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Current Affairs Pocket PDF – September 2023
Table of Contents
NATIONAL AFFAIRS ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
CABINET APPROVALS ............................................................................................................................................... 7
STATEWISE NATIONAL NEWS ................................................................................................................................. 7
FESTIVAL..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION ................................................................................................................................. 9
OTHER NATIONAL NEWS ....................................................................................................................................... 12
GOVT SCHEMES ............................................................................................................................................................ 17
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ......................................................................................................................................... 19
VISITS............................................................................................................................................................................. 20
INDIAN VISITS .......................................................................................................................................................... 20
BANKING & FINANCE .................................................................................................................................................. 21
RBI IN NEWS ............................................................................................................................................................. 21
SEBI ............................................................................................................................................................................ 23
AGREEMENTS & MoUs SIGNED.............................................................................................................................. 24
OTHER BANKING NEWS ......................................................................................................................................... 27
FINANCE NEWS......................................................................................................................................................... 30
ECONOMY & BUSINESS ............................................................................................................................................... 33
GDP & GROWTH RATE ............................................................................................................................................ 33
ECONOMY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................................... 35
BUSINESS NEWS ....................................................................................................................................................... 35
MoU’s & AGREEMENTS ............................................................................................................................................... 35
MoU’s WITH COUNTRY ........................................................................................................................................... 35
MoU’s WITH STATES ............................................................................................................................................... 36
MoU’s BETWEEN ORGANIZATION ........................................................................................................................ 38
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS .......................................................................................................................... 44
APPOINTMENTS....................................................................................................................................................... 44
NATIONAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 44
INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 48
BRAND & CAMPAIGN AMBASSADORS ................................................................................................................. 49
OTHER APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS ........................................................................................................ 50
AWARDS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 50
OTHER IMPORTANT AWARDS .............................................................................................................................. 50

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS IN CONTENT FORMAT .......................................................................................... 54
SUMMITS, EVENTS & CONFERENCE.......................................................................................................................... 55
SUMMITS ................................................................................................................................................................... 55
EVENTS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 56
CONFERENCE ............................................................................................................................................................ 56
COMMITTEES & MEETINGS........................................................................................................................................ 57
COMMITTEES............................................................................................................................................................ 57
MEETINGS ................................................................................................................................................................. 58
INDEX ............................................................................................................................................................................. 58
RANKING ................................................................................................................................................................... 58
REPORTS ................................................................................................................................................................... 60
RANKING & REPORTS IN CONTENT FORMAT .................................................................................................... 62
ACQUISITION & MERGERS ......................................................................................................................................... 62
DEFENCE........................................................................................................................................................................ 64
EXERCISE ................................................................................................................................................................... 64
TESTING .................................................................................................................................................................... 66
ARMY, NAVY & AIR FORCE NEWS ......................................................................................................................... 66
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................... 67
SATELLITES LAUNCHES .......................................................................................................................................... 67
NATIONAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 68
INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 69
SPORTS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 70
CRICKET .................................................................................................................................................................... 70
BADMINTON & TENNIS........................................................................................................................................... 70
ATHLETIC & FOOTBALL ......................................................................................................................................... 71
ARCHERY & SHOOTING .......................................................................................................................................... 71
OTHER SPORTS NEWS ............................................................................................................................................ 72
BOOKS & AUTHORS ..................................................................................................................................................... 75
OBITUARY ..................................................................................................................................................................... 76
NATIONAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 76
INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 77
IMPORTANT DAYS ....................................................................................................................................................... 79
APPS & WEB PORTAL ................................................................................................................................................. 92
ENVIRONMENT............................................................................................................................................................. 96

NATIONAL AFFAIRS
CABINET APPROVALS
Cabinet Approvals on September 6, 2023
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has approved the following
proposals on 6th September, 2023:
✓ Cabinet Approves ₹3,760 Crore VGF for Development of BESS- The Union Cabinet has
approved a scheme for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) aimed at developing Battery Energy Storage
Systems (BESS). The scheme is part of the government’s efforts to enhance renewable energy
integration and reduce peak power demand costs. It was first introduced in the Union Budget
2023. It will be administered by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance.
✓ The Cabinet approved an additional amount of Rs. 1164.53 crore for the Industrial
Development Scheme (IDS), 2017, for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The Ministry of
Commerce and Industry, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, proposed the
allocation of additional funds under the Central Sector Scheme for Industrial Development Scheme
2017 for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved a proposal from Puducherry to
implement a10% quota for students studying in government schools in medical admissions in
Puducherry. The Centralised Admission Committee (CENTAC) is responsible for finalizing the list of
students for admission to various higher education courses…Click here for more detail
Cabinet Approval on September 13, 2023

The Union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi has approved the following proposals
on 13th September 2023.
i.Resolution on the success of the New Delhi Group20 (G20) Summit
ii.The Union Cabinet approved the extension of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) 2.0 for release
of 75 lakh LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) connections over 3 years from Financial Year 2023-24 to
2025-26.
iii.Approved the eCourts Project Phase III as a Central Sector Scheme spanning 4 years (starting from
2023 onwards) with financial outlay of Rs.7210 crore.
iv.Approval of MoUs between India and 3 other Countries - MoU between India and Armenia, India and
Antigua & Barbuda, India and Sierra Leone
v.Approval of M/s Berhyanda Limited of Cyprus acquisition of 76.1% equity shares from Suven
Pharmaceuticals Limited for about Rs.9589 crores…Click here for more detail.
STATEWISE NATIONAL NEWS

Andhra Pradesh
AP Governor Released Special Postal Covers On Freedom Fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju
Andhra Pradesh(AP) Governor S Abdul Nazeer has released 6 special covers on “Manyam Viplava
Saradhi Alluri Sitarama Raju” part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to honour the unsung heroes through
the medium of philately.
✓ The covers were brought out by the Department of Post, Ministry of Communication, is a
compilation of the heroic deeds of Alluri and sacrifices of his lieutenants in the form of monograph.
✓ The release also commemorates the Centenary of the Chilli Post.

Gujarat
Ahmedabad Becomes India's 2nd City to Implement ETS for Particulate Matter After Surat
Mulubhai Bera, Minister of Tourism, Cultural Activities, Forest & Environment, Climate Change,
Government of Gujarat, inaugurated the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) Live trading in
Ahmedabad, Gujarat. With this launch, Ahmedabad became the 2nd city in India as well as in
Gujarat to implement an ETS for particulate pollution after Surat (Gujarat).
Jharkhand
Jharkhand Cabinet Approves Pension for the Transgender Community & Inclusion in Backward
Classes Category
Jharkhand Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister(CM) Hemant Soren approved to include the
transgender community under its universal pension scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Rajya Samajik
Suraksha Pension Yojana’ and avail the financial aid of Rs 1000 per month.Those who are 18
years of age or above and have voter ID cards will be eligible for the scheme.
The cabinet has also approved including them under the other backward class (OBC) category
to ensure they avail the benefits of reservation in government jobs
Maharashtra
Maharashtra Celebrates Dahi Handi Festival as Part of Krishna Janmashtami
Maharashtra celebrated the Dahi Handi festival as part of Krishna Janmashtami, the birth
anniversary of Lord Krishna on 7th September 2023. The festival is also known as Gopal Kala or
Utlotsavam. The term 'Dahi' refers to curd and handi, an earthen pot consisting of milk-related by-
products.
Odisha
Union Minister Scindia Inaugurates Utkela Airport & Bhubaneswar-Utkela Direct Flight Service
in Odisha
Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Ministry of Civil Aviation(MoCA) along with Gen. Vijay Kumar
Singh (Rtd.) Minister of State (MoS) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation virtually inaugurated Utkela
Airport in the Kalahandi district of Odisha and a direct flight between Utkela and Bhubaneswar of
Odisha.
Startup Odisha Launches Rs 100 Crore Startup Growth Fund

Startup Odisha, an initiative of the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises(MSME) Department of
the Odisha government, launched “Odisha Startup Growth Fund (OSGF)” worth Rs 100 Crore
in collaboration with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
Jammu and Kashmir

J&K’s Udhampur Railway Station Renamed after Capt. Tushar Mahajan
The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) administration has passed an order to rename the Udhampur
railway station in Udhampur district of J&K as “Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway
Station”. Captain Tushar Mahajan, from Udhampur’s Adarsh Colony, J&K, was an officer of the 9
PARA(Special Forces of the Indian Army).

FESTIVAL
India’s First Lighthouse Festival Held in Goa to promote Lighthouses as Tourist Destinations
The First edition of ‘Bharatiya Prakash Sthamb Utsav’ or ‘Indian Lighthouse Festival’, the 3 day
long event to promote Lighthouses as Tourist Destinations was held in Goa from 23rd to 25th
September 2023. The festival was inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal,
Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) at Fort Aguada in Panjim, Goa on 23rd
September 2023.
This festival was celebrated across all the lighthouses in India to promote historic spots i.e.
Lighthouses as tourist destinations.
LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal launched Tele-Law 2.0 for Legal Advice
Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State(MoS) Independent Charge (IC) Ministry of Law and
Justice(MoL&J) launched Tele-Law 2.0, an initiative of the Department of Justice(DoJ), MoL&J to provide
legal information and advice with the support of communication and Information Technology. Some of
the highlights of the event are
• Screening of the “Tele-Law” documentary, illustrating the journey of Tele-Law over five years
(2017-2022).
• Launching of “Tele-Law-2.0,” which integrates Tele-Law and the Nyaya Bandhu App, accompanied
by the release of its informative e-tutorial.
Union Minister also launched the 4th Edition of Voices of Beneficiaries Booklet which highlights the
real-life stories of individuals whose lives were positively impacted by Tele-Law.
WHO released Gujarat Declaration: Outcome Document of WHO Traditional Medicine Global
Summit 2023
The World Health Organization (WHO) released the outcome document of the WHO Traditional
Medicine Global Summit 2023 in the form of the “Gujarat Declaration”.
This reaffirs the global commitments towards indigenous knowledges, biodiversity and traditional,
complementary and integrative medicine.
WHO’s Traditional Medicine Global Summit:
WHO’s Traditional Medicine Global Summit “Towards Health and Well-being for All” co-hosted by the
Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), Government
of India (GoI) and WHO was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, on 17-18 August 2023.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Launched Skill India Digital Platform

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has
launched the Skill India Digital (SID) platform.SID is India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for
skilling, education, employment, and entrepreneurship.It includes both a website and a mobile
Application that was developed by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
✓ SID is linked to the Udyam portal for the registration of micro, small and medium enterprises.
It also linked with the eShram portal which was created to build a National Database of Unorganized
Workers.

MoCF Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Launches National Policy and PRIP Scheme
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (MoC&F) launched
National Policy on Research and Development and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector in India; and
Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech (PRIP) Sector during an event
in New Delhi, Delhi.
✓ Aim:To promote R&D in pharmaceuticals, including traditional medicines, phyto-pharmaceuticals,
and medical devices.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals has introduced the PRIP scheme with a budget of Rs.5,000 crores,
aiming to shift the Indian pharmaceutical sector towards innovation-driven growth by enhancing
research infrastructure.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs Launches ‘Amazon Future Engineer Programme’ for EMRSs
National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched
Phase II of the ‘Amazon Future Engineer Programme’ in 54 Eklavya Model Residential Schools
(EMRS) spread across Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana. The
second phase would include an Advanced Block Programming and Artificial Intelligence(AI)curriculum
in addition to coding, logical sequencing, learning loops, and block programming.
Ministry of Education along with ICC, BCCI, and UNICEF Launched 'CRIIIO 4 GOOD' Modules to
Promote Gender Equity
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education launched a new online, life skills learning
module “CRIIIO 4 GOOD” to promote gender equity among girls and boys at the Narendra Modi
Stadium, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The programme was launched in association with International Cricket Council (ICC), Board of Control
for Cricket in India (BCCI), and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan released Capacity Building Plan for 3 Departments under
Mission Karmayogi
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship(MSDE)
and Ministry of Education(MoE), released “Annual Capacity Building Plan (ACBP)” of MSDE,
Department of Higher Education (DoHE) & Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL),
“Know your Ministry Induction Module” of MSDE and “Training Module for Directors” of
Department of Higher Education (DoHE), MoE.
These initiative launched by the MSDE, DoHE, Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL) and
Capacity Building Commission (CBC). All these initiatives are launched under Mission Karmayogi.
Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with UNWTO unveils the G20 Tourism and SDG
Dashboard
On September 5, 2023, Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism
Organization (UNWTO), unveiled the G20 (Group of Twenty) Tourism and SDG (Sustainable
Development Goal) Dashboard,which was launched by the Union Minister Gangapuram Kishan
Reddy, Ministry of Tourism in a virtual ceremony.

✓ The G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard is an comprehensive online public platform that gathers
information from the G20 Tourism Working Group, including the GOA Roadmap, survey data, case
studies, and best practices from G30 Countries.
MSDE Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launches 'Skills on Wheels' with NSDC and IndusInd Bank
to Promote Skilling
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
launched 'Skills on Wheels' initiative in collaboration with the National Skill Development
Corporation (NSDC) and IndusInd Bank.MSDE minister and Shri Om Birla,Speaker, Lok Sabha have
jointly launched the initiative during the inauguration of the program ceremony.
CBIC Launched 'Mera Bill Mera Adhikar' - GST Reward Scheme

Central Board Of Indirect Taxes & Customs(CBIC) under Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance,
launched an invoice incentive scheme called 'Mera Bill Mera Adhikar'.
✓ The scheme aims to incentivise citizens and consumers to ask for Goods and Service Tax (GST)
invoices from the seller when making business-to-consumer (B2C) purchases of goods or services.
✓ The scheme was launched in the 3 States (Assam, Gujarat and Haryana) and in 3 Union
Territories(UT) (Puducherry, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli).
President Murmu Unveiled 12-foot Statue of Mahatma Gandhi & Gandhi Vatika at Delhi
President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a 12-foot-high statue of the Father of the Nation, ‘Mahatma
Gandhi‘ and inaugurated a ‘Gandhi Vatika‘ at Gandhi Darshan near Rajghat in New Delhi, Delhi. At
Gandhi Vatika, statues of Mahatma Gandhi in different poses have been installed.
• A selfie point has been established within Gandhi Vatika to enhance the visitor experience,
especially for children.
• V K Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, and Vijay Goel, Vice Chairman of Gandhi Smriti and
Darshan Samiti (GSDS), were also present on the occasion.
Union Minister Parshottam Rupala Launches Shrimp Crop Insurance Scheme

Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD),
launched Shrimp Crop Insurance scheme developed by Agriculture Insurance Company of India
Limited (AIC) with the support of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Central Institute of
Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) during the ICAR-CIBA’s 2nd edition of Shrimp Farmers Conclave
2023 in Navsari, Gujarat.
PM Modi Inaugurations on 23 & 24 September 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made significant inaugurations during September 23 & 24 2023.
i.Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurated Kashi Sansad Sanskritik Mahotsav 2023 at Rudraksh
International Cooperation and Convention Centre in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
ii.Prime Minister Flagged off Nine Vande Bharat Express Trains on September 24, 2023, via Video
Conferencing to Enhance Connectivity and Passenger Experience.
iii.Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of an international cricket stadium in
Varanasi.
iv.On September 23, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates International Lawyers’
Conference 2023 at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi…Click here for more detail……….

Rajnath Singh Inaugurates 90 Infrastructure Projects Worth Over Rs 2900 Crore by BRO
Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defense inaugurated 90 infrastructure projects constructed
by Border Road Organisation (BRO) at a ceremony organised by the BRO at Devak Bridge on Bishnah-
Kaulpur-Phulpur Road in Jammu and Kashmir.
✓ The projects have been constructed in 11 border States and Union Territories of India. Among
these 90 projects Arunachal Pradesh hosts 36 of them which include include Nechiphu Tunnel,
Ladakh is home to 26, Jammu & Kashmir accommodates 11, Mizoram sees five, Himachal Pradesh
has three,Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal each have two.There is one project in Nagaland,
one in Rajasthan, and one in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
✓ The BRO completed the construction of these projects with Rs 2941 crores in less time frame
using state-of-the-art technology.
Govt Inaugurated VSK; Laid Foundation Stone for 141 PM SHRI Schools & NSCBAV in
Uttarakhand
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education(MoE) and Ministry of Skill Development
and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) along with Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister (CM) of Uttarakhand,
inaugurated the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
✓ They also laid the Foundation Stone of 141 Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI)
Schools and 40 bed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya (NSCBAV) (residential
school) in Dehradun Uttarakhand.
The Education Department of the Government of Gujarat set up India’s first VSK in 2019 as a
prototype
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Inaugurates ‘Udaan Bhawan’ and ‘E-wallet’ Facility in Delhi
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), inaugurated ‘Udaan Bhawan,’ an
Integrated Office Complex at Safdarjung Airport in Delhi and an e-wallet (Bharatkosh Advance Deposit)
facility for MoCA. The Udaan Bhawan, the New Integrated Office would allow all organisations to work
together under the same roof and this would lead to better coordination between various regulatory
authorities under MoCA such as DGCA, BCAS, AAIB, AERA, and AAI.
India’s First Solar City Inaugurated in Sanchi of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh(MP) Chief Minister(CM) Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the city of Sanchi in
Raisen district in MP as India’s first Solar City.This is in line with Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi’s
vision of developing a solar city in every state by 2070.
✓ The solar plants of 3 MW and 5 MW solar plants in Nagauri and Gulgaon of sanchi respectively
cater to the city’s electrical and agricultural needs.
Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (MPUVNL) acted as the nodal agency of the solar city
project
OTHER NATIONAL NEWS

12th India-UK EFD: Announced the Launch of UK-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge
India and the United Kingdom (UK) announced the launch of the UK-India Infrastructure Financing
Bridge (UKIIFB) during the 12th Round of Ministerial India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD)
held in New Delhi, Delhi on 11th September 2023, to secure long-term investment for vital
infrastructure sectors in India. UKIIFB is a collaborative initiative signifies the continuing commitment
of both nations to work in close cooperation toward unlocking substantial infrastructure investment
opportunities in India.

✓ UKIIFB initiative is led jointly by the National Institute for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) and
the City of London.
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar: Govt Introduced New Set of National Awards in the Field of Science,
Tech & Innovation
The Government of India (GoI) has introduced Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP), a new set of
National Awards in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation. To recognize the notable and
inspiring contribution made by scientists, technologists, and innovators individually or in teams in
various fields of science, technology, and innovation.
The RVP will comprise 3 Vigyan Ratna awards, as well as 25 Vigyan Shri, 25 Vigyan Yuva-Shanti
Swarup Bhatnagar, and 3 Vigyan Team awards.
✓ Vigyan Ratna (VR) award is set to recognize lifetime achievements & contributions made in any
field of science and technology.
✓ Vigyan Shri (VS) award is set to recognize distinguished contributions in any field of science and
technology.
✓ Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) award is intended to recognise and encourage
young scientists under the age of 45 who have made outstanding contributions to any field of
science and technology.
Vigyan Team (VT) award is to be awarded to a team of three or more
scientists/researchers/innovators who have made an exceptional contribution in any field of science
and technology while working in a team.
India To Host 1st Edition of ‘Global IndiaAI 2023 ’ in October 2023

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is set to organise the 1st edition of the
Global IndiaAI 2023 conference in October 2023(tetatively planned for 14/15th October 2023).
India's 1st Indigenously Developed Kakrapar Atomic Power Project Unit-3 Begins Operation at
Full Capacity
On August 31, 2023, India’s first indigenously developed 700-Megawatt Electric (MWe) Pressurised
Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project Unit-3 (KAPP3) in Gujarat has
commenced operations at full capacity.
✓ KAPP-3 and KAPP-4 are India's first pair of indigenously designed PHWRs of 700 MW unit size
with enhanced safety features.
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), a Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) under the
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), is tasked with the design, construction, commissioning, and
operation of nuclear power reactors.
Bhaderwah Rajmash , Sulai Honey and Chokuwa rice gets GI Tag

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) based Geographical Indications Registry has granted Geographical Indication
(GI) tags to Bhaderwah Rajmash(Red kidney beans) and Ramban Sulai Honey of Jammu &
Kashmir(J&K) and Chokuwa rice(Magic Rice) of Assam.
• Geographical Indication Registry functions under the Department of Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI).

• Bhaderwah Rajmash(red kidney beans) smaller and distinct in texture is known for its unique
taste and flavour globally.
• Sulai honey (extracted from Van Tulsi) is known for its taste apart from unique aroma & benefits
in comparison with other honey.
State GI Product Goods
Bhaderwah Rajmash (red kidney beans) Agriculture
Jammu & Kashmir
Ramban Sulai Honey Agriculture
Assam Chokuwa Rice of Assam(Magic Rice) Agriculture
'Atreyapuram Pootharekulu' from Andhra Pradesh Received GI Tag

Geographical Indications Registry(GIR) has granted Geographical Indication(GI) tags to ‘Atreyapuram
Pootharekulu’, a sweet made of rice and jaggery from Andhra Pradesh and registered under the
‘Food Stuffs’ category.
✓ Atreyapuram is a village in Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh.
Pootharekula is a sweet made of the wafer-thin rice starch layer resembling paper stuffed with sugar,
dry fruits and nuts.Putharekula means ‘coated sheet’ in the Telugu. Pootha means ‘coating’ and reku
(plural rekulu) means ‘sheet’.
Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve: MP’s 7th Tiger Reserve Unveiled in MP

The State Government of Madhya Pradesh has introduced its 7th Tiger Reserve, named 'Veerangana
Durgavati Tiger Reserve.' Spanning over 2,339 square kilometers, it covers regions in Sagar, Damoh,
and Narsinghpur districts of MP, with portions situated within the Narmada and Yamuna River basins.
✓ The declaration of this Tiger Reserve is in accordance with the provisions of clause (ii) of sub-
section (iv) of section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (53 of 1972).
It will encompass areas within the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Veerangana Durgavati Wildlife
Sanctuary.
NCERT Granted Deemed to be University Status by UGC

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) granted the ‘Deemed to be
University’ Status under 'De Novo' category of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
✓ This was announced by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Skill Development &
Entrepreneurship (MSDE) during the event organised for the 63rd Foundation Day of the
NCERT(1st September 2023).
The deemed to be university status is given under section 3 of the University Grants Commission
(UGC)Act, 1956
Tata Motors Delivers India’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powered Buses to IOCL
Tata Motors delivered first-of-its-kind two Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) buses to Indian
Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL). These were flagged off by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Ministry of
Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG); Minister of State (MoS) Rameswar Teli, MoPNG; Shrikant Madhav
Vaidya, Chairman, IOCL; among others.The Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. is a Maharatna Central Public
Sector Enterprises.Tata Motors launched its 3rd vehicle scrapping facility in Surat, Gujarat, on
September 23, 2023.

MoE, MSDE & Meta collaborate for Digital Skilling of Students, Educators and Entrepreneurs
On September 3, 2023, a collaboration was initiated between the Ministry of
Education (MoE), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), and Meta (formerly
known as Facebook) namely ‘Education to Entrepreneurship: Empowering a generation of students,
educators, and entrepreneurs’ for a period of 3 years in New Delhi, Delhi. Union Minister
Dharmendra Pradhan, MoE & MSDE inaugurated the initiative.
• Additionally, Letters of Intent were exchanged with key institutions: National Institute for
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), the All India Council for Technical
Education (AICTE), and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
India set to Host 17th International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement in 2027 in New Delhi
India won the bid to host the 17th International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement (ICCC) in
2027 in New Delhi, Delhi. The decision was announced during the ongoing 16th ICCC (2023) in
Bangkok, Thailand held from 18 to 22 September 2023. Besides India, other bidders were from
Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Northeast’s Mithun Recognized as a ‘Food Animal’ by FSSAI

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recognized Mithun (scientific Name-Bos
frontalis), the bovine (cow-like animal) as a ‘food animal’.The features of Mithun are its traditional
semi-domestication and ability to thrive in a free-range forest ecosystem with minimal human
intervention.
✓ Mithun, often referred to as the “Cattle of the Hills”, is the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and
Nagaland, highlighting its profound cultural significance.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched the M-ANITRA app to register Mithun
farmers as “buyers” and “sellers”.
Bengaluru Established India’s First 500 kVA Underground Power Transformer Station
K J George, Minister of Energy, Government of Karnataka, inaugurated India’s first 500 Kilo-volt-
amperes (kVA) Underground Power Transformer Station on 15th Avenue in Malleswaram,
Bengaluru in Karnataka.
This facility was developed in collaboration with Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company Limited
(BESCOM) and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) at a cost of Rs 1.9 crore.
Odisha’s Koraput Kalajeera Rice Gets GI Tag

Chennai(Tamil Nadu) based Geographical Indications Registry has granted Geographical Indication(GI)
tags to Odisha’s ‘Koraput Kalajeera Rice’, which is also known as the 'Prince of Rice'.
✓ Kalajeera rice has been exclusively cultivated by the tribes and farmers of Koraput district in
Odisha over generations.
Geographical Indication Registry functions under the the Department of Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry(MoCI).
IICA & UNICEF Jointly Organize Workshop on Business Responsibility and Sustainability
Reporting
Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) organised a workshop on Business Responsibility and
Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) in collaboration with UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) and
National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) at the NSE premises in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
✓ It was inaugurated by Dr. Harish Ahuja, SVP (Senior Vice President) & Head PSD – Power & Carbon
Markets, Investor Awareness, NSE.

