Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) launched the Dispute Resolution Scheme (e-DRS), 2022 to simplify and speed up resolving income tax disputes. This scheme aims to cut down on litigation and offer a quicker, more affordable solution for taxpayers. Under section 245MA of the Income-tax Act, 1961, taxpayers can resolve disputes electronically via Dispute Resolution Committees (DRCs). DRCs, present in all 18 regions, can amend orders, reduce penalties, or drop prosecutions, and must make decisions within six months of the application.

Notes:
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved a new social media policy to regulate content on platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube. Social media influencers can earn up to ₹8 lakh per month by promoting government schemes. The policy aims to create job opportunities for residents within the state and those living elsewhere. Platforms are divided into four categories based on followers for payouts. Maximum monthly payouts range from ₹2 lakh to ₹8 lakh depending on the platform and content type. A digital agency named ‘V-Form’ will manage government advertisements. The policy includes guidelines for handling objectionable content, targeting anti-national, anti-social, fake news, or inflammatory posts.

Notes:
Preethi Pal became the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic medals in track and field events at Paris Paralympics 2024. She won bronze in the women’s 200m T35 class with a personal best time of 30.01 seconds. Earlier, she had secured another bronze in the 100m T35 class at the same event. She was outpaced by Xia Zhou and Guo Qianqian from China, who won gold and silver, respectively. Her achievements mark a historic moment for Indian women in the Paralympics and Olympics.

Notes:
India Post Payment Bank (IPPB) recently celebrated its 7th Foundation Day. IPPB was established under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication, with 100% ownership by the Government of India. It aims to provide efficient banking services to every household in India, enhancing financial security and empowerment. IPPB leverages a vast postal network of over 1,61,000 post offices across the country. Services offered include savings and current accounts, Direct Benefit Transfers, bill and utility payments, and access to third-party products like loans and insurance.

Notes:
Indian shooter Dhanush Srikanth won three gold medals at the 2024 World Deaf Shooting Championship. World Deaf Shooting Championship 2024 being held at Hanover in Germany. The championship, organized by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf, is being held from August 29 to September 8, 2024.

Notes:
The three-day Armed Forces Festival began at Surya Khel Parisar in Lucknow Cantonment with much enthusiasm. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the festival. He praised the Indian Armed Forces as unparalleled globally, recognized even by India’s enemies. He highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s leading role in national defense efforts. The Defense Corridor in Uttar Pradesh provides significant employment opportunities for youth. Over 8,000 people attended the festival, enjoying a display of the latest military equipment. The exhibition showcased tanks, helicopters, artillery guns, and more, highlighting India’s technological advancements. The T-90 tank was a notable exhibit.

Notes:
“Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas” is a mock drill conducted under the National One Health Mission (NOHM) to prepare for pandemic situations. NOHM focuses on the “One Health” approach, integrating disease control across human health, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors. The exercise aimed to assess the readiness and response of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT). A simulated scenario of a zoonotic disease outbreak was created to mimic a real-world situation. The drill involved multiple national and state agencies, including ICMR, AIIMS Jodhpur BSL-3 Lab, and state administrations.

Notes:
Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged $51 billion to African countries at the ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing. China will support 30 infrastructure projects, offering 360 billion yuan in financial assistance. This year’s theme is “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.” FOCAC was established in 2000 to strengthen China-Africa relations. The forum is held every three years, alternating between China and an African nation. FOCAC includes 53 African countries, except Eswatini, which maintains ties with Taiwan, opposing China’s “One China” policy.

Notes:
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently led the groundbreaking for India’s first silicon carbide manufacturing facility. Developed by RIR Power Electronics Limited, the facility is being set up at EMC Park in Bhubaneswar with an investment of Rs 620 crore. This facility represents a significant advancement for India and Odisha in the global power electronics market. It aims to position Odisha as a key hub for semiconductor production, fostering innovation and boosting the state’s economy.

Notes:
The 20th edition of the India-USA Joint Military Exercise YUDH ABHYAS-2024 began at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 9th to 22nd September 2024. Yudh Abhyas is an annual joint military exercise between India and the USA, ongoing since 2004. The exercise fosters cooperation between the two militaries, focusing on training, cultural exchanges, and developing joint operational skills. The previous edition took place at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA.