1. Rhea Singha Crowned Miss Universe India 2024
Tags: National News
Rhea Singha, a 19-year-old from Gujarat, was crowned Miss Universe India 2024 on September 22, 2024.
An Overview of the News
The pageant took place in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Urvashi Rautela, Bollywood actress and Miss Universe India 2015, crowned her.
Rhea Singha will represent India at the 73rd Miss Universe 2024 pageant, scheduled to be held in Mexico in November 2024.
Rhea Singha will represent India at the 73rd Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico in November 2024.
Runners-Up
1st Runner-Up: Pranjal Priya (Maharashtra)
2nd Runner-Up: Chhavi Verg (New Jersey, USA)
3rd Runner-Up: Sushmita Roy (West Bengal)
4th Runner-Up: Ruopfuzhano Whiso (Nagaland)
Judging Panel
Featured judges include Nikhil Anand, Urvashi Rautela, Nguyen Quynh, Rian Fernandes, and Rajeev Shrivastava.
Additional Notes
This was the first Miss Universe India pageant organized by Glamanand Supermodel India.
Rhea also won the Miss Glamorous subtitle and is one of the youngest titleholders.
Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu, crowned Miss Universe 2021, is the most recent Miss Universe from India.
The first two were Sushmita Sen (1994) and Lara Dutta (2000).
Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua won the Miss Universe 2023 crown.
2. 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.
3. Tata Steel Unveils India’s Largest Blast Furnace at Kalinganagar
Tags: National News
Tata Steel successfully commissioned India’s largest blast furnace at its Kalinganagar facility in Odisha.
An Overview of the News
This is part of the Phase II expansion, which involved an investment of ₹27,000 crore.
The expansion increases the plant’s capacity from 3 MTPA to 8 MTPA, marking a significant growth in production capabilities.
Technological Advancements and Eco-Friendly Features
The new blast furnace, with a volume of 5,870 m³, incorporates advanced technology for enhanced operational life and environmental sustainability.
It includes four top combustion stoves, a first in India, and a dry gas cleaning plant for energy recovery.
Features the world’s largest Top Gas Recovery Turbine (TRT) with a 35 MW capacity, contributing to a 10% energy recovery.
Utilises an evaporative cooling system to optimise space and reduce power and water consumption by around 20%.
Focus on Sustainability
The Kalinganagar facility has implemented a zero-process water discharge system, along with rainwater harvesting.
Phase II expansion includes a Pellet Plant, Coke Plant, and Cold Rolling Mill, all equipped with sustainable technologies.
Tata Steel Kalinganagar aims for a significant reduction in carbon emissions while producing high-end, value-added steel.
Impact on Socio-Economic Development
Tata Steel has invested over ₹1,00,000 crore in Odisha over the past decade, making the state its largest investment hub in India.
The Kalinganagar plant contributes to regional socio-economic development through initiatives in education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.
Over 2,00,000 people in surrounding areas benefit from these community development programs.
Global Recognition and Safety Standards
The Kalinganagar facility is the first Indian manufacturing plant recognised as a Global Lighthouse by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
It received the ResponsibleSteel™ Certification in 2024 for its sustainability practices.
The plant is known for its strong ‘Safety First’ culture, adhering to high safety standards and being considered one of the safest steel plants globally.
4. PM Modi to Visits Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Odisha: Sept 15-17, 2024
Tags: National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Odisha from 15-17 September 2024.
An Overview of the News
Visit to Jharkhand (15 September 2024)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Tatanagar-Patna Vande Bharat train at Tatanagar Junction.
He laid the foundation stone and dedicated railway projects worth over Rs. 660 crores.
Madhupur Bye Pass line in Deoghar district.
Hazaribag Town Coaching Depot.
Kurkura-Kanaroan doubling project.
Dedicated four road under bridges (RUBs) to improve public safety.
Flagged off six Vande Bharat trains to enhance connectivity, benefiting passengers and promoting regional tourism.
Distributed sanction letters to 20,000 PMAY-G beneficiaries and participated in Griha Pravesh celebrations for 46,000 houses.
Visit to Gujarat (16 September 2024)
Interacted with PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana beneficiaries in Gandhinagar.
Inaugurated the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) at Mahatma Mandir.
