Dear Readers, get to know the daily current affairs today covering all the National & International Events provided here in this article. Current Affairs is an important topic in various competitive exams like IBPS/SBI/PO/Clerk and other competitive exams. To score better in this section, be updated with the daily happenings. Check the Daily Current Affairs February 2024 updates here. Revision is very important in remembering current affairs. Candidates after learning the Daily current affairs Sep 29 & 30 2024, can test their knowledge by attempting Current Affairs Quiz provided with answers. Daily current affairs Sep 29 & 30 2024 covers current affairs from International & National news, Important Days, State News, Banking & Economy, Business News, Appointments & Resignation, Awards & Honour, Books & Authors, Sports News, etc.,

Daily Current Affairs PDF of September 29 & 30 2024

Get More: Static GK Pdfs

 

CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING & FINANCE

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation Enhances Efficiency: Claims Settlement Now 30% Faster 

• The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), developed new software for Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), reducing claim rejections and improving settlement efficiency.
• The new software has made claim settlements 30% faster.
• Rejection rates, which had increased from 13% in 2017-18 to 34% in 2022-23, have now decreased significantly after the upgrade.

Key Highlights :

• High Rejection Rates:In 2022-23, out of 52.1 million total claims for final PF settlement, transfer claims, and withdrawal claims, 25.8% (13.4 million claims) were rejected, while 72.4% (37.7 million claims) were successfully settled.
• Rejection rates had risen due to data discrepancies and IT infrastructure issues.
• Centralised Database for Payment System:The government is working on a centralised database for EPFO, which will store subscriber records in one place, even if they change locations. This system is expected to be operational in the next two months.
• Relaxation of Document Requirements:As part of the Modi government’s first 100-day reforms, EPFO relaxed the mandatory requirement for uploading a cheque leaf or attested bank passbook for certain cases, improving claim processing speed.
• Previously, over 10% of partial withdrawal cases were rejected due to missing documents.
• Claim Categories:Three main claim categories for Provident Fund (PF):
• Final settlement
• Transfer claims
• Withdrawal claims
• Key Focus Areas:Improving IT infrastructure and data accuracy has been the main area of focus post software upgrade.
• This initiative promotes ease of living by streamlining the claim settlement process.

About EPFO :

• Formed : 4 March 1952
• Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
• Central Provident Fund Commissioner : Neelam Shami Rao

Reserve Bank of India Greenlights Voluntary Amalgamation of RajapurSahakari Bank and Malad Sahakari Bank in Mumbai, Maharashtra  

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has sanctioned the Scheme of Amalgamation of The RajapurSahakari Bank Limited., Mumbai, Maharashtra with The Malad Sahakari Bank Limited., Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• The sanction has been made under Sub-Section (4) of Section 44A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
• The Scheme of Amalgamation will come into effect from September 23, 2024.
• After the amalgamation, the branches of The RajapurSahakari Bank will function as branches of The Malad Sahakari Bank starting from September 23, 2024.

Reserve Bank of India Imposes ₹61.60 Lakh Penalty on Surat People’s Co-operative Bank and ₹1.50 Lakh on Bihar Awami Co-operative Bank for Regulatory Violations  

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹61.60 lakh on The Surat People’s Co-operative Bank Limited, Surat, for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Income Recognition, Asset Classification, Provisioning and Other Related Matters’, ‘Loans and advances to directors and their relatives, and firms/concerns in which they are interested’, ‘Maintenance of Deposit Accounts’ and ‘Customer Service’.
• This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of section 47A(1)(c) read with sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
• This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers.
• The RBI also has, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.50 lakh on The Bihar Awami Co-operative Bank Ltd., Patna for contravention of the provisions of section 26A read with section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act) and for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’.

About RBI :

• Established : 1 April 1935
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Governor : Shaktikanta Das

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

Ministry of Tourism Announces Winners of the Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024

• On 27th September 2024, in celebration of World Tourism Day, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India revealed the Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024 winners.
• Launched in 2023, this competition highlights villages that exemplify cultural and natural preservation, community-based values, and sustainability.

Key Highlights:

• Objective: Promoting rural tourism, focusing on the cultural richness and natural beauty of Indian villages.
• First Edition (2023): Featured 795 village applications.
• Second Edition (2024): Witnessed 991 applications from 30 states and union territories.
• Winners: A total of 36 villages across 8 categories were recognized as winners.

