National News

India's First Airbus C295 Aircraft

• India achieved a remarkable milestone with the arrival of its inaugural C295 aircraft, marking a historic moment in the nation's aviation history.
• This achievement stems from a partnership between the European aviation giant, Airbus, and the Indian conglomerate Tata Group, marking the first instance of an Indian private company engaging in aircraft manufacturing.
• The C295 aircraft is poised to replace the aging Avro fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF). With the capability to transport up to nine tonnes of payload or accommodate 71 troops, it boasts a maximum cruise speed of approximately 480 kilometers per hour.
• Notably, it features a rear ramp for efficient loading and unloading, making it ideal for transporting larger equipment, a capability the Avro lacked.Highly versatile, the C295 can operate at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet, take off and land on short, rough, and unprepared airstrips, and perform low-level flight with a minimum speed of 110 knots, adapting to various operational scenarios.

Cabinet's Approval of E-Courts Phase III

• The Indian government has granted approval for Phase III of the e-Courts project, marking a significant stride towards modernizing the nation'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 courts.One central objective of the e-Courts Phase III project is transitioning to a digital, online, and paperless court system.
• This ambitious endeavor seeks to digitize the entire spectrum of court records, including legacy documents, streamlining court processes, reducing administrative overhead, and accelerating access to critical legal information.
• The e-Courts project, part of the National e-Governance Plan since 2007, operates as a centrally sponsored scheme with the Supreme Court overseeing policy planning, strategic direction, and implementation, while the Department of Justice (DoJ) provides essential funding.

Birth Certificate's Expanded Role for Aadhaar, Driving License, and Jobs

• The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced significant modifications in the use of birth certificates for essential services, effective from October 1, 2023.
• These changes, driven by the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023, aim to enhance the efficiency and transparency of public service delivery.
• The Act allows the sharing of the national database with authorized authorities, such as population registers and electoral rolls, with central government approval.
• Similarly, state databases can be shared with state-approved authorities.Starting from October 1, a birth certificate will be required for school and college admissions, voter list preparation, marriage registration, and securing a government job, underscoring its vital role.

Cabinet's Approval of Ujjwala Yojana Expansion

• The Indian government has unveiled the third phase of the Ujjwala scheme, aimed at providing free gas connections, along with a stove and a refill, to 7.5 million impoverished households over three years. This extension extends the program's total coverage to an impressive 5 million households.
• Under the latest phase of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), beneficiaries will receive a deposit-free gas connection, a stove, and their first 14.2kg cylinder, all at no cost.
• This extension, costing approximately ₹1,650 crore, initially borne by state-run oil marketing companies, will be later reimbursed by the government.
• Notably, the scheme has expanded to include households previously ineligible for LPG connections, encompassing a broader spectrum of the population.

India's Recognition as the 13th Nation Issuing OIML Certificates

• India has joined the select group of countries authorized to issue International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) certificates, a significant announcement made by the Union Consumer Affairs Ministry on September 14 in New Delhi.
• This development marks a pivotal moment in India's metrological
• 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 move is expected to generate significant economic advantages for India by offering testing facilities for international manufacturers, thus creating revenue and employment opportunities.

State News

Karnataka's Rs 4 Lakh Insurance Cover for Gig Workers

• The Karnataka government has introduced a groundbreaking initiative offering a comprehensive insurance package worth Rs 4 lakh, including Rs 2 lakh in life insurance and an additional Rs 2 lakh in accidental insurance, benefiting approximately 2.3 lakh gig workers in the state.
• The 'Karnataka State Gig Workers Insurance Scheme' offers gig workers a range of benefits, including reimbursement of hospital expenses up to Rs 1 lakh in cases of accidents, whether on or off duty. This initiative is set to be implemented immediately through the Karnataka State Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Board.

Defence News

BAE Systems and L&T's Collaboration on All-Terrain Vehicle

• Global defense and security company BAE Systems, in partnership with India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T), is set to introduce the world-leading Articulated All-Terrain Vehicle (AATV), known as the ‘BvS10,’ to the Indian armed forces.
• The joint effort between BAE Systems and L&T aims to upgrade the BvS10, resulting in 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 essential capabilities during upcoming trials, emphasizing its unmatched mobility, adaptability, and proficiency in operating under extreme climatic conditions.

Economy News

Continued Decline in Wholesale Prices

• On September 14, the Indian government released Wholesale Price Index (WPI) data for August, revealing a persistent trend of declining wholesale inflation.
• In August, the wholesale inflation rate reached -52 percent, marking the fifth consecutive month in the negative territory.
• Factors contributing to this trend include a decline in prices of mineral oils, basic metals, chemical and chemical products, textiles, and food products compared to the previous year.

Fitch's Growth Forecast for India

• Fitch Ratings maintains its growth forecast for India for fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24) at 6.3%, highlighting the resilience of India's economy despite challenges such as tighter monetary policy and weakened exports.
• While the Indian economy posted a strong growth rate of 8% in the April-June quarter, Fitch raises concerns about inflation risks due to factors like El Nino, which could temporarily impact consumer spending power.

LIC's Dividend Cheque to Finance Minister

• LIC Chairman Siddhartha Mohanty presented a substantial dividend cheque of ₹1,831.09 crore to Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, representing the Centre’s share for the fiscal year 2022-23.
• This dividend was officially approved by LIC’s shareholders during the Annual General Meeting held on August 22. LIC reported a significant increase in net profit for the first quarter of 2023, benefiting from a substantial increase in net investment income.

Banking News

YES BANK and BriskPe's Cross-Border Payment Partnership

• BriskPe, a cross-border payments FinTech company, has partnered with YES BANK to introduce "BriskPe A2A," a suite of solutions designed to empower exporters and importers with seamless cross-border payments.
• This partnership offers a platform for Indian businesses to navigate international trade complexities efficiently.

Business News

Air India's 'Project Abhinandan'

• Air India has launched 'Project Abhinandan,' an initiative aimed at providing passengers with a personalized and hassle-free experience, particularly in managing baggage issues and dealing with missed flights.
• The project deploys specially trained service assurance officers (SAOs) at major airports to offer on-ground assistance to travelers, regardless of their booked cabin class, ensuring high-quality support for all passengers.

Important Days News

International Day of Democracy 2023

• The International Day of Democracy, celebrated on September 15th each year, emphasizes the importance of democracy as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of good governance and peace.
• The theme for 2023, "Empowering the next generation," underscores the vital role of young people in advancing democracy and including their voices in decision-making.

National Engineer Day 2023

• National Engineers' Day, celebrated on September 15th each year, honors the contributions of engineers to society.
• The theme for 2023, 'Engineering for a Sustainable Future,' highlights engineers' role in finding solutions to global issues such as environmental sustainability, climate change, and resource conservation, shaping a more sustainable world.

Appointments News

Hrithik Roshan as Mobil Brand Ambassador

• Exxon Mobil has appointed Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan as the brand ambassador for its lubrication brand, Mobil.
• This collaboration aims to promote Mobil's products, known for their outstanding engine performance and protection.

Science and Technology News

GSITI's Collaboration with ISRO

• The Geological Survey of India Training Institute (GSITI) in Hyderabad has partnered with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to provide comprehensive training programs in mineral resources and disaster management under the National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS)
• This collaboration aims to develop skilled human resources to address critical challenges over a five-year period.