Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC - 11th September 2023

 

National News

1. PM Modi launches global biofuels alliance at G20 summit in New Delhi 

• India has launched the Global Biofuel Alliance at a G20 summit in New Delhi. 
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the alliance on the sidelines of the summit. 
• US President Joe Biden, Argentina President Alberto Fernández, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, among others, was present on the occasion. 
• The Global Biofuel Alliance is an India-led Initiative to develop an alliance of Governments, international organizations, and industries to facilitate the adoption of biofuels. 
• The initiative aims to position biofuels as a key to energy transition and contribute to jobs and economic growth. This initiative will benefit India on multiple fronts. 
• Alliance which will help strengthen India’s position globally and will focus on collaboration. This will provide additional opportunities for Indian industries in the form of exporting technology and equipment. 
• India’s proposal is to take the initiative at a global level to take ethanol blending in petrol up to 20 percent. The Prime Minister invited all of the countries to join the Global Biofuel Alliance. 
• PM Modi also proposed to launch the G20 Satellite Mission for Environment and Climate Observation. The data obtained from India’s Moon Mission, Chandrayaan, will be beneficial for all of humanity. 
• Modi also said that climate and weather data obtained from this will be shared with all the countries, especially the countries of the Global South. 

2. What constitutes 'cruelty' in marriage changes with passage of time: SC order 

• The Supreme Court has said rapid changes in modern life have made what constitutes 'cruelty in marriage' fluid. 
• A judgment by a Bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and M.M. Sundresh noted that boundaries of what constitutes cruel conduct in marriages shift depending on human behavior, capacity or incapability to tolerate the conduct complained of, etc. 
• The court was hearing an appeal for a decree of divorce for a couple who have been living separately for over a decade. The wife, represented by advocate Dushyant Parashar, accused her husband of pathologically suspicious conduct while the man said the woman was in an adulterous relationship leading to the birth of a child. Each had accused the other of cruelty. 
• The judgment, authored by Justice Sundaresh said there are no objective standards the courts can depend on while testing the allegations of cruelty made by one spouse against the other. There is no test of reasonableness. In a marital case, there are no uniform objective standards, only "this man or this woman", the court noted. 
• "Each case may be different... A new type of cruelty may crop up in any case," the September 6 judgment recorded.
• The verdict said even the concept of 'mental cruelty' has not remained throughout the years. 
• "It changes with the passage of time, impact of modern culture through print and electronic media and value systems, etc... What may be mental cruelty now may not remain a mental cruelty after a passage of time," Justice Sundresh said. It cautioned courts from stigmatizing women in divorce cases. 

International News

3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches 'Global Biofuel Alliance' 

• The Global Biofuels Alliance mirrors the International Solar Alliance (ISA) launched by New Delhi and Paris in 2015 to bring clean and affordable solar energy within reach of all. 
• Such initiatives are aimed at helping India transition to alternative fuels and cut its import bill, as the country looks to achieve its net-zero carbon emissions target by 2070. 
• India announced the launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance on 9 September 2023 and urged G-20 countries to join the initiative with a call to take ethanol blending with petrol to 20% globally. 
• Apart from India, the initiative members include Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Italy, Mauritius, South Africa, UAE, and the US, while Canada and Singapore are observer countries. 
• Earlier, speaking at the G-20 summit session on 'One Earth', Mr. Modi also proposed launching a G-20 satellite mission for environmental and climate observations and urged the leaders to start work on a green credit initiative. 

India-West Asia-Europe Mega Economic Corridor 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of the ‘India-Middle East-Europe Mega Economic Corridor’ on 9 September 2023. India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, European Union, France, Italy, Germany and America are involved in this project. 
• This rail and shipping corridor is part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII) – a collaborative effort by the G7 countries to finance infrastructure projects in developing countries. PGII is considered a counter to China's Belt and Road Initiative. 
• According to the document prepared by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the corridor will include a rail link as well as a power cable, a hydrogen pipeline and a high-speed data cable. The document also calls the project "a green and digital bridge between continents and civilizations." The plan was launched in May during a visit by Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to Saudi Arabia. 

4. India announces opening of its embassy in Timor-Leste at the ASEAN summit

• During the annual ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an important announcement of the opening of the embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste. 
• ASEAN has granted in-principle approval to Timor Leste as its 11th member. 
• ASEAN has already granted observer status to Timor Leste in the year 2022. Also presented a comprehensive 12-point proposal at the 20th ASEAN-India Summit in Indonesia. 
• This included the Prime Minister's call for multi-modal connectivity and economic corridors, collective fight against terrorism, terror financing and cyber- disinformation, as well as raising issues facing the Global South at multilateral fora. The summit also adopted two joint statements – one on maritime cooperation and the other on food security. 
• India, along with other countries such as the United States, China, Japan and Australia, maintains dialogue partnerships with ASEAN, reflecting the global importance of the region. 

