Current Affairs Today – September 19 2024: Top Headlines and Updates

Current Affairs Today – September 19 2024: Top Headlines and Updates

In today’s edition of current affairs, we will explore some of the most significant national and international developments. The headlines range from cultural festivities and political appointments to economic reports, banking investments, and achievements in sports. Let’s delve into the details.

National News

Rashtrapati Nilayam to Host Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav from Sept 29 to Oct 6, 2024

The historic Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad is set to host the Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav from September 29 to October 6, 2024. This cultural extravaganza aims to celebrate the rich and diverse artistic heritage of India. The week-long event will bring together artists, performers, and craftsmen from all corners of the country to showcase their talents in fields such as music, dance, theatre, and visual arts.

In addition to performances, the festival will feature workshops, exhibitions, and panel discussions to promote the understanding and appreciation of traditional Indian art forms. Cultural enthusiasts from across India are expected to attend the festival, making it a key event in the country’s artistic calendar.

Swachh Bharat Mission Enters Its Next Decade with SHS 2024 Campaign

As the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) embarks on its next decade, a new campaign titled Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata has been launched under the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 initiative. This campaign reflects a shift towards ingraining cleanliness and hygiene as a natural way of life, beyond government efforts and towards societal responsibility.

The new theme aims to nurture cleanliness habits in citizens, ensuring that sanitation is not just an obligation but a cultural practice passed down through generations. As the campaign rolls out, it will focus on behavioral change, cleanliness drives, and collaboration with schools and community leaders to instill these values.

International News

Lebanon Pager Explosions: 9 Dead, 2,800 Injured

A tragedy unfolded in Lebanon, where a series of explosions involving pager devices resulted in the deaths of 9 individuals and injured 2,800 others. The Lebanese government and international media have attributed the attacks to Israel, although the full details of the incidents remain under investigation.

The explosions have sparked widespread fear and unrest in the region, exacerbating already existing tensions. Humanitarian aid and medical assistance are being dispatched to the affected areas, and global powers have called for an immediate investigation into the matter.

India and US Strengthen Energy Cooperation

In a key development, India and the United States have enhanced their energy cooperation, with a focus on both conventional and renewable energy. The collaboration between the two nations seeks to diversify energy sources, promote sustainable practices, and reduce carbon emissions.

This partnership is expected to contribute significantly to India’s ambitious goals of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The cooperation is seen as a critical step toward addressing climate change, securing energy supplies, and bolstering India’s transition to a clean energy economy.

Banking News

Banks to Invest Rs 32.5 Trillion in Renewable Energy by 2030

India’s banking and financial institutions have announced plans to invest a staggering Rs 32.5 trillion in renewable energy projects by 2030. This massive financial commitment is part of India’s broader goal of reaching 500 GW of renewable energy capacity, as the nation accelerates its transition to a greener, more sustainable energy future.

With the backing of banks, solar, wind, and hydropower projects across the country will receive the necessary funding, driving growth in the clean energy sector. The investment will also spur job creation, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to India’s carbon neutrality goals.

Economy News

Haryana Surpasses Punjab in GDP

In a surprising shift in economic rankings, Haryana has officially overtaken Punjab in terms of GDP, according to the latest data released by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). This marks a significant milestone for Haryana, which has seen rapid industrial growth, urbanization, and agricultural advancements in recent years.

At the same time, the report has flagged the economic decline of West Bengal, a matter that has raised concerns over governance, policy direction, and industrial stagnation in the state. The report urges measures to reverse the downward trend and stimulate economic revival in West Bengal.

Windfall Tax on Crude Petroleum Reduced to Zero

In a move that has garnered attention, the Indian government has reduced the windfall tax on crude petroleum to zero, effective from September 18, 2024. The decision is expected to provide relief to oil companies, allowing them to retain higher revenues amidst fluctuating global oil prices. This policy change is in response to the stabilization of oil prices and is aimed at ensuring that companies are better equipped to manage the impacts of market volatility.

Appointments News

Atishi Marlena to Become the New Chief Minister of Delhi

In a significant political development, Atishi Marlena from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been appointed the new Chief Minister of Delhi, replacing Arvind Kejriwal. Marlena’s appointment signals a new chapter for the AAP, which has focused heavily on education, healthcare, and governance reforms during its time in power.

