Current Affairs One - Liner : 25th September 2024

The Madhya Pradesh State Election Commission conducted India’s first paperless election during a panchayat by-election in Bhopal. This pilot project used electronic signatures and thumb impressions for voter identification, achieving an 84% voter turnout.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a new Sainik School in Jaipur on September 23, 2024. This school is part of an initiative to establish 100 new Sainik Schools across India through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The goal is to provide quality education and prepare students for careers in the armed forces.
On September 24, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 16th ASOSAI Assembly in New Delhi. She emphasized the importance of adapting audit practices to technological advancements and highlighted the role of Supreme Audit Institutions in ensuring transparency and accountability in public finance.
The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be held in Goa from November 20th to 28th, 2024. This event will take place at the Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, opposite Kala Academy in Panaji. It promises to be an exciting showcase of global cinema!
The Indian government has introduced a risk-based model for testing imported medical devices. This model involves random sampling for quality tests, with stricter measures for high-risk items like vaccines and critical diagnostic kits, where the entire shipment will be tested. The aim is to enhance quality control and ensure safety standards are met for medical devices entering the country.

Jordan has become the first country to receive WHO verification for eliminating leprosy. This achievement reflects Jordan’s strong political commitment and effective public health strategies.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the merger of Aditya Birla Finance with Aditya Birla Capital. This merger will create a large unified non-banking finance company (NBFC), enhancing financial strength and flexibility. It aims to streamline operations and improve capital utilization, positioning the merged entity for better growth opportunities.
On September 24, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) fined Jai Anmol Ambani ₹1 crore. This penalty was due to alleged irregularities in Reliance Home Finance.

On September 25, 2024, Additional Secretary Shri Charanjit Singh signed an MoU with SAKSHI NGO in New Delhi. The aim is to combat gender-based violence through legal aid and advocacy, focusing on enhancing legal literacy among Self-Help Group (SHG) women under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).

India has launched its first multi-omics cancer data portal through the Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA). This platform provides open access to clinically correlated data from Indian cancer patients, starting with breast cancer. It aims to enhance personalized treatment and promote global research.
The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ app, launched by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, encourages tree plantation in honor of mothers. Users can plant a tree in their mother’s name and track its growth through the app. This initiative aims to promote environmental conservation and celebrate the bond with mothers.

Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Vijay Sundar Prashanth clinched the men’s doubles title at the 2024 Hangzhou Open on September 24, 2024. The event took place at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Expo Centre in Hangzhou, China.

The G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Culture was held in Naples, Italy from September 19 to 21, 2024, presided over by Alessandro Giuli. The meeting focused on culture as a global public good, protecting cultural heritage, and addressing digital and AI challenges. Special attention was given to supporting Ukrainian culture and building global partnerships. Although not a G7 member, India often participates as a guest, sharing its cultural heritage and collaborating on global cultural initiatives.
The 19th India-Australia Joint Ministerial Commission Meeting took place in Adelaide on September 25, 2024. Co-chaired by India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Australia’s Trade Minister Don Farrell, the meeting focused on enhancing bilateral trade and investment.

Antyodaya Diwas, observed on September 25, commemorates the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, a key figure in Indian politics and philosophy. The day emphasizes “upliftment of the last person” in society. The 2024 theme is “Empowering the Marginalized,” focusing on inclusive growth and support for disadvantaged communities.

On 24 September 2024, James Cameron, the acclaimed filmmaker, joined the board of directors at Stability AI. Stability AI is known for its generative AI technologies, including Stable Diffusion. Cameron’s involvement is expected to enhance the integration of AI and CGI in visual media, opening new creative avenues for artists.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake was sworn in as the 9th President of Sri Lanka on September 23, 2024. He aims to tackle corruption and promote good governance. Harini Amarasuriya has been appointed as the new Prime Minister, making her the first woman in 24 years to hold this position.

Questions:

1 Who clinched the men's doubles title at the 2024 Hangzhou Open?

2 Which country has become the first to receive WHO verification for eliminating leprosy?