Daily Content PDF - National Affairs - Sept 21 2024

Daily Content PDF NATIONAL AFFAIRS CPCB Introduced Strict EC Guidelines For Violations of Battery Waste Management Rules On September 10 2024, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Ministry of Environment, Forests, a...

Daily Content PDF NATIONAL AFFAIRS CPCB Introduced Strict EC Guidelines For Violations of Battery Waste Management Rules On September 10 2024, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has introduced strict Environmental Compensation (EC) guidelines to penalise violations of the Battery Waste Management (BWM) Rules, 2022. Aim: To promote proper battery waste management practices and enhance environmental sustainability across the country. The CPCB has been responsible for developing and implementing guidelines for imposing and collecting EC from non-compliant entities. The EC will be imposed for non-compliances unrelated to EPR shortfalls. Key Points: i.The guidelines impose penalties not only for failing to comply with battery waste disposal regulations, but also for failing to meet metal-specific Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets. EPR targets are environmental rules which require producers to manage their products’ entire lifecycle, including disposal and recycling. ii.The government has set EPR credit costs, which range from Rs 18 per kilogram (kg) for lead batteries to Rs 2,400 per kg for lithium batteries. iii.The targets are set based on the material, such as Lead or Lithium, if failed to meet the targets it results in financial penalties called EC. iv.The application fee for registration under the BWM Rules is equal to the EC, which is set at Rs 20,000 for a first default. It doubles to Rs 40,000 for the second default and goes up to Rs 80,000 for the third. This tiered structure is designed to encourage compliance by incurring larger financial penalties for repeated violations. v.If deposits are made within a month of the deadline, there will be an annual interest charge of 12% on the initial amount. There will be a 24% annual interest rate applied to deposits made after one month but within three months. vi.If payments are delayed for more than three months, the government will impose stricter sanctions, including the closure of the unit. It also includes the seizure of trade documents and subsequent legal action under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1986. Note: According to the MoEFCC, 252 recyclers have registered with the CPCB. About the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): Chairman – Tanmay Kumar, IAS Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi Established – 1974 Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 12  Daily Content PDF Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Chaired Joint Meeting of COP9 Bureau and Fund’s Approval Committee under the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sport On 17th September 2024, the Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYA&S) chaired the 2nd Formal Meeting of the COP9 (Conference of Parties) Bureau and the 3rd Formal Meeting of Fund’s Approval Committee under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) International Convention against Doping in Sport held in New Delhi, Delhi. These meetings aim to promote international collaboration in the fight against doping, highlighting the importance of integrity, fairness, and inclusivity in sport. Key Dignitaries: Minister of State (MoS) Raksha Nikhil Khadse, MoYA&S along with High-level dignitaries from countries like Azerbaijan, Barbados, Estonia, Italy, Russian Federation, Senegal, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Zambia, attended the inaugural session of these high-level meetings. Key Highlights: i.While addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted India’s commitment to clean sport and its leading role in global anti-doping efforts. He also emphasized the critical role of international cooperation in protecting the integrity of sports for future generations. ii.The main highlight of the inaugural session was the signing of a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi). This strategic partnership between NADA and NLU Delhi aimed to enhance cooperation in anti- doping law, policy and education. The MoU has outlined some key focus areas like: developing joint certificate courses, academic research, and organizing seminars, workshops, and conferences to raise awareness and foster a more inclusive and informed approach to anti-doping practices. This MoU marks a significant step in strengthening legal education and research in anti-doping, which will help India to consolidate its position in this domain. Both NADA and NLU Delhi aim to create a robust framework for legal education and research that supports anti-doping initiatives at national as well as at international levels. About Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYA&S): Union Minister- Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya (Constituency- Porbandar, Gujarat) Minister of State (MoS)- Raksha Nikhil Khadse (Constituency- Raver, Maharashtra) EAM Jaishankar Releases India-Romania Joint Commemorative Stamps