Daily Current Affairs- 13 September 2024

Daily Current Affairs- 13th September 2024

INTERNATIONAL

TN government signs MoU with U.S. machinery manufacturer Caterpillar

• During Stalin’s ongoing visit to the U.S., several key partnerships and investment agreements between American companies and the Tamil Nadu government have been signed, According to the MoU, U.S. machinery manufacturer Caterpillar will expand its equipment manufacturing facilities in the state, Caterpillar, plans to invest in the Thiruvallur and Krishnagiri districts of Tamil Nadu. 

India-Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najah

• An Indian Army contingent has departed for the fifth edition of the India-Oman Joint Military Exercise, Al Najah. Scheduled from September 13 to 26, the exercise will take place at the Rabkoot Training Area in Salalah, Oman. 

Indian Navy's P8I aircraft reaches Australia to participate in Exercise Kakadu

• The Indian Navy's P8I aircraft, led by Commanding Officer Captain Ajay Kanwar, has reached Australia's Darwin to participate in the 16^th 4edition of Exercise Kakadu 2024.
• Exercise Kakadu is a Royal Australian Navy (RAN)-led biennial exercise supported by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Kakadu is the RAN’s flagship regional international engagement activity and has grown in size and complexity since its inception in 1993. 

NATIONAL

Cabinet Approves PM E-DRIVE Scheme and more

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme to promote electric mobility in India. The scheme, with an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore over two years, aims to expedite EV adoption, improve air quality, and reduce the environmental impact of transportation,
• The Union Cabinet also approved the PM-eBus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) scheme with a budget of INR 3,435.33 crore. This initiative is designed to promote the deployment and operation of electric buses (e-buses) by Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) from FY 2024-25 to FY 2028-29. 

Maharashtra to establish Tribal University in Nashik

• Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan has said that a Tribal University with 80 percent reservation for students from tribal communities will be set up in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, Nashik’s Guardian Minister Dadaji Bhuse, deputy speaker of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Narhari Zirwal, MP Bhaskar Bhagare and representatives from various political parties were present. 

Suzlon and NTPC Green Energy’s 370 windmills Deal

• Suzlon Ltd, India’s largest windmill manufacturer has secured the largest windmill order in India from NTPC Green Energy Ltd, the renewable energy arm of NTPC, the country’s largest power producer. The windmills were to be installed across three locations in Gujarat, with the aim of powering approximately three million households. 

DRDO & Indian Navy successfully flight test Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile

• Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy successfully flight tested Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on 12 September. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated IDAX-24 in Jodhpur

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh observed the ongoing Tarang Shakti exercise at Jodhpur Air Force Station. Mr Singh also inaugurated the Defence Aviation Expo, IDAX being organised at Jodhpur Air Force station. This edition of IDAX at Jodhpur, scheduled from 12-14 Sep 24, will have a grand participation from industry and host a wide range of products, technologies. 

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

1. Ravindra appointed as India's next Ambassador to Iceland

• The Ministry of external affairs (MEA) has appointed Mr. R. Ravindran as the next ambassador to Iceland. He was a bureaucrat and served at many organizations and places. 

SUMMITS & MOUs

India-US Defence Summit INDUS-X launches new webpage to help investors

• The third edition of India-U.S Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) Sungmit concluded in California on September 10, This event brings together leading defence policymakers from Washington and New Delhi with a central focus on strengthening defence and advanced technology innovative partnerships
• During the summit, a new official INDUS-X webpage was launched. The INDUS-X webpage is a resource for investors and startups to learn about the programme, its goals, and partnership opportunities. It features a directory of participating companies and upcoming events.