National News

ECI Collaborates with Chacha Chaudhary & Sabu to Engage Young Voters

• The Chief Election Commissioner, Shri Rajiv Kumar, and Election Commissioners, Shri Anup Chandra Pandey and Shri Arun Goel, introduced a unique initiative to boost young voter engagement.
• Titled "Chacha Chaudhary aur Chunavi Dangal," this comic book is a collaborative effort between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Pran Comics.
• It breathes life into beloved characters like Chacha Chaudhary, Sabu, and Billoo, created by the renowned cartoonist late Shri Pran Kumar Sharma.
• The comic book serves as a versatile tool, addressing various facets of voter awareness. Its core objective is to inspire young eligible voters to register themselves and actively participate in upcoming elections.
• Chacha Chaudhary also plays a pivotal role in acquainting readers with essential Election Commission apps like cVigil and KYC, empowering them to become informed participants in the election process.

International News

UK PM Rishi Sunak Postpones Ban on Petrol and Diesel Cars in Net Zero Reset

• British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled a shift in the UK's strategy to achieve Net Zero climate action targets.
• This revised approach includes a significant delay of five years in implementing the proposed ban on petrol and diesel cars, extending the deadline to 2035.
• Despite the delay, Sunak reiterates the UK's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and achieving the Net Zero target by 2050.
• The primary objective remains unchanged, but the approach aims to be more practical and realistic, particularly in light of ongoing cost-of-living concerns.
• Sunak's plan also includes bans on oil and LPG boilers and new coal heating for off-gas-grid homes by 2035, with exemptions for fossil fuel boilers, allowing a transition to low-carbon alternatives.
• Additionally, policies compelling landlords to upgrade property energy efficiency will be rescinded.

Invitation to U.S. President Biden for Republic Day Celebration

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended an invitation to U.S. President Joe Biden to be the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations on January 26 next year.
• S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti confirmed the invitation, indicating it is under consideration by the U.S. government.
• President Biden is also scheduled to visit India in 2024 for the Quad Summit, and efforts are being made to align the summit with his visit.
• This marks the third time the Modi government has invited a U.S. President to be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade.
• President Barack Obama attended in 2015, while President Donald Trump declined the invitation for January 2019 due to scheduling conflicts in the U.S. Congress.

Escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: Azerbaijan Launches Military Operation

• Azerbaijan's military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh has raised concerns about renewed conflict in the region.
• This long-standing dispute revolves around an ethnic Armenian region within Azerbaijani territory. Recent attacks have heightened tensions and garnered international attention.
• Azerbaijan initiated a military operation backed by artillery strikes in Nagorno-Karabakh. The operation was triggered by landmine incidents attributed to Armenian saboteurs, resulting in casualties.
• Azerbaijan's defense ministry aims to disarm Armenian forces, secure their withdrawal from Azerbaijani territories, and neutralize their military infrastructure.
• They have reported the capture of over 60 military posts and the destruction of numerous military vehicles. Armenia's foreign ministry condemned Azerbaijan's actions as "large-scale aggression," accusing them of ethnic cleansing.
• While casualty figures remain unverified, a separatist Armenian human rights official reported 25 casualties, including civilians.

State News

ICMR Approves Truenat Test for Nipah Detection in Kerala

• The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has granted approval for the use of the Truenat test to diagnose Nipah virus (NiV) in Kerala.
• This development is significant as hospitals equipped with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL 2) laboratories can now conduct the test.
• Health Minister Veena George has announced the formulation of a standard operating procedure (SOP) for conducting the Truenat test.With ICMR's approval, more laboratories in Kerala will have the capacity to perform NiV diagnostics using the Truenat test.
• Positive samples can be further analyzed at designated facilities such as Kozhikode or Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospitals or the Institute of Advanced Virology in the capital.
• Nipah surveillance is integrated into the state's Aarogya Jagratha calendar, and healthcare workers have been trained in accordance with the Nipah protocol. The state plans to maintain surveillance for an additional 21 days beyond the 21-day incubation period, totaling 42 days of active monitoring.

Defence News

Indian Naval Ships, Submarine & LRMP Aircraft Participate in SIMBEX 23

• The 30th edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) has commenced, marking another milestone in the enduring partnership between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
• This annual naval exercise, which began in 1994, signifies deep-rooted maritime cooperation between the two nations.
• Indian Naval Ships Ranvijay and Kavaratti, along with the submarine INS Sindhukesari, have arrived in Singapore to participate in SIMBEX-2023.
• The exercise also includes the Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I.SIMBEX has a storied history as the longest continuous naval exercise conducted by the Indian Navy with any other country.
• Over nearly three decades, this bilateral exercise has evolved, providing a robust framework for maritime cooperation and partnership. It has not only strengthened ties between the Indian Navy and RSN but also contributed to regional stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Business News

Volvo to Cease Diesel Car Production by 2024, Transitioning to All-Electric

• Volvo Cars, a prominent name in the automotive industry, has made a groundbreaking announcement regarding its future direction.
• The Swedish car manufacturer has declared its intention to discontinue the production of diesel-powered vehicles by early 2024, marking a significant step toward becoming an all-electric carmaker.
• This decision aligns with Volvo's commitment to transitioning fully to electric vehicles by 2030.
• Volvo's bold move to halt diesel vehicle production is a proactive response to the evolving automotive industry landscape.
• According to the company's official statement, the last diesel-powered Volvo car will roll off the assembly line in just a few months.
• This decisive action places Volvo among the pioneers in the automotive world, as one of the first legacy car manufacturers to completely eliminate diesel from its lineup.

