National News

1. Delhi may turn venue for dialogue on reviving the Black Sea Grain Initiative

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is on a mission to revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI or BSI), in talks on the sidelines of the summit. The deal that facilitates the export of grain from Russia and Ukraine lapsed in July.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officials said they were unaware of any meetings on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit, but underlined India's position in support of the initiative.
The BSI, which was signed to avert massive shortages of wheat, sunflower oil, and other commodities due to the Ukraine conflict, lapsed on July 17 after Russia refused to renew the deal citing "unkept promises" by Western countries.
On Thursday, Mr. Guterres said the UN was "deeply engaged" in resolving the issue, which would mean giving Russia more access to financial markets despite EU and U.S. sanctions and in return receiving guarantees: that Russia will not threaten or bomb Ukrainian ships or ports exporting grain.

2. Indian Coast Guard rescues 10 stranded fishermen at sea

Indian Coast Guard Ship Ayush rescued the distressed fishing boat IFB Ganapathi Perumal along with 10 crew members, about 83 miles east of Visakhapatnam coast on Wednesday.
Fishing boat Ganapathi Perumal (Manju Matha) ventured for fishing from Kasimedu harbor, Chennai, on August 24.
The boat suffered a machinery breakdown and some technical snag and continued drifting since September 1.
A surface and air-coordinated search by the Indian Coast Guard Ships and aircraft located the boat It is about 83 miles from the Visakhapatnam coast.
MRCC Chennai requested the nearby Merchant vessel MV Jag Radha to monitor the boat till the arrival of the Coast Guard Ship.
Logistic, medical aid Coast Guard Ship Ayush arrived at the location in the early hours of September 6, and provided necessary logistic, medical assistance, and towed the boat to the nearest port Visakhapatnam.
The boat along with the crew was finally handed over safely to the Fisheries Department at Visakhapatnam on Thursday.

3. After the death of two Dalit students, a caste discrimination survey at IIT Delhi was suspended within hours

After the death of two Dalit students at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, in the past two months, a campus-wide survey on caste discrimination circulated by the institute's Board of Student Publications has been suspended within hours of starting
As soon as the survey was started, complaints came in about the survey design being "biased, insensitive, and problematic", with the institute's official SC/ST Cell then flagging that they had not been consulted for any of this.
The chairperson of the SC/ST Cell told The Hindu, "The Cell was officially never consulted about this matter. The chairperson of the Cell was never made aware of a survey or the questions that were supposed to be in it. We will examine the said survey." The BSP said they were withdrawing the survey because "proper channels were not followed".
In July this year, Ayush Ashna, a final year B.Tech student at the Mathematics and Computing Department, had allegedly died by suicide. Earlier this month, Anil Kumar, of the same department, allegedly died by suicide. Both students were from Scheduled Caste backgrounds.
Mr. Kumar's death led to renewed outrage from students at IIT-Delhi about the need to investigate indications of caste discrimination and initiate an inquiry against the Mathematics and Computing Department among a list of other demands that have officially been communicated to the administration.
On Thursday, students on campus told The Hindu that they were made aware of a survey being conducted by the Board of Student Publications for their next edition of the Inquirer, one of the BSP's publications. The BSP is the officially recognized student publication of the institute. The Board is headed by Professor Gaurav Goel of the Chemistry Department.
The survey, titled "Student survey on caste-based discrimination, contained nine sections, with a total of around 45 questions, and was being circulated on a Google Form, with the survey promising anonymity to respondents.
Students pointed out that in the section on opinions about the reservation and affirmative actions, "bias is clearly seen". In the said section, one of the two questions asks the respondents their opinion on reservations in the institute.
Out of the four choices, one is "Prefer not to answer" and of the other three, two are negative while one is a conditional positive.
As of Thursday evening, the survey had been suspended, with the webpage saying it was "no longer accepting responses". Professor Goel, President of the BSP, said, "It was accepted that proper channels were not fully followed. Therefore, we have withdrawn the survey."

