Current Affairs 19 September 2024
1. Anurag Garg appointed as the Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau
Anurag Garg, a 1993 IPS officer, has been appointed as the new Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). He previously served as Additional Director General in the Border Security Force (BSF) at its New Delhi headquarters.
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Anurag Garg (IPS: 1993: HP) appointed as Director General of the NCB until May 23, 2026.
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The NCB was previously headed by CRPF DG Anish Dayal Singh after S.N. Pradhan’s retirement in August.
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The Narcotics Control Bureau is an Indian central law enforcement and intelligence agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
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It focuses on combating drug trafficking and illegal substance use, governed by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
About NCB:
Headquarters: New Delhi
Founded: 1986
2. Uttar Pradesh establish its first Semiconductor Park in Greater Noida
Uttar Pradesh's first semiconductor park will be set up in Greater Noida, close to the upcoming Noida International Airport. The state government has allocated 225 acres in Sector 10 and Sector 28 for semiconductor manufacturing projects by three companies.
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Companies and Land Allocation: Yamuna Development Authority (YEIDA) CEO Arun Vir Singh announced land allocations for semiconductor units.
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Investment: The three companies are projected to invest between Rs 40,000 crore and Rs 80,000 crore in their projects.
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Approval Process: The approvals for these companies have been sent to the central government.
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Investment Promotion: UP’s investment promotion agency, Invest UP, received project proposals worth approximately Rs 40,038 crore in July, showcasing the state’s focus on attracting global investments.
About UP:
Governor: Anandiben Patel
Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
Capital: Lucknow
3. Jordan Declared World's First Leprosy-Free Nation
World Health Organisation declared Jordan as the first country to eliminate leprosy, marking a major public health milestone. Jordan has not reported any local cases for over 20 years, leading to this declaration after an independent assessment. Leprosy still affects over 120 countries, with more than 200,000 new cases annually.
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WHO’s DG - Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
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The initiative aims to free individuals from stigma and suffering.
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Leprosy or Hansen's disease, is a chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
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It mainly affects the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract, and eyes.
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Leprosy is classified as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) and occurs in over 120 countries.
4. UP CM inaugurates Jatayu Conservation & Breeding Centre
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre in Bharivaisi, Campierganj Range, Gorakhpur Forest Division. This is the world’s first center dedicated to the conservation and breeding of the Asian King Vulture (red-headed vulture).
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Other Jatayu conservation and breeding centers in India cater to all vulture species, while the Gorakhpur center focuses specifically on the Asian King Vulture.
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The center was established by the UP Forest Department in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society.
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It covers an area of 1.5 hectares in the Gorakhpur Forest Division and was built at a cost of Rs 2.8 crore.
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During the inauguration, CM Yogi Adityanath directed the Forest Department to establish a forestry college in Gorakhpur.
About UP:
Capital: Lucknow
Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
Governor : Anandiben Patel
5. India’s Own Space Station for Scientific research to be established with the launch of its first module in 2028
The nation will gain crucial technological capabilities for human space missions to Low Earth Orbit. The Bharatiya Antariksh Station will enhance microgravity-based scientific research and technology development. This initiative will foster technological spin-offs and spur innovations in key research and development areas. Increased industrial participation in the human space program will boost economic activity and generate employment, particularly in specialized high-tech sectors.
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The Gaganyaan Program has been revised to incorporate development and precursor missions for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
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An additional uncrewed mission and extra hardware requirements are included in the ongoing Gaganyaan Program.
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The human spaceflight program aims to complete eight missions by December 2028, culminating in the launch of the first unit of BAS-1.
6. Scientists have discovered a new blood group system named MAL
A team from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and the University of Bristol, led by Louise Tilley, has discovered the MAL blood group system, resolving a long-standing mystery about the AnWj antigen first noted in 1972. This research aims to enhance blood matching for transfusions and improve patient care.
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The MAL Blood Group System:
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The MAL blood group system is the 47th official blood group system.
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It consists of M and N antigens determined by the glycophorin A gene.
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Traits are inherited codominantly, allowing individuals to have both types.
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Assists with tissue donations and identifies rare blood types.
7. Ricky Ponting appointed as new head coach of Punjab Kings
The Indian Premier League coaching career of Ricky Ponting will continue with the former Australia captain appointed head coach of the Punjab Kings on a four-year contract ahead of the 2025 season.
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Ricky Ponting replaces Trevor Bayliss in the underperforming IPL franchise.
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He transitions from Delhi Capitals, where he spent seven years.
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The four co-owners hope the World Cup-winning captain can lead them to success.
8. International Talk Like a Pirate Day celebrated on September 19
The idea originated in 1995 during a racquetball game between friends John Baur (aka 'Ol' Chumbucket') and Mark Summers (aka "Cap'n Slappy"). They aimed to create a fun day celebrating pirate culture. The holiday encourages people worldwide to speak like pirates
every September 19.
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Many games and websites feature hidden Easter eggs for Talk Like a Pirate Day.
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Facebook introduced a pirate-translated version of its site in 2008.
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Publisher O'Reilly offered discounts on R programming language books on this day.
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In September 2010, Reddit adopted a pirate theme for its website.
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In September 2023, The Yorkshire Party in the UK recognized the day to raise awareness of issues facing coastal communities, such as erosion and pollution.
9. BHEL awarded the Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited has been awarded the esteemed Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar by the Department of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. This recognition is given for outstanding performance in implementing the Official Language policy.
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Recipient: K. Sadashiv Murthy, Chairman & Managing Director of BHEL
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Presenter: Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs
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Event: Hindi Diwas and 4th All India Official Language Conference
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Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
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Significance of the Award: The highest national award for excellence in Official Language implementation
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Recognition: Acknowledges BHEL's commitment to promoting and utilizing Hindi in its operations.
About BHEL:
CEO: Koppu Sadashiv Murthy
Headquarters: New Delhi
Founded: 1964
10. Mohammad Shafi Pandit the first Muslim IAS officer passed away
Mohammad Shafi Pandit, the first Muslim IAS officer from Kashmir, passed away on Thursday
September 19, 2024, at the age of 80. He had been receiving treatment at a hospital in Delhi after being diagnosed with cancer about a month ago.
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"Following his retirement, he dedicated himself to various public causes and became a prominent voice for civil society. Soft-spoken and exceptionally gentle, he embodied the rich composite heritage of J&K and served as a role model for youth from the Valley aspiring to join the civil services," the Congress leader remarked.
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In 1969, Pandit became the first Muslim from Kashmir to pass the civil services examinations.
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His final government role was as head of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission.
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He was often seen as the chief secretary that Jammu and Kashmir never had.
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