Current Affairs One - Liner : 10th September 2024

• National:
• On September 6, 2024, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to enhance systems for social change. This partnership aims to strengthen local governance and improve the delivery of essential services at the grassroots level, focusing on children’s welfare and community development.

• International:
• The WHO has launched a global framework for investigating pathogen origins, with significant contributions from Indian scientists. This initiative aims to enhance global preparedness by standardizing the process of understanding how pathogens emerge and spread.
• India and the UAE signed five agreements on September 9, 2024. These agreements span various fields, including nuclear energy, natural gas, petroleum, and the development of food parks. This collaboration aims to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in these critical sectors.
• Australia is planning to introduce a minimum age law for social media use. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the government would trial age verification technology before implementing the law, which is expected to set the minimum age between 14 and 16 years.
• Banking:
• The Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) has launched Daava Soochak, an online tool for tracking claim status. Depositors can check their claim status by entering their registered mobile number on the DICGC website. This tool aims to improve transparency and efficiency for depositors of failed banks, initially covering banks under All-Inclusive Directions (AID) from April 1, 2024.
• On September 5, 2024, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) announced the creation of a multi-donor trust fund. This fund aims to support solar projects in developing countries, enhancing access to clean energy and promoting sustainable development.
• The Ministry of Finance is selling a 6.78% stake in GIC Re to raise around ₹4,700 crore. The offer-for-sale (OFS) will be conducted at a floor price of ₹395 per share, starting with non-retail investors on Wednesday and retail investors on Thursday. This move aims to meet disinvestment targets and increase public shareholding in GIC Re.
• The ICAI has formed a 16-member group to review proposed changes to auditing standard SA 600, aligning it with international standards. The group, led by former ICAI President Debashis Mitra, will present its recommendations on September 17. These changes could impact smaller CA firms, sparking some debate.
• The GST Council has reduced the GST rate on certain cancer drugs from 12% to 5% to make treatment more affordable. This includes drugs like Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab. Additionally, a group of ministers will study the possibility of reducing GST rates on health insurance premiums.
• The Uttar Pradesh government has been recognized as a “Top Achiever” in the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) 2022 for its outstanding performance in business-centric and citizen-centric reforms. This achievement highlights the state’s efforts to simplify business processes, reduce compliance burdens, and improve infrastructure.
• Algeria was officially approved as a member of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) on September 1, 2024. This membership allows Algeria to participate in the bank’s initiatives aimed at supporting infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies.
• Science & Technology:
• ISRO plans to launch the first base module of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2028. This module will be robotic and is part of a larger plan to fully assemble a 52-tonne space station by 2035. The station will eventually host 3-4 astronauts for various experiments. ISRO is also developing a new rocket, Soorya, to lift heavier modules.
• The elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata), a critically endangered species, was spotted in Haryana’s Damdama area on September 9, 2024. This discovery is significant as this species is not commonly found in the Aravallis region. Conservationists are hopeful that this sighting will boost efforts to protect and preserve the species.
• Committees:
• The Indian government has dissolved the Pronab Sen-led Standing Committee on Statistics amid delays in the national census. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation cited overlapping functions with the new Steering Committee for National Sample Surveys. The last census was in 2011, and the next one, scheduled for 2021, has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Sports:
• Yogasana has been included as a demonstration sport in the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. This marks a significant step in promoting the ancient Indian practice on an international stage. If successful, it could become a medal event in the 2030 Asian Games.
• Defence:
• The Indian Navy launched the fourth and fifth ships, Malpe and Mulki, of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) project on September 9, 2024. Built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd, these ships enhance India’s maritime defense with advanced underwater sensors and high indigenous content. They are designed for coastal anti-submarine operations and can reach speeds of up to 25 knots.
• The Quality Council of India (QCI) provisionally approved the National Test House (NTH), Ghaziabad as a Certification Body for type certification of drones on September 10, 2024. This approval allows NTH to certify drones, ensuring they meet specific standards and regulations.
• Important Days:
• The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies 2024 is observed on September 7th with the theme “Invest in #CleanAirNow”. This day highlights the urgent need for stronger partnerships, increased investment, and shared responsibility to combat air pollution.
• The UN has designated September 7th as World Duchenne Awareness Day, starting in 2024. This day aims to raise awareness about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a severe genetic disorder affecting primarily boys. The theme for this year is “Raise your voice for Duchenne,” highlighting the need for equal opportunities for all.
• The 2nd International Day of Police Cooperation was observed on 7 September 2024. This day focuses on the importance of cross-border collaboration among law enforcement agencies to combat transnational crime. The theme for 2024 was “Police Integrity, Accountability, and Oversight”.
• Appointments:
• Rajesh Verma assumed charge as the Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on September 9, 2024. His appointment is expected to bring renewed focus and strategic direction to the commission’s efforts in tackling air pollution in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas.

Questions:

1 Which of the following countries is NOT a founding member of the BRICS New Development Bank?

• A) Brazil
• B) Russia
• C) Algeria
• D) South Africa

Answer: C) Algeria is not a founding member of the BRICS New Development Bank. The founding members are Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

2 In which edition of the Asian Games has Yogasana been included as a demonstration sport?

• A) 2026 Asian Games
• B) 2022 Asian Games
• C) 2024 Asian Games
• D) 2030 Asian Games

Answer: A) Yogasana will debut as a demonstration sport in the 2026 Asian Games, which will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.