Timor-Leste 

• India was one of the earliest countries to establish diplomatic relations with Timor-Leste and was represented by a high-level delegation led by the then Minister of State for External Affairs at its Independence Day celebrations in May 2002. A memorandum of formal understanding Established diplomatic relations were signed on 24 January 2003. 

ASEAN 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a two-day visit to Indonesia on 6 September 2023 to attend the 20th ASEAN-India Summit, 18th East Asia Summit and 43rd ASEAN Summit. 
• The 43rd ASEAN Summit is held in Jakarta from 5 to 7 September 2023 under the chairmanship of Indonesia. The theme of this year's summit is "ASEAN Affairs: Center for Development". 
• ASEAN was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration (aka ASEAN Declaration) by the founding countries Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines.

5. 'Northeast India Festival' organized in Italy

• Northeast Institute of Fashion Technology (NEIFT) in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Milan, Italy has organized the 17th edition of the mega event 'Northeast India Festival' on 9 September 2023. 
• It was held at the historical museum – Villa Necchi Campiglio, fashion capital of the world Milan, Italy. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, is associated with this.
• NEIFT CEO and Festival Director Vikram Rai Medhi said that the international edition was successfully conducted last year in Washington DC, USA. 
• Meghalaya Tourism and Nagaland Tourism of the Northeast India Festival have come forward to join hands to present the vibrant region of the country to the matching cultural connoisseurs and political leaders. 
• Senhari folk and cultural group of Mizoram participated in this event. Mizoram Troupe is the only cultural troupe from the Northeast to participate in the festival. A group of representatives from Northeast including artists, designers, models, artists, officials etc. 

6. Bhutan introduces self-sovereign national digital ID for all citizens 

• Bhutan has introduced a self-sovereign national digital ID for all its citizens, powered by blockchain technology. 
• The innovative national digital identity system was created by Druk Holding and Investments, the commercial and investment arm of the Bhutanese government. 
• National Digital ID is the platform on which digitization and online services of banks to hospitals to taxation to universities, everything can come online with 100 percent assurance. 
• The new system is anticipated to serve as the foundation for the complete digitization of the country’s services. 

About Bhutan 

• Capital – Thimphu 
• Currencies – Bhutanese Ngultrum 
• Official language – Dzongkha 
• Prime Minister – Lotay Tshering

7. Poisoning may have led to the death of tigers in Nilgiris 

• The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has found "circumstantial evidence" indicating that at least one of the two tigers that were found dead on Saturday could have been Poisoned, officials said. 
• They clarified that contrary to preliminary reports on Saturday which said that the two animals were tigresses, the animals were in fact male tigers, aged three and eight. respectively. 
• The carcasses were found near Emerald in the Nilgiris Forest Division. 
• S. Gowtham, District Forest Officer (Nilgiris Divisional), said all the animal's body parts were intact. 
• However, he said, the Department staff, when perambulating the area, discovered the decomposed carcass of cattle close to where the tiger carcasses were found. 
• "We suspect that the tigers could have consumed the meat of the carcass prior to their Deaths," he said. The Forest Department is in the process of identifying the owner of cattle and are conducting inquiries in neighboring villages, Mr. Gowtham added. 
• D. Venkatesh, Conservator of Forests (Nilgiris), said external injuries, including a fracture of the vertebral column, were observed on the back and neck of one tiger, aged three. 
• "The injuries might be from a fight with another tiger," he said in a statement, adding that Porcupine quills, hair, and meat were found in its stomach. 
• Samples of all three carcasses (the two tigers and the cattle) have been collected and sent for forensic analysis. Forest Department staff, comprising 20 members, are perambulating the area with a sniffer dog. 
• A case has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act in Udhagai South Range.

State News

8. Telangana government partners with Tabreed for cooling infrastructure 

• A UAE-based global leader in cooling utilities, Tabreed has partnered with Telangana government to develop cooling infrastructure for industrial and commercial parks. 
• It will invest USD 200 million to develop 1,25,000 RT (refrigeration tonne) of district cooling plants for Hyderabad Pharma City. 
• Aim: To aid 6,800 GWh of power as well as 41,600 megalitres of water savings, and has the potential to reduce over 200 MW of peak electricity demand. 
• Telangana is set to house Asia’s largest district cooling system to establish cooling infrastructure for industrial parks. 

