Current Affairs One - Liner : 2nd & 3rd October 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘Jamaica Marg’ in New Delhi, highlighting the strong cultural and historical ties between India and Jamaica. The event was attended by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and cricketer Chris Gayle. This initiative aims to deepen bilateral relations and celebrate the contributions of the Indian community in Jamaica.

Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival, began on October 3, 2024, and will end on October 12, 2024. It celebrates Goddess Durga with rituals, dances, and community gatherings, each day honoring a different form of the goddess.

The 26th Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) 2024 began on October 1, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Running until October 3, it features over 2,800 companies from 65 countries. Organized by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), WETEX showcases innovations in water, energy, and environmental sustainability, promoting global cooperation and sustainable development.

The Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2022-23 reported a 7.3% growth in India’s manufacturing gross value added (GVA), reaching ₹21.97 lakh crore. This growth was driven by sectors like automotive, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.
ICRA has downgraded Bandhan Bank’s long-term rating from AA to AA-, citing weaknesses in its Emerging Entrepreneur Business (EEB) portfolio. The outlook has been revised to stable due to concerns about borrower over-leveraging and slow recovery of stressed assets. However, the bank’s short-term rating remains at A1+.

India’s Manufacturing PMI dropped to 56.5 in September, an eight-month low, down from 57.5 in August. This decline reflects slower growth in new orders, output, and export demand.
As of January to July 2024, the United States continued to be India’s largest trading partner. This reflects the strong economic ties and significant trade volume between the two countries. The partnership spans various sectors, including technology, services, and goods, contributing to robust bilateral trade relations.

The PM E-DRIVE Scheme was launched by Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy on October 1, 2024. It aims to boost electric vehicle (EV) adoption with a budget of ₹10,900 crore, offering incentives for various EV categories and establishing extensive charging infrastructure across India.

India will host the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup in 2025, featuring 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams from 24 countries. This event aims to boost Kho Kho’s global presence and work towards its inclusion in the 2032 Olympics.
The ICC has launched an AI-powered tool to moderate social media, aiming to protect players and fans from toxic content ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. Over 60 players have opted in to ensure a safer online environment.

The Indian Army will host the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024 on October 24-25 in New Delhi. The event, themed “Drivers in Nation Building: Fuelling Growth through Comprehensive Security,” will focus on the role of security in national development.

The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2 October, marking Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. Established by the United Nations in 2007, it promotes non-violence through education and public awareness. The 2024 theme is “Promoting Peace through Education”,
2nd October celebrated as Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti the legacy of India’s third Prime Minister, known for his leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pak War and the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.” The day emphasizes his contributions to agriculture and defense, with tributes, educational programs, and community service activities reflecting his values of simplicity and dedication.

The government has reconstituted the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) with new external members: Ram Singh, Saugata Bhattacharya, and Nagesh Kumar. They join the RBI members, including the Governor, ahead of the policy meeting on October 7-9.

Arundhati Roy’s first memoir, “Mother Mary Comes to Me,” is set to release in September 2025. The book delves into her relationship with her late mother, Mary Roy, offering a deeply personal and emotional narrative. Known for her acclaimed novel “The God of Small Things,” this memoir marks a new literary journey for Roy.

Questions:

1 In which year is India set to host the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup?

2 Who inaugurated ‘Jamaica Marg’ in New Delhi?