Current affairs 17 October 2024

India Emerges as Top Source Market for Tourism in Sri Lanka.

• Over three lakh Indian tourists visited Sri Lanka in 2024, making India the largest source market for the island’s tourism.
• Sri Lanka welcomed more than 15 lakh tourists up to mid-October, with the UK, Russia, and Germany following India in visitor numbers.
• Tourism remains a key foreign revenue generator for Sri Lanka, with a target of three million tourists in 2025

India’s Semiconductor Market Projected to Surpass $100 Billion by 2030.

• India's semiconductor market is projected to exceed $100 billion by 2030, driven by strong demand and government initiatives like the production-linked incentive scheme.
• Mobile handsets and IT sectors dominate the market, contributing over 75% of total revenue.
• Valued at $45 billion in 2023, the market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 13%.

Karnataka Aims to Lead Asia in Gaming and Animation Sector.

• At the Indian Gaming Convention 2024, IT Minister Priyank Kharge emphasized Karnataka's goal to become Asia's gaming and animation hub, supported by centers of excellence and plans for a government-sponsored eSports Olympics.
• The theme for IGC 2024 - India--the Next Superpower in Gaming.
• India has 42.5 crore gamers, with the online gaming market growing 28% from 2020 to 2023.

NASA launches Europa Clipper to study Jupiter's moon Europa.

• NASA launched Europa Clipper to explore Europa's icy surface and potential subsurface ocean, crucial in the search for habitable environments beyond Earth.
• The spacecraft, equipped with advanced scientific instruments, will reach Europa in 2030, conducting 49 flybys.
• The mission, costing $5.2 billion, could pave the way for future life-detection missions.

SECL Becomes First Coal Company to Open Four AMRIT Pharmacies.

• SECL inaugurated its fourth AMRIT pharmacy at Indira Vihar Colony, Bilaspur, becoming the first coal company to operate four such facilities.
• AMRIT pharmacies provide generic and branded life-saving medicines at subsidized rates.
• The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Health's 2015 AMRIT program, promoting affordable healthcare in India.