September 2024

Current Affairs MCQs : 19 SEPTEMBER 2024

Q.What was the voter turnout percentage in the first phase (18 September) of the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections?

(a) 45%
(b) 59%
(c) 63%
(d) 72%

Answer
Answer: (b) 59%
On 18 September 2024, Jammu and Kashmir saw its highest voter turnout in 35 years, with around 59 percent of voters participating in the first phase of assembly elections.

Q.: Which group was primarily affected by the Pagers and radios explosions in Lebanon?

A) Lebanese Army
B) Hezbollah members
C) UN Peacekeepers
D) Local civilians

Answer
Ans : B) Hezbollah members
On September 17, 2024, a series of explosions in Lebanon targeted handheld pagers and radios used by Hezbollah members.

Q.: What is the name of India’s planned space station under the Gaganyaan program?

(a) Bharatiya Space Station
(b) Indian Orbiting Laboratory
(c) Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1)
(d) Gaganyaan Station

Answer
Answer: (c) Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1)

Q.: Who led the high-level committee that recommended the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal?

(a) Narendra Modi
(b) Ashwini Vaishnaw
(c) Ram Nath Kovind
(d) Amit Shah

Answer
Answer: (c) Ram Nath Kovind
On 18 September 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal based on recommendations by a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind.

Q.: What is the main objective of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal?

(a) To reduce the number of elections
(b) To conduct simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections
(c) To increase election expenses
(d) To promote only local elections

Answer
Answer: (b) To conduct simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections
‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal aims to hold Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together, followed by local body and panchayat elections within 100 days.

59 percent voter turnout in the first phase of Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections

On 18 September 2024, Jammu and Kashmir saw its highest voter turnout in 35 years, with around 59 percent of voters participating in the first phase of assembly elections. The voting process was peaceful across 24 assembly constituencies in seven districts: Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Kishtwar, Anantnag, Ramban, and Doda.

Youth and women voters played a key role, showing enthusiasm and trust in the democratic process. In the Kashmir division, Kulgam recorded the highest turnout with 61.57 percent, while Kishtwar in the Jammu division saw a turnout of 77.23 percent.

Polling took place across 3276 stations, with strong security and webcasting measures. Special arrangements, including home-voting and polling stations for Kashmiri migrants, were introduced to enhance participation.

Explosions in Lebanon: Pagers and Radios Targeted

On September 17, 2024, a series of explosions in Lebanon targeted handheld pagers and radios used by Hezbollah members. The blasts occurred in places like Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 450.

Hezbollah blamed Israel, but Israel has not responded. This has increased tensions, especially as Israel and Hezbollah have been engaged in cross-border warfare since the Gaza conflict escalated last October.

Cabinet Approves Expansion of Gaganyaan Program: Focus on Bharatiya Antariksh Station

On 18 September 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the expansion of India’s Gaganyaan program. This includes developing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1) and new technologies for space missions.

The expanded program now aims to complete eight missions by December 2028, with the launch of BAS-1 as a key goal. The Gaganyaan program, initially approved in 2018, aims for human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit and long-term space exploration. It plans to establish BAS by 2035 and a crewed lunar mission by 2040.

The program will collaborate with industry and academia, with a total budget of ₹20,193 crore, emphasizing technological growth and job creation in space exploration.

Union Cabinet approves ‘One nation, One election’ proposal

On 18 September 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal. This plan aims to hold Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together, followed by local body and panchayat elections within 100 days.

The proposal is based on recommendations by a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw explained that it will be implemented in two phases: first, the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, then local body elections.

The proposal will be discussed widely, and an implementation group will be formed. The committee’s report highlights that simultaneous elections can improve policy stability and voter turnout. The proposal will now go to Parliament for approval.

