Monthly Current Affairs- September 2024

Digital Agriculture Mission

• Union Cabinet has approved the Digital Agriculture Mission with total cost of
2817 crore rupees. Addressing media in New Delhi this afternoon, Information
and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said major decisions have been
taken in the cabinet meeting for improving the lives of farmers and increasing
their income.
• He said the Digital Agriculture Mission is being developed on lines of the
structure of Digital Public Infrastructure for agriculture.

• Cabinet has approved crop science for food and nutritional security at a total
cost of 3979 crore rupees.
• Government has also decided to strengthen agriculture education,
management, and social science at a cost of 2291 crore rupees.
• Cabinet approved sustainable livestock health and production with cost of 1702
crore rupees. It approved sustainable development of Horticulture with cost of
860 crore rupees.
• The Union Cabinet has decided to strengthen the Krishi Vigyan Kendra with the
cost of 1202 crore rupees and natural resources management with a cost of
1115 crore rupees.
 • Cabinet also approved a 309 Kilometre long new line project providing the
shortest rail connectivity between two major commercial hubs – Mumbai and
Indore – at total cost of 18,036 crores.
• The project will be completed by 2028-29.

Ramon Magsaysay Award

• Hayao Miyazaki, the renowned Japanese film director and co-founder of Studio
Ghibli, has been awarded the esteemed Ramon Magsaysay Award for 2024.
This honor, often referred to as “Asia’s Nobel Prize,” underscores Miyazaki’s
profound impact on both the art of animation and global cultural discourse.

• Miyazaki’s illustrious career spans decades, during which he has created a

pantheon of beloved animated films that have captivated audiences worldwide.
• His works, including: “My Neighbor Totoro”, “Spirited Away”, “Princess
Mononoke” , “Howl’s Moving Castle” , “Ponyo” , “The Boy and the Heron”.
• The Ramon Magsaysay Award, established in 1957, stands as one of the most
prestigious honors in Asia. It was created to commemorate Ramon Magsaysay,
the third president of the Philippines, who was known for his integrity in
governance and public service.
Wokha SAATHI
• Wokha SAATHI (Smart AI-based Assistant for Timely Help & Interface)
WhatsApp Chatbot, an innovative initiative of the Wokha District
Administration of Nagaland has been awarded the prestigious Gold Award at
National Awards for e-Governance Scheme 2023-2024.
• The award was presented at the 27th National Conference on e-Governance
held in Mumbai, Maharashtra, by Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra,
Devendra Fadnavis.
• Under the initiative more than 40 services have been brought under one stop
chat bot of the Wokha District Administration.
• The Wokha SAATHI WhatsApp Chatbot exemplifies the district’s dedication to
enhancing citizen engagement and accessibility to government services through
innovative technological solutions.
• This AI-based chatbot provides timely assistance and serves as a user-friendly
interface for residents, ensuring they have easy access to vital information and
services besides enabling proactive Information Education Campaign through a
two way communication between the government and citizens on 24×7 basis.

Peace Pact In New Delhi

• Memorandum of Settlement will be signed among central and Tripura
governments, representatives of National Liberation Front of Tripura, NLFT and
All Tripura Tiger Force, ATTF in New Delhi in presence of Union Home Minister
Amit Shah.
• Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha and senior officials of Home Ministry and
Tripura government will also be present during the signing of the Memorandum
of Settlement.
 • Home Ministry has been working tirelessly to fulfill Prime Minister Narendra
Modi’s vision of a developed Northeast which is free from extremism, violence
and conflict.
• Centre has signed 12 important agreements to bring peace and prosperity in
the Northeast. Three of these agreements relate to Tripura. Around ten
thousand people have given up arms and joined mainstream due to signing of
several agreements by Narendra Modi government.

‘Aparajita’ Bill
• West Bengal Assembly has unanimously passed the ‘Aparajita Woman and
Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024’, marking a
significant development in the state’s legal framework against sexual crimes.
• This bill introduces the death penalty for individuals convicted of rape if their
actions result in the victim’s death or leave her in a vegetative state.
• With this move, West Bengal becomes the first state to amend central laws
dealing with rape, gang-rape, and sexual crimes against children.

• The ‘Aparajita’ bill is named in tribute to a 31-year-old trainee doctor who was
raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical Centre and Hospital last month. The
bill’s key provisions include:
• Death Penalty: Imposed for rape if the victim dies or suffers severe brain
damage.
• Life Sentence: Without parole for those convicted of rape.
• Aparajita Task Force: To ensure punishment within 21 days of the preliminary
report.
 • Enhanced Safety Measures: Installation of CCTV cameras and increased security
on routes used by female healthcare workers, with an allocation of Rs 120
crores.
• ‘Ratri Saathi’ Provision: Extends the duty hours for female workers, ensuring
their safety during night shifts.

International Conference On Green Hydrogen

• India will hold the second edition of the International Conference on Green
Hydrogen from 11th to 13th September in New Delhi.
• New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi announced this while
addressing the curtain-raiser event today. He highlighted the crucial role of
Green Hydrogen in driving India and other developed nations towards a clean
and green energy transition.

• Mr. Joshi encouraged stakeholders to explore the evolving Green Hydrogen

landscape. He added that the goal of this three-day event is to deepen our
understanding of the green hydrogen landscape and foster connections with
global scientific communities and industries.

Lab Mitra
• An initiative called ‘Lab Mitra’ started in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
parliamentary constituency Varanasi was awarded the National e-Governance
Gold Award at the National e-Governance Conference 2024 held yesterday in
Mumbai.
• The award was given for Administrative Reforms and district-level initiatives in
e-governance.
• The initiative named ‘Lab Mitra’ started by the district administration of
Varanasi with the help of a private bank and NGO has been quite successful,
and the Lab Mitra model has now been started in the name of ‘Lab Report’ in
the entire UP.
• The facility is being provided at 20 hospitals, including all government hospitals
in Varanasi, and more than 2.5 lakh patients have benefitted from it till date.
• Using the ‘Lab Mitra’ portal, patients coming to the government hospital are
registered for laboratory tests as per the doctor’s prescription, and after the
test, the system generates an online report, which is sent as a link on a text
message to the patient’s phone number.
• By clicking on this link, the patient can get his complete lab test report after four
hours of testing at the CHC and after 12 hours of testing at a government
hospital.
Vedic-3D Museum
• Uttar Pradesh government has announced the construction of a Vedic-3D
museum at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University in Varanasi, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency.
• This state-of-the-art museum will focus on Indian astrology, astronomy, and
Vedic literature.
• Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made the announcement during his visit to the
university, highlighting its role in showcasing the evolution of Vedic literature,
including the 16 Sanskars, 64 arts, and 18 Vidya Sthans, as well as the
contributions of Indian sages.

• The museum will exhibit rare manuscripts preserved in the historic Saraswati
Bhawan, such as the “Raas Panchadhyayi,” Shrimad Bhagwat Gita, and
Durgasaptashati, all intricately inscribed and adorned with gold artistry.
• It aims to revive the tradition of ‘Shastrartha’ (spiritual discourse) and serve as
a platform for deepening knowledge in Vedic literature.
 • During his visit, CM Yogi Adityanath also inspected the 234-year-old main
building of the university.
• He approved the proposal to reintegrate the Government Ayurvedic
Mahavidyalaya, Chaukaghat, as a faculty of Sampurnanand Sanskrit University.
Chief Minister emphasized improvements in infrastructure, including the
installation of Sanskrit signboards, enhancement of sewer and drainage
systems, repair of dilapidated roads, and the construction of a boundary wall.

First International Solar Festival

• India’s solar energy capacity has increased 32-fold in the last 10 years, and this
speed and scale will help the country achieve 500 gigawatt non-fossil capacity
by 2030.
• This was stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the two-day
first International Solar Festival through video conferencing, being held in New
Delhi.
• The Prime Minister said the International Solar Alliance (ISA), established in
2015, is growing into a giant tree inspiring policy and action, and within a short
time, its membership has reached a milestone of 100 countries.

