September 2024

FIRST IN NEWS
1. Preethi Pal became the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic
medals in track and field events, after won the bronze in the women's
200 T35 class and bronze in the women’s 100m T35 class at Paris
2024.
2. India's first silicon carbide manufacturing facility is being set up at
EMC Park in Info Valley, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
3. India’s first CO2 to Methanol Pilot Plant was inaugurated in Pune,
Maharashtra, with a capacity of 1.4 tons per day.
4. Prime Minister has flagged off India's first 'Vande Metro' service,
which will run between Bhuj and Ahmedabad.
5. India’s first study on ‘teal carbon’ was undertaken at the Keoladeo
National Park (KNP) in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district.

POLITY
1. The Union Cabinet has accepted the recommendations of the High-Level
Committee on Simultaneous Elections under the chairmanship of
former President Shri Ram Nath Kovind.
2. Union Cabinet has approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), based
on the recommendations of T. V. Somanathan Committee (2023).
Persistent demands for Old Pension Scheme (OPS) led to its formation.
3. President called out ‘Black Coat Syndrome’, and urged Supreme Court
to Lead with Justice for All. Highlighting the delay in Justice, the
President used this term to describe anxiety experienced by ordinary
citizens in court settings
4. Supreme Court ruled that 14-day timeline for granting sanction for
prosecution under UAPA, 1967 is mandatory and not discretionary.
 5. President approves the constitution of the 23rd Law Commission for a
three-year term, that is, from 1st September, 2024 to 31st August,
2027.

SCHEMES IN NEWS

Scheme Name Launched by Objective

PM-eBus Sewa- Ministry Heavy PSM scheme will support the

Payment Security Industries deployment of more than
Mechanism (PSM) 38,000 electric buses (e-
scheme Buses) from FY 2024-25 to FY
2028-29.

PM Electric Drive Ministry Heavy ₹3,679 crore will be provided

Revolution in Industries as subsidies for purchasing e-
Innovative Vehicle two wheelers, e-three
Enhancement (PM E- wheelers, e-ambulances, e-
DRIVE) Scheme trucks, and other emerging
electric vehicles (EVs) under
the PM E-Drive scheme.

Pradhan Mantri Ministry of tribal It aims to improve the socio-

Janjatiya Unnat Gram affairs economic conditions of tribal
Abhiyan communities through scheme
convergence.

Jal Sanchay Jan Ministry of Jal A rainwater harvesting

Bhagidari Shakti. programme

Mission Mausam Ministry of Earth Aims to enhance research and

 Sciences development in atmospheric
sciences and improve weather
forecasting and management.

ECONOMY
1. Gujarat replaced Uttar Pradesh in attracting bank funds for projects in
the state in 2023-24
2. The World Gold Council (WGC) has raised its projection for India's gold
consumption in 2024 to 850 tonnes from 750 tonnes.
3. The 5th edition of Global Fintech Festival 2024 was held in in
Mumbai. Theme of the event is “Blueprint for the Next Decade of Finance:
Responsible AI | Inclusive | Resilient”.
4. India's foreign exchange reserves rose $2.3 billion in the week ending
August 30 to a new record high of $683.99 billion.
5. The GST Council constituted a 13-member Group of Ministers to suggest
GST rate on premiums of various health and life insurance products.
6. The government scrapped the windfall tax on domestically produced
crude oil. The tax, imposed as a Special Additional Excise Duty
(SAED), was reduced from Rs. 1850 per tonne to nil.

ENVIRONMENT
1. Assam govt is to notify Poba Reserve Forest as wildlife sanctuary.
2. The Researchers found several rare Arnoux’s beaked whales in the
coast of Antarctica. These whales hadn’t been seen for decades.
3. A new species of jumping spider, Carrhotus piperus, has been identified
in the lower Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu.
4. Researchers in the Antarctic Peninsula have discovered a new species of
Antarctic dragonfish.
5. Researchers have identified a new ‘cousin’ of the turmeric, Curcuma
ungmensis in Nagaland. It belongs to the genus Curcuma (the ginger
family Zingiberaceae).
6. A critically endangered species, the elongated tortoise (Indotestudo
elongata), was spotted in Haryana.
7. India’s second largest butterfly species, Southern Birdwing has been
found in Madurai district.
8. August 2024 was the hottest August in 175 years. The average global land
and ocean surface temperature in August was 2.29 degrees F (1.27
degrees C) above the 20th-century average of 60.1 degrees F (15.6
degrees C).

