National News

India’s First Lighthouse Festival in Goa

• India recently celebrated its inaugural lighthouse festival, a historic event illuminated by the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways in Goa.
• The festival, which ran from September 23 to September 25, marks a crucial step in the transformation of 75 lighthouses across India into vibrant tourist destinations.
• The Fort Aguada Lighthouse in Panjim, Goa, hosted the grand inauguration ceremony, setting the stage for this ambitious endeavor.
• Spearheaded by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the festival not only showcased India's rich maritime history but also its commitment to cultural preservation.

International News

World’s Second Largest Hindu Temple Outside India

• A momentous occasion awaits Hindu devotees and culture enthusiasts as the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, prepares for its inauguration on October 8, 2023.
• Led by Mahant Swami Maharaj, this temple stands as the world's second-largest Hindu temple, rivaling Cambodia's majestic Angkor Wat.
• Its intricate design, spiritual significance, and commitment to sustainability exemplify human dedication, tradition, and artistry.
• Measuring an impressive 255ft x 345ft x 191ft, the New Jersey Akshardham temple boasts an array of architectural marvels, with the largest elliptical dome ever constructed using traditional stone techniques.

State News

Arunachal Pradesh New Air Routes

• Arunachal Pradesh is set to gain three new air routes, enhancing connectivity to Itanagar, the state's capital.
• These routes, scheduled to be operational by October, are part of the UDAN-5 scheme, a regional connectivity initiative aimed at making aviation services more accessible to the common citizens.
• The Tezu airport, equipped with upgraded facilities, will play a pivotal role in facilitating these new air connections.
• This development follows significant infrastructure improvements at the Tezu airport, heralding a new era of enhanced connectivity for Arunachal Pradesh.

India's 54th Tiger Reserve – “Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve” in MP

• Madhya Pradesh has unveiled the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, becoming the state's seventh tiger reserve and India's 54th.
• Spanning across Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts, it encompasses 2,339 square kilometers, including parts of the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The reserve aims to create a green corridor linking Panna Tiger Reserve with Durgavati to facilitate the natural movement of tigers.
• MP retained its "tiger state" status in the 2022 census, with the tiger population rising from 526 in 2018 to 785, underscoring India's commitment to conservation.

Defence News

Inauguration of Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 Exhibition

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition at Hindan Air Base, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
• Alongside the exhibition, the Defence Minister formally inducted the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force.
• This acquisition follows a Rs 21,935-crore deal between New Delhi and Airbus Defence and Space, with the first 16 C-295 aircraft expected to be delivered by 2025.
• An industrial partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems in India will oversee the manufacturing and assembly of the subsequent 40 aircraft, reaffirming India's commitment to modernizing its defence capabilities.

19th Edition of YUDH ABHYAS in Alaska

• The 19th edition of YUDH ABHYAS has commenced in Alaska, USA, symbolizing the collaborative effort between the Indian Army and the US Army to strengthen military cooperation and readiness.
• With 350 personnel from the Indian Army, the exercise features the esteemed MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment as India's lead battalion.
• The tactical drills conducted during YUDH ABHYAS will enhance interoperability, particularly in the context of UN peacekeeping operations, fostering the exchange of views and best practices related to a broad spectrum of combat skills.

Important Days News

International Day For The Total Elimination Of Nuclear Weapons 2023

• Every year on September 26, the United Nations observes the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
• This day serves to educate the public and leaders about the benefits of eliminating these weapons and the social and economic costs of retaining them.
• It commemorates the 1983 incident when a nuclear war was nearly launched due to a false alarm, emphasizing the urgency of eliminating nuclear weapons and promoting global peace.

World Rivers Day 2023 Observed On 24th September

• World Rivers Day, celebrated on the fourth Sunday in September, highlights the immense value of rivers and raises awareness about their significance.
• This global event, initiated by Canadian river advocate Mark Angelo, underscores the pivotal role rivers play in sustaining life on Earth.
• It fosters collaboration among governments, environmental organizations, and communities to protect and restore rivers, crucial for the health of ecosystems, communities, and global economies.

Antyodaya Diwas 2023

• Antyodaya Diwas annually commemorates the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, a revered Indian leader.
• This tribute recognizes his profound contributions to Indian politics and society, particularly his efforts to uplift the marginalized.
• Born on September 25, 1916, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya's legacy lives on, with his contributions celebrated as a national holiday in India since 2014.

World Pharmacists Day 2023

• World Pharmacists Day, observed on September 25th, honors the vital contributions of pharmacists to global health.
• The theme for 2023, "Pharmacy Strengthening Health Systems," acknowledges pharmacists' crucial role in healthcare and emphasizes their role in fortifying healthcare systems worldwide.
• This annual observance, initiated in 2009, underscores the importance of pharmacists and their contributions to healthcare.

Appointments News

Sanjeev Mantri Appointed As MD And CEO Of ICICI Lombard

• ICICI Lombard General Insurance has appointed Sanjeev Mantri as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO).
• This leadership transition follows the resignation of Bhargav Dasgupta, who stepped down ahead of completing his 15-year tenure due to regulatory changes.
• Sanjeev Mantri, with nearly three decades of experience, brings expertise from various sectors, including finance and insurance. His leadership is expected to drive ICICI Lombard's continued success.

Sports News

Inaugural Indian Grand Prix 2023: Marco Bezzecchi Secures Victory

• Italian rider Marco Bezzecchi emerged victorious in the inaugural Indian Grand Prix of the 2023 MotoGP season, held at the Buddh International Circuit.
• This marked Bezzecchi's third triumph of the season, solidifying his position as a top contender in the championship.
• Despite facing tough competition, Bezzecchi's victory added excitement to the event.

India Clinched 5 Medals On Day One Of Asian Games

India had an impressive start on the first official day of the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. The nation secured five medals, including three silver and two bronze.

The achievements in disciplines like shooting and rowing showcased India's prowess in sports and set a promising tone for the rest of the competition.

Science and Technology News

NASA Capsule With Largest Sample Ever Lands In Utah Desert

• A NASA capsule recently completed a seven-year voyage by landing in the Utah desert, carrying the largest asteroid samples ever collected.
• This mission aims to provide insights into the formation of our solar system and Earth's habitability.
• Scientists are eager to study the nine ounces of dust from the asteroid Bennu to better understand the types of asteroids that could pose threats to Earth and reveal the early history of our solar system.

Obituaries News

National Award Winning Malayalam Filmmaker K G George

• The world of Malayalam cinema mourns the loss of veteran filmmaker K G George, who passed away at the age of 78.
• His illustrious career included acclaimed works such as "Ulkaddal," "Onappudava," "Yavanika," and "Adaminte Variyellu," earning him numerous state film awards.
• His contribution to Indian cinema was further recognized with the National Award for Best Feature Film for "Swapnaadanam" in 1976.
• K G George's legacy in the film industry remains a testament to his storytelling prowess and influence in Malayalam cinema.