About Telangana 

• Established – 2 June 2014 
• Capital – Hyderabad 
• Chief Minister – K. Chandrashekar Rao 
• Governor – Tamilisai Soundararajan 

9. Odisha CM flagged off 181 Mobile Veterinary vehicles

• Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has flagged off 181 Mobile Veterinary vehicles to provide healthcare services to livestock in the state. 
• The Mobile Veterinary vehicles were flagged under ‘Mukhyamntri Bhramyaman Pranichikitsa Seva.’ 
• The mobile veterinary units will provide emergency veterinary health care to stray and abandoned animals through the Animal Helpline at the time of need. 

About Odisha 

• Capital – Bhubaneswar 
• Chief Minister – Naveen Patnaik 
• Governor – Ganeshi Lal 

10. Manipur BJP Lawmaker seeks 'equal land law'

• An MLA of the ruling BJP has sought the cooperation of his fellow legislators in ensuring an "equal" land law in conflict-hit Manipur. 
• Rajkumar Imo Singh, who represents the Sagol- band Assembly constituency, said the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act of 1960 needed to be less skewed against the Imphal Valley dwellers. 
• The valley, dominated by non-tribal Meiteis, makes up about 10% of Manipur's landmass. 
• In a letter to members of the Manipur Assembly, he said the 1960 Act enacted by Parliament does not al- low valley dwellers to buy land in the tribal-majority hill districts while tribals can buy land anywhere in the State. Mr. Singh said seeking a new land law that is equal for all citizens would be appropriate now. 
• He said it was ironic that tribal leaders, politicians, businessmen and village chiefs created an "imaginary" threat perception that people from the valley would settle down in the hill districts. 
• "On the other hand, these leaders have their properties in the valley and are enjoying the benefits while the poor tribal people in the hills are not able to enjoy the same as the land belongs to the chiefs, a few individuals, community as per the customary law," he said

 

Defence News

11. The Indian Army started a project called "Project Naman" 

• The Indian Army has recently launched 'Project Naman', which involves setting up a facilitation and grievance redressal center for veterans and next of kin of personnel who lost their lives. 
• The first such center was established in Delhi Cantonment. 'Naman' will have a common service centre, which will provide convenience to veterans and their relatives. It will offer all government-to-customer services and also facilitate updating of pensioners' accounts on the 'Sparsh Portal' of veterans, next of kin and dependents. 
• Indian Army Veterans Directorate (Adjutant General Branch) signed an MoU with HDFC Bank Limited and CSE e-Governance India Limited for Project 'Naman' in honor of veterans. 

SPARSH PORTAL 

• Apart from this, Sparsh portal was launched by the Defense Ministry, under which pension approval and disbursement requirements for the armed forces will be fulfilled. Defense pensioners will be given a completely transparent view of their pension account through this portal, which will capture and maintain the complete history of events and entitlements of the pensioner from the date of commencement of pension till the date of expiry of pension.

12. North Korea launches new 'tactical nuclear attack submarine’ 

• North Korea has launched its first operational “tactical nuclear attack submarine”, a key part of leader Kim Jong Un’s plan to develop a nuclear-armed navy to counter the United States and its Asian allies. 
• Submarine No 841 – named Hero Kim Kun Ok after a prominent North Korean historical figure – was launched on Wednesday with Kim overseeing the event. 
• The submarine was designed to launch tactical nuclear weapons from underwater, and “heralded the beginning of a new chapter” for North Korea’s navy. 

About North Korea 

• Capital – Pyongyang 
• Currency – won 
• President – Kim Jong-un 

13. Indian Coast Guard Participates In 19th Heads Of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting 

• Indian Coast Guard participated in the 19th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM) from 05-08 Sep 2023 at Istanbul, Turkey. A four-member ICG delegation led by DG Rakesh Pal, Director General Indian Coast Guard took part in the annual event of the independent forum with 23 members of Coast Guard Agencies and 02 associate members in the form of ReCAAP (Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia and UNODC (The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime). 
• The 19th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM) convened to address pressing issues related to maritime law enforcement, safety and security of life at sea, marine environment protection, and the illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, and humans at sea. The event witnessed the participation of the heads of Coast Guards from all member nations, setting the stage for meaningful discussions and cooperation.

