Daily Current Affairs September 14 & 15

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs September 14 & 15. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing  Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly  current affairs pdf.

TO PURCHASE OUR BANKING AWARENESS (2021 Edition) – CLICK HERE

September 14 & 15 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs September 14 & 15

1. What is the significance of Onam, and which legend is it based on?
A) The return of King Mahabali
B) The victory of Lord Rama
C) The coronation of Lord Krishna
D) The marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati
E) The defeat of Ravana
Answer: A) The return of King Mahabali

Event and Location:

• Event: Onam Festival 2024
• Location: Kerala, India
• Date: September 5, 2024 – September 15, 2024
• Main Festival Day: Thiruvonam (September 15, 2024)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Celebration of Prosperity and Harvest:
  • Marks the end of monsoon and start of the harvest season in Kerala.
  • Expression of gratitude for the bountiful harvest.
• Welcoming of King Mahabali:
  • Based on the legend of King Mahabali, an Asura king revered for his generosity.
  • Mahabali’s return symbolizes prosperity and good times for Kerala’s people.
• Cultural Unity:
  • Onam fosters unity among people regardless of social status, celebrating values of humility and generosity.

Important Terms Explained:

• Pookalam:
  • Floral patterns created in front of homes to welcome King Mahabali.
  • Symbolizes prosperity and is a vibrant cultural expression.
• Onasadya:
  • A lavish vegetarian feast served on banana leaves during Thiruvonam.
  • Showcases the culinary diversity of Kerala with multiple traditional dishes.
• Vallamkali (Snake Boat Race):
  • A traditional boat race held during Onam, with large snake boats racing in Kerala’s backwaters.
  • Reflects Kerala’s maritime heritage and team spirit.
• Kathakali, Pulikali, and Thiruvathira Kali:
  • Traditional dance forms performed during the festival, representing Kerala’s rich artistic culture.
  • Dancers use vibrant costumes, intricate makeup, and storytelling techniques.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

2. On which date is Hindi Diwas celebrated every year, and what is its significance?
A) 15th August
B) 2nd October
C) 14th September
D) 26th January
E) 5th September
Answer: C) 14th September

Event and Location:

• Event: Hindi Diwas 2024
• Location: India
• Date: September 14, 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

• Recognition of Hindi as an Official Language:
  • Hindi was adopted as one of the official languages of India on 14th September 1949.
• Promoting National Unity and Cultural Heritage:
  • Hindi plays a key role in unifying India’s diverse linguistic communities.
  • Hindi Diwas promotes national integration by encouraging the use of Hindi across the nation.
• Focus on the Importance of Language:
  • Highlights the cultural richness of Hindi, emphasizing its value in education, governance, and media.
  • Serves as a reminder to preserve and promote the Hindi language for future generations.

Important Terms Explained:

• Hindi Diwas:
  • Annual celebration held on 14th September to honor the adoption of Hindi as one of India’s official languages.
  • Focuses on promoting Hindi across various sectors like education, government, and media.
• Official Language Act of 1949:
  • Hindi was officially recognized as one of India’s official languages on 14th September 1949.
  • This decision was made to promote Hindi as a national language and a tool for unity.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

3. When is World First Aid Day observed, and what was the theme for 2024?
A) 12th September; First Aid and Road Safety
B) 10th September; First Aid for All
C) 11th September; First Aid and Road Safety
D) 14th September; First Aid and Sports
E) 15th September; First Aid and Crisis Response
Answer: D) 14th September; First Aid and Sports

Event and Location:

• Event: World First Aid Day 2024
• Date: September 14, 2024 (Observed on the second Saturday of September every year)
• Global Observance: Celebrated worldwide, led by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Promotion of First Aid Awareness:
  • World First Aid Day is an annual campaign aimed at promoting the importance of first aid training and making it more accessible globally.
  • Focuses on providing immediate assistance during accidents, injuries, or illnesses to save lives.
• Theme for 2024 – “First Aid and Sports”:
  • The 2024 theme emphasizes the role of first aid in sports, especially in addressing injuries and ensuring athlete safety.
  • Aims to equip individuals with basic first aid skills to handle sports-related accidents efficiently.
• Community Engagement and Education:
  • The IFRC and Red Crescent National Societies across the globe host awareness activities to promote first aid in their communities.