on 75 Years of Diplomatic Ties On 17 September 2024, Union Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), along with Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ministry of Communications (MoC), and Daniela- Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 13  Daily Content PDF Mariana Sezonov, Ambassador of Romania to India, released the India-Romania joint commemorative stamps in New Delhi(Delhi), celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Romania. The event is part of broader celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic bilateral relations and the 10th anniversary of their extensive partnership. Note: This initiative highlights Romania’s key role in India-Europe relations, particularly in the planned India-Middle-East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), boosting connectivity. Points to Note: i.India and Romania established diplomatic relations in 1948 and raised it to the Ambassadorial level in 1968. ii.In February 2024, both countries celebrated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, alongside the 10th anniversary of their Extensive Partnership, which was formalised in 2013. iii.A Joint Declaration marking the 10th Anniversary of the signing of the Joint Statement on Establishing an Extensive Partnership was issued in February 2024. Recent Agreements: India and Romania recently signed important agreements, which include the following: i.A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), and the MoT of Romania on cooperation in the field of Tourism. ii.An agreement between India and Romania on the exemption of Visa requirements for holders of Diplomatic Passports (DPs). iii.A Cultural Exchange Program (CEP) was signed between India and Romania for the period 2022-2027. iv.Romania signed a Framework Agreement (FA) for joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in December 2023. Investments: i.Indian Investments in Romania are estimated to be in the range of USD 1.5 billion, with firms like Wipro, Infosys, SunPharma, etc operating there. ii.Romanian Investments in India, under USD 50 million, include companies like Hanna Instruments Romania SRL, Omnia Professional SRL, etc. iii.Main Indian exports to Romania include a diverse range of products such as Petroleum Products, engineering goods, drugs and pharmaceuticals, etc. iv.Main Indian imports from Romania include a variety of products including Machinery, boilers, animal or vegetable fats and oils, etc. About Romania: Prime Minister (PM)- Ion-Marcel Ciolacu President– Klaus Iohannis Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 14  Daily Content PDF Capital– Bucharest Currency– Romanian New Leu(RON) INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Indira Gandhi International Airport Ranked 24th Among Top ‘Megahub’ Airports globally, Mumbai Airport at 44th : OAG According to the ‘2024 Megahubs report’, released by the United Kingdom (UK)-based air consultancy firm Official Airline Guide (OAG), Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi(Delhi), has been ranked at 24th spot among the top 25 Megahub airports globally, up by one place from 25th spot in OAG’s 2023 report. Other than IGIA, Mumbai’s (Maharashtra) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is also featured among the top 50 Megahubs airports globally. However, it saw a significant drop in its ranking from 34th position (in 2023) to 44th position (in 2024). UK-based London Heathrow Airport (LHR) has once again secured the 1st spot in the latest rankings, followed by Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) in Malaysia and Tokyo-Haneda International Airport (HND) in Japan, secured 2nd and 3rd position respectively. About OAG Megahubs 2024 Report: i.This is the 10th edition of OAG Megahubs report, which ranks the connectivity of the world’s leading international airport hubs both global and regional wise. ii.The ranking of airports in the report is based on OAG flight data from the 100 largest airports and the 100 largest international airports in the world, and their scheduled airline seats from September 2023 to August 2024. iii.The report provides in-depth insights on how flight connectivity changes, develops, and grows across the world’s largest airports across various parameters such as: dominant carrier at each hub, share of flights (%) operated by the dominant carrier, number of scheduled connections from the airport and destinations served at the airport. Top 3 Global Airport Megahubs in 2024: Share Domina Ran Countr of Connecti Name of the Airport nt k y Flight on Carrier s London Heathrow Airport The British 1 50% 61,356 (LHR) United Airways Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 15  Daily Content PDF Kingdo m (UK) Kuala Lumpur International Airport Malaysi 2 AirAsia 35% 33,411 (KUL) a Tokyo-Haneda International Airport Japan 3 Japan 35% 24,683 (HND) Airlines Indira Gandhi International 24 Airport India IndiGo 39% 21,781 (IGIA) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Intern 44 India IndiGo 41% 12,849 ational Airport (CSMIA) Key Highlights: i.Among the top 5 global airports by OAG, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol( The