Daily Current Affairs- 8 November 2024

Daily Current Affairs- 8th November 2024

International

Zimbabwe Launches ZIMSAT-2 to Advance Space Programme

• Zimbabwe has launched its second satellite, ZIMSAT-2, from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia, a major milestone in the country’s growing space programme. This satellite, equipped with a high-resolution multispectral camera, will aid in agriculture, resource exploration, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. 

National

NTPC and ONGC formed a joint venture to tap renewable energy

• NTPC Limited and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) have formed a joint venture company (JVC) to promote their interests in the renewable and new energy arena, this joint venture will use renewable energy and new energy opportunities, including solar, wind and energy storage, The joint venture was formed through their green energy subsidiaries, NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL) and ONGC Green Energy Ltd. 

Bihar Sultanganj Station Renamed as Ajgaibinath Dham

• Sultanganj railway station in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district is set to be renamed in honour of the revered Hindu shrine, Ajgaibinath Dham. The announcement was made by Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader, Samrat Choudhary. 

Tata Power partners with Noida Airport for clean energy project

• Tata Power will invest Rs 550 crore to develop solar and wind power capacities and related infrastructure to supply clean energy to Noida International Airport (NIA), Tata Power has signed two power purchase agreements with the upcoming Noida International Airport project in Uttar Pradesh. 

Second Edition of the Indian Military Heritage Festival is to kick-start on Nov 8

• The 2nd edition of the annual Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) is all set to kick start in New Delhi on November 8, 2024. The two-day festival aims to engage global and Indian think tanks, corporations, public and private sector undertakings, non-profits, academicians, and research scholars focusing on India’s national security, foreign policy, military history and military heritage. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan will inaugurate the festival this year, along with the three Service Chiefs. 

Sports

Arjun Erigaisi’s Climb Continues Now World’s Second Best in Chess Ratings

• Arjun Erigaisi reached the world No. 2 position in live chess ratings; He achieved this by defeating Alexey Sarana in Round 3 at the Chennai Grand Masters tournament in Tamil Nadu. 

Important Days

World Radiography Day

• World Radiography Day is observed each year on November 8 to commemorate the groundbreaking discovery of X-radiation by German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1895. This day holds special significance in the field of radiography, recognizing the vital role of radiographers and highlighting the importance of medical imaging in modern healthcare. 

Awards & Recognition

Anil Pradhan Honored with Rohini Nayyar Prize

• Anil Pradhan has been awarded the prestigious Rohini Nayyar Prize for 2024, recognizing his impactful contributions to rural development in India. Known for his dedication to empowering rural communities, Pradhan’s work has brought positive change and opportunities to underserved areas. 

Ranking

Singapore’s passport ranked the world’s most powerful Passport on the Henley Passport Index

• The Henley Passport Index ranks Singapore as the world’s most powerful passport. It has visa-free access to 195 countries. Italy, Japan, Germany, Spain, and France are in the second spot, The Indian passport ranks 83rd with visa-free travel to 58 countries. 

Banking

SBI Unveils Innovation Hub at Singapore Fintech Festival

• State Bank of India (SBI), in partnership with APIX—a global collaborative platform for financial institutions and FinTechs—has launched the ‘SBI Innovation Hub’ at the Singapore Fintech Festival from November 6-8, 2024.