Important Terms Explained:

• First Aid:
  • Immediate assistance provided to a person suffering from injury or illness until professional medical help arrives.
  • Includes basic care, such as wound dressing, CPR, and stabilizing a person in emergencies.
• International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC):
  • Global humanitarian organization founded in 1919.
  • IFRC leads the observance of World First Aid Day to promote first aid education worldwide.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

4. When was Doordarshan established, and what was its first telecast in color?
A) 1959; January 26, 1982
B) 1955; August 15, 1980
C) 1959; August 15, 1982
D) 1960; January 1, 1980
E) 1962; August 26, 1983
Answer: C) 1959; August 15, 1982

Event and Location:

• Event: 65th Anniversary of Doordarshan
• Established: September 15, 1959
• Location: India (Broadcast across national and regional networks)

Mandates and Objectives:

• History of Doordarshan:
  • Founded on September 15, 1959, Doordarshan is India’s first and largest public service broadcaster.
  • Initially, it began as an experiment in public service telecasting, with its first broadcast inaugurated by the then President of India, Shri Rajendra Prasad.
  • In 1976, Doordarshan was separated from All India Radio (AIR) and became an independent department under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
  • The first telecast in color took place on August 15, 1982, during the national program’s broadcast on India’s Independence Day.
• Present Scenario:
  • Doordarshan now operates 35 satellite channels, including 6 All India channels, 22 Regional Channels, and 1 International Channel.
  • The broadcaster reaches around 45 million households through its DD Free Dish, the largest free-to-air DTH service.
• Content and Innovations:
  • Doordarshan is known for producing iconic shows such as Ramayana, Mahabharat, Hum Log, and Malgudi Days, which continue to influence Indian television.
  • The organization has adapted to the changing media landscape with the use of AI anchors, the launch of DD SPORTS HD, and new partnerships with OTT platforms like Yupp TV.

Important Terms Explained:

• DD Free Dish:
  • A Direct-to-Home (DTH) service offering free-to-air channels without a monthly subscription, making it highly accessible to Indian households.
• Prasar Bharati:
  • The autonomous body governing Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR), responsible for public broadcasting in India.
• AI Anchors (Krish & Bhoomi):
  • Doordarshan Kisan’s AI anchors are capable of delivering news 24/7 and can communicate in over 50 languages, making Doordarshan the first government channel to implement such technology.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

 

Appointments – Daily Current Affairs September 14 & 15

5. Who has been appointed as the MD & CEO of IFFCO Tokio General Insurance?
A) Rakesh Kapur
B) H O Suri
C) Subrata Mondal
D) Suresh Kumar
E) Sanjeev Bajaj
Answer: C) Subrata Mondal

Event and Location:

• Event: Appointment of Subrata Mondal as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IFFCO Tokio General Insurance
• Location: Gurugram, Haryana

Mandates and Objectives:

• Subrata Mondal’s Appointment:
  • Subrata Mondal has been appointed as the MD & CEO of IFFCO Tokio General Insurance Company Limited (ITGI), succeeding H O Suri, who held the position since October 2021.
• Professional Background:
  • Mondal has been with IFFCO Tokio since 2001, holding various leadership roles, most recently serving as the Chief Underwriter, where he oversaw underwriting operations across different business lines.
  • Before joining IFFCO Tokio, Mondal worked at National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) and as a Shift Engineer at Steel Authority of India (SAIL) at the Durgapur Steel Plant in West Bengal.

About IFFCO Tokio General Insurance:

• IFFCO Tokio General Insurance is a joint venture between the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Co-operative (IFFCO) and Japan’s Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc., with a 51:49 shareholding structure.
• Established in 2000, the company provides a wide range of general insurance products.

