NATIONAL:
1. Pirola
Why in news – A new Coronavirus variant called BA.2.86, informally being termed ‘Pirola’, has emerged.
Key Points –
• It has more than 30 mutations to its spike protein.
• The high number of mutations is a point of concern here.
• Mutation is particularly common in viruses that have RNA as their genetic material. E.g., coronaviruses and influenza viruses.
2. Indo-US Task Force for Electronics
Why in news – The Indo-US Task Force for Electronics was launched recently.
Key Points –
• Chair of the task force - Ram Sewak Sharma.
• Aim - to boost the electronics trade between the two countries to $100 billion within a decade.
• India's electronics manufacturing industry is targeting $300 billion of electronics production by 2025-26.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Hindu Heritage Month
Why in news – US State Georgia officially declares October as 'Hindu Heritage Month'.
Key Points –
• It aims to recognize and appreciate the valuable contributions made by the vibrant Hindu-American community residing in the state.
• CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America), a Hindu advocacy group in the United States, has warmly welcomed this initiative.
• In April, 2023, Georgia became the first US state to pass a resolution condemning Hinduphobia.
2. Typhoon Haikui
Why in news – Typhoon Haikui made landfall in Taiwan.
Key Points –
• It unleashed torrential downpours.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES:
1. Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Program
Why in news – Archeological Survey of India (ASI) launched the “Adopt a Heritage 2.0 program” Indian Heritage app and e-permission portal.
Key Points –
• ASI invites corporate stakeholders to enhance the amenities at the monuments by utilizing their CSR funds.
• It clearly defines the amenities sought for different monuments as per the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
• ASI has 3696 monuments under protection.
• Under - Ministry of Culture.
2. 6th Rashtriya Poshan Maah
Why in news – It is being celebrated throughout September 2023.
Key Points –
• By - Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• Theme - Suposhit Bharat, Sakshar Bharat, Sashakt Bharat.
• POSHAN - Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition.
• POSHAN Abhiyan operates in mission mode to combat the challenge of malnutrition.
• Target group – Pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls, and children under 6 years of age.
ECONOMY:
1. Gorilla Glass Manufacturing Facility
Why in news – Telangana to host India’s first gorilla glass manufacturing facility.
Key Points –
• To be setup by - Corning Inc.
2. Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers
Why in news – Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers got Navratna Status.
Key Points –
• Given by - Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), M/o of Finance.
• RCF is a central public sector enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
AWARDS & HONOURS:
1. Central Banker Report Cards 2023
Why in news – RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das has been rated A+ in the Global Finance’s Central Banker Report Cards 2023.
Key Points –
• Top 3 Central Bank Governors –
(a) Shaktikanta Das (India)
(b) Thomas J Jordan (Switzerland)
(c) Nguyen Thi Hong (Vietnam).
• Grades are based on success in inflation control, economic growth goals, currency stability, and interest rate management.
2. World Innovation Award
Why in news – Dr. Shanta Thoutam received the award at the first BRICS Innovation Forum hosted in Moscow.
Key Points –
• She is Telangana Chief Innovation Officer (CIO).
• It is given for outstanding contribution to the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (quality education).
• It was organised by the World Organisation for Development.
APPOINTMENTS:
1. Tharman Shanmugaratna
Why in news – Indian-origin economist Tharman Shanmugaratna elected as Singapore’s 9th President.
Key Points –
• He became the 9th President and 3rd Indian-origin person to head Singapore.
• He succeded Halimah Yacob.
• Tharman is a multi-generational Singaporean of Tamil ancestry from the 19th century.
2. R Madhavan
Why in news – R Madhavan was appointed as the president of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).
Key Points –
• Appointed by - Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB).
• He succeded Shekhar Kapur.
3. Manish Desai
Why in news – Manish Desai has assumed charge as Principal Director General of the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
Key Points –
• He is a 1989 batch Indian Information Service Officer.
SPORTS:
1. 132nd Durand Cup 2023
Why in news – Mohun Bagan emerged as the winner after 23-year hiatus.
Key Points –
• Mohun Bagan defeated East Bengal FC 1-0.
• It was Mohun Bagan’s 17th Durand Cup title.
• Venue - Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), in Kolkata.
POINTERS:
• Which program was launched by the Department of Justice marking an important chapter in the evolution of the Tele-Law program - Tele Law 2.0.
• In which state did Union Education and Skill Development Minister Dharmendra Pradhan laid the foundation stone of the Central Tribal University - Andhra Pradesh (Vizianagaram district).
• Which state government has approved the formation of 4 new districts and 81 sub-districts – Assam.
• The African Union has suspended which country from all of its institutions and activities "until the effective restoration of constitutional order" following a coup – Niger.
• Which organization published the special issue of the Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics on Biological Electron Microscopy and Nanobiotechnology - CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR).
• Where was the first Foreign Office Consultations meeting between India and Samoa held - Apia (Capital of Samoa).
• Which educational institution was honored with the 25th Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award for 2020-21 - Vanasthali Vidyapeeth (Rajasthan).
• Which medal has Neeraj Chopra won in the Zurich Diamond League Championship 2023 - Silver Medal.
• Who has overtaken Viswanathan Anand as India's top chess player in International ranking - Grandmaster D Gukesh.
• National Green Tribunal has directed Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to plant at least 10,000 trees within a month in which state - Uttarakhand.