List of Winners by Category:

1. Adventure Tourism

• Dhudmaras (Chhattisgarh)
• Aru (Jammu & Kashmir)
• Kuthlur (Karnataka)
• Jakhol (Uttarakhand)

2. Agri Tourism

• Kumarakom (Kerala)
• Karde (Maharashtra)
• Hansali (Punjab)
• Supi (Uttarakhand)
• Baranagar (West Bengal)

3. Community-Based Tourism

• Chitrakote (Chhattisgarh)
• Minicoy Island (Lakshadweep)
• Sialsuk (Mizoram)
• Deomali (Rajasthan)
• Alpana Gram (Tripura)

4. Craft Tourism

• Sualkuchi (Assam)
• Pranpur (Madhya Pradesh)
• Umden (Meghalaya)
• Maniabandha (Odisha)
• Nirmal (Telangana)

5. Heritage Tourism

• Hafeshwar (Gujarat)
• Andro (Manipur)
• Mawphlang (Meghalaya)
• Keeladi (Tamil Nadu)
• Pura Mahadev (Uttar Pradesh)

6. Responsible Tourism

• Dudhani (Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu)
• Kadalundi (Kerala)
• Tar Village (Ladakh)
• Sabarvani (Madhya Pradesh)
• Ladpura Khas (Madhya Pradesh)

7. Spiritual and Wellness Tourism

• Ahobilam (Andhra Pradesh)
• Bandora (Goa)
• Rikhiapeeth (Jharkhand)
• Melkalingam Patti (Tamil Nadu)
• Somasila (Telangana)

8. Vibrant Village

• Harsil (Uttarakhand)
• Gunji (Uttarakhand)

Inauguration of Oxygen Bird Park (Amrit Mahotsav Park) by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

• Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, is set to inaugurate the Oxygen Bird Park (Amrit Mahotsav Park) located on the Nagpur-Hyderabad National Highway 44 in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

About the Oxygen Bird Park:

• Area: Total area of 23 hectares, with 2.5 hectares dedicated to social forestry.
• Initiative by: National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), situated at Jamtha Clover Leaf along the Nagpur-Hyderabad Highway.
• Project Design:
  • The park combines environmental conservation and recreational amenities with sustainable green spaces.
  • Features a visually appealing entrance gate and landscaping to enhance aesthetics.
  • Integrates infrastructure development with environmental responsibility, aligning with NHAI’s broader goals.

Focal Points:

• Sustainability: The park emphasizes sustainability through its “Oxygen Park” feature, with fast-growing oxygen-producing trees to reduce air pollution.
• Naturally Formed Pond: Integrated into the park's topography, serving as a central focal point.

Attracting Birds:

• The park is designed to attract bird populations, creating a flourishing habitat for diverse bird species while promoting ecological balance.

Key Features:

• Food court, restrooms, walking path
• Jogging and cycling tracks
• Watch towers
• Amphitheatre platforms
• Children's play area

Development Cost:

• The project is set to be completed at a cost of ₹14.31 crore, ensuring both environmental sustainability and recreational facilities.

Union Textiles Minister Shri Giriraj Singh says the roadmap set for the textiles industry to grow to US$350 bn by 2030

• India aims to grow its textile industry to $350 billion by 2030, up from approximately $164 billion currently, with an expected creation of 4.5 to 6 crore jobs.
• Textile Minister Giriraj Singh made this announcement during the ministry’s 100-day program.

Key Initiatives and Achievements

1. PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (MITRA) Parks:
   • Investment: Rs 70,000 crore anticipated when fully operational.
   • Job Creation: Expected to generate 21 lakh jobs.
2. Focus on Value Chain:
   • The achievements of the first 100 days are aimed at laying the groundwork to meet the 2030 targets across all textile value chain aspects.
3. Silk Production:
   • Long-term target of 50,000 metric tonnes.
   • The Eri Sericulture Promotional Project launched in Gujarat will be expanded nationwide, benefiting castor farmers and generating employment for 1 crore
4. Bharat Tex Platform:
   • A platform designed to attract foreign investment and enhance India’s textile industry, focusing on style, scale, skill, and sustainability.
5. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT):
   • Emphasis on design's importance in the textile industry to meet fashion aspirations through initiatives like VisioNxt, an indigenous trend forecasting project.
6. Technical Textiles:
   • Significant potential identified in technical textiles, with an export target of $10 billion by 2030.
   • 1 crore artisans involved in handloom and handicraft sectors, with various initiatives underway to boost this area.

