Current Affairs - September 28, 2024 Current Affairs

SEBI's FPI Outreach Cell is a dedicated initiative to facilitate seamless market access for foreign portfolio investors. Operating under the Alternative Investment Fund and Foreign Portfolio Investors Department, this cell provides assistance with documentation, compliance, and operational challenges. The primary goal is to simplify the registration process, making it easier for FPIs to participate in the Indian securities market. This move aims to boost foreign investment and promote a more investor-friendly environment in India.

The theme for the 9th Ayurveda Day, announced by Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav, is "Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health." Ayurveda Day is observed annually on Dhanwantari Jayanti, also known as Dhanteras, to promote awareness of Ayurveda's benefits in healthcare. Since 2016, this event has been celebrated each year to highlight Ayurveda’s contributions to health and wellness and its potential to address global health challenges through innovative practices. This year's celebration will take place on 29th October.

Andro Village in Manipur received the prestigious recognition as one of the Best Tourism Villages in the Heritage category for 2024. Known for its unique cultural traditions, including centuries-old fire worship rituals, the village attracts tourists from across the globe. The award was part of the Best Tourism Villages Competition organized by the Ministry of Tourism, highlighting Andro's rich cultural heritage and its importance in promoting sustainable and heritage tourism in India.

Shigeru Ishiba, the former defence minister, is poised to become Japan's next prime minister after securing victory in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership vote. This win comes after the resignation of Fumio Kishida, whose tenure was marred by scandals. With the LDP's majority in the lower house, Ishiba's ascension to the prime ministerial role is nearly assured. Known for his independent views and experience in various ministerial roles, he plans to tackle significant issues such as inflation, wage improvement, and nuclear energy reliance, marking a new chapter in Japan's political landscape.

The 20th Divya Kala Mela, which is being inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, is set to take place in Pune. The event, dedicated to promoting the economic empowerment of Divyang (differently-abled) artisans, provides them with a platform to showcase and sell their products. This mela will conclude on 6th October and serves as an initiative aimed at enhancing market access for Divyang artisans across India.

India has signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with Uzbekistan to protect investors from both countries, boost confidence, and promote economic cooperation. This treaty assures a minimum standard of treatment, non-discrimination, and an independent forum for dispute settlement through arbitration. The agreement was signed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Uzbekistan's Deputy Prime Minister Khodjayev Jamshid Abdukhakimovich in Tashkent. The treaty aims to enhance economic ties, increase bilateral investments, and create a more robust investment environment.

India has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the world's third-largest ethanol producer and consumer, as announced by Food Minister Pralhad Joshi at the India Sugar and Bio-Energy conference. This accomplishment is attributed to the government's policy changes and initiatives. The country has witnessed a 40% increase in sugarcane production over the past decade, contributing to this achievement. Additionally, the launch of National Green Hydrogen with an outlay of ₹19,744 crores aims to establish India as a global hub, further boosting its ethanol production and consumption capabilities.

India signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement at the UN General Assembly. The agreement, which took 20 years to negotiate, focuses on protecting marine biodiversity beyond national territorial waters, referred to as the high seas. It aims to regulate activities such as destructive fishing and pollution while ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of marine resources.

World Rabies Day is observed on September 28 each year to raise awareness about the prevention and control of rabies. The date commemorates the death of Louis Pasteur, who developed the first rabies vaccine. The event serves as a reminder of both the progress made and the ongoing efforts required to eradicate this deadly disease. This year marks the 18th World Rabies Day, with the theme "Breaking Rabies Boundaries," emphasizing collaborative efforts in controlling rabies worldwide.

Amazon India has partnered with the Ministry of Labour and Employment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to utilize the National Career Service (NCS) portal. This collaboration aims to connect job seekers with suitable career opportunities within Amazon and its staffing agencies. By leveraging the NCS portal, Amazon can effectively source candidates, improving access to various job roles across the country. This partnership highlights Amazon's commitment to enhancing recruitment processes and expanding employment opportunities for underserved communities, including women and persons with disabilities, while also supporting India's youth in finding meaningful jobs.

The Oxygen Bird Park, also known as Amrit Mahotsav Park, is set to be inaugurated by Union Minister Shri. Nitin Gadkari in Nagpur, Maharashtra, along the Nagpur-Hyderabad National Highway 44. Covering an area of 8.23 hectares, the park focuses on environmental conservation and recreational amenities, highlighting sustainability through the planting of fast-growing, oxygen-producing trees. This initiative, led by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), represents a commitment to enhancing green spaces while reducing air pollution. The park will feature thoughtful landscaping and a naturally formed pond, promoting both ecological balance and public enjoyment.

The International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) is observed annually on September 28. This day emphasizes the significance of providing equal access to information for all individuals, regardless of their background. It serves as a platform to promote discussions and strategies aimed at enhancing information accessibility, particularly in the context of the digital age. This year's theme focuses on the role of artificial intelligence and e-governance in improving access to information, highlighting their potential to bridge the digital divide, enhance service efficiency, and promote transparency in government operations.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) organized a conference for the Directors of Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in Bengaluru. The focus of the conference was on the governance of SFBs and its role in promoting sustainable growth and stability. Bengaluru, being a significant hub for the banking and finance industry, was chosen as the venue. The conference also highlighted the importance of governance in ensuring the success and long-term stability of SFBs.