- National:
- The Indian government has released new draft guidelines on passive euthanasia, outlining conditions for withdrawing life support for terminally ill patients. These guidelines emphasize informed consent and medical prognostication, aligning with the Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment on Advance Medical Directives.
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- India has formally joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), committing to the protection and conservation of big cat species like tigers, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. This alliance focuses on collaborative efforts in research, habitat conservation, and anti-poaching measures.
- The dominance of fossil fuels in electricity generation is expected to end by 2030, with renewable energy sources projected to account for over 50% of global electricity generation. This shift is driven by accelerated deployment of clean technologies and increased investment in renewable energy.
- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the Oxygen Bird Park (Amrit Mahotsav Park) in Nagpur. Spanning 8.23 hectares, this eco-friendly park along NH-44 promotes ecological awareness and conservation. It features diverse trees, a lotus pond, and areas for local and migratory birds.
- Banking:
- Foreign Portfolio Investments (FPIs) in India reached a nine-month high of ₹57,359 crore in September 2024 (till September 27). This surge reflects strong investor confidence, driven by economic stability and favorable government policies.
- The Indian government has proposed 2022-23 as the new base year for GDP computation, aiming for implementation by February 2026. This update will incorporate recent data from surveys like the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24 and the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises 2022-23.
- The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has postponed the implementation of the T+0 (same-day) settlement cycle, which was initially scheduled to go live on September 30, 2024. The new date for this change will be announced later.
- India has launched an anti-dumping investigation on imports of R-134a (Tetrafluoroethane) from China. This refrigerant is used in domestic and automobile air conditioners. The probe follows a petition by SRF Limited, India’s sole producer of R-134a.
- HDFC Bank has launched an Instant SIP feature via its SmartWealth app, allowing same-day investments in mutual funds. The app also offers a Unified Dashboard for consolidated investment views and Streamlined Deposits for quicker bookings and better interest rates.
- Product Launched by Bank:
- City Union Bank (CUB) launched eight new payment products at the 5th Global Fintech Fest 2024 in Mumbai. These include Delegate Payments, UPI Lite Auto Topup, National Common Mobility Card, Credit Line on UPI, Rupay Credit Card on UPI, Loan Against Securities (Mutual Fund), ONDC – MSME, and ONDC – Retail. These products aim to enhance digital payment adoption and simplify financial services for MSMEs and retail customers.
- SBI General Insurance launched the ‘SBIG Health Super Top-Up’ plan on September 25, 2024. This plan is designed to provide additional health coverage beyond the base health insurance policy, helping to cover high medical expenses. It aims to offer financial protection against large hospital bills by topping up the existing health insurance coverage.
- Axis Bank and Mastercard launched the MyBiz credit card for small business owners on September 25, 2024. This card offers a range of benefits tailored to the needs of sole proprietors and small business owners, including business, travel, and lifestyle perks.
- Science & Technology:
- The Women in Space Leadership Programme (WiSLP) was launched by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the British Council on September 24, 2024. This initiative aims to promote gender equality in space sciences by supporting early career researchers and developing leadership skills. It’s a significant step towards creating a more inclusive environment in the field of space sciences.
- Sports:
- The new National Cricket Academy, now called the BCCI Centre of Excellence, was inaugurated on September 28, 2024. This facility, located on the outskirts of Bengaluru, spans over 40 acres and includes three grounds and extensive training amenities.
- India won a bronze medal in the inaugural Asia Pacific Padel Cup held in Bali, Indonesia, from September 19 to 22, 2024. The Indian team defeated Malaysia 3-0 in the bronze medal match. This was India’s first international team for padel, marking a significant achievement in the sport.
- Gulveer Singh won the gold medal in the men’s 5000 meters race at the World Athletics Continental Tour. The event was the Yogibo Athletics Challenge Cup, held in Niigata, Japan on September 28, 2024. He set a new national record of 13 minutes and 11.82 seconds.
- Indian football team clinched the SAFF Men’s U-17 Championship 2024 title with an impressive unbeaten run, culminating in a 2-0 victory over Bangladesh in the final match. The championship took place at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, on September 30, 2024.
- Summits & Conferences:
- The Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024, themed ‘Global Synergy in Ayush: Transforming Health and Wellness through Medical Value Travel’, was inaugurated in Mumbai on 30th September 2024. The summit was chaired by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, and organized by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Government of Maharashtra.
- On September 26, 2024, Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, inaugurated the National Conference on the PESA Act in New Delhi. Organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, the event’s theme was “Empowering Gram Sabhas for Holistic Development in Scheduled Areas.”
- Important Days:
- International Translation Day is celebrated on 30 September to honor St. Jerome, the patron saint of translators. The 2024 theme is “Translation: Bridging Cultures and Fostering Peace”, emphasizing the role of translators in connecting cultures and promoting global understanding.
- The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste was observed on September 29, 2024. This year’s theme was “Climate Finance for Food Loss and Waste Reduction”. The day highlights the importance of reducing food loss and waste to improve food security and mitigate climate change.
- Appointments:
- Bhushan Akshikar was appointed as the President of the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) on September 26, 2024. His leadership is expected to drive significant advancements in the pharmaceutical sector, focusing on innovation and industry growth.
- Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, was appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister on September 29, 2024. He will oversee the planning and development portfolio in addition to his previous role as Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development.
- Shigeru Ishiba is set to become Japan’s new Prime Minister after being elected as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on September 27, 2024. Known for his strong stance on foreign policy and military affairs, Ishiba plans to call a general election on October 27, 2024.
- Justice Manmohan was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court on September 29, 2024. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena administered the oath at Raj Niwas. Justice Manmohan has had a distinguished legal career and previously served as the Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.
- Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has taken over as the Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force as of September 30, 2024. With over 5,000 flying hours and extensive experience, he aims to enhance the IAF’s operational capabilities and self-reliance.
- IPS officer Nalin Prabhat is set to take charge as the Director General of Police (DGP) for Jammu and Kashmir starting October 1, 2024. He brings extensive experience in law enforcement and has previously held significant positions in various states.
- INS Shreyams Kumar was elected as the International News Safety Institute (INSI) Chair on September 29, 2024. As a leading figure in Indian media, his appointment is expected to strengthen INSI's efforts to promote journalist safety in dangerous environments globally.
- Awards & Honours:
- The 2024 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize was awarded to Alexander Dunn for his work in analytic number theory, particularly on the Kummer-Patterson Conjecture. The prize includes a $10,000 cash award and will be presented in December 2024 at SASTRA University.
- Obituaries:
- Dame Maggie Smith, the iconic actress known for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, passed away on September 27, 2024. Her remarkable career spanned over six decades, earning her numerous awards and accolades.
- Salvatore ‘Toto’ Schillaci, the celebrated Italian striker, passed away on September 18, 2024. He gained international fame during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where he was the top scorer and won the Golden Boot.
Question:
1 Who was elected as the International News Safety Institute (INSI) Chair on September 29, 2024?
- A) Sanjay Gupta
- B) Rajesh Kumar
- C) Shreyams Kumar
- D) Arvind Sharma
2 Which ministries organized the Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024?
- A) Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Tourism
- B) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Ayush
- C) Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- D) Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Commerce and Industry
