Current Affairs One - Liner : 22nd October 2024

• National:
• The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the establishment of a new missile testing range in Nagayalanka, Andhra Pradesh, on October 16, 2024. This facility will test tactical missile systems, enhancing India's defense capabilities.

• On October 14, 2024, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) launched its first two initiatives: the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) to support early-career researchers, and the MAHA-EV Mission focusing on advancing electric vehicle technologies.
• The Delhi government is establishing special courts for people with disabilities, approved by Chief Minister Atishi on October 21, 2024. These courts aim to provide fair, swift, and accessible justice for individuals with disabilities, addressing their specific needs and reducing judicial delays.
• On October 19, 2024, the Haryana government, led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, implemented the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) following the Supreme Court's ruling on August 1, 2024.
• International:
• Switzerland joined the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) on October 17, 2024, becoming the 15th member. This German-led project aims to bolster Europe's air and missile defense. Switzerland will participate in joint procurement, training, and logistics for air defense systems.
• India and China reached an agreement on border patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on October 22, 2024. This agreement allows both countries to resume patrolling as per pre-2020 norms, aiming to de-escalate tensions and stabilize the region.
• Banking:
• On October 21, 2024, the Finance Ministry revamped the middle management structure in nationalized banks. The number of posts for CGMs, GMs, DGMs, and AGMs was increased. This aims to address promotion discrepancies, enhance efficiency, and support digitization demands, offering more growth opportunities.
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a USD 42 million loan on October 7, 2024, for coastal and riverbank protection in Maharashtra. This project aims to enhance resilience for local communities and ecosystems by addressing coastal erosion and implementing protection solutions.
• Tata Asset Management Company (Tata AMC) launched India's first index fund based on the Nifty Capital Markets Index on October 8, 2024. The Tata Nifty Capital Markets Index Fund tracks companies involved in the capital markets ecosystem, like asset management firms, stockbrokers, exchanges, and data platforms.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted a Certificate of Registration (CoR) to PB Financial Account Aggregators Private Ltd, a subsidiary of PB Fintech, on October 21, 2024. This allows the subsidiary to start its Account Aggregator (AA) business as a non-banking financial institution without accepting public deposits.
• On October 21, 2024, Adar Poonawalla acquired a 50% stake in Karan Johar's Dharma Productions through his company Serene Productions. The deal is valued at Rs 1,000 crore. Karan Johar retains the remaining 50% and continues as Executive Chairman.
• Economy:
• According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), India's solar imports could reach $30 billion annually as the country works towards its 2030 renewable energy goals. India's target is to install 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with solar power contributing over 80%.
• Reports:
• The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) released the "Renewable Energy and Jobs Annual Review 2024" on October 21, 2024. The report highlights that 2023 was a record-breaking year for solar power generation, with 347 gigawatts (GW) of photovoltaic (PV) capacity added globally, marking a 74% increase from 2022.
• Sports:
• The 27th All India Forest Sports Meet concluded on October 20, 2024, in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, it saw 3,000 athletes from 29 states, 8 union territories, and 6 forestry institutions competing in 23 sports. Chhattisgarh emerged as the overall champion with 175 medals (98 gold, 44 silver, 33 bronze).
• India's Deepika Kumari clinched the silver medal in the women's recurve category at the Archery World Cup Final 2024 held in Tlaxcala, Mexico, on October 21, 2024. She lost to China's Li Jiaman in the final with a score of 0-6.
• Bala Devi became the first Indian woman to score 50 international goals during the 2024 SAFF Women's Championship in Nepal on October 17, 2024. She reached this milestone in a match against Pakistan.
• The Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) triumphed over Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) with a 3-1 win in the 4th Hockey India Senior Women's Inter-Departmental National Championship 2024 on October 21, 2024, at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.
• Defence:
• Larsen & Toubro (L&T) launched INS Samarthak, the first multi-purpose vessel for the Indian Navy, on October 14, 2024, at its Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai. Designed for maritime surveillance, patrolling, and humanitarian missions, the vessel was christened by Shashi Tripathi, President of the Navy Wives Welfare Association.
• Important Days:
• World Day Against the Death Penalty is observed on October 10 each year. The theme for 2024 is "The death penalty protects no one." This day aims to challenge the misconception that capital punishment can enhance safety, advocating for its abolition worldwide.
• Appointments:
• Prabowo Subianto was inaugurated as the eighth President of Indonesia on October 20, 2024. The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Indonesian parliament in Jakarta. Subianto pledges to continue policies of economic growth, corruption combat, and food and energy self-sufficiency.
• Chitra Jayasimha was appointed as the Chairperson of the Board of National Pension System (NPS) Trust by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), effective from October 17, 2024.
• Vikram Dev Dutt assumed charge as the Coal Secretary on October 21, 2024. A 1993-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, he previously served as the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Dutt succeeds V.L. Kantha Rao, who held the additional charge of the Ministry of Coal.
• On October 21, 2024, the Election Commission of India (ECI) appointed Ajay Kumar Singh as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Jharkhand. Singh, a 1989-batch IPS officer, was selected from a panel of three IPS officers. This appointment comes ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand.

Questions:

1 How much photovoltaic (PV) capacity was added globally in 2023, according to the Renewable Energy and Jobs Annual Review 2024 report?

• A) 250 gigawatts (GW)
• B) 250 gigawatts (GW)
• C) 347 gigawatts (GW)
• D) 400 gigawatts (GW)

Answer: C) The "Renewable Energy and Jobs Annual Review 2024" noted that 347 GW of PV capacity was added globally in 2023, marking a new record in solar power expansion.

2 Who was appointed as the Chairperson of the Board of National Pension System (NPS) Trust by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) effective from October 17, 2024?

• A) Ravi Agrawal
• B) K P Sharma Oli
• C) Gagan Narang
• D) Chitra Jayasimha

Answer: D) Chitra Jayasimha was appointed as the Chairperson of the Board of the National Pension System (NPS) Trust by the PFRDA effective from October 17, 2024.