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Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2021
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Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2021
Sadashiv Asangi | sadashivasangi87@gmail.com |
Contents
......................... ...... ... ......... ... . ........................................................
News Headlines ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
September 1, 2021 .................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
September 2, 2021 ................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
September 3, 2021 ................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
September 4, 2021 ................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
September 5, 2021 ................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
September 6, 2021 ................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
September 8, 2021 ................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
September 9, 2021 ................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
September 10, 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 8
September 11, 2021 ................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
September 12, 2021 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 10
September 13, 2021 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 10
September 14, 2021 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 11
September 15, 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 11
September 1, 2021 ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
FBI report on US Hate Crimes .......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Sri Lanka declares Food Emergency ................................................................................................................................................. 13
LS Speaker inaugurates Parliamentary Outreach Programme ................................................................................................... 13
8th Meeting of Agricultural Experts of BIMSTEC Countries held ........................................................................................... 14
World’s highest motorable road inaugurated in Ladakh .............................................................................................................. 15
India’s GDP growth accelerates to 20.1% in Q1 FY22 ................................................................................................................. 15
UNEP: Leaded petrol eradicated from the world .......................................................................................................................... 16
Aug 31: First International Day for People of African Descent .................................................................................................. 16
India conducts first meeting with Taliban ....................................................................................................................................... 17
What is Noida Supertech Twin Tower case? ................................................................................................................................. 17
UPI: 3.55 billion transactions in August ........................................................................................................................................... 18
World’s first ‘Plant based’ Smart Air-Purifier “Ubreathe Life” ................................................................................................... 18
Poshan 2.0-Key Facts .......................................................................................................................................................................... 19
September 2, 2021 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Equitas Small Finance Bank launched Digital FDs ....................................................................................................................... 20
NCR Draft Regional Plan-2041 ........................................................................................................................................................ 20
Vaccine scientist Dr Firdausi Qadri wins Ramon Magsaysay Award ........................................................................................ 21
Exercise ZAPAD 2021- Highlights ................................................................................................................................................... 22
‘Innovation Mission Punjab’ (IMPunjab) Launched ...................................................................................................................... 22
Indian Navy signs contract with BEL to supply Anti-Drone System ........................................................................................ 23
IMF raises India's SDR allocation ..................................................................................................................................................... 23
Study: Social Discrimination key factor in Stunting ..................................................................................................................... 24
'Super follows': Twitter launches new feature .............................................................................................................................. 25
J&K: 'Saath' initiative launched for SHGs ........................................................................................................................................ 25
Coal Ministry’s pilot project to replace Diesel with LNG ........................................................................................................... 26
WCD Minister chairs National Conference of States/UTs ........................................................................................................ 26
Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and South Africa launch CBDC Scheme ................................................................................ 27
September 3, 2021 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
What is Scrub Typhus? ....................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Singapore introduces 'Vaccinated Travel Lanes' ........................................................................................................................... 28
WHO monitoring new COVID variant ‘Mu’ .................................................................................................................................. 29
Report: Protected Areas in Central Africa 2020 ........................................................................................................................... 29
Indian Royal Jelly- Key Facts ............................................................................................................................................................. 30
China develops miniature helicopter for Mars missions .............................................................................................................. 31
BRICS Bank admits UAE, Bangladesh, Uruguay as new members ........................................................................................... 31
What is 5-star ‘Eat Right Station’ certification? ............................................................................................................................. 32
Shikshak Parv-2021 to be observed from Sept 5 ......................................................................................................................... 32
NASA’s Mars Rover collected its First Rock Sample ................................................................................................................... 33
UK announces new sanctions against Myanmar ........................................................................................................................... 33
India-US tie up for Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ..................................................................................................... 34
© 2021 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 2
FM chairs 24th meeting of FSDC ................................................................................................................................................... 34
September 4, 2021 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Ladakh's New State animal and State bird ..................................................................................................................................... 35
World Social Protection Report 2020-22- Highlights ................................................................................................................. 36
CORBEVAX’ gets DCGI approval for Clinical trials .................................................................................................................... 36
PM addresses plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) .................................................................................... 37
Amazon India launches Kisan Store ................................................................................................................................................ 37
What are AT1 bonds? ......................................................................................................................................................................... 38
India: 1st Asian Country to launch a Plastics pact ........................................................................................................................ 38
Avani Lekhara: 1st Indian woman to win 2 Paralympic medals ................................................................................................ 39
Centre set to sign a tripartite ‘Karbi Peace Accord’ ..................................................................................................................... 39
IISc-ISRO develop device to conduct microbial experiments in outer space ......................................................................... 40
Govt launches AYUSH AAPKE DWAR campaign ........................................................................................................................ 41
Arunachal Pradesh launches Two Agri schemes ........................................................................................................................... 41
September 6, 2021 ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 42
Suhas Yathiraj: 1st IAS officer to win Paralympics medal ........................................................................................................... 42
Yoshihide Suga to step down as Japan PM .................................................................................................................................... 42
Atlas of Mortality and Economic Losses from Weather, Climate and Water Extremes (1970-2019) .............................. 43
Gujarat launches Vatan Prem Yojana .............................................................................................................................................. 43
Tamil Nadu to set up India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve ........................................................................................... 44
Big John- Biggest Triceratops to be auctioned ............................................................................................................................. 45
September 5: International Day of Charity .................................................................................................................................... 45
EAM co-chairs 4th round of Indo-Danish Joint Commission Meeting .................................................................................. 46
Karbi Anglong Peace Accord- Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 46
PM Modi tops Morning Consult Global Ratings .......................................................................................................................... 47
Panjshir Valley's resistance against the Taliban ............................................................................................................................. 47
Sri Lankan Economic Crisis- Things to know .............................................................................................................................. 48
Varanasi-Chunar Cruise Service begins to boost Tourism ......................................................................................................... 48
September 8, 2021 ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 49
PhonePe's Pulse Report on Digital Payments ................................................................................................................................ 49
Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft completes 9,000 orbits around moon ........................................................................................... 50
ADB approves $150 million loan for T.N. urban poor housing project ................................................................................. 50
Indian Railways introduces new AC-3 economy coaches ............................................................................................................ 51
TN to observe Periyar’s birth anniversary as Day of Social Justice ........................................................................................... 51
IUCN: 37% of sharks and rays threatened with extinction ........................................................................................................ 52
Environment Minister launches first functional Smog Tower ................................................................................................... 52
Bhupendra Yadav launches PRANA Portal ..................................................................................................................................... 53
Deity is owner of land attached to temple: SC ............................................................................................................................. 54
Delhi govt launches ‘Business Blasters’ Programme .................................................................................................................... 54
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Vidyanjali Portal ........................................................................................................ 55
September 7: International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies ..................................................................................................... 55
HDFC-NSIC pact to provide Credit Support to MSMEs ........................................................................................................... 56
September 9, 2021 ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 56
Mexico Supreme Court Decriminalises Abortion ......................................................................................................................... 56
September 8: International Literacy Day ........................................................................................................................................ 57
SC orders Railways to pay compensation if trains run late ........................................................................................................ 58
CCS clears procurement of 56 transport aircraft ........................................................................................................................ 58
Centre approves ₹10,683 crore PLI scheme for Textile Sector ................................................................................................. 59
MSP increased for all Rabi crops for 2022-23 ............................................................................................................................. 59
Cabinet approves Russia-India pact for cooperation in geosciences ........................................................................................ 60
India-ADB sign loan to expand Rural Connectivity in Maharashtra ......................................................................................... 61
Tamil Nadu-Denmark plan energy island in Gulf of Mannar .................................................................................................... 61
India-ADB deal to improve urban water supply infrastructure in Jharkhand ........................................................................ 62
India’s 1st Emergency Landing Facility on National Highway in Rajasthan ............................................................................ 62
Piyush Goyal appointed as India’s Sherpa for G20 ...................................................................................................................... 63
September 10, 2021 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 63
India Rankings 2021 of National Institutional Ranking Framework ........................................................................................ 63
DRDO hands over MRSAM System to IAF .................................................................................................................................. 64

Jal Shakti Ministry launches Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2021 ............................................................................................ 64
September 9: Himalaya Day 2021 ................................................................................................................................................... 65
Government signs peace pact with Naga insurgent group NSCN .......................................................................................... 66
Gyanvapi mosque-Kashi Vishwanath temple title dispute- Key Facts ..................................................................................... 66
India-Denmark launch ‘Centre of Excellence on Offshore Wind’ ............................................................................................ 67
Finance Ministry releases Revenue Deficit Grants to States ...................................................................................................... 67
Railways Ministry closes Indian Railways Organisation for Alternative Fuels (IROAF) ....................................................... 68
Government unveils 100-day plan for Civil Aviation Sector ..................................................................................................... 68
India hosts BRICS Summit virtually ................................................................................................................................................. 69
September 9: World EV day .............................................................................................................................................................. 70
September 9: International Day to Protect Education from Attack ......................................................................................... 70
September 11, 2021 ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 71
Co-WIN develops new API called KYC-VS .................................................................................................................................... 71
Defence Minister held bilateral meeting with Australian counterpart in New Delhi ............................................................ 71
India-Japan Sixth Maritime Affairs Dialogue ................................................................................................................................. 72
4th Conference of the Protectors of Emigrants held ................................................................................................................... 72
MoS for Health & Family Welfare inaugurated Digital Population Clock ............................................................................... 73
Mahakavi Day: Tamil Nadu to observe on Subramania Bharati’s death anniversary .......................................................... 74
US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP) ................................................................................................................. 74
PM Modi inaugurates Sardardham Bhavan at Ahmedabad ....................................................................................................... 75
20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks- Key Facts ................................................................................................................................. 75
World’s largest plant to suck CO2 from air starts in Iceland .................................................................................................... 76
September 10: World Suicide Prevention Day .............................................................................................................................. 77
September 13, 2021 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 77
Japan-Vietnam deal for Defence Equipment .................................................................................................................................. 77
England: First country to mandate new homes to install EV chargers .................................................................................... 78
NCAER director: India to grow by 10% during current fiscal .................................................................................................. 78
Food Processing Unit inaugurated in Morena, MP ...................................................................................................................... 79
Supreme Court: Employee can’t insist on transfer to particular place .................................................................................... 79
Swarnim Vijay Varsh Victory Flame arrived Dahung in Arunachal Pradesh .......................................................................... 80
PM to lay foundation stone of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh State University ....................................................................... 80
Vice President calls to increase production of Solar PV cells ...................................................................................................... 81
Colexion: Largest Licenced NFT Platform ...................................................................................................................................... 81
India–Africa Defence Dialogue to be held alongside the DefExpo .......................................................................................... 82
Bhupendra Patel: New CM of Gujarat ............................................................................................................................................ 83
UN seeks $606 million to aid Afghanistan after Taliban takeover .......................................................................................... 83
India-US ‘Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue’ ................................................................................................. 84
September 14, 2021 .................................................................................................................................................................................... 84
September 12: International Day for South-South Cooperation ............................................................................................... 84
Iran to allow nuclear surveillance by IAEA .................................................................................................................................... 85
Govt to start Adarsh Gram Yojana in 36000 villages in India ................................................................................................. 85
Modi to attend Quad summit on September 24 .......................................................................................................................... 86
FDI policy for Space Sector .............................................................................................................................................................. 87
Noida authority plans to introduce innovative ways for Waste Collection ............................................................................. 87
Land records integrated with Centre’s e-portal ............................................................................................................................ 88
Centre allows 11 states to borrow Rs 15721 crore from market .............................................................................................. 88
NHRC notice to four States over impact of farmers’ protest .................................................................................................... 89
Lancet report: Booster shots 'not appropriate' for public ........................................................................................................... 90
WPI inflation increases to 11.39 per cent in August .................................................................................................................... 90
India-Singapore announces to link UPI and PayNow .................................................................................................................. 91
September 15, 2021 ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 91
September 14: Hindi Diwas 2021 ..................................................................................................................................................... 91
Chhattisgarh launches ‘Millet Mission’ ............................................................................................................................................ 92
IIT-Bombay launches ‘Project Udaan’ ............................................................................................................................................. 92
Madras HC quashed notification of fixing 120 kmph as speed limit ....................................................................................... 93
Tamil Nadu makes Temple land grabbing a non-bailable offence .......................................................................................... 93
UK-India Trade Talks- Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 94
Ministry of Agriculture signs five MoUs with Private Companies ............................................................................................ 94

17th Indo-US Economic Summit ...................................................................................................................................................... 95
International community to provide $1.2 billion for Afghanistan Humanitarian Crisis ....................................................... 96
September 15: Engineers Day 2021 ................................................................................................................................................. 96
Sansad TV to be Launched ................................................................................................................................................................ 97
India assured ASEAN of its support in post pandemic period .................................................................................................. 97
India-Chile 7th Foreign Office Consultations ............................................................................................................................... 98
120 Multiple Choice Questions ................................................................................................................................................................. 99
Note: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 130

News Headlines
September 1, 2021
Here are Today’s News Headlines by GK Today for September 1, 2021
INDIA
– Pankaj Kumar Singh takes charge as new DG of BSF
– Sanjay Arora takes charge as new DG of ITBP
– Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates Web Portal for registrations of units under New Central
Sector Scheme 2021 for J&K
– World’s highest motorable road at 18,600 ft inaugurated in Ladakh; connects Leh to the Pangong
Lake
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– India’s GDP growth accelerates to 20.1% in Q1FY22 on low base
– Core sector growth at 9.4% in July, against (-) 7.6% in year-ago period
– All-India House Price Index slows to 2% in Q1, shows RBI data
– Finance Ministry releases ₹13,386 crore to 25 States as grant to rural local bodies
– PayU to acquire 100% in digital payments provider BillDesk for $4.7 billion
WORLD
– Goutam Ghose’s ‘Raahgir’ wins Best Film award at Washington DC South Asian Film Festival
– PM Modi speaks to President of the European Council Charles Michel
– 8th Meeting of Agricultural Experts of BIMSTEC Countries held
– Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep S. Puri to
participate in the 6th Eastern Economic Forum Summit in Vladivostok on September 1-5
– Navies of India and Algeria conduct first naval exercise off the Algerian coast
– UNSC adopts resolution on Afghanistan; demands territory not be used to attack other countries
– Leaded petrol eradicated, says UNEP
– South Korea bans app store operators such as Google and Apple from forcing developers to use
their in-app payment systems
– U.S. ends 20-year war in Afghanistan as final evacuation flight leave Kabul
– First International Day for People of African Descent celebrated by UN on August 31
SPORTS
– Tokyo Paralympics: Mariyappan Thangavelu and Sharad Kumar win silver and bronze respectively
in men’s high jump T42 event
– South African fast bowler Dale Steyn (38) announce retirement from international cricket
September 2, 2021
INDIA
– Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani launches Poshan 2.0, urges districts
to set up Poshan Vatikas (nutrition gardens)
– Parasaram Pattabhi Kesava Ramacharyulu takes charge as new Secretary General of Rajya Sabha
– Indian Naval Aviation to get President’s Colour on Sept. 6 at INS Hansa, Goa
– Union Ministers launch Yoga Break (Y-Break) mobile application as part of Azadi Ka Amrit
Mahotsav celebrations
– Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with
FICCI organising BRICS Film Technologies Symposium on 1-2 September in Virtual Format
– Centre has decided to concede demand for statehood to Puducherry: Chief Minister N. Rangasamy
– CM Amarinder Singh launches ‘Innovation Mission Punjab’ (IMPunjab) to boost start-up sector
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– Indian Navy seals contract with defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the supply of
the first indigenously developed Naval Anti Drone System (NADS)

– Govt appoints J B Mohapatra as Chairman, Central Board of Direct Taxes
– Papad, irrespective of shape, is exempt from GST, CBIC clarifies
– PM releases a special commemorative coin on the occasion of 125th Birth Anniversary of Srila
Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Ji
RAMON MAGSAYSAY AWARDS
– 5 winners of Ramon Magsaysay Awards announced in the Philippines by Ramon Magsaysay
Foundation
– Dr. Firdausi Qadri from Bangladesh is a vaccine scientist
– Muhammad Amjad Saqib is microfinance pioneer from Pakistan
– Roberto Ballon is Filipino fisher and community environmentalist
– Steven Muncy of US is known for humanitarian work and refugee assistance
– Watchdoc is Indonesian torch bearer for investigative journalism
WORLD
– Indian Army participating in Exercise ZAPAD 2021, a multination exercise at Nizhniy, Russia from
3 to 16 September
September 3, 2021
INDIA
– I&B Ministry constitutes Committee headed by Prasar Bharati Board Member Ashok Kumar
Tandon to review existing guidelines of Journalist Welfare Scheme
– AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal distributes medicinal plants and Ayurvedic medicine under
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
– Indian Navy hands over two Mobile Oxygen Plants to Bangladesh
– Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare celebrates World Coconut Day on September 2
– J&K: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launches Rural Enterprises Acceleration Programme titled
‘Saath’ for Self Help Group (SHG) women
– Assam: Rajiv Gandhi National Park renamed as Orang National Park
– Senior journalist, former BJP Rajya Sabha MP Chandan Mitra dies at 66 in Delhi
– J&K: Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani dies at 92 in Srinagar
– Sidharth Shukla, actor known for TV serial ‘Balika Vadhu’, ‘Bigg Boss 13’ winner, dies at 40
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– 11th India-United Kingdom Economic and Financial Dialogue held virtually; co-chaired by Finance
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the UK Treasury Chancellor Rishi Sunak
– Gujarat Govt. to host 12th Defence Expo-2022 in Gandhinagar from March 10 to 13, 2022
– Union Agriculture Minister addresses 16th sustainability summit 2021 of the Confederation of
Indian Industry (CII)
WORLD
– EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar holds bilateral meeting with Croatia’s Foreign Minister Dr. Anze Logar in
capital Ljubljana
September 4, 2021
INDIA
– Tunnel reaching Red Fort discovered at Delhi Legislative Assembly
– Hansa New Generation (NG) aircraft, designed and developed by CSIR-NAL, successfully makes its
maiden flight
– Ayush Ministry launches campaign “AYUSH AAPKE DWAR” of distributing medicinal plants
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– International Climate Summit (ICS) 2020-21 organised in India by PHD Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (PHDCCI) with its focus on ‘Powering India’s Hydrogen Ecosystem’.
– SJVN (Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd) conferred with Dun & Bradstreet – Corporate Award 2021 in
the category of Best Growth Performance-Power
– India, U.S. signed co-development agreement for Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: Defence
Ministry
– HDFC Life to acquire Exide Life Insurance for Rs 6,687 crore
– 30-share BSE Sensex closes above 58,000 points for the first time
– Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chairs 24th meeting of Financial Stability and Development
Council (FSDC)
– For boosting exports prospects and farmers income, APEDA inks MoUs with ICAR-Indian Institute
of Millet Research (IIMR)
WORLD
– Japan: Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announces plans to resign
– EAM S. Jaishankar calls on PM of Slovenia Janez Jana at capital Ljubljana
– Mission SAGAR: INS Airavat arrives at Sattahip, Thailand with COVID Relief Material
– BRICS ministerial conclave on implementation of Digital Health held
– PM Modi addresses plenary session of Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia
– Egypt hosting ‘Bright Star’ multi-national joint military drill with 21 countries in Mediterranean
Sea from sept 2 to 17
– Death toll from remnants of Hurricane Ida mounts to 46 in United States
SPORTS
– Tokyo Paralympics: Praveen Kumar clinches silver in men’s T64 high jump
– Tokyo Paralympics: Harvinder Singh wins bronze in recurve archery
– Tokyo Paralympics: Avani Lekhara wins bronze in 50m Rifle 3 Position SH1
September 5, 2021
INDIA
– Assam: Government signs peace accord with 5 insurgent groups in Karbi Anglong region
– Supreme Court recommends record 68 names for 12 High Courts
– Former Calcutta HC Chief Justice Manjula Chellur to monitor probe into post-poll violence in West
Bengal
– National Level Exhibition of the INSPIRE Awards – MANAK featuring student innovations from all
over India begins
– Acharya Vinoba Bhave’s loyal and Gandhian Haribhau Vasudev Talile dies in Wardha, Maharashtra
at the age of 89
– PM Modi, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discuss regional
developments
– EAM S Jaishankar meets with Croatian counterpart in Zagreb
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– Foreign exchange reserves rise USD 16.663 billion to touch a lifetime high of USD 633.558 billion
in the week ended August 27
– Coal India Ltd launches new software for enhanced assessment of coal resources
– Govt. appoints Suman Sharma as MD of Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)
WORLD
– Navies of India and Singapore conduct ‘SIMBEX’ (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise) in
South China Sea
– 11th BRICS Trade Ministers Meeting held in virtual format under India’s Chairship
– India, Nepal sign pacts to reconstruct over 100 projects damaged by 2015 earthquake
SPORTS
– Tokyo Paralympics: Pramod Bhagat wins gold in men’s singles SL3 class badminton; compatriot
Manoj Sarkar wins bronze
– Tokyo Paralympics: Shooter Manish Narwal wins gold in men’s P4 Mixed 50m Pistol SH1,

compatriot Singhraj Adana bags silver
September 6, 2021
INDIA
– President Ram Nath Kovind confers National Teachers’ Award on 44 teachers
– Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan confers AICTE- Visvesvaraya Best Teacher Award on 17
faculty members in Engineering and Technology
– Union Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurates X-band doppler weather radar in Jammu to provide
improved forecasts
– Keshav Desiraju, former Union Health Secretary, passes away at 66 in Chennai
– EAM S. Jaishankar co-chairs 4th round of Indo-Danish Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) along with
his Danish counterpart Jeppe Kofod in Copenhagen
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– Karnataka: Industries department to reintroduce ‘Industrial Adalats’ (Industrial courts) from
September 27 to help solve industry related problems on the spot
WORLD
– Anonymous Myanmar photographer wins Visa d’Or for News photojournalism award at the “Visa
Pour L’Image” festival in Perpignan, France
– El Salvador top court rules presidents can serve two consecutive terms
– International Day of Charity observed on September 5; death anniversary of Mother Teresa of
Calcutta
SPORTS
– Tokyo Paralympics 2020: India finishes 24th with 19 medals: 5 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze
– Tokyo Paralympics 2020: China tops medals tally with 207 medals: 96 gold, 60 silver and 51 bronze
– Tokyo Paralympics: India’s Krishna Nagar wins gold in men’s singles SH6 class badminton
– Tokyo Paralympics: India’s Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj wins silver in men’s singles SL4 class
badminton
September 8, 2021
SHIKSHAK PARV
– PM Narendra Modi launches key education initiatives
– Indian Sign Language Dictionary (audio and text embedded sign language video for the hearing
impaired)
– Talking Books (audio books for the visually impaired)
– School Quality Assurance and Assessment Framework of the Central Board of Secondary
Education (CBSE)
– NISHTHA, a teachers’ training programme for NIPUN Bharat
– Vidyanjali portal, for facilitating education volunteers, donors and Corporate Social Responsibility
contributors for school development.
INDIA
– Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launches first functional Smog Tower of India, situated at
Anand Vihar in New Delhi
– Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launches “PRANA” – Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution
in Non-Attainment cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
– Deity is owner of land attached to temple, priest can’t be ‘Bhumiswami’ (owner of land): SC
– Assam Govt to form new panel for preparing roadmap to implement Assam Accord of 1985 on
identification and deportation of illegal immigrants
– AP Govt. appoints former SBI Chairperson Rajnish Kumar as economic advisor
– Delhi govt launches ‘Business Blasters’ programme in govt. schools aimed at developing young
entrepreneurs
– G20 Health Ministers agree vaccine confidence measures and tackle antimicrobial resistance
(AMR) in a Health Declaration agreed in Rome
– India to hold G20 presidency from December 1, 2022, and will convene the G20 leaders’ summit in
2023 for the first time
– Union Minister of Culture G.K Reddy launches program ‘Bujurgon ki Baat–Desh Ke Saath’ aimed at
enhancing the interaction between the youth and the elder persons who are 95 years and above
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– SC asks government to constitute the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Appellate Tribunal
– RBI scraps one-click purchases from Jan 1, 2022; all stored details to be purged
– Centre appoints Harsha Bhupendra Bangari as EXIM Bank MD
– HDFC Bank signs pact with NSIC (National Small Industries Corporation) to provide credit support
to MSMEs
– Atmanirbhar Bharat corner for promoting sales of tribal art to be set up in 75 Indian missions
– Govt constitutes task force & expert committee to prepare road map for coal-based hydrogen
production
– Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signs pact for providing reliable power supply to security forces
operating in remote, Naxal-affected and high-altitude areas
WORLD
– Afghanistan: Mullah Hasan Akhund appointed PM of new Taliban govt, Mullah Baradar to be his
deputy
– International Day of clean Air For Blue Skies celebrated on Sept 7, theme: “Healthy Air, Healthy
Planet”
– El Salvador becomes first country to adopt bitcoin as legal tender
– NASA confirms collection of first rock sample on Mars by Perseverance rover
– Cuba becomes 1st country to vaccinate children from the age of two against Covid-19, its Abdala
and Soberana vaccines not approved by World Health Organization
– Greece govt. creates Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry
SPORTS
– Coal India Limited contributes Rs. 75 cr. towards National Sports Development Fund of Ministry of
Youth Affairs & Sports
– MP Govt. appoints Olympic hockey player Vivek Sagar as DSP in state police
September 9, 2021
INDIA
– Don’t want press freedom muzzled says Supreme Court; grants interim protection to journalists of
a news website from any coercive action by UP Govt.
– Supreme Court Collegium recommends names of 12 additional judges for appoint as permanent
High Court judges
– Armed forces will admit women in NDA, govt tells SC in historic step
– NSA Ajit Doval and his Russian counterpart Gen Nikolay Patrushev hold talks in New Delhi
– India, ADB sign $112 million loan to improve urban water supply infrastructure in Jharkhand
– India, ADB sign $300 million loan to expand rural connectivity in Maharashtra
– Tamil Nadu, Denmark plan energy island producing 4-10 Gw in Gulf of Mannar
– Assam: Boat sinks in Brahmaputra river after colliding with ferry on Majuli-Nimati Ghat route;
several feared dead
– Uttarakhand Governor Baby Rani Maurya resigns
– Cabinet approves pact between Russia, India for cooperation in field of geosciences
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– Cabinet approves increase in MSP for all mandated Rabi crops for 2022-23
– Gujarat AAR rules parathas are not ready-to-eat, puts them under 18% GST

– Center approves ₹10,683 crore production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for textile sector with an
aim to boost domestic manufacturing and exports
– CCS clears procurement of 56 transport aircraft from Airbus for IAF
– Railways must pay compensation to passengers if trains run late, rules Supreme Court
– RBI takes UCO Bank out of PCA (Prompt Corrective Action) framework over improved finances
– Arun Kumar Singh appointed new Chairman and MD of BPCL
UNESCO LITERACY PRIZES
– The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize was awarded to:
– Limitless Horizons Ixil in Guatemala for its ‘Broadcasting Bilingual Stories: Promoting Interactive
Literacy Programming in Rural Guatemala’ programme.
– National Institute of Open Schooling in India for its ‘Enabling education of persons with disabilities
through technology enabled inclusive learning material, with specific focus on Indian sign language-
based content’ programme.
– Puku Children’s Literature Foundation in South Africa for its ‘Using digital technologies to
promote children’s literature in South Africa’s indigenous languages’ programme.
The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy was awarded to:
– ONG GA-TIC Côte d’Ivoire in Côte d’Ivoire for its ‘Functional literacy for traders in Abidjan
through the use of ICT’ programme.
– Ain-Shams University in Egypt for its ‘Ain Shams University experience in organizing online
literacy classes for rural areas in Egypt’ programme.
– Construyendo y Creciendo in Mexico for its ‘Building & Growing’ programme.
WORLD
– Russia’s Emergency Situations minister Yevgeny Zinichev (55) dies during drills in Arctic zone
– Australia: Supreme Court says media liable for Facebook comments on posts
– Mexico: Supreme Court decriminalises abortion in the majority Roman Catholic nation
– International Literacy Day 2021 celebrated on September 8; theme: “Literacy for a human-
centered recovery: Narrowing the digital divide”
September 10, 2021
INDIA RANKINGS 2021
– India Rankings 2021 of National Institutional Ranking Framework released by Union Education
Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
– Rankings based on 5 parameters: Teaching, Learning & Resources, Research & Professional
Practice, Graduation Outcomes, Outreach & Inclusivity and Perception
– Indian Institute of Technology Madras 1st in Overall Category as well as in Engineering
– Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 1st in the University as well as Research Institution category
– IIM Ahmedabad 1st in Management colleges
– All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 1st in Medical
– Jamia Hamdard, Delhi 1st in Pharmacy subject
– Miranda College, Delhi 1st amongst colleges
– IIT Roorkee 1st in Architecture subject
– National Law School of India University, Bangalore 1st in Law
– Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, 1st in “Dental” category
INDIA
– DRDO hands over air defence missile (MRSAM) System to IAF at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
– Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari inaugurated an emergency landing strip at Satta-
Gandhav stretch on National Highway 925 in Barmer, Rajasthan for Indian Air Force planes
– MoS Jal Shakti Prahlad Singh Patel launches Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2021
– Himalayan Day celebrated on Sept 9, theme: ‘Contribution of Himalayas And Our Responsibilities’
– Govt signs one-year peace pact with Naga insurgent group NSCN led by Niki Sumi, accused of

killing 18 Army soldiers in 2015
– Gyanvapi mosque-Kashi Vishwanath temple title dispute in Varanasi: Allahabad High Court stays
lower court proceedings
– Tamil film lyricist, poet and scholar Pulamaipithan dies in Chennai at 86
– India’s Ayaan Shankta named as a 2021 International Young Eco-Hero in recognition of his efforts
to solve tough environmental problems
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– Govt. sets up 8-member panel for framing a new law for drugs, cosmetics and medical devices;
panel headed by Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) Dr V G Somani
– ITR filing deadline for FY 2020-21 extended to December 31, 2021
– India, Denmark jointly launch ‘Centre of Excellence on Offshore Wind’ as part of Green Strategic
Partnership
– Finance Ministry releases Rs 9,871 cr to 17 states as revenue deficit grant
– Govt unveils 100-day plan for civil aviation sector, focus on 16 areas
– Railways Ministry announces closure of Indian Railways Organisation for Alternative Fuels
(IROAF)
– Ford Motor Co. ends manufacturing of vehicles in India, shuts factories in Gujarat and Chennai
WORLD
– India hosts BRICS Summit virtually in its capacity as its chair
– World EV (Electric Vehicle) day celebrated on September 9
– International Day to Protect Education from Attack observed by UN on September 9
– UK’s Susanna Clarke wins Women’s Prize for Fiction for fantasy novel ‘Piranesi’
SPORTS
– ICC World T20: BCCI makes MS Dhoni mentor of Team India
– Olympic silver medallist wrestler Ravi Dahiya appointed assistant director in education department
of Delhi govt
September 11, 2021
INDIA
– Co-WIN develops new API (Application Programming Interface) to enable checking of individual’s
status of COVID-19 vaccination
– Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holds held bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart Peter
Dutton in New Delhi
– India, Japan hold sixth Maritime Affairs Dialogue in virtual format
– 4th Conference of the Protectors of Emigrants was held on September 10, 2021, coinciding with
the date of enactment of the Emigration Act, 1983
– Digital Population Clock inaugurated at Institute for Economic Growth, Delhi by Union Minister of
State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar
– Subramania Bharati’s death anniversary declared as ‘Mahakavi’ Day in Tamil Nadu
– Sardar Iqbal Singh Lalpura takes charge as the Chairman, National Commission for Minorities
– Compulsory leave for Punjab govt employees if even one Covid vaccine dose not taken
– UP govt imposes ban on sale of meat, liquor within 10 sq km radius of Krishna Janmabhoomi in
Mathura
– Tamil Nadu ban on festivals, political, religious gatherings to continue till October 31
– RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat launches mobile app on ‘National’ thinkers
NEW GOVERNORS
– Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh, who retired as the deputy chief of Army in 2016, appointed
governor of Uttarakhand, a post which fell vacant after Baby Rani Maurya resigned
– Banwarilal Purohit appointed new Governor of Punjab
– RN Ravi shifted from Nagaland to Tamil Nadu as its new governor

– Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi to hold additional charge of Nagaland
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri & U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer
Granholm launch revamped US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP)
– Foreign exchange reserves reach a record high of USD 642.453 billion in the week ended
September 3
WORLD
– Moroccan voters hand Islamists big defeat in parliamentary elections
– World’s largest plant designed to suck carbon dioxide from air starts in Iceland
– World Suicide Prevention Day observed on September 10
SPORTS
– Fifth and final Test between India, England at Old Trafford, Manchester called off due to Covid-19
fears
September 12, 2021
INDIA
– India hosts first-ever 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue with Australia in New Delhi; External Affairs
Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the ‘two-plus-two’ with their
Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton
– Magistrates cannot extend probe under UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) at will: SC
– PM inaugurates Sardardham Bhavan, lays foundation stone of Sardardham phase-II – Kanya
Chhatralaya (girls’ hostel) in Ahmedabad
– PM announces to establish the ‘Subramanya Bharati Chair’ on Tamil Studies named after Tamil
poet Subramanya Bharti in Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
– 100th death anniversary of Tamil poet and freedom fighter Subramanya Bharati observed on
September 11
– Gujarat: CM Vijay Rupani submits resignation to Governor Acharya Devvrat in Gandhinagar
– UP Govt. declares 22 wards of Mathura-Vrindavan Nagar Nigam area as holy pilgrimage sites
– Vijay Goel takes charge as Vice Chairman of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti
EDIBLE OILS
– In order to reduce edible oil prices, Centre reduces the standard rate of duty on Crude Palm Oil,
Crude Soyabean oil and Crude Sunflower Oil to 2.5%
– Standard rate of duty on Refined Palm Oils, Refined Soyabean oil and Refined Sunflower Oil
reduced to 32.5%
– Direct value of benefits expected to be passed on to the consumers, in terms of duties given up by
Government, is Rs 4600 crore
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– Shivani Meena becomes first woman excavation engineer to work in an open cast mine at Coal
India Ltd arm CCL (Central Coalfields Ltd)
– Railways proposes policy to lease, sell coaches to private parties
– Vice President addresses Platinum Jubilee of the Hindustan Chamber of Commerce at Chennai
WORLD
– Lebanon: Najib Mikati appointed new PM
– Morocco: Aziz Akhannouch appointed new PM
September 13, 2021
INDIA
– Gujarat: Bhupendra Patel appointed new CM
– ‘Human Rights and Terrorism in India’, book by BJP MP Subramanian Swamy, released
– Employee can’t insist on transfer to particular place: Supreme Court
– Noted writer and former secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages
Aziz Hajini dies in Srinagar at 64
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– Inauguration of the Food Processing Unit of M/s Sahara Frozen Foods in Morena (MP) done by
Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Prahlad Singh Patel
– India expected to grow 10% during current fiscal: NCAER Director General Poonam Gupta
VENICE FILM FESTIVAL
– French movie ‘L’Evenement’ (Happening) by Audrey Diwan wins Golden Lion at Venice
International Film Festival
– Runner up honor went to Paolo Sorrentino’s semi-autobiographical ‘The Hand of God’
– Jane Campion won the Silver Lion for best director for her period epic ‘The Power of her Dog’
– Penélope Cruz won the Volpi Cup for best actress for her performance as a new mother in ‘Parallel
Mothers’
– John Arcilla was awarded the Volpi Cup for best actor for ‘On The Job: The Missing 8’
– Maggie Gyllenhaal won best screenplay for her adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s 2008 novel ‘The
Lost Daughter’
WORLD
– England to be first country to require new homes to include EV chargers
– Agreement signed enabling Japan to give defence equipment and technology to Vietnam
– Typhoon Chanthu drenches Taiwan
SPORTS
– Britain’s Emma Raducanu (18) wins women’s singles title at US Open tennis tournament
September 14, 2021
INDIA
– United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate visits India; Climate Action and Finance
Mobilization Dialogue (CAFMD) launched by India and the US
– BJP leader and Ghatlodia MLA Bhupendra Patel takes oath as 17th Chief Minister of Gujarat
– Tamil Nadu Assembly passes bill seeking exemption from NEET for medical courses’ admissions
– Govt to start PM Adarsh Gram Yojna covering 36 thousand villages across country
– Conference of Tourism & Culture Ministers of North Eastern states in Guwahati on September
13-14
– Veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister Oscar Fernandes dies in Mangaluru at 80
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– Ministry of Civil Aviation grants drone use permission to ICMR & IIT, Bombay
WORLD
– Iran to allow nuclear surveillance by IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)
– UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet slams Taliban over reprisal killings
– International Day for South-South Cooperation observed on September 12
US OPEN TENNIS TITLE WINNERS
– Russia’s Daniil Medvedev: men’s singles
– UK’s Emma Raducanu: women’s singles
– Rajeev Ram (US) & Joe Salisbury (UK): men’s doubles
– Australian Samantha Stosur & China’s Zhang Shuai: women’s doubles
– Joe Salisbury (UK) & Desirae Krawczyk (US): mixed doubles
September 15, 2021
INDIA
– UP: PM lays foundation stone of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh State University in Aligarh

– Hindi Diwas celebrated on September 14, on this day in 1949, the Constituent Assembly adopted
Hindi in Devanagari script as an official language in India
– Information & Broadcasting Ministry launches its account on Telegram to counter fake news
– Chhattisgarh govt launches ‘Millet Mission’ to become millet hub of India
– IIT-Bombay launches ‘Project Udaan’, that enables translation of textbooks and other study
material
– Madras HC sets aside centre’s notification fixing 120 kmph as the speed limit for vehicles plying on
highways
– Temple land grabbing becomes a cognizable, non-bailable offence in Tamil Nadu
– Misbehaving with tourists in Rajasthan now a cognizable offence
– Sushmita Dev, ex-Congress leader who joined TMC, nominated to Rajya Sabha
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– GNPAs (Gross Non-Performing Assets) of banks to cross Rs 10 lakh crore by March 2022: CRISIL-
Assocham
– Piyush Goyal, Liz Truss agree next steps to launch UK-India trade talks
– India, Singapore launch project to link UPI and PayNow for instant fund transfers
– SC upholds Madras HC order on refund of unutilised input tax credit
– Madras High Court withdraws mandatory ‘bumper to bumper’ insurance order
– Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers welfare signs five MoUs with private companies
– India’s WPI (wholesale price index) inflation rises to 11.39% in August on higher fuel prices
– Union Minister Nitin Gadkari addresses 17th Indo-US Economic Summit, organised by Indo-
American Chamber of Commerce (IACC)
– Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel co-chairs 18th ASEAN-India Economic
Ministers Consultations
WORLD
– International community announces over $1.2 billion in pledges for Afghanistan humanitarian
crisis
– US: Tropical storm Nicholas downgraded from hurricane after making landfall on Texas coast
SPORTS
– Sri Lanka bowler Lasith Malinga announces retirement from all forms of cricket
September 1, 2021
FBI report on US Hate Crimes
According to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report, the number of hate crimes in United States
increased to highest level in the year 2020.
Highlights
Crimes reached to highest level in more than a decade and is the result of rise in assaults targeting
Black victims and victims of Asian descent.
2020 data was submitted to the FBI by around 15,000 law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Key Findings
The report identified 7,759 hate crimes in 2020. This number has increased by 6 percent as compared
to 2019 data and is the highest tally since 2008.
Number of offences against Black people increased to 2,755 from 1,930.
Offences against Asians increased to 274 from 158.
Out of 7,426 hate crime offences, classified as crimes against people, 53.4 percent of the cases were
for intimidation, 27.6 percent were for simple assault while 18.1 percent were for aggravated assault.
Twenty-two murders and 19 rapes were reported to be hate crimes.
FBI warned that white supremacist groups represent a rising security threat following a deadly
January 6 assault on the US Capitol.

Hate-inspired attacks on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have also increased as a
result of then-President Donald Trump’s inflammatory remarks blaming China for COVID-19
pandemic.
Stop AAPI Hate
It is a national coalition that gathered data on racially motivated attacks related to the pandemic. It reported
9,081 incidents between March 2020 to June 2021. 4,548 incidents were from 2020 while 4,533 from 2021.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
FBI is the domestic intelligence & security service and a principal federal law enforcement agency of United
States. It operates under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Justice. It also a member of the
U.S. Intelligence Community.
Sri Lanka declares Food Emergency
Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency over food shortages on August 31, 2021 after private banks in the
country ran out of foreign exchange to finance imports.
Highlights
Sri Lanka is suffering from a hard-hitting economic crisis. Following the crisis, President Gotabaya
Rajapaksa ordered emergency regulations to counter the hoarding of sugar, rice and other such
essential foods.
President also named a top army officer as “Commissioner General of Essential Services to
coordinate the supply of paddy, rice, sugar and other consumer goods”.
This move followed sharp price rises for sugar, rice, onions and potatoes. Price rise was
supplemented by long queues outside stores because of shortages of milk powder, cooking gas and
kerosene oil.
Government also increased penalties for food hoarding.
But shortages of food come as Sri Lanka battles a fierce coronavirus wave, claiming more than 200
lives a day.
Economy of Sri Lanka
Economy of Sri Lanka reduced by a 3.6 percent in 2020 because of the covid-19 pandemic. In March 2020,
government also banned imports of vehicles and other items like edible oils and turmeric in order to save
foreign exchange. Central Bank of Sri Lanka also increased interest rates in order to shore up the local
currency.
Foreign Reserves of Sri Lanka
Foreign Reserves of Sri Lanka decreased to $2.8 billion as of July, 2021 from $7.5 billion in November 2019.
As per data from bank, rupee has lost 20 percent of its value against the US dollar in the same period.
Covid-19 cases in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka was successful in handling the first wave covid-19 pandemic. However, it failed to handle second
and third waves of the pandemic. This resulted into surge in COVID-19 deaths since November 2020. As of
August 2021, Sri Lanka has become the country with fourth-largest daily deaths worldwide by population.
Other three countries are Georgia, Tunisia, and Malaysia.
LS Speaker inaugurates Parliamentary Outreach Programme
Lok Sabha speaker, Om Birla, inaugurated a parliamentary outreach programme to empower Panchayati Raj
Institutions (PRIs) in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Key Points
Programme was inaugurated at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar.
Now, arrangements will be by Lok Sabha secretariat to conduct capacity-building programmes for
representatives of PRIs in the UT.

Empowered panchayats under the programme will help in making democracy stronger and increase
confidence of people.
Parliamentary Outreach Programme
Parliamentary Outreach Programme for Empowerment of PRIs is a unique initiative of Lok Sabha Speaker,
Om Birla. This is a first of its kind Programme that seeks to strengthen the institution of governance and
planning at the grass-root level.
Editions of the programme
First Edition: First ever outreach programme was organized at Dehradun, in Uttarakhand on January
8, 2021. It was physically attended by 445 Panchayat representatives while 40,000 Panchayat
representatives & officials were connected online via web link.
Second Edition: It was organized at Shillong in February, 2021 for Meghalaya and other North Eastern
States. About 115 members of the local bodies of North Eastern States physically.
Third Edition: it was organized for the grass root level institutions in the Union Territory of Ladakh on
August 27, 2021. Representatives from 195 number of Panchayat attended the programme.
Fourth Edition: Organized in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir on August 31, 2021 at Srinagar,
under the theme of “Parliamentary Outreach Programme for the Empowerment of the Panchayati Raj
Institutions”.
Objectives of the Programme
Key objectives of the Programme include:
1. To create mass awareness or mass participation.
2. To create self-confidence and self-respect for the ground level leaders.
3. To creation a sense of ownership of the created assets.
4. To boost the ambitions for grass root political leaders for democratic values
5. To create awareness about several schemes and doorstep delivery.
8th Meeting of Agricultural Experts of BIMSTEC Countries held
th
8 Meeting of Agricultural Experts of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and
Economic Cooperation) Countries was hosted by India on August 31, 2021.
Highlights
Meeting was attended by Agricultural Ministries from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India,
Myanmar and Thailand.
During this meet, Chairman highlighted the UN Food System Summit 2021 and transformational
aspects that are happening across agriculture and food systems globally.
He asked to enhance engagement and deepen cooperation amongst BIMSTEC Member States in the
field of agriculture and allied sectors by encouraging exchange of students, experts, knowledge and
germplasm.
He further stressed on addressing biosafety and biosecurity concerns and promoting digital
agriculture and trade of technologies in order to develop resilient agriculture, food systems & value
chains.
BIMSTEC Member States also appreciated greater engagement of India in offering six slots of
scholarships for Master and PhD programmes in agriculture and other initiatives for capacity
development & training.
About BIMSTEC
BIMSTEC was founded in 1997 with the objective of pursuing mutual trade, connectivity & cultural, technical
& economic development in the region. It earlier included six sectors viz., technology, trade, energy,
transport, fisheries, and tourism. Sectors were later expanded to 14 areas of cooperation. Agriculture is one

among the 14 sectors.
Significance of BIMSTEC
It provides a unique link between South and South-East Asia. Five countries viz., India, Bangladesh, Bhutan,
Nepal and Sri Lanka are from South Asia while two countries viz., Myanmar and Thailand are from South-
East Asia.
Background
1st meeting of the BIMSTEC agriculture Ministers was held on July 12, 2019 in Myanmar. During the meeting,
a stronger agricultural cooperation was reiterated among BIMSTEC countries. This cooperation has become
more significant amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation and its impacts on the food system.
World’s highest motorable road inaugurated in Ladakh
A road connecting Leh to the Pangong Lake was inaugurated on August 31, 2021 by Ladakh MP Jamyang
Tsering Namgyal.
Highlights
The stretch passing through the Kela Pass at 18,600 feet is the world’s highest motorable way.
The road was constructed by 58 Engineer Regiment of the Indian Army.
It will reduce the distance between Leh (Zingral to Tangtse) to Pangong Lake crossing the Kela Pass
by 41 kms.
Significance of the road
This road will play a significant role in boosting the socio-economic status of local residents, primarily for
the people of Lalok region of Ladakh. It will facilitate tourism and tourists will see world’s highest
motorable road, rare medicinal plants, participate in snow sport activities etc.
Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake
It is an endorheic lake spreading into eastern Ladakh and West Tibet. It is situated at an elevation of 4,225
m. The lake is 134 km long and divided into five sub lakes namely, Pangong Tso, Rum Tso (twin lakes), Tso
Nyak, and Nyak Tso. 50% of the length of overall lake in located in Tibet China while 40% in Ladakh India.
10% of the lake is disputed and is considered as de-facto buffer zone between India and China. This lake is
5 km wide at its broadest point. It freezes completely during winter, despite being saline water.
Is the lake a wetland?
The lake is currently in the process of being identified under Ramsar Convention as a wetland of
international importance and will be the first trans-boundary wetland in South Asia under the Ramsar
convention.
India’s GDP growth accelerates to 20.1% in Q1 FY22
According to the data of Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, economic growth of India
accelerated to a record high in the quarter through June 2021.
Highlights
It reflects a very weak base in 2020, rebound in consumer spending, and improved manufacturing
amidst the second wave of Covid cases.
As per data, the Gross domestic product has increased to 20.1% in the three-month period as
compared to contraction of 24.4% in the same quarter in 2020.
GDP at Constant (2011-12) price in Q1 of 2021-22 was Rs 32.38 lakh crore as compared to Rs 26.95
lakh crore in Q1 of 2020-21.
Quarterly GVA at Basic Price at Constant (2011-12) Prices for Q1 of 2021-22 was Rs 30.48 lakh crore
as compared to Rs 25.66 lakh crore in Q1 of 2020-21 reflecting a growth of 18.8%.
This is India’s fastest growth since the quarterly data started being released.
This growth is bit slower than the projection of Reserve Bank of India (21.4%).

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Market value of all final goods and services that are produced within an economy is called as Gross
Domestic Product. It is calculated in two ways:
1. Nominal GDP– GDP at the current market prices is called as Nominal GDP. GDP is calculated in
accordance with the market prices for the year for which the GDP is calculated.
2. Real GDP– GDP at base year prices is called as real GDP. It is calculated in accordance with the
market prices in the base year. It also negates the inflation in goods and services.
In case of high rate of inflation, nominal GDP will be higher than the real GDP. But in case of deflation, real
GDP will be e higher than the nominal GDP.
UNEP: Leaded petrol eradicated from the world
According to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), use of leaded petrol has been eradicated
from the globe.
Highlights
UNEP highlighted, this milestone will prevent more than 1.2 million premature deaths and save over
USD 2.4 trillion annually for world economies.
This milestone was achieved century after doctors first issued warnings regarding the toxic effects of
leaded petrol, Algeria (last country to use the fuel) exhausted the supplies in July 2021.
It is a big milestone for global health and environment as well.
UNEP also warned that, use of fossil fuel must still be drastically reduced, in general, to do away with
the frightening effects of climate change.
Background
During 1970s, almost all the gasoline that used to be sold worldwide contained lead. The UNEP launched its
campaign called “Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles (PCFV)” for eradication of ‘leaded petrol’ in
2002. Major economies including United States, China and India had already stopped using fuel in 2002.
But, the situation in lower-income countries was critical. Concerns regarding the leaded petrol were first
raised in 1924.
Impact of leaded petrol
1. Use of leaded petrol in transport sector is responsible for about quarter of energy-related global
greenhouse gas emissions. It is set to grow to one third by the year 2050.
2. Leaded petrol causes major health problems like heart disease, stroke and cancer.
3. Leaded petrol also impacts the development of human brain.
Significance of eradication
Eradication of leaded petrol is expected to support realization of multiple Sustainable Development Goals
(SDG) like good health & well-being, clean water, clean energy, sustainable cities, climate action and life on
land.
Aug 31: First International Day for People of African Descent
The United Nations marked the first-ever International Day for People of African Descent on August 31,
2021 to celebrate the enormous contributions of African diaspora in field of human endeavour.
Background
UN General Assembly had adopted the resolution to establish the International Day for people of African
Descent in December 2020. Resolution also recalled two similar UN initiatives namely, 2001 “World
Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance” that was held in
Durban, South Africa as well as the “declaration of International Decade for People of African Descent”
which will run till 2024.

Objective of the day
UNGA established this day with the objective of promoting greater recognition and respect for diverse
heritage, culture and contribution of people of African descent towards the development of societies. The
day also seeks to promote respect for their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Why this day is significant?
The day is significant in the light of increasing momentum towards ending racism, twenty years after the
Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Furthermore, in Latin America, there are about 134 million
people of African heritage and they suffer poverty, lack of access to basic services and inequality. In Brazil,
overall poverty rate is 11.5 percent while poverty among people of African descent is 25.5 percent.
UN’s work towards ending racism
1. Slave Route Project– This project is run by the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
(UNESCO). It encourages open and honest conversation related to slavery.
2. An initiative by UN Population Fund focuses on expanding opportunities for young people of African
descent.
3. UN human rights office launched the “Agenda Towards Transformative Change for Racial Justice &
Equality” in order to tackle systemic racism, ensure accountability, and deliver justice.
India conducts first meeting with Taliban
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), its Ambassador to Qatar Deepak Mittal, met the head of
the Taliban’s political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, on August 31, 2021.
Highlights
With this meeting, the Government of India has softened its stance on the Taliban.
Indian security officials and diplomats already understood to have engaged with Taliban
representatives for several months.
This meeting was held on the request of Taliban, because Taliban leaders have been keen to receive
acceptability.
During the meeting, discussions focused on safety, security and early return of Indian nationals who
were stranded in Afghanistan.
India’s only concern was that “Afghanistan’s soil should not be used for any anti-Indian activities and
terrorism”.
During the meeting, Taliban leader assured the Indian Ambassador that all issues will be positively
addressed.
Stranded Indians in Afghanistan
140 Indians and members of the Sikh minority are still remaining in Kabul. India has transported 565 people,
including 112 Afghan nationals to Delhi, so far. This numbers have been far lower as compared to countries
like the U.S. US has evacuated 1,22,000 people, including about 1,00,000 Afghan nationals.
Issue with Haqqani group
This meeting was held after India was recalibrating its earlier position on the Taliban as a terrorist group, as
the Taliban militants took control of Afghanistan on August 15. In particular, India has had concerns
regarding the Haqqani group, which is a part of the Taliban as well as Taliban Deputy leader Sirajuddin
Haqqani, who carried the attacks on the Indian Embassy in 2008-2009. Further, it is believed that the Taliban
is a proxy of Pakistan.
What is Noida Supertech Twin Tower case?
The Supreme Court of India recently directed demolition of two 40-storey towers, comprising of 850 flats, of
Supertech Ltd Group in Noida.

Highlights
Supreme Court issued this direction after it found that Supertech has flouted regulations regarding
the distance to be maintained between buildings and of fire safety.
According to court, these towers were constructed through acts of collusion between New Okhla
Industrial Development Authority (NOIDA) and the Supertech group. Thus, court gave the go-ahead
for prosecuting them.
Ruling by Court
Supreme Court upheld the ruling by the Allahabad High Court. In its decision, supreme court directed the
two towers namely Apex and Ceyane by Emerald Court project of Supertech, to be demolished within three
months. All the expenses will be borne by the developer. Supertech was also asked to refund at an annual
interest rate of 12% to all those who had purchased flats in the towers within two months. Apart from that,
Supertech has to pay Rs 2 crore to the Residents’ Welfare Association of 15 other towers that were
constructed as part of the original plan. It also rejected the argument by the NOIDA administration that,
rules dealt with distance between two adjacent building blocks and that two towers were part of one block.
Background
Supertech had made appeal against the Allahabad High Court ruling of April 2014 in Supreme Court.
Allahabad High Court had directed the company to demolish the twin towers and sanctioned prosecution of
the involved officials. These towers had been under construction when High Court gave its ruling. The
Supreme Court has also ordered a status quo.
UPI: 3.55 billion transactions in August
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) recorded more than
3 billion transactions in August 2021.
Highlights
More than 3 billion transactions were recorded for the second consecutive month in a row.
This indicates the increasing trend of adoption of digital payments by consumers amid the Covid-19
pandemic.
UPI recorded 3.55 billion transactions in August 2021 which is an all-time high with respect to volume
of transactions.
With respect to value, UPI witnessed the transactions worth Rs 6.39 trillion.
With respect to month-on-basis, volume of transactions of UPI increased by 9.5 per cent while the
value of transactions increased by 5.4 per cent in August.
In the months of April and May, UPI witnessed a minor dip in sync with the dip in economic activity
amid the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic but it recovered soon as the economy opened.
Background
UPI crossed 1 billion transactions in October 2019, for the first time and in October 2020, it crossed 2 billion
transactions for the first time. The mark of 3 billion transactions was touched in just 10 months’ time,
indicating the popularity of the UPI for retail digital payments among consumers.
Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
UPI is an instant real-time payment system, developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It
facilitates inter-bank peer-to-peer (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions. It is regulated by the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Currently, IIT Madras is working to integrate voice command feature in order to
support English and Indian vernacular language in future.
World’s first ‘Plant based’ Smart Air-Purifier “Ubreathe Life”
World’s first Plant-based smart air-purifiers called “Ubreathe Life” by the scientists of Indian Institutes of
Technology, Ropar & Kanpur, and Faculty of Management Studies of Delhi University.

Highlights
Ubreathe Life amplifies the air purification process in indoor spaces like schools, hospitals, offices,
and homes.
This product is being developed by Urban Air Laboratory which is a start-up company of IIT Ropar.
Product is being claimed as world’s first, state-of-the-art ‘Smart Bio-Filter’, which can make breathing
fresh.
It has been incubated at IIT Ropar.
IIT Ropar is a designated iHub – AWaDH (Agriculture and Water Technology Development Hub) by the
Department of Science and Technology of government.
How Ubreathe Life works?
The Ubreathe Life technology works by air-purifying natural leafy plant. In it, air of the room interacts with
leaves and goes towards soil-root zone where maximum pollutants are purified. Technology used in this
product is called as ‘Urban Munnar Effect’ and patent-pending “Breathing Roots”. These technologies
amplify the phytoremediation process of the plants.
Phytoremediation Process
It is the process by which plants effectively remove pollutants from the air.
Features of Ubreathe Life
This technology effectively improves indoor air quality by removing particulate, gaseous and biological
contaminants. It also increases the oxygen levels in indoor space with the help of specific plants, UV
disinfection and a stack of pre-filter, charcoal filter and HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. It also
comprises of a centrifugal fan which creates a suction pressure inside the purifier and releases purified air.
Poshan 2.0-Key Facts
Union Ministry of Women and Child Development has decided to celebrate the POSHAN MAAH throughout
the month September starting from September 1, 2021.
Highlights
This will be celebrated as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Entire month has been subdivided into weekly themes for focused and assimilated approach in order
to improve Holistic Nutrition and ensure speedy and intensive outreach.
Ministry of Women and Child Development has planned several activities for this month in tandem
with the States and Union Territories.
Weekly themes under the celebration
Weekly theme for the activities that will be taken from 1st to 7th September is – Plantation Activity as
“PoshanVatika”.
Theme for the second week of September is Yoga and AYUSH for Nutrition
Theme for the third week is “Distribution of ‘Regional Nutrition Kit’ to Anganwadi beneficiaries in High
Burden Districts”.
While, the theme for the last week of September has been set as “Identification of severe acute
malnourished children and distribution of nutritious food”.
About POSHAN Abhiyaan
POSHAN Abhiyaan stands for Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition. It is a flagship
programme of government to improve nutritional outcomes for pregnant women, lactating mothers, children
and adolescent Girls. This program was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Jhunjhunu in
Rajasthan on March 8, 2018.
POSHAN 2.0
Government announced POSHAN 2.0 programme in Budget 2021-2022 with the focus on aims of POSHAN

Abhiyaan. It is as an integrated nutrition support programme that seeks to strengthen nutritional content,
delivery, outreach and outcomes. It focuses on developing practices that nurture health, wellness and
immunity towards disease and malnutrition.
September 2, 2021
Equitas Small Finance Bank launched Digital FDs
Equitas Small Finance Bank (SFB) has launched a new initiative that enables Google Pay users to book fixed
deposits (FDs) on Google Pay in just 2 minutes without opening a bank account.
Key Points
This functionality of booking FDs will be available for Google Pay users who are using the app from
Android devices.
Collaboration between SFB and google way was done ahead of the SFB’s 5th anniversary on
September 5th, 2021.
Under this functionality, principal and interest of the FD will go directly to the Google Pay user’s
existing bank account once the FDs are matured.
Equitas SFB’s FD
Equitas SFB’s offers high FD returns as compared to other private lenders or public state lenders. Under RBI
Scheduled Commercial Bank, deposits in Equitas are covered through a deposit guarantee up to Rs 5 lakhs
per depositor. Customers get returns of up to 6.35% for an FD of one year.
How this will work?
The proceeds will automatically go to Google Pay user’s existing Google Pay linked bank account, on
maturity. From the Equitas Bank Spot on Google Pay platform, Google Pay users can track their deposit, add
new ones and place order for premature withdrawal.
What will happen on Premature withdrawal?
If a Google Pay user go for premature withdrawal of deposits, proceeds will reach their bank account the
same day.
Equitas small finance Bank FD
This small finance bank was founded in 2016 as a microfinance lender. It became a scheduled bank in
2017. It is headquartered in Chennai, and is a subsidiary of holding company Equitas Holdings Ltd.
NCR Draft Regional Plan-2041
The ambitious Draft Regional Plan-2041 (DRP-2041) was discussed by NCR Planning Board (NCRPB) on
August 31, 2021. Though, its approval was deferred for now.
Highlights
The DRP-2041 seeks to make National Capital Region (NCR) a smart region by improving connectivity
among towns by bringing in bullet trains, helitaxi services, and smart roads to evolve it into an economically
prosperous area comprising of citizen-centric harmonious infrastructure.
Multilevel parking complexes
DRP-2041 emphasises on construction of multilevel parking complexes a mandatory requirement for city
centres with high rise commercial complexes in order to make the region congestion free. It also
recommends to park commercial vehicles at periphery in order to avoid congestion.
Future ready NCR
It recommends to make NCR future ready for sustainable development as the population NCR is expected to
grow to around 7 crores by 2031 and 11 crores by 2041.
Area covered under NCRPB
The NCRPB comprises of entire Delhi, eight districts of Uttar Pradesh, 14 districts of Haryana as well as two
districts of Rajasthan. It covers an area of about 55,083 square kilometres. According to draft plan 57 per
cent of the total areas of NCRPB will be urbanised by 2031 while 67 per cent by 2041.
Superfast trains and helitaxi services
Draft plan emphasises on the necessity of minimising journey times across NCR and limit travel times
across the region under 30 minutes by bringing in superfast trains & helitaxi services and under 60 minutes
by other trains and two to three hours by car.
Regional expressways
It recommended to construct two more regional expressways in addition to Eastern and Western
Peripheral expressways:
1. Circular regional expressway through Panipat-Shamli-Meerut-Jewar-Nuh-Bhiwadi-Reqari-Jhajjar-
Rohtak-Panipat and
2. Circular regional expressway through Karnal-MuzaffarnagarGarh
Mukteshwar–Naraura–Aligarh–Mathura–Deeg–Alwar–Mahendragarh–Charkhi Dadri-Bhiwani-Jind-
Kaithal-Karnal
It recommends to construct trauma centres on each national highway, state highway and expressway,
comprising of all facilities including a blood bank, at an interval of 50 km or within travel time of one
hour.
Vaccine scientist Dr Firdausi Qadri wins Ramon Magsaysay Award
Bangladeshi scientist, Dr Firdausi Qadri, won the Ramon Magsaysay Award.
Who is Dr Firdausi Qadri?
Dr Qadri is an emeritus scientist at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research,
Bangladesh (icddr,b).
She is also a laureate of the 2020 L’Oréal-Unesco for Women in Science Award which was presented
to her for her advocacy of early diagnoses and global vaccination & her work on understanding and
preventing infectious diseases affecting children across developing countries.
When did she started medical research?
She decided early on to pursue a career in medical research. She joined icddr,b in 1988 to focus her
research on communicable diseases, immunology, vaccine development and clinical trials.
Challenging assignment
The most difficult assignments before her were in the fight against cholera and typhoid. These two major
diseases are prevalent in Bangladesh as well as in Asian and African nations with limited access to
adequate water, sanitation, medical treatment and education. Dr Qadri played a key role in development of a
more affordable oral cholera vaccine (OCV) as well as typhoid conjugate vaccine (ViTCV) for infants,
children and adults.
Institute for Developing Science and Health Initiatives
This institute was founded by her in 2014. It conducts biomedical research and runs training courses as
well as a testing center. The institute has become a hub of scientific activity by local and visiting scientists
in Bangladesh.
About Ramon Magsaysay Award
Ramon Magsaysay Award is the highest honour in Asia. It was established in April 1957 and is widely
regarded as the equivalent of the Nobel Prize in Asia. The award is presented to individuals who have made
extraordinary contributions in eradication of poverty and development of the society in Asia.
Other recipients of award in 2021
Other recipients of award in 2021 are-
1. Mohammad Amjad Saqib from Pakistan
2. Steven Muncy from South-East Asia.

Exercise ZAPAD 2021- Highlights
Indian Army contingent is set to participate in a two-week multination military exercise called ‘ZAPAD 2021’.
Key Points
This exercise will begin from September 3, at Nizhny in Russia.
Exercise will be held with the aim of boosting anti-terror cooperation.
About ZAPAD 2021
ZAPAD 2021 is a 13-day exercise.
It will be held between September 3 to September 16.
More than a dozen nations will take part in the exercise.
China and Pakistan are also expected to join the exercise as observers.
Indian contingent
According to the defence ministry, a contingent of 200 personnel of the Indian Army will participate. Naga
Battalion group will also be participating in the exercise and will feature an all Arms combined task force.
The Indian contingent has gone through a strenuous training schedule which include conventional
operations like mechanised, airborne & heliborne, counter-terrorism, combat conditioning and firing.
Aim of the exercise
ZAPAD 2021 exercise will be organised with the aim of enhancing military and strategic ties amongst the
participating nations and boosting anti-terror cooperation.
KAZIND-21
A separate exercise called KAZIND-21 also started on September 1, 2020. It is a 13-day military exercise
between the militaries of India and Kazakhstan. It commenced at training Node Aisha Bibi, Kazakhstan. This
year marked the fifth edition of the annual bilateral exercise between both the armies. 90 personnel from
Bihar Regiment of the Indian Army are participating in the exercise.
‘Innovation Mission Punjab’ (IMPunjab) Launched
Chief Minister of Punjab, Amarinder Singh, launched ‘Innovation Mission Punjab’ (IMPunjab) on September
1, 2021.
Highlights
IMPunjab is a public-private partnership mission that will bring in global investors and experts to
catalyze start-ups.
This Mission will boost the growth potential of Punjab and create a thriving economy by means of
generating jobs and inviting investment.
It will also mobilise a global pool of ambassadors and partners to attract investment, mentorship and
market access.
It will leverage the strength of Punjabi diaspora and allow them to partake in the renewed growth
story of Punjab apart from running focused programmes to encourage entrepreneurship among
women.
Mission will act as a catalyst towards strengthening the growth by rallying all the stakeholders like
incubators, academia, investors, startups, progressive farmers, government, sports people, media,
industry and corporate.
It is a unique ‘public-private partnership Project’ that will be championed by private sector and a
strong government backing.
Punjab- an entrepreneurial state
Punjab is an entrepreneurial State, having a strong footprint of entrepreneurs worldwide as well as in India.
The state has a burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem comprising of 450 start-ups and 20 plus incubators.

Partners in the project
The Department of Agriculture, Industries & Commerce, Mandi Board and Startup Punjab are the partners in
this mission. They are providing over Rs. 30 crores in cash and kind. It also includes:
1. Operating expenses for the first three years,
2. 10-year rent-free lease for 12,000 square feet at Kalkat Bhavan and
3. support to start-ups & incubators in Punjab.
Three pillars of Mission
Mission stands on three pillars:
1. Pollinator
2. Create a network of virtual incubators and
3. Organising events like bootcamps, ideathons and pitch days in order to create a vibrant start-up
ecosystem.
Indian Navy signs contract with BEL to supply Anti-Drone System
The Indian Navy signed a contract with the Bharat Limited (BEL) for the supply of the first indigenous
comprehensive Naval Anti Drone System (NADS).
Key Facts
The NADS comprises of both ‘hard kill’ and ‘soft kill’ capabilities.
Contract was signed in the presence of representatives from Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) and senior Naval officers in New Delhi on August 31, 2021.
Indian Navy has also provided consistent support and led in the joint development of anti-drone
system with DRDO and BEL.
About Naval Anti Drone System (NADS)
The NADS has been developed by DRDO and manufactured by BEL. It is the first indigenously developed
anti-drone system that will be inducted into the Indian Armed Forces.
Who Manufactured the system?
This completely indigenous system was made by multiple units of BEL in Bangaluru, Hyderabad, Pune
and Machilipatanam together.
BEL units worked in collaboration with DRDO Labs and the Indian.
Labs like Electronics & Radar Development Establishment, Defence Electronics Research Laboratory,
Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences and Instruments Research & Development
Establishment were part of the making of NADS.
Features of NADS
NADS has the capability to detect and jam micro drones. It uses a laser-based kill mechanism in order to
terminate targets. It will act as an effective all-encompassing counter the increased drone threat to
strategic naval installations. It uses help of radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors and radio
frequency (RF) detectors in order to detect and jam micro drones.
Use of the NADS
This anti-drone system was first deployed to provide security cover for Republic Day Parade in 2021 as well
as during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address from Red Fort. It was also deployed in
Ahmedabad for the Modi-Trump roadshow.
IMF raises India's SDR allocation
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has increased the allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDR) to India
in line with the existing quota of India in the fund.
Highlights
SDR is an alternate reserve currency which is floated by the IMF.

SDR can be freely exchanged between the member countries instead of relying on currency of any one
particular country.
IMF has increased India’s SDR quota to 12.57 billion. It is equivalent to $17.86 billion at the latest
exchange rate.
Special Drawing Rights (SDR)
SDR is neither a currency nor a claim on the IMF. It is a potential claim on freely usable currencies of the
member countries. SDRs can be exchanged for these currencies among the members. It serves as the unit
of account for IMF and other international organizations.
How SDR value is determined?
Currency value of the SDR is calculated by summing the values of SDR basket of currencies in U.S. dollars
on the basis of market exchange rates. It is calculated daily (except on IMF holidays or when IMF is closed
for business). The valuation basket of SDR is reviewed and adjusted every five years.
SDR basket of currencies
SDR basket comprises of U.S. dollar, Euro, Japanese yen, pound sterling and Chinese renminbi.
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
IMF is an organization comprising of 189 member countries. Each member is having representation on the
IMF’s executive board in proportion of their financial importance. Thus, most powerful countries in global
economy have the most voting power. IMF was conceived in July 1944 at a UN conference in Bretton
Woods, United States.
Study: Social Discrimination key factor in Stunting
As per a study of July 2021 titled “The Missing Piece of the Puzzle: Caste Discrimination and Stunting”,
children from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Muslim families are more prone to
stunting.
Highlights
Stunting is a condition where body height is less than the accepted range at a given age.
Study highlights that, even the socio-economic advantages do not change this correlation between
stunting and exclusion.
This study was conducted with the aim of understanding the impact of caste and socio-economic
factors on stunting in children.
Key Findings of the study
As per the study, marginalised castes including SCs, STs and Other Backward Classes (OBCs),
reported a higher prevalence of stunting. This is because of the widespread and entrenched practice
of untouchability.
Stunting was also common among Muslim families, regardless of social status.
About one-third of all stunted children in the world are there in India. Children in India are much
shorter than children in 30 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Average stunting in India is 36 per cent while that in Sub-Saharan Africa is 31 per cent.
Significance of the study
This study is significant because earlier, emphasis was on conducting the research on links between child
malnutrition, poverty and lack of access to resources.
Factors of stunting
CEDA study highlights five critical factors leading to stunting:
1. Lack of access to sanitation
2. Mother’s human capital- that is, her ability to read and the number of years of schooling
3. Mother’s anthropometric status- that is her height and weight

4. Asset differences
5. Intra-household resource allocation
Role of social identity
Child stunting has been associated with poverty because its root cause is chronic malnutrition. But, CEDA
study categorised child stunting data into four social categories:
1. Upper Caste Hindus,
2. Upper Caste Muslims,
3. SCs & STs and
4. OBCs
Children from upper Hindu castes reported lower average rate of stunting (26 per cent) while for other
categories this number stand at 40 per cent (SC & ST), 36 per cent (OBCs) and 35 per cent (Upper Caste
Muslim).
'Super follows': Twitter launches new feature
Twitter launched a long-promised “Super Follows” feature on September 1, 2021.
Key Facts
The ‘Super follow’ feature allows creators to sell subscriptions in order to access the special content.
This feature was launched as Twitter strives to be a preferred online venue for clickable stars and
seeks to boost its own income in the manner that it doesn’t clutter the platform up with ads or
promotions.
Influencers such as makeup artists and sports experts will be able to offer “behind the scenes”
content, early access or other such perks to their subscribers. For this they can charge a ranging from
$3-$10 per month.
It will also help people to create an extra level of conversation on Twitter in order to interact
authentically with their most engaged followers along with earning money.
Creating content under this feature is for anyone who brings their unique perspectives and
personalities to Twitter in a bid to drive the public conversation.
Background
Twitter had been testing this Super Follows feature and it was launched officially with a small group of
creators in North America. The option to follow participating creators will be made available to people
globally using Twitter on Apple mobile devices soon.
Devices with this feature
The feature will be brought to smartphones powered by Android software as well as to the twitter.com
website, reached through browsers.
Transaction fees
Twitter will not take more than three percent of subscriptions as a transaction fee until a creator makes
$50,000 at the platform. For amount above $50,000, Twitter’s share will increase to 20 percent. App store
fees will be paid by creators selling the subscriptions and it can be as much as 30 percent of transactions.
J&K: 'Saath' initiative launched for SHGs
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, launched the Rural Enterprises Acceleration
Programme called ‘Saath’ for Self Help Group (SHG) women on September 1, 2021.
Highlights
This initiative will help about 48000 SHGs in which about four lakh women are connected, in Jammu
and Kashmir.
Saath initiative will focus on mentoring and market linkages of products that created by these
women.

Government also aims to create 11000 more SHGs in upcoming years.
This platform will transform the lives of these women and make them independent and strong
socially and financially.
Aim of the initiative
This initiative was launched with the aim of transforming the lives of rural women associated with SHGs. It
aims to accelerate livelihoods of rural women who are engaged in small works. Small works are those
where they do not earn much profit and there is lack of knowledge about marketing, packaging and
branding. This initiative is aimed at teaching women all skills and convert their small businesses into Higher
Order Enterprises. It seeks to turn women into job-givers and produce further employment.
Training to the women
Under this initiative, workshops will be held for 5000 women initially. Out of 5000, 500 will be selected for
intensive training and 100 will be selected for mentoring. Training will be provided to women across ten
different sectors like Agriculture, Poultry, Animal Husbandry, handloom, Handicraft etc.
Umeed scheme
Saath initiative was launched in line with the Umeed scheme that enabled women to start their own
business.
Coal Ministry’s pilot project to replace Diesel with LNG
State-owned Coal India Ltd. (CIL) has started the pilot project to replace Diesel with LNG on September 1,
2021.
Highlights
According to CIL, it started the process of retrofitting LNG kits in its dumpers, the big trucks that are
engaged in transportation of coal.
This move will help CIL to save around Rs 500 crore annually.
This pilot project will also help in reducing its carbon footprint.
Significance of the move
This move is significant because, CIL (world’s largest coal miner) uses more than 4 lakh kilolitres of diesel
per annum which amounts to the annual expense of Rs 3,500 crores. Operations of the dumpers will be
significantly cheaper and cleaner because of LNG. LNG will replace the use of diesel by 30% to 40% and in
turn reduce the fuel cost by 15%.
Background
CIL has taken up the pilot project for retrofitting LPG kits in the two 100 tonne dumpers, in association with
GAIL (India) Ltd. and BEML Ltd. Both of the dumpers are working at CIL subsidiary Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd.
(MCL). For this project, CIL signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with GAIL and BEML on August
31, 2021.
How this kit will work?
Once the LNG kit is retrofitted and tested successfully, both the dumpers will be able to run on dual fuel
systems, that is, on LNG as well as Diesel.
Coal India Limited (CIL)
CIL is government-owned coal mining and refining corporation, under the ownership of Ministry of Coal. It is
headquartered in Kolkata. It is the largest coal-producing company worldwide and a Maharatna public
sector undertaking. CIL is also the fifth largest employer in India.
WCD Minister chairs National Conference of States/UTs
Minister for Women and Child Development (WCD), Smriti Zubin Irani, chaired the National Conference,
2021. This conference was held on 30th and 31st of August at Kevadia, Gujarat.

