WEEKLY SEPTEMBER CURRENT AFFAIRS (1 -8)

 

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WEEKLY CURRENT AFFAIRS: 1-7 September 2024

Indian Shooters Shine at Paris Paralympics

  • Indian shooters Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, and Manish Narwal made a significant impact on the first day of shooting at the Paris Paralympics.
  • Avani Lekhara became the first Indian to win back-to-back Paralympic gold medals, successfully defending her title in the women’s 10m air rifle (SH1)
  • Avani Lekhara's Gold Medal Victory:
  1. Avani shot an impressive 249.7, breaking her own previous Paralympic record of 249.6, set during the Tokyo Games three years ago.S
  2. She entered the final round after a solid qualification score of 625.8, placing second.
  • Historic Double Podium Finish:
  1. Mona Agarwal secured the bronze medal in the same event, marking a historic double podium finish for India in the women’s 10m air rifle (SH1).
  2. Mona, a two-time World Cup gold medallist, shot a 623.1 in the qualification round, ranking fifth.

 

National Nutrition Week: 1st to 7th September,2024

  • National Nutrition Week is observed annually in India from 1st to 7th September to highlight the importance of proper nutrition and its impact on a healthy lifestyle.
  • The week serves as a platform to raise awareness among individuals and communities about dietary habits and overall well-being.
  • History and Significance:
  • National Nutrition Week was first initiated in March 1973 by the American Dietetic Association (now the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) to promote nutrition education and the profession of dietitians.
  • Due to growing public interest, the week-long observance extended to a month-long celebration in the United States in 1980.

In 1982, India adopted the celebration of National Nutrition Week, launched by the central government to educate citizens about the importance of nutrition and to encourage the adoption of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

 

Law Commission of India

  • Why in News?
    • The Union Government sets up the 23rd Law Commission for a period of three years from 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2027.
  • About the Law Commission of India
  • It is neither a Constitutional body nor a statutory body.
  • It is an executive body established by an order of the Government of India. 
  • It is established for a fixed tenure (three years) and works as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice.
  • History of the Law Commission in India
  • First Law Commission
    • It was established in 1834 under the Charter Act of 1833 under the Chairmanship of Lord Macaulay. 
    • It recommended codification of the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code.

 

PARIS PARALYMPICS 2024

  • Why in the News?
  • Preeti Pal become the first Indian female track and field athlete to win two medals at the Paralympics, securing a bronze in the 200m T35 category at the Paris Paralympics. This remarkable feat makes her the second Indian woman to earn two medals at a single Paralympics, following shooter Avani Lekhara's gold and bronze achievements in Tokyo.

 

NAMIBIA TO SLAUGHTER WILD ANIMALS

  • Why in the News?
    • Namibia plans to cull hundreds of its most majestic wild animals, including elephants and hippopotamuses to supply meat to nearly half of its 1.4 million people who are struggling with the worst drought in a century. 723 animals, including 30 hippopotamuses, 60 buffaloes, 50 impalas, 100 blue wildebeest, 300 zebras, 83 elephants, and 100 elands (a type of antelope), are slated for culling.
  • About Namibia
  • Capital: Windhoek
  • Currency: Namibian Dollar
  • Prime minister: Saara Kuugongelwa
  • Official language: English

 

MARITIME PARTNERSHIP EXERCISE (MPX)

  Why in the News?

  • INS Tabar conducted Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with Spanish Navy Ship Atalaya in the Mediterranean Sea. India and Spain have been engaging in multiple fields towards enhancing the existing bilateral relations, including maritime domain.
  • Spain
  • Capital: Madrid
  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Language: Spanish

 

Bronze in Women's 10m Air Pistol at Paris Paralympics

  • Rubina Francis, a 25-year-old shooter from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, won a bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol SH1 event at the Paris Paralympics.
  • Rubina scored an aggregate of 1 to finish third in the eight-woman final.
  • She was behind Sareh Javanmardi of Iran (gold with 236.8 points) and Aysel Ozgan of Turkey (silver with 231.1 points).
  • SH1 is a classification for shooters with a permanent physical disability that affects their movement in their arms, legs, or trunk, or who are missing limbs

 

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh

  • Air Marshal Tejinder Singh has taken over as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) of the Indian Air Force at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan).
  • After assuming his new role, he paid homage to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
  • About Air Marshal Tejinder Singh :
  • He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on 13 June 1987.
  • He is a Category 'A' Qualified Flying Instructor with over 4,500 hours of flying experience

 

PARAOLYMPICS

  • Why in News?
  • Para badminton player Nitesh Kumar wins Gold in men's singles SL3 at Paris Paralympics 2024.
  • Important Abbreviation- "SL" stands for "Standing / Lower": SL3: athletes competing standing with a lower limb impairment and balance problems walking or running. 

