Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC - 22nd September 2023

 

National News

1. PM Modi inaugurated 16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas in UP

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated 16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas built across Uttar Pradesh. 
• These are built at a cost of over 11 hundred crore rupees to further enhance access to quality education for children of labourers, construction workers, and orphans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Each school is constructed on an area of 10 to 15 acres with classrooms, sports ground, recreational areas, a mini auditorium, hostel complex, mess and residential flats for staff. • These residential schools intend to eventually accommodate 1000 students each.
• Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone of the International Cricket Stadium in Varanasi. The cricket stadium, to be built in Ganjari, Rajatalab, Varanasi will be developed in more than 30-acre area, at a cost of about 450 crore rupees. The stadium will have a capacity of 30,000 spectators. 

About Uttar Pradesh

• Capital – Lucknow 
• Chief Minister – Yogi Adityanath
• Governor – Anandiben Patel 

2. Anurag Thakur inaugurates Synthetic Athletic Tracks

• The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur has inaugurated the newly-built 6-lane 200 Metre Synthetic Athletic Track at the Sports Authority of India High Altitude Training Centre in Shilaroo, Himachal Pradesh.
• This is the very first track of the country built at an altitude of 8,000 feet. The SAI centre in Shilaroo also houses the high-altitude Hockey Synthetic Track.
• This state-of-the-art track is a significant addition to the facility, poised to boost the region’s and the nation’s sporting landscape. It will enable athletes to acclimatise to high-altitude conditions and enhance their endurance, stamina, and quick recovery after intense training sessions. 

3. ISRO hoping to wake up Vikram and Pragyan today

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is looking to wake up the Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander and Pragyan rover as dawn will break on the moon on Friday. The lander and the “She of the rover went to sleep after Pra at the end of one lunar day passed (14 earth days).
• On September 2, the dough more Pragyan was put in sleep mode and on September 4, said. The space agency put VikTh in sleep mode with its payloads switched off. Both Vikram and Pragyan’s Bha receivers, however, have been kept on.
• Once the sun sets on the moon after the completion of one lunar day, temperaardar ture could plunge below ball ndhi, minus 200°C 
• If the ISRO manages to wake up Vikram and Pramo abar gyan it would be a bonus for the space agency as it would be hoping to carry Forms out more experiments on the moon. 

4. Panel suggests GPS trackers to reduce overcrowding in prisons

• A parliamentary panel has recommended ankle trackers and bracelets for prison inmates to reduce overcrowding in prisons.
• The Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs, which presented its report on Thursday, said the technology can be expanded to produce cost-effective bracelets and anklet trackers that can be worn by prisoners who have procured bail and are out of prison on bail. It said most bail is denied on three counts the under-trial prisoner may influence or intimidate the witness or will try to leave the country or commit another crime. 
• The committee in its meeting was informed about the initiative by the Odisha government. “At the same time, it must be ensured that to avoid any kind of human rights violation, this scheme or method should be used on a voluntary basis after procuring the consent of inmates,” the report said.
• The panel noted that overcrowding and delayed justice have become a pressing concern, leading to a series of consequences for both the prisoners and the criminal justice system as a whole. It recommended that prisoners from overcrowded jails be transferred to other jails with vacant cells in the same state or other states. The panel noted that many state prison departments had no jammers installed or were capable of blocking only 2G and 3G network signals. The committee was informed that mobile phones are one of the major contraband articles that are most frequently smuggled into the prisons.
• According to the prison statistics published by the National Crime Record Bureau for 2021, there are 1,319 prisons in India, with a total capacity of 4,25,609 prisoners. The actual inmates are 5,54,034 which shows that the occupancy said. The capacity rate is 130.2% of the total inmates, the nun Th ber of undertrial prisoners BE is 4,27,165 and the number of convicted prisoners is 1,22,852. The occupancy of women prisoners has increased and the prisons are understaffed by approximately 30% of the required strength. 
• The governments of Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh said that there are a few colonial-era jails in the country that are more F than 100 years old and are in a dilapidated condition. “The committee appreciates the proposal of the Government of Gujarat to make Ahmedabad Jail Bhajiya House-cum-Restau- rant-cum-historical gallery, a heritage structure depicting the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Kasturba Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Zaverchand Meghani, who were all inmates of Sabarmati Jail,” the report titled ‘Prison-Conditions, Infrastructure and Reforms

International News

5. India Ranked 52nd in the Digital Quality of Life Index

• India has been ranked 52nd out of 121 countries in the Digital Quality of Life Index The survey has been carried out by cybersecurity firm Surfshark.
• The annual survey by the Netherlands-based firm has ranked 121 countries on five factors: internet quality, internet affordability, e-infrastructure, e-government and e-security. 
• The top 3 Countries in the Digital Quality of Life Index survey are Denmark, South Korea, and Finland. 
• In terms of internet quality, India ranks 16th among 121 countries. In terms of e-infrastructure, India is placed at the 91st position. In terms of factors like internet affordability, e-governance and e-security, India was placed on 28th, 25th and 66th positions respectively. 
• The survey has placed Singapore and Saudi Arabia in top positions when average internet speed is considered. It stands at 300 Mbps and 310 Mbps respectively. 

Recent index 

• Chainalysis’ Global Crypto Adoption Index 2023 – Rank 1 India, 2. Nigeria, 3. Vietnam, 4. US, 5. Ukraine. US News & World Report’s annual Best Countries – Switzerland (Rank 1), Canada (Rank 2), Sweden (Rank 3) 
• Henley Passport Index 2023– India ranked 80th; topped by Singapore
• World’s most powerful military – Strongest (1. USA, 2 Russia, 3. China, 4. India, 5. UK); Weakest (1. Bhutan, 2. Benin, 3. Moldova, 4. Somalia, 5. Liberia) 
• Global Peace Index 2022 – India at 126, topped by Iceland; last Afghanistan 
• Global Competitiveness Index 2023: India ranked 40; topped by Denmark 

6. Climate Ambition Summit Sees Absence Of China, India And US

• The Climate Ambition Summit (CAS) at the United Nations General Assembly on September 21 highlighted the absence of China, the United States, and India, collectively responsible for 42% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The CAS aimed to showcase leaders with credible actions and policies to uphold the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C degree goal and promote climate justice. 
• Leading up to the summit, around 100 heads of state responded to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call for increased climate action. However, only representatives from 34 states and 7 institutions were given speaking slots at the summit. Surprisingly, India’s neighbors, such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan, were among the speakers, along with emerging economies like South Africa and Brazil. Meanwhile, the European Union, Germany, France, and Canada also had a presence. 

7. Mali, Burkina Faso And Niger Have Signed A Mutual Defence Pact, Known as the Alliance of Sahel States

• Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have come together to address the pressing issue of jihadism in the Liptako-Gourma region by signing a mutual defense pact known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). 
• The primary goal of the AES is to create a system of collective defense and mutual assistance among Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This collaboration is essential to tackle the escalating threat of terrorism that has plagued the Liptako-Gourma region for years. 
• The alliance is not limited to military cooperation alone. According to Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, it also emphasizes the importance of economic efforts. The member states recognize that addressing the root causes of instability, such as poverty and lack of development, is crucial alongside their military endeavors. 

8. Pakistan Announces General Elections In January 2024 

• The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has officially declared that the general elections in Pakistan will be held in the last week of January 2024. This announcement follows a series of delays in the election timeline. Initially slated for October of the same year, the elections were postponed due to the early exit of the Shehbaz Sharif government and the necessity for a comprehensive census. 
• The preliminary list of constituencies is set to be made public on September 27. Subsequently, after considering complaints and feedback on the preliminary lists, the final list of constituencies will be released on November 30. This meticulous process ensures transparency and fairness in constituency delineation.
• The elections will span a 54-day period, culminating in the voting week at the end of January 2024. This extended timeline allows for comprehensive preparations and the smooth execution of the electoral process. 

9. Singapore Overtakes Hong Kong as World’s Freest Economy

• In a significant shift, Singapore has surpassed Hong Kong to claim the title of the world’s freest economy, marking the end of Hong Kong’s 53-year reign at the top. The shift is, according to a report released by the Canadian think tank Fraser Institute. 
• The Economic Freedom of the World Index, which has been tracking economic freedom since 1970, placed Hong Kong in second place for the first time. The report highlights how Hong Kong’s recent shift is closely linked to civil and political freedom. The imposition of a national security law in 2020, which criminalizes secession and sedition, has raised concerns about the city’s autonomy. 
• Top 5 Freest Economies are:

10. Indian diplomats in Germany meet Ariha, but her parents denied access

• Indian diplomats in Germany received a “consular visit” last month with Baby Ariha Shah, the two-year-old child who was taken into parental custody by German Youth Services in September 2021, the government revealed, though the child’s parents say they are being denied visitation rights with her. Germany’s Ambassador to India said a resolution of the issue is unlikely to happen “very soon”. Ms. Shah was taken from her parents Dhara and Bhavesh Shah in 2021 by the "Jugendamt" or youth services, after she was brought to a hospital in Berlin with what they called “grievous” injuries.
• While a German court has since ruled it as evidence of deliberate abuse, the parents have consistently denied the charge, explaining the injuries as accidental. New Delhi, which says the German court's decision is a violation of Ariha Shah’s “cultural rights”, has been pushing for the repatriation of Ariha Shah, an Indian citizen who is offering to ensure foster care for her in India, said that Indian Embassy officials were able to meet her on August 31.
• “Resource material relating to Indian festivals, customs, and practices were handed over by our embassy with the expectation that the child’s care-givers would incorporate these into her routine to enable the child to remain in touch with her faith and culture,” said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in response to a question on Thursday.
• When asked, Dhara Shah, the mother of Ariha, told The Hindu she has not been able to see her daughter since July this year. Ms. Shah said that she had traveled to Germany for a visitation appointment granted for September 19. However, when they reached the visitation venue, Ariha was not brought to see them, as authorities said she was “crying”.
• “Jugendamt services have canceled our visitations using illogical excuses each time,” she wrote in a social media post. 

