National News

Cabinet approvals on September 11, 2024

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved several initiatives on September 11, 2024.
• The Mausam initiative, with a budget of Rs 2,000 crore over two years, aims to enhance India’s weather and climate sciences.
• The PM-eBus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) scheme, with an outlay of Rs 3,435.33 crore, will procure and operate over 38,000 electric buses from FY 2024-25 to FY 2028-29.
• The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV) will provide 62,500 km of all-weather roads, connecting 25,000 unconnected habitations, with a total outlay of Rs 70,125 crore.
• Other approvals include the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme, the Ministry of Power’s proposal for Hydro Electric Projects, and health coverage for senior citizens under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

National News

1st Foundation Day of I4C: Home Minister Amit Shah Launched 4 Key Initiatives for Prevention of Cyber Crime

• On September 10, 2024, Union Minister Amit Shah addressed the 1st Foundation Day of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) in New Delhi.
• Amit Shah unveiled the new logo, vision, and mission of I4C during the event.
• Four key initiatives were launched: Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC), Samanvay platform, Cyber Commandos programme, and Suspect Registry.
• I4C, an initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs, was dedicated to the nation on January 10, 2020.

National News

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Launches 6 Initiatives as Part of 100-Day Achievements of MPA

• On September 11, 2024, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju launched six initiatives as part of the 100-day achievements of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MPA) in New Delhi.
• The initiatives aim to improve decision-making, advance real-time governance, and achieve a paperless legislative environment.
• Key initiatives include the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA 2.0), NeVA Public Portal version 2.0, Subordinate Legislation Management System (SLMS), and Consultative Committee Management System (CCMS).
• The NYPS Portal 2.0 and a new scheme for the National Youth Parliament Competition (NYPS) for Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) were also introduced.

National News

MoSPI Dissolved 14-member Standing Committee on Statistics amid Delayed Census

• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) dissolved the 14-member Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) due to overlapping roles with the newly formed Steering Committee for the National Sample Surveys (NSS).
• The new Steering Committee, chaired by Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, includes at least four members from the dissolved SCoS.
• The SCoS was initially constituted to assist the government with survey methodology and data needs.
• The delay in conducting the decennial Census, last held in 2011, has raised concerns about the accuracy of statistical surveys and policy-making.

Science and Technology News

MoCI Minister Piyush Goyal launches Trade Connect e-Platform

• Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched the Trade Connect e-Platform to enhance international trade opportunities for Indian exporters, particularly MSMEs.
• Developed in collaboration with key partners, the platform addresses information gaps and offers comprehensive support to exporters.
• The platform aims to boost India’s global market share and offer Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) benefits to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Trade Connect e-Platform 2.0 will launch soon with improved features based on user feedback.

Science and Technology News

DoT Simplifies Telecom Licensing & Equipment Approval Processes to Boost Telecom Sector

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) revised its processes for issuing Experimental Licenses, Demonstration Licenses, and Equipment Type Approvals (ETA) to enhance ease of doing business in the telecom sector.
• Fixed timelines have been introduced for quicker approvals of Experimental Licenses (Radiating Category).
• Demonstration Licenses (Radiating Category) will be deemed granted after 15 days without Inter-Ministerial Consultation (IMC) and after 45 days with IMC.
• All applications of ETA for license-exempt wireless devices are now granted on a self-declaration basis through the SARAL Sanchar portal.

State News

India’s 1st Silicon Carbide Manufacturing Unit To Be Set Up in Odisha

• Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of India’s first silicon carbide manufacturing facility in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• The project, developed by RIR Power Electronics Limited, involves an investment of Rs 620 crore.
• It is expected to create over 500 jobs in manufacturing, research, and development, boosting Odisha’s industrial growth.
• The products manufactured will be exported to markets in North America, Europe, and Asia, and used in industries such as defense, transportation, aerospace, and sustainable energy.

Rank and Reports News

India Slips by 3 places to 33rd Rank in U.S. News & World Report’s Annual Best Countries Ranking 2024; Switzerland Tops

• India has slipped from the 30th spot in 2023 to the 33rd spot in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report’s Annual Best Countries Ranking.
• Switzerland topped the rankings for the third consecutive year, followed by Japan, the USA, and Canada.
• The rankings assess countries based on various factors, including economic, social, and cultural attributes.
• The report is a significant indicator of a country’s global standing and reputation.

