National News

Cabinet Approvals on 18th September 2024

• On 18th September 2024, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved several key initiatives.
• The recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections were accepted.
• The Bio-RIDE scheme was introduced to support cutting-edge research and development in Biotechnology.
• The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan was launched with a total outlay of Rs.79,156 crore for five years.
• The continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) was approved.
• The Chandrayaan-4 mission was greenlit to develop and demonstrate technologies for returning to Earth after a successful Moon landing.
• The development of the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) for exploring and studying Venus was also approved.

International News

India-Denmark Strengthen Maritime Ties with Focus on Green Shipping, Digitalization and Sustainable Development

• On 18th September 2024, India and Denmark signed an extended Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on maritime issues.
• The MoU was signed by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Denmark’s Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, Morten Bødskov, in New Delhi.
• The collaboration includes quality shipping, port state control cooperation, maritime training, research and development, piracy, green maritime technology, shipbuilding, and green shipping.
• The MoU now includes a dedicated clause for establishing a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in India.
• The partnership aims to enhance expertise in green maritime technologies, port digitalization, automation, and cyber security, supporting India’s ambition to become a global leader in smart ports.

Banking and Finance News

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Launched NPS Vatsalya, Pension Scheme for Minors in New Delhi

• On 18th September 2024, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the ‘National Pension System Vatsalya (NPS Vatsalya)’ in New Delhi.
• The scheme allows parents and guardians to save for their children’s future by investing in a pension account.
• The minimum amount required to open a Vatsalya account is Rs 1,000, with an annual contribution of Rs 1,000.
• The launch event was held simultaneously at 75 locations across the country, distributing over 250 Permanent Retirement Account Numbers (PRAN) to minor subscribers.
• An online platform for subscribing to NPS Vatsalya was also launched, along with a brochure detailing the scheme’s features.

Science and Technology News

DAE Gives Approval To ASHVINI For Building Nuclear Plants; Transfers Mahi Banswara Project in Rajasthan

• The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) approved the transfer of the 4×700 Megawatt electric (MWe) Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP) to Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI).
• ASHVINI is a joint venture between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and NTPC Limited.
• The joint venture is authorized to build, own, and operate nuclear power plants in India.
• This initiative aims to combine financial and technical resources for rapid growth in nuclear power capacity to meet India’s Net Zero targets by 2070.
• ASHVINI plans to pursue other nuclear power projects across India, with an exemption for NPCIL and NTPC to invest significant amounts in a single joint venture or subsidiary.

Science and Technology News

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Launches ‘Amrit Catla’ at ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar

• Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched ‘Amrit Catla,’ a new genetically improved variety of the freshwater fish Catla, at ICAR-CIFA in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• The Amrit Catla was given to the National Freshwater Fish Brood Bank (NFFBB) of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) for wider distribution to farmers.
• ICAR-CIFA initiated a selective breeding effort in 2010 to increase Catla body weight at harvest.
• The initiative collected nine Catla strains from West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
• The Amrit Catla project was nationally recognized with the Best Technology Award at the 96th ICAR Foundation and Technology Day and was trademarked as ‘CIFA-Amrit Catla.’

Rank and Reports News

India Becomes 6th Largest Market in MSCI ACWI, Tops Emerging Market List

• India has become the 6th largest market in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country World Investable Market Index (ACWI IMI), surpassing China.
• India has also become the largest weighting in the MSCI Emerging Market Investable Market Index (EM IMI) for the first time.
• As of 31st August 2024, India’s weight in the MSCI ACWI IMI stood at 2.35%, slightly behind France’s 2.38%.
• The combined weight of India’s domestic stocks in the MSCI EM IMI Index was 22.7%, compared to China’s 21.58%.
• This achievement highlights India’s growing influence in the global market.

Defence News

SIDM Signs 2 MoUs on Defence Industry Cooperation with EDCC & EDGE Group of UAE

• On 18th September 2024, the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Emirates Defence Companies Council (EDCC) and EDGE Group of the UAE.
• The MoUs aim to enhance defence cooperation, technology transfer, and joint projects between UAE and Indian companies.
• The collaboration includes joint development of unmanned systems, co-production of next-generation platforms, and exploration of critical minerals in third countries.
• The India-UAE defence relationship has deepened since 2014, supported by high-level exchanges, joint exercises, and strategic dialogues.
• This partnership aligns with India’s involvement in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), enhancing India’s strategic position in the region.

Rank and Reports News

IRF’s 2024 State of the Rhino Report: Greater One-Horned Rhinos Among Most Vulnerable to Climate Change

• The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) released the ‘2024 State of the Rhino’ report, highlighting the vulnerability of the Greater One-Horned Rhino to climate change.
• The report provides current population estimates and trends for the five surviving rhino species in Africa and Asia.
• Rhino poaching in Africa rose by 4% from 2022 to 2023, with 586 rhinos killed in 2023.
• The Greater One-Horned Rhino population is primarily found in India and Nepal, with an estimated population of 4,014.
• Despite population growth, the species is still classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Banking and Finance News

Jana Small Finance Bank Launches “Liquid Plus” FD at 6.75% Interest Rate

• Jana Small Finance Bank Limited has launched the “Liquid Plus” Fixed Deposit (FD) with an interest rate of 6.75% per annum.
• The FD is designed for individuals, High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs), and corporates seeking short-term investment options with safety, liquidity, and assured returns.
• The tenure ranges from 7 days to 180 days, with a minimum deposit of Rs 10 Lakhs for retail deposits and up to Rs 3 crores.
• The FD allows for same-day redemption (T+0) and offers the option to withdraw a portion of the FD whenever necessary.
• This term deposit comes with no exit load and provides the option to secure an overdraft against the FD.