 

Solar Village Scheme

  • Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched the Solar Village Scheme, an initiative aimed at providing 100% solar-powered electricity to 100 villages, at a function held in Satara.
  • Manyachiwadi, a village in Satara district, has become the 1st village in the state to be electrified 100% by solar power.
  • The scheme aims to achieve zero electricity bills for households under the PM SuryagarhMuft Bijali Yojana.
  • It also aims to provide free electricity to farmers.

 

Skyscraper Day 2024: September 3

  • Date and Significance:
  • Skyscraper Day is celebrated on September 3 every year.
  • The day marks the birth anniversary of Louis H. Sullivan, known as the 'father of modern skyscrapers'.
  • Historical Background:
  • The world's first skyscraper was the Home Insurance Building in Chicago, completed in 1885

 

Maharashtra Government: Ratnagiri Geoglyphs and Petroglyphs

  • The Maharashtra government has declared the geoglyphs and petroglyphs in Ratnagiri as 'protected monuments' under the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960.
  • According to a notification issued by the Culture Department, the group of petroglyphs at Deud in Ratnagiri dates back to the Mesolithic Age (about 20,000–10,000 years ago).
  • Types of Ancient Art:
  • Geoglyphs: Images or designs created on the surface of the earth.
  • Petroglyphs: Images or designs carved into rock surfaces.
  • Depictions: The petroglyphs include depictions of rhinoceros, deer, monkey, donkey, and footprints.
  • Historical Significance: The petroglyphs are important in the Konkan region as they represent the works of Mesolithic man.
  • Geographical Spread:Maharashtra and Goa: Geoglyphs are spread over a 900-kilometer area of the Konkan coast.
  • Ratnagiri: Hosts more than 1,500 artworks across 70 sites, with seven sites on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage List.

 

Maharashtra Government: Ratnagiri Geoglyphs and Petroglyphs

  • The Maharashtra government has declared the geoglyphs and petroglyphs in Ratnagiri as 'protected monuments' under the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960.
  • According to a notification issued by the Culture Department, the group of petroglyphs at Deud in Ratnagiri dates back to the Mesolithic Age (about 20,000–10,000 years ago).
  • Types of Ancient Art:
  • Geoglyphs: Images or designs created on the surface of the earth.
  • Petroglyphs: Images or designs carved into rock surfaces.
  • Depictions: The petroglyphs include depictions of rhinoceros, deer, monkey, donkey, and footprints.
  • Historical Significance: The petroglyphs are important in the Konkan region as they represent the works of Mesolithic man.
  • Geographical Spread:Maharashtra and Goa: Geoglyphs are spread over a 900-kilometer area of the Konkan coast.
  • Ratnagiri: Hosts more than 1,500 artworks across 70 sites, with seven sites on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage List.

 

Andhra Pradesh: First Homegrown RT-PCR Kit for Monkeypox Detection

  • Andhra Pradesh (AP) Chief Minister (CM), Nara Chandrababu Naidu launched India’s first indigenous Monkeypox RT-PCR Kit at the AP Medtech Zone (AMTZ) in Visakhapatnam.
  • The kit was developed at AMTZ in collaboration with Transasia Diagnostics.
  • It has been validated by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

 

WHO Declared Monkey Pox

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox, which has badly affected the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa, to be a public health emergency of international concern.
  • This is the second time the viral infection has been designated such.

          Characteristics of Monkeypox:

  • Cause: It is a self-limiting viral infection caused by an orthopoxvirus.
  • Symptoms: Includes fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and a painful rash that progresses from blisters to crusts.
  • Severity: While generally self-limiting, it can be fatal, particularly among children and individuals with weakened immune systems.

             About WHO :

  • Formation : 7 April 1948
  • Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland
  • Director General : Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

 

PARAOLYMPIC 2024

Why in News?

  • Sharad Kumar and Mariyappan Thangavelu secured silver and bronze medals respectively in the men’s high jump T63 event.
  • Ajeet Singh and Sundar Singh Gurjar claimed the silver and bronze medals respectively in the javelin throw F46 final.
  • Deepthi Jeevanji who won a bronze medal in the women's 400m T20 category final race at the Paralympics.

             Important Abbreviation

  • T63: This event is for athletes with a single through knee or above knee limb deficiency. 
  • F46: This event is for athletes with arm deficiency, impaired muscle power, or impaired passive range of movement in arms.
  • T20: This category is meant for athletes with intellectual impairment.

 

PARAOLYMPIC 2024

Why in News?

  • Harvinder Singh wins India's first gold medal in archery at the Paris Paralympics 2024.
  • This was the first-ever gold medal for India in archery at the Olympics or Paralympics.

