Current affairs 23 September 2024

India Launches First Cancer Genomics Repository.

• The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) foundation has launched a portal to create a repository of genetic data on breast cancer, marking India's first such initiative.
• The repository aims to address the differences in cancer molecular profiles in Indian patients compared to Western data, currently starting with data from 50 patients, with plans to expand to over 500.

India to Reclaim 297 Antiquities from the U.S.

• PM Modi's visit to the U.S. resulted in the return of 297 antiquities, increasing total recoveries since 2014 to 640.
• Notable past recoveries include a 12th-century Nataraja statue and 105 artifacts returned post-2023 visit.
• India's efforts are bolstered by a 2024 Cultural Property Agreement with the U.S. to combat illicit trafficking and preserve cultural heritage.

Arundhati Roy's 1st Memoir "Mother Mary Comes to Me", Release in 2025.

• Arundhati Roy’s memoir, Mother Mary Comes to Me, explores her relationship with her mother, women's rights activist Mary Roy.
• The memoir, shaped by her mother's death in 2022, reflects Roy's personal and political journey.
• It will be published internationally by leading publishers like Penguin Random House.
• Her novels: The God of Small Things and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness.

Prime Minister Modi attends Quad Leaders Summit in Delaware, USA.

• At the Quad Leaders Summit in Delaware, PM Modi reiterated the commitment to a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific, stressing the importance of democratic values amidst global tensions.
• He announced India will host the Quad Summit in 2025 and emphasized collaborative initiatives in health, security, and technology.
• Modi engaged in talks with President Biden to deepen the India-US partnership.

Earth will get a second moon from September 29.

• Asteroid 2024 PT5, a mini-moon, will orbit Earth from September 29 to November 25, 2024.
• It was first detected on August 7 by NASA and is estimated to be between 16-138 feet in size, orbiting 2.6 million miles from Earth.
• Part of the Arjuna asteroid group, it will return for close flybys in 2025, 2055, and 2084.
• 2024 PT5 could be anywhere between 16 to 138 feet across.