 11. Visa service paused tamid Canada tussle 

• The normal functioning of Indian missions in Canada has been affected because of “security threats” faced by Indian diplomats, and they are therefore “temporarily unable” to issue visas, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced here on Thursday. 
• MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi also said India would prefer “parity” in the posting of diplomats in each other’s missions, saying the number of Canadian diplomats in India is expected to be reduced.
• He further said New Delhi had not received any evidence from the Trudeau government regarding the alleged Indian hand in the killing of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey on June 18.
• He urged Canada to uphold the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations by ensuring the safety of Indian diplomats. 
• “You are aware of the security threats being faced by our High Commission and consulates in Canada. These have disrupted their normal functioning. Accordingly, our High Commission and consulate are temporarily unable to process visa applications. We will be reviewing the situation on a regular basis,” said Mr. Bagchi announcing the suspension of Indian visas in Canada. 

12. NIA releases pictures of 10 Khalistan operatives, seeks info

• The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has released pictures of 10 wanted accused in the March attack and vandalism at the Indian consulate in San Francisco, U.S., and has sought information about them from the general public.
• On Wednesday, the agency said it had issued three separate “Request for Identification & Information” notices against the wanted accused, seeking information that could lead to their arrest or detention. “The agency has promised not to reveal the identity of anyone sharing information on the accused.”
• In June, the NIA registered a case to investigate the attack. Various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act have been invoked.
• The attack on the Indian consulate took place on the intervening night of March 18 and 19, 2023 When some alleged Khalis tan operatives illegally entered the consulate premises and attempted to set it ablaze. “On the same day, slogan-shouting Khalistani supporters had broken through the makeshift security barriers raised by the city police and put up two so-called Khalistani flags on the consular premises that damaged the consulate building, and assaulted and caused injuries to the consulate officials,” the NIA said. “The United States is taking all appropriate steps, in coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities, to protect the safety and security of India’s diplomatic facilities and the diplomats that work within them,” said the US Embassy spokesperson. (With inputs from Suhasini Haidar) 

13. IGF Signs With World Governments Summit to Develop Emerging Economies Programme 

• India Global Forum (IGF) and the World Governments Summit have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an Emerging Economies Programme.
• The program will convene key stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, economists, and experts to foster high-level discussions on sustainable economic growth, geoeconomic perspectives, and innovative solutions.
• The partnership will also focus on cultivating and fostering thought leadership, producing research on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities that pertain to the Global South. 
• The World Governments Summit Organization is a global, neutral, non-profit organization dedicated to shaping the future of governments. The Summit, in its various activities, explores the agenda of the next generation of governments, focusing on harnessing innovation and technology to solve universal challenges facing humanity.

Recent MoU 

• DMRC sign with BEL to develop Communication Based Train Control system 
• Amazon Web Services ties up with ISRO to advance its Al capabilities 
• TCS collaborates with Dassault Systems in Living Heart Project 
• NGEL partners with Nayara Energy for green hydrogen production 
• Google Cloud partners with MeitY to train government officials 

State News

14. ICMR approves 'Tranate Portable Test' in Kerala to check Nipah Virus 

• Kerala has been approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to use the Trunate Portable Testing for the diagnosis of Nipah Virus. BSL2 level laboratory hospital can do testing. 
• Positive testing samples for Nipah will be sent to Thiruvananthapuram, Thonnakkal, or Kozhikode laboratories for reconfirmation. 
• No new case of Nipah has been revealed for the last 4 days. Four people conducting positive tests are undergoing treatment, including a nine-year-old child, who is the child of the deceased index case.
• Out of 323 samples tested so far for Nipah, 317 have been found to be negative. So far six cases have been found positive, including two deaths. A total of 980 persons in the contact list are now in isolation, including 11 people separated in Kozhikode MCH. 'Trunate Portable Test' 
• Trunate test uses a portable, smart chip-based, battery-powered RT- PCR (reverse transcript polymerase chain reaction) kit to detect the presence of the virus in a sample.
• Truenet is the first kit to receive the Emergency Use Authority (EUA) by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to test the Nipah virus in India.
• Truenets can be used in hospitals where levels 2 have biosafety facilities, where there are some strict protocols to prevent contamination of samples. The Trunnet can help in testing rapidly, outbreak and determining preventive measures rapidly. 

