Current Affairs One - Liner : 12th September 2024

The United Nations General Assembly has declared July 6 as World Rural Development Day. This initiative, led by Bangladesh and co-sponsored by Pakistan and 42 other countries, aims to emphasize the importance of rural development in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first observance will be on July 6, 2025, focusing on poverty alleviation, food security, and ecosystem restoration.

The theme for the 2024 World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) is “Embracing Innovation and Technology for Safe and Efficient Operations”. The event will take place from October 1 to 3, 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco, hosted by Royal Air Maroc.
The Union Cabinet approved ‘Mission Mausam’ on September 11, 2024. This initiative aims to enhance India’s capacity to cope with extreme weather and climate challenges by leveraging advanced technologies and improving weather forecasting systems. It focuses on building resilience and preparedness to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The US Government announced a partnership with IIT Madras Research Park on September 10, 2024. This collaboration focuses on solar energy, green hydrogen, electric vehicles, batteries, and green buildings. It aims to foster innovation by bringing together researchers, academia, and industry experts from both countries.
Nepal became the 101st member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) on September 9, 2024. This membership marks a significant step in Nepal’s commitment to promoting solar energy and sustainable development. The ISA aims to foster cooperation among solar-rich countries to enhance the use of solar energy globally.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the proposed merger of Tata Motors Finance Ltd with Tata Capital Ltd on September 10, 2024. This merger aims to streamline the financial services under the Tata Group, enhancing operational efficiency and customer service.
The State Bank of India (SBI) launched three new offerings to ease payments for commuters: the MTS RuPay NCMC Prepaid Card for various transit payments, the One View Mobile App to manage all SBI NCMC prepaid cards, and an advanced design for SBI FASTag to improve toll collection efficiency.
The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹5 lakh annual health insurance for senior citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This initiative aims to benefit around six crore elderly citizens, providing essential healthcare support without financial burden.

Nibe Space Pvt. Ltd. (NSPL), a subsidiary of Nibe Limited, announced on September 8, 2024, their plan to establish India’s first Earth Observation Satellite Constellation. This project will deploy 40 satellites to enhance remote sensing, environmental monitoring, and national security capabilities.
On September 8, 2024, six new ginger species were discovered in West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. These species belong to the genus Globba and are known for their unique floral characteristics, often referred to as “dancing girls.” This discovery highlights the rich biodiversity in these regions.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched the Trade Connect e-platform on September 11, 2024. This platform is designed to streamline business processes for exporters, especially those in the MSME sector, by providing a centralized digital interface for trade-related activities. It aims to enhance the ease of doing business and boost India’s export capabilities.

Paralympic archery champions Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar were announced as the Election Commission of India’s national icons for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) on September 11, 2024. This initiative aims to inspire and encourage voter participation among PwDs across the nation.

The International Day to Protect Education from Attack is observed on September 9th to raise awareness about the impact of conflict on education. The 2024 theme, “Education in Emergencies: Ensuring Safe Learning Spaces,” emphasizes the need to protect schools and ensure education continues in conflict zones.

IAS Officer Manish Kumar Gupta was appointed as the Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh on September 5, 2024. His appointment marks a significant step in his career, bringing his extensive administrative experience to the forefront of the state’s governance.

The National Florence Nightingale Awards 2024 were presented by President Droupadi Murmu on September 11, 2024, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Fifteen outstanding nurses were honored for their exceptional contributions to healthcare. The award amount was increased to ₹1 lakh this year. These awards recognize the dedication and service of nursing professionals across India.
Prasanthi Ram, an Indian-origin lecturer at Nanyang Technological University, won the Singapore Literature Prize for English fiction on September 10, 2024. Her debut short story collection, “Nine Yard Sarees,” was celebrated for its compelling and emotive storytelling.

Aruna Vasudev, a pioneering film scholar known as the “Mother of Asian Cinema,” passed away on September 5, 2024. She was instrumental in promoting Asian cinema globally through her work as a critic, author, and founder of the NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) and the Cinemaya film magazine.

Questions:

1 What position does Nepal hold in terms of membership in the International Solar Alliance?

2 The Trade Connect e-platform is primarily designed to benefit which sector?