Key Points
During the National Conference, ministers discussed deliberated on implementation and governance
of schemes and programmes of the ministry, in a better manner, like new initiatives on three key
missions: Mission Poshan 2.0, Mission Vatsalya, and Mission Shakti.
Event started on August 31st, 2021, by giving tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, at the Statue of
Unity by Smriti Irani.
It was followed by planting of nutri-fruit saplings at Mahila Evam Bal Sashaktikaran Van in order to
exemplify the vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat’ as well as to promote plantation of Poshan
Vatikas or Nutri-gardens across the country.
During the conference, three key Missions and Global Indices were presented.
Chairpersons of NCPCR and NCW presented their perspectives on child rights and women
empowerment.
Mission Poshan 2.0
WCD minister urged all the State governments to participate in the ongoing POSHAN MAAH events and to
decide on their own the targets in order to develop Poshan Vatikas. She also requested the States to
improve infrastructure of Anganwadi centres and saturate the supply of mobile phones and GMDs during
the month.
Mission Vatsalya
While talking about Mission Vatsalya, WCD minister emphasised on the importance of recent amendments
in Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act. This amendment will help in improving the accountability of DC/DMs and it will
also facilitate into reintegration of vulnerable children into society.
Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and South Africa launch CBDC Scheme
Central banks in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and South Africa launched a Central Bank Digital Currencies
(CBDC) Scheme on August 2, 2021.
Key Points
CBDC scheme is a cross border payments trial that uses different central bank digital currencies
(CBDC) in order to assess if this allows transactions to be settled in a cheap and easy manner.
Many governments and central banks across the world are exploring the use of CBDCs.
CBDCs are digital forms of existing currencies.
Countries like China, are trialling retail-focused CBDCs that have been designed to replicate cash in
circulation.
Other countries are considering to use wholesale CBDCs in order to improve the internal workings of
financial systems.
Most of the projects are still in early stages and are domestically focused. But, the developing global
rules and frameworks on how CBDCs can be used internationally is complicated technically.
A separate BIS-led project to explore CBDCs for cross-border payments is also in process which
involve central banks from China, Hong Kong, the UAE And
Aim of the latest CBDC project
The latest CBDC project was launched by stated countries with the aim of developing prototype shared
platforms for cross-border transactions by using multiple CBDCs.
Significance of the platform
These new platforms would enable the financial institutions to transact directly with each other across
CBDCs. It will eliminate the requirement for intermediaries and reduce the time and cost of transactions.
The initiative, will also explore different technical, governance and operating designs. It will also publish its
results in early 2022. This platform will also leapfrog the legacy payment arrangements and serve as the

foundation for more efficient international settlement platform.
Central bank digital currency (CBDC)
CBDC is the virtual format of a fiat currency in a particular nation or region. It is an electronic record or
digital token of official currency. This currency is issued and regulated by its monetary authority.
September 3, 2021
What is Scrub Typhus?
Recently, a mystery fever was reported from parts of Uttar Pradesh. It claimed about 40 lives, mostly
children in one week. This viral fever was identified as Scrub typhus.
Highlights
Scrub typhus was reported mainly from Firozabad, Agra, Mainpuri, Etah and Kasganj districts of Uttar
Pradesh.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the affected region and said a team of experts from King
George’s Medical University of Lucknow would probe the deaths of children.
A team from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) was also called to look after the situation.
What is scrub typhus?
Scrub typhus is a re-emerging Rickettsial infection. This vector-borne disease has been earlier reported in
India and other South Asian countries. This disease is marked by fever and rashes. It also affects the
central nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, renal system and gastrointestinal
systems. In complicated cases, it could lead to pneumonia, meningo-encephalitis, gastro-intestinal
bleeding, acute renal failure, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Background
This disease has been named “scrub” after the type of vegetation that harbours the vector. Typhus is a
Greek word with meaning “fever with stupor” or smoke. This disease took the form of an epidemic during
World War II in some countries while during the Second World War, it emerged as the most dreaded disease
among soldiers of the Far East. In India, this fever out in an epidemic form during Second World War in
Assam and West Bengal.
How does it cause?
Scrub typhus fever is caused by a bacterium called Orientia tsutsugamushi. The name of the bacterium is of
Japanese origin. The word “tsutsuga” means illness and “mushi” means insect. This disease spreads
through bites of infected chiggers or larval mites. Bite marks are found on the armpit, genitalia or neck.
Singapore introduces 'Vaccinated Travel Lanes'
Singapore has introduced a “Vaccinated Travel Lanes”, for the fully vaccinated travellers.
Highlights
Reopening of international travel in the backdrop of Covid-19 is not going to be a straightforward affair.
Countries have been experimenting several concepts in order to allow the movement of passengers
between nations such as air bubbles, travel corridors, vaccine passports, and traffic light system.
Vaccinated Travel Lane is the new addition to the list.
About Vaccinated Travel Lanes
These lanes are basically an extension of travel corridors. However, these are meant only for fully
vaccinated travellers.
Which country introduced it?
Vaccinated Travel Lanes are introduced by Singapore. As of now, Singapore has established it with two
jurisdictions viz., Germany and Brunei Darussalam. Thus, Singapore is allowing fully vaccinated passengers
from these two countries to arrive for any travel purpose without any quarantine requirements.

How this concept will work?
Singapore will designate specific flights for these lanes to work. Window to apply for Vaccinated Travel
lanes opened from September 1 and such flights will run from September 8 onwards. Citizens and
permanent residents of Singapore do not need to apply for it in order to travel back home under this
mechanism.
Who are the eligible travellers?
In order to apply, travellers are required to be fully vaccinated. Persons will be considered fully vaccinated
14 days after receiving the full dose of vaccine authorised by WHO for emergency use. It include Covishield
vaccine by Serum Institute of India.
WHO monitoring new COVID variant ‘Mu’
Mu Variant’ of the coronavirus was first identified in Colombia in January 2021. Now, the World Health
Organization (WHO) is monitoring this variant of interest.
Mu Variant
Mu variant is scientifically known as B.1.621 and has been classified as a “variant of interest”.
According to WHO, variant has constellation of mutations indicating a risk of resistance to vaccines.
Mu has been reported in other South American countries and in Europe, besides Columbia.
As per WHO, global prevalence of the Mu Variant has declined to 0.1 percent. In Colombia, its
prevalence stands at 39 percent.
What are the concerns?
Concerns are raising over the emergence of new virus mutations because infection rates are increasing
globally again due to highly transmissible Delta variant. Cases are rising especially among the unvaccinated
regions and the regions where covid-19 measures have been relaxed.
Mutation among virus
All viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, mutate over time. Most of the mutation has little or no effect on
properties of the virus. However, there are certain mutations which can impact the properties of virus, how
easily it spreads, severity of the disease, and its resistance to vaccines & drugs.
Variant of concern
WHO has currently designated four Covid-19 variants of concerns. It includes Alpha variant, which is
present in 193 countries, as well as Delta variant, which is present in 170 countries. Now, Mu variant was
added to the list which is currently being monitored along with four others.
About Mu variant
Mu variant is also known as lineage B.1.621 or VUI-21JUL-1. It was first detected in January 2021 in
Colombia. WHO designated it as ‘Variant of interest’ on August 30, 2021. Cases of the Mu variant were
reported in South America and Europe.
Report: Protected Areas in Central Africa 2020
According to a report titled “Protected Areas in Central Africa 2020”, Central Africa can develop itself
sustainably if the resources are shared equitably and its environment is protected.
Highlights
Report was produced under the Central Africa Forest Observatory (OFAC) which is a specialised unit
of Central African Forests Commission (COMIFAC).
Central Africa is rich in copper, petroleum, iron, manganese, diamond, cobalt and coltan.
According to the report, development on the basis of respect for the environment and social equity is
the only way to prevent poverty and war.
Economic Growth in Central African Countries
According to the Macroeconomic forecasts for 2020, central African countries are reporting a growth

rate of between –2.5 per cent and –4.3 per cent.
Decline in oil prices per barrel since late 2018 along with the global health crisis caused by novel
coronavirus disease have led to a deteriorating economic situation.
Thus, governments in this region are boosting oil extraction and diversifying national economies,
towards mining and forestry industries.
Concerns with natural ecosystems
Natural ecosystems in central African region have been exposed to: Wildlife poaching, Increase in mining
permits, Expansion of transhumant pastoralism, Exploitation of timber & fuel wood, Industrial agriculture &
family farming as well as land conflicts.
Protected areas
There are about 206 protected areas in this region that cover 799,000 square kilometres. It accounts for
14.8 per cent of the land area and five per cent of the marine exclusive economic zone in the central African
countries.
Steps taken by countries
Countries have been taking several initiatives. 24 African countries have adopted “Extractive Industries
Transparency Initiative (EITI) standards”. EITI initiative was launched with the aim of promoting more
inclusive and transparent management of mineral resources by improving the governance systems. EITI has
also bringing in transparency in the sector.
Indian Royal Jelly- Key Facts
According to Pune-based researchers, Indian Royal Jelly was found to surpass top-quality sellers like
produced in Thailand and Taiwan.
Highlights
Royal Jelly are known for being a good antioxidant. It helps women with fertility issues.
Indian Royal Jelly meets the ISO-prescribed standards prescribed by Food Safety and Standards
Authority of India (FSSAI) in 2019.
India did not have any set standards for its royal jelly before 2019 when FSSAI imposed ISO
standards.
What is Royal Jelly?
Royal Jelly is a pearl white or pale yellow-coloured cohesive mixture of honey and secretions from
hypopharyngeal & mandibular glands of worker honeybees. It comprises of 60-70 percent moisture or water,
1-10 percent lipids, 0.8-3 percent minerals, 9-18 percent proteins, 7 percent sugar etc. It is used as food for
young larvae and adult queen honeybees.
How it is produced?
Royal jelly is produced artificially by encouraging bee colonies to produce queen bee, that is grown outside
its natural habitat. Larvae in the queen cells are fed with royal jelly. It is harvested when maximum amount
gets accumulated on the larva turning 5 days old.
Extraction of royal jelly
Extraction of royal jelly is done with the help of manpower who are specially trained in extraction and
excellent larvae grafting skills.
Storage of Royal Jelly
Royal jelly is stored at sub-zero temperatures just after production, during packaging as well as consumer’s
end. Preferred temperature to store fresh royal jelly is below –20 degrees Celsius. In order to remove the
moisture, Freezee drier (a special machine) is required. India currently has three machines, which were
imported from Germany.

China develops miniature helicopter for Mars missions
China developed a prototype miniature helicopter for the purpose of surveillance work on future Mars
missions.
Key Points
According to Chinese space science agency, this miniature helicopter was developed after the
historic landing of robotic rover on the Mars.
The prototype helicopter is similar to the robotic helicopter Ingenuity in appearance, which was
developed by NASA for its Perseverance mission.
Chinese prototype helicopter also comprise of two rotor blades, a sensor & camera base and four thin
legs. However, it does not comprise of solar panel at the top like in Ingenuity.
China has planned its first crewed mission to the Mars in 2033.
China’s Rover
China landed its Mars rover in May 2021. It was the China’s first-ever mission to the planet. It became the
second country after the United States to land such mission on Mars.
Perseverance Mission
It is UAS’s advanced rover that landed on the Mars in February 2021. In April, Ingenuity made its inaugural
flight from NASA rover. It rose about 3 metres (10 feet) above the surface. This was the first successful
deployment of a powered aircraft on a planet other than Earth. In making the flight, challenge for 1.8kg
Ingenuity was the thin atmosphere of Mars. Atmosphere of MARS is just 1 percent of the density of Earth’s
atmosphere. To compensate for the lack of aerodynamic lift, Ingenuity was equipped with rotor blades that
are larger (1.2 metres tip to tip) and spin more rapidly than for an aircraft of its size on Earth.
BRICS Bank admits UAE, Bangladesh, Uruguay as new members
New Development Bank (NDB) by BRICS group of nations has added United Arab Emirates, Uruguay and
Bangladesh as the new members on September 2, 2021.
Key Points
This first batch of new members were added to the bank as part of its expansion drive.
New Development Bank
New Development Bank was Launched in 2015 by the BRICS Members- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South
Africa. It was formerly referred as “BRICS development bank”. It is headquartered in Shanghai. The first
regional office of the NDB was set up in Johannesburg, South Africa while second regional office was
established in 2019 in Brazil, followed by in Russia.
Function of the Bank
The bank mobilises resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in the member
countries as well as in other developing nations. It complements the existing efforts made by multilateral
and regional financial institutions towards global growth and development.
Membership expansion
NDB started it membership expansion and started formal negotiations with prospective members in 2020.
Admission of the UAE, Uruguay and Bangladesh as Bank’s first new member countries, was approved after a
round of successful negotiations.
NDB’s capital and projects
The Bank has an authorised capital of USD 100 billion. It is open for subscription by members of the United
Nations. NDB has approved about 80 projects in all of its member countries which amount to portfolio of
USD 30 billion. Projects in areas of transport, water & sanitation, digital infrastructure, clean energy, social
infrastructure and urban development are within the scope of NDB.

What is 5-star ‘Eat Right Station’ certification?
On September 2, 2021, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) awarded a 5-star ‘Eat Right
Station’ certification to the Chandigarh Railway Station.
Highlights
This certification was awarded for providing high-quality, nutritious food to passengers.
It was awarded the certification after the conclusion of an FSSAI-empanelled third-party audit agency
with ratings from 1 to 5.
5-star rating indicates exemplary efforts made by stations in ensuring that safe and hygienic food is
available to passengers.
Which body is responsible for food supply?
Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation (IRSDC) is the body responsible for food supply to the
Railways. It also looks after the upgradation of railway stations. IRSDC has selected the Chandigarh Railway
station to upgrade it on the line of World Class Railway Station.
Eat Right Station certification
The ‘Eat Right Station Certification’ was the part of the ‘Eat Right India’ movement. It is a large-scale effort
made by FSSAI to transform food system in India in order to ensure safe, healthy and sustainable food for
all Indians. As per IRSDC, Eat Right India adopts a mix of regulatory, capacity building, collaborative, and
empowerment approaches in ensuring that the food is suitable both for people as well as planet.
Which stations have got this certification?
Chandigarh Railway Station has become the fifth station in India to receive this certification. Other stations
with this certification include- Anand Vihar Terminal Railway Station in Delhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in
Mumbai, Mumbai Central Railway Station in Mumbai and Vadodara Railway Station in Vadodara.
Shikshak Parv-2021 to be observed from Sept 5
The Shikshak Parv-2021 will be observed from September 5, 2021.
Highlights
During the Shikshak Parv-2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address teachers, students and
other stakeholders of the education sector on September 7.
This event will be celebrated to honour the contribution of teachers.
On the occasion, PM will launch five initiatives:
1. Indian sign language dictionary of 10,000 words
2. Talking books (audio books for visually impaired)
3. School quality assessment and accreditation framework (SQAAF) of CBSE
4. NISTHA teachers’ training programme for NIPUN Bharat, and
5. Vidyanjali portal to facilitate education volunteers, donors and CSR contributors in development of
school.
Shikshak Parv-2021
Shikshak Parv-2021 will be celebrated by Ministry of Education (MoE) from September 5 to 17, 2021. It will
be organised to recognise the valuable contributions of teachers and to take National Education Policy
(NEP) 2020 ahead.
National Awards to Teachers
President Ram Nath Kovind will confer the National Award to Teachers through a webinar on September 5.
For the award this year, an online self-nomination process was followed through a three-tier selection
process at district, state and national level. During the event, a documentary film on each of the 44 awardee
teachers will also be shown.

History of National Awards
National Awards to Teachers were first established in 1958 in order to recognise excellence and
commitment of teachers towards shaping the minds and future of the youth. From the mid-60s onwards,
September 5 was selected as a fixed date for the function to commemorate the birthday of Dr Sarvepalli
Radhakrishnan (former President of India).
Theme of the webinars
The theme of webinars has been divided into nine sub-themes such as
1. Technology in Education: NDEAR,
2. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy: A Prerequisite to Learning
NASA’s Mars Rover collected its First Rock Sample
Newest Mars rover of the American Space Agency, NASA has successfully collected the first rock sample
for return to the Earth.
Highlights
Rock sample was termed as the perfect core sample by the Perseverance rover’s chief engineer,
Adam Steltzner.
In earlier attempt, Perseverance drilled into much softer rock to crumble the sample, but it didn’t get
inside the titanium tube. Then the rover drove a half-mile for a better sampling spot to drill again.
Perseverance arrived at the Jezero Crater of Mars in February 2021.
The Jezero Crater is believed to be the home of a lush lake-bed and river delta billions of years ago.
Thus, this mission was launched in search of rocks that could reveal about ancient life.
NASA has planned to launch more spacecraft to get samples collected by Perseverance.
About Mars 2020
Mars 2020 is a ‘Mars rover mission’ under the NASA’s Mars Exploration Program. It comprises of rover
Perseverance and a small robotic, coaxial helicopter Ingenuity. This mission was launched from Earth on
July 30, 2020 on an Atlas V launch vehicle. It touched down the Martian crater Jezero on February 18, 2021.
NASA named the landing site of the rover as Octavia E. Butler Landing on March 5, 2021. Perseverance and
Ingenuity have been on Mars for 191 sols (196 total days) as of now.
What is Sol?
Sol is a solar day on Mars. It is the apparent interval between two successive returns of the Sun to the same
meridian as witnessed by observer on Mars. Sol is longer than the Earth day by 24 hours, 39 minutes, 35
seconds.
UK announces new sanctions against Myanmar
Foreign Secretary of United Kingdom, Dominic Raab, has announced new sanctions against Myanmar on
September 2, 2021.
Highlights
New sanctions were imposed on Myanmar to affect the businesses that provide financial support to
the military junta.
According to UK government, new sanctions are aimed at Myanmar businessman U Tay Za and his
Htoo Group.
Htoo business group is a large business network which controls several activities in Myanmar. It has
been accused of funding the clearance of Rohingya in Rakhine in 2017.
U Tay Za – Military ties
U Tay Za is having a close tie with the military because of his connections with the junta leaders. He has
always provided support to supply the militias with arms & weapons. This has resulted into

What does this sanction mean?
These sanctions clarify that, UK will take concrete measures to restrict the junta’s access to finance and
economic resources. It will also target business networks associated with the military regime.
Why new sanction announced?
New sanction was announced because military junta showed no signs of stopping its brutal attack on the
people of Myanmar. Myanmar’s military also operated a successful coup on Myanmar’s government and
announced a year-long state of emergency in the country.
How this sanction will impact U Tay Za?
According to UK government, they are freezing all the UK assets that are owned by Htoo Group and U Tay Za
immediately. He has also been banned from entering the UK. New sanctions also provide for stopping
banks or lenders in Myanmar from providing any financial support to him for personal purposes or his
business group. These sanctions will ensure that the supply of arms to Myanmar is stopped.
India-US tie up for Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
India and the United States had signed a Project Agreement for the ‘Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle’
in the end of July 2021.
Key Points
Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (ALUAV) will be launched under the ambit of Defence
Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).
The PA was signed on July 30 in between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and U.S. Department of
Defence (DoD) by co-chairs of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Air Systems.
The agreement highlights the collaboration between Indian Air Force, Air Force Research Laboratory,
and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the design, development,
demonstration, testing and evaluation of systems in a bid to co-develop an ALUAV prototype.
Background
The project agreement for the ALUAV is under the Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation
Memorandum of Agreement that was first signed between MoD and U.S. DoD in January 2006. Agreement
was renewed in January 2015.
Significance of the project
Project agreement is a significant step to deepen the defence technology collaboration in between India
and United States by co-developing the defence equipment.
Aim of the DTTI
The Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) was launched with the aim of bringing sustained
leadership focus in a bid to promote collaborative technology exchange between both the countries. It also
seeks to create opportunities for co-production and co-development of future technologies military forces
of India and US. Under the initiative, a Joint Working Groups on land, naval, air, and aircraft carrier
technologies have been set up to focus on mutually agreed projects in respective domains. Initiative was
announced in 2012 as an ambitious initiative for the co-production and co-development of military systems.
FM chairs 24th meeting of FSDC
Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, chaired the 24th meeting of Financial Stability and Development
Council (FSDC) at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)
FSDC is an apex-level body that was set by the government of India in order to create a super regulatory
body. Its establishment was first recommended by the Raghuram Rajan Committee in 2008. Finally in 2010,
Pranab Mukherjee (the then Finance Minister of India) decided to set up this autonomous body to deal with
macro prudential and financial regularities of entire financial sector in India. It is not a statutory body. No

funds are allocated separately to the council to undertake its activities.
Background
In order to strengthen and institutionalize the mechanism of maintaining financial stability, to enhance inter-
regulatory coordination and to promote financial sector development, FSDC was set up as the apex level
forum in December 2010.
Function of the FSDC
This council is considered as India’s initiative to be better conditioned in preventing any economic crisis in
future.
Members of the council
Chairperson: Union Finance Minister of India
Other Members:
1. Governor of Reserve Bank of India
2. Finance Secretary and/ or Secretary of Department of Economic Affairs
3. Secretary of Department of Financial Services
4. Secretary of Ministry of Corporate Affairs
5. Secretary of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
6. Chief Economic Advisor to Ministry of Finance
7. Chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of India
8. Chairman of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
9. Chairman of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority
10. Chairman of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India
11. Additional Secretary to Ministry of Finance
September 4, 2021
Ladakh's New State animal and State bird
Ladakh adopted two endangered species, snow leopard and black-necked crane, as its State animal and
State bird respectively on September 1, 2021.
Key Points
Ladakh adopted these species two years after it was separate Union created as a separate Union
Territory (UT) from the erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).
Snow leopard and black-necked crane are the designated State animal and State bird respectively
from the date of issue of the notification.
Black-Necked Crane
Black-necked Crane are scientifically known as Grus nigricollis. It is a medium-sized crane found in Asia. It
breeds on the Tibetan Plateau and remote parts of India & Bhutan. The crane is 139 cm long with a
wingspan of 235 cm and weighs of 5.5 kg. It is whitish-grey in colour along with a black head, red crown
patch, white patch to the rear of eye, black upper neck & legs. Some of its populations are known to make
seasonal movements. It is respected in Buddhist traditions and is culturally protected in much of its range.
In India, Black-necked crane are only found in Ladakh region. It was the State bird of J&K before it was
made a UT in 2019. It is an endangered species.
Snow leopard
Snow leopard is scientifically called as Panthera uncia. It is a felid of genus Panthera and is native to the
mountain ranges in Central and South Asia. It has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List as its
global population is lesser than 10,000 mature individuals. It is expected to decline by 10% by 2040.
Poaching and habitat destruction are the biggest threat to them.

World Social Protection Report 2020-22- Highlights
World Social Protection Report 2020-22 was released by International Labour Organisation (ILO) on
September 1, 2021.
Key Findings of report
As per report, more than half of the world population are not getting any form of social protection.
This trend of no social protection is there even after expansion of social protections amidst the
global outbreak of COVID-19.
Only 47 per cent of the global population had effective access to one social protection benefit, in
2020 while 53 per cent (4.1 billion people) had no protection at all.
People in Europe and Central Asia are among the best covered population. 84 per cent of populations
in Europe and Central Asia are having access to at least one benefit.
In America, the rate of social protection is 64.3 per cent.
In Asia, the Pacific and the Arab States, lesser than half of people are covered under protection.
In Africa, only 17.4 per cent of the people are getting at least one social protection.
Most children across the globe had no social protection.
Just one in four children in the world get a social protection benefit.
45 per cent of women with new-borns receive cash maternity benefit.
One in three people with severe disabilities receive disability benefits.
One in five people worldwide are covered in case they lose their job.
Rich Poor divide
This report examined the impact COVID-19 pandemic on social protection. It found, an additional spending
required to ensure minimum social protection for all and reduce the financing gap has increased by 30 per
cent since the start of the pandemic. On an average, countries spend approximately 13 per cent of GDP on
social protection. However, high-income countries spend 16.4 per cent of GDP on social protection. On the
other hand, low-income countries spend just 1.1 per cent.
Social Protection
Social protection comprises of access to healthcare and income security in cases of unemployment, old
age, inability to work, and for families with children.
CORBEVAX’ gets DCGI approval for Clinical trials
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) gave approval to another indigenous COVID-19 vaccine
candidate called CORBEVAX for two clinical trials.
Highlights
Vaccine maker Biological E received approval to conduct phase two and three clinical trials on
children between five to eighteen years of age.
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)
have supported Biological E’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate of Biological E, right from Preclinical
Stage to Phase-III clinical studies.
vaccine has also received financial assistance under Mission COVID Suraksha and a financial support
under COVID-19 Research Consortia through National Biopharma Mission, BIRAC.
Corbevax Vaccine
This vaccine is also called as BioE COVID-19 vaccine. This COVID-19 vaccine candidate has been developed
by Indian biopharmaceutical firm Biological E. Limited (BioE) in collaboration with the Baylor College of
Medicine, Houston in United States and American company Dynavax Technologies (DVAX). Vaccine is a
protein subunit vaccine. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has already ordered 300 million doses of
Corbevax in June 2021.

Who is funding the vaccine?
U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced in April 2021 to fund the expansion of
BioE’s manufacturing capabilities in order to produce at least 1 billion doses by end of 2022.
Background
Phase I clinical trial was carried in 360 participants in order to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of
the vaccine candidate. Its phase II trial was concluded in April 2021. Permission to conduct phase III clinical
trials was given in April 2021.
PM addresses plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF)
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, addressed the session of Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) on September 3,
2021.
Key Points
During the session, Prime Minister noted that, India-Russia energy partnership can bring stability in
the global energy market. At the same time, International North-South Transport Corridor will bring
both the countries closer.
The plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) was held in Vladivostok.
Background
EEF is an international meet, held annually in Vladivostok in order to encourage foreign investments in the
resource-rich but underdeveloped Far East region of Russia. Russia has actively engaged India to invest in
this region, following which India had announced a $1-billion line of credit for the Far East during EEF 2019.
India-Russia cooperation
Energy is one of the major pillars of India-Russia strategic partnership. Energy partnership between
both the countries can help in bringing stability in the global energy market.
Both the countries have also been making a Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor. This connectivity
project and International North-South (Transport) Corridor will bring both the countries physically
closer.
India’s state-run Mazagon Docks Limited (India’s largest shipyards) will partner with Russian ship-
building facility at Zvezda in order to build important commercial ships in the world.
India and Russia are also partners in space exploration through the Gaganyaan programme.
Both will also partner in opening the Northern Sea Route for international trade.
Eastern Economic Forum
EEF is an international forum organised each year in Vladivostok, Russia. It is held in a bid to encourage
foreign investment in Russian Far East region. It was first held in September 2015, at Far Eastern Federal
University in Vladivostok. This forum is sponsored by the organizing committee appointed by Roscongress.
Amazon India launches Kisan Store
Amazon India announced the launch of Kisan Store. The store was launched by Union Minister for
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar on September 2, 2021.
About Kisan Store
Kisan Store is an online platform that enable farmers of India to get access of more than 8,000
agriculture inputs like farm tools & accessories, seeds, plant protection, nutrition etc.
These products are listed by small and medium businesses (SMBs).
Products will be available at competitive prices on Amazon India and will be delivered at the doorstep
of farmers.
These stores comprise of thousands of products listed from over 20 brands.
Language of store
Kisan store will be available in languages like Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Malayalam.

Mode of Payment
Farmers can buy products listed on store using digital payments.
Amazon Easy store
Amazon also opened up its network of more than 5,000 Amazon Easy stores for farmers to shop with the
help of the store owners. Store owners will help the farmers to browse through the store and identify
product they like. They will also help then in creating their Amazon accounts, place orders, and checkout to
buy.
Agronomy Services
Amazon also launched its agronomy services for farmers. It will provide farmers with timely advice and
enable them to make accurate decisions regarding the actions required for their crops.
Aim of the Kisan Store
Amazon India launched Kisan Store with the aim of introducing machine learning technology for better
produce and build a robust supply chain infrastructure.
What are AT1 bonds?
India’s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) announced on September 3, 2021 that it has raised Rs 4,000
crore through additional Tier 1 (AT1) bonds.
Key Points
AT1 bonds were raised at a coupon rate of 7.72%.
It the first such issuance in domestic market after the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
notified new rules.
SBI has AAA credit rating from local credit agencies while the AT1 offering is rated AA+. This is the
highest rating in India for such instruments.
SBI was also the first lender to raise capital through offshore AT1 bonds in 2016.
The latest issuance by SBI has encouraged other lenders such as Axis Bank to look after the offshore
AT1 bond issue in order to raise about $1 billion.
Axis Bank Bond
Axis Bank will use these proceeds for green and social projects. It has set an initial price guidance of 4.4%
for the bonds. Axis Bank became the second Indian lender in 2021 to tap overseas debt markets to raise
funds using AT1 bonds. HDFC Bank also raised $1 billion, recently.
SEBI Rule
SEBI amended the 100-year valuation rule for perpetual bonds, in March 2021. As per new rules, deemed
residual maturity period of Basel III AT-1 bonds will be 10 years until March 31, 2022. This period will be
increased to 20 and 30 years in subsequent six-month period. According to new rule, from April 2023,
residual maturity of AT-1 bonds will become 100 years from the date of issuance of these bonds.
What are AT1 bonds?
AT1 bonds are also called perpetual bonds. They carry no maturity date but are having a call option. The
issuer of these bonds may call or redeem the bonds in case it is getting money at a cheaper rate, especially
when interest rates are decreasing.
India: 1st Asian Country to launch a Plastics pact
India has become the first Asian Country to launch a Plastics pact on September 3, 2021.
Key Points
This new platform was developed by World-Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF India) in collaboration
with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
It will help to promote a circular system for plastics.
New platform was launched by British High Commissioner to India, Alexander Ellis.

It will bring together prominent enterprises on a national level in order to make pledges for the
creation of a circular plastics system.
Aim of the pact
Commitments under the pact are aimed at keeping plastic packaging in the economy and out of
natural environment.
It mentioned 17 businesses including major FMCG brands, manufacturers, retailers and recyclers who
have committed with the pact as founding members. Nine businesses have joined as supporting
organisations.
The pact provides for time-bound targets of reducing, innovating and re-imagining plastic packaging.
It aims to define a list of unnecessary or problematic plastic packaging & items and take measures to
address these problems with the help of redesign and innovation, by 2030.
Under the pact, 100 per cent of plastic packaging will be made reusable or recyclable, 50 per cent of
plastic packaging will be effectively recycled and 25 per cent average recycled content will be made
across all plastic packaging.
Plastic waste in India
India generates about 9.46 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. Out of this, 40 per cent are not
collected. In India, half of all plastics production are used in packaging and most of it is single use plastic.
Who provide support to plastic pacts?
UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) and WRAP fully support the plastic pact in India. They also support
plastics pacts in Europe, US, Australia, and Africa.
Avani Lekhara: 1st Indian woman to win 2 Paralympic medals
Avani Lekhara has become the 1st Indian women to win two Paralympic medals at a single edition of the
Paralympics on September 3, 2021.
Key Points
Avani Lekhara won a bronze medal in women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions (SH1) event.
She made history with a third-place finish.
She had become the first Indian woman to win gold in women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing (SH1) event at
the ongoing Paralympics.
made more history on Friday with a third-place finish in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event.
Background
In the 1984 Paralympics, Joginder Singh Sodhi had won multiple medals in single edition of the Games. He
clinched one silver and two bronze medals.
Avani Lekhara
She is an Indian Paralympian and rifle shooter who won a gold medal in 10m air rifle standing as well as a
bronze medal in 50m air rifle standing at 2020 Paralympics. She is currently ranked at World No 5 in
Women’s 10m Air Rifle standing SH1. GoSports Foundation has been supporting her through the Para
Champions Programme. She became the first Indian woman to win multiple medals at a single Paralympic
Games.
Background
She started her shooting in 2015 after getting inspired by former Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra. In
2012, a car accident at the age of 11 left her with complete paraplegia. Then, her father encouraged her to
join sports. She was trained in archery but she moved to shooting as she found it to be her true passion.
Coach Suma Shirur is the key influence behind her success at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
Centre set to sign a tripartite ‘Karbi Peace Accord’
The Centre is set to sign a tripartite “Karbi Peace Accord” on September 4, 2021.

Highlights
This accord is significant because insurgency by Karbi group has a long history in Assam which is
marked by killings, ethnic violence, abductions and taxations since 1980s.
Karbi is a major ethnic community in Assam and are dotted by several factions and splinters.
About 200 Karbi terrorists will be present while signing of the agreement. These 200 Karbi terrorists
are part of 1,040 terrorists who surrendered before the Assam government in February 2021.
Background
Around 1,040 terrorists from five insurgent groups of Karbi Anglong district ceremonially put down their
arms at an event in Guwahati in February, in the presence of then Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. This
development further bolstered the ‘terrorism-free Assam’ image of present BJP-led government.
Surrendered terrorists belong to Karbi Longri NC Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF), United People’s Liberation
Army (UPLA), People’s Democratic Council of Karbi Longri (PDCK) and Kuki Liberation Front (KLF). They had
come to surrender their weapons a year after signing of Bodo Peace Accord to end the long-run violence in
Bodoland.
Bodoland Region
Bodoland region is an autonomous territorial region, administered by the Bodoland Territorial Council, which
is an elected body. Bodo Accord was first signed in 2003 in a bid to maintain peace in the region. In 2020, it
was extended by central government.
How these different outfits originated?
These outfits were originated from the core demand of establishing a separate state. Karbi Anglong
Autonomous Council (KAAC) is an autonomous district council, which is protected under Sixth Schedule of
the Indian Constitution. Karbi National Volunteers and Karbi People’s Force joined together to form United
People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) in 1990s. UPDS put down arms and signed a tripartite memorandum
of settlement, in November 2011, with Centre and Government of Assam in return of enhanced autonomy
and special packages for the KAAC.
IISc-ISRO develop device to conduct microbial experiments in outer space
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have
developed device to conduct microbial experiments in outer space.
Highlights
This modular, self-contained device can be used to cultivate microorganisms which in turn, enable
scientists to carry out biological experiments even in outer space.
This study was published in Acta Astronautica. Researchers showed how this device can be used to
activate and track the growth of a bacterium called Sporosarcina pasteurii for several days with
minimal involvement of human.
This understanding of how these microbes behave in extreme environments will provide valuable insights
for human space missions like ‘Gaganyaan’ that is set to be launched in 2022.
Background
Scientists have been exploring the use of lab-on-chip platforms, in recent years, which combine several
inputs into a single integrated chip to conduct experiments. However, there are other challenges to design
such platforms for outer space as compared to the lab.
About the new device
The new device uses a combination of Light Emitting Diode (LED) and photodiode sensor, which track the
bacterial growth by measuring optical density or scattering of light. It is similar to spectrophotometers used
in the lab. It also comprises of separate compartments for different experiments. Each compartment or

‘cassette’ have chamber where bacteria and nutrient medium can be mixed to kickstart growth.
How data is collected?
Data from each cassette is collected and stored separately. Three cassettes are clubbed into single
cartridge, which consumes less than 1 watt of power. According to researchers, a full payload that could go
in a spacecraft will comprise four such cartridge which are capable of carrying 12 independent experiments.
Govt launches AYUSH AAPKE DWAR campaign
Ayush Ministry launched the campaign called “AYUSH AAPKE DWAR” from some 45 locations across India
on September 3, 2021.
Highlights
Campaign was launched by Minister of State for Ayush from Ayush Bhawan by distributing medicinal
plants to staff.
About 21 states are participating in launch activities in which more than 2 lakh saplings will be
distributed across India.
Aim of the campaign
AYUSH AAPKE DWAR campaign was launched with the aim of distributing medicinal plant saplings to 75
lakh households in India in one year. These medicinal plants include Ashoka, Tejpatta, Stevia,
Ashwagandha, Jatamansi, Giloy/Guduchi, Shatavari, Guggulu, Lemongrass, Tulsi, Sarpagandha, Brahmi,
Kalmegh and Amla.
Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav
Under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, various other programs were launched such as- launch of the Y-Break
App and distribution of Prophylactic Ayush Drugs.
AYUSH ministry
AYUSH Ministry is dubbed as “Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and
Homoeopathy”. It was set up on November 9, 2014 to develop education, research and propagation of
indigenous alternative medicine systems across India. This ministry was renamed as “Ministry of AYUSH”
on April 13, 2021. This ministry includes seven traditional systems of healthcare.
Function of the ministry
AYUSH ministry runs various healthcare programs, with primary focus on rural population. It forms an
integral backbone of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Till date, about 50000 children have been enrolled in
‘Homeopathy for Healthy Child’.
Arunachal Pradesh launches Two Agri schemes
Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, launched two ambitious schemes on September 3,
2021.
Highlights
One scheme was launched in agriculture sector, called ‘Atmanirbhar Krishi Yojana’, and
Second scheme was launched in horticulture sector, called ‘Atmanirbhar Bagwani Yojana’.
Both the schemes are part of the Atmanirbhar programme that was announced by central government
during the budget session of 2021.
Rs 120 crores has been allocated to Atmanirbhar Krishi Yojana and Rs 60 crores allocated for
Atmanirbhar Bagwani Yojana.
Atmanirbhar Krishi Yojana
This scheme is the subsumed version of erstwhile Chief Minister’s Sashakt Kisan Yojana and Chief
Minister’s Samuh Yojana. This subsumed scheme gives more thrust and comprises more provision of bank
loan. Similarly, the Atmanirbhar Bagwani Yojana is the updated version of Chief Minister’s Sashakt Kisan
Yojana.

Significance of the schemes
Both of the schemes are unique because both based on front-ended subsidies. Under the scheme, credit
link will be provided to the beneficiaries by the State Bank of India, Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank (APRB)
and Arunachal Pradesh Cooperative Apex Bank. Under the scheme, 45 percent will be provided as
government subsidy, 45 percent as bank loan while only 10 percent will have to be borne by the farmer.
How to avail this scheme?
To avail the schemes, no land document such as land possession certificate (LPC) will be required for
SHGs. They just require simple certificate like EAC, CO or BDO concerned. Also, there will be no collateral
with respect to individual schemes to get loan up to Rs 1.60 lakh. For SHGs, no collateral will be required for
loans up to Rs 10 lakhs.
Implementation of the schemes
Schemes will be implemented by:
1. State level committee headed by the chief secretary and
2. District level committees headed by the deputy commissioners.
September 6, 2021
Suhas Yathiraj: 1st IAS officer to win Paralympics medal
Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj, current district magistrate of Noida, has become the first IAS officer to win
Paralympics medal.
Key Points
He ended his campaign with the winning of historic silver.
He lost gold to top seed Lucas Mazur of France in the men’s singles SL4 class final at the Tokyo
Paralympics on September 5.
Mazur has also won three gold medals in European Championships, in the qualifying group A match.
But India made a tremendous effort in the final to challenge him.
Suhas historic win
Suhas has an impairment in one of his ankles.
He produced an entertaining performance of 21-15, 17-21, 15-21 against the two-time world
champion Mazur in a 62-minute summit clash.
He also became the first-ever IAS officer to win a medal at the Paralympics.
Semi-final Match
In the semi-final match, Suhas has outwitted Fredy Setiawan of Indonesia by 21-9 ,21-15.
Background
Suhas is a computer engineer who went on to become an IAS officer. He has been posted as a district
magistrate of Noida since 2020. This role saw him at the forefront of the fight against ongoing COVID-19
pandemic. In 2017, he has won gold medals at BWF Turkish Para badminton championship in men’s singles
as well as in men’s doubles. In 2016, he won gold at Asia championships while in 2018, he won bronze in
Asian Para Games.
India at Tokyo Paralympics
India made its first appearance at the Paralympics in 1968. In total, India had won 12 medals till 2016 Rio
edition. India now improved upon the entire number by 7 medals at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics alone. India
have finished at 24th position out of 162 nations in terms of overall medal tally.
Yoshihide Suga to step down as Japan PM
Prime minister of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, will not run for re-election as the party leader in September.
Key Points
Yoshihide Suga had been appointed as Prime Minister in 2020 after the resignation of Shinzo Abe.
Suga announced to end his tenure as his approval ratings dropped to an all-time low.
State of emergency in Japan
Japan is still under a state of emergency and is grappling with the worst ever Covid wave. It has now seen
more than 1.5 million virus cases while it is witnessing a slow vaccination roll out. Decision to host the
Olympics Games in 2021 despite the worsening pandemic further deteriorated the situation.
Gains in financial market
Financial markets in Japan had made gains in recent weeks. Country’s shares increased sharply on the
news. The broad Topix stock index closed up by 1.6% after hitting the highest level in three decades.
Election in Japan
The ruling party of Japan is scheduled to hold an election to pick its president on September 29, 2021. The
winner of the leadership election is expected to be Japan’s leader as LDP holds a parliamentary majority.
Who is Yoshihide Suga?
Yoshihide Suga, 72-year-old, was born to a family of strawberry farmers. He was first elected for Yokohama
City Council in 1987. He got elected to Japan’s Diet for the first time, in 1996. In 2005, the then prime
minister, Junichiro Koizumi, appointed him as senior vice of internal affairs and communication. In the
following year, prime minister Shinzo Abe appointed him as minister with three cabinet posts. He held this
position till 2007.
Atlas of Mortality and Economic Losses from Weather, Climate and Water Extremes (1970-2019)
Atlas of Mortality and Economic Losses from Weather, Climate and Water Extremes (1970-2019) was
released on September 1, 2021.
Key Findings
According to the atlas, developed nations incurred the bulk of $3.6tn in economic losses because of
severe weather events in past five decades.
High death tolls in poorer countries have been partly reduced by better evacuation.
According to scientists of UN’s world meteorological organisation, in past 50 years, number of
weather-related disasters had increased fivefold across the globe.
In this period, death toll of 115 people and more than $200m was lost every day. The death toll was
the result of climate change, more extreme weather and improved reporting.
In this period, total losses amounted to $3.6tn and 2m deaths.
For instance, estimated cost of Hurricane Ida, fifth-largest hurricane to make landfall in US, could be
about $80bn.
Three out of 10 world’s costliest disasters occurred in 2017 alone namely- hurricanes Harvey (cost-
$96.9bn), Maria (cost-$69.4bn) and Irma (cost-$58.2bn).
Wider economic cost
As per catastrophe and risk modelling group AIR, wider economic cost comprises of an estimated hit to
insurers of between $17bn and $25bn. This will cover the damage from wind & storm surge and it will pay
out to repair cars, residential property, commercial as well as industrial property. However, it does not
include insurance claims that will come from the heavy rains and flooding caused by Ida.
What has led to increase in frequency of extreme weather events?
Frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including wildfires, across southern Europe, Siberia & the
US and flooding in northern Europe, has increased due to global warming.
Gujarat launches Vatan Prem Yojana
Governing body of Vatan Prem Yojana held its first meeting on September 4, 2021. The Vatan Prem Yojana
was launched on August 7, 2021.

Key Points
They held the meeting at Gandhinagar under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Presentation of details of the scheme was put before the chief minister.
Governing body proposed works to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore, which have to be completed by
December 2022.
Project Management Unit
Governing body has formed a project management unit for the smooth implementation of this scheme.
Donors under the project
Governing body has made it possible for donors to send their money online. Under the scheme, Non-
Resident Gujaratis (NRGs) and NRIs can contribute 60 percent of the cost of a village-level project.
Remaining 40 percent amount will be borne by the state government.
Vatan Prem Yojana
Vatan prem Yohana is a repackaged version of Madar-e-Vatan scheme by the state government of Gujarat.
Madar-e-Vatan has been renamed due to association of the title with Persian language. In the earlier version
of the scheme, contribution of the state government and NRIs was 50:50. Now, it has been changed to
60:40.
Projects covered under the scheme
The Vatan prem yojana will cover village-level projects such as:
1. Smart classes in schools and Library
2. Community hall, Primary health centre and Anganwadi
3. CCTV surveillance system,
4. Water recycling, drainage, sewage treatment and beautification of ponds.
5. Bus-stand
6. Solar energy powered streetlights, etc.
Tamil Nadu to set up India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve
Government of Tamil Nadu recently announced its plan to set up India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve
in the Palk Bay on the southeast coast.
Highlights
Dugong or sea cow is an endangered marine mammal. It is facing extinction because of habitat loss,
sea pollution, and loss of seagrass.
Dugong is found in Gulf of Mannar and at Palk Bay in Tamil Nadu.
Gulf of Mannar is a shallow bay area between south eastern end of Tamil Nadu and western Sri
Lanka.
With the help of community participation, Government will also construct a Dugong Marine
Conservation Reserve in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay area to protect the species.
Marine Conservation Reserve will be established over an area of 500km in Palk Bay.
It is believed that, an estimated 200 individuals live in the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar area which
would largely benefit from Tamil Nadu government’s recent decision to establish conservation
reserve.
About Dugong
Dugong is a sea mammal and is the only living species of the order Sirenia. The mammal is restricted to
coastal habitat because of seagrass, which is a major part of its diet. They have a distinct dolphin-like tail,
different skull form and teeth pattern. Its closest relative is Steller’s Sea cow, which got extinction in
eighteenth century. The IUCN has listed dugong as a “vulnerable to extinction species”. On the other hand,
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species has limited or banned the trade of derived

products.
Big John- Biggest Triceratops to be auctioned
Big John, an enormous triceratops, is to be auctioned in October 2021 and is expected to get big bucks on
the auction block in France.
Key Points
Big John’s skeleton is more than 66 million years old and is 60% complete,
It is the largest triceratops ever found, measuring about 26 feet long.
Its skull is 75% complete and is 6.6 feet wide.
Auction of Triceratops
Skeleton of Big John will be displayed to public by French auction house Giquello from September 16 to
October 15 at 13 Rue des Archives in Paris. On October 18, it will make its debut appearance at the Parisian
auction house Hotel Drouot. In the Parisian auction house, it will be auctioned on October 21 to the highest
bidder. It is expected to fetch between $1.4 million and $1.8 million.
About the Triceratops
Tri-horned triceratops inhabited North America during Cretaceous period some 67 million to 65 million years
ago. Big John lived on an island continent called Laramidia, in South Dakota. Island continent Laramidia
was formed during the Cretaceous when a shallow sea had flooded the central region of North America.
When its fossil was discovered?
Paleontologist Walter W. Stein had discovered the fossil of triceratops in 2014. He excavated the skeleton
from Hell Creek Formation which is an ancient flood plain and a rich fossil site spanning over Montana,
North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. Big John died and was covered by thick mud as a result it got
fossilized.
September 5: International Day of Charity
The International Day of Charity is celebrated on September 5, every year along with the celebration of
Teacher’s Day.
Key Points
On this day, philanthropic and humanitarian efforts of any kind are honoured.
Charity is done with the aim of alleviating problems that plague a community. Several organisations
across the world have dedicated their lives to address grievances in the fields of public healthcare,
housing, education, women empowerment, child development, etc.
Background
The International Day of Charity was first celebrated by the Hungarian civil society with the support of
government of Hungary.
Why September 5 was chosen?
September 5 was chosen to celebrate the day because it is Mother Teresa’s death anniversary. She devoted
her life for charity and helping people in need. Her compassion and giving nature had made her a revered
figure worldwide.
UN resolution
September 5 was declared as the International Day of Charity, by a resolution adopted by United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA), on December 17, 2012. The resolution was co-sponsored by 44 UN member
nations.
Significance of the day
The concept of charity helps in bringing balance in society. Charity is directed towards providing necessities
and help those who need them the most. Thus, this day becomes significant as it motivates people to do
their bit in helping people in need. One can celebrate this day either donating money to a charity

organization or by doing activity that is charitable in nature in order to make the world a better place.
EAM co-chairs 4th round of Indo-Danish Joint Commission Meeting
External affairs minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar, co-chaired the 4th round of ‘Indo-Danish Joint Commission
Meeting (JCM)’ with this Danish counterpart Jeppe Kofod in Copenhagen on September 5, 2021.
Highlights
During the meeting, EAM noted that, Denmark is India’s very unique partner for its efforts to grow
back greener, rather than build back better.
It is helpful for countries like India at the current stage of development because of central European
nation’s strengths, experiences and best practices.
Denmark is the only country with which India has established a green strategic partnership.
Both the countries also went through the Joint Commission which had devised a joint action plan for
the next five years.
Background
EAM is in Denmark on the last phase of his visit to three European nations viz., Slovenia, Croatia and
Denmark. This visit was planned with the aim of boosting bilateral ties and further strengthen India’s
cooperation with the European Union (EU). It was his first visit to Denmark and the first by any Indian
foreign Minister in 20 years.
India-Denmark Trade relations
In order to enhance bilateral trade relation, EAM met five chief executive officers of important businesses,
who have businesses in India. These companies include Grundfos, Vestss, Maersk, Haldor, Topsoe and CIP
besides major chambers concerned with business like DIDE, Danish shipping and Agriculture & Food
Council. 200 Danish companies are operating in India.
India-Denmark relations
Friendly relations between India and Denmark were established after India’s Independence in 1947. Indian
prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited to Denmark in 1957 to laid the foundation for the
relationship. However, in July 2012, Indian government decided to scale down its diplomatic ties with
Denmark after it refused to appeal in their Supreme Court against a decision of rejecting extradition of
prime accuse of Purulia arms drop case, Kim Davy.
Karbi Anglong Peace Accord- Highlights
The historic tripartite Karbi Anglong Accord was signed on September 4, 2021 between the government of
India, government of Assam and six factions of the Karbi.
Key facts
As per the accord, the armed groups shall shun their path of violence, surrender their weapons and
disband their organisations within one month of the date of signing of the Karbi Anglong Peace
Accord.
Under it, all camps occupied by karbi groups shall be vacated right after.
Thousands of militants would return to the mainstream and will also lay down about 300
sophisticated arms they possess.
Salient features of this agreement
The agreement provides that, the Government of Assam will consider favourably a proposal of Karbi
Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) to notify Karbi as official language of KAAC.
English, Hindi and Assamese will continue to be used as official languages.
Government of India will allocate Rs 500 crore (Rs 100 crore a year) to development KAAC.
Government of Assam will allocate Rs 500 crore for the development projects that will be taken up as
part of special package.

Army, paramilitary forces and police will have to organise a special drive to recruit the Karbi youth.
Non-heinous cases filed against the armed groups will be withdrawn by the Assam government in
accordance with the law. However, the call for heinous cases will be taken on a case-to-case basis.
Assam government will be providing financial compensation of Rs 5 lakh to each of the next of kin of
persons who lost their lives in agitations demanding autonomous State.
Institutional Mechanism
As per agreement, an institutional mechanism will be set up to coordinate between government of Assam
and KAAC on periodical basis in order to resolve issues of mutual concern such as pending legislature,
financial transactions and flow of revenue.
PM Modi tops Morning Consult Global Ratings
According to US-based global leader approval tracker morning consult, approval rating of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi was the highest among thirteen world leaders who were surveyed.
Highlights
This survey data is updated on a weekly basis.
Prime Minister Modi obtained the approval rating of 70 per cent.
He is ahead of President of Mexico Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Prime Minister of Italy Mario
Draghi, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President of USA Joe Biden, Prime Minister of Australian
Scott Morrison, Prime minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and
Prime Minister of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro.
Prime Minister Modi also achieved the lowest disapproval rating among adults. Out of total adults
surveyed in India, 25 per cent disapproved of him.
Background
In June 2021, this approval rating had dropped to 66 per cent. It has dipped by 20-point dip from August
2019 when his rating was 82 per cent.
How this survey is conducted?
The real-time polling data on elections, elected officials and voting issues are provided by Political
Intelligence proprietary platform of Morning Consult. Morning Consult conducts around 11,000 daily
interviews globally regarding the leadership approval and 5,000 daily interviews with registered voters in the
United States regarding the presidential and congressional elections. Daily global survey data is prepared
on the basis of 7-day moving average of all adults in any country with a margin of error of between +/- 1-3
percent. Surveys are weighted on the basis of age, gender, region and education breakdowns etc.
How interviews are conducted?
All interviews are conducted online. In India, the sample represents the literate population.
Panjshir Valley's resistance against the Taliban
The Taliban and opposition forces battled badly to control the Panjshir Valley in Afghanistan on September
4, 2021.
Highlights
Panjshir Valley is located to the north of Kabul.
Both the sides claimed to have the control in Panjshir but neither could produce conclusive evidence
to prove it.
Background
The Taliban were unable to control this valley earlier, when they ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001.
When did the fight start?
The war over Panjshir province escalated on the night of September 3, 2021. During the fight, two senior
leaders of National Resistance Front were killed. According to reports, the acting president of Afghanistan,

Amrullah Saleh, has moved to a safe place following a helicopter attack on his house.
About Panjshir Valley
Panjshir is one among the thirty-four provinces of Afghanistan. It is located in the north-eastern part of
Afghanistan comprising of the Panjshir Valley. It is divided into seven districts with 512 villages. Provincial
capital of Panjshir is Bazarak. The region is currently controlled by the National Resistance Front of
Afghanistan. Panjshir and Baghlan provinces are reportedly not controlled by the Taliban following the 2021
Taliban offensive.
An independent province
Panjshir became an independent province out of Parwan Province in 2004. It shares its border with Baghlan
& Takhar to the north, Badakhshan & Nuristan to the east, Laghman & Kapisa to the south and Parwan to the
west.
Bazarak
It is the provincial capital of Panjshir Province comprising of six villages, viz., Jangalak, Khanez, Malaspa,
Parandeh and Rahmankhel. The tomb of Ahmad Shah Massoud (Lion of Panjshir) is located in Bazarak.
Sri Lankan Economic Crisis- Things to know
Government of Sri Lanka declared an economic emergency in last week of August 2021 because of rising
food prices, depreciating currency, and depleting forex reserves.
Highlights
President of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, called in the army to manage this crisis by rationing the supply
of essential goods.
What led to economic crisis in Sri Lanka?
Factors that led to the current economic crisis in Sri Lanka include:
Tourism industry in Sri Lanka has hit hard because of covid-19 pandemic. It represents more than
10% of the its Gross Domestic Product and brings in huge foreign exchange.
Thus, forex reserves have decreased to$2.8 billion in July 2021 from over $7.5 billion in 2019.
As the foreign exchange supply is decreasing, amount of money that Sri Lankans was having to shell
out to purchase the foreign exchange has increased. This, value of Sri Lankan rupee has depreciated
by 8%.
As Sri Lanka depends on imports to meet the basic food supplies, the price of food items there has
increased in line with depreciating rupee.
How government is responding to the crisis?
Sri Lankan government blamed speculators for resulting into rise in food prices by hoarding essential
supplies. Government declared “economic emergency” under the Public Security Ordinance. Under the
emergency situation, army has been tasked to seize the food supplies from traders and supply them to
consumers at fair prices. Government has also given power to the army to ensure that forex reserves are
used to purchase the essential goods only.
Impacts of government’s decision
Sri Lankan President seeks to make Sri Lankan agriculture fully organic which will significantly decrease the
domestic food production and cause a further rise in prices. Capping of food prices could also lead to
severe shortages because demand exceeds the supply at prices fixed by the government. When supplies
will be seized from traders, it will lead to further drop in supplies and higher prices for essential goods.
Varanasi-Chunar Cruise Service begins to boost Tourism
The Varanasi-Chunar Cruise service started on September 5, 2021 and added a new dimension to the
tourism facilities in Varanasi.

Highlights
This cruise service in Ganga River will run from Varanasi to historic Chunar fort in Mirzapur.
Tourists travelling to Varanasi can now travel around 30 km long journey in River Ganga.
Tourists can now enjoy the day-long luxury cruise ride which starts at 9 a.m. in the morning from
Ravidas ghat.
It returns back to Varanasi at around 5pm from the Chunar fort.
State government is further planning to extend this journey till Sangam in Prayagraj.
The Chunar Fort
Chunar Fort is located in Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh. Chunar town is also situated below the fort.
Both the places are historic places with common history and legends. It is located 23 kilometres south west
of Varanasi. South-eastern part of the fort touches the rocky bank of the Ganges River. The history span of
the fort is from 56 BC and between Afghan decedent Sher Shah Suri’s rule, the Mughal Empire rule, as well
as the Maratha rule in 1782 to 1804. British Raj occupied this fort till 1947 when India gained independence.
Sant Ravidas Ghat
Ravidas ghat is the southernmost and largest ghat in Varanasi. It is known for an important religious place
Ravidasis comprising of a 25 acres park known as Sant Ravidas Smarak Park. Its creation was announced
in in February 2008 and was inaugurated in 2009.
September 8, 2021
PhonePe's Pulse Report on Digital Payments
India’s leading Fintech platform, PhonePe, which has now 300 million users, has introduced an interactive
website called PhonePe Pulse, comprising of data, insight and key trends on virtual payments.
Key Points
PhonePe Pulse website features millions of transactions done by clients on an interactive map of
India.
PhonePe’s data was introduced with the aim of accurately reflecting the increasing usage of digital
payment options, especially in light of COVID outbreak. PhonePe’s data is having more than 45%
market share currently.
PhonePe Pulse Report
PhonePe introduced the Pulse Report, which is an extensive study and covers the rise of virtual payments
during last five years. It shares important insights regarding how digital or online payments adoption in
India has matured since 2016. It also includes geographical and category-specific trends. PhonePe it is an
end-result or culmination of considerable research and collaboration by a professional team comprising of
Corporate Communications professionals, Business Analysts, Writers, Marketers, Designers, Engineering &
Business teams from the Fintech firm.
Significance of the product
The product launched by PhonePe is relevant for key stakeholders like Indian government, policymakers,
media, industry experts, regulatory agencies, local merchant partners, start-ups, students and academic
institutions. The data set, trends and stories can be used by these partners to gain a better understanding
of consumer and merchant behaviour as well as to identify strategic growth opportunities.
About PhonePe
It is an Indian digital payments and financial services company with its headquarter in Bangalore. Company
was founded by Sameer Nigam, Rahul Chari and Burzin Engineer in December 2015. Company also runs an
app in its name called “PhonePe app”. The app went live in August 2016 and is based on the Unified
Payments Interface (UPI). It is available in more than 11 Indian Languages.

Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft completes 9,000 orbits around moon
Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft of India has completed more than 9,000 orbits around the Moon. Imaging and
other scientific instruments on the aircraft have been providing excellent useful data since then.
Lunar Science Workshop 2021
Lunar Science Workshop 2021 is a two-day workshop, organised by Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO). The workshop started on September 6, 2021. It was organised to commemorate the completion of
two years of operation of Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft across the moon’s orbit. The workshop was live-
streamed on ISRO’s website and Facebook page to effectively reach the students, academia and institutes.
Two Years of Chandrayaan-2
According to Chairman of ISRO, K Sivan, Chandrayaan-2 comprises of eight payloads and are
conducting remote sensing and in-situ observations of the Moon at 100 km altitude from the lunar
surface.
On the occasion, K Sivan also released data product and science documents besides the data from
Chandrayaan-2 orbiter payloads.
Science data are being made available to academia and institutes in order to analyse them. It will
also help in bringing more science from Chandrayaan-2 mission.
Chandrayaan-2 Mission
It is the second lunar exploration mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), after
Chandrayaan-1. It comprises of indigenously developed lunar orbiter, Vikram lander and Pragyan lunar
rover. Mission was launched with the objective of mapping and study the variations in lunar surface
composition, location and abundance of lunar water.
Launch of Chandrayaan-2
Chandrayaan-2 was launched to the Moon on July 22, 2019 by a GSLV Mark III-M1. It reached to the Moon’s
orbit on August 20, 2019. It started the orbital positioning manoeuvres to land the Vikram lander. The lander
and rover were scheduled to land on near side of the Moon, in the south polar region and conduct research
for one lunar day. However, lander crashed after deviating from its intended trajectory. Its successful soft
landing would have made India the fourth country to do so following the successful launch of Luna 9 by
Soviet Union, Surveyor 1 by United States and Chang’e 3 by China.
ADB approves $150 million loan for T.N. urban poor housing project
On September 3, 2021, Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $150 million loan for Tamil Nadu Urban
Poor Housing Project.
Key Points
According to ADB, Tamil Nadu is vital for the economic growth of India. It is currently contributing
8.54 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Economic opportunities in the state have boosted rural-urban migration rate. In India, Tamil Nadu
already has one of the highest urbanization rates.
In Tamil Nadu, housing shortfall accounts for 6.66 per cent of the national deficit. When it is mapped
against income level, most of the shortage are borne by the low-income households.
Aim of the approved loan
Asian development bank approved the loan of $150 million with the aim of offering vulnerable and
disadvantaged households access to safe, inclusive, affordable housing infrastructure & services.
What was the need of this project?
Tamil Nadu has the population of more than 72 million. Out of this, half of the population live in urban
areas. State is witnessing rapid urbanization and an increase in urban population. Thus, there is a need for
adequate urban infrastructure, services and housing.

Benefits of the ADB’s loan
With the help of $150 million loan approved by the ABD, through the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance
Board, poor housing project will aid the construction of housing units at 9 different locations.
It will help in relocating about 6,000 households, which are vulnerable to natural hazards, to safer
locations.
Project will also aid the Directorate of Town and Country Planning of Tamil Nadu to develop regional
plans in order to map the economic and infrastructure development in Tamil Nadu. Under it,
developments like affordable housing, disaster risk management, environmental protection, and
gender will be mapped.
Some portion of the loan will also be invested by the State government as equity into the Tamil Nadu
Shelter Fund. It will help in catalysing the private sector financing and support investments in
industrial housing.
Indian Railways introduces new AC-3 economy coaches
Indian Railways introduced a new economy class in the AC 3-tier trains.
Highlights
With the new coaches, the trains be able to accommodate more passengers.
Tariff or ticket price for new coaches will be 8 per cent less than the normal AC 3-tier fares.
The facility is being provided for the first time in “Prayagraj-Jaipur train (train no. 02403).”
About 50 new coaches have been given to different zonal railways.
806 new coaches will be rolled out by the fiscal year 2021-2022.
About new AC 3-tier Economy Class
The new AC 3-tier Economy Class will comprise of two coaches. Number of berths have been increased
from 72 to 83.
Significance of new feature
New feature will provide more space to people. It comprises of several features, especially for the disabled.
It has a smoke detector, facilities of dining table as well as magazine holder at the SL seat of the train. New
coaches also comprise of personalised aircraft-style AC vents at each berth. It also has Divyang-friendly
and modular bio-toilets with touch-free fitting.
Ticket Price
Ticket price of new coaches is 2.4 times higher than the base price of the existing sleeper class in mail and
express trains. For trains operating up to 2000 km, basic fare has been set around Rs 1757 while for trains
operating up to 5000 km, base fare will be Rs. 3065.
Indian Railways (IR)
IR is a statutory body working under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Railways. It manages the fourth-largest
railway network (by Size) in the World.
TN to observe Periyar’s birth anniversary as Day of Social Justice
Tamil Nadu government has decided to celebrate the birth anniversary of reformist leader E V Ramasamy
Periyar “Social Justice Day”.
Highlights
E V Ramasamy Periyar was born on September 17. This day will now be celebrated as ‘Social Justice
Day’ every year.
Periyar’s ideology was all about social justice, equality, self-respect, and rationalism. This laid the
foundation stone for Tamil society’s growth during the last century. These ideologies would also pave
way for the future. Thus, government decided to celebrate his birth anniversary every year to
celebrate the symbolic reinforcement of his egalitarian principles.

How this day will be celebrated?
Every year, on September 17, employees in all government offices and State Secretariat will take pledges to
follow values on the basis of such lofty ideals comprising of equality, brotherhood, self-respect and
rationalism.
Contribution of E V Periyar
According to the Chief Minister, services of Periyar to the Tamil society were significant and instrumental in
the enactment of first Constitutional Amendment Act, which safeguarded reservation for backward classes.
Erode Venkatappa Ramasamy Periyar (EV Ramasamy Periyar)
He was commonly known as Periyar or Thanthai Periyar. He was an Indian social activist and politician. He
started Self-Respect Movement and Dravidar Kazhagam and is known as the ‘Father of the Dravidian
movement’. He rebelled against the Brahmanical dominance as well as gender & caste inequality in Tamil
Nadu.
Periyar and INC
E.V. Ramasamy joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1919, but resigned in 1925 after he realised
that INC was only serving the interests of Brahmins. In 1924, he participated in non-violent agitation
(satyagraha) at Vaikom, Travancore. He became the head of the Justice Party in 1939 and changed its
name to Dravidar Kazhagam in 1944.
IUCN: 37% of sharks and rays threatened with extinction
According to a new red list by IUCN, world’s sharks and rays have been witnessing declines in their
populations since 2014 and are now threatened with extinction.
Key Points
New red list was released by IUCN at global conference with the aim of protecting dwindling species.
It notes that, there are signs of hope as fishing quotas have allowed several tuna species to be put on
their path to recovery.
About 37% of sharks and rays across the world are considered endangered as of 2021. In 2014, this
amounted to 33%.
This upward trend was the result of overfishing, loss of habitat and climate change,
Oceanic shark populations have also decreased by 71% since 1970.
Can we recover their population?
IUCN highlighted that, progress can be made towards reviving tuna populations and other species, if states
and other actors take right actions.
IUCN Red List Unit
The red list by IUCN reassesses hundreds of species each year. Out of 138,000 species that were tracked,
more than 38,000 are threatened with extinction. Many of the planet’s ecosystems are mainly strained by
global warming, deforestation, pollution, habitat degradation and other threats.
Declining bird population
More than half of the bird of prey species are reducing in population worldwide. 18 species are critically
endangered. Warming temperatures and melting ice will reduce the emperor penguin colonies by 70 % by
2050 and 98% by 2100.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
IUCN is an international organization that works in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of
natural resources. It is involved in data gathering and analysis, field projects research, advocacy, field
projects, and education. It was established in 1948.
Environment Minister launches first functional Smog Tower
Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, virtually inaugurated the first

functional smog tower of India on September 7, 2021.
Key Points
Smog tower was launched at Anand Vihar in Delhi.
Now, ministry would keep a close eye on the results to determine if India need more of such projects
in the future.
What is smog tower?
A smog tower is a structure that are designed as a large or medium scale air purifier. It helps in reducing air
pollution by forcing the air through filters.
Features of Anand Vihar smog tower
The smog tower at Anand Vihar is having the height of over 20 metres. It is of downdraft type in which
polluted air will come in from top of the tower and clean air will come out from bottom. This filter was
installed to reduce the localised particulate matter.
Filtration System
Filtration system used in the smog tower has been designed by University of Minnesota. It has an expected
efficiency of 90 per cent.
Number of fans used
Forty fan units have been installed in the tower in order to provide a design airflow rate of 1,000 m3/sec.
Who built the tower?
Smog tower has been built by Tata Projects Limited in collaboration with the NBCC (India) Ltd as project
management consultant.
Steps taken by India towards clean air
Ministry has stepped up its activities to achieve clear air in light of COP26 in Glasgow which is scheduled in
2021. According to minister, Rs 375.44 crore has been released to 114 cities in the financial year 2019-20
and 2020-21 for take actions under city action plan. Rs 4,400 core has been released to 42 cities having
million plus population for 2020-21 as 15th Finance Commission report had recommended.
Bhupendra Yadav launches PRANA Portal
Union environment minister, Bhupendra Yadav, launched a portal called PRANA on September 7, 2021.
Key Points
PRANA Portal will be used to track the progress of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in order
to comply with India’s commitment to ensure clean air and blue skies to everybody.
This portal was launched on the occasion of ‘International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies’ in non-
attainment cities (NAC).
Non-attainment cities are those cities that failed to meet the National air quality standards in a five-
year period.
With India’s efforts, 86 cities showed a better air quality in 2019 and it increased to 104 cities in
2020.
India’s target
Environment ministry and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) seeks to achieve 20-30 percent reduction
in particulate matter (PM10 as well as PM2.5) concentrations in India by 2024.
How India will achieve its target?
In order to achieve the target, India has prepared and is implementing city-specific action plans to improve
air quality in 132 NACs/Million Plus Cities. It targets city-specific air polluting sources like soil & road dust,
vehicles, MSW burning, domestic fuel, construction material and industries.
About PRANA Portal
PRANA portal will help in tracking physical and financial status of city air action plan implementation. It will

also disseminate information on air quality to the public.
India–Japan High Level Policy Dialogue
Indian Environment minister and Japanese Environment Minister Koizumi Shinjiro also held first ever India-
Japan High level policy dialogue. They discussed issues related to air pollution, climate change, sustainable
technologies & transport, marine litter, fluorocarbons and COP-26. India and Japan are also strengthening
bilateral cooperation on circular economy & resource efficiency, green hydrogen, low carbon technology etc.
Deity is owner of land attached to temple: SC
According to supreme court bench comprising of Justices Hemant Gupta and A S Bopanna, Deity is the
owner of land attached to a temple.
Supreme Court’s ruling
According to the bench, a priest cannot be treated as Bhumiswami (owner of land).
The priest holds the land just for the management of property of the temple.
SC bench noted that, ownership column only requires the name of the deity alone because deity as a
juristic person is the owner of the land.
Occupation of the land is also by the deity which is carried out by servant or managers in behalf of
the deity. Thus, name of the manager or priest is not required to be mentioned in the column of
occupier.
SC’s stand on priests
According to the bench, law clearly notes that Pujari is not a tenant in cultivation (Kashtkar Mourushi)
or a government lessee or ordinary tenant of the land exempted from payment of revenue (maufi
lands). But he holds such land on behalf of Aukaf Department (relating to Devasthan) for its
management.
Priest is only a grantee to manage the property of the deity. Such grantees can be reassumed if he
fails to do the task assigned to him such as to offer prayers and manage the land.
Can collector be the manager of property?
SC bench notes that, name of the Collector as manager cannot be recorded with respect to the property
vested in the deity because Collector cannot be a manager of all temples unless the temple is vested with
the State.
Background
PIL was filed by Madhya Pradesh against an order of High Court that put down the two circulars issued by
state government under the MP Law Revenue Code, 1959. Both the circulars ordered to delete the names of
priests from the revenue record in order to protect the temple properties from unauthorised sale by priests.
Delhi govt launches ‘Business Blasters’ Programme
Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, launched the ‘Business Blasters’ programme on September
7, 2021.
Key Facts
This programme was launched with the aim of developing young entrepreneurs at school-level by
providing students some seed money in order to start a business.
It will be implemented across all the Delhi government schools under the “Entrepreneurship Mindset
Curriculum (EMC)”.
Under the programme, class 11 and 12 students will be provided seed money of Rs 2,000 to start their
business.
The programme was started at the School of Excellence Khichripur under a pilot project. 9 groups of
41 students were formed in this and they were provided the seed money of Rs 1,000. They made huge
profits in it.

Significance of the programme
Business Blasters programme will become a basis of India’s progress. Thorough this programme, students
will not run after jobs, but jobs will come to them. If this programme is implemented properly, it can take
India from being a developing country to a developed one. It will also help in addressing the problem of
unemployment.
Drawback of Indian education system
Biggest drawback of the Indian education system was that students were being provided education but an
entrepreneurial mindset was not being inculcated. This initiative would help in changing the mindset.
EMC Carnival
Delhi government will organise EMC carnival with 100 top projects from Business Blasters projects at zonal
and district level. Projects will be rated by renowned successful entrepreneurs and universities. After this,
students included in the top 10 projects will directly be admitted to BBA courses in Delhi Technological
University and Netaji Subhash Institute of Technology.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Vidyanjali Portal
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, launched Vidyanjali Portal and several other initiatives in the education
sector on September 7, 2021.
Key Points
These initiatives were launched while asserting that they will play a significant role in shaping India’s
future.
Initiatives were launched while inaugurating the conclave of ‘Shikshak Parv’.
Vidyanjali portal was launched with the objective of facilitating education volunteers, donors or CSR
contributors for school development.
About Vidyanjali Portal
Vidyanjali portal was launched to enable community or volunteers to contribute by connecting with the
government and government-aided schools of their choice directly.
Ways of contributing
As per education ministry, any person who is a citizen of India, NRI, PIO or any organisation, institution,
company & group registered in India can volunteer and contribute in following two ways:
1. Services/Activities: Assets or material or equipment like basic civil infrastructure, classroom support
materials & equipment, basic electrical infrastructure, digital infrastructure, equipment for extra-
curricular activities, sports, yoga and health etc.
2. Serving and retired teachers, scientists, government or semi government officials, self-employed &
salaried professionals, retired armed forces personnel, alumni of educational institutions,
homemakers and other literate person can volunteer at a school on requests.
Shikshak Parv-2021
Shikshak Parv-2021 was launched by the Ministry of Education (MoE). Its celebration started on September
5 and will conclude on September 17, 2021. It is being organised to recognise valuable contributions of
teachers and to take the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 ahead.
September 7: International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is observed every year on September 7.
Highlights
The day is facilitated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
In the year 2021, the day was observed under the theme– “Healthy Air, Healthy Planet”.
Background
This day was first established at the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2019. It seeks

to create awareness regarding the significance of air quality.
First observance of the day
The day was first observed on September 7, 2020 across the world.
Coordinating Partners
The lead coordinating partners of the day are United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Climate
and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (CCAC). Additional fundings were provided
from the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation & Nuclear Safety of Germany (BMU). In
some commemoration, World Health Organization (WHO) partnered with NGO BreatheLife to organise
activities.
Focus of the event
In the year 2021, this day & event focused on prioritizing the need for healthy air for all. It also lays stress on
critical issues like climate change, human health, planetary health and Sustainable Development Goals.
Air pollution
As per United Nations, air pollution is a “two-fold problem”. It adversely impacts the health as well as
climate. Tiny pollutant particles penetrate deep into bloodstream, lungs, and body. These pollutants cause
about one-third of deaths from stroke, chronic respiratory disease, and lung cancer. It also led to asthma
and chronic respiratory illnesses.
Short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs)
SLCPs are linked with health effects and near-term warming of the earth. These pollutants survive in
atmosphere for few days and sometimes for few decades. It reduces their magnitude and can be proved
fruitful in ensuring better health of earth and humans.
HDFC-NSIC pact to provide Credit Support to MSMEs
HDFC Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Small Industries Corporation
(NSIC) to offer and strengthen credit support to MSMEs across India.
Highlights
Partnership with NSIC will help in boosting the MSME Sector growth which is the backbone of India in
terms of economic development as well as job creation.
Under this MoU, HDFC Bank will provide MSMEs a set of specially tailored schemes in order to
enhance their competitiveness.
HDFC Bank branches will also extend support to MSME projects in the areas they are located and
other important industrial sectors in India.
National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC)
NSIC is a Mini Ratna government agency. It was established by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs) in 1955. It is the nodal office for several schemes of Ministry of MSME like
Performance & Credit Rating, MSME Databank, Single Point Registration, National SC ST Hub, etc.
HDFC Bank Limited
It is an Indian banking and financial services company with its headquarter in Mumbai. As of April 2021, it is
India’s largest private sector bank by assets and by market capitalisation. It is the third largest bank by
market capitalisation on Indian stock exchanges. The bank is also the fifteenth largest employer in India,
having 120,000 employees. The Bank was incorporated in 1994 as a subsidiary of Housing Development
Finance Corporation.
September 9, 2021
Mexico Supreme Court Decriminalises Abortion
Supreme Court of Mexico has decriminalised abortion and has ruled that criminal penalties on terminating
pregnancies are unconstitutional, in the state of Coahuila.
Highlights
This ruling was meant for northern state of Coahuila. It now prevents women from being prosecuted
for abortion.
Currently, abortion is severely restricted in four of the states in Mexico. It is also legal in cases of
rape or where mother’s life is in danger.
Thus, this decision could pave way to decriminalise abortion across Mexico.
Under Mexican law, this ruling will now apply to all the other states in the country.
With this ruling, women who were jailed for having abortions will now be released, with immediate
effect.
Campaign for abortion rights
Information Group on Reproductive Choice (GIRE) was campaigning for abortion rights in the country. High
profile protests by feminist and women’s rights campaigners have highlighted the need for greater
reproductive rights.
Background
Before this ruling, the state of Coahuila used to punish women, who have illegal abortions, with jail terms of
up to three years.
Abortion in Mexico
Abortion was a legal demand in country. Its legal status varied with respective state. However, Mexican
Supreme court ruled on September 7, 2021 that penalizing abortion is unconstitutional and ordered to
decriminalize it across the entire country. Procedure of abortion is available on request to any woman up to
twelve weeks into a pregnancy in Mexico City as well as in states of Oaxaca, Veracruz and Hidalgo.
September 8: International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day is observed on September 8 every year in a bid to remind the importance of
literacy for individuals, communities and societies.
Background
The day was proclaimed by UNESCO on October 26, 1966 at the 14 th session of UNESCO’s General
Conference. First International Literacy Day was celebrated in 1967. This tradition is being held annually for
more than 50 years now.
Objective of the day
The day was proclaimed with the objective of reminding international community about the importance of
literacy for individuals, communities & societies and the need of intensified efforts to make more literate
societies.
International Literacy Day 2021
International Literacy Day 2021 was celebrated to explore how literacy can contribute in building a solid
foundation for a human-cantered recovery. It specially focused on interplay of literacy and digital skills
needed by non-literate youth and adults. It also explored what makes technology-enabled literacy learning
inclusive and meaningful in order to not leave anyone behind. It provided an opportunity to reimagine future
literacy teaching and learning, keeping covid-19 pandemic in mind.
Theme 2021
The theme of the day for 2021 is “Literacy for a human-centred recovery: Narrowing the digital divide”.
Literacy and SDGs
Literacy goals are a significant part of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as well as its 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development. Target 4 of the SDGs seeks to ensure that all youth and substantial
proportion of adults including men and women, achieve literacy & numeracy by 2030.