• Highlighting that the growth of this organisation is important for the vision of
one world, one sun
• Prime Minister highlighted that the International Solar Festival brings the whole
world together to celebrate the sun’s impact and will help build a better planet.
• Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy
Pralhad Joshi emphasised uniting efforts to move towards a solar-powered
future.
• India has been harnessing solar energy for centuries, and this has evolved with
the introduction of new technologies.
• International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an international organisation that works
with governments to improve energy access and security worldwide and
promotes solar power as a sustainable pathway to transition to a carbon-neutral
future.

• International Solar Festival is intended to celebrate the transformative impact

of solar energy on communities in the ISA member countries.
• The festival aims at highlighting and celebrating the transformative power of
solar energy and its role in powering new opportunities across the globe,
leading the way to universal energy access, and advancing the Sustainable
Development Goals. This festival will convene youth, women, communities,
policymakers, and the private sector in a vibrant celebration of solar energy and
its transformative power.
• During the two-day event, there will be technical sessions led by industry
experts. Exhibition booths and pavilions have also been set up by the
International Solar Alliance member countries at Bharat Mandapam, along
with experience zones displaying solar technologies and culture. Performances
by acclaimed artists and musical concerts have also been planned to make this
international event memorable.
CBSE’s First Regional Office In Dubai
• In a historic move to strengthen Indian education in the UAE, the Central Board
of Secondary Education (CBSE) has launched its first Regional Office (RO) and
Centre of Excellence (CoE) outside India, situated in Dubai.
• The milestone was marked with a special orientation session on Teachers’ Day
between CBSE officials, representatives from the Indian Mission in Dubai, and
principals from 78 schools across Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

• The session provided a platform to discuss the new office’s goals, scope, and its
expected impact on the region.
• Prime Minister of India announced the opening of the CBSE RO & CoE in Dubai
on February 13, 2024, during his visit to the UAE, and operations of this office
officially commenced on July 2, 2024, at the Consulate General of India, Dubai,
UAE.
• Board’s key objectives, particularly its role in promoting learning outcome-
based education and fostering new dimensions in teaching. He emphasised that
CBSE would adopt a model focussing on outcome-based learning and offer
subjects at multiple levels to meet varying student capabilities.
National Blockchain Framework
• Indian Government launched a new blockchain initiative called the Vishvasya-
Blockchain Technology Stack. This project, led by the Ministry of Electronics
and Information Technology (MeitY), provides a platform for using Blockchain-
as-a-Service (BaaS).

• It allows people to use blockchain technology easily through a large, distributed

system across the country. The goal is to support secure, efficient, and
permissioned blockchain applications.
• Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack: This is a broad platform for developing
various blockchain applications.
• NBFLite: A smaller, lightweight version of blockchain for startups and academia.
It helps them quickly build and test blockchain applications.
• Praamaanik: A special blockchain tool to verify the authenticity of mobile apps,
ensuring they come from trustworthy sources.
• National Blockchain Portal: This is a one-stop website for all blockchain
initiatives and updates under MeitY.

Biplab Sarma Commission

• Assam Cabinet has approved the implementation of 57 out of 67
recommendations made by the Justice (Retd) Biplab Sarma Commission.
• This commission was formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to implement
Clause 6 of the Assam Accord.
• The Assam Accord was signed in 1985 after long protests against illegal
immigration into Assam. The Accord says that all foreigners who came to Assam
after March 24, 1971, should be deported, no matter their religion.
 • Clause 6 of the Accord focuses on protecting the rights and identity of the
people of Assam by giving them constitutional, legislative, and administrative
safeguards.
• Justice Biplab Sarma Commission was set up in Assam in 2019 to look into
issues like corruption and misconduct in the state’s police force. It aimed to
make law enforcement more accountable.
• Justice Sarma, a retired High Court judge, has worked in various important
judicial roles. The commission’s findings emphasized problems like poor training
and supervision in the police force. The report also sparked conversations about
the need for police reforms to improve transparency and public trust in Assam’s
law enforcement agencies.

EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar

• External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to
attend the First India-Gulf Cooperation Council GCC Foreign Ministers’
Meeting.
• During the two day visit, he is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with
Foreign Ministers from GCC member countries.
• The GCC region has emerged as a major trading partner for India and is home to
a large Indian expatriate community, numbering around 8.9 million.
• The Foreign Ministers meeting will be an opportunity to review and deepen
institutional cooperation between India and the GCC across various sectors.
• On the second leg of the visit, Dr Jaishankar will travel to Berlin, Germany for a
two day visit. This will be his third bilateral visit to Berlin.
• Both India and Germany share a robust Strategic Partnership and Germany is
one of India’s prominent trading partners and among the largest Foreign Direct
Investors.

• During the visit, the External Affairs Minister will meet German Federal Foreign
Minister as well as the leadership and other Ministers from the German
government with an objective to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations
between India and Germany.
 • Dr Jaishankar will thereafter travel to Geneva, Switzerland for an official visit
from 12th of this month. Geneva is home to a large number of UN bodies and
international organizations.
• During the visit, the External Affairs Minister will meet with heads and
representatives of international organizations with whom India is actively
engaged.

India Mediterranean Business Conclave

• Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the India-Middle East-
Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is an important initiative that can add to
India’s maritime security and faster movement of goods between Europe and
Asia.

• The Minister was speaking at the India-Mediterranean Business Conclave 2024

in New Delhi. He said that IMEC was launched during India’s G20 presidency and
aims to integrate India, Europe, and the Middle East through the UAE, Saudi
Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and the European Union.
 • Mr. Goyal noted that lower logistics costs, faster connectivity, and secure
movement of goods are dependent on better cooperation in this area. He noted
that initiatives like the PLI scheme, the Centre’s efforts towards Ease of Doing
Business, and economic partnerships have boosted India’s manufacturing
growth story.
• He added that a nation’s efforts to promote agri-value chains can support the
initiatives between India and Mediterranean countries. Mr. Goyal also
suggested that the government should have a working group on tourism
between the Mediterranean nations and India, as there is huge potential in this
sector.

‘Dekho Apna Desh, People’s Choice 2024

• The voting for Dekho Apna Desh, People’s Choice 2024, is open until the 15th of
this month. The aim of the nation-wide poll is to engage with citizens to identify
the most preferred tourist attraction sites and understand tourist perceptions
across five tourism categories, which are spiritual, cultural heritage, nature,
wildlife, adventure, and others.
 • The others category will allow citizens to vote for their personal favourites,
which will help in discovering unexplored tourist places in the country.
• The citizens can access the voting portal from the Ministry of Tourism’s official
website. This initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in
March this year in Srinagar.
• There is a dedicated portal wherein users can vote across categories through
their mobile number and email ID.
• The outcomes will help determine the Top Tourist Attractions of India, which
will receive substantial support and investments from key stakeholders.
Through the initiative, the government seeks to promote the preservation of
cultural landmarks and traditions, ensuring their longevity for future
generations. This will also allow help in understanding lesser-known tourist
locations that people would like to visit apart.

India To Organize First Global Cooperative Conference

• India will organize the first Global Cooperative Conference from 25th to 30th
November in New Delhi. Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, Dr Ashish
Kumar Bhutani, said this while addressing the media in New Delhi.
• Dr. Kumar said that this five-day conference will focus on exploring innovative
solutions, technologies, and best practices for the cooperative movement. He
said that it is a proud moment for all, as this will be the first time in the 130-
year history of the International Cooperative Alliance that the conference will be
held in India.
 • Director General of the International Cooperative Alliance, Jeroen Douglas, said
that there are 3 million cooperatives across the world and India stands out as
the leading country with the highest number of cooperatives.
• International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) is a non-governmental cooperative
organization founded in 1895 to unite, represent and serve cooperatives
worldwide.
• The ICA is the custodian of the internationally recognised definition, values and
principles of a cooperative in the ICA Statement on the Cooperative Identity.
The ICA represents 315 co-operative federation and organisations in 107
countries.

