Sep 8

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September 2023
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INDEX
National & States Affairs .....................................................................................................5
International Affairs ….….....................................................................................................8
Banking, Finance, Insurance & Economic Affairs ..............................................................8
Defence Affairs ….....…….....................................................................................................10
Sports & Games …...……......................................................................................................11
Appointments & Resignations …........................................................................................13
Awards, Rewards, Recognition & Prizes ….........................................................................15
Schemes & Initiatives ……...................................................................................................18
Amount & Agreements …….................................................................................................19
Meetings, Conference & Summits ……...............................................................................20
Ranks, Reports & Surveys ……...........................................................................................20
MoUs, Collaboration & Partnership …...............................................................................22
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National & States Affairs
351. On September 19, Uttar Pradesh government has decided to celebrate “Traders’ Welfare Day” on every June 29. The
government will also hold a investors’ summit in every district to recognise and honour prominent local business leaders
and industrialists on the day, which coincides with the birth anniversary of Bhamashah, an aide of Maharana Pratap. Over
₹1.70 crore will be provided to Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Academy for organising a state-level cultural event on the
day. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 UP – to celebrate “Traders’ Welfare Day” on every June 29, coincides with the birth anniversary of Bhamashah
 UP – to hold investors’ summit in every district to recognise & honour local business leaders & industrialists on the day
 Over ₹1.70 Cr will be provided to UP Sangeet Natak Academy for organising a state-level cultural event on the day
 UP: Capital – Lucknow | CM – Yogi Adityanath | Governor – Anandiben Patel
352. On September 24, India rolled out a new policy for tens of thousands of casual workers employed by the Border
Roads Organisation (BRO) to build infrastructure in the country’s farthest frontiers to give them dignity in death. Defence
minister Rajnath Singh approved the policy for the preservation and transportation of the mortal remains of ‘casual paid
labourers’ to their native place while also raising funeral expenses from ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 for those whose last rites are
performed at the worksite. He also virtually laid the foundation stone of the Nyoma airfield in Ladakh, located at a height
of 13,300 feet and 23 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC). BRO, which is at the centre of the India’s border
infrastructure push, has completed nearly 300 crucial projects during the last three years at a cost of ₹8,000 crore. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
 India – rolled out a new policy for casual workers employed by BRO to give them dignity in death
 Rajnath Singh – approved policy for preservation & transportation of the mortal remains of ‘casual paid labourers’
 He also raised funeral expenses from ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 for those whose last rites are performed at the worksite
 He also virtually laid the foundation stone of the Nyoma airfield in Ladakh
 HQs of BRO – New Delhi | Director General – Major Gen Rajeev Chaudhary | Founded on – May 7, 1960
353. On September 20, Election Commission of India (ECI), under its ‘Systematic Voters’ Education and
Electoral Participation(SVEEP)’ program, launched a comic book titled “Chacha Chaudhary aur Chunavi
Dangal” to educate and motivate young voters. The comic book is a joint initiative of ECI & Pran
Comics designed to inspire the youth to enroll and participate in the festival of democracy. It features
the iconic cartoon characters Chacha Chaudhary, Sabu, Billoo brought to life by the renowned
Cartoonist late Shri Pran Kumar Sharma. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 ECI – launched a comic book titled “Chacha Chaudhary aur Chunavi Dangal” under its SVEEP program
 SVEEP – Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation
 The comic book is a joint initiative of = ECI + Pran Comics
 Characters like Chacha Chaudhary, Sabu, Billoo brought to life by – Cartoonist late Shri Pran Kumar Sharma
 HQs of ECI – New Delhi | Chief Election Commissioner – Rajiv Kumar (25th) | Formed on – 25th Jan, 1950
 Election Commissioners (2) – Anup Chandra Pandey & Arun Goel
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354. On September 21, Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
launched “Kisan e-Mitra”, an AI Chatbot for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman
Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme at New Delhi. The AI Chatbot aims to enhance the
efficiency and reach of the PM-KISAN scheme, and will also provide farmers
prompt, clear, and accurate responses to their queries. AI Chatbot will also help
in accessing scheme information and resolving grievances. The AI Chatbot,
accessible through the PM KISAN mobile app, is integrated with Bhashini, which
offers multilingual support, catering to the linguistic and regional diversity of the
PM KISAN beneficiaries. Currently, the Chatbot is available in English, Hindi, Bengali, Odia, and Tamil. In a short period, it
will be available in all 22 languages of the country. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a central sector
scheme launched in February 2019 to support the financial needs of land-holding farmers in India. The scheme offers an
annual financial benefit of Rs 6,000/- in three equal instalments to eligible farmers’ families. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 MoAFW – launched “Kisan e-Mitra”, an AI Chatbot for PM-KISAN Scheme
 The AI Chatbot – is integrated with Bhashini, & offers multilingual support
 It is currently available in – English, Hindi, Bengali, Odia, and Tamil
 PM-KISAN – a central sector scheme launched in February 2019
 It offers an annual financial benefit of Rs 6,000/- in 3 equal instalments to eligible farmers’ families
 Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: Narendra Singh Tomar | Constituency – Morena, Madhya Pradesh
 MoS in Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: Shobha Karandlaje & Kailash Choudhary
355. On September 21, A dedicated portal, the ‘Vigilance Complaint Information Management System (VCIMS)’, was
unveiled by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to enable citizens to file complaints against bribe-seeking government or
police officials in a fast and anonymous manner. The portal would accept complaints against employees of Delhi
government departments as well as bodies such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal
Council (NDMC), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Police, and other autonomous organisations and institutions
under the Delhi government. The identity of the complainant will be kept secret and be revealed only under “exceptional
circumstances”. To ensure that only genuine complaints are filed on the portal, complainants will compulsorily have to
submit an e-undertaking that they can be prosecuted under section 182 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for giving false
information to public servants. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 VK Saxena – unveiled VCIMS, a dedicated portal to enable citizens to file complaints against bribe-seeking government
or police officials in a fast & anonymous manner
 VCIMS – Vigilance Complaint Information Management System
 Complainants will compulsorily have to submit an e-undertaking that they can be prosecuted under section 182 of IPC
 Delhi: CM – Arvind Kejriwal | Lt. Governor – Vinai Kumar Saxena | Chief Secretary – Naresh Kumar
356. On September 23, Uttar Pradesh has achieved 100% Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus coverage under the flagship
Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) programme. As of the current date, around 4.4 lakh (around 75%) villages across India
have declared themselves ODF Plus, which is a significant step towards achieving the SBM-G Phase-II goals by 2024-25.
