Summit and Conference News

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

• India’s aviation sector has grown significantly, becoming one of the largest and most dynamic markets globally.
• The 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation is scheduled from September 11-12, 2024, in New Delhi.
• Co-hosted by ICAO and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the conference will explore new opportunities for growth, infrastructure, and collaboration.
• A special focus will be on enhancing regional connectivity.

National News

PM Modi Marks 132nd Anniversary of Vivekananda’s Chicago Speech

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated the 132nd anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s speech at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago.
• Delivered in 1893, the speech introduced India’s message of unity, peace, and brotherhood to the world.
• Modi highlighted the enduring impact of Vivekananda’s words, which continue to inspire generations.
• The Prime Minister praised the timeless relevance of Vivekananda’s message.

National News

Cabinet Approves Implementation of PMGSY-IV for FY 2024-25 to 2028-29

• The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana – IV (PMGSY-IV) for the financial years 2024-25 to 2028-29.
• The initiative has a total outlay of ₹70,125 crore.
• It aims to construct 62,500 kilometers of roads to connect 25,000 previously unconnected habitations.
• The project will enhance accessibility and promote socio-economic development in remote rural areas.

State News

West Bengal to Set Up 5 POCSO Courts

• Following a horrific incident in a West Bengal hospital, the state cabinet has proposed setting up five POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) Fast Track Special Courts.
• These courts aim to expedite cases related to sexual offenses against children.
• The initiative is part of the state’s efforts to ensure swift justice.
• The move has been widely welcomed as a necessary step for child protection.

State News

Maharashtra to Establish Tribal University in Nashik

• The Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, announced the establishment of a Tribal University in Nashik.
• The university aims to promote the development and better future of tribal students.
• It will be located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra.
• The initiative is expected to provide specialized education and opportunities for tribal communities.

National News

National Health Authority and IIT Kanpur Sign MoU

• The National Health Authority (NHA) and IIT Kanpur signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on September 11.
• The partnership aims to revolutionize Artificial Intelligence in health research.
• An innovative data platform will be developed as part of this collaboration.
• The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Health Secretary Shri Apurva Chandra.

Awards and Recognitions News

National Florence Nightingale Awards 2024

• On September 11, 2024, President Smt Droupadi Murmu presided over the National Florence Nightingale Awards ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• The awards recognized outstanding contributions in the field of nursing.
• The event highlighted the crucial role that nursing professionals play in the healthcare system.
• The ceremony was a tribute to the dedication and service of nurses across the country.

Rank and Reports News

Switzerland Crowned as Best Country in the World

• Switzerland has been named the best country in the world in the “Best Countries for 2024” survey.
• This marks the third consecutive year that Switzerland has achieved this ranking.
• India dropped three positions from last year, now ranking 33rd.
• The survey evaluates countries based on various factors, including quality of life and economic potential.

Summit and Conference News

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Inaugurates SEMICON India 2024

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated SEMICON India 2024 at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
• The three-day conference runs from September 11 to 13.
• The event showcases India’s semiconductor strategy and policy.
• The aim is to position India as a global semiconductor hub.

Awards and Recognitions News

Paralympic Champions: New Faces of Voter Inspiration for Persons with Disabilities

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) celebrated the achievements of Paralympic archers Ms. Sheetal Devi and Shri Rakesh Kumar.
• Both athletes were honored for their bronze medal victory in Archery at the Paris Summer Paralympics 2024.
• They have been appointed as national icons for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
• The event aimed to inspire voters across the nation, particularly those with disabilities.

Awards and Recognitions News

Indian Origin Lecturer Wins Prize for Literature in Singapore

• Prasanthi Ram, an Indian-origin lecturer from Nanyang Technological University, won the Singapore Literature Prize for English fiction.
• Her short story, “Nine Yard Sarees,” earned her the prestigious award.
• This was her debut work, published at the end of 2023.
• The award highlights her significant contribution to literature.

