29th September, 2023 Current Affairs

Sakshi Education

NATIONAL
Ministry of Home Affairs Extends AFSPA in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to extend the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in certain regions of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for an additional six months, commencing from October 1. This move comes after a previous extension granted in March.
The AFSPA extension applies to specific districts and police station areas, with distinct regions identified in both Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) grants extensive powers to security forces deployed in “disturbed areas.” These powers include the authority to use lethal force against those violating the law, make arrests and conduct searches without a warrant, and enjoy protection from prosecution and legal actions without requiring the sanction of the Central government. AFSPA is aimed at maintaining law and order in areas facing significant security challenges.

India’s Power Demand Surges to Five-Year High in September: CRISIL Report

In a recent report by CRISIL MI&A (Market Intelligence and Advisory), India’s power demand for September 2023 reached an impressive five-year high. The report also offers insights into the factors driving this surge and the challenges faced by the power sector. Here, we break down the key findings and observations.
India’s power demand in September witnessed remarkable year-on-year growth, reaching 140-142 billion units (BUs), marking a five-year high.
Overall power generation in September is estimated to have risen by 9-10 percent on a year-on-year basis, reaching 150-152 BU.
August 2023 saw a record high power generation of 159 BU

INTERNATIONAL
India examining Afghan Embassy's purported communication on closing operations

The Embassy of Afghanistan in India has purportedly come out with a communication on closing down its operations and Government of India is examining its authenticity. Sources said, this is in the context of the Ambassador being out of India for the past many months, a steady departure of diplomats to third countries reportedly after receiving asylum as well as reports of infighting amongst the embassy personnel. The sources said, the authenticity of the communication and its contents are being examined.
The embassy has been headed by Ambassador Farid Mamundzay and it is learnt that he is currently in London. Ambassador Mamundzay was appointed by the previous Ashraf Ghani government and he has been operating as the Afghan envoy even after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021.
There is no immediate response from the Embassy on the matter.

First shipment of uranium for Rooppur nuclear power plant arrives in Bangladesh

The first batch of fresh uranium, the nuclear fuel of the first unit of Rooppur nuclear power plant (RNPP), has arrived in Bangladesh. According to official sources, the consignment of uranium arrived in Dhaka from Russia yesterday through a special air cargo. Project director of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project M Shawkat Akbar confirmed the arrival of the nuclear fuel but would not provide details of the air shipment of the nuclear fuel on security grounds.
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina and Russian president Vladimir Putin are expected to virtually join the function. It will then be taken to the project site at Rooppur in Ishwardi, Pabna by road. Army and law enforcement personnel will be in charge of special security in this uranium transportation, reports UNB.
The fuel was produced at the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant (NCCP) in Russia, a subsidiary of Rosatom's fuel manufacturing company Tevel.
Rosatom as a Russian contractor has been engaged in building the 2400 MW Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) having two units, each capacity 1200 MW.
The government is expecting to commission the first unit of the RNPP in September next year and second unit in mid of 2025.

ECONOMY
IMF says looming shutdown of US govt poses avoidable risk to nation's economy

International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said a looming shutdown of the US government posed an avoidable risk to the nation's economy.
IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack also urged parties to reach consensus on continued funding for the federal government. To prevent the furloughs of hundreds of thousands of federal employees and the suspension of various essential services, including economic data releases and nutrition benefits, Congress needs to pass legislation that can be signed into law by President Joe Biden before midnight on Saturday. This would mark the fourth government shutdown in the past decade.
The political deadlock stemmed from bitter ideological differences among the Republicans in the House of Representatives. House Republicans have rejected spending levels for fiscal year 2024 set in a deal Speaker Kevin McCarthy had negotiated with Biden in May.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Taiwan Unveils ‘Haikun’, Its First Domestically Built Submarine

Taiwan, a self-governing island in East Asia, has recently unveiled its first domestically-made submarine, named the Haikun, in a move to bolster its defenses against the ever-present threat of a possible Chinese attack. President Tsai Ing-wen presided over the launch ceremony in the port city of Kaohsiung, marking a significant milestone in Taiwan’s military capabilities.
The $1.54 billion diesel-electric powered Haikun submarine represents a significant step in Taiwan’s efforts to enhance its defense capabilities.
Taiwan’s goal is to operate a fleet of 10 submarines, which includes two older Dutch-made boats, and equip them with missiles.

SPORTS
India's medal tally reaches 32 including 8 gold, 12 silver & 12 bronze,Team India currently at 4th place

At the Asian Games 2023, at Hangzhou, China, India's medal tally has risen to 32 including 8 gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze. Team India are currently at fourth place. Indian shooter Palak Gulia secured the gold medal in the women's 10m air pistol event, ahead of the countrymate Esha Singh, who won Silver.
In men's rifle 3-P team event, featuring the trio Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Swapnil Kusale and Akhil Sheoran secured gold. Earlier, Esha Singh, Palak and Divya grabbed a silver medal in the women's 10m air pistol team event.

Published date : 29 Sep 2023 06:01PM