- National:
- CERT-In and SISA launched the first ANAB-accredited Certified Security Professional for Artificial Intelligence (CSPAI) program on September 23, 2024. This program aims to enhance AI security standards and practices. It is a significant step towards ensuring robust cybersecurity measures in AI applications.
- Kiran Rao’s film “Laapata Ladies” has been selected as India’s official entry for the 97th Academy Awards in 2025. The Film Federation of India (FFI) chose this film for its unique narrative and strong performances. It will compete in the International Feature Film category.
- Shankh Air, India’s newest airline, has received approval from the Civil Aviation Ministry. The airline plans to operate from hubs in Lucknow and Noida, using Boeing 737-800NG aircraft. It aims to enhance regional connectivity and is expected to launch by the end of 2024, pending DGCA clearance.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated three indigenously developed supercomputers named PARAM Rudra to the nation. These supercomputers, installed in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata, aim to enhance research in fields like physics and earth sciences.
- India has signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty. This treaty, adopted on June 19, 2023, aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. It covers marine genetic resources, area-based management tools, environmental impact assessments, and capacity-building.
- Banking:
- iBUS Network has secured USD 34 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to support its global expansion. This funding will enhance their digital infrastructure solutions, including in-building connectivity and managed Wi-Fi services, and help them enter new markets.
- Science & Technology:
- On September 24, 2024, China launched the Smart Dragon-3 rocket from the sea near Haiyang city, Shandong province. This mission successfully placed eight satellites, including Tianyi-41, into orbit. The launch, conducted by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, highlights China’s growing commercial space capabilities.
- The Russian Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft successfully returned three crew members from the ISS on 23rd September 2024. The capsule landed in Kazakhstan, carrying Roscosmos cosmonauts Nikolai Chub and Oleg Kononenko, along with NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson. Kononenko and Chub completed a 374-day mission, while Dyson’s stay lasted 184 days.
- Sports:
- Shakib Al Hasan has announced his immediate retirement from T20 Internationals and plans to retire from Test cricket after the upcoming series against South Africa. His departure marks the end of an era for Bangladesh cricket.
- Indian snooker player Kamal Chawla won his maiden IBSF World 6-Red title on September 25, 2024. The event took place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and he secured the title with a 6-2 victory over Pakistan’s Asjad Iqbal in the final.
- Defence:
- The DRDO has transferred high-altitude sustenance technologies to the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) for the 5000 MW Pang-Kaithal HVDC Project in Ladakh. This will help PGCIL’s workforce operate effectively in the challenging conditions of Ladakh, aiding in the integration of solar power into India’s national grid.
- The DRDO and IIT Delhi have developed lightweight bulletproof jackets named ABHED. These jackets provide 360-degree protection and are made from polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic material. Weighing between 8.2 kg and 9.5 kg, they enhance safety and mobility for defense personnel.
- Index & Ranking:
- The World Talent Ranking 2024, released on September 19, 2024 by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), places Switzerland at the top, maintaining its lead as the most talent-competitive country. India has dropped to the 58th position, down from 56th last year.
- Important Days:
- The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is observed on September 26 to promote nuclear disarmament and raise awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapons. The theme for 2024 is “Fostering Global Peace and Security through Nuclear Disarmament”.
- World Maritime Day 2024 is celebrated on September 26 with the theme “Navigating the Future: Safety First!”. This year’s focus is on enhancing maritime safety, security, and environmental protection while embracing technological advancements.
- World Rose Day, observed on September 22, honors cancer patients and raises awareness about the disease. The 2024 theme is “Hope and Healing”, emphasizing emotional support and community involvement.
- World Contraception Day, observed on 26 September, aims to raise awareness about safe and effective contraception. The 2024 theme, “Your Life, Your Responsibility”, emphasizes informed decision-making in reproductive health.
- Appointments:
- Air Marshal SP Dharkar has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of Air Staff, succeeding Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh. He will assume his new role after the new Chief of Air Staff takes over on September 30. Air Marshal Dharkar is a seasoned fighter pilot with over 3,600 hours of flying experience.
- Amit Garg was appointed as the Director of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) on September 21, 2024. This appointment marks a significant step in his career, as he takes on the leadership role at one of India’s premier police training institutions.
- Books:
- On 21st September 2024, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami released a book titled “Khaki Mein Sthitapragya”, authored by former DGP Anil Raturi. The memoir explores Raturi’s 35-year career as an IPS officer, emphasizing the concept of “Sthitapragya,” which means maintaining balanced wisdom and composure in adversity.
Questions:
1 Who is the author of "Khaki Mein Sthitapragya"?
- A) Anil Raturi
- B) Pushkar Singh Dhami
- C) Both A and B
- D) Neither A nor B
2 What was India’s position in the World Talent Ranking 2024?
- A) 52
- B) 56
- C) 58
- D) 60