✓ The workshop was part of the ongoing collaboration between IICA and UNICEF to promote
responsible business conduct among corporates and relevant stakeholders in India.
NITI Aayog Completes Special Campaign 2.0 for Disposal of Pending Matters and Swachhta
The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) has successfully completed its Special
Campaign 2.0, which aims to resolve pending matters and promote cleanliness (Swachhta) within
government offices.
The Special Campaign 2.0, initiated by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances
(DARPG), under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, was undertaken from
November 2022 to August 2023.
MNRE Extends Waiver of DCR for Solar Cells Under Comp C of PM KUSUM till March 2024
The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has extended the relaxation for the provision of
requirement of indigenous domestic content requirement (DCR) under Component C of Pradhan Mantri
Kisan Urja Surakshaevam Utthaan Mahabhiyan Yojana (PM-KUSUM Scheme) till 31st March 2024.
The DCR requirement for solar cells was waived off for projects awarded on or before June 20, 2023.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Surakshaevam Utthaan Mahabhiyan Yojana (PM-KUSUM Scheme) was
launched in March 2019 by the MNRE, to subsidize farmers to install solar irrigation pumps for
cultivation.
MCA Extends Tenure of Company Law Committee by 1 Year

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs(MCA) has extended the tenure of the Company Law Committee by 1
year, until September 16, 2024 to promote the Ease of Living in the country by providing ease of doing
business to law-abiding corporates. The Company Law Committee was set up in 2019 with a tenure of
one year(2020).
The committee has been tasked with examining and recommending the government on different
matters concerning the implementation of the Companies Act, 2013, and the Limited Liability
Partnership (LLP)Act, 2008.
FSSAI Introduces 'Special Category' to Promote Gender Equality in Food Biz

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduced a new provision of ‘Special
Category’ in the online Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal to promote gender equality
and equal opportunities for women and transgender entrepreneurs in the food business sector.
About Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):
FSSAI is a statutory body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare established under under the
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
Chairperson- Sudhansh Pant
Headquarter- New Delhi, Delhi
MHA Cancels FCRA Licence of Bal Raksha Bharat & 2 other NGOs
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has cancelled the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence
of Bal Raksha Bharat, Srinivas Malliah Memorial Theatre Crafts Museum and SELF-EMPLOYED
WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION (SEWA).
The licences were cancelled ahead of the deadline (30th September 2023) for FCRA licences renewable
for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

DAC Gives Nod to Rs.45,000 Crores Worth Proposals for Defence
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), in its meeting on 15th September 2023, under the
chairmanship of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for
capital acquisition proposals of various weapons systems and platforms amounting to Rs.45,000
crore.These proposals further strive to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Indian Defence
Forces and increase the incorporation of indigenous content in defence projects.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has granted approval for nine procurement proposals, and all
these procurements will be sourced from indigenous vendors under Buy Indian-Indigenously Designed
Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) category.
CBG, Biogas Plants Registered on GOBARdhan Portal to Get Financial Assistance

The Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plants and biogas plants registered on the Unified Registration
Portal for Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan) are eligible for financial
assistance under the Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme of the Department of Fertilizers
under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers(MoC&F).
✓ Unified Registration Portal for GOBARdhan was introduced by the Department of Drinking
Water and Sanitation (DDWS), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, to streamline the registration of
CBG plants and biogas plants across India. The DDWS is the Nodal Department for GOBARdhan.
IATA Allots three-letter Code 'DXN' for Upcoming Jewar International Airport in Noida
International Air Transport Association (IATA), the trade association for the world's airlines, has
allotted the three-letter code ‘DXN’ for the upcoming greenfield airport at Jewar in New Okhla
Industrial Development Authority (Noida), Uttar Pradesh (UP). The code 'DXN' symbolises the airport's
proximity to Noida, Delhi, and western UP.
GOVT SCHEMES
CENTRAL GOVT SCHEMES
Kisan e-Mitra: Union MoS Kailash Choudhary Launched AI Chatbot for PM-KISAN Scheme
Kailash Choudhary, Minister of State (MoS) for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
(MoA&FW), launched “Kisan e-Mitra”, an AI (Artificial Intelligence) Chatbot for the Pradhan
Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme in New Delhi, Delhi.
✓ The chatbot will enhance the efficiency and accessibility of the PM-KISAN scheme, providing
farmers with rapid, clear, and easily accessible responses to their inquiries.
The MoA&FW successfully integrated the AI chatbots into government schemes. This is the first AI
Chatbot integrated with a major Union government flagship scheme.
India Achieves 75% ODF Plus Villages under Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen
India has achieved the major milestone under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase II with 75%
villages achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus status under Phase II of the Mission. An ODF Plus
Model village adds ODF status to its name and has arrangements for both Solid Waste and Liquid Waste
Management.
✓ Target has been fixed to make all villages ODF Plus by 2025.
✓ The top performing States/UTs which have achieved 100% ODF Plus villages: Andaman & Nicobar
Islands, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu &
Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Tripura.

100% ODF Plus Model villages Among States/ UTs – Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra Nagar Haveli &
Daman Diu, Jammu & Kashmir and Sikkim.
STATE GOVT SCHEMES

Rajasthan CM Launched Mukhyamantri Nishulk Annapurna Food Packet Scheme
Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister (CM) of Rajasthan launched the Mukhyamantri Nishulk Annapurna
Food Packet Scheme (MNAFP) (Chief Minister's Free Annapurna Food Packet Scheme) on the occasion
of the Independence Day (15th August 2023).
Himachal CM Sukhu launches SABAL Yojna to Empower Specially-Abled Children

Chief Minister (CM) of Himachal Pradesh (HP) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched Mukhya Mantri
Sporting Abilities, Rebuilding Aspirations and Livelihood Scheme (SABAL) from Nadaun in district
Hamirpur, HP during the event jointly organized by Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan and Sampark Foundation.The
scheme intends to improve the lives of specially-abled children in the state by integrating them into the
mainstream.
The CM also launched ‘Abhyas Himachal’ and ‘Shikshak Sahayata’ chatbots on the Swift Chat app, and
powered by conversational Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Goa CM Pramod Sawant Launched Griha Adhar Scheme to Empower Homemakers

Pramod Sawant, Goa Chief Minister (CM) distributed Griha Adhar sanction orders to numerous
beneficiaries in an event at Sankhali ,Goa, to financially support homemakers, promoting their
independence and improving their quality of life.The initiative was organised by the Directorate of
Women and Child Development.
✓ The CM also launched the Chavath-e-Bazaar, aimed at empowering Goan entrepreneurs and Self-
help Groups (SHGs), a digital initiative under the Swayampura Goa Programme organised by the
Directorate of Planning, Statistics, and Evaluation.
✓ The CM also flagged off the Chavath-e-Bazaar vehicle, symbolizing a new era of empowerment for
rural artisans and entrepreneurs in Goa.
Goa CM Launched 'Goa Taxi App' To Elevate Travel Experience for Tourists.
TN CM Launches Women's Rights Grant Scheme; Beneficiaries to Get Rs.1000/month

Chief Minister (CM) of Tamil Nadu(TN) M K Stalin launched Kalaignar Magalir Urimai (Thogai) Thittam,
a women’s rights grant scheme, to provide financial assistance of Rs 1000 per month for women, who
are recognised as the heads of families.
✓ The scheme was launched on the occasion of the birth anniversary of former TN CM and Dravida
Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) founder C.N. Annadurai(15th September).
Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu Launches Scheme for Welfare of Labour Force
The Chief Minister (CM) of Arunachal Pradesh (AR), Pema Khandu rolled out new scheme titled
‘Mukhya Mantri Shramik Kalyan Yojana (MMSKY)’ for the welfare of the labour force of the state.The
scheme was launched during an event organized by the state unit of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) at
Nyokum Lapang ground, Itanagar, AR.
✓ The event was orgnaised as a part of the observance of Vishwakarma Jayanti.
BMS has celebrated as National Labour Day on 17th September 2023, the eve of Vishwakarma Jayanti.

Odisha CM Launches Two New Schemes To Improve The nutritional Status
The Chief Minister(CM) of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik rolled out two new schemes namely 'Mukhyamantri
Sampoorna Pushti Yojana' and 'Pada Pushti Yojana' to improve the health condition of pregnant
women, children and adolescent girls in the state.
✓ Mukhyamantri Sampoorna Pushti Yojana aims to improve the nutritional status of adolescent
girls, pregnant women, and malnourished children in Odisha.
Under the 'Pada Pushti Yojana', children in remote and tribal areas will be given high-quality, cooked
meals in their own villages and enclaves.
Chhattisgarh Government Launches Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Nyay Yojana

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister (CM) Bhupesh Baghel has launched the “Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Nyay
Yojana” with the aim of providing assistance for constructing houses to eligible beneficiaries of the
scheme across the state.
The scheme includes beneficiaries who have not received the benefit of Pradhan Mantri (PM) Awas
Yojana which is based on Socio-Economic Survey 2011 (officially known as Socio Economic and Caste
Census – SECC 2011).
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
UN Issues New Guidance Affirming Children’s Right to Clean, Healthy Environment
The United Nations (UN) Committee on the Rights of the Child issued new guidelines, formally known
as “General Comment No. 26(2023),” which calls for the governments of the member states to take
action to protect the children’s rights against the increasing climate crisis.
• This marks the first time the committee has affirmed Children’s rights to live in a clean, healthy
and sustainable environment.
During its 93rd session, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child has officially adopted
General Comment No. 26 (2023).
Highlights of 45th Session of World Heritage Committee

The 45th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
concluding on September 25. This session witnessed the addition of 42 new sites to United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s World Heritage List, alongside other
significant decisions.
✓ The committee was chaired by H.H. Princess Haifa Al Mogrin, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Delegate
to UNESCO.The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(KSA) served as the host country for 45th session of WHC.
✓ India’s Santiniketan in West Bengal and the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas in Karnataka have
been added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
World Heritage list
UNESCO Committee Suspends Three Major Projects at Capitol Complex, Chandigarh
In a significant setback to the Union Territory (UT) administration, the World Heritage Committee of
UNESCO has suspended three ambitious projects at the Capitol Complex in Sector 1,
Chandigarh,India. The suspension is due to concerns that these projects are impacting the overall
universal value (OUV) of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Click here to read Full News

UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Transport 2023: Decarbonizing Shipping to Cost Over USD
100bn/year
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s Review of Maritime Transport
2023 urged to take action and system-wide collaboration to decarbonize maritime transport. The
report warns that the decarbonising shipping would cost over USD 100 billion per year as the emission
continue to increase.
India and US Launches RETAP Under Strategic Clean Energy Partnership

The United States(US) Department of Energy (DOE) and India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
(MNRE) in a meeting togetherly launched the US-India Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform
(RETAP) under the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership .
• RETAP was announced in June 2023 to advance new and emerging renewable technologies.
• The meeting was led by DOE Deputy Secretary David Turk and MNRE Secretary Bhupinder Singh
Bhalla.
India Becomes 13th Country to Issue OIML Certificate

India has been recognised as an authority to issue internationally accepted OIML (International
Organization of Legal Metrology) pattern approval certificates for selling weights & measures
anywhere in the world. With this India becomes the 13th country in the world that can issue OIML
certificates.
Department of Consumer Affairs under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs will now issue the OIML
certificates.
Karnataka & West Bengal’s New Heritage Sites Inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List
Santiniketan in West Bengal(WB) became the 41st and Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas became the
42nd to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage
list. Both were listed under the Cultural heritage category. This was announced during the 45th
extended session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO being held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia from 10 to 25 September 2023.
UNDP Launches Innovative e-Learning Programme on Sustainable Finance

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched an innovative e-Learning Programme
as a proactive response to the increasing global need to support and enhance sustainable finance.
✓ This initiative, led by the Sustainable Finance Hub’s (SFH) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
Finance Academy, aims to share UNDP's extensive knowledge on sustainable finance with global
practitioners.
Sustainable Finance:
Sustainable finance is the basis of SDG ambitions, empowering individuals worldwide to align funds
with national SDG targets and crafting a universal sustainable finance framework for the benefit of all.
VISITS
INDIAN VISITS
Highlights of Saudi Arabia’s Prime Minister visits to India
From September 9-11, 2023, the His Royal Highness (HRH) Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin
Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister (PM) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, paid a State
visit to India.The Crown Prince and the PM of India co-chaired the first meeting of the India – Saudi

Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) which was set up with the signing of an Agreement by both
leaders during the PM Narendra Modi state visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in October 2019.
Signing of 8 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU): some of the important MoU are
✓ The Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Saudi Ministry of Energy have
signed a MoU in renewable energy and global climate change mitigation efforts.
✓ A MoU was inked between Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), and Small and
Medium Enterprises (SME) Bank of Saudi Arabia for cooperation in the technical field and the
establishment of the SME Bank.
✓ Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between Ministry of Communication and Information
Technology (MCIT) of Saudi Arabia and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
(MeitY) of India in the field of Digitization and Electronic manufacturing.
✓ Framework of Cooperation on Enhancing Bilateral Investment between Invest India and Ministry
of Investment of Saudi Arabia.
✓ MoU between Saudi EXIM Bank and Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) of India.….Click here
for all MoU detail...
Highlights of President Droupadi Murmu’s Visits to Gujarat from September 12-13, 2023
Droupadi Murmu, President of India, was on a two-day visit to Gujarat from September 12 to 13, 2023.
During her visit,
✓ She inaugurated the ‘National e-Vidhan Application’ (NeVA) which aims to make the functioning
of the State Assembly paperless by transforming them into ‘Digital House’.
✓ She also virtually launched the Ayushman Bhav campaign as well as the Ayushman Bhava portal
from the Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar, Gujarat…Click here for more detail….
Highlights of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi visited Bina in Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Raigarh,
Chhattisgarh the details of which are as follows:
✓ PM laid the foundation stone of projects worth more than Rs.50,700 crore in Bina, MP.
✓ The foundation stone is laid for the Petrochemical Complex at Bina Refinery by Bharat Petroleum
Corporation Limited (BPCL). The complex will be developed at a cost of ~Rs 49,000 crore .
✓ The PM also laid the foundation stone of ten projects namely ‘Power and Renewable Energy
Manufacturing Zone’ in Narmadapuram district, MP.
He dedicated important rail sector projects, and laid the foundation stone of ‘critical care blocks’ in nine
districts of Chattisgarh and also distribute one Lakh sickle cell counselling cards…Click here for
complete detail…
BANKING & FINANCE

RBI IN NEWS
RBI allows operation of pre-sanctioned credit lines at banks through UPI
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) circular titled ‘Operation of Pre-Sanctioned Credit Lines at Banks
through UPI’ announced the inclusion of pre-sanctioned credit lines as funding accounts in Unified
Payments Interface (UPI). This decision broadens the scope of UPI by incorporating credit lines as a
funding account.
✓ The circular applies to Scheduled Commercial Banks, excluding Payment Banks, Small Finance
Banks, and Regional Rural Banks.

✓ This directive is issued under Section 10(2) read with Section 18 of the Payment and Settlement
Systems Act, 2007 (Act 51 of 2007).
RBI Issues Guidelines on Responsible Lending Conduct; Revises Banks’ Investment Portfolio
Norms, w.e.f April 1, 2024
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued guidelines on Responsible Lending Conduct which directs Regulated
Entities (REs) to release all original movable or immovable property documents, and remove charges
registered with any registry within 30 days of full repayment or settlement of personal loans by
borrowers.
These directions by RBI are issued under sections 21, 35A and 56 of the Banking Regulation (BR) Act,
1949, sections 45JA and 45L of the RBI Act, 1934, and section 30A of the National Housing Bank (NHB)
Act, 1987.
✓ RBI also revised its guidelines on categorizing the investments by banks, to align them with global
standards by issuing RBI (Classification, Valuation and Operation of Investment Portfolio of
Commercial Banks) Directions, 2023 which will be effective from April 1, 2024. With the
implementation of revised Directions, RBI (Classification, Valuation and Operation of Investment
Portfolio of Commercial Banks) Directions, 2021 dated August 25, 2021 will be repealed.
Applicability: All commercial banks (excluding Regional Rural Banks-RRBs)…Click here for more
detail…
RBI Releases List Of 15 NBFCs in ‘Upper Layer’ Under SBR

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the names of 15 Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the
Upper Layer (UL)/NBFC-UL under Scale Based Regulation for NBFCs for the year 2023-24.
✓ In October 2021, RBI issued the Scale Based Regulation (SBR): A Revised Regulatory Framework
for NBFCs (the framework) which categorizes NBFCs asset size and scoring methodology such as
NBFC-BL (Base Layer), NBFC-ML (Middle Layer), NBFC-UL (Upper Layer),and NBFC-TL (Top
Layer)…Click here for the list of NBFC-UL for 2023-24..
✓ RBI Governor – Shaktikanta Das & Deputy Governors – Swaminathan Janakiraman, Michael
Debabrata Patra, M. Rajeshwar Rao, T. Rabi Sankar.
RBI: Household Savings fall to 5-decade Low at 5.1% in FY23, RBI Imposes Penalties on Four
Cooperative Banks
Net financial savings of households declined to a nearly 5-decade low of 5.1% GDP in FY23. This
marked a notable decrease from the previous fiscal year, where it stood at 7.2% (FY22), as per RBI
data.
✓ National Financial Switch (NFS) usage was decreased from 11.5% in FY21 to 5.1% in FY23, as per
data from RBI's Flow of Financial Assets and Liabilities of Household released on September 2023.
✓ Household financial liabilities saw a substantial increase, rising to 5.8% of GDP in FY23, up from
3.8% in FY22.
✓ High Household Debt: Household debt remained elevated at 37.6% of GDP in FY23, compared to
36.9% in FY22.
RBI Imposes Penalties on Four Cooperative Banks
✓ Lalbaug Cooperative Bank Ltd (Gujarat) – Rs 5 Lakh.
✓ Cooperative Bank of Mehsana Ltd (Gujarat) – Rs 3.50 Lakh
✓ Harij Nagrik Sahakari Bank Ltd (Gujarat) – Rs 3 Lakh
✓ National Cooperative Bank Ltd (Maharashtra) – Rs 1 Lakh

RBI Approves Sahebrao Deshmukh Co-op Bank Merger with Cosmos Co-op Bank; Penalizes SBI,
Indian Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) took the following decisions from September 21- 25, 2023:
✓ RBI sanctioned the Scheme of amalgamation of The Sahebrao Deshmukh Co-operative Bank Ltd
with The Cosmos Co-operative Bank Limited.
✓ RBI imposed a monetary Penalty on the State Bank of India (SBI), Indian Bank, an Punjab & Sind
Bank.
✓ RBI also imposed a penalty of Rs 8.80 Lakh on Fedbank Financial Services Limited for non-
compliance with certain provisions of the Monitoring of Frauds in NBFCs (Reserve Bank)
Directions, 2016.
✓ RBI has cancelled the licence of the Kapol Co-operative Bank Limited amid inadequate capital and
earning prospects…Click here for more detail…….
Poonawalla Fincorp Gets RBI’s Approval to Issue Co-Branded Credit Card with IndusInd Bank
Poonawalla Fincorp Limited has received Reserve Bank of India(RBI)’s approval to issue co-branded
credit card with IndusInd Bank Limited.Poonawalla Fincorp Limited(formerly known as Magma
Fincorp) is an Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) belonging to Cyrus Poonawalla group.
About IndusInd Bank Limited: MD & CEO – Sumant Kathpalia ,Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra.
RBI issues New Prudential Regulations for AIFIs; Cancels Licence of Nashik Zilla Girna Sahakari
Bank Limited, Nashik
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the RBI (Prudential Regulations on Basel III Capital Framework,
Exposure Norms, Significant Investments, Classification, Valuation and Operation of Investment
Portfolio Norms and Resource Raising Norms for All India Financial Institutions) Directions,
2023 which will be applicable w.e.f. April 1, 2024.
These were issued by RBI in exercise of powers conferred by Section 45L of the RBI Act, 1934.
These will be applicable to the five All India Financial Institutions (AIFIs) viz.
Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM) Bank, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
(NABARD), National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NABFID), National Housing
Bank (NHB), Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
SEBI
SEBI Approved Groww Mutual Fund To Launch Its First Index Fund
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) gave approval to Online stock broking firm, Groww
Mutual Fund to launch its first index fund ‘Groww Nifty Total Markets Index Fund’. The fund will be
raised through New Fund Offering (NFO).The launched index fund is a Passive mutual fund (which
replicates a market index like the Nifty or Sensex) and will be launched by the end of September 2023.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a circular stating that crediting funds to the SEBI
Investor Protection and Education Fund (IPEF) should be made only through online mode.
SEBI Board Approves Various Proposals; Discusses Tech Trends in Securities Market
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) discussed various trends in the securities market
and also approved the following proposals during its 202nd Board Meeting held on September 21, 2023
in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
✓ Flexibility in the framework for Large Corporates (LCs) for meeting incremental financing needs.
✓ SEBI extends timeline for compliance with enhanced qualification and experience requirements
for Investment Advisers.

