Top News Highlights- 11 September 2024

Table of Contents

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana Completes Five Years

Launched in 2019, the scheme targets small and marginal farmers with a minimum assured pension amounting to ₹3,000/month after the age of 60.
Over 23.38 lakh farmers have enrolled as of August 2024, which again reflects vast reach and contribution to farmer welfare.
Issues relating to low subscription and awareness among eligible farmers continue to reflect the need for strong outreach programs.

A joint initiative between MIGA (World Bank Group) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) on the creation of solar projects.
Initial target region: Sub-Saharan Africa with an objective to mobilize $10 million into the trust fund for solar energy adoption across the world.
Importantly: this raises the bar on risk mitigation, therefore encouraging private investment in solar projects-a key attribute toward sustainable transitions of energy.
Long-term LNG supply and nuclear cooperation are part of the recent agreements with UAE during the visit of the Crown Prince.
Strategic tie-ups advance India’s energy security and deepen the bilateral economic and defense engagements.
India-UAE trade relationships are strengthening, with the UAE remaining the second top export destination for India.
sad

New amendments by SEBI try to bring in easy facilitation of foreign investments and align the regulations of FVCI with international standards.
Making India more attractive to investors by establishing more clearly defined regulatory routes for Foreign Venture Capital Investors.
In fact, the major update is: wider eligibility criteria and requirements to be strictly registered with a selected depository participant, leading to better transparency and gain of confidence by the investor community.

Initiated by UNEP on International Day of Clean Air, AQMx provides tools and guidance in line with WHO Air Quality Guidelines.
Addresses global air pollution challenges because it offers a common platform for experience and capacity-building sharing in managing air quality.
Of utmost importance to countries like India, since through air pollution, much deterioration in health is caused.

Recent meeting of the GST Council has ensured slashed tax rates for drugs related to cancer over and over again proved the orientation towards health care affordability.
Establishment of a Group of Ministers to review life and health insurance sectors and the future of compensation cess.
It reflects ongoing efforts to fine-tune fiscal policies for the impact on economic and social welfare.

The Ministry of Health has ordered a review of preparedness for MPox or monkeypox amidst growing concern about the virus worldwide.

WHO declares clade 1 MPox a public health emergency that calls for immediate attention and action against its spread.
A well-functioning healthcare system together with the general public’s awareness of the outbreak becomes the cornerstone in the struggle against an outbreak and generally this aids in the effective containment of zoonotic diseases.

A conceptual document aimed at laying guidelines for amphibious military operations in the Indian Ocean Region.
Outlines multi-domain operations and integration of the armed forces to enhance the maritime security capabilities of India.
Reflects the emerging regional threats that India is ready to deal with, maintaining good defense capability.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY): This is a pension scheme to assure social security to small and marginal farmers in their old age.
MIGA-ISA Solar Facility: A trust fund looking to accelerate the pace of solar energy adoption globally through different innovative financing and risk mitigation mechanisms.
International Solar Alliance: An alliance that aspires to ramp up solar energy deployment across the world, co-founded by India and France.