Home > Practice > Current Affairs > September - 2024 > September 27, 2024
1. Which company has partnered with the University of Auckland for AI and quantum research?
Tech Mahindra has entered into a partnership with the University of Auckland to foster innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and quantum computing. This collaboration focuses on sectors such as healthcare, banking, and government, aiming to enhance the industry-academic partnership. By exploring advanced technologies like spiking neural networks and quantum security, the partnership seeks to drive innovations that can significantly impact drug discovery and personalized healthcare. Furthermore, the initiative aims to boost graduate employability and provide students with practical exposure to emerging technologies, highlighting the importance of combining academic insights with real-world applications.
2. Which national park in India has been declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) to conserve Asiatic lions and promote sustainable development?
The Indian government designated 1.84 lakh hectares around the Gir Protected Area as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) to protect Asiatic lions and promote sustainable development. This ESZ spans 196 villages across three districts and includes 17 rivers, with a 10 km buffer zone from the Gir Protected Area's boundary. Gir National Park, located in Gujarat, India, is renowned for its conservation efforts and is home to a thriving population of Asiatic lions.
3. Which country successfully launched the Smart Dragon-3 rocket carrying eight satellites?
China successfully launched the Smart Dragon-3 rocket from an offshore platform near Haiyang, Shandong Province. This mission placed eight satellites, including Tianyi-41, into their designated orbits, showcasing China's growing capabilities in space technology. The launch was managed by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center and marked another milestone in China's space advancements, driven by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. This development is part of the broader effort to enhance satellite deployment and bolster China's space program.
4. Which country’s Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft safely brought back its crew from the International Space Station in September 2024?
The Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft, belonging to Russia, successfully returned two Russian cosmonauts, Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub, and a NASA astronaut, Tracy Dyson, to Earth on September 23, 2024. The spacecraft landed near Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, following a 374-day mission for the Russian cosmonauts and 184 days in space for the NASA astronaut. The mission underscores Russia's ongoing involvement in the International Space Station program, in collaboration with NASA and other space agencies.
5. On which date is World Tourism Day celebrated annually?
World Tourism Day is celebrated on September 27 each year to recognize the social, cultural, and economic significance of tourism globally. The event was first initiated in 1980 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The theme for 2024 is "Tourism and Peace," highlighting how tourism fosters global peace, sustainable development, and cultural exchange. This year, Georgia has been selected as the host country, reflecting the international focus on promoting tourism as a driver of peace and understanding.
6. In which year was the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act enacted in India?
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, is a landmark law in India aimed at protecting women from domestic abuse within all domestic relationships, regardless of their religion or social status. The Act serves as a civil code designed to safeguard the constitutional rights of women by providing protection and legal recourse against any form of domestic violence. The Supreme Court recently reaffirmed that this law applies universally to all women in India, ensuring their protection from abuse.
7. What is India's ranking in the Global Innovation Index 2024?
India has secured the 39th position among 133 global economies in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024, marking a significant improvement from its 81st position in 2015. This achievement is attributed to India's thriving innovation ecosystem, fueled by entrepreneurs, startups, and public-private partnerships. Additionally, India ranked 1st in Central and Southern Asia, 1st among lower-middle-income economies, 4th in WIPO's Science and Technology Cluster Rankings, and 7th globally in intangible asset intensity. Major Indian cities, such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai, are also listed among the world's top 100 Science and Technology clusters.
8. Where was the seventh edition of the Global Aerospace Summit held?
The seventh edition of the Global Aerospace Summit took place in Abu Dhabi from September 25-26, focusing on sustainability, youth engagement, and innovation in the aerospace, space, and defence sectors. This premier event brought together industry leaders, government officials, and startups to showcase innovations and discuss the future of the aerospace sector. Abu Dhabi's strategic location highlights its growing influence as a global aerospace hub, with the space economy projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035.
9. Which country is set to host the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) in 2024?
India is preparing to host the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) in 2024, with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) initiating outreach sessions in major cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. These sessions aim to provide a platform for students to learn from industry experts and understand the significance of telecommunications standards in advancing technologies such as 5G and the future 6G. The initiative highlights India's role in the global telecom landscape, emphasizing the importance of standardization in ensuring interoperability and shaping the future of communication technologies.
10. What is India's rank in the World Talent Ranking 2024?
In the IMD World Talent Ranking 2024, India is ranked 58th globally, with a talent score of 40.47 out of the 67 economies surveyed. The ranking assesses the competitiveness of economies based on their ability to attract, develop, and retain talent. Switzerland leads the 2024 list, followed by Singapore, reflecting their strong talent management systems. India's drop in rank highlights the challenges it faces in improving its global competitiveness and talent development compared to other nations.
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