Current Affairs MCQs : 18 SEPTEMBER 2024

Q.: When was the 8th India Water Week held?

a) September 10-14, 2024
b) September 17-20, 2024
c) October 5-8, 2024
d) November 1-4, 2024

Answer
Answer: b) September 17-20, 2024
The 8th India Water Week held from September 17 to 20, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Q.: What is the name of the integrated disaster management symposium organized by NDMA and the Indian Army in 2024?

a) Exercise Yodha
b) Exercise AIKYA
c) Exercise Suraksha
d) Exercise Rakshak

Answer
Answer: b) Exercise AIKYA
Exercise AIKYA is an integrated disaster management symposium and table-top exercise organized by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Indian Army, in Chennai from September 18, 2024.

Q.: Which men’s hockey team won the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024?

a) China
b) Malaysia
c) Korea
d) India

Answer
Answer: d) India
India’s men’s hockey team won the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy for the fifth time on September 17, 2024 at Hulunbuir, China. India defeated China 1-0 in a closely contested final.

Q.: Who has been elected as the new Chief Minister of Delhi after Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation?

a) Gopal Rai
b) Manish Sisodia
c) Atishi
d) Raghav Chadha

Answer
Answer: c) Atishi
Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), resigned as Delhi Chief Minister on September 17, 2024. Atishi, the newly-elected legislative party leader of AAP, has staked a claim to form the new government in Delhi.

8th India Water Week from September 17 to 20, 2024

The 8th India Water Week is being held from September 17 to 20, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the event on September 17, 2024.

Organized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the event focuses on the theme “Partnership and cooperation for inclusive water development and management.” The event includes seminars, exhibitions, and thematic sessions to promote best practices in water management across India.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is a partner, showcasing successful water management practices from high-performing Panchayats. The platform facilitates discussions on strategies for conservation, preservation, and optimal use of water resources.

Exercise AIKYA 2024: A Collaborative Symposium on Disaster Management in Southern India

Exercise AIKYA is an integrated disaster management symposium and table-top exercise organized by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Indian Army, in Chennai from September 18, 2024. The primary objective is to bring together senior officers from the Central government, six southern states (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Puducherry), and various disaster management stakeholders to discuss contemporary disaster issues and simulate emergency scenarios.

Key topics include:

  • Tsunamis, landslides, floods, forest fires, and cyclones.
  • Lessons from the 2023-24 disaster relief operations.
  • The role of technology in disaster management.
  • Economic costs of disasters and vulnerabilities in southern states.

Participants also include officials from relevant Central Ministries and disaster management agencies like the India Meteorological Department and National Remote Sensing Centre.

India’s men’s hockey team won the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024

India’s men’s hockey team won the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy for the fifth time on September 17, 2024 at Hulunbuir, China. India defeated China 1-0 in a closely contested final.

Jugraj Singh scored the decisive goal in the 51st minute, while captain Harmanpreet Singh led a strong defense to secure the win. India remained undefeated throughout the tournament, with key victories against Japan, Malaysia, and Korea in the semifinals.

Arvind Kejriwal submits resignation, Atishi becomes Delhi Chief Minister

Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), resigned as Delhi Chief Minister on September 17, 2024. Kejriwal submitted his resignation to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. Kejriwal had been granted bail on September 13 in the Delhi excise policy case, with conditions imposed by the Supreme Court, including avoiding public comments about the case.

Atishi, the newly-elected legislative party leader of AAP, has staked a claim to form the new government in Delhi.

Atishi, born and raised in Delhi, began her political career as an adviser to former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the education ministry. She later became the Education Minister, handling multiple portfolios, and eventually succeeded Arvind Kejriwal. Atishi is a History graduate from St Stephen’s College, Delhi, and a Chevening and Rhodes Scholar. She completed two master’s degrees at Oxford University. Her parents, Vijay Singh and Tripta Wahi, were professors at Delhi University.

Current Affairs MCQs : 17 SEPTEMBER 2024

Q.Which cities does the first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail connect?

