Table of Contents
National News
PM Modi Virtually Inaugurates Development Projects Worth ₹11,200 Crore in Maharashtra
As the Assembly election approaches, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on September 29, 2024, virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various projects worth ₹11,200 crore in Maharashtra. This event comes after his scheduled visit to Pune on September 26 was cancelled due to heavy rain in the city.
Shankh Air: India’s Newest Airline Set to Launch
Shankh Air, India’s latest airline, is poised to make its debut by the end of 2024 after receiving approval from the civil aviation ministry. This marks a significant development for Uttar Pradesh as Shankh Air aims to become the state’s first scheduled airline, establishing hubs in Lucknow and the upcoming Noida International Airport. The airline plans to focus on both inter- and intra-state routes, targeting areas with high demand and limited direct flight options.
International News
NATO to Establish Northern Land Command in Eastern Finland
NATO plans to set up a new land command in Finland near the Russian border in 2025, to lead land force operations in northern Europe during potential military conflicts. Finland, which joined NATO last year after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, is preparing for the alliance’s presence on its territory. Finnish Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen announced the proposal to establish the command at Finland’s Army Headquarters in Mikkeli. The center, named the Multi Corps Land Component Command, will work under NATO’s U.S.-based Norfolk Joint Force Command and Finland’s own land force command.
Economy News
India’s Forex Reserves Hit Record High of $692.3 Billion
India’s foreign exchange reserves reached a record high of $692.3 billion as of September 20, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India on September 27. The reserves increased by $2.84 billion during the week, following a total rise of $19.3 billion over the previous five weeks. The rise in reserves was driven by the Reserve Bank of India’s interventions in the forex market and inflows into local stocks and bonds.
OECD Revises India’s FY25 Growth Forecast Upward to 6.7%
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) raised India’s FY25 growth forecast to 6.7%, up from 6.6%, in its Interim Economic Outlook released on September 25. Inflation is projected to rise to 4.5%, compared to the earlier estimate of 4.3%. The Indian economy is expected to grow even faster at 6.8% in FY26, marking a 20 basis points increase from the May forecast. The OECD emphasized that India will remain the fastest-growing economy in 2024 and 2025, ahead of China, the US, and other G20 nations.
GST Council Establishes GoM on Compensation Cess
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has formed a 10-member Group of Ministers (GoM), chaired by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, to address the future taxation of luxury, sin, and demerit goods as the compensation cess is set to expire in March 2026. The GoM comprises representatives from Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, with a report expected to be submitted by December 31.
Banking News
IndusInd Bank Reappoints Sumant Kathpalia as MD & CEO
The board of IndusInd Bank has approved the reappointment of Sumant Kathpalia as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) for another three-year term from March 24, 2025, to March 23, 2028, pending approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and shareholders.
Business News
NSE, BSE Revise Transaction Fees; New Charges Effective from October 1
BSE and NSE have announced revisions to their transaction fees, effective from October 1, 2024. The changes, which impact various segments, align with SEBI’s July directive mandating a uniform fee structure across market infrastructure institutions (MIIs). This move eliminates the previous slab-based structure and ensures transparency for end clients.
Awards News
The 2024 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize: Honoring Mathematical Excellence
The world of mathematics is set to celebrate another brilliant mind as the 2024 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize finds its recipient. This prestigious award, which recognizes outstanding contributions in mathematics, particularly those influenced by the legendary Srinivasa Ramanujan, will be bestowed upon Alexander Dunn of the Georgia Institute of Technology, U.S.
State News
Udhayanidhi Stalin Took Oath as Deputy CM of TamilNadu
The Chief Minister of TamilNadu M. K. Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi Stalin took the oath as the new Deputy Chief Minister of the state. The cabinet reshuffle and several members were also changed.
Appointments News
Justice Manmohan was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court
As a Chief Justice of Delhi High-court Justice Manmohan took the Oath of Office in the Capital of India. The Oath was administered by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena at a ceremony where the new Chief Minister of Delhi also attended the event.
IPS Nalin Prabhat Set to Take Charge as DGP of J&K from October 1
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) appointed IPS Nalin Prabhat as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir. He is set to assume charge from October 1. Till then, he will work as the Special Director-General (DG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
As a New President of INS Shreyams Kumar Elected as a Chair
M V Shreyams Kumar of Mathrubhumi was elected President of The Indian Newspaper Society (INS), an apex body of publishers of newspapers, magazines and periodicals in the country. He will succeed Rakesh Sharma of Aaj Samaj.
Schemes News
‘Telangana Darshini’ Program for Students to Visit Historical Sites
Telangana state government launched the ‘Telangana Darshini’ Program to those government school students to explore historical and tourist sites at no cost. It is also designed to enrich the educational experiences of government school students.
Books and Authors News
LARA: The England Chronicles – A Cricket Legend’s Journey
Brian Lara stands as a singular figure in the annals of cricket history. His uniqueness is not just a matter of opinion but a fact etched in the record books of the sport. The cricketing world has not seen a batsman quite like him before, and it’s almost certain that we won’t see one like him again.
Sports News
Gulveer Singh of India Broke The National Record in 5000m in Japan
India’s Gulveer Singh set a new national record en route to winning the men’s 5000m gold in the Yogibo Athletics Challenge Cup of World Athletics Continental Tour at Niigata, Japan. Gulveer won the race with a time of 13:11.82 to improve upon his own national record earlier this year.
Centre Of Excellence Inaugurated by BCCI in Bengaluru
To expand the cricketing infrastructure, BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket In India) inaugurated the new state of art facilities which are called the Centre Of Excellence in the outskirts of the Bengaluru city. Which is also called New National Cricket Academy.
Important Days
International Translation Day 2024, Date, History, Theme and Significance
Every year on September 30, the world comes together to observe International Translation Day, a day dedicated to honoring the invaluable contributions of translators and language specialists worldwide. This special occasion serves as a platform to recognize the achievements of these professionals who play a crucial role in promoting international communication, understanding, and collaboration. By facilitating dialogue and fostering mutual comprehension across linguistic boundaries, translators are instrumental in advancing and strengthening global peace and security.
Obituaries News
Dame Maggie Smith, A Legendary Actress Passes at 89
The world of entertainment mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars. Dame Maggie Smith, the celebrated British actress renowned for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has passed away at the age of 89. Her family confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement, sharing that she died peacefully in a hospital surrounded by close friends and family.
Renowned Poet Keki N. Daruwala Dies at the Age of 87
A former IPS officer and renowned poet Keki N. Daruwala who left lasting impressions for a long time and inspiration for most young writers dies at the age of 87 in New Delhi. He is also the Sahitya Akademi Award winner.