National News

Govt Launches Kisan Rin Portal, Ghar Ghar KCC Campaign And WINDS Manual

• In a bid to transform India's agricultural sector, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently introduced a trio of initiatives.
• These initiatives encompass the Kisan Rin portal, the Ghar Ghar KCC campaign, and the Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS)
• The Kisan Rin portal will grant farmers easy access to critical information, including loan disbursement details, interest subvention claims, and progress in scheme utilization.
• This empowerment will enable informed financial decision-making among farmers. The Ghar Ghar KCC campaign aims to ensure that every eligible farmer has access to the KCC scheme, achieving its saturation.
• Meanwhile, the WINDS portal leverages advanced weather data analytics to offer stakeholders valuable insights into weather patterns, facilitating informed decisions in agriculture.

International News

Climate Ambition Summit Sees Absence Of China, India And US

• The Climate Ambition Summit (CAS) convened at the United Nations General Assembly on September 21 drew attention to the absence of China, the United States, and India.
• Together, these nations are responsible for 42% of global greenhouse gas emissions. CAS's primary objective was to showcase leaders with credible actions and policies to uphold the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 5°C while promoting climate justice.
• Prior to the summit, approximately 100 heads of state responded to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' call for heightened climate action. However, only representatives from 34 states and 7 institutions were allocated speaking slots.
• Notably, India's neighboring countries, including Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan, participated, along with emerging economies like South Africa and Brazil. Furthermore, the European Union, Germany, France, and Canada also made their presence felt.

Brucella Canis: An Emerging Disease In The UK Affecting Dogs And Humans

• Since the summer of 2020, the United Kingdom has witnessed a concerning surge in Brucella canis infections among dogs, primarily originating from Eastern Europe.
• This incurable disease, which has been spreading among canines, has now made the alarming leap to infect humans, with three British citizens falling victim to its debilitating effects.
• Brucella canis, a bacterium causing canine brucellosis, is the culprit behind this growing health concern.
• This highly contagious pathogen primarily targets dogs but can transmit to humans through direct contact with infected dogs.
• Transmission to humans can occur through various routes, including direct contact with bodily fluids, inhalation of airborne particles, ingestion, and contact with mucous membranes or open skin wounds.

Pakistan Announces General Elections In January 2024

• The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) officially announced that the general elections in Pakistan will take place in the last week of January 2024.
• This announcement followed a series of delays in the election timeline. Initially scheduled for October of the same year, the elections were postponed due to the early exit of the Shehbaz Sharif government and the need for a comprehensive census.
• The preliminary list of constituencies is set to be made public on September 27, with the final list of constituencies to be released on November 30.
• This meticulous process aims to ensure transparency and fairness in constituency delineation. The elections will span a 54-day period, concluding with the voting week at the end of January 2024, allowing for comprehensive preparations and the smooth execution of the electoral process.

State News

CM Chouhan Unveils 108-Ft Adi Shankaracharya Statue In MP’s Omkareshwar

• Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated a monumental 108-foot-tall statue of the 8th-century spiritual leader, Adi Shankaracharya, on September 21.
• This significant event took place amid political dynamics and underscores the promotion of Sanatan Dharma and cultural unity.
• The 'Statue of Oneness,' conceived six years ago, depicts Adi Shankaracharya as a 12-year-old child during his visit to Omkareshwar, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines known as the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
• Weighing an impressive 100 tonnes, the statue was brought to life by a dedicated team of Indian artists, sculptors, and engineers.
• The statue, made from bronze containing 88% copper, 4% zinc, and 8% tin, has an internal structure constructed from high-quality steels to ensure stability.

Three-Day Festival ‘Nadi Utsav’ Commenced From 22nd To 24th September In Delhi

• The fourth edition of 'Nadi Utsav,' celebrating India's rich river culture, commenced on September 22 and will continue until September 24, 2023.
• Organized by the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) of IGNCA (Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts) in collaboration with the Janapada Sampada Division, this year's 'Nadi Utsav' promises an enlightening and culturally immersive experience.
• The event takes place in Delhi, situated on the banks of the sacred River Yamuna.
• The three-day event offers a diverse array of activities, including discussions on topics such as the mention of rivers in ancient texts, cultural heritage along rivers, and rivers in folk and cultural traditions.
• Cultural programs featuring mesmerizing performances by folk singer Chandan Tiwari from Bihar and others add to the richness of the event.