Important Terms Explained:

• Underwriting:
  • The process of evaluating risk and determining the terms and pricing for insurance policies.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

Awards – Daily Current Affairs September 14 & 15

6. For which category did the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances receive the Rajbhasha Kirti Award during Hindi Diwas 2024?
A) Best Performance in Official Language Implementation (Over 500 personnel)
B) Best Performance in Translation and Documentation
C) Best Performance in Official Language Hindi (Less than 300 personnel)
D) Excellence in Public Grievances Redressal
E) Best Startup Exhibitor Award
Answer: C) Best Performance in Official Language Hindi (Less than 300 personnel)

Event and Location:

• Event: Hindi Diwas 2024 and All India Official Language Conference
• Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
• Date: 14th September 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

• Rajbhasha Kirti Award:
  • The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) received the prestigious Rajbhasha Kirti Award for its best performance in Official Language Hindi in the category of Ministries/Departments with less than 300 personnel for the year 2023-24.
  • The award was presented by Hon’ble Home Minister and Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah.
• Promotion of Hindi Usage:
  • The DARPG is committed to the effective implementation of the Official Language Policy, ensuring increasing use of Hindi across all sections of the department, including attached offices and autonomous bodies.
  • Translation and Documentation:
    • DARPG has been translating various documents from English to Hindi, including General Orders, Rules, Cabinet Notes, and Press Releases under Section 3(3) of the Official Languages Act, 1963.
    • The department also monitors and reports on the use of Hindi, submitting Quarterly Progress Reports (QPR) and Annual Evaluation Reports.

Important Terms Explained:

• Rajbhasha Kirti Award:
  • A prestigious national award given to Ministries/Departments for excellence in implementing the Official Language Hindi policy.
• Official Languages Act, 1963:
  • This act governs the use of Hindi and English in official communication in India.
• Official Language Rules, 1976:
  • Rules set to ensure the implementation of the Official Language Policy, encouraging government work to be done in Hindi.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

7. What is the key new addition to the 55th IFFI 2024, and what is the prize for the Best Debut Director?
A) Best Short Film Section; Rs 10 Lakh
B) Best Debut Indian Film Section; Rs 2 Lakh
C) Best Debut Indian Film Section; Rs 5 Lakh
D) Best International Film Section; Rs 5 Lakh
E) Best Director of Short Films; Rs 3 Lakh
Answer: C) Best Debut Indian Film Section; Rs 5 Lakh

Event and Location:

• Event: 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)
• Location: Goa, India
• Date: 20th – 28th November 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

• New Section – Best Debut Indian Film Section 2024:
  • A new section titled Best Debut Indian Film Section 2024 has been introduced to celebrate young Indian filmmakers.
  • This section will showcase 5 debut feature films by first-time directors, highlighting fresh perspectives and storytelling in Indian cinema.
• Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film Award:
  • The award recognizes and honors debut directors for their creativity, artistic merit, and storytelling abilities.
  • The winner of the Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film Award will receive:
    • Certificate of Merit
    • Cash Prize of Rs. 5 Lakhs

Important Terms Explained:

• International Film Festival of India (IFFI):
  • An annual film festival, held in Goa, India, that showcases both national and international films.
  • One of the most significant film festivals in Asia, promoting global cinema and celebrating Indian filmmakers.
• Debut Film:
  • A first feature film directed by a filmmaker, often showcasing new and emerging talent in the film industry.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

Defence – Daily Current Affairs September 14 & 15

8. What is the primary objective of the newly commissioned Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility (Vinetra)?
A) Training submarine officers for combat operations
B) Enhancing escape capabilities of Kalvari-class submarine crew
C) Simulating underwater combat missions
D) Providing diving training to naval officers
E) Developing submarine navigation techniques
Answer: B) Enhancing escape capabilities of Kalvari-class submarine crew

Event and Location:

• Event: Commissioning of the Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility – VINETRA
• Location: INS Satavahana, Visakhapatnam
• Date: 13th September 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose of Vinetra:
  • The Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility (Vinetra) has been established to enhance the escape capabilities of crew members aboard Kalvari-class submarines in the event of distress or underwater emergencies.
• Self-Reliance in Defence:
  • Developed under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the facility reflects India’s focus on self-reliance in defense capabilities.
  • The training facility was constructed by L&T Defence as a turnkey project.
• Key Features:
  • Vinetra includes a five-meter escape tower integrated with a diving basin.
  • It will provide basic and refresher escape training to submarine crews, ensuring they are proficient in escape procedures.