Netherlands), and Incheon Airport ( South Korea) have been ranked at 4th and 5th position respectively. ii.KUL has improved its ranking by 2 places i.e. from 4th spot (2023) to 2nd spot (2024) and is the most connected airport in Asia-Pacific region. AirAsia is the dominant carrier at the KUL, operating 35% of its flight from September, 2023 to August, 2024. iii.The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) topped in the Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) megahub category with 14,583 Low-Cost Connections across 137 destinations. It is followed by Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (The Philippines), Incheon Airport and Changi Airport (Singapore) ranked at 2nd, 3rd and 4th position respectively. iv.Among the top 5 Global Megahubs Airport, 3 airports are from Asia-Pacific region i.e. Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Incheon Airport and Tokyo-Haneda International Airport. v.London Heathrow Airport(LHR) has once again been recognized as the world’s most internationally connected airport. India-Specific: i.As per OAG data, IndiGo emerged as the dominant carrier for both Delhi Airport and Mumbai Airport. Indigo operates 39% and 41% of flights at Delhi Airport and Mumbai Airport, respectively. As per the report, Delhi Airport registers overall 21,781 flight connections as compared to 12,849 at Mumbai Airport. ii.Delhi Airport and Mumbai Airport are the only two Indian airports to be featured among OAG’s top 10 LCC Airports Megahub category. Delhi Airport (DEL) has moved up by 1 place in LCC category, from 6th (2023) to 5th (2024). While, Mumbai Airport (BOM) has retained its ranking in LCC category i.e. at 11th position (2024). Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 16  Daily Content PDF iii.As per the report, total LCC connections for DEL are 11,099 across 156 destinations, while BOM has 8,461 connections across 127 destinations. About Official Airline Guide (OAG): Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Phil Callow Headquarters- Luton, the United Kingdom (UK) Established- 1929 India Achieves Tier 1 Status in 5th Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 India has achieved Tier 1 status in the 5th edition of Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI 2024), released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a trusted reference that measures the commitment of countries to cybersecurity at a global level. With an overall score of 98.49, India is featured on the Tier I category along with 46 countries. Assessment: i.The level of development or engagement of each country is assessed along 5 pillars Legal Measures Technical Measures Organizational Measures, Capacity Development, and Cooperation ii.This is then aggregated into an overall score. iii.It uses a new five-tier analysis, ranking countries from Tier 1 to Tier 5 based on their advancements and impacts in cybersecurity. Points to note: i.India excelled(scored 20 out of 20) in legal, technical, capacity development, and cooperation, marking them as areas of strength. Organisational measures was a listed as an area of potential growth (score: 18.49) ii.Tier 1 (T1) – Role-modelling represents countries that obtained an overall GCI score of at least 95/100 by demonstrating a strong cybersecurity commitment to coordinated and government-driven actions. iii.The majority of countries are in Tier 3 (“establishing”) or Tier 4 (“evolving”), needing to better integrate cybersecurity into their growing digital services. iv.Since the 2021 GCI, all regions have improved, with Africa showing the most advancement in cybersecurity. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 17  Daily Content PDF BANKING & FINANCE SEBI Reduced Bonus Shares Allotment Time to ‘T+2’ Effective from 1st October, 2024 On 16th September 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a new framework to streamline bonus share trading, through a circular issued in exercise of powers given under section 11 read with section 11A of the SEBI Act, 1992. The new framework has reduced the time taken for credit of bonus shares and their eligibility for trading from about two weeks to 2 days (T+2 days) from the record date, which is the cut-off date for shareholders to be eligible for a bonus issue under the SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements, ICDR) Regulations, 2018. The circular will be applicable to all bond issues announced on or after 1st October, 2024. Key Changes: i.As per the new guidelines, the issuer proposing a bonus issue will be required to apply for the in-principle approval under Regulation 28 (1) of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements, LODR) Regulations, 2015, to the stock exchange within 5 working days from the date of board meeting approving the bonus issue. ii.The issuer while fixing and informing the record date (T day) to the stock exchange as specified under Regulation 42 (1) of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, for the proposed bonus issue will now also be required to note the deemed date of allotment on next working date of record date (T+1 day). iii.On receiving the intimation of the record date (T day) and requisite