The target has been fixed to make all villages ODF Plus by 2025. So far, 11 states have been declared 100% ODF Plus
status, out of which UP is the largest. An ‘ODF Plus’ village is one which has sustained its Open Defecation Free (ODF)
status along with implementing either solid or liquid waste management systems. {Read more}
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Smart Points:
 Uttar Pradesh – achieved 100% ODF Plus coverage under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) programme
 4.4 lakh (75%) of India’s villages have achieved ‘Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus’ status under SBM-G Phase-II
 ‘ODF Plus’ village – which has sustained ODF status along with implementing solid or liquid waste management system
 All villages in 14 states & UT have achieved ODF Plus Status, of which 4 have been declared ‘ODF Plus Model’
 Ministry of Jal Shakti: Gajendra Singh Sekhawat | Constituency – Jodhpur, Rajasthan
 MoS for Jal Shakti & Food Processing Industries – Prahlad Singh Patel
357. On September 21, the India and the United States launched a mechanism that will facilitate deployment of 10,000
made-in-India electric buses in cities across the country. India had launched the National Electric Bus Programme (NEBP) in
June last year with an aim to deploy 50,000 new e-buses across the country by 2027 in a phased manner. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 India + US = launched a mechanism for deployment of 10,000 made-in-India electric buses in cities across country
 India – launched NEBP in June 2022 to deploy 50,000 new e-buses across the country by 2027 in a phased manner
 US – Washington, D.C. – US Dollar | 46th President – Joe Biden | 49th VP – Kamala Harris
358. On September 25, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) unveiled India’s 1st Green
Hydrogen-powered bus at Kartavya Path in Delhi. The bus emits just water as it takes
the lead in bringing out unrivaled tools to replace fossil fuels. The bus was flagged off
by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in New Delhi. The IOC will produce close to 75
kg of hydrogen by splitting water using electricity from renewable sources. This
hydrogen will be used to power two buses which will ply across the national capital
region for trial runs. By the end of 2023, IOC will scale up the number of buses to 15. The global demand for hydrogen is
expected to increase by 4 to 7 times to 500-800 tonne by 2050. Domestic demand is expected to increase by 4 times, from
the current 6 tonne at present to 25-28 tonne by 2050. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 IOCL – unveiled India’s 1st Green Hydrogen-powered bus that emits just water – in Delhi
 IOCL – will produce close to 75 kg of hydrogen by splitting water using electricity from renewable sources
 This hydrogen will be used to power two buses which will ply across the national capital region for trial runs
 By the end of 2023, IOC will scale up the number of buses to 15
 The global demand for hydrogen is expected to increase by 4 to 7 times to 500-800 tonne by 2050
 Domestic demand is expected to increase by 4 times, from the current 6 tonne at present to 25-28 tonne by 2050
 HQs of IOCL – New Delhi | Chairperson – Shrikant Madhav Vaidya | Founded in – 1959
359. In September 2023, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) officially recognized
Mithun as a ‘Food Animal’, with effect from September 1, 2023. Mithun is a large domestic cattle like a
cow. To commemorate this milestone and celebrate the recognition, the ICAR-NRC has proposed to
establish a ‘Mithun Day’ on September 1. Mithun meat is named as ‘Weishi’. Besides, the Indian Council
of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched the “M-ANITRA” app to register mithun farmers as ‘buyers’ and
‘sellers’ with the aim to help them do business at competitive prices. {Read more}
Smart Points:
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 FSSAI – officially recognized Mithun as a ‘Food Animal’, with effect from September 1, 2023
 Mithun is a large domestic cattle like a cow | ICAR-NRC – proposed to establish a ‘Mithun Day’ on September 1
 Mithun meat is named as ‘Weishi’
 ICAR – launched “M-ANITRA” app to register mithun farmers as ‘buyers’ and ‘sellers’
 Manipur: Capital – Imphal | CM – N. Biren Singh | Governor – Sushri Anusuiya Uikye
 HQs of FSSAI – New Delhi | Chairperson – Rita Teaotia | CEO – Arun Singhal
International Affairs
360. On September 25, Google unveiled a new transatlantic subsea cable system, called “Nuvem”,
to connect Portugal, Bermuda, and the US, as the tech giant aims to boost its internet
infrastructure. Named after the Portuguese word for ‘Cloud’, Nuvem will improve network
resiliency across the Atlantic, helping meet growing demand for digital services. Nuvem will be the
first to connect Bermuda with Europe. Expected to be ready for service in 2026, Nuvem will add
capacity, increase reliability, and decrease latency for Google users and Google Cloud customers around the world. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
 Google – unveiled a new transatlantic subsea cable system, called “Nuvem” to connect Portugal, Bermuda, & the US
 It is named after the Portuguese word for ‘Cloud’ | Nuvem – will be the first to connect Bermuda with Europe
 HQs of Google – California, US | CEO – Sundar Pichai | Founded in – 1998
Banking, Finance, Insurance & Economic Affairs

361. On September 23, the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) signed an MoU with the Digital Lenders
Association of India (DLAI) to boost India’s fintech sector. The MoU aims for collaborations with SIDBI to develop standard
protocols to expedite the adoption of digital lending partnerships including alliances between banks and Lending Service
Providers (LSPs). Under the agreement, SIDBI and DLAI will explore partnerships for its “Prayaas” Scheme for informal
enterprises, co-lending, GST Sahay, Express loan, green financing, and other direct credit schemes. Jatinder Handoo is the
CEO of DLAI. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 SIDBI + DLAI = an MoU to boost India’s fintech sector
 Aim – to develop standard protocols to expedite adoption of digital lending partnerships including alliances b/w banks
& LSPs
 SIDBI + DLAI = to explore partnerships for its “Prayaas” Scheme
 HQs of DLAI – Bengaluru | CEO – Jatinder Handoo
 HQs of SIDBI – Lucknow, UP | MD & Chairman – Sivasubramanian Ramann | Established in – 1990
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362. On September 21, The RBI introduced norms on the Basel III capital framework, fund raising, exposure guidelines, and
norms on the classification and valuation of investment portfolios for All India Financial Institutions (AIFIs), which will
come into effect from April 2024. India has five AIFIs regulated by the central bank, namely the Export-Import Bank of
India (EXIM Bank), the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard), the National Bank for Financing
Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID), the National Housing Bank (NHB), and the Small Industries Development Bank
of India (SIDBI). AIFIs will be required to maintain a minimum total capital of 9% by April 2024, wherein minimum tier-I
capital will need to be at 7% and common equity tier-I (CET-1) capital at 5.5%. For NHB, the implementation date will be
July 2024, given that its accounting year is July–June. AIFIs will not be allowed to acquire a fresh stake in a bank’s or AIFI’s
equity shares if the acquisition leads to its holding exceeding 5% of the investee’s equity capital. AIFIs’ equity investment
in a single entity cannot exceed 49% of the equity of the investee. While AIFIs can hold this entire 49% stake as a pledgee,