Literacy in India
According to census 2011, a total of 74.04 per cent are literate in India. It increased by 9.2 per cent as
compared to last decade (2001-11). UNESCO highlights that, India will take another 50 years to achieve
universal literacy that is by 2060.
SC orders Railways to pay compensation if trains run late
The Supreme Court has ruled that, Indian Railways must pay compensation to passengers if trains run late.
Highlights
Supreme Court slammed Indian Railways for delayed running of trains and ordered to pay a
compensation of Rs 30,000 to a man who missed his flight because of the delay.
Man was put through much inconvenience because of delay in running of a train.
SC observed that, these are the days of competition as well as accountability. If public transportation
has to survive and compete against the private players, they are required to improve the system and
their working culture. Passengers cannot be at the mercy of the authorities or administration. One
has to accept the responsibility.
What was the issue?
The apex court has upheld the compensation awarded to a passenger whose train was delayed by four
hours when he was travelling to Jammu with his family in 2016. They missed their flight. As a result, they
had to take an expensive taxi to Srinagar. They also missed their booking of a boat on Dal Lake. Following
the incident, passenger filed a case with the district consumer grievances forum in Alwar, Rajasthan. Forum
directed the North-Western Railways to pay a compensation of Rs 30,000 for the costs incurred by the
passenger and his family because of missed flight.
Railway’s response
The railways appealed against the forum’s order. But its contentions were rejected by various forums,
including the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, New Delhi. Railways then appealed in
Supreme Court against the compensation awarded to the passenger. In Supreme court, a two-judge bench
held that the railways was liable to pay compensation to any passenger who files a claim against it in case
railways fails to provide justification or valid reason for delay running of train.
CCS clears procurement of 56 transport aircraft
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has cleared the procurement of 56 transport aircraft from Airbus
Key Points
This decision would provide a major fillip to the transport fleet of Indian Air Force.
This deal to buy the C-295MW transport aircraft will cost upwards of Rs 20,000 crore.
First 16 of these aircraft will be delivered from Spain in flyaway condition, within 48 months of the
signing of contract.
Remaining 40 aircrafts will be manufactured in India by a consortium headed by the Tata Group in
over 10 years.
Ministry will buy the transport aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space S.A., Spain.
Significance of the deal
This is the first-of-its-kind deal in India. All the aircraft will be installed with indigenous Electronic Warfare
Suite. Thus, it is a unique initiative to strengthen indigenous capabilities. This project will boost the
aerospace ecosystem in India because several MSMEs in India will be involved in manufacturing of parts of
these aircraft. This deal also provides opportunity to Indian private sector to enter into technology intensive
and highly competitive aviation industry.

Which aircraft will be replaced?
C-295MW aircraft will replace the Avro aircraft of Air Force. Avro Aircraft are British-origin twin-engine
turboprop, military transport and freighter having a freight capacity of 6-tonne.
What is C-295MW aircraft?
C-295MW is a transport aircraft having a capacity of 5-10 tonne. It also comprises of contemporary
technology to replace the ageing Avro aircraft of the IAF. It also comprises of a rear ramp door for quick
reaction and para-dropping of troops and cargo.
Centre approves ₹10,683 crore PLI scheme for Textile Sector
Central government has approved the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme of worth Rs 10,683 crore for
the textiles sector on September 8, 2021.
Key Points
This PLI scheme was approved in order to boost domestic manufacturing and exports.
Scheme will help in creating direct additional employment of more than 7.5 lakh people and several
supporting activities.
As a part of incentives approved for textiles sector, the payout will be spread over a period of five
years.
PLI scheme was approved for textiles, MMF (man-made fibre) fabrics, MMF apparel and 10 segments
or products of technical textiles.
Significance of the scheme
This scheme will help in production of high-value MMF fabric, garments, and technical textiles in
India.
It will also result in a fresh investment of more than Rs.19,000 crore, and a cumulative turnover of
over Rs.3 lakh crore, over a period of five years.
Scheme prioritise investment in aspirational districts, tier 3, tier 4 towns as well as rural areas.
As textiles industry employs women, scheme will encourage women and increase their participation
in formal economy.
Which states will benefit more?
This PLI scheme will impact and benefit special states including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil
Nadu, Punjab, Odisha.
Background
This production-linked incentive scheme for textiles is a part of overall scheme that was announced for 13
sectors during Budget 2021-22, with an outlay of Rs 1.97 lakh crore. With the PLI schemes for 13 sectors,
minimum production in India is expected to be around Rs 37.5 lakh crore in a period of five years.
MSP increased for all Rabi crops for 2022-23
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved an increase in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for
all the mandated Rabi crops on September 8, 2021.
Highlights
MSP was increased for the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2022-23 with the aim of realigning MSPs in favour
of pulses, oilseeds, and coarse cereals. The Differential remuneration aims to encourage crop
diversification.
Benefits of increased MSP
This move will encourage farmers to shift to larger area under these crops and adopt best
technologies & farm practices in order to correct the demand-supply imbalance.
With this step, government seeks to ensure remunerative prices for the growers for farmer’s produce.

MSP rate
Highest absolute increase in MSP has been recommended. MSP has been increased by Rs 400 per quintal
on each of lentil, rapeseeds and mustard. On gram, it was increased by Rs 130 per quintal while in case of
safflower, it was increased by Rs 114 per quintal as compared to MSP in 2020.
Background
MSP for Rabi crops for RMS 2022-23 was increased in line with the Union Budget 2018-19 announcement. In
budget it was announced to fix the MSPs at the level of at least 1.5 times of the all-India weighted average
cost of production.
Other Steps by Government
1. National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP)
Government announced this centrally sponsored scheme recently to help in increasing the domestic
production of edible oils and reduce imports dependency. It was announced with a total outlay of Rs 11,040
crore. Scheme will aid farmers in expanding area and productivity of the sector and benefit them by
increasing their income and generation of additional employment.
2. Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)
This scheme was announced in 2018 to aid farmers in providing remunerative return for their produce. It
has three sub-schemes namely, Price Support Scheme (PSS), Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme
(PPSS) and Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS).
Cabinet approves Russia-India pact for cooperation in geosciences
Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) between India and Russian on cooperation in the field of Geosciences.
Key Points
MoU was signed between the Joint Stock Company Rosgeologia (State holding Company) of Russia and the
Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines.
Objective of MoU
MoU was signed with the objective of extending mutual cooperation for technological collaboration for
exploration of:
1. Deep-seated & concealed mineral deposit
2. Analysis & interpretation of aero-geophysical data
3. PGE & REE Exploration & Research
4. Joint development of Indian Geoscience Data repository with Russian Information Technology
5. Exchange of technology & knowledge with respect to drilling, sampling and laboratory analysis to
achieve data accuracy and cost optimization
6. Training and capacity building of scientific personnel.
Background
A delegation of ROSGEO held meeting with Ministry of Mines and Geological Survey of India (GSI) in 2020 to
discuss the perspectives of Cooperation in exploration works in New Delhi. During the meeting MoU was
proposed to be signed between GSI and ROSGEO. Accordingly, GSI finalized the MoU in consultation with
ROSGEO.
Joint Stock Company Rosgeologia (ROSGEO)
It is the largest geological State holding company of Russian Federation. The company has a developed
production and technical capabilities, high professional competences as well as a unique scope of
accumulated geological information. It performs all kinds of geological prospecting and exploration
activities for mineral resources of all types. It also conducts estimation of the reserves and commissioning
of fields into operation.

India-ADB sign loan to expand Rural Connectivity in Maharashtra
Indian government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a 300-million-dollar loan on September 8,
2021 to expand rural connectivity in Maharashtra.
Highlights
Loan agreement was signed as additional financing in order to scale up improvement of rural
connectivity.
Additional financing for the “Maharashtra Rural Connectivity Improvement Project” will help in
improving additional 1,100 rural roads and 230 bridges with total length of 2,900 kilometres in 34
districts of the state.
Maharashtra Rural Connectivity Improvement project
It is an ongoing project in Maharashtra that was approved in August 2019 with 200-million-dollar financing.
The project is already maintaining and improving the condition and safety of 2,100 kilometres of rural
roads.
New project is expected to generate 3.1 million person-days of employment for local communities. 25
percent of the jobs will be for women, over the construction and maintenance periods. Under the project, a
gender action plan has been prepared in order to focus on capacity development of women workers so that
they get benefit from semiskilled and unskilled labour opportunities.
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
ADB is a regional development bank that came in existence on December 19, 1966. It has its headquarter in
Philippines. ADB maintains 31 field offices across the world. It seeks to promote social and economic
development in Asia. Members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the
Pacific (UNESCAP) as well as non-regional developed countries can take the membership of bank. It started
its functioning with 31 members but now has 68 members.
Tamil Nadu-Denmark plan energy island in Gulf of Mannar
State of Tamil Nadu and Denmark have planned to create an energy island in Gulf of Mannar that lies
between the west coast of Sri Lanka and south-eastern tip of India.
Key points
This plan was made as Tamil Nadu is looking to expand its footprint in the green energy sector.
To achieve this target, Denmark is likely to invest $5-10 billion in the renewable energy sector in the
state. It also includes investment for an energy island in the Gulf of Mannar.
With this investment, island would be able to produce 4-10 GW of energy.
Background
A delegation of experts from Denmark met Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M K Stalin on September 8, 2021
to discuss the plan. If the plan materialises, it will be India’s first offshore floating wind park.
Tangedco Solar power projects
Tamil Nadu and Denmark made their plan for the investments, days after the Tamil Nadu Generation and
Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) announced to launch 20,000 Mw of solar power projects with adequate
battery storage, 2,000 Mw of gas-based power units and 3,000 Mw of pumped storage hydroelectric
projects. These projects will require loans of about Rs 1.32 trillion.
Denmark’s investment in Tamil Nadu
Value of Danish investment in Tamil Nadu in the period of January 2003 to January 2021 is estimated at $
751.72 million. Some of the Danish companies operating in Tamil Nadu include Maersk, Vestas, Cubic,
Danfoss, Grundfos, and FLSmidth.

India-Danish cooperation
Around 200 Danish companies are operating in other parts of India, including Ramboll, A.P. Moller Maersk,
and Novo-Nordisk. In the last decade, Denmark has invested more than $1 billion in India. Indian companies
operating in Denmark include Tata Consultancy Services, ITC Infotech, Infosys Technologies and L&T
Infotech.
India-ADB deal to improve urban water supply infrastructure in Jharkhand
Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $112 million loan in order to develop
water supply infrastructure in the state of Jharkhand.
Key facts
The loan will also strengthen capacities of urban local bodies (ULBs) in order to improve service
delivery in four towns of Jharkhand.
This project is in line with the priority of Jharkhand Government to improve urban services in state.
It will ensure continuous, treated piped water supply in Ranchi and other three towns namely Jhumri
Telaiya, Hussainabad, and Medininagar. These towns are located in economically and socially
backward areas.
ADB’s first project
This project will be the first urban project of ADB in Jharkhand. It will help in establishing a model for
continuous water supply in combination with policy reforms for sustainable operation.
Under the project, four water treatment plants will be established in four towns with a combined
capacity of 275 million liters per day.
These plants would provide safe drinking water of national drinking water quality standards.
It will also establish 940 kilometres of water distribution network in order provide continuous water
supply across 115,000 households, including below poverty line households, scheduled caste &
scheduled tribe members and other vulnerable groups.
How project will ensure sustainability?
In order to ensure sustainability, project will strengthen the capacity of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) by
developing an asset management strategy and training on design and implementation of urban projects. It
will also introduce innovative technologies in order to minimize water losses in water treatment and
distribution. It will also use a supervisory control and data acquisition system for water supply operation
and geographic information system-based asset management in the state’s capital city, Ranchi.
India’s 1st Emergency Landing Facility on National Highway in Rajasthan
Union Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh and Union Highways Minister, Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the
Emergency Landing Facility on a National Highway in Rajasthan on September 9, 2021.
Key Facts
This emergency landing facility has been constructed on the Satta-Gandhav stretch of National
Highway (NH) 925A in Barmer, Rajasthan.
On the occasion, C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft of Indian Air Force (IAF) landed at the
emergency field landing at the National Highway in Jalore, Rajasthan.
This is the first time; a National Highway will be used for emergency landing of IAF aircraft.
How this was made possible?
Development of roadways as key infrastructure enabled the construction of high-quality expressways and
highways, that can be used as runways with few modifications. These highways and expressways have a
limited construction of additional infrastructure. As a result, they can be used to operate various types of
aircraft during emergencies.

Who built this Facility?
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) developed a three kilometres section of the Satta-Gandhav
stretch on NH-925A, under the supervision of IAF.
About Emergency Landing Facility
This facility was developed on NH-925A from Km 41/430 to Km 44/430 for the IAF. It is a part of newly
developed two-lane stretch of Satta-Gandhav and Gagariya-Bakhasar section in Barmer (Rajasthan). Total
length of the highway is 196.97 kilometres, while the length of emergency landing facility is 3.5km. It costs
worth Rs 765.52 crores under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. It was completed in 19 months.
Significance of Emergency Landing Facility
This facility will be used for road traffic flow on every day basis. However, during the operations of IAF, it
will be used to facilitate the landing of all types of aircraft of IAF. It will improve the connectivity between
villages of Jalore and Barmer districts in Rajasthan.
Piyush Goyal appointed as India’s Sherpa for G20
Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, has been appointed as India’s Sherpa for G20.
Highlights
G20 is an influential grouping which brings together the major economies of world.
Next G20 Summit is scheduled to take place from October 30 to 31, 2021 under Italian Presidency.
India will hold the G20 Presidency from December 1, 2022 and will also convene G20 Leaders’ Summit
in 2023 for the first time.
India will also be part of the G20 Troika (preceding, current, and incoming G20 Presidencies) from
December 1, 2021 to November 30, 2024.
Since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been leading India’s representation at G20 Summits.
G20 (or Group of Twenty)
G20 is an intergovernmental forum consisting of 19 countries and the European Union (EU). This grouping
works to address major issues related to the global economy like international financial stability,
sustainable development and climate change mitigation. G20 comprises of largest economies, including
industrialised & developing nations, of the world. it collectively accounts for 90 percent of gross world
product, 75-80 percent of international trade, half of world’s land area and two-thirds of the global
population.
Background
This grouping was founded in 1999 following a several world economic crises. Since 2008, it organises
summits at least once a year, involving each member’s head of government or state, foreign ministers,
finance minister, and other high-ranking officials. EU is represented by European Commission and European
Central Bank.
Who is a Sherpa?
Sherpa is the personal representative of the head of state or government who prepares an international
summit, specially the annual G7 and G20 summits. Sherpa is generally influential, but they do not have any
authority to make final decision regarding any given agreement.
September 10, 2021
India Rankings 2021 of National Institutional Ranking Framework
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan released the National Institutional Ranking Framework
(NIRF), listing the top universities and colleges across India, on September 9, 2021.
Key Points
NIRF India Ranking 2021 has been announced for eleven categories, namely, Overall, University,
Management, Pharmacy, College, Architecture, Engineering, Medical, ARIIA (Atal Ranking of
Institutions on Innovation Achievements), Law and Research Institutions.
NIRF India Ranking parameters and weighted averages were adopted to rank colleges and universities
for all the categories.
Broad categories adopted to rank the colleges, universities and institutes are- Teaching, Learning and
Resources; Graduation Outcomes, Research and Professional Practice; Outreach & Inclusivity and
Peer Perception.
Number of institutes participating in NIRF rankings has increased over the years. Thus, categories in
which institutes are ranked were changed this year. In 2016, there were four categories to rank the
institutes which increased to eleven in 2021.
About 6,000 colleges and universities participated in the sixth edition of NIRF 2021 Rankings.
Which institute has topped the list?
IIT Madras has topped the list in the Engineering Category, for the sixth consecutive year.
IIT Madras also topped the list in overall category.
IIM Ahmedabad also maintained its top rank in Management category, for the second year.
In University category, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore was at top position.
Miranda House, Delhi topped the list in college category.
Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi was ranked at first position in Pharmacy category.
In Medical Category, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi was ranked at first position.
DRDO hands over MRSAM System to IAF
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over the first deliverable Firing Unit
(FU) of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) System to Indian Air Force (IAF) on September 9,
2021.
Highlights
In a significant boost to defence capabilities of India, MRSAM was handed over to IAF at Air Force
Station, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.
Handing over of the system to IAF is a giant leap towards becoming “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and it will
be a game changer in the air-defence-system.
Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM)
MRSAM is an advanced network centric combat Air Defence System. It was jointly developed by DRDO and
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in collaboration with Indian industry consisting of private and public
sectors as well as MSMEs. It is a surface-to-air-missile, 4.5m in length. Contract for MRSAM programme
was signed in February 2009. Under the contract, IAF was to buy 450 MRSAMs and 18 firing units at the
value of $2bn.
Firing Unit
Firing unit of MRSAM comprises of Missiles, Mobile Launcher Systems (MLS), Combat Management System
(CMS), Advanced Long-Range Radar, Reloader Vehicle (RV), Mobile Power System (MPS), Radar Power
System (RPS), and Field Service Vehicle (FSV).
Significance of MRSAM system
MRSAM system provides point and area air defence for ground assets against threats like fighter aircraft,
helicopters, UAVs, sub-sonic & supersonic cruise missiles guided & unguided munitions, etc. This system is
capable of engaging multiple targets at ranges up to 70 kms in severe saturation cases. It is powered by
indigenously developed rocket motor and control system which helps in achieving high manoeuvrability
during the terminal phase.
Jal Shakti Ministry launches Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2021
Minister of State of Jal Shakti Ministry, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, launched the “Swachh Survekshan

Grameen 2021” under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase -II.
Highlights
It was launched at an event organized by Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) on
September 9, 2021.
Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2021 will be undertaken by the Department of Drinking Water and
Sanitation (DDWS) across the country. DDWS has commissioned the Survekshan in 2018 and 2019
earlier.
Aim of the Phase two of SBM (G)
This programme was launched with the aim of supporting acceleration of ODF (Open defecation free) Plus
interventions and increase momentum of improving ODF Sustainability and Solid & Liquid Waste
Management (SLWM) activities in villages. It seeks to achieve the goal of comprehensive cleanliness.
ODF Declaration
India achieved the challenge of ODF declaration of all villages in mission mode in five years period of
2014-2019. The vision of Swachh Bharat triggered the Behavior Change to end open defecation by
construction of more than 10 crore toilets. It also led to Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to address water
security.
SSG 2021 mobile App
Under this phase, a mobile app named “SSG 2021 mobile app” will also be made available in major local
Indian languages. App will help in getting feedback from citizens and using it survey will be well monitored
through frequent field visits.
Swachh Bharat Initiative
Swachh Bharat initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014. Under it, a national
behaviour change movement was started comprising of two primary yardsticks that is, Transparency and
people’s participation. With the help of this movement, Swachh Bharat initiative succeeded in achieving its
goal of safe sanitation across rural India.
September 9: Himalaya Day 2021
On September 9, 2021, National Mission for Clean Ganga organised Himalaya Diwas in collaboration with
Naula Foundation, as a part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
Theme of the day
Himalayan Day 2021 was observed under the theme- ‘Contribution of Himalayas and our responsibilities’.
Himalaya Diwas
Himalaya Diwas/Day is celebrated every year in the state of Uttarakhand on September 9. The day is
observed with the aim of conserving Himalayan ecosystem and region.
Background
September 9 was officially declared as Himalaya Day by the then chief minister of Uttarakhand in 2015.
Why this day is observed?
This day is observed to mark the significance of Himalayas. Himalayan hill towns face several challenges
due to poor building planning & designs, poor infrastructure like roads, water supply, sewage etc and
unprecedented cutting of trees. This result into serious ecological issues. The day is observed highlighting
that there is an urgent need to develop eco-sensitive hill town plans and designs. Himalayas are the source
of strength and a valuable heritage for entire world. thus, it needs to be preserved. The day helps in raising
awareness and community involvement besides instilling scientific knowledge.
Pahad-Paani-Parampra webinar
During the event, proceedings of ‘Stakeholders Webinar on Pahad-Paani-Parampra’ were also released. This
webinar was organised on 10th, 11th and 12th June, 2021. It provided opportunity for policymakers and

decision-makers to sensitize regarding the drying-up of springs and the crucial role of spring-shed
management. The session was conducted to emphasise the need of Ganga Rejuvenation for Sustainable
Himalayas.
Government signs peace pact with Naga insurgent group NSCN
According to Ministry of Home Affairs, Central Government inked a ceasefire agreement with the National
Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) Khaplang (K), led by Nikki Sumi. This peace pact was signed on
September 8, 2021 and will be in force for one year.
Highlights
According to Ministry, with the signing of the peace agreement, about 200 cadres of NSCN group
along with 83 weapons have joined the peace process.
The agreement was signed between Additional secretary (Northeast) in MHA, Piyush Goyal, and
representatives of NSCN (K) Niki along with supervisor of ceasefire supervisory board and a CFSB
member.
Background
Nikki Sumi had expressed his willingness to sign the ceasefire agreement with the government in December
2020. However, he was not able to present to sign the deal because of ill health.
Why peace pact was needed?
According to Ministry of Home Affairs, this peace process was signed with the aim of fulfilling Prime
Minister Modi’s vision of ‘insurgency free and prosperous North East. It will also be a significant step for the
Naga peace process.
Pact between Government and other factions of NSCN
Central Government has also signed peace pact with other factions of National Socialist Council of
Nagaland- NSCN (NK), NSCN (R), and NSCN (K)- Khango.
Naga Peace Accord
The framework agreement for Naga Peace Accord was inked between Central Government and NSCN (IM)
group on August 3, 2015. Before this framework agreement, NSCN (K) had revoked the peace pact with the
government in March 2015. This pact was signed to end the insurgency in Nagaland.
Gyanvapi mosque-Kashi Vishwanath temple title dispute- Key Facts
On September 9, 2021 the Allahabad High Court put hold on the order of Varanasi court that had asked for a
‘comprehensive archaeological physical survey’ of the disputed Gyanvapi mosque-kashi Vishwanath temple
complex.
Highlights
While staying the order of Varanasi court, Allahabad High Court (HC) underlined that HC “can interfere to
keep subordinate tribunals & Courts ‘within the bounds of their authority’.
Background
Petition was filed by UP Sunni Waqf Board and Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Varanasi, to challenge the April 8
order of the Varanasi court. However, Justice Prakash Padia ordered a stay on petitions. This
miscellaneous application filed by Sunni Waqf Board was part of a writ petition that was being heard on
complex dispute in Allahabad High Court. Allahabad HC had reserved the order on March 15 after the
completion of arguments in this matter.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
It is one among the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Vishwanath Gali of
Varanasi. It stands on the western bank of the river Ganga. It is one among the twelve Jyotirlingas. Main
deity in the temple is known by the names Shri Vishwanath and Vishweshwara which literally means Lord of
the Universe.

Why it is known as Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
In ancient times, Varanasi city was called as Kashi. Hence this temple is popularly called Kashi Vishwanath
Temple.
Background
This Temple has been referred as a central part of worship in the Shaiva Philosophy in Hindu scriptures for
a very long time. It is claimed that, this temple had been demolished many times in ancient time. Current
structure of the temple was built in 1780, on an adjacent site by Maratha ruler, Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore.
India-Denmark launch ‘Centre of Excellence on Offshore Wind’
Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R. K. Singh met Minister for Climate, Energy &
Utilities of Denmark, Dan Jorgensen in New Delhi on September 9, 2021.
Highlights
During the meeting, it was highlighted that energy transition towards green is an important part of
India’s policy.
India has set a target of 450 Giga Watt of Renewable Energy capacity by 2030.
Currently, India’s whole renewable energy portfolio is at 146 GW.
Minister noted that, among G-20 countries, only India’s actions are in consonance with the Paris
Climate agreement with respect to global rise in temperature.
India is also looking towards making Ladakh, Andaman Nicobar Island and Lakshadweep Island green
in energy and transport.
Both the ministers jointly launched ‘Centre of Excellence on Offshore Wind’ under the Green Strategic
Partnership.
Green Strategic Partnership
India and Denmark launched the Green Strategic Partnership in the year 2020 to deliver the sustainable
solutions in India. For this, Ministry of Commerce & Industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
for Intellectual Property (IP) Cooperation with Denmark. Green Strategic Partnership focuses on expanding
green growth, economic ties and cooperation on global challenges like climate change.
What is green growth?
Green growth is the path of economic growth which uses natural resources in a sustainable manner.
Key points of Green Strategic Partnership
Under the partnership, Danish companies with niche technologies and expertise offered to help India
to meet its air pollution control targets.
It also provided mechanism to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic and cooperation in water efficiency &
water loss.
Finance Ministry releases Revenue Deficit Grants to States
Finance Ministry released the sixth monthly instalment of revenue deficit grant of Rs 9871 crores to 17
states, on September 9, 2021.
Highlights
Grants were released on the recommendations of 15th Finance Commission to 17 states for 2021-22.
Grants were released in accordance with the Article 275 of the Indian constitution. Under, article 275,
post devolution revenue deficit grant is provided to the states.
Grants are released on the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission in monthly instalments
in order to meet the gap in revenue accounts of the states post-devolution.
This sixth monthly instalment was released by the Department of Expenditure.
In the current fiscal year, a total amount of Rs 59,226 crores has been released for eligible states, as
of now.

Who decide the eligibility of states?
Eligibility of states for receiving this grant and quantum of the grant are decided by finance commission on
the basis of gap between assessment of revenue and expenditure of the state. Commission also takes into
account the assessed devolution for the respective financial year.
Which states received grants this year?
Fifteenth Finance Commission recommended names of the states to receive the Grant. They include-
Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram,
Sikkim, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.
15th finance commission recommendation
The Fifteenth Finance Commission has recommended a total revenue deficit Grant of Rs 1,18,452 crore for
17 states in 2021-22. Out of this, Rs 59,226 crore that is 50 per cent has been released so far.
Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant
Revenue deficit grant of Post devolution revenue deficit grant is provided to the States under Article 275 of
the Constitution. Grants are released in accordance with the recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance
Commission in monthly installments. It is provided to meet the gap in Revenue Accounts post devolution.
Railways Ministry closes Indian Railways Organisation for Alternative Fuels (IROAF)
Railway Ministry has closed down the Indian Railways Organization of Alternate Fuel (IROAF), in effect from
September 7, 2021.
Key Points
IROAF is a separate enterprise that works in the field of green fuels for transport.
It recently invited bids for hydrogen fuel cell-based technology to run the trains.
This closure would not affect the ongoing projects or contracts of IROA. With some administrative
change, projects will be executed as usual.
Work of IROAF will be transferred to Northern Railways and Railway Board.
Solar power rolling stock or Alternate Fuel Electrical Directorate of the IROAF will be transferred to
the Railway Board, while the existing tenders will be handled by Northern Railway.
Experiment with Bio-diesel
IROAF to its capacity had experimented with bio-diesel engines, CNG-fuelled engines etc earlier in order to
find alternative to diesel. It had also been working on solar-powered trains in line with government’s plans
to reduce carbon emission by adopting renewable energy by 2022.
Concerns with the set target
Indian Railways have not aligned itself with the target of adopting renewable energy by 2022. Only some
minor projects and showcase installations have aligned with the target as of now. Railways is doing very
little to contribute to the agenda set by Government of India.
About IROAF
IROAF is the single window on Indian Railways that deals with work related to use of Alternate fuels, other
than the conventional traction. It seeks to introduce Bio Diesel in Indian Railways, convert Diesel Powered
Multiple Units (DEMU) to dual fuel using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). It also seeks to promote the use
of Solar Energy in Rolling Stock & Mechanical Assets.
Government unveils 100-day plan for Civil Aviation Sector
Union minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, announced a 100-day plan for India’s civil aviation
sector on September 9, 2021.
Highlights
Minister also unveiled policy measures and development of airports & heliports.
This plan would focus on 16 areas. Out of these, 8 is related to policy and 4 is related to reforms.

As per plan, six heliports will be developed in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand under the regional
air connectivity scheme called UDAN.
Minister also announced a new policy for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) activities.
Under the 100-day target, three main foundations are infrastructure, policy targets and reforms
initiative.
Under it, four airports will be made operation or developed optimally.
New airports to be operationalised
Central government has already allocated Rs 255 crore for making Kushinagar airport in Uttar
Pradesh operational and landing & take-off of Airbus 321 Boeing 737 flights.
Under the plan, a new terminal will be constructed at Dehradun airport in Uttarakhand in order to
facilitate passenger capacity from existing 250 to 1,800. For this purpose, Centre has pumped in Rs
457 crore for its revamp.
Upgradation work of Agartala airport would also be undertaken in order to increase the capacity from
500 passengers per hour to 1200 per hour at the estimated cost of Rs 490 crore.
A new airport at Jewar in Uttar Pradesh will be constructed. Government has allocated Rs 30,000
crore for it. It is expected to have a capacity of two crore passengers annually. In first phase, Rs 9000
crore will be invested and capacity will be increased to 1.2 crore passengers annually. But by the
fourth phase, passenger capacity will be increased to seven crores.
India hosts BRICS Summit virtually
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, chaired the 13th BRICS Summit virtually on September 9, 2021.
Theme of the summit
India has chosen the theme of the Summit as “BRICS@15: Intra-BRICS Cooperation for Continuity,
Consolidation and Consensus”.
Highlights
The Summit was participated by all other BRICS Leaders namely, President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro,
President of Russia Vladimir Putin President of China Xi Jinping and President of South Africa Cyril
Ramaphosa.
During the summit, Indian Prime Minister appreciated the cooperation received from BRICS partners
during Chair ship of India this year.
Under India’s chair ship, BRICS took several new initiatives, including:
1. First BRICS Digital Health Summit
2. First BRICS Ministerial Joint Statement on multilateral reforms
3. BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan
4. Agreement on cooperation in field of remote-sensing satellites
5. Virtual BRICS vaccine Research & Development Centre
6. BRICS Alliance on Green Tourism etc.
During the summit, PM Modi highlighted the leading role played by BRICS countries in the post-COVID
global recovery.
He called for an enhanced BRICS cooperation with the motto of ‘Build-back Resiliently, Innovatively,
Credibly & Sustainably’.
Summit was concluded with the adoption of ‘New Delhi Declaration’.
How ‘build-back’ motto can be accelerated?
He also stressed on the need of accelerating ‘build-back’ by:
1. Enhancing speed and accessibility of vaccination
2. Creating ‘resilience’ by diversifying pharma and Vaccine production capacities beyond developed

world
3. Fostering ‘innovation’ by using digital tools for public good
4. Ensuring reform of multilateral institutions in order to enhance their credibility and
5. promoting sustainable development with the help of common BRICS voice on environmental and
climate issues.
September 9: World EV day
World EV Day is observed on September 9 every year in order to mark the celebration of e-mobility.
Highlights
On this occasion, special awareness campaigns are organised across the world in order to educate
people regarding the benefits of electric vehicles.
It is a social media campaign which encourages drivers to recognise the benefits of electric vehicles.
It also encourages the drivers to make commitment that the next car they drive will be electric and
not the one running on conventional fuels.
World EV Day works alongside the Green.TV’s EV Summit.
EV Summit
EV Summit brings together the e-mobility leaders from across the world together to brainstorm on how they
can take electrification and sustainable transport forwards. It is organised by Green.TV.
History of World EV day
World EV Day initiative was created by sustainability media company Green.TV. First edition of the World EV
day was observed in 2020.
World’s largest EV market
China is the largest EV market worldwide. Besides China, India is also emerging as next favourite
destination for automotive companies. Indian government has also promised to offer all possible help to
take electric vehicle industry forward. Currently, the automotive industry of India is the fifth largest
worldwide and is set to become third largest by 2030.
India’s efforts for shift towards EV
India is already making efforts to shift towards electric vehicles. Recently, a leading electric vehicle & clean
energy company, Tesla, announced to enter into India. Tesla has already incorporated its subsidiary, Tesla
India Motors & Energy Pvt Ltd, in Bengaluru. Japan-based Suzuki also declared to launch its first EV in India
while Tata Motors has plans to launch 10 electric cars by 2025.
September 9: International Day to Protect Education from Attack
United Nations observed the International Day to Protect Education from attack on September 9, 2021.
Key Points
First ever ‘International Day to Protect Education from Attack’ was observed by United Nations on
September 9, 2020.
This day was established by the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution 74/275.
This resolution was presented by the State of Qatar and 62 co-sponsoring countries.
Co-facilitators of the day
In order to recognize the importance of raising awareness on the need to preserve education and protect it
from any attack, UN resolution has designated UNESCO and UNICEF to serve as co-facilitators of the
observance of this day annually. The resolution also asks stakeholders to keep this issue at the top
international agenda and ask them to act for alleviating the plight of students affected by armed conflicts.
Why this day is observed?
This day is observed to raise awareness on the need to protect education from attack. The becomes
significant because in most of the countries with armed conflicts, military uses schools and other

educational institutions. As a result, students are deprived of their right of accessing quality education and
teachers are deprived from the ability to deliver learning adequately.
Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA)
In past six years, GCPEA has collected over 13,400 reports of attacks on education or military use of
educational facilities across the world. In such conflicts, more than 25,000 students, teachers, and
academics got injured, killed, or harmed.
September 11, 2021
Co-WIN develops new API called KYC-VS
Central government announced an Aadhaar-like authentication system on September 10, 2021 to access the
covid vaccination status of an individual on the CoWin platform.
Highlights
This new application programming interface (API) has been developed by CoWin. It is called ‘Know
Your Customer’s or Client’s Vaccination Status’ or KYC-VS.
The API was developed as an extra security layer in order to protect personal data before sharing it
with any third-party verifying entity as and when required.
How vaccination status can be accessed?
In order to access the vaccination status of the person, his registered mobile number and name must be
entered by the verifying entity in order to generate a one-time password or OTP. This two-layer
authentication will enable CoWin to quickly respond on the vaccination status.
It will show 0, if the person is not vaccinated
1 if the person is partially vaccinated and
2 if the person is fully vaccinated.
Report on vaccination will be digitally signed and can be shared instantly by the verifying entity.
CoWin Portal
CoWIN is dubbed as “Covid Vaccine Intelligence Network”. This web portal was developed by Indian
government for COVID-19 vaccination registration. It is owned and operated by Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare. The portal displays booking slots of COVID-19 vaccine in the nearby areas and can be
booked through it. This portal has also been integrated with the Aarogya Setu and UMANG Apps. It also
provides digitally verifiable certificate, which can be saved on a device or on Digi Locker, digitally.
Defence Minister held bilateral meeting with Australian counterpart in New Delhi
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart Peter Dutton in
New Delhi on September 10, 2021.
Highlights
Peter Dutton is on his first official visit to India along with a high-level delegation for a 2+2 ministerial
dialogue.
Both the countries are keen to work jointly in order to realise the full potential of India-Australia
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is based on the shared vision of a free, open, inclusive and rule-
based Indo-Pacific region.
Australia and India have several stakes in peace, development, rules-based order, free flow of trade
and economic growth in the region.
Discussion between both sides was focused on:
1. Bilateral defence cooperation
2. Expansion of military engagements across the services,
3. Enhancing defence information sharing,
4. Cooperation in emerging defence technologies and
5. Mutual logistics support.
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
India and Australia share their bilateral relation as “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” because both the
countries were the part of British Empire. Both of them are members of the Commonwealth of Nations. They
share political, security, economic, lingual and sporting ties. Cricket and English language have emerged as
a strong cultural connection between both. Military of both the countries meet for a regular joint naval
exercise called AUSINDEX.
Diplomatic Relations
The diplomatic relations started in 1941 with the establishment of a Trade Office by India in Sydney,
Australia. The office is currently represented by a High Commissioner in embassy at Canberra and the
Consulate generals in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Australia is having a High Commission in New Delhi
and Consulates in Mumbai & Chennai.
India-Japan Sixth Maritime Affairs Dialogue
India and Japan held their sixth Maritime Affairs Dialogue on September 10, 2021 in a virtual format.
Highlights
The dialogue involved exchanges on developments in the areas of regional cooperation activities, maritime
security environment as well as the opportunities for cooperation between both the countries in the Indo-
Pacific region.
Background
First round of India-Japan Maritime dialogue was held in 2013 in New Delhi in 2013.
During first round of dialogue, both the countries signed Acquisition and Cross Serving Agreement.
This agreement allows access to military bases of each other.
Through this agreement, India has access Japan base in Djibouti and Japanese Navy have access
Indian Naval base in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
India-Japan Maritime Exercise
India and Japan also held bilateral Maritime Exercise called JIMEX, that stands for Japan-India Maritime
Exercise. It is held annually.
India-Japan Maritime Cooperation
Both the countries are having convergent interests in maritime security. They depend on sea-borne trade in
order to sustain their economies. Thus, it becomes essential to work together for the security of trade in
light of the South-China Sea. Countries have affirmed that a peaceful means of unilateral action is required
to do way with the dispute in the region.
India-Japan Relations
India and Japan had upgraded their relationship to ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’ in 2014.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Railway (MAHSR) is an important area of cooperation in Railway sector
between both the countries. In 2018, India-Japan Digital Partnership was launched to deepen the existing
areas of cooperation and initiatives within the scope of cooperation in science & technology.
Common Interests
India and Japan are the member nations of G-4 grouping. They regularly conduct naval exercises, mil-to-mil
exercises, coast guard exercises and air force exercises. Both the countries are facing difficulties in the
maritime area because of China’s dominance. They seek to make the Indo-pacific a multipolar, free, open
and inclusive region.
4th Conference of the Protectors of Emigrants held
The fourth Conference of the Protectors of Emigrants was held on September 10, 2021.

Highlights
This day coincides with the date of enactment of Emigration Act, 1983.
On the occasion, MOS for External Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan address and observe that India has
worked together to deal with the challenges of covid-19 pandemic.
He noted that, this is the right time to prepare for the opportunities in the world which is cautiously
returning to normalcy.
According to him, Protectors of Emigrants (POEs) should facilitate emigration of blue collared
workers and provide them best possible protection and welfare.
Significance of POEs
POEs plays an important role in informing youth and workers regarding the new destinations and
opportunities. It raises awareness on the basis of:
1. MOU signed between India & UK on mobility and partnership;
2. MOC between India & Japan on specified skilled workers in 14 sectors; and
3. Approval on skilled manpower mobility between India & Portugal.
How POEs can be protected?
POEs can be protected by updating and refine various welfare schemes like Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana
(PBBY), Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), Pre-Departure Orientation Training (PDoT) and eMigrate
platform.
eMigrate system
It is an online platform that integrates POE offices, Indian Missions, Passport offices, Bureau of
Immigration & others and regulates overseas employment. This platform is being strengthened by several
measures in order to increase its popularity and make it simple & incentivised. This platform has now been
opened up to all countries to recognise new migration corridors to East Asia, Europe and other countries.
MoS for Health & Family Welfare inaugurated Digital Population Clock
Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Bharati Pravin Pawar, inaugurated “Digital Population
Clock” on September 10, 2021.
Key Points
Minister also presided over the Seminar on Population, Human Capital and Sustainable Development.
Digital Population Clock was inaugurated at the Institute for Economic Growth inside the University of
Delhi.
She also launched a book titled “Infant and Child Mortality in Assam – Demographic and Socio-
Economic Interrelations” on the occasion. The book was written by Dr Dipanjali Haloi and Dr Suresh
Sharma.
During the event, a HMIS Brochure or Ready Reckoner was also launched.
Highlights of the minister’s address
In her address minister noted that, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is committed to strengthen
the health infrastructure in India and fulfil the Vision of Prime Minister Modi- “Health for All”.
According to her, population policy should be made in order to stabilize population and it requires
macro as well as micro approach.
Government is working to provide everyone clean fuel, house, clean water and health care.
Population Research Centres (PRCs)
Minister noted the role played by Population research centres in carrying research on contemporary issues
because population estimation is critical in distribution and access to public goods.
What is the purpose of Population clock?
Population clock was launched in order to provide minute by minute estimate of India’s population. It will

also capture data on Total Fertility Rate, Infant Mortality Rate as well as Maternal Mortality Rate. It will help
in raising awareness in young generations and conducting research.
Mahakavi Day: Tamil Nadu to observe on Subramania Bharati’s death anniversary
Tamil Nadu government has decided to commemorate the death anniversary of Subramania Bharathi, a
firebrand poet & freedom fighter, as Mahakavi Day.
Highlights
Death anniversary of Subramania Bharati is on September 11.
Year 2021 will mark the 100th death anniversary of the poet.
His works ignited patriotism and left indelible mark on Tamil literature.
To mark the centenary, weekly events will be held at the Bharathiyar Memorial House in the state for
next one year.
Government will also be conducting a state-level poetry competition for school and college students
and “Bharati young poet Award’’ will be presented along with a purse of Rs one lakh.
Women Livelihood Mission will also be renamed after Bharatiyar. This scheme is to be implemented
by the rural development department.
Manathil Urithi Vendum (Firmness in Mind)
To mark the centenary, government will bring the Manathil Urithi Vendum book. It will comprise of
compilation of her poems and essays. Books will be brought at the cost of Rs 10 crore and distributed
among 37 lakh school students. Government will set up a separate wing ‘Bharathiyar’ to compile the books
of Bharathiyar.
Theme of the events
Government will be organising events under the theme ‘parengum Bharathi’ (Bharathi everywhere), in
collaboration with World Tamil Associations.
Subramania Bharathi
He was a Tamil writer, poet, social reformer, journalist as well as Indian independence activist. He is
popularly known as “Mahakavi Bharathi”. He was the pioneer of modern Tamil poetry and is considered as
the greatest Tamil literary figures of all time. His fights were for emancipation of women and against child
marriage. He stood for reforming Brahminism & religion and in solidarity with Dalits & Muslims.
US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP)
Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri and U.S. Secretary of Energy Ms. Jennifer
Granholm, co-chaired a virtual Ministerial meeting and launched the revamped U.S.-India Strategic Clean
Energy Partnership (SCEP).
Highlights
In the meeting, both the sides reviewed progress & major accomplishments and prioritized new areas
for cooperation across several pillars.
Indian side noted that, this revamped clean energy partnership will intensify the efforts to take
advantage of complementarities that exists between both the countries.
They also announced addition of a fifth Pillar on Emerging Fuels as both the countries seek to
promote clean energy fuels.
On the occasion, a new India-US Task Force on Biofuels was also announced in order to build the
scope of work on cooperation in biofuels sector.
Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP)
SCEP was launched in line with U.S.-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership that
was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden in April 2021 at the
Leaders’ Summit on Climate.

It organizes inter-governmental engagement on the basis of five pillars of cooperation:
1. Power and Energy Efficiency
2. Responsible Oil and Gas
3. Renewable Energy
4. Sustainable Growth and
5. Emerging Fuels.
India-US cooperation on renewable energy fuel
Both sides will put emphasis on upscaling cooperation under renewable energy pillar by working on various
projects and system-friendly practices in the renewable energy sector. They also seek to strengthen electric
grid in India to extend support to large-scale integration of renewables including smart grids, flexible
resources, energy storage, and distributed energy resources.
Gas Task Force
They also announced renaming the Gas Task Force to India-US Low Emissions Gas Task Force. This task
force will continue to forge collaboration between Indian and US companies on innovative projects to
provide support to India’s vision of gas-based economy.
PM Modi inaugurates Sardardham Bhavan at Ahmedabad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the state of art Sardardham Bhavan at Ahmedabad through
video conferencing on September 11, 2021.
Key Points
He also laid the foundation stone of Sardardham Phase-II Kanya Chhatralay on the occasion.
Sardardham Bhavan has been constructed at the cost of 200 crore rupees.
It comprises of modern facilities such as library, hostel, career guidance & training centre for boys as
well as girls coming from rural areas and a multipurpose auditorium.
Kanya Chhatralaya will house 2000 girls, irrespective of their economic criteria.
Both the establishments are dedicated to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Significance of the Bhavan
Sardardham Bhavan will empower India’s future generations as well as inspire them to lead their lives by
following the principles followed by Sardar Patel in his life. These youngsters will play decisive roles by the
time India completed 100 years of independence in 2047.
Mission of the Sardardham
Social transformation in the Nation Building
To socially consolidate and ensure unity & fraternity
Social, Educational & economic development of the community.
What are the goals of Sardardham?
To recognise Patidars from Village to Global Level.
Social and Economic Development of needy Patidar’s Family
Women Empowerment by providing them education, self-employment and entrepreneurship.
Elimination of health-hazard habit such as Tobacco, liquors, Gutaka etc.
To creating Hostel Facilities for 2000 Boys and Girls in the first phase which will be increased to 8000
in the Second Phase.
Where and who developed it?
Sardardham Bhavan has been developed at the Vaishnodevi circle in Ahmedabad, Gujarat by Patidar Samaj.
20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks- Key Facts
September 11, 2021 marked the 20th anniversary of the attack on World Trade center towers in New York,
which is also known as “9/11 attack”.

Key Points
This incident had sent shockwaves across the world 20 years ago.
It showed the ugly head of terror aided and abetted by Al Qaeda, in the name of radical Islam.
History of 9/11
On this day in 2001, AL Qaeda terrorists had hijacked four aircrafts in United States with a sinister
design.
Two aircrafts crashed into the World Trade Center towers, New York while one aircraft crashed into
Pentagon outside Washington.
Fourth aircraft crashed into rural Pennsylvania because passengers tried to take back the control
from hijackers.
In the incident, about 2977 people were killed, raising the spectre of terrorism.
Most of the dead passengers were American nationals but citizens of about 100 countries lost their
lives as well.
Mastermind of these attacks was the founder of terror outfit Al Qaeda, Osama bin Laden.
Who trained these hijackers?
Most of these hijackers were of Saudi origin. They were trained in Afghanistan. Four of them received
training at flight training schools in United States.
Operation Enduring Freedom
Following the incident, US troops were sent to Afghanistan under the Operation Enduring Freedom. This
operation led to ouster of the then regime in Kabul. Terrorists were hunted down while Osama Bin Laden
was killed on 2nd May 2011 in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
Destruction of the World Trade Center
Destruction of World Trade Center and nearby infrastructure harmed the economy of New York City and
resulted in a global economic recession. Clean-up of the World Trade Center site was completed in May
2002 while the Pentagon was repaired within a year. Construction of the World Trade Center complex’s
replacement started in November 2006 and was opened in November 2014 again.
World’s largest plant to suck CO2 from air starts in Iceland
World’s largest plant that has been designed to suck carbon dioxide (CO2) from air and turn it into rock was
started recently in Iceland.
Key Points
This plant has been named as Orca, after the Icelandic word “orka”, meaning energy.
The plant comprises of four units. Each of the units are made up of two metal boxes. They are similar
to the containers used for maritime transport, in appearance.
Who constructed the plant?
Orca plant has been constructed by Switzerland’s Clime works and Iceland’s Carbfix.
Plant’s capacity
When the plant will operate at its full capacity, it will draw 4,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) from air
every year. As per US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this amount is equal to the emissions from
about 870 cars.
How CO2 will be collected?
In order to collect the CO2, Orca plant uses fans to draw air into the collector comprising of filter material
inside. Once the filter material is filled with carbon dioxide, collector is closed and temperature is raised to
release the carbon dioxide from the material. Following this process, highly concentrated gas can be
collected. Collected CO2 is mixed with water and are injected at a depth of 1,000 metres into nearby basalt
rock where it is petrified.

Significance of the plant
As per the proponents of carbon capture and storage (CCS), these technologies can become a major tool
towards the fight against climate change.
This technology is still prohibitively expensive and will take decades to operate at larger scale.
September 10: World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day was observed on September 10, 2021.
Key Facts
The day is observed annually to highlight several ways by which suicide can be prevented.
It was first marked on September 10, 2003, as an initiative by the International Association for
Suicide Prevention (IASP) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
IASP and WHO collaborated to create this day to spread an important message that “suicides are
preventable”.
Following the first successful year, WHO formally agreed in 2004 to co-sponsor the event again and
made it an annually recognized day.
In 2011, around 40 countries organised the awareness events to mark this occasion.
IASP organizes several events or programs across 60 countries to mark this day.
Cases of Suicide
Suicide is an act of intentionally taking one’s life. It has become a major public health issue in the time of
Covid-19 pandemic and periods of lockdowns. As per report, every 40 seconds someone take their life in
world. Around 75% of the cases are reported from low and middle-income countries. In 2019, 1.3% of
deaths were due to suicide. According to the World Health Organization, suicide is a global phenomenon,
which was the 17th leading cause of death in 2019.
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)
IASP is an international suicide prevention organization, which was founded by Erwin Ringel and Norman
Farberow in 1960. The organization is dedicated to prevent suicidal behaviour and provide a forum for
mental health professionals, suicide survivors, crisis workers and other people affected by suicidal
behaviour. It comprises of professionals and volunteers from 50 countries.
September 13, 2021
Japan-Vietnam deal for Defence Equipment
Japan and Vietnam have recently signed a new deal, which enables the export of Japanese-made defence
equipment and technology to Vietnam.
Highlights
Both the countries have inked the deal to boost the defence cooperation in the backdrop of China’s
growing military influence.
This deal will elevate the defence partnership among the countries to a new level.
Countries have also planned to deepen defence ties through multinational joint exercises as well.
Details regarding the transfer of specific equipment, including naval vessels, will be worked out at
subsequent stages.
To counter the China’s increasingly assertive actions in disputed waters of South China Sea, Japan
and Vietnam have also agreed on the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation & overflight in
Indo-Pacific region and cooperation in several defence areas including cybersecurity.
Vietnam is the 11th country with which Japan signed the defence equipment and technology transfer
deal.

How China answered to this deal?
China answered to the deal by announcing its plan to donate three million doses of coronavirus vaccine to
Vietnam. China is of the view that both the countries should also refrain from any unilateral actions
regarding the South China Sea.
China-Vietnam dispute
Vietnam is having territorial disputes with China over the Spratly and Paracel island groups in South China
Sea.
China-Japan dispute
Japan and China are also having territorial dispute. Japan regularly protests against Chinese coastguard’s
presence in East China Sea near Senkaku Island, which is controlled by Japan & also claimed by China as
Diaoyu island.
England: First country to mandate new homes to install EV chargers
British government has announced to introduce legislation in 2021, under which all the newly built homes
and offices will require to feature electric vehicle chargers in England.
Highlights
Under the legislation, all new homes and offices will be required to feature smart charging devices
which can automatically charge vehicles during off-peak periods.
According to it, new office blocks will require to install a charging point for every five parking spaces.
This law will make England the first country in the world, that require all new homes to have EV
chargers.
The legislation is part of the movement that seeks to rapidly boost the number of chargers in England
ahead of UK’s 2030 ban of new fossil-fuel vehicles.
Home and office EV charger proposal is expected to start in 2022.
Significance of the legislation
This legislation will help in boosting confidence and help those who transition from gas cars in overcoming
the range anxiety because many homes in England do not have off-street parking or garages.
Background
The government originally announced to mandate that all new homes have a charge point with the parking
space in 2019.
UK’s 2030 ban of new fossil-fuel vehicles
United Kingdom Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, had recently announced to ban the sale of gasoline-powered
vehicles from 2030, nothing the future of personal mobility on electric vehicles. The ban on gasoline
vehicles had initially been proposed for 2040. But it has been brought forward by ten years under the ten-
point plan of UK of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Hybrid vehicles would be phased
out by 2035.
NCAER director: India to grow by 10% during current fiscal
As per director of economic think-tank NCAER, Poonam Gupta, the Indian economy is expected to grow by
10 per cent during the financial year 2021-22.
Key Points
This growth will pick up because of fewer COVID-19-linked supply disruptions, increased demand of
contact-intensive disruptions & traditional services and buoyancy in the global economy.
However, the real challenge would be to sustain a growth rate of 7-8 per cent in upcoming years.
About Poonam Gupta
Poonam Gupta is the first woman director general of NCAER. Before joining NCAER, she worked as the lead
economist at the World Bank. She had also worked at the Reserve Bank of India Chair Professor at NIPFP as

well as a Professor of Macroeconomics at ICRIER.
Background
Economic growth in India had surged to 20.1 per cent in April-June quarter of the current fiscal year, due to
a low base in the previous fiscal year amid the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Gross domestic
product (GDP) had also reduced by 24.4 per cent in corresponding April-June quarter of 2020-21.
RBI’s prediction
RBI expects the GDP growth to be 9.5 per cent in 2021-22. It predicts the growth rate of 21.4 per cent in the
first quarter; 7.3 per cent in second, 6.3 per cent third and 6.1 per cent the fourth quarter of 2021-22.
National Council of Applied Economic Research
It is a non-profit think tank of economics, based in New Delhi. Nandan Nilekani is president this governing
body. It was established in 1956 with financial support of Tata Sons, Ford Foundation and Finance Ministry.
Foundation stone of NCAER campus was laid by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in October 1959.
Food Processing Unit inaugurated in Morena, MP
On September 11, 2021, the Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Prahlad Singh Patel,
inaugurated a Food Processing Unit of M/s Sahara Frozen Foods in Morena, Madhya Pradesh.
Key Facts
Food Processing Unit was inaugurated under a central sector cold chain scheme called Pradhan
Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana.
It was launched on the last day of Food Processing Week.
Food Processing Week
Food Processing week was celebrated from September 6, 2021 to September 12, 2021 as a part of ‘Azadi
Ka Amrit Mahotsav.’ Under this, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries organized various programmes.
As part of the the week, ministry also organised a webinar on Business Opportunities in Bakery &
Confectionery under ‘One District One Product’ at Chandigarh. Also, Rs. 5.41 Cr. Has been transferred to
Community Based Organisations for 1498 SHG members in Maharashtra as Seed Capital, under the PMFME
Scheme.
About Sahara Frozen Foods unit
Sahara frozen foods unit has been set up at the project cost of Rs. 21.09 crores. For this, ministry has also
provided a grant in aid of Rs. 10 crores. Unit will provide direct and indirect employment to some 700
persons and will benefit 1000 farmers in the CPC and PPC catchment areas.
Facilities under the unit
Facilities under the unit include:
1. IQF Pre-Processing Line for F&V – 4 MT/Hr
2. Deep Freezer or Frozen Store – 4000 MT
3. Modern Racking System (Stacking)-4000 MT
4. High Reach Material Handling- 2 Units.
Services provided by Unit
This unit provides excellent state-of-the-art facilities like water treatment plants, packing machines, water
storage tanks, subsystems, fittings etc. it mainly produces frozen peas, frozen cabbage, mango pieces, etc.
Supreme Court: Employee can’t insist on transfer to particular place
Supreme Court has recently ruled that, an employee cannot insist on transfer to a particular place and only
employer can shift the staff after considering requirement.
Highlights
Supreme court observed this while dismissing a petition by a lecturer who challenged the October
2017 order of the Allahabad High Court.

Allahabad high court had dismissed the plea filed by her which she had filed against rejection of her
representation by the authority concerned for her transfer from Amroha to Gautam Buddha Nagar.
Background
Women was posted as a lecturer in Amroha district. She made a representation for her transfer in a
college at Gautam Buddha Nagar. But it was rejected by the authority in September 2017.
Her counsel argued in 2017 before the high court that she was working at Amroha for last four years
as well as the government policy.
Allahabad court verdict
High court noted that, order passed by the authority concerned showed that the women had remained
posted at a college in Gautam Buddha Nagar for 13 years from the date of initial appointment in
December 2000 to August 2013.
Thus, women’s request for posting her again at the same institution was not justified.
Court further noted that, petitioner was not entitled to be posted at a place where she had already
worked for about 13 years.
According to the court, in case women has completed the requisite number of years at the place of
her present posting, she can request for her transfer to other places.
Swarnim Vijay Varsh Victory Flame arrived Dahung in Arunachal Pradesh
The Swarnim Vijay Varsh Mashaal or victory flame arrived at Dahung in Arunachal Pradesh on September
12, 2021 after touring the Country.
Highlights
Victory flame was moved throughout the country to the 50 years of victory over Pakistan during 1971
Indo-Pak War.
It was received at Sessa, Arunachal Pradesh with full military honours.
During escort of the victory flame to Dahung, cavalcade was ushered by locals with enthusiasm and
deep sense of gratitude towards the gallant soldiers who fought and lost their lives during the 1971
War.
In the coming days, it will tour Rupa, Bomdi La and Tawang and will remain with the Ball of Fire
Division till September 23, 2021 to participate in several events that has been planned to
commemorate the 50 years of war with Pakistan as well as liberation of Bangladesh.
About Swarnim Vijay Mashaal
The ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ or the ‘victory flame’ symbolises India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971 Swarnim
Vijay Varsh. This flame was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 16, 2020 from the
National War Memorial in New Delhi. At the National War Memorial, four victory flames were lit from the
eternal flame and are being carried throughout the cities and villages in India. It also moved through the
villages of Param Vir Chakra (PVC) and Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) awardees of 1971 war.
1971 India-Pakistani War
It was a military confrontation between India and Pakistan, occurred during the Bangladesh Liberation War
in East Pakistan. The war was fought from December 3, 1971 till December 16, 1971, resulting into the fall
of Dacca (Dhaka). It lasted for just 13 days and is the shortest wars in history.
PM to lay foundation stone of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh State University
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh State
University in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh on September 13, 2021.
Key facts
This university is being established by the State Government in the honour of great freedom fighter,
social reformer and educationist Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh.

It is being set up in the total area of over 92 acres at Lodha and Musepur Kareem Jarouli villages of
Kol tehsil in Aligarh.
University will provide affiliation to 395 colleges of Aligarh Division.
On the occasion, PM will also visit the exhibition models of Aligarh Node of Uttar Pradesh Defence
Industrial Corridor as well as Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh State University.
Defence Industrial Corridor
Establishment of the Defence Industrial Corridor in Uttar Pradesh was announced in February 2018 by Prime
Minister when he inaugurated the UP Investors Summit in Lucknow. Under the corridor, a total of six nodes
namely Agra, Aligarh, Jhansi, Kanpur, Chitrakoot, and Lucknow have been planned. In Aligarh Node, land
allocation process has been completed. Land has been allotted to 19 firms, that will invest one thousand
245 crore rupees it. This corridor seeks to make India self-reliant in the field of defence production and
promoting Make in India.
Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh
He was an Indian freedom fighter, writer, journalist, revolutionary and President in the Provisional
Government of India that served as the Indian Government in exile in 1915 during World War I from Kaabul.
He also formed the Executive Board of India in Japan in 1940. He was the part of Balkan War in 1911. He is
also known as “Aryan Peshwa”.
Vice President calls to increase production of Solar PV cells
Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu, called upon states to increase the production of Solar PV sells
and modules in India.
Highlights
He called to set up manufacturing plants in order to boost the production of solar PV cells and
modules.
He noted the importance of “Atma Nirbharta” in solar energy through active participation of states.
He also suggested to invest in training and upskilling the workforce in order to adopt latest
technologies and highlighted the instance of the scheme of ‘Surya Mitras’.
Solar power plant at Pondicherry
He inaugurated a solar power plant of 2.4-Megawatt capacity at Pondicherry University in Union Territory of
Puducherry. On this occasion, he highlighted the importance of green energies like wind, solar, and small
hydro.
India’s solar capacity
India has been moving fast in becoming a global leader in the ‘energy transition’. With the total installed
solar capacity of over 40 Gigawatts, India is ranked at fifth position in the world with respect to its solar
power capacity.
Innovation in Solar sector
Vice President also highlighted the importance of innovation in solar sector. He suggested to exploring
alternative avenues for installing ground-mounted PV systems. For instance, installation of floating solar
plants on water and NTPC’s floating solar power plant of 100 MW capacity in Telangana.
Significance of such projects
Such innovative projects will help in improving employment prospects and will promote innovations and
improvements in India’s domestic solar industry.
Colexion: Largest Licenced NFT Platform
Colexion, largest licenced NFT (non-fungible tokens) platform, announced the formal public lunch on
September 10, 2021.

Highlights
Colexion is a NFT platform for Sports, Entertainment & Art.
NFTs are the next billion-dollar evolution, that clearly states that digital ecosystem of sport,
entertainment & art is perhaps the biggest thing to happen in upcoming years.
Collectors and investors worldwide own collections of varied set of memorabilia which have been
appreciated much over decades.
This platform will soon enable the users to buy, sell and trade NFTs of their favourite superstars. It
has also started a user pre-registration program.
What is Colexion?
Colexion is an NFT trading and community platform. It provides users with trade, purchase, and interactive
activities. It will feature NFT collections of global stars. Through this platform, users would be able to buy
different tiers of blind boxes and own celebrity’s limited NFT collections. Each NFT collectible comprise of a
unique record on the blockchain. Users will obtain ownership of this unique NFT collectible by purchasing it
on the platform or trading on the Colexion marketplace. Colexion will accept general payment methods like
credit cards in order to make it easy for mainstream consumers to participate.
Feature on Colexion
Colexion will feature stars from field like sports, arts, entertainment, and other industries celebrities. Global
sports stars will be the main partners in initial phase of the launch.
Aim of the Colexion
Colexion has been launched with the aim of creating a significant entrance to virtual reality by means of
NFT collections, trading, and community platforms. It will bring the Novel technology world through NFT.
India–Africa Defence Dialogue to be held alongside the DefExpo
India has proposed to institutionalise “India Africa Defence Dialogue” during the successive DefExpos, to be
held once in two years duration.
Highlights
Institutionalisation of the India Africa Defence Dialogue will help in building on existing partnerships
between African countries and India.
It will also help in exploring new areas of convergence for mutual engagements in areas such as
training, capacity building, cyber security, counter terrorism and maritime security.
India has also decided that Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies & Analyses will be the
knowledge partner of India Africa Defence Dialogue. The institute will assist in providing necessary
support to the defence cooperation between both the countries.
Further, defence minister Rajnath Singh will host “Defence Ministers of African Nations” in the next
edition of the India – Africa Defence Dialogue alongside the DefExpo.
Next DefExpo is scheduled to be held in March 2022 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Theme of the dialogue
India Africa Defence Dialogue will be held under the theme: ‘India – Africa: Adopting Strategy for
Synergizing and Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation’.
Background
The first-ever India Africa Defence Ministers Conclave (IADMC) was held in on February 6, 2020 in Lucknow,
Uttar Pradesh in conjunction with the DefExpo. It was co-organised by Ministry of Defence and Ministry of
External Affairs. This conclave was the first in series of Pan Africa events at Ministerial level in the run-up to
the India Africa Forum Summit IV. During the conclave, a joint Declaration called as ‘Lucknow Declaration’
was adopted as an outcome document of the Conclave.

India-Africa Relations
India and Africa have a close and historical relationship. The foundation of the defence relations between
both the countries are based on the two guiding principles called ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the
Region) and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
Bhupendra Patel: New CM of Gujarat
Bhupendra Patel sworn in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat on September 13, 2021.
Highlights
He was sworn in by Governor Acharya Devvrat at the Raj Bhavan, Gandhinagar.
He took oath a day after he was elected as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislature party leader.
Cabinet members will be sworn in later after party will decide the names.
In the Cabinet, it is likely that larger representation will be given to the legislators from Saurashtra
and north Gujarat where BJP expects to improve its prospects in the Assembly election of the state.
Who is Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel?
He is an Indian politician, chief minister of Gujarat and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He is also a
member of Gujarat Legislative Assembly and represents Ghatlodia constituency. He was born in July 1962
to a Gujarati Kadava Patidar family of Ahmedabad. He completed his Diploma in Civil Engineering from
Government Polytechnic, Ahmedabad. He has also been associated with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He
is a builder by profession and a trustee of Sardardham Vishwa Patidar Kendra. He is also the chairman of
the standing committee of Vishwa Umiya Foundation. He follows Akram Vignan Movement, which was
founded by Dada Bhagwan.
Chief Minister of Gujarat
Bhupendra Patel became chief minister of Gujarat on September 13 after Vijay Rupani resigned from the
post on September 11, 2021. He was elected as the BJP legislative party leader as well as Chief Minister
elect of Gujarat on September 12, 2021.
UN seeks $606 million to aid Afghanistan after Taliban takeover
United Nations is hosting a high-level donors conference on September 13, 2021 seeking emergency funds
for Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover of the country.
Highlights
N. Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, was leading the United Nations meeting and called for more
than $600 million in a “flash appeal” for Afghans.
The Taliban topples the country as the U.S. and NATO forces exited 20-year war in a chaotic
departure.
Why this appeal was made?
Appeal for $600 million was made in the light of concerns that instability & upended humanitarian efforts
along with the ongoing drought would further endanger lives and push Afghanistan toward famine. Recent
developments in Afghanistan have increased the vulnerability of Afghans who have already been facing
deprivation and violence. Thus, the U.N.’s World Food Program will be the major beneficiary of any funds
collected during the conference.
How this conference would help?
The conference will put some Western governments and big traditional U.N. donors to tests, who want to
help everyday Afghans without handing over any public relations victory or cash to the Taliban.
UN refugee agency
Head of the U.N. refugee agency, Filippo Grandi, made an unannounced visit to Kabul before the meeting.
He was to assess humanitarian needs and situation of 3.5 million displaced Afghans, including 500,000
who got displaced in 2021 alone.

Taliban In Afghanistan
Taliban seized the power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, after capturing Kabul. Many Afghans remain
deeply fearful even though Taliban have promised inclusiveness and a general amnesty for former
opponents.
India-US ‘Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue’
Environment Minister of India, Bhupender Yadav and United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate,
John Kerry launched India-US Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue on September 13, 2021.
Highlights
This dialogue was launched under India-US Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership.
This Partnership will provide both countries an opportunity to renew their collaborations on climate
change and also address the financing aspects.
It will also strengthen India-US bilateral cooperation on climate and environment and also
demonstrate how the world can align swift climate action along with inclusive & resilient economic
development.
Background
India-US Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue was launched in the backdrop of announcement
made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Biden to enhance actions in order to meet the
goals of Paris Agreement. This announcement was made at the launch of the Partnership at Leaders’
Summit on Climate in April 2021.
India-US Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership
It is a joint climate and clean energy initiative by India with the US. This partnership will demonstrate how
the world can align towards swift climate action with inclusive & resilient economic development by taking
into account the national circumstances as well as sustainable development priorities. This initiative was
started with the objective of:
1. Mobilising investments
2. Demonstrating clean technologies and
3. Enabling green collaborations in India in order to create templates of sustainable development for
other developing countries.
September 14, 2021
September 12: International Day for South-South Cooperation
The International Day for South-South Cooperation is observed on September 12, every year by the United
Nations.
Key Facts
The day highlights the efforts made by United Nations for cooperation among the developing
countries.
It is an initiative for the economic, social and political developments of the countries located in
Southern region.
What is South-South Cooperation?
Basically, the South-South cooperation refers to “technical cooperation” between developing
countries in the Global South.
Technical cooperation among countries of Global South started as a pioneering effort to strengthen
diplomatic and international negotiating power among the nations, with the help of political dialogue.
South-South collaboration helps the developing nations to share knowledge, expertise, skills, and
resources in order to meet their development goals by concerted efforts.

According to United Nations, for South-South Cooperation, this initiative clearly shows the solidarity among
peoples and countries of the South that contributes for well-being the wellbeing of the nation. It also shows
the national & collective self-reliance of the people and attainment of internationally agreed development
goals as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Buenos Aire Plan of Action (BAPA)
The day also commemorates the adoption of “Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA). BAPA was adopted in
1978 to promote and implement technical cooperation among developing countries by 138 member states.
Objectives of South-South Cooperation
South-South Cooperation was started with the objective of:
1. Enhancing self-reliance among developing countries and finding out creative solutions for their
development problems.
2. Promoting self-reliance by exchanging experiences.
3. Recognising and responding to the problems and requirements of the least developed countries in
order to enable them to achieve a greater degree of participation in international economic activities.
Iran to allow nuclear surveillance by IAEA
On September 12, 2021, Iran agreed to allow nuclear surveillance by the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA).
Highlights
Iran has allowed the international inspectors to install new memory cards into surveillance cameras
across its sensitive nuclear sites and to continue filming there,
This announcement was made by Mohammad Eslami of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.
Currently, Tehran holds all recordings at its sites in the backdrop of negotiations over the U.S. and
Iran returning to the 2015 nuclear deal got stalled in Vienna.
Iran is now enriching small amounts of uranium to its closest levels to weapons-grade purity because
its stockpile continues to increase.
IAEA – Iran Deal over Nuclear Inspections
Iran and IAEA had agreed over temporary measures to offset decision of Iran to restrict access to
inspectors. Iran’s Parliament passed a lew in 2020 and demanded the suspension of some inspections in
case USA failed to lift sanctions. Under the deal, Iran will stop the implementation of voluntary measures in
accordance with 2015 nuclear deal. However, it will continue to implement its Comprehensive Safeguards
Agreement with the IAEA.
Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement
Under this agreement, IAEA has the right & obligation to ensure that safeguards are applied on all nuclear
material in the territory or jurisdiction or control of the State. Under it, no access will be given to IAEA
beyond safeguards of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran would also deny the IAEA real-time access to
footage from surveillance cameras.
2015 Nuclear Deal
This deal was agreed between Iran and the P5+1 group of world powers namely USA, UK, China, France,
Russia, and Germany in 2015. It was named as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Under this
deal, Iran had agreed to curb its nuclear activity in return of lifting of sanctions and access to global trade.
Govt to start Adarsh Gram Yojana in 36000 villages in India
According to the Union Tribal Affairs minister, Arjun Munda, Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana will be
started in 36000 villages of India.

Key points
Under the scheme, villages having 50 percent tribal population would be given priority.
This scheme would be started by Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Around 1700 tribal villages in Assam will be converted into model village under the scheme.
Apart from model villages, 184 new Van Dhan Kendra will also be set up in Assam in order to benefit
60 thousand people.
Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY)
PMAGY was launched with the aim of overall development of selected SC majority villages. The scheme
seeks to provide the villages with all the necessary facilities in order to ensure that the disparity between SC
and non-SC population is eliminated in terms of common socio-economic indicators.
How its performance is monitored?
Performance of the PMAGY is being monitored in terms of achievement of the targets that are listed in
Village Development Plan (VDP) prepared for each village.
Who provides technical support?
Under this scheme, technical resource support is provided by the “National Institute of Rural Development &
Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR)” at the national level.
Criteria of being Adarsh Village
In order to be declared as Adarsh village, village should have achieved minimum of three targets below,
within three years:
1. Elimination of poverty and reduction in its incidence by 50% within three years.
2. 100% enrolment and retention of children at elementary stage.
3. Reduction of infant mortality rate and maternal mortality rate.
4. Villages should be 100 % open defecation free.
5. Access to safe drinking water facility on sustainable basis.
6. 100% institutional deliveries for pregnant women
7. Full immunisation of children
8. All-weather road connectivity to the village
9. 100% registration of deaths and births
10. No child marriages and child labour
11. No public consumption of liquor & intoxicating substances
12. 100% allotment of Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana houses.
Modi to attend Quad summit on September 24
According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in Quad
leaders’ summit in Washington on September 24.
Highlights
PM Modi is also scheduled to address the General Debate of high-level segment of 76th session of
the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 25.
He will be participating, along with his counterparts from Australia, Japan and US in the Leaders’
Summit of the Quadrilateral Framework.
Agenda of the summit
These leaders will review progress made since their first virtual summit on March 12 and will also
discuss regional issues of shared interest.
They would also exchange views on contemporary global issues like critical & emerging technologies,
connectivity & infrastructure, maritime security, cyber security, humanitarian assistance, climate
change, disaster relief and education.

Summit will also provide valuable opportunity for dialogue and interactions among these leaders.
They will share dialogue on shared vision of ensuring a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
Progress made under QUAD Vaccine initiative would also be reviewed.
Background
In March 2021 meeting of QUAD, they launched the QUAD Vaccine Initiative efforts to contain the Covid-19
pandemic.
Quadrilateral Dialogue (QUAD)
QUAD was formed in 2007 including four countries- US, India, Japan and Australia. However, it did not take
off initially because of several reasons. The grouping was revived in 2017 in the backdrop of growing
convergence among countries, rising threat perceptions with respect to China and increasing significance
of the Indo-Pacific region. QUAD countries regularly meet at the working- and ministerial levels and discuss
mutual interests like ensuring free, open, & inclusive Indo-Pacific as well as rules-based international order.
FDI policy for Space Sector
According to the chief of Indian Space Research Organisation, K Sivan, India will soon come out with a new
foreign direct investment (FDI) policy for the space sector.
Key Points
While speaking at the International Space Conference organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII),
the chief said, India’s space FDI policy is getting revised and it will open huge avenues of opportunities for
foreign space companies to invest in Indian Space Sector.
MoU with SKyroot
Department of Space has signed a MoU with Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace Pvt Ltd. This MoU
enables the startup to undertake several tests and access facilities across the ISRO centres. It will also
enable the Skyroot to avail technical expertise of ISRO in order to test and qualify their space launch vehicle
systems and subsystems.
Participation of private sector
Union government has approved the proposal of bringing reforms in space sector in October 2020 and
allowed the participation of private players. With this approval, ISRO released a new draft Spacecom Policy
2020 in order to regulate the commercial use of satellites, ground stations for communication needs and
orbital slots. This policy also enables private players to get authorisation of setting new communication
satellites and ground stations.
About Skyroot
Skyroot is an Indian private aerospace manufacturer and commercial launch service provider. It is located
in Hyderabad, Telangana. It was founded by former engineers and scientists from ISRO. The company was
established with the aim of developing and launching its own series of small lift launch vehicles especially
for small satellite market.
Noida authority plans to introduce innovative ways for Waste Collection
Greater Noida Authority has planned to introduce innovative ways for door-to-door waste collection
efficiently.
Key Points
Innovative methods comprise of high-tech features such as pasting QR codes outside houses,
installation of GPC & CCTV on vehicles carrying garbage.
Authority has made several changes in present method of garbage collection.
It will keep a close eye on the process of collection of garbage by digital means.
With this provision, authority would be able to trace real-time location of any vehicle on garbage
collection duty. As of now, GPS was being used only in vehicles doing mechanical sweeping of roads.