documents from the issuer, the stock exchange (s) will issue confirmation notice which includes the deemed date of allotment and number of shares considered in the bonus issue. iv.After issuance of notification by the stock exchange for acceptance of record date, the issuers will be required to ensure submission of requisite documents to Depositories for credit bonus shares in the depository system by 12 P.M.of next working day of the record date (T+1 day). v.The issuer will ensure upload of the Distinctive Number (DN) ranges in the DN database of the depository, while stock exchange(s) will ensure updation of relevant dates before credit of bonus shares. vi.The new framework has eliminated the previous condition which required bonus shares to be credited in a temporary International Securities Identification Numbering System (ISIN). As per new framework, bonus shares can now be credited directly into the permanent ISIN (the same ISIN as the existing equity shares). About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI): Chairman- Madhabi Puri Buch Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra Established– 1988 Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 18  Daily Content PDF Paisabazaar Partners with Yes Bank To Launch ‘PaisaSave Credit Card’ Paisabazaar, India’s largest marketplace for consumer credit and free credit score platform, has partnered with Yes Bank Limited to launch their co-branded credit card named ‘YES BANK Paisabazaar PaisaSave Credit Card’. About PaisaSave Credit Card: i.The PaisaSave Credit Card is designed to reward frequent customers by providing significant cashback on everyday purchases, both online and offline, making it a must-have for the value-conscious customers. ii.It enables clients to save as they spend, particularly on online transactions where cashback is accelerated to 3%. iii.The customers can apply for a virtual Yes Bank Rupay Credit Card, which allows them to make Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments smoothly and expands the card’s utility. Key Features: i.The card provides cashback of 3% on online purchase across platforms like Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, Nykaa, Swiggy, Zomato, Tata Cliq, and Ajio. ii.The users will continue to earn 1.5% cash back on further online purchases after reaching a monthly cashback limit of Rs 5,000 on online transactions. iii.The cashback of 1.5% is offered on all offline purchases, including in-store transactions. iv.A 1% fuel surcharge waiver is available at all fuel stations. v.No joining fee, and the annual fee of Rs 499 waived off on annual spend of Rs 1.2 lakh from the second year. About Yes Bank Limited: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) – Prashant Kumar Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra Established – 2004 About Paisabazaar: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Naveen Kukreja Headquarters – Gurugram, Haryana Established – 2014 ECONOMY & BUSINESS EaseMyTrip launches ‘ScanMyTrip.com’ India’s First Travel Services Marketplace on ONDC Network New Delhi (Delhi) based EaseMyTrip, online travel platform in India, has introduced ScanMyTrip.com, India’s First Travel Services Marketplace on Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) Network. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 19  Daily Content PDF EaseMyTrip has become the first Online Travel Agency (OTA) to sell and purchase travel services through the ONDC platform. i.ScanMyTrip.com aims to empower OTAs, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), travel agents, and homestays by allowing them to list their services on the ONDC network, connecting them to a wide digital marketplace. ii.It will make the onboarding process easier for travel businesses, allowing them to engage with potential travellers and compete in the online marketplace. iii.In May 2024, EaseMyTrip signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with ONDC at the ‘ONDC Startup Mahotsav,’ demonstrating their commitment to the digital changes that ONDC is bringing to e- commerce. Airtel Business Inks Pact with Sparkle To Enhance Connectivity with Europe New Delhi (Delhi) based Airtel Business, the Business-to-Business (B2B) arm of telecom Bharti Airtel, has inked a pact with Italy-based global operator Telecom Italia Sparkle S.p.A. to enhance connectivity between Asia and Europe. i.As part of the agreement, Airtel would acquire capacity from Sparkle on the Blue-Raman Submarine Cable Systems, which will connect India and Italy. ii.Sparkle’s Blue-Raman cable system, Raman links Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, Oman, and India, while Blue connects Italy, France, Greece, and Israel. iii.With this, Airtel aims to expand its global network through several international submarine cable systems to provide data services in India and neighbouring countries. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS Korean Ambassador Sang Wook Ham Elected as President of IAEA’s 68th General Conference Sang Wook Ham, South Korea’s ambassador to Austria, has been elected as the President of the 68th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA), an international organisation within the United Nations (UN). He will hold the office during the IAEA conference, held from 16 to 20 September 2024 at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) in Vienna, Austria. Note: It is the second time that South Korea is holding the presidency of the General Conference, where the first was in 1989, during the 33rd session. Key Points: i.The General Conference elects a president at the beginning of each annual session, after consultations among member states prior to the event. ii.They hold office for the duration of the conference. iii.In 2023, the President of the Conference was Vilawan Mangklatanakul of Thailand. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 20  Daily Content PDF About Sang Wook Ham: i.Sang Wook Ham was appointed as the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna in 2022. ii.He has served as a Chair of the Missile Technology Control Regime in 2016, and Chair of the International Trust Fund(ITF) for Enhancing Human Security for 2023-24. iii.He served as the Chair of the IAEA Board of Governors in 2022. iv.He was awarded the Presidential Citation in 2012 and an Order of Service Merit with Red Stripes in 2015. Note: The 2024 Scientific Forum: Atoms4Food held on the sidelines of 68th IAEA General Conference with the theme ‘Better Agriculture for Better Life’ in Vienna, Austria. About International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA): IAEA is the international centre for cooperation in the nuclear field. Director General (DG) – Rafael Mariano Grossi (Argentina) Headquarters – Vienna, Austria Founded – 1957 Amrit Mohan Prasad Assumed Charge as DG of Sashastra Seema Bal Appointments Committee of the Cabinet(ACC) has approved the appointment of Amrit Mohan Prasad as the Director General (DG) of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) (Level -17 in the Pay Matrix), for a tenure up to the date of his superannuation on 31 August 2025 or until further orders, whichever is earlier. He succedded Daljit Singh Chawdhary, who handed over the customary baton to Amrit Mohan Prasad at the SSB Headquarters, in New Delhi, Delhi. About Amrit Mohan Prasad: i.Amrit Mohan Prasad, a 1989 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Odisha cadre, was appointed as SDG (Level-16 of the Pay Matrix) of the CRPF in August 2024. ii.Before this, he served as DG of Prisons and Director of Correctional Services (DCS) of Odisha. iii.He also served as the SDG of the Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) of Odisha Police. Key Points: i.The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) was raised as a Special Service Body in 1963, in the aftermath of the Chinese aggression (in 1962). ii.In 1966 it was renamed as Special Service Bureau and on 15 December 2003, it was again renamed as Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). iii.Currently, the SSB is an Armed Force of the Union of India with about 73 Battalions, guarding 1751 kilometers (km) of Indo-Nepal and 699 km of Indo-Bhutan Border. About the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB): Director General (DG)- Amrit Mohan Prasad Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi Established– 1963 Motto– Service, Security, and Brotherhood Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 21  Daily Content PDF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY NASA’s DART Mission May Create First Human-Made Meteor Shower A study from Cornell University of New York, the United States of America (USA) suggests that the rocky debris generated from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA)’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission may result in the first human-made meteor shower In 2022, NASA DART spacecraft intentionally slammed into asteroid Dimorphos and generated a massive debris field, estimated to be around 2 million pounds (nearly 1 million kilograms) of rocks and dust. The fragments from the collision could potentially reach Earth and Mars within the next 10 to 30 years. These particles could produce visible meteors as they penetrate the Martian atmosphere. These meteor showers could last for up to a century. The study has been accepted for publication in The Planetary Science Journal. Note: i.NASA’s DART is the world’s first planetary defence technology demonstration, which impacted an asteroid target in September 2022, marking NASA’s first attempt to move an asteroid in space. The mission blasted over 2 million pounds of rocky debris into space. ii.The Hera mission, led by the European Space Agency (ESA) launching in October 2024, will reach the Dimorphos and its larger parent asteroid Didymos by late 2026 to observe the aftermath of the DART impact. SPORTS Hockey: Asian Champions Trophy 2024- India won the Title for the 5th Time The 8th edition of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy was held from 8th to 17th September 2024 at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, China. The Indian men’s hockey team won the Asian Champion Trophy 2024 by defeating China with a 1-0 score in the finals held at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, China. This marks India’s 5th Asian Championship title. China finished as runners-up, while Pakistan came third. Note: i.India previously won the title in 2011, 2016, 2018 (joint winners with Pakistan), and 2023. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 22  Daily Content PDF ii.China had reached the final of the tournament for the first time. They had previously finished at the 4th spot in 2012 and 2013. Awards and honours: i.Winner – India ii.Runner up – China iii.Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament – Yang Jihun (9 Goals) – South Korea iv.Promising Goalkeeper of the Tournament – Kim Jaehan – South Korea v.Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament – Wang Caiyu – China vi.Rising Star of the Tournament – Hanan Shahid – Pakistan vii.Player of the Tournament – Harmanpreet Singh(Captain) – India Prize Money: i.The total prize pot for the competition was set at USD 14.8 million, with the winners in line to net USD 5 million. The runners-up received USD 3 million, and the 2 losing semi-finalists received USD 1 million each. ii.Every player of the Indian Hockey team will get a reward of Rs 3 lakh while Rs 1.5 lakh will be awarded to every support staff member. About Asian Champions Trophy: i.The Asian Champions Trophy is the annual men’s hockey tournament organised by the Asian Hockey Federation since 2011. Participants 2024: India, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan, China, and Malaysia. ii.India emerged as the inaugural winners of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy defeating Pakistan in 2011. India is the most successful team in the tournament(5) followed by Pakistan at 2nd spot with 3 titles. Neeraj Chopra Finished 2nd in Diamond League Final; Anderson Peters won the Title Indian Javelin Thrower & Olympic Medalist Neeraj Chopra finished second with a throw of 87.86 meters (m) at the 2024 Wanda Diamond League Finals held from 13th to 14th September 2024 in King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium. Paris 2024 Olympics bronze medalist Anderson Peters of Grenada won his first Diamond League title with a throw of 87.87 m and the 2023 European Games champion Julian Weber of Germany finished 3rd with a throw of 85.97 m. Results: Javelin Throw Men Rank Athlete Result 1 Anderson Peters (Grenada) 87.87 m 2 Neeraj Chopra (India) 87.86 m 3 Julian Weber (Germany) 85.97 m Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 23  Daily Content PDF Key Point: i.This was Neeraj Chopra’s 5th appearance in the Diamond League final. He has previously won the title in 2022 with an 88.44m throw and became the 1st Indian to win the Diamond League Trophy In 2023, he finished 2nd behind Jakub Vadlejch (Czechia) with an effort of 83.80 m. ii.Neeraj has gained 14 points across two Diamond League meets in 2024 to qualify for the final. About Neeraj Chopra: i.Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the 1st Asian javelin throw athlete to do so and he recently won the silver in the 2024 Paris Olympics with a throw of 89.45 m. ii.Neeraj Chopra had set a national record of 89.94m at the Stockholm event of the Diamond League in 2022 and gave his career’s second-best of 89.49 m at the Lausanne meet in August 2024. iii.He also won a gold at the Federation Cup 2024 (Jodhpur, Rajasthan) held in May 2024 with best throw of 82.27m. About Diamond League: i.The Diamond League is an annual series of track and field athletic competitions including fifteen of the best invitational athletics meetings. ii.It was first held in 2010 and is one of the top-level meets conducted under the World Athletics umbrella. iii.The full sponsorship name is the Wanda Diamond League, after an agreement with Wanda Group (China) in December 2019. OBITUARY CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury Passed Away Sitaram Yechury, the General Secretary (GS) of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) passed away at the age of 72 in New Delhi, Delhi. He was born on 12 August 1952 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN). He has served as the Member of Parliament(MP), Rajya Sabha from West Bengal, from 2005 to 2017. He played a significant role as a CPI(M) interlocutor in the United Front (UF) and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) governments. He was also a Head of the International Department of the Central Committee, and Editor of the CPI(M) Central Weekly, Peoples’ Democracy. IMPORTANT DAYS World Bamboo Day 2024 – September 18 World Bamboo Day is annually observed across the globe on 18 September to raise awareness about the incredible benefits of bamboo and emphasise bamboo’s role as a sustainable resource with significant environmental, economic, and social impact. The annual observance of the Day is led by the World Bamboo Organisation (WBO), an international coordinating body for bamboo practitioners. 