if the acquisition is against AIFI’s claims, the stake will need to be brought below 10% within three years. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 RBI – introduced norms on Basel III capital framework, fund raising, exposure guidelines, & norms on classification and
valuation of investment portfolios for AIFIs
 These norms will come into effect from April 2024 (July 2024 for NHB)
 India’s 5 AIFIs regulated by RBI – EXIM Bank, NABARD, NaBFID, NHB, & SIDBI
 AIFIs – will be required to maintain a minimum total capital of 9% by April 2024
 Minimum tier-I capital will need to be at 7% & CET-1 capital at 5.5%
 AIFIs will not be allowed to acquire a fresh stake in a bank’s or AIFI’s equity shares if the acquisition leads to its holding
exceeding 5% of the investee’s equity capital
 AIFIs’ equity investment in a single entity – cannot exceed 49% of the equity of the investee
 HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor – Shaktikanta Das (25th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
 Total Deputy Governors (4) – S. Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | Michael D. Patra | M. Rajeshwar Rao
363. On September 22, Axis Bank launched “NEO for Business”, a distinctive Transaction Banking platform specially
curated for Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This is a first-of-its-kind comprehensive digital
proposition that caters to the real, current, and emerging Transaction Banking needs of MSMEs. Axis Bank’s NEO for
Business platform offers a wide array of Banking and Beyond Banking features such as: Digital self on-boarding, Bulk
Payments, GST Compliant Invoicing, Payment Gateway integration, 360° Customer View, End to End Transaction Tracking,
Auto Reconciliation, Recurring Collections, Cash Flow Reports and many more. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 Axis Bank – launched “NEO for Business”, a Transaction Banking platform specially curated for Indian MSMEs
 HQs of Axis Bank – Mumbai | MD & CEO – Amitabh Chaudhry | Tagline – “Badhti ka Naam Zindagi”
364. On September 26, the government announced to borrow ₹6.55 Lakh Crore in the second half of
FY 2023-24 through dated securities, including ₹20,000 Crore through issuance of Sovereign Green
Bonds (SGBs). The government meets its fiscal deficit mainly through market borrowings. The 50-year
security will be issued for the first time. The government had projected gross market borrowing of
₹15.43 lakh crore for FY 2023-24. The RBI has fixed the Ways and Mean Advances (WMA) limit for H2
of FY 2023-24 at ₹50,000 Crore to take care of temporary mismatches in Government accounts.
{Read more}
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Smart Points:
 GoI will borrow ₹6.55 Lakh Cr in 2nd half of FY24 through dated securities, including ₹20,000 Cr through SGBs
 The 50-year security will be issued for the first time
 GoI had projected gross market borrowing of ₹15.43 lakh crore for FY 2023-24
 RBI – has fixed the Ways and Mean Advances (WMA) limit for H2 of FY 2023-24 at ₹50,000 Crore
365. On September 26, the Central government has extended the term of RBI Deputy
Governor, M. Rajeshwar Rao, for a period of one year with effect from October 9, 2023, or
until further orders, whichever is earlier. He was appointed as Deputy Governor of Reserve
Bank in October 2020 for a period of 3 years and was assigned the responsibility of financial
regulation. Currently RBI is run by four deputy governors in addition to a Governor. Other
three deputy governors are Swaminathan J, T. Rabi Sankar & M.D. Patra. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 GoI – extended the term of RBI Deputy Governor, M. Rajeshwar Rao, for 1 year with effect from October 9, 2023
 HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor – Shaktikanta Das (25th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
 Total Deputy Governors (4) – S. Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | Michael D. Patra | M. Rajeshwar Rao
Defence Affairs
366. On September 22, Navies of India and Singapore have commenced the 30th edition
of, “SIMBEX 2023” (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise), in the southern parts of
the South China Sea. Indian Navy’s Rajput-class destroyer INS Ranvijay, Kamorta-class
corvette INS Kavaratti, and a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft took part in the week-long
bilateral maritime exercise. SIMBEX, first held in 1994, is conducted in two phases. The
land phase of the exercise will involve table-top exercises and planning discussions while
the sea phase will see the navies engage in various naval drills. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 India + Singapore = commenced 30th “SIMBEX 2023” (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise) in South China Sea
 INS Ranvijay, INS Kavaratti & and a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft – took part in the bilateral maritime exercise
 SIMBEX – was 1st held in 1994 & it is conducted in two phases (land phase & sea phase)
 Singapore – Singapore – Dollar | PM – Lee Hsien Loong | President – Tharman Shanmugaratnam
367. On September 22, Indian Navy and IISc Bengaluru signed an MoU to promote academic cooperation in the field of
engineering and enhance scientific understanding of technologies related to the defence sector. The collaboration
between the Indian Navy and IISc has already resulted in the development of future-ready Transcritical carbon dioxide
(CO2) based AC plants working on natural refrigerants. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 Indian Navy + IISc Bengaluru = an MoU to promote academic cooperation in engineering & enhance scientific
understanding of technologies related to the defence sector
 HQs of Indian Navy – Delhi | Chief – Admiral R. Hari Kumar | Vice Chief – Vice-Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh
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368. INS Sahyadri participated in the 1st trilateral Maritime Partnership Exercise with the
ships and aircraft of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Indonesian Navy from
September 20-21, 2023. The trilateral exercise provided an opportunity for the three
maritime nations to strengthen their partnership and improve their collective capability to
support a stable, peaceful and secure Indo-Pacific region. INS Sahyadri, the third ship of
the indigenously designed and built Project-17 class multirole stealth frigates was built at Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai and
is commanded by Capt Rajan Kapoor. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 India – participated in 1st trilateral Maritime Partnership Exercise with Royal Australian Navy (RAN) & Indonesian Navy
 INS Sahyadri – participated in the exercise & it is 3rd ship of Project-17 class multirole stealth frigates (built at MDL)
 Australia – Canberra – Australian Dollar | PM – Anthony Albanese
 Indonesia – Jakarta (Nusantara in future) – Rupiah | President – Joko Widodo
Sports & Games

369. On the final day, India’s Nischal won the silver medal in women’s 50m rifle 3 positions at the
‘ISSF World Cup 2023’ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In total, India finished 5th in medal tally, with 2
medals, one Silver by Nischal and one Gold by Elavenil Valarivan in the women’s 10m air rifle
event. A total of 16 Indian shooters took part in the ISSF World Cup in Rio. The Rio meet was the
last rifle and pistol ISSF World Cup of 2023. It will be followed by the ISSF World Cup Final in
Doha, Qatar, scheduled from November 18 to 27. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 Nischal (India) – won silver medal in women’s 50m rifle 3 positions at ‘ISSF World Cup 2023’ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
 India – finished 5th in medal tally with 2 medals (1G + 1S).