CCTV cameras will also be installed at the waste processing plant to monitor the movement of
vehicles engaged in carrying garbage.
How QR codes will work?
Every house will comprise of a QR code. Whenever the waste picker will pick up the garbage from particular
house, he will scan the code through mobile scanner. As and when scan is done, its information will reach
to the vendor. The vendor will compile the information and provide monthly information to the authority.
Role of GPS
Global Positioning System (GPS) will help in monitoring the vehicles engaged in garbage collection.
Purpose of the provisions
According to Greater Noida Authority, these provisions are being incorporated to ensure cleanliness in
Greater Noida. The region generates about 200 tonnes of garbage per day. So, authority will hire a single
agency for door-to-door collection of waste and its segregation.
Project tender
Authority has floated the tender for the project on a contract of ₹123.37 crore for a period of 10 years.
Land records integrated with Centre’s e-portal
According to union government, land records have been integrated with the e-portal of central government,
by most states except three.
Highlights
Government further noted that, procurement in the Kharif Marketing season 2021-22 will be done as
per new mechanism.
Three states that have not integrated their digital land records with the nodal procurement agency,
Food Corporation of India (FCI) include- barring Assam, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir.
Cross-checking land records before procurement will help in ensuring that the MSP reaches to the
farmers and not traders.
Crop cultivated by farmers, either in their own land or rented property, will be procured by the
government.
To register on the portal, farmers will not need to provide physical proofs of land records.
Objective of the scheme
This mechanism was launched with the objective of finding how much crop has been cultivated in any
particular area and how much the government procures from genuine farmers and not from traders.
Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP)
It is a Central Sector scheme which now stands extended up to 2020-21 with the total cost of Rs. 950
crores. Department of Land Resources also proposed an extension to 2023-24. This scheme attempts to
build commonalities existing in the area of land records in several States to develop an appropriate
Integrated Land Information Management System (ILIMS) in India.
Integrated Land Information Management System (ILIMS)
ILIMS comprises of information on parcel ownership, taxation, land use, location boundaries,
encumbrances, land value etc.
Linking land record databases with banks
Next phase of the DILRMP include linkage of land record databases with banks. It will enhance the service
deliveries and will also function as inputs to the schemes in sectors like Agriculture, Finance and Disaster
Management.
Centre allows 11 states to borrow Rs 15721 crore from market
Central government has allowed 11 states to borrow an additional fund of Rs 15,721 crore from the market,
because they achieved the capital expenditure target that finance ministry had set for June quarter the

fiscal year 2021-22.
Highlights
States that have been allowed to borrow include- Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana,
Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.
Additional open market borrowing permission equivalent to 0.25% of their Gross State Domestic
Product (GSDP) was granted.
Additional financial resources will help these states to push their capital expenditure further.
Multiplier effect
Capital expenditure is having a high multiplier effect. It will enhance the future productive capacity of
economy and also result in higher rate of economic growth.
Net borrowing ceiling
Out of total net borrowing ceiling of 4% of GSDP, about 0.50% of GSDP has been kept for incremental capital
expenditure to be incurred by states during FY22.
Who fixes the target?
Target of incremental capital expenditure for each state in order to qualify for the additional borrowing is
fixed by the Department of Expenditure.
What was the target?
To be eligible for additional borrowing, states were required to achieve around 15% of the target by June
quarter, 45% by September quarter, 70% by December quarter and 100% by March quarter of FY22.
Why states require centre’s permission while borrowing?
Article 293(3) of the Constitution provides for states to require Centre’s permission in order to borrow
additional funds. This permission is granted after fulfilling certain conditions provided by Article 293(4).
Centre has been exercising this power as per recommendations of the Finance Commission.
NHRC notice to four States over impact of farmers’ protest
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notice to four states on September 14, 2021, over
complaints by industrial units and transportation affected by farmers’ protect at Delhi border.
Highlights
Notice was issued to Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan governments.
NHRC issued this notice following several complaints received by about 9000 industrial units and
transportation, that have been affected by protest.
Notice was issued to the Chief Secretaries and heads of police of four States.
Panel has also asked the Institute of Economic Growth to study the adverse impact of this protest on
industries, commercial activity, transport and consumers. Its report has to be submitted by October
10.
Farmers’ protest
It is an ongoing protest by farmers against three farm acts that were passed by the Parliament of India in
September 2020. Farmers, farmer unions and their representatives are demanding to repeal these laws.
Supreme court also put stay on the implementation of farm laws in January 2021. Farmer leaders also
rejected government proposal of suspending these laws for 18 months. Since the passing of these acts,
eleven rounds of talks have taken place between central government and farm unions. However, all
meetings were inconclusive as government only agreed to two demands by farmers related to stubble
burning and an electricity ordinance.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
NHRC is a Statutory public body, established on October 12, 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights
Ordinance of September 1993. It received a statutory status by Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It is

responsible for protection and promotion of human rights.
Lancet report: Booster shots 'not appropriate' for public
According to a report published in the Lancet, vaccine efficacy against severe Covid-19 is so high, that
booster doses for the general population are “not appropriate” at this stage of the pandemic.
Highlights
The review was provided by the scientists from World Health Organization (WHO) and US Food & Drug
Administration (FDA).
Review was provided when FDA is currently reviewing evidence for booster doses for Americans.
Countries like Israel, Italy, France and Russia have already rolled out the third dose of Covid-19
vaccines.
Findings of the report
Report summarises that; vaccines comprise of evidence from randomised controlled trials and
observational studies that were published in peer-reviewed journals. It clearly shows the benefits of
first shots.
According to it, vaccination had 95 per cent efficacy against severe disease including the Delta
variant and Alpha variant.
Vaccine is having the efficacy of 80 per cent in protecting against any infection from these variants.
However, vaccines are less effective against asymptomatic disease or against transmission as
compared to severe disease.
It notes that, unvaccinated minority are still the major drivers of transmission.
However, currently available studies do not provide any credible evidence of substantially declining
protection against severe covid-19 disease, which is main goal of vaccination.
Is third dose essential?
CEO of AstraZeneca recently noted that, third dose of vaccines against Covid-19 will not be needed for
everyone.
WHO’s take
WHO has called to extend the global moratorium on Covid-19 booster doses. with the aim of enabling every
country to vaccinate at least 40 per cent the population.
WPI inflation increases to 11.39 per cent in August
The wholesale price-based inflation (WPI) increased marginally to 11.39 per cent in August 2021 due to
higher prices of manufactured goods, even though the prices of food articles softened.
Highlights
Inflation in August got reversed from the easing trend of two months (June and July).
WPI remained in double-digit for the fifth consecutive month.
In July 2021, WPI inflation was 11.16 per cent.
WPI inflation was at 0.41 per cent, in August 2020.
Retail inflation has softened to a four-month low of 5.3 per cent in August as compared to 5.59 per
cent in the previous month.
Why WPI increased in August?
High rate of inflation in August 2021 is basically due to increase in prices of non-food articles, crude
petroleum & natural gas, mineral oils, manufactured products such as basic metals, textiles, food products,
chemicals & chemical products etc as compared to corresponding month in 2020.
Food inflation
Inflation in food articles decreased for the fourth straight month. It was recorded as (-) 1.29 per cent in
August 2021 as compared to zero per cent in July 2021. For instance, inflation in onions was high at 62.78

per cent whereas in pulses was 9.41 per cent. For vegetables it was recorded as (-) 13.30 per cent in August
2021. Inflation in crude petroleum and natural gas was at 40.03 per cent.
Retail inflation
The Reserve bank of India (RBI) mainly takes into account the retail inflation. In the monetary policy of
August 2021, RBI has kept interest rates unchanged at record lows. RBI projected Consumer Price Index
(CPI) or retail inflation at 5.7 per cent for the year 2021-22.
India-Singapore announces to link UPI and PayNow
India and Singapore have announced the linking of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and PayNow, in
order to enable users to make instant, low-cost fund transfers.
Highlights
The project to link the fast payment systems of both the countries was announced by Reserve Bank
of India (RBI) and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
This linked payment interface is expected to be operationalised by July 2022.
Linked interface will help in making instant, low-cost fund transfers on a reciprocal basis without
onboarding onto the other payment system.
Significance of the linking
The linkage will be a significant milestone for the development of infrastructure for cross-border payments
between both the countries. It will also align with the G20’s financial inclusion priorities to provide for
faster, cheaper and more transparent cross-border payments.
About UPI
It is a mobile-based fast payment system, facilitating the customers to make round the clock payments
instantly by using a Virtual Payment Address (VPA). VPA is created by the customer. This system
eliminates the risk of sharing bank account details by remitter. This mechanism supports Person-to-Person
(P2P) as well as Person-to-Merchant (P2M) payments and enables users to send or receive money.
About PayNow
It is the fast payment system of Singapore, enabling peer-to-peer funds transfer service. It is available for
retail customers with the help of participating banks & Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NFIs) in Singapore.
It provides the users to send and receive instant funds from one bank or e-wallet account to another by
using their mobile number, Singapore NRIC/FIN, or VPA.
September 15, 2021
September 14: Hindi Diwas 2021
Hindi Diwas is observed every year in India on September 14, to remember and honour the adoption of Hindi
language as one of the official languages in India.
Highlights
Hindi Language, written in the Devanagari script, was adopted as one of the official languages in
1949.
The day is also called as Hindi Day.
It is observed across India to honour and promote the Hindi language among people, with special
emphasis on children.
This day seeks to avoid the increasing trend of English language and neglect of Hindi.
About Hindi Language
Hindi is written in Devanagari script for the unversed. It comprises of a large number of dialects attached to
it such as Khari Boli, Awadhi, Bundeli, Braj and Bagheli. India has a maximum number of Hindi-speaking
regions as compared to other countries. So far, Hindi Language is standing at fourth place worldwide after
English, Spanish and Mandarin.
Who initiated talk of making Hindi an official language?
Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, was the first person to term Hindi as the language of the masses. He
also initiated talk on making Hindi as the national language of India.
Background of Hindi Day
Constituent Assembly has adopted Hindi as the official language of India on September 14, 1949. To
commemorate this, the first Hindi Day or Hindi Diwas was observed on September 14, 1953.
Objective of making Hindi an official language
During that time, several efforts were made to adopt Hindi as the official language with the objective of
streamlining the administration and making things simple in running the country.
Birth anniversary of Rajendra Simha
This day is also the birth anniversary of birth anniversary of Beohar Rajendra Simha. He was born on
September 14, 1900. His birth anniversary is celebrated to remember him for his efforts in adopting Hindi as
the official language.
Chhattisgarh launches ‘Millet Mission’
Chhattisgarh government launched the “Millet Mission” on September 14, 2021 with the objective of making
the state a millet hub of India.
Highlights
On the occasion of launch of the mission, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel noted that state will soon
become the millet hub of India.
He also highlighted that, “Like minor forest produce, the state wants to make small grain crops its
strength.
To implement this mission, an MoU was signed between Indian Institute of Millet Research,
Hyderabad and collectors of 14 Chhattisgarh districts under “Millet Mission”.
Aim of the Millet Mission
Millet Mission initiative was launched with the aim of giving the farmers right price for small cereal crops
and to provide them input assistance, procurement arrangements and processing. This mission also seeks
to ensure that the farmers get benefit from the expertise of experts.
Districts covered under millet mission
The districts in the state of Chhattisgarh that have been included under the mission include: Bastar, Kanker,
Kondagaon, Sukma, Dantewada, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Balrampur, Rajnandgaon, Kawardha, Jashpur, Gaurela-
Pendra-Marwahi, Koriya and Surajpur.
About the MoU
Under the MoU, Indian Institute of Millet Research, Hyderabad will provide support and guidance in order to
increase the productivity of Kodo, Kutki and Ragi. It will also provide technical know-how and ensure the
availability of high-quality seeds. Institute will also help in establishment of seed bank in Chhattisgarh.
Apart from this, arrangements will be made to train the farmers of Chhattisgarh through Krishi Vigyan
Kendra in a bid to spread the scientific technology developed at national level with respect to the millet
production by IIMR Hyderabad at the field level.
IIT-Bombay launches ‘Project Udaan’
IIT-Bombay launched its “Project Udaan” on the occasion of Hindi Diwas on September 14, 2021.
Aim of the project
Project Udaan was launched with the aim of breaking the language barrier that many students face while
joining the institutes of higher education.
About the project
Project Udaan enables the translation of textbooks and other study material of the engineering and other

streams from English to Hindi & other Indian Languages. This project was envisaged by Prof. Ganesh
Ramakrishnan from Department of Computer Science & Engineering in IIT Bombay. It is a donation based
and Artificial Intelligence-based translation ecosystem. It helps in translating engineering textbooks and
learning materials in one-sixth the time as compared to manual tasking. This machine translation will be
aided by human effort.
About IIT Bombay
IIT Bombay was established in 1958. It was declared as Institute of National Importance in 1961. This
institute was established on the recommendation of a committee formed by Government of India in 1946.
The committee had recommended for establishment of four higher institutes of technology in order to
develop technical education in India. Planning to establish institutes started in 1957 and first batch of 100
students was admitted in 1958. This public technical and research university is located in Powai, Mumbai. It
was the second Indian Institutes of Technology that was established in 1958 with the assistance from
UNESCO and funds from the Soviet Union.
Madras HC quashed notification of fixing 120 kmph as speed limit
The Madras High Court (HC) has set aside the 2018 notification of Central government that had fixed a
speed of 120 km/hour as the limit on highways and expressways.
Highlights
The order of HC was given on an appeal arising under the Motor Vehicles Act. Appeal was seeking
the enhancement of compensation awarded to an appellant K Shyla.
In the central government’s notification, speed limit was fixed at 120 km/hr on expressways, 100
km/hr on national highways while for M1 category of vehicles it was fixed at 60 km/hr.
Why central government’s notification was quashed?
Justices N Kirubakaran (since retired) and TV Tamilselvi noted that, over speeding is the main killer and
responsible for most of the accidents. Despite knowing this fact, government has increased the limit for
various reasons including the commercial reasons. It is resulting into more deaths. Citing this, the
notification was quashed.
Road Accidents in India
According to a report of 2020 by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, six two-wheeler riders die every
hour in India. Most of the two-wheeler riders are inviting accidents by over speeding.
How deaths can be prevented?
HC noted that, it is the bounden duty of concerned Government to direct manufacturers of two wheelers to
install speed governors in all the two-wheelers at the manufacturing stage itself. This will help in controlling
the speed of vehicle as a result, deaths will be prevented and accidents will be averted.
Why accidents are increasing?
Another factor for the increase in accidents is ‘over speeding is by imported vehicles’ that are not designed
or manufactured for Indian conditions. Imported vehicles come with high-speed engines. Thus, they should
be calibrated in a manner that vehicle would not pick up speed beyond the limit permitted in India.
Tamil Nadu makes Temple land grabbing a non-bailable offence
The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a Bill on September 13, 2021 that made the encroachment of properties
of religious institutions a cognisable and non-bailable offence.
Key Points
The Bill that seeks to amend the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959.
Bill was passed unanimously empowering anyone, who is having interest in the affairs of religious
institution matters, to file a complaint against encroachers and temple land encroachment.
Bill will amend the section 79-B of the Act of 1959.

The Tamil Nadu government recently launched a massive drive to retrieve temple lands, encroached
in the state.
What were the provisions earlier?
Till the bill was passed, only the Commissioner of the Hindu religious and charitable endowments
department were empowered to file complaint against encroachment of temple land.
Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959
As per sub section (3) of Section 79-B of the Act, no court can take cognisance of the offence of unlawful
possession for any property that belongs to a charitable or religious institution or endowment except when
the complaint is filed in writing from the Commissioner.
Why this bill was passed?
The bill was passed in light of increasing instances of encroachments of properties belonging to religious
institutions. This offence is serious in nature. Thus, the government considered that criminal complaint may
be filed by any person who are interested in the affairs of the religious institution.
UK-India Trade Talks- Key Facts
Commerce and Industry Minister of India, Piyush Goyal hold a virtual meeting with his UK counterpart, Liz
Truss, on September 13, 2021. During the meeting, both the ministers agreed on the next steps to launch
negotiations for UK-India trade agreement.
Highlights
According to UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT), talks between both the ministers were
focussed on the scope & ambition for a UK-India free trade agreement (FTA) in the backdrop of UK’s
formal consultation process ahead of the negotiations on August 31.
Ministers also discussed the findings from the consultation and agreed on the steps for the launch of
negotiations in 2021 itself.
They also discussed the steps for the start of a series of trade working groups from September.
Newly established Enhanced Trade Partnership was also discussed and they confirmed their
commitment for timely implementation of the market access package.
Significance of ministerial dialogues
As per UK, these regular ministerial dialogues help in understanding each other’s position on potential
chapter areas of any trade deal such as tariffs, standards, IP & data regulation, in a better manner.
Views of International Trade Secretary
International Trade secretary noted her ambition to negotiate a trade agreement in order to deliver results
for British people and businesses including in digital & data, tech, food and drink.
FTA with India
As per UK trade ministry, preparations for an FTA with India are progressing. This deal would represent a
major boost for UK exporters. It will lower the tariffs, ease the regulation, and drive up the bilateral trade
that stands at GBP 23 billion as of 2019.
Ministry of Agriculture signs five MoUs with Private Companies
Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare signed five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with
the private companies on September 14, 2021.
What are those companies?
MoUs were signed for pilot projects with five private companies namely, CISCO, ITC Limited, Ninjacart, Jio
Platforms Limited, and NCDEX e-Markets Limited (NeML).
Key Highlights
As per Agriculture Ministry, Jio Platforms Limited will conduct its pilot project in order to provide
advisories for farmers in Jalna & Nasik districts of Maharashtra.

ITC Limited has signed MoU in a bid to build a “Customized ‘Site Specific Crop Advisory’ service.”
MoU with the ITC limited will help in implementing the proposal in identified villages of Sehore and
Vidisha districts of Madhya Pradesh. It will support Wheat crop operations.
MoU with Cisco will “conceptualize the Proof of Concept in effective knowledge sharing between
farmers, administration, academia and industry” in Kaithal district of Haryana and Morena district of
Madhya Pradesh.
MoU with NCDEX e Markets Limited (NeML) will look after four services–Market Linkages, Financial
Linkages, Aggregation of demand, and Data Sanitization in three districts namely, Guntur (Andhra
Pradesh), Nasik (Maharashtra) and Devanagere (Karnataka).
Ninjacart will help in the development and hosting the Agri Marketplace Platform (AMP). It will bring
all the participants in post-harvest market linkage together. As per MoU, Proof of Concept (POC) will
be conducted in Anand (Gujarat), Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh) and Indore (Madhya Pradesh).
These pilot projects will help the farmers in making informed decisions on what crop to grow, what variety
of seed to use, as well as what best practices to adopt in order to maximise the yield.
Digital Agriculture Mission
These MoUs were signed as a part of Agriculture Ministry’s Digital Agriculture Mission, that has been
launched for a period of five years (2021 -2025) for projects based on new technologies such as artificial
intelligence, blockchain, use of drones, remote sensing and GIS technology and robots etc.
17th Indo-US Economic Summit
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, addressed the 17th Indo-US Economic
Summit ‘Bouncing Back-Resilient Recovery Path Post Covid-19’ on September 14, 2021.
Highlights
During the address, minister noted that the bilateral trade between India and the US has increased
from $16 billion to $ 149 billion in the last two decades and it is projected to reach $500 billion by
2025.
According to him, India and the US have an important role to play post-Covid economic recovery.
He emphasised on taking informed discussion at the various levels because recovery needs new
ideas and approaches.
He noted that more US investors will invest in road & highway projects across India as it is a gold
mine for all stakeholders.
He invited the US investors, especially insurance and pension funds, to invest in road and highway
infrastructure of India.
17th Indo-US Economic Summit
This summit was organised by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC).
Opportunities for American companies
Government of India is making several efforts for boosting production and adoption of alternative transport
fuel like ethanol. Government is also working on last mile connectivity using several modes of transport.
Thus, the American companies have the opportunities to invest in research and development of mobility
technology in India.
Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC)
IACC was established in 1968. It is the apex bilateral Chamber that synergizes the India-US Economic
Engagement. It was started by Ambassador Chester Bowles. It was established with the objective of
promoting Indo-American business, trade relations and economic relations. It promotes bilateral trade as
well as investment & technology transfer.

International community to provide $1.2 billion for Afghanistan Humanitarian Crisis
The international community has announced about $1.2 billion in aid for Afghanistan humanitarian crisis.
Highlights
On the occasion, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres underlined the importance of engaging with
the Taliban in order to ensure continued humanitarian assistance in India.
He also highlighted the importance of addressing other concerns like terrorism, human rights and
nature of the government.
High-level ministerial event
United Nations organised a high-level ministerial event in Geneva on September 13, 2021 on the issue
of humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.
UNs highlighted the acute needs in Afghanistan and underlined the urgent funding support & actions
by international partners in order to support the people of Afghanistan.
N. agencies and non-governmental partners also launched a flash appeal and asked $606 million for
remaining months of year 2021 in order to bring relief to 11 million people in Afghanistan.
About $1.2 billion in humanitarian & development aid was announced by member States, including
the funding for flash appeal and regional response.
Why engagement with Taliban was emphasised?
U.N. chief emphasised on engagement with Taliban and the de facto government in country, because their
cooperation is needed to provide humanitarian assistance inside Afghanistan. He also noted that it is
important to engage with the Taliban at for all other aspects that concern the international community,
including the terrorism, human rights, drugs, or the nature of government.
Interim government in Afghanistan
The Taliban had announced an interim government led by Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund who is the
chief of the Taliban’s decision-making body ‘Rehbari Shura’. He is the acting prime minister and Abdul Ghani
Baradar is the deputy prime minister in the new Islamic government.
September 15: Engineers Day 2021
Engineers Day 2021 is being observed on September 15, to mark the birthday of Sir Mokshagundam
Visvesvaraya.
Contributions of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya
The day mark the contributions of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya in the field of engineering and
education.
Visvesvaraya is the man with high principles.
He played a significant role in constructing dams, reservoirs and hydro-power projects across India.
His high architect projects are Krishna Raja Sagar dam in Karnataka and flood protection system in
Hyderabad.
He also designed ‘automatic barrier water floodgates’ installed at the Khadakvasla reservoir in Pune
in 1903.
History of Engineers Day
India has been celebrating the Engineers Day on September 15, since 1968. His birthday is celebrated as
Engineers’ Day in India, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.
About Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya
He is more commonly known as Sir MV. He was an Indian civil engineer, & statesman. He served as the 19th
Diwan of Mysore, from 1912 to 1919. He pursued his degree from 3rd oldest engineering college in Asia
called College of Engineering, Pune. He also received India’s highest honour that is Bharat Ratna, in 1955.
King George V has knighted him as a Knight Commander of the British Indian Empire (KCIE) for his

contributions towards public good.
World Engineering Day
World Engineer’s Day is observed in several countries on varying dates of the year. World Federation of
Engineering Organizations (WFEO) has however designated March 4th as ‘World Engineering Day for a
Sustainable World’, as of 19 January 1996.
Sansad TV to be Launched
Vice President & Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as Lok
Sabha Speaker Om Birla will launch Sansad TV jointly on September 15, 2021.
Highlights
The launch date of Sansad Tv, September 15, coincides with the International Day of Democracy.
Background
Sansad TV was created by merging the Rajya Sabha TV and Lok Sabha TV in February 2021. Government
also appointed the CEO of Sansad TV in March, 2021.
Programming of Sansad TV
Sansad TV programming primarily includes four categories:
1. Functioning of Parliament & democratic institutions
2. Governance and implementation of schemes & policies
3. History & culture of India and
4. Issues, interests and concerns of contemporary nature.
About Sansad TV
Sansad TV is an Indian government television service that broadcasts programming of the two Houses of
Parliament and other public affairs programming. It was formed on March 2021 by merging two existing
house channels that is, Lok Sabha TV and Rajya Sabha TV. Provisionally the channel will comprise of 35
themes on which programmes will be aired. Programmes will be similar and in two English and Hindi
languages.
Who is the CEO of Sansad TV?
Ravi Capoor is the current CEO of the channel. He is a retired IAS officer and was appointed on March 1,
2021.
International Day of Democracy
United Nations General Assembly had resolved to observe September 15 as the International Day of
Democracy in 2007. The day is observed with the object of promoting and upholding the principles of
democracy.
India assured ASEAN of its support in post pandemic period
India has assured ASEAN partners for its support in the recovery efforts in the post pandemic period.
Highlights
This assurance was given during the 18th ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultations meeting.
It was attended by the Economic Ministers of all the ten ASEAN countries namely, Brunei, Indonesia,
Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
During the meeting, Ministers took stock of current covid-19 pandemic situation and reaffirmed their
commitment for collective actions in mitigating the economic impacts.
Ministers also ensured resilient supply chains in the region.
They appreciated the deepening trade and investment between ASEAN.
Indian side briefed that, India’s current focus is on the mass vaccination, capacity enhancements and
economic initiatives in order to mitigate the challenges.
India also invited ASEAN countries to invest in India in potential sectors such as health and

pharmaceutical.
India-ASEAN Relation
Relationship with ASEAN is a significant pillar of India’s foreign policy as well the foundation of Act East
Policy. India has launched a separate Mission to ASEAN and the EAS in Jakarta. India and ASEAN
completed 25 years of Dialogue Partnership besides 15 years of Summit Level interaction as well as 5 years
of Strategic Partnership. ASEAN is the seventh largest trading partner of India. India’s trade with ASEAN is
about 10.6% of India’s overall trade while India’s export to ASEAN is about 11.28% of total exports. ASEAN
and India have also completed Free Trade Area.
ASEAN India-Business Council (AIBC)
AIBC was set up in 2003 in order to bring private sector players from India and ASEAN on a single platform.
India-Chile 7th Foreign Office Consultations
7th Foreign Office Consultations between India and Chile were held on September 14, 2021 in Santiago.
Highlights
India was represented by Secretary (East) in Ministry of External Affairs Riva Ganguly Das.
Chile was represented by Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms. Carolina Valdivia Torres.
During the Consultations, both sides reviewed their bilateral relations including trade & investments,
agriculture, defence, health & pharmaceuticals, space, energy, disaster management, cooperation in
Antarctica, cultural & consular issues.
They also exchanged talks on COVID-19 situation and possibilities of enhancing trade & investment
partnerships in post covid-19 pandemic economic recovery.
Preferential Trade Agreement
They noted trade as an important pillar of India-Chile relations and were satisfied with the ongoing
negotiations for further expansion of Preferential Trade Agreement.
Preferential Trade agreement was signed in 2006 and expanded in 2017.
They also exchanged their views on regional and international issues on common interest such as
cooperation in the United Nations.
They agreed to work closely on multilateral arena.
India- Chile Relations
Chile acts as window to Latin America and to Pacific Alliance for India. It is the fifth largest trading partner
of India across the Latin American region. Both the countries signed the Preferential Trade Agreement in
2017 in order to enhance the trade. Bilateral trade between both the countries is growing with time. Both the
countries are partners in International Solar Alliance as well. In 2019, 70th year of the Establishment of
Diplomatic Relations was commemorated.

120 Multiple Choice Questions
The below MCQs are select 120 questions sourced from GKToday’s Current Affairs 2021 Daily 20 MCQ
Series in GKToday Academy Android Application.
1. Buddhadeb Guha, who recently passed away, was associated with which profession?
[A] Sportsperson
[B] Writer
[C] Politician
[D] Business-person
Answer: Writer
Noted Bengali writer Buddhadeb Guha, who authored several popular books including Madhukari,
recently passed away.
The writer passed away at the age of 85. He had won several awards including the Ananda
Purashkar and Sharat Puraskar.
The author of Bengali literature, has written notable books, including ‘Koel’, ‘Kojagar’, ‘Madhukari’,
‘Jangalmahal’, ‘Charibeti’ etc.
He is also the creator of two popular fictional characters in Bengali literature named ‘Rivu and
Rijuda’.
2. Sumit Antil, who recently won a Gold medal in the Tokyo Paralympics for India, is associated with
which sports?
[A] High Jump
[B] Shooting
[C] Javelin Throw
[D] Discus Throw
Answer: Javelin Throw
India's Sumit Antil won gold in men's javelin (F64) at the Tokyo Paralympics with a new world
record throw of 68.55m.
Sumit Antil broke the world record thrice during the final in Tokyo.
Devendra Jhajharia and Sundar Singh Gurjar won the silver and bronze in the men's javelin (F46)
final earlier.
India’s Yogesh Kathuniya also won silver medal in men’s discus throw F56.
India has registered its best-ever count at the Paralympic Games, already.
3. Which famous city has recently introduced a speed limit of 30 kph as an effort to tackle climate
change?
[A] New York
[B] Paris
[C] Rome
[D] Beijing
Answer: Paris
Paris, the capital city of France has introduced a speed limit just 30 kph in nearly all streets of the
city.
It's the latest initiative by the city as an effort to tackle climate change.
It is also aimed at reducing accidents and making Paris more pedestrian-friendly.
The Paris city government has already restricted vehicle traffic on several streets and increased
the number of bike lanes.

4. What is the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court of India?
[A] 18
[B] 25
[C] 34
[D] 45
Answer: 34
Nine new judges, including three women, were administered oath of office as judges of the
Supreme Court.
This appointment has taken its strength to 33, including the Chief Justice of India, out of the
sanctioned strength of 34.
This is the first time in the history of the Supreme Court that nine judges took oath of office, all at
the same time.
Justice Nagarathna, one among the nine judges, is in line to become the first woman Chief Justice
of India in September 2027.
5. Which institution, in a joint venture with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), has
built an app to predict natural disasters?
[A] IIT Madras
[B] IIT Roorkee
[C] IIT Guwahati
[D] IIT Bombay
Answer: IIT Roorkee
IIT Roorkee, in a joint venture with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), has built an
app that can predict natural disasters.
The app will alert about the probable natural calamities beforehand.
The expert committee will intimate about the amount of rainfall that will be received in every area.
The Doppler radar in Mukteshwar has started functioning and will also be set up at Surkanda Devi
shortly.
6. Where was the Naval Exercise between India and Algeria conducted recently?
[A] Bay of Bengal
[B] Arabian Sea
[C] Indian Ocean
[D] Mediterranean Sea
Answer: Mediterranean Sea
Recently, the naval forces of India and Algeria has conducted a maiden naval exercise
The exercises were conducted at the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Algeria.
India was represented by Navy's stealth frigate INS Tabar and naval ship ANS Ezzadjer was its
counterpart.
This exercise was aimed to enhance interaction and collaboration between the two nations.
7. Based on recommendation of which body, the Grants to Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) are released by
the Government of India to states?
[A] Union Public Service Commission
[B] Finance Commission
[C] National Rural Development Commission
[D] National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
Answer: Finance Commission

The Government of India through the Finance Ministry has released a sum of Rs.13,000 crore as
Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) grants.
This is the first instalment of Tied grants, which would be given to 25 States.
This grant has been recommended by the 15th Finance Commission, headed by NK Singh.
These grants would be used for drinking water and sanitation related utilization.
8. Which Indian neighbour has recently declared a Food emergency?
[A] Pakistan
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Bhutan
[D] Myanmar
Answer: Sri Lanka
The island nation of Sri Lanka has declared food emergency and an economic emergency, under
an ordinance.
The declaration of this, empowers authorities to impose restrictions on stocking and pricing of
food articles.
The country was affected with a foreign exchange crisis, due to which it had undertaken a steep
devaluation of its currency, resulting in inflation.
9. Fintech services provider PayU is set to acquire which Indian fintech company for $4.7 bn?
[A] Razorpay
[B] BillDesk
[C] Mobikwik
[D] Pine Labs
Answer: BillDesk
Fintech services provider PayU is set to acquire Indian digital payments provider- BillDesk for $4.7
billion.
This is set to be one of the largest deals in the Indian fintech sector.
After this, PayU, the payments and fintech business of Prosus which operates in more than 20
high-growth markets, will become one of the leading online payment providers globally
10. Which country has passed the world’s first law to force tech companies to offer alternative
payment systems?
[A] France
[B] Italy
[C] South Korea
[D] India
Answer: South Korea
South Korean lawmakers passed the world’s first law to force tech giants such as Google and
Apple to offer alternative payment systems on their app stores.
The country is set to amend the ‘Telecommunications Business Act’, the nation’s primary
telecommunications law.
The legislation would allow developers to bypass the tech giants’ proprietary payment systems
and could help shape how the firms collect fees and exert power over developers and users.
11. Dale Steyn, who announced retirement from international cricket, is from which country?
[A] Australia
[B] South Africa
[C] New Zealand
[D] West Indies
Answer: South Africa
Legendary South African fast bowler Dale Steyn announced his retirement from cricket, after a
career spanning nearly 16 years.
Steyn had retired from the Test Cricket last year as South Africa’s highest wicket-taker with 439
wickets.
The bowler was named in the ICC Test team of the Decade and holds the record for the fastest to
400 Test wickets.
Steyn played 93 Tests, 125 ODIs and 47 T20 internationals for South Africa since making his
debut for the Proteas on December 17, 2004.
12. What is the GST Revenue collected in the month of August, as per the recent data from Finance
Ministry?
[A] Rs 88000 cr
[B] Rs 98000 cr
[C] Rs 1,12,000 cr
[D] Rs 1,34,000 cr
Answer: Rs 1,12,000 cr
As per the recent data from the Finance Ministry, GST revenue touched Rs 1,12,020 crore
The revenue remained above Rs 1 trillion-mark for the second straight month in August.
This is 30 per cent higher than the collection in the year-ago period, but lower than Rs 1.16 trillion
collected in July 2021.
During August, the revenues from domestic transactions were 27 per cent higher than the
revenues from these sources during the same month last year.
13. “Ubreathe Life”, the world’s first ‘Plant based’ smart air-purifier, has been developed by start-up
of which institution?
[A] IIT-Madras
[B] IIT-Ropar
[C] IISc
[D] NIV
Answer: IIT-Ropar
A start-up company of IIT Ropar has claimed that it has developed the world’s first ‘Plant based’
smart air-purifier.
Named the “Ubreathe Life”, the ‘Smart Bio-Filter’ has been developed by Urban Air Laboratory.
The living-plant-based air purifier amplifies the air purification process in indoor spaces.
The technology used in this product is ‘Urban Munnar Effect’. The room-air interacts with leaves
and goes to the soil-root zone where maximum pollutants are purified.
Phytoremediation is a process by which plants effectively remove pollutants from the air.
14. Which Indian city has prepared a Draft Regional Plan-2041 (DRP-2041)?
[A] Mumbai
[B] New Delhi
[C] Chennai
[D] Kochi
Answer: New Delhi
New Delhi is preparing the ambitious Draft Regional Plan-2041 (DRP-2041), which aims to evolve it
into a “future ready" and economically prosperous area with citizen-centric infrastructure.

The NCRPB covers entire Delhi, eight districts of Uttar Pradesh, 14 districts of Haryana and two
districts of Rajasthan.
The regional plan says that population in National Capital Region (NCR) is expected to grow to
around 7 crore by 2031 and to about 11 crore by 2041
The draft plan envisages on making multilevel parking complexes, peripheral parking, Superfast
trains and heli-taxi services, Trauma centres on highways and Helipads for high-rise buildings.
15. When was the first “International Day for People of African Descent” celebrated by the UN?
[A] August 25, 2021
[B] August 30, 2021
[C] August 31, 2021
[D] September 1, 2021
Answer: August 31, 2021
The United Nations have observed August 31, 2021 as the first ever “International Day for People
of African Descent”.
This day has been dedicated by the UN to commemorate the contributions of the African diaspora
in every field of human existence.
International Decade for People of African Descent is observed from 2015-2024.
The year 2020 marked the midterm of the International Decade for People of African Descent.
16. Which country hosted the 8th BIMSTEC Agriculture Experts Meeting?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Nepal
[C] India
[D] Myanmar
Answer: India
India has recently hosted the 8th BIMSTEC Agriculture Experts Meeting, in a virtual mode.
The meeting was chaired by Dr Trilochan Mohapatra - Director General of Indian Council of
Agricultural Research.
Experts of the Agricultural Ministries from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar
and Thailand participated in the meeting.
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is
an international organisation of seven South Asian and Southeast Asian nations, which is
Headquartered at Kathmandu.
17. By what percentage, India’s GDP has grown in Q1 FY '22?
[A] - 7%
[B] 1.3%
[C] 8%
[D] 20.1%
Answer: 20.1%
The GDP of India has registered a growth of 20.1% in Q1 of FY 2021-22.
India has registered a Gross Value Addition (GVA) growth of 18.8%. in Q1 of FY 2021-22.
This accelerated growth in GDP figure is primarily on account of low base effect, since the GDP
contracted by 24.4 per cent in Q1 of FY 2020-21 (previous year).
In comparison to the pre pandemic GDP (2019-20), the Q1 2021-22 GDP is 9.2% lower.
18. Which institution released a report titled ‘Uncertain Pathways’?
[A] World Bank
[B] UNICEF
[C] IMF
[D] UNESCO
Answer: UNICEF
UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) published a report titled ‘Uncertain Pathways’ recently.
As per the report, more girls and boys than ever are migrated, with 35.5 million having lived
outside their country of birth in 2020 and an additional 23.3 million displaced internally.
The report found that over the course of the year, there were almost 15 million new displacements
or 41,000 each day, and that boys outnumber girls.
Afghanistan is on the top of the list of the top 10 countries of origin, with the largest number of
unaccompanied children seeking asylum in Europe.
In camps, girls are 2.5 times more likely to be out of school than boys.
19. Which state has reported cases of Fever identified as ‘Scrub Typhus’?
[A] Bihar
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Odisha
[D] West Bengal
Answer: Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, many children have been diagnosed with a new mystery fever identified as Scrub
Typhus.
Several children are sick in the region surrounding Western Uttar Pradesh districts including
Mathura, Agra, Firozabad etc.
Scrub typhus, also known as shrub typhus, is caused by a bacterium called Orientia
Tsutsugamushi.
The infection spreads to people through bites of infected chiggers (larval mites).
20. Dr Firdausi Qadri and Muhammad Amjad Saqib, who were seen in the news recently, are the
recipients of which award?
[A] Booker Prize
[B] Ramon Magsaysay award
[C] Pulitzer Award
[D] Abel Prize
Answer: Ramon Magsaysay award
Dr Firdausi Qadri, a vaccine scientist from Bangladesh and Muhammad Amjad Saqib, the
microfinance pioneer from Pakistan are among the five recipients of this year’s Ramon
Magsaysay Award.
Established in 1957, the award is Asia’s highest honour and regarded as the Asian version of the
Nobel Prize.
The other winners are Filipino fisher and community environmentalist Roberto Ballon, American
Steven Muncy for humanitarian work and refugee assistance and Indonesian torchbearer for
investigative journalism, Watchdoc.
The award is given every year to individuals or organisations in Asia who provide significant
service to the society.
21. Who has been appointed as the Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)?
[A] J B Mohapatra
[B] Rajesh Damor

[C] Pramod Y Devikar
[D] Deepa Rasal
Answer: J B Mohapatra
Senior bureaucrat J B Mohapatra has been appointed the chairman of the Central Board of Direct
Taxes (CBDT).
Mohapatra, is a 1985-batch Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) officer, is currently the member
in the board that frames the policy for the Income Tax department.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of J B
Mohapatra, as the Chairman of CBDT.
After the extended tenure of incumbent P C Mody had ended, Mohapatra has been holding the
additional charge of CBDT chairman since May 31.
22. Which Indian state/UT has proposed the ‘School bubble’ concept to mitigate the spread of
Covid-19?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Jharkhand
Answer: Karnataka
The Covid-19 technical advisory committee (TAC) constituted by the Karnataka government has
proposed the ‘school bubble’ concept.
It aims to mitigate the spread of the disease among children attending offline classes at schools
and colleges across the state.
School bubbles are physical classifications made between groups comprising a small number of
students.
As per the concept, each such bubble will include students who will be made as a group during
school hours throughout the term or an academic year.
23. "Super Follows" feature has been introduced by which social media giant?
[A] Twitter
[B] Facebook
[C] Google
[D] WhatsApp
Answer: Twitter
Social networking and Micro-blogging giant Twitter has launched a new feature named "Super
Follows".
This feature allows content creators on the platform to provide exclusive premium content to
subscribers.
It allows creators to earn monthly revenue by sharing the premium content with their followers.
24. 'Saath' is a Rural Enterprises Acceleration Programme, launched in which state / UT?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Delhi
[D] Jammu and Kashmir
Answer: Jammu and Kashmir
A Rural Enterprises Acceleration Programme named 'Saath' has been launched in the UT of
Jammu and Kashmir, for the Self Help Group (SHG) women of the UT.

This initiative was launched by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
This aims to impart skills in women members of SHG and convert their small-scale business into
large scale enterprises.
25. Which Indian company has commenced the process of retrofitting LNG kits onto trucks engaged
in transportation of coal?
[A] NTPC
[B] IOCL
[C] CIL
[D] Tata Power
Answer: CIL
India’s state-owned PSU – Coal India Limited (CIL) has commenced the process of retrofitting
LNG kits in trucks engaged in transportation of coal.
This move is aimed to reduce its carbon footprint and bring a positive impact on the environment.
The company uses over 4 lakh kilolitres of diesel per annum, which costs about Rs.3500 crore
26. Where was the National Conference on Women and Child Development held recently?
[A] Kerala
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Haryana
Answer: Gujarat
The National Conference on Women and Child Development was held at Kevadia, Gujarat, which
was chaired by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for WCD, Ministers and Principal Secretaries
from various States related to women and child development.
This conference served as a platform to discuss implementation of various schemes like Mission
Poshan 2, Mission Vatsalya, and Mission Shakti.
27. Which country holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union?
[A] Slovenia
[B] Croatia
[C] Germany
[D] Denmark
Answer: Slovenia
Slovenia currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Slovenian President Borut Pahor and discussed the
challenges facing India and the European Union.
The Minister is set to visit Slovenia, Croatia and Denmark to boost bilateral ties and strengthen
India's cooperation with the EU.
Slovenia has invited Jaishankar to attend the informal meeting of the foreign ministers of the EU
states.
Jaishankar will also attend the Bled Strategic Forum (BSF) being held in Slovenia.
28. The Fukutoku-Okanoba volcano, which was seen in the news recently, is located in which
country?
[A] Japan
[B] China
[C] Philippines

[D] Australia
Answer: Japan
The Fukutoku-Okanoba volcano, is situated in Japan.
It is located at about 80 feet below the sea, five kilometres north of Japan’s South Iwo Jima
Island.
As per the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the underwater volcano that
exploded in the Pacific Ocean, mid-August, poses a risk to the passage of planes and ships.
This is regarded as unusual as the eruptions from submarine volcanoes did not reach the height
that the plume did.
29. Which institution is leading the cross-border CBDC project, undertaken by Central banks in
Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and South Africa?
[A] IMF
[B] BIS
[C] World Bank
[D] BRICS Bank
Answer: BIS
The Central banks in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and South Africa are set to conduct a cross
border payments trial using different central bank digital currencies (CBDC).
Bank of International Settlement (BIS) Innovation Hub is leading the scheme.
This latest project aims to develop prototype shared platforms for cross-border transactions
using multiple CBDCs
Another BIS-led project exploring using CBDCs for cross border payments is also underway
involving central banks from China, Hong Kong, Thailand and the UAE.
30. ‘Eat Right Station’ certification is an initiative of which institution?
[A] FAO
[B] FSSAI
[C] NABARD
[D] FCI
Answer: FSSAI
‘Eat Right Station’ certification is awarded by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI), to Railway Stations.
FSSAI-empanelled third-party audit agency concludes the certification, with ratings from 1 to 5.
The 5-star rating indicates excellent efforts by stations to ensure safe and hygienic food is
available to passengers.
Chandigarh Railway Station was awarded a 5- star ‘Eat Right Station’ certification for providing
high-quality, nutritious food to passengers.
The certification is part of the ‘Eat Right India’ movement of FSSAI.
31. What is the name of the event to be conducted by the Department of School Education &
Literacy, during September 2021?
[A] Shikshak Parv
[B] Shikshak Kaal
[C] Shikshak September
[D] Vidya Parv
Answer: Shikshak Parv
The Department of School Education & Literacy has decided to celebrate Shikshak Parv-2021 from

5th September till 17th September 2021.
This event will be held through virtual mode.
President Ram Nath Kovind will confer the awards to 44 Awardees, on 5th September, 2021
through virtual mode.
The National Awards to Teachers were first instituted in 1958 to recognize excellence and
commitment of teachers working in elementary and secondary schools.
32. India has signed an agreement with which country for development of Air-launched unmanned
aerial vehicle (ALUAV)?
[A] Israel
[B] Russia
[C] USA
[D] France
Answer: USA
India’s Ministry of Defence has signed a project agreement with the US Department of Defence for
cooperation in the development of air-launched unmanned aerial vehicle (ALUAV).
This Project Agreement for ALUAV is under the overall framework of the Defence Technology and
Trade Initiative (DTTI).
It also includes the collaboration between Air Force Research Laboratory, Indian Air Force, and
DRDO in the process of co-developing an ALUAV Prototype
33. Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) is an annual meet held in which country?
[A] Switzerland
[B] Russia
[C] Japan
[D] Singapore
Answer: Russia
Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) is an annual meet held in Vladivostok, Russia.
It aims to encourage foreign investments in Russia’s resource-rich but underdeveloped Far East
regions.
In 2019, PM Modi had announced a $1-billion line of credit for the Far East in 2019.
The proposed Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor will promote tbe bilateral relationships
together.
Mazagon Docks Limited will partner with the Russian ship-building facility at Zvezda to build
important commercial ships.
India and Russia are partners in space exploration through the Gaganyaan programme.
34. Which e-Commerce platform has announced the launch of ‘Kisan’ store?
[A] Flipkart
[B] Amazon
[C] JioMart
[D] Big Basket
Answer: Amazon
Amazon India has launched the Kisan (farmer) store a store on its platform, meant exclusively for
farmers.
The Amazon Kisan store was launched by Agriculture Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar.
Farmers can now buy farming tools, seeds, crop protection and other farming tools on the
Amazon platform.

This aims to make agri-inputs available to buyers at competitive prices with the added
convenience of delivery at their doorstep.
35. Which is the first Asian country to launch a Plastics pact?
[A] Thailand
[B] Nepal
[C] India
[D] Sri Lanka
Answer: India
World-Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF India) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) have
joined hands to develop a platform to promote a circular system for plastics.
The new platform is called, the ‘India Plastic Pact,’.
India generates 9.46 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, of which 40 per cent is not
collected.
About half of all plastics produced in the country are used in packaging, most of it is single use in
nature.
The pact has time-bound targets for reducing, innovating and re-imagining plastic packaging.
36. Who is the first Indian woman to win two medals in the Paralympics Games?
[A] Avani Lekhara
[B] Bhavina Patel
[C] Ekta Bhyan
[D] Kashish Lakra
Answer: Avani Lekhara
Indian shooter Avani Lekhara became the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic medals.
She won the 50m Rifle 3 Position SH1 bronze to add to the Gold she had won earlier in the Games.
The 19-year-old Lekhara had become the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold after she
topped the 10m air rifle standing SH1 event.
Joginder Singh Sodhi was the only Indian to win multiple medals in the same edition of the Games
when he got one silver and two bronze medals in the 1984 Paralympics.
37. Rajiv Gandhi National Park, which has been renamed as Orang National Park, is located in which
Indian state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Assam
[D] Uttarakhand
Answer: Assam
The Assam government has decided to rename Rajiv Gandhi National Park as Orang National
Park.
The Assam cabinet passed a resolution in this regard.
The National Park covers an area of 79.28 sq km. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1985, and
a national park in 1999.
The Assam national park is located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra in Darrang and Sonitpur
districts.
It is known for wild animals like Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Rhinos, Pygmy Hog, and wild elephants
38. Rudolf Weigl, seen in the Google Doodle, was an inventor and immunologist from which country?
[A] Germany
[B] France
[C] Poland
[D] Israel
Answer: Poland
Google celebrated the 138th birthday of Polish inventor, doctor, and immunologist Rudolf Weigl
with a doodle.
He had produced the first-ever effective vaccine against one of the oldest and most infectious
diseases, named ‘Epidemic typhus’.
His work has been honored by two Nobel Prize nominations.
Weigl adapted Body lice into a laboratory specimen. In 1936, Weigl’s vaccine successfully
inoculated its first beneficiary.
39. Which State / UT has adopted snow leopard and black-necked crane as state animal and bird?
[A] Delhi
[B] Haryana
[C] Punjab
[D] Ladakh
Answer: Ladakh
The Union Territory of Ladakh has officially adopted snow leopard and black-necked crane as its
state animals.
These two species are endangered. The Black-necked cranes are endemic to the UT while the
snow leopards are largely found in this region.
As per IUCN, Black-necked crane is “Nearly Endangered” while snow leopard is placed in
“vulnerable” category.
The black-necked crane was the state bird of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir till
August 2019.
40. World Social Protection Report 2020-22 is released by which organization?
[A] UNICEF
[B] UNESCO
[C] FAO
[D] ILO
Answer: ILO
The International Labour Organization has released its flagship report “World Social Protection
Report 2020-22” Social protection at the crossroads – in pursuit of a better future”
It highlights the developments across the globe in social protection systems, including the impact
of COVID.
The report has a special focus on universal social protection coverage and achievement of SDG
2030.
The ILO is headquartered at Geneva, Switzerland.
41. Exercise Bright Star is a multinational military exercise, held in which country?
[A] India
[B] Japan
[C] USA
[D] Egypt
Answer: Egypt
Exercise Bright Star is a multinational military exercise, held once in two years at Egypt. This year’s

exercise would witness participation from 21 countries including the USA. The first such exercises were
held in the year 1980 after signing of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. The last Bright Star
exercise was conducted in 2018, with 16 participating nations.
42. India, along with which country has announced $1.2 billion package for finance to Asia’s Green
Growth?
[A] USA
[B] UK
[C] Switzerland
[D] China
Answer: UK
India and United Kingdom have announced a $1.2 billion package, which aims to improve finance to
green growth of Asian countries. This package includes an $1 billion would be an investment from CDC,
the UK’s development finance institution to support businesses working on green technology. The
Climate Finance Leadership Initiative (CFLI) India partnership has also been launched to raise private
capital for green projects in India.
43. 'Patrakar Kalyan Kosh’ is a scheme for journalists, implemented in which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Haryana
[D] Chhattisgarh
Answer: Chhattisgarh
The State Government of Chhattisgarh has implemented the scheme named 'Patrakar Kalyan Kosh'.
Under this scheme, the families of journalists who lost their lives in COVID, would be provided with
financial assistance. Further, under this scheme, a sum of Rs 2 lakh would be given to journalists for
treatment of COVID disease. The state has also decided to increase the monthly pension to senior
journalist from Rs.5000 to Rs.10,000, under the Senior Journalist Samman Nidhi scheme.
44. “University of Health Sciences Bill” has been passed by the assembly of which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Odisha
[D] Karnataka
Answer: Odisha
The Legislative Assembly of Odisha has passed the University of Health Sciences Bill 2021, recently.
This bill seeks to bring all the medical and paramedical institutions of the state under a single University
of Health Sciences. Presently, various medical and paramedical institutions of the state are affiliated to
different universities. This bill has been passed amidst strict opposition from various fronts.
45. Under whose leadership, a Parliamentary committee on finance has been constituted, on
separation of the debt management function from the RBI?
[A] Shaktikanta Das
[B] UK Sinha
[C] Manmohan Singh
[D] Jayant Sinha
Answer: Jayant Sinha
A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has been constituted under the leadership of Jayant
Sinha. This committee would visit the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and discuss on the separation of the

debt management function from the RBI. Former Prime Minister Manmohan and former Governor of RBI
Manmohan Singh is also a member of the committee.
46. Which is the major reason of rise in RBI’s Forex reserves, in August 2021?
[A] Operation Twist
[B] OMO
[C] Repo Operations
[D] Additional SDR allocation by IMF
Answer: Additional SDR allocation by IMF
The total Forex Reserves of India has sharply risen to $633 billion in last week of August 2021. This is
primarily on account of additional of 12.57 billion SDR allocation by IMF to India, equal to $17.86 billion.
India’s SDR allocation is in proportion to its IMF quota of 2.75%. Foreign currency assets, Gold, Special
drawing rights and the reserve position with IMF are the components of Forex reserves of the Reserve
Bank
47. ‘Atma Nirbhar Krishi Yojna’ and ‘Atma Nirbhar Bagwani Yojna’ schemes have been launched by
which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: Arunachal Pradesh
The state government of Arunachal Pradesh has launched 2 schemes named Atma Nirbhar Krishi Yojna
and Atma Nirbhar Bagwani Yojna. AtmaNirbhar Krishi Yojna is an agri sector scheme while Atma Nirbhar
Bagwani Yojna is a horticulture scheme. The government has allocated a total sum of Rs. 120 crores for
these two schemes, Rs.60 crores for each of the schemes.
48. A new ‘Climate Finance Leadership Initiative (CFLI) India’ partnership has been signed with
which country?
[A] USA
[B] France
[C] UK
[D] Australia
Answer: UK
At the 11th India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD), the Indian Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman and UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak met virtually. They signed a USD 1.2-billion package of public
and private investment in green projects and renewable energy. A new Climate Finance Leadership
Initiative (CFLI) India partnership has been agreed to mobilise private capital into sustainable
infrastructure in India.
49. What is the name of the commission India’s first satellite and ballistic missile tracking ship?
[A] Ajit
[B] Dhruv
[C] Naren
[D] Rudra
Answer: Dhruv
India’s first satellite and ballistic missile tracking ship named ‘Dhruv’ is set to be commissioned from
Visakhapatnam. The ship is built by Hindustan Shipyard in collaboration with Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) and National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO). INS Dhruv can

also map ocean beds for research and detection of enemy submarines. This nuclear missile tracking
ship will be operated by the Indian Navy with the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).
50. Which Digital payments firm recently launched India’s first interactive platform with data on
digital payments?
[A] PhonePe
[B] PayTm
[C] BharatPe
[D] Mobikwik
Answer: PhonePe
Walmart-owned digital payments firm PhonePe has launched PhonePe Pulse, India’s first interactive
platform with data, insights and trends on digital payments in the country. The website showcases more
than 2000 crore transactions by consumers on an interactive map of India. PhonePe also launched the
Pulse Report, which studies on the evolution of digital payments over the past 5 years with detailed
geographical and category-specific trends. As per the report, over 300 million Indians from 19,000 pin
codes now use digital payments.
51. Which institution recently launched a two-day ‘Lunar Science Workshop 2021’?
[A] DRDO
[B] ISRO
[C] NSIL
[D] IIRS
Answer: ISRO
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) opened a two-day Lunar Science Workshop 2021, to
commemorate the completion of two years of operation of Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft around the lunar
orbit. Chandrayaan-2 has completed more than 9,000 orbits around the Moon. The imaging and
scientific instruments on board have been relaying the required data. ISRO Chairperson also released the
documents based on data from Chandrayaan-2, along with data from spacecraft's orbiter payloads.
52. INS Hansa, which is seen in the news recently, is an Indian Naval Air station located in which
state?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Sikkim
[C] Goa
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Answer: Goa
INS Hansa is an Indian Naval Air station located in the state of Goa. President of India and the Supreme
Commander of Indian Armed Forces, presented the President’s Colour to Indian Naval Aviation at INS
Hansa, Goa. President Ram Nath Kovind is also set to attend the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of ‘INS
Hansa’. The first Sea-land aircraft was acquired on in 1951 and INS Garuda was commissioned at Kochi
in 1953. President’s Colour is presented to recognise the service rendered both during peace and
combat.
53. Panjshir Valley, which is in news recently, is located in which country?
[A] India
[B] Pakistan
[C] China
[D] Afghanistan
Answer: Afghanistan

The National Resistance Front (NRF) has been demonstrating stiff resistance against the Taliban forces
at Panjshir Valley in Afghanistan. The NRF have called for a ceasefire and have proposed that Taliban
stop its military operations in Panjshir. Although the major parts of Afghanistan including the capital city
have been taken in Taliban’s control, the Panjshir Valley is yet to be taken control by Talibans.
54. How many medals have been bagged by the Indian contingent at the Tokyo Paralympic Games
2020?
[A] 6
[B] 17
[C] 19
[D] 21
Answer: 19
At the Tokyo Paralympic Games, the Indian contingent finished with a total of 19 medals which includes
5 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze medals. Out of the total 162 countries, India was ranked at 24th position
and 20th in terms of number of medals. This year, India had sent the largest contingent of 54 para-
athletes, who participated in 9 sporting disciplines. This is also the highest ever medal haul of India.
55. The UN International Day of Charity on 5th September, is observed to commemorate the death
anniversary of which leader?
[A] Swami Vivekananda
[B] Mother Teresa
[C] Mahatma Gandhi
[D] Chhatrapati Shivaji
Answer: Mother Teresa
Every year, 5th September is observed as the International Day of Charity. This day was so chosen, in
memory of the death anniversary of Mother Teresa. This day aims to bridge the gap between the rich
and poor and to meet the SDGs by 2030. The resolution in this regard was adopted by the United Nations
General Assembly in the year 2012, which was co-sponsored by 44 UN member nations.
56. Which country chaired the 11th BRICS Trade Ministers Meeting was held in 2021?
[A] China
[B] Brazil
[C] South Africa
[D] India
Answer: India
On 3rd September, 2021, the 11th BRICS Trade Ministers Meeting was held in a virtual mode, under the
chairmanship of India. The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal chaired the
meeting and was attended by Trade and Economic Ministers of BRICS Countries. India is chairing the
BRICS 2021, under the theme BRICS@15: Intra BRICS Cooperation for Continuity, Consolidation and
Consensus.
57. The INSPIRE Awards – MANAK is constituted / given by which Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Electronics
[B] Ministry of Science and Technology
[C] Ministry of Agriculture
[D] Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Answer: Ministry of Science and Technology
The National Level Exhibition and Project Competition for INSPIRE Awards – MANAK (Million Minds
Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) has commended, under the aegis of Dept. of Science

and Technology – Union Ministry of Science and Technology. The INSPIRE Awards - MANAK scheme has
been launched to motivate students in the age group of 10-15 years of class 6 to 10th standards, to
become future innovators.
58. Recently, which state/UT has decided to ban online gambling or betting?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Goa
[C] Karnataka
[D] Sikkim
Answer: Karnataka
Karnataka has decided to ban online gambling or betting, and to amend the Karnataka Police Act, 1963.
The ban does not include lottery or betting on horse races as mentioned by Law and Parliamentary
Affairs Minister J.C. Madhuswamy. This decision was undertaken after the Karnataka High Court
repeatedly asked the State Government to take a stand on online betting.
59. Which state/UT has decided to issue “Resident Certificate” only to Permanent Resident
Certificate holders of the region?
[A] Jammu and Kashmir
[B] Ladakh
[C] Sikkim
[D] Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Answer: Ladakh
According to the Ladakh Resident Certificate Order 2021 passed on September 4, 2021, the Ladakh
administration has decided to issue “Resident Certificate” only to Permanent Resident Certificate
holders of the region unlike J&K, where new domicile laws allowed outsiders too to apply for jobs, land
and other facilities.
60. Who has been awarded 7th Yamin Hazarika Woman of Substance Award?
[A] Sudha Murty
[B] Arundhati Roy
[C] Kiran Desai
[D] Namita Gokhale
Answer: Namita Gokhale
Writer Namita Gokhale has been awarded the 7th Yamin Hazarika Woman of Substance Award. She was
conferred upon the honour recently in a virtual ceremony. Organised by a collective of women
professionals from the year 2015, the annual award honours Yamin Hazarika, the first woman from
Northeast India to be selected for DANIPS, a federal police service that administered Delhi and the Union
Territories in 1977.
61. Who has been awarded the Behler Turtle Conservation Award?
[A] Joseph L. Goldstein
[B] Shailendra Singh
[C] Richard Dawkins
[D] Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi
Answer: Shailendra Singh
Indian biologist Shailendra Singh has been awarded the Behler Turtle Conservation Award for bringing
three critically endangered turtle conservation species back from the brink of extinction. The award has
been bestowed by several global bodies involved in turtle conservation such as Turtle Survival Alliance,
IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, Turtle Conservancy, and the Turtle

Conservation Fund.
62. Which city is the venue of the 5th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament?
[A] Paris
[B] New Delhi
[C] Beijing
[D] Vienna
Answer: Vienna
5th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament is being held in Vienna on Sept 7th and 8th. Lok Sabha
Speaker Om Birla reached Vienna to attend the 5th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament by the
Austrian Parliament, Inter-Parliamentary Union and the United Nations. The two-day conference will
begin on Sept 7. The World Conference of Speakers of Parliament is held regularly every five years with
the goal to reinforce the Parliamentary dimension of global governance.
63. Recently, who won the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix?
[A] Lewis Hamilton
[B] Charles Leclerc
[C] Max Verstappen
[D] George Russell
Answer: Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen won the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix for Red Bull on September 5, 2021 at Zandvoort,
Netherlands followed by Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas in second and third places
respectively.
64. Which state has launched Vatan Prem Yojana?
[A] Bihar
[B] Gujarat
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Rajasthan
Answer: Gujarat
Gujarat government has planned to undertake public welfare projects worth Rs. 1,000 crores jointly with
non-resident Gujaratis which have to be completed by December 2022. The projects will be under the
state government’s ‘Vatan Prem Yojana’. Vatan Prem Yojana is a repackaged version of Madar-e-Vatan
scheme by the state government of Gujarat. The Vatan prem yojana will cover village-level projects such
as: Smart classes in schools, Library Community hall, Primary health centres, CCTV surveillance system,
Water recycling, drainage, sewage treatment and beautification of ponds, Solar energy powered
streetlights, etc.
65. Which state/UT has planned to set up India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Goa
[D] Tamil Nadu
Answer: Tamil Nadu
Government of Tamil Nadu recently announced its plan to set up India’s first Dugong Conservation
Reserve in the Palk Bay on the southeast coast. Dugong or sea cow is an endangered marine mammal. It
is facing extinction because of habitat loss, sea pollution, and loss of sea grass. Dugong is found in Gulf
of Mannar and at Palk Bay in Tamil Nadu. With the help of community participation, Government will
also construct a Dugong Marine Conservation Reserve in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay area to
protect the species.
66. Who has become the first IAS officer to win Paralympics medal?
[A] Suhas Yathiraj
[B] Krishna Nagar
[C] Devendra Jhajharia
[D] Sumit Antil
Answer: Suhas Yathiraj
Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj, current district magistrate of Noida, has become the first IAS officer to win
Paralympics medal. He lost gold to top seed Lucas Mazur of France in the men’s singles SL4 class final
at the Tokyo Paralympics on September 5. In the Tokyo Paralympics, India has won 19 medals.
67. Who has been elected as the Chairman of the Assembly of Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit
Institutions (ASOSAI)?
[A] Hou Kai
[B] Mitsuhiko Kawado
[C] GC Murmu
[D] Chen Chu
Answer: GC Murmu
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India GC Murmu has been elected as the Chairman of the
Assembly of Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) from 2024-2027 with India set
to host the 16th Assembly of ASOSAI in 2024.
68. Asian Development Bank has granted a USD 150 million loan to which state for a sustainable
housing project for the urban poor?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] West Bengal
[D] Odisha
Answer: Tamil Nadu
Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 150 million loan for a sustainable housing project
for the urban poor in Tamil Nadu. The Manila-headquartered ADB has said that Tamil Nadu is vital to
India's economic growth, contributing 8.54% to India's gross domestic product.
69. Which state has announced that Rs 5,000 each as a form of financial assistance will be paid to
the artisans making Vinayaka statues?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Telangana
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu
Answer: Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu CM M.K Stalin has announced that Rs 5,000 each as a financial assistance will be paid to
the artisans making Vinayaka statues. They will be gien this amount since the ban on public celebration
of Vinayaka Chathurthi had affected 3,000 artisans.
70. In which city, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has launched the first functional Smog
Tower of India?
[A] Delhi
[B] Varanasi
[C] Kolkata

[D] Lucknow
Answer: Delhi
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav has virtually inaugurated
the first functional smog tower in India at Anand Vihar, Delhi. A smog tower is a structure designed as
large/medium scale air purifiers to reduce air pollution, usually by forcing the air through filters. The
tower has been built by Tata Projects Limited with NBCC (India) Ltd. as the project management
consultant.
71. Which state has appointed former SBI Chairperson Rajnish Kumar as its economic advisor?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Odisha
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Assam
Answer: Andhra Pradesh
The Andhra Pradesh government has appointed Rajnish Kumar as its economic advisor. A former SBI
chairman, Rajnish Kumar’s tenure in the cabinet rank position is for two years.
72. Which State/UT has launched the ‘Business Blasters’ programme?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Delhi
[C] Karnataka
[D] Maharashtra
Answer: Delhi
Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, launched the ‘Business Blasters’ programme on
September 7, 2021. This programme aims at developing young entrepreneurs at the school-level by
providing students seed money to start a business. The programme will be implemented in all Delhi
government schools under the “Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum (EMC)”. Under the programme,
class 11 and 12 students will be provided seed money of Rs 2,000 to start their business.
73. Which ministry has launched ‘Bujurgon ki Baat–Desh Ke Saath’ programme?
[A] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[B] Ministry of Culture
[C] Ministry of Tourism
[D] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Answer: Ministry of Culture
Union Minister of Culture Kishan Reddy Gangapuram has launched the program ‘Bujurgon ki Baat–Desh
Ke Saath’ with Union MoS for Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal, at IGNCA, New Delhi. The programme aims at
enhancing the interaction between the youth and the elder persons who are 95 years and above and thus
have spent around 18 years in India before independence.
74. Who has been appointed as the managing director (MD) of Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM
Bank)?
[A] Harsha Bhupendra Bangari
[B] Harsh Kumar Bhanwala
[C] Sivasubramanian Ramann
[D] Ajay Tyagi
Answer: Harsha Bhupendra Bangari
The government has appointed Harsha Bhupendra Bangari as the managing director (MD) of Export-
Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank). Bangari, who is presently the deputy managing director at EXIM Bank,

would be at the helm for a period of three years or until further orders of the government.
75. With which bank, fintech player OneCard has partnered to launch a mobile-based credit card
named mobile-first in India?
[A] State Bank of India
[B] Indian Bank
[C] Bandhan Bank
[D] State Bank of Mauritus
Answer: State Bank of Mauritus
SBM Bank has partnered with fintech player OneCard to launch a mobile-based credit card named
‘mobile-first.’ OneCard will leverage Visa's technology and global acceptance in this co-branded credit
card offering through an app. State Bank of Mauritus (SBM) was the first foreign bank to receive a
banking license from the Reserve Bank of India.
76. In which state’s national highway, an emergency landing facility has been inaugurated by
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Gujarat
Answer: Rajasthan
Union Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh and Union Highways Minister, Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the
Emergency Landing Facility on a National Highway in Rajasthan. This emergency landing facility has
been constructed on the Satta-Gandhav stretch of National Highway (NH) 925A in Barmer, Rajasthan.
This is the first time a National Highway will be used for emergency landing of IAF aircraft.
77. With which country, Tamil Nadu has partnered to create an energy island in the Gulf of Mannar?
[A] Germany
[B] Denmark
[C] Japan
[D] South Korea
Answer: Denmark
State of Tamil Nadu and Denmark have planned to create an energy island in Gulf of Mannar that lies
between the west coast of Sri Lanka and south-eastern tip of India. This plan was made as Tamil Nadu
is looking to expand its footprint in the green energy sector. To achieve this target, Denmark is likely to
invest $5-10 billion in the renewable energy sector in the state. It also includes investment for an energy
island in the Gulf of Mannar. With this investment, island would be able to produce 4-10 GW of energy.
78. Indian government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a 300-million-dollar loan
to expand rural connectivity in which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Odisha
[D] Jharkhand
Answer: Maharashtra
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India has signed a $300 million loan as
additional financing to scale up improvement of rural connectivity to help boost rural economy in the
state of Maharashtra. The additional financing for the ongoing Maharashtra Rural Connectivity
Improvement Project will help improve an additional 1,100 rural roads and 230 bridges for a total length

of 2,900 kilometres (km) in 34 districts.
79. Governor Baby Rani Maurya who recently resigned, was the governor of which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Manipur
[D] Uttarakhand
Answer: Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand Governor Baby Rani Maurya resigned on September 8, 2021, two years before completing
her tenure. She tendered her resignation to President Ram Nath Kovind. She was sworn in as the
governor of Uttarakhand on August 26, 2018.
80. The Union Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and
which country on cooperation in the field of Geosciences?
[A] Australia
[B] France
[C] Russia
[D] New Zealand
Answer: Russia
Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) between India and Russia on cooperation in the field of Geosciences. MoU was
signed between the Joint Stock Company Rosgeologia (State holding Company) of Russia and the
Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines.
81. With which organization, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has partnered to
launch, ‘nFiNi,’ a plug-and-play RuPay credit card stack?
[A] Fiserv Inc
[B] Global Payments
[C] PayPal
[D] PhonePe
Answer: Fiserv Inc
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Fiserv Inc. Has partnered to launch a plug-and-
play RuPay credit card stack named ‘nFiNi’. ‘nFiNi’ is a RuPay based Application Programming Interface
platform to boost credit card based products in the country. The nFiNi platform will power RuPay cards
(including National Common Mobility Card) by offering access to needed services through the NPCI
network combined with FirstVisionTM cloud-based open API integrations from Fiserv.
82. With which organization, OYO has partnered to co-develop next-gen travel and hospitality
products and technologies?
[A] Google
[B] Microsoft
[C] Apple
[D] Facebook
Answer: Microsoft
Microsoft and OYO have announced a multi-year strategic partnership to co-develop next-gen travel and
hospitality products and technologies. The duo plan to develop solutions using Microsoft’s cloud and AI
capabilities that will be geared to benefit clients who operate small and medium hotel and home
storefronts across the world.
83. Which bank has been roped in by the Karnataka government to build digital payment

infrastructure to support its Namma Shaale Nanna Koduge initiative?
[B] ICICI Bank
[C] Bank of Baroda
[D] Jana Small Finance Bank
Answer: Jana Small Finance Bank
Karnataka government has roped in Jana Small Finance Bank (Jana SFB) to build digital payment
infrastructure to support its Namma Shaale Nanna Koduge (Our school, my contribution) initiative. The
Namma Shaale Nanna Koduge software was launched on September 5 to provide accessibility to donors
who wish to donate money to government schools in Karnataka.
84. In which country, world’s largest plant to capture CO2 from air has started functioning?
[A] Canada
[B] Japan
[C] Iceland
[D] China
Answer: Iceland
The world's largest plant designed to suck carbon dioxide out of the air and turning it into rock started
running in Iceland. The plant, named Orca, after the Icelandic word "orka" meaning "energy", consists of
four units, each made up of two metal boxes, similar in appearance to the containers used for maritime
transport. World's Largest Plant Capturing Carbon Dioxide From Air Starts In Iceland A facility for
capturing carbon dioxide from air. (Reuters File) 3 Reykjavik: The world's largest plant designed to suck
carbon dioxide out of the air and turning it into rock started running on Wednesday, the companies
behind the plant said. The plant, named Orca, after the Icelandic word "orka" meaning "energy", consists
of four units, each made up of two metal boxes, similar in appearance to the containers used for
maritime transport. Constructed by Switzerland's Climeworks and Iceland's Carbfix, when operating at
capacity the plant will draw 4,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) out of the air every year.
85. Which institute has been adjudged the best higher educational institution in 2021 in the National
Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)?
[A] IIT Delhi
[B] IISc Bangalore
[C] IIT Bombay
[D] IIT Madras
Answer: IIT Madras
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has been adjudged the best higher educational
institution in 2021 followed by Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (IISc) and IIT Bombay. The rankings
were announced by education minister Dharmendra Pradhan as part of the National Institutional Ranking
Framework (NIRF), an initiative of the government to rank top Indian institutions. Several key
parameters, including research output, teaching learning environment, outreach and inclusivity, resource,
graduate outcome, and perception, among others, were considered for preparing the exhaustive list.
86. Which date in September is celebrated as Himalayan Diwas?
[A] September 9
[B] September 10
[C] September 11
[D] September 12
Answer: September 9

The National Mission for Clean Ganga organised Himalayan Diwas in association with Naula Foundation
on September 9, 2021. This year’s theme is ‘Contribution of Himalayas and our responsibilities’.
Himalaya Diwas is celebrated every year on 9th September in the state of Uttarakhand. It is celebrated
with the aim to conserve Himalayan ecosystem and region. It was officially declared as Himalaya Day in
2015 by the then Chief Minister.
87. Which ministry has launched Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2021?
[A] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[B] Ministry of Rural Development
[C] Ministry of Minority Affairs
[D] Ministry of Jal Shakti
Answer: Ministry of Jal Shakti
Minister of State of Jal Shakti Ministry, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, launched the “Swachh Survekshan
Grameen 2021” under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase -II. It was launched at an event
organized by Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) on September 9, 2021. Swachh
Survekshan Grameen 2021 will be undertaken by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation
(DDWS) across the country.
88. Who has won Women’s Prize for Fiction for the fantasy novel Piranesi?
[A] J. K. Rowling
[B] Susanna Clarke
[C] Sudha Murty
[D] Michelle Obama
Answer: Susanna Clarke
British writer Susanna Clarke won the prestigious Women’s Prize for Fiction for her mind-tweaking
fantasy novel ‘Piranesi’. Clarke, 61, was awarded the 30,000 pounds ($41,000) prize for her novel.
89. Which date in September is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day?
[A] September 11
[B] September 10
[C] September 9
[D] September 12
Answer: September 10
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on September 10. The theme this year is “Creating
hope through action.” World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is an awareness day observed on 10
September every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with
various activities around the world since 2003. World Suicide Prevention Day is organised by the
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP).
90. In association with which organization, did the Ministry of Tribal Affairs organize a workshop for
Non-Governmental Organizations on Nutrition and Health?
[A] AIIMS
[B] ICMR
[C] Ministry of Food Processing Industries
[D] Tata Health
Answer: AIIMS
A workshop for Non-Governmental Organizations on Nutrition and Health was organized by the Ministry
of Tribal Affairs on 09th September, 2021, as part of its POSHAN MAAH activities. The purpose of the
workshop was to closely associate NGOs working with Ministry of Tribal Affairs in the mission of Sahi
Poshan-Desh Roshan. The workshop was attended by more than 70 NGOs who are working in the health
sector in tribal areas. The workshop was organized by Tribal Health Cell under Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
This workshop was also organized in association with AIIMS.
91. Who is heading the newly formed government panel for framing new law for drugs, cosmetics
and medical devices?
[A] Balram Bhargava
[B] Randeep Guleria
[C] V G Somani
[D] Gagandeep Kang
Answer: V G Somani
The government has constituted an eight-member panel for framing a new law for drugs, cosmetics and
medical devices. The panel is being headed by Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) Dr V G Somani.
The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, regulates the import, manufacture, distribution and sale of drugs,
cosmetics and medical devices. This Act is amended from time to time. The last amendment in the Act
was made in 2008.
92. With which organization, DRDO partnered with to develop the MRSAM combat Air Defence
System?
[A] Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
[B] Dassault Aviation
[C] Bombardier Inc
[D] Israel Aerospace Industries
Answer: Israel Aerospace Industries
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over the first deliverable Firing
Unit (FU) of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) System to Indian Air Force (IAF). In a
significant boost to defence capabilities of India, MRSAM was handed over to IAF at Air Force Station,
Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. MRSAM is an advanced network centric combat Air Defence System. It was
jointly developed by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in collaboration with Indian industry
consisting of private and public sectors as well as MSMEs. It is a surface-to-air-missile, 4.5m in length.
Contract for MRSAM programme was signed in February 2009. Under the contract, IAF was to buy 450
MRSAMs and 18 firing units at the value of $2bn.
93. With which country, India has agreed to expand their energy partnership by adding emerging
fuels to the list of areas of cooperation?
[A] United States
[B] Russia
[C] Israel
[D] South Korea
Answer: United States
India and the United States have agreed to expand their energy partnership by adding emerging fuels to
the list of areas of cooperation that previously included power and energy efficiency, oil and gas,
renewable energy and sustainable growth. Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri
co-chaired a virtual Ministerial meeting with the U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm to launch
the revamped U.S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP).
94. Who has been appointed as the new Chairman-cum-Managing Director of United India Insurance
Company Limited?
[A] Mini Ipe

