Current affairs 20 September 2024

WAAYU launched India's 1st Zero-Commission Food Delivery App on ONDC.

• WAAYU, India’s first zero-commission food delivery app, is now live on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
• Since its launch in May 2023, WAAYU has partnered with over 3,000 restaurants across major cities.
• The app collaborates with TATA Neu and Ola to enhance order volumes for restaurants while ensuring consumers enjoy zero commission on deliveries.

Persistent Systems recognized as fastest growing IT brand.

• Persistent Systems has been named the fastest-growing IT services brand in the 2024 Brand Finance India 100 report, with a brand value of $609 million, reflecting a 327% increase since 2020.
• The company ranked 9th among IT services brands and achieved a brand strength score of 72.39/100.
• The company provides Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization to businesses across industries.

ISRO to develop Next Generation Launch Vehicle for space missions.

• The Union Cabinet has approved the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), aimed at enhancing India's space capabilities with a payload capacity of 30 tons to Low Earth Orbit and reusability features.
• Aim: To establish a framework for national & commercial missions, including human spaceflight to the Bharatiya Antariksh
• Station & lunar exploration.
• Allocation: ₹8240 crore.

India to establish Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2028.

• The Union Cabinet has approved the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) as part of the revised Gaganyaan program, targeting the launch of its first module by 2028.
• The initiative includes additional missions to validate technologies for BAS.
• Funding: ₹20,193 crore.
• The program aims to enhance India's capabilities in microgravity research and foster innovation.

PMBI partnered with Coal India to launch Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

• The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) has signed an MoU with Coal India to establish Jan Aushadhi Kendras at coal field sites and selected hospitals.
• The initiative aims to provide high-quality generic medicines to Coal India's workforce and surrounding communities.
• The medicines will help workers, residents, and families save out-of-pocket expenditure.