National News

Bharat Mandapam: India's G20 Showcase

• Located within New Delhi's Pragati Maidan, Bharat Mandapam serves as a symbol of India's G20 Summit hosting. This impressive venue will set the stage for vital discussions among world leaders, including Joe Biden, Rishi Sunak, and Emmanuel Macron.
• Additionally, it will host a 'working lunch' hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for these distinguished global leaders.
• Covering an extensive 123-acre area, Bharat Mandapam has been developed as India's largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination, boasting world-class facilities and a vast campus that ranks it among the top global exhibition and convention complexes.
• With an investment of approximately Rs 2,700 crores, Bharat Mandapam features numerous meeting rooms, auditoriums, lounges, an amphitheater, and a fully-equipped business center, making it suitable for a wide range of events.

Bengaluru's Underground Power Transformer Milestone

• Bengaluru marked a significant milestone as Energy Minister KJ George inaugurated the country's first underground transformer center at 15th Avenue, Malleswaram.
• This transformative project, with a budget of Rs 1.98 crore, boasts a 500 KVA capacity transformer, setting new standards in power distribution.
• Located 10 feet below the road's surface, the center includes an oil-free transformer, a solid-state ring main unit, an LT distribution box, UPS, a water pump, and an air control system.
• This collaborative effort between the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) showcases the city's commitment to modernizing its power infrastructure.

G20 India Mobile App for Enhanced Summit Experience

• In anticipation of the forthcoming G20 Summit in Delhi, the Indian government has unveiled the G20 India mobile app.
• Developed by the Ministry of External Affairs, this innovative app aims to enhance the Summit experience for participants and attendees.
• One notable feature is its comprehensive information delivery, available in 10 languages, ensuring accessibility for a diverse international audience.
• The G20 India app offers various categories such as Language Translation, Citizen's Corner, Crafts Bazaar, Explore India, and a Calendar feature, catering to diverse interests and needs.

International News

African Union's Historic Entry into G20

• During the opening session of the G20 Summit, the African Union (AU) received a historic invitation to join the Group of 20 largest economies (G20) as a permanent member.
• This momentous announcement by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscores a significant stride towards a more inclusive and equitable global economic landscape.
• The AU, comprising 55 member states from across Africa, plays a crucial role in regional and global affairs. Its permanent membership in the G20 reflects Africa's growing economic and geopolitical importance.

Modi and Biden's Bilateral Meeting in Delhi

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership between their countries during their second bilateral meeting in less than six months.
• This meeting took place as Delhi hosted leaders from the G20 nations. The leaders discussed building resilient strategic technology value chains, highlighting the role of technology in modern geopolitics.
• They also explored opportunities for cooperation in defense and security matters and reiterated the importance of the Quad (Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.) in promoting a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific.

India Opens Embassy in Timor-Leste

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the opening of an embassy in Timor-Leste during the annual ASEAN-India summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.
• This move reflects India's commitment to strengthening ties with the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
• Timor-Leste, which initially joined ASEAN as an Observer in 2022 and later became a full-fledged member, solidifies its position within this influential regional grouping.

State News

Jharkhand Grants Pension and OBC Status to Transgender Community

• The Jharkhand government has taken a progressive step by including the transgender community in its universal pension scheme.
• The council of ministers approved the Mukhyamantri Rajya Samajik Suraksha Pension Yojana for transgender individuals under the social assistance scheme.
• Eligible beneficiaries will receive Rs 1,000 per month as financial aid.
• Transgender individuals not covered by any caste reservation category will also receive benefits under the backward class-2 category.
• This move aims to provide support to those who have historically faced discrimination and marginalization.

Defence News

21st Edition of India France Bilateral Naval Exercise 'VARUNA' - 2023

• The Indian and French Navies recently concluded Phase II of the 21st edition of the Varuna naval exercise, Varuna-23, in the Arabian Sea.
• This exercise highlights the commitment of both nations to enhance their warfighting capabilities, improve interoperability, and promote peace, security, and stability in the region.
• The exercise involved guided missile frigates, a tanker, Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and integral helicopters from both navies, showcasing joint operations and tactical maneuvers.

Banking News

SBI Launches 'Nation First Transit Card' for Digital Fare Payments

• The State Bank of India (SBI), the country's largest lender, has launched the 'Nation First Transit Card,' aimed at enhancing the commuting experience and promoting digital payment adoption.
• This card enables seamless digital ticketing fare payments across various modes of transportation, including metro, buses, water ferries, parking, and more.
• It also serves for retail and e-commerce payments. The NCMC feature allows SBI customers to use their Debit Cards as travel cards on Metro Rail and Buses, offering convenient commuting options.

Important Days News

International Day to Protect Education From Attack 2023

• The International Day to Protect Education from Attack is observed annually on September 9, established by the United Nations General Assembly.
• It serves as a platform to raise awareness about attacks on schools and educational institutions worldwide.
• These attacks take various forms, including shelling, bombing, and recruitment of children in armed conflict. The day amplifies advocacy for the protection of education and sustainable peace.

Appointments News

Anushka Sharma Becomes Brand Ambassador for Women's Fashion Brand W

• Women's fashion brand W has appointed Anushka Sharma as its brand ambassador.
• This partnership is set to launch a festive campaign that combines the warmth of festivities with a modern spirit.
• The Festive Collection by W includes a wide range of Anarkalis, Festive sets, dresses, and more, featuring exquisite fabrics and rich embellishments, providing a diverse palette of textures and designs.

Books and Authors News

Graphic Novel Chronicles Yogi Adityanath's Journey

• The graphic novel 'Ajay to Yogi Adityanath,' authored by Shantanu Gupta, has made history by achieving the highest number of book launches, earning a place in the Asia Book of Records.
• The novel delves into the life of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, tracing his journey from humble beginnings to political leadership.
• The novel's simultaneous release in numerous locations across Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region (NCR) marked this extraordinary achievement.

'Fire on the Ganges' by Radhika Iyengar

• Radhika Iyengar is the author of 'Fire on the Ganges: Life Among the Dead in Banaras,' a book released by HarperCollins.
• This book explores the city of Banaras (Varanasi), focusing on its relationship with death and the afterlife.
• It sheds light on the everyday realities of the Doms in Banaras, highlighting their stories of struggle and survival.

Sports News

Goa Governor Launches 'Mashaal' for 37th National Games

• Governor of Goa, Shri. P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, officially introduced the 'Mashaal' (torch) to mark the commencement of the 37th National Games.
• This event, organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, celebrated the spirit of sports in Goa.
• The National Games' Anthem, featuring the voice of legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, was also revealed during the ceremony.
• Additionally, a comprehensive website was launched to provide information and updates about the event, serving as a valuable resource for participants, spectators, and enthusiasts.