Current Affairs One - Liner : 27th September 2024

On September 24, 2024, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, launched the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0. This initiative aims to reduce tobacco use among young people through awareness programs and preventive measures.

India has been elected to the 15-member steering committee of the GlobE Network, an international anti-corruption body. This highlights India’s commitment to combating corruption globally. The Ministry of Home Affairs, along with the CBI and ED, will represent India in this initiative.
The Delhi government has announced an increase in minimum wages starting October 1, 2024. Unskilled workers will now earn ₹18,066 per month, semi-skilled workers ₹19,929, and skilled workers ₹21,917. This adjustment aims to help workers manage the rising cost of living by updating the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA).
The Mankidia community in Odisha has been granted habitat rights, making them the 6th Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in the state to receive such recognition. This move ensures their legal access to ancestral lands, helping preserve their traditional lifestyle and cultural heritage.

The Government of India has approved the sale of Ferro Scrap Nigam Ltd. (FSNL) to Japan’s Konoike Transport Co. Ltd. for ₹320 crore. FSNL, a subsidiary of MSTC Ltd, specializes in scrap recovery and processing. This deal includes 100% equity shareholding and transfer of management control.
The State Bank of India (SBI) has filed a petition under Section 7 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) against KM Toll Road Private Ltd, a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, for a claim of ₹233.44 crore. The case is currently before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Mumbai.
On September 19, 2024, SBI General Insurance partnered with BLS E-Services to offer insurance products. This collaboration aims to increase the availability of insurance, particularly in rural and regional areas across India. The partnership is expected to leverage BLS E-Services’ extensive network to reach a broader customer base.
Bank of Baroda and EaseMyTrip launched their co-branded travel debit card on September 23, 2024. This card offers travel-related benefits such as discounts on flight bookings and complimentary access to airport lounges. It aims to enhance the travel experience for customers by providing added convenience and savings.

Moody’s Analytics has raised India’s GDP growth forecast for 2024 to 7.1%, up from 6.8%. The 2025 forecast remains at 6.5%. This revision highlights India’s robust economic performance and positive growth outlook in the Asia-Pacific region.
India remains Nepal’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching over NPR 1134.53 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23. Nepal imports petroleum products, chemical fertilizers, and vehicles from India, while exporting hydroelectric power, agricultural produce, and handicrafts.
The Indian government plans to borrow ₹6.61 lakh crore during October-March of the 2024-25 fiscal year. This is part of the total ₹14.01 lakh crore budgeted for the entire fiscal year. The funds will be raised through the auction of dated securities, including ₹20,000 crore of Sovereign Green Bonds. This borrowing aims to fund the revenue gap and support economic growth.

On September 26, 2024, Amazon India signed an MoU with the Ministry of Labour and Employment in New Delhi. The agreement, witnessed by Union Ministers Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, aims to leverage the National Career Service (NCS) portal for job postings at Amazon. This initiative focuses on creating 20 lakh jobs by 2025.

Dwayne Bravo, the legendary West Indies all-rounder, has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket due to a groin injury. He leaves behind an illustrious career, being the leading T20 wicket-taker and winning multiple titles, including three IPL championships with Chennai Super Kings.
Team Europe clinched the Laver Cup 2024 title by defeating Team World on September 22, 2024. The event was held at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany. This prestigious tennis tournament features top players from Europe competing against those from the rest of the world.

September 27th marks Google’s official birthday, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google has grown from a search engine into a global tech giant. The anniversary theme could be “Innovation and Impact”, highlighting Google’s journey and influence on technology and daily life.
World Car-Free Day 2024, celebrated on September 22nd, promotes reducing car dependency to create safer, healthier urban environments. This year’s theme is “Streets for Life”, emphasizing sustainable transportation like walking, cycling, and public transit.
NSS Day, celebrated on September 24th, commemorates the launch of the National Service Scheme (NSS) in 1969. The scheme, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, aims to involve students in community service with the motto “Not Me But You”. It focuses on bridging the gap between educational institutions and local communities, especially in rural areas.

India climbed to the 39th position in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024, which was released on September 26, 2024. The rankings were published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Switzerland secured 1st place in the GII 2024, maintaining its top position for the 14th consecutive year. India’s position in the GII 2024 is 39th.

The GST Council has set up a 10-member Group of Ministers (GoM) led by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary to decide on the taxation of luxury, sin, and demerit goods after the compensation cess ends in March 2026. The GoM will submit its report by December 31, 2024, with recommendations on whether to continue the cess or introduce new taxes.

Brijendra Pratap Singh is set to become the next Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) on November 1, 2024. He will succeed Sridhar Patra, who is retiring on October 31, 2024.
On September 25, 2024, Girish Chandra Murmu, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, assumed the chairmanship of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) for the 2024-2027 term. This role involves leading ASOSAI in promoting good governance and enhancing the quality of public sector auditing across Asia.

Deepak C Mehta was honored with the ICC Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023 on September 26, 2024. This award, presented by the Indian Chemical Council (ICC), recognizes his significant contributions to India’s chemical manufacturing sector over several decades.
Anushka Sen was honoured by the South Korean government on September 21, 2024 for her contributions to strengthening India-Korea relations. This recognition highlights her efforts in promoting cultural exchange and fostering goodwill between the two nations.

Questions:

1 What is the revised GDP growth forecast for India in 2024, according to Moody's Analytics?

2 Who assumed the chairmanship of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) for the 2024-2027 term?