Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 17th September 2024

127th Anniversary Of The Battle Of Saragarhi:

The 127th anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi was observed on 12th September 2024. It is one of the greatest final defences in world military history.

• On 12th September 1897, 21 soldiers and a non-combatant (named Daad who did menial works) of the 36th Sikh Regiment (now 4th Sikh) fought against over 8,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribal militants in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), now in Pakistan.
• The soldiers, led by Havildar Ishar Singh, fought valiantly for seven hours, killing 200 militants and injuring 600 others.
• Saragarhi was a communication tower located between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan, two critical British forts in the NWFP. , originally built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and later renamed by the British.
• Losing this post meant isolating the forts, thereby making British troops and the families of British officers vulnerable to attack.
• Queen Victoria awarded the 21 dead soldiers the Indian Order of Merit (comparable with the Victoria Cross) for their bravery.
• The British built an obelisk using burnt bricks from Saragarhi to honour the martyrs.
• In 2017, the Punjab government declared 12th September as Saragarhi Day, a holiday to honour the sacrifice of the soldiers.
• The Khyber Scouts regiment of the Pakistani army continues to honour the Saragarhi martyrs with a guard and salute at the memorial near Fort Lockhart.

Pink Bollworm (PBW) Attack:

Haryana has seen an overall fall in acreage under cotton cultivation to 4.76 lakh hectares (lh) this kharif season from 6.65 lh in 2023. The reduction in the cotton area — also reported in neighbouring Rajasthan and Punjab — has been attributed mainly to PBW infestation.

• The pink bollworm first appeared in north India during the 2017-18 season in a few districts in Haryana and Punjab, primarily cultivating Bt cotton, and spread to Rajasthan by 2021.
• The pest’s infestation has not been the only factor. In May-June this year, at the time of sowing, the price of kapas (raw unginned cotton) averaged Rs 6,700-6,800 per quintal in Haryana mandis.
• This was against the average Rs 11,100-11,200 per quintal two years ago.
  Pink Bollworm (PBW) is a destructive pest affecting cotton crops worldwide, including India.
• PBW, known among farmers as gulabi sundhi, damages the cotton crop by burrowing its larvae into the cotton bolls. This results in the lint being cut and stained, making it unfit for use.
• The pest reduces cotton yield and affects fibre quality, leading to economic losses for farmers.
• Infestation leads to premature boll opening, lint damage, and poor seed development, which diminishes the commercial value of cotton.

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV:

The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana – IV (PMGSY-IV) for the period 2024-25 to 2028-29, aiming to enhance rural connectivity by constructing 62,500 km of new all-weather roads.

• The initiative will connect 25,000 unconnected habitations with populations of over 500 in plains, over 250 in Northeast and hill states, and over 100 in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts.
• The new roads are expected to catalyse socio-economic development in remote rural areas and improve access to educational, health, market, and growth centres.
• The scheme is designed to create 40 crore human-days of work employment.
• PMGSY is a central government scheme launched in 2000 to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations.
• The scheme was originally a 100% centrally-sponsored initiative, but starting from the financial year 2015-16, the funding has been shared between the Central and State governments in a 60:40 ratio.
• Around 800,000 kilometres of rural roads have been built and 180,000 habitations were connected under various phases of the PMGSY scheme.

Semicon India 2024 And ITSI Fund:

The Prime Minister of India inaugurated the Semicon India industry conference and highlighted India’s growing partnerships with countries like the US, Japan and Singapore.

• In another development, the US and India collaborated under the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund to promote the development of a secure global semiconductor supply chain and telecommunications networks.
• Semicon India 2024 was co-located with electronica and productronica India, creating the largest single event for electronics manufacturing in South Asia.
• ITSI Fund :The US is collaborating with the Government of India to expand and diversify the global semiconductor ecosystem through the International Technology Security and Innovation Fund (ITSI).
• The CHIPS Act created the ITSI Fund to secure and develop the global semiconductor supply chain and telecommunications networks.

BHASKAR Platform:

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry is set to launch a groundbreaking digital platform BHASKAR.

