Today's Current Affairs 31st August 2023

NATIONAL

Maharashtra tops in attracting FDI in Q1 of this fiscal: Fadnavis

• In the first quarter of the fiscal year 2023-24, Maharashtra has emerged as the front-runner in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis proudly announced that the state secured the top position by attracting FDI amounting to Rs 36,634 crore.
• This noteworthy achievement places Maharashtra ahead of other prominent states like Delhi, Karnataka, and Telangana, whose cumulative FDI values trail behind.

 Tata Power arm to set up 4.4 MW solar project for ANAND Group

• In a significant partnership, ACME Group, a prominent renewable energy company, has joined forces with Tata Steel Special Economic Zone Ltd. (TSSEZL) to establish an expansive green hydrogen and green ammonia project within Odisha’s Gopalpur Industrial Park.
• This venture is poised to become the largest facility of its kind in India, marking a significant stride towards sustainable energy production.

 APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Geetika Srivastava becomes first woman to lead Indian mission in Pakistan

• Geetika Srivastava, currently serving as joint secretary at the headquarters of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), will be India’s new chargé d’affaires at its high commission in Islamabad, Pakistan.
• She will succeed Suresh Kumar, who is likely to return to New Delhi. After 77 years of Independence, India has appointed a female head of mission in Pakistan.

Ex-CJI Ramana appointed member of Singapore’s International Mediator Panel

• Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) N.V. Ramana has been appointed as member of the International Mediator Panel of Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC). Chairman of SIMC George Lim presented Justice Ramana the letter of appointment on Tuesday in Singapore. The former CJI is in Singapore to take part in the “Singapore Convention Week”, the annual convention organised by Singapore’s Ministry of Law, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and over 20 partner organisations.
• Justice Ramana met representatives of SIMC and four top Indian corporate majors Tata, Reliance, Mahindra and Aditya Birla groups, who came forward to sign ‘Declaration of Intent’ to support mediation at the initiative of Justice Ramana.

 SUMMIT'S & MOU's

India plans to host first edition of 'Global IndiaAI 2023 ' in October

• India, as the current chair of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) and the G20, is set to host the first-ever Global IndiaAI 2023 Summit on October 14 and 15.
• This momentous event will bring together prominent figures in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), including researchers, startups, investors, and leading AI players, from around the world. The summit aims to bolster local innovation, showcase AI-enabled public infrastructure tools, and foster international collaboration.
• Assuming the chairmanship of GPAI in November, India has gained an unprecedented chance to take the lead in emerging technology. This summit marks a pivotal moment for India to showcase its capabilities in AI and contribute significantly to shaping the global technology landscape.

NITI Aayog and UNDP sign Memorandum of Understanding on fast tracking SDGs

• The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), the central think tank responsible for monitoring India’s progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expediting India’s journey towards achieving its SDGs.
• This collaboration underscores the commitment to drive sustainable and inclusive development in the country.

 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Miss World 2023 to be held in Indian-administered Kashmir

• In an exciting announcement, Julia Eric Morely, the CEO of Miss World, held a press conference in the picturesque region of Kashmir, India. The occasion marked the anticipation and preparation for the 71st edition of the prestigious Miss World beauty pageant, which is scheduled to be hosted in India.
• Morely’s words echoed the sentiment of excitement and emotion surrounding the event, saying, “Truthfully, I am so happy. It is emotional for us, to see such beauty.”

Rajasthan’s Priyan Sain Clinches Miss Earth India 2023 Crown, Embarks on a Green Mission

• Priyan Sain clinched the title of Miss Earth India 2023 during the Miss Divine Beauty 2023 national final held on August 26 in New Delhi. The 20-year-old student, dancer, and taekwondo player from Jaipur, Rajasthan succeeds last year’s winner Vanshika Parmar, and will now prepare to represent India at the Miss Earth 2023 pageant in Vietnam this December.
• She received her crown from reigning Miss Earth from Korea Mina Sue Choi who was invited as a special guest along with Miss Earth Air from Australia Sheridan Mortlock.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

Axis Bank Launched ‘Infinity Savings Account’ with Zero Domestic Transaction Fees

• Axis Bank, a prominent player in India’s private banking sector, has taken a groundbreaking step by launching the ‘Infinity Savings Account.’ This innovative savings account variant is designed to cater to the needs of digitally savvy customers who are avid users of subscription-based services.
• With the ‘Infinity Savings Account,’ Axis Bank is set to redefine the banking experience, offering exclusive privileges and removing barriers that traditionally accompanied banking services.

RBI appoints Bandhan Bank to disburse civil pension

• In a significant development, Bandhan Bank has been granted authorization by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to serve as an authorized pension disbursement bank.
• This authorization is in association with the Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO), a part of the Ministry of Finance. The bank is set to collaborate closely with the CPAO to initiate and streamline the process of disbursing civil pensions.