The United Arab Emirates successfully completed the Arab world's first nuclear power plant, the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the state-owned Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) said.
According to ENEC, the four-reactor plant will provide 25 percent of the electricity required by the hot, desert Gulf state, where air-conditioning is widespread—approximately equivalent to New Zealand's annual electricity consumption.
It will also power major industries such as oil production, steel manufacturing, and aluminum production.
The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is situated in Al Dhafra, within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi on the Arabian Gulf, about 53 km west-southwest of the city of Ruwais.
Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hailed the completion as a significant step towards achieving net zero emissions.
Israel's Tower Semiconductor and Adani's $10 Billion Chip Project in India
Israel's Tower Semiconductor and India's Adani Group are set to invest 839.47 billion rupees ($10 billion) in a semiconductor manufacturing project in Maharashtra. The initiative highlights India's push to become a global hub for chip production, despite previous challenges such as Foxconn's withdrawal from a $19.5 billion joint venture with Vedanta and stalled plans by ISMC to invest $3 billion.
The semiconductor plant in Maharashtra will initially produce 40,000 wafers. The project is part of a broader investment strategy in the state, which also includes the establishment of two new electric vehicle manufacturing units. Skoda-Volkswagen will invest 150 billion rupees in an electric vehicle plant, while Toyota-Kirloskar will allocate 212.73 billion rupees for hybrid and electric vehicle production.
India's First Silicon Carbide Manufacturing Facility to be Set Up in Odisha
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi graced the ground-breaking ceremony of India's first silicon carbide manufacturing facility to be set up in Odisha at an investment of Rs. 620 crore.
The project will be developed by RIR Power Electronics Limited, a leader in India's semiconductor power electronics technology at the EMC Park, Infovalley, Bhubaneswar.
This development places India and the state of Odisha squarely at the forefront of the global power electronics market.
The facility will attract skilled professionals, foster local innovation, drive economic growth, and further solidify Odisha's position as one of India's most promising destinations for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.
RBI Imposes Penalties on Godrej Housing, HUDCO, and Aadhar Housing Finance
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) levied penalties on three Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) for failing to comply with its directives on housing finance companies. The penalties were as follows: Godrej Housing Finance Limited and Aadhar Housing Finance Limited were each fined Rs. 5 lakh, while Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) faced a penalty of Rs. 3.5 lakh.
These fines, imposed under Section 52A of the National Housing Bank Act, 1987, followed inspections by the National Housing Bank (NHB) based on the companies' financial positions as of March 31, 2022. Despite the companies' responses to the notices issued by RBI, the regulator determined that they had breached specific guidelines and imposed penalties accordingly.
India's Pixxel Gets NASA Contract to Provide Earth-Observation Data
NASA selected Indian private spacecraft company Pixxel for a new contract to provide Earth-observation data and services.
Pixxel, which specialises in hyperspectral imaging and Earth observation, is one of the eight companies selected for NASA's USD 476 million "Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Programme On-Ramp1 Multiple Award" contract.
Under this contract, these companies will provide the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with Earth-observation data from commercial sources to support the US agency's research-and-application activities that help improve life on the planet.
Moeen Ali Announces Retirement from International Cricket
Moeen Ali, the versatile England all-rounder, officially announced his retirement from international cricket. This decision came in the wake of his omission from the white-ball series against Australia, signaling the end of an era for English cricket.
Moeen Ali's international career spanned across all formats of the game:
68 Test matches
138 One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
92 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
His versatility and skill made him a key player for England across these formats.
Sinner Storms Past Fritz to Win First US Open Title
World number one Jannik Sinner stormed past Taylor Fritz and won the US Open 2024 and secured a second Grand Slam title of the year.
Italy's Sinner, who won his first major title at the Australian Open in January 2024, held off a late charge from American 12th seed Fritz to win 6-3 6-4 7-5.
He is also the first Italian man to win the singles title at Flushing Meadows.
India Bids for 2030 Youth Olympics
Mansukh Mandaviya, India's Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, announced India's bid for the 2030 Youth Olympics during his speech at the of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) 44th General Assembly . India will compete against Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, Mongolia, Russia, Ukraine, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for the hosting rights. This bid is seen as a precursor to India's ambition to host the 2036 Olympics.
