Current Affairs One - Liner : 21st September 2024

• National:
• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has introduced new Environmental Compensation (EC) guidelines for violations of the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. These guidelines outline the procedures for calculating and imposing environmental compensation on entities that fail to comply with the rules.

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently flagged in the ‘Expedition Param Vir,’ an open water swimming expedition to 21 islands of the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago named after Param Vir Chakra awardees. The expedition, conducted by the Tri-service Andaman & Nicobar Command, covered over 300 kilometers and aimed to honor the bravery of India’s soldiers.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park in Amravati, Maharashtra. This 1,000-acre park aims to boost the textile industry with modern infrastructure and connectivity.
• International:
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar released joint commemorative stamps with Romania to mark 75 years of diplomatic ties on September 17, 2024. The event, held in New Delhi, also featured Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Romanian Ambassador Daniela-Mariana Sezonov Ţane.
• Jordan has become the first country to eliminate leprosy, a milestone verified by the World Health Organization (WHO). This achievement highlights Jordan’s effective public health strategies and strong political commitment.
• Banking:
• The Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme 2024 will start on October 1, 2024. It aims to reduce income tax disputes by offering a settlement mechanism for cases under litigation. Benefits include lower settlement amounts for new appellants and additional reductions for early declarations filed by December 31, 2024.
• PayU launched its biometric authentication solution for card payments, called Flash Pay, on September 19, 2024 at the Global Fintech Festival (GFF) 2024. This technology aims to enhance security and convenience for users by utilizing biometric data for authentication.
• EaseMyTrip has launched ScanMyTrip.com, India’s first travel services marketplace on the ONDC network. This platform allows various travel service providers, including OTAs and MSMEs, to list their services like flights and accommodations. It aims to empower smaller providers by giving them access to a broader digital marketplace.
• Paisabazaar and Yes Bank have launched the PaisaSave Credit Card, offering 3% cashback on online purchases from major platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, and 1.5% cashback on other spends. The card is available in both physical and virtual forms, with no joining fee and an annual fee waiver under certain conditions.
• On September 12, 2024, Airtel Business signed an agreement with Sparkle to enhance connectivity between India and Europe. This partnership aims to improve network performance and provide better service quality for businesses operating across these regions. It will leverage Sparkle’s extensive network infrastructure to offer more robust and reliable connectivity solutions.
• India was placed in the “regular follow-up” category by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on September 19, 2024. This categorization means that India will undergo more frequent reviews to ensure compliance with FATF standards on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.
• Economy:
• According to S&P Global, India is projected to become the third-largest economy by 2030-31, driven by a robust annual growth rate of 6.7%. Key factors include continued reforms, infrastructure development, and sustainable technologies.
• Sports:
• Jasprit Bumrah recently became the 10th Indian bowler to reach 400 international wickets during the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. Bumrah’s 400th wicket was Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud.
• Committee:
• The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has recently formed a high-level committee. This committee, chaired by former SEBI chairman Ajay Tyagi, aims to promote competition and ensure a level playing field in the gas transmission and distribution sectors.
• Important Days:
• World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on 21 September each year to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The theme for 2024 is “Never too early, never too late”, emphasizing the importance of taking action at any stage of life to reduce dementia risk and support those affected.
• International Red Panda Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of September, which is September 21, 2024, this year. The theme is “Protecting Red Pandas: One Step at a Time”, highlighting the importance of small, consistent actions for conservation.
• World Water Monitoring Day, celebrated on September 18, focuses on raising awareness about the importance of water quality. The 2024 theme is “Water Quality for a Sustainable Future”. Participants worldwide use testing kits to measure water parameters like dissolved oxygen and acidity.
• Appointments:
• The Reserve Bank of India approved the re-appointment of V Vaidyanathan as the Managing Director and CEO of IDFC First Bank on September 19, 2024. His new term will run from December 19, 2024, to December 18, 2027.
• Nikhat Zareen joined the Telangana Police as the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Special Police) on September 18, 2024. This marks a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her dedication to serving the community beyond her achievements in boxing.
• Awards & Honours:
• On 19th September 2024, Magnus Carlsen and Judit Polgar, two chess legends, were honored at the FIDE 100 Awards. Carlsen won Best Male Player for his dominance, while Polgar received Best Female Player for her pioneering achievements in women's chess.
• Dhruvi Patel was crowned Miss India Worldwide 2024 on September 20, 2024. This prestigious event celebrates the achievements and talents of Indian women globally. Patel’s win highlights her grace, intelligence, and cultural pride.

Questions:

1 When is World Water Monitoring Day celebrated?

• A) March 22
• B) April 22
• C) September 18
• D) October 18

Answer: C) World Water Monitoring Day is celebrated annually on September 18 to raise awareness about the importance of water quality and the need for regular monitoring.

2 Who was re-appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of IDFC First Bank in 2024?

• A) Sandeep Bakhshi
• B) V Vaidyanathan
• C) Amitabh Chaudhry
• D) Uday Kotak

Answer: B) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the re-appointment of V Vaidyanathan as the MD & CEO of IDFC First Bank, effective from December 19, 2024.