- National:
- On 10th September 2024, during the 1st Foundation Day of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Home Minister Amit Shah launched four key initiatives: the National Cyber Crime Helpline, the Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, a Cyber Crime Awareness Campaign, and specialized Cyber Crime Investigation Training programs. These initiatives aim to enhance India’s ability to prevent and respond to cybercrimes.
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- On September 11, 2024, the Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced significant reforms to simplify telecom licensing and equipment approval processes. These changes aim to streamline operations, reduce bureaucratic delays, and foster innovation within the telecom sector. By easing regulatory burdens.
- The Rajasthan government has started offering medical education in Hindi medium from the 2024-2025 academic session. Initially, this will be available at Sampurnanand Medical College in Jodhpur and Medical College of Barmer. The initiative aims to make medical education more accessible to Hindi-speaking students.
- Onam, celebrated on 15th September 2024, is a major festival in Kerala, marking the homecoming of King Mahabali. It features vibrant activities like creating floral carpets (Pookalam), enjoying a grand feast (Onasadya), and participating in snake boat races (Vallam Kali). The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is a time for family reunions and cultural festivities.
- Eid Milad-Un-Nabi, observed from the evening of September 15 to the evening of September 16, 2024, commemorates the birth and death anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. Celebrations include prayers, family gatherings, and community activities, with streets and mosques beautifully decorated. Special prayers are offered to honor the Prophet’s teachings.
- Vishwakarma Puja, celebrated on September 16, honors Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect. Artisans, engineers, and mechanics worship their tools and machinery, seeking blessings for prosperity and safety in their work. Workplaces are cleaned and decorated, and prayers are offered to ensure success and smooth operations.
- Madhya Pradesh leads India in AYUSH facilities, with a robust network of hospitals, dispensaries, and wellness centers dedicated to Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. The state has effectively integrated traditional medicine into its healthcare system, promoting holistic health practices and enhancing accessibility for its residents.
- International:
- India and Argentina held the 7th round of Foreign Office Consultations in Buenos Aires on September 13, 2024. The discussions, co-chaired by senior officials from both countries, covered political, trade, and economic relations, as well as cooperation in healthcare, energy, defense, and more. They agreed to enhance high-level exchanges and plan the next round in New Delhi.
- Banking:
- GST evasion in India surged to Rs 2.01 lakh crore in FY24, nearly doubling from the previous year. Key sectors involved include online gaming and BFSI, with significant contributions from goods like iron and copper. This highlights the need for stricter enforcement measures to curb tax evasion.
- ICRA ESG Ratings has assigned its first ESG rating to InCred Financial Services Ltd, giving it an Impact 57 rating. This indicates a moderate commitment to sustainability practices. The rating helps investors assess non-financial risks and opportunities, promoting responsible investing in India.
- Max Life Insurance partnered with CSB Bank on September 6, 2024 to offer life insurance products to CSB Bank’s 2.5 million customers. This bancassurance partnership aims to enhance the accessibility of insurance solutions through CSB Bank’s extensive network.
- Science & Technology:
- A new species of snake, the long-snouted vine snake (Ahaetulla longirostris), has been discovered in Bihar and Meghalaya. This snake is notable for its long snout, which makes up about 18% of its head length, and can grow up to 4 feet.
- India’s second-largest butterfly, the Southern Birdwing, was discovered in Madurai on September 11, 2024. This butterfly, with a wingspan of 190mm, was found on the satellite campus of The American College in Madurai.
- Pixxel was awarded a USD 476 million contract by NASA on September 9, 2024. This contract aims to support NASA’s Earth Science Research (ESR) with Pixxel’s advanced hyperspectral technology. The technology will enhance the monitoring and analysis of Earth’s ecosystems, climate, and natural resources.
- Apps & Portals:
- The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) launched the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) Portal on September 16, 2024. This initiative aims to centralize and streamline collaboration among key stakeholders in the startup ecosystem, including startups, investors, mentors, service providers, and government entities.
- Sports:
- Neeraj Chopra finished second in the 2024 Diamond League Final on September 14, 2024, at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. He competed in the men’s javelin throw and achieved a best throw of 87.86 meters, just 0.01 meters short of the winner.
- Oscar Piastri claimed his maiden victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 15, 2024. The race took place on the streets of Baku, and it was part of the Formula 1 World Championship. This victory was particularly significant as it marked one of the best races of his career.
- Defence:
- The DRDO and Indian Navy successfully tested the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) on September 12, 2024, off the Odisha coast. The missile engaged a high-speed aerial target, validating key system elements like the Proximity Fuse and Seeker.
- Important Days:
- The International Day of Democracy is celebrated on September 15 to promote democratic values worldwide. This year’s theme is “Empowering the Next Generation,” focusing on involving young people in democratic processes. The day also highlights the role of AI in good governance, balancing its potential benefits with risks like misinformation.
- Malaysia Day, celebrated on 16 September, marks the formation of Malaysia in 1963 with the unification of Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak, and Singapore (which later left in 1965). It’s a public holiday filled with events celebrating the nation’s diversity and unity. Interestingly, it was only declared a public holiday in 2010.
- World Ozone Day, celebrated on 16 September, marks the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987. This agreement aims to phase out substances that deplete the ozone layer. The theme for 2024 is “Montreal Protocol: Restoring the Ozone Layer and Combating Climate Change”, highlighting its dual benefits in protecting the ozone layer and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- The International Day for South-South Cooperation, observed on September 12, celebrates collaboration among developing countries. The 2024 theme is “A Better Tomorrow with South-South Cooperation,” focusing on advancing sustainable development goals and creating a more inclusive global financial system.
- Awards & Honours:
- The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) received the Rajbhasha Kirti Award on September 14, 2024, during the Hindi Diwas celebrations. This award, presented by Home Minister Amit Shah, recognizes the department’s outstanding performance in promoting the use of Hindi in official work.
Questions:
1 Which government department received the Rajbhasha Kirti Award in 2024 for outstanding performance in promoting Hindi?
- A) Ministry of Home Affairs
- B) Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)
- C) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
- D) NITI Aayog
2 The Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) initiative launched by DPIIT primarily aims to:
- A) Promote Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India
- B) Provide tax incentives to startups.
- C) Develop infrastructure for startups in rural areas
- D) Streamline collaboration among various stakeholders in the startup ecosystem