Important Terms Explained:

• Kalvari-Class Submarines:
  • These are diesel-electric attack submarines used by the Indian Navy. The Kalvari-class submarines are designed for stealth operations, equipped with advanced technology for navigation, communication, and combat.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat:
  • A national campaign launched by the Government of India aimed at making India more self-reliant across various sectors, particularly in defense manufacturing.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs September 14 & 15

9. Which key products were unveiled at Global Bio-India 2024, and what was the theme of the event?
A) 5 New Biotech Inventions; “Innovation in Health”
B) 11 Biotech Products; “Biotech Innovation and Bio-manufacturing”
C) 8 Bioscience Products; “Global Health and Biotech”
D) 6 New Health Startups; “Biotech and Sustainability”
E) 10 Innovative Projects; “Next-Gen Biotechnology”
Answer: B) 11 Biotech Products; “Biotech Innovation and Bio-manufacturing”

Event and Location:

• Event: Global Bio-India 2024
• Location: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
• Date: 12th – 14th September 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

• Showcasing India’s Biotech Prowess:
  • Global Bio-India 2024 was organized to showcase India’s advancements in biotechnology, providing a platform for biotech startups and companies to present their innovations.
• Theme – “Biotech Innovation and Bio-manufacturing”:
  • The event focused on the opportunities in biotech innovation and bio-manufacturing and how these sectors impact India’s growing bioeconomy.
• Key Highlights:
  • Launch of 11 biotech products by Indian biotech startups, demonstrating their talent and contribution to biosciences.
  • Recognition through awards, including:
    • BIRAC Innovators Awards
    • Best Startup Exhibitor Awards
    • Best Incubator Exhibitor Awards
    • BioE3 Competition Awards
• Collaborations and Initiatives:
  • Letters of Intent exchanged between BIRAC, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, and IPE Global for co-funding partnerships.
  • Launch of calls for proposals under i4 (Innovation for Industry) and PACE (Promoting Academic Collaboration and Entrepreneurship) programs, encouraging further biotech innovation and entrepreneurship.

Important Terms Explained:

• BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council):
  • A Public Sector Undertaking under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in biotechnology.
• Bio-manufacturing:
  • The use of biological systems (e.g., living cells or cell components) to produce commercially viable products such as bio-pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and industrial enzymes.
• Bioeconomy:
  • The sector of the economy that utilizes biotechnology and biological resources for sustainable economic growth, addressing health, energy, and environmental challenges.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

10. What was one of the key points highlighted by Shri Ram Nath Thakur during the G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting in Cuiabá, Brazil?
A) India’s focus solely on productivity in agriculture
B) India’s leadership in international trade negotiations
C) India’s implementation of the world’s largest food-based safety net programs
D) India’s withdrawal from international agricultural discussions
E) India’s focus on agrarian reform without environmental sustainability
Answer: C) India’s implementation of the world’s largest food-based safety net programs

Event and Location:

• Event: G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting
• Location: Cuiabá, Brazil
• Date: 12th – 14th September 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

• India’s Key Contributions:
  • Shri Ram Nath Thakur, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, emphasized India’s commitment to a holistic approach in agriculture that not only focuses on productivity but also ensures economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
  • He highlighted India’s implementation of the world’s largest food-based safety net programs, ensuring food security and nutrition for its population.
• Key Focus Areas of the Meeting:
  • Discussions centered on four priority areas:
    1. Sustainability of agriculture and food systems.
    2. Enhancing international trade to support food security and nutrition.
    3. Elevating the role of family farmers, smallholders, and local communities in agriculture.
    4. Promoting the integration of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture into global value chains.
• Special and Differential Treatment:
  • Shri Thakur also emphasized the need for Special and Differential Treatment for developing and least-developed countries, highlighting its importance for small and marginal fishers in India and other nations.

