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Current Affairs Daily Digest – September 09 2024

1. Vinay Goyal Appointed as State Mission Director of NHM

Dr. Vinay Goyal has officially taken over as the State Mission Director for the National Health Mission (NHM) in Kerala. He succeeds K. Jeevan Babu, who has transitioned to the Kerala Water Authority as its Managing Director. Dr. Goyal, an IAS officer from the 2016 batch, will also serve as the Director of the Kerala State IT Mission and Project Director for eHealth Kerala. In his new roles, he aims to strengthen the state’s digital infrastructure and health services.

Previous Roles and Experience

Dr. Goyal brings a wealth of experience from various important roles in Kerala’s administration. Some of his key positions include:

• Director of the Scheduled Tribes Development Department
• Director of the Backward Classes Development Department
• Secretary of the Kerala State Housing Board
• Managing Director of Kerala Rapid Transit Corporation Ltd
• CEO of Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Limited
• District Development Commissioner of Thiruvananthapuram

His wide-ranging experience in these diverse sectors gives him a strong foundation to take on his new responsibilities, particularly in enhancing Kerala’s healthcare and digital infrastructure.

2. Arun Goel Appointed as India’s Ambassador to Croatia

Arun Goel has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Croatia, following Raj Kumar Srivastava. The Ministry of External Affairs officially announced his appointment on September 7, 2024. Goel, a retired 1985-batch IAS officer from the Punjab cadre, previously served as the Election Commissioner of India from November 21, 2022, to March 9, 2024.

Background and Career

Arun Goel has had a distinguished career, contributing to various government sectors. He opted for voluntary retirement before taking on the role of Election Commissioner. His academic background is impressive, with a Postgraduate degree in Development Economics from Churchill College, University of Cambridge, and an M.Sc. in Mathematics. His diverse experience in governance and policy makes him well-suited for his new diplomatic role.

3. Tuhin Kanta Pandey Appointed as New Finance Secretary

The Indian government has appointed Tuhin Kanta Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer from the Odisha cadre, as the new Finance Secretary on September 7, 2024. This appointment follows T.V. Somanathan’s move to the position of Cabinet Secretary, leaving a vacancy in the finance role. Prior to this, Pandey served as the Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), where he played a key role in overseeing public asset management and disinvestment projects.

Background and Role

Tuhin Kanta Pandey is known for his leadership in handling large-scale disinvestment initiatives, most notably the successful sale of Air India. His experience in managing public assets and driving disinvestment strategies will be a valuable asset as he takes charge of shaping India’s financial policies and managing the country’s economic affairs in his role as Finance Secretary.

4. Randhir Singh Elected as First Indian President of Olympic Council of Asia

On September 8, 2024, Randhir Singh, a veteran Indian sports administrator, made history by being elected as the president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). This was a significant moment in Asian sports, as it marked the first time an Indian was chosen for this prestigious role. The election took place during the 44th General Assembly of the OCA in New Delhi.

Unanimous Election and Term Details

At 77 years old, Randhir Singh was the sole eligible candidate for the OCA presidency, and his election was unanimous, reflecting strong support from the Asian sports community. His term will last from 2024 to 2028, during which he will lead the OCA, the key organization governing Olympic sports in Asia.

Randhir Singh’s Background and Experience

Sporting Career: Singh represented India as a five-time Olympic shooter, contributing to India’s legacy in sports.
Administrative Experience: He has held numerous administrative roles, including serving as the Acting President of the OCA since 2021, after stepping in for Kuwait’s Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah. His extensive experience in both Indian and Asian sports organizations positions him well for this leadership role.

5. Israel’s Tower Semiconductor and Adani’s $10 Billion Chip Project in India

Israel’s Tower Semiconductor and India’s Adani Group have announced plans to invest 839.47 billion rupees ($10 billion) in a semiconductor manufacturing project in Maharashtra. This collaboration marks a major step in India’s efforts to position itself as a global player in semiconductor production. Despite earlier setbacks, such as Foxconn’s withdrawal from a $19.5 billion joint venture with Vedanta and delays in ISMC’s planned $3 billion investment, this new initiative brings renewed momentum to the country’s semiconductor ambitions.

India’s Semiconductor Market Outlook

India’s semiconductor market is expected to grow significantly, with projections reaching $63 billion by 2026. This growth represents a critical opportunity for the country to expand its role in the global chip manufacturing industry, driven by increasing demand and government support for technological innovation and infrastructure development.

6. NTPC Talcher Kaniha Wins 2024 Energy Management Insight Award

NTPC Talcher Kaniha has been honored with the 2024 Energy Management Insight Award by the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) for its exceptional efforts in energy management. This recognition was given for the station’s high-quality case study on the implementation of ISO 50001 energy management standards, which emphasize efficient and sustainable energy practices.

Significance of the Award

The award acknowledges excellence in energy management and showcases how NTPC Talcher Kaniha has effectively applied ISO 50001 to optimize energy use. The station’s case study is featured on the CEM website, providing an example for other organizations looking to adopt similar sustainable energy practices.