4. Concert of rare instruments planned at President's dinner

At the dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on Saturday, the G-20 leaders will witness a unique musical extravaganza featuring 78 States, artists who will play some rare Indian instruments such as the Surbahar, the Jaltarang, and the Rudra Veena,
The dinner will be held at the Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the G20 Summit. The artists include 11 children, 13 women, 25 men, and six differently-abled persons.
The concert 'Bharat -Vadya-Darshan (Musical Journey of India), being organized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, an autonomous body under the Union Culture Ministry, will feature 34 Hindustani musical instruments, 18 Carnatic musical instruments, and 26 folk musical instruments from across the country
The hour-and-a-half program will celebrate the rich tapestry of India's musical heritage through music from different
Some rare instruments that will be played are the Kamaicha, used by the Manganiar community of Rajasthan, Naltarang, created by Baba Allauddin Khan of Malhar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rudra Veena, considered one of the most ancient instruments.
"We will immerse in some of the most ancient Vedic musical instruments, tribal instruments, and folk Instruments alongside classical musical instruments, creating a beautiful soundscape. The participating musicians are from different regions of India, playing an array of traditional instruments in their traditional attire," a senior Ministry official said.

Internation News

5. Mexico's Supreme Court decriminalizes abortion

Mexico's Supreme Court has legalized abortion in the country. The court said in a statement that the system that punishes abortion is unconstitutional because it violates women's human rights.
Mexico's highest court, consisting of 11 judges, declared in 2021 that criminal penalties for abortion were unconstitutional, but the ruling only applied to the northern state of Coahuila, where the case originated.
The September 6, 2023 decision will expand access to abortion throughout Mexico, a major victory for abortion rights advocates in the predominantly Roman Catholic country.
Throughout Latin America, countries have taken steps to lift restrictions on abortion in recent years, a trend often referred to as the "green wave". Mexico City was the first Mexican jurisdiction to decriminalize abortion 15 years ago.
Earlier in 2007, abortion had been legalized in 12 cities of 32 states of Mexico, including Mexico City. Last week, the central state of Aguascalientes became the 12th state to lift criminal penalties.
The trend gained momentum in Argentina, which legalized the procedure in 2020. Colombia, a highly conservative country, did the same in 2022.
Meanwhile, in the United States, the Supreme Court struck down a national right to abortion in 2022 and nearly half of the 50 states have dramatically restricted access.

6. UK Rejoins EU’s Horizon Science Research Programme

After a two-year post-Brexit standoff regarding science funding, the United Kingdom has decided to rejoin the European Union’s Horizon science research program. This move is seen as a significant development in bilateral relations between the UK and the EU, following the resolution of a trade dispute seven months prior.
In addition to rejoining Horizon, the UK has also chosen to associate with the European earth observation program, Copernicus. However, the UK will not participate in the EU’s Euratom nuclear research scheme. Instead, the UK has decided to pursue a domestic fusion energy strategy.
One of the key points of negotiation was how much the UK needed to pay to rejoin Horizon, considering it had missed two years of the seven-year program. Under the agreement, the UK will not be required to pay for the period it was frozen out. Moreover, a “clawback” mechanism has been established to compensate the UK if British scientists receive significantly less funding than the UK government contributes.

7. India will open an embassy in Timor Leste

At the ASEAN-India summit, the prime minister announced the decision to establish an Indian Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste.
PM Modi announced the decision while co-chairing the annual ASEAN-India summit in this Indonesian capital.
The decision is a reflection of the importance India attaches to ASEAN and its relations with Timor Leste.
Timor Leste joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2022 as an Observer, before becoming its full member.
ASEAN is considered one of the most influential groupings in the region, and India and several other countries including the US, China, Japan, and Australia are its dialogue partners.

