Table of Contents
National News
Bhupendra Yadav launches Clean the Beach Campaign 2024 in Mumbai
The Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupendra Yadav, led the country in this year’s Clean the Beach Campaign on the occasion of the International Coastal Clean-up Day on 21 September 2024. The minister participated in an event to clean the beach at Juhu in Mumbai.
FATF Report on India: Observations and Significance
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recently released its Mutual Evaluation Report on India, following an on-site assessment in November 2023. India, which became a FATF member in 2020, was placed in the “regular follow-up” category, which is viewed positively given prior objections from some developed countries. The FATF identified key areas for improvement, including the prosecution of money laundering (ML) and terror financing (TF) cases, the protection of the non-profit sector from terrorist abuse, and the implementation of preventive measures.
International News
India and Bhutan Deepen Cooperation on Food Safety and Regulatory Standards
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, held a bilateral meeting with the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) during the Global Food Regulators Summit at Bharat Mandapam. The meeting focused on implementing the “Agreement” signed on March 21, 2024, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan. The Agreement aims to enhance food safety, align regulatory frameworks, simplify food import procedures, and foster technical cooperation between the two nations. It also seeks mutual recognition of the BFDA’s control over Bhutanese food business operators (FBOs) by the FSSAI.
Left-leaning leader wins Sri Lanka election in political paradigm shift
Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emerged as Sri Lanka’s newly elected president, securing 42% of the vote in the country’s first election since the 2022 economic collapse. The 55-year-old leader of the National People’s Power (NPP) coalition defeated his main rival, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, who garnered 23% of the vote.
Economy News
Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurates Invest India’s new office in Singapore
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated Invest India’s new office in Singapore. The office will serve as a dedicated point of contact for companies from the region looking to invest in India, fostering collaboration across sectors.
Agreement News
FSSAI and Brazil’s MAPA Sign MoU to Enhance Food Safety Cooperation
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) of Brazil. This collaboration aims to strengthen food safety measures and promote bilateral cooperation in the sector.
Science and Technology News
ISRO, IN-SPACe, and NSIL Achieve Milestone
ISRO, IN-SPACe, and NSIL have reached a significant milestone by signing 75 Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs) with non-governmental entities (NGEs). On September 20, 2024, five TTAs were signed at IN-SPACe, Bengaluru, with Anabond Ltd., Salvo Industries Pvt. Ltd., Micropack Pvt. Ltd., and Astra Microwave Products Ltd. These TTAs reflect India’s efforts to boost private participation in space technology, expanding the scope for commercial applications and the overall growth of the space industry.
Summit and Conferences News
India to Host World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit 2025
The Indian government will host the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) from February 5 to 9, 2025, to boost the country’s media and entertainment industry and enhance its global influence. This will be the first global summit covering the entire media and entertainment spectrum.
Prime Minister attends the sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware on 21 September 2024, hosted by the President of the United States of America, Joseph R. Biden, Prime Minister of Australia Mr. Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida also participated.
Awards News
Jaipur to Host 25th Edition of IIFA Awards
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is set to host the prestigious 25th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards from March 7 to 9, 2025, at the JECC Sitapura. The announcement was made during a formal agreement signing ceremony at the iconic Albert Hall, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Rajasthan Tourism Commissioner VP Singh and IIFA Vice President Suresh Iyer, marking the beginning of preparations for this grand event.
Schemes News
ADB Funds Rs 530 Crore Water Supply Schemes for 12 Cities in Tripura
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Nagar Unnayan Prakalp,’ a Rs 530 crore water supply project funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), aiming to upgrade drinking water infrastructure in 12 cities. The project, expected to be completed in three years, will address water needs for over 75,000 families across the state.
Sports News
India’s Historic Triumph at the 2024 Chess Olympiad
The 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary has etched itself into the annals of Indian sports history. In an unprecedented achievement, India secured gold medals in both the men’s and women’s team categories, marking a watershed moment for chess in the country.
Both Indian teams showcased their prowess in the decisive final round:
- Men’s Team: Achieved a commanding 3.5-0.5 victory over Slovenia
- Women’s Team: Mirrored the men’s success with a 3.5-0.5 win against Azerbaijan
Indian Wrestling Champion Sangram Singh Makes Historic MMA Debut
Commonwealth Heavyweight champion Sangram Singh has made an unforgettable entrance into the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The Indian wrestler’s debut at the Gama International Fighting Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia, has set a new benchmark for Indian fighters in international MMA competitions.
Lando Norris Triumphs in Thrilling Singapore Grand Prix 2024
The Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, September 22, 2024, witnessed a spectacular display of skill and nerve as Lando Norris of McLaren secured his third career victory in Formula 1. This win not only showcased Norris’s growing prowess but also injected fresh excitement into the championship battle.
India-A Clinches Duleep Trophy in Thrilling Final Against India-C
The Duleep Trophy final between India-A and India-C concluded in dramatic fashion, with India-A emerging victorious by a margin of 132 runs. The match, which seemed destined for a draw that would have crowned India-C as champions, took a sudden turn in the closing stages, showcasing the unpredictable nature of cricket’s longer format.
Important Days
International Sign Language Day 2024
The UN General Assembly has proclaimed 23 September as the International Day of Sign Languages in order to raise awareness of the importance of sign language in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf. This celebration arises from the 2017 UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/72/16, which recognizes 23rd September as the International Day of Sign Languages.
World Rhino Day 2024
World Rhino Day is celebrated on September 22 every year. This special day provides the opportunity for cause-related organizations, NGO, zoos, and members of the public to celebrate rhinos in their own unique ways. Since 2011, World Rhino Day has been celebrated internationally on September 22nd by rhino experts and advocates around the world.
Miscellaneous News
Chiranjeevi Sets Guinness World Record as Most Prolific Indian Film Star
Megastar Chiranjeevi has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the most prolific actor/dancer in the Indian film industry. Over 45 years, he has performed an astonishing 24,000 dance moves in 537 songs across 156 films. This honor was conferred on September 20, 2024, during a special event where Chiranjeevi expressed gratitude for the recognition, attributing his success to the art of dance and the collaboration with directors, producers, and choreographers.