12th-13th September, 2023

1. India and Bangladesh have signed 3 MoUs to strengthen bilateral cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
2. Koraput Kalajeera Rice, an aromatic rice, from Odisha has got Geographical Indications status.
3. Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has launched 5 new initiatives to foster inclusivity, advance disability rights, and harness technology to improve lives of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
4. Andhra Pradesh(AP) Governor has released 6 special covers on “Manyam Viplava Saradhi Alluri Sitarama Raju”to commemorate the Centenary of Chilli Post, brought out by the Department of Posts, as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, in honour of unsung heroes through medium of philately.
5. Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), under Ministry of Commerce and Industry(MoCI) and the Transport Department of the Government of Keralahas signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand the scope of the open mobility network in Kerala.
6. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) along with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited (MHI) has launched the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 47 (H-IIA F47).
7. AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) has entered into bancassurance agreements with Star Health and Allied Insurance Company (Star Health), and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company (Bajaj Allianz).
8. United States of America (USA) based chipmaker NVIDIA corporation has partnered with Reliance Industries Limited and Tata Group to build Artificial Intelligence (AI) Supercomputers in India.
9. GQG Partnershave acquired 5.07 crore equity shares (0.8% of the total equity) in IDFC First Bank for about Rs 478.70 crore from V Vaidyanathan, Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IDFC First Bank.
10. Bharti AXA Life Insurance has launched Bharti AXA Life Income Laabh, an individual savings plan that provides both financial security and a consistent income stream throughout the policy term.
11. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd.(MDL), a Public-Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), has signed a Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) with the government of the United States of America (US), represented by NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka.
12. North Koreahas launched its first operational tactical nuclear attack submarine, Submarine No. 841 named “Hero Kim Kun Ok”.
13. Indian Navy and the French Navy has recently conducted the Phase II of the 21st edition of the Varuna (Varuna 2023), the bilateral maritime exercise, in the Arabian Sea.
14. 11 September- National Forest Martyrs Day 2023
15. 12 September-  International Day for South-South Cooperation 2023
16. The Association of Investment Bankers of India (AIBI) has appointed Mahavir Lunawat, as its Chairman for two years starting September 2023.
17. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the re-appointment of Sandeep Bakhshias the Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ICICI Bank Limitedfor three years.
18. Novak Djokovichas won his 24th Grand Slam title (143rd edition) at the US Open 2023 by defeating Daniil Medvedev in the men’s singles final.
19. Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz 2023 has been concluded at the National Library of India, Kolkata, West Bengal.
20. Germanymen’s basketball team has won the International Basketball Federation(FIBA) Basketball World Cup 2023 by defeating Serbia in the finals held in Manila, Philippines.
21. Indian tennis player Sumit Nagalhas finished as runner up in the NÖ OPEN 2023(powered by EVN), an Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Challenger 100 event, held in Tulln, Austria.
22. S. Sreedharan Pillai, Governor of Goa has launched the Mashaal (torch) for the 37th National Gamesto be held in Goa.
23. Indian archer Prathamesh Samadhan Jawkar has secured the silver medal in Men’s Compound in 2023 Hyundai Archery World Cup Finals, held in Hermosillo, Mexico.
24. National Judicial Academy (NJA) of India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Singapore Judicial College of the Supreme Court of Singapore on advancing cooperation in judicial education and research.
25. Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS)’s Next G Alliance and the Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration opportunities on 6G wireless technologies.
26. The Indian Navyhas signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uber, a leading ridesharing app, to provide reliable, convenient, safe, and economical mobility solutions for personal travel and commute of Naval personnel and families across India.
27. NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nayara Energy Limited to produce Green Hydrogen for Nayara Energy’s captive usage and help them in the decarbonisation process and to reduce carbon footprint.
28. American Software Developer Dennis Austin, one of the co-creators of PowerPoint software has passed away.
29. British Scientist Sir Ian Wilmut, who led the team at the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh that created Dolly the Sheep has passed away.

National News

1. India and Bangladesh have signed 3 MoUs to strengthen bilateral cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
• MoU on Cooperation in Digital Payment mechanisms between National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Bangladesh Bank.
• MoU on renewal of the Cultural Exchange Program (CEP) between India and Bangladesh for 2023- 2025.
  • This aims to hold cultural activities to strengthen cooperation in the areas of archaeological conservation, youth affairs, sports and mass media etc.
  • CEP was initially signed between both countries in 2015; Lastly renewed in 2019 for the tenure 2021-23.
• MoU between Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council (BARC).
  • The MoU will come into effect through the creation of two-year Work Plans.
  • It also includes the formation of a Joint Working Group of both nations, which will meet once every two years in New Delhi and Dhaka in Bangladesh.

Source: LM

2. Koraput Kalajeera Rice, an aromatic rice, from Odisha has got Geographical Indications status.
• It has been exclusively cultivated by the tribes and farmers of Koraput district in Odisha over generations.
• It is popular among rice consumers for its black colour, good aroma, taste and texture.

Source: DC

3. Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has launched 5 new initiatives to foster inclusivity, advance disability rights, and harness technology to improve lives of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

New Initiatives include:

• MOU with Council of Architecture: To mandate universal accessibility courses in Bachelor of Architecture programs.
• Release of Anonymous Data of UDID (Unique Disability ID): To facilitate data-driven decision-making in disability sector.
• PM Daksh Portal: It is comprehensive digital platform for PwDs seeking training and employment opportunities, etc.
• It offers seamless registration through UDID, access to location-based skill training options, a wide array of job listings from across India, and streamlined administrative processes.
• Pathways to Access- Courts on Disability Rights: Compilation of notable Supreme Court and High Courts judgments into a booklet.
• Online Case Monitoring Portal by CCPD (Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities): To handle grievances filed by PwDs

Source: DH

State News

1. Andhra Pradesh(AP) Governor has released 6 special covers on “Manyam Viplava Saradhi Alluri Sitarama Raju”to commemorate the Centenary of Chilli Post, brought out by the Department of Posts, as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, in honour of unsung heroes through medium of philately.

Source: Official

2. Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), under Ministry of Commerce and Industry(MoCI) and the Transport Department of the Government of Keralahas signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand the scope of the open mobility network in Kerala.
• This project aims to integrate all transportation modes in Kerala into the ONDC network, offering affordable and convenient access through user-friendly apps for both buyers and sellers.
• ONDC, the world’s first inclusive large-scale e-commerce system, was incorporated as a Section 8 (Non-Profit Organisation under the Companies Act 2013) company in December

Source: ET

International News

1. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) along with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited (MHI) has launched the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 47 (H-IIA F47).
• The vehicle carried X-ray astronomical satellite X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission(XRISM) and Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM).
• XRISM
  • It is a joint project of JAXA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA) and the European Space Agency (ESA).
  • The satellite aims to observe plasma winds flowing through the universe which helps in understanding the evolution of stars and galaxies.
  • XRISM is said resolve mysteries regarding the formation of the universe.
• SLIM: It is a lunar lander which is dubbed as the “moon sniper”.

Source: MHI

Banking and Economy

1. AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) has entered into bancassurance agreements with Star Health and Allied Insurance Company (Star Health), and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company (Bajaj Allianz).

What is Bancassurance?

• It is a financial services arrangement in which a bank partners with an insurance company to offer insurance products and services to its customers.
• The bank acts as an intermediary or distribution channel for insurance products, allowing customers to purchase insurance policies, such as life insurance, health insurance, or property insurance, through the bank.

Source: ET

2. United States of America (USA) based chipmaker NVIDIA corporation has partnered with Reliance Industries Limited and Tata Group to build Artificial Intelligence (AI) Supercomputers in India.
• Reliance Industries and NVIDIA have partnered to build the fastest AI supercomputer in India.
• Tata and NVIDIA will collaborate to construct an AI supercomputer powered by the next-generation NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchip to achieve best-in-class performance.

Source: ET

3. GQG Partnershave acquired 5.07 crore equity shares (0.8% of the total equity) in IDFC First Bank for about Rs 478.70 crore from V Vaidyanathan, Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IDFC First Bank.

Source: LM

4. Bharti AXA Life Insurance has launched Bharti AXA Life Income Laabh, an individual savings plan that provides both financial security and a consistent income stream throughout the policy term.
• Bharti AXA Life Insurance is a joint venture (JV) of New Delhi based Bharti Group (51%) and Paris Based AXA (49%), a French multinational insurance firm.

Source: cnbc

Defence News

1. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd.(MDL), a Public-Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), has signed a Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) with the government of the United States of America (US), represented by NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka.
• MSRA is a legally non-binding arrangement between the US Navy and private shipbuilding contractors to pre-approve shipyards to repair US naval vessels.
• Under this agreement, MDL is composed to deliver essential voyage repair and maintenance services for the US Navy Ships (USNS) and it signifies the strengthening of India’s maritime security.
• This is a non-financial agreement and there are only 2 shipyards in India including MDL which has signed MSRA, the other being Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

Source: BS

2. North Koreahas launched its first operational tactical nuclear attack submarine, Submarine No. 841 named “Hero Kim Kun Ok”.
• This has been specially designed to launch strategic nuclear weapons from underwater.
• It will be deployed to the fleet, patrolling the waters between the Korean peninsula and Japan.

Source: ToI

3. Indian Navy and the French Navy has recently conducted the Phase II of the 21st edition of the Varuna (Varuna 2023), the bilateral maritime exercise, in the Arabian Sea.
• The first phase of ‘Varuna-2023’ was conducted off India’s Western Seaboard from 16 to 20 Jan 2023.
• This edition of Varuna marks the 25th year of Indo-French strategic partnership
• This bilateral naval exercise was initiated in 1993 and the exercise was named “Varuna” in 2001.

Source: PIB

Important Days

1. 11 September- National Forest Martyrs Day 2023
• Purpose: To remember, and honour people who sacrificed their lives to protect forests and Wildlife in India that are important for the well-being of the planet.
• History: In 2013, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India (GoI) officially declared the 11th of September of every year as National Forest Martyrs Day.
  • The day is observed to recognize the infamous Khejarli Massacre of 1730 which occurred within the Marwar Kingdom when Maharaja Abhai Singh of Rajasthan ordered the cutting of trees in the Bishnoi village of Khejarli to obtain timber for a new palace.
  • The Bishnoi community vehemently opposed this action and were willing to lay down their lives to protect the forest. Ultimately, in response to these events, the orders were revoked.

Source: cnbc

2. 12 September-  International Day for South-South Cooperation 2023
• Purpose:  To highlight the importance of cooperation among people and economic and technical cooperation among countries of the developing world, known as the Global South.
• The 2023 themeof the International Day for South-South Cooperation is, “Solidarity, Equity, and Partnership: Unlocking South-South Cooperation to Achieve the SDGs”.

Source: UN

Appointments

1. The Association of Investment Bankers of India (AIBI) has appointed Mahavir Lunawat, as its Chairman for two years starting September 2023.
• The Chairperson of AIBI represents Investment Bankers on the Primary Market Advisory Committee of SEBI.

Source: HBL

2. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the re-appointment of Sandeep Bakhshias the Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ICICI Bank Limited for three years.

Source: HBL

Sports

1. Novak Djokovichas won his 24th Grand Slam title (143rd edition) at the US Open 2023 by defeating Daniil Medvedev in the men’s singles final.

Source: BS

2. Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz 2023 has been concluded at the National Library of India, Kolkata, West Bengal.
• Winners
  • India’s Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa secured third place in both Open Rapid and Open Blitz events.

3. Germanymen’s basketball team has won the International Basketball Federation(FIBA) Basketball World Cup 2023 by defeating Serbia in the finals held in Manila, Philippines.

Source: FIBA

4. Indian tennis player Sumit Nagalhas finished as runner up in the NÖ OPEN 2023(powered by EVN), an Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Challenger 100 event, held in Tulln, Austria.
• Winner- Czech Republic’s Vit Kopriva

Source: ToI

5. S. Sreedharan Pillai, Governor of Goa has launched the Mashaal (torch) for the 37th National Gamesto be held in Goa.
• Governor has also launched the anthem (theme song) of the games featuring the voice of Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan. The Goan instrument, Ghumat is also used for the anthem.

Source: PTI

6. Indian archer Prathamesh Samadhan Jawkar has secured the silver medal in Men’s Compound in 2023 Hyundai Archery World Cup Finals, held in Hermosillo, Mexico.
• Winner- Mathias Fullerton (Denmark)
• Hyundai Archery World Cup 2023 is the 17th edition of the international archery circuit organised annually by World Archery.

Source: Olympics.com

Memorandum of Understanding

1. National Judicial Academy (NJA) of India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Singapore Judicial College of the Supreme Court of Singapore on advancing cooperation in judicial education and research.

Source: DH

2. Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS)’s Next G Alliance and the Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration opportunities on 6G wireless technologies.
• The MoU will facilitate aligning research and development priorities that support a common 6G vision and create secure and trusted telecommunications as well as resilient supply chains.

3. The Indian Navyhas signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uber, a leading ridesharing app, to provide reliable, convenient, safe, and economical mobility solutions for personal travel and commute of Naval personnel and families across India.
• The MoU aligns with Chief of Naval Staff’s vision of ‘happy personnel’ under ‘SHIPS FIRST’ and is a maiden initiative in the armed forces.

4. NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nayara Energy Limited to produce Green Hydrogen for Nayara Energy’s captive usage and help them in the decarbonisation process and to reduce carbon footprint.

Source: PIB

Miscellaneous

1. American Software Developer Dennis Austin, one of the co-creators of PowerPoint software has passed away.

Source: ET

2. British Scientist Sir Ian Wilmut, who led the team at the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh that created Dolly the Sheep has passed away.

Source: ToI

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