International Solar Alliance

• Nepal has become the 101st country to join the International Solar Alliance-ISA
as a full member.
• Ministry of External Affairs said that Nepal handed over its Instrument of
Ratification to the ISA in New Delhi.
• The Instrument of Ratification was exchanged during a meeting between
Nepal’s Charge d’ affairs Dr. Surendra Thapa and Joint Secretary (ED&MER) in
the External Affairs Ministry, Abhishek Singh.
Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation
• India will host the 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation from
September 11 to 12 in New Delhi.
• Addressing the media in New Delhi, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu
Rammohan Naidu said that India is aiming for regional aviation growth and
sustainability.

• Mr. Naidu said that India is positioning itself to become a major hub for
Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services, cargo operations, and
overall regional aviation as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally.
• He also highlighted the ongoing development of new greenfield airports and
progressive policies like UDAN that encourage regional air connectivity.
First Human-Made Meteor Shower
• NASA’s DART mission made history by successfully crashing a spacecraft into
the asteroid moonlet Dimorphos. This marked a major step forward in
protecting Earth from possible asteroid impacts by testing ways to change the
direction of threatening space objects.
• As a result of the DART mission’s impact, debris from Dimorphos has been
scattered into space. Scientists believe that more than 2 million pounds of this
material could eventually reach Earth and Mars. If this happens, it could create a
meteor shower, known as the “Dimorphids,” in the next 10 to 30 years, leading
to periodic meteor displays.

• Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) was launched in 2021 as NASA’s first
attempt to move an asteroid from its path.
• Idea behind the mission was to see if a spacecraft could deflect an asteroid by
crashing into it—this technique is called “kinetic impact.”
• DART’s goal was to show that this method could be used to protect Earth from
potential asteroid threats in the future.
 • DART mission was a success. The spacecraft hit Dimorphos and managed to
shorten its orbit around the larger asteroid Didymos by 33 minutes.
• This was a major victory, as it proved that using a spacecraft to change an
asteroid’s path is possible. It is the first time humans have intentionally changed
the movement of a celestial body.

India’s First Bio-Hydrogen Project

• Indian government awarded a contract to develop the country’s first bio-
hydrogen project, led by Gensol Engineering in collaboration with Matrix Gas &
Renewables. Valued at Rs 164 crore, the project aims to align with the National
Green Hydrogen Mission and is set to process 25 tonnes of bio-waste daily,
producing 1 tonne of green hydrogen using advanced gasification technology
over 18 months.

• Bio-hydrogen is a type of hydrogen that is produced from organic materials,

such as plants, food waste, or certain microorganisms. Unlike traditional
hydrogen, which is typically made from fossil fuels like coal or natural gas, bio-
hydrogen comes from natural sources like agricultural leftovers, food scraps,
and industrial waste.
 • This makes it a cleaner and more eco-friendly alternative. There are different
ways to produce bio-hydrogen:
• Biophotolysis: This method uses sunlight to split water molecules in organisms
like algae, releasing hydrogen.
• Dark Fermentation: Here, bacteria break down organic material without
oxygen, creating hydrogen as a byproduct.

World’s Top Plastic Polluter

• India has become the largest plastic polluter in the world, producing 9.3 million
tonnes of plastic waste every year.
• This amount makes up about 20% of the total global plastic emissions, showing
how serious the problem is for both India and the world. A recent study
published in Nature suggests that India’s official data on plastic waste is likely
too low.
• The current estimate of 0.12 kilograms of plastic waste per person per day
doesn’t fully capture the real situation. This is because the data does not
account for plastic waste in rural areas or the informal recycling sector.
• Also, the amount of waste collected is probably overestimated, making it harder
to understand the true scale of the problem.

• India tops the list of global plastic polluters, followed by Nigeria and Indonesia,
which emit 3.5 million tonnes and 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste,
respectively.
• China, which was once the leading plastic polluter, has improved its waste
management systems and is now ranked fourth.
First Indian President Of Olympic Council Of Asia
• On September 8, 2024, a landmark moment in Asian sports history unfolded as
Randhir Singh, a veteran sports administrator, was elected as the president of
the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

• This momentous event took place during the 44th General Assembly of the
continental body in New Delhi, marking the first time an Indian has ascended to
this prestigious position.
• Mr. Singh took over as acting president following the suspension of Sheikh
Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, who was: Handed a 15-year ban from sports
administration in May 2024 Sanctioned for ethics breaches

First ANRF Governing Board Meeting

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed finding local solutions for the global
problems. The Prime Minister chaired the first Governing Board meeting of the
newly formed Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in New Delhi.
• During the meeting, the Prime Minister asked to identify those obstacles which
are hindering the path of the research ecosystem and take steps to remove
these problems.
• Calling for upgradation and standardisation of institutions, the Prime Minister
suggested developing a list of domain experts and developing a dashboard to
track the progress of research and development.
 • Prime Minister stressed upon the need for scientific monitoring of the utilisation
of resources for research and innovation. He said the scientific community
should have faith that there will be no dearth of resources for their endeavours.
• On the Atal Tinkering Labs, the Prime Minister suggested that grading of these
labs can be done. During the meeting, the Governing Body decided to launch a
programme in hub and spoke mode by pairing universities where research is at
the nascent stage with top-tier established institutions in mentorship mode.
• ANRF was established on the recommendation of National Education Policy
2020. It is aimed at fostering a culture of research and innovation across the
country’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and Research and
Development laboratories.
• Anusandhan National Research Foundation acts as an apex body to provide
high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country.

India’s Semiconductor Mission

• US says, it will partner with India’s Semiconductor Mission to explore
opportunities to grow and diversify the global semiconductor ecosystem under
International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund, created by the
CHIPS Act of 2022.
• US Department of State said, this partnership will help create a more resilient,
secure, and sustainable global semiconductor value chain.
• US-India Strategic Partnership Forum posted a video where Kurt Campbell, US
Deputy Secretary of State, said, expanding US partnership with India is one of
the most strategically important efforts taken by the Biden administration.
• He said, successive administrations in Washington and New Delhi have
invested time and political capital to bring this partnership to greater and
greater heights.
• Mr Campbell, addressing the forum through video conference, said that today,
India and the US are more aligned than ever before. He also expressed hope
that these efforts will continue given the deep bonds that tie both the countries
together and the strategic challenges they face.

• This collaboration between the United States and India underscores the
potential to expand India’s semiconductor industry to the benefit of both
nations.
Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024
• WonUnion Environment Ministry Presented “National Clean Air City” Awards
During Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024. Held As Part Of A National Workshop
Celebrating The “International Day Of Clean Air For Blue Skies” In Jaipur, Indian
Cities In Improving Their Air Quality.
Major Cities (Population Over 10 Lakh)
• Surat, Gujarat: Emerged As The Top Major City
• Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh: Secured The Second Position
• Agra, Uttar Pradesh: Ranked Third Among Large Cities
Medium-sized Cities (Population Between 3 Lakh And 10 Lakh)
• Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh
• Amravati, Maharashtra
• Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh
Smaller Cities (Population Under 3 Lakh)
• Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh
• Nalgonda, Telangana
• Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh
• This Surveying And Ranking System Serves As A Crucial Tool For:
• Encouraging Healthy Competition Among Cities
• Promoting Best Practices In Air Quality Management
• Providing A Standardized Framework For Evaluating Urban Air Quality Initiatives

Kiren Rijiju Inaugurates 6 Initiatives

• Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju inaugurated six initiatives as part of
the 100-day achievements of the ministry in New Delhi.
 • The Minister launched the
• National e-Vidhan Application 2.0 (NeVA 2.0)
• Subordinate Legislation Management System
• Consultative Committee Management System
• National Youth Parliament Scheme 2.0
• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).
• According to the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry, the upgraded version of the
National e-Vidhan Application 2.0 (NeVA 2.0) will provide more user-friendly
interface and enhanced integration with the legislative processes of State
Legislatures. These initiatives are aimed at achieving a paperless legislative
environment, promote real-time governance, and lead to better decision-
making.
• Minister also launched a new scheme of the National Youth Parliament
Competition for students of Eklavya Model Residential Schools.
• This will strengthen the roots of democracy, and familiarise with the working of
Parliament and Parliamentary institutions among the tribal students by
organising National Youth Parliament Competitions annually.