[B] S.L.Tripathy
[C] Debadatta Chand
[D] Padmaja Chunduru
Answer: S.L.Tripathy
The central government has selected S.L.Tripathy as the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of United
India Insurance Company Limited. He is currently General Manager and Director at The New India
Assurance Company Limited.
95. Who has been appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of National Fertilizers Ltd?
[A] Ajay Tyagi
[B] Sriram Kalyanaraman
[C] Nirlep Singh Rai
[D] Subhash Chandra Khuntia
Answer: Nirlep Singh Rai
Nirlep Singh Rai has been appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of State-owned fertiliser firm
National Fertilizers Ltd (NFL).
96. Which ministry has launched the pilot drive ‘Main Bhi Digital 3.0?’
[A] Ministry of Power
[B] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[C] Ministry of Minority Affairs
[D] Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Answer: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology launched the pilot drive ‘Main Bhi Digital 3.0’ – A special Campaign for Digital Onboarding
and Training for street vendors under PM SVANidhi scheme across 223 cities in the country. BharatPe,
Mswipe, PhonePe, Paytm, Aceware are participating in this drive to issue UPI IDs, QR code and provide
digital training.
97. Who has been appointed as chairman of National Commission for Minorities?
[A] Nalin Singhal
[B] Manoj Jain
[C] Iqbal Singh Lalpura
[D] Soma Mondal
Answer: Iqbal Singh Lalpura
Former IPS officer Iqbal Singh Lalpura, has been chosen as chairman of National Commission for
Minorities. The awards he has won include President’s police medal, police medal for meritorious
services, Shiromani Sikh Sahitkar award, Sikh scholar award, etc. He hails from Punjab.
98. Which bank has launched its credit card ‘SIB – OneCard’ in association with fintech company
OneCard?
[A] Federal Bank
[B] Indian Bank
[C] Axis Bank
[D] South Indian Bank
Answer: South Indian Bank
South Indian Bank (SIB), in association with fintech company OneCard, launched its credit card SIB –
OneCard. The internationally valid credit card on the Visa Signature platform can be fully controlled
through the powerful OneCard app. The card comes with many exciting features like lifetime validity with

zero joining and annual fees, 100% digital customer on-boarding process, instant virtual card issuance,
instant issuance of reward points and easy redemption within the app, etc.
99. Which organization has developed a new API to enable checking of COVID-19 vaccination status?
[A] Co-WIN
[B] Aarogya Setu
[C] ICMR
[D] AIIMS
Answer: Co-WIN
Co-WIN has developed a new Application programming interface called ‘Know Your Customer’s or
Client’s Vaccination Status (KYC-VS). This will enable entities to check an individual’s status of
vaccination through CoWIN. To use this API, an individual needs to enter his/her mobile number and
name. Thereafter, they will get an OTP which they have to enter. In return, Co-WIN will send a response
to the verifying entity on the individual’s status of vaccination. CoWIN (Covid Vaccine Intelligence Work)
is an Indian government web portal for COVID-19 vaccination registration, owned and operated by India's
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
100. Recently, with which country India has held a Maritime Affairs Dialogue?
[A] Australia
[B] Great Britain
[C] Japan
[D] France
Answer: Japan
India and Japan held their sixth Maritime Affairs Dialogue in a virtual format on September 9, 2021. The
consultations involved exchanges on developments in the maritime security environment, regional
cooperation activities and opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific
region.
101. Who has been appointed as the governor of Punjab?
[A] RN Ravi
[B] Banwarilal Purohit
[C] Gurmit Singh
[D] Jagdeep Dhankar
Answer: Banwarilal Purohit
The President has appointed Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit as the new Governor of Punjab.
102. Vijay Rupani, who recently resigned, was the Chief Minister of which state?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Punjab
[C] Chhattisgarh
[D] Gujarat
Answer: Gujarat
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has resigned. Mr. Rupani met the Governor Acharya Devrat and
submitted his resignation. Mr. Rupani had taken over as the Chief Minister in August 2016 after the
sudden resignation of the then C. M. Anandiben Patel, who is now the Governor of Uttar Pradesh.
103. In which city, PM Modi has inaugurated the state of the art Sardardham Bhavan?
[A] Lucknow
[B] Delhi
[C] Ahmedabad
[D] Indore
Answer: Ahmedabad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the state of the art Sardardham Bhavan at Ahmedabad
through video conferencing. He also laid the foundation stone of Sardardham Phase-II Kanya Chhatralay
on the occasion. Sardardham Bhavan has been constructed at the cost of 200 crore rupees. It comprises
of modern facilities such as library, hostel, career guidance & training centre for boys as well as girls
coming from rural areas and a multipurpose auditorium. Kanya Chhatralaya will house 2000 girls,
irrespective of their economic criteria. Both the establishments are dedicated to the Iron Man of India,
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
104. With which organization, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd has partnered to
collaborate in the field of surface ships?
[A] Naval Group
[B] Chantiers de l'Atlantique
[C] Navantia
[D] Boeing
Answer: Naval Group
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd, (GRSE), a Miniratna (Category 1) defence PSU and a
leading warship-building company, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Naval Group of
France, a leader in the European maritime defence industry. The two firms will collaborate in the field of
surface ships that will cater to the requirements of India and international naval forces. Under the
administrative control of the defence ministry, GRSE primarily attends to the shipbuilding needs of the
Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.
105. Recently, which country military has conducted its first successful underwater test of a
submarine-launched ballistic missile?
[A] South Korea
[B] India
[C] Japan
[D] France
Answer: South Korea
The South Korean military has conducted its first successful underwater test of a submarine-launched
ballistic missile (SLMB). This test was conducted by Dosan Ahn Chang-ho submarine that was inducted
in service in August 2021. This submarine has launched a Hyunmoo-2B ballistic missile which has a
500km range. Dosan Ahn Chang-ho is the country’s first 3000 ton class submarine which is equipped
with six launch tubes. This launch makes South Korea the 8th country capable of SLMB joining United
States, India, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom.
106. On which date, National Forest Martyrs Day is observed?
[A] September 12
[B] September 11
[C] September 10
[D] September 15
National Forest Martyrs Day is marked on September 11. The day as the name suggests is observed to
pay tributes to those who laid down their lives in order to protect the jungles, forests and wildlife across
India. The day officially came into existence in 2013 after the Ministry of Environment and Forest made
the declaration. The date of September 11 was chosen as on this date in 1730, the infamous Khejarli

massacre took place. During this tragic incident, people started cutting Khejarli trees on the orders of
the then king Maharaja Abhay Singh of Rajasthan. These trees were considered sacred by the people
that belonged to the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan’s Khejarli village.
107. Which state has launched the Medicine from the Sky project?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Kerala
[D] Telangana
Answer: Telangana
Telangana has become the first State in the country to embark on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLoS)
flights to deliver a payload comprising vaccines, with the launch of Medicine from the Sky project in
Vikarabad. The project, which seeks to deliver medicines, vaccination, and units of blood to remote, rural
areas by means of drones, is a collaboration of the Telangana government, World Economic Forum,
HealthNet Global and NITI Aayog.
108. Fourteen districts of which state have partnered with the Indian Institute of Millets Research to
boost production of millets?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Chhattisgarh
[D] Jharkhand
Answer: Chhattisgarh
Fourteen districts of Chhattisgarh have signed MoUs with the Hyderabad-based Indian Institute of
Millets Research to boost production of millets in their respective areas. These millets will be procured
through Van Dhan societies of the Chhattisgarh Minor Forest Produce Co-operative Federation, and after
processing, will be used in mid-day meal schemes, public distribution system and nutrition programmes.
The 14 districts are Kanker, Kondagaon, Bastar, Dantewada, Bijapur, Sukma, Narayanpur, Rajnandgaon,
Kawardha, Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, Balrampur, Koriya, Surajpur and Jashpur.
109. Who has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat?
[A] Bhupendra Patel
[B] Acharya Devvrat
[C] Anandiben Patel
[D] Pushkar Singh Dhami
Answer: Bhupendra Patel
Bhupendra Patel has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. He was sworn in by Governor
Acharya Devvrat at the Raj Bhavan, Gandhinagar. He is also a member of Gujarat Legislative Assembly
and represents Ghatlodia constituency. Bhupendra Patel became chief minister of Gujarat on September
13 after Vijay Rupani resigned from the post.
110. Who has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Lebanon?
[A] Hassan Diab
[B] Aziz Akhannouch
[C] Najib Mikati
[D] Michel Aoun
Answer: Najib Mikati
A new government has been announced in Lebanon over a year after the previous administration quit
following the devastating Beirut port explosion. Najib Mikati - Lebanon’s richest man - becomes Prime

Minister, a position he has held twice before. Lebanon had been without a proper functioning
government since then-Prime Minister Hassan Diab resigned days after a massive blast on August 4,
2020 destroyed Beirut port and the surrounding area. The explosion, caused by improperly stored
ammonium nitrate, killed 203 people, injured at least 6,000 others and left billions of dollars of damage.
111. Who has been appointed as Prime Minister of Morocco?
[A] Moulay Hafid Elalamy
[B] Aziz Akhannouch
[C] Nizar Baraka
[D] Aziz Rabbah
Answer: Aziz Akhannouch
King Mohammed VI of Morocco has appointed Aziz Akhannouch of the liberal National Rally of
Independents (RNI) party as Prime Minister and asked him to form a government. RNI emerged as the
biggest party in Parliamentary election held on September 8, crushing the Islamist Justice and
Development Party that had led the country for a decade. Elected politicians in Morocco have only
limited powers, as key decisions remain in the hands of the monarch.
112. Who is the author of the book ‘Human Rights and Terrorism in India?’
[A] Ajit Doval
[B] Subramanian Swamy
[C] Bipin Rawat
[D] Shashi Tharoor
Answer: Subramanian Swamy
The release of three dreaded terrorists in exchange of hijacked Indian Airlines passengers in
Afghanistan's Kandahar in 1999 is the "worst capitulation" to terrorists in India's modern history, says
BJP MP Subramanian Swamy. He has come out with a book ‘Human Rights and Terrorism in India’ which
traces how the combating of terrorism can be harmonised with human and fundamental rights within
reasonable restrictions that is permitted by the Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court.
113. Which organization has been allowed to use drones for vaccine delivery purpose in Andaman
and Nicobar Islands, Manipur, and Nagaland?
[A] Indian Council of Medical Research
[B] IIT Guwahati
[C] Serum Institute of India
[D] Bharat Biotech
Answer: Indian Council of Medical Research
Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted conditional exemption from Drone Policy to Indian Council of
Medical Research (ICMR) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay. ICMR, the apex biomedical
research body in India, has been allowed to use drones for conducting experimental Beyond Visual Line
of Sight (BVLOS) vaccine delivery in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Manipur, and Nagaland up to a
height of 3,000 meters. In a separate order on the same date, the civil aviation ministry mentioned that
IIT Bombay has been granted exemption from drone rules for research, development and testing of
drones in its own premises.
114. With which country, India has launched the Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue?
[A] Japan
[B] Russia
[C] France
[D] United States
Answer: United States
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John
Kerry have launched Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue under India-US Climate and Clean
Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership. This partnership will provide both countries an opportunity to renew
collaborations on climate change while addressing the financing aspects.
115. On which date, World First Aid Day 2021 was observed?
[A] 10 September
[B] 11 September
[C] 9 September
[D] 13 September
Answer: 11 September
World First Aid Day is observed on the second Saturday of September annually. So, this year the day was
celebrated on 11 September across the globe. The special day is marked to encourage people in first aid
training which helps in preventing injuries and saving lives in critical situations. The theme for World
First Aid Day 2021 is ‘First aid and road safety,’ according to the International Federation of Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
116. Rekha Jain has been appointed as a shareholder director of which bank?
[A] Punjab National Bank
[B] State Bank of India
[C] Canara Bank
[D] Indian Bank
Answer: Punjab National Bank
Punjab National Bank has appointed Rekha Jain as a shareholder director after Asha Bhandarker
stepped down as shareholder director after completing her tenure of three years. Rekha Jain has over 37
years of diverse experience and special knowledge in information technology, payment and settlement
systems, business management and risk management. Previously, she has served as an independent
director on the board of Telecommunication Consultants of India Ltd. (TCIL) from 2015 to 2019. Jain
has also chaired the audit committee of the TCIL board.
117. Which bank has launched real-time online tracking for cross-border collections for businesses
in India?
[A] HDFC Bank
[B] Indian Bank
[C] Bank of Baroda
[D] DBS Bank
Answer: DBS Bank
DBS Bank has launched real-time online tracking for cross-border collections for businesses in India in
partnership with SWIFT Global Payments Innovation (GPI). DBS is the first bank in India and Asia-Pacific
to offer this service to clients, which is expected to benefit close to 4,000 corporate and small business
clients in India.
118. Which state has been adjudged first in the country in installation of off-grid solar pumps under
PM KUSUM scheme?
[A] Bihar
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Haryana
[D] Madhya Pradesh

Answer: Haryana
Haryana has been adjudged first in the country in installation of off-grid solar pumps under Pradhan
Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahaabhiyaan (PMKUSUM) with installation of 14,418 pumps
against 15,000 sanctioned pumps for the year 2020-21.
119. In partnership with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, which organization has enabled the country’s
first FASTag-based metro parking facility?
[A] Airtel Payments Bank
[B] ICICI Bank
[C] Paytm Payments Bank
[D] Kotak Mahindra Bank
Answer: Paytm Payments Bank
Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) has enabled the country’s first FASTag-based metro parking facility in
partnership with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). As an acquiring bank for the parking facility at the
Kashmere Gate metro station, PPBL will facilitate the processing of all FASTag based transactions for
cars having a valid FASTag sticker, thus eliminating the hassle of stopping and paying cash at the
counter.
120. Which state has passed a bill seeking exemption from NEET for medical courses’ admissions?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Telangana
[C] Kerala
[D] Odisha
Answer: Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu assembly has passed a bill seeking a permanent exemption to the state from NEET
(National Eligibility cum Entrance Test). With the passing of this bill, students would get admissions to
UG Medical degree courses based on the qualifying HSC +2 marks or class 12 marks, just like it used to
happen before NEET was implemented.
Note:
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Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2021
Last Updated: October 7, 2021

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Contents
......................... . ........ .. ..... ......... .....................................................
News Headlines ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
September 16, 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 3
September 17, 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 3
September 18, 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 4
September 19, 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 4
September 22, 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 5
September 23, 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 6
September 24, 2021 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
September 25, 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 7
September 26, 2021 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 7
September 27, 2021 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
September 28, 2021 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 9
September 29, 2021 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 9
September 30, 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 10
September 16, 2021 ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Cabinet approves relief package for Telecom Companies ........................................................................................................... 11
Govt. approves PLI Scheme for auto, auto-components and drone industries ....................................................................... 11
UNCTAD: Indian economy to expand by 7.2% in 2021 ............................................................................................................. 12
RMI India launch ‘Shoonya’ Campaign ............................................................................................................................................ 13
BRICS Meeting on Tax Matters- highlights ................................................................................................................................... 13
6th Edition of Exercise SCO Peaceful Mission 2021 .................................................................................................................... 14
Cabinet approves MoU with Italy for Disaster Risk Reduction .................................................................................................. 14
September 15: International Day of Democracy ............................................................................................................................ 15
SpaceX launched 4 amateurs on private Earth-circling trip ........................................................................................................ 15
PM Modi on Time’s ‘100 most influential’ list ............................................................................................................................... 16
World Bank: 21 million to be out of Covid-induced poverty ...................................................................................................... 17
AUKUS: New security partnership for Indo-Pacific ..................................................................................................................... 17
September 17, 2021 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
UNICEF calls on nations to reopen schools .................................................................................................................................... 18
NCRB data: Crime decreased; clashes increased in year of lockdown ..................................................................................... 18
Cabinet approves Eklavya Model Residential School .................................................................................................................... 19
ISRO to develop reusable GSLV Mk-III launch vehicle ............................................................................................................... 19
3 NIELIT centres of Northeast State inaugurated ........................................................................................................................ 20
Cabinet approves decks for NARCL ................................................................................................................................................ 20
RBI allows Ujjivan SFB to form a special committee .................................................................................................................... 21
September 16: World Ozone Day ..................................................................................................................................................... 21
Indian Railways Launched “Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana” .............................................................................................................. 22
Swachhata Pakhwada launched in Cochin Port Trust ................................................................................................................. 22
PM Modi called for SCO template to fight radicalisation & extremism ................................................................................... 23
China applied to join Asia-Pacific Free Trade ............................................................................................................................... 24
MyGov India launches Planetarium Innovation Challenge ......................................................................................................... 24
September 18, 2021 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
NITI Aayog suggests to build 500 ‘healthy cities’ ........................................................................................................................ 25
NITI Aayog-Byju’s partnered to provide free education in Aspirational Districts ................................................................. 25
September 17: World Patient Safety Day ....................................................................................................................................... 26
Hungary: Statue of Bitcoin founder Satoshi Nakamoto unveiled ............................................................................................. 27
Sero Survey: 90% of people in Mumbai have COVID-19 antibodies ...................................................................................... 27
World Bank Group to stop publishing ‘Doing Business’ report ................................................................................................ 28
PEDA inks pact with CESL for EV charging stations .................................................................................................................. 28
Earthshot Prize: Two Indian Projects to get the Prize ................................................................................................................. 29
45th GST Council Meeting-Highlights ........................................................................................................................................... 29
“Ek Pahal Campaign” launched for Justice delivery at doorstep ............................................................................................... 30
India-El Salvador: Third Foreign Office Consultations held ....................................................................................................... 30
36th International Coastal Clean-up Day- Highlights .................................................................................................................. 31
September 22, 2021 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 31

Two more Indian beaches gets International Kishlay BlueanandFlag| kkishlayanand@gmail.com |

certification ........................................................................................ 31
Centre allowed IAS & IPS officers to retain gifts from Foreign Dignitaries ........................................................................... 32
Kharif Food Grain Production to touch 150.50 mn tonne in 2021 .......................................................................................... 32
September 21: International Day of Peace ...................................................................................................................................... 33
September 21: World Alzheimer’s Day ........................................................................................................................................... 34
Bangladesh PM conferred with SDG Progress award ................................................................................................................ 34
Guinness Records certified Japanese sisters as Oldest Living Twins ........................................................................................ 35
ADB cuts India’s Growth Forecast to 10% .................................................................................................................................... 35
COP 26: India pushing for Green Tech Transfer ........................................................................................................................ 36
India-US bilateral meet on September 24 ...................................................................................................................................... 36
National Single Window System for Investors and Businesses Launched ............................................................................... 37
Global companies to reduce emissions from ships by 2050 ...................................................................................................... 38
ARAI developed charger for Electric Vehicles ............................................................................................................................... 38
September 23, 2021 .................................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Sri Lanka seeks $100-mn IMF loan to procure Covid Vaccine ................................................................................................ 39
Nepal’s foreign minister seeks friendly ties with India & China ................................................................................................ 39
Study: Covid can cause Delirium ..................................................................................................................................................... 40
Trojan posing as I-T refund attacking Android users ................................................................................................................ 40
India to become trans fat-free by 2022 .......................................................................................................................................... 41
SC dismissed Centre’s plea to postpone Women’s entry into NDA ......................................................................................... 41
WHO revises Air Quality norms ....................................................................................................................................................... 42
IPCC report: Sea level rise is certain ................................................................................................................................................ 43
India-UAE negotiations for Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement ................................................................... 43
Leh to host first edition of Himalayan Film Festival .................................................................................................................... 44
Lunar Crater Named After Matthew Henson ............................................................................................................................... 44
CSIR-CMERI Solar DC Cooking System- Key Facts .................................................................................................................. 45
September 24, 2021 .................................................................................................................................................................................... 45
Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2021- Highlights ............................................................................................................................. 45
UN: 16 million Yemenis towards Starvation .................................................................................................................................. 46
UNICEF's 'Fed to Fail?' Report- Highlights ................................................................................................................................... 46
India-Australia first JWG meeting on Coal and Mines ................................................................................................................ 47
WFP-ICRISAT sign agreement on Food Security ........................................................................................................................ 48
CAF World Giving Index 2021- Highlights ................................................................................................................................... 48
Defence Ministry places 7500-Cr order for 118 tanks ............................................................................................................... 49
RBI Data on Bank deposits in FY21 ................................................................................................................................................. 49
WMO Report: Climate Indicators and Sustainable Development ............................................................................................. 50
Pradhan Mantri Digital Health Mission- Things to Know .......................................................................................................... 51
International start-up hubs ranking 2021 ........................................................................................................................................ 51
PFRDA to observe National Pension System Diwas .................................................................................................................... 52
September 23: International Day of Sign Languages ................................................................................................................... 52
September 25, 2021 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 53
India and Japan PMs' First-in-person Meeting .............................................................................................................................. 53
PLI scheme for Automobile, components manufacturers ........................................................................................................... 53
H.P.: World's highest EV charging station opened ....................................................................................................................... 54
KVIC sets up Odisha’s first silk yarn production centre .............................................................................................................. 55
Italy recognizes India's Covishield Vaccine ..................................................................................................................................... 55
DFC- USAID announce $55 mn guarantee programme in India ............................................................................................ 56
$2.5-bn contract signed for 56 Airbus C-295 military aircraft ................................................................................................ 56
Interactive digital airspace map for drone operations released .................................................................................................. 57
RBI permits transfer of fraud loans to ARCs. ................................................................................................................................ 57
QUAD Leaders’ Summit 2021 – Highlights .................................................................................................................................. 58
India's clean energy commitments at UN summit ........................................................................................................................ 58
PM Modi to address UNGA in New York ..................................................................................................................................... 59
China declares all Cryptocurrency transactions illegal ................................................................................................................. 59
September 27, 2021 .................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
Switzerland legalises Same-sex Marriage ....................................................................................................................................... 60
Group of ministers to rationalise GST rates .................................................................................................................................. 60
China Evergrande Debt Crisis- Things to Know .......................................................................................................................... 61

IIT-D launches Centre on Quantum Technologies ...................................................................................................................... 61
CSIR innovation award presented .................................................................................................................................................... 62
Military Engineering Services Day .................................................................................................................................................... 63
MoRD and NIRD&PR present Hunarbaaz Awards ...................................................................................................................... 63
PM Modi launches Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission ................................................................................................................ 64
India is Dubai's second biggest trade partner ............................................................................................................................... 64
September 27: World Tourism Day ................................................................................................................................................ 65
Weaver Services and Design Resource Center to be set up in Kullu ....................................................................................... 65
Lewis Hamilton: First F1 driver to win 100 Grands Prix ............................................................................................................ 66
September 28, 2021 .................................................................................................................................................................................... 66
Indo-US Health Dialogue 2021- Highlights ................................................................................................................................... 66
NCW Launches Training Program for Women in Dairy Farming ........................................................................................... 67
What is Dark Energy? ......................................................................................................................................................................... 68
ICRA revises FY22 GDP Growth Forecast to 9% ....................................................................................................................... 68
Akash Prime: New version of Akash missile flight-tested .......................................................................................................... 69
Current Foreign trade policy (FTP) extended till March '22 .................................................................................................... 69
Revamped Quarterly employment survey (QES)- Highlights .................................................................................................... 70
7th consecutive edition of Swachh Survekshan ........................................................................................................................... 70
ICMR Report of the Hospital Based Cancer Registries 2021 ..................................................................................................... 71
Australia: Fossil of Oldest Koala-hunting eagle discovered ........................................................................................................ 72
What is a METAVERSE? .................................................................................................................................................................... 72
Pfizer starts study of mRNA Flu vaccine ........................................................................................................................................ 73
Uttarakhand's first Palmetum- Key Facts ....................................................................................................................................... 73
September 29, 2021 .................................................................................................................................................................................... 74
Amrit Grand Challenge Program- जनCARE .................................................................................................................................... 74
Elder Line 14567- Key Facts ............................................................................................................................................................. 74
World Maritime Day 2021 ................................................................................................................................................................. 75
Gold and Social Stock Exchanges- Key Facts ............................................................................................................................... 76
International Day for Universal Access of Information ............................................................................................................... 76
Agriculture Minister launches Amul Honey .................................................................................................................................. 77
Aapda Mitra Scheme: Training Manual Released ........................................................................................................................ 77
India-US: MoUs for cooperation in Health and Biomedical Sciences ...................................................................................... 78
India to increase share of renewable energy to 60 % in Major Ports ..................................................................................... 78
Ordnance Factory Board dissolved .................................................................................................................................................. 79
Ease of Logistics Portal- Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................. 80
France- Greece sign defence deal .................................................................................................................................................... 80
Amazon Future Engineer Programme launched in India ............................................................................................................ 81
September 30, 2021 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 81
Right Livelihood Award 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................ 81
National Action Plan for dog Mediated Rabies Elimination by 2030 (NAPRE) .................................................................... 82
Motor Vehicles (Registration and Functions of Vehicle Scrapping Facility) Rules, 2021 ..................................................... 82
Najla Bouden Romdhane: Tunisia's first female PM .................................................................................................................... 83
'PM POSHAN' to be continued in Schools .................................................................................................................................... 84
IIT-H develops alternative to Corneal transplantation ................................................................................................................ 84
NASA’s Lucy Mission- Key Facts ..................................................................................................................................................... 85
Poetry festival to be celebrated on October 2 ............................................................................................................................... 85
Facebook launches Creator education programme in India ...................................................................................................... 86
IOB out of RBI PCA Framework ..................................................................................................................................................... 86
Rajasthan: AU SFB- NABARD to boost rural development projects ....................................................................................... 87
120 Multiple Choice Questions ................................................................................................................................................................. 88
Note: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 119

News Headlines
September 16, 2021
INDIA
– SC gives govt. two weeks to make appointments to all tribunals
– Vice President, PM, Lok Sabha Speaker jointly launch Sansad TV; formed from merger of Lok
Sabha TV & Rajya Sabha TV
– Engineer’s Day celebrated in India on September 15; birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam
Visvesvaraya
– Navy gives on lease Passenger Variant Dornier aircraft to Mauritius Coast Guard
– TN: DMK nominates Dr. Kanimozhi Somu and KRN Rajesh Kumar for Rajya Sabha
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– Cabinet approves four-year moratorium on payment of statutory dues by telecom companies
– Cabinet approves 100% foreign investment through the automatic route in telecom sector
– Govt. approves PLI (Production Linked Incentive) Scheme for auto, auto-components and drone
industries with a budgetary outlay of ₹ 26,058 crore over 5 years to enhance India’s manufacturing
capabilities
– UNCTAD projects Indian economy to expand to 4-year high of 7.2% in 2021 in its Trade and
Development report
– NITI Aayog, RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute), and RMI India launch ‘Shoonya’ campaign to promote
zero-pollution delivery vehicles
– Meeting of BRICS Heads of Tax Authorities and Experts on Tax Matters held virtually under
Chairship of India
WORLD
– India participating in 6th Edition of Exercise SCO Peaceful Mission 2021 at Orenburg, Russia from
Sept 13 to 25
– Cabinet approves MoU with Italy on Cooperation in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction
– International Day of Democracy observed on September 15; focus: ‘Strengthening democratic
resilience in the face of future crises’
– World Lymphoma Awareness Day observed on September 15
September 17, 2021
INDIA
– Centre agrees to reinstate Justice A.I.S Cheema as Acting Chairperson of NCLAT
– PM inaugurates 2 new defence office complexes which are part of the Central Vista project
– Trinamool Rajya Sabha MP Arpita Ghosh resigns
– Madras High Court stays certain sub-clauses of new IT Rules; the sections provide for a three-tier
structure for addressing the grievances made in relation to publishers
– Ensure those buying liquor are not treated as cattle: Kerala HC to govt
– Uttarakhand HC allows Chardham Yatra, sets daily limit on devotees visiting Kedarnath, Badrinath,
Gangotri and Yamunotri
– Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar inaugurates five NIELIT (National Institute of Electronics &
Information Technology) Centres in North East Region
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– Union Cabinet clears decks for National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL);
approves government guarantee to Rs. 30,600 crores on security receipts that will be used to buy
bad loans of lenders
– RBI approves Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (SFB) to form a special committee of directors to oversee
operations in the absence of an MD and CEO
– BSE Sensex closes above 59,000 points for the first time
WORLD
– Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines with help from UK, US
– Australia, the U.K. and the US announce new trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific
called AUKUS
– International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer (World Ozone Day) observed on
September 16; theme: ‘Montreal Protocol – Keeping us, our food and vaccines cool’
– Three Indians in Time Magazine’s list of ‘100 most influential people of 2021’: PM Narendra Modi,
West Bengal CM Minister Mamata Banerjee, Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla
– Time Magazine’s list of ‘100 most influential people of 2021’ grouped these 100 into five categories
of: ICONS, PIONEERS, TITANS, ARTISTS, LEADERS & INNOVATORS
– SpaceX launches 4 amateurs on private Earth-circling trip
September 18, 2021
INDIA
– PM’s gifts being e-auctioned from Sept 17, proceeds to go to Namami Gange Mission
– Education & Skill Development Minister Dharmendra Pradhan presents Kaushalacharya Awards
2021 to 41 skill trainers
– Almost 90% of people in Mumbai have COVID-19 antibodies, finds new sero survey
– Defence Ministry sets up expert committee under the chairmanship of former MP Baijayant Panda
for a comprehensive review of the National Cadet Corps (NCC)
– PM Modi participates virtually in the 21st Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of SCO
(Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SCO) organised in Dushanbe, Tajikistan
– EAM S. Jaishankar meets Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Dushanbe
– Bangladesh: High Commission of India celebrates 57th Indian Technical and Economic
Cooperation (ITEC) day in Dhaka
– New Passenger Terminal (I) Building inaugurated at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Petrapole
on Bangladesh border
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– NITI Aayog for building 500 ‘healthy cities’ to fight Covid-like crisis
– Railways to train 50,000 youths under the Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana
– Byju’s, NITI Aayog partner to provide free education to children in 112 Aspirational Districts
WORLD
– ‘Ebola is defeated’, says Congolese professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe who discovered virus
– World Patient Safety Day observed on September 17
– Hungary: Statue of Bitcoin founder Satoshi Nakamoto unveiled in capital Budapest
– China astronauts return after 90 days aboard space station
September 19, 2021
INDIA
– Nagaland’s Opposition-less government named United Democratic Alliance (UDA)
– Rajasthan assembly passes bill allowing registration of child marriages
– Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates 2nd phase of Ujjwala Yojana in Jabalpur (MP)
– India sets new record with 2.5 crore COVID vaccinations in a single day on Sept 17
– Former Union minister and ex-BJP leader Babul Supriyo joins Trinamool Congress
– Thanu Padmanabhan, Padma Shri awardee theoretical physicist and cosmologist, dies in Pune at
64
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– Council raises GST on low-cost footwear, garments to 12%
– PAN-Aadhaar linkage deadline extended by six months till March 2022

WORLD
– International Equal Pay Day celebrated on September 18
– U.S. President Joe Biden announces Global Methane Pledge, a U.S.–EU-led effort to cut methane
emissions by a third by the end of this decade
– France recalls Ambassadors to U.S., Australia over submarine deal; Australia recently scrapped a
big French conventional submarine purchase in favour of nuclear submarines built with U.S.
technology
– Algeria’s former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika dies at 84
– UNSC holds emergency session on Somalia’s political crisis following “the rising tensions between
the Prime Minister Mohammed Hussein Roble and President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed”
– United Nations Security Council (UNSC) extends mandate for its assistance mission in Afghanistan
by six months
– International Coastal Cleanup Day celebrated on September 18
– “Doing Business” rankings: IMF MD Kristalina Georgieva denies allegations that she pressured
World Bank staff to alter data to favour China
SPORTS
– Harmilan Kaur Bains breaks 19-year old national record in women’s 1500 m at National Open
athletics championships in Warangal
– Prime Volleyball League (PVL) featuring six teams formally launched in Hyderabad
– India’s Pankaj Advani retains Asian snooker title in Doha
– GM D. Gukesh of India wins Norway Chess Open 2021
– Men’s hammer throw world record holder Yuriy Sedykh dies in Russia at 66
September 22, 2021
INDIA
– Two more Indian beaches get coveted International Blue Flag certification; Kovalam in Tamil Nadu
and Eden in Puducherry
– Air Marshal V R Chaudhari to be new chief of Indian Air Force
– Centre allows IAS, IPS officers to retain gifts from foreign dignitaries
– PM Modi holds telephonic conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron
– J&K: Pilot, co-pilot killed after Army helicopter crash-lands in Udhampur
– Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad President Mahant Narendra Giri found dead in Allahabad (UP)
– Arunachal Pradesh Advocate General Nilay Dutta dies at 68
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– Kharif foodgrain output estimated at record 150.50 mn tonne this year: Govt
– Kharif foodgrains comprise rice, nutri/coarse cereals, maize, pulses and tur
– Non-foodgrain crops under Kharif are oilseeds, groundnut, soyabean, cotton, jute & mesta and
sugarcane
WORLD
– International Day of Peace observed by UN on September 21; theme: Recovering better for an
equitable and sustainable world
– World Alzheimer’s Day observed on September 21
– United Russia Party wins majority in 450-seat State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament
– Canada: Liberal Party of PM Justin Trudeau emerges as the largest party in parliamentary
elections
– Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina conferred with SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Progress
award by UN-sponsored SDSN (Sustainable Development Solutions Network)
– Guinness World Records certifies 2 Japanese sisters — Umeno Sumiyama and Koume Kodama — as
world’s oldest living identical twins at 107
– Hussein Tantawi, military general who ruled Egypt for 17 months after ouster of dictator Hosni

Mubarak in 2011, dies
September 23, 2021
INDIA
– SC rejects Centre’s plea to delay NDA exam for women by 1 year
– Envoys of 5 nations present credentials to President: Gudni Bragason, Ambassador of Iceland;
Mustapha Jawara, High Commissioner of The Gambia; Jose Maria Ridao Dominguez, Ambassador of
Spain; Dato Alaihuddin Mohamad Taha, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam and Asoka
Milinda Moragoda, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka
– Gujarat: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seizes 3004 kg of heroin at Mundra Port from two
containers that had arrived from Kandahar, Afghanistan via Bandar Abbas, Iran
– India to resume export of surplus COVID-19 vaccines in the fourth quarter of 2021 under the
‘‘Vaccine Maitri’’ programme and to meet its commitment to the COVAX global pool
– Karnataka Assembly passes bill banning online ‘games of chance’
– Assam govt. burns 2,479 rhino horns, world’s largest stockpile destroyed in a single day
– R N Ravi resigns as centre’s interlocutor with Naga insurgent groups
– Kerala: Supreme Court declines Shree Padmanabha Swamy Temple Trust’s plea to exempt it from
audit of 25 years
– NDMA recommended ex-gratia of ₹50,000 to kin of COVID-19 victims, Centre tells SC
– Former ISRO Chairman K. Kasturirangan to head panel to develop new curriculum framework
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– ADB trims India’s FY22 growth forecast to 10% on second wave impact in its Asian Development
Outlook (ADO) 2021 report.
– Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal launches National Single Window System for
investors, businesses
– India, UAE launch negotiations for Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
– Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying signs MoU with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to
support India’s livestock sector
– Govt. extends term of Uday Kotak as non-executive chairman of debt-ridden IL&FS (Infrastructure
Leasing and Financial Services Limited) group by another six months
WORLD
– SAARC Foreign Ministers’ meeting slated for Saturday in New York cancelled
– UN releases emergency funds to prevent Afghanistan’s healthcare system from collapsing
September 24, 2021
INDIA
– PM CARES not government fund; Trust functions with transparency: Centre tells Delhi HC
– Govt allows Covid vaccines at home to those with restricted mobility
– Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya releases National Comprehensive Guidelines on post-COVID
management
– Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurates Opening Session of Aarogya Manthan 3.0
organised to mark the third Anniversary of Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana
(AB–PMJAY)
– Indian Army to organise “Bijoya Sanskritik Mahotsav” at Kolkata from September 26 to 29
– PM arrives in Washington on US visit
– Ex-Arunachal Governor & former Delhi Police chief YS Dadwal dies at 70
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– Defence Ministry places an order with Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi in Chennai for supply of 118
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) Arjun Mk-1A for the Indian Army
– UAE Trade Minister meets FM Nirmala Sitharaman

– PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority) to observe NPS (National Pension
System) Diwas on October 1
– Piyush Goyal inaugurates Centre of Excellence in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at
NITIE in Mumbai
– Government e Marketplace (GeM) bags prestigious CIPS Award given by Chartered Institute of
Procurement & Supply (CIPS), London.
WORLD
– World Health Organisation revises air quality guidelines for first time since 2005
– 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly starts in New York
– US announces $180 million humanitarian aid for Rohingya refugees
– Joe Biden doubles US global donation of COVID-19 vaccine shots to 1 billion
– International Day of Sign Languages observed on Sept 23; theme: “We Sign for Human Rights”
September 25, 2021
INDIA
– Caste Census of backward classes administratively difficult: Centre tells Supreme Court
– Supreme Court quashes Madras HC direction on EWS quota in NEET AIQ
– UPSC allows unmarried women to apply for NDA and Naval Academy exam
– Shubham Kumar tops civil services exam 2020: UPSC
– President presents National Service Scheme Awards for 2019-20
– 5-day ‘First Himalayan Film Festival’ inaugurated at Leh in Ladakh UT by Minister for Information
and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur
– Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar presides over the International Week of Deaf People (Sept 20-26) 2021,
theme: “Celebrating Thriving Deaf Communities”
– MoU signed between Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata and the Natural History Museum of UK
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– BSE Sensex closes above 60,000 points for the first time
– RBI announces revised rules for securitisation of standard assets
– India’s Comptroller and Auditor General G C Murmu selected as the external auditor of the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
– India signs contract with Airbus Defence & Space company of Spain for acquisition of 56 C-295MW
transport aircraft; 40 out of 56 aircrafts to be made in India by Tata Consortium
– Competition Commission of India penalises beer companies for indulging into cartelisation
– US: PM Modi meets Japan’s PM Yoshihide Suga and Australia’s PM Scott Morrison on the sidelines
of the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Washington
– PM Modi meets US Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington
– Japan’s PM Yoshihide Suga and Australia’s PM Scott Morrison on the sidelines of the Quad
Leaders’ Summit in Washington
– India, Australia hold first Joint Working Group meet on coal, mines
WORLD
– China ranked as worst environment for Internet freedom for the seventh year in a row by U.S.-
based not-for-profit entity Freedom House
– Sri Lanka working to address the post-ethnic war issues: Foreign Minister G. L. Peiris tells EAM S.
Jaishankar
– Russia: 5 climbers die after a blizzard on Europe’s highest peak ‘Mount Elbrus’ (5,642 metres)
– China and Pakistan conduct Joint Anti-Terrorist Exercise (JATE)-2021 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
province
September 26, 2021

INDIA
– Ladakh: I&B Minister Anurag Thakur inaugurates high power transmitters at one of world’s
highest radio stations in Kargil
– Senior VHP leader Triloki Nath Pandey passes away in Lucknow at 75; was decree-holder of the
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra
– Eminent women’s rights activist, poet and author Kamla Bhasin dies at 75
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– Civil Aviation Ministry releases interactive drone airspace map; three zones marked for clearance
required before using UAVs
– SAUBHAGYA household electrification scheme completes 4 yrs of implementation; 2.82 crore
households have been electrified since the launch of SAUBHAGYA on 25th September 2017
– Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah attends ‘National
Cooperative Conference’ (Sehkarita Sammelan) in New Delhi as Chief Guest
– HDFC Bank Ltd voted ‘Overall Most Outstanding Company in India’ in a poll conducted by reputed
publication Asiamoney
– Debabrata Mukherjee of United Breweries elected chairman of Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC)
for 2021-2022
WORLD
– First ever QUAD leaders’ summit in person held in Washington
– PM to bring home 157 artefacts & antiquities from the US; artefacts include cultural antiquities
and figurines related to Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism
– US President Joseph R. Biden welcomes PM Modi to the White House for their first in-person
Leaders’ engagement
– PM Modi addresses 76th session of UN General Assembly in New York
– World Pharmacist Day 2021 celebrated on Sept 25; theme: “Pharmacy: Always Trusted for Your
Health”
– Bangabandhu-Bapu digital exhibition opens for public viewing in Dhaka; based on Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman and Mahatma Gandhi
September 27, 2021
INDIA
– Ministry of Rural Development and National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj
(NIRD&PR) felicitate 75 Divyangjan with Hunarbaaz Awards
– Birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya on Sept 25 observed as Antyodaya Diwas
– Cyclonic storm Gulab to cross AP-Odisha coasts around September 26 midnight: IMD
– Union Minister Anurag Thakur announces month-long nationwide Clean India Drive from Oct 1
– Kerala CM announces welfare fund for IT, ITES sector, pension for employees
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– DIPAM (Department of Investment and Public Asset Management) shortlists Cyril Amarchand
Mangaldas as legal advisor for LIC IPO
– Nirmala Sitharaman addresses 74th AGM of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) in Mumbai
– HAL signs pact with Alliance Air for deployment of civil Do-228 Aircraft in Arunachal Pradesh
WORLD
– World Rivers Day celebrated on Sept 26, theme: ‘waterways in our communities’
– International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons observed on September 26
– La Palma volcano: Lava flows continue in Spain’s Canary Islands, volcanic ash cloud closes airport
SPORTS
– Sania Mirza & her Chinese partner Shuai Zhang win women’s doubles title at Ostrava Open tennis
– Jyothi Surekha Vennam wins silver in the women’s compound event at World Archery
Championship in US

September 28, 2021
INDIA
– Candidates for seven Rajya Sabha seats elected
– PM launches Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission; every citizen to get digital health ID and health
records digitally protected
– Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launches ‘Swachh Survekshan
2022’ annual cleanliness survey
– 4th Indo-US Health Dialogue being hosted by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sept 27-28
– India, Oman ink pact to boost maritime security cooperation during visit of Chief of Navy Staff
Admiral Karambir Singh
– EAM S. Jaishankar meets Singaporean counterpart in US; discusses Indo-Pacific, COVID-19
– Delhi: CM Arvind Kejriwal launches Delhi tourism’s mobile app ‘Dekho Meri Dilli’
– Gujarat: Nimaben Acharya becomes 1st woman Speaker of Assembly
– Lieutenant General Gurbirpal Singh takes charge as new Director General of National Cadet Corps
(NCC)
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– Centre sets up GoM led by led by Karnataka CM Basavaraj S. Bommai set up to rationalise GST
rates
– Centre notifies medical device parks’ scheme
– RBI imposes Rs 2 crore penalty on RBL Bank for breaching deposit, board composition norms
– Ministry of Food Processing Industries, in association with the Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs, virtually launches the PMFME (Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro food processing
Enterprises) Scheme Seed Capital Module
– NCW launches Training, Capacity Building Program for Women in Dairy Farming
– India, Australia must work towards enhancing supply chain resilience: Piyush Goyal
WORLD
– Germany: Social Democrats beat outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel’s CDU/CSU conservative bloc
in general elections
– Europe: San Marino votes in favor of legalising abortion in a referendum
– World Tourism Day observed on Sept 27; focus: “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”
– Greece: Strong quake rattles island of Crete; 1 dead
– Iceland: Close to 50% seats won by women in general elections
SPORTS
– Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton wins 100th Formula One race with victory in Russian GP at Sochi
– US defeats Europe 19-9 to win Ryder Cup golf tournament held in Wisconsin (US)
September 29, 2021
INDIA
– PM Modi dedicates 35 crop varieties with special traits like climate resilience and higher nutrient
content to nation; developed by the ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
– PM inaugurates newly constructed campus of National Institute of Biotic Stress Tolerance in
Raipur
– Agriculture Minister launches ‘Amul Honey’- a product of GCMMF (Gujarat Cooperative Milk
Marketing Federation) Ltd.
– 17th Foundation Day of NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) celebrated on Sept 28
– Home Minister Amit Shah releases training manual of Aapda Mitra Scheme and plan documents of
Aapda Mitra and Common Alerting Protocol
– Bombay HC issues guidelines for safety of victims in workplace harassment cases
– DRDO successfully tests new version of Akash surface to air missile Akash Prime from Integrated

Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha
– Defence Ministry increases income limit of disabled dependents for family pension
– Supreme Court lashes out at firecracker manufacturers for violating the spirit of its 2018 judgment
banning toxic ingredients like barium in fireworks
– Country’s first Pan-India helpline for senior citizens: Elder Line (Toll Free No- 14567)
– Flight crew, air traffic controllers to be tested for drugs from Jan 31: DGCA
– Haryana extends ban on gutkha, pan masala till September 2022
– External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar meets with Mexican President Manuel Lopez Obrador in
Mexico City
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– S&P retains India’s 9.5% growth forecast for FY22; consumption, domestic macro indicators weak
– Bombay HC vacates stay granted two years ago on the 1,504 km Western Dedicated Freight
Corridor connecting Dadri in Uttar Pradesh and Navi Mumbai in Maharashtra
– Govt to support 75 startup innovations for healthcare challenges through ‘Amrit Grand Challenge
Programme’
– 22,000 compliances reduced, 103 offences decriminalised: Government
– Govt. dissolves Ordnance Factory Board, transfers assets to 7 PSUs: Munition India Ltd., Armoured
Vehicles Nigam Ltd., Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd., Troop Comforts Ltd., Yantra
India Ltd., India Optel Ltd. and Gliders India Ltd.
WORLD
– International Day for Universal Access to Information observed on Sept 28; theme: “The Right to
Know – Building Back Better with Access to Information”
September 30, 2021
INDIA
– Cabinet approves launch of ‘PM POSHAN in Schools’ scheme that will provide hot cooked meal to
school children studying in classes 1-8 of government and government-aided schools across the
country
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– Govt. approves capital infusion of ₹4,400 crore to ECGC Ltd. (formerly known as Export Credit
Guarantee Corporation of India Ltd.) over a period of five years, i.e. from FY 2021-2022 to FY 2025-
2026
– CCEA approves listing of Export Credit Guarantee Corporation Ltd. (ECGC) though Initial Public
Offer (IPO)
– Government approves continuation of the National Export Insurance Account (NEIA) scheme and
infusion of Rs. 1,650 crore Grant-in-Aid over 5 years, i.e. from FY 2021-2022 to FY 2025-2026
– Finance Ministry expands scope of Rs 4.5 lakh crore Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme
(ECLGS) to support micro, small and medium enterprises
– Padmaja Chunduru appointed MD & CEO of National Securities Depositories (NSDL)
– Defence Acquisition Council headed approves proposals of value Rs.13,165 crores; approvals
include Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), Terminally Guided Munition (TGM) and rocket
ammunition
– India’s external debt rose by 2.1% year-on-year to USD 570 billion as of March-end 2021
– UIDAI slashes Aadhaar authentication charge to Rs 3: CEO Saurabh Garg
– RBI announces removal of Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) restrictions on Indian Overseas Bank
– PM chairs 38th PRAGATI Meeting
WORLD
– Right Livelihood Award winners announced; 4 winners include Indian NGO LIFE (Legal Initiative
for Forest and Environment)
– Japan: Former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida wins governing party leadership election; set to

become the next Prime Minister
– Tunisia: Geologist Najla Bouden appointed first female prime minister
– European Union’s general court annuls EU-Morocco deals over Western Sahara policies
– France, Greece sign defence deal; Athens to buy 3 warships
– International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction observed on Sept 29
– World Heart Day observed on Sept 29; theme: “Use Heart to Connect”
– World Rabies Day observed on Sept 28
September 16, 2021
Cabinet approves relief package for Telecom Companies
The Union cabinet has approved a relief package for telecom sector on September 15, 2021. The relief
package includes a four-year moratorium on payment of statutory dues by telecom companies.
Highlights
Cabinet has also allowed 100 percent foreign investment (FDI) through the automatic route.
Overall, nine structural reforms have been approved for the telecom sector.
These measures are expected to relax the cash flow issues that some of the telecom industry is
facing.
Definition of AGR
Definition of AGR has been a major cause for stress in the telecom sector. Its definition has now been
rationalised by excluding the non-telecom revenue of telecom companies. AGR are the revenues, considered
for payment of statutory dues.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Any investment made from an individual or firm of a foreign country into a country is called Foreign Direct
Investment. When a foreign company acquires ownership or controlling stake in shares of a company in one
country or establishes businesses there, is called as FDI. It is different than the foreign portfolio investment
in which foreign entity just buys equity shares of a company. Foreign entity gets a day-to-day say in
operations of the company under FDI.
FDI routes in India
1. Automatic Route FDI: In this route of FDI, foreign entity does not require prior approval of the
government or the RBI. For example, FDI in Medical devices, Thermal power, Services under Civil
Aviation Services like Maintenance & Repair Organizations etc does not require prior approval.
2. Government Route FDI: Under this route of FDI, foreign entity is required to compulsorily take
approval of the government. To get the approval, it should first file an application through Foreign
Investment Facilitation Portal. Then this application is forwarded to the respective ministry or
department, which lastly approves or rejects the application in consultation with the DPIIT.
Govt. approves PLI Scheme for auto, auto-components and drone industries
Union Cabinet has approved a Rs. 26058 crore production linked incentive (PLI) scheme on September 15,
2021, for auto, auto-components and drone industries in order to enhance India’s manufacturing
capabilities.
Highlights
PLI scheme will help in incentivising the emergence of global supply chain of advanced automotive
technologies in India.
Incentives of Rs. 26,058 crores will be provided to industry in the period of five years.
It is expected that in the period of five years, the PLI scheme for the automobile and auto
components industry will result into the fresh investment of over Rs. 42500 crores as well as
incremental production of about Rs 2.3 lakh crore.
PLI scheme will also create additional employment opportunities of more than 7.5 lakh jobs.
The scheme for auto sector is open to existing automotive companies and new investors that are
currently not available in automobile or auto component manufacturing business.
Background
PLI scheme for automobile and drone industries is a part of overall announcement of PLI schemes that was
announced for 13 sectors during the Union Budget 2021-22. It was announced with an outlay of Rs. 1.97
lakh crore.
This scheme for the auto sector will help in overcoming the cost disabilities related to industry, for
manufacturing the advanced automotive technology products in India.
Incentive structure will also encourage industry in making fresh investments for the indigenous global
supply chain of Advanced Automotive Technology products.
Components of the scheme
The scheme comprises of two components- Champion OEM Incentive Scheme and Component Champion
Incentive Scheme.
1. Champion OEM Incentive scheme: It is a ‘sales value linked’ scheme. It is applicable on Battery
Electric Vehicles as well as Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles of all segments.
2. Component Champion Incentive scheme: It is a ‘sales value linked’ scheme which is applicable on
Advanced Automotive Technology components of vehicles, vehicle aggregates of 2-Wheelers, 3-
Wheelers, commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and tractors.
UNCTAD: Indian economy to expand by 7.2% in 2021
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has released its Trade and
Development report on September 15, 2021.
Key findings of the report
According to the report, India’s economic growth rate will increased to a four-year high of 7.2 per cent
in 2021 as compared to a contraction of 7 per cent in 2020.
With this growth rate, India will be the fastest growing economy after China.
China is projected to grow by 8.3 per cent.
These calculations were made on the basis of GDP at constant dollars in 2015.
UNCTAD has also projected that, India’s economy will outpace all other major economies in the year
2022 even though the growth would be slower, at 6.7 per cent.
According to the report, India’s economy that reduced by seven per cent in 2020, showed a strong
growth of 1.9 per cent in first quarter of 2021, in the backdrop of the momentum of second half of
2020. It was also supported by government spending in goods and services.
Impact of Covid-19
According to UNCTAD, a severe and broadly unanticipated second wave of the covid-19 pandemic along
with the bottlenecks in vaccine roll-out, hit India in the second quarter of 2021. Apart from that, rising food
and general price inflation, widespread lockdowns and drastic consumption & investment adjustments also
hit India.
Asian economies
As per report, other Asian economies have witnessed the largest portfolio outflows of all regions,
throughout 2020 and 2021. Portfolios include substantive non-resident investor flight of the domestic
sovereign bond markets, strong FDI etc.
Retail inflation in India
UNCTAD also raised the issue of high retail inflation in India. However, it does not take into account the
easing of rate of price rise. According to UN body, consumer inflation was at six per cent before covid-19

pandemic. But pandemic caused a temporary drop in prices. However, as the economy recovered and food
prices accelerated, India was back a 6% inflation rate in mid-2021.
RMI India launch ‘Shoonya’ Campaign
NITI Aayog, in association with the RMI and RMI India, launched Shoonya campaign on September 15, 2021.
Key Points
Shoonya campaign is an initiative to work with consumers and industry in order to promote pollution-
free delivery vehicles.
This campaign was launched with the aim of accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in
urban delivery segment and raise consumer awareness regarding the benefits of pollution-free
delivery.
Industry stakeholders like e-commerce companies, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), fleet
aggregators and logistics companies are expanding their efforts on electrifying last mile deliveries.
In the initial phase, about 30 companies like Tata Motors, Mahindra Electric, Ashok Leyland, Zomato,
Sun Mobility, Lightning Logistics, Big Basket, Brudart, Swiggy and Hero Electric attended a kick-off
meeting that was chaired by CEO of NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant.
Branding and certification programme
Under the campaign, a corporate branding and certification program has been launched in order to
recognize and facilitate industry’s efforts of shifting towards EVs for final mileage delivery. Online tracking
platform shares the impact of this campaign by providing data like kilometers of electrified vehicles,
standard pollutant savings, carbon savings and other benefits from clean delivery vehicles.
Main Purpose of the campaign
The main purpose of the campaign is to eliminate pollution from urban freight sector. For this purpose, e-
commerce companies, automakers, and logistics fleet operators have been asked to recognize the
opportunity.
Urban freight vehicles in India
Urban freight vehicles account for 10% of India’s freight-related CO2 emissions. These emissions are
expected to rise by 114% by 2030. Since EVs do not emit such emissions, they can contribute in improving
air quality. They also emit 15-40 percent less CO2 as far as its manufacturing is concerned. Their operating
costs is also low as compared to their internal combustion engine counterparts.
BRICS Meeting on Tax Matters- highlights
Heads of Tax Authorities of the BRICS countries, namely Brazil, Russia India, China and South Africa held
their virtual meeting on Tax matters from September 13 to September 14, 2021.
Key facts
Meeting was held under the Chairship of India.
Meeting was presided by Tarun Bajaj, Secretary of Revenue, as Head of Tax Authorities in India,
BRICS Tax Authorities
BRICS tax authorities held discussion on the challenges faced by BRICS tax administrations in the
digital era and amid the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.
They shared their experience and devised strategies to overcome those challenges.
They also exchanged opinions and views on the basis of existing commitment to the principles of
mutual respect, consolidation and continuity as it was highlighted during the thirteenth BRICS
Summit’s “New Delhi Declaration”, which was issued on September 9, 2021.
Tax experts also discussed potential areas of cooperation, exchanged their views and experiences.
Discussion revolved around topics like digitisation of tax administration, leveraging technology to
tackle tax evasion, changing role of tax administration, preparedness & strategies to deal with

COVID-19 challenge and evolution of tax administration in order to enhance voluntary compliance by
taxpayers.
They also issued a communique at the while concluding the session.
Theme of the meeting
The Tax authorities meeting was held with the broad theme of “redefining business processes of tax
administration amidst the challenges posed by COVID-19 and in the digital era”.
6th Edition of Exercise SCO Peaceful Mission 2021
The Indian military contingent consisting of an all arms combined force of 200 personnel, including 38
personnel from the Indian Air Force, is taking part in the Exercise PEACEFUL MISSION -2021. This exercise
is being held in the Orenburg Region of South West Russia from September 13 to 25, 2021.
SCO Peaceful Mission 2021
SCO Peaceful Mission is a Multilateral & Joint Counter Terrorism Exercise.
The exercise is conducted biennially under the “military diplomacy” between the Shanghai
Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states.
6th edition of Exercise Peaceful Mission
6th edition of the Exercise Peaceful Mission is being hosted by Russia, with the aim of fostering close
relations between SCO member states. The exercise also seeks to enhance abilities of the military leaders
for commanding the multi-national military contingents.
Indian Contingent
Indian contingent was inducted to exercise area by two IL-76 aircrafts. Before their departure, contingent
underwent training and preparation under the aegis of South Western Command.
Significance of the exercise
This exercise will enable the sharing of best practices between the Armed Forces of SCO nations. It will also
provide an opportunity to all the Armed Forces to train in Counter-Terrorism Operations in urban scenario
and a multinational & joint environment. Key scope of the exercise comprises of professional interaction,
mutual understanding of drills & procedures, elimination of terrorist threats, and establishment of joint
command & control structures. It is a landmark event of military interactions and global cooperation against
the counter-terrorism.
Cabinet approves MoU with Italy for Disaster Risk Reduction
Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Italy on Cooperation in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management on
September 15, 2021.
Highlights
MoU was signed between National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India and Department of Civil
Protection of the Presidency of Council of Ministers of Italy.
Significance of the MoU
MoU seeks to bring in place a system, where both India and Italy will benefit from the Disaster
Management mechanisms of each other.
MoU will help in strengthening the areas of preparedness, response as well as capacity building in the
field of Disaster Management.
Background
MoU on cooperation in the Field of Disaster Risk Reduction and management was signed in June, 2021.
India-Italy Relations
Political relation between India and Italy was established in 1947, after India’s independence. However,
culturally both the countries share relation since ancient time. Classical languages namely Sanskrit and

Latin belong to Indo-European language family. Peoples of these two ancient civilizations have interacted
and traded with each other for more than 2000 years. Italian port cities acted as important trading posts on
the spice route to carry spices from India to European nations. Indian troops were also active in Italy during
World War II.
Economic Cooperation
India is Italy’s fifth largest trading partner among the European Union whereas Italy is the fifth largest
investor in India.
Cultural Cooperation
Agreement over cultural cooperation between both the countries was signed in 1976. It comprises of
Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) between both the nations, that provides for exchange of students in
language programmes and other academic courses.
September 15: International Day of Democracy
International Day of Democracy was observed on September 15, 2021, in order to review the state of
democracy across the globe.
Theme of the day
Theme of International Day of Democracy for year 2021 is “Strengthening democratic resilience in the face
of future crises”.
Background
International Day of Democracy was established in 2007 by a resolution passed by the United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA).
It owes its existence to the Universal Declaration on Democracy, that was adopted on September 15,
1997 by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
IPU is an international organisation of national parliaments.
Following this, Qatar led efforts to promote this day.
Finally, on November 8, 2007, this day was established.
UNGA’s resolution of establishing the day is titled as “Support by United Nations system of efforts of
governments to promote and consolidate a new or restored democracies.”
Why this day is celebrated on September 15?
IPU had suggested to celebrate this occasion on September 15, every year in order to commemorate the
adoption of Universal Declaration on Democracy 10 years ago. First such celebration was held in 2008.
Every year, events are organised under an individual theme.
United Nations notes that, the International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review “state of
democracy” worldwide. Democracy is a process as a goal which can be made into a reality only with the full
participation of international community. Essential elements of democracy include: values of freedom,
respect for human rights and holding periodic & genuine elections by universal suffrage.
SpaceX launched 4 amateurs on private Earth-circling trip
SpaceX launched four amateurs on its first ever private flight on September 15, 2021.
Highlights
SpaceX first ever “Earth-circling trip” was started onboarding two contest winners, a health care
worker as well as their rich sponsor.
This is the most ambitious leap in space tourism.
This was the first time any rocket blasted off toward orbit with an all-amateur crew and no
professional astronauts.
Two men and two women are looking forward to spend three days on Dragon capsule circling the

world.
They will be circling the Earth on an unusually high orbit at 160 km higher than the International Space
Station.
Their flight will splash down off the Florida coast by September 19th
Dragon capsule aimed for an altitude of 575 km, beyond the Hubble Space Telescope.
Who is leading the flight?
Jared Isaacman is leading the flight, who made his fortune with the payment-processing company.
Isaacman is the third billionaire to launch so far, following the brief space-skimming flights of Virgin
Galactic’s Richard Branson and Blue Origin’s Jeff Bezos in July 2021. Apart from this, Arceneaux is flying
who is set to become the youngest American in space as well as the first person with a prosthesis, a
titanium rod in her left leg, to travel space.
Space Tourism
This flight is the first entry in the competition for space tourism dollars by SpaceX founder Elon Musk.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX)
SpaceX is an American aerospace manufacturer, space transportation services & communications
company. It is headquartered in Hawthorne, California. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk
with the objective of reducing space transportation costs and enable the colonization of Mars. SpaceX
manufactures Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles, rocket engines, crew spacecraft, Dragon cargo,
and Starlink communications satellites.
PM Modi on Time’s ‘100 most influential’ list
Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been named among 100 most influential people of 2021 by the Time
Magazine.
Key Points
Apart from PM Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and CEO of Serum Institute of
India, Adar Poonawalla have also been named among the world’s 100 most influential people.
Time magazine unveiled its annual list of ‘The 100 Most Influential People of 2021’ on September 15,
2021.
This annual list is a global list comprising of US President Joe Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris,
Duke & Duchess of Sussex Prince Harry & Meghan, former US president Donald Trump, Chinese
President Xi Jinping, and co-founder of the Taliban, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.
Time’s profile of Modi
According to Time’s profile of Modi, India has had three pivotal leaders namely Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira
Gandhi and Modi. Narendra Modi is the third who has been dominating the India’s politics like no one since
them.
Time’s profile of Mamata Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee has been described as the face of fierceness in Indian politics on the time’s profile.
Profile says, “the street-fighter spirit and self-made life in the patriarchal culture sets her apart.
Time’s profile of Poonawalla
According to Time profile of Poonawalla, the 40-year-old head of world’s largest vaccine maker “sought to
meet the moment, from the beginning of Covid-19 pandemic.
About Time
It is an American news magazine and news website. It is published and is based in New York City. It was
published weekly earlier, but by March 2020 it had switched to bi-weekly. First edition of the magazine was
published on March 3, 1923.

World Bank: 21 million to be out of Covid-induced poverty
The World Bank cut back on the Covid-induced poverty estimates by 21 million on September 15, 2021.
Highlights
World bank also said that, the global poverty may be turning the corner on pandemic in 2021.
It also warned that the number of poor in the backdrop of Covid was still unprecedented.
Implications of this estimate are that, the global poverty is projected to decline. Further, the pace of
reduction is returning to pre-pandemic trend.
According to the World Bank, the covid-19 pandemic led to 97 million more people towards poverty in
2020. This was lower by 21 million from the last estimate.
The pace of reduction is similar to what was expected before the pandemic spread. Thus, recovery
taking place will not be sufficient to bridge gap the pandemic has caused in 2020.
Background
World Bank in January 2021 has estimated that Covid-19 will push some 119-124 million people in extreme
poverty across the World in 2020. However, it has now revised these numbers on the basis of updates from
global poverty data which occurred in March and June 2020.
World Bank
It is an international financial institution, providing loans and grants to the governments in low- and middle-
income countries in order to pursue capital projects. It consists of two institutions: International Bank for
Reconstruction & Development (IBRD) and International Development Association (IDA). World Bank is a
component of World Bank Group.
AUKUS: New security partnership for Indo-Pacific
US President Joe Biden administration has announced a new trilateral security partnership for the Indo-
pacific. Security partnership was done between Australia, United Kingdom and United States.
Highlights
This security grouping called AUKUS, will focus towards advancing strategic interests in the Indo-
Pacific region.
Officials noted that, the trilateral grouping was security focused and is different but complementary
to arrangements like the Quad.
Features of the partnership
The central feature of this partnership comprises of a trilateral 18-month effort in order to help
Australia in acquiring nuclear powered submarines which are quieter, more capable as compared to
their conventional counterparts.
Such submarines can be deployed for longer periods and needing to surface less frequently.
These are nuclear powered submarines and not armed with nuclear weapons.
AUKUS will also involve a new architecture of meeting and engagements between three countries.
It also involves the cooperation across emerging technologies like AI, quantum technologies as well
as undersea capabilities.
Why this partnership came into picture?
Australia has felt increasing pressure from assertive China, like other countries in the region felt. So,
Australia has sought to strengthen its partnerships with India, the U.S., the U.K. and Japan as well as
through other plurilateral forums.
Though QUAD is there but according to the officials, QUAD is not a response to China.
However, this initiative was launched in response of Australia wanting to strengthen its feet with
regard to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Background
AUKUS partnership is a very rare because U.S. shared this kind of technology on nuclear powered
submarines only once to UK, before sharing it with Australia.
September 17, 2021
UNICEF calls on nations to reopen schools
The United Nations children’s fund (UNICEF) has called on education authorities to reopen schools as soon
as possible, in countries where millions of students are allowed to go to their classrooms for 18 months
amidst the covid-19 pandemic.
Highlights
Schools in about 17 countries remained fully closed, whereas, schools in 39 countries remained
partially closed.
Schools across Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Venezuela, Panama and Kuwait, which is
usually attended by around 77 million students, are in “almost completely closed” list. Pupils from
these six countries represent more than half of 131 million students worldwide, who have missed
more than three-quarters of the in-person learning.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is also called as “United Nations Children’s Fund”. It is a United Nations agency that provides
humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. It is among most widespread and recognizable
social welfare organizations. It is present in 192 countries and territories. UNICEF’s activities comprise of
providing immunizations & disease prevention, enhancing childhood & maternal nutrition, administering
treatment for children & mothers with HIV, improving sanitation, providing emergency relief in response to
disaster and promoting education.
Background
UNICEF is the successor of “United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund”. It was created on
December 11, 1946, in New York. U.N. Relief Rehabilitation Administration had created this in order to
provide immediate relief to the children and mothers affected by World War II. It became a permanent part
of United Nations System in 1953.
NCRB data: Crime decreased; clashes increased in year of lockdown
National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) released its report titled “Crime in India”. According to the report, the
year of lockdown (2020) witnessed lesser traditional crimes like against women & children but more of civil
conflicts.
Communal Riots: It registered an increase of 96% in 2020 as compared to 2019.
Caste Riots: It witnessed an increase of about 50%,
Agrarian Riots: Increased by 38% and
Riots during Andolar or Morcha: Increased by 33%.
According to the report, due to complete lockdown in between March and May in 2020, number of
cases of crimes against women, children & senior citizens; theft, robbery; burglary and dacoity,
decreased by 2 lakhs.
Murder cases registered a marginal hike of 1% while the cases in category of “violent crimes”
decreased by 0.5%.
Cases related to ‘Offences against the State’ also decreased by 27%. Only UP recorded an increase
under this category because of large number of ‘Damage to Public Property’ cases registered by the
state, especially during the anti- CAA protests.

Offences against state
‘Offences against the State’ comprise of cases related to sedition, waging war against the nation as well as
cases under provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Damage to Property Act & Official
Secrets Act.
Communal Violence
According to data, 2020 witnessed 857 cases of communal riots across India as compared to 438 in
2019. Most of these cases are from Northeast Delhi riots of February 2020. Delhi = registered 520
cases of communal riots.
Bihar is at second place with 117 cases.
Haryana and Jharkhand reported 51 cases
They are followed by Maharashtra (26) and Gujarat (23).
Uttar Pradesh did not witness a single case of communal violence.
Caste conflicts
Caste conflicts increased from to 736 in 2020 from 492 in 2019. Bihar recorded the highest number of 208.
Bihar is followed by Maharashtra (125 cases), UP (116 cases), Karnataka (95 cases) and Tamil Nadu (69
cases).
Cabinet approves Eklavya Model Residential School
State Cabinet has approved the transfer of 15 acres of government land in favour of the Tribal welfare
Department for construction of Eklavya Model Residential School, in Visakhapatnam district.
Key points
Eklavya Model Residential School will be constructed at the Majjivalasa village of Araku Valley
mandal in Visakhapatnam district.
Cabinet has also decided to allot 53.45 acres of land to Yogi Vemana University at Masapeta village
of Rayachoti mandal. Land will be given for its Post-Graduate Centre.
59 acres of land was allocated to L.V. Prasad Eye Institute at Putlampalli village of Kadapa mandal.
Cabinet also approved the proposal of setting up a new Law and Order Police Station in Kasinayana
mandal of Kadapa district as well as an agriculture polytechnic college at Thogaram village of
Amadalavalasa mandal.
Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS)
EMRS is a government scheme for the construction of model residential school for Indian tribals that is
Scheduled Tribes across India. This scheme was started by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It was introduced
in the year 1997-98. The scheme seeks to ensure that tribal students get access to quality education in their
remote tribal areas.
Which article empowers the govt to fund this scheme?
EMRSs are set up in States and UTs with government’s grants in accordance with the Article 275(1) of the
Constitution.
Which blocks can set up EMRs?
According to budget 2018-19, blocks having 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, will have
to set up Eklavya Model Residential School by the year 2022.
ISRO to develop reusable GSLV Mk-III launch vehicle
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working on technologies in order to develop reusable
GSLV Mk-III launch vehicle.
Key Points
This new technology will help ISRO to land its GSLV Mk-III launch vehicles vertically.
It will be similar to what Elon Musk’s SpaceX is doing.

With this technology, ISRO also seeks to recover the first and second stages of the launch vehicle.
Development of reusable GSLV Mk-III launch vehicle will help ISRO is saving money as well.
How reusable vehicle is being developed?
To develop reusable GSLV Mk-III launch vehicle, a “wholesale change or augmentation” has been made. One
of the ways of bringing change is that, vehicle would have to rework its three stages. Second liquid stage
will be replaced with a semi-cryo stage, while the terminal cryo stage C-25, will be converted into C-32.
Apart from this, inert mass for the terminal stage will be optimised.
About GSLV Mk-III
This launch vehicle, chosen as launch vehicle for Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft, is a three-stage heavy lift
launch vehicle. It was developed by ISRO. It comprises of two solid strap-ons, a core liquid booster as well
as a cryogenic upper stage. It was designed to carry 4-tons of satellites into the Geosynchronous Transfer
Orbit (GTO) as well as10 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). First developmental flight of GSLV Mk III called
GSLV-Mk III-D1 had successfully placed GSAT-19 satellite in to the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) on
June 05, 2017.GSLV MkIII-M1 had successfully placed the Chandrayaan-2 in to Earth Parking Orbit on July
22, 2019.
3 NIELIT centres of Northeast State inaugurated
Union minister of state for electronics & information technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, inaugurated three
National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) centres of northeast states on
September 16, 2021.
Highlights
One of the NIELIT centres was inaugurated in Churachandpur district of Manipur, physically. While,
two other centres were inaugurated in Kokrajhar and Tezpur districts of Assam.
On the occasion, two existing centres at Imphal & at Aizawl districts of Mizoram were upgraded.
Minister noted that, NIELIT centre in Churachandpur district, these NIELIT centres would be soon be
acting as job creation centres with the collaboration of Centre and States.
These centres will not just be training centres but these are centres to skill the youth and get them
into the runway of opportunity and jobs.
NIELIT Centre, Churachandpur
It is the second centre of NIELIT in Manipur. Its campus spreads over 4.13 acres of land provided by the
state government. It comprises of eight laboratories and two class rooms. Its annual training capacities is
of 600 students.
National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT)
NIELIT was formerly known as the DOEACC Society. It offers Information Technology & Electronics training
at different levels. It is associated with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and works
as an autonomous Statutory Organisation under the Central Government. NIE:IT enjoys the power similar to
Organisations like CBSE, UGC etc.
Cabinet approves decks for NARCL
Union Government has approved the decks for National Asset reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL) on
September 16, 2021.
Highlights
This proposal requires the government to guarantee Security Receipts (SR) issued by NARCL, while
buying non-performing assets (NPAs) from banks.
This move will clear the path for launching NARCL.
Who issue security receipts?
Security Receipts (SR) are issued by Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) when NPAs of the

commercial banks (CB) or financial institutions (FI) are acquired by the ARCs for recovery.
About National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL)
NARCL is a type of Bad Bank that are set up to resolve the problem of bad loans which are impacting the
public sector banks. They take over the stressed assets of lenders. Proposal to create NARCL was
announced in the Budget for 2021-22. It is having a public sector character because e idea is mooted by the
government and majority ownership is likely to rest with state-owned banks.
Who Sponsored NARCL?
NARCL is primarily sponsored by Canara Bank. Canara Bank is likely to take 12% equity stake in NARCL.
NARCL also has equity participation by other nationalised banks.
Functions of NARCL
NARCL will buy bad loans from banks and issue security receipts (SR) to them for up to 85%. Remaining
25% will be provided in cash. These receipts can be redeemed as and when the ARC recovers a particular
loan.
About Bad Bank
Bad-banks are the entities that houses the bad loans or the non-performing assets of banks and liquidates
them in order to recover money.
RBI allows Ujjivan SFB to form a special committee
Reserve Bank has given its nod to the Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (SFB) to form a special committee of
directors on September 15, 2021 in order to oversee the operations in absence of an MD and CEO.
Highlights
Special Committee of Directors will comprise of three independent directors as its members.
This committee will oversee the operations and administration of the bank in effect from September
16.
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank had appointed Carol Furtado to take charge as officer on special duty
(OSD). She will be in charge till September 30, 2021. She was appointed after the resignation of Nitin
Chugh as MD and CEO.
What is the issue?
Ujjivan SFB witnessed some top-level exits in recent days besides high level of bad assets and management
issues. Its overall stressed pool stands at 15.6 per cent of the loan book. It also includes gross non-
performing assets of 9.8 per cent as well as restructured loans of 5.8 per cent. Furthermore, the portfolio-
at-risk has come down to 30 per cent as of June 2021. Its stock closed at Rs 20.60 apiece on BSE.
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited
It is an Indian small finance bank, with headquarter in Bangalore. Its operation was started from February 1,
2017. Ujjivan Financial Services is having a stake of 80 percent in the bank. The bank is licensed under
Section 22 (1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 in order to carry out small finance bank business. It
received Scheduled Bank status in August 2017 from the Reserve Bank of India.
September 16: World Ozone Day
World Ozone Day or the International Day for preservation of Ozone Layer was observed on September 16,
2021 across the world.
Highlights
This day is celebrated every year and is dedicated to a cause which might not be visibly relevant but is
important for the protection of the ozone layer.
History
World Ozone Day was proclaimed by United Nations General Assembly in 1994, after signing of the
Montreal Protocol.

Montreal Protocol on Substances depleting the ozone layer was signed by almost every country in
1987.
This day is significant in the light of depleting Ozone Layer. Ozone is the fragile layer of gas that protects
people from harmful cosmic rays. But people have itself became a threat to the natural paradigm of the
Earth. Thus, this day is celebrated with the objective of curbing all human-led ozone-depleting substances.
Theme of the Day
Theme of the day in year 2021 is “Montreal Protocol – Keeping us, our food, and vaccines cool”. This theme
is selected to highlight the long-term results of 35-year-old Montreal protocol, which is the first ever
protocol to be ratified by all the 197 members of the United Nations.
India’s efforts
Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change initiated “India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP)” in 2019.
This action plan aims to provide an integrated vision towards reducing refrigerant transition, curbing cooling
demand and enhancing energy efficiency. The ICAP aligns with the international theme of the day in 2021.
About Montreal Protocol
It was a deal for countries to curb the existence of all ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbon
aerosols, halons, etc. that are widely used for cooling and refrigeration purposes. The usage of these
harmful substances had resulted in a hole in the ozone layers in Antarctica. This hole was discovered in
1970 and led to acute global warming in past 20 years.
Indian Railways Launched “Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana”
Indian Railways took a leap in advancement of Skill India Mission by launching the “Rail Kaushal Vikas
Yojana (RKVY)” under the aegis of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)”.
Highlights
RKVY was launched by Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw.
This Mission will provide Railways an entry level training in industry relevant skills with the help of 75
Railway training institutes across India.
This mission seeks to empower youth by providing entry level training in skills relevant to industry as
part of 75 years of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Significance of the mission
This mission incorporates the vision of skill development of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mission will
train about 50 thousand youth. It was launched with the aim of imparting training skills to the youth across
several trades to bring qualitative improvement. Under the mission, training will also be conducted in
remote areas. It will improve the employability of the youth as well as upgrade the skills of self-employed. It
will also cater to those who are working with contractors through re-skilling and up – skilling.
Training under RKVY
Under the mission, training will be provided to 50000 candidates in a period of three years. In the initial
phase, training will be provided to 1000 candidates. Youth will be trained in four trades namely, Electrician,
Welder, Machinist and Fitter. Mission comprises of initial basic training of 100 hours. In later phases, zonal
railways will add other trades to the training programs. Youth will be trained for free and participants will be
selected from applications received online, on the basis of marks in matriculation. Candidates who are 10th
passed and between 18-35 years shall be eligible to apply.
Swachhata Pakhwada launched in Cochin Port Trust
Swachhata Pakhwada 2021 was launched at the Cochin Port Trust and the Swachhata pledge was
administered in all departments on September 16, 2021.