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. IIT Madras backed start-up has designed India's first abrasive waterjet
machine which can be used for cutting combustible materials without
generating heat.
2. The scientists develop the first prototype of the nuclear clock, which is
much more advanced than the atomic clocks we currently rely on.
3. The Dutch Black Hole Consortium recently unveiled a new app called
Black Hole Finder. This will aid astronomers identify new black holes.
4. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a
nano material-based solution to address heavy metal contamination in
water. The material is called ‘sulphidated' carboxymethyl cellulose-
stabilised nanoscale zero-valent iron (S-CMC-nZVI).
5. Scientists have identified a new blood group system called MAL, solving
a 50- year-old mystery about the AnWj antigen. This discovery will
improve care for rare patients and help find compatible blood donors.
 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. India’s first-ever Thiruvalluvar centre in the world will be set up in

Singapore to enhance cultural ties between the two countries.
2. Nepal has become the 101st country to join the International Solar
Alliance (ISA) as a full member.
3. India has launched Operation Sadbhav to provide humanitarian assistance
and disaster relief (HADR) to Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
4. Jordan becomes the first country in the world to eliminate leprosy,
receiving the official verification from the World Health Organisation
(WHO)
5. India signed and exchanged first-of-its-kind agreements focused on Clean
Economy, Fair Economy, and IPEF Overarching arrangement under
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) for Prosperity.
6. India launched Operation Sadbhav to provide humanitarian assistance
and disaster relief (HADR) to Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam which are
affected by Super typhoon Yagi.

NATIONAL NEWS
1. The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports launched “Retired
Sportsperson Empowerment Training” (RESET) Programme to
empower them with necessary knowledge and skills and making them
more employable.
2. Maharashtra becomes first state to adopt centre’s Unified Pension
Scheme for its employees.
3. Under the aegis of National One Health Mission, comprehensive national
mock drill, "Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas" (Virus War Exercise), was
conducted in Ajmer district of Rajasthan to assess pandemic
preparedness.
4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister
to travel to Brunei on a bilateral visit.
5. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has launched version 5.4 of the Ude
Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme.
6. President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the new flag and insignia of the
Supreme Court of India. The new flag is blue and prominently features the
Ashoka Chakra, the Supreme Court building, and the Constitution of
India. The insignia includes the phrase "Yato Dharmastato Jayah"
inscribed in the Devanagari script.
7. The Uttar Pradesh state government has given the nod to shoot the man-
eating wolf/wolves at sight in Bahraich. The state government has
launched 'Operation Bhediya' to address the issue comprehensively.
8. Karnataka started to installing Ovitrap baskets that attract mosquitoes.
These baskets are installed 20 feet from houses, and a chemical sprayed
inside attracts mosquitoes, luring them into the basket.
9. Saora tribals of Gajapati district getting habitat rights over their
ancestral lands in Odisha.
10. Prime Minister launched the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari
Initiative,’ a rainwater harvesting programme led by the Ministry of Jal
Shakti.
11. In a first, the Madhya Pradesh State Election Commission has
successfully conducted paperless voting at a booth in a panchayat by
poll in Bhopal.

Tamil Nadu NEWS

1. The special camps will be organised by the School State Project
Directorate in each district under the Naan Mudhalvan’s scheme
(Uyarvukku Padi).
2. Tholkudi- National conference on preservation and promotion of Tribal
cultural heritage inaugurated by Minister of Adi Dravidar welfare
3. Chief Minister Inagurated mini Tidal parks in Thanjavur and salem.
4. Chief Minister paid tribute to Perarinar Anna on his 116th birth
Anniversary.
5. Ministers and dignitaries paid tribute to Mahakavi Barathiyar on his death
anniversary which observed as Mahakavi day.
6. Chief Secretary inaugurated awareness campaign addressing ill effects of
online gaming organised by Tamil Nadu Online Gaming authority.

CULTURE
1. The 9th Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2024 was celebrated in the
Zanskar district of Ladakh. This is the first celebration since Zanskar
was officially declared a district.
2. Seiyhama village in Nagaland celebrated the third edition of the
Naga king chilli festival recently.
3. To celebrate the rich cultural and economic heritage of Northeast
India, the centre has launched the official website for the much-
anticipated Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav. The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav is
to be held in December in New Delhi.
4. Pola Festival (2nd September) celebrated in Maharashtra and
Chhattisgarh, this festival honors the farmer's bond with their cattle.
5. Gowri Habba (6th September) predominantly observed in
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, this festival is dedicated to
Goddess Gowri (Parvati). Women perform rituals for marital prosperity
and happiness, marking the day before Ganesh Chaturthi
6. Abhaneri Festival (17th–19th September) festival in Rajasthan’s
Abhaneri village showcases Rajasthani culture with performances
like Kalbelia dance, puppet shows, and craft exhibitions. It's a vibrant
celebration of art and tradition
7. Pitru Paksha Mela (17th September – 2nd October) hosted in
Gaya, Bihar, this spiritual event is focused on offering prayers for
deceased ancestors. It is marked by traditional rituals like Pinda Daan
to seek salvation for departed souls
 8. Pang Lhabsol (18th September) celebrated across Sikkim, this
Buddhist festival honors the sacred Mount Kanchenjunga and the
unity of ethnic communities. The event includes masked dances,
warrior rituals, and offerings at monasteries
9. Neelamperoor Padayani (29th–30th September) unique festival in
Alappuzha, Kerala, is marked by grand processions featuring large,
decorated effigies of mythological characters, accompanied by music
and rituals.

