September - 2024 Current Affairs

Correct Answer :   Dr DK Sunil

---

Dr DK Sunil was appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (Additional Charge) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on August 31, 2024, taking over from CB Ananthakrishnan.

Dr Sunil has been instrumental in leading significant projects such as the Active ESA Radar, Automatic Flight Control Systems, and key helicopter programs like the Indigenous Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and Utility Helicopter Maritime (UHM). His leadership in these crucial defence projects has positioned him as a prominent figure within HAL.

Correct Answer :   1964

---

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) was established in 1964 under the Food Corporation Act. It functions under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution.

FCI plays a crucial role in India's food security by conducting price support operations, distributing food grains through the Public Distribution System (PDS), and maintaining operational and buffer stocks.

These efforts ensure the availability of food grains across the country, stabilizing prices and securing food supply during shortages.

Correct Answer :   BEML Ltd

---

BEML Ltd. has started the prototype manufacturing of the 5RS-DM driverless Metro trainsets for Bangalore Metro's lines, including the airport line.

This project, valued at Rs 3,177 crore, will deliver 53 six-car trainsets. These trainsets are designed with high-tensile stainless steel, advanced air conditioning, and modern passenger information systems.

The initiative is part of Bangalore Metro's effort to enhance safety, efficiency, and capacity as the city's metro network continues to expand.

Correct Answer :   Australia

---

Australia has announced a new policy to limit the number of international students to 270,000 in 2025, affecting various educational sectors.

The cap is divided among public universities, private institutions, and vocational education, with specific exclusions for certain student categories.

This decision follows earlier measures such as visa fee increases and higher savings requirements, which have already led to a decline in study visa approvals.

Critics argue that this move could harm Australia's reputation in the global higher education market.

Correct Answer :   Bengaluru

---

The world's first fast-charging e-bus, named 'Veera Mahasamrat', was launched in Bengaluru by Veera Vahana and Exponent Energy.

This innovative bus aims to enhance the travel experience by eliminating range anxiety with its rapid charging capabilities.

Initially, it will operate on the Bengaluru-Hyderabad route, supported by the installation of four charging stations along the way.

The introduction of this e-bus marks a significant advancement in sustainable transportation within the region.

Correct Answer :   France

---

The Indian Navy’s P-8I aircraft made its first-ever European deployment by landing in France for the bilateral exercise 'Varuna' with the French Navy.

This significant event marks the aircraft's first operation in Europe, taking place 63 years after the last Indian Naval aircraft, Alizé, operated from the INS Vikrant at Hyères airbase.

The 'Varuna' exercise, scheduled from September 2 to 4, 2024, in the Mediterranean Sea, includes advanced tactical manoeuvres, reflecting the deepening defence ties between India and France.

Correct Answer :   Uttar Pradesh

---

Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, aims to establish itself as a technological powerhouse by investing $4 billion in developing global technology hubs.

The five selected cities - Noida, Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Prayagraj - will specialize in various areas such as IT, AI, drones, robotics, and Engineering Research and Development (ER&D), positioning Uttar Pradesh as a key player in India's technological growth.

Correct Answer :   Reliance Industries Limited

---

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) made history by becoming the first Indian company to achieve a consolidated turnover of ?10,00,122 crore for the financial year 2023-24.

This landmark achievement underscores RIL's dominant position in the Indian corporate sector.

Alongside this revenue milestone, the company reported an EBITDA of ?1,78,677 crore and a net profit of ?79,020 crore, with significant contributions from its export business, which recorded ?2,99,832 crore.

Correct Answer :   4

---

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday (30th August 2024) approved the upgradation of four (4) Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), including Railtel Corporation of India, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam, and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, to a  Navratna status. This takes the total number of Navratna CPSEs in India to 25.  

Completing its 13 years of incorporation, SECI is a leading CPSE dedicated to the development and expansion of renewable energy (RE) capacity in India, with a cumulative generation awarded capacity of 69.25 gigawatt (GW) and an annual power trading volume upwards of 42 billion units. SECI is the foremost Renewable Energy Implementing Agency (REIA) of India, continuously working towards fulfilling climate goals and striving for sustainable development.

The company has posted a consolidated annual turnover of Rs 13,118.68 crore, registering an increase of 20.85 per cent over the previous year, and a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs 510.92 crore, registering a growth of 34.89 per cent in the financial year 2023-24.

“Classification as a Navratna CPSE enables SECI towards enhanced autonomy in financial and operational matters and will accelerate the company’s growth path through better agility, improved geographical presence, and technology focus,” said the finance ministry statement.

The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) in its statement said that Rail Ministry India CPSE had an annual turnover of Rs 2,622 crore and a net profit of Rs 246 crore for FY 2023-24.

“It will be the 23rd Navratna amongst the CPSEs. SECI is a Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) or @mnreindia CPSE with an annual turnover of Rs 13,035 crore and a net profit of Rs 436 crore for FY 2023-24,” said the DPE statement.

DPE further added that NHPC is a Ministry of Power (MinOfPower) CPSE with an annual turnover of Rs 8,405 crore and a net profit of Rs 3,744 crore for FY 2023-24.

“SJVN is a Ministry of Power (MinOfPower) CPSE with an annual turnover of Rs 2,833 crore and a net profit of Rs 908 crore for FY 2023-24,” it added.

The criteria for granting Navratna status to CPSEs by the government is that the CPSEs which are Miniratna I, Schedule ‘A’ and have obtained ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ MOU ratings in three of the last five years, and having a composite score of 60 or above in the following six selected performance indicators, are eligible to be considered for grant of Navratna status.

The government introduced the Navratna scheme in 1997 to identify CPSEs that had comparative advantages and to support them in their drive to become global giants. Under this scheme, the boards of Navratna CPSEs have also been delegated autonomy in the areas of enhanced powers in (i) capital expenditure, (ii) investment in joint ventures/subsidiaries, (iii) mergers and acquisitions, (iv) human resources management, etc..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   75th

---

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday (1st Sep 2024) unveiled the new flag and insignia of the Supreme Court to mark the 75th year of its establishment.

The Supreme Court's new flag and insignia symbolise justice and democracy and have been conceptualised and designed by NIFT Delhi.

The flag features the Ashoka Chakra, the Supreme Court building and the book of the Constitution of India.

It will be available in various designs, including cross table flat, single table flag, pole flag and wooden frame, thereby ensuring its presence in diverse settings.

During the valedictory session of the two-day National Conference of District Judiciary, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud presented a 'special green gift' to President Murmu.

As a tribute to the Supreme Court's 75 years of journey, 75 saplings of 12 different indigenous varieties from Delhi’s Central Ridge Reserve forest area were planted.

The saplings have been dedicated to President Murmu in commemoration of the Supreme Court’s 75 years and marked as a token of respect for the President being a shining example of simplicity and humility..

Source : India Today