Banking and Financial News

14. Mastercard Partners with KredX to Make B2B Payments Rewards for Vendors 

• Mastercard has partnered with KredX, a supply chain finance platform, in a strategic move aimed at revolutionizing B2B digital payments and ensuring benefits for both enterprises and vendors. 
• This partnership involves Mastercard seamlessly integrating its commercial card services into the KredX platform, effectively streamlining the intricacies commonly associated with B2B payments. 
• Leveraging Artificial Intelligence, the platform serves as an end-to-end procure-to-pay solution for businesses, expediting the matching and processing of invoices with utmost efficiency.
• This collaborative platform aims to address other common challenges encountered in B2B payments, such as protracted accounting and reconciliation processes, limited vendor acceptance, and frequent chargebacks. 
• Notably, it will play a pivotal role in driving the adoption of digital payments by enabling even small vendors to receive payments, even in the absence of in-house payment gateways and point-of-sale (PoS) machines. 

Recent MoU in the Banking Sector 

• Indian Bank partners with OneCard to launch mobile-first, premium credit card 
• REC signs USD 100 million Loan Agreement with EXIM Bank 
• IREDA signs MoU with IIFCL to finance renewable energy projects 
• Razorpay partners with Truecaller for instant checkout 
• LIC Partners with Saraswat Cooperative Bank to Increase the life Insurance

15. Bank of Baroda enables UPI ATM facility at over 6,000 ATMs

• State-owned Bank of Baroda (BoB) has enabled the UPI ATM facility at over 6,000 ATMs across the country. 
• It is the first public sector bank to launch UPI ATMs, in coordination with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and powered by NCR Corporation. 
• Customers as well as customers of all participating issuer banks using any UPI-enabled Mobile app can withdraw cash from Bank of Baroda UPI ATMs without using their debit card. 
• Using the Interoperable Cardless Cash Withdrawal (ICCW) technology, which facilitates cardless cash withdrawals through ATMs, the UPI ATM enables seamless QR-based cash withdrawals, doing away with the need to carry a Card to withdraw cash, it 
• One of the major benefits of the UPI ATM facility is that customers can withdraw cash from multiple accounts linked to UPI. 
• UPI ATM transactions are also quicker, convenient, and secured as they generate a single-use dynamic QR code for every transaction and ensure a safe banking experience. 

About Bank of Baroda (BOB) 

• Founded – 1908 
• Headquarters – Vadodara, Gujarat 
• MD & CEO – Debadatta Chand 
• Tagline – India’s International Bank

16. IREDA signs MoUs with Union Bank of India and Bank of Baroda 

• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Bank of India and Bank of Baroda to co-finance renewable energy (RE) projects. 
• Through the agreement, IREDA will collaborate with the banks in co-lending and loan syndication of emerging and established RE projects.
• This collaboration aims to extend our reach, particularly in tier-2 & tier-3 cities and rural areas, enabling us to provide unique and innovative financial support to existing and new customers. 
• The MoU will come into effect immediately and is valid for a period of 5 years. The MoU will be extended if both parties consent. Union Bank said the collaboration will include co-originating projects including small hydro projects and ethanol projects. 

Recent MoU in the Banking Sector

• Airtel Payments Bank partnered with Frontier Markets to support 1 lakh women
• DBS partners with Maptrasco to complete the first eBL transaction 
• Axis Bank partners with RBI innovation hub to launch KCCs and MSME loans 
• NHA and IRDAI collaborate to boost digital health integration in insurance 
• IIITD-IC partners with YES Bank to scale up Indian startups

17. ICICI Bank Gets RBI Nod To Make I-Process Services As Wholly-Owned Subsidiary 

• ICICI Bank has announced that it has secured approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to convert I-Process Services (India) Pvt Ltd (I-Process) into a wholly-owned subsidiary, subject to specific conditions, according to the Bank’s latest regulatory disclosure. 
• Established in 2005, I-Process has been at the forefront of offering staffing solutions to some of India’s leading financial institutions. The company boasts a workforce of over 25,000 employees and an extensive presence spanning nearly 500 locations across India. 
• The anticipated total expenditure for this acquisition is approximately Rs. 15.40 crore. However, this amount is subject to finalization based on pricing considerations in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, pending the receipt of the necessary approvals. The Bank has noted that it currently holds a 19% stake in iProcess. 

