Current Affairs Today – September 18 2024: Top Headlines and Updates

Current Affairs Today – September 18 2024: Top Headlines and Updates

National News

PM Modi Launches Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and New Vande Bharat Trains On September 18, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched India’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, connecting Ahmedabad to Bhuj. This rail system is designed to significantly cut down travel time between the two cities while offering a more eco-friendly and technologically advanced mode of transportation. In addition to the Namo Bharat launch, several new Vande Bharat trains were inaugurated across multiple routes in the country, further boosting India’s fast-expanding rail infrastructure.

These new initiatives are part of the broader vision of the government to modernize India’s transportation system, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and offer seamless connectivity across the country. The Vande Bharat trains have been praised for their high speed, comfort, and energy efficiency. This step is expected to provide an economic boost by enhancing connectivity in the region, particularly benefiting commerce and tourism in Gujarat.

Angkor Wat Named Most Photogenic UNESCO World Heritage Site In an assessment by Times Travel, Cambodia’s Angkor Wat has been named Asia’s most photogenic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Angkor Wat, known for its intricate carvings and immense historical significance, attracts millions of tourists each year. Its latest recognition is likely to draw even more attention, not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its rich cultural history that dates back centuries.

This recognition reaffirms the global admiration for the Angkor Wat temple complex, which is a symbol of Cambodia’s cultural identity and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Angkor Wat’s photogenic qualities come from its intricate bas-reliefs, towering spires, and its reflection in the surrounding moats, making it a favorite for both tourists and professional photographers.

J&K Launches ‘Vote Ka Tyohar’ Theme Song As Jammu and Kashmir gears up for upcoming elections, the state administration has launched a new theme song titled ‘Vote Ka Tyohar’ (Festival of Voting) to encourage citizens to participate in the democratic process. The theme song highlights the importance of every vote in shaping the future of the region. The catchy lyrics and energetic beat are expected to resonate with the younger generation, prompting them to head to the polling booths.

This initiative is part of a larger campaign by the Election Commission of India to increase voter awareness and turnout in Jammu and Kashmir. The upcoming elections are expected to see a close contest, and voter participation will play a crucial role in determining the outcome.

International News

Jordan’s King Appoints New Prime Minister After parliamentary elections in Jordan, King Abdullah II appointed Jafar Hassan as the new Prime Minister, replacing Bisher al-Khasawneh. Hassan, a former Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, is seen as a close ally of the monarchy and is expected to lead reforms aimed at improving the country’s economic and social situation.

The new government will face significant challenges, including addressing unemployment, inflation, and public dissatisfaction over economic conditions. Jordan has been a critical ally of Western nations in the Middle East, and the international community will closely watch how the new government navigates internal and external pressures.

Appointments News

Senior IPS Officer Amrit Mohan Appointed SSB Chief Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Amrit Mohan has been appointed as the Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Mohan will serve in this role until August 2025. His appointment comes at a time when border security remains a top priority for India, given its complex and sensitive borders with Nepal and Bhutan.

Mohan’s extensive experience in law enforcement and internal security makes him well-suited to lead the SSB in ensuring the safety of India’s borders, preventing cross-border crime, and maintaining peace in the border regions.

Banking News

LIC Appoints Infosys for NextGen Digital Platform The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has partnered with Infosys to develop its NextGen digital platform as part of its DIVE (Digital Innovation & Vision for Excellence) program. The initiative aims to enhance LIC’s digital infrastructure to provide faster, more efficient services to policyholders across India.

The new platform will streamline LIC’s operations and introduce advanced digital solutions for customer engagement, claim settlement, and policy management. This collaboration marks a significant move towards modernizing India’s largest insurance company in line with global digital standards.

Sports News

India’s Triumph at WorldSkills 2024 At the WorldSkills 2024 competition held in France, India emerged victorious, winning 4 bronze medals and 12 Medallions of Excellence. The competition featured participants from various fields, including trades like engineering, technology, and craftsmanship. India’s performance highlights the country’s growing talent in vocational skills, and the government’s emphasis on skill development under programs like Skill India.

These achievements not only showcase the technical expertise of Indian youth but also reflect the country’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce capable of competing on the global stage.

First Pakistani Woman Nominated as International Cricket Umpire Saleema Imtiaz has become the first Pakistani woman to be nominated to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) International Panel of Development Umpires. Imtiaz’s nomination is a historic milestone for Pakistan, marking significant progress for women in cricket and opening doors for more female participation in sports governance.

Imtiaz’s appointment reflects growing opportunities for women in cricket and sets an inspiring example for young girls in Pakistan and around the world who aspire to pursue careers in sports.

17-Year-Old Anmol Kharb Wins First Singles Title in Belgium India’s 17-year-old badminton prodigy, Anmol Kharb, claimed her first international singles title at a tournament in Belgium. This victory marks a significant step in her budding career and highlights India’s growing prominence in badminton on the global stage. Kharb’s triumph at such a young age is a testament to her talent and hard work, and she is widely seen as a future star of Indian badminton.