 

Aparajita’ Anti-Rape Bill Amidst Political Tensions

  • The West Bengal Assembly unanimously passed the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024'.
  • The bill seeks capital punishment for rape convicts if their actions result in the victim’s death or leave her in a vegetative state.
  • The bill proposes to amend the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012 within the state.
  • West Bengal becomes the first state to amend central laws relating to rape, gang-rape, and sexual crimes against children.
  • The bill is named 'Aparajita' in tribute to a 31-year-old trainee doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical Centre and Hospital.

 

Japan's Space Agency Halts Moon Lander Mission

  • Japan's space agency ended its Moon lander operation after losing communication with the uncrewed spacecraft.
  • The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), dubbed the "Moon Sniper" for its landing precision, touched down eight months ago-making Japan only the 5th nation to achieve a soft lunar landing.
  • The touchdown of the unmanned lander in January was a success, but it landed at a wonky angle that left its solar panels facing the wrong way.
  • The SLIM's mission aims to examine a part of the Moon's mantle, the usually deep inner layer beneath its crust believed to be accessible at the crater where it landed.
  • The spacecraft carried two probes: one with a transmitter and a mini-rover that could move like a turtle around the lunar surface, sending images back to Earth.

 

Teacher’s Day 2024

  • Every year, India celebrates Teachers’ Day on 5th September as it is the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. 
  • About Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan 
  • Birth Date: 5th September 1888 
  • He was born in a Telugu Brahmin family in a village near Thiruttani India, in the erstwhile Madras Presidency near the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states.  
  • He was the second President of India. 
  • He was also a renowned scholar and teacher. 
  • The scholar believed that teachers played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's future and should be duly acknowledged. 
  • He articulated, "Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if  
  • 5th September is observed as Teacher's Day."

 

Suhas Yathiraj Shines with Silver: Paris 2024 Paralympics

  • Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj, a prominent Indian para-badminton star, secured the silver medal in the men’s singles SL4 category at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
  • The match was held at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin, where Suhas faced world champion Lucas Mazur.

Despite a hard-fought battle, Suhas finished with a silver medal.

 

International Day Of Charity 2024: September 5

  • International Day of Charity is observed on September 5th to promote and encourage charitable activities around the globe.
  • In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly declared the International Day of Charity was observed on the 5th of September.

They declared September 5 as an International Day of Charity in order to remember the death anniversary of Mother Theresa who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1979.

 

Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas

  • Under the National One Health Mission (NOHM), a national mock drill named "Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas" (Virus War Exercise) was conducted from August 27 to August 31, 2024, in Ajmer district, Rajasthan.
  • The exercise aimed to assess pandemic preparedness by evaluating the readiness and response of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT), which includes experts from human health, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors.

 

Accolades for The Hindu: Maitri Porecha's Article Wins

  • The Hindu and thehindu.com received accolades at the 14th Laadli Media & Advertising Awards for Gender Sensitivity 2024.
  • Key Highlights:
  • Award Category: Print/Feature/English (Northern Region)
  • Recipient: Senior Assistant Editor Maitri Porecha
  • Article Title: “Talking Therapy: Asha Workers Offer Hope in Rural Madhya Pradesh

 

Professor Bantval Jayant Baliga: 2024 Millennium Technology Prize

  • Recipient: Professor Bantval Jayant Baliga, a 76-year-old Indian-American electrical engineer born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
  • Award: 2024 Millennium Technology Prize, given by Technology Academy Finland.
  • Prize Value: €1 million (approximately $1.1 million).
  • Recognition: Awarded for his invention of the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT).

 

Dr. Dasari Radhika: ‘Gender Diversity’ Award

  • AwardDasari Radhika, Deputy General Manager (HR) at Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), was conferred with the ‘Gender Diversity’ award by the Indian Steel Association.

Contribution: Recognized for her exemplary leadership in the steel industry, a traditionally male-dominated sector, Dr. Radhika has been instrumental in promoting gender equity, fostering an inclusive workplace, and creating a culture of belongingness

 

Senior IAS Officer T.V. Somanathan Assumes Role as Cabinet Secretary

  • T.V. Somanathan took over as the new Cabinet Secretary in the Government of India after the superannuation of Shri Rajiv Gauba.
  • About Dr. T.V. Somanathan :
  • Somanathan is an IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre (1987 batch). He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Calcutta University.
  • He has held important assignments at the Centre like Joint Secretary and Additional Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office.
  • He also served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and was deputed as Director, Corporate Affairs at the World Bank in Washington DC.
  • Prior to his joining as Cabinet Secretary, he was holding the charge of Finance Secretary and Secretary, Department of Expenditure.

 

US, Britain, EU Signed First International Ai Treaty

   Why in the News? 

    • The US, EU, and the UK have signed the first legally binding international treaty on artificial intelligence, designed to balance AI innovation with the protection of human rights and democracy. Supported by more than 50 countries, the treaty ensures accountability for harmful AI impacts and fosters global collaboration. 
    • About the Treaty  : 
  • Place: Vilnius, Lithuania 
  • Purpose: To make sure that AI systems respect human rights and democratic values. 
  • It is known as the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law. 
  • It is the result of years of negotiations between 57 countries. 