100-Day Programme Highlights

• Bunkar and KarigarUtthan Upskilling Programme:
  • Launched on July 27, 2024, benefiting 3,600 artisans and weavers.
• 10th National Handloom Day:
  • Celebrated on August 7, 2024, with awards conferred and several promotional activities conducted.
• Shilp Didi Mahotsav 2024:
  • Inaugurated on August 22, 2024, to empower women artisans with marketing opportunities and financial independence.
• Textile Gallery at Crafts Museum:
  • Inaugurated on August 8, 2024, showcasing various textile techniques and innovations.
• Craft Tourism Village and CFC for Terracotta:
  • Inaugurated on September 13, 2024, aimed at enhancing socio-economic conditions for artisans.
• Central Silk Board Platinum Jubilee:
  • Celebrated on September 20-21, 2024, marking significant growth in the silk sector.
• New Pricing Methodology for Jute Sacking Bags:
  • Approved on August 28, 2024, benefiting jute mill workers and farmers.
• VisioNxt Launch:
  • Introduced on September 5, 2024, utilizing AI and Emotional Intelligence to forecast fashion trends.
• Bharat Tex 2025 Curtain Raiser:
  • Launched on September 4, 2024, promoting India as a sourcing destination for textiles.
• International Conference on Technical Textiles:
  • Held on September 6-7, 2024, discussing the future of the industry and promoting indigenous products.
• PM MITRA Park in Amravati, Maharashtra:
  • Foundation stone laid on September 20, 2024, aimed at developing world-class textile manufacturing infrastructure.

57th Executive Committee Meeting of NMCG approves Projects worth ₹1,062 Crore

• The 57th Executive Committee (EC) meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), chaired by Shri Rajeev Kumar Mital, approved various projects totalling₹1,062 crore aimed at conserving and cleaning the Ganga River, alongside initiatives for Mahakumbh 2025.

Key Approved Projects

1. Katihar, Bihar
   • Project Cost: ₹350 crore
   • Focus: Improvement of drainage and sewage management.
   • Components:
     • 35 MLD STP in Rojitpur with structures to tap four drains.
     • 5 MLD STP in Sharifganj, tapping five drains.
   • Model: DBOT (Design, Build, Operate, and Transfer) with a 15-year operation and maintenance commitment.
2. Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
   • Project Cost: ₹488 crore
   • Focus: Interception, diversion, and sewage treatment.
   • Components:
     • Two STPs: 65 MLD and 48 MLD
     • 30 KLD septage co-treatment facility.
     • Three interception and diversion structures.
   • Timeline: Completion within 24 months, with 15 years of operation and maintenance.
3. Supaul, Bihar
   • Project Cost: ₹76.69 crore
   • Focus: Construction of STPs and diversion structures.
   • Components:
     • Three STPs and six interception and diversion structures.
     • Management of six major drains.
     • 15 years of operation and maintenance.

4. Uttarakhand
   • Project Cost: ₹2.5 crore
   • Focus: Co-treatment of septage at existing STPs.
   • Components:
     • 150 KLD capacity plants in various locations including Jagjeetpur, Rishikesh, and Srinagar.

5. IEC Activities for Mahakumbh 2025
   • Project Cost: ₹30 crore
   • Focus: Cleanliness and awareness initiatives.
   • Components:
     • ‘Paint My City’ mural art in prominent locations.
     • 45-day exhibition showcasing achievements under the Namami Gange program.
     • Deployment of 1,500 Ganga Seva Doots for awareness.

Additional Approvals

• Pollution Inventory, Assessment, and Surveillance (PIAS)
  • Restructuring of manpower with 90 sanctioned posts to enhance data collection and monitoring capabilities.
• Online Continuous Monitoring of STPs
  • Project Cost: ₹33 crore for a five-year initiative to install Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) at 11 STPs in Uttar Pradesh and 40 in West Bengal.
• Smart Laboratory for Clean River (SLCR)
  • Investment: ₹13 crore in collaboration with IIT BHU and Denmark for small river conservation.
• Freshwater Turtle and Gharial Conservation
  • Project Cost: ₹2 crore for a breeding program at the Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Center, focused on restoring endangered species in the Ganga River.

Government's Initiative on PLI Scheme for Speciality Steel

• The Indian government is planning a second round of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI)scheme for speciality steel, as the initial response to the first round did not meet expectations.
• This announcement was made by Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik during the CII Steel Summit 2024 in New Delhi.

Key Points

• Need for Improvement
  Poundrik emphasized that the speciality steel sector still requires significant development.
• The initial PLI scheme aimed to incentivize production in this area, but the expected offtake was not achieved.
• New PLI Initiative
  The government is introducing another round of the PLI scheme to attract more interest and participation in the speciality steel business.
• Financial Overview
  • The initial PLI scheme launched had a total outlay of ₹6,400 crore.
  • However, only ₹2,600 crore has been allocated so far.
• Importance of Speciality Steel
  Speciality steel is utilized in critical sectors such as defence, automobiles, and electrical industries, underscoring its significance for the economy and national security.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BUSINESS NEWS

Indian Economy To Grow At 6.5-7 Percent In FY 2024-25: CEA Nageswaran

• Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) Anantha Nageswaran estimates the Indian economy will grow at 6.5-7% in the current financial year on a steady-state basis.
• The nominal growth rate, which accounts for inflation, is expected to be around 11%.
• Real GDP Growth: Expected at 6.5-7% for the current financial year.
• Nominal Growth Rate: Anticipated at 11%, factoring in inflation.