Schemes News

Education Scheme for Medical Devices Sector Approved

• The Indian government has taken a significant step toward strengthening the country's medical devices industry by approving a ₹480 crore scheme aimed at developing a skilled talent pool.
• This three-year initiative will provide essential financial support to government institutions for implementing various courses related to medical devices, with the goal of upgrading these institutions to global standards.
• One primary objective of this scheme is to ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals across the medical device sector.
• To achieve this, the Department of Pharmaceuticals plans to leverage resources within the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
• Under the new scheme, dedicated multidisciplinary courses for medical devices will be introduced in existing institutions.
• This initiative aims to guarantee the availability of a highly skilled workforce capable of addressing the demands of futuristic medical technologies, high-end manufacturing, and cutting-edge research.

Assam Government Launches "Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbharshil Asom Abhiyan" Scheme

• The Assam government is set to empower and promote self-reliance among its youth with the launch of the "Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbharshil Asom Abhiyan"
• This ambitious initiative aims to provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to two lakh deserving young individuals, paving the way for a brighter and more self-sufficient future for the state's youth.
• Over the span of two years, the government intends to extend financial assistance to a total of 200,000 eligible applicants, complemented by subsidies and an interest-free loan with a five-year repayment period.
• Selected beneficiaries will undergo a month-long training program, receiving a stipend of Rs. 10,000. This training initiative focuses on enhancing skills related to management, accounting, and entrepreneurship. Successful candidates must also attend classes at their designated educational or skill training institutions.

Awards News

Government Introduces "Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar" National Awards

• The Government of India has introduced a prestigious set of National Awards in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation, known as the "Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar" (RVP).
• These awards play a vital role in recognizing and honoring the exceptional contributions made by scientists, technologists, and innovators who have significantly impacted various domains of science, technology, and technology-led innovation.
• The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar stands as one of the highest honors within the scientific and technological community in India. It encompasses individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those working in government, private sector organizations, or as independent contributors to the scientific and technological landscape.
• The awards cover 13 domains, ensuring comprehensive recognition of achievements in the scientific and technological spectrum. Nominations for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar awards undergo meticulous review by the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee (RVPC).

Sports News

BCCI Partners with SBI Life for 2023-26 Cricket Season

• The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced SBI Life as the official partner for the BCCI Domestic and International Season 2023-26, beginning with the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia.
• This three-year partnership aligns one of the most powerful sports organizations globally, the BCCI, with India's leading life insurance company, SBI Life.
• This collaboration aims to promote and support cricket at all levels in India, reflecting SBI Life's commitment to excellence that aligns perfectly with BCCI's vision for the sport.
• This partnership underscores the shared commitment to the promotion and support of cricket at all levels.

Harmanpreet and Lovlina to Lead Indian Contingent at Asian Games Opening Ceremony

• The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has selected two flag-bearers, Harmanpreet Singh and Lovlina Borgohain, to lead the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony of the upcoming Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China.
• Harmanpreet Singh is celebrated as one of the world's best drag-flickers, and Lovlina Borgohain is an Olympic medallist boxer.
• Their achievements, including a historic bronze medal win in hockey and boxing at the Tokyo Olympics, highlight their prominence in India's sporting landscape.
• The Asian Games 2023 will witness a record-breaking Indian contingent, with 655 athletes representing the nation, the largest ever for India at the Asian Games.

T20 Cricket World Cup Matches to Be Held in New York, Dallas, and Florida in 2024

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially designated three prestigious venues in the United States for hosting the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.
• This marks a historic moment as the tournament makes its debut on American soil, with Dallas, Florida, and New York selected as host cities.
• Preparations are underway, including infrastructure development, with plans for a cutting-edge, 34,000-seat modular stadium in Eisenhower Park, Nassau County, New York.
• Existing venues in Grand Prairie and Broward County will undergo expansions through modular stadium solutions, enhancing seating capacity, media facilities, and premium hospitality areas.

Important Days News

International Day of Peace 2023

• On September 21 each year, the world observes the International Day of Peace, established by the United Nations (UN). This day serves as a reminder of our commitment to peace, non-violence, and conflict resolution.
• The theme for the 2023 International Day of Peace is "Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the GlobalGoals," emphasizing our individual and collective responsibility in fostering peace.
• The history of the International Day of Peace dates back to the UN General Assembly passing Resolution 36/67 in 1981, calling for a global ceasefire and cessation of hostilities on that day.

World Alzheimer's Day 2023

• World Alzheimer's Day, observed on September 21 annually, aims to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and reduce associated stigma.
• Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia, progressively affects memory, cognitive function, and behavior.
• The theme for World Alzheimer's Month in 2023 is "Never too early, never too late," emphasizing the importance of identifying risk factors for dementia and adopting preventive measures to delay or mitigate its onset.

International Week of the Deaf 2023: September 18 to 24

• The International Week of the Deaf (IWD) is observed every year during the week ending on the last Sunday of September.
• In 2023, IWD is celebrated from September 18 to 24, with the World Day of Deaf on September 24. IWD aims to call for unity globally through coordinated and widespread mobilization to ensure visibility of campaigns through ample media coverage.