Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC - 15th September 2023

National News

1. National Institute of Virology informed us about the presence of a new type of chickenpox virus ‘Clade 9’ in the country 

• The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in India has detected the presence of the 'clade 9' variant of Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV), responsible for chickenpox, for the first time in the country.
• Scientists reported that Clade 9 represents a subtype of the virus derived from a common ancestor and is often found in countries such as Germany, the UK, and the US. 
• Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is capable of causing chickenpox in children and adolescents and shingles in adults. It is one of nine herpes viruses that affect humans. The study identified 28 instances of VZV with vesicular rashes among 331 suspected cases, confirming the presence of clade 1, clade 5, and clade 9 in India. Clade 1 and Clade 5 were previously identified in the country, while Clade 9 is the first one identified in India. Clad 9 Variant 
• Despite the discovery of the VZV clade 9 variant in India, there has been no significant sign of increased disease severity in affected patients. Enhanced surveillance efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic played a role in the identification of this new cluster. 
• Symptoms associated with the Clade 9 variant of chickenpox include rash, fever, loss of appetite, headache, fatigue, and a general feeling of unwellness. The chickenpox rash usually appears 2–3 weeks after exposure to the virus, initially appearing as purple-like bumps. 
• Patients may also have fever, body aches, and headaches during the approximately two-week period of illness, during which they remain infectious until scabs form. 
• Among preventive measures, vaccination represents the most effective strategy to prevent chickenpox. Regular hand washing with soap and water is essential to maintain proper hygiene and reduce the risk of infection.

2. The 75th anniversary of Operation Polo launched against the princely state of Hyderabad, was Celebrated on 13 September 2023

• Military action, known as "Operation Polo", was launched by India to unify the princely state of Hyderabad on September 13, 1948. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the operation. 
• Mir Osman Ali Shah, the Nizam of Hyderabad since independence on August 15, 1947, was hesitant to join either India or Pakistan after independence, taking advantage of the Indian government's preoccupation with the Kashmir conflict. 
• A standstill agreement signed in November 1947 maintained the status quo between Hyderabad and India for a year, allowing the Nizam to continue to rule independently. 
• However, rising tensions, cross-border raids, and its intentions to establish an independent state prompted India to take action. A well-planned military offensive from multiple directions during this operation ultimately resulted in the surrender of Hyderabad State forces. 
• This important campaign, conducted under the supervision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, ended with the declaration of an armistice on 17 September 1948, effectively bringing Hyderabad under India control by 18 September 1948. 
• On 18 September, Major General Choudhary entered Hyderabad city with his forces, and Major General 
• L. Andros surrendered to him. Major General Chaudhary was later appointed Military Governor of Hyderabad. 

 

3. TCS collaborates with Dassault Systems in the Living Heart Project 

• Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. has partnered with Dassault Systems as part of the Living Heart Project. 
• This initiative brings together a network of cardiovascular experts, medical professionals, and regulatory bodies, including the US FDA, to develop and validate highly realistic digital simulations of the human heart. 
• The Living Heart Project aims to revolutionize medical solutions, including the utilization of heart simulations as digital evidence for the approval of new cardiovascular devices. 
• TCS will use its technology expertise to contribute to the development of digital human heart models. 
• Recent MoUs 
• NGEL partners with Nayara Energy for green hydrogen production 
• Google Cloud partners with MeitY to train government officials 
• India Post and Shiprocket partner to strengthen e-commerce exports 
• Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) and IIT-Guwahati signed a pact to develop green carbon from Bamboo dust

4. Cabinet Approves E-Courts Phase III For 4 Years

• The Indian government has given the green light to Phase III of the e-Courts project, marking another significant step towards modernizing the country’s judicial system. With a substantial budget allocation of Rs 7,210 crore, this initiative aims to leverage technology to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of the courts.
• One of the central objectives of the e-Courts Phase III project is to transition towards a digital, online, and paperless court system. This ambitious endeavor seeks to digitize the entire spectrum of court records, including legacy documents. This digital transformation is poised to streamline court processes, reduce administrative overhead, and expedite access to critical legal information. 
• The e-Courts project traces its roots back to 2007 and operates as a centrally sponsored scheme under the National e-Governance Plan. The Supreme Court spearheads the policy planning, strategic direction, and implementation of the project, while the Department of Justice (DoJ) provides essential funding.

