Current Affairs One - Liner : 22nd & 23rd September 2024

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) approved the formation of Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd. (ASHVINI), a joint venture between NPCIL and NTPC, to build and operate nuclear power plants on September 19, 2024. This approval also included transferring the Mahi Banswara project in Rajasthan to ASHVINI.

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched the genetically improved “Amrit Catla” at ICAR-CIFA in Bhubaneswar on September 12, 2024. This initiative aims to boost fish production and enhance fish farmers' livelihood by introducing a more resilient and high-yielding variety of Catla fish.
The Uttarakhand governor approved the bill on September 20, 2024. This bill mandates that protesters must pay for any damage caused to public property during riots or protests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the opening of two new Indian consulates in Boston and Los Angeles. This move aims to better serve the Indian-American communities in these cities, known for their educational and entertainment industries, respectively. With these additions, the total number of Indian consulates in the US will be eight.

On September 23, 2024, India and the US announced their agreement to establish a new semiconductor fabrication plant named “Shakti.” This plant will focus on producing advanced semiconductors for national security and other critical sectors.
On September 18, 2024, India and Denmark enhanced their maritime partnership, focusing on green shipping, digitalization, and sustainable development. This collaboration aims to improve port infrastructure and promote sustainable maritime practices as part of the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership.

Elon Musk announced that SpaceX plans to launch five uncrewed Starship missions to Mars within the next two years. These missions aim to take advantage of the next Earth-Mars launch window in 2026.
Bellatrix Aerospace launched Project 200, a satellite designed to operate at ultra-low Earth orbit (ULEO) of 180-250 km, on September 18, 2024. This project was unveiled during the Bengaluru Space Expo 2024. The satellite aims to demonstrate advanced propulsion technologies and contribute to space sustainability efforts.

The 2024 State of the Rhino report by the International Rhino Foundation highlights a 4% increase in rhino poaching in Africa from 2022 to 2023, with 586 rhinos poached. Despite this, white rhino populations in South Africa are rising. Greater one-horned rhinos are benefiting from improved habitats, while Sumatran rhinos saw two new calves born in late 2023. There are just under 28,000 rhinos left globally.

Mizoram CM Pu Lalduhoma launched the ‘Bana Kaih’ scheme on September 19, 2024, to support farmers and entrepreneurs. The scheme offers collateral-free, interest-free loans up to Rs. 50 lakh, with the state government as guarantor. It also includes Minimum Support Price (MSP) for key crops and grants up to Rs. 1 lakh for those unable to avail loans. This initiative aims to boost economic growth and self-sufficiency in Mizoram.

Indian wrestling champion Sangram Singh made his historic MMA debut on September 22, 2024. The event took place at the Gama International Fighting Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia. Sangram Singh won his debut fight against Pakistan’s Ali Raza Nasir, making him the first Indian male wrestler to win an MMA fight.
Lando Norris triumphed in the Singapore Grand Prix 2024 on September 22, 2024. The event took place at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore. This victory has significantly boosted his standing in the Formula 1 championship race.
India-A clinched the 2024 Duleep Trophy by defeating India-C in a thrilling final on September 22, 2024, at the Rural Development Trust Stadium in Anantapur. India-A won by 132 runs, with Shashwat Rawat named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.

India launched its first-ever tri-services ‘Future Warfare’ course on September 23, 2024. This course, led by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, aims to prepare officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force for modern warfare, focusing on both kinetic and non-kinetic operations.

International Daughter’s Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of September, which was September 22, 2024 this year. The theme for 2024 is “Empower, Educate, and Elevate”, focusing on empowering daughters through education and opportunities. The day aims to recognize the importance of daughters and promote gender equality.
World Rhino Day is celebrated on September 22nd to raise awareness about the five species of rhinos and the threats they face, such as poaching and habitat loss. The theme for 2024 is “Five Rhino Species Forever”, emphasizing the need to protect all rhino species.
World Rivers Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of September, which is September 22nd this year. The 2024 theme is “Waterways in Our Communities”, emphasizing the importance of local rivers and waterways. The day promotes awareness and activities like cleanups and educational events to protect and restore these vital ecosystems.
The first-ever World Cleanup Day by the UN was celebrated on 20 September 2024 with the theme “Arctic Cities and Marine Litter”. The event aimed to raise awareness about marine pollution, especially in the Arctic, and involved millions globally in cleanup efforts. The inaugural event took place in Tromsø, Norway.

Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh has been appointed as the next Chief of the Air Staff. He will officially assume the role on September 30, 2024. This appointment marks a significant milestone in his distinguished career in the Indian Air Force.

Megastar Chiranjeevi was honored by Guinness World Records as the Most Prolific Film Star in Indian Cinema on September 22, 2024. This recognition coincided with the anniversary of his debut in the film industry in 1978.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) received the prestigious 2024 @UN Inter-Agency Task Force Award on September 18, 2024. This award recognizes their achievements in advancing multi-sectoral action on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and mental health.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari launched the book “Ranadhurandhar Shahajiraje Bhosale” by Amar Yuvraj Dangat on September 10, 2024. The book highlights the life and achievements of Shahajiraje Bhosale, a prominent figure in Maratha history.

Questions:

1 Which organization awarded the 2024 @UN Inter-Agency Task Force Award to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)?

2 Under the 'Bana Kaih' scheme by Mizoram CM Pu Lalduhoma, how much is the maximum loan that farmers and entrepreneurs can avail without collateral?