MLC Daily Current Affairs - 30 September 2024

Today in History (September 30^th, 1687)

Aurangzeb acquired the famous Golconda fort near Hyderabad from the Qutub Shahi Sultan Tana Shah due to the treachery of his General Panni.

Let’s Revise

A) Which Australian think tank releases the Asia Power Index?

Australian Institute
Lowy Institute
Asia-Pacific Institute
Economic Research Institute

Answer: b)
Explanation: The Lowy Institute is mentioned as the Australian think tank that launched the Asia Power Index in 2018.

B) What is the primary focus of the Asia Power Index?

Economic growth in Asia
Military strength in the Asia-Pacific
Power dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region
All of the above

Answer: d)
Explanation: The Asia Power Index evaluates the ability of 27 countries to shape and respond to the external environment. It includes Economic growth in Asia, Military strength in the Asia-Pacific, Power dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.

C) How many countries are evaluated in the Asia Power Index?

Answer: c)
Explanation: The Asia Power Index assesses the power dynamics of 27 countries across the Asia-Pacific.

D) What rank did India achieve in the Asia Power Index 2024?

First
Second
Third
Fourth

Answer: c)
Explanation: India overtook Japan to secure the third spot in the Asia Power Index for the first time.

E) What factor has contributed to India’s growing power in the region?

Economic decline
Military weakness
Huge population, landmass, and economy
Geopolitical instability

Answer: c)
Explanation: According to the Asia Power Index Report 2024, India’s resources from its population, landmass, and economy are its great strength.

F) What are the two main categories of determinants in the Asia Power Index?

Economic and Military
Resource-Based and Influence-Based
Cultural and Diplomatic
Political and Social

Answer: b)
Explanation: The Asia Power Index assesses countries based on resource-based and influence-based determinants.

G) Which country was included in the Asia Power Index for the first time in 2024?

Indonesia
Malaysia
Timor-Leste
Singapore

Answer: c)
Explanation: Timor-Leste’s inclusion reflects its growing importance in Southeast Asia.

H) What ranks first and second in the Asia Power Index?

United States and India
China and Japan
United States and China
India and Japan

Answer: c)
Explanation: The United States and China hold the top two positions in the Asia Power Index.

I) What is holding India back from reaching its full potential?

Economic weakness
Military limitations
Failure to leverage its resources effectively
Geopolitical tensions

Answer: c)
Explanation: According to the Lowy Institute, India’s influence remains below the levels promised by its resources.

J)When was the Asia Power Index launched?

2015
2018
2020
2022

Answer: b)
Explanation: The Lowy Institute launched the Asia Power Index in 2018.

Summary of Today’s News

Global Innovation Index 2024

India has moved up to 39th place among 133 countries in the Global Innovation Index 2024.

About the Global Innovation Index (GII)
• The GII is published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a UN agency.
• It evaluates innovation based on factors like institutions, education and research, infrastructure, investment, and creative outputs.

Global Innovation Index 2024
• Top performers: Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
• Fastest climbers in the last 10 years: China, Turkey, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

India’s Performance
• India has improved its ranking in the GII, moving from 81st in 2015 to 40th in 2023 and now to 39th in 2024.

Key strengths include:
• Leading the world in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services exports.
• High levels of venture capital and investment in intangible assets.
• India ranks 8th globally for its unicorn companies (startups valued over $1 billion).

Initiatives Taken by India
• Atal Innovation Mission: Boosts the innovation ecosystem in India.
• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): Promotes research and innovation in universities and research institutions.
• Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC): Supports biotechnology firms in strategic research and innovation.
• National Research Foundation (NRF): Part of the National Education Policy 2020, it funds interdisciplinary research to encourage innovation in higher education.

About the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
• WIPO is a UN agency based in Geneva, Switzerland, established in 1967.
• Mission: To develop a fair and effective international intellectual property system that supports innovation and creativity.
• Members: WIPO has 193 member states.
• It serves as a global forum for discussing IP issues, where governments and organizations work together to update and improve IP rules to keep up with changes in the world.