Awards News

Indian Women’s Contributions Honored at Dubai Awards The Indian Women Dubai Awards 2024 celebrated the achievements of Indian women across various sectors in the UAE. This year’s award ceremony recognized contributions in fields ranging from business and entrepreneurship to education and healthcare. The event serves as a platform to honor the achievements of Indian expatriates who have made a significant impact in their respective fields.

The Indian diaspora in the UAE is one of the largest in the world, and this recognition serves as a reminder of their contributions not only to the host country but also to the global Indian community.

Aishwarya Rai Wins Best Actress at SIIMA 2024 Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai won the Best Actress (Critics) award at the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) 2024 for her performance in “Ponniyin Selvan 2.” Rai’s portrayal of the character in this epic historical drama was widely praised by critics for its depth and nuance.

The SIIMA awards celebrate excellence in South Indian cinema, and Rai’s win further cements her status as one of India’s most versatile and celebrated actors.

Books and Authors News

‘Sri Rama in Tamilagam – An Inseparable Bond’ Released Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi released a new book titled “Sri Rama in Tamilagam – An Inseparable Bond,” which explores Lord Rama’s connection with the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The book highlights various instances from the Ramayana that are linked to Tamil culture and traditions.

The release of this book is significant in terms of cultural heritage, as it aims to deepen the understanding of the Ramayana’s influence on Tamil literature, art, and society.

Defence News

Operation Sadbhavana: India’s Humanitarian Response to Typhoon Yagi India has launched Operation Sadbhavana to provide humanitarian assistance to Southeast Asian countries affected by Typhoon Yagi. The operation will involve delivering food, medical supplies, and other essential aid to countries hit hardest by the typhoon.

This mission highlights India’s commitment to supporting its neighbors during times of crisis, strengthening diplomatic ties, and showcasing India’s leadership in regional disaster relief efforts.

Schemes News

NPS Vatsalya Scheme to Launch on September 18, 2024 The NPS (National Pension System) Vatsalya Scheme is set to be launched by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on September 18, 2024. The scheme is designed to provide pension accounts for children, helping parents secure their children’s financial future from an early age. This scheme is part of the government’s efforts to promote financial literacy and security across all age groups.

The NPS Vatsalya Scheme is expected to offer a variety of investment options and tax benefits, making it an attractive option for parents looking to build long-term savings for their children.

Important Days

8th India Water Week 2024 India Water Week 2024, organized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, commenced on September 17 and will run until September 20. The event focuses on water conservation, management, and sustainable usage practices across the country. Various stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, and environmentalists, will participate in discussions and workshops aimed at finding solutions to India’s growing water scarcity issues.

World Patient Safety Day 2024 World Patient Safety Day is observed on September 17, 2024, with a focus on “Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety.” The day emphasizes the importance of accurate and timely diagnoses to prevent medical errors and ensure better patient outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for global efforts to improve healthcare systems and reduce patient harm caused by incorrect or delayed diagnoses.

Question and Answers –

• Question: What is the name of the new rapid rail service launched by PM Modi on September 18, 2024?
  • Answer: The new rapid rail service launched by PM Modi is called the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail.
• Question: Which UNESCO World Heritage Site was recently named Asia’s most photogenic by Times Travel?
  • Answer: Angkor Wat in Cambodia was named Asia’s most photogenic UNESCO World Heritage Site by Times Travel.
• Question: What is the purpose of the ‘Vote Ka Tyohar’ theme song released in Jammu and Kashmir?
  • Answer: The ‘Vote Ka Tyohar’ theme song aims to encourage voter turnout in the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Question: Who has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Jordan?
  • Answer: Jafar Hassan has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Jordan, replacing Bisher al-Khasawneh.
• Question: What significant appointment was made for the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on September 18, 2024?
  • Answer: Amrit Mohan was appointed as the Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) until August 2025.
• Question: What is the new partnership between LIC and Infosys aimed at?
  • Answer: The partnership between LIC and Infosys is aimed at developing a NextGen digital platform under LIC’s DIVE program.
• Question: How many medals did India win at WorldSkills 2024 in France?
  • Answer: India won 4 bronze medals and 12 Medallions of Excellence at WorldSkills 2024 in France.
• Question: Who is the first Pakistani woman to be nominated to the ICC’s International Panel of Development Umpires?
  • Answer: Saleema Imtiaz is the first Pakistani woman to be nominated to the ICC’s International Panel of Development Umpires.
• Question: What book was recently released by Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, and what is its focus?
  • Answer: The book titled ‘Sri Rama in Tamilagam – An Inseparable Bond’ was released by Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, focusing on Lord Rama’s connection to Tamil Nadu.
• Question: What humanitarian operation did India launch in response to Typhoon Yagi, and what is its purpose?
  • Answer: India launched Operation Sadbhavana to provide humanitarian aid to countries affected by Typhoon Yagi in Southeast Asia.