Table of Contents
National News
PM Modi Returns to Delhi After Successful Three-Day US Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a successful three-day visit to the United States from September 21 to 23, 2024. His trip included participation in the 6th Quad Summit, the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations, bilateral meetings, and engagement with the Indian diaspora.
State News
Goa Maritime Symposium 2024
The Indian Navy hosted the fifth edition of the Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS) 2024 from 23-24 September under the aegis of the Naval War College, Goa. Conducted in the newly inaugurated Chola building, this year’s theme was “Common Maritime Security Challenges in the IOR – Progressing Lines of Effort to Mitigate Dynamic Threats such as Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and Other Illegal Maritime Activities.”
Pune Airport To Be Named After Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj
Maharashtra government approved a proposal to name Pune airport as Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Pune International Airport. Last month, Murlidhar Mohol proposed naming the airport after the 17th-century saint, noting that Lohegaon, where the airport is situated, was the village of Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s mother.
Mizoram launches ‘Bana Kaih’ scheme to support farmers and entrepreneurs
Chief Minister Lalduhoma officially launched the state’s new flagship initiative, the Hand Holding Scheme (Bana Kaih), during a ceremony held at Vanapa Hall. The scheme is designed to provide financial assistance and support to entrepreneurs and farmers across the state, promoting economic growth and self-sufficiency through a range of targeted programs.
International News
Marhowra Plant to Export Evolution Series Locomotives to Africa by 2025
Wabtec Locomotive Private Limited, a joint venture between Indian Railways and Wabtec, is set to enhance its Marhowra plant’s capabilities by exporting Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives to global customers, particularly in Africa, starting in 2025. This initiative marks the plant’s inaugural venture into manufacturing locomotives for export, underscoring India’s growing prominence in the global locomotive manufacturing sector.
PM Modi Addresses 79th U.N. General Assembly Session in New York
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a significant address at the 79th U.N. General Assembly session, themed “Summit of the Future,” held in New York on September 22, 2024. Emphasizing the necessity for reforms in global institutions, Modi stated that such changes are crucial for ensuring global peace and development. The summit commenced prior to the high-level meeting of world leaders, initiated by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who urged global leaders to recommit to multilateralism to address the pressing challenges facing humanity.
Russia and China start naval exercises in the Sea of Japan
Russia and China started naval exercises in the Sea of Japan. The exercises will include anti-aircraft and anti-submarine weapons. This exercise aims to deepen the strategic cooperation level between the Chinese and Russian militaries and enhance their ability to jointly deal with security threats.
Iran unveils all new and powerful suicide drone ‘Shahed-136B’
Amid the growing tension in the Middle-East, Iran for the first time has showcased the Shahed 136B drone and Jihad ballistic missile. Iran presented this new kamikaze drone as part of its military modernization program, in a context marked by growing instability in the region.
Agreements News
Rubber Research Institute signs MoU with IndianOil
A memorandum of understanding was signed between Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) to enhance the research on using Rubber Process Oils marketed by IOCL in different tyre and non-tyre rubber products.
Sports News
Jeevan-Vijay Pair Wins Hangzhou Open 2024
India’s Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Vijay Sundar Prashanth clinched the men’s doubles title at the 2024 Hangzhou Open after a thrilling final against Germany’s Constantin Frantzen and Hendrik Jebens on September 24. The unseeded Indian duo won the match with a score of 4-6, 7(7)-6(5), 10-7 at the Hangzhou Olympics Sports Centre, marking their first ATP Tour title together.
Appointments News
Jitendra J Jadhav Appointed as Director General of Aeronautical Development Agency
The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet has approved a significant change in leadership for India’s aeronautical sector. Jitendra J Jadhav, a Distinguished Scientist with nearly four decades of experience in aircraft design and development, has been appointed as the new Director General of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). This appointment, effective from September 11, 2024, marks a new chapter in India’s pursuit of aeronautical excellence.
James Cameron Joins Stability AI Board
In a groundbreaking move that signals the increasing convergence of Hollywood and artificial intelligence, Stability AI announced on Tuesday that James Cameron, the visionary director behind blockbuster films such as “Titanic” and “The Terminator,” has joined the company’s board of directors. This unexpected collaboration between one of cinema’s most innovative filmmakers and a cutting-edge AI startup marks a significant moment in the evolution of both industries.
Business News
Tata Steel Commissions India’s Largest Blast Furnace in Kalinganagar
Tata Steel has successfully commissioned India’s largest blast furnace at its Kalinganagar facility in Odisha, marking a significant milestone for the steel sector. With a total investment of Rs 27,000 crore, this Phase II expansion will increase the plant’s capacity from 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 8 MTPA. The new facility is designed to meet the growing demands of various industries, including automotive, infrastructure, shipbuilding, defence, and oil and gas. Over the last decade, Odisha has become the largest investment destination for Tata Steel, with a cumulative investment exceeding Rs 100,000 crore.
Awards News
Vinod Bachchan Honored at the House of Lords, UK Parliament
Renowned Bollywood producer Vinod Bachchan received the prestigious Global Prestige Award at the House of Lords, UK Parliament, recognizing his significant contributions to the Indian film industry. The award ceremony was hosted by Lord Bellamy KC and Lord Rami Ranger CBE, a distinguished Member of Parliament. Bachchan, known for producing hits such as Tanu Weds Manu, Zila Ghaziabad, Ginny Weds Sunny, and Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana, was honored for his influential role in bringing Indian cinema to global audiences. His films not only entertain millions but also promote Indian culture and traditions worldwide.
Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Poised to Make History as Pilot of Axiom-4 Mission to the ISS
In a monumental step for India’s space program, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will pilot the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025. The Ax-4 mission is the result of a bilateral agreement between India and the US. Over a year ago, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the US.
Defence News
Inauguration of the 41st Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 41st edition of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi on September 24, 2024. This three-day conference serves as a crucial platform for ICG Commanders to engage in meaningful discussions on strategic, operational, and administrative matters amid evolving geopolitical landscapes and maritime security complexities.
Important Days
World Bollywood Day 2024: Celebrating Indian Cinema’s Global Impact
World Bollywood Day, observed annually on September 24th, stands as a testament to the rich heritage and global influence of Indian cinema. This day serves as a unique platform for Bollywood enthusiasts and film industry professionals to come together and celebrate the art of cinema and its contributions to culture and society. It’s a day that not only honours the magic of Bollywood but also raises awareness about Indian culture and storytelling among audiences worldwide.
Antyodaya Diwas 2024
Antyodaya Diwas is an annual occasion in India commemorating the birth anniversary of Indian leader Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. India observes Antyodaya Diwas on September 25th to honor Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya.
Miscellaneous News
Silver train model for Joe Biden, Pashmina for Jill
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted US President Joe Biden a silver train model made by master artisans from Maharashtra and First Lady Jill Biden a Pashmina shawl in a papier mache box.