September - 2024 Current Affairs

Correct Answer :   To provide affordable medicines

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The partnership between PMBI and Coal India aims to establish Jan Aushadhi Kendras, providing high-quality generic medicines at affordable prices to Coal India's workforce and surrounding communities.

This initiative seeks to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare, making quality medicines accessible and affordable for those in need.

By offering affordable medicines, Jan Aushadhi Kendras promote healthcare equity and supports the well-being of coal workers, residents, and their families.

Correct Answer :   2040

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The Union Cabinet approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission, which aims to develop and demonstrate technologies necessary for safely landing on the Moon and returning to Earth.

A key aspect of this mission is to establish foundational technologies for an Indian moon landing, planned for the year 2040.

This initiative is part of a broader vision for India's space program, which includes the establishment of an Indian Space Station by 2035 and enhancing capabilities in lunar exploration and sample collection.

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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The High Commission of India is pleased to inform that the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Exports Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration Ministry of Food Processing India is organizing one of India largest International Agri and Processed food fair World Food India (WFI) 2024, from 19-22 September 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

WFI 2024, is a mega food event slated to be the biggest congregation of policy makers & regulators, global investors, business leaders and key executives of prominent global and domestic food companies.

Correct Answer :   12,554 Crores

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The Central Government has sanctioned Rs 12,554 Crore to various states so far this year for providing relief and rehabilitation to people affected by various natural disasters.

Under the Scheme for Expansion and Modernisation of Fire Services, the Union Home Ministry has also sanctioned Rs 890.69 crore to five States to assist them in expanding and strengthening their fire services.

Correct Answer :   Anurag Garg

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Anurag Garg (IPS: 1993: HP) has been named as the Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) with tenure lasting until May 23, 2026.

Meanwhile, the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has selected Brijendra Pratap Singh for the post of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO). Singh currently serves as Director-in-charge of Burnpur and Durgapur Steel Plant under SAIL.

Additionally, Manoj Kumar (IRS IT: 2003), presently Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) at Jawahar Lal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), Mumbai, has been given additional responsibilities as CVO of the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd, Mumbai, for a period of six months.

In another extension, the tenure of Satyendra Kumar (IPS: 2007: RJ), Director in the Ministry of Environment, has been prolonged by three months until December 24, 2024. His central deputation began on September 25, 2017.

Kim (IPS: 2008: BH) has been appointed as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for a five-year term.

Furthermore, Birendra Kumar Mishra (ISS: 2012) has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Minister of Panchayati Raj and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, until March 31, 2028..

Source : egov

Correct Answer :   Nirmala Sitharaman

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Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman launched the National Pension System Vatsalya (NPS Vatsalya) scheme, ‘a pension scheme for minors’ at New Delhi on 18th Sep 2024.

The NPS Vatsalya was announced by the Union Finance Minister in the Union Budget 2024-25 on 23rd July, 2024.

Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary; Shri Nagaraju Maddirala, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS); and Shri Deepak Mohanty, Chairman Pension Fund Regulatory Authority of India (PFRDA) were also present besides senior officials from DFS and PFRDA along with school children, their parents and other esteemed guests.

The launch of NPS Vatsalya was simultaneously organised at 75 locations throughout the country, with distribution of over 250 PRAN to minor subscribers. At all the locations, school-going children enthusiastically attended the event.

During the event, Union Finance Minister also launched an online platform for subscribing to NPS Vatsalya, released the scheme brochure..


Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Samir Kumar

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Amazon’s 25-year-veteran Samir Kumar will take over the reins of its India consumer business as the company undergoes a leadership transition following the resignation of Manish Tiwary, the retail giant said in a release on Wednesday (18th Sep 2024).

Who is Samir Kumar?

Samir Kumar has been with Amazon since 1999 and was a key member of the team that helped launch Amazon.in in 2013. His extensive experience within the company will be instrumental in his new role, overseeing operations in one of Amazon’s largest markets. Kumar currently leads Amazon’s consumer businesses across West Asia, South Africa, and Turkey.

He will assume his new role on October 1, 2024, while also continuing his existing responsibilities in these regions.

As part of this leadership shift, Amazon India’s key executives, including Saurabh Srivastava (categories), Harsh Goyal (everyday essentials), Amit Nanda (marketplace), and Aastha Jain (growth initiatives), will now report to Kumar. Kishore Thota, responsible for emerging markets shopping experience, will report directly to Agarwal, the company said.

Commenting on the future of Amazon India, Amit Agarwal, Amazon’s senior vice-president for emerging markets said, “India remains an important priority for Amazon, and I am excited about the opportunity ahead as we continue to transform lives and livelihoods. With Samir’s extensive experience across emerging markets, I am even more optimistic about the future and our plans to deliver for both customers and the business in India.”

Manish Tiwari steps down :

Samir Kumar will be replacing Manish Tiwari. Tiwary, who has been with Amazon India for eight-and-a-half years, announced his decision to leave in early August. He is set to explore new opportunities outside of Amazon but will remain with the company until October to ensure a smooth transition..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Brijendra Pratap Singh

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Brijendra Pratap Singh has been selected by the Public Enterprises Selection Board to lead National Aluminium Corporation, a prestigious Navratna company under the Ministry of Mines, headquartered in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Currently, Singh serves as director of SAIL's Burnpur and Durgapur Steel Plants. His appointment is subject to requisite clearances and approval from the Appointments Committee of Cabinet.

Singh will bring his expertise to NALCO, guiding the company's strategic growth and development in the aluminium sector. His leadership experience in the steel industry will be valuable in navigating challenges and opportunities.

Correct Answer :   India

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India will host the 2nd Formal Meeting of the COP9 Bureau and the 3rd Formal Meeting of the Fund Approval Committee under UNESCO’s International Convention against Doping in Sport on September 17-18, 2024, in New Delhi.

These meetings will gather key global decision-makers to discuss anti-doping measures and promote fair sports practices.

As the Vice-Chairperson of the COP9 Bureau, India is leading the initiative, playing a significant role in fostering international cooperation to ensure clean and fair competition in sports globally.

Correct Answer :   Disaster Management

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The National Symposium 'Exercise AIKYA', organized by the National Disaster Management Authority and the Army Southern Command, focuses on improving disaster preparedness.

It seeks to build effective collaboration between key organizations, including Railways, civil aviation, health, and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

The exercise covers disaster scenarios such as tsunamis, floods, and forest fires, ensuring that participants are better equipped to respond to natural calamities and emergencies. This collaborative approach enhances the nation's overall disaster response capabilities.