Banking News

RBI Issued Guidelines For Identification Of Wilful Defaulters Within A Six-Month Timeframe

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently announced significant developments in its guidelines concerning wilful defaulters and large defaulters.
• These developments include expanding the scope of the definition and mandating lenders to finalize the identification and classification of borrowers as wilful defaulters within six months of loans turning bad.
• These draft norms, unveiled on Thursday, September 22, aim to streamline the process of identifying defaulters and regulating their status. The draft norms also address the possibility of removing a defaulter's name from the list, provided the account undergoes resolution through mechanisms like the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code or RBI's guidelines, resulting in a change in management and control.

Important Days News

World Rose Day 2023

• World Rose Day, also known as The Welfare of Cancer Patients Day, is an annual observance held on September 22nd.
• This day is dedicated to honoring and supporting individuals worldwide courageously battling cancer.
• It serves as a reminder of the resilience of cancer patients and aims to spread awareness about the challenges they face while inspiring them to maintain a positive outlook on their journey toward recovery.
• World Rose Day's origin lies in the touching story of Melinda Rose, a 12-year-old Canadian cancer patient who defied grim prognosis and brought hope to fellow cancer patients.

World Rhino Day 2023

• World Rhino Day, observed annually on September 22nd, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the critical plight of rhinoceros species and advocating for their protection.
• This day highlights the challenges these magnificent creatures face and the urgent need for conservation efforts to prevent their extinction.
• Organizations and individuals use World Rhino Day to discuss and promote various conservation strategies and projects aimed at protecting rhino populations.

Awards News

Indian-Origin Author Chetna Maroo’s Debut Novel ‘Western Lane’ Shortlisted In Booker Prize 2023

• The Booker Prize 2023 judging panel has unveiled the final list of six novels, carefully curated from the "Booker dozen" longlist of 13 titles.
• London-based Indian-origin author Chetna Maroo's debut novel, 'Western Lane,' has earned a well-deserved place on the prestigious Booker Prize shortlist.
• The novel explores the challenges faced by an immigrant father raising his family as a single parent and showcases the diversity within this year's shortlist, encompassing authors of various backgrounds.

NMC Of India Awarded 10-Year Recognition By World Federation For Medical Education

• The National Medical Commission (NMC) of India achieved a significant milestone by receiving a prestigious 10-year Recognition Status from the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).
•  This recognition reflects positively on the quality of medical education in India and aligns it with global standards, enhancing the credibility of Indian medical institutions worldwide.
• WFME is a prominent global organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of medical education worldwide.

Swati Nayak From Odisha, To Receive The 2023 Norman Borlaug Field Award

• Odia scientist Swati Nayak is set to receive the prestigious Borlaug Field Award for 2023.
• This award recognizes her innovative approach to engaging farmers in demand-driven rice seed systems and advancing global food production.
• Swati Nayak's work has included organizing thousands of on-farm tests and participatory evaluations for rice varieties.

Sports News

ICC Player Of The Month Winners August 2023

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the ICC Players of the Month for August 2023.
• Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and Ireland's Arlene Kelly have been honored as the ICC Players of the Month.
• Babar Azam becomes the first player to win three ICC Men's Player of the Month prizes for his outstanding performance in ODIs against Afghanistan and Nepal.
• Arlene Kelly is named Women's Player of the Month for her impressive bowling in T20I wins over the Netherlands.

Science And Technology News

CUSAT Researchers Name New Marine Tardigrade Species After A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

• Researchers at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) have identified a new species of marine tardigrade and named it 'Batillipes kalami' in honor of the late former President and scientist P.J. Abdul Kalam.
• Tardigrades, often called water bears, are known for their extraordinary resilience in extreme conditions.

Rafflesia Genus, World’s Largest Flower Near Extinction

• Scientists worldwide, including botanists from the University of Oxford’s Botanic Garden, have issued a call to action to save the iconic genus Rafflesia.
• These large, foul-smelling flowers are under severe threat due to habitat destruction.
• Of the 42 known Rafflesia species, 25 are critically endangered, emphasizing the need for immediate conservation efforts.

Obituaries News

3 Idiots Actor Akhil Mishra Passed Away At 67

• Renowned actor Akhil Mishra, best known for his role as librarian Dubey in the hit movie "3 Idiots," passed away at the age of 67 after a fatal fall at his residence.
• Akhil Mishra's versatile career included memorable performances in various films and serials, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.