Banking and Finance News

Max Life Enters Into Bancassurance Partnership with CSB Bank To Offer Insurance Products

• Max Life Insurance Company Limited has entered a bancassurance partnership with CSB Bank Limited.
• The partnership aims to provide a range of savings, protection, retirement, and group life insurance options to over 2.5 million CSB customers.
• Bancassurance allows the insurance company to sell its products to the bank’s client base.
• This collaboration will enhance the insurance offerings available to CSB Bank customers.

Science and Technology News

Pixxel Awarded USD 476 Million NASA Contract to Support ESR with Hyperspectral Technology

• Bengaluru-based spacetech startup Pixxel has been selected for NASA’s USD 476 million Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition (CSDA) Program On-Ramp1 Multiple Award.
• Pixxel is one of eight companies to receive this contract, which runs through November 15, 2028.
• The contract involves providing Earth Observation Data (EOD) and related services for NASA.
• The data will assist NASA’s Earth Science Research (ESR) and application activities, improving life on the planet.

Awards and Recognitions News

President Droupadi Murmu Confers National Florence Nightingale Awards 2024 to 15 Nurses & Midwives

• President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2024 to 15 nursing professionals at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
• The awards recognize the meritorious services rendered by nursing professionals in India.
• The Indian Nursing Council organized the award ceremony on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Each award consists of a Certificate of Merit, a Cash Award of Rs.1 Lakh, and a Medal.

Awards and Recognitions News

NTPC Talcher Kaniha Awarded 2024 Energy Management Insight Award from CEM

• NTPC Talcher Kaniha has been awarded the 2024 Energy Management Insight Award from the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM).
• The award recognizes the organization’s implementation of energy management systems to achieve energy, economic, and sustainability benefits.
• NTPC Talcher Kaniha qualified by submitting a comprehensive case study describing its experiences and the positive impact of ISO 50001 on its operations.
• The award is part of the CEM Energy Management Leadership Awards program 2024.

Defence News

DRDO & Indian Navy Successfully Flight Test VL-SR SAM off Odisha coast

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully flight-tested the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SR SAM) off the coast of Odisha.
• The test aimed to validate several updated components of the weapon system, including the Proximity Fuse and Seeker.
• The missile system successfully detected and hit a high-speed aerial target flying at a low altitude.
• The VL-SR SAM is a ship-based weapon system developed by Bharat Dynamics Limited for the Indian Navy.

Science and Technology News

‘Ahaetulla longirostri’: New Species of Long-Snouted Vine Snake Discovered in Bihar and Meghalaya

• A new snake species named ‘Ahaetulla longirostri’ (long-snouted vine snake) has been discovered in Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar, and Meghalaya.
• The detailed research findings were published in the Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity.
• The discovery adds to the biodiversity of the regions and highlights the importance of conservation efforts.
• The species is characterized by its long snout and unique physical features.

Sports News

Highlights of the Paris Paralympics 2024- India wins 29 medals & Secured 18th position

• India concluded the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris with a record 29 medals, including 7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze.
• This marks India’s most successful performance in Paralympic history, surpassing the 19-medal haul at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
• China topped the medal tally with 220 medals, followed by Great Britain and the USA.
• The 2024 Summer Paralympics were held from August 28 to September 8, 2024, in Paris, France.

Sports News

OCA Includes Yogasana as Demonstration Sport in 2026 Asian Games

• The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) confirmed that Yogasana will be featured as a Demonstration Sport at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
• The decision was unanimously passed at the 44th OCA General Assembly in New Delhi.
• Randhir Singh, elected as the OCA president for a four-year term, confirmed Yoga’s inclusion.
• This decision aims to promote Yoga internationally, with hopes of it becoming a medal event in the 2030 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.

Important Days News

International Day for South-South Cooperation 2024 – September 12

• The United Nations’ International Day for South-South Cooperation is observed annually on September 12.
• The 2024 theme is “A Better Tomorrow through South-South Cooperation.”
• The day highlights the importance of collaboration among developing countries in the Global South.
• The United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) was established in 1974 to promote and implement South-South cooperation.