❖ ‘Bharat: Mother of Democracy’ portal launched at G20 exhibition
⮚ On the eve of the G20 leadership summit, the Ministry of Culture launched a portal of the mega exhibition called ‘Bharat: The Mother of Democracy’.
⮚ The portal showcases the content on the history of democracy in India, showcasing 7,000 years of democratic ethos starting from the Sindhu-Saraswati civilisation to 2019.
⮚ It is available in 16 languages, including German, French, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Italian, Turkish, and Russian besides English and Hindi.
⮚ The portal is divided into five sections and 22 sub-sections starting from Sindhu-Saraswati Civilisation (6000-2000BCE), Mahajanapada and Gantantra (7-8 BCE), Vijaynagar Empire (14-16 century), and Mughal emperor Akbar reign (1556-1605) to Constitution of India (1947) and Elections in Modern India (1952 onwards).
❖ International day for South South Cooperation – September 12th by the United Nations.
⮚ 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 the Southern region.
❖ India wins the SAFF U16 Championship
⮚ India’s U-16 team became winners of the SAFF U-16 Championship by beating Bangladesh 2-0 in the title clash.
⮚ Bharat Lairenjam (8th minute) found the net in the first half, while Levis Zangminlun (74th) sealed the victory with a second-half goal at the Changlimithang Stadium.
❖ Indian Coast Guard Participates In 19th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting
⮚ The 19th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM) was attended by Indian Coast Guard that took place in Istanbul, Turkiye.
⮚ The forum resolved to further bolster the maritime cooperation among the Asian Coast Guards.
⮚ The HACGAM is an annual event hosted by one of its member nations on a rotational basis.
⮚ In 2022, the 18th edition of the meeting was hosted by the ICG in New Delhi.
❖ 8th Eastern Economic Forum 2023
⮚ The 8th Eastern Economic Forum 2023 will take place on 10–13 September 2023 in Vladivostok on the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) campus.
⮚ The Eastern Economic Forum is a key international platform for establishing and strengthening ties within the Russian and global investment communities. ⮚ It is for comprehensive expert evaluation of the economic potential of the Russian Far East, the investment opportunities it offers, and business conditions within advanced special economic zones.
⮚ The summit is being held under the motto “The Path to Partnership, Peace and Prosperity” which is a vivid reflection of Russia’s aspiration to develop mutually beneficial, constructive relations with regional partners.
⮚ The four-day forum organized by the Roscongress Foundation, will address issues of trade, tourism, education, culture, and more.
⮚ Russian President Vladimir Putin will be joined by Lao People’s Democratic Republic Vice President Pany Yathotou, the main guest of the event.
⮚ The EEF provides an irreplaceable venue for dialogue between representatives of government bodies, private companies, and analysts.
❖ Uber signs MoU to drive around India Navy personnel, families
⮚ The Indian Navy has joined hands with a cab aggregator service Uber, with an aim to provide reliable, convenient, safe and economical mobility solutions for personal travel and commute of naval personnel and families across the country.
⮚ The Navy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uber in the presence of Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar and senior officials of the company. ⮚ Uber will extend several benefits to Indian Navy’s personnel and their families, including a personal profile on the Uber app, premier executive cab category providing surge price protection during peak office hours, availability of top rated drivers, zero cancellation fee on all its rides and a 24×7 premium business support.
⮚ This MoU aligns with Chief of Naval Staff’s vision of ‘happy personnel’ under ‘SHIPS FIRST’ and is a maiden initiative in the armed forces.
⮚ It is also in furtherance of Government of India’s Digital India’ vision of embracing technology for transformative change.
❖ India-UK hold 12th Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD)
⮚ The 12th round of ministerial India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue was held in New Delhi.
⮚ The Indian delegation was led by Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, and the U.K. delegation was led by Rt. Hon. Mr. Jeremy Hunt, MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, U.K.
⮚ India and UK reiterated the commitment to deepen their collaboration on Financial Services, building on each other’s strengths and supporting mutual aspirations towards financial inclusion and sustainable development.
⮚ The two countries announced the India-UK Infrastructure Finance Bridge, a collaborative initiative to leverage expertise and investment in support of India’s National Infrastructure Pipeline.
⮚ The Dialogue concluded with the adoption of the Joint Statement by Union Finance Minister of India and Chancellor of Exchequer of United Kingdom.
❖ NTPC Green Energy, Nayara Energy ink pact to explore opportunities in green hydrogen space
⮚ NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) has entered into an agreement with Nayara Energy to explore opportunities in the green hydrogen space.
⮚ The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between NGEL CEO Mohit Bhargava and Nayara Energy Technical Head Amar Kumar.
⮚ NTPC Green Energy Limited is a subsidiary of energy major NTPC. ⮚ This collaboration is in line with NTPC’s initiatives to develop hydrogen projects in India and aligns with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
⮚ NGEL CEO Bhargava said green hydrogen would be a crucial element of India’s clean energy future, and with this partnership, the company will explore and implement cutting-edge technologies to produce green hydrogen.
⮚ NTPC, under the Ministry of Power, is India’s largest power utility having a total installed capacity of over 73 gigawatts (GW).
⮚ NTPC Group has a plan to build a renewable energy capacity of 60 GW by 2032 and is working on a pipeline of over 20 GW.
❖ India begins construction of world’s highest combat airfield at Nyoma in Ladakh
⮚ The Border Roads Organization (BRO) is building the world’s highest combat airfield at Nyoma in Ladakh.
⮚ Nyoma, a major village in southern Ladakh, already hosts an Indian Air Force base and an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG), established in 1962.
⮚ The altitude of Nyoma reaches an impressive 4,180 meters (13,710 ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest altitudes in the region.
⮚ India aims to surpass China in this regard on the 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control (LAC) within the next two to three years.
❖ 12 scientists selected for the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards 2022
⮚ The country’s top annual science award, the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, was announced after a gap of two years. This year, 12 scientists were selected for the award in seven different scientific categories.
⮚ The categories include physics, biology, engineering, mathematics, medicine, chemistry, and earth sciences.
⮚ They are named after Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, the first director of CSIR. ⮚ Present Director General of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) : Dr. N. Kalaiselvi
⮚ Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh launched the ‘One Week One Lab’ program at CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NISCPR) which aims to share unique ideas and technological breakthroughs from various CSIR laboratories with the public and will run till 16 September.
⮚ Dr. Jitendra Singh also released two books titled ‘Collection of 80 Articles of Vigyan Pragati Patrika’ and ‘CSIR@80: A Photo Journey’ on the occasion.
❖ Prathamesh Jawkar wins silver medal in 2023 Archery World Cup debut ⮚ Indian archer Prathamesh Jawkar won a silver medal in his debut at the 2023 Archery World Cup Final in Hermosillo, Mexico.
⮚ He defeated world number one Mike Schloesser for the second time in four months. ⮚ In the final, he faced Denmark’s Mathias Fullerton, resulting in a 148–148 tie. Fullerton won the gold medal by the slimmest of margins.
⮚ Another Indian archer Abhishek Verma lost to Mike Schloesser in the match (150-149).
❖ Jammu and Kashmir inaugurates ‘Bangus Adventure Festival’
⮚ Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the ‘Bangus Adventure Festival’ in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
⮚ The ‘Bangus Adventure Festival’ aims to promote tribal culture and act as a platform for local artisans to display their traditional arts and crafts.
⮚ Bangus is famous for its captivating natural beauty and has immense potential for eco tourism.
⮚ The main valley is known as Boud-Bangus, while a smaller valley is known as Lakut Bangus.
❖ Dennis Austin, co-creator of Microsoft PowerPoint passed away
⮚ Dennis Austin, one of the co-creators of Microsoft PowerPoint, has died at the age of 76. ⮚ He along with Robert Gaskins, developed PowerPoint and introduced it in 1987. ⮚ Austin and Gaskins were both part of the software company Forethought, which was later acquired by Microsoft for $14 million shortly after the launch of PowerPoint, which was originally named Presenter.
⮚ Initially, PowerPoint was available exclusively for the Macintosh platform.
❖ Union Minister Harsh Shanghvi grants Indian citizenship to 108 Pakistani migrants in Ahmedabad
⮚ On September 12, 2023, in Ahmedabad, Union Minister Harsh Shanghvi provided citizenship to 108 migrants from Pakistan.
⮚ The right to grant Indian citizenship to minority communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan came through gazette notifications issued in 2016 and 2018.
⮚ The district collectors of Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Kutch in Gujarat are empowered to follow the process under the Citizenship Act for granting Indian citizenship.
⮚ Ahmedabad District Collectorate has already granted Indian citizenship to about 1,149 Pakistani Hindu immigrants.
❖ IIM Indore and NSDC Partner to Transform Skill Development
⮚ IIM Indore has entered into a partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
⮚ IIM Indore’s vision is not just limited to academic excellence, it is about elevating livelihood opportunities and income levels for families and households across the nation. ⮚ This collaboration is set to create a unique social impact model backed by pioneering projects that employ innovative approaches.
⮚ These initiatives will provide professional support to underserved regions, communities, individuals, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), thereby nurturing a skilled ecosystem primed for market success.
⮚ This partnership is valid for three years and extends its reach to special NSDC Impact projects, targeting socio-economically deprived sections of society and regions like aspirational districts and border areas.
❖ ICICI Bank to make I-Process Services as wholly-owned subsidiary
⮚ The bank currently holds a 19 per cent stake in Process.
⮚ Started in 2005, I-Process Services (India) Private Ltd was set up to provide staffing solutions services for some of India’stop financial institutions.
⮚ I-Process can smartly negotiate HR operations, payroll, compliance and training, market challenges and evolving social dynamics to always offer cutting-edge solutions.
Objective Bits
1. Which team won the title of SAFF U-16 Championship 2023?
India
2. Recently, where did Indian Coast Guard participate in 19th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting?
a) Istanbul, Turkey
3. Where was the 8th Eastern Economic Forum 2023 held?
b) Vladivostok, Russia
4. The Indian Navy recently signed an MoU with which of the following companies?
Uber
5. Which edition of India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) was held in New Delhi?
12th
6. NGEL has entered into an MoU with which among the following to explore opportunities in the Green Hydrogen and Green Energy space?
Nayara Energy
7. How many scientists have been selected for the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award for the year 2022?
12
8. Which Indian archer has won a silver medal in his debut at the Archery World Cup 2023
Prathamesh Jawkar
9. Recently, which state/UT inaugurated the ‘Bangus Adventure Festival’?
Jammu & Kashmir
10.Which ministry launched the ‘Bharat: Mother of Democracy’ portal at G20 exhibition recently?
Ministry of Culture
11.Which of the following IIMs has tied up with NSDC to transform skill development and entrepreneurship in India?
IIM Indore