A) Delhi and Mumbai
B) Ahmedabad and Bhuj
C) Kolkata and Chennai
D) Bangalore and Hyderabad

Answer
Ans : B) Ahmedabad and Bhuj
India’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, also known as the Vande Metro, was inaugurated by PM Modi on September 16, 2024. This service connects Ahmedabad and Bhuj, covering a distance of 360 kilometers in approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes.

Q.: Who did India defeat in the semifinal of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament 2024?

a) China
b) Pakistan
c) South Korea
d) Japan

Answer
Answer: c) South Korea
In the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament 2024, India reached the final by defeating South Korea 4-1 on September 16.

Q.: When is the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer observed?

a) January 23
b) September 16
c) November 10
d) December 5

Answer
Answer: b) September 16
The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is celebrated on September 16th every year.

Q.: What does the ozone layer protect the Earth from?

a) Global warming
b) Harmful portion of the sun’s rays
c) Rising sea levels
d) Air pollution

Answer
Answer: b) Harmful portion of the sun’s rays
The ozone layer protects the Earth from harmful sun rays. Many chemicals damage the ozone layer.

Q.: Why has the government allowed SSC to conduct Aadhaar authentication for candidates?

a) To reduce the examination fee
b) To ensure faster result declaration
c) To prevent fraud and malpractices in exams
d) To increase the number of candidates

Answer
Answer: c) To prevent fraud and malpractices in exams

Government Authorizes SSC for Voluntary Aadhaar Authentication to Curb Exam Malpractices

The government has authorized the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to conduct Aadhaar authentication voluntarily for candidates’ identity verification during various stages of the examination process.

The Department of Personnel and Training has approved SSC to perform Aadhaar authentication at the time of candidates’ registration on the One Time Registration portal and during different stages of the recruitment process.

A gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Personnel mandates that SSC must follow all relevant provisions, rules, and regulations set by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

This step has been taken in response to several cases of fraud, malpractices, and unfair means employed by candidates to clear competitive exams.

India’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail connects Ahmedabad and Bhuj

India’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, also known as the Vande Metro, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 16, 2024. This service connects Ahmedabad and Bhuj, covering a distance of 360 kilometers in approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes. The train operates at a top speed of 110 km/h and stops at nine stations along the route.

The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is designed to offer a comfortable and efficient travel experience. It features 12 air-conditioned coaches with cushioned seating, phone charging stations, CCTV, automatic sliding doors, and panoramic windows. The train can accommodate up to 2,058 standing passengers and 1,150 seated passengers.

Asian Champions Trophy 2024: India reaches the final by defeating South Korea 4-1

In the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, India reached the final by defeating South Korea 4-1 in Hulunbuir, China on September 16. Harmanpreet Singh scored two goals, while Uttam Singh and Jarmanpreet Singh scored one each. Yang Jihun scored the only goal for South Korea.

India will now play against China in the final on September 17, aiming for their second consecutive gold. In the first semifinal, China beat Pakistan 2-0 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw.

India is the only unbeaten team, having already defeated China, Japan, Malaysia, Korea, and Pakistan in the tournament.

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer : September 16th

The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is celebrated on September 16th every year. The ozone layer protects the Earth from harmful sun rays. Many chemicals damage the ozone layer. This year’s theme is “Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Actions.”

In 1995, the UN General Assembly declared September 16th as International Ozone Day. This day marks the signing of the Montreal Protocol on September 16, 1987. The Montreal Protocol helps reduce harmful chemicals that damage the ozone layer.

Current Affairs MCQs : 16 SEPTEMBER 2024

Q.: Who finished second in the Diamond League Men’s Javelin Throw Final in Brussels in September 2024?

a) Anderson Peters
b) Julian Weber
c) Neeraj Chopra
d) Jakub Vadlejch

Answer
Answer: c) Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj Chopra finished second at the Diamond League Final in Brussels on 14 September 2024, with a throw of 87.86m.

Q.: Which legendary king’s annual visit is celebrated during Onam?

