Daily Current Affairs September 19

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September 19 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs September 19

1. When is International Talk Like a Pirate Day celebrated each year?
A) October 5
B) September 19
C) August 15
D) November 10
E) December 25
Answer: B) September 19

Event and Location:

  • Event: International Talk Like a Pirate Day 2024
  • Location: Global
  • Date: September 19, 2024

History:

  • The day was created in 1995 by two friends, John Baur (aka Ol’ Chumbucket) and Mark Summers (aka Cap’n Slappy), during a racquetball game.
  • They wanted to introduce a quirky, fun-filled day celebrating pirate culture.

Significance:

  • Talk Like a Pirate Day provides a humorous escape from daily routines, encouraging people to channel their inner pirate through playful banter and role-playing.
  • The day helps people of all ages indulge in creativity and imagination, often drawing inspiration from pirate folklore, books, and movies.
  • It’s a time for camaraderie, as participants gather with friends and family to enjoy pirate-themed jokes, activities, and costumes.
  • While mostly for entertainment, the event can also spark interest in history by referencing real pirate legends and figures.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Pirate Culture: Refers to the fascination with the adventurous, rebellious life of pirates, as portrayed in books, movies, and folklore.
  • Role-play: Engaging in imaginative play where people act out characters, in this case, pirates.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

International Talk Like a Pirate Day:

  • Founded: 1995 by John Baur and Mark Summers
  • First Celebrated: September 19, 1995
  • Purpose: To celebrate pirate culture through language, creativity, and humor.

Pirate Legends:

  • Blackbeard (Edward Teach): One of the most infamous pirates of the 18th century, known for his fearsome image.
  • Anne Bonny: A famous female pirate who sailed with Calico Jack.

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Founded By Significance
International Talk Like a Pirate Day Global September 19, 2024 John Baur and Mark Summers A whimsical celebration of pirate culture, encouraging creativity and fun
History Global 1995 John Baur and Mark Summers Introduced during a racquetball game as a day to talk like pirates
Purpose Global Ongoing Provides an escape from routine life with pirate-inspired role-playing
Pirate Influence Books, Movies, Folklore Ongoing Draws inspiration from pirate legends, folklore, and films

 

Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs September 19

2. What is India’s weight in the MSCI ACWI IMI as of August 2024?
A) 1.50%
B) 3.00%
C) 2.35%
D) 2.07%
E) 1.75%
Answer: C) 2.35%

Event and Location:

  • Event: India becomes the 6th largest market in MSCI ACWI IMI, surpassing China
  • Location: Global index data
  • Date: August 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Reflect India’s strong economic growth and market performance in global indices like the MSCI ACWI IMI and MSCI EM IMI.
  • Objective: India’s rising weight in the index is an indicator of its growing importance in global and emerging market portfolios.

MSCI ACWI IMI Overview:

  • MSCI ACWI IMI: A global index that tracks large- and mid-cap stocks.
    • India’s weight: 2.35%, surpassing China’s 2.24%, making India the largest emerging market in the index for the first time.
    • China’s declining weight: China’s weight has halved since 2021, while India’s has more than doubled.
    • MSCI EM IMI (Emerging Markets Index): India’s weight is 22.27%, overtaking China’s 21.58%.

Investment Impact:

  • India’s position as the top emerging market enhances its investment appeal globally, though passive inflows from ETFs tracking the MSCI ACWI IMI are expected to be limited.

Economic Growth and Market Performance:

  • India’s GDP growth outpaces China, with nominal GDP growth in the low teens, boosting earnings growth.
  • India’s market weight in MSCI EM IMI is tracked by funds managing $125 billion, while the MSCI EM Index is tracked by funds managing $500 billion.

Morgan Stanley’s Strategy:

  • Morgan Stanley is overweight on India and Japan by 150 basis points in their pan-Asian and emerging market portfolios, while maintaining an underweight on China.

Important Terms Explained:

  • MSCI ACWI IMI (All Country World Investable Market Index): A global equity index covering large- and mid-cap stocks across both developed and emerging markets.
  • MSCI EM (Emerging Markets Index): An index tracking stock performance in emerging markets, where India has overtaken China.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Morgan Stanley:

  • Founded: 1935
  • Headquarters: New York, United States
  • CEO: James P. Gorman

China:

  • Capital: Beijing
  • Currency: Renminbi (Yuan)
  • President: Xi Jinping
  • Prime Minister: Li Qiang

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date India’s Weight Significance
India surpasses China in MSCI ACWI IMI Global August 2024 2.35% India becomes 6th largest market and top emerging market in the index
China’s Weight Global August 2024 2.24% China’s weight has halved since 2021
MSCI EM IMI (Emerging Markets) Global August 2024 22.27% India overtakes China (21.58%) in Emerging Markets index
India’s Economic Growth India Ongoing Low teens India’s GDP growth is 3x faster than China’s, boosting market appeal
Morgan Stanley Strategy Global 2024 Overweight on India Morgan Stanley is overweight on India by 150 basis points

3. By how much did India’s exports to China contract in August 2024?
A) 9%
B) 15.5%
C) 22.44%
D) 6.29%
E) 27.85%
Answer: C) 22.44%

Event and Location:

  • Event: Sharp decline in India’s exports to China
  • Location: India-China bilateral trade data
  • Date: August 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Assess the impact of China’s economic slowdown on India’s exports and the implications for bilateral trade.
  • Objectives:
    • Understand the export contraction to China and its effect on India’s trade balance.
    • Evaluate India’s dependency on imports from China, which continues to rise despite falling exports.

Key Trade Data:

  • Exports to China: Fell by 22.44% to $1 billion, mainly due to China’s economic slowdown and geopolitical tensions.
  • Imports from China: Increased by 15.5% to $10.8 billion, driven by India’s demand for electronic components, industrial machinery, and organic chemicals.

Top Export and Import Trends:

  • India’s Exports to China: Iron ore, marine products, copper, and food items form the bulk of exports.
  • India’s Imports from China: Primarily electronic goods, industrial machinery, IT hardware, and organic chemicals.
  • Bilateral Trade: China regained its position as India’s top trading partner, with total bilateral trade reaching $118.4 billion in FY24, surpassing the US.

Exports to Other Major Markets:

  • US: India’s largest export destination; exports contracted by 6.29%.
  • UAE, Singapore, Bangladesh, Australia: Major markets also saw a decline in exports, with Singapore down 39.25% and Bangladesh down 27.85%.

Overall Import Growth:

  • India’s overall imports grew by 3% to $64.3 billion.
  • Gold imports doubled, contributing significantly to the import increase. Imports from Switzerland rose by 80%, driven by gold purchases.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Bilateral Trade: The total volume of trade between two countries, including both exports and imports.
  • Geopolitical Issues: Refers to political tensions between nations that affect trade and economic relations.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

China:

  • Capital: Beijing
  • Currency: Renminbi (Yuan)
  • President: Xi Jinping
  • Prime Minister: Li Qiang

Switzerland:

  • Capital: Bern
  • Currency: Swiss Franc
  • President: Alain Berset

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date India’s Export Decline India’s Import Growth Significance
Decline in India’s Exports to China India-China bilateral trade August 2024 22.44% 15.5% Reflects India’s continued dependency on Chinese imports
Overall Export Decline Global August 2024 9% Geopolitical issues and logistical challenges impact trade
Gold Imports Surge Global August 2024 Doubling Gold imports contributed to increased overall imports
Imports from Switzerland India August 2024 80% Mainly driven by gold imports
Bilateral Trade with China India and China FY24 $118.4 billion China surpasses US as India’s top trading partner

4. By what year is India expected to become the third-largest economy according to S&P Global?
A) 2028
B) 2031
C) 2035
D) 2025
E) 2040
Answer: B) 2031

Event and Location:

  • Event: India’s projected rise to the third-largest economy by 2030-31
  • Location: Global economic rankings
  • Date: By 2030-31 (as per S&P Global forecast)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: India is forecasted to achieve 6.7% annual growth in the medium term, positioning itself as the third-largest economy by 2030-31.
  • Objectives:
    • Infrastructure development is critical to sustain growth and enhance India’s trade capabilities.
    • India’s ports need modernization and expansion to manage the increasing volume of imports and exports, particularly given that 90% of its trade is seaborne.

Key Highlights:

  • Economic Growth: India’s GDP growth for FY 2024 was 8.2%, surpassing previous estimates of 7.3%.
  • Young Workforce: India’s young and dynamic workforce is expected to drive future growth in sectors like agriculture, AI, trade, and energy.
  • Port Infrastructure: India’s port performance is a key concern, with only three Indian ports ranked in the top 50 globally in the World Bank and S&P Global’s Container Port Performance Index 2023.
    • Privately-run Mundra Port ranked 27th globally, outperforming the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), which ranked 96th.
    • Private ports now handle 47% of total cargo in India, led by Adani Ports, demonstrating the shift of cargo volumes from government to private ports.