Important Terms Explained:

• Food-based Safety Net Programs:
  • Programs that provide food assistance and nutrition to vulnerable populations, ensuring food security on a large scale.
• Special and Differential Treatment:
  • A principle in international trade that allows developing and least-developed countries to receive preferential treatment in certain areas of trade.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs September 14 & 15

11. What was the main focus of Shri Amit Shah’s address during the Official Language Diamond Jubilee Celebrations?
A) Promoting Hindi as the sole national language
B) Highlighting the importance of English in global communication
C) Making Hindi the language of communication, people, and technology
D) Encouraging competition between Hindi and other Indian languages
E) Advocating for foreign language education
Answer: C) Making Hindi the language of communication, people, and technology

Event and Location:

• Event: Official Language Diamond Jubilee Celebrations and 4th Akhil Bharatiya Rajbhasha Sammelan
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Date: 14th September 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

• Promotion of Hindi:
  • Shri Amit Shah emphasized making Hindi a language of communication, people, and technology, with the goal of positioning it as an international language.
• Support for Indian Languages:
  • Launched the Indian Languages Section to protect and promote all Indian languages, fostering a mutual relationship between Hindi and regional languages.
  • The Indian Languages Section will translate articles, speeches, and letters from Hindi into regional languages and vice versa.
• New Education Policy:
  • The emphasis of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s New Education Policy is on imparting primary education in mother tongues, promoting linguistic diversity from a young age.
• Significance of Language in Unity:
  • Amit Shah stated that Hindi plays a vital role in uniting the nation, complementing all other Indian languages, and fostering national integration.
  • He stressed that language is the foundation of culture and national unity, and protecting Indian languages is critical for preserving history, literature, and culture.

Important Terms Explained:

• Rajbhasha Kirti and Rajbhasha Gaurav Awards:
  • Awards presented for excellence in the promotion and implementation of Hindi as the official language.
• Indian Languages Section:
  • A newly inaugurated section aimed at protecting and promoting all Indian languages, enabling translations between Hindi and regional languages.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

12. What are the three key pillars of the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign launched by the Food Corporation of India (FCI)?
A) Cleanliness Pledge, Health Camps, Public Transportation
B) Waste Management, School Camps, Safai Mitra Drives
C) Sampoorna Swachhata, Swachhata ki Bhagidari, Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs
D) Community Drives, Walkathon, Fair Price Shop Cleaning
E) Recycling, Public Advocacy, Cyclothon
Answer: C) Sampoorna Swachhata, Swachhata ki Bhagidari, Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2024 by the Food Corporation of India (FCI)
• Location: Across 760 locations in India, spanning from J&K to Kerala and Gujarat to North Eastern states
• Date: 17th September 2024 to 2nd October 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

• Campaign Theme:
  • The Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 campaign focuses on “Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata”, integrating cleanliness in daily life and behavior.
• Three Key Pillars:
  • Sampoorna Swachhata & Swachhata Lakshit Ekai:
    • Goal: Cleanliness drives in and around FCI depots/godowns, focusing on removing garbage and black spots.
    • Activities: Mass cleanliness drives, school awareness camps, and transforming Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs).
  • Swachhata ki Bhagidari:
    • Goal: Encouraging public participation, awareness, and advocacy.
    • Activities: Cleanliness pledge across FCI offices, cultural events, and physical activities like mini marathons, walkathons, and cyclothons.
  • Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs:
    • Goal: Health check-ups and social security for sanitation workers, ensuring their well-being.
• Swachhata in Food Security:
  • FCI integrates the concept of cleanliness in its food procurement and distribution operations, managing over 2000 godowns to store wheat and rice and distributing 50 million tonnes of food grains annually across 28 states and 8 union territories.
• Monitoring Progress:
  • Campaign progress will be tracked on the Swachhata Hi Seva Portal: https://swachhatahiseva.gov.in.