A) King Ashoka
B) King Mahabali
C) King Vikramaditya
D) King Harsha

Answer
Ans : B) King Mahabali
Onam, celebrated from September 5 to 15 in 2024, with Thiruvonam on September 15, to honors King Mahabali’s annual visit.

Q.: Onam is the main festival of which Indian state?

A) Tamil Nadu
B) Karnataka
C) Kerala
D) Andhra Pradesh

Answer
Ans : C) Kerala
Onam is a major festival in Kerala, India.

Q.: What was one of the key features of the Polaris Dawn mission?

a) First all-women crew
b) World’s first commercial spacewalk
c) First landing on Mars
d) Longest space mission

Answer
Answer: b) World’s first commercial spacewalk
A SpaceX Crew Polaris Dawn returned safely to Earth on 15 September 2024 after spending five days in space. The mission brought four astronauts back home after completing the world’s first commercial spacewalk.

SpaceX Polaris Dawn Crew Returns to Earth After Commercial Spacewalk

A SpaceX Crew Polaris Dawn returned safely to Earth on 15 September 2024 after spending five days in space. The mission brought four astronauts back home after completing the world’s first commercial spacewalk. The Dragon capsule landed in the ocean near Florida.

During the mission, the astronauts aboard the International Space Station carried out many scientific experiments and technology tests.

NASA said the mission was a big step forward for the commercial space industry.

Onam 2024: Celebrating Kerala’s Grand Festival

Onam, celebrated from September 5 to 15 in 2024, with Thiruvonam on September 15, is a major festival in Kerala, India. It honors King Mahabali’s annual visit, symbolizing prosperity and unity.

Key traditions include creating flower carpets (Pookalam), enjoying a grand feast (Onasadya), participating in snake boat races (Vallamkali), and performing traditional dances (Kaikottikali and Pulikali). The festival highlights Kerala’s cultural heritage and the values of gratitude and humility.

Neeraj Chopra finishes second in Men’s Javelin Throw Final at Diamond League

Neeraj Chopra finished second in the Men’s Javelin Throw Final at the Diamond League in Brussels on 14 September 2024, with a throw of 87.86m. He missed the top spot by just 1 cm, with Anderson Peters (Paris Olympics bronze medallist) winning with 87.87m. Julian Weber of Germany finished third with a throw of 85.97m.

This is Neeraj’s second consecutive runner-up finish in the Diamond League. In 2023, Neeraj lost to Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic, with a throw of 83.80m compared to Vadlejch’s winning distance of 84.24m.

Current Affairs MCQs : 14 SEPTEMBER 2024

Q.: When is Hindi Diwas celebrated annually?

(A) 15th August
(B) 26th January
(C) 14th September
(D) 2nd October

Answer
Answer: (C) 14th September
Hindi Diwas is celebrated on 14th September every year to commemorate the adoption of Hindi as one of India’s official languages.

Q.: Under which article of the Indian Constitution was Hindi recognized as the official language?

(A) Article 370
(B) Article 343
(C) Article 356
(D) Article 377

Answer
Answer: (B) Article 343
On 14 September 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India officially recognized Hindi, as the official language of the Republic of India under Article 343 of the Indian Constitution.

Q.: Which script is Hindi written in?

(A) Roman script
(B) Gurumukhi script
(C) Devanagari script
(D) Tamil script

Answer
Answer: (C) Devanagari script
Hindi is written in the Devanagari script and widely spoken across India.

Q.: What new name has been given to Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

(A) Netaji Puram
(B) Sri Vijaya Puram
(C) Chola Nagar
(D) Freedom Island

Answer
Answer: (B) Sri Vijaya Puram
The government has decided on 13 September 2024 to rename Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands as Sri Vijaya Puram.

Q: What is the name of the Indian Light Tank that successfully completed preliminary trials in September 2024?

(A) Arjun
(B) Zorawar
(C) Bhishma
(D) Vikrant

Answer
Answer: (B) Zorawar
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed preliminary trials of the Indian Light Tank, Zorawar.