Infrastructure and Trade:

  • India’s extensive coastline is crucial for trade, but the country must develop robust port infrastructure to manage growing exports and commodity imports.
  • Public vs. Private Ports: India’s government-owned ports once controlled 75% of container volumes. However, they have lost ground due to bureaucratic hurdles and infrastructure limitations, while private ports have captured a significant share of the cargo market.

Petroleum Product Demand:

  • India’s petroleum demand is expected to rise by 2 million barrels per day (b/d) to reach 7.1 million b/d by 2035, primarily driven by transportation demand.

Important Terms Explained:

  • GDP (Gross Domestic Product): The total value of all goods and services produced within a country.
  • S&P Global: A leading provider of financial market intelligence and analytics.
  • Container Port Performance Index: A ranking system that evaluates the performance of global ports based on efficiency, handling capacity, and infrastructure.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

S&P Global:

  • Founded: 1860
  • Headquarters: New York, United States
  • CEO: Douglas L. Peterson

India:

  • Capital: New Delhi
  • Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
  • Prime Minister: Narendra Modi

World Bank:

  • Founded: 1944
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
  • President: Ajay Banga

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ):

  • Founded: 1998
  • Headquarters: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
  • Chairman: Gautam Adani

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date India’s Growth Rate Significance
India projected to be 3rd largest economy Global By 2030-31 6.7% India to surpass economies like Japan and Germany by 2031
GDP Growth (FY24) India FY 2024 8.2% India surpassed the government’s forecast of 7.3%
Port Infrastructure Performance Global 2023 Private ports outperformed government ports (e.g., Mundra > JNPT)
Petroleum Demand Growth India By 2035 7.1 million b/d India’s demand to grow by 2 million b/d, driven by transportation needs

 

Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs September 19

5. What is one of the key objectives of the Chandrayaan-4 mission?
A) Establish a permanent lunar base
B) Return safely to Earth after landing on the Moon
C) Launch astronauts to Mars
D) Build an Indian Space Station by 2035
E) Increase India’s presence in the geostationary orbit
Answer: B) Return safely to Earth after landing on the Moon

Event and Location:

  • Event: Approval of the Chandrayaan-4 Moon Mission
  • Location: New Delhi, India
  • Date: September 2024 (Cabinet approval)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Develop technologies for landing on the Moon and returning safely to Earth.
  • Objectives:
    • Demonstrate technologies for docking/undocking, safe lunar landing, and sample collection.
    • Bring back lunar samples for analysis on Earth.
    • Prepare for future Indian manned lunar missions, with the goal of landing by 2040.
    • Boost involvement of Indian industry and academia in space technology.

ISRO’s Role:

  • Development: The mission will be developed and launched by ISRO.
  • Timeline: Expected completion within 36 months of approval.
  • Technology Development: All critical technologies will be indigenously developed.
  • Cost: Rs. 2104.06 crore, which includes spacecraft development, launch vehicle missions, and deep space network support.

Key Technologies:

  • Sample Collection: Technologies for collecting lunar samples and ensuring their safe return.
  • Safe Return: Technologies for safe re-entry to Earth after the lunar mission.
  • Industry Participation: Involvement of various Indian industries to boost employment and technological innovation.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Chandrayaan-4: India’s fourth moon mission focused on returning lunar samples to Earth.
  • LVM3: India’s Launch Vehicle Mark-3 used for launching space missions.
  • ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation): India’s national space agency responsible for all space missions.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation):

  • Founded: 1969
  • Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
  • Chairman: S. Somanath

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Responsible Agency Significance
Approval for Chandrayaan-4 New Delhi, India September 2024 ISRO Demonstrate technologies for Moon landing, sample return, and safe Earth re-entry
Mission Duration Across India 36 months ISRO Develop spacecraft and launch, demonstrate critical technologies, and involve Indian industry
Mission Cost Rs. 2104.06 Cr Includes spacecraft development, launch, deep space network support, and special tests
Technological Focus Moon and Earth Focus on docking, lunar sample collection, and safe return to Earth
Future Vision Moon and Earth 2040 Enable India’s manned Moon mission by 2040

6. When is the first module of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) expected to be launched?
A) 2030
B) 2025
C) 2028
D) 2040
E) 2026
Answer: C) 2028

Event and Location:

  • Event: Approval for India’s first space station (Bharatiya Antariksh Station – BAS)
  • Location: New Delhi, India
  • Date: September 2024 (Cabinet approval)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Develop and launch India’s own space station by extending the Gaganyaan programme.
  • Objectives:
    • Develop and launch the first module of BAS by 2028.
    • Complete all missions and operational modules by 2035.
    • Boost India’s capability for human space missions and space research.