Streamline the Framework for credit of unclaimed amounts of investors in listed entities other than
companies, REITS and InvITs to IPEF.
AGREEMENTS & MoUs SIGNED

BANKS SIGNED WITH KEY NOTES
Indian Bank Limited, a IBM (International Business To provide a secure and adaptable computing
public sector Machines Corporation) infrastructure to facilitate the deployment of
bank(PSB) innovative front-end banking applications.The
collaboration paves way to run Indian bank’s Core
Banking Solution (CBS) workloads on the IBM
servers.
✓ The Collaboration is a part of Indian
Bank’s initiative Project PARADISE
(Performance Augmentation by Resource
Aggregation in Distributed Environment).
About Indian Bank: MD & CEO – Shanti Lal Jain
& Headquarters – Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
NABARD UNDP India United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development (NABARD) signed a 5-year MoU on
technical cooperation for the joint development of
data-driven innovations in agriculture and food
systems to support smallholder farmers.
✓ Under this MoU, NABARD and UNDP will
share open-source data for product
development, technology transfer,
collective climate action, and agrarian
policy support to enhance the livelihoods
of smallholder farmers.
About NABARD: Chairman– Shaji K V ,
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra.
KredX(Minions Mastercard, Inc., the second To make Business-to-Business (B2B) digital
Ventures Private largest payment processing payments rewarding for both enterprises and
Limited), India's company across the globe vendors.Under this partnership, Mastercard will
largest supply chain integrating its commercial card service with
finance platform the KredX platform, eliminating the complexities
associated with B2B payments, especially those
involving cards.
AU Small Finance Bank Star Health and Bajaj Allianz AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) has recently
entered into bancassurance agreements with Star
Health and Allied Insurance Company (Star
Health), and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance
Company (Bajaj Allianz). This strategic move
allows AU Bank to offer a range of insurance
products to its customers through these
partnerships.
Cashfree Payments NPCI Cashfree Payments India Private Limited in
collaboration with National Payments

Corporation of India (NPCI) launched “AutoPay on
QR(Quick Response)”, a feature enabling
customer onboarding through a 2-step
process.The 2 step process involves scanning the
QR code and approving an e-mandate through
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) apps.
ICICI Bank IIT Kanpur The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur
in Uttar Pradesh(UP) has signed a MoU with the
ICICI Bank Limited to support the startup
ecosystem at provide the Startup Incubation and
Innovation Centre (SIIC) IIT Kanpur.
RBI has approved ICICI Bank Limited to convert I-
Process Services (India) Private Limited (I-
Process) into a wholly-owned subsidiary, subject
to specific conditions.The estimate cost of
conversion is Rs 15.40 crores (subjected to
finalisation)ICICI Bank currently holds 19% stake
in I-Process.
SIDBI Tata Power Tata Power Solar Systems Limited (TPSSL), and
Small Industries Development Bank of India
(SIDBI) signed an MoU to offer an easy financing
option for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs).TPSSL is the wholly owned subsidiary of
Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL)
while TPREL is a subsidiary of Tata Power.
During the forum, TPSSL and SIDBI launched ‘The
Big Solar Fest’ offering zero processing fees
during the festival season to promote solar
adoption among MSMEs, enhancing sustainability.
Yes Bank Limited (YES Juspay Technologies Private to launch HyperUPI, a plug-in Software
Bank) Limited (Juspay), India’s Development Toolkit (SDK) developed by the
leading payments company National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
that empowers in-app Unified Payments Interface
(UPI) payments for merchant apps.
✓ Gullak Partners, a leading fintech app has
become 1st in India to deploy Juspay’s UPI
plugin SDK, HyperUPI.
✓ Yes Bank & BriskPe Partnered to Enable
Cross-border Payments for MSMEs by
BriskPe A2A Solution.
About Yes Bank : MD & CEO – Prashant Kumar,
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra.
IndusInd Bank Visa and Juspay IndusInd Bank in partnership with Visa
and Juspay launched a "virtual commercial
card" with additional layers of security to give the
cardholders a complete control over cross-border
transactions for corporates and travel agents. The
card is built on the Visa Payables Automation

platform.The card benefits the customers who
make multiple bookings in different foreign-
denominated currencies.
About IndusInd Bank Limited (Ltd): MD & CEO
- Sumant Kathpalia , Headquarters - Mumbai,
Maharashtra.
Axis Bank, one of the Cleartrip, a subsidiary of To introduce an innovative proposition to provide
largest private sector Flipkart India Private Limited travel benefits to both existing and new
banks in India cardholders, who book through Cleartrip. This
collaboration is set to benefit close to 12.5 million
customers.
Bank of Maharashtra Indian Renewable Energy To promote and facilitate co-lending and loan
(BoM) Development Agency (IREDA) syndication for renewable energy projects
nationwide.
✓ IREDA, a Mini Ratna (Category – I)
Government of India enterprise under the
administrative control of Ministry of New
and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
✓ India’s goal is to fulfill 50% of its energy
demands using renewable sources by
2030.
About BoM: MD & CEO - A S Rajeev ,
Headquarters - Pune,Maharashtra.
Power Finance SJVN Ltd (formerly known as SJVN Ltd (formerly known as Satluj Jal Vidyut
Corporation Ltd (PFC) Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Nigam Limited), have signed a Memorandum of
Limited) Understanding (MoU) with Power Finance
Corporation Ltd (PFC), India's leading Non-
Banking Financial Corporation (NBFC), to finance
renewable and thermal energy Projects worth Rs.
1,18,826 crore.
Small Industries Uttar Pradesh New and For solarization of residential units at Ayodhya,
Development Bank of Renewable Energy Uttar Pradesh (UP) and for bio-energy and
India (SIDBI) Development Agency renewable project financing.
(UPNEDA) ✓ The agreement was inked during an event
organised in the SIDBI’s Lucknow Office in
UP.
This MoU will help in promoting solar energy, and
encourage innovations for environment friendly
projects.
Small Industries Digital Lenders Association of To boost India’s fintech sector by utilizing each
Development Bank of India (DLAI) other’s expertise. The MoU focuses on creating
India (SIDBI) standard protocols for digital lending
partnerships, including Bank- Lending Service
Providers (LSPs) alliances and co-lending
arrangements.
REC Limited (Formerly Punjab National Bank (PNB) For collaboration to hunt potential funding
Rural Electrification opportunities in the Power Sector and
Corporation Limited) Infrastructure & Logistics Sector through a

consortium arrangement.Both entities jointly
provide financing worth Rs. 55,000 crores over
the next 3 years.
About Punjab National Bank (PNB): MD & CEO–
Atul Kumar Goel ,Headquarters– New delhi, Delhi.
Kotak Mahindra Asset Central Board of Secondary To launched an Investor Education and
Management Company Education (CBSE) Awareness Initiative called
Limited(KMAMCL) “Seekho Paiso ki Bhasha”.
The initiative aims to promote financial literacy
among CBSE teachers in affiliated schools
nationwide by conducting a series of educational
and awareness programs.
OTHER BANKING NEWS

ADB’s Survey: Global Trade Finance Gap Expands to USD 2.5 Trillion in 2022
According to Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s 2023 Trade Finance Gaps, Growth and Jobs Survey (8th
edition), the global trade finance gap rose to USD 2.5 trillion in 2022 (10% of global merchandise trade)
from USD 1.7 trillion in 2020 and USD 1.5 trillion in 2018.This indicates that the global economy is still
struggling to rebound from the effects of COVID -19 pandemic.
✓ After COVID-19 pandemic global goods exports grew at 26.6% in 2021 and 11.5% in 2022.
Because of this, there was a greater need for financial support for trade. However, it became
harder to get this financial help from ADB due to increased economic uncertainties.
About ADB: President - Masatsugu Asakawa, Headquarters - Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila,
Philippines.
Indian Bank Launched VISA Co-branded Metal Credit Card With OneCard
Indian Bank in partnership with OneCard introduced state-of-the-art, mobile-first, contactless, VISA
Signature metal co-branded credit cards to offer easy access to potential users in the wake of social
distancing.
State Bank of Mauritius (SBM) Bank, South Indian Bank, Catholic Syrian Bank(CSB), Federal Bank, Bank
of Baroda Financial are some other OneCard Co-branded Card Issuers.
PNB Launches CBDC-UPI Interoperability Through PNB Digital Rupee App

Punjab National Bank(PNB) launched Central Bank Digital Currency(CBDC) and Unified Payments
Interface (UPI) interoperability in its PNB Digital Rupee App.PNB Digital Rupee app users can use their
CBDC Wallets to make purchases on the UPI QR of these merchants even if they don't have a CBDC
Wallet.
✓ Interoperability is the technical compatibility that allows a payment system to work with other
payment systems.
The CBDC Wallet has digital rupees(e Rupee) issued by the RBI and is a tokenised digital version of the
rupee.
SBI Card Launches ‘SimplySAVE Merchant SBI Card’ for MSMEs

SBI Cards & Payment Services Limited (SBI Card), India's largest pure-play credit card company,
launched ‘SimplySAVE Merchant SBI Card’, a Credit Card for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs). The card has been designed to offer interest-free short-term credit options for MSME
merchants and other exclusive benefits.

SBI Announces Introduction of UPI Interoperability on CBDC
India’s largest public sector bank, State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced Unified Payments Interface
(UPI) interoperability for its Digital Rupee(eRupee), also called as Central Bank Digital Currency
(CBDC), enhancing accessibility and convenience for customers. Through the ‘eRupee by SBI’
application, CBDC users can now seamlessly scan merchant UPI Quick Response (QR) codes, facilitating
swift and secure transactions.
SBI Card, India’s leading credit card issuer, has unveiled the latest features of its super-premium card
‘AURUM’ for C-suite executives and high-net-worth individuals.
HSBC India Launched “ONDC in a box”; Becomes 1st Foreign Bank in India to launch ONDC
proposition
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation(HSBC) India has launched 'Open Network for Digital
Commerce(ONDC) in a Box', a one-stop-shop proposition for corporates to partcipate in ONDC
platform, during the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2023 held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
✓ With this launch, HSBC India becomes the first foreign bank in India to offer an ONDC-enabled
proposition.
ONDC in a box was developed in partnership with Protean eGov Technologies Ltd (Protean) and Shayr
Omnichannel Private Limited (Adya).
Union Bank of India, 1st PSB to launch Rupay Debit Cards for Women and HNIs
Union Bank of India (UBI) has introduced two new Debit Card variants, the HNI Emperio RuPay Metal
Debit Card and the RuPay Empower Her Debit Card, in association with the National Payments
Corporation of India (NPCI).
✓ With this, UBI becomes the first Public Sector Bank (PSB) to offer Metal Debit Card cards, serving
High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNI) and women customers.
These cards are issued on the RuPay network.
AU Small Finance Bank Launches Zenith+ Metal Credit Card

AU Small Finance Bank Ltd., a Reserve Bank of India (RBI)-approved Small Finance Bank (SFB),
introduced the Zenith+ Metal Credit Card, expanding its range of banking solutions.
Indian Bank Launched ‘IB SAATHI’ to Enhance Banking Services

Indian Bank has launched a new initiative called IB (Indian Bank) SAATHI (Sustainable Access and
Aligning Technology for Holistic Inclusion), to provide basic banking services at all centres for a
minimum of four hours per day in fixed outlets through the business correspondent (BC) channel. The
initiative was launched by Shanti Lal Jain who is the MD and CEO of Indian Bank in Chennai, Tamilnadu.
About Indian Bank - Headquarters – Chennai, Tamil Nadu & Established in – 1907.
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Introduces Maxima Savings Account, Business Maxima Current
Account
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited (Ujjivan SFB) has launched the Maxima Savings Account and
Business Maxima Current Account which is designed exclusively for medium and large business
entities.Both the accounts offer a RuPay Select Debit Card that provides access to wellness services,
exclusive merchant offers, airport lounge access, and a premium health checkup.

SBI Introduces Digital Opening of NRE/NRO Account Setup through YONO
The State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced a digital facility for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to
effortlessly open Non-Residential External (NRE) and Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) accounts (both
savings and current accounts) through SBI’s mobile app YONO.This service is designed for New to Bank
(NTB) customers as a one-stop solution for NRI banking needs to provide them with simplified,
efficient, and accurate account opening process.
Axis Bank launches ‘NEO for Business’ for MSMEs

On September 21, 2023, Axis Bank launched 'NEO for Business', a distinctive one-stop Transaction
Banking platform for Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This is a first-of-its-kind
comprehensive digital proposition that supports real, current, and emerging Transaction Banking needs
of MSMEs.
✓ It has contemporary UX (User Experience)/UI (User Interface) along with bank-grade security
features.
“NEO for Business” is the latest launch as part of “NEO by Axis Bank” branding. NEO by Axis Bank is
the digital banking proposition for its corporate banking customers/clients.
Utkarsh Small Finance Bank Launched Interoperable Cardless Cash Withdrawal (ICCW) Using
UPI on ATMs
Utkarsh Small Finance Bank Limited (USFBL) launched Interoperable Cardless Cash Withdrawal
(ICCW) service with an aim to allow Unified Payment Interface (UPI) enabled cardless cash withdrawal
from Utkarsh Small Finance Bank Automated Teller Machine (ATM).
✓ This is in line with notification ‘ICCW at ATMs’ released by Reserve Bank of India(RBI) in 2022
under Section 10(2) read with Section 18 of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (Act
51 of 2007).
ICCW is also known as UPI-ATM; It enables withdrawal through Quick Response(QR) code.
KBL-Swarna Bandhu: Karnataka Bank launches Door Step Gold Loan Facility in collaboration
with SahiBandhu
Karnataka Bank Limited (KBL) introduced an innovative Door-Step Gold Loan service called “KBL-
Swarna Bandhu” for its customers in collaboration with SahiBandhu.
✓ It enables complete digitalization of gold loan processes, allowing the bank to offer gold loan
services directly to customers at their doorstep. It also expands its Gold Loan Portfolio.
✓ SahiBandhu, a leading aggregator platform for gold loans supported by The Manipal Group.
FINANCE NEWS
World’s First Fully Automated Investment Fund , ‘The Ad Astra Fund’ Launched by Savart
Savart, one of India’s leading investment advisory firms, launched a Portfolio Management Service
(PMS) ‘The Ad Astra Fund’ , World’s First fully automated fund in Hyderabad, Telengana.It uses
Artificial Intelligence(AI) research system Advanced Process Automation & Research Technology
(APART) to make investment decisions.
• The fund enhanced possibilities of attaining more returns on investments.
• The fund received investment of about Rs 31 crores on Day1 and plans to achieve an Assets under
management (AUM) of Rs 350 crores by the end of FY24.
NPCI Launches Blockchain-Backed Open-Source Project ‘Falcon’

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launches ‘Falcon’, an open-source Hyperledger
Fabric Deployment Helper, to streamline the deployment and management of Hyperledger Fabric

based blockchain networks on Kubernetes clusters. Falcon is an open-source project created under
General Public License (GPL) license (GPL-3.0).
The primary goal of introducing ‘Falcon’ is to simplify the complex process of establishing, configuring,
and managing various components of the Hyperledger Fabric network within a Kubernetes
environment.
PhonePe Enter Online Stock Broking with Share.Market App

On 30th August 2023, PhonePe, an Indian digital payment platform, entered the online stock broking
business with a new trading app, Share.Market under its subsidiary PhonePe Wealth Broking. The app
can be used to invest in stocks, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds or Exchange-Traded Funds
(ETFs).
ICICI Prudential Life launched ICICI Pru GIFT Pro

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited (ICICI Prudential Life) has launched “ICICI Pru GIFT
Pro” which is a protection and savings-oriented life insurance plan. The new plan provides
policyholders, also known as the "Life Assured," with a wide range of options to customize their
policy.
✓ It offers a range of flexibilities to the policyholder, including options related to Money Back
Benefit and Guaranteed Income (GI).
Mastercard launches ALT ID for Enhanced Online Payment Security at Guest Check-Out
Mastercard has launched ALT ID (Alternate Identifier) solution for enhanced online payment security
for Guest Check-Out processes as it will prevent exposure of sensitive card information during
transactions.
✓ The ALT ID solution creates an Alternate Identifier for actual card numbers provided by users
during guest check-out processes or cardholders who carry out transactions without saving their
cards. Therefore, it reduces the vulnerability of exposing sensitive card data in the event of
unauthorized access or data breaches.
Bajaj Auto Consumer Finance gets Certificate of Registration from RBI to Start NBFC Operations
Bajaj Auto Consumer Finance Limitd (BACFL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bajaj Auto Limited, has
received the Certificate of Registration from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to start the business of
Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC).
The certification of registration was issued on 31st August 2023 under Section 45-IA of the Reserve
Bank of India Act, 1934 to commence/carry on the business of the NBFC without accepting public
deposits.
EPFO granted permission to invest in equities and related investments

The government has allowed the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to invest proceeds
from the sale or redemption of investments in equities and related assets. A new clause was added on
August 24, 2023, to amend below previous two notifications.
Insertions in Notification (dated September 1, 2023)
i.Added "sale or redemption of investment in equities and related investments" to the list of
allowed actions.
ii.EPFO can invest a minimum of 5% and a maximum of 15% in equities and related instruments.

PayNearby and Grameen Foundation Collaborated to Upskill 1.50 lakh Rural BC
PayNearby in collaboration with Grameen Foundation for Social Impact (GFSI) launched ‘Scaling Agent
Viability and Quality in India’ project to upskill 1.5 lakh business correspondents (BC) and enlist
15,000 women BCs through the required skills, knowledge and support in rural India .
✓ The project is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).
Paytm Launches New ‘Soundbox’ That Enables Card Payments

Paytm(One97 Communications Limited) launched industry-first Paytm Card Soundbox which enables
merchants to accept both mobile and card payments across all Visa, Mastercard, Amex and RuPay
networks through Soundbox with ‘tap and pay’ feature.The soundbox provides both audio and visual
payment confirmation through a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen to the merchant and the customer.
Paytm Card Soundbox includes built-in ‘tap and pay’ functionality, allowing merchants to accept card
payments of up to Rs 5,000.
Hitachi Payment Services Launched India’s 1st White Label UPI-ATM with NPCI
Hitachi Payment Services Private Ltd, a 100% subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., and an integrated payment
solutions provider, launched India’s first-ever Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-Automated Teller
Machine (ATM) as a White Label ATM (WLA), in association with the National Payments Corporation of
India (NPCI), offering secure cardless cash withdrawals.The UPI-only white-label ATM will improve
customer security by eliminating the need for physical cards.
Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Launched a New Savings Plan ‘Bajaj Allianz Life ACE’
Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited introduced Bajaj Allianz Life ACE is a non-linked,
participating, Individual Life Insurance Savings Plan. The plan offers more flexibility to customers in
designing cash flows according to their individual financial needs.In contrast to traditional savings
products, this plan provides the customers with the power of choice to design their income flow.
Bharti AXA Life introduces ‘Income Laabh’ to Simplify Insurance with Maximum Protection
Bharti AXA Life Insurance has launched Bharti AXA Life Income Laabh, an individual savings plan
that provides both financial security and a consistent income stream throughout the policy term.
✓ It is a non-linked, non-participating individual savings plan with life insurance coverage.
✓ This launch was made as a part of its aim to simplify insurance and deliver maximum protection to
its consumers.
Mastercard And Invest India Along with Tourism Ministry Launched Enhanced Priceless.com
‘Mastercard’ with the support from the Ministry of Tourism and Invest India has launched Priceless.com
to explore India’s history and culture (using latest travel trends). Priceless.com will support the “Dekho
Apna Desh“ initiative of the Tourism Ministry.
priceless.com is an extension of Mastercard’s global priceless platform that offers exclusive experiences
and privileges to Mastercard cardholders around the world.
Max Life Launched Life Insurance & Health Combined Insurance Policy Named ‘SEWA’
Max Life Insurance Company Limited has launched a new insurance plan “Max Life Secure Earnings &
Wellness Advantage (SEWA) Plan” that combines the benefits of health and life insurance under a
single plan.It allows the insured to fulfill the healthcare needs of their family while simultaneously
ensuring a financial backup for future expenses. SEWA Plan is available in 2 variants namely: Elite
Variant and Lite Variant.
✓ Max Life Insurance also offers customers with an interactive holistic wellness app named ‘Max Fit‘.

NPCI Launches India’s First Contactless Payment Wearable “OTG Ring”
National Payment Corporation of India(NPCI) has launched a RuPay ON-THE-GO(OTG)ring named as
7 Ring, the first contactless payment wearable ring which was made in India.The ring was unveiled in
Global Fintech Fest, 2023 (GFF 2023) which was held during 5th to 7th September 2023 in Mumbai,
Maharashtra.
✓ 7 Ring is designed, assembled, manufactured and patented in India.
The ring was made in collaboration with 7 (Sevenring Innovations Private Limited) and LivQuik
Technology(India) Private Limited.
Bharti AXA Life Insurance Launches New Mid-Cap Scheme Emerging Equity Fund
Bharti AXA Life Insurance launched its new fund offering (NFO) called Bharti AXA Life Emerging Equity
Fund. This is Bharti AXa’s first mid-cap fund launched with an aim to provide long-term capital
appreciation through investing in a portfolio of mid-cap companies.Bharti AXA Life Insurance launched
mid-cap fund after 13 years; The last launch of mid-cap fund was in 2010.
Meta Launches UPI Payments For WhatsApp Business Messaging in India

Meta(formerly known as Facebook) Chief Executive Officer(CEO) Mark Zuckerberg announced the
launch of Unified Payment Interface (UPI) payments for WhatsApp Business in India. This allows
customers to pay businesses directly on the Whatsapp Chat application using their preferred UPI
option.
The accepted payment methods include Pay on WhatsApp, credit/debit cards, netbanking, Google Pay,
PhonePe, Paytm and more UPI options. The initial payment partners are RazorPay and PayU.
Motilal Oswal Nifty 500 ETF: Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund launches India's 1st Nifty 500 ETF
Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund launched India's first Nifty 500 ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) “Motilal
Oswal Nifty 500 ETF”, an open-ended scheme replicating/tracking the Nifty 500 Total Return Index.
✓ Its New Fund Offer (NFO) is available for subscription until September 29, 2023.
✓ The scheme will benchmark its performance against the Nifty 500 Total Return Index.
✓ It will be managed by Swapnil Mayekar and Rakesh Shetty.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS

GDP & GROWTH RATE
ORGANIZATION YEAR RATE
National Statistical Office (NSO) Q1FY24 7.8%
As per the data released by the National Statistical
Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Program
Implementation (MOSPI), India's Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) grew one year high to 7.8% in the
April-June quarter of 2023-2024 (Q1FY24),
compared to a growth of 6.1% in the January-
March quarter of FY23 (Q4FY23).
India remains one of the fastest growing major
economies, and is expected to grow at 6.5% in
FY24.
Global rating agency Moody's 2023 6.7%

Global rating agency Moody's in its Global Macro
Outlook has raised India's growth forecast to
6.7% from 5.5% for 2023 calendar year amid
strong economic growth in Q1FY24.
Moody's recent growth forecast for India,
predicting a 6.7% economic growth rate in 2023,
stands slightly higher than the Reserve Bank of
India's (RBI) projection of 6.5% for the fiscal year
2023-24(FY24).
Fitch FY24 6.3%
Fitch Ratings in its special report titled Global
Economic Outlook - September 2023 retained
India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)’s growth
forecast for the current fiscal year (FY 2023-24) at
6.3% and projected growth rate of 6.5% for FY
2024-2025.
✓ Earlier in June 2023, the rating agency had
revised its forecast to 6.3% from the 6%.
Inspite of tight monetary policy and poor export,
the economy is striving to grow.
Asian Development Bank FY23 6.3%
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) in its Asian
Development Outlook (ADO) September 2023
lowered India's gross domestic product (GDP)
projection by one percentage point for Fiscal
2022-2023 (FY23) to 6.3% from 6.4% (ADO April
2023 estimate). For FY 2023-2024 (FY24), the
GDP projection is retained at 6.7%.
✓ ADB also lowered the economic growth
forecast for developing Asia to 4.7% in
2023 from 4.8% projected in April 2023
ADO. The growth forecast for 2024 is
unchanged at 4.8%.
India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) revised
India's GDP growth estimate for FY24 to 6.2%
from 5.9% projected in February 2023.
S&P (Standard & Poor's) Global FY24 6.6%
On September 18, 2023, S&P (Standard & Poor's)
Global raised India’s growth prediction for FY24 to
6.6% from 5.9% predicted in August 2023 amid
strong growth in the April-June quarter (Q1FY24).
In FY25, it will increase at a rate of 6.2% as
compared to 6.1% projected in August 2023.
FinMin FY24 6.5%
The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), a one
of five department under the Ministry of Finance,
has issued the Monthly Economic Review for
August 2023. In this report, India's real Gross

Domestic Product (GDP) growth estimate for the
Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24) has been
maintained at 6.5%.The report also said that the
steady decline in the urban unemployment rate
has contributed to keeping private consumption
strong in the economy
ECONOMY NEWS
India Post, Bigfoot Retail Solution join hands to Strengthen E-Commerce Export Ecosystem
On September 5, 2023, the Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications has partnered
with Bigfoot Retail Solution, which operates as the Shiprocket brand, to boost the e-commerce export
by utilizing India Post’s extensive presence and shipping solutions. It was signed in the presence of Alok
Sharma, Director General Postal Services, Manju Kumar, Chief Postmaster General Delhi and Saahil Goel,
CEO, Shiprocket.
The agreement enables technical integration between Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs) and Shiprocket.
BUSINESS NEWS
Air India Launches Project Abhinandan to Offer Enhanced On-Ground Experience to Passengers
Tata Sons-owned Air India launched “Project Abhinandan” (greetings in Hindi) to provide
personalised and hassle free ground experience for its passengers.As part of the Project Abhinandan,
Specially trained Service Assurance Officers(SAOs) will be stationed at 16 major airports in India to
provide support and assistance to Air India guests.
MoU’s & AGREEMENTS

MoU’s WITH COUNTRY
COUNTRY MoU’s WITH FIELD / PURPOSE
India Bangladesh Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and Sheikh
Hasina, PM of People’s Republic of Bangladesh
exchanged 3 Memorandums of Understanding
(MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation between
India and Bangladesh.
The 3 MoUs were,
✓ MoU on Cooperation in Digital Payment
mechanisms between National Payments
Corporation of India (NPCI) and Bangladesh
Bank.
✓ MoU on renewal of the Cultural Exchange
Program (CEP) between India and
Bangladesh for 2023-2025.
MoU between Indian Council of Agricultural Research
(ICAR) and Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council
(BARC).
National Judicial Academy Singapore Judicial The National Judicial Academy (NJA) of India, which
(NJA) of India College works under the directions of the Supreme Court of
India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with the Singapore Judicial College of the

Supreme Court of Singapore on advancing
cooperation in judicial education and research.
Mazagon Dock United States of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), a Public-
Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), a America (US) Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of
Public-Sector Undertaking Defence (MoD), has signed a Master Ship Repair
(PSU) under the Ministry of Agreement (MSRA) with the government of the
Defence (MoD) United States of America (US), represented by
NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka,
Japan.
London, United Kingdom World Governments Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to
(UK)-based India Global Summit (WGS) develop an Emerging Economies Programme. This
Forum (IGF) partnership will also allow the IGF to join WGS's
knowledge partners around the Globe.
India Russia India and Russia have agreed to provide training for
Indian seafarers in polar and arctic waters at Russia's
Maritime Training Institute in Vladivostok of Russia
named after GI Admiral Nevelsky. The decision
was made during a meeting between India's Union
Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways,
Sarbananda Sonowal, and Russia's Minister for the
Development of the Far East and the Arctic, A.O.
Chekunkov, in Vladivostok.
✓ Union Minister Sonowal also participated in
the 8th Eastern Economic Forum held in
Vladivostok in Russia from 10th to 13th
September 2023.
India also invited Russia to participate in the Global
Maritime India Summit 2023, set to be held from
17th to 19th October in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Iran-India Joint Chamber of New Delhi(Delhi) To develop cooperation in the fields of trade,
Commerce based Federation of investment, quality standards and technology
Indian Export transfer.The MoU was signed by Mahdi Rangrona,
Organization (FIEO) Vice President of the Iran-India Joint Chamber of
Commerce; and Ajay Shai, Director General(DG) and
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FIEO.
MoU’s WITH STATES

STATE MoU’s WITH FIELD / PURPOSE
Odisha 6 Public Sector Banks Government of Odisha signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with 6 Public Sector
Banks(PSBs), to provide banking services in all
unbanked Gram Panchayats (GPs) of Odisha through
Customer Service Point-plus (CSP plus) banking
outlets.
✓ The 6 PSBs are: State Bank of India (SBI),
Punjab National Bank (PNB), Union Bank of
India (UBI), UCO Bank of India, Bank of India
(BoI), and Bank of Baroda (BoB).

