DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: Sept. 25, 2024

Madhya Pradesh Pioneers India’s First Paperless Election

Tags: State News

Madhya Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) has conducted India’s first paperless election.

An Overview of the News

• The pilot project took place during a Panchayat by-election in Ratua Ratanpur village, Bhopal, for the position of Sarpanch, achieving an 84% voter turnout.

• The initiative aims to digitize manual voting processes previously conducted on paper.

• Voter identification now utilizes thumb impressions and electronic signatures to ensure authenticity and prevent proxy voting.

Benefits of the Paperless System

• The new system generates real-time data and improves accuracy while requiring fewer human resources.

• It enhances transparency and facilitates a smoother election process.

Online Monitoring and Communication

• Voting percentages and ballot accounting are conducted online, with updates provided every two hours across all platforms.

• After polling, accounts of ballot papers are electronically sent to candidates and polling agents via email.

World Alzheimer's Day - 21 September 2024

Tags: Important Days

World Alzheimer's Day is celebrated every year on 21st September by all the countries of the world.

An Overview of the News

• The day aims to raise awareness and combat the stigma associated with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

• World Alzheimer's Day unites global efforts to address the disease and improve care for those affected.

World Alzheimer's Month

• Campaign: This campaign takes place every September under the theme "Timeto act on dementia, Time to act on Alzheimer's."

• Initiation: Launched by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) to promote awareness about dementia.

Historical Background

• World Alzheimer's Day was inaugurated on September 21, 1994, during ADI's annual conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, celebrating ADI's 10th anniversary.

• Collaboration: The first WAD was launched in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO).

• Expansion: In 2010, ADI introduced World Alzheimer's Month as a pilot campaign in 12 countries, making it an annual observance from 2011 onwards.

Alzheimer's Disease International

• Established: 1984

• Headquarters: Located in London, United Kingdom

• CEO: Paola Barbarino

Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma Launches Mizoram's Flagship 'Handholding Scheme

Tags: State News

On September 19, 2024, Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma officially launched Mizoram's new flagship initiative, the Handholding Scheme (Bana Kaih).

An Overview of the News

• The launch event took place at Vanapa Hall, Aizawl. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs and farmers to promote economic growth and self-sufficiency.

Key Features of the Scheme

• The Handholding Scheme includes five key components designed to support progress partners (beneficiaries).

• The main feature is a collateral-free and interest-free loan system, offering up to Rs. 50 lakh through partner banks.

• The state government will act as a guarantor for the loans, utilizing national credit guarantee schemes.

• Beneficiaries who repay consistently may receive up to 100% interest subvention, making it the first scheme of its kind in India.

Additional Financial Support and Market Assistance

• The Chief Minister's Special Category Scheme offers a grant-in-aid of up to Rs. 1 lakh for individuals unable to avail loans.

• A Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been introduced for four key crops: Ginger, Broom, Turmeric, and Mizo Birdeye Chilli.

• Farmers unable to secure market rates higher than the MSP will receive government support to match the declared rate.

• A pilot procurement program for Paddy in Kolasib and Mamit districts offers a support rate of Rs. 30 per kg.

Implementation and Pilot Phase

• The government of Mizoram has declared the current year as the "Year of Consolidation".

• The Handholding Scheme will be implemented as a pilot project during the current financial year.

• Market and departmental support will be provided to ensure the effective execution of the scheme.

Tata Steel Unveils India’s Largest Blast Furnace at Kalinganagar

Tags: National News

Tata Steel successfully commissioned India’s largest blast furnace at its Kalinganagar facility in Odisha.

An Overview of the News

• This is part of the Phase II expansion, which involved an investment of ₹27,000 crore.

• The expansion increases the plant’s capacity from 3 MTPA to 8 MTPA, marking a significant growth in production capabilities.

Technological Advancements and Eco-Friendly Features

• The new blast furnace, with a volume of 5,870 m³, incorporates advanced technology for enhanced operational life and environmental sustainability.

• It includes four top combustion stoves, a first in India, and a dry gas cleaning plant for energy recovery.

• Features the world’s largest Top Gas Recovery Turbine (TRT) with a 35 MW capacity, contributing to a 10% energy recovery.

• Utilises an evaporative cooling system to optimise space and reduce power and water consumption by around 20%.

Focus on Sustainability

• The Kalinganagar facility has implemented a zero-process water discharge system, along with rainwater harvesting.

• Phase II expansion includes a Pellet Plant, Coke Plant, and Cold Rolling Mill, all equipped with sustainable technologies.

• Tata Steel Kalinganagar aims for a significant reduction in carbon emissions while producing high-end, value-added steel.

Impact on Socio-Economic Development

• Tata Steel has invested over ₹1,00,000 crore in Odisha over the past decade, making the state its largest investment hub in India.

• The Kalinganagar plant contributes to regional socio-economic development through initiatives in education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.

• Over 2,00,000 people in surrounding areas benefit from these community development programs.

Global Recognition and Safety Standards

• The Kalinganagar facility is the first Indian manufacturing plant recognised as a Global Lighthouse by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

• It received the ResponsibleSteel™ Certification in 2024 for its sustainability practices.

• The plant is known for its strong ‘Safety First’ culture, adhering to high safety standards and being considered one of the safest steel plants globally.

India Becomes 3rd Most Powerful Nation in Asia, Surpassing Japan in Asia Power Index

Tags: INDEX

India has surpassed Japan to become the third most powerful nation in Asia according to the 2024 Asia Power Index.

An Overview of the News

• Strong post-COVID economic growth boosted India’s economic capability by 4.2 points in the index.

Increased Economic and Resource Strength:

• India improved in all resource measures, with a significant rise of 8.2 points in future resources.

• This growth highlights the potential demographic dividend from India’s youthful population, positioning it favorably compared to other Asian countries.

Diplomatic Influence and Geopolitical Stature:

• India’s diplomatic influence rose with increased participation in international dialogues, ranking sixth in the number of diplomatic activities.

• This enhanced India's geopolitical standing, further reinforcing its position as the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index.

Top 10 powerful countries according to the Asia Power Index:

1. United States

2. China

3. India

4. Japan

5. Australia

6. Russia

7. South Korea

8. Singapore

9. Indonesia

10. Thailand

Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Vijay Sundar Prashanth Clinch First ATP Doubles Title

Tags: Sports

India’s Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Vijay Sundar Prashanth won the doubles event at the Hangzhou Open 2024.

An Overview of the News

• They defeated the German pair of Constantin Frantzen and Hendrik Jebens in a thrilling come-from-behind victory.

• The Indian duo, unseeded at the ATP 250 tournament, won 4-6, 7(7)-6(5), 10-7 in the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre, China final.

Jeevan and Vijay's First ATP Title as a Pair

• This is the first ATP Tour title for the Indian duo, who started playing together in 2024.

• Jeevan, aged 35, won his second career ATP doubles title, his first since the 2017 Chennai Open with Rohan Bopanna.

• Vijay, aged 37, celebrated his maiden ATP Tour title with this victory.

Path to the Final

• The Indian pair won all their matches at the Hangzhou Open through super tie-breakers.

• In the semi-finals, they defeated third-seeded Ariel Behar (Uruguay) and Robert Galloway (USA) 0-6, 6-2, 10-4 after being bageled in the first set.

• In the quarter-finals, they overcame second-seeded British duo Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool 6(4)-7(7), 7(8)-6(6), 10-8 after a first-set loss.