Gaganyaan Programme:

  • Scope Extension: The scope of the Gaganyaan Programme has been extended to include additional missions for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
  • Mission Timeline:
    • Four missions for demonstration of BAS-related technologies by 2028.
    • An additional uncrewed mission as part of the Gaganyaan Programme by 2026.

Significance of BAS:

  • The Bharatiya Antariksh Station will provide a national space facility to boost microgravity-based research and technology innovation.
  • Will enhance industrial participation and encourage innovations in space technology.
  • The project will generate significant employment opportunities in high-tech industries related to space exploration.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS): India’s planned space station for scientific research in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • Gaganyaan Programme: India’s human spaceflight programme aimed at launching astronauts to LEO as part of a broader goal for space exploration.
  • Low Earth Orbit (LEO): The region of space close to Earth, typically between 160 km and 2,000 km above the surface.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation):

  • Founded: 1969
  • Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
  • Chairman: S. Somanath

United States of America:

  • Capital: Washington, D.C.
  • Currency: US Dollar
  • President: Joe Biden
  • Space Station: International Space Station (ISS)

Russia:

  • Capital: Moscow
  • Currency: Russian Ruble
  • President: Vladimir Putin
  • Space Station: Previously operated Mir station

China:

  • Capital: Beijing
  • Currency: Renminbi (Yuan)
  • President: Xi Jinping
  • Space Station: Tiangong

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Agency Significance
Approval for Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) New Delhi, India September 2024 ISRO Build India’s space station and demonstrate critical space technologies
Launch of BAS Module TBD 2028 ISRO Launch of first BAS module under Gaganyaan Programme
Completion Timeline TBD 2035 ISRO Full operationalization of BAS with all modules
Cost Rs. 20,193 Cr Includes costs for spacecraft development, launch, and associated missions
Space Stations by Other Countries USA, Russia, China USA (ISS), Russia (Mir, retired), China (Tiangong)

7. What is one of the key features of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)?
A) 10x the payload capacity of PSLV
B) Completely disposable after launch
C) Reusability of the first stage
D) Will only be used for Gaganyaan missions
E) Will use only foreign-developed technology
Answer: C) Reusability of the first stage

Event and Location:

  • Event: Approval for the development of Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)
  • Location: New Delhi, India
  • Date: September 2024 (Cabinet approval)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Develop a reusable launch vehicle that reduces space launch costs and boosts India’s presence in the global space industry.
  • Objectives:
    • Develop a vehicle with 3 times the payload capacity of LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark III).
    • Ensure reusability of the first stage to provide low-cost access to space.
    • Modular green propulsion system for improved environmental sustainability.

Key Features of NGLV:

  • Payload Capacity: Up to 30 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • Cost Efficiency: 1.5 times the cost of LVM3, with reusability and low-cost operations.
  • Reusability: The first stage of the rocket can be reused, reducing overall costs of space missions.
  • Development Timeline: Completion targeted in 96 months (8 years) with three developmental flights (D1, D2, D3).
  • Funding: Approved budget of Rs. 8240 crore, including development, flight tests, and essential facility setups.

Implementation Strategy:

  • Industry Participation: Indian industries will play a significant role in manufacturing and investing in infrastructure for the operational phase.
  • Collaborative Development: ISRO will partner with Indian industries and academia for the research, development, and operational phases of the NGLV project.

