Current Affairs 18 September 2024

Current Affairs 18 September 2024

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1. Manu Bhaker Appointed Brand Ambassador for the Marine Sector
Double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker has been appointed by the Ministry of Ports. The Union Minister announced this at a recent event organized by the Chennai Port Authority in collaboration with the Kamarajar Port Authority.
Foot notes:
  • Manu Bhaker, daughter of a marine sailor, has been named the Brand Ambassador of the Ministry of Ports.
  • She has made India proud by becoming the first person from the country to win two individual Olympic medals.
  • Bhaker values punctuality, discipline, perseverance, and humility.
2. Mohana Singh: First Female Pilot of LCA Tejas
Squadron Leader Mohana Singh participated in the 'Tarang Shakti' exercise in Jodhpur. Inducted into the fighter squadron around eight years ago, she was one of the first women in the Air Force's fighter streams. Mohana, along with Avni Chaturvedi and Bhawana Kanth, flew various aircraft from the Air Force's fleet. They currently operate the regular fleets of Su-30MKi and LCA Tejas.
    Foot notes:
  • Mohana Singh has become the first woman pilot to join the elite 18 'Flying Bullets' squadron, which operates India's indigenously 'Made in India' LCA Tejas fighter fleet.
  • She hails from Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan and comes from a family with a legacy in aviation.
  • Her grandfather served as a flight gunner with the Aviation Research Centre and her father is an IAF warrant officer.
3. The University of Melbourne established center in Delhi
The University of Melbourne, a government-funded institution in Australia, has launched a center in Delhi. The Melbourne Global Centre - Delhi will promote collaboration and knowledge exchange in education, research, industry, and the community, acting as the University's main hub in India.
Foot notes:
  • Victoria's Premier, Jacinta Allan inaugurated the University of Melbourne's first Global Centre in Delhi, expanding its global presence.
  • The Centre will promote collaboration and knowledge exchange across education, research, industry, and community, serving as the University’s main hub in India.
  • It will showcase educational offerings, cutting-edge research, and community programs, hosting cultural performances, art exhibitions, and lectures.
  • The Centre will facilitate educational and cultural exchanges for future scholars and researchers.
4. Brijendra Pratap Singh appointed as the new CMD of NALCO
The Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB), a key body set up by the Government of India, has appointed Brijendra Pratap Singh as the next Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Schedule 'A' Central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU).
Foot notes:
  • Pratap Singh is currently the Director in charge of Burnpur and Durgapur Steel Plants at SAIL.
  • He was selected from six candidates for the CMD position at NALCO.
  • His appointment awaits necessary clearances and final approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
About NALCO:
CEO: Sridhar Patra
Headquarters: Odisha
5. Anmol Jain won gold in the men's 10m air pistol event at the Topgun Cup
 Anmol Jain of India won gold in the men's 10m air pistol event at the Topgun Cup. The two-day competition took place at the newly inaugurated Topgun Shooting Academy. This edition of the tournament marked the opening of the academy's state-of-the-art facility. The facility aims to meet the increasing demand for world-class shooting training in India.
Foot notes:
  • Anmol a former National Champion and ISSF World Cup medalist, praised the TOPGUN CUP.
  • This edition marked the grand opening of the Topgun Shooting Academy's state-of-the-art facility.
  • The academy is designed to meet the rising demand for world-class shooting training in India.
  • It aims to provide aspiring and elite shooters with top-tier infrastructure, advanced equipment, and expert coaching. The TOPGUN CUP was sponsored by Kiehberg.
  • Major industry players are actively supporting the growth of shooting sports in India.
6. Cabinet Approves Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan Initiative
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan with a total outlay of Rs. 79,156 crore (Rs.56,333 crore from the central government and Rs.22,823 crore from states). The initiative aims to improve the socio-economic conditions by providing saturation coverage in tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts.
Foot notes:
  • It will benefit over 5 crore tribal people across approximately 63,000 villages.
  • The program will cover 549 districts and 2,740 blocks in all tribal-majority areas across 30 states and union territories, as outlined in the 2024-25 Budget Speech.
  • The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan aims to address critical gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood.
  • It focuses on convergence and outreach through various Government of India schemes.
  • The initiative seeks holistic and sustainable development of tribal areas and communities.
7. Appointment of Amrit Mohan Prasad as DG of SSB
Amrit Mohan Prasad is an IPS officer from the Odisha cadre. He has extensive experience in law enforcement, having served as the Special DG of the Central Reserve Police Force. His appointment as the new DG of the Sashastra Seema Bal was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. The decision made by the Ministry of Home Affairs, takes effect upon his official assumption of the role.
Foot notes:
  • As DG of SSB, he will lead efforts to secure India's borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
  • He will oversee operations and strategies for border security, crime prevention, and maintaining peace.
  • His leadership is vital for addressing cross-border issues and ensuring the effective functioning of the SSB.
  • Prasad will serve as DG until his retirement on August 31, 2025, unless the government issues new orders before then.
About SSB:
CEO: Jim Loree
Established: 1963
8. Journalist Pradip K. Saha wins seventh 2024 BBLF C.K. Prahalad Best Business Book Award
The Learning Trap: How Byju’s Took Indian Edtech for a Ride, written by journalist Pradip K. Saha, has won the 2024 BBLF CK Prahalad Best Business Book Award. The announcement was made during the 10th edition of the Bangalore Business Literature Festival on September 14, with the award presented by Ajai Chowdhry, co-founder of HCL Ltd.
Foot notes:
  • The Learning Trap is an investigative book detailing how a multi-billion-dollar valued company stumbled and is now struggling for survival.
  • It serves as a cautionary tale for companies that prioritize valuation over profitable growth.
  • It offers important insights for startup founders regarding the significance of governance and transparency with stakeholders.
9. Samir Kumar appointed as the new country manager for Amazon India
Samir Kumar, a 25-year Amazon veteran, will become the Country Manager for Amazon India. He will also manage Amazon's consumer businesses in the Middle East, South Africa, and Turkey. Kumar joined Amazon in 1999 and was part of the team that launched Amazon.in in 2013. The transition was announced by Amit Agarwal, Senior Vice President for Emerging Markets, indicating a major change in Amazon India's leadership.
Foot notes:
  • Kumar will also oversee Amazon's consumer businesses in the Middle East, South Africa, and Turkey.
  • He joined Amazon in 1999 and played a key role in establishing the company's operations in India in 2013.
  • Kumar will officially take on his new responsibilities in India starting October 1.
About Amazon:
CEO: Andy Jassy
Headquarters: US
Founded: 1994
10. Italy's FIFA World Cup star Salvatore Schillaci passed away
Totò Schillaci, Italy's goalscoring hero from the 1990 World Cup, has died at the age of 59. Tributes have poured in for the former forward, who became a legend during Italia 90 by netting six goals to claim the Golden Boot. He will always be remembered as the iconic figure of the tournament.
Foot notes:
  • Schillaci was named the best player and received the Golden Ball. 
  • In 2022, it was revealed that he had colon cancer. 
  • Scored 7 goals in 16 caps for Italy.
  • Joined Juventus in 1989, instantly loved by the team.
  • Showed passion and determination in every game.
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