Current Affairs One - Liner : 3rd September 2024

• National:
• The eShram portal has registered over 30 crore unorganised workers since its launch in August 2021. This initiative by the Ministry of Labour & Employment aims to integrate various social security schemes, ensuring benefits reach grassroots workers.

• President Droupadi Murmu sanctioned the constitution of the 23rd Law Commission of India on September 1, 2024. This commission will serve a three-year term, from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2027. The Law Commission is tasked with reviewing existing laws and recommending legal reforms to improve and update the legal framework in India.
• On September 2, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved Kaynes Semicon Pvt Ltd’s proposal to establish a semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat. This project aims to boost India’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, supporting the country’s goal of becoming a global hub for electronics production.
• WWF-India’s Vulture Count 2024 initiative, running from September 7 to October 6, aims to monitor and conserve vulture populations across India. This citizen-science project will gather data on vulture numbers and habitats, helping develop targeted conservation strategies. Vultures are crucial for ecosystems as they prevent disease spread by feeding on carrion.
• International:
• The BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) have recently adopted a comprehensive framework for climate and sustainable development cooperation. This framework includes key aspects such as mitigation, adaptation, carbon markets, finance, and the involvement of science and business. The agreement aims to foster collaboration on climate action and sustainable development.
• Banking:
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed penalties on UCO Bank and Cent Bank Home Finance Ltd (CBHFL). UCO Bank was fined ₹2.68 crore for violations related to current accounts, deposit interest rates, and fraud classification. CBHFL received a ₹2.1 lakh penalty for not complying with KYC guidelines. These actions underscore the importance of regulatory compliance in the banking sector.
• Committees:
• The 3rd Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between India and Kenya took place in New Delhi on September 3, 2024. It was co-chaired by the Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) from India’s Ministry of Defence and Brigadier Elijah Gatere from Kenya’s Ministry of Defence. The meeting focused on enhancing military cooperation, training, defence industries, and research and development.
• Sports:
• NorthEast United won the Durand Cup 2024 by defeating Mohun Bagan Super Giant on August 31, 2024. The match took place at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. This victory marked a significant achievement for NorthEast United in one of India’s oldest and most prestigious football tournaments.
• Defence:
• The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the procurement of 240 AL-31FP aero-engines for the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Valued at over ₹26,000 crore, this deal includes over 54% indigenous content.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. signed an airframer contract on August 30, 2024, to develop and produce the ‘Aravalli’ helicopter engines. This collaboration aims to enhance India’s aerospace capabilities by creating advanced helicopter engines.
• Important Days:
• Skyscraper Day on September 3rd celebrates the birthday of Louis H. Sullivan, the “father of skyscrapers”. It’s a day to appreciate the architectural marvels that shape our cities, from the early Home Insurance Building in Chicago to the towering Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Skyscrapers symbolize human innovation and ambition.
• Appointments:
• Philips appointed Bharath Sesha as the new Managing Director for the Indian subcontinent, effective September 1, 2024. Sesha brings extensive experience in the healthcare and technology sectors, aiming to drive Philips’ growth and innovation in the region.

Questions:

1 Who has been appointed as the new Managing Director for Philips in the Indian subcontinent effective September 1, 2024?

• A) Rajesh Malhotra
• B) Amit Jain
• C) Suresh Prabhu
• D) Bharath Sesha

Answer: D) Bharath Sesha has been appointed as the new Managing Director for Philips in the Indian subcontinent, effective from September 1, 2024.

2 Which of the following BRICS countries is NOT a part of the newly adopted comprehensive framework for climate and sustainable development cooperation?

• A) Brazil
• B) Russia
• C) Japan
• D) South Africa

Answer: C) The BRICS countries include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Japan is not a member of BRICS, so it is not part of this framework.