Mandaviya detailed India's sports initiatives, emphasizing the 'Khelo India' scheme, 'Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)', and 'Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action (ASMITA)'. He noted the government's substantial increase in the sports budget from USD 143 million in 2014-15 to approximately USD 417 million today. This funding has led to record-breaking performances at the Asian Games and Asian Para Games.
Arun Goel Appointed as India's Ambassador to Croatia
Arun Goel was appointed as India's next Ambassador to Croatia, succeeding Raj Kumar Srivastava. The Ministry of External Affairs announced his new role. Goel, a retired 1985-batch IAS officer from the Punjab cadre, previously served as the Election Commissioner of India from November 21, 2022, to March 9, 2024.
Arun Goel's career is marked by significant contributions across various government sectors. He took voluntary retirement before his appointment as Election Commissioner. His academic credentials include a Postgraduate degree in Development Economics from Churchill College, University of Cambridge, and an M.Sc. in Mathematics.
Vinay Goyal Assumes the Role of State Mission Director of NHM
Vinay Goyal officially assumed the role of State Mission Director for the National Health Mission (NHM). He succeeded K. Jeevan Babu, who has moved to the Kerala Water Authority as Managing Director. Goyal, an IAS officer of the 2016 batch, also took charge as Director of the Kerala State IT Mission and Project Director at eHealth Kerala. In his new roles, he aims to advance Kerala's digital and health infrastructure.
Goyal has a distinguished career with experience across various sectors. He has served as Director of the Scheduled Tribes Development Department, Director of the Backward Classes Development Department, Secretary of the Kerala State Housing Board, Managing Director of Kerala Rapid Transit Corporation Ltd, CEO of Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Limited, and District Development Commissioner of Thiruvananthapuram. His extensive experience positions him well for his new responsibilities.
Nuclear to LNG, India & UAE ink 4 Key Pacts to Expand Energy Ties
India and the United Arab Emirates signed four pacts to expand energy cooperation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with the visiting Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
An agreement for long-term LNG supply between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd and another between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd (ISPRL) are among the four pacts.
Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) also inked an MoU for operation and maintenance of Barakah Nuclear Power Plant.
The fourth pact is a production concession agreement for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1 between Urja Bharat and ADNOC. A separate pact was inked between the Gujarat government and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC on setting up food parks in India.
Indo-US Joint Military Exercise Begins in Rajasthan
The 20th edition of India-USA Joint Military Exercise YUDH ABHYAS-2024 is being held at Foreign Training Node in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan. The exercise is being held from September 9 to 22, 2024. Exercise YUDH ABHYAS has been held annually since 2004, alternating between India and the USA.
This edition marks a significant increase in the scope and complexity of the joint exercise in terms of troop strength and equipment. The Indian Army contingent comprising 600 personnel is represented by a battalion of the Rajput Regiment along with personnel from other arms and services. The US contingent comprising of similar strength is represented by the troops of 1-24 Battalion of the Alaska based 11th Airborne Division of the US Army.
The aim of the joint exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter terrorism operations in a sub conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise focuses on operations in the semi-desert environment.
D. K. Sunil Appointed Chairman and Managing Director of HAL
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd announced the appointment of D. K. Sunil as the Chairman & Managing Director of the company. The appointment was based on a letter from the Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence Production, Government of India.
His term begin from the date of assumption of charge till April 30, 2026, the date of his superannuation or until further orders of Ministry of Defence.
Prior to taking over as Chairman & Managing Director, Sunil was holding the post of Director (Engineering and R&D) of the Company from September 29, 2022.
Sunil joined Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in 1987 as a Management Trainee, and has 37 years of experience in varied roles in the company contributing significantly to design, production, quality enhancement, and customer support issues.
James Earl Jones, Voice Of 'Darth Vader', 'King Mufasa', Dies At 93
James Earl Jones, the actor whose rich baritone provided the voice for "Star Wars" villain Darth Vader, died at the age of 93.
Jones, who also voiced King Mufasa in Disney's animated feature "The Lion King," had a prolific and varied career.
Over six decades he worked with some of the greatest figures in cinema and theater, including Stanley Kubrick in his 1964 Cold War satire "Dr Strangelove."