Odisha is the first state in India to adopt such an
exemplary model for providing banking services to
all GPs.
Andhra Pradesh Food State Bank of India Andhra Pradesh Food Processing Society (APFPS),
Processing Society (APFPS) (SBI) under the Department of Agriculture & Marketing,
Government of Andhra Pradesh (AP), signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State
Bank of India (SBI) for upgrading and establishing a
minimum of 7,500 micro-food processing units in
AP.This agreement will be executed during the fiscal
year 2023-24(FY24) under the Prime Minister
Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises
(PMFME) scheme.
The collaboration aimed at fostering the growth of
the food processing industry in Andhra Pradesh.
Telangana National Central The government of Telangana have signed a
Cooling Company PJSC Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National
(Tabreed) Central Cooling Company PJSC (Tabreed), Abu
Dhabi(United Arab Emirates-UAE) based cooling-as-
a-service provider, to develop Asia's largest District
Cooling System (DCS) in Hyderabad,
Telangana.Tabreed is set to invest USD 200 million to
develop 1,25,000 refrigeration tons (RT) of cooling
infrastructure for the Hyderabad Pharma City(HPC),
Telangana.
Transport Dept of Kerala Open Network for Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), an
Digital Commerce initiative of the Department for Promotion of
(ONDC) Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under Ministry
of Commerce and Industry(MoCI) and the Transport
Department of the Government of Kerala signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand the
scope of the open mobility network in Kerala.
Arunachal Pradesh Norwegian On World Tourism Day (WTD) 27th September
Geotechnical 2023, Arunachal Pradesh government signed a
Institute (NGI) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) to explore
and develop its geothermal potential through hot
springs available in the state.
✓ The aim of the MoU coincides with the theme
of WTD 2023 “Tourism and Green
Investment.”
The Royal Norwegian Embassy, New Delhi, Delhi will
technically support the project through NGI.

MoU’s BETWEEN ORGANIZATION
ORGANIZATION MoU’s WITH FIELD / PURPOSE
Directorate General Genpact India Private Limited To facilitate employment opportunities for Ex-
Resettlement (DGR) Servicemen of the Defence Services.
under Department of Ex-
Servicemen Welfare,
Ministry of Defence
(MoD)
National Safai The Ministry of Social Justice To enhance the socio-economic upliftment of Safai
Karamcharis Finance and & Empowerment (MoSJE) Karamcharis, manual scavengers, waste pickers,
Development and their families.
Corporation (NSKFDC) • The MoU signed for the fiscal years (FY)
2023-24 and 2024-25 will focus on
empowering the marginalized
communities across India.
The collaborative effort aims to expand activities
that promote safety, education, skill development,
entrepreneurship, and long-term employment
prospects, enabling the overall growth of
sanitation employees.
Amazon, an American India Post Amazon, an American multinational technology
multinational technology company focusing on e-commerce, has signed a
company focusing on e- memorandum of understanding (MoU) with India
commerce Post to simplify cross-border logistics for Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) exporters.
✓ The MoU was signed during the (Fourth)
Amazon Smbhav Summit 2023 held on
31st August 2023 in New Delhi, Delhi.
✓ During the event, Amazon introduced
“Amazon सह-AI (Amazon Sah-AI)”, a
generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) -
based personal digital assistant.
Amazon Partners with Indian Railway’s
DFCCIL:
Amazon also announced its engagement with
Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India
Limited (DFCCIL) of the Indian Railways for
shipping customer packages through freight
railway routes in India.
IREDA IIFCL The Indian Renewable Energy Development
Agency Ltd. (IREDA) and India Infrastructure
Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL) signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly
finance Renewable Energy (RE) Projects. This
collaboration will leverage IREDA's expertise in
green financing and IIFCL's proficiency in
infrastructure financing.

✓ IREDA is a Mini Ratna (Category-I) Central
Public Sector Enterprise(CPSE) under
the Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy (MNRE).
Chairman and Managing Director– Pradip
Kumar Das
IREDA UBI and BoB On The Indian Renewable Energy Development
Agency Limited (IREDA) signed MoUs with Union
Bank of India (UBI) and Bank of Baroda (BoB) for
syndication and co-lending for a variety of
renewable energy projects involving both
established and cutting-edge renewable energy
technology.
✓ About UBI: MD – A. Manimekhalai,
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
About BoB : MD & CEO– Debadatta
Chand,Headquarters– Vadodara, Gujarat
NTPC OIL On August 31, 2023, a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) was inked between NTPC
Limited (formerly known as National Thermal
Power Corporation) and Oil India Limited (OIL) to
explore collaboration in the areas of Renewable
Energy (RE), green hydrogen and its derivatives,
and decarbonization initiatives including through
the use of geothermal energy.
Bharat Electronics Israel Aerospace Industries Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Limited (BEL) Ltd (IAI), Israel’s leading for cooperation in addressing India's growing
aerospace and defence needs in the field of Short-Range Air Defence
company Systems. The MoU aims at strengthening IAI and
BEL’s capabilities and is in line with the
‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) and
‘Make in India’ policies of the Government of India
(GoI)
Indian Space Research Geological Survey of India The Geological Survey of India Training Institute
Organisation (ISRO) in Training Institute (GSITI) in (GSITI) in Hyderabad (Telangana) has signed a 5-
Bengaluru (Karnataka) Hyderabad (Telangana) year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in
Bengaluru (Karnataka) as part of the National
Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS)
programme.
✓ The primary objective of the project is
capacity building through the generation
of a skilled workforce (human resources)
in the Application of Digital Image
Processing and Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) in Mineral Exploration,
Advanced Remote Sensing Techniques in

Mineral Exploration, and Applications of
Geo-informatics in Disaster Management.
ISRO-developed a Device for Fishermen Safety
ISRO has successfully tested its innovative device
named ‘Nabhmitra’, which was developed at ISRO-
Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The device aims to enhance the safety of
fishermen during their sea expeditions.
Indian Railways’ Gati Airbus, an European For collaboration to enhance India's aviation
Shakti Vishwavidyalaya multinational aerospace sector.
(GSV) Vadodara (Gujarat) corporation ✓ Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya is a Central
University under Ministry of Railways in
Vadodara, Gujarat. This is India's first
University in the Transportation and
Logistics sectors.
The MoU entails a partnership between two
entities to establish a C295 aircraft facility in
Vadodara.
Alliance for Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Telecommunications to explore collaboration opportunities on 6G
Industry Solutions wireless technologies.
(ATIS)’s Next G Alliance The MoU will facilitate aligning research and
development priorities that support a common 6G
vision and create secure and trusted
telecommunications as well as resilient supply
chains.
Indian Navy Uber The Indian Navy signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with M/s Uber, a leading
ridesharing app, to provide reliable, convenient,
safe, and economical mobility solutions for
personal travel and commute of Naval personnel
and families across India.
✓ This MoU aligns with the Chief of the
Naval Staff's (CNS) vision of ‘Happy
Personnel’ under the ‘SHIPS FIRST’
approach and is a maiden initiative in the
Armed Forces.
This also promotes the Government of India’s
(GoI) ‘Digital India’ vision of embracing
technology for transformative change.
Amazon Web Services Indian Space Research To support space-tech innovations through cloud
(AWS) India Private Organization (ISRO) and computing. The partnership will support space
Limited Indian National Space startups, research institutes, and students’ access
Promotion and Authorization to cutting edge cloud technologies that accelerate
Centre (IN-SPACe) the development of new solutions in the space
sector

United States of America Reliance Industries Limited To build Artificial Intelligence (AI)
(USA) based chipmaker and Tata Group Supercomputers in India.
NVIDIA corporation
MoLE Private Job The Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE)
Portals/Employers signed MoU with various job portals, employers,
and skill providers to integrate with its National
Career Service (NCS) portal.This collaboration
allows private job portals to share their job
openings on the NCS platform, expanding
employment opportunities for registered
jobseekers of NCS.
This partnership is set to benefit over 30 lakh
eShram registered workers in the unorganized
sector who have joined NCS.
Google Cloud Platform Indian Computer Emergency To train government officials in cybersecurity
(GCP), offered by Google Response Team (CERT-In) skills.
under the Ministry of ✓ CERT-In is part of the MeitY which deals
Electronics and Information with cybersecurity threats, hacking, and
Technology (MeitY) other cyber-related issues.
This partnership aims to strengthen the
cybersecurity landscape in India.
NGEL Nayara Energy NTPC Green Energy Limited(NGEL) signed an
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Nayara Energy Limited to produce Green
Hydrogen for Nayara Energy's captive usage and
help them in the decarbonisation process and to
reduce carbon footprint.
Hindalco Industries Rodengo Saiano, Italy-based To manufacture high-precision extruded products
Limited Metra SpA for high-speed aluminium rail coaches in
India.Extruded aluminium is important in the
railway industry because it combines weight
reduction and mechanical strength.
Hindalco plans to invest Rs.2,000 crore in making
passenger coaches for the Vande Bharat trains
and this technology partnership will provide
cutting-edge technology for this effort.
AH&D WOAH The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying
(AH&D) under the Ministry of Fisheries Animal
Husbandry & Dairying in collaboration with the
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
organized a multi-sectoral workshop titled “Risk-
based management of spill over events in
wildlife in India”. This workshop focused on
enhancing the significance of adopting a One
Health approach, promoting collaboration across
various sectors, and bolstering pandemic
readiness efforts.

✓ What is One Health? -‘One Health’ is an
integrated, unifying approach to balance
and optimise the health of people, animals
and the environment.
About WOAH - Director General – Monique
Eloit, Headquarters – Paris, France
United Nations World Indian Institute of Signed a MoU to improve food security, nutrition,
Food Programme (WFP) Technology, Bombay (IITB) in climate resilience, and livelihoods in India.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) Purpose of MoU:To Establish a comprehensive
knowledge management system to identify,
analyze, and generate evidence related to food
and nutrition security.
Centre for Development Council of Scientific and Centre for Development of Telematics (C-
of Telematics (C-DOT) Industrial Research(CSIR)- DOT) and Council of Scientific and Industrial
National Physical laboratory Research(CSIR)-National Physical laboratory
(NPL) (NPL) in New Delhi, Delhi signed an agreement to
develop Indian Standard Time (IST) traceable
Primary Reference Time Clock (PRTC) to
synchronise all the telecom services with one
reference time.
About Telecom Technology Development Fund
(TTDF) scheme: TTDF Scheme was launched in
2022 by Universal Service Obligation Fund
(USOF), a body under the DoT.
Department of Social All World Gayatri Pariwar For spreading the message of Nasha Mukt
Justice & Empowerment Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) among the youth,
under the Ministry of women, students, and the community under the
Social Justice and banner of All World Gayatri Pariwar.
Empowerment (MoSJ&E)
International United Nations Development Signed a Statement of Intent(SoI) to use
Organization for Programme (UNDP) International Standards as a tool in advancing the
Standardization (ISO) achievement of Sustainable Development
Goals(SDGs).
✓ The collaboration also aims to develop the
first international standard for the SDGs
based on UNDP’s SDG Impact Standards
and relevant ISO standards.
The partnership is in alignment with SDG17 -
Partnerships for Goals.
Tata Consultancy BankID BankAxept AS Tata Consultancy Services(TCS), a part of the Tata
Services(TCS) group, has entered a partnership with BankID
BankAxept AS, Norway’s national payment and
electronic identity system, to set up and manage
an operations command center that will enhance
the resilience, security, and availability of
Norway’s financial infrastructure.
GRSE Lloyd’s Register & Caterpillar The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
Inc (GRSE) Limited signed two non-binding

Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with
foreign companies during the Defense and
Security Equipment International (DSEI)
Exhibition in London, United Kingdom (UK)
which took place from 12th - 15th September
2023 at the Excel in London's Royal Victoria Dock.
Indian Navy IISc Bengaluru To promote academic cooperation in the varied
field on Engineering, improve scientific
understanding of defense-related technologies,
and create new technologies.
Electoral Commission of Election Commission of India For cooperation to enhance electoral management
Seychelles (ECS) (ECI) and administration.
✓ This MoU will support improving electoral
management and administration, building
on shared experience, and facilitating the
exchange of knowledge.
This will also strengthen exchange of best
practices in election management and training of
officials.
ONGC HPCL Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC),
the largest crude oil and natural gas Company in
India, signed an agreement to supply crude oil
from Mumbai (Maharashtra) offshore fields to
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL).
This agreement covers the sale of approximately
4.5 million tonnes of crude oil per annum to
HPCL’s Mumbai refinery.
ONGC and HPCL are the Maharatna Central Public
Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) under the Ministry
of Petroleum and Natural Gas(MoPNG). HPCL is a
subsidiary of ONGC.
Ministry of Microsoft To equip students with skills and exposure to new
Education(MoE), All India technologies. The collaboration aims to provide
Council for Technical students with opportunities for skill development,
Education (AICTE) mentorship, and project development, as well as
to empower educators in the fields of AI, Cloud,
Data Science, Data Analytics, and Security.
Indian Railways Indo-Russian Joint Venture For manufacturing Vande Bharat trains. As per
(JV) Kinet Railway Solutions the contract, Kinet Railway Solutions will
manufacture 120 Vande Bharat trains, along with
maintenance services for 35 years.
OTHER MoU’s IN CONTENT FORMAT

NHAI Signs Agreement to Develop Multi Modal Logistics Park at Bengaluru
National Highways Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML), has signed an agreement for the development
of Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in at Muddelinganahalli in Bengaluru, Karnataka.The agreement
was signed between the Government Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Bengaluru MMLP Private Limited
and Concessionaire SPV PATH Bengaluru Logistics Park Pvt. Ltd.

IBM Signed 8 MoUs with departments of MoE & MSDE to Scale Digital Skills Training in India
On September 27, 2023, IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) signed 8 Memorandums
of Understanding (MoUs) with the departments under the Ministry of Education (MoE), and Ministry
of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to offer tailored courses to empower the Indian
youths with future-ready digital skills.
This partnership focus on the co-creation of curriculum and access to IBM SkillsBuild, learning
platform of IBM, for learners across school education, higher education, and vocational skills on
emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence(AI) (including generative AI), Cybersecurity, cloud
computing, and professional development.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

APPOINTMENTS
NATIONAL
PERSON NAME APPOINTED AS ENTITY / PLACE KEY NOTES
Rajeshwar Rao Deputy RBI Appointments Committee of the Cabinet

Governor (ACC) has approved the re-appointment
of M Rajeshwar Rao, Deputy Governor of
Reserve Bank of India (RBI), for a period
of 1 year with effect from 9th October
2023.Initially, he was appointed as the
Deputy governor of RBI in October 2020
for a period of 3 years.
Sashidhar Jagdishan Managing HDFC Bank Limited Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has
Director(MD) approved re-appointment of Sashidhar
and Chief Jagdishan as Managing Director(MD) and
Executive Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of HDFC
Officer(CEO) Bank Limited for a period of 3 years
with effect from 27th October 2023 to
26th October 2026.He has been MD and
CEO of the Housing Development
Finance Corporation (HDFC) Bank since
October 2020, after he took charge from
Aditya Puri(the bank’s longest serving
CEO (26 years- since September 1994).
Sandeep Bakhshi Managing ICICI Bank Limited The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
Director(MD) approved the re-appointment of
and Chief Sandeep Bakhshi as the Managing
Executive Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer
Officer (CEO) (CEO) of the ICICI Bank Limited for
three years with effect from 4th October,
2023 to 3rd October 2026.
✓ This is his second extension of
tenure; the first extension
happened in 2021 for two years

which is about to expire on 3rd
October 2023.
He has been serving as the MD & CEO of
ICICI Bank since 2018 succeeding
Chanda Kochchar.
Gokul Subramaniam President Intel India Intel Corporation, a leading digital
chipmaker based in the United States of
America(USA), has appointed
Gokul Subramaniam as the President
of Intel India.
He is currently a Vice President (VP) of
the Client Computing Group (CCG) and
serves as general manager of Client
Platforms and Systems.
Srinivasan K. Swamy Chairman Audit Bureau of Srinivasan K. Swamy, Executive
Circulations Chairman of R.K. Swamy Hansa Group,
has been elected as the Chairman of the
Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) for
the term 2023-2024. He replaced Pratap
Pawar who served as Chairman for the
term 2022-23.Srinivasan K. Swamy was
the Deputy Chairman of the Bureau for
the year 2022-2023.
He was awarded the Lifetime
Achievement Award by the Advertising
Agencies Association of India(AAAI) in
2016.
KN Madhusoodanan Part-Time Dhanlaxmi Bank Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has
Chairman approved the appointment of KN
Madhusoodanan as the Part-Time
Chairman of Thrissur (Kerala)-
based Dhanlaxmi Bank for a period of 3
years with effect from September 26,
2023. He has been an Independent
Director on the Board of the Bank with
effect from 9 November 2022.
KN Madhusoodanan succeeded G
Subramonia Iyer, who resigned in
December 2021
Jaya Varma Sinha Chairperson & Railway Board The Appointments Committee of the
Chief Executive Cabinet(ACC) has approved the
Officer (CEO) appointment of Jaya Varma Sinha as the
Chairperson & Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of Railway Board. She becomes
the 1st woman to hold the post since the
establishment of Railway Board in 1905.
✓ She succeeded Anil Kumar
Lahoti whose tenure as

chairman and CEO ended on 31st
August 2023.
Jaya Varma Sinha will hold the post till
31st August 2024. Previously was set to
retire on 1st October 2023, but she will
be re-employed until her tenure is over.
Dipak Gupta MD & CEO Kotak Mahindra Bank Dipak Gupta, Joint Managing Director
(MD) of the Kotak Mahindra Bank
Limited took over as the Interim MD
and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
the bank till 31st December 2023. He
will hold the position till Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) proposes its successor.
The appointment of Dipak Gupate
follows the early resignation of Uday
Kotak from the position of MD & CEO
with effect from 1st September 2023.
His tenure as MD & CEO expires on 31st
December 2023
Nuthalapati Venkata Member of the Singapore Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana (NV
Ramana (NV Ramana) International International Ramana), Former Chief Justice of India
Mediation Panel Mediation Centre (CJI), has been appointed member of the
(SIMC) International Mediation Panel of the
Singapore International Mediation
Centre (SIMC). A letter of appointment
was presented to him by George Lim,
Chairman of SIMC, in Singapore.
Rajesh Nambiar Chairperson National Association . The National Association of Software
of Software and and Service Companies (NASSCOM) has
Service Companies appointed Rajesh Nambiar, Chairman
(NASSCOM) and Managing Director(CMD) of
Cognizant India, as its Chairperson. He
will replace Anant Maheshwari (former
president of Microsoft India) who was
appointed as Chairman of NASSCOM
(2023-2024) in April 2023.
He is relocating to Dubai as part of his
new role as Honeywell’s High Growth
Region President And Chief Executive
Officer (CEO)
Mahavir Lunawat Chairman Association of The Association of Investment Bankers
Investment Bankers of India (AIBI) appointed
of India (AIBI) Mahavir Lunawat, Group Founder and
Managing Director (MD) of Pantomath
Capital Advisors Private Limited, as its
Chairman for two years starting
September 2023. He will succeed Anay P

Khare, MD (Corporate Finance
Division(CFD) of Axis Capital Ltd.
✓ AIBI also appointed Arjun
Mehra, MD of J.M. Financial, and
Prem D’Cunha, SVP (Senior Vice
President) & Head – ECM
Execution at ICICI Securities as
its Vice Chairmen.
These appointments were made at the
AIBI’s Board Meeting held on September
5, 2023.
Rajnish Kumar Non-Executive Mastercard India Rajnish Kumar, former chairman of the
Chairman State Bank of India(SBI) has been
appointed as the Non-Executive
Chairman of Mastercard India.Rajnish
Kumar will guide Mastercard's South
Asia executive leadership team, led by
Gautam Aggarwal, Division President for
South Asia and Country Corporate
Officer, India.
He is currently serving as the chairman
of payments startup BharatPe.
Vivek Bhasin Director Bhabha Atomic On 15th September 2023, Vivek
Research Centre Bhasin took charge as the 14th Director
(BARC) of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
(BARC), India’s premier nuclear
research facility, headquartered in
Mumbai, Maharashtra. Prior to this
appointment, Vivek was serving as the
director of the Nuclear Fuels
Group(NFG) of the BARC.
He succeds Ajit Kumar Mohanty who
was appointed as the Secretary
to Department of Atomic
Energy(DAE) under the Prime Minister's
Office(PMO) and Chairman of Atomic
Energy Commission in May 2023.
Banmali Agrawala Chairman Tata Advanced Banmali Agrawala has been appointed as
Systems Limited the New Chairman of Tata Advanced
(TASL) Systems Limited (TASL), the aerospace
and defense solutions division and
wholly owned subsidiary of TATA Sons,
the holding company of TATA
Group.Prior to the appointment, he was
serving as the Senior Advisor at Tata
Sons and Chairman of Tata Electronics
Private Limited (TEPL).He succeds Vijay
Singh who has retired from the post.

Sanjeev Mantri MD & CEO ICICI Lombard ICICI Lombard General Insurance
General Insurance Limited appointed Sanjeev Mantri as the
Managing director (MD) and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of the company
following the resignation of Bhargav
Dasgupta from the post.Sanjeev Mantri is
currently serving as the Executive
Director of ICICI Lombard General
Insurance (since 2015).
INTERNATIONAL
PERSON NAME APPOINTED AS ENTITY / PLACE KEY NOTES
Sato Kilman PM Vanuatu Parliament of the Republic of Vanuatu
elected Sato Kilman, a former Prime
Minister (PM) and leader of the
People’s Progressive Party, as the new
PM of Vanuatu. This marks Sato
Kilman’s 5th term as the PM of Vanuatu.
Sato Kilman was elected 27 votes to 23
in the secret ballot. This outcome
followed the Court of Appeal upholding
the results of a no-confidence motion
against the outgoing PM, Ishmael
Kalsakau.
General Brice Oligui Transitional Gabon On August 30, 2023, General Brice
Nguema President Oligui Nguema, Chief of the Gabonese
Republican Guard, was unanimously
appointed as the Transitional
President of Gabon and Chairman of
the Committee for the Transition and
Restoration of Institutions.
He will be sworn in as Transitional
President before the Constitutional
Court on Monday September 4, 2023.
Tharman President Singapore Indian-origin Singapore-born
Shanmugaratnam economist Tharman
Shanmugaratnam (66 years) has been
elected as the 9th President of
Singapore after securing 70.4%
(1,746,427 votes) of more than 2.48
million valid votes cast.
He will succeed incumbent
Halimah Yacob, Singapore's first
female President elected without a
contest in 2017 whose term will
conclude on September 13, 2023.
Nihar Malaviya Chief Executive Penguin Random Nihar Malaviya, an Indian-origin
Officer (CEO) House American publishing executive, has

been named permanent Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of Penguin Random
House, the New York (United States of
America, USA)-based international
publishing group.
✓ Nihar Malaviya has been
serving as the interim CEO for 9
months since January 1, 2023.
He will succeed Markus Dohle, who
left the position following Penguin
Random House’s unsuccessful attempt
to acquire Simon & Schuster in 2022.
Bhargav Dasgupta Vice-President Asian Development On September 22, 2023, the Asian
Bank (ADB) Development Bank (ADB) has
appointed Bhargav Dasgupta as Vice-
President (Market Solutions) for a
period of 3 years. His tenure as MD &
CEO was set to end in April 2024. Prior
to this appointment, He was serving as
the Managing Director (MD) & Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of ICICI
Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd
since 2009.
About ADB: President- Masatsugu
Asakawa , Headquarters- Mandaluyong,
Metro Manila, Philippines.
BRAND & CAMPAIGN AMBASSADORS

PERSON NAME BRAND / CAMPAIGN KEY NOTES
Mahendra Singh Dhoni Brand Ambassador Swaraj Tractors, a subsidiary of Mahindra &
Mahindra Limited Chaired by Mr. Anand Mahindra
has named Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former
Indian captain as its new brand ambassador. The
announcement was made during the launch of the
company’s lightweight tractors.
Katrina Kaif Brand Ambassador Bollywood Actress Katrina Kaif has been named as
the first Indian Brand Ambassador of Uniqlo, a
Japanese multinational fashion retailer brand.The
one-year agreement will feature the actress in
advertising films for the company’s ‘LifeWear’ range
of everyday apparel.Switzerland’s Tennis Player
Roger Federer has been the Uniqlo Global Brand
Ambassador since 2018.

