NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. PM Modi inaugurates SEMICON India 2024 in Greater Noida: The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has inaugurated SEMICON India 2024 at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The three-day conference showcase India’s semiconductor strategy and policy which envisions making India a global hub for semiconductors. With India’s electronics sector now valued at over $150 billion, the Prime Minister outlined a larger goal to grow the country’s electronics sector, to $500 billion and create 6 million jobs by the end of this decade.Under this vision, SEMICON India 2024 is being organized with the theme “Shaping the Semiconductor Future”.
2. Cabinet approves implementation of the PMGSY-IV during FY 2024-25 to 2028-29: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the proposal of the Department of Rural Development for “Implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana – IV (PMGSY-IV) during FY 2024-25 to 2028-29”.The financial assistance is to be provided for the construction of 62,500 Kms road for providing new connectivity, to eligible 25,000 unconnected habitations and construction/upgradation of bridges on the new connectivity roads. The total outlay of this scheme will be Rs. 70,125 crore.The details of the approval given by the Cabinet are as follows:
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana -IV is launched for the financial year 2024-25 to 2028-29. The total outlay of this scheme is Rs. 70,125 crore (Central Share of Rs. 49,087.50 crore and State Share of Rs. 21,037.50 crore).
3. Cabinet approves ‘Mission Mausam’ to create a more weather-ready and climate-smart Bharat: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved ‘Mission Mausam’ with an outlay of Rs.2,000 crore over two years.Mission Mausam, to be chiefly implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is envisaged to be multi-faceted and transformative initiative to tremendously boost India’s weather and climate-related science, research, and services.The mission’s focus will include improving observations and understanding for providing highly accurate and timely weather and climate information across temporal and spatial scales, including monsoon forecasts, alerts for air quality, extreme weather events and cyclones, weather interventions for managing fog,hail, and rain, etc., capacity building and generating awareness.Critical elements of Mission Mausam will include the deployment of next-generation radars and satellite systems with advanced sensors and high-performance supercomputers, the development of improved Earth system models and a GIS-based automated Decision Support System for real-time data dissemination.
4. Cabinet approves PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has approved the proposal of Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) for implementation of a scheme titled ‘PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme’ for promotion of electric mobility in the country.The scheme has an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore over two years.Subsidies/Demand incentives worth Rs.3,679 crore have been provided to incentivize e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, e-trucks and other emerging EVs. The scheme will support 24.79 lakh e-2Ws, 3.16 lakh e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses.MHI is introducing e-vouchers for EV buyers to avail of demand incentives under the scheme.The scheme allocates Rs.500 crore for the deployment of e-ambulances. This is a new initiative of Govt of India to promote the use of e-ambulance for comfortable patient transport. The performance and safety standards of e-ambulances will be formulated in consultation with MoHFW, MoRTH, and other relevant stakeholders.
5. Cabinet approves ₹5 lakh health insurance for senior citizens above 70 years: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of income under the flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).This aims to benefit approximately 4.5 Crore families with six crore senior citizens, with 5 Lakh rupees free health insurance cover on a family basis.With this approval, all senior citizens of the age 70 years and above irrespective of their socio-economic status would be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY. The eligible senior citizens would be issued a new distinct card under AB PM-JAY.The senior citizens aged 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional top-up cover up to ₹5 lakh per year for themselves (which they do not have to share with the other members of the family who are below the age of 70 years). All other senior citizens of the age 70 years and above will get a cover up to ₹5 lakh per year, on a family basis.
6. ONDC launches Saarthi reference app for businesses to create multilingual buyer apps: Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has launched Saarthi, a reference application designed to assist businesses in creating their own customised buyer-side apps, co-developed with Bhashini.
As a reference tool, Saarthi supports network participants in building buyer apps with multilingual features.The app initially supports Hindi, English, Marathi, Bangla and Tamil, with plans to scale up to all 22 languages provided by Bhashini.The launch of Saarthi is a pivotal development in our journey towards a more inclusive digital commerce landscape. By providing a reference application that enables businesses to create multilingual buyer apps, we are breaking down language barriers and opening up new avenues for engagement and growth.
7. MP govt inks MoU with NDDB for promoting milk production: Madhya Pradesh government has signed an MoU with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), aimed at increasing the milk production in the state.This step will help to increase milk production in the state,” CM Yadav said, adding that NDDB and the state government would set up dairies for milk production as a pilot project.The chief minister said with this step, more than 11,000 villages would be able to get a fair milk price.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India hosts 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation: Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, addressed the media regarding the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation 2024, at Rajeev Gandhi Bhawan New Delhi.The 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India.The event is co-hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. The first Ministerial Conference of the Asia Pacific region was organized in 2018 in Beijing, China. During the first conference, India volunteered to host the second Conference in 2020, however, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the conference was postponed.
2. Nepal Becomes 101st Member of International Solar Alliance: Nepal has become the 101st country to join the International Solar Alliance-ISA as a full member.The Ministry of External Affairs said that Nepal handed over its Instrument of Ratification to the ISA in New Delhi.The Instrument of Ratification was exchanged during a meeting between Nepal’s Charge d’ Affairs Dr. Surendra Thapa and Joint Secretary.The ISA initiative aims to increase solar energy technology deployment in its member countries. The goal is to improve energy access, security, and transition. India and France launched the ISA at the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) in Paris to support the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.
