Current Affairs One- Liner : 1st October 2024

The Maharashtra government declared the indigenous cow as ‘Rajya Mata’ on September 30, 2024. This decision aims to promote the welfare of indigenous cows and emphasize their cultural and agricultural importance. The move is part of broader efforts to support traditional farming practices and protect native breeds.

India will participate in the Euronaval 2024 Defence Exhibition in France from November 4 to November 7, 2024. This event will showcase the latest advancements in naval defense technology and provide a platform for international collaboration and innovation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the Bidkin Industrial Area in Maharashtra to the nation on September 29, 2024. This industrial area is part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and aims to boost economic growth by attracting investments and creating job opportunities in the region.

SEBI has allowed mutual funds to sell credit default swaps (CDS) to enhance corporate bond market liquidity. This move provides mutual funds with greater flexibility in managing investments and risks, potentially improving market depth and liquidity.
Vivriti Capital secured a $25 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on October 1, 2024. This funding is aimed at supporting climate bonds, which are crucial for financing environmentally sustainable projects. The investment underscores ADB’s commitment to promoting green finance in India.
BOBCARD and RuPay introduced their EMI feature for UPI payments on September 18, 2024. This allows RuPay BOBCARD holders to convert purchases into EMIs by scanning a QR code with the UPI app. The feature aims to make payments more convenient and manageable for users.
India has extended a USD 50 million Treasury Bill to the Maldives for another year, reflecting its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. This support, facilitated through the State Bank of India, aims to help the Maldives manage its financial needs. This move underscores the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) launched its Multi-Currency World Travel Card on September 27, 2024. This card is designed for international travelers, allowing them to manage multiple currencies on a single card. It offers enhanced security features and aims to simplify financial transactions abroad.

India’s core sector output declined by 1.8% in August 2024, marking the first contraction in 42 months. This drop was mainly due to reduced production in coal, crude oil, natural gas, petroleum refinery products, cement, and electricity. The cumulative growth rate for April-August 2024 was 4.6%, down from 8% in the same period last year.
India initiated an anti-dumping investigation on imports of Cold Rolled Non-Oriented Electrical Steel from China on September 27, 2024. This investigation aims to determine if these imports are being sold at unfairly low prices, harming the domestic industry.

The new catfish species, Exostoma sentiyonoae, was discovered in the Dzuleke River in Nagaland on September 27, 2024. This discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the region and adds to the growing list of unique species found in India.

On September 26, 2024, Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of DA&FW, chaired a review meeting of the Country Programme Advisory Committee (CPAC) with the UN World Food Programme. The meeting aimed to review the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027, focusing on enhancing food-based social protection, nutrition, women’s mobility, and climate-resilient livelihoods.

World Vegetarian Day is celebrated on October 1st to promote the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. Established in 1977, it kicks off Vegetarian Awareness Month. The 2024 theme is “Plant-Powered for a Sustainable Future,” focusing on sustainability and health benefits of plant-based diets.
International Coffee Day, celebrated on 1 October, highlights the significance of coffee from farm to cup. Launched by the International Coffee Organization in 2015, it promotes sustainable coffee practices. The 2024 theme is “Coffee, Your Daily Ritual, Our Shared Journey.”

A K Saxena assumed additional charge as CMD of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) on September 30, 2024. This appointment adds to his responsibilities as CMD of MOIL Limited.

Mithun Chakraborty will receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 70th National Film Awards ceremony on October 8, 2024. This prestigious award is a recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

Questions:

1 What is the primary purpose of the $25 million loan that Vivriti Capital secured from the Asian Development Bank (ADB)?

2 Which public sector company did A. K. Saxena take additional charge of as CMD on September 30, 2024?