OTHER APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
Rajya Sabha Chairman Appoints Four New Women Vice-Chairpersons; Panel to Discuss
Women's Reservation Bill
The Vice President of India, ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha Jagdeep Dhankhar has reconstituted the
panel of vice-chairpersons with the eight member panel with 50 percent(4 members) of women
parliamentarians with effect from 13th September 2023.
✓ For the first time in the history of Rajya Sabha (the Upper House of the Indian Parliament) has
given equal representation to women members in the panel.The four new women Vice-
Chairpersons are: Kanta Kardam(Uttar Pradesh), Sumitra Balmik(Madhya
Pradesh), Mamata Mohanta (Odisha) and Geeta alias Chandraprabha(Uttar Pradesh).
13 Women Vice-chairpersons Panel for a Day to Discuss Women’s Reservation Bill
✓ The Vice President of India, ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha Jagdeep Dhankhar has constituted
13 women Parliamentarians to the panel of vice-chairpersons.The panel was reconstituted for a
day to discuss the Women’s reservation Bill or Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023.
✓ The Women’s Reservation Bill 2023, officially titled as The Constitution (128th Amendment) Bill,
2023 and commonly referred to as Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, has been introduced in the
Indian Parliament. Click here to read Full News
AWARDS
OTHER IMPORTANT AWARDS
AWARD NAME AWARD WINNER FIELD KEY NOTES
Ig Nobel Prize 2023 A team of scientists Mechanical The 2023 Ig Nobel Prizes were awarded at the
from India, China, Engineering 33rd First Annual Ig Nobel Prize ceremony, on
Malaysia, and the September 14th, 2023. The Ig Nobel Prize is
United States of the prize for humorous scientific feats and
America (USA) aims to “honour achievements that first make
people laugh, and then make them think.”
A team of scientists from India, China,
Malaysia, and the United States of America
(USA) has won the 2023 Ig Nobels, in the
‘Mechanical Engineering‘ category for re-
animating dead spiders and using them as
mechanical gripping tools.
Ramon Magsaysay 4 Member Philippines based Ramon Magsaysay Award
Awards 2023 Awardees Foundation (RMAF) announced the 65th
edition of the Ramon Magsaysay
Award(2023) with the theme “Transforming
Asia, Inspiring the World”.The 2023 Ramon
Magsaysay Award is set to be held in Manila,
Philippines on 11th November 2023.
The 2023 Ramon Magsaysay awardees are:
✓ Ravi Kannan: “Hero for Holistic
- Healthcare” from India.
✓ Miriam Coronel–Ferrer: “Women in
Peace-Building Pioneer” from the
Philippines.

✓ Eugenio Lemos: “Food Sovereignty
Visionary” from Timor-Leste.
✓ Korvi Rakshand: “Education-for-All
Champion” from Bangladesh.
National Award for Exemplary The 26th National Conference on e-
e-Governance implementation Governance (NCeG), was organised on the
2022-23 of e- 25th and 26th of August 2023 at Brilliant
Governance Convention Centre, Indore, Madhya
initiatives Pradesh(MP), to deliberate on providing
better facilities to the citizens.
✓ During the conference, the National
Award for e-Governance 2022-
23 (NAeG 2023) were presented for
exemplary implementation of e-
Governance initiatives.
✓ The 26th NCeG was organised on
the theme ‘Viksit Bharat,
- Empowering Citizens’.
National Award for e-Governance 2022-23
✓ A total of 16 awards (8 gold and 8
silver) were presented under 5
categories:
✓ NAFIS of NCRB gets DARPG’s Gold
Award for Excellence in Category-1
✓ West Bengal Government’s Suvidha
Vehicles System wins Gold Award for
Efficient Trade Facilitation
✓ SVAMITVA Scheme of the Ministry
of Panchayati Raj won Gold
in NAeG 2022-23.
World Innovation Dr. Shanta Thoutam Telangana’s 1st woman Chief Innovation
Award Officer (CIO) Shanta Thoutam honoured the
World Innovation Award at the first BRICS
innovation forum held at Moscow, Russia. The
cloud city concept was the core topic of the
forum.
✓ The award is given for her
- contribution to the Sustainable
Development Goal(SDG)-4 through a
systematic effort to implement
innovative solutions.
The Award was established by the World
Organisation for Development, an
international Non-Governmental
Organization(NGO) with special consultative
status with the United Nations Economic and
Social Council(ECOSOC).

Sangeet Natak 84 Artistes Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar
Akademi Amrit presented the one-time Sangeet Natak
Awards 2022 Akademi Amrit Awards 2022 to 84 artistes
from varied fields of performing arts during a
ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi,
Delhi.The award was constituted to honour
- Indian artistes aged above 75 years who have
not been accorded any national honour in
their career so far. The award was constituted
to honour Indian artistes aged above 75 years
who have not been accorded any national
honour in their career so far.
Rajbhasha Kirti Achievements The Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar 2022-23 ,the
Puraskar 2022-23 in most prestigious award offered by the Indian
implementing government for “achievements in
the official implementing the official language” was
language presented at the Hindi Diwas Samaroh
2023.This prestigious award ceremony was
part of the 3rd All-India Official Language
Conference (Akhil Bharatiya Rajbhasha
Sammelan) took place at Shree Shiv
Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi,
Pune, Maharashtra, from September 14-15.
Organized and Presented Annually by:
Department of Official Language, Ministry of
Home Affairs, Government of India.
- ✓ Department of Pension & Pensioners’
Welfare Receives First Prestigious Raj
Bhasha Kirti Puraskar, 2022-23
✓ PFC Receives
‘Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar’ for
Outstanding Performance in
Implementation of Official Language
✓ PNB Wins Rajbhasha Kirti First
Prize at Hindi Diwas
✓ Bhakra Beas Management Board
(BBMB) won the ‘Rajbhasha Kirti’ first
prize
✓ IOB was awarded the coveted
‘Rajbhasha Kirti’
CAG bags “First” Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar for
‘outstanding implementation’ of Official
Language Policy Click here to read Full News
Shanti Swarup 12 young scientists On September 11, 2023, the Council of
Bhatnagar (SSB) Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR)
Awards for 2022 Director General N Kalaiselvi announced the
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) awards for
2022 to be distributed to 12 young scientists
across India.

- The announcement was made at the launch
event of ‘One Week One Lab’ programme of
CSIR-National Institute of Science
Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-
NIScPR), in the presence of Minister of State
(MoS) Dr. Jitendra Singh (Ministry of Science
and Technology), Vice President, CSIR in New
Delhi, Delhi. Click Here to read full News
Best Tourism Biswanath Ghat Tourism Assam Chief Minister(CM)
Village of India Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the
2023 Union Ministry of Tourism(MoT) has selected
Biswanath Ghat (also known as Gupta Kashi)
of Sonitpur district of Assam as the Best
Tourism Village of India 2023. MoT has also
selected Kiriteshwari village in the
Murshidabad district of West Bengal as the
Best Tourism Village of India.
Norman E. Borlaug Swati Nayak Field Research Indian Scientist Swati Nayak has been named
Award and Application the 2023 recipient of the Norman E. Borlaug
Award for ‘Field Research and Application’.
She became the third Indian and first odia
(Odisha) scientist to receive this award in
Field Research and Application. The award
was announced in Climate Week New York
City which held from 17-24 September 2023.
✓ She is fondly called Bihana Didi (seed
lady) in Odisha.
The Norman E. Borlaug Award for Field
Research and Application, endowed by the
Rockefeller Foundation.
Dada Saheb Phalke Waheeda Rehman Lifetime Veteran Indian actor and Padma Awardee
Award for the year contribution to Waheeda Rehman will be conferred with the
2021 Indian cinema Dada Saheb Phalke Award for the year 2021
for her lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.
She will become the 53rd recipient of this
award.She will also be the 8th female artist to
receive the dadasaheb phalke award.The
award will be presented during the 69th
National Film Awards ceremony.
Honoured with the highest award in the field
of cinema, the recipients of this award are
recognized for their ‘outstanding contribution
to the growth and development of Indian
cinema’.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS IN CONTENT FORMAT
Morning Consult Survey: PM Modi Retained the Most Popular Global Leader title with 76%
rating
According to the “Global Leader Approval Rating Tracker” survey released by the United States of
America (USA) based consulting firm Morning Consult, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India has been
named the “Most Popular Global World Leader” with an approval rating of 76% (highest in the world).
Modi received 18% disapproval and 5% did not give an opinion.
✓ Alain Berset, President of Switzerland is ranked 2nd (64%) followed by Andres Manuel Lopez
Obrador, President of Mexico at 3rd rank (61%).
Updated: Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2023: Indore, Amravati, Parwanoo Tops in Category -1,2 &
3 Respectively
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has
given awards to the ‘Swachh Vayu Survekshan-2023' winners on the occasion of the "International
Day of Clear Air for Blue Sky" on 7th September 2023, at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh .
✓ ‘Swachh Vayu Survekshan- 2023’ was conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
under the initiative of the MoEFCC.
✓ The 2nd edition of Swachh Vayu Survekshan took place in 2023.
‘National Clean Air City’ Awards:
i.Category 1: Indore (Madhya Pradesh) secured the first rank followed by Agra (Uttar Pradesh) and
Thane (Maharashtra) in the second and third place respectively.
✓ Those cities with a population above 10 lakh fall under category 1.
ii.Category 2: Amravati of Maharashtra bagged the top rank followed by Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh)
and Guntur (Andhra Pradesh) in the second and third place respectively .
iii.Category 3: Parwanoo of Himachal Pradesh bagged the top rank followed by Kala Amb(Himachal
Pradesh) and Angul(Odisha) in the second and third place respectively.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das Rated ‘A+’ in Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2023
United States of America (US)-based Global Finance magazine has rated Shaktikanta Das, Governor of
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as A+ in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2023.
Along with Shaktikanta Das, Thomas J Jordan Chairperson of the Swiss National Bank, Switzerland and
Nguyen Thi Hong, Governor of State Bank of Vietnam, Vietnam were rated A+.
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research celebrated its 82nd Foundation Day – 26th
September 2023
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research(CSIR) celebrated its 82nd Foundation Day on 26th September
2023 with an event organised at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Delhi.Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) addressed
the event and presented the Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar (SSB) Awards for Science and Technology (S&T)
2022 to the 12 eminent Scientists under the age of 45.
Vijayawada Railway Station gets ‘Green Railway Station Certification’ with Highest Platinum
Rating
The Vijayawada Railway Station in Andhra Pradesh(AP) has been certified as “Green Railway Station”
with the highest rating of Platinum by IGBC (Indian Green Building Council)-Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII). The rating was presented under the IGBC Green Railway Stations Rating System.
This becomes the 2nd railway station under the South Central Railway (SCR) Zone to bag a Platinum
rating after Secunderabad railway division(Telangana), which bagged the rating in 2018.

Indian Fashion Designer honoured with France’s Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
The Government of France has awarded the “Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” (Knight of the
Order of Arts and Letters) to the Indian Fashion Designer Rahul Mishra for his achievements in the field
of arts as a designer, and his commitment to promote Indian crafts and know-how internationally.
Rahul Mishra, hailing from Uttara Pradesh(UP).
NMC India Gets World Federation for Medical Education Recognition Status for 10 Years
The National Medical Commission (NMC) of India has been awarded the Recognition Status by the
World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) for a period of 10 years with immediate effect.
As part of this recognition, all the 706 existing medical colleges in India will become WFME accredited
and the new medical colleges, set up in the coming 10 years will automatically become WFME
accredited.
SUMMITS, EVENTS & CONFERENCE

SUMMITS
SUMMIT VENUE KEY POINTS
G20 (Group of 20) Leaders Summit New Delhi The two-day 18th G20 (Group of 20) Leaders’
Summit, under India’s presidency, happened
in Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition and
Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan, New
Delhi from September 9th to 10th, 2023. This is
the first ever G20 Summit being hosted by India.The
meeting was held under the theme of
“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth – One
Family – One Future”. It is inspired from the Maha
Upanishad, an old Sanskrit scripture.
✓ The members of the G20 are Argentina,
Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France,
Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan,
Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi
Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United
Kingdom, the United States and the European
Union.
✓ On September 9, 2023, at the G20 Summit
held in New Delhi, Prime Minister Shri
Narendra Modi launched the Global Biofuel
Alliance (GBA), a collective effort aimed at
reducing the world’s dependency on petrol
and diesel fuels.
During the 18th G20 Summit, Indian PM Narendra
Modi announced that the African Union has been
included as a member of the G20, making it the 21st
member…Click here for more detail…
20th ASEAN (Association of Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi paid
Southeast Asian Nations) -India official visit to Jakarta, Indonesia from 6th to 7th
Summit

September 2023 at the invitation of Joko Widodo,
President of the Republic of Indonesia.
✓ During his visit, he attended the 20th
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian
- Nations) -India Summit and the 18th East
Asia Summit (EAS) hosted by Indonesia as
current Chair of ASEAN.
✓ The 20th ASEAN-India Summit is the 1st
Summit since the elevation of India-ASEAN
relations to a Comprehensive Strategic
Partnership in 2022.
In 2023, Indonesia took lead as ASEAN Chair with the
theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”.
EVENTS
EVENTS VENUE KEY POINTS
Surya Nepal Kathmandu Kalinga Nepal The 2nd edition of Surya Nepal Kathmandu Kalinga
Literary Festival (KLF) Literary Festival (KLF) was held from 1st to 3rd
September 2023 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The event was
inaugurated by Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud
of Nepal on 1st September 2023 and it was
successfully concluded on 3rd September 2023 in
Lalitpur, Nepal. Central theme of the festival is Shakti,
Bhakti, Civilizational connection: Nepal as centre of
Global Thought.
CONFERENCE
CONFERENCE VENUE KEY POINTS
Bi-annual Naval Commanders New Delhi On September 4, 2023, the 2nd edition of Bi-annual
Conference Naval Commanders Conference was held in New
Delhi, Delhi where Minister of State (MoS) Ajay Bhatt,
Ministry of Defence interacted with Senior Naval
Leadership.
During the Meet, Indian Navy showcased ongoing
indigenous projects and introduced new uniform
items at the naval commanders' conference.
Second Barge of the series LSAM 16 (Yard 126) has
been delivered to Indian Navy (IN) Under Indian
Register of Shipping (IRS) classification rules, with a
30-year service life
Global Fintech Fest Conference Maharashtra Global Fintech Fest (GFF) is the largest fintech 3-day
2023 conference held from September 5 to 7, 2023 at Jio
World Convention Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra,
India.The 4th Edition was jointly organized by the
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the
Payments Council of India (PCI), and the Fintech
Convergence Council (FCC).

✓ RBI Governor Unveils Five Exciting Payment
Solutions at Global Fintech Fest 2023
• Credit line on UPI
• UPI Lite X
• UPI Tap & Pay
• Hello UPI - Conversational Payments
on UPI
• BillPay Connect - Conversational Bill
Payments
✓ Hitachi Payment Services Introduces ‘India’s
first ever’ UPI-ATM
✓ SBI unveils ‘Nation’s First Transit
Card’: RuPay NCMC Prepaid Card
Global Fintech Awards 2023: Adeeb Ahamed Wins
Leading Fintech Personality of the Year Award at GFF
Mumbai Click here to read full News…
COMMITTEES & MEETINGS

COMMITTEES
COMMITTEE NAME HEAD KEY POINTS
Committee on ‘One Nation One Ram Nath On September 1, 2023, the Union Government
Election’ Kovind formed a committee under the leadership of former
President of India Ram Nath Kovind to explore the
possibility of “One Nation One Election” which aims
to hold General (Lok Sabha) and State elections
simultaneously.
The information for the same was shared by Union
Minister Pralhad Joshi, Ministry of Parliamentary
Affairs.
Permanent Central Empowered The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate
Committee (CEC) Change (MoEF&CC) has set up a new permanent
Central Empowered Committee (CEC), replacing an
ad hoc expert panel with the same name which
assisted the Supreme Court (SC) in matters of forest
and environment issues.
- ✓ Now, CEC is instituted as a permanent
statutory body on environmental issues,
and Government of India (GoI) has full
control over the constitution of the CEC.
This development followed the Forest Conservation
(Amendment) Bill, 2023.

MEETINGS
MEETING NAME VENUE KEY POINTS
Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Video The 5th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of REC
REC Limited Conferencing Limited (formerly Rural Electrification Corporation
Limited) was held via Video Conferencing. The
Meeting was chaired by its Chairman & Managing
Director (CMD) Vivek Kumar Dewangan. REC Limited
is committed to increase its green project loan
portfolio to Rs 3 lakh crore by 2030, representing
more than a 10-fold increase.
✓ The Ministry of Power has granted REC the
authority to provide loans to non-power
infrastructure and logistics sectors,
contributing to India’s development.
✓ REC Limited raised USD 1.15 billion in August
2023 in two tranches from a consortium of
six banks as Mandated Lead Arrangers and
Bookrunners (MLABs) under its Market
Borrowing Programme of Rs. 1.20 lakh crore
for 2023-24.
REC Limited secured a Foreign Currency Term Loan
of USD 100 million from EXIM (Export Import) Bank
of India. This is the first term loan being extended by
Exim Bank to REC..Click here for complete detail.
INDEX
RANKING
INDEX / SURVEY NAME RELEASED BY / KEY NOTES
CONDUCTED BY
U.S. News & World U.S. News & World India => 30th Rank
Report's Best Countries According to the 8th edition of U.S. News & World
Rankings 2023 Report's Best Countries Rankings 2023, India
improved its ranking by one spot to claim 30th rank
in 2023 with overall score of 40.8. India was ranked
31 out of 85 in 2022.
• The list is topped by Switzerland, among 87
countries, for the second consecutive time
and sixth time overall.
• Switzerland is followed by Canada at
2nd rank, and Sweden at 3rd rank.
• The rankings are developed in collaboration
with global marketing communications
company WPP and its proprietary BAV
brand analytics tool, and by the
Wharton School of the University of
Pennsylvania, United States (US).

Top 5 and India in Best Countries Rankings 2023
1. Switzerland
2. Canada
3. Sweden
4. Australia
5. United States of America (USA)
Digital Quality of Life Surfshark Limited According to the 2023 Digital Quality of Life(DQL)
(DQL) Index Index, the 5th edition of the annual DQL Index by
Surfshark Limited, India has raised to 52nd rank
with a ranking index of 0.5154 from 59th rank in
2022.The Index featuring 121 countries is topped by
France with a ranking index of 0.7902 followed by
Finland, Denmark, Germany and Luxembourg.
✓ In Asia (regional ranking) India is ranked 13,
with Singapore (global rank 10) at the top.
India’s ranking: Internet Affordability – 28th rank,
Internet Quality -16th rank, Electronic Infrastructure
– 91st rank, Electronic Security – 66th rank and
Electronic Government – 35th rank.
Economic Freedom of the Canadian think tank India => 87th Ranking
World (EFW) 2023 Fraser Institute According to the Economic Freedom of the
Annual Report World(EFW) 2023 Annual Report released by
Canadian think tank Fraser Institute, Singapore is the
world’s freest economy with a rating of 8.56. India
Ranked 87 in the index.
Hong Kong and Switzerland stand as the second and
the third freest economy with the rating of 8.55 and
8.47 respectively.
Top 5 Ranking:
1. Singapore
2. Hong Kong
3. Switzerland
4. New Zealand
5. United States of America(USA)
Global Crypto Adoption Chainalysis, a crypto- According to the 2023 Global Crypto Adoption Index
Index analysis firm released by Chainalysis, a crypto-analysis firm, India
has topped the index (rank 1), with a score of 1.0,
among 154 countries. Previously, India was ranked
4th in the 2022 index.
✓ Nigeria and Vietnam stands at second and
third rank with the index score of 0.642 and
0.568 respectively.
This is the 4th annual Global Crypto Adoption Index.
The first edition of the Index was published in 2020.
World University Times Higher According to the ‘Times Higher Education(THE)
Ranking 2024 Education(THE) World University Ranking 2024’, the Indian Institute
of Science, Bengaluru (IISc Bengaluru) is Ranked
No. 1 among Indian institutions, falling into the 201-

250 band ranking for the first time since 2017. IISc
Bengaluru has moved up from 251-300 band in
2023.
✓ With 91 Indian institutes included in the
“THE World University Rankings 2024”, India
is the fourth most–represented country on
the list. In 2023,75 institutes from India were
featured in the list.
University of Oxford of United Kingdom(UK)
ranked 1st in THE World University Rankings 2024
for the eighth consecutive year, while Stanford
University and Massachusetts Institute of
Technology(MIT) of United States of America(USA)
in second and third places respectively.
REPORTS
REPORT NAME SUBMITTED BY KEY NOTES
Assessment Report on Invasive United Nations The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform
Alien Species and their Control on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
(IPBES), the leading United Nations (UN) body
on Biodiversity and Conservation, published a
report titled Assessment Report on Invasive
Alien Species and their Control , known as the
“Invasive Alien Species Report” .The report
revealed the establishment of over 37,000 such
species worldwide.
In 2019, the annual economic toll of these
invaders surpassed USD 423 billion, marking a
fourfold increase in costs each decade since
1970.
Progress on the Sustainable United Nations United Nations (UN)’s report titled “Progress on
Development Goals: The gender the Sustainable Development Goals: The gender
snapshot 2023 snapshot 2023” states that the world is failing
in its efforts towards achieving Sustainable
Development Goals(SDG) 5: gender equality,
due to the biases against women around the
world in health, education, employment and the
halls of power.
This is the latest edition of the annual series
jointly produced by of the UN Women(UN
Entity for Gender Equality and the
Empowerment of Women) and UN Department
of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).
Global Trends in Child Monetary World Bank Group According to the report “Global Trends in
Poverty According to International and United Nations Child Monetary Poverty According to
Poverty Lines Children’s Fund International Poverty Lines” prepared by the
(UNICEF) World Bank Group and United Nations
Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in 2022, children

accounted for 52.5% of the total extreme poor
population in the world i.e., every 2nd extreme
poor person in the world is a child.
✓ About 11.5 % (52 million) of Indian
children live in extremely poor
households.
Sub-Saharan Africa has the world’s highest rate
of poverty among children, at 40%, whereas
South Asia has 9.7%.
Global Report on Hypertension: World Health The World Health Organization (WHO) released
the race against a silent killer Organization (WHO) it’s first-ever report on the global impact of
hypertension (high Blood Pressure -BP) titled,
“Global Report on Hypertension: the race
against a silent killer”, along with
recommendations on the effective hypertension
care to save lives.
✓ The report reveals that approximately 4
out of every 5 people with hypertension
are not receiving adequate treatment.
By scaling up coverage, it's estimated
that 76 million deaths could be
prevented between 2023 and 2050.
The world is not on track to meet the voluntary
global target of a 25% reduction in the
prevalence of raised blood pressure
(uncontrolled hypertension) by 2025.
Growth of ultra-processed foods in World Health According to the World Health Organization
India- An analysis of trends, issues Organization (WHO) (WHO)’s report titled “Growth of ultra-
and policy recommendations processed foods in India- An analysis of trends,
issues and policy recommendations”, India’s
Ultra-Processed Food Sector grew at a
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of
13.37 % in retail sales value from 2011 to 2021.
This report has been developed by the WHO
Country Office for India in collaboration with
the Indian Council for Research on
International Economic Relations (ICRIER).
Caring for Our Elders Institutional UNFPA India and IIPS United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Responses: India Ageing Report India, along with the International Institute for
2023 Population Sciences (IIPS), unveiled ‘Caring for
Our Elders Institutional Responses: India
Ageing Report 2023’.
Note: United Nations had declared 2020-30 as
the Decade of Healthy Ageing.
Data & Analytics:
i.Senior citizen occupies 10% of India’s
population. By 2036, it will be 14.36%. In 2050
it will be 20.8%

ii.The current estimate of the decadal growth
rate of the elderly population (60+ years) of
India is at 41% between 2021 and 2031.
iii.The report predicts that by 2046 elderly
population will surpassed the population of
children (Below 15 years) in the country.
Click here to read full news.
RANKING & REPORTS IN CONTENT FORMAT

Kantar BrandZ Top 75 Most Valuable Indian Brands Report 2023: TCS Retains Its Number One
Position
In the Kantar BrandZ Top 75 Most Valuable Indian Brands Report 2023, conducted by Wire and
Plastic Products (WPP) and Kantar, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) retained its top position as India’s
most valuable brand for the second consecutive year with a brand value of USD 43 billion.
✓ Housing Development Finance Corporation(HDFC) bank and Infosys occupies 2nd and 3rd
position with a brand value of USD 33,612 and USD 24,170 respectively.
This 2023 ranking marks the 10th edition of India’s most valuable brands ranking by Kantar.
Top 10 most valued brand:
ACQUISITION & MERGERS

CCI Approves Acquisition of Certain Shares in Brillio Holdings by Orogen-Brunson
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of a certain shareholding in
Brillio Holdings, Inc. by Orogen-Brunson L.P.
• Acquirer: Orogen-Brunson L.P. is a limited company formed in the United States of America(USA)
to enable the proposed combination.
Target: US-based Brillio Holdings, Inc. is a global technology consulting and business solutions provider
that focuses on big data analytics.
CCI approves merger of TSAL into Air India

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the Phase I merger of Vistara owned Tata SIA
Airlines Limited (TSAL) into Air India Limited (AIL), with AIL emerging as the surviving entity
(Merged Entity). AIL requested for the merger in April 2023.
✓ Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA) will hold 25.1% shareholding in Air India with an investment of
Rs 2,059 crore in the entity.