 

5. Birth Certificate To Be Single Document For Aadhaar, Driving License, Jobs From Next Month 

• The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has unveiled a noteworthy modification in the utilization of birth certificates for essential services, set to take effect on October 1, 2023. These alterations, driven by the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023, are designed to enhance the efficiency and transparency of public service delivery. 
• The Act permits the sharing of the national database with authorized authorities, like population registers and electoral rolls, with central government approval. Similarly, state databases can be shared with state-approved authorities. 
• From October 1, one will need birth certificate for school and college admissions. Birth certificates will also play a role in the preparation of voter lists. Registering your marriage will also involve providing your birth certificate and if you’re looking to secure a government job, your birth certificate will be a vital document. 

6. Cabinet Approves Expansion Of Ujjwala Yojana

• The Indian government has unveiled the third phase of its Ujjwala scheme. This initiative aims to provide free gas connections, along with a stove and a refill, to 7.5 million impoverished households for three years. The move extends the program’s total coverage to an impressive 103.5 million households. 
• Under the latest phase of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), beneficiaries will receive a deposit-free gas connection, complete with a stove and their first 14.2kg cylinder, all at no cost 
• This extension is set to cost approximately ₹1,650 crore, with state-run oil marketing companies initially bearing the financial burden. The government will later reimburse these companies. Notably, the scheme has been expanded to include households previously ineligible for LPG connections, thus encompassing a broader spectrum of the population. 

7. Filing cases on those bursting firecrackers not a solution: SC 

• The Supreme Court on Thursday said Bling cases against persons bursting firecrackers during festivals such as Deepavali might not be the solution against the dangers they pose to health and environment 
• "Cases against persons bursting firecrackers may not be the solution. You will have to find the source from where it [firecrackers] is coming and stop that." Justice AS Bopanna heading a Special Bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh, addressed the Delhi Police 
• It was reacting to a report submitted by Additional Solicitor General em Aishwarya Bhati, for the ata Delhi Police, on the number of cases filed against on sale, storage and bursting Act of crackers and the number of persons arrested. 
• The police statistics presented in the court showed that from 2016 to August 31, 2023, a total of 926 cases were registered for sale naar and storage of firecrackers and 3,120 cases filed for ated bursting crackers.
• The police have arrested 2,616 persons for bursting crackers and 740 for sale and storage. The police said $1,692.413 kg of firecrackers were seled a Delhi from 2016 us st 2024 
• The bege blow of crackers despite a ban imposed on them by the Supreme Court. The Des government has also prohi bited the sale and bursting of firecrackers 
• However, amicus riae, senior advocate gopal Sankaranarayanan said Crackers make their way: to the national capital, especially ahead of the Dee Secretary pavali season in November 
• Ms. Bharti said the Delhi Police were giving top priority to prevent the sale, storage, and bursting of firecrackers District police chiefs had constituted a flying squad authorized stocks had been seines and sealed and an awareness campaign was on 
• The law officer said no system, however scrupulously manned, was "foot proof Justice Sundresh said there was no point taking action after the harm was done. 
• In an earlier bearing. Ms. Bhati, also appearing for Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), had said the government entity was taking steps to expedite the usage of green crackers. 

8. India Achieves Milestone as the 13th Nation to Issue Globally Recognized OIML Certificates 

• India has joined the ranks of countries authorized to issue International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) certificates. The announcement was made by the Union Consumer Affairs Ministry on September 14 in New Delhi, marking a pivotal moment in India’s metrological capabilities.
• Both domestic and global manufacturers can now have their weighing and measuring instruments tested within the country, opening doors for international market sales. Previously, testing had to be conducted in one of the 12 countries, including China and Japan.
• This development is expected to generate significant economic advantages for India. By offering testing facilities for international manufacturers, India would not only generate revenue but also create employment opportunities.