15. Fourth and final meeting of G20 Infrastructure Work Group started in Madhya Pradesh 

• The fourth G20 infrastructure work group meeting under the G20 India Presidency has been held during September 21-22, 2023 in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. This will be the last meeting of the Infrastructure Working Group under the Indian G20 Presidency. 
• It has included more than 54 delegates from G20 member countries, guest countries and international organizations invited by India. The forum will discuss major issues while continuing the discussions during the last three IWG meetings.
• The meeting will be hosted by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India and will be chaired by the Finance Ministry, Government of India as well as Australia and Brazil as co-chairman. 
• The G20 Infrastructure Working Group considers various aspects of infrastructure investment, in which developing infrastructure as an asset class, quality urban infrastructure, promoting infratech and flexible, durable and inclusive urban infrastructure The direction involves identifying new equipment to raise financial resources for investment.
• On the occasion of IWG meetings, a discussion is also being organized in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), including representatives of institutions like World Bank, OECD, EBRD and UNDP as well as public and private sector, urban infrastructure Will consult the mechanism of increasing private sector investment in. 

16. 14th Global Skills Summit started in New Delhi 

• The 14th Global Skills Summit begins on 20 September 2023 at FICCI, Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi. The theme of the two-day conference is “Building Skills. Empowering Youth. Creating Future.” 
• The objective of this conference is to focus on creating an industry- based skills ecosystem in the country. The Skill Development Committee of FICCI has been the pioneer in initiating India's first Global Skills Summit to create a platform.
• Under this conference, government, industry, academia, sector skill councils, training partners and other stakeholders of the skills ecosystem can come together to discuss, deliberate and build consensus.
• Since the announcement of the National Education Policy 2020, school, vocational and higher education systems have been working on building the strongest industry-driven education and skills linkages in our country for three years now. The Ministry of Education, Ministry of Skill Development 
• Entrepreneurship and Ministry of Labor and Employment have been strong drivers in bringing about the much-needed change in our learning ecosystem. FICCI • The fourth session of the Indian Industrial and Commercial Congress was held in Calcutta from December 31, 1926 to January 2, 1927, under the presidency of Sir Dinshaw M. Pettit. The motion approving the constitution of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce was proposed by Sir Purushottamdas Thakurdas and seconded by Professor Benoy Kumar Sarkar.

17. CM Chouhan Unveils 108-Ft Adi Shankaracharya Statue In MP’s Omkareshwar

• Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated a 108-foot-tall statue of the 8th-century spiritual leader, Adi Shankaracharya on 21st September. This significant event occurred amidst political dynamics and is an evident to the promotion of Sanatan Dharma and cultural unity. 
• The ‘Statue of Oneness,’ conceived six years ago, portrays Adi Shankaracharya as a 12- year old child during his visit to Omkareshwar. Omkareshwar is renowned for being one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, considered the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. 
• Weighing an impressive 100 tonnes, the status was brought to life by a dedicated team of Indian artists, sculptors and engineers. Metal casting took place in China’s Nanchang city, with the components subsequently shipped to Mumbai. The idol itself is crafted from bronze, containing 88% copper, 4% zinc and 8% tin. Its internal structure is constructed from high-quality steels, ensuring its stability. 

18. The Three-Day Festival, "Nadi Utsav," Commenced From 22nd To 24th September In Delhi

• The fourth edition of ‘Nadi Utsav,’ a celebration of India’s rich river culture, begins today on September 22nd and will continue until September 24th, 2023.
• Organized by the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) of IGNCA (Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts) in collaboration with the Janapada Sampada Division, this year’s ‘Nadi Utsav’ promises to be an enlightening and culturally immersive experience. The event will be hosted in the vibrant city of Delhi, situated on the banks of the sacred River Yamuna. 
• The three-day event ‘Nadi Utsav’ promises a diverse array of activities, including numerous discussion sessions that will delve into topics such as the mention of rivers in ancient texts, cultural heritage along rivers, and rivers in folk and cultural traditions. The Utsav will also include cultural program with mesmerizing performances by folk singer Chandan Tiwari from Bihar, along with Ms. Shweta Devendra and her team from Bhopal, presenting Narmada Stuti and Dashavataram. 

19. SC refuses to intervene in order directing Karnataka to release Cauvery water to T.N. 

• The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to intervene either in favor of Karnataka or Tamil Nadu in the Cauvery water dispute. Instead it banked on the combined expertise of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) to manage the wa- ter sharing between the two neighboring States.
• The CWRC had earlier directed Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs a day to Tamil Nadu.
• A three-judge Bench headed by Justice B.R. Gavai said the CWMA and the CWRC, both represented by Additional Solicitor- General Aishwarya Bhati, were regularly meeting every 15 days to review the water flow with due regard to the distress faced by both the States.
• The Bench, also comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and P.K. Mishra, expressed satisfaction that the CWRC and the CWMA had considered all the factors, especially the drought situation, before fixing the water release by Karnataka at the rate of 5,000 cusecs a day to Tamil Nadu. 