18. RBI likely to launch digital rupee pilot for interbank transactions by October: Report 

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is gearing up to launch a pilot program for the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), commonly referred to as the Digital Rupee. This initiative is expected to facilitate interbank transactions, specifically in the call money market, and is set to kick off around October. 
• The decision to extend the wholesale CBDC to the call money market aims to experiment with various markets and technologies. This move is in line with the government’s vision to introduce CBDC, as outlined in the Union Budget for 2022-23. To facilitate this, necessary amendments were made to the RBI Act 1934 through the Finance Bill 2022. 
• The RBI introduced two versions of the Digital Rupee: CBDC-Wholesale (CBDC-W) and CBDC-Retail (CBDC-R). CBDC-W is designed for limited access, available exclusively to select financial institutions. On the other hand, CBDC-R is intended for broader usage, including private sector entities, non-financial consumers, and businesses.

Important day

19. World EV Day 2023 observed on 9 September 

• World EV Day is celebrated across the world every year on 9 September. The fourth edition has been organized this year. The first World EV Day was celebrated in 2020 and was an initiative of the sustainability media company Greet TV. 
• World EV Day, observed every year on 9 September, serves as a reminder for electric vehicle (EV) stakeholders to strive for a safer, cleaner, and better-connected ecosystem. 
• According to forecasts, India's EV industry is projected to reach 17 million units by 2030, with Electric vehicles accounted for 80 percent of new vehicle sales by 2040. 
• Previously, World EV Day™ has captured the attention of the global political system, including a discussion in the UK Parliament, a celebration by the White House'stop climate advisor, and over 300 million Twitter followers in 2022 with companies like Ford, NIO and ABB.

20. Himalaya Diwas 2023 

• Himalaya Day or Himalaya Diwas is celebrated every year on 9 September with an aim to preserve the Himalayan ecosystem and region. This day is celebrated to mark the importance of the Himalayas. 
• 9th September was officially declared as Himalaya Day by the then chief minister of Uttarakhand, Harish Rawat, in 2014. Himalaya Day is also an excellent day to raise awareness among the general public and bring about community participation in conservation activities. 

21. 11 September – National Forest Martyrs Day 

• National Forest Martyrs Day is observed every year on 11 September. 
• This day honours the sacrifices made by individuals for the preservation of forests and wildlife. It also aims to raise awareness about the importance of conserving our forests, wildlife, and natural resources. 
• In 1730, the historic Khejarli massacre occurred within the Marwar Kingdom when Maharaja Abhai Singh of Rajasthan ordered the cutting of trees in the Bishnoi village of Khejarli to obtain timber for a new palace. 
• The Bishnoi community vehemently opposed this action and were willing to lay down their lives to protect the forest. Ultimately, in response to these events, the orders were revoked. 
• In remembrance of the sacrifices made by the Bishnoi community, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change selected September 11th to observe National Forest Martyrs Day in 2013.

Ranks and Reports News

22. Indore Tops Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 Clean Air Survey 

• The recently released Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 (Clean Air Survey) report, conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board, reveals that Indore, Amravati, and Parwanoo boast the cleanest air in India. 
• In cities with a population exceeding one million, Indore secured the top spot, followed by Agra and Thane. Bhopal, a notable performer, stood fifth, while the national capital, Delhi, claimed the ninth spot.
• However, Madurai, Jammu, and Kohima face significant challenges in terms of air quality. According to the report, these cities rank the lowest, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to address their air pollution issues. 

Ecomony News

23. UP. plans to buy 1,800 electric buses under e-Bus Scheme 

• The Uttar Pradesh government is planning to acquire 1,800 electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, sources said on Sunday. The buses will be functional in Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Firozabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Ghaziabad, Agra, Jhansi, Varanasi, Meerut, Prayagraj, Bareilly, Aligarh, Moradabad, Ayodhya, Shahjahanpur, Mathura, Rampur and Saharanpur. The sources said that the State Urban Development Ministry is preparing a proposal in this regard.

Agreements News 

24. IIM Indore And NSDC Partner To Transform Skill Development And Entrepreneurship In India 

• In a significant stride towards advancing skill development and entrepreneurship in India, the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) has forged a strategic partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). 
• This alliance seeks to redefine skill development, entrepreneurship, and research in India, aligning the visions of both institutions and leveraging their collective strengths to reshape the nation’s skilling ecosystem. 
• This initiative will provide IIM Indore students with opportunities to engage in social internships, actively participating in rural marketing, promoting Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperatives, and catalyzing social change.