9. Maharashtra Governor Inaugurated at the 4th Edition of World Trade Expo

• Ramesh Bais inaugurated the 4th edition of the World Trade Expo, which is India’s biggest, is inaugurated. business platform for aiding global trade linkages, especially for MSMEs. 
• The event is organized jointly by the World Trade Center Mumbai and the All India Association of Industries (AIAI) with a view to highlighting technology as a key driver of trade and tourism. 
• It is an effective platform for exploring new global markets and identifying opportunities in trade, tourism, and technology exchange. 
• This unique trade show will facilitate networking for MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, startups, and Corporate Houses with diplomatic missions from more than 25 countries, Chambers of Commerce and Government agencies. 
• The World Trade Expo will be a promising platform to showcase trade and investment opportunities. in the participating countries to local MSMEs, start-ups, and other stakeholders through Country Presentations, Knowledge Sessions, and Exhibits. 

About Maharashtra 

• Capital – Mumbai 
• Chief Minister – Eknath Sindhe 
• Deputy Chief Minister – Devendra Fadnavis & Ajit Pawar 
• Governor – Ramesh Bais 

10. SC won't interfere with Lakshadweep's removal of meat from midday meals

• The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed an appeal against the Lakshadweep administration's decision to stop serving meat in midday meals for school children in the islands. 
• A Bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Bela M. Trivedi rejected arguments by the petitioner, advocate Ajmal Ahmed, a resident of the Union Territory, that meat was part of the islands' culture and an essential dietary ingredient for the children, who were mostly from tribal families. 
• But the Bench insisted that the decision to pull out meat from the menu was government policy. There was no apparent illegality or arbitrariness in the decision.
• "It is not within the domain of the court to decide as to what would be the choice of food for children of a particular region. There is no scope of guesswork by the law courts on 
• That counts. The court will have to accept the administrative decision in this regard unless some outstanding arbitrariness is pointed out," the Bench reasoned. Besides, the court said it did not decide "culture". The Bench said there was a vested right to a midday meal but not to half-pick and choose the menu. 
• "So far as the midday no meal is concerned, the addiv ministry has retained nonvegetarian items like egg and fish, which Additional Solicitor-General K.M. Nataraj [appearing for the Lakshadweep administration] submits that P is available in abundance in the islands," the court observed in the order. 
• Meat was struck off the school midday meal menu t by the newly-formed administration of the Lakshadweep in 2021

 

International News

11. Kim invites Putin to visit N. Korea during rare summit 

• Kim Jong-un invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit North Korea during a rare summit, stoking US concerns that a re vived Moscow-Pyongyang axis could bolster Russia's military in Ukraine and provide Mr. Kim sensitive missile technology 
• Mr. Putin accepted the invitation, according to North Korean state news agency KONA, though there was no immediate confirmation from the Kremlin. Since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Mr. Putin has rarely traveled abroad. 
• Calling each other "comrades", the two leaders toasted to their friendship on Wednesday with Russian wine after the 70- year-old Putin showed Mr. Kim, 39, around Russia's most modern space launch facility and they held talks alongside their Defence Ministers. 
• "At the end of the reception, Kim Jong Un courteously invited Mr. Putin to visit the DPRK at a conve nient time," KCNA said, referring to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's formal name.
• "Mr. Putin accepted the invitation with pleasure and reaffirmed his will to invariably carry forward the history and tradition of the Russia DPRK friendship," KCNA said 
• For the United States and allies, the burgeoning friendship between Mr. Kim and Mr. Putin is a concern: Washington has accused North Korea of providing arms to Russia, but it is unclear whether any deliveries have been made. 
• Both Russia and North Korea have denied those claims, but promised to deepen defense cooperation, and during a visit to North Korea in July, Defence Minister Sergei Sholgu was shown banned baklistic missiles by Mr. Kim. 
• Mr. Kim is due on Thursday to visit military and cl villain aviation factories in the Russian city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur and to inspect Russia's Pacific fleet in Vladivostok, Mr. Putin said Maldives frontrunner eyes ties with China 
• The Maldives stands at a geopolitical crossroads ahead of its presidential run-off vote with the frontrunner, a former con- struction minister, set on demolishing India's influence and building stronger ties with China. 
• The archipelago nation, better known for its up- market beach resorts and celebrity vacationers, sits in a strategically vital position in the middle of the Indian Ocean astride one of the world's busiest east- west shipping lanes, 
• The vote on the chain of atolls scattered some MAN 800 km across the equator takes place with growing Western concern at China's growing assertiveness in the IndoPacific, with rival India part of the Quad, a strategic alliance alongside the United States, Australia and Japan. 
• Frontrunner Mohamed Muizzu is the protege of former leader Abdulla Yameen, who steered the ar- chipelago towards Beijing's orbit while in office and became an eager recipient of financial largesse from China's Belt and Road infrastructure programme.