TSAL is a joint venture between TSPL and SIA, with TSPL and SIA holding 51% and 49% of the total
shareholding, respectively.
CCI Approves Acquisition of up to 29.9% Stake in RHI Magnesita NV by Ignite Luxembourg

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of up to 29.9% equity shares
of RHI Magnesita NV by Ignite Luxembourg Holdings S.à r.l.
Acquirer- Ignite Luxembourg Holdings S.à r.l
Target- RHI Magnesita NV
GQG Acquired Over 5 Crore Shares in IDFC First Bank from V Vaidyanathan
GQG Partners have acquired 5.07 crore equity shares (0.8% of the total equity) in IDFC First Bank
for about Rs 478.70 crore from V Vaidyanathan, Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of IDFC First Bank. The transaction occurred at a price of Rs 94.5 per share.
KKR Set to Invest Rs 2069.50 Crore in Reliance Retail

The global investment firm KKR & Co. Inc., also known as Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., is set to invest
Rs 2,069.50 crore into Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL) to raise its total equity stake to 1.42%
from 1.17% on a fully diluted basis. RRVL is the retail arm and a subsidiary of Reliance Industries
Limited(RIL). KKR had earlier invested Rs 5,550 crore in RRVL in 2020.
CCI Approvals on September 20, 2023

On September 20, 2023, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the following
proposals:
✓ CCI approves acquisition of additional unit holding in Highways Infrastructure Trust by 2452991
Ontario Limited and acquisition of equity stake in Highway ConcessionsOne Private Limited (HC
One) by 2743298 Ontario Limited
✓ CCI approves certain shareholding in TVS Credit Services Limited by PI Opportunities along with
certain Individuals
✓ CCI approves acquisition of approximately 24.16% of total equity shareholding in Quality Care
India Limited by Centella Mauritius Holdings Limited
✓ CCI approves acquisition of 72.49% stake (approx.) in Quality Care India by BCP Asia II
HDFC AMC Gets RBI Approval to Acquire Upto 9.5% Stake in KVB, DCB Bank
HDFC Asset Management Company Limited(HDFC AMC) received approval from the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) to acquire additional holdings of up to 9.5% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights of
Karur Vysya Bank Limited(KVB) and DCB Bank Limited.
✓ The approval has been granted with reference to the application made by HDFC AMC to RBI.
The holding of HDFC AMC in both the banks should not exceed (individually) 9.5 % of the paid-up share
capital or voting rights of the Bank at all times.

DEFENCE
EXERCISE
EXERCISE NAME VENUE / KEY NOTES
PARTICIPATING
COUNTRIES
Exercise BRIGHT Egypt Indian Army contingent comprising 137 personnel has
STAR- 23 departed to Egypt to participate in "Exercise BRIGHT
STAR- 23", a multinational tri-services joint military
exercise scheduled to be conducted from 31 August
to 14 September 2023 at Mohammed Naguib
Military Base in Hammam, Egypt.
For the 1st time, Indian Armed Forces are
participating in Exercise BRIGHT STAR with a total
strength of 549 personnel. The Indian Army is being
represented by a contingent from 23 JAT Battalion.
Passage Exercise Sri Lanka, Indian Navy The Indian Navy (IN) and Sri Lanka Navy(SLN) jointly
(PASSEX) (IN) and Sri Lanka conduct a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) off the coast of
Navy(SLN) Colombo, Sri Lanka.Indian Naval Ship(INS) Delhi and
SLN Ship Vijayabahu participated in the Exercise.
The Exercise took place during a two-day visit of INS
Delhi to Sri Lanka from 1st to 3rd September 2023.
INS Delhi is the Indian Navy’s first indigenously
designed and built guided missile destroyer built by
Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai, Maharashtra
Varuna (Varuna 2023) Indian Navy and French The Indian Navy and the French Navy conducted the
Navy Phase II of the 21st edition of the Varuna (Varuna
2023), the bilateral maritime exercise, in the Arabian
Sea. The 3 day exercise witnessed the participation of
guided missile frigates, tankers, maritime patrol
aircraft and integral helicopters by both countries.
✓ Varuna 23 was conducted in two phases. The
Phase I of 'Varuna-2023' was conducted off
India's Western Seaboard from 16th to 20th
January 2023.
✓ The 21st edition of Varuna marks the 25th
year of Indo-French strategic partnership.
Indian & French Navy bilateral naval exercise was
initiated in 1993 and the exercise was named
“Varuna” in 2001.
IN-SLN Divex 23 India and Sri Lanka at Indian Naval Ship (INS) Nireekshak(A-15), the Diving
Trincomalee Sri Lanka Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel (DSRV) of the
Indian Navy successfully conducted vital Mixed Gas
Diving training sessions.
✓ This is a part of eight-day diving training
deployment exercise(14-21st September

2023) IN-SLN Divex 23 between India and Sri
Lanka at Trincomalee Sri Lanka.
ICG Pollution-Control Vessel ‘Samudra Prahari’
Carries Out Pollution Response Table-Top
Exercise in Bangkok
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Pollution-Control
Vessel(PCV) ‘Samudra Prahari’ carried out a
Pollution Response Table-Top exercise and
demonstration at Khlong Toei Port in Bangkok,
Thailand.
Singapore-India Indian Navy (IN) and the The Indian Navy (IN) and the Republic of Singapore
Maritime Bilateral Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) participate in the 30th edition of the
Exercise (SIMBEX Navy (RSN) Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX
2023) 2023), a joint naval combat exercise, from 21st to
28th September 2023 in the southern parts of the
South China Sea off the coast of Singapore.
SIMBEX 2023 is conducted in two phases including
the land phase and the sea phase.
Trilateral Maritime Indian Navy (IN), Royal From September 21-22, 2023, the first trilateral
Partnership Exercise Australian Navy (RAN) Maritime Partnership Exercise was held between the
and Indonesian Navy Indian Navy (IN), Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and
Indonesian Navy where India was represented by
warship Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which is
mission deployed in Indo-Pacific.
INS Sahyadri is an indigenously built warship of the
Indian Navy which was mission deployed in the Indo-
Pacific region.
Yudh Abhyas 23 Fort Wainwright, Alaska & Exercise Yudh Abhyas 23, the 19th edition of the
Indian Army and the annual joint military training exercise between Indian
United States Army Army and the United States Army is being conducted
in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, the United States of
America (USA).This is a 14-day-long exercise which
began on 25th September 2023 is set to culminate on
8th October 2023.
The theme of Yudh Abhyas 23 is ‘Employment of an
Integrated Battle Group in Mountain/ Extreme
Climatic Conditions’ under Chapter VII of United
Nations(UN) mandate.
Counter Terrorism Primorsky Region Indian Army participates in the Association of
Field Training Exercise of Russia Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) Defence Ministers
(FTX) 2023 Meeting (ADMM) Plus Expert Working Group (EWG)
on Counter Terrorism Field Training Exercise (FTX)
2023.
✓ The exercise takes place from 25th to 30th
September 2023 in Primorsky Region
of Russia.

It is a multinational joint military exercise being
hosted by Russia as a co-chair of the EWG along with
Myanmar.
TESTING
MISSILES NAME TESTING LOCATION FEATURES
Type V Heavy Drop Cargo Aircraft The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully tested the
System indigenously developed ‘Type V Heavy Drop
System’ from a cargo aircraft which is capable of
paradropping arms, ammunition, and other equipment to
inaccessible places/battlefields.
The design of this system has been developed by Aerial
Delivery Research and Development Establishment
(ADRDE), Agra, Uttar Pradesh (UP).
ARMY, NAVY & AIR FORCE NEWS

‘Vibhav’: Indian Army Inducted 600 Self-neutralising Anti-tank Mines with Safety Mechanism
The Indian Army has inducted Six hundred indigenously manufactured self-neutralising anti-tank
mines, known as “Vibhav”, to provide mobility kill against all enemy armoured vehicles. Vibhav, the
point-attack anti-tank munition, was developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and
Development Organisation(DRDO) in India.
✓ This mines have safety and actuation mechanisms to ensure operator safety.
✓ Vibhav is being manufactured by the Kalyani Group for the Indian Army.
Ministry of Defence(MoD) has approved the proposal to procure a regiment of ‘Pralay’ tactical ballistic
missiles with a range of 150 to 500 kilometers(Km) for the Indian Army.
Titagarh Rail Systems Launches Diving Support Craft ‘DSC A 20’ for Indian Navy
Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), formerly known as Titagarh Wagons Limited (TWL), launched
the ‘DSC A 20’ (Yard 325), a Diving Support Craft (DSC) for the Indian Navy at Titagarh shipyard, West
Bengal.
This is the first of the five DSC vessels to be delivered to the Indian Navy by TRSL, with the total
contract value of about Rs 175 crore.
INS Mahendragiri: 7th Nilgiri-Class Stealth Frigate under Project 17A launched at MDL
Nilgiri class stealth frigate Indian Navy Ship (INS) Mahendragiri was launched at the Mazagon Dock
Shipbuilders Limited(MDL), Mumbai, Maharashtra.
✓ INS Mahendragiri is the seventh and last stealth frigate of Project 17A of the Indian Navy(IN). This
is also the 4th frigate constructed by MDl.
The ship was launched by Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar.
IAF Tests Indigenously Developed Military Combat Parachute System

The Indian Air Force(IAF) tested the efficacy and foolproof functioning of the Military Combat
Parachute System which is indigenously designed and developed by Aerial Delivery Research and
Development Establishment (ADRDE).
ADRDE is a Research & Development(R&D) lab of Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO).

Swavlamban 2023: 2nd edition of Indian Navy’s NIIO Seminar Scheduled
The 2nd Edition of the Indian Navy's Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) Seminar
‘Swavlamban 2023’ is scheduled to be held on October 4-5, 2023 in New Delhi, Delhi. The seminar will
showcase 75 prototypes of indigenous technologies/products developed by start-ups under the
‘SPRINT Challenges’ initiative.
LSAM 9 (Yard 77): Indian Navy’s 3rd MCA Barge Launched at Visakhapatnam
Commodore G Ravi, Warship Production Superintendent (Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh) launched
Yard 77 (LSAM 9), the 3rd Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge of the Indian Navy, at the at
Guttenadeevi, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, the launch site of M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt
Ltd. The Barge featuring major and auxiliary equipment/systems sourced from indigenous
manufacturers is in line with the Make in India initiative of the Ministry of Defence.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

SATELLITES LAUNCHES
SATELLITE NAME COUNTRY PURPOSE
Aditya-L1 ISRO, India On 2nd September 2023, the Indian Space Research
Organisation(ISRO) launched Aditya-L1(Lagrange Point
1), India’s 1st observatory-class space-based solar
mission, launched by PSLV-C57 (Polar Satellite Launch
Vehicle) rocket from the Second Launch Pad (SLP), Satish
Dhawan Space Centre - SDSC (formerly Sriharikota Range
- SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh(AP).
PSLV-C57 is the 59th flight of PSLV and the 25th mission
using the PSLV-XL configuration.
About PSLV-C57/Aditya-L1 Mission:
Name significance: Aditya is the name of the Sun in
Sanskrit language.
Objective: The PSLV-C57/Aditya-L1 Mission's objective
is to study the Sun, the nearest star and the largest object
in the solar system, over the next 5 years.
Click here to read full news
22 Starlink Satellites SpaceX, U.S Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX)
launched 22 of its Starlink internet satellites into Low
Earth Orbit (LEO). A Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Starlink
spacecraft lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-
40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, in the
United States of America (USA).
✓ After the liftoff, the Falcon 9’s first stage came
back to Earth, touching down on the SpaceX drone
ship “A Shortfall of Gravitas”, which was stationed
in the Atlantic Ocean.
It was the 7th launch and landing for this particular
booster.
X-ray Astronomical Satellite JAXA & MHI, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) along with
XRISM Japan Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited (MHI) launched the

H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 47 (H-IIA F47) which carried X-
ray astronomical satellite X-Ray Imaging and
Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) and Lunar lander Smart
Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM). The rocket was
launched from Tanegashima Space Center, Japan.
With this, Japan yet to become the fifth country to soft
land on the moon; The fourth Country was India with its
launch of Chandrayaan 3 mission in August 2023
22 Starlink internet Space On 15th September 2023, Space Exploration Technologies
satellites Exploration Corporation (SpaceX) launched 22 Starlink internet
Technologies satellites into low-Earth orbit (LEO). A Falcon 9 rocket
Corporation launched the Starlink spacecraft from Space Launch
(SpaceX), U.S Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force
Station in Florida, the United States of America(USA). This
launch marks SpaceX’s 65th mission of 2023 and the 49th
from Florida’s Space Coast launch station.
Yaogan-33-04 China China launched a remote-sensing satellite, "Yaogan-33-
04,” also known as Yaogan 33D carried off by a Long
March-4C carrier rocket from the Jiuquan satellite launch
center in northwest China.
Yaogan-33 04 was developed by the Shanghai Academy of
Spaceflight Technology. The Long March-4C is a three-
stage launch vehicle fueled by liquid propellant.
Nour 3 Iran's Islamic Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has
Revolutionary successfully launched a third military imaging satellite
Guard Corps Nour 3 from the Shahroud spaceport of Iran into the
(IRGC) orbit.
✓ The satellite was launched by the three-stage
Qased carrier which was developed by the IRGC.
In Persian, Nour (also spelled as Noor) means “light” and
Qased means “Messenger”.
NATIONAL
Kolkata Metro Plans to Replace Steel Third Rail with Composite Aluminium Third Rail
Kolkata Metro Railway under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, have decided to use
composite Aluminium Third Rail in all its upcoming corridors along with retro-fitment in the existing
corridors with steel third rail. With this Metro Railways, Kolkata will become a part of the elite group
of metros that have shifted from Steel Third Rail to Aluminium Third Rail. The group includes
London(the United Kingdom-UK), Moscow(Russia), Berlin(Germany), Munich(Germany), and
Istanbul(Türkiye) Metro
Grene Robotics Launched India’s 1st AI Enabled Counter Drone ‘Indrajaal’

Hyderabad’s(Telangana) Grene Robotics in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited
(BEL) launched ‘Indrajaal’ which is India’s first and the only counter-drone system that uses Artificial
Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning(ML) to counter drone threats.The drone was unveiled in the
presence of Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh who is the Governor of Uttarakhand.
Garuda Aerospace Private Limited along with Bharat Drone Association and National Drone Pilot
Association launched the Equality Drone Training program, in Chennai, Tamilnadu.The 10 days

program is specifically designed for persons with disabilities to offer them (free-of-cost) training,
education, and skill development.
GalaxEye Introduces Drone-Based High-Resolution All-Weather Imaging System

GalaxEye, a SpaceTech start-up company, has introduced a high-resolution Aerial drone-based
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) System. This cutting-edge technology enables exceptionally detailed
and high-resolution all-weather imaging, even in rainy or cloudy conditions.
The Drone-based SAR system is said to be the first such technology developed by a private company in
India
Swachhata Special Campaign 3.0 Portal Launched to Reduce Pendency in Govt Offices
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology, launched dedicated
website to monitor Swachhata Campaign 3.0 and Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending
Matters (SCDPM) 2023 at National Media Centre, New Delhi, Delhi.
✓ The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) under the Ministry of
Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions is the Nodal Department for the implementation of this
Campaign.
The portal is designed, developed & hosted by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Ministry of
Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).
AAI Inducts two Advanced B-360 Aircraft into Flight Inspection Fleet
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has inducted two new B-360 aircraft with advanced state-of-the-
art Flight Inspection system into its Flight Inspection Unit(FIU)’s Fleet to carry out calibration of ground
navigation and landing aids. The induction of the new aircrafts was flagged off by Jyotiraditya Scindia,
Union Minister of Civil Aviation in the presence of General (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh, Minister of
State(MoS) for Civil Aviation and Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman of AAI, at Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi,
Delhi.
Google Introduces Android Earthquake Alerts System in India

Google has introduced its Android Earthquake Alerts System in India in collaboration with the National
Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), and the
Ministry of Earth Sciences.
✓ This partnership will aid in Central Government efforts in providing timely earthquake alerts and
safety information.
INTERNATIONAL
North Korea Unveils First Tactical Nuclear-Armed Submarine Named "Hero Kim Kun Ok"
On 8th September 2023, North Korea launched its first operational tactical nuclear attack
submarine, Submarine No. 841 named "Hero Kim Kun Ok". It was specially designed to launch
strategic nuclear weapons from underwater. This will be deployed to the fleet, patrolling the waters
between the Korean peninsula and Japan.
WHO Launches 2 New Resources Designed to Strengthen Suicide Prevention Efforts

World Health Organization (WHO) launched 2 resources designed to strengthen suicide prevention
efforts. The 2 resources are
• 4th version of Preventing Suicide: a resource for media professionals (2023 update).
• Policy briefs on the health aspects of decriminalization of suicide and suicide attempts.

The resources provide important guidance on two areas that are critical to suicide prevention efforts
namely Responsible reporting of suicide by the media and Decriminalization of suicide and suicide
attempts.
Archaeologists Found World’s Oldest Wood Structure in Zambia, Dating Back 476,000 Years
A group of archaeologists has discovered the evidence of world’s oldest wooden structure, “a pair of
interlocking logs connected by a notch” that date to 476,000 years ago at an archaeological site of
Kalambo Falls, Africa's 2nd-highest waterfall on the Kalombo River in Zambia.The findings of this
structure were published in the journal 'Nature' on 20 September 2023.
Israel Unveils MBT ‘5th Generation’, ‘Lightning’ Version of Merkava Tank

The Defense Ministry and Israel Defense Forces(IDF) unveiled its new 5th generation main battle tank
(MBT), the Merkava Mark 5, also known as "Barak," which translates to "lightning" in Hebrew. The
Merkava 5 is the refined version of the Merkava IV. The Barak tank was developed jointly by the
Defense Ministry’s Armored Vehicles Directorate and the IDF’s Ground Forces and Armored Corps.
Narwhal/Hai Kun: Taiwan launches its 1st Domestically Made Submarine

On 28th September 2023, President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen launched Taiwan’s 1st domestically built
submarine named “Hai Kun” during a ceremony at the submarine’s shipyard in its southern
Kaohsiung city, Taiwan.
Hai Kun means “mythical sea creature” in Chinese and it is dubbed as 'Narwhal' in English.
SPORTS
CRICKET
India Wins the 16th Edition of Asia Cup 2023 Finals Defeating Sri Lanka
India have lifted the Asia Cup for a record-extending eighth time after defeating the defending
champions Sri Lanka in the Finals of Asia Cup 2023, at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The 16th Edition of Asia Cup 2023 was Co-hosted by Sri Lanka as well as Pakistan for the 1st time from
30 August to 17 September 2023.
✓ A total of 6 nations participated in the tournament viz. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, India,
Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
✓ Nepal, made their Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Asia Cup debut as it has qualified for the first time
in qualifying the 2023 ACC Men’s Premier Cup, Nepal…Click here for complete detail…
BADMINTON & TENNIS

Indonesia Masters 2023 Badminton: India’s Kiran George Wins Men’s Singles Title
India’s Kiran George won the men’s singles title at the BNI Indonesia Masters 2023 held from 5th to
10th September 2023 in Medan, Indonesia.BNI Indonesia Masters 2023 is the Badminton World
Federation(BWF) World Tour Super 100 tournament. This marks Kiran George’s second BWF Super
100 title after he won his maiden title at the Odisha Open in 2022.
✓ Women Singles: Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo of Indonesia won the women’s singles title by
defeating Chiu Pin-Chian of Chinese Taipei in the finals.
Men’s Singles: India’s Kiran George won the men’s singles title by defeating Koo Takahashi of Japan in
the finals…Click here more detail…

IITF Asian Table Tennis C’ship 2023: Indian Men’s Team Wins Bronze
The Indian men’s team comprised of Sharath Kamal, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Harmeet Desai won
the bronze medal in the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Asian Table Tennis
Championships 2023.IITF Asian Table Tennis Championships 2023 is the 26th edition of the tournament
and it was also the qualification tournament for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Indian women’s team of
Sutirtha Mukherjee, Archana Girish Kamath and Sreeja Akula secured fifth place in the women's team
event.
NÖ OPEN 2023: ATP Challenger in Tulln: India’s Sumit Nagal ends as Runner-Up
Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal finished as runner up in the NÖ OPEN 2023(powered by EVN), a
Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Challenger 100 event, held in Tulln, Austria from 3rd to
10th September 2023.
• Czech Republic's Vit Kopriva won the title defeating Sumit Nagal in the finals held in TC Tulln
facility in Tulln.
ATHLETIC & FOOTBALL

Football: Mohun Bagan Defeats East Bengal to Win Durand Cup 2023
Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated East Bengal Football Club 1-0 to win the Durand Cup 2023 trophy
held in Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan(Salt Lake Stadium), Kolkata, West Bengal.
✓ Mohun Bagan became the first team to win the 17 titles in the Durand cup surpassing East Bengal
with 16 titles.
✓ The Durand Cup2023 was held from 3rd August to 3rd September 2023.
Awards:
Golden Ball - Nandhakumar Sekar(East Bengal)
Golden Boot - David Lalhlansanga (Mohammedan SC)
Golden Glove - Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)
SAFF U16 Championship 2023: India Won the Title Defeating Bangladesh
Indian Under 16 (U-16) men’s football team won the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-16
Championship 2023 title defeating Bangladesh (2-0) in the finals. The 2023 SAFF U16 Championship
was held from 2nd to 10th September 2023 in Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan.
2023 SAFF U16 Championship is the 8th edition of the SAFF U-15/U-16/U-17 Championship, the annual
international football competition contested by the national teams of SAFF members(India, Nepal,
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan).
ARCHERY & SHOOTING

Archery World Cup Finals 2023: Indian Archer Prathamesh Jawkar Clinched Silver Medal
Indian archer Prathamesh Samadhan Jawkar(Ranked World No.14) clinched the silver medal in Men’s
Compound in Hermosillo 2023 Hyundai Archery World Cup Finals which was held in Hermosillo,
Mexico on 9th & 10th September 2023.
✓ Prathamesh Jawkar competed against Mathias Fullerton (Ranked World No.10) of Denmark in the
gold medal clash.
ISSF World Championships 2023: India Finished 3rd with 14 Medals

India won 14 medals (6 golds and 8 bronze) and secured third place in the International Shooting Sport
Federation (ISSF) World Championships 2023 held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 14th August to 1st
September 2023.China topped the medal tally with 28 medals (15 golds, 7 silver and 6 bronze)
followed by Ukraine in second place with 12 medals(6 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze).