About Timor Leste (East Timor)

East Timor is an island country in the eastern Lesser Sunda Islands, at the southern extreme of the Malay Archipelago.
Capital – Dili
Currency – US Dollar

State News

8. Kerala to Host Inaugural Zayed Charity Marathon in 2024

The Higher Organizing Committee of the Zayed Charity Marathon has announced that the inaugural edition of the marathon in India will be held in Kerala in 2024.
The marathon will be held in collaboration with the authorities in Kerala State and the Indian community in the UAE.
The proceeds from the marathon in Kerala will be used to support healthcare initiatives in the state.
The Zayed Charity Marathon is a prestigious event that honors the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Former President of the United Arab Emirates.
The Zayed Charity Marathon was launched in 2001 in Abu Dhabi to spread humanitarian and charitable messages that embody the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

About Kerala

Capital – Thiruvananthapuram
Chief Minister – Pinarayi Vijayan
Governor – Arif Mohammad Khan

9. WB assembly passes resolution to observe April 15 as Bengal Day

The West Bengal assembly has passed a resolution to observe Bengali New Year’s Day, also known as Polia Baisakh, as the state’s foundation day on April 15.
This comes after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asserted that the day will be observed regardless of the approval of the state’s governor.
The resolution – under Rule 169 proposes to observe Poila Baisakh as ‘Bangla Diwas’ and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s. Banglar Mat, Banglar Jol’ (Bengal’s soil, Bengal’s Water) as the state song – was passed with 167 members voting in favor of it in a House of 294 members.
On the other hand, 62 BJP MLAs – who want to observe the state’s foundation day on June 20 – voted against the resolution. Notably, on June 20, 1947, MLAs from West Bengal voted for partition, which was celebrated as Bengal Day.
People of Bengal don’t support June 20, which is synonymous with violence and bloodshed which marked partition as the state foundation day.

About West Bengal

Capital – Kolkata
Chief Minister – Mamata Banerjee
Governor – C V Ananda Bose

10. Maharashtra State to set up a mango board in Konkan

The Maharashtra state government has decided to establish a mango board in the Konkan region to support large-scale Hapus cultivation.
The board will provide support in areas such as insurance, production enhancement, pest control, and research.
Mango farmers have been demanding the establishment of a board for almost a decade.
Almost a decade after demands were first made by mango growers in Konkan, the state government has decided to establish a mango board in the region to support large-scale Hapus cultivation, especially in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts
The current season witnessed a drop in mango production, with a mere 15% compared to the previous year, as reported by Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Agricultural University (BSKAU), Dapoli. Additionally, mango crops have suffered immense losses due to thrips disease over the past 15 years.
The CM also proposed a task force to work out a comprehensive approach to boost mango production and combat pest damage. It will be led by the agriculture minister and comprise experts from BSKAU and the agricultural sector.
It was also discussed at the meeting that the cashew board had so far received ₹200 crore and an additional ₹1,300 crore was earmarked for the next five years.

About Maharashtra

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

11. Maratha quota: Manoj Jarange seeks relaxation of genealogy clause in govt. clause in govt. order to end fast

Maratha quota protester Manoj Jarange on Thursday said he would end his indefinite hunger strike only when the Maharashtra government relaxes the genealogy clause for issuing Kunbi caste certificates to members of the community from the Marathwada region for availing of reservation benefits under the OBC category.
Mr. Jarange has been on hunger strike since August 29 at Antarwali Sarai village in Jalna district demanding reservation for Marathas. Police action on proquota protesters on September 1 triggered outrage in the State and led Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to express his commitment to providing reservations to the community.
The State Cabinet on Wednesday decided to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas from Marathwada who possess revenue or education documents from the Nizam era that recognize them as Kunbis.
In a bid to urge Mr. Jarange to call off his fast, Sumant Bhange, Secretary (Services), General Administration Department, on Thursday sent him a copy of the Government Resolution, dated September 7, confirming the Cabinet's decision to issue Kunbi caste certificates.
Addressing a press conference at Antarwali Sarathi, Mr. Jarange welcomed the government's decision but said his fast will continue till the ge-nalogy clause is relaxed. "Kunbi caste certificates should be given to Maratha community members from Marathwada without any discrimination," he said.