State News

12. Patna Municipal Corporation started the 'Cash for Waste Scheme' for common people

• Working on the theme of Waste to Wealth, Patna Municipal Corporation has launched the ‘Cash for Waste Scheme’ for the Common People at its recently established Material Recovery Facility (MRF). 
• People are being paid for their dry waste under a fixed price list for each item. The advanced facility has the capacity to process 2 tonnes of dry waste and 1.5 tons of wet waste per day. It is named Pink MRF because it is run by women workers. 
• MRF has been set up by Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) with the help of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the German organization GIZ, and other organizations. 
• Residents can collect waste like dry and wet waste separately, keep it in bags and hand it over to the MRF worker. People will not have to wait for the garbage truck to come to throw away garbage. This step will encourage people to keep the city clean. 
• With the help of this scheme, Patna Municipal Corporation is looking forward to creating a neat clean city encouraging people not to throw garbage, and setting an example for other cities to follow the same trend.

13. Uttarakhand govt approves state’s first service sector policy

• The Uttarakhand government has approved the formulation of a policy offering land and subsidies to investors to give a push to sectors such as healthcare, traditional medicine, education, films, and media in the state. 
• In its meeting, the state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, approved the promulgation of Uttarakhand Service Sector Policy-2023 offering land and capital subsidies to investors. 
• The promulgation of the policy will give a boost to the service sectors such as healthcare, wellness, traditional medicine, education, film, media, sports, and skill education facilities like never before and its economy (barring tourism) will grow by USD 27 billion by 2030. 
• After the promulgation of the policy, the service sector will make a contribution of at least 40 percent to the state GDP. 
• With this policy, Uttarakhand will attract investments worth Rs 60,000 crore in the service sector by 2030. The state has set a target of getting investments worth Rs 45000 crore before 2027. 
• 20 lakh people will be employed in the service sector and the skills of 10 lakh workers will be developed. Land and capital subsidies will be given under the policy to investors who invest in the service sector. 
• The cabinet also decided to set up an Auli Development Authority to prepare a plan for developing a picturesque town in Chamoli district as a major skiing destination and implementing it. 

About Uttarakhand 

• Capital – Dehradun (Winter), Gairsain (Summer) 
• Chief Minister – Pushkar Singh Dhami 
• Governor – Gurmit Singh

14. Assam Governor unveils 'Sarpanch Samvaad’ mobile app 

• Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria unveils "Sarpanch Samvaad," a mobile application app of the Quality Council of India (QCI) in Raj Bhavan. 
• QCI launched the Sarpanch Samvaad an initiative aimed at connecting approximately 2.5 lakh Sarpunch across India, which serves as a holistic platform for networking and knowledge dissemination and collaboration. 
• Through this initiative, Sarpanchs can spotlight developmental activities in their villages, learn about best practices, and foster connections nationwide. 
• The Sarpanch Samvaad initiative will also propel the villages of India to the forefront of its growth trajectory and realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of making India, a developed nation by 2047. 

