DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: Sept. 26, 2024

World Rhino Day - 22 September 2024

Tags: Important Days

World Rhino Day is celebrated every year on 22 September.

An Overview of the News

• It is a global initiative whose primary goal is to raise awareness of the significant challenges facing the rhinoceros species around the world.

• The day aims to raise awareness about rhinoceroses (Rhinocerotidae) and the critical need for their conservation.

Species Awareness: The observance focuses on all five species of rhinos:

• Black rhino (Africa)

• White rhino (Africa)

• Greater one-horned rhino (Asia)

• Sumatran rhino (Asia)

• Javan rhino (Asia)

History of World Rhino Day

• The rhinoceros crisis began in Africa in the 1990s due to the large-scale poaching of rhinoceros horns.

• By 2010, the crisis became widespread, with only 30,000 rhinos left globally.

• In 2010, the World Wildlife Fund - South Africa launched World Rhino Day to address the growing threat of rhinos.

• Lisa Jane Campbell's Vision (2011): Lisa Jane Campbell's efforts to protect all five rhinoceros species led to the establishment of World Rhino Day.

• The purpose of dedicating a day to the rhinoceros is to promote awareness about the conservation of its five distinct species.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake Sworn in as Sri Lanka's 9th President

Tags: International News

On September 23, 2024, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, aged 55, was sworn in as the 9th President of Sri Lanka.

An Overview of the News

• The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, officiated by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya.

• This election marks the first presidential election since the 2022 economic collapse that led to the resignation of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Election Results

• Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the Marxist-Leninist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), won the election with 42.31% of the vote.

• His main rival, Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), finished second, securing 32.76% of the vote.

Background on Anura Kumara Dissanayake

• Dissanayake began his political journey as a student leader during the second insurrection in the 1980s, a period marked by violence and mass killings in Sri Lanka.

• He was first elected to parliament in 2000 and served as Minister of Agriculture under President Chandrika Kumaratunga Bandaranaike from 2004 to 2005.

• In 2014, he became the leader of JVP, succeeding Somawansa Amarasinghe.

Previous Presidential Election

• Anura Kumara Dissanayake contested his first presidential election in 2019 but finished in third place, obtaining only 3% of the valid votes against Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Air Marshal SP Dharkar Appointed Next Vice Chief of Air Staff

Tags: Person in news

Air Marshal SP Dharkar has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of Air Staff.

An Overview of the News

• Air Marshal SP Dharkar will succeed Air Marshal AP Singh, who is set to become the Chief of Air Staff.

Career and Experience

• Commissioned in June 1985.

• Over 3,600 flying hours as a distinguished fighter pilot.

• Alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College, National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and Air War College (USA).

• Qualified Flying Instructor, Fighter Strike Leader, Instrument Rating Instructor, Examiner, and Air Force Examiner.

Key Command and Teaching Roles

• Commanded a frontline fighter squadron and Fighter Flying Training Establishment.

• Instructor at the Defence Services Staff College and College of Air Warfare.

• Held positions like Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training) and Air Defence Commander at Eastern Air Command.

Notable Leadership Roles

• First Director General of the Defence Space Agency.

• Headed the Eastern Air Command for the past two years.

Tripura's CM Manik Saha Launches CM-SATH Scheme

Tags: State News

Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha officially launched the CM-SATH scheme at Agartala Town Hall to support meritorious students.

An Overview of the News

• The scheme aims to provide financial assistance for higher education to students excelling in the Madhyamik and HS+2 exams.

• 200 students will benefit, with top 100 students from Madhyamik receiving assistance for two years, and another 100 higher secondary students for three years.

• Beneficiaries will receive a monthly stipend of ₹25,000, with selections made by District Education Officers from various administrative regions.

• Financial commitment: ₹1.2 crore in the first year, ₹22.4 crore in the second year, and ₹3 crore annually from the third year onwards.

Additional Educational Initiatives:

• Super-30 Scheme: Provides financial aid to the top 30 Class X students for coaching in NEET and JEE, with an annual allocation of ₹25.3 lakh.

• Centralised Question Paper System: Introduced for students in Classes III to VIII to standardize education.

• Talent Search Programs: Implementation of the 'Tripura Science Talent Search Examination' and 'Math Talent Search Examination' to encourage scientific and mathematical aptitude in Class IX students.

• Nipun Tripura Project: Focused on improving basic skills among Class III students.

Infrastructural Improvements:

• Vidyajyoti Scheme: Launched in 2022 to improve educational standards, with 125 schools already benefiting.

• Bicycle Distribution: Around 1 lakh girl students who passed Class IX have been provided with bicycles to aid their education.

Axis Bank and Mastercard Launch MyBiz Credit Card for Small Business Owners

Tags: Economy/Finance

Axis Bank and Mastercard teamed up to introduce the MyBiz business credit card. Launched on 25 September 2024, it is tailored for single proprietors and small business owners in India.

An Overview of the News

• Designed under the World Mastercard category, it aims to meet the growing needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Business-Focused Features

• The MyBiz credit card offers key features such as higher rewards, significant purchasing power, and zero liability protection.

• Provides tools for better expense and financial management, including employee spending controls.

• Focuses on offering a seamless digital experience for users.

Travel and Premium Benefits

• Cardholders can enjoy airport lounge access and extensive travel insurance.

• Other perks include access to productivity tools, marketing support, and security measures via Mastercard Easy Savings Specials.

• Users benefit from curated experiences across culinary, wellness, and sports sectors through priceless.com.

Deepak C. Mehta, Receives Prestigious ICC Lifetime Achievement Award 2023

Tags: Awards

Deepak C. Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director of Deepak Nitrite Limited, was awarded the ICC Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023.

An Overview of the News

• The award recognizes Mehta's significant contributions to India's chemical manufacturing sector over several decades.

• The award was presented by Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar at the 59th ICC Annual Awards in Mumbai, attended by industry leaders and academicians.

Legacy of Leadership and Vision

• Mehta has served as President of the Indian Chemical Council and as a member of the Government's Task Force on Chemicals Industry.

• He leads the National Chemicals Committee and Sector Skills Council at FICCI, helping to advance India's chemical sector.

Sustainable Growth and Innovation at Deepak Nitrite

• The company has a diversified portfolio serving sectors like dyes, pigments, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.

• Deepak Nitrite operates across six locations, is accredited by Responsible Care, and received a Silver Rating from EcoVadis in 2022 for sustainability initiatives.