AWARDS/PRIZE

Award Awarded by Awarded to Known for

National President 50 teachers A private school

Teachers Droupadi Murmu including R.S. teacher from Madurai
Award 2024. Muralidharan

2024 Ramon Ramon Japanese Commonly called Asia’s

Magsaysay Magsaysay filmmaker Hayao Nobel Prize.
Award Award Miyazaki.
Foundation
(RMAF)

National Union Surat, Gujarat Emerged as the top

Clean Air Environment major city in India for
City” Ministry air quality improvement
Awards

National Ministry of Ms. To recognize the

Florence Health and Vidjeyacoumary of exceptional services
Nightingale Family Welfare Puducherry provided by nursing
Awards including 14 personnel across the
nurses. country.

Singapore Singapore Book Prasanthi Ram English fiction for her

literature Council (SBC) short story -’Nine Yard
prize Sarees’

PERSONS IN NEWS

Person Why in news?

Atishi Marlena New CM of Delhi after Arvind Kejriwal's

resignation. She is 3rd women Chief Minister of
Delhi.

General Anil Extended as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

Chauhan to continue reforms and modernization in
India's defence services

IMPORTANT DAYS
Day Date Theme/Purpose

National Nutrition Week September Nutritious Diets for

(01 to 07) Everyone

World Coconut Day September 02 Coconut for a Circular

Economy: Building
Partnership for Maximum
Value.

National Teachers Day September 05 This date also marks the

birth anniversary of Dr
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

International Day of Charity September 05 This International Day is

marked in the memory of
Mother Teresa.

World Duchenne Awareness September 07 Awareness of disease that

Day has impacted an
estimated 300,000
patients worldwide

International Vulture September 07 Every year, on the first

Awareness Day Saturday of September,
the world commemorates
the International Vulture
Awareness Day.

International Literacy Day September 08 Promoting multilingual

education: Literacy for
mutual understanding
 and peace

Himalaya Diwas September 09 Sustainable Himalayas:

Preserving Nature and
Culture

World Suicide Prevention Day September 10 Changing the Narrative on

Suicide

National Forest Martyrs Day September 11 It was established to

commemorate the
Khejarli massacre
1730.

Hindi Diwas September 14 It aims to promote the

use of Hindi language and
make people aware of its
importance.

World First Aid Day September 14 First Aid and Sports

National Engineer Day September 15 This day commemorates

the birth anniversary of
Mokshagundam
Visvesvaraya.

International Day of September 15 Artificial Intelligence as a

Democracy tool for good governance

World Ozone Day 2024 September 16 Montreal Protocol:

Advancing Climate
Actions

International Equal Pay Day September 18 This day is dedicated to

address the persistent
 pay disparity between the
men and women

International Day of Peace September 21 Cultivating a Culture of

Peace

World Alzheimer’s Day September 21 Time to act on dementia,

Time to act on
Alzheimer's

International Red Panda Day September 21 It aims to spread

awareness regarding yet
another species that is
near extinction.

World Rhino Day September 22 Keep the Five Alive

World Gorilla Day September 24 It aims to celebrate these

amazing animals and to
take actions to protect
them.

NSS day September 24 Not Me but You

World Tourism Day September 27 Tourism and Peace

World Heart Day September 29 It aims to raise awareness

about the heart disease
and its preventive
measures to manage the
cardiovascular diseases.

International Translation Day September 30 It recognizes the

invaluable contributions
of translators and
 interpreters in bridging
linguistic and cultural
divides.

DEFENCE IN NEWS
1. First indigenously developed Pollution Control Vessel of ICG, ‘Samudra
Pratap’ is recently launched in Goa.
2. Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace launched the country's first
indigenously built combat unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the FWD 200B.
3. A successful test launch of the Agni-4 Intermediate Range Ballistic
Missile (IRBM) was carried out from the Integrated Test Range in
Chandipur, Odisha, on September 6, 2024.
4. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the India Defence Aviation
Exposition (IDAX-24) at Jodhpur

Exercise Parties involved Exercise type

22nd edition of India and France Navy

the bilateral
maritime exercise

20th edition of India-USA Military

YUDH ABHYAS-
2024

Fifth edition of Al India-Oman Military

Najah
 COMMITTEE IN NEWS

Committee Purpose of the committee

T. V. Somanathan Established to review and suggest

Committee modifications to the National Pension
System (NPS) for central government
employees.

