1 Fourth and final Sherpa meeting before G-20 summit begins in Mewat, Haryana
Fourth and final meeting of Sherpas of G-20 conference held at Mewat, Haryana has started inThe Sherpa meeting will prepare the final agenda for the upcoming G-20 summit. The G-20 summit is scheduled in Delhi on September 9 and 10. Apart from G-20 member countries, Sherpas and representatives of other countries are participating in the Sherpa meeting. The meeting was also attended by 23 special officers, civil servants from 19 states and four officers from the Indian Administrative Service. These officers have been deployed to assist the participants during the G-20 meeting.
2 Self-reliant India Employment Scheme (ABRY) crosses employment generation target
Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY) has surpassed its initial job creation targets, demonstrating its effectiveness in boosting employment generation and aiding recovery efforts amid the COVID-19 pandemic . ABRY 1 was launched in October 2020 with the primary goal of encouraging the creation of new employment opportunities. This Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) achieved its goal by providing financial assistance to employers of enterprises registered with the. The scheme aims to encourage employment availability especially for individuals who lost their jobs due to the pandemic. This includes contributions from both employees and employers of businesses employing up to 1,000 workers, which is equivalent to 24% of income. For large companies with more than 1000 employees, the scheme covers only the employee’s EPF payment, which is equal to 12% of the salary. By July 31, 2023, ABRY has enrolled approximately 7.58 million new employees and achieved its initial employment generation target.
3 UN Biodiversity launches FUNGA campaign
The United Nations Biodiversity has launched a campaign urging the global community to include the word “fungi” along with ” flora and fauna ” to emphasize the importance of fungi . Recognizing the essential role of fungi in ecosystems, the United Nations aims to increase the importance of fungi to the same extent as plants and animals in conservation efforts. Two years ago, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) also supported “mycologically inclusive” language in its communications. Fungi are an integral part of life on Earth, supporting processes such as decomposition, forest regeneration, and nutrient cycling. By integrating “fungi” into everyday discourse and educational materials, UN Biodiversity aims to promote awareness and protection of fungi in the global web of life.
4 India-US task force launched to increase electronics trade
India-US task force was started to increase electronics trade. It aims to increase electronics trade between the two countries to $100 billion within a decade. India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) organized the launch meeting, which was attended by the Department of Telecommunications (DOT), US Embassy, leading US and Indian companies, investment banking fraternity and Washington D.C. Senior officials of the Information Technology Industry (ITI) Council of India participated. Former TRAI chairman Ram Sevak Sharma has been made the chairman of the task force.
5 Georgia declares October as ‘Hindu Heritage Month’
Brian Kemp, the governor of the US state of Georgia, has officially announced that the month of October will be celebrated as ‘Hindu Heritage Month’ within the state. The proclamation aligns Georgia with several other states across the United States that have taken similar steps to honor and commemorate Hindu heritage, culture, values and traditions. The choice of October holds special significance for this celebration. It is the birth month of Mahatma Gandhi, an iconic figure known for his principles of peace, non-violence and civil rights. Additionally, October is a time when major Hindu festivals such as Navratri and Diwali are celebrated, making it an ideal month to honor Hindu heritage.
6 Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers got Navratna status
The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) granted ‘Navratna Status’ to Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers (RCF). Navratnas constitute a group of public sector companies which have the financial freedom to invest up to Rs 1000 crore without requiring approval from the central government. Earlier the company had received ‘Miniratna status’ from the Department of Public Enterprises. Navratna companies are a select group of nine respected public sector enterprises in India, renowned for their outstanding performance and significant contribution to the country’s economy. These companies enjoy substantial financial independence, giving them the authority to take investment decisions for projects up to a specific limit without the need for government approval.
7 YES Bank goes live on CBDC with UPI interoperability
YES Bank announced a significant development in the digital currency space by launching UPI interoperability on the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) app of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The move is set to revolutionize digital transactions and expand the reach of the digital rupee (e₹) across the country. Users can now easily scan any UPI QR code through the YES Bank Digital Rupee app, simplifying transactions and making digital payments more accessible and user-friendly.
8 Shanta Thottam received the World Innovation Award at the BRICS Innovation Forum
Telangana’s Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) Shantha Thottam has been honored with the World Innovation Award at the first BRICS Innovation Forum held in Moscow from 27 to 29 August. The award is given for outstanding contribution to Sustainable Development Goal-4 which ensures inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong opportunities for all.
9 Cabinet approves PRIP scheme to promote research and innovation
The Health Ministry has announced a major scheme to promote research and innovation in the pharmaceutical and medtech sector. To meet this goal, he has launched the scheme ‘Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-Medtech Sector (PRIP)’ to encourage research and innovation in the Pharma-Medtech sector, which has been approved by the Union Cabinet. The scheme has been launched by the government this month and the government believes that the Indian pharmaceutical industry has the potential to increase its current 3.4 percent share of the global market to 5 percent by 2030.
10 Indian Navy steps up preparations for Sagar Parikrama IV
The Indian Navy signaled the formal start of its preparations for Sagar Parikrama IV on August 27, 2023 at Goa . As part of the same, Ocean Sailing Node has signed an MoU with Commodore Abhilash Tomy (Retd), pioneer navigator and hero of the Golden Globe Race , under which Commodore Abhilash Tomy (Retd), two volunteer women officers, Lt Cmde Dilna and Lt Cmde Roopa will be mentors and trainers and she will be commissioned Indian Naval Sailing Ship Tarini next year. But will form the team to start the sailing campaign. Former Indian Navy Commander Abhilash Tomy (who became the first Indian to circumnavigate the world solo on a sailboat) has now achieved another solo circumnavigation record by securing a podium finish in the Golden Globe Race (GGR), 2022. He is currently working on the Gaganyaan , a manned space mission under the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Working on. In the context of return from space, he is working to aid the recovery of astronauts. The Golden Globe Race is a non-stop, solo, unassisted round-the-world yacht race that was first held in 1968–69. The second edition of this race was held after 50 years in the year 2018. The sailing takes place along a set route that includes the three great headlands (Cape of Good Hope of South Africa, Cape Leeuwin of Australia and Cape Horn of Chile).
11 Vistara airline will merge with Air India
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the merger of Vistara airline with Air India. Tata SIA Airlines operates an airline named Vistara in India. It is a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines. Along with this, CCI has also approved the purchase of certain shares in Air India by Singapore Airlines. However, for this, Singapore Airlines will have to follow certain conditions. Vistara and Air India are part of the Tata group and Singapore Airlines holds a 49 per cent stake in Vistara. In November last year, the Tata group had announced the merger of Vistara with Air India as part of a deal. It said that Singapore Airlines would also acquire 25.1 per cent stake in Air India. CCI approval was sought for the deal in April this year.
12 The term superfood is largely used as a marketing tool with no basis in academic research.
Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods , primarily or plant-based but also including some fish and dairy foods, that are rich in health-benefiting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. According to the American Heart Association , there is a lack of scientific validation regarding superfoods. There is no established criteria to define it. Yet some foods like blueberries (rich in vitamins), salmon (prevents heart disease), kale (promotes digestive health), acai and millet (millet provides energy, protein, good fats, Minerals and vitamins make them a superfood) are exceptionally nutritious compared to less nutrient-dense alternatives. Scientists claim that the use of the term superfood is largely a marketing tool, with no basis in academic research.
13 World Coconut Day 2023
World Coconut Day is celebrated every year on 2 September. The day is celebrated to promote awareness and understand the benefits of this fruit. In India, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh are the main coconut growing states. In India, coconut is a popular fruit and its water is a popular drink. Coconut is produced on a large scale every year in the country and its pulp is used in many cuisines. The Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, was established in 1969 to support the development, production, sale and export of coconuts in Asian countries. In 2009, the APCC started an initiative to celebrate World Coconut Day on 2 September every year. India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Kenya and Vietnam are some of the countries that are members of the APCC.
14 India’s Peelu Reporter, one of the first umpires to officiate neutrally in Test cricket, passes away in Mumbai.
India’s Peelu Reporter, one of the first umpires to officiate neutrally in Test cricket, passed away in Mumbai. He was 84 years old. Peelu reporter is survived by his wife and two daughters. He played 14 Tests and 22 ODIs in a career spanning 28 years.