair.

Appointments News

Jitendra J Jadhav Appointed as Director General of Aeronautical Development Agency

• Jitendra J Jadhav, a Distinguished Scientist with nearly 40 years of experience in aircraft design and development, has been appointed as the Director General of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
• His appointment, effective September 11, 2024, is seen as a significant move in advancing India’s aeronautical pursuits.

James Cameron Joins Stability AI Board

• In an unexpected development, visionary filmmaker James Cameron, known for directing iconic films like “Titanic” and “The Terminator,” has joined the board of directors of Stability AI.
• This collaboration between Hollywood and artificial intelligence marks a notable convergence of two innovative industries.

Business News

Tata Steel Commissions India’s Largest Blast Furnace at Kalinganagar

• Tata Steel has commissioned India’s largest blast furnace at its Kalinganagar plant in Odisha, as part of its Phase II expansion.
• The new facility, developed with an investment of Rs 27,000 crore, increases the plant’s capacity from 3 MTPA to 8 MTPA.
• This development caters to growing demands across sectors such as automotive, infrastructure, shipbuilding, defense, and oil and gas.
• Odisha has become Tata Steel’s largest investment destination, with investments exceeding Rs 100,000 crore over the past decade.

Awards News

Vinod Bachchan Honored with Global Prestige Award at the UK Parliament

• Bollywood producer Vinod Bachchan was awarded the Global Prestige Award at a ceremony held at the House of Lords, UK Parliament.
• The award, hosted by Lord Bellamy KC and Lord Rami Ranger CBE, was presented in recognition of Bachchan’s contributions to the Indian film industry.
• Known for films like “Tanu Weds Manu” and “Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana,” Bachchan has played a pivotal role in promoting Indian culture and cinema on a global stage.

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Pilot Axiom-4 Mission to ISS

• Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to make history by piloting the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station in 2025.
• This mission is the result of a bilateral agreement between India and the U.S., following Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the U.S. over a year ago.

Defence News

41st Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference Inaugurated by Rajnath Singh

• On September 24, 2024, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 41st Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi.
• This three-day event provides a platform for ICG Commanders to discuss pressing strategic, operational, and administrative challenges against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical dynamics and complex maritime security concerns.

Important Days

World Bollywood Day 2024: Celebrating the Global Impact of Indian Cinema

• World Bollywood Day, observed every year on September 24th, celebrates the cultural significance and worldwide influence of Indian cinema.
• It offers an opportunity for Bollywood fans and industry professionals to reflect on the artistry and societal contributions of Indian cinema, raising awareness of Indian culture and storytelling on the global stage.

Antyodaya Diwas 2024

• Observed annually on September 25th, Antyodaya Diwas commemorates the birth anniversary of Indian leader Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
• The day honors his philosophy of upliftment and dedication to the welfare of the poorest segments of society.

Miscellaneous News

Silver Train Model for Joe Biden, Pashmina Shawl for Jill Biden

• During his U.S. visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented U.S. President Joe Biden with a silver train model crafted by skilled artisans from Maharashtra.
• For First Lady Jill Biden, he gifted a Pashmina shawl housed in a papier mache box.