EU Launches Call For Setting Up AI Factories

• European Union (EU) has launched a call for setting up Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Factories to boost the development of the AI technology.
• AI Factories will be created around the network of European High-Performance
Computing (EuroHPC) supercomputers and will be available to a range of
European users, such as startups, industry and researchers.
 • AI Factories will be connected to EU member states’ AI initiatives, creating a
vibrant AI ecosystem. AI Factories will help AI developers train their large
generative AI models by using the EuroHPC supercomputers and providing
access to data, computing and storage services.
• They will propel the development and validation of AI industrial and scientific
applications in key sectors such as healthcare, energy, automotive and
transport, defence and aerospace, robotics and manufacturing, clean and agri
tech.

Greening Steel
• Ministry of Steel organized the event called “Greening steel : Pathway to
Sustainability” in New Delhi.
• In this event members from different ministries, academia, think tank, field
specialists have participated in session on ‘Leadership and Innovation: Driving
the Green Steel Transition’ for sustainable steel production.

• As the present day earth faces several climate change related impacts,
production patterns need to be changed in a sustainable way to reduce carbon
emissions. In which steel manufacturing can play a pivotal role by producing
sustainable production of steel will help to reduce the impact of climate change.
Report released in the event
• Greening the Steel Sector in India: Roadmap and Action Plan, In this report it
covers the comprehensive strategy for decarbonizing the Indian steel sector.
MSCI Emerging Markets Index
• India has overtaken China in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI)
Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (EM IMI) with a weightage of
22.27%, surpassing China’s 21.58%.
• This shift reflects India’s strong market performance and favorable
macroeconomic conditions, contrasted with China’s economic challenges. In
September 2024, India’s weight in the MSCI EM IMI increased, reflecting
broader market trends.

• While the MSCI Emerging Markets Index covers large and mid-cap stocks, the
EM IMI includes large, mid, and small-cap stocks, with India’s weight benefiting
from a higher small-cap component.
• Analysts project that the rejig in the index could lead to inflows of
approximately $4-4.5 billion into Indian equities.
 • This is supported by the broader increase in India’s weight in global indices, with
its weight in the MSCI EM Index rising from 18% to 20% between March and
August 2024, while China’s weight declined from 25.1% to 24.5%.
• India’s growing share in global GDP and market indices highlights its increasing
importance to investors.
• Morgan Stanley ranks India as a top investment choice within the Asia-Pacific
region, just behind Japan. Despite current favorable conditions, analysts caution
that market corrections could occur due to investor concerns and market
dynamics.

PAIR Programme Launched

• Central government will launch the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation
and Research (PAIR) programme designed to elevate research capabilities in
higher education institutions (HEIs) by linking top-tier research institutions with
those where research capability is limited, creating a collaborative mentorship
environment.

• PAIR, ANRF (Anusandhan National Research Foundation) will link top-tier

research institutions with those where research capability is limited, creating a
collaborative mentorship environment.
• ANRF (Anusandhan National Research Foundation) is set to seed, grow and
foster a culture of research and innovation throughout the country, with a focus
on diverse fields, including natural sciences, engineering, technology,
environmental and earth sciences and health .
 • The ANRF Translational Research and Innovation (ATRI) initiative aims to foster
collaboration between academia and industry to accelerate technological
innovation.
• The ANRF is also focused on streamlining the research process for Indian
scientists.

PM E-DRIVE Scheme
• Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the PM
Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE)
Scheme to promote electric mobility in India. The scheme, with an outlay of Rs
10,900 crore over two years, aims to expedite EV adoption, improve air quality,
and reduce the environmental impact of transportation.
• Key Features
• Subsidies and Incentives: Rs. 3,679 crore allocated for subsidies to incentivize e-
2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, e-trucks, and e-buses, supporting over 28 lakh
electric vehicles.

• E-Voucher System: Aadhaar-authenticated e-vouchers will be generated for

buyers, which will be signed and submitted to dealers, enabling OEMs to claim
reimbursements.
• E-Ambulances: Rs. 500 crore dedicated to the introduction of e-ambulances,
ensuring safer, more comfortable patient transport with new safety standards.
• PM E-DRIVE scheme is a pivotal step towards reducing pollution, securing fuel
resources, and fostering sustainable transportation solutions aligned with India’s
net-zero 2070 target. The initiative will attract investments, boost the EV
ecosystem, and enhance India’s leadership in global clean mobility.
Switzerland Crowned As Best Country
• WonIn A New Survey Which Is Called “Best Countries For 2024” It Is Found That
Switzerland Was Crowned As Best Country In World. Switzerland Achieved This
Fate In The Third Year Successively. This Survey Has Included 89 Countries For
The Results.

• European Countries Making Up Majority Of Top 25 In Ranking, Switzerland Is

Followed By Japan, USA, Canada ,Australia. UAE And Qatar Were The Only Two
Middle-eastern Countries That Got The 17 And 25th Positions In The Survey.
This Year India Drops Three Positions With Respect To Last Year To 33.

Singapore Literature Prize

• Prasanthi Ram , who was an Indian origin lecturer from the University of
Nanyang technological University won the Singapore literature prize for English
fiction for her short story -’Nine Yard Sarees’ and it was her debut work which
was published at the end of year 2023.
 • Singapore Literature Prize is a biennial award in Singapore recognise
outstanding published works by Singaporean authors in any of the four official
languages: Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil. The competition is organized by
the Singapore Book Council (SBC) with the support of the National Art Council.

Port Blair Renamed As Sri Vijaya Puram

• Home Minister of India Shri. Amit Shah has announced the decision on
renaming the Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Sri Vijaya Puram.
• The decision has been taken to free the nation from the colonial imprints as the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands have an “unparalleled place” in the country’s
freedom struggle and history.
 • Sri Vijaya Puram symbolizes the victory achieved in India’s freedom struggle and
the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ unique role in it.
• Andaman and Nicobar hosted the first unfurling of Tiranga by Netaji Subhash
Chandra Bose. The island territory that once served as the naval base of the
Chola Empire is today poised to be the critical base for our strategic and
development aspirations.
• Veer Savarkar, at this place also houses the cellular jail in which Veer Savarkar
and other freedom fighters struggle for an independent India.

Algeria Joins BRICS New Development Bank

• Algeria has been officially authorized to join the BRICS New Development Bank
(NDB), as announced by the bank’s president, Dilma Rousseff, during the ninth
annual meeting in Cape Town.

• NDB, established by the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South
Africa) in 2015, aims to support infrastructure and sustainable development
projects in emerging economies and developing nations.
• Since its inception, the NDB has expanded to include new members beyond the
founding BRICS nations.
• In 2021, Bangladesh, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay were
added. Algeria’s admission, following a favorable assessment of its
macroeconomic indicators, marks a significant step in its integration into the
global financial system.
79th UNGA Session Starts
• United Nations General Assembly provides an opportunity to member states a
unique forum for multilateral discussions on international issues, this year 79th
session of UNGA started on 10th September.

• UNGA provides world leaders from the current 193 member states with a forum
where they can discuss, debate and make recommendations on subjects
pertaining to international peace and security, including development,
disarmament, human rights and international law.
• Philemon Yang from Cameroon is the new president of UNGA this year. Yang
outlined the priorities during his tenure, focusing on the principles of unity in
diversity, the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and “a thorough
and uncompromising commitment to human dignity, for everyone,
everywhere.”