✓ ISSF World Championship 2023 is also a qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
✓ Indian Gold Medal Winners:
Shooter Event
Amanpreet Singh 25m standard pistol men
Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Niraj Kumar, Akhil Sheoran 50m rifle 3 position men’s team
Tiyana, Sakshi Anil, Suryavanshi, Kirandeep Kaur 50m pistol women’s team
Rhythm Sangawan, Esha Singh, Manu Bhakar 25m pistol women’s team
Mehuli Gosh, Tilottama Sen, Ramita 10m air rifle women’s team
Esha Singh and Shiva Narwal 10m air pistol mixed team
ISSF Rifle/Pistol World Cup 2023 Rio de Janeiro: India Ends Campaign with Two Medals
International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Rifle/Pistol World Cup 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
was held from 12th - 19th September 2023. India finished 5th in the medal tally with 2 medals (1 Gold
and 1 Silver).
✓ Italy Tops table with 2 Gold and 1 Bronze medals, followed by China with 1 Gold, 4 Silver and 3
Bronze medals
Indian Medal Winners:
i.India’s Elavenil Valarivan won the gold medal in the women’s 10m air rifle event.
ii.India’s Nischal won the silver medal in the Women's 50m Rifle 3 Positions while Jeanette Hegg
Duestad of Norway and Stephanie Laura Scurrah Grundsoee of Denmark won the gold and bronze
medals respectively.
OTHER SPORTS NEWS

Novak Djokovic Won his 24th Grand Slam Title at US Open 2023
Novak Djokovic won his 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open 2023 by defeating Daniil Medvedev in
the men’s singles final at the Arthur Ashe Stadium(Hard Court), New York City, New York, United
States of America(USA).
✓ The 143rd edition of the US Open was held from 28th August to 10th September 2023(Main-
draw).
✓ Djokovic equals Australian Margaret Court’s record haul of 24 Grand Slams.
✓ He is the first male player to win three out of four grand slams in the season (2023) including
his Australian Open 2023, French Open 2023 and US Open 2023 in the open era.
Category Winners Runners
Men’s Singles Novak Djokovic(Serbia) Daniil Medvedev (Russia)
Women’s Singles Coco Gauff(USA) Aryna Sabalenka(Belarus)
Rajeev Ram (U) and Rohan Bopanna(India) and
Men’s Doubles Joe Salisbury (England) Matthew Ebden(Australia)
Gabriela Dabrowski (Canada)and Erin Vera Zvonareva(Russia) and Laura
Women’s Doubles Routcliffe(New Zealand) Siegemund (Germany)

Harri Heliovaara(Finland) and Anna Jessica Pegula (USA)and Austin
Mixed Doubles Dalinina (Kazakhastan) Krajicek(USA)
Diamond League 2023 Final: Neeraj Chopra Finished Second in Javelin Throw
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Gold medallist Neeraj Chopra finished second place in the men’s javelin throw
event with a best throw of 83.80m at the Diamond League 2023 Final, which held in Eugene, Oregon,
the United States of America(USA).Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch won the men’s javelin throw title
with a best throw of 84.24m while Finland’s Oliver Helander came third with an 83.74m throw.
Zurich Diamond League 2023: World champion Neeraj Chopra finishes 2nd in Men’s Javelin
Throw Event
Olympic and World champion Neeraj Chopra, an Indian track and field athlete, finished 2nd in the
men’s javelin throw event at the Zurich Diamond League 2023, which took place from August 30-
31, 2023 at the Letzigrund stadium in Zurich, Switzerland.
✓ Neeraj Chopra finished 2nd with the best of 85.71 meter.
Jakub Vadlejch (85.86m) of the Czech Republic finished 1st and won gold, and Germany’s Julian
Weber (84.92m) finished 3rd.
Max Verstappen won the Italian Grand Prix 2023; Sets Record for Most Consecutive F1 Wins
On September 3, 2023, Max Verstappen, Belgian-Dutch driver of Red Bull, won the 93rd edition of
Italian Grand Prix, officially known as Formula 1(F1) Pirelli Gran Premio D’italia 2023 held in
Monza Circuit, also known as the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, located in Monza, a town near Milan,
Italy.
Sergio Perez (Mexico) of Red Bull and Carlos Sainz Jr. (Spain) of Ferrari finished at 2nd and 3rd
positions respectively.
Carlos Sainz Jr. Wins the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix 2023
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Vázquez de Castro (Carlos Sainz Jr.) of Spain won the Formula 1 (F1) Singapore
Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2023 held in Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore.McLaren driver Lando
Norris of the United Kingdom(UK) finished second while Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of UK
finished third position.
Indian Men's Hockey Team beat Pakistan to win 1st edition of Men's Hockey 5s Asia Cup
On September 2, 2023, the Indian Men's Hockey Team won the inaugural Men's Hockey5s Asia Cup
Salalah 2023 by defeating Pakistan with 4-4 (2-0) by a penalty shootout in the final in Sultan Qaboos
Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment - Pitch 1(Stadium), Salalah, Oman.
With this win, India qualified for the FIH Men's Hockey5s World Cup Oman 2024.
Awards:
Awards Player Team
Player of the Tournament Maninder Singh India
Goalkeeper of the Tournament Lenur Vishnyakov Kazakhastan
Goalkeeper of the Tournament Asim Gope Bangladesh
Leading Goalscorer Abdul Rana Pakistan

Rising Player of the Tournament Abdullah Delpori Afghanistan
Rising Player of the Tournament Aiman Madit Oman
Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz 2023: India’s Divya Deshmukh wins Women’s Rapid Title
The Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz 2023 was held from 31st August to 5th September 2023 at
the National Library of India, Kolkata, West Bengal.
✓ India’s International Master Divya Deshmukh won the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid title in the
women’s category.
✓ India’s GrandmasterPraggnanandhaa secured third place in both Open Rapid and Open Blitz
events.
✓ Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France won the Tata Steel Chess India Open Rapid title.
Russian Grandmaster (GM) Alexander Grischuk (played under FIDE flag) won the Tata Steel India 2023
Open Blitz title.
Germany Defeat Serbia to Win First-Ever FIBA Basketball World Cup

German men’s basket ball team won the International Basketball Federation(FIBA) Basketball World
Cup 2023 by defeating Serbia in the finals held in Manila, Philippines.
✓ The 19th edition of the FIBA Basketball World Cup took place for the first time across three host
nations in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia from 25th August to 10th September 2023.
✓ This marks Germany's maiden FIBA Basketball World Cup title.
Serbia settled to Silver and Canada won Bronze.
Goa Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai Launched Mashaal for 37th National Games
P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, Governor of Goa, launched the Mashaal (torch) for the 37th National Games in a
ceremony organised by the Department of Sports and Youth affairs, Goa and the Sports Authority of Goa
at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Donapaula, Goa.
The 37th National Games is set to be held from 25th October, 2023 to 9th November 2023 in Goa.
Italy’s Marco Bezzecchi Wins Inaugural MotoGP Grand Prix of India 2023
Italy’s Marco Bezzecchi of Mooney VR46 Racing team won the IndianOil Grand Prix of India 2023
(MotoGP Bharat 2023) held at the Buddh International Circuit(BIC), Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
Jorge Martin(Spain) of Prima Pramac Racing and Fabio Quartararo ((France) of Monster Energy
Yamaha MotoGP finished second and third place respectively.The inaugural edition of the MotoGP India
Grand Prix was held from 22nd to 24th September 2023.
Max Verstappen Wins Japanese Grand Prix 2023; Marks His 13th Title of 2023
Belgian-Dutch driver Max Verstappen (competing under Dutch flag) of Red Bull won the Formula 1 (F1)
Japanese Grand Prix 2023 held in Suzuka International Racing Course from 22nd – 24th September
2023. British-Belgian driver Lando Norris (competing under British Flag) of McLaren finished second
while Australian racing driver Oscar Piastri of McLaren won third place.
This marks Max Verstappen’s 13th victory in 16 races of the 2023 season and Red Bull’s 15th title of the
season.

BOOKS & AUTHORS
BOOK NAME AUTHOR KEY NOTES
Nation Calling - Holistic Sonal Goel Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Ministry of Earth
Approach for Union Sciences has launched a book 'Nation Calling -
Public Service Holistic Approach for Union Public Service
Commission (UPSC) Civil Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination'
Services Examination authored by IAS officer Sonal Goel Resident
Commissioner of Tripura Bhawan in New Delhi,
Delhi. The book was published by UPSC Guide.
Let’s Move Forward Launched by Dharmendra Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of
Pradhan Education(MoE) launched an innovative comic book
titled “Let’s Move Forward” in a ceremony at
Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi, Delhi. The book
aims to promote the health and well-being of
school-going children across India.
The comic book was jointly developed by the
National Council of Educational Research and
Training (NCERT), under the Department of School
Education and Literacy, MoE and the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization(UNESCO) New Delhi.
People's G20 Unveiled by Apurva Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Information
Chandra and Broadcasting(MIB) unveiled an ebook, titled
"People's G20”, which provides the comprehensive
documentation of India's journey during its G20
Presidency, in New Delhi, Delhi. The e-book was
prepared by research unit of Press Information
Bureau(PIB).
Chacha Chaudhary Election Commission of The Election Commission of India (ECI) under
aur Chunavi Dangal India (ECI) under Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral
Systematic Voters’ Participation(SVEEP) program released a comic
Education and Electoral book ‘Chacha Chaudhary aur Chunavi Dangal’ to
Participation (SVEEP) spread awareness about elections, voting and the
electoral process to children. The comic features 10
short stories on electoral aspects. The comic book is
a joint initiative of ECI & Pran Comics.
Introduction to The University of Wollongong (UOW), Australia in
Corporate Finance collaboration with the NSE Academy Limited
launched the global edition of the book Introduction
to Corporate Finance (sixth edition) at the NSE
- India(National Stock Exchange of India Ltd)
headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra.The book is
authored by first year lecturers at UOW campuses
(in Hong Kong and Dubai).

OBITUARY
NATIONAL
PERSON NAME FIELD BORN PLACE KEY NOTES
NS. Srinivasan renowned TamilNadu Passed away at the age of 89). He
highway and was born in Nallur, TamilNadu. He
traffic expert, and served as Head of the Traffic and
Founder Director Transportation Division of the
of the National Central Road Research Institute,
Transportation New Delhi, Delhi from 1963 to 1976.
Planning and
Research Centre
(NATPAC)
Sikkil Natesan Neela Renowned Tamil Nadu Renowned Flautist and Padma Shri
Flautist and Awardee Sikkil Natesan Neela, the
Padma Shri younger of the renowned ‘Sikkil
Awardee Sisters’ duo from Tamil Nadu, passed
away in Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN).
She was born on 9th September
1938. The Sikkil Sisters perfected the
’gayaki’ style of playing Carnatic
music on the flute.
In 2004, the government of India
honoured Neela with ‘Padma Shri’,
the 4th Highest Civilian Award in
India for her contribution in the field
of art.
Gita Mehta Renowned Orissa Passed away in New Delhi, Delhi. She
Indian-American (now Odisha) was born in 1943 to Biju Patnaik, an
Writer- independent activist and the 3rd
Filmmaker, Chief Minister of Orissa (now
journalist and Odisha). She is the elder sister of
Author Naveen Patnaik, the Chief
Minister(CM) of Odisha.
In 2019, she was honoured with
Padma Shri, India’s 4th highest
civilian honour, in the “Foreigners”
category for her outstanding
contribution to the field of Literature
& Education.
Malini Rajurkar Noted Hindustani Rajasthan Passed away at the age of 82 in
classical vocalist Hyderabad, Telangana. She was born
and one of the in 1941 in Ajmer, Rajasthan.
foremost She has received several awards,
exponents of including the prestigious Sangeet
Gwalior Gharana Natak Akademi award in 2001 for

her contribution to Hindustani vocal
music.
Saroja Vaidyanathan Bharatanatyam Karnataka Passed away at the age of 86 due to
Dancer and lymphoma diseases in Delhi. Saroja
Padma Bhushan Vaidyanathan was born on 19
Awardee September 1937 in Bellary,
Karnataka, and grew up in Chennai,
Tamil Nadu.
Awards:
✓ Saroja Vaidyanathan was
conferred with the Padma
Shri in 2002 and the Padma
Bhushan in 2013 in the Arts
category.
She received the Sangeet Natak
Akademi Award in 2008 and the
Sangeet Natak Akademi fellowships
(Akademi Ratna) award in 2023.
INTERNATIONAL
PERSON NAME FIELD BORN PLACE KEY NOTES
Mircea Snegur First President of the Moldova Mircea Snegur who served as the first
independent Moldova President of the independent Moldova
has passed away. He was born on 17th
January 1940 in the village of Trifanesti,
in Florești District, Moldova.He became
the President of the Moldovan Soviet
Socialist Republic in 1990 following the
approval from the Moldovan Supreme
Council
Jan Jongbloed Former Netherlands Netherlands Who played in 2 Federation
goalkeeper Internationale de Football Association
(FIFA) World Cup finals for the
Netherlands passed away. He was born
in Amsterdam, Netherlands in 1940.
He was a part of the Netherlands team,
popularly known as “Clockwork
Organe” which finished as runner-up in
the 1974 World Cup (against West
Germany) and 1978 World Cup (against
Argentina)
Heath Hilton Streak Former captain of the Zimbabwe Passed away at the age of 49, in
(Heath Streak) Zimbabwe Cricket Matabeleland, in southwestern
team Zimbabwe. He was born on March 16,
1974, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Heath Streak represented Zimbabwe in
65 Tests and 189 One Day Internationals
(ODIs) between 1993 and 2005

Sir Ian Wilmut British Scientist United The man who led the team at the Roslin
Kingdom Institute at the University of Edinburgh
that created Dolly the Sheep in 1996
has passed away at the age of 79. He was
born on 7th July 1944 in Hampton Lucy,
United Kingdom(UK).
Dennis Austin American Software Pennsylvania One of the co-creators of PowerPoint
Developer software, passed away. He was born on
May 28, 1947 in Pittsburgh city
of Pennsylvania, United States of
America(USA). He was PowerPoint's
primary developer from 1985 until his
retirement in 1996.
Giorgio Napolitano Former President of Italy Passed away at the age of 98 in Rome,
Italy (2006 to 2015) Italy. He was born in 1925 in Naples,
and leader of Italian Italy. He was the longest-serving and
Communist Party longest-lived president in the history of
the modern Italian Republic(post-
second world war democratic era).
He was the first and the only president
in Italy to be re-elected to the office
Kulakkattil Veteran Malayalam Kerala Passed away at the age of 77 near
Geevarghese (KG) film director and Kakkanad in Kochi, Kerala. He was born
George National Award on 26 May 1946 in Pathanamthitta,
winner Kerala. He won the National film award
for best feature film in Malayalam for his
debut movie ‘Swapnadanam’ in 1976.
Mankombu Indian agricultural Tamil Nadu Who is popularly known as the Father
Sambasivan scientist and Padma of India's Green Revolution, passed
Swaminathan (MS Awardee away at the age of 98 in Chennai, Tamil
Swaminathan) Nadu(TN). He was born on 7th August
1925 in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. He is
a native of Mankombu, Alappuzha
District, Kerala.
Awards/Honours:
i.GoI honoured him with the Padma
Shri (1967), Padma Bhushan (1972)
and Padma Vibhushan (1989) for
Science and Engineering.
ii.He was named the first World Food
Prize Laureate for developing and
spearheading the introduction of high-
yielding wheat and rice varieties into
India during the 1960s. He received the
award in 1987.
Ashwin Suryakant Dani Former Executive Maharashtra Passed away at the age of 79. He was
Chairman of Asian born on September 26, 1944, in Mumbai,
Paints Limited, India’s Maharashtra.

leading paint and He joined the Asian Paints' Board in
decor company 1970 and held the position of Vice
Chairman and Managing Director (MD)
of Asian Paints from 1998 to 2009
IMPORTANT DAYS
OBSERVED DATE / DAYS KEY NOTES
WEEK
August 31, 2023 International Day for The United Nations (UN)'s International Day for
People of African Descent People of African Descent is annually observed
across the globe on 31st August to promote the
extraordinary contributions of African descent
people all around the world.
✓ 31st August 2023 marks the 3rd
observance of International Day for People
of African Descent. The first-ever
International Day for People of African
Descent was observed on 31st August
2021.
The efforts to establish the International Day for
People of African Descent was under the initiative of
Costa Rica.
August 31, 2023 World Sanskrit Day World Sanskrit Day, also known as ‘Vishva-
Samskrita-Dinam’, is annually observed across
India on the Poornima Tithi (Full Moon day) of
Shravana month in the Hindu Calandar, to honour
Sanskrit, the world's oldest known languages and
the mother of all languages, originated in India
around 3500 years ago.
World Sanskrit Day 2023 was celebrated on 31st
August 2023.
September 1 to 7, 2023 National Nutrition Week National Nutrition Week (NNW) is annually
observed across India from September 1 to 7, to
raise awareness among people about the vital role of
nutrition and health in human lives, and to promote
healthy and hygienic eating habits.
✓ The Ministry of Women and Child
Development (MWCD) is celebrating the 6th
Rashtriya Poshan
Maah throughout September 2023 across
India.
This aims to foster nutritional understanding across
India through a theme centered on “Suposhit
Bharat, Sakshar Bharat, Sashakt Bharat”
(Nutrition-rich India, Educated India, Empowered
India).

September 2, 2023 World Coconut Day World Coconut Day is annually celebrated across
the globe on 2nd September to promote the
importance of coconuts and their contributions to
various aspects of life, including the economy,
agriculture, and health.
✓ The theme of World Coconut Day 2023 is
"Sustaining Coconut Sector for the
Present and Future Generation."
The day is also observed to commemorate the
Foundation Day of the International Coconut
Community (ICC), formerly known as the Asian and
Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), founded on 2nd
September 1969.
September 1 to 8, 2023 Literacy Week Ministry of Education, Government of India (GoI) is
set to launch a week-long literacy campaign from
September 1st to September 8th, 2023, in
celebration of International Literacy Day on 8th
September 2023.
ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram:
The GoI has approved a new Centrally Sponsored
Scheme “Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakramme for the
period FYs 2022-2027 to cover all the aspects of
Education For All (erstwhile termed as Adult
Education) to align with the National Education
Policy (NEP) 2020 and Budget Announcements FY
2021-22.
September 5, 2023 International Day of Charity The United Nations (UN) International Day of
Charity is annually observed across the globe on 5th
September to sensitise and mobilise people, Non-
Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and
stakeholders all around the world to help others
through volunteer and philanthropic activities.
✓ The day recognises the efforts of charitable
organisations and individuals, including the
work of Mother Teresa.
✓ The day also seeks to increase social
responsibility and enhance public support of
charitable causes.
The first-ever International Day of Charity was
observed on 5th September 2013.
September 5, 2023 National Teachers Day National Teachers’ Day is annually observed across
India on 5th September to commemorate the birth
anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Sarvepalli
Radhakrishnan, a renowned educationist, who
served as the 1st Vice President and 2nd President
of Independent India. The day is celebrated to
honour and recognise the invaluable contribution of
teachers to our society.

✓ He was born on September 5, 1888, at
Tirutani, Madras Presidency, British India
(now Tamil Nadu). The day was first
observed on 5th September 1962, the 77th
birthday of Dr. S Radhakrishnan.
✓ The Government of India (GoI) honoured
him with the first Bharat Ratna Award in
1954 for his contribution to the field of
academics.
On the occassion of the National Teachers Day 2023
(5th September 2023), President of India, Droupadi
Murmu, conferred the National Award to Teachers’
2023, to 75 selected Teachers across India at Vigyan
Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.
September 7, 2023 International Day of Clean United Nations (UN) International Day of Clean Air
Air for Blue Skies for Blue Skies also known as World Clean Air Day is
annually observed across the globe on 7th
September, to raise awareness about the importance
of clean air for a sustainable future.The day also
aims to mobilise global action to address air
pollution, which represents one of the biggest
threats to human health.
✓ 7th September 2023 marks the 4th annual
observance of the International Day of Clean
Air for Blue Skies.
The 2023 theme of the International Day of Clean
Air for Blue Skies is, "Together for Clean Air"
September 7, 2023 World Duchenne Muscular World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Day also
Dystrophy Day known as World Duchenne Awareness Day (WDAD)
is annually observed across the globe on 7th
September, to increase awareness of Duchenne
Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare genetic disorder
affecting muscles.WDAD also raises awareness and
inspires action to improve the lives of people living
with Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy
(DMD/BMD).
The 2023 theme of World Duchenne Muscular
Dystrophy Day theme is “Duchenne: Breaking
Barriers“.
September 8, 2023 International Literacy Day The United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)'s International
Literacy Day (ILD) is annually observed on 8th
September across the globe, to remind the public of
the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and
human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda
towards a more literate and sustainable society.
✓ The 2023 theme of ILD is, ‘Promoting
literacy for a world in transition: Building

the foundation for sustainable and
peaceful societies’.
The first-ever International Literacy Day was
September 8, 2023 World Physical Therapy World Physical Therapy (PT) Day, also known as
Day World Physiotherapy Day, is annually observed
across the globe on 8th September to raise
awareness about the importance of physical therapy
and the role it plays in improving the health, well-
being, and quality of life of individuals across the
globe.
This day is an opportunity to recognise and honour
the contributions made by physical therapists, also
known as physiotherapists, towards keeping people
fit, mobile, and healthy.
September 9, 2023 Himalaya Diwas Himalaya Diwas, also known as the Himalayan
Day is annually observed across India, especially in
the state of Uttarakhand on 9th September with
the aim of conserving the Himalayan ecosystem and
region.
✓ The day also aims to raise awareness among
the general public and bring community
participation in conservation activities to
save and maintain the Himalayas and
mountain nature.
9th September 2023 marks the 14th edition of
Himalaya Diwas.
September 9, 2023 World First Aid Day World First Aid Day is annually observed across the
globe on the 2nd Saturday of September to create
awareness about the importance of first aid training
in saving lives and preventing injuries. The day also
aims to encourage the general public to learn basic
first-aid skills.
✓ World First Aid Day 2023 was observed on
9th September 2023.
The theme of World First Aid Day 2023 is “First Aid
in the Digital World”.
September 9, 2023 International Day to Protect The United Nations (UN) International Day to
Education from Attack Protect Education from Attack is annually
observed across the globe on 9th September, to
raise awareness about the pressing issue of attacks
on schools, students, education personnel, and
teachers worldwide.
✓ 9th September 2023 marks the observance
of the 4th International Day to Protect
Education from Attack.

The first-ever International Day to Protect
Education from Attack was observed on 9th
September 2020.
September 10, 2023 World Suicide Prevention World Suicide Prevention Day is annually observed
Day across the globe on 10th September to create
awareness that suicide can be prevented and to
bring attention to the issues of suicide and reduce
the stigma around suicide.
✓ The annual observance is organised by the
International Association for Suicide
Prevention (IASP) and co-sponsored by the
World Health Organisation(WHO).
The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention
Day from 2021-2023 is “Creating Hope Through
Action”.
September 11, 2023 National Forest Martyrs The National Forest Martyrs Day is annually
Day observed across India on 11th September to
remember, and honour people who sacrificed their
lives to protect forests and Wildlife in India that are
important for the well-being of the planet.
✓ The day is also observed as an annual
commemoration of the Khejarli massacre in
1730.
Background:
i.In 2013, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India
(GoI) officially declared the 11th of September of
every year as National Forest Martyrs Day.
September 12, 2023 International Day for South- The United Nations (UN) International Day for
South Cooperation South-South Cooperation is annually observed
across the globe on 12th September, to highlight
the importance of cooperation among people and
economic and technical cooperation among
countries of the developing world, known as the
Global South.
✓ South-South Cooperation (SSC) refers to the
technical cooperation among developing
countries in the Global South.
The 2023 theme of the International Day for South-
South Cooperation is, “Solidarity, Equity, and
Partnership: Unlocking South-South Cooperation
to Achieve the SDGs”.
September 14, 2023 Hindi Diwas Hindi Diwas (Hindi Day) is annually observed across
India on 14th September to commemorate the
adoption or declaration of Hindi, written in the
Devanagari script as one of the official languages of
India.This day is observed to celebrate and
recognise the linguistic diversity of India, with a

focus on the Hindi language’s significance in India’s
identity.
✓ The Eighth Schedule of the Indian
Constitution lists 22 official languages of the
Republic of India (Hindi is one among them.
Further, Article 351 of the Constitution addresses
the ‘Directive for the Development of the Hindi
Language.’
September 15, 2023 International Day of The United Nations (UN) International Day of
Democracy Democracy is annually observed across the globe on
15th September to highlight the significance of
democracy and to create awareness among the
people about democratic rights.
✓ The day also offers a platform to review the
the state of democracy in the world.
✓ The theme of International Day of
Democracy 2023 observed on 15th
September 2023 is “Empowering the next
generation.”
The 2023 International Democracy Day was
commemorated with a live event at the Sponsored
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Pavilion,
North Lawn at UN Headquarters in New York, the
United States of America (USA)
September 15, 2023 National Engineer’s Day National Engineer’s Day is annually observed across
anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam
Visvesvaraya (15 September 1861), who is
considered as one of the greatest Engineers in India.
✓ This day also honours engineers for their
vital role in shaping society and recognizes
the contributions made by engineers to
India’s development through innovation and
technology.
The theme of National Engineer’s Day 2023
observed on 15th September 2023 is, ‘Engineering
for a Sustainable Future,’ which highlights
engineers’ role in addressing global challenges.
September 16, 2023 International Day for the The United Nations (UN) World Ozone Day or
Preservation of the Ozone International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone
Layer Layer is annually observed on September 16 to raise
awareness about the importance of the ozone layer
and its depletion that leads to global warming and
climate change across the world.
✓ The day also aims to bring attention to the
significance of preserving the Ozone layer.
This day is also known as “Global Ozone
Day.”

