National News

1. PM Modi Launches Global Biofuels Alliance at G20 Summit

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently unveiled the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) during the G20 Summit, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions.
• This alliance comprises over 30 nations and international organizations, all committed to advancing the use of biofuels and expanding access to bioenergy in emerging economies.
• The GBA boasts 19 countries and 12 international organizations as its members, with prominent G20 nations like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India, Italy, South Africa, and the US lending their support.
• Notably, four G20 Invitee countries—Bangladesh, Singapore, Mauritius, and the UAE—also endorse the GBA. Additionally, eight non-G20 nations, including Iceland, Kenya, Guyana, Paraguay, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and Finland, have joined forces with the alliance.
• International heavyweights such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, World Economic Forum, and others have also pledged their commitment to this initiative.

International News

2. United States City Louisville Declares September 3rd as Sanatana Dharma Day

• Mayor Craig Greenberg of Louisville, Kentucky, in the United States, has proclaimed September 3 as Sanatana Dharma Day.
• This declaration underscores the importance of promoting peace, tolerance, and understanding within diverse communities.
• Sanatana Dharma, often referred to as Hinduism, represents one of the world's most ancient spiritual traditions.
• Rooted in ancient scriptures and profound philosophical principles, it encompasses a wide spectrum of beliefs, practices, and rituals.
• For millions worldwide, Sanatana Dharma serves as a way of life, fostering spiritual growth, compassion, and respect for all living beings.
• It's worth noting that a previous initiative by former Louisville mayor Greg Fisher designated July 20 as 'Encyclopedia of Hinduism' day in Kentucky.

3. India and UK Launch Infrastructure Financing Bridge

• India and the United Kingdom have unveiled the Infrastructure Financing Bridge during the 12th Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD).
• This collaborative effort signifies the ongoing commitment of both nations to jointly explore substantial infrastructure investment opportunities in India.
• The UK Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB), led jointly by Niti Aayog, India's policy think tank, and the City of London, stands as the centerpiece of this partnership.
• Its primary objective is to unlock investment prospects and leverage the City of London's expertise in structuring and phasing major infrastructure projects.
• This partnership aims to secure long-term investments in critical infrastructure sectors, emphasizing stability, sustainability, and risk management in the investment and financing ecosystem.

States News

4. Tamil Nadu Govt to Launch Scheme Granting Monthly Aid to Over 1 Crore Women

• The Tamil Nadu government is gearing up to introduce the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam, a groundbreaking social welfare initiative set to provide monthly financial assistance.
• This scheme is poised to benefit more than 06 crore eligible women heading their households.Under this program, qualified beneficiaries will receive a monthly sum of Rs 1,000, directly transferred to their bank accounts.
• To ensure easy access to funds, eligible women will receive ATM cards, enabling them to withdraw funds as needed. Furthermore, the government plans to keep beneficiaries informed through SMS notifications, ensuring timely updates on the program.

Defence News

5. Indian Navy, Uber Team Up for Private Travel of Naval Personnel and Families

• In a historic move, the Indian Navy has joined forces with Uber, a leading global cab aggregator service, to enhance the travel experience for naval personnel and their families.
• This collaboration aims to provide a comprehensive range of benefits to Indian Navy personnel, aligning with the Chief of Naval Staff's vision of ensuring "happy personnel" under the 'SHIPS FIRST'
• Additionally, this partnership aligns with the Government of India's 'Digital India' vision, emphasizing the transformative power of technology.

Banking News

6. RBI, NPCI Introduce Credit Lines on UPI and Conversational Payments

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), under the leadership of Governor Shaktikanta Das, has introduced a series of innovative features to enhance India's digital payment ecosystem.
• Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), these features are poised to revolutionize how Indians transact and manage their finances.
• Key features include Credit Line on UPI, which promotes financial inclusion and innovation, UPI Lite X, taking offline payments to the next level, UPI Tap & Pay, enabling effortless payments through QR codes and NFC technology, Conversational Payments, ushering in a new era of voice-enabled transactions, and BillPay Connect, streamlining bill payments.

7. Re-Appointment of Sandeep Bakshi as ICICI Bank MD & CEO Receives RBI Approval

• ICICI Bank, India's second-largest private sector bank, has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the re-appointment of Sandeep Bakhshi as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD and CEO) of the bank.
• As per the exchange filing on September 11, Sandeep Bakhshi's re-appointment is effective from October 4, 2023, extending his term until October 3, 2026. This three-year extension reflects the confidence of both the board of directors and the RBI in Mr. Bakhshi's leadership and vision.