Awards and Recognitions News

ICMR Gets UN Inter-Agency Task Force Award for Controlling Non-Communicable Diseases

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been honored with the ‘2024 United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force (UNIATF) Award’ for its efforts in preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health.
• ICMR has implemented various initiatives, including establishing national centers focused on Assistive Health Technology.
• The organization has developed sustainable assistive products for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions.
• ICMR conducted the world’s largest assistive technology survey, providing critical data for policy and resource allocation.
• The UNIATF award recognizes organizations that demonstrate exemplary efforts in advancing public health initiatives aligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Appointments and Resignations News

ACC Approves Appointment of Anurag Garg as New DG of NCB

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Anurag Garg as the new Director General (DG) of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
• Anurag Garg is a 1993-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre.
• He will hold the position until May 23, 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• Prior to this appointment, he served as an Additional DG in the Border Security Force (BSF) in New Delhi.
• He succeeds Anish Dayal Singh, who held the Additional Charge as DG of NCB following the retirement of Satya Narayan Pradhan in August 2024.

Science and Technology News

Bellatrix Aerospace Launches Project 200, a Satellite to Operate at ULEO of 180-250 km

• Bellatrix Aerospace Private Limited launched Project 200, an innovative satellite designed to operate at an Ultra-Low Earth Orbit (ULEO) of 180-250 km.
• Project 200 is a technology demonstrator mission to qualify a new unconventional satellite powered by a highly advanced propulsion system.
• The satellite aims to transform high-resolution Earth observation, telecommunications, and scientific research.
• Potential benefits include improved image resolution, reduced communication latency, lower satellite costs, and minimal radiation.
• The 8th Bengaluru Space Expo (BSX) 2024 served as the platform for the launch, highlighting advancements in space technology.

Books and Authors News

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Launched a Book “Ranadhurandhar Shahajiraje Bhosale” by Amar Yuvraj Dangat

• Union Minister Nitin Gadkari released a book titled “Ranadhurandhar Shahajiraje Bhosale” authored by Amar Yuvraj Dangat in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
• The book focuses on Shahajiraje Bhosale, a prominent Maratha general from the 17th Century and the father of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• Shahajiraje Bhosale played a crucial role in reviving Maharashtrian pride during 350 years of Islamic and foreign rule.
• He inspired his son, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, to establish Maratha rule (Swarajya) in Maharashtra.
• The book highlights Shahajiraje’s efforts in creating a covert rule in Karnataka.

Important Days News

UN’s First Ever World Cleanup Day – 20 September 2024

• The United Nations’ World Cleanup Day 2024 was observed on 20th September to raise awareness about the importance of clean-up initiatives in sustainable development.
• The inaugural event was held in Tromsø, Norway, under the theme “Arctic Cities and Marine Litter.”
• The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution A/RES/78/122 on 8th December 2024, proclaiming 20th September as World Cleanup Day.
• The resolution invites the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to facilitate the observance of the day.
• The day aims to promote global clean-up efforts and sustainable development practices.

State News

Mizoram CM Pu Lalduhoma Launches ‘Bana Kaih’ Scheme To Support Farmers & Entrepreneurs

• On 19th September 2024, Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma launched the ‘Mizoram Bana Kaih’ (Handholding) Scheme to support small entrepreneurs and farmers.
• The scheme comprises five crucial components, including handholding support, sustainable development through clusters, market support, and participative planning.
• Financial assistance packages offer loans up to Rs. 50 lakh through partner banks, with interest subventions for those who repay their loans.
• The scheme includes a Special Category policy offering grants-in-aid of up to Rs.1 lakh and a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for vital crops.
• The government has allocated Rs 200 crore for the scheme’s implementation for 2024-25, in addition to Rs 110 crore for agricultural assurance in FY 2023-24.

State News

Telangana Decided To Celebrate Sept 17 as Praja Palana Day

• The Telangana State government has decided to celebrate September 17th as Telangana Praja Palana Day (the Day of People’s Governance).
• September 17 marks the day Hyderabad merged with the Indian Union in 1948 following a police action under Operation Polo.
• The national flag will be hoisted at all government offices, Urban Local Bodies (ULB), and Gram Panchayats on this day.
• Previously, the Government of India decided to celebrate September 17 as Hyderabad Liberation Day.
• The day aims to commemorate the historical significance of Hyderabad’s integration into the Indian Union.

State News

LG of Ladakh BD Mishra Inaugurated the 9th Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2024 in Sani

• Brigadier BD Mishra, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, inaugurated the 9th Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2024 in Sani, Zanskar sub-division.
• The festival, organized by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Department of Tourism and Culture, and the District Administration of Kargil, was held on 13 and 14 September 2024.
• The festival featured diverse cultural performances from various communities of Ladakh, including Purgi tribes, the Shina community, the Dard-Aryans, and the Changpa nomads.
• Monks from Sani monastery performed Chhams (sacred mask dance), and artists from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) also participated.
• The 2024 Zanskar Festival marked the first celebration since Zanskar was officially declared a district.