Importance for India’s Space Ambitions:

  • National and Commercial Missions: NGLV will be used for launching human spaceflight missions, lunar missions, inter-planetary exploration, and communication satellites.
  • Strengthening Space Ecosystem: The project will enhance India’s space capabilities and capacity by supporting both national and commercial space missions.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV): A space vehicle designed to be reused after launch, reducing the cost of launching spacecraft.
  • Low Earth Orbit (LEO): The region of space close to Earth, up to an altitude of around 2,000 kilometers.
  • LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-III): India’s heaviest rocket currently operational for launching satellites into space.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation):

  • Founded: 1969
  • Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
  • Chairman: S. Somanath

SpaceX:

  • Headquarters: Hawthorne, California, United States
  • Founded: 6 May 2002
  • CEO: Elon Musk

European Space Agency (ESA):

  • Headquarters: Paris, France
  • Founded: 1975
  • Director General: Josef Aschbacher

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Responsible Agency Significance
Approval for Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) New Delhi, India September 2024 ISRO Develop a reusable launch vehicle to boost India’s global space launch capabilities
Payload Capacity Across India 2028 ISRO 30 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), with reusable first stage
Development Timeline Across India 96 months ISRO Complete three development flights (D1, D2, D3) and operationalize NGLV by 2032
Funding Rs. 8240 Cr Includes development, testing, and essential infrastructure
Reusability and Cost Efficiency The reusable first stage will lower launch costs and increase India’s competitiveness

 

International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs September 19

8. What was one of the key areas of focus during the 6th EU-India Water Forum?
A) Agricultural reforms
B) Water sector challenges and sustainable solutions
C) Developing space technology
D) Expanding the defense sector
E) Nuclear energy cooperation
Answer: B) Water sector challenges and sustainable solutions

Event and Location:

  • Event: 6th EU-India Water Forum held during the 8th India Water Week
  • Location: New Delhi, India
  • Date: September 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Strengthen cooperation between India and the European Union in sustainable water management.
  • Objectives:
    • Address global water challenges through technological collaboration and policy exchange.
    • Focus on government and business partnerships in alignment with India’s National 2030 Agenda and the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy.
    • Explore trilateral cooperation between East Africa, India, and the EU to tackle water issues in East African water bodies, such as Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika.

India-EU Water Partnership (IEWP):

  • The India-EU Water Partnership (IEWP) was established in 2016 under a Joint Declaration and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and the EU.
  • Purpose: To foster a political dialogue and encourage collaboration in water management.
  • Components: The partnership consists of cooperation with the Ministry of Jal Shakti, EU Member States, and other stakeholders such as businesses and research institutions.

Current Phase of Cooperation:

  • The Phase III of the partnership prioritizes:
    • River management projects like those on the Tapi and Ramganga River Basins.
    • Research on drinking water purification, wastewater treatment, and real-time water monitoring systems.
    • Joint funding of €37.4 million for 7 research projects, combining efforts from 743 participants from India and the EU.

Important Terms Explained:

  • India-EU Water Partnership (IEWP): A collaborative framework established to manage water resources between India and the European Union.
  • EU’s Global Gateway Strategy: A strategy focused on sustainable investments, promoting green growth, and strengthening digital and inclusive development globally.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

European Union (EU):

  • Founded: 1958
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
  • President of the European Commission: Ursula von der Leyen
  • Member Countries: 27

India:

  • Capital: New Delhi
  • Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
  • Prime Minister: Narendra Modi

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Partners Significance
6th EU-India Water Forum New Delhi, India European Union, India Sustainable water management collaboration to address global water challenges
Focus Areas India and EU EU, Ministry of Jal Shakti Water sector challenges, innovative technologies, and business partnerships
Cooperation Under Phase III India, EU, East Africa EU and India Projects on river management, wastewater treatment, and water purification
Funding for Projects India and EU EU and India Joint funding for 7 research projects in water management technologies
Trilateral Cooperation East Africa, EU, India EU and India Focus on East African water bodies such as Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika

National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs September 19

9. Which of the following was a key recommendation of the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections (ONOE)?
A) Increase the number of electoral phases for elections
B) Abolish the Election Commission of India
C) Implement simultaneous elections in two phases
D) Hold state elections every three years
E) No elections should be held for local bodies
Answer: C) Implement simultaneous elections in two phases

Event and Location:

  • Event: Union Cabinet accepting the ONOE recommendations
  • Location: New Delhi, India
  • Date: March 2024 (report submitted by High-Level Committee)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Synchronize national and state elections for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • Objectives:
    • Conduct simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies in a phased manner.
    • Use a common electoral roll for all elections (Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, Local Bodies).
    • Initiate nationwide discussions to gather public input on the implementation strategy.
    • Amend the Constitution as per Article 368(2) to allow simultaneous elections.