Highlights
On the occasion, shramdaan cleaning activities were also started in the Port areas.
Activities that were proposed during the Pakhwada comprise of cleaning of work places, crafts &
public spaces and office premises within the Port area.
Programmes will be led by all heads of the department during the period.
About Swachhta Pakhwada
Swachhta Pakhwada was Started in April 2016, with the objective of bringing a fortnight of intense focus on
issues and practices of the Swachhta by engaging all the government ministries & departments in their
jurisdictions. In order to plan the Pakhwada activities, an annual calendar is circulated among the Ministries
in advanced. Ministries that observe Swachhata Pakhwada are monitored by means of online monitoring
system of Swachhata Samiksha. On this system, action plans, images & videos related to Swachhata
activities are uploaded and shared.
Background
This is an environment awareness campaign launched under Swachh Bharat Mission. It was launched to
achieve the goal of total sanitizations and cleanliness by October 2, 2019. Under the campaign, several
ministries organise a theme wise campaign called “Swachh Bharat Fortnight”. It is a voluntary exercise and
it seeks to raise awareness and target programmes.
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)
SBM is a country-wide campaign that was initiated by central government in 2014 with the objective of
eliminating open defecation and improving solid waste management. This mission is a restructured version
of Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan which was launched in 2009. Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan failed to achieve its intended
targets. Phase 1 of the Swachh Bharat mission ended in October 2019 while Phase 2 of the mission has
been implemented between 2020–21 & 2024-25.
PM Modi called for SCO template to fight radicalisation & extremism
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called to develop a template by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
(SCO) at the virtual meeting on September 17, 2021.
Highlights
Developing a template was called in order to effectively deal with the challenges of extremism and
radicalisation.
On the occasion, PM Modi also welcomed Iran as the new member country of the SCO.
Challenges in the region
In the virtual meeting, Modi highlighted that, radicalisation is the “root cause” of problems that the region is
facing. Developments in Afghanistan reflected this challenge. Other challenges in this area include peace,
security and trust deficit for which the root cause is increasing radicalisation. This, Modi called SCO to
develop a template to fight radicalisation and extremism. According to him, SCO should work for
development of a strong network among moderate, tolerant and inclusive institutions as well as traditions
associated with Islam.
India’s commitment
According to Prime Minister, India is committed towards increasing its connectivity with Central Asia. Any
connectivity initiative cannot be a “one-way street” and such projects should be consultative, transparent
and participatory.
About SCO
SCO was created in the year 2001. It is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation. This
Eurasian political, economic and military organisation was created with the aim of maintaining peace,
security and stability in the region. SCO Charter was signed in the year 2002, and entered into force in 2003.

The charter is a statutory document that outlines the goals & principles of SCO. It also highlights the
structure & core activities of SCO. Official languages of SCO are Russian and Chinese.
China applied to join Asia-Pacific Free Trade
China has applied to join the Asia-Pacific Free Trade grouping of 11-nation in a bid to increase its influence
over international policies.
Highlights
Application was submitted by the Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, to the Trade Minister of New
Zealand as a representative of Comprehensive & Progress Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
(CPTPP) or the Asia-Pacific free Trade grouping.
CPTPP was originally the Trans-Pacific Partnership. It was a group promoted by former President
Barack Obama as part of USA’s increasing emphasis on its relations with Asia.
China was not included in the initial group.
Donald Trump had pulled out the group in 2017 and the current President of US Joe Biden has not yet
re-joined the group.
About CPTPP
CPTPP is a trade agreement among 11 countries namely, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Canada, Japan, Mexico,
Malaysia, Peru, New Zealand, Singapore, and Vietnam. This grouping was evolved from Trans-Pacific
Partnership (TPP). TPP had been signed on 4 February 2016,that never entered into force because of
withdrawal of the United States. Eleven signatories of the grouping have a combined economies that
represents 13.4 percent of global gross domestic product.
China’s promise
Government of China has promised to increase imports of goods. However, it faces complaints on failing to
carry out promises when it joined the World Trade Organisation in 2001 in order to open finance and other
service industries. China is also a member of other trading arrangements like Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership.
MyGov India launches Planetarium Innovation Challenge
MyGov India has launched the “Planetarium Innovation Challenge” for Indian start-ups and tech
entrepreneurs.
Highlights
This Planetarium challenge was launched with the aim of bringing together the tech firms and Start-
ups, that are based out of India, with the potential to build an indigenous planetariums system
software.
This system software must be built by using latest technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR),
Virtual Reality (VR) and Merged Reality (MR).
Background
This challenge has been Inspired by the Chandrayaan launches. Prior to the launch, Indian Space Research
Organization (ISRO) had conducted the ISRO Quiz Competition-2019 in collaboration with MyGov. In the
quiz, several schools, parents and enthusiastic mentors actively participated.
Planetarium Innovation Challenge
This challenge was launched by MyGov India recently for which registration is open till October 10th.
It invites applications from start-ups and tech entrepreneurs in order to develop state-of-the-art
technology for Planetariums.
It provides an opportunity for Planetariums in India to deploy indigenously built new technologies for
smaller cities and rural areas.
This challenge perfectly aligns with the objective of India’s progressive digital transformation under

the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Cash Prizes
The first, second and the third winner under this contest will respectively get the cash prizes of five lakh,
three lakh and two lakh rupees.
About MyGov
MyGov is a citizen engagement platform, launched by central government on July 26, 2014 in order to
promote the active participation of Indian citizens in the governance and development of India. It aims to
create common platform for Indian citizens in a bid to “crowdsource governance ideas from citizens”.
September 18, 2021
NITI Aayog suggests to build 500 ‘healthy cities’
NITI Aayog released its “Building Urban Planning Capacity in India” on September 16, 2021.
About the report
The ‘Building Urban Planning Capacity in India’ report comprises of a set of recommendations on several
aspects of urban planning like:
1. Interventions for planning healthy cities
2. Optimum utilization of urban land
3. Ramping up human-resource capacities
4. Strengthening urban governance
5. Building local leadership
6. Enhancing the role of private sector and
7. Advancing the urban planning education system.
Key recommendations of the report
As per report, India needs a Central sector scheme to build 500 ‘healthy cities’ over the next five years
as well as a thorough revamp of town-planning acts in states in order to meet future challenges of
urbanisation.
As per the NITI Aayog, the Central sector scheme for building 500 healthy cities will have to be
initiated by Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs in association with the states & Union Territories.
NITI Aayog also emphasised on the need of reducing carbon footprint in urbanisation and urban India
will be power India’s economic growth.
According to NITI Aayog, there is a need to plug the gaps in urban-planning capacity in India.
Otherwise, the opportunity for rapid, sustainable & equitable growth will be at risk of being missed.
Background
In October 2020, NITI Aayog had constituted an Advisory Committee on ‘Reforms in Urban Planning
Education in India’. This Committee has concluded its mandate with the “Building Urban Planning Capacity
in India” report.
The NITI Aayog
It is the public policy think tank in India that was established in 2015 with the aim of achieving sustainable
development goals with cooperative federalism. It seeks to involve State Governments in the economic
policy-making process, following a bottom-up approach.
NITI Aayog-Byju’s partnered to provide free education in Aspirational Districts
NITI Aayog has partnered with BYJU’S on September 17, 2021, in a bid to provide free access to education
to students in 112 Aspirational Districts in India.
Key Points
Under the partnership, Byju’s will provide free access to its high-quality and tech-driven learning
programmes to students in order to ensure access to quality education.
This project envisages for establishment of a dedicated working group, which in turn will help in
creating a knowledge, innovation, and strategy support system.
Main components of the initiative
Collaboration between NITI Aayog and BYJU’s to support the school students in the developmentally
challenged districts have two main components:
1. BYJU’S Career-Plus programme: This programme under Aakash+BYJU’S will help in providing high-
quality test prep coaching to 3,000 meritorious students from classes 11 and 12 who aims to appear
for NEET and JEE.
2. Voluntary programme: Under the social impact initiative, education for all, students can opt for
receiving scholastic content from BYJU’s Learning App for three years. This programme is for school-
going age children, classes 6-12.
Dedicated working group
This project envisages for establishment of a dedicated working group which will create a knowledge,
innovation, and strategy support system. The team will also be monitoring and evaluate programme
implementation in order to enable efficacy and ensure better scope of delivery.
How students will be selected?
Students for the career plus programme will be selected by means of a pre-designed test. They will be
provided teaching and content material, along with mentoring support & guidance. The initiative will
combine the best of classroom as well as online learning. Thus, it will provide a hybrid model of education.
September 17: World Patient Safety Day
The World Patient Safety Day was marked worldwide on September 17, 2021 in order to raise global
awareness regarding the patient safety.
Key Points
The day also seeks to encourage individuals in order to demonstrate their commitment of making
healthcare safer.
This day is observed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its international partners.
This year’s observation has become more significant amid the ongoing covid-19 pandemic for which
medical personnel & other COVID-19 warriors are working continuously to save lives and contain the
infection.
Theme of the Day
The World Patient Safety Day 2021 was observed with the theme “Safe maternity and newborn care. On the
occasion, WHO also encourages all stakeholders to “Act now for safe and respectful childbirth!”
Background
The World Patient Safety Day was established in May 2019 by adopting the Resolution WHA72.6 by the
72nd World Health Assembly. Resolution WHA72.6 is on “Global action on patient safety”. World Patient
Safety Day is the capstone of the successful Global Ministerial Summits on Patient Safety that started in
2016 in London.
According to WHO Data, around 810 women die because of avoidable causes connected to pregnancy and
delivery, every day. Furthermore, about 6700 infants die every day, which accounts for 47 percent of all
fatalities among children aged under five. Data shows that, 2 million babies are stillborn each year, of which
40% are happening during labour. Thus, it becomes important to realise the magnitude of the harm caused
by medical errors which can be avoided. Thus, the day become significant to raise awareness.
Aim of the day
The day is observed with the aim of minimising unnecessary risks and damage to all women and newborns

during labour and delivery.
Hungary: Statue of Bitcoin founder Satoshi Nakamoto unveiled
Hungary has unveiled the statue of Bitcoin founder Satoshi Nakamoto on September 16, 202.
Highlights
The imposing bronze statue was unveiled in Hungary’s capital, Budapest.
This is the first such statue across the world to pay homage to the creator of Bitcoin digital currency.
It has been constructed in a business park near the Danube River in Budapest.
The bust sits atop a stone plinth and is also engraved with the name of Satoshi Nakamoto, who is
pseudonym of the mysterious developer of Bitcoin whose true identity is still unknown.
Features of the statue
Statue is a featureless face of the bust and is wrapped in a bronze hoodie comprising the Bitcoin logo. The
statue has been polished heavily in order to make it reflective like a mirror. Viewers can see themselves in
the statue.
Creators of the statue
Statue has been created by Reka Gergely and Tamas Gilly. They have portray a human form and have stayed
true to the anonymity of Nakamoto, the person nobody knows how do they look like.
About Bitcoin
Bitcoin was created in 2008 in the backdrop of global financial crisis. Its aim was to circumvent traditional
financial institutions by means of developing secure technology for peer-to-peer online transactions. It does
not involve intermediaries like banks. The founding white paper published in 2008 and was authored by
Nakamoto.
About Nakamoto
Nakamoto is a pseudonym which can be referred to a person or group of people of unknown gender, age &
national origin.
Sero Survey: 90% of people in Mumbai have COVID-19 antibodies
A new sero survey was conducted in between August 12 to September 9, 2021 in the anticipation of a third
wave of covid-19 infection. This is the firth sero survey by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
Highlights
This study was conducted on the 8,674 samples. These samples were collected thorough systematic
random sampling from all the 24 city wards, and people visiting municipal dispensaries & doctors’ offices in
slum as well as non-slum areas.
Key Findings
As per report, 86.64 per cent of people were found to have Covid-19 antibodies in the Greater Mumbai
area.
This mean that, they have been exposed to the coronavirus at least once.
Following the sero survey, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, has warned people that
estimated sero-prevalence levels do not indicate high protection levels.
Scientists still continue to emphasise on the use of face masks and hand sanitisers at public places.
There is no significant difference between slum and non-slum populations with the prevalence of
87.02 per cent to 86.22 per cent respectively.
Report finds a slight difference between men and women. Sero-prevalence among men was at 85.07
per cent while among women was at 88.29 per cent
How samples were collected?
65 per cent of samples were collected from people who had received at least one dose of the
covid-19 vaccine.

Among unvaccinated participants, sero-prevalence was detected in just 79.86 per cent people.
20 per cent of the samples were collected from healthcare workers. Among them, Sero-prevalence
was 87.14 per cent.
World Bank Group to stop publishing ‘Doing Business’ report
The World Bank Group has decided to stop publishing its “Doing Business report on country investment
climates” because of allegations of irregularities.
Highlights
This decision was taken in the backdrop of probe of data irregularities allegedly because the pressure
by top bank officials, for boosting China’s ranking in 2017, came to light.
World bank also noted that, it will remain firmly committed towards advancing the role of private
sector in development and providing support to governments in order to design the regulatory
environment that supports this.
World Bank will now be working on a new approach of assessing the business and investment
climate.
Trust in research
According to World Bank, trust in the research is vital. World Bank Group research informs about the actions
of policymakers and helps countries in making better-informed decisions. It also allows stakeholders in
measuring economic and social improvements accurately. Research has also been a valuable tool for
private sector, academia, civil society, journalists etc in broadening their understanding of global issues.
What is the issue?
Data irregularities were reported on Doing Business 2018 and 2020 internally in June 2020. Following this,
World Bank management stopped the next edition of Doing Business report and initiated a series of reviews
& audits of the report along with its methodology.
Doing Business 2020 report
According to Doing Business 2020 report, India had jumped 14 places in the ease of doing business ranking,
to the 63rd position. It has improved the rank by 79 positions over five years that is, in between 2014 to
2019.
PEDA inks pact with CESL for EV charging stations
Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) for installing public charging station for electric vehicles in
Punjab.
Key points
CESL is a subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd. (EESL).
MoU was signed by chief executive officer of PEDA, Navjot Pal Singh Randhawa.
Significance of MoU
With the signing of MoU and this collaboration with PEDA, CESL is planning to expand its EV transition
portfolio. It also seeks to provide accessible and affordable charging infrastructure in the state of Punjab.
This partnership will also establish a roadmap of installation of public charging stations several locations. It
will help in promoting the adoption of two-, three- as well as four-wheeler e-vehicles.
Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA)
PEDA was established in September 1991 as a state nodal agency to promote and develop the Renewable
Energy Programmes as well as the energy conservation programme in Punjab. PEDA has been registered as
a Society under the Societies Act of 1860. It works under the Department of New & Renewable Energy in
Punjab government.

Function of PEDA
PEDA provides financial and fiscal assistance by PEDA to several projects under the NRSE Policy 2012 of
the government of Punjab. It also acts as the nodal agency for REC Regulations and monitoring of
Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO). Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission has designated
PEDA as nodal agency for this purpose.
Earthshot Prize: Two Indian Projects to get the Prize
On September 17, 2021 two Indian Projects have been selected to get the Environment Prize.
Key Points
One of the selected projects is- Solar-Powered Ironing Cart project that has been designed by a 14-
year-old Tamil Nadu schoolgirl.
Second project is- Agricultural Waste Recycling Concept developed by an entrepreneur from Delhi.
Total of 15 finalists have been selected out of hundreds of nominations from across the world for the
Environmental Prize.
About Environment Prize
The first-ever Environment Prize, called Earthshot Prize, was launched by Britain’s Prince William (Duke of
Cambridge) and David Attenborough in 2020. This prize is conferred annually from 2021 to 2030, to five
winners each year. Winners are selected for their solutions or protects that substantially help the
environment. It is given by the Royal Foundation, England. Award is given in five separate categories with
the support of UN Sustainable Development Goals. Winners are selected by the Earthshot Prize Council
which is a global team spanning six continents.
About Solar-Powered Ironing Cart project
This project has been developed by Vinisha Umashankar. She made the cut within the “Clean Our Air”
category. Her concept is about solar-powered clean alternative for charcoal-powered street irons which
press clothes for millions of Indians.
About Agricultural Waste Recycling Concept
This project has been developed by Takachar and co-founded by Vidyut Mohan. It has been nominated in
“Clean Our Air Category” for its cheap, small-scale, portable technology. This project converts crop residues
into sellable bio-products.
45th GST Council Meeting-Highlights
th
45 GST council Meeting was chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on September 17, 2021 in
Lucknow. Discussions over bringing petrol & diesel under the GST regime was discussed and several key
decisions were taken.
Highlights
Issue of Petrol & Diesel was discussed as Kerala High Court had questioned it. However, Council
decided not to put petrol and diesel under GST.
In the meeting, concessional GST rates on Covid-19 related medicines were also announced, which
are applicable till September 30. Now, the date has been extended till December 31, 2021.
Key Decisions
1. Concessional GST rates on drugs used in COVID-19 treatment extended till Dec 31.
2. Tax rates on medicines used in cancer treatment was cut from 12 pc to 5 pc.
3. GST rate on biodiesel for blending it with diesel was reduced from 12 pc to 5 pc.
4. Inverted duty structure on footwear & textiles will be corrected from January 1, 2022.
5. It is not the correct time to bring petroleum products under GST regime.
6. A Group of state ministers (GoM) will be established to look after the rate rationalisation related
issues. GoM will be making recommendations in 2 months.

7. E-commerce operators Swiggy & Zomato will come under GST regime. They are now required to pay
GST on restaurant service supplied through them, since tax is charged at point of delivery. Earlier,
restaurants used to pay the tax.
8. Another GoMs will be set up in order to look after issues of e-way bills, FASTAGs, compliances,
technology, plugging of loopholes, composition schemes etc.
“Ek Pahal Campaign” launched for Justice delivery at doorstep
The Ministry of Law and Justice has launched a Pan-India Special Campaign called “Ek Pahal Drive” for
Justice Delivery at doorstep on September 17, 2021.
Key Points
The campaign was launched in a bid to encourage mass registration under Tele-Law.
The campaign was launched by Department of Justice and NALSA.
This campaign seeks to actualize the aspiration of access to justice for citizens in India.
Justice in Preamble
The Preamble to the Constitution of India has recognised Justice as the first deliverable for the Indian
citizens. A successful and vibrant democracy is where every citizen not only get guaranteed justice, but
where justice is equitable. This principal mandates for State to create an environment where justice-delivery
is looked as a citizen-centric service rather than a sovereign function.
EK Pahal Campaign
Department of Justice launched this campaign across India, that will run from September 17th to October 2nd
in order to encourage mass registration under Tele-Law. At the launch of campaign, registration login of
5480 beneficiaries was done. This login drive registered 138% increase as compared to daily average
registration of beneficiaries. More than 25000 banners were displayed at CSCs in regional languages.
Campaign will include the deployment of 185 Mobile Vans and other vehicles in order to show-case films
and documentaries regarding Access to Justice programme.
Significance of Tele law
Tele Law provides pre-litigation advice or consultation to beneficiaries by Panel Lawyers. This medium uses
a huge network by covering 51,434 Common Service Centres across 50,000 Gram Panchayats in 633
districts of 34 States & UTs. It will also be holding 4100 Legal Aid Clinics to give pre-litigation or legal
advice to common citizens with the help of Panel Lawyers and Para-Legal Volunteers. Awareness
programmes will also be launched at village level on legal aid in 672 districts.
India-El Salvador: Third Foreign Office Consultations held
India and El Salvador held their Third Foreign Office Consultations in San Salvador on September 17, 2021.
Highlights
Indian side was led by Secretary (East), Riva Ganguly Das while and El Salvadoran side was led by
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Integration & Economic Promotion, Ambassador Adriana Maria Mira.
During the consultations, both of them noted the warm and friendly relations between India and El
Salvador.
They also reviewed the bilateral relations in all the fields including health, trade & investment,
tourism, energy, aquaculture, transport, aviation & infrastructure, consular & development partnership
and culture.
Both the countries decided to exchange their best practices in the area of public diplomacy.
They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest such as
cooperation in the United Nations and finally agreed to work closely across the multilateral arena.
El Salvador–India relations
Diplomatic relations between both the countries were established on February 12, 1979. Embassy of El

Salvador in London was accredited to India until June 2008 when El Salvador established its embassy in
New Delhi. El Salvador currently maintains its embassy in New Delhi as well as an honorary consulate in
Bangalore. Embassy of India in Guatemala is accredited to El Salvador. India has also an honorary
consulate in San Salvador.
Consultations between both the countries
Both the countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding in February 2004 to hold regular consultations
between the respective foreign ministries. First Foreign Office Consultations were held in August 2012. In
2012 itself, they also signed an agreement on co-operation in the field of science, technology & innovation.
36th International Coastal Clean-up Day- Highlights
The 36th International Coastal Clean-up Day was celebrated on September 18, 2021, for the tenth
consecutive year.
Highlights
The day was celebrated by the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) at Visakhapatnam.
As part of the day, ENC carried the Coastal Clean-up Drive at Yarada Beach, Bheemili Beach and other
sea fronts in the premises of Naval units of Visakhapatnam.
About 500 Naval personnel, Defence Civilians and their families overtook the clean-up drive by
complying to the COVID19 protocols.
Aim of the drive
The clean-up drive was launched with the aim of creating awareness among people to keep beaches clean,
safeguarding our environment and inculcating the habit of respecting the coastlines which ultimately
nurtures the marine biodiversity.
International Coastal Clean-up Day
The day is traditionally held on the third Saturday of September. In 2021, this day is being observed on
September 18th.
Theme of the day
International Coastal Clean-Up Day 2021 is being celebrated under the theme: “Keep trash in the bin and not
in the ocean”.
History of the day
The International Coastal Clean-up started by the Ocean Conservancy, in 1986. During that time,
communities rallied together with a common goal of collecting and documenting the trash lying on their
coastline. Since then, International Coastal Clean-up Community encourages people across the world to
remove trash and debris from waterways, beaches & other water bodies, on the third Saturday of September,
each year. People are also encouraged to identify the sources of litter, to bring in behavioural changes that
cause pollution and to raise awareness regarding the marine debris problem.
September 22, 2021
Two more Indian beaches gets International Blue Flag certification
Two more beaches in India have received the ‘Blue Flag’ certification on September 21, 2021.
Key Points
Blue flag certification is an international eco-level tag.
With the addition of two beaches, the total number of such beaches in India have reached to 10.
Two beaches that received the certification in 2021 are Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Eden in
Puducherry.
Blue Flag recertification was also done for eight nominated beaches namely, Shivrajpur in Gujarat,
Ghoghla in Diu, Kasarkod & Padubidri in Karnataka, Kappad-Kerala, Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh,
Golden in Odisha and Radhanagar in Andaman & Nicobar. All these beaches were awarded this
certificate in the year 2021.
Blue Flag certification
Beaches with Blue Flag certification are considered as the cleanest beaches across the world. It is one of
the world’s most recognised voluntary eco-labels that are awarded to beaches, marinas, as well as
sustainable boating tourism operators. Blue flag certification programme was launched in 1985 in France.
What are the Criteria for Certification?
To certify a beach with blue flag certification, a series of stringent environmental, educational, accessibility
& safety criteria is checked. There are 33 such criteria that are required to be met in a bid to qualify for a
Blue Flag certification. Criteria include water meeting certain quality standards, being disabled- friendly,
having waste disposal facilities, having first aid equipment etc. Some of these criteria are voluntary and
some are compulsory.
Who gives this certification?
The Blue Flag Certification Programme for beaches and marinas is run by the international, non-
governmental & non-profit organisation called “Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)”.
Centre allowed IAS & IPS officers to retain gifts from Foreign Dignitaries
The Central Government has amended a 50-year-old rule and allowed IAS, IPS and IFoS officers to retain
gifts they receive from foreign dignitaries while being members of the Indian delegation.
Highlights
As per existing rules, these officers were allowed to accept gifts from their near relatives or from
personal friends having no official dealings with them, on the occasions like weddings, funerals,
anniversaries, and religious functions.
However, they are required to make a report to the government if the value of such gift is more than
Rs 25,000.
Gifts comprises of free transport, free lodging, free boarding, or any other service or pecuniary
advantage provided by a person other than near relative or personal friend having no official dealings.
It does not include any casual meal, casual lift or other social hospitality.
All India service (conduct) Rules, 1968
As per this rule, no member of the service can accept any gift without government’s sanctions if the
value of those gift exceeds Rs 5,000.
This rule is applicable to officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) as
well as Indian Forest Service (IFoS).
Member of the service must avoid accepting lavish hospitality or frequent hospitality from persons
involved in official dealings or industrial & commercial firms or other organisations.
Amended rule
A new subsection has been added to Section 11 of the All-India Service (Conduct) Rules, 1968. According to
it, a member of the service may receive and retain gifts from foreign dignitaries as per the provisions of the
Foreign Contribution (Acceptance or Retention of Gifts or Presentations) Rules, 2012.
Background
Personnel Ministry had proposed this rule in March 2020 and had sought comments from state
governments it. Currently, such gifts received from foreign dignitaries or from known or unknown sources
are deposited with the ‘toshakhana’ in the Ministry of External Affairs.
Kharif Food Grain Production to touch 150.50 mn tonne in 2021
According to Agriculture Ministry, India’s food grain production is expected to touch a record of 150.50
million tonne in the Kharif season of 2021 with a better rice output.

Highlights
In the Kharif season of 2020-21 crop year, food grain output consisting of rice, pulses & coarse
cereals were at 149.56 million tonnes.
Record production is expected in rice, sugarcane and cotton.
However, production of coarse cereals and oilseeds is estimated to be lower during the Kharif season
of 2021.
Production of pulses is likely to reach 9.45 million tonne in 2021-22 Kharif season as compared to
8.69 million tonne in 2020-2021.
Production of tur is estimated to reach to 4.43 million tonnes as compared to 4.28 million tonnes in
2020-2021.
Production of coarse cereals is likely to decline at 34 million tonnes from 36.46 million tonne in last
year.
Maize output is expected to decrease at 21.24 million tonnes in 2021 as compared to 21.44 million
tonnes in 2020.
Cotton production is expected to reach at 36.22 million bales (of 170 kg each) against 35.38 million
bales in 2020.
Kharif Crops
Kharif crops or monsoon crops or autumn crops are domesticated plants and are cultivated & harvested in
India, Pakistan and Bangladesh during the monsoon season in Indian subcontinent. Monsoon lasts from
June to November. Monsoon rains starts as early as May in some parts of the Indian subcontinent. These
crops are usually harvested from the third Week of September to October. Major Kharif Crops in India
include- Rice, maize, and cotton.
September 21: International Day of Peace
The International Day of Peace is observed by United Nations on September 21, every year.
Key Points
This day is also called as World Peace Day.
The Day is celebrated across the world in order to strengthen the ideals of peace by observing 24
hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
It promotes global solidarity to build a peaceful and sustainable world.
Background
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously passed a resolution in February 2021 and called
the Member States to support a “sustained humanitarian pause” for local conflicts. As per the official
website of UN, the global ceasefire must continue to be honoured in order to ensure that people who are
caught in conflict have access to lifesaving vaccinations and treatments.
Theme of the Day
Theme of International Day of Peace in year 2021 is “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable
world”. The theme focuses on how to help everyone in recovering better, how to build resilience and how to
transform the world into a place which is more just, equal, equitable, inclusive, sustainable & healthier.
History of the Day
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had established the day in 1981. Third Tuesday of September was
chosen as the International Day of Peace, which also marks the opening day of the regular sessions of the
UNGA. Later, UNGA declared September 21 as the International Day of Peace in 2001.
The day is celebrated as a period of non-violence and cease-fire. It plays a significant role in promoting
peace across the world. The day seeks to promote a green & sustainable global economy which produces

jobs, reduces emissions, and builds resilience towards climate impacts.
September 21: World Alzheimer’s Day
World Alzheimer Day was observed across the world on September 21 with the objective of raising
awareness of the disease, common symptoms and risk factors.
Highlights
Alzheimer disease is a prevalent kind of dementia which gradually causes memory loss & loss of
cognitive capacity.
The day raises awareness regarding the cause and severity of Alzheimer’s disease.
In some of the countries, the day is observed throughout the month.
About Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain condition which gradually deteriorates memory and cognitive
abilities. It is the most frequent cause of dementia in older people. This condition is a progressive illness
which causes brain cells to deteriorate and die.
Background
A Greek Philosopher, Pythagoras, spoke of a human lifetime in the 7th century BC and referred to the final
years of human existence as “senium.” He used the term senium to characterise the period of mental &
physical deterioration. In 1901, Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist, diagnosed the first case of
Alzheimer in a 50-year-old German lady. Thus, this disorder was named after Alois Alzheimer.
Alzheimer Disease International
Alzheimer Disease International was formed in 1984. On the tenth anniversary of the Alzheimer Disease
International in 1994, World Alzheimer’s Day was announced and is being observed on September 21 since
then. The World Alzheimer’s Month was started in 2012.
Symptoms of disease
Memory loss is the key symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Inability to recall recent events or discussions is
the early symptom of the illness. Memory problems increase with the development of disease. This disease
is an irreversible, degenerative brain condition, affecting memory & thinking skills.
Bangladesh PM conferred with SDG Progress award
Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has been conferred with the “SDG Progress Award” and was
introduced as the “jewel in the crown of the day” at an event on September 20, 2021.
Key Points
Award was conferred by the UN-sponsored Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
She was awarded for Bangladesh’s steady course in responding to the universal call of action to end
poverty, protect the planet as well as ensure peace & prosperity for all.
This event was a significant international acknowledgement of the nation’s success in spearheading
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) after achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).
Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)
SDSN was set up in 2012 by prominent economist and development strategist Professor Jeffrey D Sachs,
under the aegis of UN Secretary General. This platform aims to mobilize the global scientific and
technological expertise in order to promote practical solutions for sustainable development and gauge
country-specific competitiveness for development performances.
Ninth International Conference on Sustainable Development
Ninth Annual International Conference on Sustainable Development was held on September 20. On this
occasion, Sheikh Hasina was introduced as “jewel in the crown of the day. Her leadership was appreciated
in spearheading the SDG campaign even during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDGs are collection of 17 interlinked global goals that has been designed as a “blueprint of achieving a
better and more sustainable future for all”. These goals were set up in 2015 by the United Nations General
Assembly and are intended to be achieved by 2030.
Guinness Records certified Japanese sisters as Oldest Living Twins
Guinness World Records has certified two Japanese sisters as the “oldest living identical twins” of the
world on September 20, 2021.
Key Points
Both the sisters are at 107.
This certification date coincides with the “Respect for the Aged Day” which is a national holiday in
Japan.
Who are the twin sisters?
Twin sisters that have set the Guinness World Records are Umeno Sumiyama and Koume Kodama.
Both were born as the third and fourth out of 11 siblings on November 5, 1913 on the Shodoshima
island in western Japan.
They were separated after elementary school. Kodama was sent to work as a maid on Japan’s
southern main island of Kyushu. She later married there.
Sumiyama remained on the island where they were born and had her own family.
Both of them were 107 years and 300 days old as of Sept 1, 2021 and have broken the previous
record set by Japanese sisters Kin Narita & Gin Kanie at 107 years, 175 days.
World’s fastest aging country
Japan is the world’s fastest aging country where about 29% of the 125 million population are 65 years or
older. 86,510 of them are centenarians and half of them turned 100 in 2021.
Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records was incepted in the year 1955. It is a reference book published annually and lists
world records of human achievements as well as the extremes of natural world. This list is the brainchild of
Sir Hugh Beaver, and was co-founded by twin brothers Norris and Ross in August 1954.
ADB cuts India’s Growth Forecast to 10%
The Asian Development Bank (ADP) has reduced its forecast for India’s GDP growth to 10 percent in
2021-22, from 11 percent it projected earlier.
Key Points
GDP growth was reduced as the downside risks were dominating the economic outlook.
ADB also noted that, rising input costs is increasing the inflation to a faster pace of 5.5 percent,
against 5.2 percent estimated earlier.
Inflation increased because of rising global oil prices and higher duties on gasoline & diesel fuel,
along with double-digit consumer price inflation on pulses & vegetable oil.
A deficient monsoon will increase the inflationary pressure.
According to ADB, economy will ‘rebound strongly in the remaining three quarters and will increased
by 10 percent in the full fiscal year before reaching to 7.5 percent in 2022-23.
Risks to the outlook tilt towards the downside and depend mainly on the evolution of covid-19
pandemic.
Rising prices on oil and other commodities will be increasing input and transportation costs for
producers, which will be passed on to consumers.
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
ADB is a regional development bank. It was stablished on December 19, 1966. its headquarter is in

Philippines. ADB also maintains 31 field offices across the world. The bank seeks to promote social and
economic development in Asia.
Members of the ADB
ADB admits the members of “United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
(UNESCAP)” and non-regional developed countries. At the time of its establishment, there were 31 members
which now has increased to 68.
Background
ADB was modelled closely on the line of World Bank. Its weighted voting system is also similar to that of
World Bank, where votes are distributed in proportion with the capital subscriptions of members.
COP 26: India pushing for Green Tech Transfer
India has been asserting and reaffirming its take on the transfer and financing of the green technologies by
developed countries to developing nations, ahead of the Conference of Parties (COP 26).
Highlights
COP 26 to the UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) is scheduled to held in November 2021 in
Glasgow.
Green Technology transfer is viewed as a key to secure an ambitious outcome to upcoming climate
negotiations.
India’s efforts towards climate change
India has been asserting regularly that the developed countries should fulfil their promise of $100-
billion aid made in 2009.
India has been reminding developed nations regarding their responsibility of mitigation and providing
financial support to developing countries.
Recently, India received ‘Blue Flag’ tag for 2 Indian beaches, Kovalam (TN) and Eden (Puducherry), by
the Foundation for Environment Education. It is another milestone in India’s journey towards green
India.
Meeting with UN Secretary General
During the meeting with UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, Indian Environment Minister noted
that, COP 26 should focus on climate finance in scale, scope & speed and transfer of green
technologies at low cost.
Indian Minister also underlined the need of upholding the principles of UNFCCC process for any
successful outcome in climate change negotiations.
During the meeting, crucial climate actions on finance, mitigation and adaptation are required to
tackle the climate crisis were also discussed.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
UNFCCC was established as an international environmental treaty to combat the “human interference with
the climate system”. It was established in part by stabilizing the greenhouse gas concentrations in
atmosphere. The treaty was signed by 154 states at the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (UNCED) or the Earth Summit in 1992. Its headquarter is in Bonn.
India-US bilateral meet on September 24
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi will hold meeting with US President, Joe Biden on September 24, 2021
in Washington.
Highlights
During the meeting, both the sides will discuss regarding the developments in Afghanistan, ways to
combat radicalism, extremism & cross-border terrorism and expansion of India-US global partnership.
Both of them want to talk regarding the ways of pulling both the countries even closer at every level

of interaction between their societies.
US Vice-President Kamala Harris will meet Narendra Modi on September 23 in Washington. This will
be the first meeting between both of the leaders.
They are also expected to discuss ways of boosting trade and investment ties, strengthening their
defence & security collaborations as well as clean energy partnership.
Narendra Modi will also address the UN General Assembly on September 25 and attend other events
hosted on its side-lines, including an event on Covid-19 hosted by President Biden where PM Modi is
likely to announce the resumption of Vaccine Maitri.
Who is accompanying PM Modi?
NSA Ajit Doval and the Foreign Secretary are accompanying PM Modi on his US visit. External affairs
minister, S. Jaishankar is already in the US.
India-US Relations
India has been maintaining its friendly relations with the United States since the India’s freedom movement
and its continued well after independence from the United Kingdom in 1947. United States had made
Pakistan a Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) treaty-ally in the year 1954. India’s core national interests
and concerns were acknowledged by the United Nations under the administrations of Presidents George W.
Bush and Barack Obama. Both the countries signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement in
2016 and India was also declared as a Major Defense Partner of the US.
National Single Window System for Investors and Businesses Launched
Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Textiles, Consumer Affairs & Distribution, Piyush Goyal, launched
the “National Single Window System” for Investors and Businesses on September 22, 2021.
Highlights
National Single Window System is a giant leap, towards making India Aatmanirbhar.
This system will usher in independence from the legacy of running towards Government offices for
approvals and registrations.
It will also bring in Ease of doing business & Ease of living, do away with the need of paperwork,
duplication & information asymmetry from Windows within the system.
This portal will become a one-stop-shop for investors for the purpose of approvals and clearances.
As of now, the portal hosts approvals across 18 Central Departments & 9 States. By December 2021,
14 Central departments and 5 states will be added to the portal.
About the National Single Window System
This portal comprises of all solutions and will be there for all at one click of the mouse by means of
‘End to End’ facilitation.
It comprises of an applicant Dashboard that will help in applying, tracking & responding to the
queries.
Portal will provide services like Know Your Approval (KYA), Common Registration & State registration
Form, E-Communication and Document repository.
Significance of the Portal
This portal will help in bringing Transparency, Accountability & Responsiveness in the ecosystem.
All information will be available on a single dashboard.
It will also provide strength to other schemes like Make in India, Startup India, PLI scheme etc.
Background
Finance Minister had announced an ambitious “Investment Clearance Cell (ICC) in the Union Budget 2020
that will provide “end to end” facilitation & support to investors, pre-investment advisory, information related
to land banks and facilitate clearances at Centre & State level. The cell was proposed to operate by means

of an online digital portal. Subsequently, DPIIT in association with the Invest India started developing the
portal as a National Single Window System (NSWS).
Global companies to reduce emissions from ships by 2050
About 150 leading companies and organisations including oil majors & port authorities called on September
22, 2021 for decarbonising the global shipping industry completely by 2050.
Highlights
These companies also urged the governments to step up their action warning time was limited.
About 90% of world trade are transported by sea and global shipping accounts for 3% of the world’s
CO2 emissions. Thus, this sector is under growing pressure to get cleaner.
Aim of IMO
UN shipping agency called International Maritime Organization (IMO), aims to reduce the overall greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions from ships by 50 percent as compared to 2008 levels by 2050. However, industry
groups are calling to accelerate action from governments.
Initiative by companies and groups
In the latest initiative, shipping, chartering, finance, fuel production & ports companies and groups are
asking for stronger measures in order to ensure that sector will meet the climate goals set by the Paris
accord. Paris accord seeks to limit the global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius.
Call to Action initiative
Call to Action initiative was developed by the World Economic Forum, non-profit Global Maritime Forum and
other partners. This action initiative calls for decarbonization of the shipping which could only happen with
the urgency, if governments and regulators establish proper policy frameworks.
Signatories of Initiative
Other signatories of initiative include – container lines A.P. Moller – Maersk, MSC & Hapag Lloyd, Royal
Dutch Shell, oil majors BP, mining groups BHP and Rio Tinto etc.
ARAI developed charger for Electric Vehicles
The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has developed its indigenous charger for electric
vehicles (EV) in order to give a push to EV ecosystem in India.
Key Points
According to ARAI Director, Reji Mathai, in order to promote EVs, infrastructure for charging is
important.
Currently, in India, mobility chargers are imported. So, ARAI focused on developing these indigenous
chargers. These chargers are cost-effective and boost the local economy.
ARAI has developed indigenous technology for EV charger called AC001. It has been taken up for
manufacturing and promotion by the Bharat Electronics.
Charging points will be set up by Bharat Electronics while the parts for EV charger systems like Type
1, Type 2, CCS & CHAdeMO will be manufactured locally.
Apart from that, ARAI is setting up its new centre in Takwe because, ADAS (Advanced Driver
Assistant System) vehicles and cylinder testing centres requires dedicated space.
Investments of around Rs 500 crore will be made in a phased manner in next 3-4 years to set up this
centre.
ARAI is currently negotiating with Telangana and Kerala governments to set up such centres.
Cost of the chargers
Cost of the EV chargers is expected to be in between Rs 50000 to Rs 60000.
Background
ARAI recently signed a deal with Bharat Electronics Limited on EV chargers. As per the deal, ARAI will

provide the complete know-how of the charges while Bharat Electronics will manufacture them.
Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT) 2021
SIAT 2021 will be organised by ARAI in association with SAEINDIA and SAE International (U.S.). It will be
held from September 29 to October 1, 2021, under the theme ‘Redefining Mobility for the Future’.
September 23, 2021
Sri Lanka seeks $100-mn IMF loan to procure Covid Vaccine
Sri Lanka is seeking for a $100 million loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in order to procure
14 million doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.
Highlights
With this loan, Sri Lanka would also finance other vaccination programme related costs.
This proposal was put forward by the Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella.
Sri Lanka will get the additional loan grant under the “programme of strategic preparation and
response to Covid-19”.
IMF has already agreed to grant a supplementary loan of $100 million to assist Covid-19 response in
the country.
Vaccination Programme in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has vaccinated over 50 per cent of the 21 million population, as of now. Government has targeted
to vaccinate over 75 per cent of the population within next few months. According to the public health
inspectors, those below the age of 30 are reluctant to get vaccinated. Only about 35 per cent of them had
received the vaccine as of September 20.
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
IMF is an international financial institution. Its headquarter is in Washington, D.C. It comprises of 190
countries that seeks to “work together in order to foster global monetary cooperation, facilitate international
trade, secure financial stability, promote high employment & sustainable economic growth, and reduce
poverty across the world. It was established in 1944 and came into formal existence in 1945. IMF plays a
key role in managing the balance of payments difficulties as well as international financial crises.
Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
It is an mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine developed by BioNTech in collaboration with American company
Pfizer.
Nepal’s foreign minister seeks friendly ties with India & China
Newly-appointed Foreign Minister of Nepal, Narayan Khadka, seeks to maintain friendly ties with India as
well as China.
Key Points
He will work towards maintaining friendly and balanced relations with both the countries and forge national
consensus with political parties on the foreign relations matters.
Background
Narayan Khadka, aged 72, was sworn in as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal on September 22, 2021.
His oath of office and secrecy was administered by President Bidya Devi Bhandari in a ceremony at the
Rashtrapati Bhawan. He is the fifth minister to be appointed in the Deuba government, formed on July 13.
There are now seven ministers in the government.
Views of Khadka on foreign policy
He argued that, foreign policy of a country is not specific to any political party. Thus, he would work towards
forging national consensus with other political parties on foreign relations. According to him, issue of the
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact Agreement would also be resolved,

Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact Agreement
MCC compact agreement was put forward by United States. Under the US $500 million MCC programme, US
government would provide grant assistance that would be utilised to strengthen Nepal’s transmission line in
order to facilitate the export of hydro-electricity to India in near future. It also seeks to improve the road
networks in Nepal.
India–Nepal relations
Both the countries initiated their relationship in the aftermath of 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and
Friendship. India is the largest trade partner and largest source of foreign investments in Nepal. India also
provides transit for third country trade of Nepal. Indian are engaged in manufacturing, services power
sector and tourism industries in Nepal.
Study: Covid can cause Delirium
According to a study, published in the journal BMJ Open, out of 150 patients hospitalised for Covid in the
United States in the initial phase of the pandemic, 73 per cent had delirium.
Highlights
According to the study, patients with delirium tended to be sicker, with other comorbidities like hypertension
and diabetes. They appeared to have more severe Covid-related illness.
What is Delirium?
Delirium is a serious disturbance in mental state in which a person is confused, agitated and unable to think
clearly. Start of delirium is usually rapid that is within hours or a few days. It can often be traced to one or
more contributing factors like a severe or chronic illness; changes in metabolic balance like low sodium;
infection, medication, surgery, alcohol or drug intoxication or withdrawal.
Symptoms of delirium
Symptoms of delirium and dementia can be similar. Signs and symptoms of delirium usually starts over a
few hours or a few days. Symptoms often fluctuate throughout the day. There may be periods of no
symptoms as well. Symptoms gets worse during the night. Some of the major signs and symptoms include:
1. Inability to stay focused on single topic or to switch topics
2. Getting stuck on an idea rather than responding
3. Being easily distracted by unimportant things
Causes of Delirium
Possible causes if Delirium include:
1. Certain medications or drug toxicity
2. Alcohol or drug intoxication
3. Medical condition, like stroke, heart attack, lung or liver disease,
4. Metabolic imbalances, low sodium or low calcium
5. Malnutrition or dehydration
Trojan posing as I-T refund attacking Android users
According to India’s federal cyber security agency, CERT-In, a banking Trojan malware has been detected in
Indian cyberspace. This trojan is lurking to attack bank customers using Android phones.
Highlights
As per Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), Trojan malware has already targeted
customers of more than 27 public and private sector banks.
The phishing malware is posing as an “income tax refund”. It can jeopardise the privacy of sensitive
customer data and led to a large-scale attacks and financial frauds.
Phishing is a social engineering computer virus attack to steal personal data.

How this Malware attack users?
In the first instance, user receives an SMS comprising of a link to a phishing website which is similar to the
website of Income Tax Department. On the website, users are asked to enter personal information,
download and install the malicious APK file to complete the required verification. If user does not enter any
information on the website, same screen with the form is displayed in Android application where users are
asked to fill in to proceed.
Data asked to fill the application
Data that are required to be filled includes full name, address, date of birth, mobile number, email address,
PAN, Aadhaar number and financial details like account number, CIF number, IFS code, debit card number,
expiry date, CVV and PIN.
What happens next?
Once the details are entered by the user, application states that there is a refund amount that could be
transferred to the bank account of user. When the user enters amount and clicks transfer, application
shows an error and demonstrates a fake update screen. When the screen for installing update is shown,
Trojan sends user’s details to the attacker’s machine, in the backend.
India to become trans fat-free by 2022
As per Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) study, India is all set and is on the right track to
become industrial trans fat-free by 2022.
Key Points
In India, only 1.34 percent of the newly tested processed food samples shows more than the
permissible levels of ingredients.
FSSAI cited pan-India survey results and dismiss the perception of excessive use of industrial trans
fats in processed food products.
India has mandated to reduce the limit of industrially produced trans fats to 2 per cent in order make
India free from the industrially produced trans fats by 2022, one year ahead of the WHO guidelines.
About the survey of FSSAI
To test compliance by the industry, the FSSAI collected 6,245 samples of processed foods, in association
with the Quality Council of India. Samples were collected from six predefined categories in 419 cities. As
per survey,
34% of 6,000 processed food samples were high in fats
3% of packaged food item samples comprises of over 2% trans fat
WHO guidelines on Trans Fat
According to WHO, Increased intake of trans fat that is, more than 1% of total energy intake, increases the
risk of coronary heart disease mortality.
Casualties due to trans fat
Trans fat intake is associated with 5,00,000 premature deaths worldwide, due to coronary heart disease
each year.
About Trans fat
Trans fat is considered as the worst type of fat. Unlike other dietary fats, trans fat or trans-fatty acids
increases bad cholesterol and lowers the good cholesterol. A diet comprising of trans fat increases the risk
of heart disease.
SC dismissed Centre’s plea to postpone Women’s entry into NDA
The Supreme Court has rejected a plea by Central Government to postpone the entry of women into National
Defence Academy (NDA) till May 2022.

Key Points
Bench led by Justice SK Kaul told Additional Solicitor General, Aishwarya Bhati that, it is difficult to
postpone everything by a year.
It refused to modify August 18 interim order, that allowed women candidates to appear in the NDA
and the Naval Academy Examinations and to train at the NDA.
It also posted the matter for the third week of January 2022 to issue further directions which might be
needed in the case.
Centre’s view
The Centre had told the supreme court that women cadets’ entry into the NDA is possible in the year 2021
because several facilities had to be developed for them before they are allowed into the academy.
Centre’s Plea in SC
Central government informed the apex court that, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release
notification for women to participate in the NDA exam in May 2022. It also highlighted the preparations to
issue a notice, allowing women candidates to apply for the exams for their recruitment in the Army, Navy
and Airforce, are underway and it will be released in May 2021. Centre has also formed a committee to
prepare a training curriculum for female candidates because there is a need to prepare separate aspects of
training as well as curriculum for women candidates.
Background
Supreme Court allowed the women to appear for National Defence Academy (NDA) exam on August 18,
2021 following a writ petition filed by Kush Kalra. She filed petition, seeking permission for women to sit in
the NDA entrance exam while highlighting the violation of Articles 14, 15, 16 and 19 of the Constitution.
WHO revises Air Quality norms
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revised its global air quality guidelines and recommended more
stringent standards for key pollutants.
Key facts
WHO set the new standards in the first update of its air quality guidelines since 2005.
PM 2.5 norms for 24 hours average has been changed to 15 micro-g/m3 against 25 micro-g/m3 in
2005.
While the PM 2.5 norms for annual average has been changed to 5 micro-g/m3 against the 10 micro-
g/m3 in 2005.
Where does India stand?
At the current relaxed standards, most of the Indian cities fail to meet these levels. Annual PM 2.5 average
in India is at 40 micro-g/m3 against the annual limit of 10 micro-g/m3 (2005) by WHO. As a result, India
needs to revise its air quality standards to make them more stringent.
Steps taken by India
Under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), India is committed to minimise 20-30 per cent of air
pollution in cities. To check the stubble-burning, Bio-decomposer will be used on 6 lakh acres land in UP, 1
lakh acres land in Haryana and 7,413 acres land in Punjab. Use of bio-decomposers is part of the action
plan of preventing and controlling stubble burning in Delhi-NCR region.
About NCAP
NCAP was launched in January 2019 by the MoEFCC. It is the first-ever effort in India to frame a national
framework for the management of air quality with a time-bound reduction target. This action plan seeks to
reduce the concentration of coarse and fine particles by at least 20% in the next five years (base year 2017).
This plan comprises of 102 non-attainment cities in 23 states and Union territories. These cities were
identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) by analysing their ambient air quality data between

2011 and 2015.
IPCC report: Sea level rise is certain
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently published the Assessment Report from Working
Group I titled “Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis”. The report call for is a clear climate
action.
Key Points
IPCC report provides one of the most expansive scientific reviews on science and impacts of climate
change.
It discussed five different shared socio-economic pathways for future with different levels of
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
It illustrated following scenarios-
1. Very low and low GHG emissions– Here, emissions decline to net zero around the middle of the
century. Beyond this, emissions are net negative.
2. Intermediate GHG emissions- Emissions are double the current level by 2100.
3. High and very high emissions– Here, emissions are double the current levels by 2050.
In the intermediate scenario, Average warming is likely to exceed 2°C near mid-century.
Average global temperature is currently 1.09°C higher than pre-industrial levels while the CO2
concentration in the atmosphere is 410 ppm as compared to 285 ppm in 1850.
Concerns of rising sea level
About 700 million people across the world live along the coast and the plans to expand coastal cities
still continue.
Thus, understanding of the risks involved from climate change and rising sea level is crucial in 21st
and 22nd centuries.
Sea level will continue to rise even after emissions are no longer increasing, because oceans respond
slowly to warming.
Global mean sea level (GMSL) increased by 0.2m in between 1901 and 2018.
Average rate of sea level rise was 1.3 mm/year in between 1901-1971 and increased to 3.7 mm/year
in the year 2006-2018.
How Sea level increases?
Sea level rises due to the expansion of warm ocean waters, melting of ice sheets in Greenland & Antarctica
and melting of glaciers on land.
India-UAE negotiations for Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) have launched the negotiations for a mutually beneficial
comprehensive economic partnership agreement on September 22, 2021.
Highlights
First round of CEPA negotiations will be held on September 23 and 24.
Both the countries aim to conclude the negotiations by December 2021.
Once the negotiations are concluded, they will sign a formal agreement in March 2022 after
completing the internal legal procedures and ratification.
Significance of CEPA
India and the UAE are each other’s largest trading partners. CEPA will help in enhancing the bilateral trade
and investment flows. This agreement will also assist in post-Covid economic recovery and future
economic growth of both the countries. It will create new job opportunities, boost living standards, and
improve general welfare of the people of both the countries.

India-UAE Economic Relations
The UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner, having a bilateral trade of $59 billion in Financial Year 2020.
UAE is also the second-largest export destination of India, after the US. Its exports are valued at around $29
billion in FY20. India is also the second-largest trading partner of UAE, as of 2019 with bilateral non-oil trade
is valued at $41 billion. UAE is also the eighth-largest investor in India, that invested $11 billion in between
April 2000 to March 2021. Investment by Indian companies in the UAE is valued at around $85 billion.
India’s export to UAE
Major exports to the UAE comprise of stones, petroleum products, precious metals, gems and jewellery,
minerals, food items like sugar, cereals, fruits & vegetables, meat, tea, meat & seafood, textiles, chemicals
and engineering & machinery products. India imports crude petroleum and petroleum products, precious
metals, minerals, stones, gems & jewellery, chemicals & wood and wood products from UAE.
Leh to host first edition of Himalayan Film Festival
Leh is all set to host the first edition of the Himalayan Film Festival, which is starting from September 24,
2021.
Key Points
The film festival will be inaugurated by Information and Broadcasting Minister, Anurag Thakur, on
September 24.
Himalayan Film festival will run for five days from September 24 to 28.
Ladakh is hosting the film festival as part of the celebrations of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to
commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence.
The 5-day festival will comprise of several segments to capture audience and film buffs alike.
Aim of the festival
The five-day festival is being organised with the aim of creating an interactive and exposure platform in
order to promote aspiring local filmmakers as well as to showcase Ladakh as an attractive film destination.
Who is organising the festival?
This festival is being organised by Leh in association with the Directorate of Film Festivals under Union
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Where it will be held?
The film festival will be held at the Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra in Leh.
Himalayan region of India
Himalayan region of India attracts filmmakers from worldwide due to its unique scenic endowment. Unique
geography of this region is documented along with its indigenous people, occupations and traditional skills.
Film festival thus presents an opportunity for local filmmakers in order to narrate their stories to a wider
audience. Himalayan Film festival will also envision institutionalising of a Himalayan film fraternity, which
will be having productive repercussions for filmmaking in the Himalayan region of India.
Lunar Crater Named After Matthew Henson
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has named a Lunar crater at the south pole of the moon after
the Arctic explorer Matthew Henson.
Key Points
Matthew Henson was a Black man who was one of the first people who stand at the very top of the
world, in 1909.
Proposal to name the crater after Henson was put forward by Jordan Bretzfelder who is an
Exploration Science summer intern with Lunar & Planetary Institute, in Houston.
Artemis Programme
Artemis Programme was launched by NASA which aims to land the next slate of lunar explorers on the

Henson Crater. They will be selected from NASA’s increasingly diverse astronaut pool. Henson Crater is
located between Sverdrup and de Gerlache craters at the south pole of the Moon. This program provides a
cornerstone to study planetary processes as well as to create the infrastructure to advance the human
exploration at the Moon and on Mars.
Who was Matthew Henson?
Henson was an experienced explorer and skilled carpenter & craftsman. He stood at the front lines of
almost a dozen Arctic expeditions that were organized by Robert Peary over the period of 18 years,
including the one that reached the North Pole. Final push of that expedition was made by Henson. He was
born in Maryland in 1866.
International Astronomical Union (IAU)
IAU is a non-governmental organisation set up with the objective of advancing astronomy in all aspects
such as promoting astronomical research, outreach, education, and development. IAU was founded in 1919
with its headquarter in in Paris, France.
CSIR-CMERI Solar DC Cooking System- Key Facts
CSIR-CMERI has handed over the “CSIR-CMERI developed Solar DC Cooking System” to Asansol Braille
Academy in West Bengal on September 22, 2021.
CSIR-CMERI developed Solar DC Cooking System
This Solar DC Cooking System is a “Solar Energy based Cooking System” that comprises of solar PV
panel, battery bank, charge controller and cooking oven.
Technology provides a Clean Cooking Environment, fast & uniform heating and Invertor-Less Direct
Operation.
It has a potential to save 1 ton Carbon Dioxide emissions per year per household.
This system has 20-25% better efficiency and more Economical as compared to the Conventional
Solar based Cooking Systems that loses efficiency owing to AC-DC conversion.
Simple Technology Design also ensures Ease-of-Manufacturing and ultimately provides substantial
Economic Opportunity for the Micro-Industries.
Significance of the system
Solar DC cooking System will help in curbing the Carbon Dioxide emissions, because even LPG usage emits
Carbon Dioxide. Widespread usage of the System will also play a critical role in achieving the target of 200
GW of Solar energy.
Cost of the system
The Technology after reaching to the market will cost around Rs 65,000 to Rs 70,000.
Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CMERI)
CSIR CMERI is a public engineering research and development institution located in Durgapur, West Bengal.
It is a constituent laboratory of Indian Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It was founded in
February 1958, to develop national mechanical engineering technology, in a bid to help Indian industries.
September 24, 2021
Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2021- Highlights
The Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2021 came into effect on September 21, 2021 by amending the Patents
Rules 2003.
Key Points
By amending the rules, Union Government has reduced the patent filing and processing fees that are
charged on educational institutions by 80%.
This reduction in fees is at par with similar concession available to start-ups under the Start-up India
initiative.
Why patent fees have been reduced?
While applying for patents, innovators have to apply these patents in the name of institutions which
have to pay very high fees for large applicants and thus work as a disincentive.
Thus, to encourage greater participation of the educational institutions, playing a significant role in
India’s innovation, official fees have been reduced.
According to DPIIT, educational institutions engage in various research activities, where professors
or teachers as well as students generate several new technologies that are required to be patented in
order to facilitate commercialization of the same.
But high patenting fees restricts these technologies to get patented and thus work as a disincentive
for development of new technologies.
To do away this problem, Patents rules have been amended several time in order to achieve the
objective of removing procedural inconsistencies and unnecessary steps to process the applications.
SIPP Scheme
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) launched the scheme, Facilitating Start-ups
Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) in order to provide facilitators with filing and processing of their
applications. Professional charges of such facilitators are reimbursed in accordance with the provisions of
the scheme.
UN: 16 million Yemenis towards Starvation
According to the head of U.N. food agency, David Beasley, 16 million people in Yemen “are marching
towards starvation”.
Key Points
David also warned that, food rations for millions in Yemen will be cut in October 2021 unless new
funding reaches there.
During a meeting on Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, He said that the United States, Germany, United
Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia donors stepped up when the World Food Program (WEP) was running
out of money in first half of 2021. This funding helped in averting famine and catastrophe.
WFP is running out of money again. He notes that, without any new funding, ration reductions will be
done for 3.2 million people in October 2021 and for 5 million by December 2021.
Background
On March 1, 2021, at a virtual pledging conference that was co-hosted by Sweden and Switzerland, UN
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had urged for $3.85 billion for Yemen in 2021. But countries pledged
less than half the amount that is $1.7 billion.
Meeting on Yemen’s humanitarian crisis
This meeting was held on September 22, 2021 on the line of U.N. General Assembly’s annual leaders’
gathering. It raised about $600 million. Meeting was hosted by European Union and co-hosted by Sweden &
Switzerland.
Yemen Crisis
Yemen has been undergoing a civil war since 2014, when Iran-backed Houthi rebels took control of the
capital of Yemen called Sanaa as most of the northern part of Yemen. They also forced the President of
Yemen, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, to flee to Saudi Arabia. Later, a Saudi Arabia-led coalition entered the
war in March 2015, backed by the United States. They tried to restore President Hadi to power. Despite
several air campaign and ground fighting, war has deteriorated into a stalemate and caused a humanitarian
crisis. The U.S. has suspended its direct involvement in this conflict.
UNICEF's 'Fed to Fail?' Report- Highlights
UNICEF released its new report titled “Fed to Fail? The crisis of children’s diets in early life” on September

23, 2021.
Key Findings
According to the report, Children aged under 2 are not getting the food or nutrients they need to thrive
and grow well. This is leading to irreversible developmental harm.
Report warns that rising poverty, conflict, inequality, climate-related disasters, and health
emergencies like COVID-19 pandemic, are contributing to the nutrition crisis among those children.
Poor nutritional intake in the first two years of life can harm the rapidly growing bodies and brains of
the children. It also impacts their schooling, job prospects and futures. But there has been little
progress towards providing right kind of nutritious and safe foods for them.
While conducting the analysis across 91 countries, the report finds that, half of children aged 6-23
months are getting minimum recommended number of meals in a day.
One third of the children consume the minimum number of food groups they need to grow.
Impact of Covid-19
COVID-19 pandemic still continues to disrupt the essential services and is driving more families into
poverty. According to the report, pandemic is also affecting how families feed their children. In several
countries, families have been forced to reduce the purchases of nutritious food. Because of this, percentage
of children consuming minimum recommended number of food groups reduced by a third in 2020 as
compared to 2018.
Vulnerability of Children
Children aged under two are most vulnerable to all forms of malnutrition like wasting, stunting,
micronutrient deficiencies, overweight and obesity. As per UNICEF estimates, more than half of children
aged under 5 are vulnerable to wasting, globally.
India-Australia first JWG meeting on Coal and Mines
India and Australia held their first Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Coal and Mines on September 23,
2021 through Video conferencing.
Highlights
JWG meeting is a precursor to the upcoming India-Australia Energy Dialogue which is scheduled to be
held in October 2021.
Meeting was co-chaired by Additional Secretary in Ministry of Coal Vinod Kumar Tiwari from India and
Head of Resources Division Paul Trotman from Australia.
During the meeting, Indian side overviewed the coal sector in India and presented emerging scenario
for future. He also noted the priority areas that are required to be included for possible collaborations
in coal and mining sectors in India as well as Australia.
It focused on Indian coal resources in the present & future scenario, as well as minerals demand &
supply scenario.
They also discussed the collaboration on Clean Coal Technology, Coal Bed Methane, Surface Coal
Gasification, sharing of Technology Coal Based Hydrogen & Carbon Capture Utilization between both
the countries.
India – Australia ties
Both the countries have built strategic trust on each year over the year. They established the diplomatic
relations in the pre-Independence period with the opening of Consulate General of India as a Trade Office in
1941 in Sydney. Lieutenant-General Iven Mackay was appointed as the first High Commissioner to India, in
March 1944. In 1945, first High Commissioner of India to Australia arrived to Canberra in 1945. Since then,
relations since then have witnessed a significant thaw. In 2014, Australia signed a uranium supply deal with
India.

Economic relationship
As of 2016, India’s exports to Australia is approximately at US$ 4.6 billion while India’s import from
Australia was at US$ 11 billion. India mainly exports Passenger Motor Vehicle & machinery; Medicaments &
Refined Petroleum; and Pearls, Gems & Jewellery to Australia while India mainly imports Coal, Non-
monetary Gold, Wool, Copper, Fertilizers & Education related services from Australia.
WFP-ICRISAT sign agreement on Food Security
United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-
Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) have signed an agreement on Food security on September 23, 2021.
Highlights
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on programmes and research in order to improve
food, nutrition security and livelihoods across India.
It was signed between WFP India Representative, Bishow Parajuli and Director General of ICRISAT, Dr
Jacqueline Hughes.
Both WFP and ICRISAT will work in collaboration to promote research, advocacy and raise awareness
regarding the traditional nutritious crops, undertaking food & nutritional security analysis.
Significance of the MoU
This agreement is a strategic partnership between WFP and ICRISAT because both are aligned to their
vision of food security, especially for poorest and vulnerable communities. MoU was signed in light of
worsening global hunger, threatening food security, nutrition & livelihood of people because of growing
climate change crises and shocks like Covid-19 pandemic.
About ICRISAT
ICRISAT stands for “International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics”. It is an international
organization that conducts agricultural research for rural development. It is headquartered in Patancheru,
Hyderabad. Other regional centres include Bamako in Mali, Nairobi in Kenya Niamey in Niger, Kano in
Nigeria, Lilongwe in Malawi, Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. ICRISAT was founded in 1972 while its charter was
signed by the FAO and the UNDP.
About World Food Programme (WFP)
WEP is the food-assistance wing of the United Nations and world’s largest humanitarian organization. It is
the largest organisation that focuses on hunger & food security and the largest provider of school meals. It
was founded in 1961, with headquarter in Rome.
CAF World Giving Index 2021- Highlights
Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) World Giving Index 2021 was published recently, in which India found the
place among top-20 generous countries.
India has been ranked at the 14th spot. Its rank has improved up from the 10-year global rank of 82.
CAF report notes that, India is one of the fastest climbers on the Index.
According to the report, 61% Indians have helped a stranger during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
36% of Indians donated money.
34% Indians volunteered for social causes in India.
Scenario across the world
According to CAF survey, communities across the world have mobilised to help fellow citizens during
covid-19 pandemic. It resulted in the highest ‘helped a stranger’ figures since 2009.
55% of the world’s adults (that is 3 billion people) were reported helping someone they didn’t know in
2020.
31% people donated money in 2020 as compared to donations in last five years.

Levels of volunteering in 2020 are broadly unchanged globally.
Developed countries such as the USA, the UK, Canada, Ireland, and the Netherlands were out of the
highest ranking.
Australia and New Zealand maintained their top-10 ranking.
Poor countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana found place among top-10 generous countries in CAF
2021 index.
Which is the most generous country?
The most generous country across the world is Indonesia. Indonesia has been ranked at first position in the
CAF Index this year. Indonesia is followed by Kenya, Nigeria, Myanmar, Australia, Ghana, New Zealand,
Uganda, Kosovo and Thailand in that order. In the year 2019, US was ranked at top position.
Defence Ministry places 7500-Cr order for 118 tanks
Ministry of Defence has placed an order of worth Rs 7,523 crore in order to procure 118 Main Battle Tanks
(MBTs) Arjun for the Indian Army.
Key Points
Defence ministry placed this order with Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), Chennai to supply the 118
Arjun Mk-1A tanks.
Arjun tank has been designed and developed by Defence Research & Development Organisation
(DRDO).
This tank has incorporated numerous upgrades on Arjun MBT, which is in-service main battle tank of
the Indian Army.
About MBT Mk-1A Arjun Tank
The MBT Mk-1A Arjun Tank is the new variant of the Arjun Tank. It has been designed to enhance all-
terrain mobility, firepower, and survivability of the Indian Army.
The tank has been infused with 71 new features. It has more indigenous content as compared to
Mk-1 variant.
Mk-1 Arjun tank can take on the enemy during day as well as night conditions, in static and dynamic
modes.
It has also been equipped with invincible multi-layered protection that are provided by an array of
advanced technology systems.
Who developed the MBT Arjun Mk-1A?
The MBT Arjun Mk-1A has been designed and developed by Combat Vehicles Research & Development
Establishment (CVRDE), along with other laboratories of DRDO. It was developed within two years that is
2010-12.
Significance of the order
According to defence ministry, production order to Chennai’s Heavy Vehicles Factory will bring in large
avenue in defence manufacturing for more than 200 Indian vendors including MSMEs. It will also open up
the employment opportunities for 8,000 people.
RBI Data on Bank deposits in FY21
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its “Deposits with Scheduled Commercial Banks – March 2021 data”
Highlights
As per RBI data, Bank deposits have increased by 11.9 per cent year-on-year during 2020-21 as
compared to 8.8 per cent in 2019-20.
Deposits increased in light of high growth in current account and savings account (CASA) deposits.
Share of CASA deposits climbed up to 43.7 per cent in March 2021 against 41.7 per cent in 2020.

Institutional category
Among the institutional categories, household sector has 64.1 per cent share in total deposits. Individuals,
including Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), are the major constituent of the household sector. They have
contributed about 55.8 per cent in aggregate deposits.
Non-financial corporations category
Bank deposits of non-financial corporations has increased by 18.8 per cent during 2020-21. In March 2021
itself, their share in total deposits increased to 16.2 per cent.
Which banks contributed the most?
Metropolitan branches of banks accounted for more than half of total deposits. Their total share stands at
59.6 percent of incremental deposits during 2020-21 as opposed to 43.2 per cent in 2020.
States that contributed the most
Three major states namely Maharashtra, UP and Karnataka accounts for one-third of total household
sector’s outstanding deposits. During 2020-21, they accounted for more than 40 per cent of the total
incremental deposits.
Share of private sector banks
Share of private sector banks in total bank deposits still continue to increase at the cost of public sector
banks. It accounts for 30.5 per cent as compared to 29.5 per cent in 2020.
WMO Report: Climate Indicators and Sustainable Development
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has published a new report titled “Climate Indicators and
Sustainable Development: Demonstrating the Interconnections” on September 22, 2021.
Highlights of the report
Release of the WMO report coincides with the annual session of United Nations General Assembly
and the opening of the SDG Action Zone, dedicated to accelerating action on the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
The report also examines the implications of latest data & scientific research on the state of global
climate for sustainable development in order to highlight how climate is changing and how these
changes will help in achieving the SDGs.
Aim of the WMO report
WMO published its report with the aim of demonstrating the connections between global climate and SDGs.
This goes far beyond the SDG 13 for climate action. Report also champions the need of greater international
collaboration, which is required to achieve the SDGs. It also seeks to limit the global warming to less than 2
°C or even 1.5 °C by the end of the current century.
Climate Indicators
The report highlights seven climate indicators, impacting the SDGs:
1. Carbon dioxide concentration
2. Temperature
3. Ocean acidification
4. Ocean heat content
5. Sea-ice extent
6. Glacier mass balance and
7. Sea-level rise.
Increasing temperatures will led to the global and regional changes as well as shifts in rainfall
patterns & agricultural seasons.
CO2 concentration drives the global climate change and is indirectly responsible for risks related to
several climate indicators. Thus reducing carbon emissions is the most effective and necessary

climate-related actions to achieve SDGs.
Pradhan Mantri Digital Health Mission- Things to Know
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to announce the rollout of the Pradhan Mantri Digital Health Mission
(PM-DHM) across the nation on September 27, 2021.
About PM-DHM
This scheme will be launched with the aim of harnessing technology in order to improve the
effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency of healthcare delivery across India.
It seeks to provide a better access to healthcare data.
It also seeks to create a national digital health infrastructure by building Health IDs, Unique Identifiers
for doctors & health facilities, telemedicine & e-pharmacy, Personal Health Records etc.
This scheme will digitalize the healthcare by creating a country-wide digital health ecosystem.
It will enable the patients to store, access and give consent to share their health records with doctors
as well as health facilities of their choice.
Unique digital health ID
This health ID will comprise of all the health records of each individual. It will be created with the help of
details such as Aadhar and mobile number in order to generate a unique ID for them.
National digital health ecosystem
Under this scheme, a national digital health ecosystem will be created by means of provision of a wide-
range of data, information & infrastructure services, and duly leveraging open & interoperable standards-
based digital systems. It will also provide security, confidentiality and privacy of personal information
related to health.
States running the National Digital Health Mission
The National Digital Health Mission is currently in its pilot phase in the union territories of Andaman &
Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Chandigarh, and Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep, Ladakh and
Puducherry.
International start-up hubs ranking 2021
International start-up hubs ranking 2021 was recently compiled and published by Start-up Genome for its
annual Global Start-up Ecosystem Report 2021.
Key Points
As per the comprehensive ranking of international start-ups, London, Mumbai and Bangalore have
been featured among the world’s top start-up hubs.
London maintained the second-place ranking along with the New York for second consecutive year,
despite Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic.
Bangalore has also been ranked at 23rd position, maintaining the position among top 30 global tech
hubs.
Delhi was ranked at 36th
Mumbai has been ranked at first position in the Emerging Ecosystems ranking, outperforming the
fast-growing ecosystems in areas of performance, funding, talent and market research.
Karnataka is also the 4th largest technology and innovation cluster in the world and is home to more
than 400+ global R & D centres.
About the report
This report ranks the leading 140 start-up ecosystems on the basis of seven success factors like Talent,
Performance and Connectedness.
Most attractive destination
As per the report, London is the most attractive destination to set up a tech start-up outside the Silicon

Valley. Its overall ecosystem is valued at USD 142.7bn. London is also among one of the best cities for
access to funding, quality and activity in the investment ecosystem, globally.
Where does Indian Start-ups stand?
According to the report, Indian start-ups have raised USD 12.1 billion in the first half of year 2021. It
demonstrates the rapid growth of India as the global hub for tech & innovation. India has produced 24
unicorns in 2021, as of August 2021.
PFRDA to observe National Pension System Diwas
Pension regulator Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is set to observe National
Pension System (NPS) Diwas on October 1, 2021.
Key Points
PFRDA also started a campaign under ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ in order to promote pension and
retirement planning.
NPS Diwas will be observed for a carefree azad retirement.
NPS subscribers will enjoy the benefits, power of compounding and will reap many of the benefits
after retirement.
Aim of the campaign
PFRDA will organise campaigns with the aim of encouraging every citizen to plan for creating a
financial cushion in order to ensure for oneself a financially sound future after retirement.
The campaign also seeks to create awareness regarding the pension planning among public.
It also aims to cover all eligible citizens under a pension scheme in order to fulfil the vision of
pensioned society for India.
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)
PFRDA is the regulatory body working under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Finance. It looks after overall
supervision and regulation of pension across India. It is the regulator of National Pension System and also
ensures orderly growth & development of the pension market.
Members of PFRDA
It consists of a chairperson and six members. Out of 6 members, at least three shall be whole-time
members. Members are appointed by the Central Government.
Which act was passed to set up PFRDA?
Interim Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority (PFRDA) was established on August 23, 2003 by
a resolution passed by Government of India in order to promote, develop and regulate pension sector. Later,
in September 2013, Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority Act was passed and was notified in
February 2014.
September 23: International Day of Sign Languages
The International Day of Sign Languages was observed on September 23, 2021 to raise awareness
regarding the importance of sign language.
Key facts
The day is observed every year by the UN General Assembly.
It is observed with the objective of raising awareness on the importance of sign language in full
realisation of human rights of deaf people.
This day provides a unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural
diversity of deaf people and other people who uses sign language.
It also acknowledges the early access to sign language and several services in sign language such as
quality education which is vital for the development and growth of deaf individual.

