Science and Technology News

India Emerges as World’s Second-Largest 5G Smartphone Market

• Counterpoint Research has reported that India has surpassed the United States to become the world’s second-largest market for 5G smartphones.
• This development highlights India’s rapid technological advancement.
• The growing demand for high-speed connectivity across the nation is a key factor.
• This shift is significant for the global telecommunications industry.

Appointments and Resignations News

Amit Shah Re-Elected as Chairperson of Parliamentary Committee on Official Language

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been unanimously re-elected as the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Official Language.
• The committee held a meeting in New Delhi to reconstitute itself following the formation of the new government.
• Shah previously served as the Chairperson from 2019 to 2024.
• He expressed gratitude for the unanimous support and discussed his vision for Hindi’s role in government and education.

State News

World Trade Centre to Anchor Ambitious AI City Near Hyderabad

• The government of Telangana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Trade Centres’ Association.
• This MoU is for the creation of a World Trade Centre (WTC) within the proposed AI City near Hyderabad.
• The move underscores Telangana’s commitment to fostering innovation and attracting global investments.
• Telangana aims to position itself at the forefront of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

State News

World’s First Asian King Vulture Conservation Center Inaugurated in Uttar Pradesh

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre on September 6, 2024.
• The center is located in Bharivaisi, Campierganj Range of the Gorakhpur Forest Division.
• This facility is the world’s first dedicated conservation and breeding center for the Asian King Vulture.
• The center marks a significant milestone in wildlife conservation.

Banking and Finance News

RBI imposes penalties on Godrej Housing, HUDCO, and Aadhar Housing Finance

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has levied penalties on three Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).
• Godrej Housing Finance Limited and Aadhar Housing Finance Limited were each fined Rs 5 lakh.
• Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) faced a penalty of Rs 3.5 lakh.
• The penalties were imposed for failing to comply with RBI directives on housing finance companies.

Banking and Finance News

RBL Bank Teams Up with IndianOil for New Credit Card

• RBL Bank has launched a new credit card in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation.
• The card is named ‘Xtra Credit Card.’
• This move is part of RBL Bank’s strategy to moderately grow its credit card portfolio.
• The collaboration aims to enhance customer engagement amid RBI scrutiny over the unsecured credit segment.

Banking and Finance News

Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (2016=100) – July 2024

• The Labour Bureau has released the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) for July 2024.
• The CPI-IW for July 2024 has increased by 1.3 points to 142.7.
• The year-on-year inflation rate for July 2024 is 2.15%, a decrease from 7.54% in July 2023.
• For comparison, the year-on-year inflation rate for June 2024 was 3.67%, down from 5.57% in June 2023.

International News

India and UAE Sign Landmark Civil Nuclear Energy Agreement

• India and the UAE have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for civil nuclear cooperation.
• The deal was signed during Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to New Delhi.
• The agreement involves the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC).
• This marks a historic step in bilateral relations and reflects a commitment to peaceful nuclear energy utilization.

Defence News

India-USA Joint Military Exercise YUDH ABHYAS-2024

• The 20th edition of the India-USA Joint Military Exercise, YUDH ABHYAS-2024, commenced on September 9, 2024.
• The exercise is being held at the Foreign Training Node in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan.
• This annual exercise alternates between India and the USA since 2004.
• The 2024 edition is set to run until September 22, showcasing increased scale and sophistication.

Defence News

Indian Army & IAF Sign MoU with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya to Boost Logistics Skills

• On September 09, 2024, the Indian Army and Indian Air Force signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya.
• The collaboration aims to enhance the logistics capabilities of personnel.
• It aligns with national development plans such as the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan 2021 and the National Logistics Policy 2022.
• The agreement was formalized in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

National News

Five Successful Years of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY)

• Launched on September 12, 2019, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojna (PM-KMY) has completed five successful years.
• The scheme provides social security to land-holding Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) across India.
• It offers a fixed monthly pension of Rs. 3,000 to eligible farmers after they turn sixty.
• Farmers contribute monthly to the pension fund, with matching contributions from the central government.

Awards and Recognitions News

India’s Cities Recognized for Air Quality Improvements: Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024

• The Union Environment Ministry has presented the “National Clean Air City” Awards during the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024.
• The event was part of a national workshop celebrating the “International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies” in Jaipur.
• Various Indian cities were recognized for their remarkable strides in improving air quality.
• This recognition highlights efforts to combat air pollution.

Sports News

US Open 2024, Complete list of Winners

• The 2024 US Open concluded with groundbreaking victories in both the men’s and women’s singles categories.
• Jannik Sinner of Italy and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus emerged as champions.
• Both claimed their first US Open title, adding to their Grand Slam achievements.
• The event was held from August 19 to September 8 at Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York City.

Sports News

Winners List of the 2024 US Open

• Men’s Single: Jannik Sinner (Italy) defeated Taylor Fritz (USA).
• Women’s Single: Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) defeated Jessica Pegula (USA).
• Men’s Double: Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson (Australia) defeated Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz (Germany).
• Women’s Double: Lyudmyla Kichenok (Ukraine) and Jelena Ostapenko (Latvia) defeated Kristina Mladenovic (France) and Zhang Shuai (China).
• Mixed Doubles: Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori (Italy) defeated Donald Young and Taylor Townsend (USA).

Sports News

Harvinder Singh and Preeti Pal Named Flag Bearers for Paralympics Closing Ceremony

• Gold medal-winning archer Harvinder Singh and sprinter Preeti Pal have been chosen to carry the Indian flag.
• They will be the flag bearers during the closing ceremony of the Paris Paralympics.
• This selection honors their outstanding achievements.
• It also symbolizes the growing prominence of Indian para-athletes on the global stage.

Sports News

Yogasana Secures Spot as Demonstration Sport in 2026 Asian Games

• Yogasana has been officially included as a demonstration sport in the 2026 Asian Games.
• The games are set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
• This decision marks a pivotal moment in the recognition of yoga as a competitive athletic discipline.
• It is a significant development for traditional Indian sports.