Rangeen Machhli App

• A new mobile app called “Rangeen Machhli” was launched by Union Minister
Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh in Bhubaneswar.
• This app supports India’s growing ornamental fisheries sector, which is part of
the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a scheme to help fish
farming and aquaculture grow in the country.
• Ornamental fisheries is the practice of raising and selling colorful fish for
aquariums and home decoration. The app is designed to meet the needs of
people interested in ornamental fish, such as hobbyists who keep fish as pets,
aquarium shop owners, and fish farmers.
• It provides them with useful information and resources to help them manage
and grow their activities.

• Key Features of the App, Multilingual Information: The app gives details about
popular types of ornamental fish in eight Indian languages, making it accessible
to many people.
• Find Aquarium Shops Tool: This feature helps users find local aquarium shops
using an updated directory, which also helps promote local businesses.
 • Educational Modules: The app has sections on “Basics of Aquarium Care” and
“Ornamental Aquaculture”. These are designed for both beginners and those
with experience.

Mission Mausam
• Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a major
initiative called ‘Mission Mausam.’ This project, with a budget of ₹2,000 crore
over two years, is designed to significantly improve India’s weather prediction
and atmospheric science capabilities.
• Mission Mausam is an Indian program that began in 2016 to study climate
change and monsoon patterns.

• The initiative brings together multiple research organizations to improve

weather forecasting accuracy and promote better farming practices.
• It also aims to develop systems to warn people about extreme weather events
and raise public awareness about how climate change impacts agriculture and
livelihoods.
 • Ministry of Earth Sciences will oversee the implementation of Mission Mausam.
• Several key institutions will be involved, including: India Meteorological
Department (IMD), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), National
Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), These organizations
will work together to ensure that the mission runs smoothly.
• Mission Mausam will use cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence
(AI) and machine learning (ML), to improve weather prediction. It will involve
installing modern radars and satellite systems with advanced sensors to gather
more accurate data.
• Additionally, high-performance supercomputers will process this information
quickly to deliver better forecasts. The mission will include: Enhanced earth
system models that simulate weather patterns.
• A GIS-based automated Decision Support System, which will provide real-time
data to decision-makers, helping them respond quickly to weather changes.

Montreal Protocol
• Ahead of the 30th World Ozone Day, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change organized a dialogue on the theme Montreal Protocol:
Advancing Climate Action.
• Montreal Protocol is an international agreement that aims to protect the ozone
layer by reducing and consumption of Ozone Depleting substances.
• Addressing the event in New Delhi, Environment Secretary Leena Nandan said
that India has done exceptionally well under the Montreal Protocol and has met
the commitments due to the collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders.
 • Ozone Day to be observed on the 16th of this month, United Nations
Development Programme India Resident Representative, Angela Lusigi lauded
India for being on the forefront of the protocol and the goal of reducing
Hydrofluorocarbons.
• Montreal Protocol is an international treaty that aims to protect the ozone
layer by reducing the production and consumption of ozone-depleting
substances. The Montreal Protocol was agreed on in 1987 and came into effect
on January 1, 1989.

‘Constitution Temples’
• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated ‘Constitution Temples’ at the
vocational training centres in 434 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across
Maharashtra in an event organised in Mumbai.

• Mr. Dhankhar said that the Constitution is the soul of democracy and
Parliament is its custodian. He added that the Constitution is to be read,
understood and respected.
• Mr. Dhankhar appealed that all institutions of the state need to work in tandem
and togetherness to nature and blossom democratic values.
• Governor of Maharashtra CP Radhakrishnan said that our country is the most
vibrant democracy in the world because of the Indian constitution.
• Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale
and Minister for Skills, employment, entrepreneurship and innovation of
Maharashtra Mangal Prabhat Lodha were also present at the event.
Operation CHAKRA III
• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in its ongoing Operation CHAKRA Three,
has successfully dismantled a sophisticated virtual asset and bullion-supported
cybercrime network.
• CBI has arrested a person from Mumbai in connection with the case.
• According to the CBI, the accused has been targeting victims in foreign countries
since 2022.

• During a search at the accused’s residential premises, 57 gold bars (100 grams
each), 16 lakh rupees in cash, a mobile phone, a laptop used to manage
cryptocurrencies, details of lockers, and other incriminating documents were
recovered. This operation was executed in close coordination with the Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the US.
• Operation Chakra-1 was a joint operation by the Central Bureau of
Investigation (CBI), Interpol, the FBI, and police forces from several countries to
combat high-tech scams and frauds in India. The operation was conducted in
October 2022

• Operation Chakra-II
 • It was launched to fight against transnational organised cyber-enabled financial
crimes in India.
• For this, CBI has partnered with Microsoft and Amazon as well as with national
and international agencies to combat and dismantle infrastructure of illegal call
centres.
• The CBI is working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the USA,
Cyber Crime Directorate and IFCACC of INTERPOL, the National Crime Agency
(NCA) in the UK, Singapore Police Force and BKA of Germany to notify further
leads

Culture As Standalone SDG

• India has reiterated the need to recognise Culture as a Standalone Sustainable
Development Goal at BRICS meet in Russia’s St Petersburg.
• India has advocated for recognizing culture as a standalone goal in the post-
2030 global development agenda, highlighting its transformative potential in
driving economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development.
• While addressing the 9th BRICS Culture Ministers meeting, Secretary of Culture
Ministry, Arunish Chawla has emphasized the need to place culture at the heart
of global development strategies.
• He also highlighted the importance of creative industries, innovation, and job
creation and the need for BRICS nations to leverage their collective cultural
strengths to drive economic growth and social development.
• The 4-member Indian delegation for BRICS Culture Ministers have suggested
BRICS Nations to harness the power of culture as it is the key to unlock
economic growth and social inclusion.
Global CyberSecurity Index 2024
• India has jumped to Tier 1 in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024,
released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), when it comes
to role-modeling as part of the country’s cybersecurity commitments and
resulting impacts.
• Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) is a trusted reference that measures the
commitment of countries to cybersecurity at a global level to raise awareness of
the importance and different dimensions of the issue. As cybersecurity has a
broad field of application, cutting across many industries and various sectors.
Pillars of assessment
• Legal Measures
• Technical Measures
• Organizational Measures
• Capacity Development
• Cooperation

• India has claimed a spot in the Tier-1 category in the latest Global Cybersecurity
Index (GCI) 2024, released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
• With a rank of 98.49, India is one of the 47 countries that has been adjudged as
a leading nation which has demonstrated commitment to robust cyber security
practices.
• The GCI found India taking strong actionable cyber security measures in all these
crucial areas.
 • India’s Score in each pillar
• Legal Measures – 20
• Technical Measures – 20
• Organizational Measures – 18.49
• Capacity Development – 20
• Cooperation – 20

India Leads In Milk Production

• Minister For Fisheries, Animal Husbandry And Dairying Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh
Has Said That India Leads The World In Milk Production With A Significant
57.62 Per Cent Growth In The Past Nine Years.
• Addressing The Media On 100 Days Of The Third Term Modi Government, Mr
Singh Said, The Nation’s Agriculture Sector Is Also A Major Economic Contributor
With Farmers Holding A Substantial Stake.

• India Has Secured The Second Spot Globally In Fish Production, A Record
Achievement Following A Substantial Investment Of 38 Thousand 572 Crore
Rupees In Various Schemes Such As The Blue Revolution, Fisheries And
Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund And Pradhan Mantri Matsya
Sampada Yojana.
• Mr Singh Said, In 2013-14, The Production Was Over 95 Lakh Tonne And It
Increased To Over 175 Lakh Tonne In 2022-23, Which Is A Growth Of 83 Per
Cent.
 • Mr Singh Said, With A Farsighted Vision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Took
The Decision To Establish The Ministry Of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry And
Dairying To Lay Emphasis On The Activities Related To The Sectors.

