Union Cabinet has approved the fourth phase of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana during 2024-25 to 2028-29 duration.
Under the fourth phase of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, about 62,500 km of roads will be built, for which a budget of Rs 70,125 crore has been proposed.
In this, the Centre’s share is Rs 49,087.50 crore and the state’s share is Rs 21,037.50 crore.
2. Which organizations organized the Global Bio- India 2024? – Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin on 12 September 2024 during the BRICS national security advisors meeting.
Russia is the current chair of BRICS and will host all related meetings in 2024, including the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan from 22 to 24 October 2024.
President Putin invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the summit.
The BRICS national security advisors’ conclave took place in St. Petersburg from 11 to 13 September 2024, attended by 10 member countries, including India, Russia, Brazil, China, and others.
The meeting was hosted by Russian NSA Sergei Shoigu.
5. Which country is not involved in the TAPI pipeline project under discussion? – Iran
Afghanistan starts work on $10 billion gas pipeline (TAPI Pipeline) passing through South Asia.
Under this project, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India had signed an agreement in December 2010.
The TAPI Pipeline will start from the Galkinish gas field in Turkmenistan, then travel through Afghanistan and Pakistan and eventually reach the Indian city of Fazilka, Punjab (near the India-Pakistan border).
Science & Technology
6. Recently, India successfully test-fired the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VLSRSAM) at which place? – Chandipur, Odisha
The Indian Navy and DRDO successfully tested the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) on 12 September 2024 at Chandipur Island, Odisha.
This is DRDO’s second missile test, following the Agni-4 trial on 6 September 2024.
The missile was launched from a vertical launcher and intercepted a high-speed target at low altitude using an advanced seeker.
VL-SRSAM will replace Israel’s Barak-1 missile and be produced by Bharat Dynamic Limited.
The missile defends against supersonic sea-skimming threats and has a range of 50 km with advanced countermeasure systems.
Short News
Appointments
7. Who is the President of FIH- International Hockey Federation? – Mohammad Tayyab Ikram
International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Mohammad Tayyab Ikram has been elected as the President of FIH-International Hockey Federation for the second term.
Mohammad Tayyab Ikram was elected President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in 2022 replacing Narinder Batra (Narinder Batra was the first Indian President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
Exercises & Operations
8. Which countries are conducting the Middle Eastern Bridge Exercise – 2024? – India and Oman
The 7th edition of Eastern Bridge Exercise is being organized between the Air Forces of India and Oman at Masirah Air Base in Oman from 11 to 22 September, 2024.
MiG-29, Jaguar and C-17 are participating in this exercise from India’s side.
State Current Affairs
9. Recently, which state government has decided to celebrate 17 September as ‘Praja Palana Day’? – Telangana
Telangana government will celebrate September 17 as Telangana Praja Palana Day, marking Hyderabad’s 1948 integration into India.
Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari issued orders for national flag hoisting at government offices, urban local bodies, and gram panchayats.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will hoist the flag in Hyderabad, while ministers will do the same at district headquarters.
In 2023, the BRS government marked it as National Integration Day.
The Union government celebrates it as Hyderabad Liberation Day, commemorating the 1948 police action under Operation Polo that merged Hyderabad with India.
10. Which state in India has the largest expanse of ‘Salt Pan Land’, recently in news? – Andhra Pradesh
The union government approved transferring 256 acres of salt pan land in Mumbai to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL), drawing criticism from opposition leaders.
Salt pans are low-lying lands where seawater leaves behind salt and minerals, vital for flood protection.
According to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification of 2011, salt pans are ecologically sensitive and fall under CRZ-1B, allowing only salt extraction and gas exploration.
Nationally, 60,000 acres of salt pan land exist, with Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra having the largest areas.
Salt pans also host various bird and insect species, contributing to ecological balance.
11. In which state is the Zanskar Festival-2024 being organized? – Ladakh
