National news
Khel Utsav 2024 Organized by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

In celebration of the birth anniversary of Hockey Legend Major Dhyan Chand and in alignment with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ National Sports Day 2024, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting organized “Khel Utsav 2024” from August 27 to August 30, 2024. The event took place at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
- Maiden Edition Tournaments: The inaugural edition featured tournaments in four sports: Cricket, Hockey, Badminton, and Table Tennis. Over 200 officials and staff of the Ministry actively participated, contributing to the event’s success. Future editions are planned to include additional sports.
- Trophy Distribution Ceremony: A ceremony to distribute the Major Dhyan Chand trophies was held on September 4, 2024, at the PIB Conference Hall, Shastri Bhawan. The event was attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Sh. Sanjay Jaju, along with other senior officials of the Ministry.
Key Points:” Khel Utsav 2024″
- Dates: August 27 to August 30, 2024
- Locations: Major Dhyan Chand Stadium and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
- Sports Featured: Cricket, Hockey, Badminton, Table Tennis
- Participants: Over 200 officials and staff from the Ministry
- Trophy Ceremony Date: September 4, 2024
- Trophy Distribution Venue: PIB Conference Hall, Shastri Bhawan
- Future Plans: Inclusion of more sports in upcoming editions
Minister responsible: Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Information and Broadcasting
Banking news
Advisory Committee on Listing Obligations and Disclosures (ACLOD)

The ACLOD, set up by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), aims to streamline rules related to listing obligations and disclosures.
Chair: Rama Subramaniam Gandhi, former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Function: The committee will advise SEBI on:
- Disclosure requirements
- Listing and post-listing obligations
- Harmonisation of rules
- Corporate governance
Members:
- NK Dua, Joint Director in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
- Keki Mistry, Non-Executive Director of HDFC Bank
- Stock exchange heads
- Proxy advisory firm MDs
- Industry representatives, corporates, and legal experts
Recent Developments:
- June 2024: SEBI proposed 50 amendments to simplify disclosure and listing obligations.
- The Mohanty Committee: Proposed changes related to party transactions, promoter reclassification, director appointments, IPO eligibility, and disclosure timelines. These recommendations aim to address gaps and overlaps in SEBI regulations.
- Upcoming Examination: SEBI plans to review these recommendations in its board meeting in late September 2024.
- Additional Proposals: Longer promoter lock-in periods if IPO funds are used to repay capital expenditure loans, and extending the litigation disclosure timeframe from 24 to 72 hours.
About SEBI:
- Established: As a non-statutory body on April 12, 1988, and a statutory body on January 30, 1992.
- Chairman: Madhabi Puri Buch
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
India’s First Android-Based CRM ATM

Hitachi Payment Services, in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), unveiled India’s first Android-Based Cash Recycling Machine (CRM) Automated Teller Machine (ATM) at the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2024 in Mumbai.
- Model: HPDx-BU01
- Features:
- Digital Banking Unit (DBU): Functions as a one-stop digital banking service hub.
- Services Offered:
- Home loan applications
- Credit card applications
- Fixed Deposit (FD) investments
- Card-less Cash Deposits: Allows 24×7 deposits into own and others’ bank accounts.
- Versatile Functionality:
- QR-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) cash withdrawals
- Account creation
- Credit card issuance
- Personal and MSME loans
- Insurance services
- Advantages:
- Provides a comprehensive range of banking and non-banking services.
- Can be tailored to meet business needs and local market requirements.
Summit news
Conference on ‘Spectrum of Literacy’ Precedes International Literacy Day 2024

As a precursor to International Literacy Day 2024, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, will host an International Conference titled “Spectrum of Literacy” on September 7, 2024. This virtual conference will be organized by CIET, NCERT, New Delhi, and will bring together global and national experts, educators, policymakers, and literacy advocates to explore the multifaceted dimensions of literacy in today’s world.
- Chair: Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of DoSEL.
- Notable Attendees: Smt. Archana Sharma Awasthi, Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Smt. Joyce Poan, and other dignitaries.
- Sessions:
- Session 1: “Exploring the ‘Spectrum of Literacy’ in India.”
- Session 2: “Global Perspectives on Literacy.”
- Focus: Addressing diverse challenges and opportunities in global education under the theme “Spectrum of Literacy.”
International Literacy Day 2024
- Theme: ‘Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.’
- Focus: Enhancing literacy in multilingual contexts to foster peace, and improving policies, lifelong learning systems, governance, programs, and practices.
Defence News
India-France Bilateral Naval Exercise Varuna
The 21st edition of Varuna (Varuna-23) naval exercise between the Indian and French Navies was held in two phases in 2023. India-France Bilateral Naval Exercise Varuna is a key strategic exercise, initiated in 1993 and named ‘Varuna’ in 2001. Phase II took place in the Arabian Sea and involved joint operations using guided missile frigates, tankers, Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and helicopters. The exercise aimed to enhance warfighting skills, improve interoperability, and promote security in the region. The first phase occurred from January 16-20, 2023, off India’s Western Seaboard.
Overview:
- Initiation: Started in 1993 and named ‘Varuna’ in 2001.
- Frequency: Annual bilateral exercise between the Indian and French Navies.
2023 Edition (Varuna-23):
- Phases: Conducted in two phases. Phase I took place from January 16-20, 2023, off India’s Western Seaboard. Phase II occurred in the Arabian Sea.
- Participants: Included guided missile frigates, tankers, Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and helicopters.
Objectives:
- Enhance warfighting skills.
- Improve interoperability between the Indian and French Navies.
- Promote maritime security and stability in the region.
Highlights:
- Assets: Indian Navy contributed destroyers and submarines, while the French Navy deployed the aircraft carrier Charles-de-Gaulle.
- Activities: Included air defense, anti-submarine warfare, tactical maneuvers, and cross-deck helicopter landings.
2023 Special Note:
- UAE Involvement: For the first time, the UAE participated, marking a trilateral collaboration to bolster maritime security.
- INS Vikramaditya: India’s aircraft carrier was absent due to maintenance, but other Indian assets ensured effective participation.
Significance:
- Strengthens maritime cooperation and strategic bilateral ties between India and France.
- Focuses on safeguarding global maritime security, especially in the Indian Ocean region.
5th India-Maldives Defence Cooperation Dialogue Held in New Delhi
The 5th Defence Cooperation Dialogue between India and the Maldives was held in New Delhi on September 6, 2024. The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane, while the Maldivian delegation was headed by General Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force, Maldives National Defence Force. The meeting provided a platform to advance bilateral defence cooperation, focusing on the implementation of ongoing projects and fostering stability in the Indian Ocean region.
Delegations:
- Indian Delegation: Led by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane.
- Maldivian Delegation: Headed by General Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force, Maldives National Defence Force.
Discussion Topics:
- Ongoing Defence Projects: Emphasis on accelerating the implementation of current projects.
- High-Level Exchanges: Enhancement of high-level defence exchanges.
- Capability Development: Focus on collaborative projects for capability development.
- Military Exercises: Discussion on future participation in bilateral military exercises.
Outcomes:
- Productive talks aimed at strengthening strategic interests and contributing to regional peace and prosperity.
India-Maldives Defence Cooperation:
- Strategic Partnership: Strong focus on Indian Ocean region security.
- High-Level Exchanges: Regular dialogues and visits between military officials.
- Defence Assistance: India provides training, equipment, and infrastructure support.
- Joint Military Exercises: Exercises like “Ekuverin” enhance operational capabilities.
- Maritime Security: Collaboration on maritime security, counter-terrorism, and anti-piracy.
- Capacity Building: Support for Maldives in developing naval and coast guard capabilities.
Maldives:
- Capital: Malé
- Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa
- President: Mohamed Muizzu
Sports news
Indian Para Athlete Hokato Hotozhe Sema Secures Bronze at Paris 2024 Paralympics

In a stunning display of perseverance and skill, India’s Hokato Hotozhe Sema has clinched the bronze medal in the men’s shot put F57 class at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. This achievement not only marks a personal milestone for Sema but also contributes to India’s growing success in para-athletics on the global stage.
Achievement:
- Medal: Bronze
- Event: Men’s Shot Put F57 class
- Performance: Personal best throw of 14.65 meters on his fourth attempt.
Significance:
- Personal Milestone: This is Hokato Hotozhe Sema’s Paralympic debut and his achievement marks a significant personal and national milestone.
- Contribution: Adds to India’s success in para-athletics on the global stage.
Competition Results:
- Gold Medal: Yasin Khosravi of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with a record-breaking throw of 15.96 meters on his fourth attempt.
- Silver Medal: Thiago Paulino dos Santos of Brazil, with a throw of 15.06 meters.
- Other Indian Contender: Soman Rana finished fifth with a best throw of 14.07 meters.
F57 Classification:
- Category: For field athletes who perform seated throws due to movement restrictions in one or both legs.
Praveen Kumar’s Golden Triumph at the Paris Paralympics 2024

Praveen Kumar’s Golden Triumph at the Paris Paralympics 2024 Indian para-athlete Praveen Kumar has etched his name in the annals of Paralympic history with his spectacular gold medal win in the men’s high jump T64 final at the Paris Paralympics 2024. This victory not only marks a personal milestone for Kumar but also adds to India’s growing success in para-athletics on the global stage.
Achievement:
- Event: Men’s High Jump T64 Final
- Medal: Gold
- Performance: Jumped 2.08 meters, setting a new Asian record in the T64 category.
Significance:
- Personal Milestone: Marks a significant personal achievement for Praveen Kumar.
- National Impact: Contributes to India’s growing success in para-athletics on the global stage.
Emotional Aftermath:
- Focused Determination: Kumar emphasized his unwavering focus and determination to secure the gold medal.
- National Pride: Expressed profound pride and emotion upon hearing the Indian national anthem as he stood on the podium.
- Exceeding Expectations: Kumar admitted he hadn’t anticipated such an outcome but aimed to deliver his personal best.
Understanding Praveen Kumar’s Classification:
- T64 Category: For athletes with moderate movement impairment in one lower leg or those missing one or both legs below the knee.
- Typical Category: Kumar usually competes in the T44 category, for athletes with mild to moderate movement impairment in one lower leg.
Important days
International Literacy Day 2024

Since 1967, International Literacy Day (ILD) has been observed annually on September 8th to highlight the critical role of literacy in fostering a just, peaceful, and sustainable society. This day serves as a reminder to global stakeholders about the significance of literacy as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for both personal and societal advancement.
Fundamental Role of Literacy:
- Literacy as a Human Right:
- Empowerment: Literacy is more than a skill; it is a fundamental human right that enables individuals to fully participate in society. It provides access to essential information, supports lifelong learning, and allows individuals to exercise their democratic rights.
- Global Citizenship: By facilitating engagement in civic activities and access to services, literacy underpins greater freedoms and global citizenship.
- Literacy as a Foundation for Peace and Understanding:
- Knowledge and Skills: Literacy equips individuals with the ability to acquire extensive knowledge and skills necessary for personal development and societal contribution.
- Values and Behaviors: It fosters values and attitudes that are essential for building a culture of peace, respect for equality, the rule of law, and solidarity.
- Cultural Tolerance: Literacy promotes diversity and tolerance, which are crucial for achieving lasting peace and justice.
Overall, International Literacy Day underscores the ongoing global commitment to advancing literacy as an integral element for human development and societal cohesion.