About Assam 

• Capital – Dispur 
• Chief Minister –Himanta Biswa Sarma 
• Governor – Gulab Chand Kataria 

15. ICCR organized the "Vaishali Festival of Democracy" in Bihar 

• The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has organized the “Vaishali Festival of Democracy” at Bihar’s Nalanda University exhibiting India’s rich democratic traditions.
• The festival – the ‘Vaishali Festival of Democracy, will be held on Friday (September 15), which is also the International Day of Democracy. 
• The ICCR chose the university as the venue due to its great significance for Bihar, the democratic ethos of the country, and the presence of an international audience.
• Vaishali in Bihar is the place where the roots of democracy are traced. 
• The ICCR, which is an autonomous body under the administrative control of the Ministry of External Affairs, chose Nalanda University as the venue for the event comprising panel discussions and cultural exchange to take the discourse on a global stage. 
• Ambassadors from five countries, including Chili, Egypt, Argentina, and Nepal, have also attended the festival, along with dignitaries. 

About Bihar 

• Capital – Patna 
• Chief Minister – Nitish Kumar 
• Governor – Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar 

16. UP Govt launches Gift Deed scheme to reduce property related Issues 

• In a bid to foster harmony and alleviate property-related family disputes, the Yogi government initiated a special Gift Deed Scheme which has benefited over 43,574 people from 5 August 2023 to 12 September 2023. 
• The public received a benefit of Rs 1807.31 crore under this scheme 
• Under the new scheme, the stamp duty for such transactions has been reduced to Rs 5,000. 
• Under the new policy in Uttar Pradesh, on the donation of immovable property to certain families members such as son, daughter, father, mother, husband, wife, daughter-in-law, real brother (or, in case real brother deceased, his wife), real sister, and son-in-law, maximum stamp duty has been fixed at Rs 5,000. 

About Uttar Pradesh 

• Capital – Lucknow 
• Chief Minister – Yogi Adityanath 
• Governor – Anandiben Patel 

17. Rubber crisis: farmers stage stir in Delhi, seek fair price

• Rubber farmers from Kerala, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, affiliated to the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), have demanded a fair remunerative price of at least 300 for a kilogram of natural rubber. They held a protest in New Delhi on Thursday against the Centre and alleged that the policies of the government are in favor of multinational tyre manufacturers.
• The farmers said they should be adequately compensated in accordance with the increase in the cost of production. "It is humanly impossible to survive with the present dismal price. Adding salt to the injury, the Modi regime is in the process of dismantling the Rubber Board and paving the way for intense corporate control.
• The Rubber (Promotion and Development) Bill, 2023 is a clear in- stance of pro-corporate policy by the BJP-led Union government," the AIKS said in a statement. 
• Leaders of the AIKS said a recent verdict of Competition Commission of India (CCD) that imposed fines of about 21,788 crore on tyre manufacturers for market manipulation is yet to be implemented. 

18. L G to launch anti-corruption portal 

• Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena will launch an anti corruption portal on September 21, Raj Niwas officials said on Thursday. 
• After the launch of the Vigilance Complaint Information Management System (VCIMS) portal, complaints received in physical form will not be accepted by the departments concerned and the Vigilance Directorate, the officials said, adding that it will be a face- less system that will main- tain the complainants' secrecy. 
• "To ensure that only genuine complaints are filed, the complainants will have to mandatorily submit an e- undertaking and they can be prosecuted under Section 182 of the IPC for giving false information to public servants," an official said.
• Reacting to the development, a source at the Chief Minister's Office said, "It's extremely unfortunate that the L-G's office is bypassing the elected government to launch the portal. The Su- preme Court has ordered that barring land, law and order, and police, all powers reside with the elected government

 