DRDO successfully conducted field trials of Indian Light Tank ‘Zorawar’

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed preliminary trials of the Indian Light Tank, Zorawar, which demonstrated excellent performance in high-altitude and desert terrain.

The tank’s firing accuracy was also tested and met all objectives. Developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, Zorawar’s creation involved contributions from several Indian industries, including MSMEs, highlighting India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

Hindi Diwas is celebrated on 14th September

Hindi Diwas is celebrated on 14th September every year to commemorate the adoption of Hindi as one of India’s official languages. On this day in 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India officially recognized Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, as the official language of the Republic of India under Article 343 of the Indian Constitution.

Hindi Day highlights Hindi’s role in unifying the nation’s diverse linguistic culture and was championed by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi. Celebrated in schools, colleges, and government offices, Hindi Diwas features events like debates, essay competitions, and cultural programs. It underscores the importance of promoting Hindi in various fields and preserving its cultural heritage.

Port Blair has been renamed Sri Vijaya Puram

Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been renamed Sri Vijaya Puram. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated on 13 September that the name symbolises victory in the freedom struggle. The decision was made to remove colonial influences.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold a significant place in India’s freedom struggle and history. The islands were once the naval base of the Chola Empire and are now crucial for strategic development.

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose first unfurled the Indian flag (Tiranga) here. The islands also house the cellular jail where Veer Savarkar and other freedom fighters were imprisoned.

Current Affairs MCQs : 13 SEPTEMBER 2024

Q.: What is the name of the ship-based missile system designed to counter various aerial threats, successfully tested in September 2024?

a) BrahMos
b) Akash-NG
c) VL-SRSAM
d) Nag

Answer
Answer: c) VL-SRSAM
On 12 September 2024, India successfully test-fired the indigenously developed Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, off the Odisha coast. The VL-SRSAM is a ship-based missile system designed to counter various aerial threats, including low-altitude sea-skimming targets, at close range.

Q.: Who completed the first private spacewalk in orbit on 12 September 2024?

a) Elon Musk and Scott Poteet
b) Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis
c) Scott Poteet and Anna Menon
d) Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin

Answer
Answer: b) Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis
On 12 September 2024, two astronauts, billionaire Jared Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, completed the first private spacewalk outside a SpaceX capsule.

Q.: Which school won the Junior Boys title in the 63rd Subroto Cup 2024?

a) Myngken Christian Higher Secondary School
b) T.G. English School
c) St. Paul’s School

d) Delhi Public School

Answer
Answer: b) T.G. English School
Manipur’s T.G. English School won the Junior Boys title of the 63rd Subroto Cup, defeating Meghalaya’s Myngken Christian Higher Secondary School 4-3 in a sudden-death tiebreaker. The final, held at BR Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi, on 11 September 2024

Q.: Who was Sitaram Yechury, who passed away in September 2024 at the age of 72?

a) A renowned economist
b) A freedom fighter
c) The General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist)
d) A famous scientist

Answer
Answer: c) The General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist)
Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury died on 12 September 2024 at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness.

Q.: What is the name of the joint military exercise between India and Oman?

(A) Desert Eagle
(B) Al Najah
(C) Indra
(D) Varuna

Answer
Answer: (B) Al Najah
The fifth edition of the India-Oman Joint Military Exercise, Al Najah, will take place from September 13 to 26 at the Rabkoot Training Area in Salalah, Oman.

Q: What is the age criteria for senior citizens to receive health coverage, regardless of income, under the newly expanded Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme?

a) 60 years and above
b) 65 years and above
c) 70 years and above
d) 75 years and above

Answer
Answer: c) 70 years and above
The Union Cabinet, has approved the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to provide health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income on 11 September 2024.

India Successfully Tests Ship-Based Missile System VL-SRSAM

On 12 September 2024, India successfully test-fired the indigenously developed Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, off the Odisha coast.