Places in News

Place Name State/Country Known for

Kutch, Gujarat India Cyclone Asna has

formed over the
Kutch coast in
Gujarat and
adjoining areas of
Pakistan.

Southeast Asia Philippines, China Super Typhoon

Yagi, most powerful
storm to hit Asia in
over a decade, has
caused significant
disruption across
 Southeast Asia.

INDICES

Report Released by Note

Hurun India Rich Hurun India Mumbai is now the billionaire capital
List 2024 of Asia surpassing China's capital
Beijing.

4th annual Air World Europe and China show lower PM2.5
Quality and Meteorological pollution. North America and India
Climate Bulletin Organization see increased emissions from
anthropogenic activities.

TIME100 Most TIME Magazine This list includes many Indians like
Influential People Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar
in AI 2024 Pichai and Microsoft CEO Satya
Nadella.

SUMMITS

Summit Name Hosted in Purpose of Summit

Pacific Islands Forum Nuku’alofa, Tonga Annual meeting aims

(PIF) to enhance
cooperation among
countries and
territories of Oceania,
including formation of
a trade bloc and
regional
peacekeeping
operations.

5th Defence India and the Maldives Advance bilateral

Cooperation defence cooperation,
Dialogue focusing on the
implementation of
ongoing projects and
fostering stability in
the Indian Ocean
region.

First Joint Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Marking a new era in

Commander’s the coordination and
Conference integration of India’s
military forces.

2nd Asia Pacific New Delhi Will focus on exploring

Ministerial new opportunities for
Conference on Civil growth, infrastructure,
Aviation and collaboration,
especially in regional
connectivity

BRICS Literature Kazan, Russia Focused on the theme

Forum 2024 “World Literature in
 the New Reality:
Dialogue of Traditions,
National Values, and
Cultures.

PORTAL IN NEWS

Portal Purpose

National Fisheries Provide digital identities to fisheries industry

Development workers and enterprises across the value
Program (NFDP) chain.
portal

BOOKS AND AUTHORS

Book Name Author Name Note

From Oil to Lithium: Kuldeep Gupta Renowned energy

Navigating the expert, offers
Future of Energy readers a
compelling
narrative that
 intertwines personal
experience with
global energy
challenges.

‘200 Not Out’ Documentary Asia’s oldest

chronicling the newspaper
illustrious journey of
Mumbai Samachar.

SPORTS IN NEWS
1. The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports launched “Retired
Sportsperson Empowerment Training” (RESET) Programme to
empower them with necessary knowledge and skills and making them
more employable.
2. Sharath Kamal from Tamilnadu was named the first Indian
ambassador of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF)
Foundation.
3. Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah has become the 10th Indian bowler to
reach the illustrious milestone of 400 international wickets.
4. The International Cricket Council has announced equal prize money
for men and women in World Cups.
5. India hosts the 4th South Asian Junior Athletics Championships
2024 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai.
6. R Vithya Ramraj from Tamilnadu smashed PT Usha’s 39-year-old
record in the women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 53.23 sec at the 63rd
National Open Athletics Championships, held at Bengaluru.
Event/Cups Venue Note
US Tennis open USA  Mens Champion- Jannik
Sinner(Italy)
 Womens Champion- Aryna
Sabalenka (Belarus)
45th Chess Hungary  India has won a double
Olympiad 2024 gold medal
 D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi
and Divya Deshmukh also
won individual gold
medals
 First-ever gold medal in
the women’s section.
Paris Paralympics Paris, France.  Avani Lekhara (Rajasthan)
2024 and Mona Agarwal
(Rajasthan) winning gold
and bronze respectively in
women’s 10m air rifle
standing SH1.
 Preethi Pal (Uttar Pradesh)
bronze medal - Women’s
100m T35. India’s first
medal in a track event at
the Para Games.
 Suhas Yathiraj of Uttar
Pradesh won his second
successive Paralympic
 silver.
 Harvinder Singh (Haryana)
first Indian archer to clinch
a gold at the Paralympics.
 Sumit Antil (Haryana) first
Indian man and second
from the country to
successfully defend a
Paralympic title by winning
gold.
 Judoka Kapil Parmar
(Madhya Pradesh) India's
first ever medal in judo at
a Paralympic Games.
 Mariyappan Thangavelu
(Tamilnadu) became the
first Indian to win the
medals at the three
consecutive Paralympics.