Signatories: United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Israel, Georgia, Norway, Iceland, Andorra, Moldova, San Marino, Japan, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, Costa Rica and the Vatican

 

French President: Michel Barnier as France's new Prime Minister  

  • Michel Barnier, former EU Brexit negotiator, was named by President Emmanuel Macron as France's new Prime Minister.
  • Barnier replaced Gabriel Attal, who resigned on July 16, 2024 after legislative elections left France with a hung parliament, causing political instability.
  • About Michel Barnier :
  • Michel Barnier, aged 73, has had a political career spanning over 50 years, holding various ministerial positions, including:
  • Foreign Minister
  • European Affairs Minister
  • Environment Minister
  • Agriculture Minister
  • He also served twice as a European Commissioner.

 

L'Oreal Paris Appoints Actor Alia Bhatt as New Global Brand Ambassador  

  • Leading French cosmetic maker L'Oreal Paris has roped in Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt as its new global brand ambassador.
  • With this, Bhatt joins the brand's diverse roster of L'Oreal brand ambassadors like Viola Davis, Jane Fonda, Eva Longoria, Kendall Jenner, Elle Fanning, Camila Cabello, and many others.
  • Bhatt will feature in the French beauty brand's campaigns starting in September 2024.
  • About L'Oreal Paris :
  • Founded : 30 July 1909
  • Headquarters : Clichy, France
  • Chairman : Jean-Paul Agon
  • CEO : Nicolas Hieronimus

 

India's First Indigenous Combat Drone FWD 200B Successfully Takes Flight 

  • In a historic leap for India's defence capabilities, Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) has successfully launched India's first indigenously built combat unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the FWD 200B.
  • This marks a significant milestone, as India joins the ranks of nations equipped with advanced unmanned combat aircraft.
  • The bomber FWD 200B is classified as a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) and represents India's increasing self-reliance in defence technology.
  • About FWDA :
  • FWDA was incorporated in 2022 and holds patents for killer drones and bomber UAVs.
  • It is the first Indian company to receive Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) type certification for indigenous UAV technology.
  • Founder and CEO : Suhas Tejaskanda

 

Top Celebrity Taxpayers of India in 2024: Shah Rukh Khan Leads the Pack

  • In 2024, Shah Rukh Khan has topped the list of highest tax-paying celebrities in India, reportedly contributing ₹92 crore, according to Fortune India.
  • He is closely followed by actor Vijay, who paid ₹80 crore, and Salman Khan, with a tax contribution of ₹75 crore.
  • Key Points:
  • Top 3 Taxpayers:
  • Shah Rukh Khan: Paid ₹92 crore in taxes, the highest among all Indian celebrities.
  • Vijay: Paid ₹80 crore, securing the second spot.

Salman Khan: Paid ₹75 crore in taxes

 

  • Top 10 List:
  • Amitabh Bachchan: Paid ₹71 crore.
  • Virat Kohli: Paid ₹66 crore, ranked fifth.
  • Ajay Devgn: Contributed ₹42 crore.
  • MS Dhoni: Paid ₹38 crore.
  • Ranbir Kapoor: Paid ₹36 crore.
  • Hrithik Roshan and Sachin Tendulkar: Both paid ₹28 crore.
  • Top 20 List:
  • Kapil Sharma: Paid ₹26 crore.
  • Sourav Ganguly: Paid ₹23 crore.
  • Kareena Kapoor: Paid ₹20 crore.
  • Shahid Kapoor, Mohanlal, Allu Arjun: Paid ₹14 crore each.
  • Hardik Pandya: Paid ₹13 crore.

Kiara Advani: Paid ₹12 crore.

 

Kerala and Andhra Pradesh Lead in Ease of Doing Business Rankings

  • Kerala and Andhra Pradesh have been recognized as the top performers in promoting ease of doing business under the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP), according to a recent official statement from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
  • Top Performers:
  • Kerala - Ranked as the top performer for promoting ease of doing business.
  • Andhra Pradesh - Followed Kerala as the second-best performer.
  • Gujarat
  • Rajasthan
  • Tripura
  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Least Performing States:
  • Arunachal Pradesh
  • Telangana

 

ISRO Chairman Launches Coffee-Table Book

  • Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), unveiled a coffee-table book titled “ISRO: Exploring New Frontiers – To The Moon, The Sun & Beyond” published by The Hindu Group of Publications.
  • Key Highlights:
  • Book Title: “ISRO: Exploring New Frontiers – To The Moon, The Sun & Beyond”
  • Curator: T.S. Subramanian, former associate of Frontline magazine
  • Purpose: To document India’s achievements in space exploration from its early days to recent missions.