 The gold was won by – Gold by Elavenil Valarivan in the women’s 10m air rifle event
370. On September 26, India won the team dressage gold in equestrian sport at the
“Asian Games 2023” in Hangzhou, breaking a 41-year-old jinx at the continental
event. The team comprising Divyakriti Singh (Adrenalin Firfod), Hriday Vipul Chhed
(Chemxpro Emerald), Anush Agarwalla (Etro) and Sudipti Hajela (Chinski) aggregated
209.205 percentage points on way to the top podium finish. China were second with
204.882 percentage points, while Hong Kong finished with a bronze with 204.852
points. It is the first time in the history of the sport, India secured a team gold in
dressage event. India last won a gold in equestrian in the 1982 Asian Games In New Delhi but not in dressage event. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
 India – won team dressage gold in equestrian sport at “Asian Games 2023” | 2nd – China | 3rd – Hong Kong
 The team comprising – Divyakriti Singh (Adrenalin Firfod), Hriday Vipul Chhed (Chemxpro Emerald), Anush Agarwalla
(Etro) & Sudipti Hajela (Chinski)
 It is the first time in the history of the sport, India secured a team gold in dressage event
 India – last won a gold in equestrian in the 1982 Asian Games In New Delhi but not in dressage event
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371. On September 24, Marco Bezzecchi, of the Mooney VR46 Ducati (GP22) team, secured a win at the IndianOil Grand
Prix of India - MotoGP Bharat 2023, held at the Buddh International Circuit. In 2023, the event introduced a new Sprint
race format. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, the title sponsor for the race, recently launched products like XP 100, XP 95, and
XTRAGREEN. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 IndianOil Grand Prix of India - MotoGP Bharat 2023 – held at Buddh International Circuit
 IOCL – is the title sponsor for the race & has launched products like XP 100, XP 95, and XTRAGREEN
 HQs of IOCL – New Delhi | Chairperson – Shrikant Madhav Vaidya | Founded in – 1959
372. On September 25, Former world champion Rudrankksh Patil along with Olympians Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar and
Divyansh Singh Panwar bagged India’s first gold medal at the Asian Games 2023 in the men’s 10m air rifle team event in
Hangzhou, the People’s Republic of China. Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar went on to win a bronze medal in the individual
category as well before the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol team of Vijayveer Sidhu, Anish Bhanwala and Adarsh Singh also
added a bronze to the tally. The Indian trio in 10m air rifle shot 1893.7 to claim the top spot and shatter the previous
world record of 1893.3 set by the Chinese shooters at the ISSF World Championships in August. In the men’s 25m rapid
fire pistol, Indian shooters Vijayveer Sidhu, Adarsh Singh and Anish Bhanwala scored 1718 points to bag the bronze medal.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
 Rudrankksh Patil + Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar + Divyansh Singh Panwar = bagged India’s 1 st gold medal at Asian
Games 2023 in men’s 10m air rifle team event
 Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar – also won a bronze medal in the individual category
 Men’s 25m rapid fire pistol team of Vijayveer Sidhu, Anish Bhanwala and Adarsh Singh – won a bronze medal
 Indian trio in 10m air rifle won the top spot at the ISSF World Championships in August
 Vijayveer Sidhu + Adarsh Singh + Anish Bhanwala = won bronze medal in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol
373. On September 27, Indian former tennis player & multiple Grand Slam winner,
Leander Paes from West Bengal, emerged as the first Asian man to be nominated for the
International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) in the Player category. The 50-year-old Paes was
one of the six nominees announced for the Class of 2024. In 2019, Chinese player Li Na
became the first Asian player to get nominated to the ITHF. Paes holds the competition’s
record with 43 doubles ties victories. In 1996, he became India’s only Olympic medalist in
tennis, earning bronze at the Atlanta Games. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 Leander Paes (West Bengal) – emerged as 1st Asian man to be nominated for ITHF in the Player category
 ITHF – International Tennis Hall of Fame
 He was one of the six nominees announced for the Class of 2024
 Li Na (China) – became the first Asian player to get nominated to the ITHF in 2019
 West Bengal: Capital – Kolkata | CM – Mamta Banerjee | Governor – C. V. Ananda Bose
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374. On September 27, Naorem Roshibina Devi, a Wushu fighter from Manipur, clinched a silver medal
in the women’s 60-kg Sanda final at the ongoing 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. In the match,
Xiaowi Wu of the host country defeated her. Roshibina had won bronze at Jakarta Asiad in 2018. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
 Naorem Roshibina Devi (Wushu fighter - Manipur) – won silver in women’s 60-kg Sanda final at 19th Asian Games
 She is defeated by – Xiaowi Wu of china | She had won bronze at Jakarta Asiad in 2018
Appointmens & Resignations

375. On September 21, Bhargav Dasgupta resigned from his position as the MD & CEO of ICICI
Lombard. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) appoixnted Bhargav Dasgupta as the Vice-
President (Market Solutions) for a period of 3 years. His role includes responsibility for
management of the operations of ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department and Office of
Markets Development and Public-Private Partnerships. The insurance pioneer, Mr Dasgupta, led
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co Ltd to be the first listed general insurance company in India.