Inaugurated Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project and took a metro ride from Section 1 Metro Station to GIFT City.
Laid foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth over Rs. 8,000 crores.
Quadrupling of railway lines and construction of flyover bridges.
Solar energy projects at Kutch Lignite Thermal Power Station.
Launched Single Window IT System (SWITS) for financial services.
Sanctioned over 30,000 houses under PMAY and released the first installment for these homes.
Visit to Odisha (17 September 2024)
Launched ‘SUBHADRA,’ a women-centric scheme aimed at benefiting over 1 crore women with financial aid.
Laid foundation stone and dedicated railway projects worth over Rs. 2,800 crores.
Laid the foundation stone for national highway projects worth over Rs. 1,000 crores.
Released the first installment of PMAY-G assistance to nearly 10 lakh beneficiaries and participated in Griha Pravesh celebrations for 26 lakh PMAY beneficiaries.
Launched Awaas+ 2024 App and PMAY-U 2.0 Operational Guidelines.
5. Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik Appointed as New DG ISI
Tags: International News
Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik was appointed as the new Director General (DG) of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) on September 23, 2024.
An Overview of the News
Malik will officially take over the position on September 30, 2024, replacing the current DG, Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum.
Current Role and Key Military Positions
Adjutant General: Lt Gen Malik is currently serving as the adjutant general at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
Previous Commands: He has commanded the Infantry Division in Balochistan and the Infantry Brigade in Waziristan.
Prime Minister and Army Chief Consultation
Appointment Procedure: Although the ISI chief is officially appointed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the decision is traditionally made in consultation with the Army Chief.
Significance of the ISI Chief Role
Influence of the Post: The DG ISI is considered one of the most powerful positions within the Pakistan Army, and it has played a central role in the country’s security and foreign policy.
Historical Context: The military has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its existence and continues to wield significant influence.
Education and Military Training
Sword of Honour: Lt Gen Malik received the prestigious Sword of Honour award during his military course.
Instructor Roles: He has served as the chief instructor at the National Defence University (NDU) and as an instructor at Command and Staff College in Quetta.
International Training: He is a graduate of Fort Leavenworth in the USA and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the UK.
6. 10th CPA India Region Conference Begins in New Delhi
Tags: National News
The two-day 10th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference began in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Chairperson of the CPA India Region, is chairing the meeting.
Attendees include 46 Presiding Officers, 4 Chairmen, 25 Speakers, 3 Deputy Chairmen, 14 Deputy Speakers, and various Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, and officers from State and Union Territories Legislatures.
Theme of the Conference
The theme of the conference is “The Role of Legislative Bodies in the Attainment of Sustainable and Inclusive Development.”
Key Address by Lok Sabha Speaker
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasized the need to strengthen legislative bodies to meet the evolving needs of the people.
He highlighted the importance of adapting to new technologies and communication methods.
The aim is to bring those excluded from development into the mainstream and provide new direction to legislative institutions.
About CPA India Region
Established in 2004, the CPA India Region was formed from the former CPA Asia Region.
It is one of nine global CPA Regions and currently consists of 31 Member Branches, including the Parliament of India and 30 State and Union Territory Legislatures.
This is the second time the CPA India Region Conference is being held in New Delhi.
7. EaseMyTrip Introduces ScanMyTrip.com, India’s First Travel Marketplace on the ONDC
Tags: National News
EaseMyTrip, a leading online travel aggregator, has launched ScanMyTrip.com, entering the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
An Overview of the News
This makes EaseMyTrip the first Online Travel Agency (OTA) to offer and purchase travel services through the ONDC network.
ScanMyTrip.com is a marketplace for travel services, allowing OTAs, MSMEs, travel agents, and homestays to list and access services such as flights and accommodations.
Vision and Goals
EaseMyTrip aims to enhance digital infrastructure for businesses in the travel and tourism sector.
Rikant Pittie, cofounder of EaseMyTrip, highlighted that the platform is designed to support travel service providers like homestays and MSMEs, helping them compete in a digital market.
The goal is to provide advanced digital tools for businesses of all sizes to scale and reach more customers.
Financial Performance and Share Movements
EaseMyTrip reported a net profit of INR 33.9 Crore for Q1 FY25, up 31% year-on-year.
