Current affairs 26 September 2024

Tata Steel commissioned India’s largest blast furnace at Kalinganagar.

• Tata Steel inaugurated India's largest blast furnace at Kalinganagar, Odisha, expanding its production capacity from 3 MTPA to 8 MTPA with a total investment of Rs 27,000 crore.
• The new facility incorporates advanced technologies for energy efficiency, sustainability, and carbon footprint reduction, including India’s first four top combustion stoves and a dry gas cleaning plant.

Delhi Airport to launch India’s First Air Train by 2027.

• Indira Gandhi International Airport will introduce India's first air train system in 2027, designed to enhance connectivity between Terminals 1, 2, 3, Aerocity, and Cargo City.
• The Automated People Mover (APM) will cover 7.7 kilometers with four stations, replacing the current bus service for intra-airport travel.
• This system aims to accommodate the airport's growing passenger volume.

India surpassed Japan, became 3rd most powerful nation in Asia.

• India has surpassed Japan to become the third-largest power in the 2024 Asia Power Index, reflecting its rising geopolitical influence.
• Key factors behind India’s rise include strong economic growth, a youthful population, and expanding diplomatic influence.
• The Asia Power Index, by the Lowy Institute, assesses the power dynamics of 27 Asia-Pacific countries annually.
• 1st: USA.
• 2nd: China.

Mizoram CM launched "Handholding Scheme" to boost economic growth.

• Mizoram CM Pu Lalduhoma launched Mizoram’s flagship Handholding Scheme (Bana Kaih), aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and farmers with collateral-free, interest-free loans of up to Rs. 50 lakh.
• The scheme offers grants of up to Rs. 1 lakh under the CM's Special Category Scheme.
• It introduces a Minimum Support Price for key crops, including Ginger, Broom, Turmeric, and Mizo Birdeye Chilli.

Armenia has emerged as the largest importer of arms from India.

• Armenia has purchased the Pinaka multiple-launch rocket system, Akash anti-aircraft system, howitzers, anti-tank rockets, and anti-drone equipment and ammunition from India.
• By the beginning of the current financial year 2024-25, Armenia has purchased weapons worth a total of $ 600 million from India.
• Armenia: Capital: Yerevan
• Currency: Armenian Dram
• President: Vahagn Khachaturyan