20. SC to pass orders today on sale, use of crackers in city

• The Supreme Court on Friday is set to pronounce orders on pleas to lift curbs on firecrackers in Delhi. A Bench of Justices A.S. Bopanna and M.M. Sundresh will pass the order.
• When the court had reserved the case for order, the Bench had said filing cases against persons bursting crackers during festivals like Deepavali may not be the solution to the dangers fireworks pose to health and the environment.
• “You will have to find the source from where it [firecrackers] is coming and stop that,” Justice Bopanna had told the Delhi police.
• The court was reacting to a report submitted by Additional Solici- tor-General Aishwarya Bhati, for the city police, on the number of cases filed against the sale, storage, and bursting of crackers, and the number of persons arrested.
• The huge inflow of crackers had persisted despite a ban imposed on them by the Supreme Court. The National Green Tribunal and the Delhi government had also prohibited the sale and bursting of firecrackers.
• However, amicus curiae, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranaraya- nan said crackers made their way into the national capital, especially ahead of the Deepavali season in November.
• Ms. Bhati said the Delhi police were giving top priority to preventing the sale, storage, and bursting of fireworks. District police chiefs had constituted flying squads, unauthorized stocks have been seized and sealed, and an awareness campaign is on, she said. 

Banking and Financial News

21. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Introduces Maxima Savings Account

• Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (Ujjivan SFB) has launched the Maxima Savings Account and Business Maxima Current Account for the premium customer segment. 
• The annual interest rate on the Maxima Savings Account is up to 7.5 percent and customers can open the account with Rs 1 lakh
• Customers also have the flexibility to maintain Rs 15 lakh or more in fixed deposits to meet the balance eligibility criteria of the Maxima Savings Account. 
• Other services offered by Maxima Savings Account include higher transaction limits, free cheque, and DD Issuances. 
• Business Maxima Current Account provides businesses and entrepreneurs with services designed to meet their unique needs.
• It features online banking, instant fund transfers, and cash management options. Notable features include the ability for businesses to define their own cash deposit limit, a higher daily ATM withdrawal limit of Rs 5 lakh per day, the provision of beyond banking services such as account services for merchants, and free installation and rental fees for POS services.
• Both the Maxima Savings Account and the Business Maxima Current Account offer a RuPay Select Debit Card that provides access to wellness services, exclusive merchant offers, airport lounge access, and a premium health checkup. 

Recent Facilities Launched in Banking & Insurance Sector 

• ACKO Insurance introduced the ‘Platinum Health Plan’ 
• SBI introduces digital opening of NRE/NRO account setup through YONO
• IndusInd Bank launches ‘Virtual Commercial Credit Card 
• Indian Bank rolls out IB SAATHI to provide basic banking services 
• Max Life Insurance launched new health, wellness plan SEWA 

Awards News 

22. Indian-Origin Author Chetna Maroo’s Debut Novel ‘Western Lane’ Shortlisted In Booker Prize 2023 

• The Booker Prize 2023 judging panel has unveiled the final list of six novels, carefully curated from the “Booker dozen” longlist of 13 titles. These novels were selected from a pool of 163 books, published between October of the previous year and September of the current year. The announcement of the prize is scheduled for November 26th. 
• London-based Indian-origin author Chetna Maroo‘s debut novel, ‘Western Lane,’ has earned a well-deserved place on the prestigious Booker Prize shortlist. The novel tells the poignant story of an 11-year-old British Gujarati girl named Gopi and her profound bonds with her family. At its core, ‘Western Lane’ explores the challenges faced by an immigrant father who endeavors to raise his family as a single parent.
• The Booker Prize remains open to works of fiction written in English by authors from any corner of the world, as long as the books are published in the UK or Ireland. The diversity within this year’s shortlist is remarkable, encompassing authors of Indian, Jamaican, Canadian, and Irish descent, as well as acclaimed writers who have garnered recognition in various literary circles. 

23. NMC Of India Awarded 10-Year Recognition By World Federation For Medical Education

• The National Medical Commission (NMC) of India has achieved a remarkable milestone by receiving a prestigious 10-year Recognition Status from the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). 
• The WFME recognition is a testament to the fact that Indian medical colleges have successfully met international standards in medical education. This recognition not only reflects positively on the quality of medical education in India but also aligns it with global benchmarks. This alignment has the potential to enhance the credibility and reputation of Indian medical institutions on the world stage. 
• WFME is a prominent global organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of medical education worldwide. Its primary mission is to ensure that medical education programs consistently meet and uphold the highest international standards of education and training. 