Moreover, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company has appointed Sanjeev Mantri as the Managing Director (MD) and
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company following the resignation of Bhargav Dasgupta. Dasgupta will be continue
with his duties until the close of business hours on November 30, 2023, following which Mantri will take charge. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
 Bhargav Dasgupta – appointed by Asian Development Bank (ADB) as the Vice-President (Market Solutions) for 3 years
 Bhargav Dasgupta – resigned from his position as the MD & CEO of ICICI Lombard
 ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co Ltd – first listed general insurance company in India
 HQs of ADB – Mandaluyong, Philippines | President – Masatsugu Asakawa | Members – 68
 HQs of ICICI Lombard – Mumbai, MH | MD & CEO – Bhargav Dasgupta (Sanjeev Mantri from December 1, 2023)
376. On September 23, Tata Sons, the holding company of the salt-to-aviation Tata Group,
has appointed Banmali Agrawala as the new Chairman of Tata Advanced Systems (TASL), the
group’s aerospace and defence solutions unit. Agrawala succeeds Vijay Singh who has
retired. Agrawala is also a senior advisor at Tata Sons and chairman of Tata Electronics. Vijay
Singh is the Vice-Chairman of Tata Trusts. TASL has been focusing on become India’s first
private manufacturer of a military aircraft. TASL has signed a deal worth ₹21,000 crore with
Airbus to make 40 Airbus C295, a new-generation tactical airlifter that’s meant to replace the ageing fleet of the Avro
Hawker Siddeley HS-748 twin-turboprop aircraft. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 Banmali Agrawala – appointed as the new Chairman of Tata Advanced Systems (succeeding - Vijay Singh)
 TASL + Airbus = have signed a deal worth ₹21,000 Cr to manufacture 40 Airbus C295, a new-generation tactical airlifter
 HQs of Tata Advanced Systems – Hyderabad, Telangana | MD & CEO – Sukaran Singh | Chairman – Banmali Agrawala
https:// /#
377. As published in September 2023, the CEO of Jeff Bezos’s space company Blue Origin, Bob Smith, will
step down from his position at the end of the year, and will be replaced by former Amazon executive Dave
Limp. Limp, a former senior Vice President at Amazon who led the company’s consumer devices unit, will
become Blue Origin’s CEO on December 4, 2023. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 Bob Smith – announced to step down from his position as CEO of Blue Origin at the end of 2023
 He will be replaced by – Dave Limp on December 4, 2023
 HQs of Blue Origin – Washington, US | CEO – Bob Smith (Dave Limp from December 4)
378. On September 16, Senior nuclear scientist Vivek Bhasin assumed charge as the director of Bhabha Atomic Research
Centre (BARC). He succeeds Ajit Kumar Mohanty, who was appointed as the Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy and
Chairman Atomic Energy Commission earlier in 2023. Bhasin played a key role in setting up of facilities for fabrication of
fuel for Apsara-U reactor and a novel plant for production of fission-moly, a radioactive isotope with extensive applications
in healthcare. He is a recipient of several honours, including the Indian Nuclear Society Medal, DAE Science and
Technology Award, and Homi Bhabha Science and Technology Award. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 Vivek Bhasin – assumed charge as the director of BARC (succeeding - Ajit Kumar Mohanty)
 HQs of BARC – Mumbai, MH | Director – Vivek Bhasin
379. On September 19, Nihar Malaviya has been named as permanent CEO of Penguin Random House. He succeeded
Markus Dohle. Markus Dohle departed after a federal judge struck down Penguin Random House's attempted merger with
Simon & Schuster. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 Nihar Malaviya – named as permanent CEO of Penguin Random House (succeeding - Markus Dohle)
 HQs of Penguin Random House – New York, US | CEO – Nihar Malaviya
380. On September 18, Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar announced that the panel of vice-
chairpersons has been reconstituted with 50% of women parliamentarians and that the percentage may go higher in
future. The eight-member panel will now have four women members, including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs Kanta
Kardam, Sumitra Balmik and Geeta alias Chandraprabha; and Biju Janata Dal's Mamata Mohanta. Special Session of
Parliament was held from September 18-22. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 Jagdeep Dhankhar: the panel of vice-chairpersons has been reconstituted with 50% of women parliamentarians
 Four women members – BJP MPs Kanta Kardam, Sumitra Balmik & Geeta; and Biju Janata Dal’s Mamata Mohanta
 Jagdeep Dhankhar – Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President
https:// /#
Awards, Rewards, Recognition & Prizes
381. On September 19, Union Government has instituted the “Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP)” that includes 56 prizes to
felicitate scientists, technologists and innovators. The RVP will comprise 3 Vigyan Ratna awards, as well as 25 Vigyan Shri,
25 Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, and 3 Vigyan Team awards. These prizes will be awarded annually for physics,
chemistry, biological sciences, mathematics and computer science, earth science, medicine, engineering science,
agricultural science, environmental science, technology and innovation, atomic energy, space science and technology, and
a 13th category, simply called ‘Others’. The 56 proposed awards are a stark reduction from the almost 300 science prizes
that used to be given by Union Ministries. The RVP awards, which will commence from 2024, will be conferred by the
President of India or the Vice President. The awards will be announced annually on May 11, which is National Technology
Day, and will be awarded on National Space Day, August 23. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 GoI instituted “Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP)” to felicitate scientists, technologists & innovators
 The RVP awards will be conferred by the President of India or the Vice President
 Awards will be announced on May 11 (National Technology Day) & will be awarded on August 23 (National Space Day)
 RVP, which includes 56 prizes & will be awarded annually for 13 categories from 2024, will comprise:
- 3 Vigyan Ratna awards
- 25 Vigyan Shri
- 25 Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
- 3 Vigyan Team
 These 56 proposed awards are a reduction from almost 300 science prizes that used to be given by Union Ministries
382. On September 21, the Booker Prize 2023 judging panel announced the final list of six novels from 13 longlisted titles –
the so-called “Booker dozen” – which were selected from 163 books published between October 2022 and September
2023. Canadian novelist Esi Edugyan chairs the judging panel. London-based Indian-origin author Chetna Maroo’s debut
novel ‘Western Lane’ was among the shortlisted for the 2023 Booker Prize in London. The others are: Prophet Song by
Paul Lynch (Ireland), The Bee Sting by Paul Murray (Ireland), Study for Obedience by Sarah Bernstein (Canada), If I Survive
You by Jonathan Escoffery (US) and This Other Eden by Paul Harding (US). The prestigious Booker Prize is open to works of
fiction written in English by authors anywhere in the world and published in the UK or Ireland. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 Booker Prize 2023 judging panel – chaired by Canadian novelist Esi Edugyan
 ‘Western Lane’ book – is among the final list of 6 novels shortlisted for 2023 Booker Prize
 ‘Western Lane’ book – is debut novel of London-based Indian-origin author Chetna Maroo
 Other 5 books are:
- Prophet Song by Paul Lynch (Ireland)
- The Bee Sting by Paul Murray (Ireland)
- Study for Obedience by Sarah Bernstein (Canada)
- If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery (US)
- This Other Eden by Paul Harding (US)
 Booker Prize – is for works of fiction written in English by authors anywhere in the world & published in – UK or Ireland
https:// /#
383. On September 21, Palak Sharma, a remarkable young diver hailing from Indore,
Madhya Pradesh, has won the esteemed “Madhya Pradesh Eklavya Award”. The award
was presented by the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in a
ceremony held at Tatya Tope Stadium in Bhopal. The ceremony witnessed felicitation of
47 players and sports personalities. The award is a testament to Palak Sharma’s
exceptional achievements in diving, a sport she embarked on at the tender age of 8.