Theme of the day
Theme of the International Day of Sign Languages, 2021 was declared by the World Federation of the Deaf.
The theme is- “We Sign For Human Rights”. The theme highlights how each of us, deaf and hearing people,
can work together to promote the recognition of our right of using sign languages in all areas of life.
Background
First ever International Day of Sign Language was observed on September 23, 2018 across the world, with
the theme “With Sign Language, Everyone is Included!”. The day was celebrated as part of the International
Week of the Deaf, which is observed during September 24 to 30. The International Week of the Deaf was
first celebrated in the year 1958 and has evolved into a global movement of deaf unity since then.
Who proclaimed the day?
The International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA).
September 25, 2021
India and Japan PMs' First-in-person Meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Japanese counterpart Yoshihide Suga in-person on September 23,
2021.
Key Points
During the meeting, both the leaders reaffirmed their commitment towards a free, open and inclusive
Indo-Pacific region.
They reviewed multi-faceted bilateral relationship as well as exchanged views on recent global
developments like in Afghanistan.
This meeting was held ahead of the first in-person Quad meeting which will be hosted by US
President Joe Biden.
Prime Ministers also agreed to enhance bilateral security and defence cooperation including in the
area of defence equipment and technologies.
SCRI Initiative
Leaders welcomed the launch of “Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI)” between India, Japan and
Australia. It is a collaborative mechanism that will enable resilient, diversified and trustworthy supply
chains.
PM Modi highlighted the need of developing bilateral partnerships in manufacturing, MSME and skill
development.
They also discussed Covid-19 pandemic and efforts to address it. Leaders highlighted the increasing
importance of digital technologies and evaluated the progress on India-Japan Digital Partnership.
Views were exchanged on further collaboration in various emerging technologies.
Climate change issues and green energy transition issues were also discussed.
Progress on bilateral developmental projects in North Eastern Region of India, under the India-Japan
Act East Forum was also reviewed.
SSW agreement
To operationalise the Specified Skilled workers (SSW) agreement Japanese side will undertake skill and
language tests in India from early 2022. SSW agreement was signed between India and Japan in April 2019.
MAHSR project
Both the sides reaffirmed their commitment to advance efforts towards facilitate the smooth and timely
implementation of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project.
PLI scheme for Automobile, components manufacturers
Union Government notified regarding the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile & Auto
components on September 23, 2021.
Highlights
Earlier government had approved the PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component Industry on
September 15, 2021.
The PLI Scheme for the auto sector seeks to overcome the cost disabilities of the industry for
manufacturing Advanced Automotive Technology products across India.
This incentive structure will encourage industries in making fresh investments for indigenous global
supply chain for Advanced Automotive Technology products.
Investments in Automobile sector
According to an estimate, the Automobile and Auto Components Industry will lead to investments of more
than Rs 42,500 crores over a period of five years. It will also lead to an incremental production of about Rs
2.3 lakh crore and create additional employment opportunities of 7.5 lakh jobs. As a result, India’s share in
global automotive trade will increase.
About the PLI scheme for auto sector
PLI Scheme for Auto sector is open to existing Automotive companies and new non-Automotive investor
companies. It has two components namely, Component Champion Incentive Scheme and Champion OEM
Incentive Scheme. This scheme will be implemented for a period of five years starting from Financial Year
2022-2023. Financial Year 2019-20 will be treated as Base Year for calculation of Eligible sales.
1. Champion OEM Incentive Scheme: This scheme is a ‘sales value linked’ scheme. It is applicable on
Battery Electric Vehicles and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles of all segments.
2. Component Champion Incentive Scheme: This scheme is a ‘sales value linked’ scheme. It is
applicable on pre-approved Advanced Automotive Technology components of all vehicles.
H.P.: World's highest EV charging station opened
World’s highest EV charging station was opened at Kaza town, which is located in of Lahaul and Spiti
district of Himachal Pradesh.
Highlights
The EV charging station was opened on September 23, 2021 in order to promote a sustainable
environment.
It is the world’s highest electric vehicle charging station located at 500 ft.
Along with the EV charging station, two women drove electric vehicles from Manali to Kaza to
promote a clean and green environment.
All the products including chargers of this station are made in India.
India’s EV ecosystem
India is gaining good momentum in the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. There is a good response for
battery-operated small electric vehicles such as e-scooter, e-rickshaws, electric three-wheelers, e-carts, and
e-bikes in India. Currently, road ministry is planning to run railway, metro, and long-run intercity buses on
green hydrogen fuel. Battery electric vehicle as well as fuel cell vehicle technologies are complementary to
each other. These technologies are all set to overtake fossil-run automotive by 2050 in India.
Kaza Town
Kaza Town is the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti Valley. It is located in western Himalayas in Lahaul
and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. Spiti is a high altitude or cold desert which is having close
similarities to the neighbouring Tibet and Ladakh regions with respect to the terrain, climate and the
Buddhist culture. Kaza is situated along the Spiti River, at the elevation of 3,650 metres. It is the largest
township and commercial center in Spiti valley.

KVIC sets up Odisha’s first silk yarn production centre
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has started a historic initiative to set up first ever Tussar
Silk Yarn Production Centre at Choudwar in Cuttack district in Odisha.
Key Points
The silk yarn production centre was inaugurated on September 24, 2021 by Chairman of KVIC, Vinai
Kumar Saxena.
This centre will ensure local availability of Tussar Silk yarn, reduce the silk production cost as well as
create local employment.
Tussar silk is one of the finest varieties of Silk. It is distinguished by its coarseness and porous
weave, giving it a rugged and rustic appearance.
This centre was set up at a cost of Rs 75 lakh.
It is capable of producing 200 KG of silk yarn of worth Rs 94 lakh annually.
Silk production in Odisha
Odisha has been known for exquisite Silk production, particularly the Tussar variety. This industry provides
livelihood to thousands of tribal people, particularly women in the state. But the Silk weavers were totally
dependent on states such as West Bengal, Karnataka and Jharkhand for the Silk yarn. This in turn,
increased the cost of the Silk fabric here.
Significance of the Production centre in Odisha
Opening up of the Tussar Silk Yarn Production Centre in Odisha is of great significance because Silk
comprises nearly 75% of the total Khadi fabric production in the State alone. This production centre will be
creating direct employment for 50 artisans including 34 women. It will also provide livelihood support to
more than 300 tribal farmers engaged in cocoon farming. This centre will also create indirect employment
for weavers. Every kilo of raw silk produced will create employment for 11 artisans of which 6 are women.
Italy recognizes India's Covishield Vaccine
Italy has recognised Covishield vaccine against the Coronavirus on September 24, 2021.
Highlights
Covieshield vaccine against coronavirus was jointly developed by Oxford University & pharma giant
AstraZeneca while it was manufactured by the Serum Institute of India.
With this recognition by Italy, Indian cardholders inoculated by covishield vaccine would now be
eligible to get an Italian green pass.
This recognition is an outcome of a meeting between Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and his
Italian counterpart Roberto Speranza.
Health Minister’s visit to Italy
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya was on the visit to Rome in Italy, for the G20 health ministers’ meeting.
He held talks with Health Minister of Italy on September 6. During the meeting he discussed prioritising
travel for vaccinated Indian students along with other issues.
Which countries have recognised Covishield?
16 countries from the European Union (EU) have recognised the India’s Covishield vaccine, so far. This
recognition would make it easier for citizens to avail the benefits of EU Digital Covid Certificate or “green
pass”. Besides Italy, countries such as Switzerland, Austria, Iceland, Bulgaria, Finland, Greece, Germany,
Latvia, Hungary, Ireland, Slovenia, Netherland, Spain, Sweden, Estonia have recognised the vaccine.
About Green Pass
Green Pass aims to facilitate free movement amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. This pass exempts
individuals from travel restrictions within the EU region. The EU provided the freedom to 27 member-states
to decide which vaccines they want to include on their approved list.

DFC- USAID announce $55 mn guarantee programme in India
The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) have jointly decided to sponsor a $55 million credit guarantee programme in India.
This announcement was made on September 24, 2021.
Key Points
This credit guarantee programme seeks to address the economic impact of covid-19.
It will support the loans to farmer producer organizations, ag-tech companies, and companies that
are engaged in clean energy solutions for agriculture sector.
This initiative will also introduce and support clean technologies for small-holder farmers, with
special emphasis on women. This in turn will improve market linkages and increase incomes. It is
also having a positive impact on the environment.
Technical Assistance
This Financial support will be complemented by the technical assistance led by the Rabo Foundation.
Technical assistance will focus on areas of business management and help in building stronger linkages for
markets.
Who are the lenders?
Loans to farmer producer organizations will be provided by three lenders of India namely- Samunnati
Financial, Avanti Finance and Maanaveeya.
Why this initiative was launched?
This initiative was launched because, USAID believe that providing farmers with access to cleaner and
affordable technology will improve livelihood and climate resilience of the community. Clean technologies
also offer a sustainable alternative in order to meet the agricultural demand, to address food insecurity as
well as to improve nutritional outcomes. This support initiative will address the health and economic needs
of vulnerable farmer communities.
$2.5-bn contract signed for 56 Airbus C-295 military aircraft
Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a $2.5 billion contract for the acquisition of 56 Airbus C-295 aircraft
Key Facts
56 Airbus C-295 aircraft will replace the Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) legacy fleet of Avro HS-748 aircraft.
As per contract, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition. It will be delivered from
its final assembly line in Seville, Spain.
Other 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled in India by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL).
Manufacturing will be done in India as part of an industrial partnership between Airbus and TASL.
Operator of C-295
Indian Air Force will become the 35th operator of C-295 aircraft worldwide.
Order of C-295 aircraft
Airbus had obtained orders for 278 of the aircraft. Out of which 200 are already in operation.
Avro replacement programme
Under the “Avro replacement programme”, a private sector firm will build an entire aircraft in India for the
first time. It will be developing an entire industrial ecosystem ranging from manufacture, assembly, testing
and qualification, delivery to the maintenance of aircraft’s lifecycle.
Specification of C-295 aircrafts
C-295 aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW-127 turbo-prop engines, which is a part of the PW-100
family. It can transport up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers along with battle loads. It can also ferry supplies
to locations which are not accessible by the heavier transport aircraft of IAF. It can also be used for medical

evacuation, using basic litters or mobile intensive care units (ICU) comprising of life support equipment.
Interactive digital airspace map for drone operations released
Ministry of Civil Aviation released an “interactive digital airspace map” for flying drones, that demarcates
areas into different zones for flying drones across India.
Highlights
Zones for flying drones also include yellow and red zones.
The release of the map is in line with the revamped drone rules which are based on premises of self-
certification and non-intrusive monitoring of the activities.
Airspace map may be modified from time to time by authorised entities.
Under the drone rules, that were notified on August 25, 2021, several permissions have been done
away with. Number of forms required has been reduced from 25 to 5. Types of fees have also been
drastically reduced from 74 to 4.
Zones of flying drone
To fly the drone and for drone operations, interactive digital airspace map divides the zones into three
categories namely, green, yellow and red.
Green zone is the airspace up to 400 feet. This zone has not been designated as red or yellow zone.
Yellow zone is the airspace above 400 feet in the designated green zone.
Red zone is the area within which drones can be operated with the permission of central government.
Significance of Drones
Drones offer several benefits to all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, infrastructure, mining,
surveillance, emergency response, geo-spatial mapping, transportation, defence, and law enforcement etc.
Drones can also be significant creators of employment and economic growth because of their reach,
versatility, and ease of use.
India’s potential as drone hub
Considering the traditional strengths of India in innovation, information technology, frugal engineering as
well as huge domestic demand, it has the potential to become a global drone hub by 2030.
RBI permits transfer of fraud loans to ARCs.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed, on September 23, 2021, lenders to sell loans that are tagged as
fraud to the asset reconstruction companies (ARCs).
Key facts
This permission by RBI potentially paves the way for focussed recovery efforts on loans worth
trillions of rupees.
As per RBI’s annual report, banks have reported frauds of about Rs 95 trillion in between Financial
Year 2019 and Financial Year 2021.
With RBI’s permission, now banks can sell stressed loans in default for more than 60 days or those
classified as bad loan including the fraudulent loans. However, this permission is subject to some
conditions.
However, transfer of these exposures to an ARC does not absolve the lender from fixing staff
accountability which is required under the extant instructions on frauds.
Currently, lenders are not permitted to transfer fraudulent loans to asset turnaround companies. But
the recent change in norms will allow ARCs to buy more assets as well as the National Asset
Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL) to partake in more asset resolutions. It will thus lead to a
faster clean-up.
Significance of the new norm
The new norm has open significant opportunities for banks as well as asset reconstruction companies as it

would allow them to probably buy these assets at a greater discount rather than regular bad loans.
How lenders sell stressed loans?
Lenders sell stressed loans to ARCs at a discount, in exchange for cash or a mix of cash & security receipts.
These receipts are redeemable after ARC has recovered the specific loan. ARCs charge an asset
management fee of 1.5-2% of the asset annually. Once an account is declared fraud, banks are required to
set aside 100% of the outstanding loans.
QUAD Leaders’ Summit 2021 – Highlights
The first in-person meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) of India, Australia, the United
States and Japan, was held in Washington on September 24, 2021.
Highlights
Meeting was participated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with leaders of the US, Japan, and
Australia. US President Joe Biden is hosting all of them at the White House.
During the meeting, leaders also agreed to keep a careful eye on Pakistan, as its historic rival has
been an instigator of trouble in Afghanistan.
PM Modi shared concerns regarding extremist elements in Afghanistan
India’s Proposal at Quad
During the meeting, PM Modi noted that, four nations of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue came
together in the interest of humanity amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
He added that “Quad vaccine initiative” will help Indo-Pacific nations.
At the summit, he proposed a common international travelling protocol which involves mutual
recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificate, which was well received by other leaders.
India proposed to allow Quad to export of 8 million Indo-Pacific vaccine doses by October 2021 in line
with a deal between grouping of Australia, India, Japan and the United States in March 2021.
Australia’s proposal
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison noted that, Indo-Pacific should be free from coercion in line with
the international law and sovereign rights.
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)
It is a strategic dialogue between India, United States, Japan and Australia. This dialogue was initiated in
2007 by Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe. It was paralleled by joint military exercise called ‘Exercise
Malabar’.
India's clean energy commitments at UN summit
During the first leader-level meeting on energy, under the UN General Assembly, India has made
commitments to increase the renewable energy installed capacity to 450 GW by 2030.
Key Points
India has also committed to develop and implement a National Hydrogen Energy Mission in order to
boost the annual green hydrogen production to 1 MT by 2030.
It also announced to start a Production Linked Incentive Scheme which will help in adding 10 GW
solar PV manufacturing capacity by 2025.
India’s commitments were the part of new multi-billion-dollar commitments that countries made in
order to increase renewables and access to electricity & clean cooking technologies at the critical
summit.
The summit was aimed at boosting efforts towards reducing the ranks of about 800 million people
living in energy poverty. It also seeks to set the world on a trajectory towards net-zero-emissions by
2050.

Production Capacity of Compressed Biogas
India also announced to establish a 15 MMT production capacity of compressed biogas by 2024 and
achieve 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol by the year 2025-26. It seeks to enhance energy efficiency in
agriculture, industry, buildings and transport sectors besides promoting energy-efficient appliances &
equipment in a bid to reduce India’s emissions intensity of GDP by 33-35 per cent by 2030.
Commitments by other countries
About 35 countries including Small Island, Developing States and major emerging & industrialized
economies have made new energy commitments in the form of Energy Compacts. They also announced
partnership initiatives with the aim of providing and improving access to reliable electricity.
PM Modi to address UNGA in New York
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly in
New York on September 25, 2021.
Highlights
PM Modi is the first world leader who is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly.
The UN General Assembly session is expected tp commence from 6.30 pm IST.
PM Modi reached New York after holding his first bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden on
September 24.
He also attended his first in-person Quad summit, hosted by Joe Biden.
Theme of UNGA Debate
Theme for General Debate for year 2021 is “Building Resilience through hope to recover from Covid-19,
rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalise the
United Nations”.
Who will address the session?
According to second provisional list of speakers of General Assembly, 109 heads of state and government
are going to address the General Debate in person while 60 will deliver speeches by pre-recorded video
statements.
PM Modi’s address
PM Modi had addressed the UN General Assembly session in the year 2019. In the year 2021, world leaders
had submitted pre-recorded video statements for the session due to the coronavirus pandemic.
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
UNGA is one among the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN). It serves as the main policymaking
and representative organ of the UN. It is also responsible for the UN budget, appointment of non-permanent
members to the Security Council, appointment of the Secretary-General of the United Nations etc. it is the
only UN organ where all the member states have equal representation.
China declares all Cryptocurrency transactions illegal
Central bank of China has declared all the Cryptocurrency transactions illegal on September 23, 2021.
Key Points
The global values of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin have massively fluctuated in during
2020-2021 partly due to Chinese regulations, that sought to prevent speculation and money
laundering.
According to People’s Bank of China (PBOC), Virtual currency-related business activities are illegal
financial activities.
Offenders will be “investigated for criminal liability” in accordance with the law.
Chinese notice has banned all the related financial activities involving cryptocurrencies like
transactions involving virtual currency derivatives, selling tokens, trading crypto, and illegal

fundraising.
Why ban was put?
According to People’s Bank of China, trading of Bitcoin and other virtual currencies had become widespread
and are disrupting economic & financial order. It also gave rise to money laundering, fraud, illegal fund-
raising, pyramid schemes and other illegal & criminal activities. These disruptions were seriously
endangering the safety of assets of the people. Considering these facts, China has declared all the
Cryptocurrency transactions illegal.
Significance of the ban for China
Crypto crackdown has opened up gates for China to introduce its own digital currency. China’s own digital
currency is already in the pipeline. It will allow the central government of China to monitor transactions.
Background
Crypto creation and trading have already been illegal in China since 2019.
About Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is a binary data that have been designed to work as a medium of exchange. Here, individual
coin ownership records are stored in a ledger which is existing in the form of a computerized database.
Strong cryptography are used to secure transaction records, control the creation of additional coins as well
to verify the transfer of coin ownership.
September 27, 2021
Switzerland legalises Same-sex Marriage
Voters in Switzerland decided to legalize same-sex marriage on September 26, 2021. It makes Switzerland
one of the last countries in Western Europe to do so.
Key Points
Apart from opening up the option of marriage to all couples, government also approved an
amendment to Switzerland’s marriage law which was put to voters in a referendum.
This law also grants lesbian couples to get access to sperm banks as well as allows same-sex
couples to adopt children.
Under the amended law, same-sex couples will be able to have a civil wedding. They will be granted
the same institutional and legal rights as heterosexual couples.
They will be granted simplified naturalization for foreign partner.
Law was approved through a referendum, in which polls predicted widespread approval for same-sex
marriage in the country.
The legislation change was accepted by 64.1 percent of voters. It also received strong support in
urban as well as rural areas.
Background
Federal government has approved the marriage laws in year 2020 and in the line, parliament had also
approved them, granting all couples the same rights. However, opponents were seeking to limit marriages
to unions between a man and a woman. Thus, they collected signatures to force a referendum.
Same sex couple in Switzerland
Same-sex couples in Switzerland have been able to enter into a civil partnership since 2007. It grants them
some legal rights. However, it is not equal to a marriage.
Country not allowing same sex marriage
Italy is the only country in Western Europe which does not allow marriage between same-sex couples. It only
allows civil unions.
Group of ministers to rationalise GST rates
Government has tasked a group of ministers (GoM) headed by Chief Minister of Karnataka, Basavaraj S.
Bommai to propose a rationalisation of tax rates and consider the merger of different tax slabs within two
months.
Highlights
With the move, the government seeks to set the stage for an overhaul of the multiple tax rates under
the Goods and Services Tax regime.
Presently, the GST regime has five broad tax rate slabs viz., zero, 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%.
Apart from that, a cess is levied over and above the 28% rate on some goods and special rates are
decided for items like precious stones and diamonds.
Background
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced, after a GST Council meeting on September 17, to set
up two GoMs to shore up revenues. One of the panels was to look at tax rate rationalisation issues in order
to correct anomalies. During the meeting, finance minister had indicated that the effective tax rate under the
GST had decreased from original revenue neutral rate of 15.5% to 11.6%. The rate was decreased because
of multiple rate cuts since the introduction of GST in July 2017.
Seven-member group
A seven-member group was constituted by the Finance Ministry on September 24. The group is headed by
Basavaraj S. Bommai and it includes West Bengal Finance Minister of West Bengal Amit Mitra and Finance
Minister of Kerala K.N. Balagopal besides the GST Council members from Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and
Rajasthan. Group has been asked to recommend immediate changes and a roadmap for short term and
medium term changes in GST rate structure.
China Evergrande Debt Crisis- Things to Know
The debt crisis at world’s most indebted property developer, China Evergrande Group, casted new light on
the health of real estate market in China.
Key Points
As per Rushi Advanced Institute of Finance, condominium prices in Shenzhen city are now 57 times
greater than the average annual income and 55 times greater than the income in Beijing.
Prices in China are much greater than the Japan’s bubble economy in 1990, when Tokyo condos were
18 times greater than the average annual income.
Homes are beyond the reach of average households while investors fear President Xi Jinping could
take measures to cool the bubble, especially in light of his “common prosperity campaign” that
envisions a more equitable economy in which fruits of development are widely shared.
Such moves increase the risk of puncturing the bubble and trigger a downward spiral, making a soft-landing
imperative. If this situation is mishandled; it could push the China into an economic downturn.
Red Lines in China
In 2020, People’s Bank of China had put out three “red lines” that major real estate developers needed to be
careful about in terms of their financial status. Central bank sought to make it difficult for developers to
increase leverage by forcing real estate companies to stay within a debt-to-asset ratio.
Common Prosperity campaign
In August 2021, China had launched a political campaign on the theme of “common prosperity”. It aims to
tackle inequality in China. Major element of the inequality in China is the money that wealthy make through
real estate speculation.
IIT-D launches Centre on Quantum Technologies
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has set up a ‘Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Quantum
Technologies’ in a bid to conduct research activities in the related field.

Key Points
This CoE will bring synergy and coherence in the activities that are being carried out at IIT Delhi,
It will also support the principal investigators to pitch in for several significant projects from the DST
and other agencies.
Focus areas of CoE
The centre of Excellence will focus on select thrust areas including quantum computing, quantum sensing &
metrology, quantum communication and quantum materials & devices. Centre would undertake the design
and development of new quantum materials. It would also undertake research activities related to the
quantum processor & cryogenic controller, modelling and technology development of semiconducting
qubits such as CMOS and 2D materials, quantum biophotonics, quantum sensing & metrology, development
of single-photon detectors etc.
Significance of quantum physics
Quantum physics has impacted society in an unprecedented way, in some 100 years. In order to exploit the
characteristics of quantum physics in light & materials, researchers invented both laser and the transistor.
Inventions ranging form the basis of information technology, computers, the internet, etc has shaped the
society up to a large extent. It was the first quantum revolution.
Second quantum revolution
Second quantum revolution is now round the corner. It is benefitting enormously from the advancements of
ability to detect and manipulate single quantum objects like photons and atoms.
CSIR innovation award presented
Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu presented the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
innovation on September 26, 2021.
Key Facts
Awards were presented to two Class 10 students from Udupi district in a virtual ceremony.
Those students are Anusha and Rakshitha Naik from Charamakki Narayana Shetty Memorial
Government High School in Ardi Village.
They received the award for their project named “Gas Saving Kit”.
Award was sponsored by the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, that will reach to students in
a week, via post.
It comprises of a cash prize of Rs 20,000.
Background
0f all, 14 schools have been awarded from across the country.
Out of 14 schools, Charamakki Narayana Shetty Memorial Government High School is the only
government school to get this award.
About the project
Both the students developed gas saving kit. This kit would enable a family of four to source hot water for
bathing as well as cooking food simultaneously. It will also allow water to flow through a copper coiled
frame which have been kept over a flaming stove. In the process, water flowing through the outlet pipe is
heated.
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
CSIR was established in September 1942 by the Government of India as an autonomous body. It is the
largest research and development organisation in India. It is mainly funded by the Ministry of Science and
Technology. However, it operates as an autonomous body under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The
research and development activities the organisation comprises of structural engineering, aerospace
engineering, ocean sciences, chemicals, mining, life sciences, metallurgy, food, leather, petroleum, and

environmental science.
Military Engineering Services Day
th
99 Military Engineering Services Raising Day was observed on September 26, 2021.
Highlights
On this occasion Lt Gen Harpal Singh Engineer-in-Chief, urged all the Military Engineer Services personnel to
continue dedicating themselves to the Military Engineering Services.
About Military Engineer Services (MES)
MES is a premier construction agency and an important pillar of Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army. It
provides rear line engineering support to the Armed Forces and other associated organisations of the
Ministry of Defence (MoD). MES is the largest construction and maintenance agencies in India having an
annual workload of about Rs 30000 crore.
Function of MES
MES carries out multifarious construction activities like residential and office buildings, roads, hospitals,
runways and marine structures across India it is also involved in construction of conventional buildings,
sophisticated & complex laboratories, workshops, factories, hangars, dockyards, ammunition storage
facilities, jetties or wharves and other complex or special structures.
Significance of the MES
MES has played significant role during the Covid-19 pandemic. It ensured that “Uninterrupted
Essential Services” reaches in all military stations.
It also played a key role in creating and modifying several existing assets into COVID care facilities in
India. It constructed a multispecialty hospital in Pune that provides state of the art medical facilities.
The hospital was inaugurated in Jan 2021.
In order to be in line with contemporary construction technologies, MES has adopted Engineering
Procurement and Construction (EPC) methodology to tender large value projects.
It has also been in the forefront to ensure overall fiscal prudence and reducing electricity tariff.
MES is also committed towards energy conservation and eco-system by adopting Solar Power
projects, LED-isation and GRIHA green building norms.
MoRD and NIRD&PR present Hunarbaaz Awards
National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), Hyderabad under the Ministry of
Rural Development (MoRD) presented “Hunarbaaz Awards” to 75 diyangjan candidates.
Highlights
Awards were presented to candidates from 15 states as a part of Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav on
September 25, 2021.
September 25 also marked the occasion of Antyodaya Diwas which is observed on birth anniversary
of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya.
Virtual award ceremony was organised by NIRDPR with MoRD, in collaboration with the State Rural
Livelihood Missions (SRLMs) and Rural Self-employment Training Institutes.
CEOs of SRLMs and Directors of RSETIs presented the awards at respective states to the specially-
abled achievers.
DDU-GKY and RSETI ka Hunarbaaz Awards
These awards have been instituted by the NIRD&PR, Hyderabad. These awards are presented to the
candidates who were trained under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) and
Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETI) schemes and got placed & worked in the organizations
for more than one year.

About DDU-GKY
Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Venkaiah Naidu launched DDU-GKY on September 25, 2014 on the
occasion of 98th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. It was launched with the vision of
“Transforming poor youth from rural India into an economically independent and globally relevant
workforce”. It is aimed at targeting youth, in the age group of 15–35 years. This scheme is a part of the
National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and is tasked with the dual objectives of adding diversity to the
incomes of poor families and cater to the career aspirations of youth from rural India. A corpus of Rs 1,500
crore was dedicated for this purpose. Under it, disbursements are made through a digital voucher directly
into the bank account of students.
PM Modi launches Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission on September 27, 2021.
Key Points
Under this mission, a unique digital health ID will be provided to the people. This ID will contain all the
health records of person.
This mission was launched under the pilot project National Digital Health Mission.
The nationwide rollout of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission coincides with the third anniversary of
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). Third anniversary is being marked
by the National Health Authority (NHA).
Background
Prime Minister had announced the pilot project of National Digital Health Mission from the Red Fort on
August 15, 2020.
About Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
Presently, this project is being implemented in the pilot phase across six Union Territories.
This mission will also enable the access and exchange of longitudinal health records people with
their consent.
Key components of this project include:
1. A Health ID for every citizen. It will also work as their health account. Through this ID, personal health
records can be linked and viewed using a mobile application.
2. Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR) and
3. Healthcare Facilities Registries (HFR)- It will act as a repository of all healthcare providers in modern
as well as traditional systems of medicine.
This mission will also ensure ease of doing business for doctors & hospitals and healthcare service
providers. It will also create interoperability within the digital health ecosystem, on the line of role played by
the Unified Payments Interface in revolutionising payments.
India is Dubai's second biggest trade partner
India has emerged as the second biggest trading partner of Dubai, after China. India’s overall volume, in the
first half of 2021, is touching 38.5 billion dirhams.
Key Points
As per a statement of Dubai government, Dubai had a trade volume of 86.7 billion dirham with China
in H1 (first half) of 2021. It is followed by India and the U.S. respectively at second and third
positions.
Trade with India has increased by 74.5% year-on-year to 67.1 billion dirhams in 2021 from 38.5 billion
dirham in H1 of year 2020.
China recorded a growth of 30.7% growth year-on-year. It is having a total trade of 66.3 billion

dirhams with Dubai in H1 2021.
In H1 2021, the US traded 32 billion dirhams with Dubai. This amount has increased by 1% year-on-
year from 31.7 billion dirhams in 2020.
Saudi Arabia was placed at fourth position with the trade value of 30.5 billion dirhams. It has
increased by 26% as compared to H1 quarter of 2020.
Saudi Arabia is followed by Switzerland with trade volume of 24.8 billion dirham.
Total share of trade partners
Total share of the five biggest trade partners in H1 of 2021 amounted to 241.21 billion dirhams as
compared to 185.06 billion dirhams in H1 of 2020. It has increased by 30.34%.
Which commodities topped the list of trade?
Gold topped the list of commodities in H1 external trade of Dubai, amounting to 138.8 billion dirhams. It
accounts for 19.2% of Dubai trade. Gold is followed by telecoms amounting to 13% of total trade. It is
followed by Diamonds, jewellery and vehicle trade. Non-oil external trade of Dubai has increased by 31% in
the first half of 2021.
September 27: World Tourism Day
World Tourism Day is observed by the United Nations Organisations (UNO) on September 27, every year.
Theme of the day
In the year 2021, world tourism day was observed under the theme- ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’. This
theme was designated by World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) considering the ongoing COVID-19
pandemic. The pandemic had a massive social and economic impact on the developed as well as the
developing economies. So, the organisation believes that, tourism will help in the recovery and growth of the
economies.
Significance of tourism sector
As per official website of United Nations Organisations (UNO), tourism is the most important economic
sectors that employs and provide livelihood to one in every tenth person on Earth. In several countries,
tourism represent more than 20 per cent of their GDP. The constant growth of the tourism sector in the last
six decades reflects more progressive access towards tourism because of declining cost of transport and
growth of middle classes worldwide.
Background
UNWTO had instituted the World Tourism Day during a meeting that took place in Spain. This meeting
commenced first celebration of the day in the year 1980. September 27 was chosen as the date to coincide
with the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes. UNWTO statutes were adopted on
September 27, 1970.
Tourism amid covid-19
As per UNO, biggest crisis in the history of tourism was witnessed during 2020-2021. The international
tourist arrivals were 85 per cent lesser as compared to tourism is 2019. It witnessed a drop of 65 per cent in
2020, in between January and May. However, despite a small revival in May 2021, emergence of new
COVID-19 variants & continued restrictions are slowing the recovery of international travel. Though,
domestic tourism has rebounded in many parts of the globe.
Weaver Services and Design Resource Center to be set up in Kullu
Union Minister for Commerce, Industry and Textiles Piyush Goyal announced to set up a “Weaver Services
and Design Resource Center” in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.
Key Points
This centre will help in encouraging the attractive handicraft products of the state and provide a
better platform to export these products at the international market.

The Minister announced this while addressing at an interaction programme with handicrafts and
handloom artisans.
Programme was organized under ‘Seva & Samarpan Abhiyan’ to commemorate the golden jubilee year
of statehood of Himachal Pradesh on September 27, 2021.
Weaving in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh has the tremendous talent and potential with magical hands that weaves beautiful art
products. Thus, there is a need to work proactively by State & Central Ministries in order to bring these
products into the international market to get more befits. More attention should be paid on modernizing the
design, packaging, quality and marketing in order to provide weavers a better price for their products at
international market.
District-wise exhibitions
The union minister also suggested to organize district-wise exhibitions of products from the state in big
cities, in five star hotels and people associated with the textile industry so that branding could be done for
these products at national and international level. He also asked the weavers to get their trademark for
which central government reduced the registration fee by 80 percent. He also urged the State Industries
Department to focus on ways and means of improving the quality of wool used in manufacturing of
handloom and handicraft products. According to the minister, there is a paramount need of focusing on
standardized packaging.
Lewis Hamilton: First F1 driver to win 100 Grands Prix
Lewis Hamilton has become the first ever Formula-one driver who reached to his 100 wins after finishing at
first in the Russian Grand Prix on September 26, 2021.
Key Points
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time World Champion, overtook the long-time race leader Lando Norris late
on.
Norris, was aiming for a maiden Grand Prix victory. He was leading for most of the race.
Hamilton finished over 53 seconds ahead of the second-placed Max Verstappen. Max had started at
back of the grid after Red Bull took a new engine.
Hamilton also moved back to the top of driver’s championship standings ahead of Verstappen.
Hamilton is already holding the record for most F1 wins.
Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton
He is a British racing driver and currently competes in Formula One for Mercedes. He has previously driven
for McLaren from 2007 to 2012. Hamilton has won the joint-record seven World Drivers’ Championship titles
in Formula One. He also holds the records for the most wins, podium finishes and pole positions.
Background
Hamilton was born and raised in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. In the year 1998, he joined the McLaren young
driver programme. This led to a Formula One drive in 2007 with McLaren. In 2007 season, Hamilton set
numerous records and finished runner-up to Kimi Raikkonen by one point. In the next season, he won his
maiden title in dramatic fashion and become the then-youngest Formula One World Champion in history.
September 28, 2021
Indo-US Health Dialogue 2021- Highlights
th
4 session of the Indo-US Health Dialogue 2021 was inaugurated on September 27, 2021. This session is
being hosted by India.
Key Points
During the session, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Bharati Pravin Pawar,
articulated mutual solidarity and relentless support between India and the United States (US) during
Covid-19 pandemic.
Indo-US Health dialogue is a two-day Dialogue platform that deliberate upon multiple ongoing
collaborations between both the countries in the health sector.
It will conclude on September 28.
Agenda of the session
For the 4th session, issues that have been planned for deliberations also encompass areas of concern
related to
Strengthening of epidemiological research and surveillance,
Vaccine development,
One Health,
Zoonotic and vector-borne diseases,
Health systems and health policies.
India-US Collaboration in Health
In the session, union minister also commended the way in which India and the US have enhanced
their collaboration in the fields of research & development, with respect to pharmaceuticals,
therapeutics, and vaccine development.
She recognised a MoU signed in 2020 on mental health and acknowledged the enhanced cooperation
and bilateral ties in the health sector.
According to her, there is a need to focus on these emerging areas in order to prevent and control
infectious diseases by relying on well-designed and validated scientific approaches.
MoU between India and US
In the meeting, another MoU between the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Department of
Health & Human Services of the US, in the health sector, was finalised. Under the MoU, major areas of
cooperation include Health Safety & Security; Communicable Diseases & Non-Communicable Diseases;
Health Policy and Health Systems.
NCW Launches Training Program for Women in Dairy Farming
National Commission for Women (NCW) launched a nationwide training and capacity building programme
for women in dairy farming.
Key Facts
To launch the training programme, NCW is collaborating with agricultural universities in India in order
to identify and train women working in the field of dairy farming and allied activities in several like
value addition, quality enhancement and packaging & marketing of dairy products.
First programme under this project was organised on ”Value Added Dairy products” at Lala Lajpat Rai
University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences in Hisar for women self-help groups. It was organised in
collaboration with the Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission.
Why this programme was launched?
This programme was launched because women in rural India are involved in every part of dairy farming but
they have not attained financial independence. Thus, this project was launched with the aim of empower
women and help them in achieving them financial independence.
How financial independence would be ensured?
This project seeks to help women in achieving financial independence by training them in aspects like
quality enhancement of dairy products, value addition, packaging and marketing of their products and
increasing the shelf life of products.
National Commission for Women (NCW)
NCW is the statutory body that advises the government on all policy matters related to women. The body

was established on January 31, 1992 under the provisions of the Indian Constitution. It was established by
an act called National Commission for Women Act, 1990.
What is Dark Energy?
Recently, an international team of researchers directly detected the dark energy with the help of advanced
technologies and new experiments.
Highlights
Dark energy is a mysterious form of energy, making up about 68% of the universe. This energy has
intrigued physicists as well as astronomers for decades.
Researchers noticed some unexpected results in an underground experiment and noted that. dark
energy may be responsible for it.
The XENON1T Experiment
XENON1T experiment is the most sensitive dark matter experiment in the world. It was operated deep
underground at INFN Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso, Italy. Finding of the experiment suggests that
experiments like XENON1T could be used to detect dark energy.
What is Dark energy?
Dark energy makes up about 68% of the universe. 27% of the universe is made up of dark matter while
planets, moons & massive galaxies make up only 5% of the universe. Dark matter attracts & holds galaxies
together on the other hand, dark energy repels & causes the expansion of universe.
How dark energy was detected?
While conducting the XENON1T experiment, researchers reported an unexpected signal. There was some
background noise and the electrons in XENON1T move a bit on their own even with no dark matter or dark
energy around due to the noise. This excess was probably caused by the dark energy.
When dark energy can be directly detected?
As per researchers, upcoming upgrades to the XENON1T experiment and similar experiments like LUX-
Zeplin could help in detecting the dark energy directly.
ICRA revises FY22 GDP Growth Forecast to 9%
Ratings agency ICRA has revised its real GDP growth forecast for India on September 27, 2021 for Financial
Year 2022 (FY22). Its GDP forecast has changed from 8.5% to 9 per cent.
Highlights
ICRA credited the upward revision in the GDP to the brightening prospects for second quarter of FY22
which is expected to benefit as a result of rapid Covid-19 vaccine administration, healthy advance
estimates of kharif output as well as easing of cash management measures related to the spending
of Central government.
Forecast for the GVA growth in agriculture, forestry & fishing have been revised to 3 per cent (from 2
percent) in Q2 & Q3 of FY2022.
Impact of vaccination
According to ICRA, widening coverage of Covid-19 vaccines will boost confidence, which, in turn, will re-
energise the demand for contact-intensive services. It will help in reviving the portions of economy affected
most by covid-19 pandemic. As per ICRA’s estimated, nearly three-fourths of Indian adults will receive their
second Covid-19 vaccine by the end of 2021.
Kharif Output
As per ICRA, robust kharif harvest will sustain the consumption demand from the farm sector. Late sowing
helped in bringing kharif acreage nearly at par with the record area of 2021.
National Monetisation Pipeline
Upturn in the direct tax revenues and commencement of inflows from the ‘National Monetisation Pipeline’

have also improved the revenue visibility for the Central government. This has contributed towards the
withdrawal of extant cash management guidelines, which should accelerate the Central Government’
spending in H2 FY2022.
ICRA Limited (ICRA)
This Indian independent investment information and credit rating agency was established in 1991. Its
original name was Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India Limited (IICRA India). It was a
joint-venture of Moody’s and several Indian commercial banks & financial services companies.
Akash Prime: New version of Akash missile flight-tested
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has tested a new version of Akash
Missile called ‘Akash Prime’ on September 27, 2021.
Highlights
It was launched from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) of Chandipur, Odisha,
Missile intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial target mimicking an enemy aircraft during its
maiden flight test after improvements.
Akash Prime missile has been equipped with an indigenous active RF (radio frequency) seeker for
improving its accuracy.
Other improvements have also been made in order to bring in more reliable performance under low
temperature environments at higher altitudes.
For the flight test, modified ground system of the existing Akash weapon was used.
Range stations of the ITR comprises of Radars, EOTS (Electro Optical Tracking System) and
Telemetry stations. It helped in monitoring the missile trajectory and flight parameters.
Akash Missile
It is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. It was developed by the Defence Research
and Development Organisation (DRDO) Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has produced these missiles.
Surveillance & Fire control radar, missile launcher and tactical control & command center were developed by
Bharat Electronics (BEL), Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division as well as Larsen & Toubro. Range of
the Akash Missile is up to 50–80 km and at altitudes of up to 18,000 m. These missiles can also neutralise
aerial targets such as fighter jets, cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles as well as ballistic missiles. It is in
service with the Indian Army as well as the Indian Air Force.
Akash Prime Missile
Akash Prime is based on the existing Akash SAM. It is equipped with an improved active radio-frequency
(RF) seeker. Missile has also been optimized for low temperature and high-altitude operations with the
modified ground system.
Current Foreign trade policy (FTP) extended till March '22
According to Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal, India’s foreign trade policy (FTP) will be extended for six
months, till March 31, 2022.
Key Facts
FTP was extended just before its previous extension which is ending on September 30, 2021.
FTP for 2015-2020 highlights the basic contours for boosting exports with the aim of enhancing
economic growth.
Background
Central government had extended the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 for one year (till March 31, 2021) on
March 31, 2020. Later, it was extended till September 30, 2021.
About FTP
Under the FTP, government provides incentives for different schemes like Duty Free Import Authorisation

(DFIA) and Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG). FTP (2015-20) was launched on April 1, 2015. It
provides a framework of increasing exports of goods & services, generation of employment and increasing
value addition in India. This policy is in line with schemes like Make in India, Skill India, Digital Indi, Start-up
India as well as Ease of Doing Business initiatives. Its statement describes the market and product strategy.
The policy seeks to enable India in responding to challenges of external environment and make trade a
major contributor in its economic growth & development.
Features of FTP 2015-2020
Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS) and Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) were
launched for increasing exports.
Nomenclature for “Export House, Star Export House, Trading House, Premier Trading House”
certificate changed to “1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Star Export House”
Scrip of Duty credit was made freely transferable and usable for the payments of custom duty and
service tax.
Under it, Export promotion mission took on board the state governments.
Revamped Quarterly employment survey (QES)- Highlights
The revamped quarterly employment survey (QES) for the months April-June was released on September 27,
2021 by Labour and Employment Minister Bhupendra Yadav.
Highlights
As per the survey, estimated total employment across nine selected sectors from first round of QES
was 3 crores-8 lakhs.
A growth rate of 29% was reported from a total of 2.3 crore in the sixth economic census (EC).
Nine selected sectors selected for the survey include- manufacturing, construction, transport, trade,
education, accommodation & restaurant, health, IT/BPO and financial services. These sectors
account for a majority of total employment in non-farm establishments.
Out of total employment in the selected nine sectors, Manufacturing accounts 41%. It is followed by
Education (22%) and Health (8%).
Growth in different sector
As per report, IT/BPO sector witnessed the impressive growth of 152%. Health sector reported the growth of
77%. In education, growth is 39%. In Manufacturing, transport and construction there is a growth of 22%,
68% and 42% respectively.
Employment scenario
Employment in trade has reduced by 25% and in accommodation & restaurant it declined by 13%.
Financial services witnessed a growth of 48% in employment.
As per report, 90% of the establishments have been working with less than 100 workers as against
the figure of 95% during sixth Economic Census (EC).
About 35% of the IT/ BPO establishments worked with 100 workers.
In Health sector, 18% of the establishments worked with 100 or more workers.
Participation of female workers was at 29% as compared to 31% during 6th EC.
Regular workers constitute 88% of the estimated workforce across the nine selected sectors.
Only 9% of the establishments (with 10 workers) were not registered with any authority or any act.
7th consecutive edition of Swachh Survekshan
Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched the seventh consecutive edition of Swachh
Survekshan on September 28, 2021 in New Delhi.
Key Points
Swachh Survekshan is the largest urban cleanliness survey of the world, which is conducted by

Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban.
This programme is designed with “People First” as its driving philosophy.
Swachh Survekshan 2022 was launched with the objective of capturing initiatives of cities for welfare
and well-being of frontline sanitation workers.
7th edition of the survey will also give priority to the voices of senior citizens & young adults and
reinforce their participation in upholding the cleanliness of urban India.
Swachh Survekshan 2022
This edition has incorporated specific indicators which drives cities to improve working conditions and
livelihood opportunities for frontline workers in urban India’s sanitation journey. It will aim to capture
feedback from senior citizens as the integral part of the survey, in order to keep with the theme
of Azaadi@75 as well as to pay tribute to the wisdom of elderly.
About Swachh Survekshan
It is an annual survey of cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation across cities and towns in India. This survey
initiative was launched under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, that aimed to make India clean and free of open
defecation by October 2, 2019. First ever survey was conducted in 2016, covering 73 cities. As of 2020, this
survey has covered about 4242 cities.
Who conducts the survey?
This survey is conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in association with the
Quality Council of India (QCI) as its implementation partner.
ICMR Report of the Hospital Based Cancer Registries 2021
Indian Council of medical research (ICMR) recently released its report titled “Clinicopathological Profile of
Cancers in India: A Report of Hospital Based Cancer Registries, 2021”. The report provides data on cancer
cases in India. It was prepared by ICMR- National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, Bengaluru.
As per report, total of 6.10 lakh cancers have been reported in India in between 2012 to 2019.
Out of these, 52.4 percent cases were reported among males while 47.6 percent cases were reported
among females.
These cases were reported under the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP).
Childhood cancers (among 0-14 years old children) amount to 7.9 per cent of all cancer cases.
Cancers due to tobacco use amounted to 48.7 per cent of cancers among males while 16.5 per cent
among females.
Under the NCRP, 13,32,207 cancer cases were registered from 96 hospitals during 2012-19. Out of
these, 6,10,084 cases were included for analysis.
One-third of patients, diagnosed with cancers of the tongue, thyroid, larynx, corpus uteri, kidney,
bladder etc, had localized disease at the time of presentation.
Site-specific cancers
As per report, cancers of the head and neck region accounted for 31.2 per cent of the cancers in males.
Gynaecologic cancers including breast cancer accounted for 51 per cent of all cancers in females. Relative
proportion of site-specific cancers was greater in males as compared to females except for thyroid cancer
and gall bladder cancer.
Treatment Modality
Most typical treatment modality for cancers was Chemotherapy, regardless of the clinical extent of disease
at presentation.
National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP)
Cancer surveillance is an essential part of cancer prevention and control measures. To conduct regular

surveillance, ICMR started NCRP in 1981, using a network of Population and Hospital Based Cancer
Registries (PBCRs and HBCRs).
Australia: Fossil of Oldest Koala-hunting eagle discovered
Scientists have excavated the remains of an ancient eagle near a barren, dried-up lake in Southern Australia.
Key facts
This majestic bird is believed to be 25 million years old when the land of southern Australia was
teemed with lush forests.
For eagle, this part of the land was teemed with helpless prey.
It was found near Australia’s Lake Pinpa, which is now-deserted.
Discovery includes a whopping 63 well-kept fossils which also comprises the entirety of the eagle’s
skeleton.
Fossil of Koala-hunting eagle
Koala-hunting eagle was slightly smaller and leaner than the wedge-tailed eagle. However, its the largest
eagle known in Australia, found about 25 million years ago. They are known as wedge-tail, or wedgies in
Australia. They had a broad-winged bird of prey, similar to size of bald eagle of America.
It is rare to find even one bone from a fossil eagle. Thus, finding most of the skeleton becomes significant.
These plentiful fossils are a rare find and they belong to one the of the oldest & mightiest eaglelike raptors
across the world.
About Eagle
Eagles stand at the apex of the food chain, with preying on squirrels, prairie dogs and rabbits. They use sky
as their safe haven and are always fewer in number. As a result, they are infrequently preserved as fossils.
Wedge-tailed eagle
They are scientifically known as Aquila audax and are the largest bird of prey in Australia. They are also
found in southern New Guinea. They have a long, fairly broad wings and fully feathered legs. They are one
among 12 species of large, dark-coloured booted eagles in the genus Aquila. The prey have a wingspan of
up to 2.84 m and length of up to 1.06 m.
What is a METAVERSE?
Facebook Inc is set to invest $50 million to partner with organizations in order to build metaverse, which is
a digital world where people can use different devices to communicate and move in a virtual environment.
Highlights
Facebook is the world’s largest social network that has invested heavily in virtual reality and
augmented reality.
It has also invested in developing hardware like Oculus VR headsets and is working on AR glasses
and wristband technologies.
New XR Programs and Research Fund will invest the money globally in two years in order to build
inclusive and empowering metaverse technologies.
What Is the Metaverse?
Metaverse is a set of virtual spaces where one can create and explore with other people who aren’t in same
physical space. Using this virtual space, one would be able to hang out with friends, play, work, learn, shop
and create. This space is not necessarily about spending more time online but is about making time one
spends online more meaningful.
How Metaverse will work responsibly?
To develop the Metaverse, Facebook will work with experts in government, industry and academia in
order to think through issues and opportunities in the metaverse.

Success of Metaverse depends on building robust interoperability across services, only then
experiences of different companies can work together.
Facebook will also involve human rights and civil rights communities to ensure that these
technologies are built inclusive and empowering way.
XR Programs and Research Fund
Facebook announced XR Programs and Research Fund which is a two-year $50 million investment in
programs & external research. This programme will help in building Metaverse. Through this fund, Facebook
will collaborate with industry partners, civil rights groups, non-profits & academic institutions and
governments to determine how metaverse can be built responsibly.
Pfizer starts study of mRNA Flu vaccine
On September 28, 2021, Pfizer Inc. announced that the first batch of participants have been dosed with the
single dose quadrivalent mRNA vaccine in a Phase 1 clinical trial.
Highlights
Under the phase 1 trial, safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of the single dose quadrivalent mRNA
vaccine will be studied against influenza in healthy adults.
mRNA influenza vaccine program of Pfizer is the first in a planned wave of programs to leverage
mRNA technology for influenza.
Pfizer has also planned to explore mRNA in other respiratory viruses and medically appropriate
vaccines combinations which could provide protection against virus.
Company has also planned to expand the development of mRNA technology in oncology and genetic
diseases.
Background
Pfizer has been working since 2018 to develop a potential mRNA influenza vaccine. This is driven by deep
understanding of infectious diseases and extensive experience of researching, developing and
implementing new vaccine technologies. COVID-19 pandemic has allowed the company to deliver immense
scientific opportunity of mRNA.
How Conventional seasonal influenza vaccines are developed?
Conventional seasonal influenza vaccines are usually developed by growing the virus in chicken eggs or
mammalian cells. These viruses are used in inactivated form and are processed to be made into a vaccine.
This process go through several challenges such as producing immunogenic antigens, alterations in
vaccine antigens and keeping up with virus strain changes. The circulating influenza strains changes
continuously. So, prediction of the best match for next season’s vaccine is a big challenge for global health
experts.
mRNA-based influenza vaccine
mRNA-based influenza vaccine is developed through genetic sequence of the virus. This technology is
flexible; thus, it allows better strain match, greater reliability of supply as well as potential opportunity to
improve the efficacy of current flu vaccines.
Uttarakhand's first Palmetum- Key Facts
The Uttarakhand Forest Department inaugurated the first Palmetum of the state on September 26, 2021. It
has been developed in Haldwani area of Nainital district.
Key facts
This Palmetum is the biggest one in North India, comprising of 110 species of palms.
It has been established in an area of three acres.
It was developed in over three years under the CAMPA scheme at a cost of ₹16 lakh.
It was inaugurated by Prof Lalit Tiwari, a professor of Botany from Kumaon University.

Aim of the Palmetum
This Palmetum was inaugurated with the aim promoting conservation & research and creating awareness
regarding the importance and ecological role of various palm species.
Palm species in Uttarakhand Palmetum
Palmetum comprises of 4 critically endangered species of Palm, 2 endangered species, 2 vulnerable
species and 6 near threatened species as per IUCN categorization. It also comprises of one threatened
species, as per Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board. As per Indian Biodiversity Portal, one species is rare.
Palm Species of Uttarakhand
In the Palmetum, one palm species is endemic to Uttarakhand. It is called Trachycarpus Takil (Takil Palm).
It is the only Palm that can survive sub-zero temperature. This species has been declared as the threatened
species by the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board. Other endangered or threatened species in the Palmetum
include Ponytail Palm, Bottle Palm, Redneck palm and Spindle Palm.
September 29, 2021
Amrit Grand Challenge Program- जनCARE
On September 28, 2021, “Amrit Grand Challenge Programme” titled “जनCARE” was launched by Union
Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh.
Key Facts
This programme will identify 75 Start-Up Innovations in Telemedicine, Digital Health, Block Chain,
mHealth with BIG Data, Artificial intelligence and other technologies.
Launch of Grand Challenge coincides with the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, it has become more
imperative for Young Start-ups and entrepreneurs to come out with Innovative Ideas and Solutions for
healthcare challenges in India.
Under this initiative, 75 Best Chosen Start-ups will be an asset for India to lead it in the next 25 years.
th
10 Biotech Innovators Meet
10th Biotech Innovators Meet was organised by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
(BIRAC) in New Delhi under the theme- “Vigyan se Vikash”. While addressing the event, Dr Jitendra Singh
pledged to provide full support to Start-ups from ideation to deployment stage. He directed the BIRAC to
pro-actively reach out to Young Start-ups to help and support them. According to him, Young promising
Innovations will get priority with respect to help, support and hand-holding than the established industrial
hubs.
India’s Bio-Economy
Bio-Economy in India is on way to achieve 150-billion-dollar target and will contribute effectively to Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a 5 trillion-dollar economy by 2024-25. Sunshine Biotech Sector is also
set to become more than double from current 70 billion dollar to 150 billion dollar by 2025.
Contribution of BIRAC in Bio-Economy
BIRAC has established 60 world class Bio-incubators in India. It currently engages with more than 5000
Start-ups and young entrepreneurs.
Elder Line 14567- Key Facts
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has launched India’s First Pan-India helpline for Senior Citizens,
called “Elder Line” having a Toll-Free No. 14567. This line will extend support to senior citizens in the
challenges and problems they face.
Highlights
Elder Line will help senior citizens in providing free information and guidance on pension issues, legal
issues, on field intervention in cases of abuse, emotional support, rescue and care for homeless senior
citizens etc.
Why this helpline number was launched?
It is expected that, India will have nearly 20% elderly population accounting for more than 300 million senior
citizens by 2050. It is significant because many countries have a population less 300 million. Senior citizens
are a basket of wisdom and untapped resource for overall economic and social growth. But this age group
faces several mental, financial, emotional, legal and physical challenges. Thus, this helpline number was
launched to extend them support.
Objective of ‘Elder Line’
‘Elder Line’ was launched with the objective of providing all senior citizens, or their well-wishers, with ONE
platform in India, in a bid to connect and share their concerns, get information & guidance on problems
faced by them on a day-to-day basis.
Who operationalize Elder Line?
Elder Line is a culmination of the initiative of Tata Trusts in collaboration with its partner, Vijayavahini
Charitable Foundation. It was launched in collaboration with the Government of Telangana in Hyderabad in
2018, to help the elderlies there. Tata Trusts continues to engage in strategic philanthropy in order to create
deep, wide & irreversible impact. Currently, Tata Trusts & NSE Foundation are working as technical partners
and are jointly supporting the Ministry in operationalizing Elder Line.
Which states are having Elder Line?
Elder line has been opened by 17 states for their respective geographies, as of now.
World Maritime Day 2021
World Maritime Day is observed on the last Thursday of September month. In the year, it will be observed on
September 30, 2020.
Key Points
World Maritime Day is observed to appreciate the importance of maritime industry and to underline
the importance of maritime security, maritime safety, maritime environment, and shipping.
This day also marks the day of adaptation of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
convention. IMO was adapted in 1958.
World Maritime Day was first observed in 1978.
How this day is celebrated?
In India, International Maritime Day is observed by organising “awards ceremony” every year. It is organised
to recognise the contribution made by members of the Indian Maritime industry in past 12 months. In the
year 2021, event will centre around an international conference which was held on World Maritime Day in
South Africa. During the event, industry influencers will convene to raise awareness regarding the focus
issues for those in the seafaring community.
About World Maritime Day
World Maritime Day is an annual celebration, which was founded by the United Nations (UN) in association
with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The day celebrates the contribution that the maritime
industry makes towards the global economy. Without international transportation of goods, facilitated by
the maritime industry, global economy would be unable to function. But this fact is overlooked by many.
However, World Maritime Day is organised to address this issue.
Background
World Maritime day was first held on March 17, 1978 to mark 20th anniversary of establishment of IMO.
Since its conception, IMO members states have increased from original 21 to 167. IMO now encompasses
all major nations who are involved in maritime industry.
Theme of World Maritime Day 2021
The IMO will observe the day under the theme- “Seafarers: At the Core of Shipping’s Future”.

Gold and Social Stock Exchanges- Key Facts
The markets regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) tightened norms for related-party
transactions on September 28, 2021 in order to boost corporate governance standards. It approved a
framework of spot trading in gold.
Key facts
With this approval, SEBI has made it easier for start-up founders to retain control.
SEBI also eased merger and acquisitions (M&A) norms for listed companies.
Which entities would be counted?
According to SEBI, following entities would be counted as related parties:
1. People or entities that are part of promoter group
2. Entity withholding of 20% or more in a listed entity, either as beneficia; owner or directly during the
preceding fiscal.
3. Entities withholding of 10% or more starting April 1, 2023.
Definition of RPTs
Definition of related party transactions (RPTs) will comprise of deals between listed entities or any of the
units of entities with a related party.
Approval of shareholder
As per SEBI norms, approval of shareholders will be required in advance for material RPTs or for the
deals which have a threshold value of either Rs 1,000 crore or 10% of the consolidated annual
revenue of company, whichever is lower.
Any transaction, which is benefiting a related party directly or indirectly, would require approval of
audit committee and shareholders of the listed firm.
Spot trading of gold
SEBI also approved the framework for spot trading of gold in India. It allows vault managers to accept gold
deposits and issue securities called “electronic gold receipts (EGRs)”. These EGRs can be traded on
exchanges and will have clearing and settlement features like other securities.
International Day for Universal Access of Information
International day for Universal Access of Information is observed on September 28 every year by the United
Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Key Facts
This day is observed because, torrential flow of information is the result of dominant paradigm
considering the availability of information assign of the development. As a result, common
perspective is that information is power.
Thus, UNESCO realized the phenomenon induced by information and announced on November 17,
2015 that the International Day for Universal Access of Information will be observed on September
28.
Various organizations and governmental bodies adhered to the declaration by UNESCO. Hence, UN
General Assembly (UNGA) also decided to observe September 28 as the
Theme of the day in 2021
In the year 2021, the day was observed under the theme- “The Right to Know – Building Back Better with
Access to Information.” This theme highlights the fact that need of public for accurate and reliable
information has never been stronger than now, amidst struggle by countries to overcome COVID-19
pandemic rebuild communities and institutions.
Focus of the day
The International day for Universal Access of Information (IDUAI) mainly focus on making information

accessible to all, in order to develop robust structure of sustainable policies in society. The day also
ensures that “access to information is continuous” at times of crisis in a bid to make collectively informed
decision to find solution to it.
Background
IDUAI was proclaimed on October 15, 2019 at the 74th UN General Assembly. Initially it was designated by
the UNESCO General Conference. The day was inaugurated in November 2015 and was first observed on
September 28, 2016. This day was recognised as “International Right to Know Day” since 2002.
Agriculture Minister launches Amul Honey
Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched ‘Amul Honey’ on September 28, 2021. Amul
Honey is a product of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd.
Highlights
This product was launched under cooperation with the ‘National Bee Board (NBB)’.
During the event, Tomar emphasized on importance of National Beekeeping and Honey Mission in
increasing the income of small farmers.
National Beekeeping and Honey Mission is being implemented in India to double the income of
farmers or beekeepers through beekeeping.
Budgetary allocation of Rs 500 crores have been made for this mission.
Background
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had put forward his desire to bring in a “sweet revolution” in the state of
Gujarat. Amul Honey was launched to fulfil this.
Honey Quality in India
In India, quality of honey is a major concern. To ensure the quality, 5 large scale Regional Honey Testing
Labs and 100 Mini Honey Testing Labs are being set up across the country.
National Bee Board (NBB)
NBB was set up as a society by Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), under the Societies
Registration Act, 1860. It was set up in 2000 and was reconstituted in June 2006. It mainly works with the
objective of developing beekeeping by promoting scientific beekeeping across India in order to increase the
productivity of crops.
National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM)
NBHM is a central sector scheme, which was announced under the “Atma Nirbhar Bharat scheme”. This
mission was launched with the aim of promoting & developing scientific beekeeping in India for achieving
the goal of ‘Sweet Revolution’.
Aapda Mitra Scheme: Training Manual Released
Home Minister Amit Shah released the training manual of Aapda Mitra Scheme on September 29, 2021, on
the occasion of 17th foundation day celebrations of “National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)”.
Key Points
While addressing the celebrations, minister noted that, India is moving towards creating a disaster
management system to ensure than not a single life is lost, no matter how severe a disaster gets.
On the occasion, he released training manual of Aapda Mitra Scheme as well as plan documents of
Aapda Mitra & Common Alerting Protocol.
Foundation Day of NDMA was celebrated under the theme- ‘Stopping Impact of Disaster Incidents in
the Himalayan Region’.
Aapda Mitra Scheme
Aapda Mitra scheme will soon be launched in 350 districts of India by National Disaster Management
Authority (NDMA). Under this scheme, more than one lakh young volunteers from 350 districts will be

trained. So far, 5500 Aapda Mitra and 5500 Aapda Sakhi have been trained, who can extend help in case of
disaster or natural calamity like flood in remote places. All these volunteers would get life insurance by the
government.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
NDMA is an apex Body, that lay down policies for disaster management. It was established through the
Disaster Management Act, which was enacted by the Government on December 25, 2005. NDMA has been
tasked with framing policies, laying down guidelines & best-practices to coordinate with the State Disaster
Management Authorities (SDMAs). It seeks to ensure a holistic and distributed approach towards disaster
management. NDMA is headed by the Prime Minister and can have up to nine other members. There have
been five other members, since 2020. Provision to have Vice Chair-Person is also there.
India-US: MoUs for cooperation in Health and Biomedical Sciences
Union minister for health and family welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya, addressed the closing session of 4th
Indo-US Health Dialogue on September 28, 2021. This session was hosted by India.
Highlights
The two-day Dialogue deliberated upon several ongoing collaborations in the health sector between
both the countries.
During the dialogue, issues related to areas of concern related to strengthening of epidemiological
research & surveillance, one health, vaccine development, zoonotic & vector-borne diseases, health
policies and health systems etc were discussed.
Countries signed two MoUs at the concluding session:
1. One MoU was signed between health ministry of India and Department of Health and Human Services
of USA regarding cooperation in the field of health & biomedical sciences.
2. Second MoU was signed between Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute
of Allergy & Infectious Diseases for cooperation on International Centre for Excellence in Research
(ICER).
Being global partners, India and USA need to work collaboratively in reforming the global health
architecture.
Other important areas in which both the countries can work include: management of health
emergencies; mental health interventions; supporting digital health & innovation and research &
production related to diagnostics, therapeutics & vaccines. In these areas, India can offer its low-cost
research network as well as huge production capacities.
India-US relations
Relation between India and US have become multi-faceted and it covers cooperation in areas like trade,
defence & security, civil nuclear energy, education, health, science & technology, space technology &
applications, and environment. Both the countries had established a “Strategic Dialogue” in July 2009 with
the objective of strengthening bilateral cooperation across different sectors.
India to increase share of renewable energy to 60 % in Major Ports
According to Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonwal, government has aimed
to increase India’s share of renewable energy to 60% in Major ports through solar and wind power.
Highlights
Presently, renewable energy accounts for less than 10% of power demand at the ports.
Government also targets to electrify 50% of port equipment by 2030.
As per plan, all the ports will supply shore power to visiting ships in three-phased manner by 2030.
Ports aim to reduce carbon emissions/ton by 30% by 2030.

Energy efficiency requirements
India will implement energy efficiency requirements of International Maritime Organization (IMO), for ships
and carbon intensity requirements across all of its coastal or international vessels in order to help IMO in
achieving greenhouse gas reduction targets. India is currently supplying shore power to vessels with power
demand of less than 150 kW.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) of India under the Paris Agreement for 2021-2030 comprises of
“cutting the emissions intensity of its gross domestic product by 33%-35% by 2030”. NDC seeks to achieve
40% of cumulative power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030 by
transferring technology and low-cost international finance.
ES 2021 take on energy
As per Economic Survey for 2021, India will require around $206 billion in between 2015 and 2030 to
implement adaptation actions in key areas such as forestry, agriculture, fisheries, water resources,
infrastructure and ecosystems. Economic survey hopes to achieve 40% of cumulative installed power
capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. It also hopes to increase its forest and tree cover by 2030 in
order to create an additional carbon sink equal to 2.5 to 3 billion tons of carbon dioxide by 2030.
BRICS Energy Technology Report 2021
As per this report, India will account for one-fifth of global renewable energy deployment target for 2030.
Ordnance Factory Board dissolved
Defence Ministry has issued an order to dissolve the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) in effect from October
1, 2021.
Highlights
After October 1, its assets, employees and management will be transferred to seven newly
constituted Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
This order will abolish OFB, an establishment which was accepted by the British in 1775.
Background
Union Cabinet had approved a long pending reform plan of corporatizing the OFB on June 16. OFB has 41
factories and it was corporatized into seven fully government-owned corporate entities on the lines of
DPSUs. Accordingly, the management, control, operations & maintenance of all the 41 production units and
identified non-production units will be transferred to seven government companies from October. Those
seven companies are: Munitions India Limited, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited, Armored
Vehicles Nigam Limited, Yantra India Limited, India Optel Limited, Troop Comforts Limited and Gliders India
Limited.
Would it lead to unemployment?
As per government’s order, over 70,000 employees of OFB (Group A, B and C) belonging to the
production units and identified non-production units will be transferred en masse to new DPSUs on
terms of foreign service. They would be transferred without any deputation allowance in the initial
phase, for a period of two years.
New DPSUs are required to frame rules and regulations related to service conditions of absorbed
employees.
A committee will be constituted to guide new DPSUs with respect to the absorption package.
Why OFB is being restructured?
OFB is being restructured with the aim of transforming it into productive and profitable assets, deepening
specialization in product range, enhancing competitiveness and improving quality & cost-efficiency.

Ease of Logistics Portal- Key Facts
The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, launched “Ease of Logistic Portal” on September
27, 2021.
Key Points
While launching the portal, the minister noted that the ‘Rules of Business’ have to be the same for all
stakeholders.
Portal was launched during ‘Vanijya Saptah Samapan Samaroh’, which was organised by the
Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).
While addressing the event, the minister noted that government would be providing everybody an
equal opportunity to their businesses, irrespective of whether they are big or small business houses
or where they are from or other such differentiating factor.
Ease of Logistics portal was launched to bring in transparency.
Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO)
FIEO is the apex trade promotion organisation, set up by the Ministry of Commerce in 1965. It is responsible
for representing and assisting Indian entrepreneurs and exporters across the foreign markets. FIEO is the
premier body comprising of export promotion councils, export development authorities and commodity
boards in India. It provides a crucial interface between international trading community of India and the
central & state governments, ports, railways, financial institutions, surface transport etc in export trade
facilitation.
Ease of Logistics Portal
It is a trade facilitation portal, developed by FIEO. It was launched in order to bring exporters and logistics
service providers (LSPs) on a single platform. On this portal, exporters can post details of their container
requirements to the service providers directly in order to provide their best quotes.
France- Greece sign defence deal
France and Greece signed a multibillion-euro defence deal on September 27, 2021, to boost the defence
capabilities.
Highlights
The defence deal includes Athens’ decision to buy three French warships under a strategy of boosting
its defence capacities across the Eastern Mediterranean amid recurring tensions with Turkey.
President of France Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced
the defence and security strategic partnership at a joint news conference in Paris.
Defence partnership between both the countries will increase and intensify cooperation among them
in the defence and security sector on the basis of mutual interests.
It will also help in protect the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity in both the states.
About the deal
Under the defence deal, Greece will purchase three French frigates. Frigates would be built by
defence contractor Naval Group in Lorient, in western
Deal also includes an option for acquisition of a fourth frigate.
Background
This announcement was made at the key time for France after it lost a USD 66 billion deal recently of
selling diesel-electric submarines to Australia. Instead of France’s submarines, Australia chose to
acquire nuclear-powered submarines from US.
The three-way strategic defence alliance between Australia, the UK and the US was a shocking event
to France.

Greece-France defence deal
Greece has already bought 18 French Rafale fighter jets. It has also planned to purchase another six jets,
under a program in order to modernize its armed forces.
Significance of the deal
Deal between France and Greece is significant considering the tensions between Greece and Turkey, that
have increased in recent years over gas exploration rights across the eastern Mediterranean and waters
between both the countries.
Amazon Future Engineer Programme launched in India
E-commerce giant, Amazon India, announced the launch of “Amazon Future Engineer” on September 27,
2021 in India. Amazon Future is its global computer science education programme.
Highlights
As per company, Amazon future programme will enable access to quality computer science
education as well as career opportunities for students from underrepresented and underserved
communities.
During the first year of its launch, Amazon aims to enable and deliver learning opportunities to about
1 lakh students from 900 government and aided schools in seven states of India.
Aim of the programme
Amazon Future Engineer programme was launched with the aim of addressing the gap by bringing early
exposure and access to computer science education to students by means of in-person, online and blended
learning formats.
Who is collaborating with Amazon?
Amazon is working in collaboration with its global knowledge partner Code.org which is a global non-profit
organization dedicated to computer science education.
Curriculum of the programme
Considering the local nuances, curriculum has been contextualized for Indian teacher and student
community across government school settings. It will offer students with coding fundamentals along with
the future-focused tech courses such as Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing (Voice
Technology) in Indian languages and Machine Learning.
Who will be covered under it?
Amazon Future Engineer Programme will enable students from underserved communities in India to get,
who face disproportionate barriers to education, especially in computer science, right exposure &
accessibility to quality computer science education. This programme will bring Computer Science
curriculum closer to all students in the languages of their choice.
September 30, 2021
Right Livelihood Award 2021
Right Livelihood Award 2021 was conferred to Delhi-based environmental organisation “Legal Initiative for
Forest and Environment (LIFE)”. This award is also known as “Sweden’s alternative Nobel Prize”.
Highlights
LIFE has received the award for its “grassroots approach to empower vulnerable communities in
protecting their livelihoods and claiming their right for a clean environment.”
Other awardees include:
1. Cameroonian women rights activist Marthe Wandou,
2. Environmental activist from Russia, Vladimir Slivyak and
3. Indigenous rights defender from Canada, Freda Huson.

About Right Livelihood Award
Right Livelihood Award was established by Ole von Uexkull who happens to be the executive director of
Right Livelihood. The award honours and supports people in solving global problems. It comprises of a cash
prize of 1 million Swedish crowns and a long-term support that highlights and expands Laureates’ work.
How Awardees are shortlisted?
Awardees are shortlisted by the jury of Stockholm-based Right Livelihood.
Why LIFE received this award?
LIFE received the Award for its innovative legal work of empowering communities to protect their resources
following the “environmental democracy in India.” According to Right Livelihood, despite a robust
environmental protection law framework in India, access to justice for those planning to protect remaining
forests and biodiversity in India is often limited. Thus, to bridge this gap, LIFE was founded.
About LIFE
LIFE was founded in 2005 by lawyers Ritwick Dutta and Rahul. It has been fighting against India’s most
significant environmental threats. Some of the examples of environmental threats include construction of a
large-scale bauxite mine in the Odisha and hydro-power project in Arunachal Pradesh. LIFE helps in
stopping such construction.
National Action Plan for dog Mediated Rabies Elimination by 2030 (NAPRE)
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of Fisheries, Animal
Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala released the “National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies
Elimination by 2030 (NAPRE)” on the occasion of “World Rabies Day” on September 28, 2021
Key Points
This action plan was introduced as a roadmap to eliminate rabies by 2030.
On the occasion, ministers also launched the “Joint Inter-Ministerial Declaration Support Statement”
in order to eliminate of dog-mediated rabies from India by 2030 following the approach of one health.
Government is now focusing on taking steps for reducing health risks caused by animals, due to the
rapid increase in animal-induced diseases like Covid-19.
About National Action Plan for dog Mediated Rabies Elimination (NAPRE)
The NAPRE was drafted by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in association with the Ministry
of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. Its approach for elimination of rabies is based on
recommendations of several international agencies WHO and the Global Alliance of Rabies Control (GARC).
It was prepared on the basis of 5 major pillars- political will, intersectoral planning, sustained funding,
community planning, coordination & review, and operational research.
Aim of the NAPRE
NAPRE has been launched with the aim of reducing human deaths, caused due to dog-mediated rabies, to
zero by 2030. This aim will be achieved through sustained mass dog vaccination and appropriate post-
exposure treatment.
Status of Rabies in India
Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral disease. It occurs in more than 150 countries and territories. Primary
source of the Rabies are Dogs. Human rabies deaths contribute up to 99% of all rabies transmissions in
humans. India is endemic for rabies, accounting for 36% of total deaths across the world.
Motor Vehicles (Registration and Functions of Vehicle Scrapping Facility) Rules, 2021
Ministry of road transport and highways announced the detailed procedure of setting “Registered Vehicle
Scrapping Facility (RVSF)” under the “vehicle scrapping policy”.
Vehicle Scrapping Policy
Vehicle Scrapping Policy was launched in August 2021 by prime minister Narendra Modi last month.

It was announced by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Budget 2021.
About the rules
Motor Vehicles (Registration and Functions of Vehicle Scrapping Facility) Rules, 2021 were released on
March 15, 2021 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH). Provisions under the rules lay
down the procedure of establishing Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF). Provisions will be
applicable to all vehicles and their last registered owners, recyclers, Automotive Dismantling, Automobile
collection centres and Scrapping & Recycling Facilities.
Provisions of the rules
As per rules, RVSF will be provided connectivity and access of the VAHAN database of vehicle
registration with password protected user ID.
RVSF will be authorized to make suitable entries for scrapping the vehicle and for issuing Certificate
of Deposit & Certificate of Scrapping.
State Government or Union Territory Governments will take into account the eligibility criteria while
granting authorization to any RVSF.
Ministry will set up a “Single Clearance Portal” to register or renew the registration of such facilities.
Entire process will be completed within 60 days.
Registration of RVSF will be valid for 10 years and can be renewed for 10 more years, at a time.
RVSFs will also get the access of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to check of any stolen
vehicle was bought for scrapping.
Vehicle registered in any state, can be scrapped at any of the registered facility in other states.
Najla Bouden Romdhane: Tunisia's first female PM
Najla Bouden Romdhane has become the first female prime minister of Tunisia on September 29, 2021.
Highlights
She has been named as Prime Minister, two months after President Kais Saied assumed his charge,
dismissed the former prime minister and suspended parliament.
Romdhane was assigned to form a new government in the midst of growing domestic and
international discontent regarding president’s power seizure.
Romdhane is expected to have less direct power as compared to former prime ministers under the
2014 constitution. This is because, President Saied announced during the emergency period that the
new government will be responsible to the president.
What challenges she will face?
Romdhane in her capacity will have to inherit political and economic crisis that has gripped Tunisia
during the past few years. Crisis has worsened since President Saied took “exceptional measures.”
Recently President Saied issued presidential decrees and announced plans to form a transitional
government. He also announced new electoral rules.
Tunisia is also facing outbreak of the COVID-19 strains in most states.
Who is Najla Bouden Romdhane?
Romdhane is a professor of geology at the National School of Engineers in Tunis. She was born in the year
1958 in Tunisia’s central Kairouan province. Before appointed as prime minister, she was assigned to
implement programmes with the World Bank, by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. In
2011, she worked as the director-general in charge of quality at Ministry of Higher Education.
About Tunisia
Tunisia is the northernmost country of Africa. It is bordered by Algeria, Libya and the Mediterranean Sea. It
also comprises eastern end of the Atlas Mountains and northern reaches of the Sahara Desert.

