Daily Current Affairs: Highlights from September 2, 2024

September 2, 2024, was marked by significant events across sports, corporate leadership, and national initiatives. Here’s a comprehensive look at the key developments of the day:

V. Satish Kumar Takes Charge as IOCL Chairman

V. Satish Kumar, a veteran with 35 years of experience at Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), has assumed additional charge as the Chairman of the company, following the completion of Shrikant Madhav Vaidya’s tenure. Kumar has held pivotal roles throughout his career, particularly in IOCL’s marketing division, where he has led numerous initiatives that have significantly enhanced the company’s performance. Under his leadership, IOCL is expected to continue its trajectory of robust growth and innovation.

Yogesh Kathuniya Wins Silver in Men’s Discus Throw F56 at Paris Paralympics

Indian para-athlete Yogesh Kathuniya secured a silver medal in the men’s discus throw F56 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. The 27-year-old achieved his season-best throw of 42.22 meters, marking his second Paralympic silver medal, with his first won at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. The gold medal in this event was claimed by Brazil’s Claudiney Batista, who set a new Paralympic record with a throw of 46.86 meters, while Konstantinos Tzounis of Greece took bronze with a throw of 41.32 meters. Yogesh’s accomplishment adds to his impressive record, including three Para World Championships medals and a silver at the Asian Para Games.

Nitesh Kumar Clinches Gold in Men’s Singles SL3 Badminton at Paris Paralympics

In a momentous victory, Indian para-shuttler Nitesh Kumar won the gold medal in the men’s singles SL3 event at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024. Nitesh defeated Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell, the Tokyo Paralympics silver medallist, in a thrilling three-game match held at La Chapelle Arena Court 1. The intense match, lasting 80 minutes, ended with a final score of 21-14, 18-21, 23-21 in favor of Nitesh. This victory marks Nitesh’s first Paralympic gold and adds to India’s growing medal tally at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Nishad Kumar Wins Silver in High Jump at Paris Paralympics

Nishad Kumar secured a silver medal in the men’s T47 high jump final at the Paris 2024 Paralympics with a season-best jump of 2.04 meters. He previously won silver in Tokyo, once again demonstrated his exceptional talent, contributing to India’s medal count at the Games. The gold medal was claimed by Townsend-Roberts of the United States, who cleared 2.08 meters.

Preethi Pal Makes History at Paris Paralympics

Indian para-athlete Preethi Pal became the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic medals in athletics. At the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Preethi clinched a bronze medal in the Women’s 200 meters – T35 Final with a personal best time of 30.01 seconds. This achievement follows her earlier success in the 100 meters event, solidifying her legacy as a pioneering figure in Indian para-athletics.

Rajgir to Host 2024 Women’s Asian Champions Trophy

Rajgir, Bihar, is set to host the 2024 Hockey Women’s Asian Champions Trophy from November 11 to 20 at the newly constructed Rajgir Hockey Stadium. This event marks a significant milestone in the development of sports infrastructure in Bihar. India, the defending champion, will compete against teams from China, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, and Korea. The tournament is expected to elevate Rajgir’s status in the sporting world and contribute to the growth of hockey in the region.

Global Fintech Fest 2024 Held in Mumbai

The Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2024, one of the world’s largest gatherings of fintech startups, investors, and industry experts, was successfully held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. This prestigious event brought together key stakeholders from around the globe, including bankers, regulators, and fintech enthusiasts. Organized by the Payments Council of India, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), and the Fintech Convergence Council (FCC), the GFF 2024 served as a vital platform for discussing innovations and trends shaping the future of financial technology.

Indian Army Launches ‘Project Naman’ for Veterans

In a move to support Defence Pensioners, Veterans, and their families, the Indian Army has launched ‘Project Naman.’ This initiative, based on the SPARSH digital pension system, aims to simplify the pension processes for Defence personnel. The project also established 14 reception and facilitation centers across key cities like New Delhi, Jalandhar, and Bangalore. These centers, managed by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), many of whom are veterans, offer SPARSH-enabled pension services and other citizen services at a single location, thanks to a partnership between the Indian Army, CSC e-Governance India Limited, and HDFC Bank.

INS Tabar Conducts Maritime Exercise with Spanish Navy

INS Tabar, an Indian Naval Ship, recently participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Spanish Navy’s Ship Atalaya in the Mediterranean Sea. This exercise marks a significant milestone in the maritime cooperation between India and Spain. The MPX included advanced naval exercises such as Station Keeping, Replenishment at Sea Approaches, Flying Exercise, Steam Past, and PHOTOEX, showcasing the professionalism and commitment of both navies. This collaboration highlights India’s strategic outreach in the maritime domain and strengthens bilateral naval ties.

Kerala Tourism Wins PATA Gold Award 2024

Kerala Tourism has been honored with the PATA Gold Award 2024 for its innovative ‘Holiday Heist’ campaign in the Digital Marketing Campaign category. Launched in July 2023, this campaign utilized a bidding game on the WhatsApp ChatBot ‘Maya’ to attract tourists to Kerala’s prime destinations. The campaign generated over 80,000 bids, more than 45 million impressions, and over 13 million video views, making it a standout success. Kerala Tourism received this prestigious award in Bangkok on August 28, 2024, further solidifying its position as a leading destination for global travelers.

Mona Agarwal Secures Bronze at 2024 Paris Paralympics

Indian para-shooter Mona Agarwal has made headlines by winning a bronze medal in the R2 Women 10m Air Rifle SH1 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Mona, who hails from Sikar, Rajasthan, overcame early challenges, including contracting polio at a young age, to emerge as a prominent figure in para shooting. Her determination and success at the Paralympics have brought her widespread recognition and added another medal to India’s tally at the Games.

Prime Minister Modi Releases Commemorative Stamp for 75 Years of the Supreme Court

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a commemorative postage stamp celebrating 75 years of the Supreme Court of India. The ceremony took place during the inaugural session of the District Judges Conference at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event was attended by Supreme Court Chief Justice Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud and other dignitaries. The stamp serves as a tribute to the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law in India.

Telecom Department Launches Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)

In a major step towards bridging the digital divide, the Telecom Department has launched the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN). This initiative aims to provide equitable telecom services across India, replacing the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). The DBN will focus on enhancing digital infrastructure and expanding internet access in underserved regions, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving digital connectivity nationwide.

Cabinet Committee on Security Approves Procurement of Aero-Engines for Su-30 MKI

In a significant move to bolster India’s defense capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the procurement of 240 AL-31FP aero-engines for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Su-30 MKI aircraft. The engines will be sourced from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the “Buy (Indian)” category, at a total cost exceeding ₹26,000 crore.

These advanced aero-engines will be manufactured at HAL’s Koraput division, with a notable indigenous content of over 54%, thanks to the indigenization of several key components. This initiative not only emphasizes the government’s commitment to “Make in India” but also enhances the self-reliance of the Indian defense sector.

The delivery of the engines is scheduled to begin in one year, with the entire procurement expected to be completed over a period of eight years. The AL-31FP engines are vital for the Su-30 MKI, one of the IAF’s most powerful and strategically important aircraft fleets. The continuous supply of these engines is crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of the IAF and strengthening the nation’s defense preparedness.