25. Swati Nayak From Odisha, To Receive The 2023 Norman Borlaug Field Award

• Odia scientist Swati Nayak is set to receive the prestigious Borlaug Field Award for 2023. This coveted award honors her innovative approach to engaging farmers in demanddriven rice seed systems, from testing and deployment to access and adoption of climateresilient and nutritious rice varieties. 
• Swati Nayak currently serves as a scientist and holds the position of South Asia lead for seed system and product management at the CGIAR-International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) located in the Philippines. Swati Nayak has an impressive career spanning over 13 years. She has organized more than 10,000 on-farm and comparative testings, and participatory evaluations for over 500 rice varieties. 
• Swati Nayak is scheduled to receive the Borlaug Field Award during the Borlaug Dialogue, set to take place on October 24 this year in Des Moines, Iowa. This award, named after the renowned agricultural scientist and Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug, is presented annually to individuals under the age of 40 whose work significantly advances global food production and helps alleviate hunger and malnutrition. 

26. Bengal’s Kiriteshwari Bags Best Tourism Village of India award 

• Kiriteshwari village in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district has been selected as the country’s best tourism village by the Centre.
• The village beat 795 applications received from 31 states and Union Territories to bag the honour.
• The Union ministry will give the award at a function in New Delhi on September 2. 
• Other than its scenic beauty, the village’s big attraction is the Kiriteswari temple, considered one of the 51 Shaktipeeths. 

Recent Awards 

• Singapore Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship – Himanta Biswa Sarma 
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Awards – 84 artists (70 men and 14 women) 
• Ig Nobel prize 2023 – India, China, Malaysia, and the US researcher team 
• Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) Award by France govt. – Famous Indian fashion designer Rahul Mishra 
• Safety Innovation Award 2023′ in the ‘Construction’ category – RITES Limited 

27. Binomo Awarded the Most Reliable Trading Platform of 2023 

• Binomo has been honoured with two prestigious international awards at the World Business Outlook Awards and the International Business Magazine Awards for “Best Trading Platform Global 2023” and “Most Trusted Platform Global 2023”. 
• In today’s world, with up to 3,000 successful cyber-attacks per day, digital security must be given as much attention as physical security. Therefore, it is very important for us to provide our services at the highest level.
• These awards are an achievement in the world of financial services. They emphasize excellence in the areas of customer service and security. Binomo is constantly striving for development, and these awards confirm the company’s position.
• “Best Trading Platform, Global 2023” recognizes Binomo as the most user-friendly and easiest trading platform to learn. The platform is constantly introducing new technologies, developing training materials, and expanding its functionality to help users achieve their financial goals and enjoy themselves. 

Recent Awards 

• Green Railway Certification by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) – Vijayawada Railway Station (Platinum rating) 
• The Lifetime Achievement Award in Academia – VC of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) Najma Akhtar
• Dr AM Gokhale Award – Ophthalmologist Dr Sanjay Kumar Mishra • Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award for 2022 – 12 scientists selected 
• Leading Fintech Personality of the Year Award by Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) – Adeeb Ahamed 

Defence News

28. Naval Ship ‘Nireekshak’ successfully conducted Diving training sessions 

• Indian Naval Ship ‘Nireekshak’ has successfully conducted vital Mixed Gas Diving training sessions as part of IN-SLN Divex 23.
• The Indian Navy’s diving support vessel initiated the sea dive and after a successful diving exercise, returned with the Sri Lanka Navy divers. 
• Earlier last week, the vessel arrived at Sri Lanka’s Trincomalee port where Commanding Officer Jeetu Singh Chauhan, held productive discussions with Rear Admiral PS De Silva.
• The Indian Naval Ship is well-equipped with two six-man recompression chambers and a threeman diving bell. It possesses the capability to execute submarine rescue operations and train saturation divers.
• This marks the ship’s continued engagement with the Sri Lanka Navy, aligning with India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy for capacity building in neighboring nations. The vessel had previously visited Trincomalee in September 2019 and March 2022 for similar training initiatives. 

29. Defence Ministry clears proposal to buy ‘Pralay’ ballistic missiles

• The Defence Ministry has cleared the proposal of buying a regiment of Pralay tactical ballistic missiles for the Indian Army which can strike targets at 150–500 km. 
• It is the first time that a ballistic missile will be inducted into the services for conventional operations. 
• The Pralay missiles are currently being mass-produced and are expected to be ready for operational service soon.
• The missile was successfully tested twice on two consecutive days last December, and the forces have been working towards its acquisition and induction ever since.
• The Pralay missiles, propelled by a solid-propellant rocket motor and other novel technologies, are expected to provide a substantial boost to the Indian Army’s offensive capabilities. 
• It can hit targets between 150-500 Km and missiles developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization. 

Sports News

30. Nischal wins silver with new national record at Shooting World Cup in Rio

• Young Indian shooter Nischal has won the silver in the women’s 50m rifle 3 Positions at the ISSF World Cup in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
• She finished behind Norwegian rifle ace Jeanette Hegg Duestad with a score of 458.0 in the final. 
• Duestad is the reigning air rifle European champion and 300m 3 position World Champion and has 12 ISSF World Cup medals to her name including five gold. She was also fourth at the Tokyo Olympics.
• Nischal was in supreme form throughout the day, breaking the qualification national record in women’s 3 position in the process. 
• The 16-member Indian team returned with one gold and one silver from the Rio World Cup and was seventh in the standings.
• Elavenil Valarivan had won the Women’s 10m Air Rifle gold 
• Italy was on top with two gold and a bronze. China was second with a gold, four silver and three bronze. 

