Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 18, 2024

Notes:
Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Finance Minister, launched the NPS Vatsalya scheme for minors on 17 September 2024 in New Delhi. The event was attended by schoolchildren and held in 75 locations across India. The scheme was initially announced in the 2024-25 union budget. NPS Vatsalya is regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
It allows parents or guardians to open an account for their children to save for future financial needs. The funds accumulate until the child turns 18, after which they are transferred to a standard NPS account.

Notes:
President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the 8th India Water Week on 17 September 2024 in New Delhi. The event runs from 17 to 20 September 2024 and is held at Bharat Mandapam. The Union Jal Shakti Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, was present at the inauguration. India Water Week is based on Stockholm Water Week, focusing on water management and cooperation. The International Wash Conference 2024 is also taking place alongside the event. The theme is “Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management.”

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Odisha’s Subhadra Yojana on his 74th birthday, alongside railway and highway projects. Subhadra Yojana aims to empower women, offering 50,000 rupees over five years to eligible women aged 21-60. Over one crore women will benefit, with 1,250 crore rupees transferred to 25 lakh women. He also inaugurated railway and highway projects worth 2,800 crore and 1,000 crore rupees, respectively.
Modi launched the Awaas+ 2024 app and new PMAY guidelines.

Notes:
The Tuticorin International Container Terminal in Tamil Nadu was inaugurated, described as a key part of India’s marine infrastructure. The terminal enhances the capacity of the V.O. Chidambaranar Port, contributing to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation. It has a deep draft of over 14 meters and a 300-meter-long berth, helping reduce logistics costs and save foreign exchange. The terminal promotes gender diversity, with 40% of its workforce being women. Tamil Nadu plays a vital role in India’s economic growth, with significant investments in port development, including an Outer Harbour Container Terminal. The port is also recognized for its role in Green Hydrogen and offshore wind energy. India’s vast transportation network positions it as a key player in the global supply chain.

Notes:
A senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Odisha cadre, Amrit Mohan, has been appointed Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). He is currently serving as Special Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). His appointment is approved until his superannuation on August 31, 2025. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) guards India’s borders with Nepal and Bhutan, preventing cross-border crime and smuggling. SSB’s headquarters, Force Headquarters (FHQ), is located in New Delhi, led by a Director-General. The Director-General is supported by an Additional Director-General and various directorates managed by senior officers.