Current affairs 14 October 2024

India Ranked 105th in 2024 Global Hunger Index.

• India, with a GHI score of 27.3, ranks 105th out of 127 countries under the serious hunger category.
• 13.7% of India’s population is undernourished, with 35.5% of children under five stunted, 18.7% wasted, and 2.9% child mortality.
• It is published by Irish humanitarian organization Concern Worldwide and German aid agency Welthungerhilfe.
• Bangladesh, Nepal. Sri Lanka - moderate category.

India Becomes Russia's No. 2 Supplier of Restricted Technology.

• India has become the second-largest supplier of restricted critical technologies to Russia, supplying microchips, circuits, and machine tools essential to Russia's economy and military during its war efforts.
• Only China surpasses India in these exports.
• Indian exports of restricted items surged to $95 million in July 2024, up from $60 million in previous months.

India Inaugurates First Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers in Pune.

• Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated India's first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers in Pune, developed by Praj Industries.
• The facility focuses on producing Polylactic Acid (PLA) bioplastic.
• India's bio-economy, valued at over $150 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030, underlining India's rapid growth in biotechnology, with over 8,500 biotech startups.

India Awarded Hosting Rights for ISSF Junior World Cup 2025.

• India has been awarded the hosting rights for the ISSF Junior World Cup next year by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).
• Rossi is in New Delhi for the season-ending World Cup Final, where top shooters compete.
• The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) President - Kalikesh Singh Deo.
• ISSF President - Luciano Rossi.

India Abstains from Supporting U.N. Secretary-General Amid Israel Ban.

• India chose not to sign a letter supported by 104 nations, condemning Israel's ban on U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, breaking with many Global South nations and U.N. members.
• The letter, led by Chile, defended the U.N.’s role in conflict mediation and humanitarian support, citing Israel's ban as undermining U.N. authority.
• The U.S., U.K., Japan, and South Korea did not sign it.