Sport News

25. Tennis phenom Coco Gauff won US Open women’s singles final 2023 

• Coco Gauff joined the list of women’s singles champions at the US Open in the Open era with her come-from-behind victory over Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus. 
• The championship match marked the first appearance by both athletes in a U.S. Open final. 
• She last played in a Grand Slam final in 2022, losing the French Open to Iga Swiatek.
• Since the beginning of the Open era (1968), Gauff is the 28th different women to have won the singles title at Flushing Meadows. She is the youngest American champion since Serena Williams in 1999.
• USA’s Chris Evert and Serena hold the record for most US Open titles (6) won by a woman followed by Steffi Graf (5).

26. SAFF U16 Championship Final: India Crowned Champions After Beating Bangladesh In Final 

• India secured the championship title by triumphing over Bangladesh with a 2-0 victory in the final match of the SAFF U-16 Championship 2023, which took place on September 10 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan. 
• Under the guidance of head coach Ishfaq Ahmed, the Blue Colts claimed the top position in Group A. They secured hard-fought 1-0 victories against Bangladesh and Nepal, followed by a commanding performance that saw them net eight goals against the Maldives in the semifinals. 

27. Prathamesh Jawkar Signs Off With Silver In The 2023 Archery World Cup

• During the 2023 Archery World Cup Final held in Hermosillo, Mexico, Prathamesh Jawkar, the Indian compound archer, embarked on a memorable journey in his first-ever World Cup Final appearance. He clinched a silver medal as Jawkar’s incredible run in the competition concluded with a thrilling face-off against Denmark’s Mathias Fullerton. 
• In the final between Jawkar and Mathias Fullerton the match was locked up with both archers scoring a perfect 10-10 in the final round. However, it was Fullerton who clinched the gold medal, thanks to the narrowest of margins—a measurement that revealed his arrow was closer to the center. 
• Another Indian archer, Abhishek Verma, also competed at the World Cup Final and had his sights set on a podium finish. However, his hopes were dashed in the bronze medal playoff, where he faced off against Mike Schloesser who emerged victorious with a score of 150-149. 

28. Praggnanandhaa Finishes Third, Grischuk Takes Open Blitz Title

• At the 2023 Tata Steel Chess India tournament held in Kolkata, R Praggnanandhaa from India achieved an impressive third-place finish, establishing himself as the leading Indian contender. In the Open Blitz category, world champion Alexander Grischuk exhibited his dominance by securing the top position, while Arjun Erigaisi secured the second-best position among Indian participants, securing fourth place in the Chess tournament. 
• Former world Rapid champion Nodirbek Abdusattorov finished the tournament with three points, tying with Praggnanandhaa. Abdusattorov secured a crucial win over Vidit Gujrathi, which allowed him to edge past the Indian sensation on tiebreaks. 

29. Basketball Germany beat Serbia to win World Cup for first time 

• Germany beat Serbia 83-77 to lift basketball’s 2023 FIBA World Cup. Germany went 8-0 in the tournament, becoming the fifth consecutive World Cup champion to go unbeaten. The tournament most valuable player Dennis Schroder carried Germany with a game-high 28 points, way above his average of 17.9 points per game, and added two rebounds and two assists. 
• The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup was the 19th tournament of the FIBA Basketball World Cup for men’s national basketball teams. The tournament was the second to feature 32 teams and was hosted by multiple nations for the first time in its history—the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia—from 25 August to 10 September 2023. 

Miscellaneous News

30. J&K L-G Inaugurates Bangus Valley Festival 

• In a significant development, Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, inaugurated the much-anticipated Bangus Valley Festival in the picturesque Kupwara district. The festival’s primary objective is to shed light on the untapped rural and adventure tourism opportunities within the Bangus Valley. 
• This festival promotes the rich tribal culture of this offbeat destination. Furthermore it provides a valuable platform for local artisans to exhibit their traditional arts and crafts, contributing to the preservation and propagation of indigenous heritage. 

Obituary News

31. Dennis Austin, Software Developer Who Created PowerPoint, Passes Away At 76 

• Dennis Austin, one of the two creators of Microsoft PowerPoint, passed away at the age of 76. Austin created PowerPoint with Robert Gaskins and released it in 1987. The pair of software developers were part of software company Forethought, which was acquired by Microsoft for $14m months after PowerPoint, then called Presenter was launched.
• Dennis R. Austin was the principal software developer for PowerPoint from 1985 to 1996, particularly its versions for Apple Macintosh computers. Austin first encountered computers in high school at a summer program at the Carnegie Institute of Technology. His interest in programming languages and compilers deepened during his undergraduate engineering studies at the University of Virginia in the late 1960s.