Economic Indicators

• Current Account Balance: No vulnerabilities reported.
• Financial Markets: Domestic financial markets and the banking system are healthy.
• Macroeconomic Signals:
  • Increased capital expenditure.
  • Declining external debt-to-GDP ratio.
  • Lower retail inflation.

Future Prospects

• Nageswaran emphasized the need for:
  • Domestic sources of growth to sustain long-term growth.
  • Generating productive employment.
  • Ensuring food security.
  • Easing regulatory bottlenecks for MSMEs.
  • Ensuring efficient financial resource allocation.

Role of the MSME Sector

• The MSME sector is vital for non-farm job creation.
• Small and medium enterprises should grow into larger entities to absorb more labour and enhance employment opportunities.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Department of Space and Technology launched the Women in Space Leadership Programme in Collaboration with the British Council

• The Women in Space Leadership Programme (WiSLP) was inaugurated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in collaboration with the British Council, as part of the UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI).

Objective of the Initiative

• Focus: To support institutions in enhancing gender-inclusive practices and fostering women’s leadership in space sciences.
• Strategic Leadership Framework: Development aimed at empowering women in scientific fields.
• Delivery Partner: The initiative is supported by Coventry University.

Programme Goals

• The programme aims to develop the leadership capacity of 250 early-career researchers, providing them with tools to:
  • Navigate gender biases.
  • Establish a sustainable support network.

Workshop Insights

• Participants, including academics and policymakers, discussed the national and global contexts for promoting gender equity in space sciences.
• The programme involves:
  • Building sustainable mentoring networks.
  • Enhancing scientific innovation by integrating a gender perspective into key areas such as astrophysics and telecommunications.

India and Republic of Uzbekistan sign Bilateral Investment Treaty in Tashkent

• The Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan was signed by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman and H.E. Mr. Khodjayev Jamshid Abdukhakimovich, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, in Tashkent.

Key Provisions of the BIT

• Investor Protection: The BIT provides appropriate protection for:
  • Uzbekistan investors in India.
  • Indian investors in Uzbekistan.
• Investor Confidence: The treaty aims to enhance investor comfort and confidence through:
  • Assurance of a minimum standard of treatment.
  • Non-discrimination provisions.
  • An independent forum for dispute resolution via arbitration.
• Investment Security:
  • Protection against expropriation.
  • Transparency in operations.
  • Guidelines for transfers and compensation for losses.
• Regulatory Balance: While ensuring investor protection, the BIT maintains a balance with the State's right to regulate, thus providing adequate policy space for both nations.

Impact of the BIT

• The signing of the BIT signifies a shared commitment between India and Uzbekistan to enhance economic cooperation.
• It aims to create a robust and resilient investment environment, paving the way for increased bilateral investments.
• The treaty is expected to benefit businesses and economies in both countries, fostering growth and collaboration.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : STATE NEWS

Uttar Pradesh introduces Krishi Sakhi scheme to empower women in agriculture  

• The "Krishi Sakhi" scheme was launched in Uttar Pradesh (UP) to empower women in agriculture.
• The scheme aims to promote self-reliance and improve economic status through modern agricultural practices.

About the Scheme :

• Training and Participation:A total of 7,634 women have been trained through 269 training programs under this initiative.
• Krishi Sakhis are selected from self-help groups (SHGs) established under the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission.
• Coordination and Support:The state government coordinates efforts between Krishi Sakhis and various government departments to enhance financial stability.
• Training includes initiatives from the Department of Agriculture, Horticulture Department, Silk Directorate, and Ground Water Department.
• Selection Criteria:Women aged between 21 to 45 years with an interest and experience in agriculture are eligible for selection.
• Training Body:TheNational Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) is responsible for training Krishi Sakhis.
• Training focuses on natural, organic, and agroecology-based farming practices.
• Role in Community:KrishiSakhis are actively involved in the "Lakhpati Mahila Program," organizing agricultural and animal husbandry schools for women farmers.
• They assist in creating season-based agricultural and animal activity plans and provide guidance on sustainable practices.
• Livelihood Enhancement:Under the "Lakhpati Mahila Program," Krishi Sakhis identify potential beneficiaries, create livelihood promotion plans, and gather demands for livelihood enhancement under the Gram Samridhi and Sakshamta Yojana.
• Regional Focus:Bijnor district has the highest number of trained women, with 670 participants.

About UP :

• Governor : Anandiben Patel
• Chief Minister : Yogi Adityanath
• Capital : Lucknow
• National Park : Dudhwa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuary : Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary

Karnataka Unveils Draft Policy for Global Capability Centres, Targeting 500 New Centres and 350,000 Jobs by 2029  

• Karnataka is set to strengthen its position in the global outsourcing landscape by targeting a doubling of its Global Capability Centres (GCCs) to 1,000 and generating 350,000 new jobs by 2029.
• Incentives Offered:The draft policy includes various incentives for attracting foreign firms, such as:
• Reimbursement of rental costs.
• Assistance with patent fees.
• Exemptions from electricity duties, based on employee numbers at GCCs.
• Additionally, the Karnataka government aims to achieve an economic output of $50 billion through these new offices by 2029.