Despite her young age, Palak Sharma represented the Indian diving team at the Asian
Age Group Championship 2019, where she clinched one gold and two silver medals in the finals. These awards, bestowed
by state governments, celebrate the outstanding contributions of athletes in various categories, including the Eklavya
Award, Vikram Award, Vishwamitra Award, Late Prabhash Joshi Award, and Life Time Achievement Award. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 Palak Sharma (Indore - diving) – won “Madhya Pradesh Eklavya Award”
 The award was presented by CM at – Tatya Tope Stadium in Bhopal
 These awards, bestowed by state governments, are given in various categories:
- Eklavya Award
- Vikram Award
- Vishwamitra Award
- Late Prabhash Joshi Award
- Life Time Achievement Award
 Madhya Pradesh: Capital – Bhopal | CM – Shivraj Singh Chouhan | Governor – Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel
384. On September 26, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur announced
that 85 year-old veteran actor Waheeda Rehman will be honoured with “Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime
Achievement Award 2023”, the highest recognition in the field of Indian cinema. Waheeda Rehman
is regarded as one of India’s finest actors and is best known for her roles in films like ‘Pyaasa’, ‘CID’,
‘Guide’, ‘Kaagaz Ke Phool’, ‘Khamoshi’ and ‘Trishul’. She has also been conferred with Padma Shri
and Padma Bhushan award. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 Waheeda Rehman – to be honoured with “Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award 2023”
 It is the highest recognition in the field of Indian cinema
 She has also been conferred with Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan award
 Ministry of Information & Broadcasting: Anurag Singh Thakur | Constituency – Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh
 MoS in Ministry of Information & Broadcasting: L. Murugan
385. On September 22, the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT
Bangalore) has been awarded the ‘Green University Award 2023’ during the 7th “NYC Green
School Conference” held in New York, US. The award was received by Mr. Udaya Hegde, a
Governing Body Member and Alumni of IIIT-Bangalore. The nine-acre campus of IIIT Bangalore
has an expansive 41% green space. It comprises 487 trees of 60 species, ponds, and other
vegetation which nurture a teeming biodiversity. The campus has been designed to maximise
natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting and fans. The institute harnesses solar
power to meet 40% of its energy needs. The campus also efficiently recycles 55,000 Kilo Liters of wastewater annually,
meeting 50% of its water requirements. {Read more}
https:// /#
Smart Points:
 7th “NYC Green School Conference” held in New York, US
 IIIT Bangalore – has been awarded ‘Green University Award 2023’
 Some key highlights of IIIT Bangalore:
- It harnesses solar power to meet 40% of its energy needs
- It recycles 55,000 Kilo Liters of wastewater annually, meeting 50% of its water requirements
- It has an expansive 41% green space
 It comprises 487 trees of 60 species, ponds, and other vegetation
 Director of IIIT Bangalore – Debabrata Das
386. On September 15, Besides, the Department of Pension & Pensioners’

Welfare (DoPPW) has been conferred the prestigious 1st ‘Raj Bhasha Kirti
Puraskar’, 2022-23 in the category of Ministries/ Departments with less than
300 employees, for the second consecutive year. Moreover, the Comptroller
and Auditor General of India (CGA) has been conferred with ‘Rajbhasha Kirti
Puraskar’ for outstanding implementation of Official Language Policy in the
Ministry/ Department category with more than 300 personnel for the year
2022-23. Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has been conferred with the
prestigious ‘Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar’ (3rd Position) in the ‘A’ category for the year 2022-23. This award endorses PFC’s
unwavering dedication to promoting the use of the official language and fostering linguistic diversity. The award ceremony
coincided with the 3rd ‘All-India Official Language Conference’. The Raj Bhasha Kirti Puraskar is a prestigious award
conferred by Ministry of Home Affairs every year on a department which stands first among all the Ministries/
Departments. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 ‘Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar’ 2022-23 awardees (conferred by Ministry of Home Affairs):
 DoPPW – conferred in the category of Ministries/ Departments with less than 300 employees for 2nd consecutive year
 CGA – conferred for outstanding implementation of Official Language Policy in Ministry/ Department category with
more than 300 personnel
 PFC – conferred 3rd Position in the ‘A’ category
387. On September 24, Kerala, for the third consecutive year, won the “Arogya Manthan Award 2023” for providing free
medical care to the maximum number of people. Arogya Manthan 2023 is an event being celebrated by the National
Health Agency to mark the 5th year of the Centre’s flagship scheme, ‘Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
(AB PM-JAY)’. The State’s health insurance scheme, Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhati, won the award for the scheme with
the highest utilisation by beneficiaries. Kerala also received the award for the best service provision for the blind
beneficiaries of KASP, by introducing treatment cards in Braille. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 Kerala – won “Arogya Manthan Award 2023” for 3rd consecutive year
 Arogya Manthan 2023 – an event celebrated by NHA to mark 5th year of Centre’s flagship scheme, AB PM-JAY
 Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhati (Kerala) – won the award for the scheme with the highest utilisation by beneficiaries
 Kerala – also received the award for the best service provision for the blind beneficiaries of KASP
 Kerala: Capital – Thiruvananthapuram | CM – Pinarayi Vijayan | Governor – Arif Mohammad Khan
https:// /#
388. On September 21, Dr Swati Nayak, an Indian scientist at the International Rice Research
Institute (IRRI), has been named the recipient of the prestigious “Norman E Borlaug Award for Field
Research and Application 2023”, with the World Food Prize Foundation describing her as an
‘Outstanding Young Scientist’. Nayak is the South Asia Lead for Seed System and Product
Management at the IRRI in New Delhi. The award is given by the Rockefeller Foundation to
exceptional scientists under 40 and someone who works in the field of food and nutrition security, hunger eradication in
memory of the Nobel awardee and Green Revolution’s chief architect Dr Norman Borlaug. Dr Swati will receive the award
during a ceremony at the ‘2023 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue’ October 24-26 in Des Moines, Iowa (US). {Read
more}
Smart Points:
 Dr Swati Nayak – named as recipient of “Norman E Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application 2023”
 World Food Prize Foundation – described her as an ‘Outstanding Young Scientist’
 She is an Indian scientist at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
 The award is given by – Rockefeller Foundation to exceptional scientists under 40
 Award will be given during a ceremony at ‘2023 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue’ in Des Moines, Iowa (US)
389. On September 27, Malayalam survival drama ‘2018: Everyone is a Hero’ has
been chosen as India’s official entry to the ‘Best Foreign Language Film’ category
at the 96th Academy Awards (Oscars), making it only the 4th film from the language
to be chosen for the honour. Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, 2018 is based on
the unprecedented rains and flood that hit Kerala in 2018. Last year, India bagged
the Best Documentary Short Film for ‘The Elephant Whisperers’, and ‘Naatu
Naatu’ from RRR won the Best Music (Original Song) award. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 ‘2018: Everyone is a Hero’ (Malayalam) – chosen as India’s official entry to ‘Best Foreign Language Film’ category at
the 96th Academy Awards (Oscars)
 It is only the 4th film from the language to be chosen for the honour | Directed by – Jude Anthany Joseph
Schemes & Initiatives

390. On September 27, the Government of India extended support under scheme for ‘Remission of Duties and Taxes on
Exported Products (RoDTEP)’ till June 30, 2024, from September 30, 2023. The scheme provides a mechanism for
