IMPORTANT DAYS

National Forest Martyrs Day observed on September 11.

• National Forest Martyrs Day is commemorated annually on September 11.

• The day honours those who sacrificed their lives to protect India's forests and natural resources.

• This observance aims to raise awareness about the conservation of forests, wildlife, and natural resources.

• September 11th was designated as National Forest Martyrs Day by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2013.

• The day memorializes the Khejarli tragedy, where more than 350 Bishnoi community members, including Amrita Devi Bishnoi, were killed.

• These individuals sacrificed their lives to save Khejri trees from being cut down.

• Their actions were in response to Maharaja Abhay Singh's orders to fell trees for palace construction.

• The Bishnoi community’s resistance highlighted their commitment to environmental preservation.

NATIONAL NEWS

Cabinet approved ‘Mission Mausam’ to enhance capacity to cope with extreme weather and climate challenges.

• The Union Cabinet approved ‘Mission Mausam’ on September 11 with a budget of ₹2,000 crore for two years.

• The Ministry of Earth Sciences will oversee the implementation of Mission Mausam.

• The mission aims to enhance research, development, and capacity in atmospheric sciences and weather management.

• Mission Mausam will integrate advanced observation systems and high-performance computing.

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning will be used to improve weather forecasting and precision.

• The India Meteorological Department, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast will implement the mission.

• The initiative will benefit sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, aviation, and water resources.

• The mission will set new standards for accurate weather prediction and climate adaptation.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Nepal has become the 101st country to join as a full member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

• Nepal has officially become the 101st full member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

• Nepal submitted its ratification instrument to the ISA in New Delhi.

• The exchange of the ratification instrument occurred between Nepal's Foreign Minister Dr. Surendra Thapa and Abhishek Singh, Joint Secretary (ED & MER) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• The ISA is a collaborative forum focused on increasing the adoption of solar energy technologies among its members.

• The alliance aims to improve energy access, enhance energy security, and support the transition to renewable energy.

• The International Solar Alliance was jointly launched by India and France on November 30, 2015, during COP21 in Paris.

• The ISA is an intergovernmental organization with its headquarters based in Gurugram, Haryana.

• The ISA promotes energy transition and the deployment of solar energy technologies across its member countries.

SPORTS

Shubhi Gupta Wins U-16 Gold at Commonwealth Chess Championships

• Shubhi Gupta won the gold medal in the girls U-16 category at the Commonwealth Chess Championships in Kalutara, Sri Lanka.

• She also secured the bronze medal in the girls U-20 category at the same event.

• Gupta, a Women FIDE Master, is the current U-19 girls' national champion.

• In the U-16 tournament, she achieved seven victories and two draws, earning a total of eight points out of nine.

• Mrittika Mallick and Yashvi Jain finished in second and third place, with scores of 7 points and 6.5 points, respectively.

• Shubhi Gupta hails from Ghaziabad, UP, and has previously won the U-12 gold at the Commonwealth Youth Chess Championship.

• Two years ago, she claimed the World Cadet Championship title in the same age category.

• Gupta’s performance in the U-16 category showcased her strong chess skills and consistency in competitive play.

RANKING AND INDEX

India surpassed the US to become the second-largest market for 5G smartphones, according to a Counterpoint Research report.

• In the first half of 2024, India overtook the US to become the second-largest market for 5G smartphones, following China.

• Worldwide shipments of 5G smartphones increased by 20% year-over-year in early 2024.

• Apple led global 5G handset shipments, contributing nearly 25% of the total, driven by the popularity of the iPhone 15 and 14 series.

• Samsung followed with over 21% of the market share, thanks to strong sales of the Galaxy A and S24 series.

• Xiaomi ranked third globally and experienced triple-digit growth in India.

• India also droves significant growth for Vivo, which saw increased market presence.

• Motorola had the fastest growth rate among the top ten 5G smartphone brands.

• The Caribbean and Latin America region saw the highest growth rate at 63% year-over-year and accounted for 14% of the global 5G handset shipment increase.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Government relaxed exclusion criteria under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).

• The government has updated the exclusion criteria for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).

• Families with two-wheelers, motorized fishing boats, refrigerators, or landline phones, and earning up to Rs 15,000 per month are now eligible for PMAY-G benefits.

• Ownership of motorized three- or four-wheelers, mechanized agricultural equipment, or a Kisan Credit Card with a limit of Rs 50,000 or more results in automatic exclusion from PMAY-G.

• Households with any government employee, registered non-agricultural enterprises, or income tax payers are excluded from the scheme.

• The relaxation in criteria supports the government’s goal to build two crore additional rural houses by 2028–29.

• PMAY-G was introduced in 2016 with the aim of achieving “Housing for All” in rural areas.

• The revised criteria are intended to broaden eligibility and increase access to the rural housing scheme.

• The government is focusing on expanding the reach of PMAY-G by adjusting its exclusion policies.

STATE NEWS

Gujarat government set up GRIT as a policy think tank.

• The Gujarat government has established GRIT, the Gujarat State Institution for Transformation, as a new policy think tank.

• GRIT will function similarly to NITI Aayog, focusing on policy development and strategic planning.

• Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will serve as the chairman of GRIT.

• The Finance Minister will hold the position of vice chairman in the new institution.

• The GRIT board will include the Ministers of Agriculture, Health, Education, and Industries as members.

• A 10-member executive committee will manage GRIT’s daily operations.

• The General Administration Department-Planning Division will issue a resolution detailing GRIT’s formation and scope.

• The establishment of GRIT aims to enhance policy-making and governance in Gujarat.

AI city will be developed on 200 acres near Hyderabad.

• The Telangana government is planning to develop a 200-acre Artificial Intelligence city near Hyderabad.

• This cutting-edge AI City will become a central hub for the AI ecosystem.

• It will feature an AI Advisory Council, an AI research network, major universities, global companies, and innovative startups.

• Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy introduced the AI City logo at the Global AI Summit 2024.

• AI City is designed to foster collaboration and advance next-generation AI technologies.

• The facility aims to provide citizens with direct engagement and access to artificial intelligence advancements.

• It will serve as a vibrant space for both research and practical applications of AI.

• The new city will integrate various elements of the AI sector to drive innovation and growth.