12. MCD faces ire of animal rights activists

As the city adorns a new look with fountains, plants, lights and billboards for the G-20 Summit, the Municipal Corporation of Delta (MCD) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) have come under fire from animal rights activists for removing stray dogs from the roads in the most "inhu mane manner". Vidit Shar- ma, who runs an animal welfare organization, said that dogs are being dis- placed from their homes and that the focus should instead be on sterilization.
The MCD had earlier issued an order to pick up dogs from over 45 locations but withdrew it later. Divya Puri of the Karan Puri Foundation said representations were made to the MCD stat- ing that activists were will- ing to take stray dogs in their areas but didn't receive any response. An NDMC official said no cruel methods were being used to restrain dogs and that they will be released back in their habitat after the event.

Defence News

13. Western Command of the Indian Air Force begins its annual mega training exercise, "Trishul"

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has commenced the annual mega training exercise,.Trishul, from 4 to 14 September 2023 over a vast geographical area from Leh to Nal in Rajasthan. The exercise is being conducted by the Western Air Command (WAC).
70000 soldiers are participating in a mega military exercise organized by the Indian Air Force on the China and Pakistan borders. The exercise aims to test the command's operational preparedness; given its scale and complexity, it involves a high level of coordination and preparation.
The exercise involved the deployment of all frontline assets under Western Air Command, showcasing the diverse airpower of the Indian Air Force. This includes various fighter aircraft like Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Su-30MKI.
Apart from fighter aircraft, Exercise Trishul gives significant importance to the participation of Heavy-lift transport aircraft like Chinook and Apache helicopters. These aircraft play an important role in military transportation, logistics, and special operations.
Garuda Special Forces, known for their expertise in unconventional warfare and special operations and actively participates in Trishul’s Their participation further adds to the complexity and realism of the exercise, thereby preparing the Indian Air Force for a wide range of contingencies.

14. INS Sumedha Has Arrived In Egypt To Participate In ‘Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23’

Indian Navy’s INS Sumedha arrived at Port Alexandria, Egypt to participate in ‘Exercise BRIGHT STAR- 23’. This edition of the multinational Tri-Services military exercise will see participation from 34 countries. It is the largest ever joint military exercise in the Middle East and North Africa region.
The exercises will span over two weeks with intense operations and training, aimed at reaffirming the ability of the participating navies to operate together as an integrated force and to highlight their shared commitment to maritime security and global stability through collaborative training and mutual understanding.
Participation in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 offers the Indian Navy a valuable opportunity to showcase its capabilities and enhance interoperability with other nations’ naval forces. Learning from the best practices of partner nations is vital for strengthening maritime security operations. The exercise serves as a platform for India to share its expertise while gaining valuable insights into the strategies and tactics of other participating countries.

Economy News

15. India Launches ‘Hello UPI’ and ‘Bharat BillPay Connect’ for Conversational Payments

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) unveiled two conversational payments initiatives during the Global Fintech Fest. These initiatives, ‘Hello UPI’ and ‘Bharat BillPay Connect,’ mark a significant step forward in facilitating seamless digital transactions through natural language conversations.
‘Hello UPI’ empowers users to conduct payments effortlessly through interactive conversations with their smartphones. Whether it involves splitting a restaurant bill, sending money to a friend, or settling utility bills, this initiative simplifies the payment process.
‘Bharat BillPay Connect’ facilitates effortless bill payments through natural conversations with popular voice assistants like Alexa. Users can seamlessly settle their bills using voice commands, further simplifying the payment process.