Important Terms Explained:

• Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS):
  • An annual cleanliness campaign aligned with the Swachh Bharat Mission, encouraging public participation and government action for a cleaner India.
• Safai Mitra:
  • Sanitation workers who play a key role in maintaining cleanliness in public spaces and ensuring hygienic conditions.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

13. What occasion did Shri Amit Shah commemorate by releasing a postage stamp on 14th September 2024?
A) 50 years of Swachh Bharat Mission
B) 75th Anniversary of Hindi as India’s official language
C) 100th Anniversary of India’s Independence
D) 75th Anniversary of the Indian Constitution
E) 75 years of India’s Postal Service
Answer: B) 75th Anniversary of Hindi as India’s official language

Event and Location:

• Event: Hindi Diwas 2024 – Commemoration of 75 Years of Hindi as the official language of India
• Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
• Date: 14th September 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

• Diamond Jubilee of Rajbhasha:
  • The 75th anniversary celebrates the historic decision made by the Constituent Assembly on 14th September 1949, when Hindi in the Devanagari script was adopted as the official language of India.
  • The Department of Official Language, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been instrumental in promoting Hindi in official matters since 1975.
• Commemorative Postage Stamp:
  • Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, released a commemorative postage stamp to mark 75 years of Hindi as the official language.
  • The stamp symbolizes the enduring role of Hindi in uniting the nation and reflecting its culture and history.
• Importance of Hindi:
  • The release of the stamp emphasizes Hindi’s contribution to India’s unity, peace, and cultural preservation.
  • It reflects Hindi’s role in the administrative and cultural landscape of India over the past 75 years and highlights its potential in shaping a New and Developed India (Viksit Bharat).

Important Terms Explained:

• Hindi Diwas:
  • Celebrated on 14th September every year, it commemorates the adoption of Hindi as the official language of India in 1949.
• Commemorative Postage Stamp:
  • A special issue stamp celebrating significant events, personalities, or milestones in a country’s history.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

14. Which two Vande Bharat Express trains were flagged off from Odisha on Sunday?
A) Rourkela-Patna and Brahmapur-Howrah
B) Brahmapur-Tatanagar and Rourkela-Howrah
C) Bhagalpur-Howrah and Rourkela-Bhubaneswar
D) Patna-Gaya and Brahmapur-Tata
E) Deoghar-Varanasi and Brahmapur-Ranchi
Answer: B) Brahmapur-Tatanagar and Rourkela-Howrah

Event and Location:

• Event: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off six new Vande Bharat Express trains, connecting Odisha, Bihar, and other states.
• Date: Sunday, 14th September 2024
• Location: Odisha (Rourkela and Brahmapur Railway Stations) and Bihar

Mandates and Objectives:

• Vande Bharat Express Trains in Odisha:
  • Two new Vande Bharat Express trains were inaugurated in Odisha:
    • Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express
    • Brahmapur-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express
  • The Brahmapur-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express will enhance connectivity between Odisha’s silk city Brahmapur and India’s steel city Tatanagar, with a travel time of 9.05 hours.
  • Governor Raghubar Das and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the flag-off ceremonies at Rourkela and Brahmapur stations.
• Vande Bharat Express Trains in Bihar:
  • Bihar also saw the inauguration of four new Vande Bharat Express trains:
    • Tatanagar-Patna
    • Bhagalpur-Howrah
    • Gaya-Howrah
    • Deoghar-Varanasi, passing through Bihar
  • Chief Minister Nitish Kumar attended the virtual flag-off ceremony from Patna, emphasizing the modern rail travel infrastructure.

Key Highlights:

• Odisha’s Railway Development:
  • The Union Government has allocated ₹1 lakh crore for railway projects in Odisha, with ₹10,586 crore budgeted this year alone.
  • The Vande Bharat trains will improve connectivity in the industrial corridors of Odisha and Jharkhand.

Important Terms Explained:

• Vande Bharat Express:
  • A semi-high-speed train service introduced by the Indian Railways, providing modern and comfortable travel for passengers.
• Brahmapur:
  • Known as Odisha’s Silk City, a major commercial hub in the state.
• Tatanagar:
  • Also known as Jamshedpur, this city is India’s steel hub, with a rich industrial legacy.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

15. What is the primary objective of Project Cheetah, and how many cubs have survived in Kuno National Park?
A) Protecting endangered cheetahs; 17 cubs survived
B) Breeding cheetahs in captivity; 10 cubs survived
C) Reintroducing cheetahs into the wild; 12 cubs survived
D) Enhancing genetic diversity; 20 cubs survived
E) Preserving African wildlife in India; 8 cubs survived
Answer: C) Reintroducing cheetahs into the wild; 12 cubs survived

