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Affairscloud Sept 2023 Pocket English PDF - Watermark
Affairscloud Sept 2023 Pocket English PDF - Watermark
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
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….
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: 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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‘.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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).
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.
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:
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.
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.
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
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).
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.