Key Highlights :

• Current Landscape:Over1,700 GCCs currently operate in India, employing more than 1.9 million individuals.
• Projections estimate the number of GCCs could rise to 2,100–2,200 by 2030, potentially employing between 2.5 million and 2.8 million people.
• Geographic Focus:While Bengaluru remains the primary hub for GCCs, the Karnataka government aims to promote the establishment of operations in emerging cities such as Mangaluru, Mysuru, and Tumakuru.
• Support Initiatives:Plans to set up three new tech parks & Funding for skills training courses and grants for research projects, particularly in artificial intelligence.
• Current Workforce Distribution:Bengaluru accounts for 36% of the GCC workforce in India.
• The tech sector constitutes 37% of the total GCC workforce, with professional services (BFSI and consulting) making up 21% and manufacturing at 10%.
• Growth Trends:GCCs have become essential drivers of innovation and job creation across various sectors.
• Significant growth observed in healthcare, BFSI, and retail, with CAGR exceeding 30% from 2021 to 2023.
• Future Projections:Despite a slowdown in the broader IT sector, the GCC software and internet sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% by 2027.
• The retail and e-commerce GCC sectors are expected to experience CAGRs of 8.4%, followed by healthcare at 7.5%.
• Public Feedback:The draft policy will remain open for public feedback until November 11, 2024.

About Karnataka :

• Governor : Thawar Chand Gehlot
• Chief Minister : Siddaramaiah
• Capital : Bangalore

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Shigeru Ishiba Wins Ruling Party Leadership Election, Poised to Become Japan’s Next Prime Minister  

• Shigeru Ishiba, a veteran lawmaker and former Defence Minister, won the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election to become Japan’s next Prime Minister.
• This marks his fifth and final attempt to lead the LDP, succeeding after a closely fought contest.
• Ishiba defeated Sanae Takaichi, the economic security minister, in a run-off election. Takaichi was aiming to become Japan’s first female prime minister.
• The election featured a crowded field of nine candidates, one of the most unpredictable leadership contests in decades.
• Ishiba won 215 votes in the run-off, while Takaichi garnered 194 votes.
• Ishiba is set to succeed Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who decided not to run for re-election in August, ending his three-year term.
• Kishida stepped down following a series of scandals that negatively affected the LDP’s approval ratings.
• Ishiba is expected to be confirmed as Prime Minister by Japan’s parliament on October 1, 2024, due to the LDP’s majority in both legislative chambers

About Shigeru Ishiba :

• Shigeru Ishiba has served as President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) since 2024.
• He has been a member of the House of Representatives since 1986 and has served as Minister of Defense from 2007 to 2008 and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries from 2008 to 2009, as well as being the secretary-general of the LDP from 2012 to 2014.

About Japan :

• Capital : Tokyo
• Currency : Japanese yen (¥)

IndusInd Bank extends Sumant Kathpalia's term as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for an additional 3 years  

• The board of directors of private sector lender IndusInd Bank has approved the re-appointment of Sumant Kathpalia as the managing director and chief executive officer (MD & CEO) of the bank for a period of three years.
• The re-appointment will be effective March 24, 2025 upto March 23, 2028.
• The re-appointment of Kathpalia is, however, subject to Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) approval and shareholders approval.

About Sumant Kathpalia :

• Sumant Kathpalia has over 35 years of banking experience.
• He has previously worked at major multinational banks, including Citibank, Bank of America, and ABN AMRO.
• Achievements as MD&CEO:Since his appointment on March 24, 2020, Kathpalia has focused on:
• Strengthening the bank’s balance sheet.
• Enhancing the liability franchise through retailization of deposits.
• Diversifying and building new domain expertise.
• Maintaining healthy capital adequacy.
• Ensuring business growth and profitability.
• Enhancing investor confidence.
• The RBI approved a two-year extension for Kathpalia in March 2023 prior to this latest reappointment.

About IndusInd Bank :

• Established : April 1994
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Tagline : We Care Dil Se, We Make You Feel Richer

M V Shreyams Kumar elected as Indian Newspaper Society president, taking over from Rakesh Sharma  

• M V Shreyams Kumar was elected as the president of the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) during the 85th annual general meeting held via video conferencing.
• He succeeds Rakesh Sharma from Aaj Samaj newspaper.

Other Appointments :

• Vivek Gupta from Sanmarg was elected as the deputy president.
• Karan Rajendra Darda from Lokmat became the vice president.
• Tanmay Maheshwari from Amar Ujala was elected as the honorary treasurer.

