National News

PM Modi Launches Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and New Vande Bharat Trains

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail on September 16, 2024.
• The train, known as the Vande Metro, will operate between Ahmedabad and Bhuj, covering a 360-kilometre distance in 5 hours and 45 minutes.
• It will make stops at nine stations along the route.
• Modi also flagged off several Vande Bharat Express trains on new routes, including Nagpur-Secunderabad, Kolhapur-Pune, and Pune-Hubballi.
• Additionally, a 20-coach Vande Bharat train from Varanasi to Delhi was introduced.

Awards and Recognitions News

Angkor Wat Named Most Photogenic UNESCO World Heritage Site in Asia

• Cambodia’s Angkor Wat has been recognized as the most photogenic UNESCO World Heritage site in Asia by Times Travel.
• This accolade was announced by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on September 15.
• The announcement was made through a post on his official Telegram channel.
• The recognition was based on Times of India’s list of Asia’s top ten most photogenic UNESCO sites.

State News

J&K Launches ‘Vote Ka Tyohar’ Theme Song

• The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), J&K, launched the theme song ‘Vote Ka Tyohar’ to encourage voter participation.
• The song was released by CEO Pandurang K Pole.
• It aims to motivate voters across Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory to cast their votes in the upcoming Assembly Elections.
• The elections will begin on 18 September 2024 across seven districts of both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions.

International News

Jordan’s King Appoints New Prime Minister After Parliamentary Elections

• Jordan’s King Abdullah II accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Bisher al-Khasawneh following last week’s parliamentary elections.
• Al-Khasawneh, a seasoned diplomat, had been in office since October 2020.
• He resigned in accordance with the constitutional norm after legislative elections.
• Jafar Hassan, a technocrat and former planning minister, has been appointed as the new prime minister.

Appointments and Resignations News

Senior IPS Officer Amrit Mohan Appointed SSB Chief

• Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from Odisha cadre, Amrit Mohan, was appointed as the Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved Mr. Prasad’s appointment.
• He will serve as the Director General, SSB, until his superannuation on August 31, 2025.
• This appointment is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the leadership of its security forces.

Science and Technology News

LIC Appoints Infosys for NextGen Digital Platform

• The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has selected Infosys to develop its next-generation digital platform.
• This initiative is part of LIC’s DIVE (Digital Innovation and Value Enhancement) programme.
• The new platform will serve as an integrated end-to-end solution, enhancing customer services and business lifecycle management.
• It will also offer a digital front-end for branch employees and operational activities for sales intermediaries.

Sports News

India’s Triumph at WorldSkills 2024

• The Indian contingent showcased a remarkable performance at the WorldSkills 2024 competition in Lyon, France.
• India secured 4 Bronze medals and 12 Medallions of Excellence.
• This achievement highlights India’s growing prowess in various skill domains on the international stage.
• The country has firmly established itself as a rising force in the global skills arena.

Sports News

First Pakistani Woman Nominated as International Cricket Umpire

• Saleema Imtiaz has made history by becoming the first Pakistani woman to be nominated to the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires.
• The announcement was made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
• This nomination marks a significant milestone for women in cricket in Pakistan.
• Saleema’s achievement is expected to inspire more women to pursue careers in cricket officiating.

Sports News

17 Year old Anmol Kharb Wins First Single Title in Belgium

• India’s 17-year-old Anmol Kharb clinched her first international title in women’s singles.
• She defeated Denmark’s Amalie Schulz in a hard-fought final at the Belgian International badminton tournament.
• Anmol became the women’s singles national badminton champion at the age of 16.
• She was also a key player in the Indian women’s team that won a historic gold medal at the 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships in Malaysia.

Awards and Recognitions News

Indian women’s contributions across UAE honored at Indian Women Dubai Awards 2024

• The Indian Women Dubai Awards 2024 took place in Dubai, honoring the achievements of Indian women in various fields across the UAE.
• The event celebrated empowerment, resilience, and unity.
• It showcased the impact of women who are shaping the community.
• The awards highlighted the significant contributions of Indian women in the UAE.

Awards and Recognitions News

Aishwarya Rai Wins Best Actress at SIIMA 2024

• Aishwarya Rai Bachhan received the Best Actress (critics) Award at the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) 2024.
• She was honored for her role in Maniratnam’s epic “Ponniyin Selvan 2”.
• This recognition adds to Aishwarya’s illustrious career in the film industry.
• Her performance in the film was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike.

Books and Authors News

The Book Titled ‘Sri Rama in Tamilagam – An inseparable bond’ Released by Governor of Tamil Nadu

• Thiru. R.N. Ravi, the Honorable Governor of Tamil Nadu, presided over the release of the book “Sri Rama in Tamilagam – An Inseparable Bond”.
• The book is authored by Dr. D.K. Hari and Dr. D.K. Hema Hari.
• It explores the deep-rooted connection between Lord Rama and the land of Tamilagam, now known as Tamil Nadu.
• The release marks a significant day for Tamil literature and cultural heritage.

International News

Operation Sadbhavana, India’s Humanitarian Response to Typhoon Yagi

• Typhoon Yagi recently struck Southeast Asia, prompting the Indian government to launch Operation Sadbhavana.
• This humanitarian initiative aims to provide crucial assistance to affected countries.
• The operation exemplifies India’s commitment to its Act East Policy.
• It highlights India’s role as a first responder in providing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to nations in need.

Banking and Finance News

NPS Vatsalya Scheme to Launch on September 18, 2024

• The NPS Vatsalya Scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, will be launched by Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on September 18, 2024.
• The launch event will take place in New Delhi.
• The scheme allows parents to invest in pension accounts for their children with flexible contributions starting at Rs. 1,000 annually.
• It offers long-term wealth building through compounding.

Summit and Conference News

8th India Water Week 2024 Organized by Ministry of Jal Shakti

• The Ministry of Jal Shakti will organize the India Water Week 2024 from 17th to 20th September.
• It is a 4-day conference and exhibition, serving as India’s international water resources event.
• The event was first conceptualized and organized in 2012.
• The Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, organizes the India Water Week biannually.

Important Days News

World Patient Safety Day 2024, Know the Date, History and Significance

• On September 17, 2024, the world observed World Patient Safety Day.
• This annual event is dedicated to raising awareness about patient safety.
• It promotes collaboration among healthcare stakeholders.
• This year’s theme, “Improving diagnosis for patient safety”, underscores the importance of accurate and timely diagnoses in ensuring patient safety and enhancing health outcomes.