Defence News

19. Indian Air Force receives first 'C-295 MW transport' aircraft from Spain 

• The Indian Air Force has received the first C-295 MW transport aircraft from Spain. Chief of the Air Staff and Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhary attend the formal handover ceremony of the first C295 MW transport aircraft in Seville, Spain. 
• According to the Indian Air Force, the aircraft was formally handed over to the Indian Air Force by Airbus. 
• According to the contractual agreement, Airbus will deliver 16 air-conditioned aircraft from its final assembly line in Seville by 2025. The remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems in Vadodara, Gujarat. 
• All C-295 aircraft will be equipped with indigenous electronic radar warnings and jammers. The Induction of 56 C-295 aircraft into the Air Force fleet will give a boost to the Make in India initiative. C-295 MW transport aircraft 
• In September 2021, India formalized the acquisition of 56 Airbus C295 aircraft to replace the IAF's aging Avro fleet at a cost of Rs 21,935 crore. 
• The partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems will pave the way for the development of an industrial ecosystem in the aviation sector. 
• The C-295 has the capacity to carry 71 soldiers or 50 paratroopers and is used to deliver supplies to areas where heavier aircraft cannot be reached.

20. BAE Systems, and L&T Join Hands To Bring All-Terrain Vehicles To India 

• Global defense and security company, BAE Systems and India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is set to revolutionize the Indian defense landscape. The partnership aims to introduce the world-leading Articulated All-Terrain Vehicle (AATV), known as the ‘BvS10,’ to the Indian armed forces. 
• BAE Systems and L&T have undertaken the task of upgrading the BvS10. The result of this joint effort is a new variant named the ‘BvS10-Sindhu.’ This innovative vehicle is designed to excel in the demanding terrains and climatic conditions frequently encountered in India. 
• The BvS10 all-terrain vehicle is poised to showcase the essential capabilities required by the Indian Army during its upcoming trials this month. Central to the design of the BvS10- Sindhu are its unmatched mobility, adaptability, and proficiency in operating under extreme climatic conditions. These qualities are anticipated to position the BvS10-Sindhu as a transformative asset for the Indian armed forces

Banking and Financial News

21. RBI issues revised norms for valuation of investment by banks 

• The Reserve Bank of India has issued revised classification, valuation and operation guidelines for the investment portfolio of commercial banks, which will be effective from April 1, 2024. 
• Banks will have to categorize investments into three categories from the next financial year: available for sale (AFS), held to maturity (HTM), and a new category called ‘fair value through profit and loss’, or FVTPL.
• The existing hold-for-trading (HFT) category will become a sub-category of the FVTPL. 
• The revised directions include principle-based classification of the investment portfolio, tightening of regulations around transfers to/from held to maturity (HTM) category and sales out of HTM, inclusion of non-SLR (statutory liquidity ratio) securities in HTM subject to fulfillment of certain conditions and symmetric recognition of gains and losses.
• As per the revised norms, banks will have to classify their entire investment portfolio under three categories — Held to Maturity (HTM), Available for Sale (AFS) and Fair Value through Profit and Loss (FVTPL).
• Held for Trading (HFT) shall be a separate investment subcategory within FVTPL. The category of the investment shall be decided by the bank before or at the time of acquisition and this decision shall be properly documented. 
• While the revised Directions align the accounting norms for banks’ investment portfolios with global financial reporting standards, important prudential safeguards such as investment fluctuation reserve (IFR), due diligence/limits with respect to non-SLR investments, internal control systems, reviews, and reporting, etc. have been retained and prudential concerns on the reliability of the valuation has been addressed. 
• The revised Directions shall apply to all commercial banks (excluding Regional Rural Banks) from the financial year commencing on April 1, 2024. 
• Banks are currently required to follow regulatory guidelines on the classification and valuation of investment portfolios, which are based on a framework issued in October 2000 drawing upon the then-prevailing global standards and best practices. 