GFRS 2024
• Health Minister JP Nadda underscored the importance of food safety on the
global stage. He emphasized that food safety must be given priority to ensure
the health and well-being of global populations.
• He said this while unveiling the logo and brochures for the second edition
Global Food Regulators Summit (GFRS 2.0) in New Delhi.

• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India will organize the Summit from the
19th to the 21st of this month in the national capital.
• The Minister stressed the need for continuous adaptation in the food safety and
regulatory landscape to address emerging hazards, technological advancements,
and shifting consumer demands.
• The highlight of the summit will be the launch of several innovations like a
dedicated website for Food Import Rejection Alerts(FIRA) and Food Import
Clearance System 2.0 (FICS 2.0) FIRA is designed to share information of food
import rejections at Indian borders.
Angkor Wat Photogenic UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Cambodia’s Angkor Wat has been recognized as the most photogenic UNESCO
World Heritage site in Asia by Times Travel, as announced by Cambodian Prime
Minister Hun Manet.
• Located in the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province, Angkor Wat
is a prominent temple within a 401-square-kilometre park featuring 91 ancient
temples built between the 9th and 13th centuries.
• It is Cambodia’s most visited tourist destination, drawing 651,857 international
visitors in the first eight months of 2024, reflecting a 30.7% increase from the
previous year.
• Revenue from ticket sales for this period reached $30.3 million, marking a 31%
year-on-year rise.

• The list includes notable landmarks such as:

• India: Taj Mahal and Hampi
• China: Great Wall
• Myanmar: Ancient city of Bagan
• Indonesia: Borobudur
• Vietnam: Ha Long Bay
• Japan: Historic Monuments of Kyoto
• Jordan: Petra
• Philippines: Rice Terraces of the Cordilleras
India Set To Launch Carbon Market By 2026
• India is preparing to create a carbon market through the Carbon Credit Trading
Scheme (CCTS), first announced in June 2023.
• This plan is designed to help reduce harmful emissions in different industries.
Under this scheme, sectors that manage to reduce their emissions more than
required can sell carbon credits to those that cannot meet their targets.
• Those who fall short of their goals must buy these credits to offset their
emissions.

• The CCTS is a system that encourages companies to either reduce or limit their
emissions. It is part of India’s commitment to the Paris Agreement of 2016,
where the country promised to cut its emissions intensity (the amount of
emissions per unit of GDP) by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030.
• This means that India is working to produce less pollution while growing its
economy.
 • Apart from the 2030 target, India also has a long-term goal of achieving net-
zero emissions by 2070.
• This means that by 2070, India aims to balance the amount of greenhouse gases
it emits with the amount it removes from the atmosphere.
• This is important both for global climate efforts and for managing the impact of
climate change within India.
• India’s decision to introduce the CCTS is partly influenced by international
actions, such as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
(CBAM). Set to start in 2026, the CBAM will place a tax on imported goods
based on how much pollution was created during their production.
• Countries like China and Indonesia have also created carbon markets, which
likely encouraged India to pursue similar strategies.

Earth Welcomes Temporary ‘Mini-Moon’ 2024

• From September 29 to November 25, 2024, Earth will have a temporary
companion called asteroid 2024 PT5.
• This asteroid will orbit around our planet for two months, acting like a mini-
moon. However, it will not be visible to the naked eye or even most amateur
telescopes because it is too faint.
• A mini-moon is a small asteroid that gets temporarily caught by Earth’s gravity.
Unlike our permanent Moon, these mini-moons stay for a short period and then
move away.
 • Asteroid 2024 PT5, which is about 10 meters (33 feet) in size, will be one of
these mini-moons, briefly orbiting alongside our Moon during its time near
Earth.
• Asteroid 2024 PT5 was first spotted by NASA’s ATLAS program on August 7,
2024. Its path is similar to other asteroids from the Arjuna asteroid belt. Instead
of making a complete orbit around Earth, it will follow a horseshoe-shaped path
before breaking free from Earth’s gravity and continuing its journey in space.
• This mini-moon gives scientists a chance to learn more about how near-Earth
objects behave when they come close to our planet. By studying how asteroid
2024 PT5 interacts with Earth’s gravity, astronomers can improve their ability to
predict the paths of other asteroids in the future.

‘One Nation, One Election’

• Government accepted the recommendations of the High Level Committee
constituted for exploring the idea of One Nation, One Election, paving the way
for simultaneous elections across the country.
• Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said a high-level committee constituted under the
chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind held extensive
deliberations with stakeholders, including political parties and experts.
• He said it will be implemented in two phases. First phase, Lok Sabha and
Assembly elections will be held simultaneously, while local bodies’s elections
like panchayats and municipalities will be conducted within 100 days of general
elections.
• Minister informed us that the government has approved the Chandrayaan-4
Mission and the Venus Orbiter Mission to give a boost to the country’s science
and technology sector. Cabinet has approved a mission to Venus, named the
Venus Orbiter Mission, for scientific exploration and for better understanding of
Venus atmosphere. The mission is expected to launch in March 2028.
• He said the total fund approved for the Venus Orbiter Mission is one thousand
236 crore rupees, out of which 824 crore rupees will be spent on the
spacecraft.

• Minister said the government has also approved the continuation of schemes of
Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) to provide
remunerative prices to farmers and to control price volatility of essential
commodities for consumers. He said the total financial outgo will be 35
thousand crore rupees.
• Mr. Vaishnaw said this will promote self-sufficiency in the production of pulses,
oilseeds, and other essential agri-horticulture commodities.
 • The Union Minister informed that the government has approved Pradhan
Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gramme Abhiyan with a total outlay of 79 thousand 156
crore rupees. He said this scheme will improve the socio-economic condition of
tribal communities by developing enabling infrastructure, ensuring economic
empowerment, and providing access to quality education and health.
• Mr. Vaishnaw said this will cover around 63 thousand villages, benefiting more
than five crore tribal people. It will cover 549 districts and two thousand 740
blocks spread across all tribal majority villages across 30 states and Union
Territories.

‘PM Vishwakarma’ Program

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Wardha, Maharashtra. He will
participate in the National ‘PM Vishwakarma’ Program there, marking one year
of progress under PM Vishwakarma.
• During the programme, Mr. Modi will release certificates and loans to PM
Vishwakarma beneficiaries.

• PM Vishwakarma, a Central Sector Scheme, was launched on 17th September,

2023 by the Prime Minister to provide end-to-end support to artisans and
craftspeople who work with their hands and tools. The Scheme covers artisans
and craftspeople engaged in 18 trades, viz.
• Mr. Modi will lay the foundation stone of PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions
and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park at Amravati, Maharashtra. The 1,000-acre park is
being developed by Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation as the
State Implementation Agency. The government of India had approved setting up
seven PM MITRA parks for the textile industry. PM MITRA Parks are a major step
forward in realising the vision of making India a global hub for textile
manufacturing and exports. It will help in creating world-class industrial
infrastructure that would attract large-scale investment, including foreign direct
investment, and encourage innovation and job creation within the sector.
 • The Prime Minister will launch the “Acharya Chanakya Skill Development
Centre” scheme of the Government of Maharashtra. Skill development training
centres will be established in renowned colleges across the state to provide
training to youth aged 15 to 45, enabling them to become self-reliant and
access various employment opportunities. Around one lakh 50 thousand youths
across the state will receive free skill development training each year.
• The Prime Minister will also launch the “Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women
Startup Scheme.” Under the scheme, early-stage support will be given to
women-led startups in Maharashtra. Financial assistance up to 25 lakh rupees
will be provided. 25 percent of the total provisions under this scheme will be
reserved for women from backward classes and economically weaker sections
as specified by the government. It will help women-led startups become self-
reliant and independent.

