Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024

Notes:
The second summit on Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) started in Seoul on September 9. It is co-hosted by Kenya, the Netherlands, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. The first REAIM summit was held in February 2023 in The Hague, hosted by the Netherlands. The summit expands the discussion from just autonomous weapons to broader issues of AI in warfare. The Seoul summit aims to understand AI’s impact on global peace and security, implement new norms for military AI use, and develop ideas for long-term global governance of AI in the military.

Notes:
Nagaland has approved the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Chumoukedima, Niuland, and Dimapur districts.
ILP is an official travel document issued by the government, allowing Indian citizens to enter protected areas for a limited time. It regulates movement near India’s international borders and protects tribal cultures in northeastern states. ILP originates from the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations of 1873. There are ILP types for tourists and longer stays, like employment. States under ILP include Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur.

Notes:
The 20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) in Goa concluded with key outcomes for India’s maritime sector. Over 80 critical issues were resolved between the Central Government, States, and Union Territories. Discussions focused on port modernization, connectivity, compliance, maritime tourism, navigation, sustainability, and port security. New challenges were addressed, such as creating Places of Refuge for distressed ships and installing Radioactive Detection Equipment at ports. Seafarers were recognized as essential workers with improved working conditions. A State and Port Ranking System was discussed to drive competition. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the MSDC’s role in policy alignment and the growth of non-major ports.

Notes:
The 4th Global Bio-India 2024 event concluded on 14 September 2024 in New Delhi. It was a three-day event showcasing India’s potential in biotech research, development, and manufacturing. The event has been held annually since 2021.
It was organized by the Department of Biotechnology and BIRAC under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. South Korea was the partner country. Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the event on 12 September 2024. The theme was ‘Biotech Innovation’ and ‘Bio-manufacturing,’ promoting India as a global hub

Notes:
Karnataka marked ‘International Day of Democracy’ with a 2,500-km human chain promoting equality, unity, and governance.
International Day of Democracy is observed annually on 15 September. Established by the UN General Assembly in 2007, it highlights democracy’s global importance. The day emphasizes that democracy is a continuous pursuit requiring active participation. It was first observed in 2008, following a UNGA resolution supporting efforts to strengthen democracies.
The date commemorates the 1997 Universal Declaration on Democracy by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, promoting free and fair elections and people’s right to choose their political systems.

Notes:
Union Minister for MSME, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, inaugurated the Centre for Rural Enterprise Acceleration through Technology (CREATE) in Leh virtually. The event was attended by key dignitaries including the Minister of State for MSME and the Lieutenant Governor of UT-Ladakh. The Chairman of KVIC, officials from the Ministry of MSME, UT-Ladakh, KVIC, and MGIRI also participated. Around 200 local artisans were present at the event.

Notes:
India participated in the G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting in Cuiabá, Brazil on September 12-13, 2024. Minister Ram Nath Thakur held talks with Japan, focusing on agricultural technology, cold storage, and market access for Indian pomegranates and grapes. Discussions with Brazil covered ethanol production and science cooperation; both aimed to finalize an MOU. Talks with the U.S. included climate-smart agriculture, crop insurance, and market access for Indian fruits and vegetables. Germany focused on AI in farming, agroecology, and organic farming. The UK discussed sustainability, precision breeding, and gene editing. Spain and the UAE explored climate-resilient agriculture and technology collaboration.

Notes:
The Prime Minister inaugurated RE-INVEST 2024 in Gujarat, which is the 4th edition of the Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo. This event highlights renewable energy, investment opportunities, and major infrastructure projects worth Rs 9,000 crore. It was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, marking the first time RE-INVEST was hosted outside Delhi. The event underscores Gujarat’s importance in India’s renewable energy and infrastructure sectors.

Notes:
Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Finance Minister, launched the NPS Vatsalya scheme for minors on 17 September 2024 in New Delhi. The event was attended by schoolchildren and held in 75 locations across India. The scheme was initially announced in the 2024-25 union budget. NPS Vatsalya is regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
It allows parents or guardians to open an account for their children to save for future financial needs. The funds accumulate until the child turns 18, after which they are transferred to a standard NPS account.

Notes:
President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the 8th India Water Week on 17 September 2024 in New Delhi. The event runs from 17 to 20 September 2024 and is held at Bharat Mandapam. The Union Jal Shakti Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, was present at the inauguration. India Water Week is based on Stockholm Water Week, focusing on water management and cooperation. The International Wash Conference 2024 is also taking place alongside the event. The theme is “Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management.”