About M V Shreyams Kumar :

• Kumar is the managing director of the Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing Company.
• He has served as a Rajya Sabha MP and has been a two-time MLA from Kerala, affiliated with the Janata Dal (United).
• He played a key role in expanding Mathrubhumi's publications, initiating nine of the fourteen editions of Mathrubhumi Daily.
• He facilitated the launch of various platforms aimed at serving the Malayalee diaspora in West Asia and other countries.
• The 41-member executive committee includes Shivendra Gupta of Business Standard, S Balasubramanian Adityan of Daily Thanthi, Samahit Bal of Pragativadi, K N Tilak Kumar of Deccan Herald &Prajavani, Viveck Goenka of The Indian Express, Atideb Sarkar of The Telegraph, K R P Reddy of Sakshi, and Pratap G Pawar of Sakal.

About Indian Newspaper Society :

• Established : 27 February 1939
• Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
• The INS acts as the central organization of the Press of India, an independent body authenticating circulation figures of newspapers and periodicals in India.

Tamil Nadu Cabinet Reshuffle: Udhayanidhi Stalin Appointed as Deputy Chief Minister, Senthil Balaji Rejoins Cabinet  

• Udhayanidhi Stalin, the 45-year-old son of Chief Minister M K Stalin, was elevated to the post of Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
• Udhayanidhi is a first-time MLA from Chepauk and previously served as the Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development.
• The promotion signals his growing influence within the DMK party and Tamil Nadu government.

Key Details :

• Cabinet Reshuffle:Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expanded his cabinet with several key appointments and reappointments.
• GoviChezhiaan was appointed as the Higher Education Minister, making him the fourth Dalit minister in the Tamil Nadu cabinet.
• This move enhances Dalit representation in the DMK government.
• Senthil Balaji Reinducted:Senthil Balaji was reinducted into the cabinet after being released from prison following a Supreme Court ruling.
• He was previously arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on charges related to a job scam and money laundering.
• Balaji is expected to play a key role in managing the Western Tamil Nadu districts.
• Strategic Significance:The reshuffle is part of the DMK's strategy to consolidate its leadership and broaden representation within the state government, ahead of the upcoming elections.The reshuffle is also seen as a move to strengthen the party’s presence in various regions of Tamil Nadu, especially Western Tamil Nadu.
• Swearing-in Ceremony:The swearing-in ceremony for the new ministers, including Udhayanidhi Stalin and Dr.GoviChezhiaan, will take place on September 29, 2024 at Raj Bhavan, Chennai.

About Tamil Nadu :

• Governor: R. N. Ravi
• Chief minister: M. K. Stalin
• Capital: Chennai
• Dance : Bharatnatyam, Karakattam
• National Park: Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Guindy National Park, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
• Tiger Reserve: Anamalai Tiger Reserve
• Biosphere Reserve : Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve

Zomato Co-Founder and Chief People Officer Akriti Chopra Steps Down from Her Position  

• Online food ordering and delivery platform Zomato announced its co-founder and Chief People Officer Akriti Chopra has resigned to pursue other interests.
• Designated as senior management personnel, Chopra has tendered her resignation, with effect from September 27, 2024.
• She has been with the company for 13 years and played a key role in setting up and scaling Zomato's legal and finance teams in her previous role as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
• Prior to joining Zomato, she worked at PwC for three years, focusing on tax and regulatory practice.

Chopra's resignation follows the departure of other co-founders:

• Gunjan Patidar, the former Chief Technology Officer, resigned in January 2023 after over a decade with the company.
• Mohit Gupta, previously the CEO of Zomato's food delivery business, was elevated to co-founder level in 2020 and resigned in November 2022.

About Zomato :

• Founded : July 2008
• Headquarters : Gurgaon, Haryana, India
• CEO : Deepinder Singh

Jitendra Jadhav named Director General of Aeronautical Development Agency 

• Jitendra J. Jadhav was appointed as Director General (DG) of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
• He also holds additional charge as Programme Director (Combat Aircraft) and Director ADA.

Key Projects:

• Jadhav will focus on developing the Tejas Mark 2 fighter and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• ADA is responsible for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project, including Tejas and the twin-engine deck-based fighter (TEDBF) for the Navy.
• His immediate goal includes overseeing the first flight of LCA Mk2, expected in late 2025, and progressing the AMCA project.

About Jadhav :

• Jadhav played a pivotal role in securing the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for the Tejas fighter aircraft.
• He has held key roles in various fighter aircraft programs and contributed to major breakthroughs in India's indigenous fighter jet development.
• He has been awarded multiple prestigious honors for his contributions.

About ADA :

• Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
• ADA is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Defence, established in 1984 to manage the LCA program.
• ADA has designed the Tejas and is now developing its advanced versions like Mark 2, AMCA, and TEDBF.

