International News

1. African Union

• The African Union (AU) is a continental organization comprising 55 member states from across Africa. It officially launched on July 26, 2001, in Durban, South Africa, and is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
• The African Union's primary mission is to promote unity, cooperation, economic and political integration among African nations, with a focus on fostering development and peace across the continent.
• Its governance structure includes key organs such as the Assembly of the African Union, consisting of heads of state and government, the Executive Council, composed of foreign ministers, and the African Union Commission, serving as the AU's secretariat.

Defence News

2. World’s Highest Fighter Airfield To Come Up In Ladakh’s Nyoma

• The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is poised to achieve an extraordinary feat by constructing the world's highest fighter airfield in Nyoma, Ladakh.
• The foundation stone for this ambitious project will be laid by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on September 12, 2023, at the Devak Bridge in Jammu.
• Nyoma, located in the southern region of Ladakh, hosts an Indian Air Force Base and boasts an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) established in 1962.
• Nyoma's elevation soars to an impressive 4,180 meters (13,710 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest-altitude locations in the region.

Banking News

3. ICICI Bank Gets RBI Nod To Make I-Process Services As Wholly-Owned Subsidiary

• ICICI Bank has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to transform I-Process Services (India) Pvt Ltd (I-Process) into a wholly-owned subsidiary, subject to specific conditions.
• Established in 2005, I-Process has been a key player in offering staffing solutions to leading financial institutions in India.
• With a workforce of over 25,000 employees and a presence spanning nearly 500 locations across India, the company plays a significant role in the financial services sector.
• The anticipated total expenditure for this acquisition is approximately 15.40 crore, pending finalization based on pricing considerations and necessary approvals. The Bank currently holds a 19% stake in iProcess.

Important Days News

4. Himalaya Diwas 2023

• Himalaya Day, also known as Himalaya Diwas, is commemorated annually on September 9th with the aim of preserving the Himalayan ecosystem and region.
• This day holds significance in recognizing the importance of the Himalayas.
• In 2014, the then chief minister of Uttarakhand, Harish Rawat, officially declared September 9th as Himalaya Day.
• It serves as a platform for raising awareness among the general public and promoting community engagement in conservation activities.

5. World EV Day 2023

• September 9th marks the global celebration of 'World EV Day.' In 2023, this event carries a powerful message for India and the world—emphasizing sustainable transportation and a cleaner future, free of carbon emissions.
• World EV Day, observed annually on September 9th, aims to raise awareness about the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) and advocate for their widespread adoption.
• Since its inception in 2020, this event has gained momentum, highlighting the role of EVs in combatting climate change and air pollution, making the world a cleaner and healthier place.

6. National Forest Martyrs Day 2023

• September 11th is observed as National Forest Martyrs Day in India. This day pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while safeguarding our forests and wildlife, essential for the well-being of our planet.
• National Forest Martyrs Day serves as a poignant reminder of the dedication and sacrifice of forest officers and personnel in protecting these valuable natural resources.
• It underscores the vital role of forest conservation, highlighting that forests are not merely collections of trees but complex ecosystems that support diverse species, maintain ecological balance, and provide numerous benefits to humanity.

Summits and Conferences News

7. Next G20 Presidency: PM Modi Hands Over G20 Presidency Gavel To Brazil’s President

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transferred the G20 Presidency gavel to Brazil's President, marking the transition of leadership within this elite group.
• During the handover ceremony, President Lula da Silva outlined Brazil's priorities for its G20 Presidency, which include focusing on Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger, Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, and Reform of Global Governance Institutions.
• These priorities underscore the importance of global cooperation and shared goals.

Ranks and Reports News

8. Indore Tops Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 Clean Air Survey

• The Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 (Clean Air Survey) report, conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board, has revealed that Indore, Amravati, and Parwanoo boast the cleanest air in India.
• Indore secured the top spot among cities with a population exceeding one million, followed by Agra and Thane.
• Notably, Bhopal claimed the fifth position, while Delhi ranked ninth.
• On the contrary, cities like Madurai, Jammu, and Kohima face significant air quality challenges, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address air pollution in these areas.

Agreements News

9. IIM Indore And NSDC Partner To Transform Skill Development And Entrepreneurship In India

• In a significant collaboration aimed at advancing skill development and entrepreneurship in India, the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) has partnered with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
• This strategic alliance seeks to redefine skill development, entrepreneurship, and research in India by aligning the visions of both institutions and leveraging their collective strengths to reshape the nation's skilling ecosystem.
• The initiative will provide IIM Indore students with opportunities to engage in social internships, actively participate in rural marketing, promote Self-Help Groups (SHGs), cooperatives, and drive social change.

Sports News

10. Prathamesh Jawkar Signs Off With Silver In The 2023 Archery World Cup

• At the 2023 Archery World Cup Final held in Hermosillo, Mexico, Prathamesh Jawkar, an Indian compound archer, achieved a remarkable feat in his first-ever World Cup Final appearance.
• He secured a silver medal in a thrilling face-off against Denmark's Mathias Fullerton.
• The final match ended with both archers scoring a perfect 10-10 in the final round, but it was Fullerton who clinched the gold medal by the narrowest of margins.
• Another Indian archer, Abhishek Verma, also participated in the World Cup Final but fell short in the bronze medal playoff against Mike Schloesser, who emerged victorious.

11. Praggnanandhaa Finishes Third, Grischuk Takes Open Blitz Title

• At the 2023 Tata Steel Chess India tournament held in Kolkata, R Praggnanandhaa from India secured an impressive third-place finish, establishing himself as the leading Indian contender.
• In the Open Blitz category, world champion Alexander Grischuk secured the top position, while Arjun Erigaisi secured the second-best position among Indian participants, securing fourth place in the Chess tournament.
• Former world Rapid champion Nodirbek Abdusattorov also performed well, tying with Praggnanandhaa at three points and securing a crucial win over Vidit Gujrathi in the tournament.

12. Basketball Germany beat Serbia to win World Cup for the first time

• Germany triumphed over Serbia with a score of 83-77 to win the 2023 FIBA World Cup in basketball. Germany's unbeaten run throughout the tournament, with an 8-0 record, marked them as the fifth consecutive World Cup champion to remain undefeated.
• Dennis Schroder, named the tournament's most valuable player, played a pivotal role by contributing a game-high 28 points, exceeding his average of 9 points per game.
• This victory signifies Germany's ascendance in the world of international basketball, and the tournament showcased top-tier competition with global participation.

Miscellaneous News

13. J&K L-G Inaugurates Bangus Valley Festival

• In a significant development, Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, inaugurated the highly anticipated Bangus Valley Festival in the picturesque Kupwara district.
• The festival's primary objective is to shed light on the untapped rural and adventure tourism opportunities within the Bangus Valley.
• It also serves as a platform to promote the rich tribal culture of this offbeat destination, allowing local artisans to showcase their traditional arts and crafts, contributing to the preservation and propagation of indigenous heritage.

Obituaries News

14. Dennis Austin, Software Developer Who Created PowerPoint, Passes Away At 76

• Dennis Austin, one of the creators of Microsoft PowerPoint, has passed away at the age of 76. He, along with Robert Gaskins, developed PowerPoint and released it in 1987.
• The software was initially called Presenter and was created while they were part of the software company Forethought.
• Microsoft subsequently acquired Forethought for $14 million shortly after the launch of PowerPoint.
• Dennis R. Austin played a pivotal role as the principal software developer for PowerPoint from 1985 to 1996, particularly focusing on its versions for Apple Macintosh computers.
• His contributions have left a lasting impact on the world of software and presentations.