Recommendations:

  • Phase 1: Hold Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections simultaneously.
  • Phase 2: Conduct local body elections (e.g., panchayats, municipalities) within 100 days of the general elections.
  • Set up an implementation group to oversee the process.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Simultaneous Elections: Conducting elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies together to reduce electoral disruptions and costs.
  • High-Level Committee (HLC): A body chaired by Ram Nath Kovind to assess the feasibility of One Nation, One Election.
  • Article 368(2): Outlines the constitutional process for amendments, requiring a special majority in both houses of Parliament.
  • Common Electoral Roll: A unified list of voters used for all levels of elections to streamline the voting process.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

India:

  • Capital: New Delhi
  • Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
  • Prime Minister: Narendra Modi

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Chairman Significance
Union Cabinet accepts ONOE New Delhi, India Ram Nath Kovind (Former President) Restructure electoral system to synchronize Lok Sabha and state assembly elections
Phase 1 Across India Simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies
Phase 2 Across India Conduct local body elections within 100 days of general elections
Constitutional Amendments Parliament of India Amendments under Article 368(2) to facilitate simultaneous elections
Key Challenges Nationwide Address logistical, financial, and regional complexities

10. How many subscribers have joined the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) as of 2024?
A) 59 million
B) 65 million
C) 69 million
D) 50 million
E) 55 million
Answer: C) 69 million

Event and Location:

  • Event: The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) reaches 69 million subscribers with a corpus of Rs 35,149 crore.
  • Location: India
  • Date: 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Provide a low-cost pension scheme that offers financial security to the unorganized sector and other eligible individuals.
  • Objective: Ensure a guaranteed minimum monthly pension for citizens aged 60 years and above, ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 based on the contributions made during their working years.

Key Features:

  • Subscribers and Corpus: The scheme has over 6.9 crore (69 million) subscribers and a total corpus of Rs 35,149 crore.
  • Pension Benefits:
    • Guaranteed monthly pensions of Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 starting at age 60, based on contribution levels.
  • Death Benefits:
    • Upon the death of the subscriber, the pension continues to the spouse.
    • After the death of both the subscriber and spouse, the nominee receives the entire corpus.

Atal Pension Yojana (APY) Overview:

  • Launch Year: 2015, by the Government of India.
  • Eligibility: Open to Indian citizens aged 18-40, especially targeting those in the unorganized sector.
  • Contribution Period: Until the subscriber turns 60 years old.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Unorganized Sector: A segment of the workforce that is not covered by formal employment contracts or benefits.
  • Corpus: The total amount accumulated in the scheme through contributions, used to pay pensions.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Atal Pension Yojana (APY):

  • Launch Year: 2015
  • Objective: Provide guaranteed monthly pensions for the unorganized sector.
  • Eligibility: Indian citizens aged 18-40.
  • Pension Range: Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 per month.

India:

  • Capital: New Delhi
  • Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
  • Prime Minister: Narendra Modi

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Corpus (2024) Subscribers (2024) Significance
APY reaches 69 million subscribers India 2024 Rs 35,149 crore 69 million Provides financial security through a guaranteed pension scheme
Pension Benefits India From age 60 Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 Based on contribution levels
Death Benefits India Ongoing Pension to spouse, corpus to nominee Ensures financial stability for spouse and nominee
Eligibility for APY India Ongoing Indian citizens aged 18-40 Aims at individuals from the unorganized sector


Over All Review

Important Days

  • International Talk Like a Pirate Day is celebrated on September 19 each year.

Business And Economy

  • India becomes the 6th largest market in the MSCI ACWI IMI as of August 2024.
  • India’s exports to China dropped 22.44%, while imports from China rose 15.5%.
  • India set to become the third-largest economy by 2030-31, growing at 6.7% annually.

Science and Technology

  • Cabinet approved Chandrayaan-4 mission to collect and return lunar samples to Earth.
  • Cabinet approved India’s first space station, with the first module launch in 2028.
  • Union Cabinet approved Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) with a reusable first stage.

International Affairs

  • India and EU agreed to enhance cooperation in sustainable water management during the 6th EU-India Water Forum.

National Affairs

  • Union Cabinet accepted recommendations of One Nation One Election chaired by Ram Nath Kovind.
  • Atal Pension Yojana reaches 69 million subscribers and a corpus of Rs 35,149 crore in 2024.

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