Important day

31. 22 august – World Rose Day 

• World Rose Day, also known as The Welfare of Cancer Patients Day, is an annual observance held on September 22nd. 
• The day is dedicated to creating awareness about cancer, and honouring cancer patients who are fighting a tough battle between life and death.
• The history of World Rose Day is associated to a 12-year-old cancer patient Melinda Rose from Canada. Melinda Rose was diagnosed with Askin’s Tumour, a rare form of blood cancer in the year 1994. 
• After her diagnosis, she was told by doctors that she could survive only a week but due to her courage, will power, and desire to live, Melinda Rose survived almost 6 months post-cancer diagnosis. 
• During her cancer journey, Melinda Rose wrote poems, wishes, and messages for other cancer patients as a gesture of hope. Hence celebrating World Rose Day is a symbol of hope for all the cancer patients. 

32. 22 august – World Rhino Day 

• World Rhino Day is observed every year on 22 August.
• This special day serves as a platform to highlight the challenges these magnificent creatures face and the urgent need for conservation efforts to prevent their extinction. 
• The crisis of rhinoceros started in Africa back in 1990. By 2010, it became a nationwide hazard, and people started to express their concerns over the crisis. 
• The crisis situation was soon brought to notice as only 30000 rhinos were alive at that time throughout the planet. During that time, World Wildlife Fund – South Africa announced World Rhino Day to create awareness about the crisis and the importance of saving these animals.
• In 2011, a woman called Lisa Jane Campbell wrote a mail to a fellow rhino lover, Rhishja stating the desire of seeing at least five species of rhinos thriving in the world. 

Schemes News

33. Govt Launches Kisan Rin Portal, Ghar Ghar KCC Campaign And WINDS Manual

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has recently launched a series of initiatives aimed at revolutionizing the agricultural sector in India. These initiatives include the Kisan Rin portal, the Ghar Ghar KCC campaign, and the Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) manual. 
• The Kisan Rin portal will provide farmers with easy access to vital data, including loan disbursement specifics, interest subvention claims, and scheme utilization progress. This empowerment will enable farmers to make informed decisions about their financial matters.
• The Ghar Ghar KCC campaign aims to achieve saturation of the KCC scheme, ensuring that every eligible farmer has access to this essential financial tool. The WINDS portal leverages advanced weather data analytics to provide stakeholders with actionable insights on weather patterns. This information is invaluable for informed decision-making in agriculture. 

34. Madhya Pradesh government started ‘Mukhyamantri Krishak Mitra 

• Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched ‘Mukhyamantri Krishak Mitra Yojana’ to provide permanent agricultural pump connections to the farmers. Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that the scheme includes extension of 11 KV line up to 200 meters for permanent pump connection of 3 HP or more capacity, installation of distribution transformer and low pressure line cable extension work.
• Under this scheme, the power distribution company will do the work of infrastructure development and arrangement of materials, farmers will have to pay 50% of the cost of infrastructure development and 50 percent of the cost will be borne by the state government/power distribution company. Maintenance of lines, transformers etc. required for pump connection will also be done by the power distribution company. This scheme will remain effective for 2 years from implementation. 10,000 farmers will benefit in the first year.
• In the state level program organized at Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium, Chief Minister Shri Chouhan started the process of enrollment in the scheme by filling the application form.  

Sports News

35. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund For Sportspersons (PDUNWFS)

• Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur has felicitated players under Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons (PDUNWFS) in New Delhi. 
• The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons (PDUNWFS) is a government scheme that serves as a financial assistance program aimed at supporting outstanding sportspersons, coaches, and their family members who are facing financial difficulties, particularly those living in indigent circumstances. 
• The primary objective of this scheme is to provide financial aid for various purposes related to sports and athlete well-being. The scheme helps in procurement of sports equipment and training. Till date 270 sportspersons have been provided support of around 8 crore 15 lakhs rupees. 

36. ICC Player Of The Month Winners August 2023

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the latest set of international stars to be named ICC Players of the Month for August 2023. Ireland’s Arlene Kelly and Pakistan skipper Babar Azam have been honored as the International Cricket Council (ICC) Players of the Month for August 2023.
• Pakistan skipper Babar Azam becomes the first player to win three ICC Men’s Player of the Month prizes with August triumph. Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award for August 2023 for his exceptional showing in ODIs against Afghanistan and Nepal. The World No. 1 batter continued to dominate the 50-over format of the game by scoring a total, of 264 runs at an average of 66 and at a strike rate of 92.30. 
• Ireland’s Arlene Kelly is named Women’s Player of the Month for her bowling exploits in convincing T20I wins over the Netherlands. The right-arm was at her brilliant best during Ireland’s three-match T20I series against the Netherlands as she collected 10 wickets at a miserly average of just 4.30 to help her side claim an emphatic 3-0 series sweep. 

