Current affairs 13 October 2024

US, India Announce $2M Grants for AI, Quantum Research.

• The US and India announced over $2 million in grants for 17 joint AI and quantum technology research projects, part of the US-India iCET initiative.
• Each project will receive about $120,000, tackling societal issues like AI-assisted cancer detection and quantum computing advancements.
• A new $1M USISTEF grant was also unveiled to support research on advanced materials and critical minerals.

Nicaragua Announces Break in Diplomatic Relations with Israel.

• Nicaragua has announced the severing of diplomatic relations with Israel, following a resolution by its Congress.
• The move is largely symbolic, as Israel does not have an ambassador in Managua, and relations have been minimal.
• The decision comes amid rising diplomatic scrutiny over Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana to Support Innovative Solar Projects.

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has allocated ₹500 crore for innovative rooftop solar projects under PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
• The scheme encourages advancements in rooftop solar technologies electric vehicle integration, and battery storage.
• Financial assistance covers up to 60% of the project cost or ₹30 crore.
• The National Institute of Solar Energy will implement the scheme.

India Signs Host Country Agreement with Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA).

• India signed the Host Country Agreement (HCA) with the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), establishing its Secretariat in India.
• The agreement grants GBA legal status and enables a combination of Indian and international staff to promote global biofuel use and investment.
• Launched during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, the GBA has expanded to 27 countries and 12 international organizations.

Indo-US Collaboration Advances with AI-Enabled Technology Awards.

• The collaboration focuses on emerging technologies like AI, quantum communication and robust quantum sensors.
• India’s start-up ecosystem has grown rapidly, from 350 in 2014 to over 1,40,000, driven by innovation and technology reforms.
• The US-India Science & Technology Endowment Fund (USISTEF), established in 2009, has significantly fostered innovation and collaboration between both nations.