Kalikesh Singh was elected as the new president of National Rifle Association of India 

• Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo was elected as the new president of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), defeating VK Dhall with a vote count of 36 to 21.
• Kalikesh will serve as president of the NRAI until 2025, when the next general body meeting is scheduled to take place.
• Kalikesh, a former MP from Odisha, had been managing the day-to-day operations of the NRAI as the caretaker head since April 2023, following the resignation of former president Raninder Singh.
• Raninder Singh resigned due to the government's National Sports Code, which prohibits heads of national sports federations from holding office for more than 12 years.
• Raninder served as the NRAI president from December 29, 2010, to December 29, 2022, reaching the 12-year limit imposed by the Sports Ministry.
• During Kalikesh's interim leadership, India secured three bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, breaking a medal drought that had lasted since the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Games.

About National Rifle Association of India :

• Founded : 1951
• Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi

R.Ravindra named as India's new Ambassador to Iceland

• Ravindra has been appointed as India's next Ambassador to Iceland by the Ministry of External Affairs.
• Prior to this appointment, he served as the Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations in New York.
• Ravindra succeeds Mr. B. Shyam as the ambassador to Iceland.

About R. Ravindra :

• Ravindra Served at the Indian embassy in Cairo from 2001 to 2003.
• He Worked at India’s Permanent Mission at the UN in New York from 2010 to 2013.
• He Became Deputy Permanent Representative at the United Nations in September 2020.

About Iceland :

• President : Halla Tómasdóttir
• Prime Minister : Bjarni Benediktsson
• Capital : Reykjavík
• Currency : Icelandic króna

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

India Hosts Second IORA Seminar on Illezgal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing at Naval War College, Goa 

• The second edition of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) seminar on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing was conducted at Naval War College, Goa on 25 Sep 2024.
• The seminar focused on reviewing IUU fishing activities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), highlighting their economic, environmental, and security implications, as well as the legal gaps in addressing these issues.
• Participating Nations:Delegates from 17 IORA countries participated in the seminar, including Australia, Bangladesh, France, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Somalia, South Africa, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Tanzania.
• Discussions were centered around combating the growing threat of IUU fishing in the IOR.
• The first edition of the seminar on IUU fishing under IORA was conducted by the Indian Navy at Goa on 2nd November 2022.

About IORA:

• Established: 1997.
• Headquarters: Ebene, Mauritius.
• Secretary General: Salman Al Farisi.
• Membership: IORA has 23 member countries from Africa, West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia, including India, Australia, Indonesia, South Africa, Malaysia, UAE, and more.
• Governance: The Council of Foreign Ministers is IORA's apex body, meeting annually.
• The Chair rotates every 2 years among members.
• Sri Lanka is the current Chair, India is the Vice-Chair, and Bangladesh was the previous Chair.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Renowned poet and ex-intelligence officer Keki N. Daruwalla Passed away 

• Renowned poet and former IPS officer Keki N Daruwalla, an inspiration to countless young writers and poets who looked at him as a mentor,passed away at the age of 87.

About Keki N Daruwalla :

• Born in Lahore in 1937, joined the police force in 1958, rose the ranks and became special assistant on international affairs to former Prime Minister Charan Singh in 1979, and eventually joined the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) where he retired as chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee in 1995.
• He Published his first volume of poetry, Under Orion, in 1970.
• Subsequent works include:
• Apparition in April (1971) – won the Uttar Pradesh State Award in 1972.
• Crossing of Rivers (1976).
• The Keeper of the Dead (1982) – won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1984.
• The Scarecrow and the Ghost (2004).
• Love Across the Salt Desert (2006) – a collection of short stories.
• Pepper and the Christ (2009) – a novel.
• He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award, in 1984 for his poetry collection, The Keeper of the Dead, by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters.
• He was awarded Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, in 2014.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Lay’s Becomes Official Sponsor of FIFA World Cup 2026 and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027

• Lay’s has become the official sponsor for both the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.
• This marks a significant global expansion of Frito-Lay’s successful involvement as a regional supporter during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and as a tournament supporter for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

Key Details

• Brand Portfolio
  As part of the sponsorship, Lay’s joins a diverse portfolio of food brands, including:
  • Doritos
  • Cheetos
  • Tostitos
  • Ruffles
  • Cracker Jack
  • PopCorners
  • Quaker
  • Gamesa

Historical Significance of Upcoming Tournaments

• FIFA World Cup 2026
  • First tournament to feature 48 teams.
  • Hosted across three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
• FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027
  • Marks the first time the tournament will be held in South America.