Science and Technology News

37. CUSAT Researchers Name New Marine Tardigrade Species After A.P.J. Abdul Kalam 

• Researchers at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) have identified a new species of marine tardigrade which they have named after the late former President and scientist A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Named ‘Batillipes kalami’, the new species of tardigrades was found by researchers in the intertidal beach sediments of Mandapam coast, close to Kalam’s birthplace in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
• The newly-discovered species is approximately 0.17mm long and 0.05mm wide, characterized by four pairs of legs. It belongs to the phylum Tardigrada, which comprises more than 1,300 described species. Batillipes kalami is the 37th species under the genus Batillipes.
• Tardigrades, often referred to as water bears, are eight-legged micro-animals found in the water. They are known for extraordinary resilience and survival abilities in extreme environmental conditions. They are considered to be one of the toughest organisms on earth, having survived all five mass extinctions, and are also the first known animal to survive in space. 

38.  Rafflesia Genus, World’s Largest Flower Near Extinction

• An international group of scientists, including botanists from the University of Oxford’s Botanic Garden, has issued a dire call to action to save the iconic genus Rafflesia. These remarkable plants, known for their massive, foul-smelling flowers, are under severe threat due to habitat destruction and lack of protection. A recent study has shed light on the precarious status of Rafflesia, urging immediate conservation efforts to prevent their extinction.
• Of the 42 known species of Rafflesia, 25 are classified as critically endangered and 15 are endangered. Shockingly, more than two-thirds of these species receive no protection from current conservation strategies. This relevance comes from the first-ever global assessment of the threats faced by these remarkable plants. 

39. New Pamban Bridge may miss its November deadline

• The new Pamban railway sea bridge being built to connect Mandapam town on the mainland with Rameswaram on the Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu, may not be ready by November, railway officials said. The bridge is under construction since 2019. 
• After missing earlier deadlines in March and July this year, railway officials say they may not be able to finish the challenging project before the November deadline. 
• “There are 99 horizontal spans of 18.3 meters and one span of 72.5 meters along the length of the bridge. Of the 99 spans, 73 have been laid. Tracks on these spans have been laid too. However, in recent days, wind speed at the project site has increased, making it difficult to work at a fast pace,” a senior railway official told The Hindu. 
• The 72.5-metre span is a “lift-span” or a movable part of the bridge which will rise and let ships pass. 
• “The lift-span has been assembled at the site. It now has to be erected. We need to erect the rest of the 26 spans too,” the official said. 
• The new bridge is being built over geographically challenging terrain as it is located in a corrosive marine environment, which is also cyclone-prone, and is a high-wind velocity zone.
• The railway bridge connects the mainland to Rameswaram, the South Indian town which is also one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites along with Badrinath in the north, Dwarka in the west, and Puri in the east. 
• The 2.05-km bridge is being built by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited at a budget of 1545 crore. It will replace the old Pamban bridge, which is over a century old. 
• The Hindu had earlier reported that rail traffic on the old bridge had permanently stopped owing to safety concerns. 

Obituaries News

40. 3 Idiots Actor Akhil Mishra Passed Away At 67

• Renowned actor Akhil Mishra, celebrated for his memorable portrayal of librarian Dubey in the hit movie “3 Idiots,” tragically met his demise after a fatal fall at his residence. Mishra, aged 67, had been grappling with blood pressure issues, and his untimely departure has left the film industry and his fans in mourning.
• Akhil Mishra’s career was marked by versatility and a knack for portraying character roles with finesse. While he achieved widespread recognition for his role as librarian Dubey in “3 Idiots,” alongside Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi, his body of work extended far beyond this iconic character. He left his mark in various films and serials, including “Don,” “Gandhi, My Father,” “Uttaran,” “Udaan,” and “Shrimaan Shrimati,” among others. 

Miscellaneous News 

41. Mithun of Northeast gets food animal tag from FSSAI

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recognized Mithun as a ‘food animal’ from September 2023, which will help farmers and tribal rural communities benefit commercially from the sale and processing of Mithun meat. 
• Also ICAR launched the M-ANITRA App to register Mithun farmers as “Buyers” and “Sellers” with the objective of helping them trade at competitive prices.
• ICAR-NRC has also announced to institute “Mithun Day” from September 1, 2023. Mithun meat is named “Weishi”. Furthermore, Mithun is included in the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS) database. 
• On average, an adult Mithun weighs between 400 and 650 kg. Mithun aged 4-5 years can be sold for Rs 2 lakh or more. As of 2019, there are approximately 3.9 lakh Mithun in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, with the last livestock census showing a 30% increase in the mithun population. 
• Scientific name Bos frontalis is a species of ruminant of the Bovidae family found in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. The Mithun also has religious significance and is the state animal of both Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.