20th, 21st September, 2024 Current Affairs

International 
Leprosy
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized Jordan as the first country in the world to eliminate leprosy, marking a significant public health achievement in the global fight against the disease.

International Day of Peace 
September 21st, celebrated annually as the International Day of Peace since 2002, marks a global call for harmony and understanding. In 2024, it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, emphasizing the ongoing importance of fostering peace among nations and individuals.

World Cleanup Day
On December 8, 2023, during its seventy-eighth session, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution 78/122, designating September 20 as World Cleanup Day.

National
PM MITRA
The Prime Minister's Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel Park (PM MITRA) in Amravati, Maharashtra, is a significant step towards boosting the textile industry in India. The park, spread over 1000 acres, is being developed by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) as the State Implementation Agency. The central government has approved the establishment of seven such parks across the country. This initiative is expected to create numerous job opportunities and promote economic growth in the textile sector.

Open Water Swimming Expedition
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged in a unique Open Water Swimming Expedition in New Delhi. The expedition covered 21 islands of the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago, each named after Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardees. This was the first event of its kind.

Science & Technology

Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor
The Rajasthan Atomic Power Project in Rawatbhata has achieved a significant milestone with the successful criticality of its first new-generation 700 MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR). This marks a major step forward in India's nuclear energy program. The reactor, built by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), utilizes natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as coolant and moderator. Before reaching criticality, the reactor met all the stringent safety requirements set by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

Economy

According to S&P Global's report titled "India Forward: Emerging Perspectives," India is poised to become the third-largest economy by the fiscal year 2030-31, supported by a strong projected annual growth rate of 6.7%.

Persons
Manu Bhaker
India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has appointed Manu Bhaker, the double Olympic medalist, as its brand ambassador. Her association aims to promote the ministry’s initiatives and highlight its efforts in enhancing India's maritime sector.

Nikhat Zareen 
Renowned Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen has officially taken up her role as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) after submitting her joining report to Director General of Police Jitender. She is a renowned Indian boxer who gained international recognition for her achievements in the sport. She hails from Nizamabad, Telangana, and competes in the flyweight (52 kg) category. Nikhat has won multiple accolades, including gold at the 2022 World Boxing Championships and the 2022 Commonwealth Games. 

Sports

2026 Commonwealth Games
Glasgow is set to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, returning 10 years after it last held the event. However, due to cost-cutting measures by the Commonwealth Games Federation, some sports will be dropped from the program.

FIDE 100 Awards
Magnus Carlsen and Judit Polgar were honored as the best male and female players, respectively, at the FIDE 100 Awards ceremony held in Hungary. This prestigious event celebrated the top achievements in chess as part of FIDE's centennial celebrations.

400 international wickets
Jasprit Bumrah has become the 10th Indian bowler to achieve the milestone of 400 international wickets, solidifying his place among India's cricketing greats with his exceptional bowling skills across all formats of the game.

Awards
Miss India Worldwide 2024
Dhruvi Patel, a Computer Information Systems student from the USA, has been crowned Miss India Worldwide 2024, the longest-running Indian pageant outside India. Miss India Worldwide is a global beauty pageant that attracts contestants from India and the Indian diaspora. Organized by the India Festival Committee (IFC), it was founded by Dharmatma Saran in New York City, USA.

State Food Safety Index
Kerala has secured the top spot in the State Food Safety Index (SFSI) 2024 for the second consecutive year. The report was released during the inaugural session of the FSSAI Global Food Regulators Summit 2024. This achievement highlights Kerala's continued excellence in food safety standards.