22. Yes Bank and BriskPe Partner to Enable Seamless Cross-Border Payments for MSMEs 

• BriskPe, a pioneering cross-border payments FinTech company, has teamed up with YES BANK to introduce “BriskPe A2A,” a cutting-edge suite of solutions designed to empower exporters and importers. 
• This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the realm of cross-border payments, offering a seamless and efficient platform for Indian businesses to navigate the complexities of international trade and bolster their global competitiveness. 
• One of the key highlights of this partnership is the ability for BriskPe’s customers to seamlessly collect payments in over 36 foreign currencies, spanning across more than 180 countries. These funds can then be efficiently converted into Indian Rupees (INR) and settled directly into their local bank accounts in India within a single business day. This streamlined process will provide a much-needed boost to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the manufacturing and services sectors.

Important day

23. 15 September – Engineer’s Day 

• Engineer’s Day in India is celebrated on September 15 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of one of India’s greatest engineering visionaries, Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya. 
• Sir Visvesvaraya, born in 1861, was not only a distinguished engineer but also a statesman and the Diwan of Mysore. 
• He played a pivotal role in the development of India’s infrastructure and was a pioneer in various fields of engineering. His contributions left an indelible mark on the nation, and Engineer’s Day serves as a tribute to his remarkable legacy 
• It’s a day to celebrate the spirit of innovation, problem-solving, and technological advancement. Engineers from various fields, including civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, and more, are recognized for their relentless efforts in shaping a better future for India. 

24. 15 September – International Day of Democracy 

• The International Day of Democracy is observed every year on September 15. 
• Objective – To underscores the importance of democracy as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of good governance and peace.
• Theme 2023 – Empowering the next generation 
• Established in 2007 by a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), this day serves as a reminder of the essential role that democracy plays in shaping societies worldwide. 
• The establishment of the International Day of Democracy can be traced back to the Universal Declaration on Democracy, which was formally adopted on September 15, 1997, by the InterParliamentary Union (IPU).

25. World Lymphoma Awareness Day 2023 Observed On 15 September 

• World Lymphoma Awareness Day (WLAD) is an annual event observed on September 15th. It is dedicated to increasing awareness about lymphoma, a group of blood cancers that affect the lymphatic system, a crucial part of our immune system. Lymphomas come in various forms, with Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma being the two main types. 
• WLAD strives to educate the public about lymphoma, including its types, symptoms, risk factors, and available treatment options. Increased awareness can lead to earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes for individuals battling lymphoma. 
• WLAD’s roots can be traced back to the founding of the Lymphoma Coalition in 2002. This international network brought together lymphoma patient organizations from around the world to collaborate, share resources, and advocate for lymphoma patients. In 2004, WLAD was inaugurated to coincide with the establishment of the Lymphoma Coalition. Since then, it has been a global endeavor to raise awareness about lymphoma and its impact on patients.

Appointment and Resignation News

26. Former SBI Chief Rajnish Kumar Appointed Chairman Of Mastercard India 

• Mastercard, the global financial services corporation, has made a significant appointment in its Indian operations by naming Rajnish Kumar as the Chairman of Mastercard India. This move reflects Mastercard’s commitment to strengthening its presence in India and navigating the dynamic landscape of domestic payments. 
• Kumar concluded his three-year term as the Chairman of SBI in October 2020, leaving behind a legacy of banking excellence. Now, he steps into a new role at Mastercard India, where he will provide guidance and leadership to Mastercard’s South Asia executive team. This team is headed by Gautam Aggarwal, Division President for South Asia & Country Corporate Officer, India. 
• Rajnish Kumar’s career spans nearly four decades in India’s largest bank, the State Bank of India. During his tenure, he held various leadership positions and played a pivotal role in managing critical operations not only in India but also in the UK and Canada. His contributions to the banking sector are well-acknowledged, with one of his notable achievements being the spearheading of the YONO platform, a groundbreaking digital banking initiative. 

