Summit and Conference News

PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates 2nd ICGH-2024 to Make India Global Hub for Green Hydrogen

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the 2nd edition of the International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2024) in New Delhi.
• The event highlighted India’s strategy to become a global hub for the production, utilization, and export of Green Hydrogen (GH).
• Key stakeholders in the green energy sector attended, emphasizing India’s commitment to combating climate change.
• The conference was organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and other government bodies, with SECI and EY as partners.

National News

Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan Singh Launched Several New Initiatives at the 4th Anniversary of PMMSY

• On 11th September 2024, Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan Singh launched new initiatives to boost the fisheries sector at the 4th anniversary of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
• He announced plans to increase seafood exports to Rs 1 lakh crore annually from around Rs 60,000 crore recorded in FY24.
• The National Fisheries Development Program (NFDP) Portal was launched to act as a central hub for fisheries sector stakeholders.
• Guidelines for the development of 100 coastal villages into Climate Resilient Coastal Fisherman Villages (CRCFVs) were also unveiled.

Summit and Conference News

Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu Inaugurates 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation in New Delhi

• India hosted the 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation (APMC) from 11th to 12th September 2024 in New Delhi.
• Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu was unanimously elected as the chairman of APMC.
• The Draft Asia Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Civil Aviation (Delhi Declaration) was adopted in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The conference was organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Science and Technology News

NHA & IIT Kanpur Signed MoU To Develop Digital Public Goods For AI in Healthcare

• The National Health Authority (NHA) and IIT Kanpur signed an MoU to develop digital public goods for AI in healthcare.
• The MoU was signed by L S Changsan, Additional Secretary, MoHFW, and Professor Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur.
• IIT Kanpur will develop a quality-preserving database, an open platform for AI model validation, and a consent management system for research.
• The platform will be operated by NHA, aiming to improve healthcare outcomes and provide high-quality data for researchers.

Science and Technology News

MoFAHD Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Launches ‘Rangeen Machhli’ App

• On 12th September 2024, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched the Rangeen Machhli mobile app at ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar.
• The app, developed by ICAR-CIFA with PMMSY support, provides multilingual information on popular ornamental fish.
• It includes educational modules on aquarium care and ornamental aquaculture, offering detailed guidance for hobbyists and farmers.
• The app also features a dynamic directory of aquarium shops and promotes local businesses.

Important Days News

SHS 2024 Campaign to be Held under the theme “Swabhav Swachhata Sanskaar Swachhata” from 17 Sep – 2nd Oct 2024

• The annual Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) campaign will be observed from 17th September to 2nd October 2024.
• The theme for SHS 2024 is promoting cleanliness as a daily habit.
• The campaign aims to facilitate large-scale advocacy and citizen participation in cleanliness drives and sanitation worker recognition.
• SHS 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in 2014 to make India “Open-Defecation Free” by 2019.

Defence News

IAF Contingent Participates in Exercise Eastern Bridge VII in Oman

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in the 7th edition of Exercise Eastern Bridge at Air Force base Masirah, Oman.
• The exercise, which began on 11th September 2024, will conclude on 22nd September 2024.
• The IAF contingent includes MiG-29s, Jaguars fighter planes, and C-17 Globemaster III transport planes.
• The exercise aims to enhance bilateral military cooperation between India and Oman.

Banking and Finance News

Small Savings Schemes Grow 13.8% Led by Sukanya Samriddhi, Senior Citizen’s Scheme

• According to RBI data, small savings schemes grew by 13.8% up to February 2024, reaching Rs 18.1 lakh crore.
• The growth was particularly driven by the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) and the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS).
• Seven small savings schemes, including Post Office Savings Scheme and Post Office Recurring Deposits, recorded growth between 9% and 11%.
• The outstanding balance of small savings schemes increased from Rs 6.2 lakh crore in 2015 to Rs 18.1 lakh crore in February 2024.