The test, conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy, was successful in meeting all performance criteria. The VL-SRSAM is a ship-based missile system designed to counter various aerial threats, including low-altitude sea-skimming targets, at close range.

Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis completed the first private spacewalk in orbit

On 12 September 2024, two astronauts, billionaire Jared Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, completed the first private spacewalk outside a SpaceX capsule. This spacewalk was part of the Polaris Dawn mission, with Isaacman and Gillis spending about 10 minutes each outside the Crew Dragon capsule while tethered. The mission, streamed live by SpaceX, tested new spacesuits and procedures to depressurize the capsule, advancing private spaceflight technology for future Mars missions. The spacewalk lasted 1 hour and 46 minutes at an altitude of 450 miles above Earth.

Isaacman, who funded the mission, exited the capsule first, followed by Gillis, while their crewmates, Scott Poteet and Anna Menon, monitored from inside. The mission focused on testing spacesuit flexibility and movements, with the astronauts providing feedback to ground control. This mission marked a significant step for commercial space exploration.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson praised the success as a major advancement for the space industry. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, developed with NASA’s support, is the only U.S. vehicle that has consistently sent people to orbit since its first launch.

Manipur’s T.G. English School won the Junior Boys title of the 63rd Subroto Cup

Manipur’s T.G. English School won the Junior Boys title of the 63rd Subroto Cup, defeating Meghalaya’s Myngken Christian Higher Secondary School 4-3 in a sudden-death tiebreaker. The final, held at BR Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi, on 11 September 2024, ended 1-1 in regulation time.

Manipur’s Namdigong Kamei scored in the 32nd minute, while Meghalaya’s Banpliebok Khongjoh equalized with a penalty in the 64th minute. In the tiebreaker, Meghalaya missed a key spot-kick, giving Manipur the victory. It was the first time in 44 years that a team from Manipur won the Subroto Cup. Despite playing with 10 men for 20 minutes, Manipur secured the title.

The Subroto Cup, one of Asia’s oldest tournaments, promotes grassroots football development in India.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury died at the age of 72

Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury died on 12 September 2024 at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. Yechury had been undergoing treatment for an acute respiratory tract infection since August 19 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.

He was born on August 12, 1952, in Chennai and started his political career in 1974 with his involvement in the Students’ Federation of India (SFI). He served as President of the JNU Students’ Union three times and later as the All-India President of the SFI. In 1984, he was elected to the Central Committee of the CPI(M), and in 1992, he ascended to the Politburo.

Sitaram Yechury served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal from 2005 to 2017. He succeeded Prakash Karat as the General Secretary of the CPI(M) in 2015 and was re-elected to the position in 2018 and 2022.

India-Oman Joint Military Exercise, Al Najah, from September 13 to 26, 2024

The fifth edition of the India-Oman Joint Military Exercise, Al Najah, will take place from September 13 to 26 at the Rabkoot Training Area in Salalah, Oman. Held biennially since 2015, the exercise alternates between India and Oman, with the previous edition held in Rajasthan.

Both nations will deploy 60 personnel each, focusing on desert operations to enhance joint capabilities for counter-terrorism under the UN’s Chapter VII. The exercise will include tactical drills such as joint planning, search operations, counter-drone measures, and real-world counter-terrorism simulations.

Expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana to provide health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to provide health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income on 11 September 2024. Approximately 6 crore senior citizens will benefit from Rs. 5 lakh free health insurance per family annually. Senior citizens already covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up of Rs. 5 lakh.

Those under other health schemes, like CGHS or ECHS, can choose between their existing plan or AB PM-JAY. The expansion was announced in April 2024, and aims to further extend coverage to more families, with AB PM-JAY already benefiting over 7.37 crore hospital admissions. Initially covering 10.74 crore families, the scheme has expanded to 12 crore families, including ASHAs, AWWs, and AWHs. This makes AB PM-JAY the world’s largest publicly funded health scheme.

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