27. Actor Hrithik Roshan To Be The New Face Of Leading Lubricants Brand Mobil 

• Exxon Mobil, with a rich legacy spanning 150 years in developing cutting-edge technologies to meet global energy demands, has made a significant announcement by appointing Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan as the brand ambassador for its lubrication brand, Mobil. For over a century, Mobil has played a pivotal role in meeting the world’s lubrication requirements as a technology leader and trusted partner. Mobil products are meticulously engineered to deliver outstanding engine performance and protection for automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles.
• This isn’t the first collaboration between Hrithik Roshan and the Mobil brand. Earlier, Mobil joined forces with the actor’s action thriller ‘Vikram Vedha,’ where the film conveyed the crucial message of prioritizing wellness through informed choices. 

Sports

28. FIH withdraws Olympic qualifiers hosting rights from Pakistan 

• The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has withdrawn the hosting rights of the Olympic Qualifiers from Pakistan, slated to be held in January 2024. 
• The FIH decision came as a result of infighting between the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and the state-owned Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). 
• The decision came as a big blow to Pakistan hockey, which had the right to host an International events after more than a decade 
• Pakistan failed to qualify for the last two editions.

29. Kuldeep Yadav becomes fastest Indian spinner to reach 150 ODI wickets 

• Kuldeep Yadav reached the 150 ODI wickets mark, becoming the fastest Indian spinner to do so in just 88 One Day Internationals. 
• The Chinaman bowler accomplished this milestone against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup Super Four match. 
• Now in 88 ODIs, Kuldeep has 150 wickets at an average of 25.64, with the best bowling figures of 6/25. He has taken seven four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls for India in ODIs. 
• He is the second-fastest Indian to reach the mark after pacer Mohammed Shami, who reached 150 wickets in 80 matches. 
• Kuldeep is also the fourth-fastest spinner ever to reach 150 ODI wickets, with Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis (84 matches), Rashid Khan (80 matches) and Saqlain Mushtaq (78 matches) above him. 

Science and Technology News 

30. GSITI Signs MoU With ISRO For Five Years 

• The Geological Survey of India Training Institute (GSITI), located in Hyderabad, recently forged a significant collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), headquartered in Bengaluru. 
• This momentous partnership was sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on September 11, marking the initiation of a five-year partnership under the National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS) programme. 
• The overarching aim of this collaborative project is to provide comprehensive training programs that bolster capacity building in the fields of mineral resources and disaster management, all under the umbrella of the (National Natural Resources Management System) NNRMS programme. The project’s core objectives are centered around the development of skilled human resources capable of addressing critical challenges.

Economy News

31. Decline In Wholesale Prices Continues For Fifth Consecutive Month, Reaching -0.52% In August 

• On September 14, the Indian government unveiled the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) data for the month of August, revealing a persistent trend of declining wholesale inflation. The Wholesale Price Index, or WPI, serves as a crucial indicator that measures the fluctuations in prices of goods traded and sold in bulk by wholesale businesses to other companies. 
• In August, the wholesale inflation rate plummeted to -0.52 percent, marking the fifth consecutive month in which it has remained in the negative territory. Notably, in July, the wholesale inflation rate had been -1.36 percent, and in June, it had reached as low as - 4.12 percent. 
• The government attributed the persistently negative inflation rate to a range of factors, including the decline in prices of mineral oils, basic metals, chemical and chemical products, textiles, and food products when compared to the corresponding month of the previous year.

32. LIC Delivers Dividend Cheque Of ₹1,831 Crore To Finance Minister 

• LIC Chairman Siddhartha Mohanty presented a significant dividend cheque of ₹1,831.09 crore to Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This dividend represents the Centre’s share for the fiscal year 2022-23. It was officially approved by LIC’s shareholders during the Annual General Meeting held on August 22 of the same year. 
• As of the end of June in the current year, the Indian government held an impressive equity stake of 96.5 percent in LIC, making it the majority shareholder.. The final dividend declared for the fiscal year 2022-23 amounted to ₹3 per share, and it was agreed upon by LIC’s shareholders. 
• Benefiting from a substantial increase in net investment income, LIC reported a remarkable surge in net profit for the first quarter ending on June 30, 2023, reaching ₹9,544 crore, compared to the previous year’s ₹683 crore.