18 September 2024 marks the observance of the 16th World Bamboo Day. Purpose of the Day: This Day is celebrated to raise awareness on: Protecting natural resources and the environment; Achieving sustainable utilisation of bamboo; Promoting new bamboo cultivation for new industries in regions around the world; and Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 24  Daily Content PDF Encouraging traditional uses locally to promote the local economy. Background: i.In 2009, during the 8th World Bamboo Congress (WBC) in Bangkok, Thailand, the WBO, with support from the Royal Forest Department (RFD) of Thailand formally recognized 18 September as World Bamboo Day. Delegates from nearly 100 countries attended the WBC and agreed to declare September 18 as World Bamboo Day. ii.The observance was initiated by Kamesh Salam from Assam, who served as the President of the WBO from 2007-2009. iii.The 1st World Bamboo Day was celebrated on 18 September 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand. The Day was unanimously declared on 18 September to coincide with the Royal Thai Forestry Day of Thailand. Note: 12th World Bamboo Congress 2024 held in Taiwan under the aegis of the United States of America(USA) based the WBO from April 18 to 22, 2024, with the theme “Next Generation Bamboo: Solution, Innovation, and Design.” Initiatives: In 2016, The “BAMBOOK: The Global Bamboo Resource Directory” project was launched by the WBO ,connecting the global bamboo community and providing access to information on suppliers, products, and research. The WBO also aligned its initiatives with the United Nations(UN)’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). About Bamboo: i.The Bamboos (Bambusoidaea) is a type of grass, not a tree, despite its woody appearance, and is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. Some bamboo species can grow over 3 feet (47.6 inches) in a single day. ii.Its rapid growth is supported by Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSCs), a good source of carbon that aids in shoot development. iii.It belongs to the family Poaceae, also called the family of grasses, thriving in tropical and subtropical regions. iv.Bamboo features hollow, woody stems called culms, which emerge from underground rhizomes. v.Bamboos are found as natural flora in many parts of the world, from sea level to the snowy mountains, with 1678 species classified into 123 genera. vi.They are found in abundance in Asia’s southern and south-eastern borders, from India to China and Japan to Korea, and are also found in Africa, Australia, Madagascar, etc. China, often referred to as “The Kingdom of Bamboo,” houses over 500 species in 39 genera, showcasing the plant’s global diversity. vii.Bamboo forests are classified as a Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) due to their economic value. viii.Bamboo has many uses, including construction, textiles, food, and paper production, and is an important food source for animals like pandas and gorillas Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 25  Daily Content PDF Bamboo in India: i.In India, Bamboo covers about 13.96 million hectares area with 136 species. Though a grass taxonomically, bamboo was defined as a tree under the Indian Forest Act, of 1927. ii.The Government of India (GoI) promulgated the Indian Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 to exempt bamboo grown outside forest (non-forest areas) from the definition of tree. iii.The amendment excludes bamboo from tree classification in non-forest areas, removing regulatory challenges for farmers. This eliminates the need for a felling/transit permit, boosting its economic use. iv.The National Bamboo Mission (NBM) was initially launched by the GoI in 2006 to increase bamboo production and commercialization. It was subsumed under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) during 2014-15 and continued till 2015-16. v.It was restructured and relaunched as Restructured National Bamboo Mission in 2018-2019 to focus on the development of a complete value chain of the bamboo sector and link growers with markets. 2024 Events: i.Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways(MoRTH), virtually inaugurated the world’s tallest bamboo tower constructed by Bhavya Srishti Udyog (BSU) at Kathiya near Raipur in Chhattisgarh on World Bamboo Day(September 18, 2024). It was built at Rs 11 lakh on the lines of the Eiffel Tower, the tower is 140-feet tall, weighing about 7,400 kilogram(kg). ii.World Bamboo Day 2024 was celebrated by Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency(NBDA) on 18th September 2024, at the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre, Dimapur, Nagaland. During the event, ‘Bamboo Entrepreneur Award 2024’ was awarded to Aosanen from Dimapur for his Bamboo craft and outstanding product innovation. About the World Bamboo Organisation (WBO): WBO was initially established as the International Bamboo Association (IBA) in 1992 at the 3rd International Bamboo Congress in Japan. The IBA was renamed as the World Bamboo Organisation (WBO) in 2005. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Susanne Lucas Headquarters– Boston, Massachusetts, the United States of America (USA) World Water Monitoring Day 2024 – September 18 World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD) is annually observed across the globe on 18 September, to raise awareness about the importance of monitoring water quality issues and promote public involvement in protecting water resources. WWMD is an international education and outreach program encouraging people to regularly monitor their local water bodies. The 2024 theme for World Water Monitoring is, “Water For Peace“. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 26  Daily Content PDF Background: World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD) was established in 2003 by the American Clean Water Foundation (ACWF) as a global educational program. The program was subsequently named the EarthEcho Water Challenge (EEWC) (formerly World Water Monitoring Challenge (WWMC)) to build public awareness and engagement in water conservation around the world. ii.WWMD is officially celebrated on September 18, but initially, the date was 18 October, honouring the United States of America (US) Clean Water Act, which was enacted in 1972 by the US Congress to restore and protect the water resources of America. Why changed from 18 October to 18 September? In 2007, the official date of WWMD was changed to 18 September to facilitate global participation in parts of the world where the water bodies usually freeze during October. The date change to 18 September has maximised the number of participants and participating countries globally fostering a commitment to monitoring and preserving water resources. Points to Note: i.In 2006, the ACWF transferred the role of coordinator of the event to the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the International Water Association (IWA). ii.In 2009, the program introduced an extended monitoring period from March 22 until December 31, to accommodate monitoring exercises at other times during the year. During this time, people of all ages throughout the world community will have an opportunity to monitor the quality of their local watersheds. iii.In 2015, the coordinator of WWMD was transferred to EarthEcho International, an environmental nonprofit organisation. EarthEcho Water Challenge (EEWC): i.The EarthEcho Water Challenge (EEWC) is an international program of EarthEcho International that runs annually from March 22 (the United Nations (UN) World Water Day) through December. ii.It equips young leaders around the world to become community scientists, testing their local water quality, to combat the global water crisis starting in their communities. Key Facts: 1.More than 3 billion people worldwide depend on water that flows across national borders. 2.Out of 153 countries with shared water bodies, only 24 have established cooperation agreements to govern them. 3.According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS): i.The vast majority of water on the Earth’s surface, over 96%, is saline water in the oceans. ii.Of the total freshwater, over 68% is locked up in ice and glaciers and another 30% of freshwater is found in the ground. iii.Fresh surface water sources, such as rivers and lakes, only constitute about 22,300 cubic miles (93,100 cubic kilometers (km)), which is about 1/150th of 1% of total water. iv.Of all the water on Earth, over 99% of Earth’s water is unusable by humans and many other living things. 4.According to the annual publication of the UN World Water Development Report (WWDR) 2024: Water for Prosperity and Peace, published by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) on behalf of the UN-Water, with its production coordinated by the UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP): i.In 2022, 2.2 billion people did not have access to safely managed drinking water, while 3.5 billion were without proper sanitation. ii.Droughts have impacted 1.4 billion people between 2002-2021.Climate change and poor water management increase the risks of regional conflicts. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 27  Daily Content PDF iii.The number of people exposed to floods is expected to grow from the current 1.2 billion to 1.6 billion by 2050. iv.Water scarcity alone could cost certain countries across Africa and Asia up to 6% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2050. v.Despite 40% of the population living in shared water basins, only 20% of countries have formal agreements. About the EarthEcho International: Executive Director (ED)- Mia DeMezza Headquarters– Washington, DC, the United States of America (USA) Founded in– 2005 Aspirant Queries Aspirant: Does Affairscloud covers all the Current affairs topics related to examinations? Affairscloud: We Guaranteed All the Important topics related to examination are covered in Our Daily CA content and Daily CA Quizzes. Aspirant: Why is there a delayal in news? Affairscloud: As some of the major news sites doesn't provide the required data on the exact day, we take extra time for important data to be presented to the aspirants on the examination basis to ensure nothing is missed. Example: In 'Important Days' topics the International Organisations publish their reports and Rankings in the evenings, to make sure every data is covered, we delay the topics to the next day Candidates appearing for Competitive Exams. Kindly Share the General Awareness questions, which asked in their respective exams to “[email protected]” GA Questions Asked in Exams Affairscloud’s Self Analysis for General Awareness Section Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 28