The 2023 theme of the International Day for the
Preservation of the Ozone Layer is, “Montreal
Protocol: fixing the ozone layer and reducing
climate change.”
September 16, 2023 International Red Panda International Red Panda Day (IRPD) is annually
Day observed across the globe on the 3rd Saturday of
September to create awareness about the
importance of the conservation of Red Pandas and
to promote and encourage people to save them.
✓ International Red Panda Day (IRPD) 2023
was observed on 16th September 2023.
The IRPD 2022 was observed on 17th September
2022. The IRPD 2024 will be observed on 21st
September 2024.
September 16, 2023 International Coastal Clean- International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) Day is annually
up Day observed across the world on the 3rd Saturday of
September to raise awareness of the problem of
marine litter. This day aims to encourage people to
clean up the coastal line and raise awareness about
the significance of preserving the oceans and
waterways.
✓ International Coastal Clean-up Day 2023 was
✓ ICC Day 2023 is observed under the theme
“#SeatheChange” focusing on plastic
pollution.
On September 16, 2023, the Indian Coast Guard
(ICG) Region East, headquartered in Chennai (Tamil
Nadu), hosted the ICC Day 2023 at two iconic
beaches: Marina and Elliot’s Beach (Besant Nagar).
September 17, 2023 World Patient Safety Day World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Patient
Safety Day is annually observed worldwide on 17
September to spread worldwide awareness about
patient safety and promote actions to improve the
safety of healthcare practices across the world.
✓ The theme of WPSD 2023 observed on 17th
September 2023 is “Engaging patients for
patient safety“.
The slogan of WPSD 2023 is “Elevate the voice of
patients!”
September 18, 2023 World Bamboo Day World Bamboo Day is annually observed across the
globe on September 18 to create awareness about
bamboo and to bring the potential of bamboo to a
more elevated exposure.The annual observance of
World Bamboo Day is led by the World Bamboo
Organisation (WBO), an international coordinating
body for bamboo practitioners. The 18th of

September is annually observed as the Royal Thai
Forest Day in Thailand.
United Nations (UN) has unveiled a comprehensive
report titled “Building Materials and the Climate:
Constructing a New Future” which highlights the
role of bamboo in the transition to bio-based
building materials.
September 18, 2023 International Equal Pay Day United Nations (UN) International Equal Pay Day is
annually observed across the world on 18
September to represent the longstanding efforts
towards the achievement of equal pay for work of
equal value.The day also aligns with the UN’s
commitment to human rights and the eradication of
all forms of discrimination, including gender-based
disparities against women and girls.
18th September 2023 marks the observance of the
4th International Equal Pay Day.
September 18, 2023 World Water Monitoring World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD) is
Day annually observed across the globe on 18
September to raise awareness about the
significance of monitoring water sources regularly
and to educate and recognise the importance of
protecting the world’s water resources.
According to the 2023 edition of the United Nations
World Water Development Report (WWDR):Water
use has been increasing globally by roughly 1% per
year over the last 40 years and is expected to grow
at a similar rate through 2050.
September 18 to 24, International Week of Deaf International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) is
2023 People annually observed across the globe during the last
full week of September and concludes on the final
Sunday of September. The IWDP week raises
awareness about the rights of people who are deaf
or hard of hearing/hearing impaired.The IWPD
2023 is observed from 18 to 24 September 2023.
The theme for IWDP 2023 is “A World Where Deaf
People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere!”.
September 21, 2023 International Day of Peace The United Nations (UN) International Day of
Peace also known as “World Peace Day” is
annually observed across the globe on 21
September and is dedicated to strengthening the
principles of peace both within and among all
nations and peoples, advocating for 24 hours of non-
violence and cease-fire.
The 2023 theme of International Day of Peace (IDP)
is, "Actions for peace: Our ambition for the
#GlobalGoals".

September 21, 2023 World Alzheimer's Day World Alzheimer's Day is annually observed
across the globe on 21 September to raise
awareness and challenge the stigma that persists
around Alzheimer's disease, which is the most
common type of dementia and other forms of
dementia.
✓ The day also aims to raise awareness about
Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, and the
importance of timely diagnosis and
treatments.
The month of September is annually observed
across the world as World Alzheimer’s Month (a
month-long campaign).
September 22, 2023 World Rhino Day World Rhino Day is annually observed across the
globe on 22 September to raise awareness about
the terrible situation
of Rhinoceros or Rhino (Rhinoceros
unicornis) and emphasise the steps to conserve its
population.
✓ The day is dedicated to
celebrating all 5 species of
Rhinos namely white and black rhinos
in Africa, and the greater one-
horned, Javan, and Sumatran rhino species
in Asia.
✓ In 2010, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) –
South Africa announced World Rhino Day, a
national crisis to create awareness about the
importance of saving these animals.
September 22, 2023 World Rose Day for Cancer World Rose Day, also known as the Day for
Patients Welfare of Cancer Patients is annually observed
across the globe on 22 September and is dedicated
to cancer patients across the globe and also
encourages and acknowledges cancer survivors all
over the world.
✓ The origin of World Rose Day is credited to a
12-year-old Canadian girl named Melinda
Rose, who was diagnosed with a rare form
of blood cancer (Askin’s Tumor) in 1994.
The day is reportedly observed in memory of
Melinda Rose, who passed away from the disease in
1996.
September 22, 2023 World Car-Free Day World Car-Free Day is annually observed the cities
across the globe on 22nd September to encourage
motorists to give up their cars for a day. The day
also highlights the benefits of being car-free such
as reduced air pollution and the promotion of
walking and cycling in a safer environment.

WB Governor CV Ananda Bose Unveils Logo of
‘Kala Kranti Mission’ & Flags Off a Cycle March
On World Car Free Day 2023, the Governor of West
Bengal (WB) CV Ananda Bose unveiled the logo
of ‘Kala Kranti Mission’ and flagged off a cycle
march from Raj Bhawan in Kolkata, West Bengal.
September 23, 2023 International Day of Sign The United Nations (UN) International Day of Sign
Languages Languages (IDSL) is annually observed across the
globe on 23 September to support and protect the
linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf
people and other sign language users.
✓ The day also aims to raise awareness of the
importance of sign language in the full
realisation of the human rights of people
who are deaf.
✓ The day is celebrated as part of
the International Week of the Deaf People
(IWDP) 2023(from 18 to 24 September
2023).
✓ The theme of IDSL 2023 observed on 23rd
September 2023 is, “A World Where Deaf
People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere!”
The first International Day of Sign Languages was
observed on 23 September 2018 as part of the
IWDP 2018.
September 24, 2023 World Rivers Day World Rivers Day (WRD) is annually observed
across the globe on the 4th Sunday of September to
promote awareness about the importance of rivers
and aims to encourage the improved protection of
all rivers around the world.The day also promotes
the conservation and sustainable management of
these vital natural resources. It is a celebration of
the world’s waterways.World Rivers Day (WRD)
2023 was observed on 24 September 2023.
September 25, 2023 World Pharmacists Day World Pharmacists Day(WPD) is annually observed
across the globe on 25th September to encourage
activities that promote and advocate the role of the
pharmacist in every corner of the world.
✓ The theme of WPD 2023 is "Pharmacy
Strengthening Health Systems."
The day also marks the foundation day of the
International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP-
Fédération Internationale Pharmaceutique), global
body for pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and
pharmaceutical education.
September 25, 2023 Antyodaya Diwas Day Antyodaya Diwas Day is annually observed across
anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, former

leader of the political party Bharatiya Jana Sangh
(BJS), which was a precursor to the Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP).25th September 2023 marks the 107th
birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
✓ The term ‘Antyodaya’ means the “rise and
development of the last person in society”,
one of the concepts promoted by
Deendayal Upadhyaya.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana
(DDU-GKY) is a placement-linked skill development
program of the MoRD for rural poor youth under
National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
September 25, 2023 World Lung Day World Lung Day is observed annually on September
25th across the globe to raise awareness about lung
health and promote lung disease prevention.25th
September 2023 marks the 6th World Lung Day.The
theme for World Lung Day 2023 is “Access to
prevention and treatment for all. Leave no one
behind.”
The theme reflects the commitment to ‘Reduce
Inequity’ which is one of the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development goals.
September 26, 2023 International Day for the The United Nations (UN) International Day for the
Total Elimination of Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is annually
Nuclear Weapons observed across the globe on 26th September to
enhance public awareness about the threat posed to
humanity by nuclear weapons and the necessity for
their total elimination.
✓ This day provides an opportunity to educate
the public about the real benefits of
eliminating such weapons, and the social and
economic costs of perpetuating them.
Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs) are regional
agreements aimed at strengthening global nuclear
non-proliferation and disarmament efforts while
promoting peace and security.
September 26, 2023 World Contraception Day World Contraception Day celebrated annually
observed across the globe on September 26th to
raise awareness about contraception and to enable
people to make informed choices about their sexual
and reproductive health.26th September 2023 marks
the observance of 17th World Contraception Day.
✓ The theme of World Contraception Day 2023
is “The Power of Options”
The theme highlights the essential role that
contraceptive options play in enabling people to
take control over their reproductive health.

September 26, 2023 World Environmental World Environmental Health Day(WEHD) is
Health Day annually observed across the globe on 26 September
to raise awareness about the importance of
environmental health and to promote action to
protect human health from environmental
hazards.The day is dedicated to raising awareness
about the critical role the environment plays in our
well-being.
The theme of WEHD 2023 is, “Global Environmental
Public Health: Standing up to protect everyone’s
Health each and every day“.
September 27, 2023 World Tourism Day The United Nations (UN) World Tourism Day (WTD)
is annually observed across the globe on 27th
September to promote and raise awareness among
the international community about the importance
of tourism, and its social, cultural, political, and
economic significance. 27th September 2023 marks
the observance of 43rd World Tourism Day.
✓ The annual observance of WTD is led by the
UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO),
a UN specialized agency responsible for the
promotion of responsible, sustainable and
universally accessible tourism.
The 2023 theme kept by the UNWTO is, “Tourism
and green investment”.
September 28, 2023 World Rabies Day World Rabies Day (WRD) is annually observed
across the globe on 28 September to raise
awareness of rabies prevention and to highlight
progress in defeating this horrifying disease. The
day also aims to advocate for rabies elimination
globally.
✓ 28th September 2023 marks
the 17th observance of WRD. The first WRD
was observed on 28 September 2007.
✓ The theme of WRD 2023 is “Rabies: All for
1, One Health for All”.
✓ In 2007, World Rabies Day was established
by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control
(GARC), a non-profit organization aimed to
eliminate human deaths from dog rabies by
2030, and later endorsed by the World
Health Organization (WHO).
Why September 28?
✓ The date 28 September was chosen as it
commemorates the death anniversary
of Louis Pasteur (28 September 1895), the
French chemist and microbiologist.

He developed the first rabies vaccine and laid the
foundation for the manufacture of many other
vaccines.
September 28, 2023 World Maritime Day The United Nations (UN)’s World Maritime Day
(WMD) is annually observed on the last Thursday
of September to recognize the contribution of the
people who work in the maritime industry.
✓ World Maritime Day (WMD) 2023, the 46th
World Maritime Day, observed on 28th
September 2023.
✓ The theme for World Maritime Day 2023 is "
MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes
on".
The WMD 2023 marks 50th anniversary of the
adoption of the International Convention for the
Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).
September 28, 2023 International Day for The United Nations (UN) International Day for
Universal Access to Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) is
Information annually observed across the globe on 28
September to spread awareness concerning the
need to expand laws related to information and their
actual implementation.
✓ The expansion of these laws helps in
building inclusive institutions to access the
world.
✓ 28th September 2023 marks
the 4th observance of UN’s IDUAI.
✓ The theme of IDUAI 2023 is “The
importance of the online space for access
to information”.
The first UN IDUAI was observed on 28 September
2020.
September 29, 2023 International Day of The United Nations (UN) International Day of
Awareness of Food Loss Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) is
and Waste annually observed across the globe on 29
September to raise awareness of the importance of
the food loss and waste issue and promote global
efforts towards resolving it.
✓ The day is co-convened by the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO)
and the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP).
✓ 29 September 2023 marks the observance
of the 4th IDAFLW. The first IDAFLW was
observed on 29 September 2020.
The theme of IDAFLW 2023 is “Reducing food Loss
and waste: Taking Action to Transform Food
Systems”.

September 29, 2023 World Heart Day World Heart Day(WHD) 2023 is observed across the
globe on 29th September to raise awareness about
heart health and accelerate actions to prevent,
detect and manage cardiovascular diseases(CVD).
✓ The theme for the World Heart Day 2023 is
"Use Heart, Know Heart."
✓ WHD was established in 2000 by the World
Heart Federation(WHF) in partnership with
the World Health Organization (WHO).
The day was first observed on 24th September,
2000. Originally, WHD was observed on the last
Sunday of September every year. From 2011
onwards, the day is being observed annually on 29th
September.
APPS & WEB PORTAL

APP & WEB NAME LAUNCHED PURPOSE
BY
https://mmc.ugc.ac.in/ On September 5, 2023, i.e. on the occasion of National
Teachers’ Day 2023, Union Minister
Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education (MoE)
launched the Malaviya Mission – Teachers Training
Programme by the University Grants
Commission (UGC) at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi,
Delhi.
✓ He also inaugurated the Portal
(https://mmc.ugc.ac.in/) and released its
- information brochure.
The MoE also inked a MoU with Adobe, an American
multinational computer software company to help
children learn Artificial Intelligence (AI) by
developing creative expression in classrooms using
the application Adobe Express
Indian Heritage App & e- Archeological The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) launched the
permission portal Survey of 'Adopt a Heritage 2.0' programme to collaborate
India (ASI) with corporate stakeholders for the preservation of
monuments at Samvet Auditorium, Indira Gandhi
National Centre for the Arts(IGNCA), New Delhi, Delhi.
✓ The programme was launched by Union
Minister G Kishan Reddy, the Ministry of
Culture, Tourism and Development of North
Eastern Region(DoNER), along with Minister
of State(MoS) Meenakashi Lekhi,Ministry of
Culture and External Affairs.
The app named 'Indian Heritage' and the e-
permission portal were launched at the event.

G20 India India Govt India's government has unveiled the "G20 India"
mobile app, a first-of-its-kind, offering a
comprehensive guide to event details for the
upcoming 2023 G20 New Delhi summit, the 18th
meeting of G20 nations.
This summit is scheduled for September 9-10, 2023,
at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition-
Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Dr. Pramod Kumar (PK) Mishra, the Principal
Secretary to the Prime Minister, chaired the 9th G20
Coordination Committee meeting to oversee
preparations, including logistics, protocol, security,
and media arrangements.
PNB GST Sahay App Punjab Punjab National Bank (PNB), a Public Sector Bank
National Bank launched the PNB GST Sahay App, a mobile
(PNB) application based on the Goods and Services Tax
(GST) Sahay scheme. This digital tool enables
seamless lending based on GST invoices, marking a
significant milestone as PNB becomes the inaugural
Public Sector Bank (PSB) to empower Micro, Small,
and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with digital credit
accessibility through this platform.
Punjab National Bank (PNB): MD and CEO– Atul
Kumar Goel & Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
E-resource Web Portal Amit Shah Union Minister, Amit Shah, Ministry of Home
Affairs(MHA), launched the e-resource web portal of
the Inter-State Council Secretariat, MHA, during the
26th Meeting of the Western Zonal Council at
Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This portal will enable the
functions of the zonal councils.
Online Case Monitoring Portal Department of The Department of Empowerment of Persons with
Empowerment Disabilities (DePWD) under the Ministry of Social
of Persons Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) launched 5
with Pioneering Initiatives to Foster Inclusivity and
Disabilities Empower Persons with Disabilities(PwDs).
(DePWD) ✓ An Online Case Monitoring Portal developed
under the by the Office of the Chief Commissioner for
Ministry of Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) was
Social Justice launched to simplify and expedite the
& grievance resolution process for PwDs.
Empowerment The other 4 initiatives were:
(MoSJE) ✓ Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
the Council of Architecture(COA).
✓ Releasing of Anonymous Data of Unique
Disability ID (UDID).
✓ PM-DAKSH (Pradhan
Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgra
hi) Portal.

Comprehensive Booklet: Pathways to Access: Courts
on Disability Right.
Sarpanch Samvad Gulab Chand Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria launched the
Kataria ‘Sarpanch Samvad’, a mobile app developed by the
Quality Council of India (QCI) in Raj Bhavan,
Guwahati, Assam.The objective of this initiative is to
provide comprehensive support to sarpanchs across
India and encourage their development as leaders.
The app was launched as part of the QCI’s initiative of
bringing together Sarpanchs from different parts of
the country for Samvaad (discussions) to share their
best practices and ways to elevate villages to quality
villages.
e-Bhoomi portal Manohar Lal Manohar Lal Khattar, Haryana Chief Minister (CM)
Khattar launched a new e-Bhoomi portal to further ease the
process of purchasing land for the development of
government projects.The government aims to
purchase land in a transparent manner with the
consent of the landowners.
✓ The CM also inaugurated Mukhyamantri
Shehri Awas Yojana Portal and No-Litigation
Policy-2023 portal.
He also launched the HMJIS portal to replace the
already launched e-Ravana portal to stop illegal
mining in Haryana.
Unified Portal for Agricultural Ramesh Chand Professor Ramesh Chand, Member of National
Statistics (UPAg) Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog,
launched Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics
(UPAg) developed by Department of Agriculture and
Farmers’ Welfare (DoA&FW), under the Ministry of
Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) to address
data related governance challenges in agriculture.
UPAg, the Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics, is
an advanced platform that generates crop estimates
and integrates with other systems for agriculture
statistics, including Price, Trade, Procurement, and
Stock data.
https://pmvishwakarma.gov.in/ On the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, PM of India
Narendra Modi dedicated the Phase -1 of the India
International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC), also
known as Yashobhoomi to the nation located in New
Delhi, Delhi.
✓ IICC-Yashobhoomi: Built at a cost of
approximately Rs. 5400 crore, it is one of the
world’s largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives,
Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities,
- featuring India’s first indoor arena with a
retractable roof.

He also launched PM Vishwakarma Scheme covering
18 focus areas of artisans and craftsmen along with its
logo, tagline ‘‘Samman Samarthya Samridhi” and
portal (https://pmvishwakarma.gov.in/).
Kisan Rin Portal (KRP) Nirmala Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman , Ministry of
Sitharaman & Finance; and Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar,
Narendra Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoAFW),
Singh Tomar inaugurated Kisan Rin Portal (KRP), Weather
Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) Manual,
and Door-To-Door Kisan Credit Card (KCC) campaign
(Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan) during an event at Pusa
Complex, New Delhi, Delhi.
✓ MISS stands for Modified Interest Subvention
Scheme, PMFBY for Pradhan Mantri Fasal
Bima Yojana, and RWBCIS for Restructured
Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme.
During the event, Ghar Ghar KCC Abhiyaan was also
launched which will initiate from October 1, 2023 till
December 31, 2023 which aims to connect around 1.5
crore beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman
Nidhi (PM-KISAN) who are not yet connected to KCC
scheme.
National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) Supreme Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud
portal Court of India announced that the Supreme Court of India (SCI) has
onboarded the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG)
portal, a flagship project of the e-Courts initiative. The
NJDG portal is a national repository of data relating to
cases instituted, pending, and disposed of by various
courts across India.
Mobile Application and the Web Manoj Ahuja On September 21, 2023, Manoj Ahuja, Secretary,
Portal for General Crop Estimation Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Survey (GCES) (DA&FW) under the Ministry of Agriculture and
Farmers Welfare (MoAFW) launched the mobile
application and the web portal for General Crop
Estimation Survey (GCES) to transform agricultural
practices across India.
The portal and the mobile application of GCES has
been developed by the DA&FW. The piloting of the
app and portal is planned in 12 States and will be
rollout by 3rd week of October 2023.
Goa Taxi App Goa CM To Elevate Travel Experience for Tourists.
Maa Navjaat Tracking app Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh (UP) Government has integrated its
(MaNTrA) Govt Maa Navjaat Tracking app (MaNTrA) with the birth
registration system, to enable the immediate issuance
of birth registration certificates for newborns at the
Government health facilities in UP.

✓ This will enhance citizen convenience and
eliminate the need for parents to apply
separately.
With this development, UP has become the first state
to implement 'Suo Motu’ automatic birth registration
for government health institutions verified through
the Civil Registration System (CRS) portal.
Electricity Consumer Portal Sukhvinder Himachal Pradesh(HP) Chief Minister(CM)
Singh Sukhu Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the Integrated
Electricity Consumer Portal of Himachal Pradesh
State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) on the
occasion of Engineer's Day on 15th September 2023.
This is a part of Himachal Pradesh’s efforts to achieve
a Green Energy State by 31st March, 2026.
Vigilance Complaint Information Vinai Kumar The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar (VK)
Management System (VCIMS) (VK) Saxena Saxena launches first of its kind Vigilance Complaint
Information Management System (VCIMS) portal
enabling people to file graft complaints against
government employees at anytime from anywhere.
ENVIRONMENT
Batillipes kalami: New Marine Tardigrade Species Found in TN, Named after Former President
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Researchers from the Department of Marine Biology of the Cochin University of Science and Technology
(Cusat) in Cochin, Kerala, have identified a new species of a marine tardigrade, "Batillipes kalami"
from intertidal beach sediments of the Mandapam coast in Ramanathapuram (southeast) Tamil Nadu
(TN).
Pterygotrigla intermedica: ZSI Discovered New Species of Deep Water Marine Fish of West
Bengal Coast
The scientists of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have identified a new species of vibrant orange deep-
water marine fish namely 'Pterygotrigla intermedica' from Digha Mohana in West Bengal.The details of
the new species are published in the international marine science Journal Thalassas. The new species,
commonly known as gurnards or sea-robins, belongs to the family Triglidae and Indo-Pacific subgenus
Otohime of the genus Pterygotrigla.
Scientists Discover New Pangolin Species Named “Manis Mysteria”

Scientist has identified a new Pangolin species, tentatively named “Manis mysteria” through the
analysis of 27 scales confiscated in Hong Kong in 2012 and 2013. This new species becomes the 9th
pangolin species and the 5th Asian pangolin.
✓ The 8 extant species of pangolins, classified into three genera: Manis(Asia), Phataginus(Africa),
and Smutsia(Africa).
The finding was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences(PNAS).

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Cabinet Approval on September 13, 2023

STATEWISE NATIONAL NEWS

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Startup Odisha Launches Rs 100 Crore Startup Growth Fund

Jammu and Kashmir

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LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Launched Skill India Digital Platform

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CBIC Launched 'Mera Bill Mera Adhikar' - GST Reward Scheme

Union Minister Parshottam Rupala Launches Shrimp Crop Insurance Scheme

PM Modi Inaugurations on 23 & 24 September 2023

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India’s First Solar City Inaugurated in Sanchi of Madhya Pradesh

OTHER NATIONAL NEWS

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India To Host 1st Edition of ‘Global IndiaAI 2023 ’ in October 2023

Bhaderwah Rajmash , Sulai Honey and Chokuwa rice gets GI Tag

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Assam Chokuwa Rice of Assam(Magic Rice) Agriculture

'Atreyapuram Pootharekulu' from Andhra Pradesh Received GI Tag

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve: MP’s 7th Tiger Reserve Unveiled in MP

NCERT Granted Deemed to be University Status by UGC

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Northeast’s Mithun Recognized as a ‘Food Animal’ by FSSAI

Odisha’s Koraput Kalajeera Rice Gets GI Tag

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MCA Extends Tenure of Company Law Committee by 1 Year

FSSAI Introduces 'Special Category' to Promote Gender Equality in Food Biz

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CBG, Biogas Plants Registered on GOBARdhan Portal to Get Financial Assistance

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STATE GOVT SCHEMES

Himachal CM Sukhu launches SABAL Yojna to Empower Specially-Abled Children

Goa CM Pramod Sawant Launched Griha Adhar Scheme to Empower Homemakers

TN CM Launches Women's Rights Grant Scheme; Beneficiaries to Get Rs.1000/month

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Chhattisgarh Government Launches Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Nyay Yojana

Highlights of 45th Session of World Heritage Committee

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India and US Launches RETAP Under Strategic Clean Energy Partnership

India Becomes 13th Country to Issue OIML Certificate

UNDP Launches Innovative e-Learning Programme on Sustainable Finance

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Highlights of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

BANKING & FINANCE

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RBI Releases List Of 15 NBFCs in ‘Upper Layer’ Under SBR

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AGREEMENTS & MoUs SIGNED

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OTHER BANKING NEWS

PNB Launches CBDC-UPI Interoperability Through PNB Digital Rupee App