'PM POSHAN' to be continued in Schools
Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of PM POSHAN scheme in Schools, which is a Centrally
Sponsored National Scheme.
Key facts
PM POSHAN scheme would run for five more years. It will run from 2021-2022 to 2025-26.
Scheme has been approved with a financial outlay of 54,062 crore rupees from the Central
Government.
State Government and Union Territories administrations have sanctioned an outlay of 31,733 crore
rupees.
In this phase, scheme will cover around 11.80 crore children studying across 11.20 lakh schools.
Central Government will further bear an additional cost of 45,000 crore rupees to provide food grains
to these children.
Total budget of the scheme is 1,30,795 crore rupees.
Who will be covered under the scheme?
This Centrally-Sponsored Scheme will cover all school children who are studying in Classes 1st to 8th in
government schools as well in government-Aided Schools.
PM-POSHAN scheme
PM POSHAN is a revamped version of “Mid-Day Meal Scheme”, which stands for “PM Poshan Shakti
Nirman”. With the new nomenclature, Centre has initiated a major political push towards ‘child nutrition’.
This scheme will cover around 24 lakh students, who are receiving pre-primary education at government
schools and government-aided schools, from the year 2022.
Mid-day meal scheme
Under this scheme, hot cooked food is provided to students from Classes 1 to 8, benefitting about 11.80
crore children across all the government and government-aided schools. This scheme was launched by the
Narasimha Rao government in the year 1995. It was launched to increase school enrolment and improve
nutritional status undernourished children in India.
IIT-H develops alternative to Corneal transplantation
Indian Institute of technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H) developed a hydrogel from discarded corneas that can be
used as an alternative to Corneal transplantation.
Highlights
Research team was led by Dr Falguni Pati, an Associate Professor at Department of Bio-medical
Engineering at IIT-H.
Hydrogel was developed from discarded corneas of human and bovine sources using novel and
simple method.
The team discovered the most significant feature of this tissue-specific hydrogel in order to prevent
cells from scar tissue formation.
Tissue formation is attributed to micro-environment which cannot be offered by any synthetic or other
natural material.
Hydrogel is capable of being injected because of its two phases viz., liquid and gel on the basis of
incubation temperature.
Researchers also explored the potential of Hydrogel to serve as a material for minimally invasive
treatment in order to replace complicated surgeries.
Corneal Scarring
Till date, no solution is available to prevent corneal scarring due to an injury. But, researchers of IIT-H
demonstrated that this hydrogel can be applied immediately after injury. It will help in regenerating cornea

without scarring. Till date, only partial donor corneal graft or corneal transplantation is available as
treatment for scarring.
Corneal disease
Corneal disease is a main cause of blindness and visual impairment in countries where there is a huge
shortage of donor corneal tissue.
About cornea
Cornea is the transparent front part of the eye, covering iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. Cornea refracts
light and accounts for about two-thirds of the eye’s total optical power. Refractive power of the cornea is 43
dioptres in Humans. Cornea can be reshaped by surgical procedures like LASIK.
NASA’s Lucy Mission- Key Facts
American Space Agency, NASA, is set to send its first spacecraft to study Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids.
Key Points
Spacecraft will be launched from “Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida” on October 16, 2021.
This spacecraft would obtain new insights into the formation of solar system 4.5 billion years ago.
The spacecraft has been named as Lucy. It was named after an ancient fossil which provided insights
into the evolution of human species.
Objective of the mission
Mission Lucy will be launched with the objective of investigating the group of rocky bodies that are circling
the Sun in two swarms- one preceding Jupiter and the other trailing behind it.
About the mission
Mission Lucy will go for a 12-year journey after receiving boosts from Earth’s gravity. 12-year journey will be
completed across eight different asteroids including one in Main Belt between Mars & Jupiter and seven
Trojans. Spacecraft will fly by its target objects within 400 kilometres of their surfaces. It will use onboard
instruments and large antenna to investigate the geology of target objects. It will be the first solar-powered
spacecraft at a distance of 400 kms. Total cost of the mission is $981 million.
What are Trojans?
Trojans are small celestial body or asteroids, sharing the orbit of larger one. They remain in a stable orbit,
nearly 60° ahead or behind the main body. They can share the orbits of planets or large moons. Trojans are
a type of co-orbital object. In Trojans, a star and a planet orbit around a common barycentre. Barycentre is
close to the centre of the star as it is much more massive as compared to the orbiting planet. Most of the
known trojans in solar system share the orbit of Jupiter. They are in a very small region of space but are
physically different from one another. As of now, about 7000 trojans are known.
Poetry festival to be celebrated on October 2
Sahitya Akademi is going to organise an all-India poetry festival on October 2, 2021.
Key Points
Poetry Festival will be organised at Jain College auditorium to mark Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and
Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti.
Event will also feature a Sahitya Akademi book exhibition.
Sahitya Akademi
It is National Academy of Letters in India. This organisation is dedicated towards promotion of literature in
different languages. It was founded on March 12, 1954. Its headquarter is located in Rabindra Bhavan,
Mandi House in Delhi. The organisation held national & regional workshops & seminars and provides
research & travel grants to the authors. It also publishes books & journals as well as the Encyclopaedia of
Indian Literature.

Sahitya Akademi Library
It is one of the largest multi-lingual libraries of India. It has rich collection of books on literature and allied
subjects.
Books by Sahitya Academy
Sahitya academy publishes two bimonthly literary journals namely, Samkaleen Bharatiya Sahitya in Hindi
and Indian Literature in English.
Background
Idea of establishing a National Academy of Letters in India was considered by the colonial British
government. Proposal from the Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal to constitute a ‘National Cultural Trust’ was
accepted in 1944. Original plan was to conceive three institutions, or academies for visual arts, performing
arts, and letters. Independent Government of India carried this proposal and constituted a National
Academy of Letters called the ‘Sahitya Akademi’ on December 15, 1952.
Facebook launches Creator education programme in India
Facebook launched the largest “creator education and enablement programme” in India on September 30,
2021.
Key Points
This programme will provide an opportunity to content creators, on its platform and Instagram, to
learn, earn and grow their communities.
While addressing the 2021 edition of ‘Creator Day India’, Instagram Head Adam Mosseri noted that
India is one of the fastest growing markets for photo sharing and short video platform.
India has become the best place for creators to grow and make a living. So, Facebook has planned to
do this by developing a range of creative tools in order to democratise expression. For instance, Reels
is a great example of democratised creativity. On an average, more than 6 million Reels are produced
in India per day.
Social media platform is also introducing monetisation tools in order to help creators earn through
content.
About creator education and enablement programme
It is the next phase of ‘Born on Instagram’. This programme would give creators in India a chance to learn
through a self-paced online learning course. Programme will provide live master classes with experts,
product updates, latest information on trends, and challenges in order to help creators keep up with new
unfolding on Instagram. Participants will receive a course completion letter at the end of the course. The
programme will also provide creators the opportunity to real monetary opportunities by means of several
programmes.
Born on Instagram programme
This programme was launched in 2019. Reel feature was launched in year 2020, allowing users to create
and share short videos. India was among the first countries where Reel feature was launched. India was
also one among first two countries where Instagram launched Live Rooms. Currently, Instagram is testing a
new ‘Collab’ feature in India and the UK to allow users to collaborate with others people on Feed Posts and
Reels.
IOB out of RBI PCA Framework
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has moved out the public sector lender Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) from Prompt
Corrective Action (PCA) framework after its financial and credit profile improved.
Key Points
This decision provides lender more freedom to lend, especially to corporations and grow the network.
IOB was placed under PCA in October 2015 because of high Net-Performing Assets (NPAs) and

negative Return on Assets (RoA).
It was stopped from increasing risk-weighted assets.
NPAs of IOB
The net NPAs of IOB have declined to 3.58 per cent, as of March 2021 from 5.68 per cent in March 2015. In
financial year 2021, IOB posted a net profit of Rs 831 crore against the net loss of Rs 454.33 crore in
financial year 2015. In Financial year 2021, ROA was 0.27 per cent while in 2015, it was negative at -0.16 per
cent. Its closed 0.74 per cent higher on BSE at Rs 20.5 per share.
Which banks are under PCA?
In September 2021 itself, Kolkata-based UCO Bank exited the PCA framework. Now, only Mumbai-based
Central Bank of India is under the PCA regime.
PCA Framework
Under the PCA framework, RBI imposes several business restrictions on banks with weak financial metrics.
The nature and degree of curbs are decided on the basis of threshold and depends on the financial profile
of individual bank.
Indian Overseas Bank (IOB)
IOB is a major Indian nationalised bank, under the ownership of Ministry of Finance. It is based in Tamil
Nadu. It is having 3400 domestic branches. It was founded by M. Ct. M. Chidambaram Chettyar in February
1937 with the objectives of specialising in foreign exchange business as well as overseas banking.
Rajasthan: AU SFB- NABARD to boost rural development projects
Private sector AU Small Finance Bank (SFB) signed a pact with the National Bank for Rural and Development
(NABARD) on September 29, 2021 in a bid to boost ongoing rural development initiatives in the state of
Rajasthan.
Highlights
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of NABARD Chairman and
Managing Director of AU Small Finance Bank.
MoU envisages a joint initiative to benefit farmers, Self Help Groups (SHGs), rural artisans, Farmer
Producer Organisations (FPOs), agri-entrepreneurs, and agri-start-ups in Rajasthan
It will provide institutional credit support to ongoing development schemes in Rajasthan, which in turn
will lead to further prosperity in the rural areas.
It will also give a boost to the process of lending, especially in areas of agriculture and rural
development.
AU Small Finance Bank Limited
It is an Indian scheduled commercial bank, founded in 1996 as vehicle finance company AU Financiers
(India) Ltd. It was converted to a small finance bank in April 2017. The bank serves as the low- & middle-
income individuals and micro & small businesses that have limited or no access of formal banking and
finance channels. It offers loans, deposits and payment products & services.
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
NABARD is an apex supervisory body that supervises regional rural banks and apex cooperative banks
across India. It works under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Finance. It deals with the matters of policy,
planning, and operations pertaining to credit for agriculture and other economic activities in rural India.

120 Multiple Choice Questions
The below MCQs are select 120 questions sourced from GKToday’s Current Affairs 2021 Daily 20 MCQ
Series in GKToday Academy Android Application.
1. In which city, PM Modi has laid foundation stone of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh University?
[A] Aligarh
[B] Meerut
[C] Jaipur
[D] Varanasi
Answer: Aligarh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh State
University in Aligarh. The university is being established by the Uttar Pradesh government in the memory
and honour of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh, freedom fighter, educationist and social reformer. The
university will provide affiliation to 395 colleges of the Aligarh division.
2. Recently, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has launched its account in which social
media platform to counter fake news?
[A] WhatsApp
[B] Telegram
[C] Instagram
[D] Twitter
Answer: Telegram
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has launched its account on social media platform Telegram
to counter fake news. It was launched as ‘PIB Fact Check’, which is one of the few government entities
to have a telegram channel, and aims to verify information related to the Centre and disseminate to its
subscribers. Earlier, fake channels were being run on Telegram in the name of fact check.
3. Recently, which airport has been declared as a Customs notified airport by The Central Board of
Indirect Taxes and Customs?
[A] Kangra Airport
[B] Pakyong Airport
[C] Swami Vivekananda International Airport
[D] Kushinagar Airport
Answer: Kushinagar Airport
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has declared Kushinagar Airport as a Customs
notified airport. This would also facilitate international passenger movements including that of Buddhist
pilgrims.
4. Which organization has launched “Project Udaan” on the occasion of Hindi Diwas?
[A] IIT Guwahati
[B] IIT Bombay
[C] IIT Gandhinagar
[D] IIT Delhi
Answer: IIT Bombay
IIT-Bombay launched its “Project Udaan” on the occasion of Hindi Diwas on September 14, 2021. Project
Udaan was launched with the aim of breaking the language barrier that many students face while joining
the institutes of higher education. Project Udaan enables the translation of textbooks and other study
material of the engineering and other streams from English to Hindi & other Indian Languages.

5. iRASTE is a collaborative initiative developed by IIIT Hyderabad, Central Road Research Institute
(CRRI), Nagpur Municipal Corporation and which organization?
[A] Intel India
[B] NITI Aayog
[C] Microsoft
[D] DRDO
Answer: Intel India
Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari launched iRASTE — a two-year pilot project aimed to
enhance road safety in Nagpur and reduce fatality. This project is a collaborative initiative developed by
Intel India, IIIT Hyderabad, Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), Mahindra & Mahindra and Nagpur
Municipal Corporation (NMC). iRASTE is an acronym for Intelligent Solutions for Road Safety through
Technology and Engineering and it leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve the
desired goal. This unique initiative will try to bring down fatality on Nagpur roads by 50 per cent. The
drive would then be extended to other cities of India.
6. With which company, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers welfare has signed MoU for taking
forward Digital Agriculture?
[A] CISCO
[B] Ninjacart
[C] ITC Limited
[D] All of the above
Answer: All of the above
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers welfare has signed five MOUs with private companies for taking
forward Digital Agriculture. Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the MOUs aimed at
increasing farmer’s income and protecting their produce. The MoUs were signed for pilot projects with
CISCO, Ninjacart, Jio Platforms Limited, ITC Limited and NCDEX e-Markets Limited. Based on these pilot
projects farmers will be able to take informed decisions on what crop to grow, what variety of seed to
use and what best practises to adopt to maximise the yield.
7. With which organization, National Small Industries Corporation has signed a pact to provide
critical steel products to MSMEs in the sector?
[A] JSW Steel Ltd
[B] Steel Authority of India
[C] ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India
[D] Jindal Steel and Power
Answer: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India
Gujarat-based ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AMNS) signed a pact with National Small Industries
Corporation (NSIC) to provide critical steel products to MSMEs in the sector. ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel
India (AMNS) will utilise its hypermart network for the initiative. MNS India and NSIC teams will develop
a network which will deliver critical products to the hard-hit MSME segment. This is a first of its kind
MoU signed by NSIC with a private steel company.
8. With which state, UAE based DP World has signed a MoU for proposed investment of Rs 2,000
crore?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Kerala
[D] West Bengal
Answer: Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu government has signed a MoU with UAE based DP World for proposed investment of Rs
2,000 crore. The company plans the establishment of a container terminal, a minor port, a cold storage
facility, a free trade zone, and data centres, among others, across Thoothukudi, Tiruvallur,
Sriperumbudur, Salem, Erode and Coimbatore. DP World has already invested ₹2,000 crore in the State,
and created 4,000 jobs.
9. Which organization has become the country's first steel company to commission a carbon capture
plant?
[A] Steel Authority of India
[B] Jindal Steel and Power
[C] ArcelorMittal
[D] Tata Steel
Answer: Tata Steel
Tata Steel has commissioned a 5-tonne per day (TPD) carbon capture plant at its Jamshedpur Works,
making it the country's first steel company to adopt such a carbon capture technology that extracts CO2
directly from the blast furnace gas. Tata Steel will reuse the captured CO2 on site to promote circular
carbon economy. This carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) facility uses amine-based technology and
makes the captured carbon available for onsite reuse. The depleted CO2 gas is sent back to the gas
network with increased calorific value. This project has been executed with technological support from
Carbon Clean, a global leader in low-cost CO2 capture technology.
10. Which country has launched an Earth observation satellite that can obtain radioactive data?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] Germany
[D] Japan
Answer: China
China has launched the 24th Gaofen-series Earth-observation satellite in a bid to monitor environmental
protection efforts and boost its natural resources surveillance. The satellite was launched from the
Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi province on a Long March 4C carrier rocket. China has
mounted seven imagers and sensors on that spacecraft that are capable of obtaining spatial, spectral
and radioactive data.
11. On which date, International Day of Democracy is celebrated across the globe?
[A] September 14
[B] September 16
[C] September 10
[D] September 15
September 15 is celebrated as the International Day of Democracy across the globe after being
established in 2007 through a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Theme for this year is "strengthening democratic resilience in the face of future crises." International
Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. Democracy is
as much a process as a goal, and only with the full participation of the international community, can the
ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.
12. What is the theme for RBI’s third cohort under the Regulatory Sandbox?
[A] Retail Payments
[B] MSME Lending
[C] Cross Border Payments
[D] Priority Sector Lending
Answer: MSME Lending
The Reserve Bank of India has announced the opening of the third cohort under the Regulatory Sandbox.
The application for the third cohort may be submitted from October 1 to November 14, 2021, it said. The
theme for the third cohort is MSME lending. In separate statements, the RBI also announced that eight
entities have been selected for the ‘test phase’ of the second cohort on cross border payments. Six
entities have completed the ‘test phase’ of the first cohort on retail payments.
13. Which organization has launched Loan against Mutual Fund?
[A] Bajaj Finserv
[B] State Bank of India
[C] Tata Capital
[D] Bank of Baroda
Answer: Tata Capital
Tata Capital has launched ‘Loan against Mutual Fund’, an industry first end -to -end digital offering
enabling customers to avail quick loans ranging from Rs 5 lakhs to 2 crores. The digital loan offering is
provided against a wide range of equity and debt schemes across mutual funds. Customers can avail
the loan amount by marking a lien on the mutual fund units which are managed by various asset
management companies. The loan amount is customized based on the value of the units in the mutual
fund folio and tenure.
14. Which state has decided to set up a new Police Commission to get to know the demands and
needs of cops?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Telangana
[D] Manipur
Answer: Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu government will set up a new Police Commission to get to know the demands and needs of
cops. It will be constituted to recommend ways to strengthen the relationship between police and public,
necessary schemes, and new training programs for police personnel. An online complaint filing
mechanism would also be created, besides the launch of a mobile-based application for the benefit of
the general public to register their grievances with the police. Experts would be hired to deal with
offences involving banks, employment and other online crimes.
15. Which organization has unveiled a remote-controlled armed robot to patrol the borders?
[A] DRDO
[B] Israel Aerospace Industries’ REX MKII
[C] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
[D] BAE Systems
Answer: Israel Aerospace Industries’ REX MKII
An Israeli defense contractor has unveiled a remote-controlled armed robot that can patrol battle zones,
track infiltrators and open fire. The unmanned vehicle is the latest addition to the world of drone
technology, which is rapidly reshaping the modern battlefield. The four-wheel-drive was developed by the
state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries’ REX MKII. The robot can gather intelligence for ground troops,
carry injured soldiers and supplies in and out of battle, and strike nearby targets.
16. With which organization, NITI Aayog has partnered to launch ‘Shoonya’ campaign for zero-

pollution delivery vehicles?
[A] Rocky Mountain Institute
[B] Tesla
[C] Tata Motors
[D] Solar Energy Industries Association
Answer: Rocky Mountain Institute
NITI Aayog, with US-based RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute) and RMI India’s support, launched
Shoonya—an initiative to promote zero-pollution delivery vehicles by working with consumers and
industry. The campaign aims to accelerate adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the urban deliveries
segment and create consumer awareness about the benefits of zero-pollution delivery. Industry
stakeholders such as e-commerce companies, fleet aggregators, original equipment manufacturers
(OEMs) and logistics companies have been scaling up their efforts towards final-mile delivery
electrification.
17. With which countries, United States has announced a new trilateral security partnership for the
Indo-pacific?
[A] India and Australia
[B] India and United Kingdom
[C] Australia and Japan
[D] Australia and United Kingdom
Answer: Australia and United Kingdom
US President Joe Biden administration has announced a new trilateral security partnership for the Indo-
pacific. Security partnership was done between Australia, United Kingdom and United States. This
security grouping called AUKUS, will focus towards advancing strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific
region. The central feature of this partnership comprises of a trilateral 18-month effort in order to help
Australia in acquiring nuclear powered submarines which are quieter, more capable as compared to their
conventional counterparts. Such submarines can be deployed for longer periods and needing to surface
less frequently. These are nuclear powered submarines and not armed with nuclear weapons. AUKUS
will also involve a new architecture of meeting and engagements between three countries. It also
involves the cooperation across emerging technologies like AI, quantum technologies as well as
undersea capabilities.
18. Recently, which organization has launched four amateurs on its first ever Earth-circling trip?
[A] Blue Origin
[B] Virgin Galactic
[C] SpaceX
[D] Lockheed Martin
Answer: SpaceX
SpaceX has launched four amateurs on its first ever private flight on September 15, 2021. SpaceX first
ever “Earth-circling trip” was started on boarding two contest winners, a health care worker as well as
their rich sponsor. This is the most ambitious leap in space tourism. This was the first time any rocket
blasted off toward orbit with an all-amateur crew and no professional astronauts. Two men and two
women are looking forward to spend three days on Dragon capsule circling the world. They will be
circling the Earth on an unusually high orbit at 160 km higher than the International Space Station. Their
flight will splash down off the Florida coast by September 19th Dragon capsule aimed for an altitude of
575 km, beyond the Hubble Space Telescope.
19. Which organization has partnered with the Assam government to provide project-specific loan

for upgrading MSME clusters?
[A] NABARD
[B] SIDBI
[C] National Small Industries Corporation
[D] State Bank of India
Answer: SIDBI
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has announced that project-specific moderately
priced loan assistance under the SIDBI Cluster Development Fund (SCDF) will be extended to the state
government of Assam for upgrading various existing MSME clusters and for developing new industrial
infrastructural facilities in the state. Assam will e focussing on three major themes—startups, cluster
development and livelihood, and enterprise promotion.
20. On which date, International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is observed?
[A] September 17
[B] September 12
[C] September 16
[D] September 21
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is observed on September 16, every year. It is
celebrated to spread awareness among people about the depletion of the Ozone Layer and search for
possible solutions to preserve it. This year's theme for the International Day for the Prevention of the
Ozone Layer is 'Montreal Protocol Keeping us, our food, and vaccines cool.' The purpose of the Montreal
Protocol is to protect the Ozone layer by reducing the production of substances that are supposed to be
responsible for Ozone layer depletion.
21. Recently, with which country the Union Cabinet has approved a MoU for Disaster Risk
Reduction?
[A] Germany
[B] Japan
[C] Italy
[D] Belgium
Answer: Italy
Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Italy on Cooperation in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.
MoU was signed between National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India and Department of
Civil Protection of the Presidency of Council of Ministers of Italy. MoU seeks to bring in place a system,
where both India and Italy will benefit from the Disaster Management mechanisms of each other. MoU
will help in strengthening the areas of preparedness, response as well as capacity building in the field of
Disaster Management. MoU on cooperation in the Field of Disaster Risk Reduction and management
was signed in June, 2021.
22. Which state/UT has launched the Mission named ‘One Gram Panchayat-One DIGI-Pay Sakhi?’
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Haryana
[C] Andaman and Nicobar Islands
[D] Jammu and Kashmir
Answer: Jammu and Kashmir
In order to promote door to door digital banking and financial services in remote areas of Jammu and

Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched Mission ‘One Gram Panchayat-One DIGI-Pay Sakhi’,
at Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) in Pampore. nitially, the DIGI-Pay
facility will be provided in 2000 remote villages of the UT and in the first phase, 80 women from Self
Help Groups from across Jammu and Kashmir have been selected as DIGI-Pay Sakhis. On the occasion,
the Lietenant Governor distributed 80 Aadhaar Enabled Payment Systems (AEPs) among the DIGI-Pay
Sakhis under JKRLM. He also inaugurated a week-long training program for Krishi Sakhis and Pashu
Sakhis on sustainable agriculture and livestock management.
23. Along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which Indian personality has been named among 100
most influential people of 2021 by the Time Magazine?
[A] Mamata Banerjee
[B] Arvind Kejriwal
[C] Adar Poonawalla
[D] Both A and C
Answer: Both A and C
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been named among 100 most influential people of 2021 by the Time
Magazine. Apart from PM Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and CEO of Serum
Institute of India, Adar Poonawalla has also been named among the world’s 100 most influential people.
Time magazine unveiled its annual list of ‘The 100 Most Influential People of 2021’ on September 15,
2021. This annual list is a global list comprising of US President Joe Biden, Vice-President Kamala
Harris, Duke & Duchess of Sussex Prince Harry & Meghan, former US president Donald Trump, Chinese
President Xi Jinping, and co-founder of the Taliban, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.
24. Recently, UNCTAD has projected the Indian economy to expand by what percentage in 2021?
[A] 8.3%
[B] 7%
[C] 7.2%
[D] 9.1%
Answer: 7.2%
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has pegged India's economic
growth rate to hit a four-year high of 7.2% for 2021. It had predicted a contraction of 7% in 2020. At this
rate, India would be the fastest growing economy after China, which is projected to grow by 8.3%.
Calculations are based on GDP at constant dollars in 2015.
25. Which organization has launched the Planetarium Innovation Challenge?
[A] MyGov India
[B] ISRO
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] Birla Planetarium
Answer: MyGov India
The “Planetarium Innovation Challenge” has been launched by MyGov India for tech entrepreneurs and
Indian start-ups. This Planetarium challenge was launched with the primary aim of bringing together
local Start-ups and tech firms that have potential to build indigenous planetariums system software.
This system software must be built by using latest technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented
Reality (AR) and Merged Reality (MR).
26. Where was Swachhata Pakhwada 2021 launched?
[A] Mormugao Port Trust
[B] Cochin Port Trust
[C] Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust
[D] Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal
Answer: Cochin Port Trust
On September 16, 2021, at the Cochin Port Trust Swachhata Pakhwada 2021 was launched and the
Swachhata pledge was administered in all departments. On this occasion, shramdaan cleaning activities
were started in the Port areas. During the Pakhwada activities that were proposed comprised of cleaning
of work places, office premises and crafts & public spaces within the Port area. Swachhata Pakhwada is
an environment awareness campaign which was launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
27. Recently, RBI has given its nod to which bank to form a special committee of directors in order
to oversee the operations?
[A] Equitas Small Finance Bank
[B] IDFC First Bank
[C] Yes Bank
[D] Ujjivan Small Finance Bank
Answer: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank
Reserve Bank of India has given its approval to the Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (SFB) to form a special
committee of directors so that they can oversee the operations in absence of a CEO and MD. This
Special Committee of Directors will comprise of three independent directors as its members. This
committee will oversee the operations and administration of the bank in effect from September 16.
28. Which organization has partnered with Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer
(FIIT) and M/s Rusicaa Beverages Private Ltd to commercialize the production of Mahua Nutra
beverage?
[A] TRIFED
[B] National Co-operative Development Corporation
[C] IIT Dhanbad
[D] Tata Consumer Products
Answer: TRIFED
Tribal Co-operative Marketing Federation of India (TRIFED) has entered into a collaborative project with
Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FIIT), a unit which has been established by IIT Delhi
and M/s Rusicaa Beverages Private Ltd, Jharkhand to commercialize the production of Mahua Nutra
beverage which is a heritage drink in the State of Jharkhand.
29. On which date, World Patient Safety Day is observed?
[A] September 19
[B] September 14
[C] September 17
[D] September 24
World Patient Safety Day was observed around the world on September 17 to raise global patient safety
awareness and encourage individuals to demonstrate their commitment to safer healthcare. WHO and
its international partners celebrate this day. Theme for World Patient Safety Day 2021 is “Safe maternity
and newborn care." The main goal of this day is to minimize unnecessary risks and injuries to all women
and newborns during childbirth, and to advocate the provision of quality services at the point of care.
30. In which state/UT, its first Software Technology Park of India has been inaugurated by Rajeev
Chandrasekhar MoS for information & technology and skill development?
[A] Meghalaya

[B] Nagaland
[C] Sikkim
[D] Lakshadweep
Answer: Nagaland
Union Minister of State (MoS) for information & technology and skill development, Rajeev
Chandrasekhar inaugurated the Software Technology Park of India (STPI) at Kohima, Nagaland. This is
the 61st centre of the STPI and first in Nagaland. The STPI is a science and technology organization
established in 1991 by the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
31. Which organization has partnered with Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority
(APSDMA) and Celltick to launch India’s first cell broadcasting Public Warning systems?
[A] Bharti Airtel
[B] BSNL
[C] Reliance Jio
[D] Vodafone Idea Limited
Answer: Vodafone Idea Limited
Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) has partnered with Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority
(APSDMA) and Celltick, the worlds largest cell broadcast-based products provider and a global leader of
Public Warning systems to launch India’s first cell broadcasting Public Warning systems (PWS). Andhra
Pradesh became the first Indian state to implement Celltick’s cell broadcasting PWS.
32. Which organization has launched a unique Scheme called SPIN (Strengthening the Potential of
India)?
[A] Khadi and Village Industries Commission
[B] Ministry of Rural Development
[C] National Small Industries Corporation
[D] State Bank of India
Answer: Khadi and Village Industries Commission
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has launched a unique Scheme called Strengthening the
Potential of India (SPIN) and has also set up a pottery cluster under the SFURTI Scheme in Varanasi with
the aim to empower over 1100 persons belonging to the marginalized potters. 780 electric potter wheels
were also sanctioned to SPIN Scheme participants. Also in Gujarat KVIC has distributed 50 charkha to
women artisans at Kevadia to engage them with sustainable livelihood and self-employment.
33. In which state, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited has successfully commissioned India’s largest
Floating Solar PV plant?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Kerala
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Answer: Andhra Pradesh
India's largest floating solar photovoltaic system (PV) plant has been successfully commissioned by
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) at NTPC Simhadri in the state of Andhra Pradesh. This 25 MW
project covers an area of 100 acres. The project will not only generate clean electricity, but will also
reduce water evaporation by shielding the covered area. Due to the cooling effect, it will also have a
higher yield compared to traditional open space projects.
34. With which organization, Systems, Applications & Products in Data Processing (SAP) has
announced a strategic collaboration to provide Business Process Transformation-as-aService?

[A] Microsoft
[B] Infosys
[C] Wipro
[D] HDFC Bank
Answer: Infosys
To provide Business Process Transformation-as-aService (BPTaaS) to enterprises, Infosys announced a
strategic partnership with Systems, Applications & Products in Data Processing (SAP). This
collaboration will enable Infosys to use SAP’s business process intelligence (BPI) to identify
opportunities and obstacles on the road for transformation, and to develop a roadmap for customers.
35. With which organization, Indian Naval Placement Agency has partnered through which
opportunities for the recruitment of naval veterans will be explored?
[A] Amazon
[B] Reliance
[C] Infosys
[D] Flipkart
Answer: Flipkart
Flipkart and the Indian Naval Placement Agency (INPA) signed a memorandum of understanding in
which the two companies will review opportunities to recruit naval veterans with the Flipkart Group.
Through the memorandum of understanding, INPA will identify a group of Ex-servicemen candidates for
relevant positions in accordance with Flipkart's recruitment standards. In turn, the company will enable
these people to transition to the corporate sector through internal assimilation and training programs.
36. Which organization has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Convergence
Energy Services Limited (CESL) for installing public charging station for electric vehicles?
[A] Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation
[B] Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited
[C] Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited
[D] Punjab Energy Development Agency
Answer: Punjab Energy Development Agency
The Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) to install public charging stations for electric vehicles
in Punjab. ESL is a subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd. (EESL). ESL is a subsidiary of Energy
Efficiency Services Ltd. (EESL). Through cooperation with PEDA, CESL plans to expand its electric
vehicles product portfolio. Additionally, CESL will provide convenient and affordable charging
infrastructure in the state.
37. Which organization used to publish the 'Ease of Doing Business' reports which have been
recently discontinued?
[A] International Monetary Fund
[B] World Bank
[C] Asian Development Bank
[D] United Nations Development Programme
Answer: World Bank
'Ease of Doing Business' reports which are published by the World Bank Group will be discontinued. It
added that it will study a new method to assess the business and investment environment in various
countries. After ethical matters irregularities were raised involving former bank employees and board
members, the World Bank will study a new method to assess the business and investment environments

of countries.
38. With which organization, Exigo Recycling Private Limited has formed a joint venture company to
process e-wastes?
[A] Reliance
[B] Adani Group
[C] MTC Group
[D] Tata
Answer: MTC Group
India's largest scrap metal processor MTC Group and E-waste Recycler Exigo Recycling Private Limited
established a joint venture company MTC-Exigo Recycling Pvt. (MERPL). It was established to treat
waste and improve recycling capabilities. MERPL has set itself a goal of processing more than 2,00,000
tons of waste per year, and will gradually increase the recycling capacity of 10 cities in India.
39. Which organization has launched a cloud collaboration space with Google in Bengaluru?
[A] Infosys
[B] ISRO
[C] Flipkart
[D] WIPRO
Answer: WIPRO
Leading IT service provider Wipro announced the launch of Wipro-Google Cloud Innovation Arena in
Bengaluru to accelerate the adoption of cloud services. This cloud collaboration space will provide in-
house technical expertise, ensure seamless adoption of the cloud, and accelerate innovation to drive
customer business transformation.
40. On which date, World Bamboo Day is observed?
[A] 15 September
[B] 18 September
[C] 20 September
[D] 22 September
Answer: 18 September
Annually, on 18 September the World Bamboo Day is observed globally. The purpose of this day is to
raise the world's awareness of the protection and promotion of the bamboo industry and bamboo
plantations. This special day was celebrated by the World Bamboo Organisation (WBO), which aims to
protect natural resources and the entire environment. The organization also intends to ensure the
sustainable use of bamboo and promote traditional uses for the economic development of local
communities. The message for World Bamboo Day 2021 is “#PlantBamboo: It is time to Plant Bamboo.”
WBO also launched new hashtag #PlantBamboo.
41. Who has been sworn-in as the 16th chief minister of Punjab?
[A] Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa
[B] Aruna Chaudhary
[C] Charanjit Singh Channi
[D] Ashok Gehlot
Answer: Charanjit Singh Channi
Charanjit Singh Channi was sworn-in as the 16th chief minister of Punjab and he became the first
individual from the Dalit community in Punjab to hold this post. He was sworn in by Banwarilal Purohit,
the governor of Punjab.
42. With which organization, Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) has entered into a
model MoU to increase the business opportunities and income of Fair Price Shops?
[A] CSC e-Governance Services India Limited
[B] NITI Aayog
[C] Amazon
[D] Reliance Digital
Answer: CSC e-Governance Services India Limited
The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food
and Public Distribution has signed a model agreement with CSC e-Governance Services India Limited
(CSC) to increase the income and business opportunities of various Fair Price Shops by providing CSC
services to the interested Fair Price Shop (FPS) distributors.
43. Recently, who has become India’s 70th Grandmaster in Chess?
[A] Tania Sachdev
[B] Surya Shekhar Ganguly
[C] Padmini Rout
[D] Raja Rithvik
Answer: Raja Rithvik
Raja Rithvik from the state of Telangana has become India’s 70th Grand Master after crossing the ELO
2,500 mark at the Vezerkepzo GM Chess Championship which was held in Budapest, Hungary. The 17-
year-old passed the mandatory ELO 2,500 mark and became the 70th grandmaster in India. After
defeating the FIDE master Fennek Vaclav from Czechoslovakia, he scored 4 points.
44. In which Indian city a Menhir from the Megalithic period has been found?
[A] Jaisalmer
[B] Basrur
[C] Asansol
[D] Jabalpur
Answer: Basrur
A typical Menhir stone slab from the Megalithic era was discovered in the medieval historic town of
Basrur on the west coast of India. Basrur has many names such as Basurepura, Basurepattana, Basaruru
and Vasupura.
45. With which organization, TRIFED has signed a MoU for entrepreneurship development of tribals
in pearl farming across the country?
[A] Chandrani Pearls
[B] Indian Pearl Company
[C] Purty Agrotech
[D] Cultured Pearl Association of America
Answer: Purty Agrotech
TRIFED signed a memorandum of understanding with Purty Agrotech of Jharkhand to develop
entrepreneurship of trivals in the pearl farming industry nationwide. The memorandum of understanding
between TRIFED and Purty Agrotech will promote the art of pearl cultivation among other tribal
entrepreneurs in India and unlock the potential of this market.
46. In FSSAI’s 3rd State Food Safety Index which measures the performance of States across five
parameters of food safety, which state has topped among the larger states?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Kerala

[D] Karnataka
Answer: Gujarat
Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, released Food Safety and Standards
Authority of India (FSSAI)’s third state food safety index (SFSI) to measure the performance of states in
five food safety parameters. In this year, Gujarat was the highest ranked state among the larger states,
followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Among the smaller states, Goa appeared first, followed by
Meghalaya and Manipur. In UT, Jammu and Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and New Delhi
topped the list. 19 Mobile Food Testing Vans (Food Safety on Wheels) were also flagged off by the
minister to supplement the national food safety ecosystem, bringing the total number of these mobile
inspection vehicles to 109.
47. What is India’s rank in the 2021 edition of Global Innovation Index launched by World
Intellectual Property Organization?
[A] 40
[B] 46
[C] 35
[D] 31
Answer: 46
On September 20, 2021, the 2021 edition of the Global Innovation Index (GII) was published by the World
Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The 2021 edition of GII shows the latest global innovation
rankings of 132 economies based on 81 different indicators. Switzerland, Sweden, the United States and
the United Kingdom continue to lead the innovation rankings and have entered the top five in the past
three years. South Korea will be among the top five in GII for the first time in 2021, while 4 other Asian
economies are in the top 15: Singapore (8), China (12), Japan (13) and Hong Kong (14th). ). India ranks
46th in this list.
48. Which ministry is celebrating ‘Vanijya Saptah’ from 20 to 26 September?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
[C] Ministry of Commerce
[D] Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Answer: Ministry of Commerce
During 20-26 September 2021, the Ministry of Commerce is organizing special programmes and events
named ‘Vanijya Saptah’, as part of the "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" celebration. National Single Window
System and Industrial Park Rating System platforms will be launched by The Department for Promotion
of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) during this event period.
49. With which country NATO has begun conducting Rapid Trident-2021 military exercise?
[A] Belarus
[B] Japan
[C] Slovakia
[D] Ukraine
Answer: Ukraine
Ukraine began joint military exercises with the United States and other NATO forces on September 20,
2021. This military exercise is being conducted at that time during which neighbouring countries Russia
and Belarus were conducting large-scale exercises, which aroused the vigilance of the West. The Rapid
Trident 2021 exercise will continue until October 1.
50. Which institution releases the 'Crime India' report every year?

[A] National Crime Records Bureau
[B] NITI Aayog
[C] Narcotics Control Bureau
[D] Central Board of Investigation
Answer: National Crime Records Bureau
The annual 'Crime India' report is released by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The report for the
year 2020 was released recently. As per the report, India recorded 1.20 lakh cases of "deaths due to
negligence relating to road accidents" in 2020. Communal riots marked an increase of 96% in 2020 over
the previous year. Offences against the State’, had a drop of 27% over 2019 but Uttar Pradesh was the
only major state to record an increase in this category.
51. Which state recently issued circular against bureaucrats holding press conferences?
[A] Meghalaya
[B] Manipur
[C] Kerala
[D] Karnataka
Answer: Karnataka
The Karnataka government has recently issued a circular imposing a ban on holding press conferences
and issuing statements by the bureaucrats. The circular has been issued in the backdrop of a public
discord between JD(S) MLA, a former minister and an IAS officer. As per the circular, the bureaucrats
are only allowed to carry out reliable and official duties only.
52. Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL) is set to start 75 “Fulwari Centers” in which Indian State/UT?
[A] Ladakh
[B] Delhi
[C] Kerala
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Answer: Madhya Pradesh
Singrauli based- Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL), a Coal India arm under the Ministry of Coal has
announced to start 75 “Fulwari Centers” in the Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh. This project
‘Fulwari’ aims to address the problem of malnutrition and associated physical and mental development
problems of infants. Currently 25 centers are being operated successfully with the strength of around
220 kids of the age between 6 months to 3 years.
53. Which two countries are set to participate in the Defence Exercise 'Samudra Shakti'?
[A] India and Indonesia
[B] India and Nepal
[C] India and China
[D] India and Bhutan
Answer: India and Indonesia
Indian & Indonesian Navy are participating in the two-day bilateral maritime exercise 'Samudra Shakti' in
Jakarta scheduled from September 20-22. The exercise aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship,
enhance mutual understanding and interoperability in maritime operations between the two navies. The
Indian Navy ships Shivalik and Kadmatt, and Anti-Submarine Warfare-Long Range Maritime
Reconnaissance Aircraft P8I are participating in the exercise.
54. Sunda Strait, that was making up news recently, separates which two islands?
[A] Java and Sumatra
[B] Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea
[C] Palk Bay and Bay of Bengal
[D] Andaman Sea and South China Sea
Answer: Java and Sumatra
The Sunda Strait is the strait between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra. It connects the Java
Sea to the Indian Ocean. The strait is dotted by a number of islands, many of which are volcanic in
origin. India and Indonesia began a three-day bilateral mega naval exercise 'Samudra Shakti', in the
Sunda Strait.
55. What is the IUCN status of the "Humboldt Penguin", that was making up news recently?
[A] Least Concern
[B] Endangered
[C] Critically Endangered
[D] Vulnerable
Answer: Vulnerable
The IUCN status of the "Humboldt Penguin" is "Vulnerable". Humboldt Penguin is a South American
penguin mainly housed in the Pinguino de Humbold National Reserve in Chile. Eighty per cent of the
world's Humboldt Penguin population lives in the protected area of Chile. Mumbai’s Byculla Zoo has
announced the addition of two new Humboldt penguin chicks this year. There are already seven adult
Humboldt penguins at Byculla Zoo.
56. What does I denote in VIPER, which is seen in the news regarding space exploration?
[A] Intelligence
[B] Interesting
[C] Information
[D] Investigating
Answer: Investigating
The US Space agency NASA has announced the deployment of VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar
Exploration Rover), which is a mobile robot to the Moon. This would be sent as a part of the Artemis
programme in the year 2023, and is aimed to search ice and other resources on and below the lunar
surface. The Moon’s South Pole is one of the coldest areas in our solar system. No prior missions to the
Moon’s surface have explored it yet.
57. Ruskin Bond, Vinod Kumar Shukla and six others were selected for which award/ fellowship
recently?
[A] Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
[B] Jnanpith Award
[C] Vyas Samman
[D] Dr B C Roy Award
Answer: Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
English author Ruskin Bond, Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla and six others were selected for the
Sahitya Akademi Fellowship. The National Academy of Letters said that the general council of Sahitya
Akademi announced its highest honour, the Fellowship.The others who received the Fellowship are
Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay (Bengali), M Leelavathy (Malayalam), Dr. Bhalchandra Nemade (Marathi), Dr
Tejwant Singh Gill (Punjabi), Swami Rambhadracharya (Sanskrit), Indira Parthasarthy (Tamil).
58. Pankaj Advani, who was in the news recently, is associated with which sports?
[A] Weight- Lifting
[B] Snooker
[C] Tennis

[D] Table- Tennis
Answer: Snooker
India’s Pankaj Advani successfully lifted the Asian Snooker Championship, held in Doha, Qatar,
outplaying Amir Sarkhosh of Iran 6-3. The 36-year-old player won the title in 2019 but he was the runner-
up in 2017. In 2019, Pankaj also became the only player in the world who won the titles in all forms of
billiards, snooker, 6Reds, and 10Reds competitions.
59. Which country is set to launch the Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] US
[D] UK
Answer: China
China is set to launch the Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft before the end of 2022. The Long March 7 rocket
carrying the Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft was rolled out at the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center, South
China. Tianzhou-3 will mark the fourth of 11 missions for construction of China's three-module space
station, which is called Tiangong ("Heavenly Palace").
60. The Ministry of Labour recently launched India's first national database on unorganised workers
on which portal?
[A] e-Shram portal
[B] Samadhan portal
[C] AtmaNirbhar Bharat portal
[D] None of the above
Answer: e-Shram portal
The e-Shram portal is India's first national database on unorganised workers. The portal came into being
after the Supreme Court directed the Government to complete the registration process of unorganized
workers. Over 1 crore registered on e-shram portal. 68% of those registrations were done through
Common Service Centres (CSC). The workers can also register themselves in this portal via State Seva
Kendra, Labour Facilitation Centres, selected post offices of the Department of Posts’ Digital Seva
Kendras.
61. Which state/UT has decided to implement the Forest Rights Act, 2006, after 14 years?
[A] Goa
[C] Jammu & Kashmir
[D] Assam
Answer: Jammu & Kashmir
The Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to implement the Forest Rights Act, 2006. It is
expected to elevate the socio-economic status of majority of the tribals and nomadic communities, who
form a 14-lakh-strong population. The tribal communities in the Union Territory include Gujjar-Bakerwals
and Gaddi-Sippis. After a wait of more than 14 years, the rights have been conferred upon the tribal
community.
62. In which year, was the APEDA Act was passed in the Parliament?
[A] 1970
[B] 1980
[C] 1985
[D] 1995

Answer: 1985
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act (APEDA Act) was
passed in the Parliament in the year 1985 which led to the establishment of APEDA. As per a recent
estimate by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics, the export of APEDA
products has registered a 21.8% growth during April to August 2021 compared to the same time frame
of previous year, despite COVID related disruptions.
63. “Aadhaar based e-KYC”, “self KYC” and “OTP based conversion” are a part of which reforms
initiated by the Government of India?
[A] LPG Reforms
[B] Power Sector Reforms
[C] MSME Reforms
[D] Telecom Reforms
Answer: Telecom Reforms
With an aim to provide world class internet / tele-connectivity for the marginalised and to simplify the
KYC processes, the Department of Telecommunications - Ministry of Communications, Government of
India has initiated reforms in the telecom sector. These include “Aadhaar based e-KYC”, “Self-KYC” for
getting SIM cards delivered at doorstep and “OTP based conversion of mobile connection” from prepaid
to postpaid.
64. “VR Chaudhari”, who is seen in the news recently, is associated with which organisation?
[A] ISRO
[B] Indian Air Force
[C] ONGC
[D] Indian Oil
Answer: Indian Air Force
The present Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force Shri. VR Chaudhari, has been appointed by the
Government of India as the next Chief Marshal of the Air Force. He would succeed Air Chief Marshal RKS
Bhadauria, who would retire from the service on 30th September. Shri. VR Chaudhari was commissioned
into the IAF in December 1982 has a flying experience of more than 3,800 hours on a wide spectrum of
aircrafts.
65. Which institution awards the 'Blue Flag certification'?
[A] UNESCO
[B] UNICEF
[C] Foundation for Environment Education
[D] UNFCCC
Answer: Foundation for Environment Education
The Foundation for Environment Education – Denmark is an environment organisation with presently 77
member countries. This organisation awards the Blue Flag certification, which is an eco-label for
sustainable beaches across the globe. Recently, the foundation has awarded Blue Flag certification to 2
more beaches in India - Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Eden in Puducherry. With this, the number of Blue
Flag certified beaches in India has gone up to 10.
66. Kun Peak, which was seen in the news recently, is located in which Indian state/UT?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Ladakh
[D] Uttarakhand

Answer: Ladakh
The Kun Peak is a part of Nun Kun mountain massif. It is also the second highest summit of the massif
with elevation of 23,219 ft in the eastern Himalayan Range. The peak is located near the Suru valley,
Kargil, Ladakh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged-in a team of National Institute of Mountaineering
& Allied Sports (NIMAS) Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, in New Delhi. The team completed a mountaineering
expedition to Mount Kun between July 15, 2021 and August 10, 2021. NIMAS is a premier
mountaineering institute functioning under the aegis of Ministry of Defence.
67. Which institution released a survey, that has found that India’s religious composition has
remained unchanged?
[A] Pew Research Centre
[B] Associated Press
[C] World Bank
[D] UNICEF
Answer: Pew Research Centre
Pew Research Centre recently released a report on the country’s religious composition, following a
survey by the using data from the Census and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS). As per the
report, population growth rates have declined for all of India’s major religious groups. The slowdown is
more among religious minorities. The survey also says India’s religious composition has remained
unchanged, except the Northeast.
68. Which country ranked first in the annual “Freedom on the Net” report 2021?
[A] Norway
[B] Iceland
[C] Finland
[D] Germany
Answer: Iceland
The annual “Freedom on the Net” report was released by the US think-tank Freedom House. As per the
report of this year’s edition, Iceland topped the ranking, followed by Estonia and Costa Rica, the world’s
first country to declare internet access a human right. The report also found that people had been
arrested or convicted for their online activities in 56 out of the 70 countries covered by the report.
Internet shutdowns in Myanmar and Belarus show that online rights declined globally for the 11th year in
a row.
69. When is the World Rhino Day celebrated across the world?
[A] September 20
[B] September 22
[C] September 24
[D] September 25
The rhinoceros is critically endangered and is on the verge of extinction. To highlight the significance of
the efforts to be made to save them, World Rhino Day is celebrated on September 22, from 2010. Every
year on September 22, the world honours five species of rhinos: Black, White, Greater One-horned,
Sumatran, and Javan. The horns of the rhinos are in high demand due to their therapeutic qualities and
hence the animals are poached. The IUCN lists the one-horned rhino, also known as the Indian
rhinoceros, as a vulnerable species.
70. Which Union Ministry is setting up district-level committees to oversee the Government
schemes?

[A] Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry
[B] Power Ministry
[C] Education Ministry
[D] Jal Shakti Ministry
Answer: Power Ministry
The Union Power Ministry has issued an order for setting up district-level committees that will oversee
all power-related schemes of the Union Government. This aims to improve quality of electricity supply in
the country. The Committees shall exercise oversight over all power related schemes of Government of
India. It will comprise M.Ps in the district, District Collector, representatives of the district panchayat,
MLAs, representatives of state-run firms of ministries of power and new and renewable energy, SE of
DISCOM among others.
71. Lake Tanganyika, which was seen in the news, is shared by how many countries?
[A] 2
[B] 3
[C] 4
[D] 5
Answer: 4
Lake Tanganyika, located in Africa is shared by four countries namely Tanzania, the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, and Zambia. This is the second-oldest, second deepest and the
longest freshwater lake in the world. The lake is recently in news, as “Save the Children” an independent
organisation for children has stated that significant rise of Lake Tanganyika due to climate shocks has
led to 84% internal migration in Burundi. In Burundi, most people live along the shores of this lake.
72. “Transforming Food Systems for Rural Prosperity report” has been released by which
organization?
[A] UNESCO
[B] FAO
[C] IFAD
[D] NABARD
Answer: IFAD
“Transforming Food Systems for Rural Prosperity” report has been released by International Fund for
Agricultural Development (IFAD) which is an international financial institution and an UN specialised
agency. The organization is headquartered at Rome, Italy. The report has laid emphasis on government
investment in farming as well as in small and medium enterprises which support farm activities.
73. USA is to hand over the 3,500-year-old tablet recounting the epic of Gilgamesh to which country?
[A] India
[B] Iraq
[C] Saudi Arabia
[D] Bahrain
Answer: Iraq
UNESCO has stated that, the USA would return a 3,500-year-old tablet recounting the epic of Gilgamesh
to Iraq. The tablet was earlier illegally imported by a wealthy US collector. In addition to the tablet, the
UNESCO has announced the repatriation of 17,000 other artifacts to Iraq. UNESCO has considered this
as a victory against illicit trafficking of cultural objects, which is said to be a major source of funding for
terrorist groups.
74. When is the ‘World Alzheimer’s Day’ observed every year?

[A] September 20
[B] September 21
[C] September 25
[D] September 30
Every year, 21st September is observed as World Alzheimer’s Day. This day aims to raise awareness
about the Alzheimer’s disease, its causes, symptoms and the ways to handle it. Alzheimer’s disease is a
brain condition which retards memory and cognitive abilities of the affected person. It is the most
frequent cause of dementia in older individuals, which may cause brain cells to weaken and die.
75. When is the International Day of Peace observed by the United Nations every year?
[A] September 21
[B] September 25
[C] September 29
[D] September 30
Every year, the United Nations observe 21st September as the International Day of Peace. A unanimous
resolution in this regard was passed in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2001 and the
day is being observed since 2002. The theme for this year’s International Day of Peace is “Recovering
better for an equitable and sustainable world” to signify that the world is healing from the COVID-19
pandemic.
76. ‘Doing Business’ report was the flagship publication of which institution?
[A] IMF
[B] World Bank
[C] WTO
[D] NITI Aayog
Answer: World Bank
‘Doing Business’ report was the flagship publication of the World Bank. After data irregularities were
reported internally, on Doing Business reports of 2018 and 2020, World Bank management paused the
next Doing Business report. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has
also been cited by the World Bank in the probe. The World Bank is set to work on new approach to
assess business and investment climate in countries.
77. Matthew Henson, who is seen in the news sometimes, is associated with which profession?
[A] Explorer
[B] Sports person
[C] Politician
[D] Scientist
Answer: Explorer
The International Astronomical Union has named a crater at the Moon’s south pole after the Arctic
explorer Matthew Henson. In 1909, he was one of the first people to reach the geographic North Pole.
The Henson Crater is located in the Moon’s South Pole between Sverdrup and de Gerlache craters. It is
the same region where the Artemis program by the NASA aims to land the next generation of lunar
explorers.
78. Which institution recently released thresholds on Air Quality Norms?
[A] World Health Organization
[B] World Bank
[C] World Resources Institute
[D] World Meteorological Organization
Answer: World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) lowered acceptable thresholds for several pollutants, including
ultrafine PM2.5 particles. The average 24-hour exposure to PM2.5 must remain below 15µg/m³, down
from 25µg/m³. In case of PM10 particles, the safe threshold is lowered from 50 to 45µg/m³. In terms of
exposure over a year-long period, the threshold for PM2.5 is brought down from 10 to 5µg/m³ and for
PM10, from 20 to 15µg/m³.
79. As per the UN food agency, 16 million people in which country “are marching towards
starvation”?
[A] Sudan
[B] Yemen
[C] Syria
[D] Afghanistan
Answer: Yemen
The UN food agency announced that 16 million people in Yemen “are marching towards starvation”. It
also said that food rations for millions in the country will be cut in October unless new funding arrives. A
high-level meeting on Yemen’s humanitarian crisis was hosted recently by the European Union, along
with Sweden and Switzerland. The meeting raised about $600 million, with the US pledging additional
$290 million and the EU pledging additional 119 million euros (about $139 million). However, this still
leaves $1 billion unfunded.
80. India has recently come out with easing the rules for storage of which hazardous chemical?
[A] Sodium Chloride
[B] Nitric Acid
[C] Sulphuric Acid
[D] Ammonium nitrate and Calcium carbide
Answer: Ammonium nitrate and Calcium carbide
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India has revised
and eased the rules pertaining to storage and handling of ammonium nitrate and calcium carbide, for
improved safety. This revision comes at the backdrop of the deadly Beirut (capital of Lebanon)
explosion which occurred due to storage of 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate at the port for 6 years.
81. Which Bank has committed a sum of Rs.30,000 crore lending in India, towards sustainable
financing till FY 2026?
[B] Axis Bank
[C] ICICI Bank
[D] Union Bank of India
Answer: Axis Bank
India’s leading private sector Bank – Axis Bank, has committed a sum of Rs.30,000 crore for lending to
sustainable financing till the financial year 2025-26, which is in line with the Sustainable Development
Goals. This commitment is intended to assist India to reach the SDG targets by 2030. The Bank intends
to make wholesale lending to Sustainable Development projects which would have positive social and
environmental impact.
82. Rajiv Bansal has been appointed to which bureaucratic position?
[A] Deputy Governor of RBI

[B] Chairman of ONGC
[C] Aviation Secretary
[D] Chairperson of CBDT
Answer: Aviation Secretary
Shri. Rajiv Bansal, who is presently the Chairman of Air India has been appointed as the new Aviation
Secretary of India. He is set to replace Shri. Pradeep Singh Kharola who will retire by September 2021.
Shri. Bansal is a 1988 batch IAS officer of Nagaland cadre. In another bureaucratic shuffle, Shri. K
Rajaraman has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Telecommunications.
83. Zee Entertainment is set to merge with the Indian arm of which company?
[A] BBC
[B] Sony
[C] Ten Network
[D] Star Group
Answer: Sony
Zee Entertainment Enterprises is set to be merged with Sony Pictures Networks India. A sum of $1.57
billion would be infused into the capital of the merged entity by Sony. The merged entity would be India’s
largest entertainment network with more than 25% total viewership in India. The shareholding pattern of
the merged entity between Zee and Sony would be 47:53. Punit Goenka – the present CEO of Zee
Entertainment, would be the MD CEO of the merged entity.
84. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has signed a MoU with which international
organization, to improve India’s livestock sector?
[A] UNESCO
[B] IFAD
[C] FAO
[D] Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Answer: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
The Government of India’s Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, for improving the livestock sector and to
support the National Food Security Mission. The foundation will provide technical assistance for new
technologies and implementation of best practices in the livestock sector.
85. Which of the following schemes is aimed to achieve Universal Health Coverage in India?
[A] PM JDY
[B] PM JJBY
[C] PM JAY
[D] PM FBY
Answer: PM JAY
PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PM JAY) is the Government of India’s flagship scheme, launched on
23rd September 2018, with an aim to achieve universal health coverage. The scheme has successfully
completed 3 years of operation. Under this scheme, health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for
secondary and tertiary care hospitalization is provided to the more than 10 crore poor families.
86. India held its first Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Coal and Mines with which country?
[A] UK
[B] Russia
[C] Australia
[D] Japan

Answer: Australia
India and Australia held the first Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Coal and Mines through Video
conferencing. It is held ahead to the India-Australia Energy Dialogue scheduled to be held next month.
The discussions focused on Indian coal resources, strategic minerals-demand and supply scenario and
engagements with Australia. They also discussed collaboration on Clean Coal Technology, Surface Coal
Gasification, Coal Bed Methane, sharing of Technology for fire quenching, Coal Based Hydrogen, among
others.
87. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), which was seen
in the news recently, is located in which country?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Nepal
Answer: India
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is an international
organization which conducts agricultural research for rural development. It is headquartered in
Patancheru, Telangana in India, with several regional centers and research stations. The United Nations
World Food Programme (WFP) and ICRISAT inked pact to take up research to improve food, nutrition
security and livelihoods in the country, against the impacts of climate change.
88. Which association/ institution proposed the world’s first ‘Common charging port for mobile
phones’?
[A] G7
[B] European Union
[C] NASSCOM
[D] NITI Aayog
Answer: European Union
The European Union-EU aims to have a common charging port for mobile phones, tablets and
headphones under a European Commission proposal presented for the first time in the world. This move
is said to have impact on iPhone maker Apple more than its rivals. The move has been more than 10
years in the making. Under the Commission's proposal, a USB-C connector will become the standard port
for all smartphones. EU also cites environmental benefits and ₹250 million in annual savings for users.
89. “Bijoya Sanskritik Mahotsav” is a cultural event which is organised by which organisation?
[A] Press Trust of India
[B] Book Trust of India
[C] Indian Army
[D] Archeological Survey of India
Answer: Indian Army
“Bijoya Sanskritik Mahotsav” is a cultural event organised at Kolkata, by the Eastern Command of the
Indian Army. This event would showcase the cultural ties between India and Bangladesh and is a part of
commemoration of Bangladesh liberation. 16th December 2021 marks the 50th year of Bangladesh
liberation and India’s victory over Pakistan in the Indo-Pak war of 1971.
90. The recently announced Security alliance AUKUS includes how many countries?
[A] Three
[B] Four
[C] Five

[D] Six
Answer: Three
In the month of September 2021, US president Joe Biden, Australian prime minister Scott Morrison and
British prime minister Boris Johnson jointly announced the formation of the trilateral security alliance
AUKUS. The US has also ruled out adding India or Japan to the trilateral partnership. This alliance is
seen as an effort to counter China in the Indo-Pacific. It will also allow the US and the UK to provide
Australia with the technology to develop nuclear-powered submarines for the first time.
91. Which organization has developed an indigenous charger for electric vehicles named AC001?
[A] DRDO
[B] ISRO
[C] ARAI
[D] CSIR
Answer: ARAI
The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has designed and developed indigenously, a
charger for electric vehicles, named AC001. This is taken up for large scale manufacturing by Bharat
Electronics. Presently most of the charging components for electric vehicles are imported. The
indigenous development and manufacturing of these components would boost electric mobility in India.
92. Which organization has released the report titled “Climate Indicators and Sustainable
Development: Demonstrating the Interconnections”?
[A] UNFCCC
[B] UNICEF
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] WMO
Answer: WMO
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released a report titled “Climate Indicators and
Sustainable Development: Demonstrating the Interconnections”. The report stresses the need for
immediate action and international collaboration for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) and to curtail global warming to less than 2 °C. WMO is a UN specialized agency, which is
headquartered at Geneva, Switzerland.
93. In which state, the world’s highest electric charging station has been set up?
[A] Assam
[B] Manipur
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Punjab
Answer: Himachal Pradesh
Kaza – located in the Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, has housed the world’s highest electric
charging station. This station has been set up by the company named “Go Ego”, which provides electric
charging solutions and products. This station is set up at a height of 500 ft above the mean sea level. As
a trial run, two electric scooters were charged at the station.
94. In which state is the pilgrimage site “Parshuram Kund” located?
[A] Haryana
[B] Odisha
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Assam
Answer: Arunachal Pradesh

Parshuram kund is a Hindu pilgrimage site, which is situated at Mishmi plateau in Arunachal Pradesh.
This place is seen in the news recently since the Union Tourism Minister – Shri. G Kishan Reddy has laid
a foundation stone for development of this site, under the central Government’s PRASHAD scheme. The
project is to be implemented at a cost of Rs 37.88 crores.
95. Which Indian has been selected as the external auditor of the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA)?
[A] G C Murmu
[B] Rajiv Mehrishi
[C] Shashi Kant Sharma
[D] Vinod Rai
Answer: G C Murmu
India’s Comptroller and Auditor General G C Murmu selected as the external auditor of the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). IAEA is a prestigious international institution that promotes peaceful use
of nuclear energy. As per the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), his candidature received majority
support of the IAEA general conference and his tenure will be for six years, from 2022 to 2027.
96. Which two countries launched the Joint Anti-Terrorist Exercise (JATE)-2021?
[A] India and Japan
[B] China and Pakistan
[C] China and Afghanistan
[D] India and Sri Lanka
Answer: China and Pakistan
Military troops from China and Pakistan launched a joint anti-terror exercise as part of SCO Regional
Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS). The opening ceremony of the Joint Anti-Terrorist Exercise (JATE)-2021
was held at Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability
among Law Enforcement Agencies of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries for
combating international terrorism. Headquartered in Tashkent, RATS is a permanent organ of the SCO.
97. What is the theme of the International Day of Sign Languages 2021?
[A] We Sign For Human Rights
[B] Sustainable Sign Language
[C] Sign For Shared Future
[D] Sign Together; Better
Answer: We Sign For Human Rights
Every year, the United Nations observe 23rd September as the International Day of Sign Languages, to
support and protect the linguistic and cultural identity of sign language users. The theme for the year
2021 is “We Sign For Human Rights”. This day was first celebrated in the year 2018 and a resolution in
this regard was passed at the UN General Assembly in December 2017.
98. Who has been granted the 2021 Global Goalkeeper Award?
[A] Narendra Modi
[B] Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
[C] Leymah Gbowee
[D] Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Answer: Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former United Nations
under-secretary-general and executive director of UN Women, as the winner of the 2021 Global
Goalkeeper Award. Fairooz Faizah Beether of Bangladesh has been chosen for the 2021 Changemaker
Award for her work promoting good health and well-being. The 2021 Progress Award recognizes Jenifer
Colpas of Colombia for her work to improve access to clean water and sanitation. The 2021 Campaign
Award, recognizes Satta Sheriff of Liberia for her work to promote gender equality.
99. Which South Pacific Ocean country recently moved International Court of Justice, regarding
Climate change?
[A] Fiji
[B] Australia
[C] Vanuatu
[D] Papua New Guinea
Answer: Vanuatu
Vanuatu, a South Pacific Ocean nation made up of 80 islands, has recently moved the International
Court of Justice to issue an opinion on the rights of present and future generations to be protected from
the effects of climate change. A dozen Pacific Island nations are facing rising sea levels and more
regular storms. Vanuatu has a population of around 280,000. Vanuatu is set to route the initiative
through the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
100. The second edition of Ultimate Ladakh Cycling Challenge is organised by which organisation?
[A] Indian Army
[B] Indian Navy
[C] Ladakh Police
[D] Indian Oil
Answer: Ladakh Police
The Ladakh police, in association with the Cycling Federation of India has organised the second edition
of Ultimate Ladakh Cycling Challenge. This has been organised under the “Fit India Movement” and
“Azadi Ka Amrit Mohatsav”. The event was flagged off by the Union Minister of Information and
Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Thakur.
101. What is the theme of the World Pharmacist Day 2021?
[A] Leaving No one behind
[B] Pharmacy: Always Trusted for Your Health
[C] Pharmacists are our Saviours
[D] Sustainable Pharmacy
Answer: Pharmacy: Always Trusted for Your Health
World Pharmacist Day 2021 is celebrated on September 25, to celebrate and recognise the role of
pharmacists. International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) established the World Pharmacist Day. It
was on this day FIP was founded in 1912. FIP is the federation of national associations of pharmacists
and pharmaceutical scientists. The theme of World Pharmacist Day 2021 is "Pharmacy: Always Trusted
for Your Health".
102. The Bangabandhu-Bapu digital exhibition has been inaugurated in which country?
[A] India
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Nepal
Answer: Bangladesh
The Bangabandhu-Bapu digital exhibition was recently inaugurated for public viewing in Dhaka,
Bangladesh. The exhibition showcases the lives of the father of the nation of Bangladesh- Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Mahatma Gandhi. The exhibition has been specially designed by the two

governments to commemorate Mujib Boarsho, birth centenary of Bangabandhu and 150 years of the
birth of Mahatma Gandhi and the golden jubilee of India-Bangladesh bilateral relations.
103. The Birth Anniversary of which leader is observed as the Antyodaya Diwas in India?
[A] Atal Bihari Vajpayee
[B] Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya
[C] Veer Savarkar
[D] L K Advani
Answer: Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya
Antyodaya Diwas is celebrated every year on 25 September to mark the birth anniversary of Pandit
Deendayal Upadhyaya. He was the co-founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS). This year, the Antyodaya
Diwas marks the 105th birth anniversary of Upadhyaya. Antyodaya means uplifting the poorest of the
poor. National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) scheme is named after him.
104. The “Clean India Drive”, which was seen in the news recently, is to be observed in which
country?
[A] October
[B] November
[C] December
[D] January
Answer: October
The Union Government recently announced that it will launch a month-long nationwide Clean India Drive
to clean waste, mainly single use plastic. The drive will be conducted from 1 to 31 October. The Minister
of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur announced this drive and said that as we observe Azadi Ka
Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence, we should aim to create a plastic-free
India.
105. What is the name of the third ever September cyclone which developed in the Bay of Bengal?
[A] Giza
[B] Gulab
[C] Gina
[D] Guna
Answer: Gulab
Cyclone Gulab, made landfall in the state of Andhra Pradesh, hitting the landmass between Andhra
Pradesh and Odisha. It then crossed the Bay of Bengal coast off Kalingapatnam. Four months after
Cyclone Yaas caused destruction across Odisha and West Bengal, another cyclone formed across south
Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coast. In the 21st century, only two tropical cyclones—Daye (2018)
and Pyarr (2005)— made landfall over the Indian east coast from the Bay of Bengal. Hence, Cyclone
Gulab is the third such cyclone to make landfall in September.
106. Which institution released the ‘Report of the Hospital Based Cancer Registries, 2021’?
[A] IMA
[B] ICMR
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] AIIMS
Answer: ICMR
The Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) released the ‘Clinicopathological Profile of Cancers in
India: A Report of the Hospital Based Cancer Registries, 2021’. As per the report, the proportion of all
cancer cases was higher in males (52.4%) than females (47.4%). Gynaecological cancers, including

breast cancer, comprise over half of all cancers in females. Childhood (0-14 years) cancers constitute
7.9% of all cancers. It also highlighted the cancers of the head and neck region were at nearly one third
(31.2%) of the cancers among males
107. Which Indian state emerged as the 5th Asian Ecosystem in Affordable Talent as per the “2021
Global Startup Ecosystem Report”?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Karnataka
[D] Maharashtra
Answer: Kerala
Kerala has emerged as the fifth Asian Ecosystem in Affordable Talent in the 2021 Global Startup
Ecosystem Report (GSER). The report was prepared by Startup Genome and the Global Entrepreneurship
Network and was globally launched recently. The 2021 Report, which ranks the top 140 ecosystems
across the world, based on 7 parameters- performance, funding, connectedness, market reach, resource
attraction, experience and talent.
108. Which Indian state/UT inaugurated the state’s first and the biggest Palmetum in North India?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Jammu & Kashmir
[D] Punjab
Answer: Uttarakhand
The Uttarakhand Forest Department dedicated the state’s first Palmetum and the biggest one in North
India, to the people in the Haldwani, Nainital. The Palmetum took over 3 years to develop and has over
110 species of palms. It was developed under CAMPA scheme. The Palmetum has palm species under
various IUCN categories of critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable among others. The palm
species which is endemic to Uttarakhand is called Trachycarpus Takil (Takil Palm), that can survive sub-
zero temperature.
109. Who is the head of the Group of ministers (GoM) set up to rationalise GST rates?
[A] Basavaraj S Bommai
[B] M K Stalin
[C] Pinarayi Vijayan
[D] Chandrasekar Rao
Answer: Basavaraj S Bommai
The Centre and the state Governments have constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM), to rationalise GST
rates. The GoM will be led by the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Basavaraj S Bommai. After four years of
implementation of GST, the Centre and States have begun an exercise to rework the GST rates slab. One
more GoM has been set up, to be led by the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, to suggest
ways for GST System Reforms.
110. Evergrande, which was seen in the news, is a famous company of which country?
[A] Japan
[B] China
[C] South Korea
[D] USA
Answer: China
Evergrande Group is China’s second-largest property developer in terms of sales. It is one of the Fortune

500 companies. It is incorporated in the Cayman Islands and headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong
Province, China. After several regulations are imposed on Chinese businesses by the Government
including a strict cap on borrowings of companies, many companies were severely impacted.
Evergrande was one of the worst affected as it has borrowed over $300 billion. Recently, its market cap
is down to $4.9 billion, losing nearly 90 percent of its value.
111. Which Indian institution has established a ‘Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Quantum
Technologies’?
[A] IISc Bangalore
[B] IIT Delhi
[C] IIT Madras
[D] AIIMS
Answer: IIT Delhi
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has established a ‘Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Quantum
Technologies’ to conduct research activities in the field. The centre will focus on the areas, such as
quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and metrology, and quantum materials
and devices. The research activities related to a quantum processor and cryogenic controller among
others will also be undertaken.
112. Which Union Ministry is associated with the ‘Hunarbaaz’ Awards?
[A] Ministry of Rural Development
[B] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
[C] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[D] Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Answer: Ministry of Rural Development
Hunarbaaz Awards are instituted by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj
(NIRD&PR), Hyderabad under the Ministry of Rural Development. NIRD&PR presented the awards for 75
differently-abled candidates as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, on the occasion of Antyodaya Diwas. It
marks the birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya on 25th September 2021. The awards are
given to the candidates who were trained through Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana
(DDU-GKY) and Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETI) schemes.
113. NIDHI 2.0, which was seen in the news recently, is a database prepared by which Union
Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Tourism
[B] Ministry of MSME
[C] Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
[D] Ministry of Finance
Answer: Ministry of Tourism
NIDHI 2.0 stands for ‘National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry’. It was launched by the Union
Ministry of Tourism to celebrate “World Tourism Day 2021” on 27th September 2021 in New Delhi. The
Ministry also launched ‘India Tourism Statistics – At a Glance, 2021’. The theme of the World Tourism
Day 2021 is “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”. A MoU was also be signed between Ministry of Tourism,
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI)to
promote ‘sustainability initiatives’ in the tourism sector.
114. What is the name of the tourism app recently launched by the Delhi Government?
[A] My Delhi
[B] Dekho Meri Dilli

[C] Tour Delhi
[D] Hamara Delhi
Answer: Dekho Meri Dilli
The Government of Delhi has recently launched a mobile application named “Dekho Meri Dilli”. This has
been designed and built by the Tourism Department of the Delhi Government. The app is designed to act
as a one-stop centre for all tourism related information in Delhi. It would also be a marker place for
tickets to all major tourist destinations in Delhi.
115. Which country, one among the world’s oldest republics, recently voted to legalise abortion?
[A] Italy
[B] Spain
[C] San Marino
[D] Switzerland
Answer: San Marino
A referendum for a proposal to allow abortion up to 12 weeks of pregnancy was conducted in the
Republic of San Marino. Nearly 77% of the total voters backed the proposal and favoured to allow
abortion. Till date, in the Republic of San Marino, ending pregnancy was illegal and invited an
imprisonment of 3 years, and an imprisonment of 6 years for the one who carries out abortion.
116. Which new indicator has been incorporated in the Swachh Survekshan 2022?
[A] Happiness of People
[B] Working conditions and livelihood of sanitation workers
[C] Wellness of Doctors
[D] Condition and redevelopment of slums
Answer: Working conditions and livelihood of sanitation workers
The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched the 7th edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS
2022), which is the cleanliness survey conducted under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban. In the current
edition of Swachh Survekshan, specific indicators on ‘working conditions and livelihood of sanitation
workers’ has been incorporated, in order to recognize the contributions made by them during the
pandemic.
117. What amount of seed capital assistance can be availed by SHG members under the Seed Capital
Module of DAY NULM - PMFME Scheme?
[A] Rs.10,000
[B] Rs.25,000
[C] Rs.40,000
[D] Rs.1,00,000
Answer: Rs.40,000
The Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries in association with the Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs has launched the Seed Capital Module on DAY NULM (National Urban Livelihoods Mission).
Using this portal / module, Self Help Groups (SHG) members can avail seed capital assistance of
Rs.40,000 per member, under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises
(PMFME) Scheme.
118. Which Indian tennis player won the Ostrava Open WTA 500 tournament 2021?
[A] Ankita Raina
[B] Sania Mirza
[C] Rohan Bopanna
[D] Yuki Bhambri

Answer: Sania Mirza
Sania Mirza, along with her Chinese pair Shuai Zhang won the final match of the Ostrava Open WTA 500
tournament in Czech Republic. The second seeded pair won the match against the third seeds in straight
sets- 6-3, 6-2. It was Sania Mirza's 43rd WTA doubles title on the tour. It was also Sania's first title of
2021 and her first big title since Brisbane in 2017. The Indian player had reached the final of WTA 250
Cleveland event last month.
119. ‘Weaver Services and Design Resource Center’ is set to be set up in which state/UT?
[A] Jammu and Kashmir
[C] Sikkim
[D] West Bengal
Answer: Himachal Pradesh
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and Textiles Piyush Goyal announced that a Weaver Services
and Design Resource Center will be set up in Kullu, in Himachal Pradesh. It aims to encourage the
handicraft products of Himachal Pradesh and provide a platform for export of these products in the
international market. The handkerchief of Chamba, Kullu shawl and cap and the shawl of Kinnaur of the
state were given G.I. Tags
120. Landsat 9, which was seen in the news recently, has been launched by which space agency?
[A] NASA
[B] JAXA
[C] ISRO
[D] China National Space Administration
Answer: NASA
NASA has launched a satellite named ‘Landsat 9’, built to monitor the Earth’s land surface. It was
successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. As a joint mission with the U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS), Landsat 9 lifted off on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Norway’s
Svalbard satellite-monitoring ground station acquired signals from the spacecraft about 83 minutes
after launch. Landsat 9 is travelling to its final orbital altitude of 705 kilometers.
121. Which Union Ministry launched the “AmritGrand Challenge Program” titled “JAN CARE”?
[A] Ministry of Electronics and IT
[B] Ministry of Science and Technology
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of MSME
Answer: Ministry of Science and Technology
Ministry of Science & Technology launched the “AmritGrand Challenge Program” titled “JAN CARE”. The
challenge aims to identify 75 Start-Up Innovations in Telemedicine, Digital Health, mHealth with BIG
Data, AI, Block Chain and other technologies. This was announced that Biotechnology Industry Research
Assistance Council (BIRAC)’s 10th Biotech Innovators Meet in New Delhi with a theme- “Vigyan se
Vikash”. BIRAC was set up by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to enhance the Innovation
capabilities of the Indian biotech industry, particularly Start-Ups.
122. 14567, which was launched recently, is the help line for which segment of people?
[A] Children
[B] Elder People
[C] Tribal People
[D] Trans Gender people
Answer: Elder People
India’s first toll-free helpline 14567 called ‘Elder Line’ was officially launched recently by the Ministry of
Social Justice and Empowerment. The Senior citizens can dial 14567 for information and guidance on
legal, financial, health and social issues. It also aims to provide guidance, emotional support, and
immediate assistance in cases of abuse. Already 17 States have opened the Elder Line and others are in
the row.
123. Which organization has recently launched a national level training programme for women in
dairy farming
[A] ICAR
[B] National Commission for Women
[C] NABARD
[D] Dairy Development Board
Answer: National Commission for Women
The National Commission for Women has launched a national level training and capacity building
programme for women in the field of dairy farming, to make them financially independent. For the
training, the National Commission for Women has collaborated with many agricultural universities for
rendering training in the fields of dairy farming and allied activities.
Note:
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