Windfall Tax On Crude Petroleum

• Government has scrapped the windfall tax on domestically produced crude oil
with effect from September 18. The windfall tax on domestically produced
crude oil will be zero, the government said in a notification.
• It is a tax levied by governments against certain industries when economic
conditions allow those industries to experience significantly above-average
 profits. The term “windfall” refers to an unexpected rise in profits, and the tax
on windfall gains is known as the windfall tax.

• When the government notices a sudden increase in an industry’s revenue, they

impose this tax. However, these revenues cannot be linked to anything the
company actively pursues, such as its business strategy or expansion.
• Rather, it is related to a one-off external event for which the business is not
responsible. Consequently, a Windfall Tax is imposed on an industry’s profits
when it experiences a sharp increase in revenue due to unrelated external
events.

• Purpose : Redistribution of unexpected gains when high prices benefit

producers at the expense of consumers, To fund social welfare schemes, As a
supplementary revenue stream for the government, As a way for the
Government to narrow the country’s widening trade deficit.
• The most common industries that fall target to windfall gains tax include oil,
gas, and mining.
Global Renewable Energy Expo
• 4th Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo was held in Gujarat,
making it the first time the event took place outside Delhi.
• Gujarat stood out as the top-performing state, winning the most awards for its
contributions to renewable energy. Gujarat ranked among the top three Indian
states in several renewable energy areas.
• The state excelled in total renewable energy capacity and was a leader in wind
power.

• In solar power capacity, Gujarat came in second, with Rajasthan taking the top
spot. Other states like Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka were also
recognized for their contributions to renewable energy. Himachal Pradesh and
Uttarakhand received awards for their progress in hydropower development.

Commonwealth Games
• Scotland will host the Commonwealth Games in 2026 after Victoria, Australia,
withdrew due to rising costs.
• Glasgow, which hosted the Games in 2014, will once again welcome athletes
from around the world, but the event will be on a smaller scale this time.
Victoria, Australia, decided not to host the 2026 Games because the costs were
becoming too high.
 • A later investigation found that their cost predictions had been overstated,
leading to their decision to withdraw. The Scottish government has committed
to hosting the event without needing extra public money.
• Health Secretary Neil Gray confirmed that the Commonwealth Games
Federation (CGF) would provide £20 million in funding. Of this, £5 million will go
towards upgrading the facilities needed for the Games.
• In addition to the funding from the CGF, the UK government is prepared to
provide £2.3 million as a backup in case costs go over the expected budget. This
extra support is to ensure the Games are held sustainably and cost-effectively.

World Food India 2024 Concludes

• The Four day long mega event World Food India 2024 concluded. The event
started on 19th September at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Around 90
countries, 26 states and Union Territories, 18 Central Ministries and allied
government bodies are took part in the event.
• The event highlighted India’s emerging role as a global powerhouse in food
processing.The event was a major convergence of innovation, technology,
sustainability in the food processing sector.
 • This third edition of World Food India hosted over 40 knowledge sessions,
including thematic discussions, state and country-specific conferences.
• Japan was the partner country and Vietnam and Iran were the focus countries
for the event. The first day saw a CEO Round table conference chaired by
Commerce and Industry Minster Piyush Goyal and Food Processing minister
Chirag Paswan.
• The conference tried to bridge the gap between the Industry and government
and try to solve most of their problems. The 2nd edition of the Global Food
Regulators Summit hosted by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
was also held in conjunction with World Food India.

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

• Indian Parliament will host the two-day 10th Commonwealth Parliamentary
Association (CPA) India Region Conference in New Delhi.
• Conference will be chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who is also the
Chairperson of the CPA India Region.
• Forty-six Presiding Officers, four Chairmen, 25 Speakers, three Deputy
Chairmen, and 14 Deputy Speakers of Legislatures from States and Union
Territories, along with their Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, and accompanying
officers, will be attending the conference.
 • The conference will be preceded by an Executive Committee meeting of the CPA
India Region.
• Theme of the conference is ‘The Role of Legislative Bodies in the Attainment of
Sustainable and Inclusive Development.’
• The CPA India Region was created in 2004 from the erstwhile CPA Asia Region
as one of the nine regions of the CPA.
• Currently, it has 31 Member Branches, including the Parliament of India and 30
State and Union Territories Legislatures. This is the second occasion the CPA
India Region Conference is being held in New Delhi.

ISRO Signs Agreements With Private Firms

• India’s space sector has taken a major step forward as ISRO, IN-SPACe, and NSIL
recently signed 75 Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs) with non-
governmental entities (NGEs).
• This is part of India’s ongoing space reforms to encourage more private sector
participation in space activities.
• The purpose of these TTAs is to allow private companies to access ISRO’s space
technologies. These technologies, developed for space missions, can be applied
to a wide range of areas like agriculture, energy, infrastructure, defense,
telecommunications, and cybersecurity.

• The goal is to use space technology to solve real-world problems and drive
commercial innovation.
• ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation): India’s national space agency,
responsible for space research, exploration, and satellite missions.
• IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center): A
government agency created to promote and help the private sector participate
in space activities.
 • NSIL (NewSpace India Limited): This is ISRO’s commercial arm, which helps
transfer space technologies to private companies and promotes India’s space
economy.
• The signing of these 75 TTAs marks a strategic shift in India’s space policy. After
recent reforms, more collaborations between the government and private
companies show a growing trust in the private sector to contribute to space
technology innovation.
• These agreements will help create new commercial opportunities while also
benefiting society by applying space technology to everyday needs.

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework

• India has signed the first-of-its-kind agreements focused on a Clean Economy,
Fair Economy, and the overarching Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) in
Delaware, USA.
• These agreements were exchanged under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework
(IPEF) for prosperity yesterday in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi, who is on a three-day visit to the US for the Quad Summit.

• The Agreement on Clean Economy intends to promote technical cooperation,

workforce development, capacity building, and research collaborations. It will
facilitate investments and project financing, including concessional financing, as
well as joint collaborative projects, with a particular emphasis on supporting
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• The Fair Economy Agreement seeks to create a more transparent and
predictable trade and investment environment across the Indo-Pacific.
Meanwhile, the overarching IPEF Agreement aims to establish a high-level
political oversight framework at the ministerial level for the various individual
 IPEF agreements, providing general guidance and goals while aligning with
leaders’ vision and mandate for the IPEF.

India Food Index

• Kerala has once again secured first position in the State Food Safety Index (SFSI)
2024, marking the second consecutive year that the southern state has claimed
the spot.
• The report was released in the inaugural session of FSSAI Global Food Regulators
Summit 2024. The Index is an annual assessment released by the Food Safety
and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

• It was started from 2018-19 with the aim of creating a competitive and positive
change in the food safety ecosystem in the country.
• The index will help in providing safe and nutritious food to our citizens.
• This index is based on the performance of the State/ UT on five significant
parameters.
• Human Resources and Institutional Data,
• Compliance,
• Food Testing – Infrastructure and Surveillance,
• Training & Capacity Building
• Consumer Empowerment
Longest ISS Flight
• Russian cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub have set a new record
for the longest single mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS),
surpassing the previous record held by cosmonauts Sergei Prokopyev, Dmitry
Petelin, and NASA astronaut Francisco Rubio, who spent 370 days onboard
from September 2022 to September 2023.