3. 14 September 2024 – World First Aid Day: World First Aid Day is observed annually on the second Saturday of September to highlight the importance of first aid in saving lives. This year, World First Aid Day falls on September 14.The day aims to educate people about the crucial role first aid plays in tackling medical emergencies and encouraging them to come forward when a situation arises.Theme 2024 – First Aid and SportsThe International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) declared the second Saturday of September the World First Aid Day in 2001.
4. UNGA 79th Session Begins: The UNGA meets every year in September and includes all 193 member countries, making it the only UN body where every country has an equal say. The resolutions passed here are not legally binding but still carry significant influence. The first UNGA meeting was held in London in 1948. The UNGA also elects non-permanent members to the Security Council for two-year terms and helps approve the UN’s budget. One of the important resolutions passed was the “Uniting for Peace” resolution in 1950, which allows the UNGA to discuss peace matters if the Security Council is unable to.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Defence Minister Rajnath SIngh inaugurates IDAX-24 Expo in Jodhpur: The India Defence Aviation Exposition (IDAX-24) was officially inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Jodhpur.This major event coincides with Exercise Tarang Shakti-24, one of the largest multinational air exercises hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF). IDAX-24 highlights the significant advancements and contributions of the Indian aviation industry.This edition of IDAX at Jodhpur will have grand participation from industry and host a wide range of products, and technologies. This will be an opportunity for the FFCs and Indian audiences to witness, experience, and interact with participants from the Indian Aviation Industry including DPSUs, DRDO, Private Industries (Tier-I, Il, III), and top-notch Start-Ups.
2. India Unveils First Mountain Tank ‘Zorawar’ After Trials: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has created India’s first locally-made tank specifically designed for mountain warfare, called Zorawar. This tank was developed in response to rising geopolitical tensions, especially with China in Eastern Ladakh, and lessons learned from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. After successful trials, it is ready for deployment in high-altitude regions.
3. Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility – VINETRA: Vinetra is designed to help train the crew of Kalvari-class submarines on how to escape during emergencies. This is very important for the safety of the sailors working underwater. The creation of this facility is part of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme, which focuses on building more defence technology within the country, reducing the need to depend on other nations. L&T Defence built the facility and includes.
SPORTS
1. Irani Cup 2024 to be played in Lucknow from October 1-5: The 2024/25 Irani Cup game, which was supposed to be held in Mumbai from October 1 to 5, has been shifted to Lucknow.The match will be played between current Ranji Trophy winners Mumbai and a Rest of the India side selected by the national selection committee.Last year, Rest of India won the Irani Cup after beating Saurashtra by 175 runs in Rajkot.The inaugural edition of the Irani Cup was played in March 1960, and is named after Zal R Irani, who served as Treasurer and President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Rest of India has won the trophy 26 times, while Mumbai has emerged victorious 14 times.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. India Achieves Tier 1 Status in Global Cybersecurity Index 2024: India has achieved Tier 1 status in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024, a remarkable accomplishment that shows the country’s dedication to building a strong cybersecurity foundation. This recognition by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reflects India’s growing strength in protecting digital information and improving online safety for everyone.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. CCI approves Tata Motors Finance merger with Tata Capital: The Competition Commission of India has approved the merger of Tata Motor Finance with Tata Capital.The merger, announced in June, will see Tata Capital issue its equity shares to the shareholders of Tata Motor Finance resulting in Tata Motors effectively holding a 4.7% stake in the merged entity.In a filing to the exchanges, Tata Motors said that the Board of Directors of Tata Motors, Tata Capital, and Tata Motors Finance have approved a merger of Tata Motor Finance with Tata Capital through an NCLT scheme of arrangement.
2. RBL Bank & DMI Finance Launches Co-Branded Credit Card: RBL Bank and DMI Finance Private Limited (“DMI”), part of the DMI Group, announced a strategic agreement to provide co-branded credit cards to DMI Finance’s existing customers.This collaboration intends to increase credit card access to clients in India’s metro and non-metro cities by combining RBL Bank’s extensive credit card experience, with DMI’s proven track record of enabling digital financial inclusion at scale.The credit card will offer spend-driven perks such as expedited reward points, no-cost EMI alternatives, and discounts at popular merchants.This partnership will enhance financial inclusion in India by bringing credit card access to underserved, creditworthy individuals across the country.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Indian-origin lecturer wins Singapore Literature Prize for English fiction, ‘Nine Yard Sarees’: An Indian-origin lecturer at Nanyang Technological University has won the prestigious Singapore Literature Prize for English fiction with her debut short story collection, Nine Yard Sarees.Prasanthi Ram, 32, saw her work published in late 2023. Her collection explores the lives of a Tamil Brahmin family spread across cities like Singapore, Sydney, New York, and Connecticut.
The award for best English creative non-fiction went to Shubigi Rao, an Indian-origin artist, for her book Pulp III: An Intimate Inventory Of The Banished Book (2022). This book is the third part of her decade-long project on banned literature.
No comments:
Post a Comment