reimbursement of taxes, duties and levies, which are currently not being refunded under any other mechanism, at the
central, state and local levels, but which are incurred by the export entities in the process of manufacture and distribution
of exported products. This will help exporters negotiate contracts in the present international environment on better
terms. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 GoI extended support under scheme for ‘RoDTEP’ till June 30, 2024, from September 30, 2023
 RoDTEP – Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products
https:// /#
391. On September 26, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya,
launched the Rs 5,000 Crore “Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma and
MedTech sector (PRIP)” scheme, which aims to transform India’s pharma medtech
industry from a cost-based one to innovation-based. The scheme aims to strengthen
research infrastructure in India, which is the 3rd largest pharmaceutical industry in the
world by volume, with a current market size of around $50 billion. A recent report of the
Pharmaceutical Exports Promotion Council of India suggested that Indian pharma exports
could surge to $24 billion in FY24, an increase from $23 billion in FY23. India accounts for only 1.5% of the global medical
devices market, while having 8% share of the global MedTech R&D workforce. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 Mansukh Mandaviya – launched “Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma & MedTech sector (PRIP)” scheme
 Aim – aims to transform India’s pharma medtech industry from a cost-based one to innovation-based
 Research infrastructure in India – World’s 3rd largest pharmaceutical industry by volume (current market size – $50
billion) | Outlay – Rs 5,000 Cr
 Pharmaceutical Exports Promotion Council of India report: Indian pharma exports could surge to $24 billion in FY24
 India – accounts for only 1.5% of global medical devices market & 8% share of the global MedTech R&D workforce
Amount & Agreements

392. On September 26, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) raised Rs
1,041 Crore through its Social Impact Bond, which matures in 5 years, at a coupon of 7.63%.
NABARD’s base issue size was Rs 1,000 crore, and a green shoe option of another Rs 2,000 crore. This
marks Nabard’s first externally certified AAA-rated social bonds in the country. The bonds have been
rated AAA rating by CRISIL and ICRA. A social impact bond (SIB) is a contract with the public sector or
governing authority, whereby it pays for better social outcomes in certain areas and passes on part of the savings achieved
to investors. The first social impact bond was issued in 2010 by Social Finance Ltd. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 NABARD – raised Rs 1,041 Crore through its Social Impact Bond | Maturity – 5 years | Coupon rate – 7.63%
 Base issue size was Rs 1,000 crore, and a green shoe option of another Rs 2,000 crore
 This marks Nabard’s first externally certified AAA-rated social bonds in the country (AAA rating by CRISIL and ICRA)
 SIB – a contract with the public sector or governing authority, whereby it pays for better social outcomes
 The first social impact bond was issued in 2010 by Social Finance Ltd
 HQs of NABARD – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – Shaji K V | Founded in – 1982
https:// /#
Meetings, Conference & Summits
393. In September 2023, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman, Harivansh Narayan Singh, led a delegation of the Parliament at
the 9th ‘BRICS Parliamentary Forum 2023’ held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The main theme of the BRICS Parliamentary
Forum is “Harnessing Multilateralism and Parliamentary Diplomacy to deepen BRICS and Africa Partnership”. The Deputy
Chairman also be participated in the discussion on climate change and legislative mobilisation. South Africa assumed the
BRICS Chairmanship in January 2023. The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) agreed at their annual
summit to make Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE full members from January 1, 2024. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
 9th ‘BRICS Parliamentary Forum 2023’ – held in Johannesburg, South Africa
 Main Theme – “Harnessing Multilateralism and Parliamentary Diplomacy to deepen BRICS and Africa Partnership”
 Harivansh Narayan Singh (Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman) – led a delegation of the Parliament at the Forum
 South Africa – assumed the BRICS Chairmanship in January 2023
 Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt & the UAE – to be the full members of BRICS from January 1, 2024
 BRICS Member Countries = 5 – Brazil, Russia, India, China & South Africa | BRICS Chairmanship 2023 – South Africa
Ranks, Reports & Surveys

394. For the first time, 91 Indian institutions are included in the “Times
Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2024” released on
September 27, 2023. Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru,
topped among Indian institutions and ranked in the 201-250 band, for
the first time since 2017. The second highest ranked universities in
India are Anna University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Mahatma Gandhi
University, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management
Sciences, which are all in the 501-600 band. In the 20th year of the ranking, globally 1,904 universities from 108 countries
and regions are ranked. As per the THE Rankings 2024, the UK’s University of Oxford is the highest ranked university in the
world with Stanford University taking second place, making it the US’s top ranked university, and in third place is the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In the top 10 of THE Rankings 2024, seven universities are from the US.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
 Key highlights of “Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2024”:
 For the first time, 91 Indian institutions are included in the rankings
 IISc, Bengaluru – topped among Indian institutions and ranked in the 201-250 band, for the first time since 2017
 2nd highest ranked universities in India: Anna University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Mahatma Gandhi University, Shoolini
University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences (are all in the 501-600 band)
 Top – University of Oxford (UK) | 2nd – Stanford University (US) | 3rd – Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
https:// /#
395. In September 2023, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) has released the sixth
edition of National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) – Way forward Monthly Report for States/UTs,
which provides a detailed overview of status of e-service delivery across States/UTs. The August monthly report sets a
baseline for number of e-services and mandatory e-services provided by States/UTs on NeSDA – Way Forward dashboard.
The key highlights of the report include: A) 14,736 e-services are provided across States/UTs, which is an increase of 6.2%
(869) services from July Report. Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala and Odisha provide 100% of their services through their
identified Single Unified Service Delivery Portal i.e., e-UNNAT (1028), e-Sevanam (911) and Odisha One (404), respectively.
1,505 out of 2,016 mandatory e-services (56*36 States/UTs) are available, making saturation at 74.6%. B) Haryana
provides the maximum e-services in Labour & Employment Sector (149), which is followed by Tamil Nadu (96) and
Jharkhand (89). Out of 26 types of distinct e-services identified under the sector, Haryana (21) provides the maximum
types of e-services and is followed by Meghalaya (19). C) The Government of Bihar has launched a web-based Child Labour
Tracking System (CLTS) which facilitates case management of rescued child labourers. The Government of Gujarat has built
Anubandham, that allows job seekers and job providers to connect through auto-matching, in a transparent and user-
friendly manner. The Government of Uttarakhand provides employment opportunity to the unemployed youth in
Uttarakhand through Rojgar Prayag portal. {Read more)
Smart Points:
 DARPG – released “6th NeSDA – Way forward” Monthly Report for States/UTs
 The report provides a detailed overview of status of e-service delivery across States/UTs
 J & K, Kerala & Odisha provide 100% of services through e-UNNAT (1028), e-Sevanam (911) & Odisha One (404), resp.
 1,505 out of 2,016 mandatory e-services are available, making saturation at 74.6%
 Maximum e-services in Labour & Employment Sector provided by – Haryana (149), TN (96) & Jharkhand (89)
 Bihar – launched a Child Labour Tracking System (CLTS) to facilitate case management of rescued child labourers
 Gujarat – built ‘Anubandham’ that allows job seekers & job providers to connect through auto-matching
 Uttarakhand – provides employment opportunity to unemployed youth through ‘Rojgar Prayag’ portal
 DARPG – works under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
396. On September 27, UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) India, in

collaboration with the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), released
the highly anticipated “India Ageing Report 2023”. This report sheds light on the
challenges, opportunities and institutional responses surrounding elderly care in
India, as India navigates a demographic shift towards an ageing population. The
India Ageing Report 2023 represents a thorough review of the living conditions and
welfare of older individuals in India. India’s elderly population is growing rapidly,
with a decadal growth rate of 41%. Over 20% of India's population is estimated to be elderly by 2050. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 UNFPA India + IIPS = released “India Ageing Report 2023”
 India’s elderly population is growing rapidly, with a decadal growth rate of 41%
 Over 20% of India's population is estimated to be elderly by 2050
https:// /#
397. India has fallen by 1 place to the 87th position out of 165 countries on the economic freedom index, according to
“Economic Freedom of the World: 2021 Annual Report” by Canada’s Fraser Institute. The report has been released in India
in conjunction with New Delhi-based think tank Centre For Civil Society. Singapore topped the index, followed by Hong
Kong & Switzerland. India has been ranked higher than China, which stands at the 111 th position. Venezuela once again
ranks last. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 “Economic Freedom of the World: 2021 Annual Report” – released by Canada’s Fraser Institute
 India – has fallen by 1 place to 87th position out of 165 countries on the economic freedom index
 Top – Singapore | 2nd – Hong Kong | 3rd – Switzerland | China – 111th | Last – Venezuela
 Singapore – Singapore – Dollar | PM – Lee Hsien Loong | President – Tharman Shanmugaratnam
MoUs, Collaborations & Partnership

398. On September 21, Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) signed an MoU with
Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) for solarisation of residential units at Ayodhya and for bio-energy and
renewable project financing. This initiative will encourage innovations for environment friendly projects. The bank has
been working to support the electric vehicles sector with the objective of achieving the Government of India’s vision for
30% electrification of vehicles by the year 2030, under the “EV30@30” mission. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 UPNEDA + SIDBI = MoU for solarisation of residential units at Ayodhya & for bio-energy & renewable project financing
 SIDBI – working to achieve GoI’s vision for 30% electrification of vehicles by 2030, under the “EV30@30” mission
 HQs of SIDBI – Lucknow, UP | MD & Chairman – Sivasubramanian Ramann | Established in – 1990
399. On September 25, Magic Bus India Foundation, a non-profit organisation that provides education and skilling,
partnered with Madhya Pradesh government to introduce project ‘Saksham’, a life skills education programme, in
government schools. The Department of Tribal Affairs of Madhya Pradesh has partnered with Magic Bus India Foundation
to empower master trainers and government school teachers, equipping them to deliver life skills education while
nurturing the well-rounded development of adolescents across 20 districts and 89 blocks in the state. This partnership is
for a span of 4 years. Jayant Rastogi is the CEO of Magic Bus India Foundation Global. {Read more}
Smart Points:
 Magic Bus India Foundation + MP Govt = partnered to introduce project ‘Saksham’ in Govt. Schools
 It is a life skills education programme
 HQs of Magic Bus India Foundation Global – Navi Mumbai, MH | CEO – Jayant Rastogi
 Madhya Pradesh: Capital – Bhopal | CM – Shivraj Singh Chouhan | Governor – Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel
400. On September 26, REC Limited signed an MoU with Punjab National Bank (PNB) to jointly explore the possibility of
funding projects in the Power Sector and Infrastructure & Logistics Sector under a consortium arrangement. REC and PNB
will associate with each other to co-finance loans amounting to Rs 55,000 Cr over the next 3 years. REC Limited, a
Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, was established in 1969 and provides long-term
loans and other finance products for Power sector. {Read more}
https:// /#
Smart Points:
 REC Ltd + PNB = MoU to explore possibility of funding projects in Power Sector and Infrastructure & Logistics Sector
 REC & PNB – will associate with each other to co-finance loans amounting to Rs 55,000 Cr over the next 3 years
 REC Ltd – is a Maharatna CPSE under Ministry of Power & it was established in 1969
 HQs of REC Ltd – New Delhi | Chairman & MD – Vivek Kumar Dewangen | Founded in – 1969
 HQs of PNB – New Delhi | MD & CEO – Atul Kumar Goel | Tagline – “The Name You Can Bank Upon”
Important Days
World Rose Day (Day for Welfare of Cancer Patients)
September 22
(The day is dedicated to a 12-year-old Canadian girl named Melinda Rose)
September 22 World Car-Free Day
World Rhino Day
September 22
(5 species of Rhinos - White & Black rhinos in Africa, Greater one-horned, Javan, Sumatran rhino)
International Day of Sign Languages (since 2018)
September 23
(Theme - “A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere!”)
World Day of the Deaf
September 24
(Theme - “Ear and Hearing Care for All”)
September 24 World Rivers Day (4th Sunday in Sep)
13th World Pharmacists Day
September 25
(Theme - “Pharmacy Strengthening Health Systems”)
September 25 Antyodaya Diwas (birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay)
World Environmental Health Day
September 26 (Theme - “Global Environmental Public Health: Standing up to Protect Everyone’s
Health Each and Every day”)
17th World Contraception Day
September 26
(Theme - “The Power of Options”)
September 26 UN’s International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
World Tourism Day
September 27
(Theme - “Tourism and Green Investments”)
UN’s 4th International Day for Universal Access to Information
September 28
(Theme - “The importance of the online space for access to information”)
World Maritime Day (last Thursday of Sep)
September 28
(Theme - “MARPOL at 50 - Our Commitment Goes On”)
https:// /#
A GLIMPSE OF SOME GENUINE TESTIMONIALS
https:// /#
A GLIMPSE OF SOME GENUINE TESTIMONIALS
https:// /#
ippines – Manila – Peso | President – Ferdinand Marcos Jr
https:// /#
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