Summit and Conference News

India to Host 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation

• India is set to host the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation from September 11-12, 2024, in New Delhi.
• The conference is co-hosted by ICAO and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• It will focus on exploring new opportunities for growth, infrastructure, and collaboration, especially in regional connectivity.
• This event underscores India’s leadership in the global aviation sector.

Science and Technology News

QCI Approves NTH Ghaziabad for Drone Certification

• The Quality Council of India (QCI) has provisionally approved National Test House (NTH), Ghaziabad, for drone type certification.
• NTH will assess agricultural drones, including Vimaana Aerospace Technologies’ Krishiraj 1.0.
• The certification aims to provide low-cost services to support India’s growing drone sector.
• This approval is under the Drone Rules 2021.

Appointments and Resignations News

New Chief of Army Staff Sworn in for Nepal’s Military Leadership

• Ashok Raj Sigdel was officially sworn in as the 45th Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) of the Nepali Army.
• The ceremony took place at the Office of the President, Sheetal Niwas.
• This marks a new chapter in Nepal’s military leadership.
• The event underscores Nepal’s commitment to its armed forces.

International News

Nepal became the 101st member of ISA

• Nepal has joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as its 101st member.
• The Instrument of Ratification was handed over in New Delhi on September 9.
• ISA is a global intergovernmental organization focused on advancing solar power adoption.
• This move aims to support a carbon-neutral future.

Rank and Reports News

India Surpasses China in MSCI Emerging Markets Index

• India has overtaken China in the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (EM IMI).
• India now holds a weightage of 22.27%, surpassing China’s 21.58%.
• This shift reflects India’s strong market performance and favorable macroeconomic conditions.
• It contrasts with the economic challenges faced by China.

International News

India Remains Top Source for Sri Lanka Tourism in 2024

• India continues to be the top source of tourists for Sri Lanka in 2024.
• Recent data shows India maintained the top spot for Sri Lanka in the first 8 months of the year.
• This highlights the strong travel interest of Indians in Sri Lanka.
• The trend underscores the close tourism ties between the two countries.

Science and Technology News

New species of Genus Curcuma discovered in Nagaland

• Researchers have discovered a new species of the Genus Curcuma in Nagaland.
• The species was found in Ungma village, Mokokchung district.
• This discovery adds to the ginger family, specifically related to turmeric.
• The research was published by the Botanical Survey of India.

Appointments and Resignations News

RS Sharma Appointed Non-Executive Chairperson of ONDC

• RS Sharma has been appointed as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
• Sharma has previously served as the Director General of UIDAI and Chairman of TRAI.
• He will now lead ONDC into its next phase of growth and innovation.
• His extensive experience is expected to benefit the organization significantly.

Summit and Conference News

Greening Steel: Pathway to Sustainability event by MoS

• The Ministry of Steel organized the “Greening Steel: Pathway to Sustainability” event on September 10 in New Delhi.
• The event saw participation from various ministries, academia, think tanks, and field specialists.
• The agenda focused on sustainable practices in the steel industry.
• Discussions aimed at promoting environmental sustainability in steel production.

Banking and Finance News

IMF Upgrades India’s FY24-25 GDP Forecast to 7%

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY2024-25 to 7%.
• This is a 20 basis point increase from the previous estimate of 6.8%.
• The revision is based on enhanced consumption prospects, particularly in rural areas.
• India is projected to remain the fastest-growing major economy among emerging markets.

International News

ADNOC and ExxonMobil Join Forces to Develop World’s Largest Low-Carbon Hydrogen Facility

• Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and ExxonMobil have partnered to develop the world’s largest low-carbon hydrogen facility.
• The facility will be located in Baytown, Texas.
• This project marks a significant milestone in sustainable energy production.
• It aims to combat climate change through innovative energy solutions.

International News

India and UAE Strengthen Ties with Five Landmark Agreements

• India and the UAE have signed five groundbreaking agreements to strengthen their strategic partnership.
• The agreements cover areas such as nuclear energy, fossil fuels, and food security.
• The deals were formalized during a high-level meeting in New Delhi.
• The meeting was attended by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Science and Technology News

To boost research in higher institutes, the PAIR programme launched

• The central government has launched the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) programme.
• The programme aims to elevate research capabilities in higher education institutions (HEIs).
• It will link top-tier research institutions with those where research capability is limited.
• The initiative creates a collaborative mentorship environment.

Rank and Reports News

IIFT Ranks No. 1 Globally for Networking in LinkedIn MBA 2024, Secures 51st Overall

• The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has been ranked No. 1 globally for Networking in LinkedIn’s Global MBA Ranking 2024.
• IIFT secured the 51st position among the top 100 MBA programmes worldwide.
• The ranking is under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
• This achievement highlights IIFT’s excellence in global business education.

Banking and Finance News

CCI approved merger of Tata Motor Finance into Tata Capital

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the merger of Tata Motor Finance Limited into Tata Capital Limited.
• This marks a significant consolidation within the Tata group’s financial services.
• The merger will be carried out through a scheme of arrangement.
• The proposal will be submitted to the National Company Law Tribunal.

Defence News

India Bolsters Naval Capabilities: Launch of Mahe Class Anti-Submarine Warfare Vessels

• On September 9, 2024, Cochin Shipyard launched two new Mahe Class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) vessels.
• The vessels are named Malpe and Mulki.
• Malpe is the fourth ship, and Mulki is the fifth ship in the Mahe Class.
• The launch ceremony was held in Kochi, Kerala.

Sports News

Syria Triumphs in 4th Intercontinental Cup Football Championship

• Syria won the 4th Intercontinental Cup men’s football championship.
• They defeated defending champions India with a 3-0 score in the final round-robin match.
• The tournament was held from September 3 to 9, 2024, at the GMC Balayogi Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• Syria showcased dominance throughout the competition.

Sports News

Deepali Thapa Makes History as First Schoolgirl Champion

• Deepali Thapa became the first-ever schoolgirl champion at the Asian Youth Boxing Championships.
• The event was held in Al Ain, UAE, on Sunday.
• Thapa’s achievement highlights her exceptional talent in boxing.
• This milestone underscores India’s rising prowess in women’s boxing on the international stage.