• The Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) initiative, under the Startup India program aimed at strengthening India’s startup ecosystem.
• It is a platform designed to centralize, streamline and enhance collaboration among key stakeholders within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including startups, investors, mentors, service providers and government bodies.
• The primary goal of BHASKAR is to build the world’s largest digital registry for stakeholders within the startup ecosystem.
• BHASKAR will bridge the gap between startups, investors, mentors, and other stakeholders, allowing for seamless interaction across sectors.
• By consolidating resources, the platform will provide startups with immediate access to critical tools and knowledge, enabling faster decision-making and more efficient scaling.
• Every stakeholder will be assigned a unique BHASKAR ID, ensuring personalized interactions and tailored experiences across the platform.
• Through powerful search features, users can easily locate relevant resources, collaborators, and opportunities, ensuring faster decision-making and action.

76th Primetime Emmy Awards:

The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards were handed out at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

• The Emmy Awards are the most renowned accolades given to television and emerging media performances. Unlike Oscars and Golden Globe awards, they aren’t given for films.
• These were conceived in 1948 and the first ceremony took place on January 25, 1949.
• Apart from the International Emmy Awards and the Primetime Emmy Awards, the Emmys are also given in the following categories: daytime, sports, news and documentary, technology and engineering and regional
• While Primetime Emmy Awards honour television shows produced only in America and aired during primetime, International Emmy Awards are for international shows.
• Daytime Emmy Awards are given to American shows aired during late-morning and afternoon. Regional Emmy Awards are for regional television markets, including state-to-state programming, local news and locally produced shows.

Nidhi Companies:

The Registrar of Companies (RoC) under the corporate affairs ministry has penalised over two dozen Nidhi companies in about a fortnight for alleged violations of Companies Act provisions.

• A NIDHI Company is recognised under Section 406 of the Companies Act 2013 and typically operates in the Non-Banking Financing Sector of India.
• It is formed to borrow and lend money to its members. It inculcates the habit of saving among its members and works on the principle of mutual benefit.
• It is not required to receive the license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as these are registered with the Companies Act.
• A minimum of seven members is required to start a Nidhi Company out of which three members must be the directors of the company.
• Activities Prohibited in a Nidhi Company
• It can’t deal with chit funds, hire-purchase finance, leasing finance, insurance or securities business.
• It is strictly prohibited from accepting deposits from or lending funds to, any other person except members.
• Nidhi companies should not issue preference shares, debentures or any other debt instrument in any manner, name or form.
• Nidhi companies should not open current accounts with their members.

Gorillas : Study

Scientists believe that gorillas could offer insights into future drug discoveries through their self-medicating behaviour, according to a new study.

• Gorillas are the largest of the great apes (there are 5 species of great apes, including, gorilla, orangutan, chimpanzee, bonobo and human).
• Gorillas share 98.3% of their genetic code with humans, making them our closest cousins after chimpanzees and bonobos.
• Gorillas and humans shared a common ancestor about 10 million years ago.
• There are two gorilla species in the world: the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla. The mountain gorilla is a subspecies of the eastern gorilla.
• Gorillas live only in tropical forests of equatorial Africa.
• They are large powerful animals with strong prominent chests and shoulders.
• Males are about twice as heavy as females and may attain a height of about 1.7 metres and weight (in the wild) of 135–220 kg.
• They have large, human-like hands with muscular arms that are longer than their legs.
• They have dark skin and black to brown-grey hair.
• Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Both the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla are classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List.

Gopalpur Port:

The Odisha government recently approved a proposal to transfer 95 percent of the equity shares of Gopalpur Port to Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ).

• Gopalpur Port is a deep-draft, multi-cargo port located on the east coast of India in the mineral-rich state of Odisha.
• It lies between Paradip Port in the north and Visakhapatnam Port in the south, at almost equal distance from each.
• The hinterland of the port is the states of Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh, thus providing access to a mix of minerals, steel, aluminium, cement and power plants.
• The coal fields of IB and Talcher, which account for approximately 25% of India’s coal reserves, form part of the hinterland of the port.
• The broad-gauge Howrah-Visakhapatnam-Chennai east coast trunk route, which runs parallel to the east coastline, is just 6 km away from the Gopalpur port site.
• Close proximity to NH5 (Kolkata-Chennai) provides excellent road connectivity to and from Gopalpur.

International Day Of Democracy:

Karnataka recently marked the ‘International Day of Democracy’ by forming a ‘historic’ 2,500-km-long human chain as a symbol of equality, unity, fraternity, and participative governance.

