CURRENT AFFAIRS 10-09-2024

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Suicide Prevention Day observed annually on September 10.

• World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on September 10.

• The day aims to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health.

• The theme for 2024-2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide," focusing on reducing stigma and encouraging open discussions.

• Established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and WHO, the day highlights suicide prevention efforts.

• Over 700,000 suicides are estimated to occur worldwide each year.

• The observance involves engaging organizations, governments, and the public in suicide prevention initiatives.

• The goal is to promote understanding of preventive measures and mental health support.

• World Suicide Prevention Day serves as a platform for increasing awareness and fostering supportive conversations.

STATE NEWS

Madhya Pradesh Forms Delimitation Commission for Administrative Boundaries

• The Madhya Pradesh government established a three-member Delimitation Commission.

• The commission is tasked with redrawing boundaries for divisions, districts, and tehsils in the state.

• Retired Additional Chief Secretary Manoj Shrivastava will chair the commission.

• Citizens are invited to submit suggestions to the Delimitation Commission.

• The objective of this delimitation is to enhance public convenience by re-evaluating administrative boundaries.

• Madhya Pradesh is the second largest state in India by area, leading to various administrative challenges due to its large size.

• Delimitation involves adjusting the number of seats and boundaries of constituencies, including reservations for SCs and STs, following each census.

• The Indian Constitution requires delimitation after every decennial census under Articles 82 and 170 for Lok Sabha and state legislatures, respectively.

• The central Delimitation Commission, appointed by the President, oversees the process for parliamentary constituencies.

• State governments also form delimitation commissions to improve administrative efficiency at the district and division levels.

Semicon India 2024 will be hosted by the UP government at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida.

• Semicon India 2024 will take place from September 11 to 13 at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, hosted by the Uttar Pradesh government.

• The event will be organized in collaboration with SEMI, Messe Muenchen India, and the Electronic Industries Association of India.

• The goal of Semicon India 2024 is to boost India’s semiconductor industry and position the country as a major global player.

• This year’s exhibition will be held concurrently with Electronica India and Productronica India.

• Numerous domestic and international companies are expected to participate in the event.

• Semicon India 2024 will offer insights into India’s growing semiconductor sector and highlight new business opportunities.

• The event aims to advance the semiconductor industry in India and showcase its potential on a global stage.

APPOINTMENTS

Randhir Singh elected President of the Asian Olympic Council.

• Randhir Singh was elected as the President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) during its 44th General Assembly.

• Singh, a trap shooter and Olympic competitor from 1968 to 1984, won a gold medal at the 1978 Bangkok Asian Games.

• He is the first Indian to hold the position of full-time President of the OCA.

• Previously, Singh served as the OCA's secretary general from 1991 to 2015 and as life vice-president until 2021.

• Singh has been acting as the OCA President since 2021, following Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Sabah’s 15-year ban from sports administration.

• Singh’s new term as President will last for four years.

• The position of secretary general, which Singh held before, has since been abolished.

• His election marks a significant milestone as the first Indian to lead the continental Olympic body.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

A minimum age law for social media use will be enacted by Australia.

• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will introduce a minimum age law for social media use to enhance child safety.

• The law aims to assist parents in safeguarding their children online.

• According to a survey by the University of Michigan's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, over half of parents view mental health issues as their top concern for children and teens.

• Mental health and technology use have become the leading health concerns for U.S. parents, overtaking childhood obesity.

• A nationally representative survey shows that two-thirds of parents are worried about children’s device usage, including screen time and social media.

• Social media use is now a major concern, ranking second after total screen time in the latest survey of children’s health.

• The introduction of the minimum age law reflects a growing focus on online safety for children.

• The proposed legislation aligns with broader trends in addressing the impact of technology on child well-being.

DEFENCE

India and US Joint Military Exercise, Yudh Abhyas 2024, commenced in Rajasthan.

• The 20th edition of the India-US joint military exercise, Yudh Abhyas 2024, began on September 9 and will continue until September 22.

• This year's exercise is taking place at the Foreign Training Node in the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.

• The Indian Army contingent, including a battalion from the Rajput Regiment, comprises 600 personnel.

• The US contingent features the 1-24 Battalion of the 11th Airborne Division, also with approximately 600 troops.

• Yudh Abhyas has been an annual event between India and the United States since 2004.

• The primary aim of the exercise is to enhance both countries' military capabilities in counter-terrorism operations.

• The exercise is set in a semi-desert environment to simulate realistic operational conditions.

• This joint exercise focuses on improving operational coordination between the Indian and US armed forces.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

The 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation will be hosted by India.

• India will host the 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation on September 11-12, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

• The event is organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation.

• India, a major player in the global aviation sector, is enhancing its role in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, cargo, and regional aviation.

• The conference marks the 80th anniversary of ICAO and the Chicago Convention, highlighting India’s significance in global aviation.

• India is expanding regional air connectivity through initiatives like UDAN and the development of new greenfield airports.

• The Asia-Pacific region is expected to account for over 40% of global air traffic by 2035, with around 3.5 billion passengers annually.

• This conference is the second of its kind; the inaugural one took place in Beijing, China, in 2018.

• The event underscores India’s growing influence and strategic importance in the aviation industry.

India and U.S. agree to swap turns, Biden to host Quad Summit.

• The Quad Summit, typically held annually with rotating hosts, will now be hosted by the U.S. this year instead of India.

• This year’s Quad Summit is scheduled for September 21 in Delaware, the home state of President Joe Biden.

• India will take its turn to host the Quad Summit in 2025, with either President Donald Trump or Kamala Harris expected to visit.

• The decision to swap hosting turns was made after discussions among the Quad ‘sous sherpas.’

• On September 22, PM Modi will participate in a diaspora event titled “Modi & U.S. Progress Together” at Nassau Coliseum, Long Island, New York.

• The Quad grouping includes Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S., with each country hosting the summit in turn.

• The upcoming Quad Summit will now be held in the U.S., following the adjustment in the hosting schedule.

MISCELLANEOUS

Ashwini Vaishnaw: TIME's Top Tech and AI Influencer

• TIME Magazine has recognized Ashwini Vaishnaw as one of the most influential figures in Technology and Artificial Intelligence.

• Vaishnaw, the Information and Broadcasting Minister, was included in the “Shapers” category of the list.

• His leadership is expected to help India rank among the top five semiconductor manufacturing countries within five years.

• TIME Magazine highlights that India’s educational system is gearing up to produce a skilled workforce for AI and semiconductor sectors.

• The list also features other notable figures such as Sundar Pichai (Google CEO), Satya Nadella (Microsoft CEO), Sam Altman (OpenAI CEO), and Mark Zuckerberg (Meta CEO).

• Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani is also recognized on the list for his major contributions to AI and technology.

• Vaishnaw's inclusion reflects his significant impact on the tech and AI landscape.

• His role is crucial in shaping the future of technology and semiconductor industries in India.

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