Current Affairs One - Liner : 7th September 2024

• National:
• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack on September 4, 2024. This initiative aims to provide Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) with a geographically distributed infrastructure, enhancing security and transparency in digital transactions.

• Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh launched India’s first Fashion Forecasting initiative, ‘VisioNxt,’ on September 6, 2024. This initiative aims to predict fashion trends and support the Indian textile and apparel industry by providing insights into future market demands. It will help designers, manufacturers, and retailers stay ahead of trends and enhance their global competitiveness.
• Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated the Digi Yatra facility at nine more airports on September 6, 2024. This initiative aims to enhance the passenger experience by using facial recognition technology for seamless and contactless travel. The expansion is part of the government’s efforts to modernize airport infrastructure and improve efficiency.
• On September 6, 2024, the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare approved a novel treatment regimen for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). This new regimen aims to enhance treatment efficacy and reduce the duration of therapy, marking a significant step forward in India’s fight against TB.
• Ganesh Chaturthi in 2024 is celebrated on September 7th. This festival honors the birth of Lord Ganesha and lasts for 10 days, ending with Ganesh Visarjan on September 17th. It’s a time for vibrant celebrations, prayers, and community gatherings.
• Paryushan Parva is a major Jain festival observed from August 31 to September 7 this year. It focuses on introspection, self-control, and spiritual renewal through fasting, prayers, and meditation. The final day, Samvatsari, is dedicated to seeking and offering forgiveness to promote peace and reconciliation.
• International:
• The United Kingdom-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB) aims to boost financial collaboration between the UK and India, focusing on infrastructure projects like highways and renewable energy. This initiative, led by the City of London Corporation and NITI Aayog, seeks to attract international private sector investment into India’s sustainable infrastructure
• Banking:
• Hitachi Payment Services and NPCI have launched India’s first Android-Based Cash Recycling Machine (CRM) ATM. This innovative ATM offers 24/7 banking services, including QR-based UPI cash deposits, without the need for physical cards. It aims to enhance customer convenience and security while providing a wide range of banking and non-banking services.
• Maharashtra attracted 52.46% of India’s total FDI in the first quarter of FY2024-25, amounting to ₹70,795 crore out of ₹1,34,959 crore. This achievement highlights Maharashtra’s consistent lead in attracting investments, surpassing states like Karnataka and Delhi. The state’s robust infrastructure and investor-friendly policies continue to make it a top destination for FDI.
• Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced that coal production in India rose by 76% over the past decade, ending in 2024. During the same period, renewable energy capacity also saw a significant increase of 165%. This growth reflects India’s efforts to balance traditional energy sources with renewable alternatives.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved PayGlocal as an online payment aggregator on September 6, 2024. This approval allows PayGlocal to facilitate online payments, enhancing the digital payment ecosystem in India. The move is expected to boost the fintech sector and provide more options for businesses and consumers.
• Motilal Oswal launched India’s first 500 Momentum 50 Index Fund on September 4, 2024. The New Fund Offer (NFO) is open for subscription until September 18, 2024. This fund aims to track the performance of the top 50 companies within the Nifty 500 based on momentum.
• BharatPe has teamed up with Unity Bank to launch a new UPI app for easier digital payments. The app offers features like payments, utility bill services, discounted gift vouchers, and UPI Lite for transactions up to ₹500 without a PIN. Users can create their UPI ID on the BharatPe app and make payments to individuals and merchants.
• Economy:
• India has recently overtaken China in the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index, with a weight of 22.27% compared to China’s 21.58%. This shift highlights India’s robust economic performance and growing foreign investments. The change reflects investor confidence in India’s market potential.
• Science & Technology:
• On September 4, 2024, Arianespace launched the Sentinel-2C satellite aboard the last Vega rocket. This mission is part of the European Union’s Copernicus program, which focuses on environmental monitoring. The satellite will provide high-resolution imagery to help track changes in land use, vegetation, and water bodies.
• The new spider species, Carrhotus piperus, was discovered in Tamil Nadu and officially reported on September 6, 2024. This discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the region and adds to the growing list of unique species found in India
• Apps & Portals:
• The Ministry of Law and Justice launched the new Notary Portal on September 3, 2024. This portal is designed to streamline the appointment process for notaries, making it more efficient and transparent. It aims to reduce delays and improve the overall user experience.
• Sports:
• Wrestler Jyoti Berwal clinched the gold medal in the women’s 76 kg freestyle category at the U20 World Championships. The event took place in Pontevedra, Spain, on September 5, 2024. Her victory is a significant achievement for Indian wrestling on the global stage.
• Defence:
• India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha on September 6, 2024. This test confirmed the missile’s operational readiness and validated all technical parameters. The Agni-4 has a range of up to 4,000 kilometers and can carry a payload of 1,000 kg.
• Important days:
• Brazilian Independence Day is celebrated on September 7th to mark Brazil’s declaration of independence from Portugal in 1822. The day features parades, concerts, and patriotic activities across the country, commemorating the historic “Cry of Ipiranga” by Prince Pedro.
• Appointments:
• Deepti Gaur Mukerjee was appointed as a member of the SEBI Board on September 4, 2024. This appointment adds to her extensive experience in financial regulation and governance.
• Michel Barnier was appointed as the new Prime Minister of France on September 5, 2024. His appointment marks a significant shift in French politics, with expectations for new policies and reforms.

Questions:

1 Who won the gold medal in the women’s 76 kg freestyle category at the U20 World Championships in 2024?

• A) Vinesh Phogat
• B) Jyoti Berwal
• C) Sakshi Malik
• D) Anshu Malik

Answer: B) Jyoti Berwal clinched the gold medal in the women’s 76 kg freestyle category at the U20 World Championships in 2024, marking a significant achievement for Indian wrestling.

2 Who inaugurated the Digi Yatra facility at nine more airports on September 6, 2024?

• A) Piyush Goyal
• B) Nirmala Sitharaman
• C) Ram Mohan Naidu
• D) Rajnath Singh

Answer: C) Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated the Digi Yatra facility at nine additional airports as part of the government's initiative to enhance airport infrastructure.