Quarterly revenue increased by 23% to INR 152.6 Crore, driven mainly by air ticket sales.
Despite the financial growth, its shares closed 1.8% lower, at INR 41.08 on the BSE.
8. Jordan Becomes First Country to Eliminate Leprosy, Verified by WHO
Tags: International News
Jordan became the first country verified by WHO to eliminate leprosy on 19 September 2024.
An Overview of the News
Jordan has not reported any locally transmitted cases of leprosy for over two decades.
An independent review team, commissioned by WHO, verified the elimination after an extensive assessment.
Despite the elimination of leprosy, Jordan will maintain robust surveillance systems to manage future potential cases, including foreign-borne infections.
Leprosy, a neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, remains a global issue, with more than 200,000 new cases reported annually across 120 countries.
About Leprosy
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae.
It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract mucosa, and eyes.
Leprosy is curable, and early treatment can prevent long-term disabilities.
Patients often face stigmatization and discrimination due to physical deformities.
Transmission:
The disease spreads through droplets from the nose and mouth, requiring prolonged, close contact with an untreated person.
It does not spread through casual contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, or sharing meals.
Once treatment begins, the patient is no longer contagious.
Treatment:
Leprosy is treated with Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT), which combines three drugs: dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine.
For PB cases, treatment lasts 6 months, while for MB cases, it lasts 12 months.
MDT is provided free of charge by WHO and helps cure the disease by killing the bacteria.
About the World Health Organization (WHO)
Founded: 7 April 1948
Founding Countries: United States, Brazil, Mexico, France, Türkiye, and others.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Current Director-General: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
9. WAAYU Launches as India's First Zero-Commission Food Delivery App on ONDC
Tags: National News
WAAYU, India's first zero-commission food delivery app, is now live on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
An Overview of the News
The app aims to create a seamless connection between restaurants and consumers, eliminating commission fees.
Growth and Expansion
Since its launch in May 2023, WAAYU has onboarded over 3,000 restaurants in major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Jaipur, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
WAAYU collaborates with buyer apps like TATA Neu and OLA to enhance order volume and customer experience.
Strategic Partnerships
The entry of Flipkart as a buyer app on the ONDC network, alongside other platforms like Paytm and Tata Neu, is expected to boost demand for WAAYU's services.
This strategic expansion aims to democratize the food delivery ecosystem in India, benefiting both restaurants and consumers.
Company Vision and Technology
Founded by Mandar Lande and Anirudha Kotgire, WAAYU is developed by Destek Infosolutions Pvt Ltd, based in Pune.
With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, WAAYU plans to use its AI-based platform for steady expansion across the country.
10. Cabinet Approves 'One Nation, One Election', Chandrayaan-4, Venus Mission, and Key Schemes for Farmers, Tribals, and AVGC Sector
Tags: National News
On September 19, the Union Cabinet approved the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, Chandrayaan-4, Venus mission and major initiatives for farmers, tribals and the AVGC sector.
An Overview of the News
One Nation, One Election Proposal:
The Union Cabinet accepted recommendations from the High-Level Committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
The plan is to conduct simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the first phase.
Local body elections (panchayats, municipalities) to follow within 100 days of general elections.
Chandrayaan-4 Mission:
Approved by the government to advance space technologies.
It focuses on successfully landing on the moon and returning to Earth.
Venus Orbiter Mission:
Mission to Venus approved for scientific exploration of its atmosphere.
Scheduled launch: March 2028, with a total budget of ₹1,236 crore.
Nutrient-Based Subsidy (Rabi 2024-25):
Subsidy for phosphatic and potassium fertilizers approved.
Estimated financial implication: ₹24,000 crore.
Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA):
Continuation approved to ensure stable prices for farmers.
Total financial outlay: ₹35,000 crore, promoting self-sufficiency in essential commodities.
Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gramme Abhiyan:
Scheme to improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities.
Outlay: ₹79,156 crore, benefiting 63,000 villages and over 5 crore tribal people.
National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR:
Approved for animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality (AVGC-XR).
Aims to boost India’s global soft power and attract foreign investment.
Bio-RIDE Scheme:
Unified Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development scheme approved.
New component: Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry, with an outlay of ₹9,197 crore.