• Kononenko and Chub arrived at the ISS on September 15, 2023, via the Soyuz
MS-24 spacecraft and are scheduled to return to Earth on the Soyuz MS-25 on
September 23, 2024, totaling 374 days in space.
• The previous record of 370 days, 21 hours, 22 minutes, and 16 seconds was set
by Prokopyev, Petelin, and Rubio. The all-time record for the longest single
space mission remains with Russian cosmonaut Valery Polyakov, who spent
437 days, 17 hours, 58 minutes, and 17 seconds on the Mir space station
between January 1994 and March 1995.
 REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. Who Is Recognized As India's First Civilian Space Tourist And Recently

Returned After A Space Journey
A. Gopichand Thotakura
B. Rakesh Sharma
C. Sunita Williams
D. Kalpana Chawla
ANSWER: A

2. What Is The New Maximum Time For Resolving Citizen Grievances Under The
Government Initiative
A. 30 days
B. 21 days
C. 45 days
D. 60 days
ANSWER: B

3. In Which City Did Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Inaugurate A Shooting

Range Named After Olympic Medallist Manu Bhaker
A. Bhopal
B. Gwalior
C. Indore
D. Jabalpur
ANSWER: B

4. Which Year Was India's First Magic Theme Park, Magic Planet, Founded In
Kerala
A. 2014
B. 2016
C. 2018
D. 2020
ANSWER: A
5. Which Ministry Recently Launched The “Retired Sportsperson Empowerment
Training” Programme
A. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
B. Ministry of Defence
C. Ministry of Home Affairs
D. Ministry of Rural Development
ANSWER: A

6. CM Of Bihar Inaugurated The State-of-the-art Sports Academy And Sports

University At Which Place
A. Patna
B. Rajgir
C. Gaya
D. Nalanda
ANSWER: B

7. “Sabina Shoal”, Is Located In Which Sea

A. Red Sea
B. Black Sea
C. South China Sea
D. Arabian Sea
ANSWER: C

8. Which Ministry Recently Inaugurated ‘ASSOCHAM Environment And Carbon

Conference’ In New Delhi
A. Ministry of Agriculture
B. Ministry of New & Renewable Energy
C. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
D. Ministry of Urban Development
ANSWER: C
9. Term “Doubtful Voter” Or “D-voter”, Has Been Primarily Used In Which
Northeastern State
A. Assam
B. Nagaland
C. Manipur
D. Mizoram
ANSWER: A

10. Where Was “National Conference Of District Judiciary” Held

A. Bengaluru
B. Hyderabad
C. Chennai
D. New Delhi
ANSWER: D

11. Which State Approved A ‘New Digital Policy’ To Regulate Content, Encourage
Influencers, Promote Government Initiatives
A. Bihar
B. Haryana
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Odisha
ANSWER: C

12. Which Indian Athlete Created A History By Winning India’s First Bronze Medal
In 200m Race At 2024 Paris Paralympics
A. Palak Kohli
B. Ekta Bhyan
C. Karamjyoti Dalal
D. Preeti Pal
ANSWER: D

13. eShram Portal, Was Launched By Which Ministry

A. Ministry of Home Affairs
B. Ministry of Labour and Employment
C. Ministry of Rural Development
D. Ministry of Finance
ANSWER: B
14. Nitish Kumar Won Gold Medal In Which Event At The 2024 Paris Paralympics
A. Badminton
B. Wrestling
C. Boxing
D. Tennis
ANSWER: A

15. Which Organization Launched “Vulture Count 2024” Initiative

A. United Nations Environment Programme
B. Global Footprint Network
C. World Wide Fund for Nature-India
D. Greenpeace
ANSWER: C

16. Which State Government Passed ‘Aparajita Women And Child Bill 2024’
A. Gujarat
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. West Bengal
D. Assam
ANSWER: C

17.Which Organization Released “India Development Update: India’s Trade

Opportunities In A Changing Global Context” Report
A. World Bank
B. International Monetary Fund
C. United Nations Development Programme
D. International Labour Organization
ANSWER: A

18. Who Appointed As Chairman Mastercard India

A. Shreya Mittal
B. Dinesh Kumar
C. Soma Sankara
D. Rajnish Kumar
ANSWER: D
19. Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Is Located In Which State
A. Rajasthan
B. Bihar
C. Karnataka
D. Telangana
ANSWER: C

20. Name Of Cyclone That Recently Formed Over Kutch Coast In Gujarat
A. Cyclone Gulabi
B. Cyclone Jawar
C. Cyclone Asna
D. Cyclone Satrang
ANSWER: C

21. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Is Located In Which State

A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Odisha
C. Gujarat
D. Rajasthan
ANSWER: A

22. Where Was India’s First Conservation And Breeding Centre For The Asian King
Vultures Inaugurated
A. Mussoorie, Himachal Pradesh
B. Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
C. Indore, Madhya Pradesh
D. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
ANSWER: B

23. BPaLM Regimen, Is Associated With Which Disease

A. Malaria
B. Dengue
C. Tuberculosis
D. Typhoid
ANSWER: C
24. Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, Is Located In Which Country
A. France
B. Ukraine
C. Russia
D. United Arab Emirates
ANSWER: D

25. What Are “Globba Tyrnaensis And Globba Janakiae”

A. New species of medicinal herbs
B. New species of plants from the ginger family
C. Rare species of cactus
D. Newly discovered species of frogs
ANSWER: B

26. Which Ministry Organized The “International WASH Conference 2024”

A. Ministry of Agriculture
B. Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
C. Ministry of Jal Shakti
D. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
ANSWER: C

27. What Is The Theme Of Swachhata Hi Seva – 2024 Campaign

A. Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata
B. Swachhata Hi Seva – Ek Sankalp
C. Swachh Bharat- Harit Bharat
D. None of the Above
ANSWER: A
28. Jafar Hassan Has Become New Prime Minister Of Which Country
A. Qatar
B. Jordan
C. Iraq
D. Iran
ANSWER: B
29. Total Financial Outlay Approved By Union Cabinet For “Venus Orbiter Mission
A. Rs.1236 Cr
B. Rs.536 Cr
C. Rs.1539 Cr
D. Rs.1400 Cr
ANSWER: A

30. Koraput Kalajeera Rice Got GI Status, Is Cultivated In Which State

A. Punjab
B. Odisha
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Uttar Pradesh
ANSWER: B

31. Which Ministry Hosted Event “World Food India 2024”

A. Ministry of Agriculture
B. Ministry of Food Processing Industries
C. Ministry of Science and Technology
D. Ministry of Home Affairs
ANSWER: B

32. Koraput Kalajeera Rice Got GI Status, Is Cultivated In Which State

A. Punjab
B. Odisha
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Uttar Pradesh
ANSWER: B

33. INSPIRE–MANAK Scheme, Is Implemented By Which Organizations

A. Department of Finance and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
B. Department of Science & Technology and National Innovation Foundation (NIF)-
India
C. National Science Foundation (NSF) and Department of Economics
D. Department of Education and Indian Space Research Organisation
ANSWER: B
34.Fast Track Immigration-trusted Travellers Programme Expanded To 20 More
Airports In India , Is An Initiative Of Which Ministry
A. Ministry of External Affairs
B. Ministry of Finance
C. Ministry of Defence
D. Ministry of Home Affairs
ANSWER: D

35.Primary Objective Of Indian Government's Directive To Platform Aggregators

To Register Their Gig Workers On The e-shram Portal
A. To provide employment opportunities to gig workers
B. To provide social security benefits to gig workers
C. To regulate the gig economy
D. To collect taxes from gig workers
ANSWER: B

36. Smart Cities Mission Is An Initiative Of Which Ministry

A. Ministry of Urban Development
B. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
C. Ministry of Rural Development
D. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
ANSWER: B

37. SAMRIDH Scheme, Is A Flagship Programme Of Which Ministry

A. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
B. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
C. Ministry of Earth Sciences
D. Ministry of Science and Technology
ANSWER: A

38. ‘Onitis Bordati’, Belongs To Which Species

A. Dung beetle
B. Spider
C. Frog
D. Fish
ANSWER: A
39.Which Country Marked 75 Years Of Diplomatic Relations With India,
Commemorated By Joint Stamps
A. Romania
B. Poland
C. Hungary
D. Bulgaria
ANSWER: A

40.What Is The Name Of The Vehicle That ISRO Is Developing To Enhance India's
Space Capabilities
A. Next Generation Launch Vehicle
B. Unified Launch Vehicle
C. Indian Space Launch Vehicle
D. Lunar Exploration Vehicle
ANSWER: A