Event and Location:

• Event: Two-Year Anniversary of Project Cheetah
• Location: Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, and Bunni Grasslands, Gujarat
• Date: 17th September 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

• Project Cheetah Overview:
  • Project Cheetah aims to reintroduce cheetahs into India, a species that had gone extinct in the country.
  • Twenty cheetahs were brought to India in the first-ever intercontinental translocation, with 8 from Namibia in September 2022 and 12 from South Africa in February 2023.
• Cheetah Cubs and Survival Rate:
  • So far, 17 cubs have been born in India, with 12 cubs surviving, bringing the total number of cheetahs in Kuno National Park to 24, including adults and cubs.
• Kenya’s Role in Project Cheetah:
  • India is awaiting Kenya’s approval to bring in a new batch of cheetahs, and discussions are ongoing to finalize the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
• Breeding Centre in Gujarat:
  • A conservation breeding centre is being developed in Bunni grasslands, Gujarat, which will also receive cheetahs from Kenya.
  • The centre can accommodate 16 cheetahs in its 500-hectare enclosure.
    Challenges and Measures:
• Mortality:
  • Since their arrival, 8 adult cheetahs have died, with causes ranging from infection, drowning, and wounds under winter coats.
• Prey Base and Management:
  • The number of cheetahs released into the wild will depend on the prey population in Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Prophylactic medicines are administered to prevent infections, but failure to administer them might require the recapture of the animals.

Important Terms Explained:

• Intercontinental Translocation:
  • The process of moving animals from one continent to another for conservation purposes. In this case, cheetahs were relocated from Africa to India.
• Prophylactic Medicines:
  • Medications given to prevent infections or diseases before they occur.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

16. What is the Digi Yatra Facility introduced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and how many airports are now equipped with this system?
A) A payment system for passengers; 10 airports
B) A biometric boarding system using Facial Recognition Technology; 24 airports
C) A baggage tracking system using AI; 20 airports
D) A weather forecasting system for airports; 15 airports
E) An in-flight entertainment system; 30 airports
Answer: B) A biometric boarding system using Facial Recognition Technology; 24 airports

Event and Location:

• Event: Inauguration of Digi Yatra Facility at Visakhapatnam International Airport by Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu
• Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
• Date: 14th September 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

• Digi Yatra Facility Overview:
  • Digi Yatra is a biometric boarding system that uses Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) to provide a seamless, contactless, and paperless experience for passengers at airports.
  • It allows passengers to pre-register their ID and biometric data, which can be used at key points during the boarding process without the need for physical documents.
• Expansion of Digi Yatra:
  • The Digi Yatra system was initially launched on December 1, 2022, at three airports: New Delhi, Varanasi, and Bengaluru.
  • With the addition of nine new airports, including Visakhapatnam, the total number of Digi Yatra-enabled airports has increased from 15 to 24.
• New Airports Added:
  • Coimbatore, Dabolim, Indore, Bagdogra, Ranchi, Patna, Raipur, Bhubaneswar, and Visakhapatnam have now joined the Digi Yatra network.

Benefits of Digi Yatra:

• Over 3 crore passengers have used Digi Yatra, and 55 lakh users have downloaded the Digi Yatra app.
• The average time for airport entry has reduced from 15 seconds to just 5 seconds for passengers using the system.
• Data security is maintained, with no central storage of Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Passenger data is encrypted and stored on smartphones and is deleted within 24 hours of departure.

Additional Announcements:

• Expansion of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS):
  • The number of airports in India has grown from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024 under the RCS.
  • The Government of India aims to have 400 airports over the next 25 years.
• Seaplane Services in Andhra Pradesh:
  • Seaplanes will be introduced at Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada by October 2024.
  • The Bhogapuram International Airport in Vizianagaram district is also in development.

Important Terms Explained:

• Digi Yatra:
  • A biometric boarding system that uses Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) for faster, contactless travel through airports.
• Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS):
  • A government initiative to improve regional airport connectivity and expand India’s aviation network.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

---

Over All Review

DOWNLOAD TODAY’S CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF – CLICK HERE

You Must Also Read Daily Current Affairs September 13