16. GST rules for casinos, e-games notified

The Ministry of Finance has recently issued a significant notification outlining amendments to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rules pertaining to online gaming and casinos. These amendments aim to address taxation methodologies employed by online gaming companies and casinos.
One of the key changes introduced by these amendments is that individuals visiting a casino are now required to pay GST on the full value of the chips they initially purchase. This means that the GST will be levied on the entire amount spent on chips at the time of purchase.
Two new clauses, 31B and 31C, have been introduced in the GST rules to specify the valuation of the supply. Under these changes, any claims made by players are to be included in the total amount paid or payable, ensuring a comprehensive taxation approach.

Award News

17. Vijayawada gets IGBC's 'Green Railway Station' certification with platinum rating

5 September 2023 Vijayawada Railway Station in Andhra Pradesh was awarded 'Green Railway Station' certification with the highest rating of Platinum by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for its efforts in improving environmental standards and providing eco-friendly services to passengers. to be done.
This is an upgrade of the station's rating, from gold in 2019 to platinum in 2023. Divisional Railway Manager Narendra A Patil said it is a proud moment for Vijayawada railway station, which is the second station after Secunderabad to achieve a platinum rating in the South-Central Railway (SCR) zone.
Shri Narendra Patil said that the energy efficient and solid waste management measures taken by it over the years helped the station achieve the platinum rating.
Some of these measures include the use of star-rated electrical appliances, LED lights, installation of sewage treatment plants for recycling of wastewater, periodic testing to check smoke emissions, increasing green coverage, and improving amenities for passengers. Provision of medical facilities includes proximity.
IGBC in collaboration with the Environment Directorate of Indian Railways has developed Green Railway Station Rating System to adopt green concepts and enhance the overall passenger experience.
The rating is based on six environmental categories defined by IGBC which include sustainable station facility, health, hygiene and sanitation, energy efficiency, water efficiency, smart and green initiatives, and innovation and development.

Banking and Financial

18. Indian Bank partners with OneCard to launch the mobile-first, premium credit card

A public sector bank in India, Indian Bank has partnered with OneCard to launch a mobile-first premium credit card.
This partnership will empower users with full digital control over their credit card interactions — ranging from real-time transaction tracking, spending management, EMI conversion, reward redemption, repayments, and monthly budget planning to credit limit adjustments and seamless payments, all in-app.
This international metal credit card is curated to offer a host of tailored benefits, including lifetime validity with zero joining and annual fees. The card allows cardholders to oversee/track every facet of their credit card interactions in the feature-packed app.

About Indian Bank

Founded – 1907
Headquarters – Chennai, Tamil Nadu
MD & CEO – Shanti Lal Jain
Tagline – Your Own Bank

Recent MoU in the Banking Sector

REC signs USD 100 million Loan Agreement with EXIM Bank
IREDA signs MoU with IIFCL to finance renewable energy projects
Razorpay partners with Truecaller for instant checkout
LIC Partners with Saraswat Cooperative Bank to Increase the life Insurance
Airtel Payments Bank partnered with Frontier Markets to support 1 lakh women

19. Mastercard launches ALT ID solution for enhanced online payments

Mastercard, a global technology company in the payments industry, has launched an ALT ID solution for guest checkout transactions.
ALT ID is a custom-made capability developed by Mastercard to create an alternate identifier for the real card numbers provided by cardholders during guest checkout transactions on e-commerce platforms.
This solution will enhance online payment security for both merchants and consumers.
The Mastercard ALT ID solution is meant for cardholders who carry out transactions without saving their cards, also called guest checkout. It creates and stores an alternate identifier for each card, enhancing the security of such online payments.
Previously, the company rolled out a card-on-file tokenization solution for cardholders to safely complete transactions without revealing sensitive card details.
For merchants and payment service providers, it will allow them to secure card numbers with minimal development efforts and improve their customer payment experience.

20. ICICI Prudential Life Insurance launches ICICI Pru GIFT Pro

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has launched an innovative income plan, ICICI Pru GIFT Pro, which provides customers with the option to receive either a year-on-year increase in income or a constant regular income.
In addition, the life cover component of this non-participating savings product ensures the family has financial security.
ICICI Pru GIFT Pro is designed to empower customers to receive income as per their financial needs. This feature-packed product provides customers with a comprehensive long-term financial savings solution.