Banking and Finance News

RBL Bank & DMI Finance Launches ‘RBL Bank DMI Finance Credit Card’

• RBL Bank and DMI Finance announced a strategic partnership to offer co-branded credit cards.
• The RBL Bank DMI Finance Credit Card comes with a membership fee of Rs 499 and offers various consumer-friendly benefits.
• Key offerings include accelerated reward points, no-cost EMI options, and discounts at top merchants.
• Card members can earn up to 2,000 reward points as a welcome benefit and enjoy discounts on movie tickets and fuel surcharge waivers.

Banking and Finance News

PayGlocal Secures RBI Nod to Operate as Online Merchant Payments Aggregator

• PayGlocal Technologies Private Limited received final authorization from the RBI to function as an Online Payment Aggregator.
• With this authorization, PayGlocal can officially onboard merchants and offer secure payment processing.
• The company aims to provide a comprehensive suite of payment solutions for various businesses.
• PayGlocal was honored as Fintech Startup of the Year at the 3rd Global Fintech Awards 2024.

International News

IREDA Signed MoU with SJVN & GMR For 900 MW Hydro Project in Nepal

• IREDA signed an MoU with SJVN Limited and GMR Energy Limited for the development of a 900 MW hydro-electric project in Nepal.
• The MoU was signed by SK Sharma, GM Finance and Administration of IREDA, Jitendra Yadav, GM SJVN, and SN Barde, CEO of GMR Energy.
• The initiative aims to enhance regional energy security and boost cross-border clean energy projects.
• The partnership supports the goal of sustainable growth and advances Nepal’s hydropower industry.

Appointments and Resignations News

G Srinivasan Appointed as MD & CEO of Galaxy Health Insurance

• Gopalan Srinivasan has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Health Insurance Company Limited.
• He was the former Chairman and Managing Director of New India Assurance Company Limited.
• Srinivasan has over 40 years of experience and has served on the boards of various insurance and financial institutions.
• Galaxy Health Insurance is a joint venture between the TVS Group and the family of V. Jagannathan.

Science and Technology News

SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn Mission Crew led by Billionaire Entrepreneur Returned to Earth

• On 15th September 2024, SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn Mission Crew, led by Jared Isaacman, returned to Earth.
• The mission achieved the world’s first private spacewalk, lasting 1 hour and 46 minutes.
• The Dragon capsule carrying the crew splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico near Dry Tortugas, Florida.
• The mission also tested SpaceX’s Starlink laser-based communications in space and conducted about 40 experiments.

Obituary News

Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori Passed Away

• Alberto Kenya Fujimori Inomoto, the former President of Peru, passed away on 11th September 2024 at the age of 86.
• Fujimori served as the 54th President of Peru for two consecutive terms from 1990 to 2000.
• He was credited with restoring economic stability through his “Fujishock” neoliberal policies.
• In 2009, he was sentenced to 25 years in jail for human rights abuses but was later released.

Important Days News

World First Aid Day 2024 – September 14

• World First Aid Day is observed annually on the 2nd Saturday of September to promote the importance of first aid knowledge.
• The 2024 theme is “First Aid and Sports.”
• The day aims to raise awareness about how first aid can prevent injuries and save lives in daily crises.
• The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) declared the 2nd Saturday of September as World First Aid Day in 2000.

Important Days News

Hindi Diwas 2024 – September 14

• Hindi Diwas is observed annually on September 14 to commemorate the adoption of Hindi as one of the official languages of India.
• The day aims to raise awareness and promote the use of the Hindi language.
• The year 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of Hindi becoming the official language.
• Union Minister Amit Shah addressed the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Hindi and the 4th Akhil Bharatiya Rajbhasha Sammelan in New Delhi.

Important Days News

International Day of Democracy 2024 – September 15

• The International Day of Democracy is observed annually on 15 September to promote democratic values worldwide.
• The 2024 theme is “Ensuring Effective Governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at all Levels.”
• The UN General Assembly proclaimed 15 September as the International Day of Democracy in 2007.
• The first International Day of Democracy was observed on 15 September 2008.