Innovative Fan Recognition

• “Fan of the Match”
  Lay’s will introduce the recognition of the “Fan of the Match” at every game, celebrating passionate fans in attendance and providing them with memorable experiences.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Heart Day 2024: September 29

• Every year World Heart Day is celebrated on 29th September.
• The heart is the primary organ of the circulatory system. It is located between the lungs, in the middle compartment of the chest.
• The World Heart Federation (WHF) has announced a powerful theme for the years 2024 to 2026: “Use Heart for Action.”
• In 1999, The World Heart Federation (WFH) along with the World Health Organization (WHO) established World Heart Day.
• The idea to celebrate World Heart Day was proposed by Antoni Bayes de Luna, who was the president of WFH from 1997 to 1999.
• The first celebration of this day took place on 24th September 2000.
• Until 2011, World Heart Day was celebrated on the last Sunday of September.
• In 2012, the leaders in the world committed to reducing the worldwide mortality from noncommunicable diseases by 25 percent by 2025.
• World Heart Day is observed in order to increase public awareness about cardiovascular disease.

International Translation Day 2024: September 30

• International Translation Day is celebrated on 30th September of every year.
• The theme for International Translation Day (ITD) in 2024 is "Translation, an art worth protecting".
• On 24 May 2017, the General Assembly approved resolution 71/288 and declared September 30 as International Translation Day in order to identify the role of Translators in interconnecting nations.
• They chose September 30 as International Translation Day because the 30th of September is the day of the feast of St. Jerome, the Bible translator who is considered the patron saint of translators.
• The celebration has been promoted by the International Federation of Translators (FIT) which was started in the year of 1953.
• In 1991 the FIT launched the idea of International Translation Day to represent the solidarity of the translation community and to promote the profession of translation.

Daily CA One- Liner: Septemeber 29 & 30

• On 27th September 2024, in celebration of World Tourism Day, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India revealed the Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024 winners
• Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, is set to inaugurate the Oxygen Bird Park (Amrit Mahotsav Park) located on the Nagpur-Hyderabad National Highway 44 in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
• India aims to grow its textile industry to $350 billion by 2030, up from approximately $164 billion currently, with an expected creation of 5 to 6 crore jobs.
• The 57th Executive Committee (EC) meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), chaired by Shri Rajeev Kumar Mital, approved various projects totaling₹1,062 crore aimed at conserving and cleaning the Ganga River, alongside initiatives for Mahakumbh 2025.
• The Indian government is planning a second round of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI)scheme for speciality steel, as the initial response to the first round did not meet expectations.
• Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) Anantha Nageswaran estimates the Indian economy will grow at 6.5-7% in the current financial year on a steady-state basis.
• The Women in Space Leadership Programme (WiSLP) was inaugurated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in collaboration with the British Council, as part of the UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI).
• The Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan was signed by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman and H.E. Mr. Khodjayev Jamshid Abdukhakimovich, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, in Tashkent.
• Lay’s has become the official sponsor for both the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.
• Every year World Heart Day is celebrated on 29th September.
• International Translation Day is celebrated on 30th September of every year
• The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), developed new software for Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), reducing claim rejections and improving settlement efficiency.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has sanctioned the Scheme of Amalgamation of The RajapurSahakari Bank Limited., Mumbai, Maharashtra with The Malad Sahakari Bank Limited., Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹61.60 lakh on The Surat People’s Co-operative Bank Limited, Surat, for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Income Recognition, Asset Classification, Provisioning and Other Related Matters’, ‘Loans and advances to directors and their relatives, and firms/concerns in which they are interested’, ‘Maintenance of Deposit Accounts’ and ‘Customer Service’.
• The "Krishi Sakhi" scheme was launched in Uttar Pradesh (UP) to empower women in agriculture.
• Karnataka is set to strengthen its position in the global outsourcing landscape by targeting a doubling of its Global Capability Centres (GCCs) to 1,000 and generating 350,000 new jobs by 2029.
• Shigeru Ishiba, a veteran lawmaker and former Defence Minister, won the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election to become Japan’s next Prime Minister.
• The board of directors of private sector lender IndusInd Bank has approved the re-appointment of Sumant Kathpalia as the managing director and chief executive officer (MD & CEO) of the bank for a period of three years.
• M V Shreyams Kumar was elected as the president of the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) during the 85th annual general meeting held via video conferencing.
• Udhayanidhi Stalin, the 45-year-old son of Chief Minister M K Stalin, was elevated to the post of Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
• Online food ordering and delivery platform Zomato announced its co-founder and Chief People Officer Akriti Chopra has resigned to pursue other interests.
• Jitendra J. Jadhav was appointed as Director General (DG) of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
• Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo was elected as the new president of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), defeating VK Dhall with a vote count of 36 to 21.
• Ravindra has been appointed as India's next Ambassador to Iceland by the Ministry of External Affairs.
• The second edition of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) seminar on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing was conducted at Naval War College, Goa on 25 Sep 2024.
• Renowned poet and former IPS officer Keki N Daruwalla, an inspiration to countless young writers and poets who looked at him as a mentor,passed away at the age of 87.