National News

Union Cabinet Approves Health Cover for All Aged 70 and Above

• The Union Cabinet has extended the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to all senior citizens aged 70 and above.
• The scheme will provide free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh per year.
• Around 6 crore individuals and 4.5 crore families are expected to benefit.
• The announcement was made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Important Days News

Swachhata Hi Seva 2024: Celebrating a Decade of Cleanliness in India

• India is preparing to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
• A fortnight-long campaign will reinforce the importance of cleanliness in everyday life.
• The Swachhata Hi Seva campaign has been an annual event since 2017.
• The campaign serves as a precursor to Swachh Bharat Diwas, observed on October 2nd.

National News

New Scheme to Provide ‘Digital Identities’ to Fisheries Industry Workers

• Union Minister Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh unveiled initiatives aimed at transforming India’s fisheries sector.
• The National Fisheries Development Program (NFDP) portal was launched to provide digital identities to fisheries industry workers.
• The initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).
• Benefits include access to institutional credit, performance grants, and aquaculture insurance.

Science and Technology News

BioE3 Policy: Fostering High-Performance Biomanufacturing in India

• The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the BioE3 Policy.
• The policy aims to revolutionize India’s biotechnology sector.
• It focuses on fostering high-performance biomanufacturing.
• The initiative positions India at the forefront of global biotechnological innovation.

Science and Technology News

Cabinet Approves ₹2,000-Crore ‘Mission Mausam’

• The Union Cabinet approved ‘Mission Mausam’ with an outlay of ₹2,000 crore over two years.
• The mission aims to enhance research and development in atmospheric sciences.
• It will improve weather forecasting and management.
• Advanced observation systems, high-performance computing, and AI technologies will be integrated.

National News

Budgetary Support Scheme for Hydro Electric Projects Approved by Cabinet

• The Union Cabinet approved the Ministry of Power’s proposal for budgetary support for Hydro Electric Projects (HEP).
• The scheme has a total outlay of Rs. 12,461 crore.
• It aims to cover the cost of enabling infrastructure for HEPs.
• The initiative is expected to boost the development of hydroelectric power in India.

National News

Cabinet Approves PM-eBus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) Scheme

• The Union Cabinet approved the PM-eBus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) scheme.
• The scheme has a budget of INR 3,435.33 crore.
• It aims to promote the deployment and operation of electric buses (e-buses) by Public Transport Authorities (PTAs).
• The initiative will run from FY 2024-25 to FY 2028-29.

National News

Cabinet Approves PM E-DRIVE Scheme for Electric Vehicle Revolution

• The Union Cabinet approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme.
• The scheme has an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore over two years.
• It aims to promote electric mobility in India.
• The initiative will expedite EV adoption, improve air quality, and reduce the environmental impact of transportation.

Important Days News

National Forest Martyrs Day 2024, Know History and Significance

• National Forest Martyrs Day is observed annually on September 11 in India.
• The day honors individuals who sacrificed their lives protecting the nation’s forests, wildlife, and biodiversity.
• The 2024 commemoration serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation.
• The day highlights the ongoing struggle to protect natural resources.

Books and Authors News

Sushil Kumar Shinde’s Book Launch Titled Five Decades in Politics

• The India International Centre in New Delhi hosted the launch of “Five Decades in Politics.”
• The book is an autobiographical account of Sushil Kumar Shinde’s life, penned by senior journalist Rasheed Kidwai.
• The 200-page book is published by HarperCollins India.
• The event was marked by enthusiastic applause and chants from the audience.

State News

Shri Piyush Goyal Inaugurates Akurli Bridge, Mumbai

• Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurated the Akurli bridge on the Western Express Highway in Mumbai on September 10.
• He stated that the bridge will benefit not just North Mumbai but the entire city.
• Goyal is also a Member of Parliament from Mumbai North.
• The bridge is expected to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion.