- National:
- The Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve is the seventh tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh. This newly established reserve incorporates the previously recognized eco-sensitive zone of Nauradehi and Veerangana Durgavati sanctuaries, along with surrounding forest areas, into the buffer zone.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the merger of Sahebrao Deshmukh Co-op Bank with Cosmos Co-op Bank. The merger came into effect from September 26, 2023, and the branches of Sahebrao Deshmukh Co-operative Bank will now function as branches of Cosmos Co-operative Bank.
- The Third Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge, Yard 77 (LSAM 9) was launched by Cmde G Ravi, Warship Production Superintendent (Visakhapatnam), on September 22, 2023 at Guttenadeevi, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh.
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has indeed issued an advisory to manufacturers of sweets, asking them to refrain from outdoor cooking practices.
- The ISRO Chief, S Somanath, stated that about 95% of the components used in rockets in India are domestically sourced. This includes materials, devices, and systems used in the Indian Space Research Organisation’s rockets.
- According to a recent survey by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Indians are consuming more salt than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended amount. The estimated mean daily salt intake for Indians was found to be 8 grams, which is higher than the WHO’s recommendation of less than 5 grams per day.
- The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) has directed Karnataka to release 3,000 cusecs of water every day to Tamil Nadu starting from September 28. The decision was taken at a meeting in New Delhi after Karnataka and Tamil Nadu submitted their arguments before the committee.
- The Tamil Nadu government has recently unveiled its new tourism policy. The state aims to develop into the most attractive experiential destination in Asia with multi-pronged goals. Over the next five years, the state aims to attract 20,000-crore investments.
- Economy:
- Cipla Limited has indeed announced the launch of drone-powered deliveries for its critical medicines (cardiac, respiratory and other essential chronic therapies) for hospitals and pharmacies in Himachal Pradesh, India. This initiative is in partnership with Skye Air Mobility.
- The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) issued India’s first ‘AAA’ rated Indian Rupee denominated Social Bonds, raising 1,040.50 crore. The bonds have a coupon rate of 7.63%.
- Sports:
- In the 2023 Asian Games, the Nepal men’s cricket team made history by becoming the first team to score over 300 runs in a T20 International match. They posted a total of 314/3 against Mongolia in their 20 overs.
- Indian shooter Sift Kaur Samra won the gold medal in the individual 50m rifle 3-position event at the Asian Games with a world and Games record score of 469.6. Her compatriot, Ashi Chouksey, won the bronze medal.
- Obituary:
- Renowned Malayalam filmmaker KG George passed away at the age of 77. He breathed his last in an old age home in Kakkanad, Kochi. He was undergoing treatment for a stroke. The veteran filmmaker was cremated in Kochi’s Ravipuram crematorium on September 26.
- Books:
- The University of Wollongong (UOW) Australia, in collaboration with the NSE Academy, has launched a new book titled "Introduction to Corporate Finance (sixth edition)". The book was unveiled at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in Mumbai.
- Important Days:
- The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons was observed on September 26, 2023. This day is an important occasion for reflection and decision-making. The continued existence of nuclear weapons is one of the biggest threats to humanity.
- World Contraception Day in 2023 falls on Tuesday, September 26. This day is a global observance dedicated to promoting awareness, education, and access to contraception to improve reproductive health and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their family planning. The theme of this year’s World Contraception Day is “The Power of Options,”
- Awards:
- Dr. Swati Nayak, an Indian scientist at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), has indeed been named the 2023 recipient of the prestigious Norman E Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application. She is recognized as an “outstanding young scientist” by the World Food Prize Foundation.
- The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest honor in Indian cinema and it’s a testament to Waheeda Rehman’s incredible talent and contribution to the film industry. Her performances have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
- Appointments:
- Sanjeev Mantri has been appointed as the new managing director and CEO of ICICI Lombard General Insurance, a leading private sector non-life insurer in India. He will take charge from December 1, 2023, or the date of approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), whichever is later.
- Banking:
- JPMorgan Chase & Company (JPM) announced on September 24, 2023 that it will include Indian government bonds in its Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM) from June 28, 2024.
- The Indian government has indeed extended the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme until June 30, 2024.
Question:
Q.1 When is World Contraception Day observed?a. September 25
b. September 26
c. September 27
d. September 28
Q.2 Who is the 2023 recipient of the prestigious Norman E Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application?
a. Dr. Mahalingam Govindaraj
b. Dr. Aditi Mukherji
c. Dr. Swati Nayak
d. Dr. Norman E Borlaug