Atishi Marlena, a prominent leader in the AAP, has long been known for her contributions to Delhi’s education sector, and her leadership is expected to continue the party’s focus on progressive policies. Her appointment has sparked discussions about the future direction of governance in Delhi.

Business News

India’s Exports Shrink 9.3% in August; Trade Deficit Hits 10-Month High

India’s export sector has faced a setback, with exports shrinking by 9.3% in August 2024, leading to a trade deficit of $29.7 billion—the highest in 10 months. The decline in exports is attributed to weaker global demand and challenges in key markets such as the US, EU, and China.

The rising trade deficit has raised concerns about the health of India’s external sector, with calls for policy interventions to support exporters and reduce the impact of global economic headwinds.

Schemes News

Govt Mandates Platform Aggregators to Register Workers on e-Shram Portal

In a significant policy move, the government has mandated that all platform aggregators (such as those in the gig economy, including ride-hailing, food delivery, and e-commerce platforms) register their workers on the e-Shram portal. This step is intended to ensure that workers in the informal sector have access to social welfare schemes, such as insurance, pension plans, and financial support in case of emergencies.

The e-Shram portal was launched to improve the tracking and registration of unorganized workers across the country. This mandate reflects the government’s commitment to improving labor rights and providing better social safety nets for millions of workers in India.

Sports News

India Wins 2024 Asian Champions Trophy in Men’s Hockey

In a thrilling match, the Indian men’s hockey team secured victory in the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy, defeating China 1-0 in the final. The match was fiercely contested, with both teams displaying excellent skill and strategy, but India’s defense and a single winning goal clinched the trophy.

This victory adds to India’s impressive record in field hockey, further solidifying the country’s standing as a dominant force in the sport across Asia.

ICC Introduces Equal Prize Money for Men’s and Women’s World Cups

In a groundbreaking move, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced equal prize money for men’s and women’s cricket World Cups, beginning with the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. This decision marks a major milestone in the push for gender equality in sports, particularly in cricket, where women’s teams have long been fighting for recognition and financial parity.

The introduction of equal prize money is expected to encourage greater participation and investment in women’s cricket, fostering its growth at both the grassroots and professional levels.

Question and Answers –

• What event will Rashtrapati Nilayam host from September 29 to October 6, 2024?
  Rashtrapati Nilayam will host the Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav from September 29 to October 6, 2024.
• What is the theme of the Swachh Bharat Mission’s Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign?
  The theme of the Swachh Bharat Mission’s Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 campaign is “Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata.”
• How many people were affected by the Lebanon pager explosions?
  The Lebanon pager explosions killed 9 people and injured 2,800.
• Which countries have enhanced their energy cooperation with a focus on both conventional and renewable energy?
  India and the US have enhanced their energy cooperation, focusing on both conventional and renewable energy sources.
• How much investment is expected from banks and financial institutions in renewable energy by 2030?
  Banks and financial institutions are expected to invest ₹32.5 trillion in renewable energy by 2030 in India.
• Which state surpassed Punjab in GDP, and which state’s economic decline was noted in the EAC-PM report?
  Haryana surpassed Punjab in GDP, while West Bengal’s economic decline was noted in the EAC-PM report.
• What was the change in windfall tax on crude petroleum effective from September 18, 2024?
  The windfall tax on crude petroleum was reduced to zero, effective from September 18, 2024.
• Who will replace Arvind Kejriwal as the Chief Minister of Delhi?
  Atishi Marlena from AAP will replace Arvind Kejriwal as the new Chief Minister of Delhi.
• What was the percentage drop in India’s exports in August 2024?
  India’s exports shrank by 9.3% in August 2024.
• What was the trade deficit for India in August 2024?
  India’s trade deficit rose to $29.7 billion in August 2024, marking a 10-month high.
• Which sports team won the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy?
  The Indian men’s hockey team won the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy by defeating China 1-0.
• What significant change did ICC introduce for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup?
  The ICC introduced equal prize money for men’s and women’s cricket World Cups, starting with the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup.