SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES

5th Defence Cooperation Dialogue held by India and Maldives in New Delhi.

• The 5th Defence Cooperation Dialogue between India and the Maldives took place in New Delhi on 6 September.

• Indian Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane headed the Indian delegation.

• The Maldives delegation was led by General Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force.

• The meeting focused on advancing ongoing defence cooperation projects.

• Discussions included high-level exchanges and capacity-building initiatives.

• The upcoming bilateral military exercises were also part of the dialogue.

• The Maldives is a significant maritime neighbour of India in the Indian Ocean region.

• The previous Maldives Government saw growth in overall bilateral relations, including defence and security.

• The dialogue provided a platform for both countries to explore areas of mutual interest in defence.

India and Saudi Arabia enhanced defence ties in the 6th Joint Committee meeting.

• The 6th India-Saudi Arabia Joint Committee on Defense Cooperation (JCDC) meeting occurred in Riyadh on September 4.

• Both countries reviewed their current defense engagements in detail.

• The discussions covered military collaboration, including joint exercises, expert exchanges, training programs, and industry partnerships.

• There was mutual agreement to enhance overall defense cooperation.

• The JCDC aims to further the goals of defense collaboration between the two nations.

• The meeting served as a platform for both sides to evaluate and strengthen ongoing defense initiatives.

• The joint committee continues to be a key mechanism for promoting defense cooperation objectives.

STATE NEWS

Aparna Yadav appointed Vice President of Uttar Pradesh Women Commission.

• The Uttar Pradesh government appointed Aparna Yadav as Vice President of the Uttar Pradesh State Women Commission.

• The announcement was part of a broader appointment to the state women's commission, including several key positions.

• Governor Anandiben Patel appointed Babita Chauhan as the Chairperson of the commission.

• Aparna Yadav and Charu Chaudhary were named Vice-Chairpersons of the commission for a term of one year or until further notice from the government.

• Aparna Yadav is the sister-in-law of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

• She is also the younger daughter-in-law of SP founder and former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav.

• Aparna Yadav previously ran for the Lucknow Cantt seat in the 2017 UP Assembly elections on a Samajwadi Party ticket but did not win.

• In January 2022, she switched her political allegiance from the Samajwadi Party to the BJP.

August 20 will be observed as Sootea Day by the Assam government from next year.

• Starting next year, August 20 will be officially observed as Sootea Day by the Assam government.

• The day will honor Sootea's role in the freedom movement, commemorating the events of August 20, 1942.

• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma noted that Sootea people already recognize August 20 as a significant day.

• Earlier, Chief Minister Sarma visited Sootea Police Station in Biswanath District to pay homage to the freedom fighters.

• On August 20, 1942, Sootea's residents, led by Biman Chandra Bora, hoisted the national flag at the local police station.

• Sarma highlighted Sootea's crucial contribution to India's struggle for independence.

• He also honored the Assamese participants in the Quit India Movement.

• The Chief Minister announced a plan to build a history monument at the Sootea police station, investing Rs 5 crore.

• This monument will celebrate the rich historical significance of the Sootea Police Station and its surrounding areas.

Kerala topped business, citizen-centric reforms in key categories.

• Kerala has been recognized as a top performer in business and citizen-centric reforms, according to the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

• The rankings, announced on September 5 at the State Industry Ministers' conference in New Delhi, highlight Kerala's leadership in both business and citizen-focused reforms.

• Union Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal presented the Business Reforms Action Plan '22 (BRAP 22) award to Kerala's Industries Minister, P. Rajeeve.

• The citizen-centric reforms in which Kerala was declared the top achiever are:

√ Online single window system,

√ Issuance of certificates by the Department of Revenue,

√ Providing utility permits,

√ Public distribution system (Department of Food and Civil Supplies),

√ Improvements in transport sector

√ Running employment exchanges

SPORTS

Kapil Parmar won India’s first ever Paralympic Medal in Judo.

• Kapil Parmar secured India’s first Paralympic medal in Judo at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

• He won a bronze in the Para Judo Men’s J1-60 Kilogrammes category by defeating Brazil’s Elielton de Oliveira.

• Parmar’s historic achievement has raised India’s total medal count to 25.

• With this win, India currently holds the 16th position in the overall medal standings.

• India’s medal tally comprises 5 gold, 9 silver, and 11 bronze medals.

• This bronze medal is the first in Judo for India at the Paralympics.

• Parmar’s success has added a significant milestone to India's Paralympic history.

AWARDS

Hayao Miyazaki won 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Award.

• Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki has been awarded the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Award.

• Miyazaki is renowned for his influential animated films designed for children.

• He began his animation career in 1963 after studying economics and political science.

• The 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Award recognizes four other recipients alongside Miyazaki.

• Farwiza Farhan of Indonesia is honored for her dedication to environmental conservation and social justice.

• Karma Phuntsho from Bhutan receives the award for his efforts in preserving Bhutan's cultural heritage while embracing modernity.

• Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong of Vietnam is recognized for her commitment to public health and her advocacy for Agent Orange victims.

• The Rural Doctors Movement from Thailand is celebrated for its significant improvements to the country’s healthcare system.

• The Ramon Magsaysay Award is Asia's highest honor, often compared to the Nobel Prize.

• Established in 1957, the award commemorates Ramon Magsaysay, the third President of the Philippines, and celebrates individuals and organizations making impactful contributions in Asia.

Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation launched the 'Greatness of Spirit' series.

• The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation introduced the 'Greatness of Spirit' series to honor the legacy of the Ramon Magsaysay Award.

• The series, titled ‘The Greatness of Spirit: Stories of Love, Courage, and Service,’ comprises seven volumes.

• This initiative marks the 65th anniversary of the award and features stories of 326 individuals and 22 organizations recognized for their exceptional courage and service across Asia.

• Dalai Lama, a recipient since 1959, is among the earliest honorees celebrated in the series.

• The series reflects the Ramon Magsaysay Award’s celebration of remarkable human qualities and the true essence of 'Greatness of Spirit'.

• The launch of the series was supported by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation and the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines.

• A special Delhi edition event titled “Celebrating Greatness of Spirit” was hosted to commemorate the series.

NATIONAL NEWS

Department of Telecommunications notified rules for Digital Bharat Nidhi

• The Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) was established under Section 24(1) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, replacing the Universal Service Obligation Fund.

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced the Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024, to govern the initiative.

• The primary goal of DBN is to improve telecommunication services in remote and underserved areas.

• The rules define the administrator's powers and duties for managing and implementing DBN.

• Funded projects under DBN must promote innovation, support R&D, or aid the commercialization of domestic technologies.

• Entities receiving DBN funds are required to share and provide network/services in an open, non-discriminatory manner.

• The DBN aims to enhance telecommunication infrastructure in areas that lack sufficient services.

• The rules outline specific criteria that funded projects must fulfill to qualify for DBN support.

• The Digital Bharat Nidhi is a key component of India's effort to advance its telecommunications sector.

MISCELLANEOUS

US, UK, and EU signed the world's first AI treaty.

• The US, UK, and EU signed the first legally binding international AI treaty.

• The treaty, known as the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law, was signed at a Council of Europe conference in Vilnius, Lithuania.

• This landmark agreement marks a significant milestone in the global regulation of AI technologies.

• It emphasizes balancing technological innovation with the protection of human rights and democratic values.

• The treaty resulted from extensive negotiations involving 57 countries.

• Key participants include major AI developers such as the US, UK, and EU, along with nations like Japan, Canada, Israel, and Australia.

• The agreement aims to manage the risks associated with AI while encouraging responsible development.

• The Council of Europe, founded in 1949 and based in Strasbourg, spearheaded the initiative to ensure AI aligns with fundamental principles of human rights and the rule of law.

• The treaty reflects global efforts to address AI’s impact while fostering ethical and democratic standards.