• International Day of Democracy is an annual celebration observed on September 15.
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established this day in 2007 to emphasise the global significance of democracy.
• It serves as a reminder that democracy is not merely a fixed condition, but an ongoing pursuit.
• It calls for active engagement from international organizations, nation-states, civil society, and people to pursue the democratic idea.
• The International Day of Democracy was accredited by the UNGA on November 8, 2007, by passing a resolution entitled “Support by United Nations system of efforts of governments to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies.”
• September 15 was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Universal Declaration on Democracy, which was adopted in Geneva on September 15, 1997.
• This declaration outlines the tenets of democracy, proclaiming that democracy is “a system of government based on the freely expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social, and cultural systems and their full participation, through free and fair periodic elections, in the composition of their representative government.”
• After the Universal Declaration on Democracy, Qatar spearheaded the campaign to observe an International Day of Democracy at the United Nations.
• The first-ever International Day of Democracy was held in 2008.

Cyber Commandos:

The Central government announced the plan to train and prepare 5,000 ‘Cyber Commandos’ over the next five years to tackle the rising cybercrime threats.This announcement was made during the first Foundation Day celebration of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). I4C is a national-level coordination centre for addressing cybercrime issues. These cyber commandos will be trained in IT infrastructure security, digital forensics, and incident response.

“Sri Rama in Tamilagam – An Inseparable Bond:

Day for Tamil literature and cultural heritage, Thiru. R.N. Ravi, the Honorable Governor of Tamil Nadu, presided over the release of a groundbreaking book titled “Sri Rama in Tamilagam – An Inseparable Bond”.

WorldSkills 2024 competition:

The WorldSkills 2024 competition in Lyon, France, witnessed a remarkable performance by the Indian contingent, showcasing the country’s growing prowess in various skill domains on the international stage. India Clinched 4 Bronze medals and 12 Medallions of Excellence.

NPS Vatsalya Scheme:

The NPS Vatsalya Scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, will be launched by Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on September 18, 2024, in New Delhi. This initiative allows parents to invest in pension accounts for their children with flexible contributions starting at Rs. 1,000 annually, offering long-term wealth building through compounding.

Jordan’s King Appoints New Prime Minister After Parliamentary Elections:

Jordan’s King Abdullah II has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Bisher al-Khasawneh following last week’s parliamentary elections. Al-Khasawneh, a seasoned diplomat who had been in office since October 2020, resigned in accordance with the constitutional norm after legislative elections.

8th India Water Week:

The 8th India Water Week (IWW) will be inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu on 17th September 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This four-day international water resources event, conceptualized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, focuses on the theme “Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management.”

Rajbhasha Kirti Award to Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances:

During Hindi Diwas Celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the Secretary of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Mr. V. Srinivas, was awarded the Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar by the Hon’ble Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah.

Centre for Rural Enterprise Acceleration through Technology:

Union Minister for MSME, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, inaugurated the Centre for Rural Enterprise Acceleration through Technology (CREATE) at Leh via virtual mode. The event was attended by various dignitaries including the Minister of State for MSMEthe Lieutenant Governor of UT-Ladakh, the Chairman of KVIC, and other officials

Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurates ‘Samvidhan Mandir’ at Industrial Training Institutes in Maharashtra:

The Honorable Vice President of India Shri. Jagdeep Dhankhar has inaugurated the “Constitutional Temple – Samvidhan Mandir” at 433 Industrial Training Institutes across Maharashtra.This programme was organized by the Maharashtra Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Department.

On 15th September National Engineer Day was celebrated:

To honor the contributions of engineers and commemorate the birth anniversary of M. Visvesvaraya, National Engineer day was celebrated on the 15th September. History of National Engineers Day India observes National Engineers’ Day on September 15th each year to honor the birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, a pioneering figure in engineering.

India sends US$ 1 million Humanitarian Relief to Vietnam as Operation Sadbhav:

The Government of India has launched Operation Sadbhav to provide humanitarian relief/assistance to countries affected by Typhoon Yagi. This will Express Solidarity with Storm-Hit Nations, India Dispatches of Aid to Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos.

PM Modi Welcomes Newborn Calf ‘Deepjyoti’:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a newborn calf, ‘Deepjyoti’, born at his official residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi. Sharing a video on X, PM Modi revealed that the calf, with a unique light-like mark on its forehead, inspired the name ‘Deepjyoti’, which translates to ‘light of the lamp’.