Important Days News

8. United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation 2023

• Every year on September 12, several countries around the world celebrate the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation.
• This occasion highlights the economic, social, and political progress achieved in recent years by regions and countries in the global South.
• It also emphasizes the United Nations' efforts to promote technical cooperation among developing nations.
• The theme for this year is "Solidarity, Equity, and Partnership: Unlocking South-South Cooperation to Achieve the SDGs." In support of this theme, the ILO has partnered with the governments of Brazil, China, and India to launch new programs and reaffirm their commitments to social justice and skills development in the Global South.

Agreements News

9. India and Saudi Arabia Sign Agreement on Cooperation in Energy Sector

• India and Saudi Arabia, both major players in the global energy landscape, have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that paves the way for a stronger partnership in various facets of the energy sector.
• This historic agreement, signed by Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power, K. Singh, on behalf of India, and Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, representing Saudi Arabia, not only enhances their energy collaboration but also aligns with global climate change mitigation efforts.
• This collaboration will focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction technologies, supporting India's path towards sustainable energy and contributing to the global transition to cleaner energy systems.

10. Thomas Cook India Partners With National Payments Corporation of India

• Thomas Cook (India) Limited, a leading omnichannel forex services company in India, has forged a pioneering partnership with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• Together, they introduce a cutting-edge RuPay prepaid forex card designed for Indian travelers visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• This innovative RuPay prepaid forex card aims to simplify financial transactions for Indian travelers in the UAE and lays the foundation for further expansion into global markets, enhancing the overall travel experience for customers.
• The card prioritizes convenience, security, and rewards, representing a significant evolution in travel currency solutions.

Awards News

11. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes-2022 Announced by CSIR

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has announced the recipients of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) awards for 2022, a prestigious honor for scientific achievement in India.
• This year, 12 scientists under the age of 45 have been recognized for their outstanding research contributions.
• The Bhatnagar prizes, named after S. Bhatnagar, the CSIR's first Director-General, are awarded annually for notable research in various disciplines.
• While the awards were announced with an unusual delay, they continue to symbolize excellence in applied and fundamental research.

12. Vijayawada Railway Station Gets IGBC's 'Green Railway Station' Certification

• Vijayawada Railway Station has achieved the 'Green Railway Station' certification with the highest rating of Platinum from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
• This recognition is a testament to the station's commitment to improving environmental standards and providing eco-friendly services to passengers.
• The station has implemented various eco-friendly measures, including the use of star-rated electrical appliances, LED lighting, a sewage treatment plant for wastewater recycling, smoke emission testing, increased green cover, improved passenger amenities, medical facilities, proximity to bus stops, reduction of single-use plastic, and comprehensive mechanized cleaning for effective waste segregation and disposal.

Sports News

13. Asia Cup 2023: Virat Kohli Becomes Fastest ODI Player to Reach 13,000 Runs

• Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket sensation, achieved a remarkable milestone during the Asia Cup Super 4 match against Pakistan.
• He became the fastest player to reach 13,000 runs in One Day International (ODI) cricket, surpassing the 34-year-old record of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
• Kohli achieved this feat in just 267 innings, marking his 47th ODI century.Kohli's achievement places him in an elite group of players, with only Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Mahela Jayawardene having reached the 13,000-run mark before him.

14. Asia Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma Completes 10,000 ODI Runs

• Indian captain Rohit Sharma reached a significant milestone during the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four match against Sri Lanka.
• He completed 10,000 runs in One Day International (ODI) cricket, becoming the sixth Indian player to achieve this feat and the second-fastest overall in terms of innings played.
• Rohit Sharma, known for his explosive batting, has amassed 30 ODI centuries and 50 half-centuries throughout his career, showcasing his remarkable consistency and impact on the game.

Obituaries News

15. Political Cartoonist Ajit Ninan Passes Away at 68

• The renowned political cartoonist, Ajit Ninan, known for his iconic Centrestage series in India Today magazine and Ninan's World in Times of India, has passed away at the age of 68.
• Ajit Ninan was celebrated for his contributions to children's literature, including the beloved creation Detective Moochwala and his dog Pooch, which captivated readers in the 1980s.
• His work, characterized by political cartoons, satirical commentary on the government and opposition, environmental cartoons, and caricatures, left a lasting impact during his time, earning admiration from all corners.