During his career, Jones won three Tony awards including two Emmys and a Grammy, as well as an honorary Oscar in 2011 for lifetime achievement.
In 1971, he became only the second Black man nominated for an Academy Award for best actor, after Sidney Poitier.
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed each year on September 10 to raise awareness about suicide prevention and attempts. The day was established in 2003 through the combined efforts of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 Theme is 'Changing the Narrative on Suicide'. This theme is to indicate that there is an alternative to suicide and aims to gain confidence.
India's Cities Recognised for Air Quality Improvements: Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024
In a significant recognition of efforts to combat air pollution, the Union Environment Ministry presented the 'National Clean Air City' Awards during the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024. This event, held in Jaipur, showcased the remarkable strides made by various Indian cities in improving their air quality.
The awards were categorised based on population size, acknowledging the unique challenges and achievements of cities across different scales.
Major Cities (Population over 10 lakh)
Surat, Gujarat: Emerged as the top major city in India for air quality improvements
Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh: Secured the second position
Agra, Uttar Pradesh: Ranked third among large cities
Medium-sized Cities (Population between 3 lakh and 10 lakh)
Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh
Amravati, Maharashtra
Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh
These cities were recognised for their significant efforts in implementing air quality improvement measures.
Smaller Cities (Population under 3 lakh)
Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh
Nalgonda, Telangana
Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh
The inclusion of smaller cities in the awards highlights the importance of air quality management across all urban scales in India.
IIT Jodhpur Launches AI and Data Science BSc/BS Degree with Multiple Exit Options
IIT Jodhpur, in collaboration with Futurense, unveiled a BSc/BS in Applied AI and Data Science, designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry in the field of AI.
This groundbreaking programme, tailored for both students and working professionals, addresses the surging demand for AI experts in an evolving technological landscape.
The BSc/BS in Applied AI and Data Science offers a unique next-gen learning model, featuring both online and on-campus components.
Its flexible format allows learners to gain certifications at various stages like the multiple entry-exit format suggested by NEP: a certification in the first year, a diploma in the second, a BSc degree in the third, and a BS degree at the end of the fourth year. This stackable approach ensures students can progress at their own pace while enhancing their practical skills.
Civic Body Launches 'Central School Control Room' to Enhance Student Safety
The Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) in Maharashtra's Thane district launched a new 'Central School Control Room' to bolster the safety of students by monitoring CCTV footage across the civic schools.
The move came after two four-year-old girls were sexually assaulted allegedly by a male attendant in the washroom of a school in Badlapur area of the district.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde inaugurated the MBMC's 'Central School Control Room' via video conferencing.
The facility, located at the Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Auditorium in Mira Bhayander area, is designed to monitor CCTV footage across municipal schools to enhance student safety.
IIM-Calcutta, TalentSprint Collectively Launch 'AI for Leaders' Programme
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta and TalentSprint, a hybrid digital learning platform, unveiled a new programme: AI for Leaders.
This is a 12 months course which follows case study-driven learning method. The course will have 120 hours immersive learning supported by live interactive sessions by IIM Calcutta faculty, best-in-class course content, insightful industry sessions, quizzes, case studies, assignments and capstone projects.
Amit Shah Releases Documentary on Mumbai Samachar's 200-year Journey
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah released the documentary film 'Mumbai Samachar- 200 Not Out', which chronicles the remarkable 200-year journey of Asia's oldest newspaper.
Entering its 203rd year of publication, Mumbai Samachar has become an integral part of Mumbai's identity.
'Mumbai Samachar- 200 Not Out' delves into the newspaper's pivotal role in the freedom movement, its unwavering commitment to unbiased reporting and the secrets behind its enduring success.
The documentary was released simultaneously in 40 countries, offering a historical perspective not only for Mumbai Samachar but also for the entire newspaper industry.
Hormusji N. Cama, the Managing Director of the Mumbai Samachar, was present at the event.
Mallikarjun Kharge Launches Book by Sushilkumar Shinde
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that there should be no retirement age in politics, and those who want to work for people should do so till death. Kharge made the remarks at the launch of Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde's memoir 'Five Decades of Politics' published by Harper Collins.
The book's co-author Rasheed Kidwai and Congress leader Digvijaya Singh were also present.
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