Recent Facilities Launched in the Banking & Insurance Sector

SBI introduces UPI interoperability in Digital Rupee
Paytm launches new 'Soundbox' that enables card payments
PhonePe launches Share (dot)Market app to buy and sell stocks
Bajaj Allianz Life launches ULIP fund with dynamic asset allocation
Axis Bank Launches 'Infinity' Savings Account

Appointment and Resignation News

21. Anushka Sharma appointed as Brand Endorser by “W”

Women’s fashion brand W has on-boarded actor and entrepreneur Anushka Sharma as its brand ambassador.
The brand has launched its festive campaign featuring Sharma that talks about every festival having a story.
With this partnership, the brand prepares to launch its high-decibel festive campaign that beautifully merges the warmth of festivities with the spirit of modernity.

Recent Brand Ambassador

Mahendra Singh Dhoni – Swaraj Tractors

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor – Indian Oil‘s XTRATEJ LPG brand

Iga Swiatek – Infosys’s Global Brand Ambassador

Rafael Nadal – Infosys brand and Infosys Digital Innovation

Rahul Dravid – Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)

Shraddha Kapoor – Asics India Private Limited (a sports gear company)

Rashmika Mandanna – Printer company Epson India

Smriti Mandhana – Wrangler brand

22. Mylswamy Annadurai Joins the Board of SS Innovations, "Moon Man Of India"

SS Innovations, India’s renowned surgical robotic firm, has made a groundbreaking announcement by appointing Padmashri Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, famously known as the Moon Man of India, as a Director on its Board of Directors.
Dr. Annadurai is poised to lead not just a team of scientists but, more significantly, guide a team of engineers responsible for the creation of a world-class surgical robotic system incorporating the latest technologies and products.
Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, often hailed as the Moon Man of India is an esteemed Indian scientist with a remarkable career. He is credited with overseeing two major missions of ISRO – Chandrayaan 1 & 2 and Mangalyaan. Recognizing his exceptional contributions, Dr. Annadurai was bestowed with the Padma Shri award in 2016 for Science and Technology India’s fourth-highest civilian honor.

23. Important Days News 13.World Physiotherapy Day 2023

World Physical Therapy Day or World Physiotherapy Day 2023 is celebrated on September 8 every year. It recognizes and celebrates the significant contributions of physical therapy and physiotherapists in promoting health and well-being.
“Prevention and Management of Osteoarthritis” is the theme for World Physiotherapy Day 2023. Rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondylarthritis are two types of inflammatory arthritis that will be highlighted on this day. The theme of last year’s World Physiotherapy Day was “Osteoarthritis and the Role of Physiotherapists.

Sports News

24. The Indian men's team won a bronze medal in the Asian Table Tennis Championship held in Korea

India has won the bronze medal in the Asian Table Tennis Championship held in Pyongyang, Korea. The team of Sharad Kamal, Harmeet Desai, and Sathiyan Ganasekharan suffered a 0-3 defeat against Chinese Taipei in the semi-finals.
The Asian Table Tennis Championships is also a qualifier tournament for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Indian men's team, seeded third in the tournament, had earlier defeated Singapore 3-0 in the semi-finals and made it to the last four.
The Indian women's team comprising Manika Batra, Ayahika Mukherjee, and Sutirtha Mukherjee lost 0-3 to Japan in the quarter-finals.
In the mixed doubles, the Indian pair of Manika Batra and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran lost 2-3 to Thailand's Phakpoom Sanguansin and Orwan Parnang in the round of 32.
The 26th edition of the Asian Table Tennis Championships 2023 is being held in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea from September 3 to 10. The 25th edition took place in Mongolia.

25. ICC & IndusInd to ink multi-year sponsorship deal

IndusInd Bank has agreed to a multi-year sponsorship deal with the International Cricket Council (ICC), beginning with the men’s Cricket World Cup in India.
The deal is set to be valued at $20-24 million (approximately Rs 160-200 crore). The multi-year deal would kick off with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, being held in India.
Recently, Mastercard became the top-tier sponsor for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Mastercard, MRF Tyres, Aramco, Emirates, and Booking.com have also signed top-tier sponsorship deals with ICC.
Mastercard and Induslnd Bank are set to replace the fintech platform, BharatPe, and edtech platform, BYJU as the companies decided to end their association with ICC ahead of the deal’s full tenure.
Unacademy, MPL, and PayTM had also decided to end their association with ICC due to the dearth of private equity funding and the companies deciding to shift focus to profitability.

26. Street 20: Street Child Cricket World Cup To Be Held In Chennai From Sept 22

For the very first time, Chennai will be the host city for “Street 20,” an incredibly heartwarming cricket tournament exclusively dedicated to street children, aiming to captivate the hearts of both cricket enthusiasts and advocates for children’s rights alike.
Street 20 is a remarkable initiative that brings together street children from 15 countries, transcending borders and backgrounds. Children hailing from the United Kingdom, Brazil, Hungary, Mexico, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Rwanda, and more will take part in this extraordinary tournament.
This time around, India will field not one, but eight teams in the Street 20 tournament. The participating teams include India Tigers from Chennai, Team India, India Lions, India Cats, India Wolves from Delhi, India Panthers from Kolkata, India King Cobras from Mumbai, and India Crocodiles from Odisha.

Schemes and Committees News

27. Haryana Police announces the launch of 'Safe City Scheme' to ensure the safety of women

Haryana Director General of Police Shatrujit Kapoor said on 6 September 2023 that the 'Safe City Scheme' will be launched soon to ensure the safety of women. With this, women will feel completely safe in the workplace, educational institutions, and public transport.
He said that first this scheme will be started in Rohtak and Gurugram. After the success of both cities, the scheme will be implemented in the entire state.
The police will coordinate with local cab unions, auto unions, and public transporters for this purpose. He said the police would ensure that CCTV cameras are installed outside educational institutions and security guards are deployed.
The frequency of police patrolling will be increased at sensitive places. In cases of molestation, an FIR will be registered, and immediate action will be taken.
Outlining the priorities of Haryana Police, the DGP said that complaints received through any mode will be disposed of within a week and feedback will also be taken to ascertain the satisfaction level of the complainant.
He said that efforts are being made to curb cybercrime by coordinating with banks and telecom companies. Information about cybercrime can be given on the toll-free number 1930.

Agreements News

28. MoU Signed Between Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya Vadodara And Airbus In New Delhi

Indian Railways’ Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) Vadodara and Airbus, a global aviation giant, have recently embarked on a strategic collaboration aimed at fortifying the Indian aviation sector.
This partnership, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, signifies a significant milestone in fostering industry-academia alliances to propel India’s aviation industry to new heights.
This pioneering industry-academic partnership is poised to create abundant job opportunities for students aligned with the ever-evolving demands of the aviation industry. It is projected that around 15,000 students may find placement within Airbus’ Indian operations, further strengthening India’s position in the global aviation landscape.

Miscellaneous News

29. Salem Sago Gets GI Tag

Salem district in the state of Tamil Nadu has gained acclaim for its sago production, which is widely recognized as Sabudana. Salem Sago, locally known as Javvarisi, is derived from the wet starch powder extracted from tapioca roots. Indian tapioca roots are known to contain approximately 30-35% starch content.
Salem district utilizes nearly 35,000 hectares of land for tapioca cultivation, with yields averaging between 25-30 tonnes per hectare. Sago has a low calorific value (310 kcal/100g) and ranges in size from 2 to 4.5 mm. Remarkably, one kilogram of tapioca sago can be produced from five kilograms of tapioca tubers.
Sago finds applications in diverse industries, including food, paper, construction, textiles, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, mining, and alcohol, underscoring its economic significance.

Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC - 8th September 2023