12th September, 2024 Current Affairs

Sakshi Education

International

Best Countries Ranking 2024

In the US News & World Report's ‘Best Countries Ranking 2024’, Switzerland has been ranked as the best country in the world. The survey evaluated countries based on several categories such as Adventure, Agility, Heritage, Entrepreneurship, Quality of Life, and Cultural Purpose.
This year, India dropped three positions compared to last year, now standing at 33rd.

Top 10 Best Countries in the World (2024):

National
PM E-DRIVE Scheme

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the PM E-DRIVE Scheme with an allocation of ₹10,900 crore over two years to promote electric mobility in India. The scheme aims to boost EV adoption, improve air quality, and reduce environmental impact.
₹3,679 crore for subsidies to support over 28 lakh electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, ambulances, trucks, and buses.
E-Voucher System: Aadhaar-based vouchers for buyers, enabling OEMs to claim reimbursements.
₹500 crore for electric ambulances, ensuring safer, comfortable patient transport with new safety standards.

PM-eBus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) scheme

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the PM-eBus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) scheme with a budget of INR 3,435.33 crore. This initiative is designed to promote the deployment and operation of electric buses (e-buses) by Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) from FY 2024-25 to FY 2028-29.

Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana

The Union Cabinet has extended the Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income. Announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the scheme provides free treatment up to ₹5 lakh annually, benefiting around 6 crore individuals and 4.5 crore families.
New Card for Senior Citizens: Senior citizens will receive a special AB PM-JAY card. Those already covered will get an additional ₹5 lakh top-up per year, while others will be eligible for ₹5 lakh coverage annually on a family basis.

POCSO

West Bengal cabinet proposes to set up a POCSO (Protection of children from sexual offenses) Fast track special court to fast track the cases related to these cases.

Scheme Details

Objective: Support the deployment of over 38,000 e-buses, ensuring their operation for up to 12 years from the date of deployment.
Funding Mechanism: The scheme will address the high upfront costs of e-buses through a Public Private Partnership on a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model. Under this model, PTAs do not need to pay the initial cost of the buses. Instead, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and operators will procure and manage the e-buses with monthly payments.

Tribal university

Maharashtra state will establish the tribal university for the development of tribal students and for their better future. This university will be established in the Nashik district of Maharashtra.

National Forest Martyrs Day

National Forest Martyrs Day, observed every year on September 11 in India, honors the courageous individuals who have laid down their lives while protecting the country’s forests, wildlife, and biodiversity. This day serves as a reminder of their invaluable contributions to conservation efforts.

Also Read: Top 30 MCQs on Ministries and Their Portfolios 2024: Who handles the Ministry of Heavy Industries?

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Science & Technology

IIT Kanpur

The National Health Authority (NHA) and IIT Kanpur signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 11th September in the presence of Union Health Secretary Shri Apurva Chandra. This partnership is focused on revolutionizing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in health research by creating an innovative data platform. The collaboration aims to enhance the use of AI technologies to advance health research and improve healthcare delivery in India.

Mission Mausam

The Union Cabinet, led by PM Modi, approved ‘Mission Mausam’ on September 11, 2024, with a ₹2,000 crore budget over two years. Led by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, it aims to improve weather forecasting through advanced observation systems, AI, machine learning, and high-performance computing. Key areas include improved accuracy, modeling, and agromet forecasts, with agencies like IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology spearheading the mission.

BioE3 Policy

The Union Cabinet of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment), aiming to transform the country's biotechnology sector. This policy focuses on advancing high-performance biomanufacturing, positioning India as a leader in global biotech innovation.

Economy

Hydro Electric Projects

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Ministry of Power's proposal to modify the scheme of budgetary support for the cost of Enabling Infrastructure for Hydro Electric Projects (HEP). The total outlay for this scheme is Rs. 12,461 crore, with a time period extending from FY 2024-25 to 2031-32. This initiative aims to support the development of essential infrastructure for hydroelectric projects across India.

SEMICON India 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated SEMICON India 2024 at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, on September 11, 2024. The three-day conference, from September 11 to 13, highlights India's semiconductor strategy and policies, with the goal of establishing the country as a global semiconductor hub.

Digital identities

The National Fisheries Development Program (NFDP) portal will offer digital identities to fisheries industry workers and enterprises across the value chain. As part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a sub-scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), it aims to provide fish workers with access to benefits such as institutional credit, performance grants, and aquaculture insurance.

Awards

Singapore Literature Prize

Prasanthi Ram (32), an Indian-origin lecturer from Nanyang Technological University, won the prestigious Singapore Literature Prize for English Fiction for her debut work, Nine Yard Sarees. The short story collection, published at the end of 2023, marks her first foray into fiction and has garnered critical acclaim.

2024 National Florence Nightingale Awards

President Smt. Droupadi Murmu presided over the 2024 National Florence Nightingale Awards ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, recognizing exceptional contributions in the field of nursing. Established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, these awards honor the legacy of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

Full List of Award Winners:
ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife):