National News

Jyotiraditya Scindia Launches ‘Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav’ Website.

• Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia has officially launched the website for the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, a major cultural festival celebrating the richness of Northeast India.
• The launch event took place at Sanchar Bhawan in New Delhi.
• The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, scheduled to be held from December 6th to 8th, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, aims to showcase the cultural and economic diversity of the eight Northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—collectively known as "Ashtalakshmi" or the eight forms of prosperity.
• The newly launched website, ashtalakshmimahotsav.com, will serve as a comprehensive resource for event updates, schedules, and details on how to participate, ensuring that attendees from across the country can easily engage with the festival.

PM Modi Releases First Installment of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the disbursement of the first installment under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) in Jharkhand.
• This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to improving rural housing.
• During the event, ?32 crore was digitally transferred to the bank accounts of beneficiaries.
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• Additionally, sanction letters for 32,000 new houses were distributed.
• PM Modi also handed over keys to 46,000 beneficiaries across India, marking a significant step in the rollout of the scheme.
• The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin aims to provide affordable housing to the rural poor, with the Centre approving the construction of 1,13,400 houses in Jharkhand under this program.
• This initiative seeks to enhance living conditions and support rural development by ensuring that more families have access to secure and comfortable housing.

Group of Ministers to Review GST Rates on Insurance.

• The GST Council has formed a 13-member Group of Ministers (GoM) to evaluate and recommend adjustments to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on health and life insurance premiums.
• This decision follows the 54th GST Council meeting held on September 9.
• The GoM, chaired by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, includes representatives from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Meghalaya, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
• The panel is tasked with reviewing the current 18% GST rate on insurance premiums and suggesting new rates for various types of insurance, including health insurance for individuals, families, and senior citizens, as well as life insurance and re-insurance.
• The GoM is expected to submit its report by October 30, 2024.
• The review aims to ensure a fair and efficient tax structure that supports the insurance sector while considering the interests of policyholders.

  New Committees and Panels in News

• Supreme Court: A panel chaired by Justice Nawab Singh has been set up to resolve farmers’ agitations.
• Revenue Department: A committee, led by V K Gupta, is working to simplify the Income Tax Act.
• Border Security: A committee headed by the ADG of BSF is monitoring the Indo-Bangladesh border situation.
• West Bengal: A committee on VC appointments, chaired by UU Lalit, is reviewing the appointment process.
• Examination Reform: Dr. K. Radhakrishnan is leading a committee to suggest reforms in the examination process.

Piyush Goyal Launches Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR).

• Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has launched the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR), an initiative designed to enhance collaboration within the startup ecosystem.
• The new platform aims to serve as a central hub where startups, investors, service providers, and government bodies can connect, exchange ideas, and drive growth.
• BHASKAR is envisioned to be the world’s largest digital registry for startup stakeholders, providing a comprehensive resource for information and networking opportunities.
• The initiative seeks to bolster the startup environment by facilitating seamless interactions and fostering partnerships among key players in the industry.

IFFI 2024 Introduces 'Best Debut Indian Film Section'.

• The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024 is set to feature a new segment dedicated to showcasing emerging talent: the ‘Best Debut Indian Film Section’.
• This new category aims to highlight and celebrate the work of first-time Indian filmmakers.
• Scheduled to take place from November 20th to 28th in Goa, the 55th edition of IFFI will use this section to spotlight a diverse range of debut films from across India.
• The initiative seeks to provide a platform for new voices in cinema and offer visibility to innovative storytelling and creative approaches from emerging directors.
• A maximum of five debut feature films will be selected for this section.
• Filmmakers interested in participating are encouraged to submit their entries by the deadline of September 23rd.
• This new segment underscores IFFI’s commitment to nurturing and promoting fresh talent in the Indian film industry.

PM Modi Inaugurates 4th Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 4th RE-INVEST Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet, held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.
• The event, organized by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), aims to highlight India’s advancements in renewable energy manufacturing and deployment.
• During the inauguration, PM Modi also flagged off the second phase of the Ahmedabad Metro, which will connect Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar and GIFT City.
• Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for various projects valued at over ?8,000 crore, including the country’s first Vande Bharat Metro train linking Ahmedabad to Bhuj.
• The Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet is a key platform for showcasing India’s progress in the renewable energy sector and fostering investment and collaboration in green technologies.

India Launches Operation Sadbhav for Humanitarian Assistance.

• India has initiated Operation Sadbhav to assist countries affected by Typhoon Yagi.
• Relief materials, including dry rations, clothing, and medicines, have been sent to Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.
• This operation aligns with India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and aims to provide humanitarian aid to the ASEAN region.

  Other Operations in the News

• Operation Maryada: Ensuring smooth conduct of Kedarnath Dham Yatra 2024 in Uttarakhand.
• Operation Sadbhavana: Providing essential aid and healthcare in North Sikkim.
• Operation Bambi Bucket: Extinguishing forest fires near Nainital.
• Operation True Promise: Iran’s military operation against Israel.
• Operation Ajay: Evacuating Indians from Israel.
• Operation Kaveri: Evacuating Indians from Sudan.

                       Banking and Financial

Bank of Baroda to Pilot 7 Phygital Branches.

• Bank of Baroda (BoB) is set to pilot seven phygital branches across the country.
• These innovative branches will blend physical and digital banking services to enhance customer experience.
• The concept of "phygital" branches combines traditional in-branch services with advanced digital features.
• BoB has already launched its first two phygital branches in Mumbai and Hyderabad, with additional branches planned in other locations as part of this pilot project.
• This initiative aims to offer a seamless and modern banking experience that caters to the evolving needs of customers.

  Each branch will feature:

• Self-Service Kiosks: Equipped with tablets for tasks like PAN updation, account statements, and TDS certificates.
• Video Contact Center: Allowing customers to connect with bank representatives via video calls for assistance with non-financial services.
• Universal Service Counters: Manned by branch executives to provide personalized service.

                           Appointments

Ravindra Appointed as India’s Next Ambassador to Iceland.

• Ravindra, currently serving as the Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations in New York, has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Iceland.
• A member of the Indian Foreign Service batch of 1999, Ravindra will now represent Indian interests in Iceland, enhancing diplomatic relations between the two nations.

  Recent Foreign Appointments

• Arun Goel: Appointed as the Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia.
• Mridu Pawan Das: Appointed as the High Commissioner of India to Rwanda.
• Vinay Mohan Kwatra: Appointed as the Ambassador of India to the United States.
• Vijay Khanduja: Appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Cameroon.
• Bramha Kumar: Appointed as India’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe.
• Sita Ram Meena: Appointed as India’s Ambassador to Niger.
• Abhay Thakur: Appointed as India’s Envoy to Myanmar.
• Soumendu Bagchi: Appointed as India’s Ambassador to Iraq.
• Abhilasha Joshi: Appointed as India’s Ambassador to Chile.
• Vinay Kumar: Appointed as India’s Ambassador to Russia.

                             Defence

Indian Navy Commissions Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility.

• The Indian Navy has commissioned the Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility, named Vinetra, at its premier submarine training base, INS Satavahana, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• This facility has been indigenously designed and developed to enhance the safety and operational readiness of submarine crews.
• The Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility features a state-of-the-art five-meter escape tower and an adjacent diving basin.
• It is designed to train submarine personnel in emergency escape procedures, ensuring they are equipped to handle distress situations effectively.
• The training provided at this facility is crucial for ensuring the safety and preparedness of submarine crews in various emergency scenarios.

                           Sports

Anmol Kharb Wins Belgian International Title.

• Indian badminton player Anmol Kharb has clinched her first senior international title by winning the women’s singles event at the Belgian International 2024 in Leuven.
• The 17-year-old shuttler delivered a remarkable performance, defeating Denmark’s Amalie Schulz with scores of 24-22, 12-21, 21-10 in the final.
• Kharb’s victory marks a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her skill and determination on the international stage.
• This win is a testament to her potential and a promising start to her journey in competitive badminton.

Oscar Piastri Wins Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

• Oscar Piastri secured a dramatic victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, held at the Baku City Circuit.
• The race, which concluded behind a virtual safety car due to a late crash, saw Piastri emerge as the winner, further solidifying his impressive performance in the 2024 Formula 1 season.
• McLaren teammate Lando Norris finished in fourth place, contributing to McLaren’s lead in the Constructors' Championship, ending Red Bull's 55-race streak at the top.
• The podium also featured George Russell from Mercedes in third place and Max Verstappen from Red Bull in fifth.
• Piastri’s win at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix highlights his growing prominence in the F1 circuit and adds to McLaren’s strong showing this season.

Neeraj Chopra Finishes Second at Diamond League Final.

• Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra earned a commendable second place at the Diamond League Final held in Brussels.
• Chopra achieved a best throw of 87.86 meters, narrowly missing the top spot by just 1 centimeter.
• The first-place position was claimed by Anderson Peters of Grenada, who threw 87.87 meters.
• German athlete Julian Weber secured third place with a throw of 85.97 meters.
• This marks the second consecutive year that Chopra has finished as the runner-up in the Diamond League Final, having also been a close contender in the 2023 season.
• His performance continues to showcase his elite status in javelin throwing on the global stage.