Today's Current Affairs 8th September 2023

NATIONAL

West Bengal Assembly passes resolution declaring Rabindranath Tagore composition as state anthem

• The West Bengal assembly made a significant decision by passing a resolution to officially observe Bengali New Year’s Day, known as Poila Baisakh, as the state’s foundation day on April 15th.
• This decision comes amid controversy and disagreements over the date chosen for this celebration. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been a strong advocate for this change, emphasizing that the day will be observed irrespective of the approval of the state’s governor.
• The resolution, put forth under Rule 169, proposes the observance of Poila Baisakh as ‘Bangla Diwas’ and seeks to declare Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s masterpiece, ‘Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol‘ (Bengal’s soil, Bengal’s water), as the official state song. This historic decision was passed with a majority vote of 167 members in favor out of a total of 294 members in the House. However, not everyone in the assembly was in agreement.

India’s Kerala To Host Inaugural Zayed Charity Marathon in 2024

• The Higher Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Marathon has announced a groundbreaking development for India – the inaugural edition of the renowned marathon is set to take place in the vibrant state of Kerala in 2024. This event marks a significant collaboration between Kerala State authorities and the Indian community residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), strengthening the cultural and economic ties between the two regions.
• The Zayed Charity Marathon is not just a sporting event; it’s a beacon of hope for charitable causes. Since its inception in 2001 in Abu Dhabi, this marathon has been a platform for raising funds and spreading humanitarian and charitable messages that echo the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Former President of the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Zayed’s philanthropic impact extended across the globe, including charitable and humanitarian institutions in the United States and Egypt, and now, it’s set to reach India.

 SPORTS

Indian armwrestlers win 11 medals at World Armwrestling Championship 2023

• In a remarkable display, the Indian contingent which went to compete in the 44th World Armwrestling Championship 2023 and 25th PARA Armwrestling Championship, which was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, won a total of 11 Medals (3 Gold, 6 Silver and 2 Bronze Medals). The Championship was held from August 24 till September 3. Indian Arm wrestlers dominate at World Armwrestling Championship 2023.
• The 43-member strong (39 athletes and 4 officials) Indian squad was competing under the banner of People’s Armwrestling Federation of India led by President Ms. Preeti Jhangiani, General Secretary and Head coach Laxman Singh Bhandari and Team Manager Junestar Kharbuli.

 APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Mylswamy Annadurai Joins SS Innovations Board

• SS Innovations, India’s renowned surgical robotic firm, has made a groundbreaking announcement by appointing Padmashri Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, famously known as the Moon Man of India, as a Director on its Board of Directors. This appointment encompasses both the Indian entity, SS Innovations Private Limited, and the global entity, SS Innovations International. This strategic move aims to further strengthen the company’s position in the field of surgical robotics and cutting-edge technologies.
• In his capacity as a Director on the Board of SS Innovations, Padmashri Dr. Annadurai, renowned for leading multiple space missions, brings invaluable leadership and guidance. Notably, he is poised to lead not just a team of scientists but, more significantly, guide a team of engineers responsible for the creation of the world-class surgical robotic system incorporating the latest technologies and products.
• Annadurai’s role extends beyond steering SS Innovations internally; he is well-positioned to guide the company towards potential collaborations with indigenous Indian companies. These collaborations could lead to the development and production of components currently used in the SSI MANTRA System. Such partnerships would not only reduce technology costs but also promote high-tech Indian companies on a global stage.

 IMPORTANT DAYS

International Literacy Day 2023: 8th September

• International Literacy Day is celebrated on September 8 every year to promote the importance of literacy for dignity and human rights, and a literate and sustainable society. The day is celebrated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) at the global, regional, country, and local levels across the world.
• The theme ‘Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies’. Under this theme, Literacy Day 2023 will be celebrated at the global, regional, country, and local levels across the world. At the global level, a conference will be organized in person and online on Friday, 8 September 2023, in Paris, France. This global celebration will include the award ceremony of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes to announce this year’s outstanding prizewinning programmes.

 World physiotherapy day 2023: 8th September

• World Physical Therapy Day recognises and celebrates the significant contributions of physical therapists and physiotherapists in promoting health and well-being. It serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the crucial role these professionals play in helping people recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve their overall physical function and quality of life. This day also highlights the importance of physical therapy in healthcare systems worldwide and encourages further research and development in this field.
• World Physical Therapy Day is celebrated on September 8 every year.
• Theme of World Physical Therapy Day 2023: Arthritis" is the theme for World Physical Therapy Day 2023. Rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondylarthritis are two types of inflammatory arthritis that will be highlighted on this day. The theme of last year's World Physical Therapy Day was osteoarthritis.

 SUMMIT'S & MOU's

Supreme Court of India and Singapore sign MoU for judicial cooperation

• India and Singapore on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on judicial cooperation in the island city-state.
• Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Yashwant Chandrachud, during his official visit to Singapore, met Chief Justice of Singapore Sundaresh Menon. They witnessed signing of an MoU between the Supreme Court of India and the Supreme Court of Singapore for judicial cooperation.
• On February 3, Justice Menon had visited India and even sat on the Supreme Court of India bench.
• Justice Menon, who has been serving as the fourth chief justice of Singapore since 2012, had attended a function to mark the 73rd anniversary of the establishment of the Supreme Court.

PM Modi’s participation in 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th East Asia Summit

• Prime Minister Modi participated in the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and engaged in comprehensive discussions with ASEAN partners to reinforce the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He reaffirmed the central role of ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific and highlighted the alignment between India’s Indo-Pacific Ocean’s Initiative (IPOI) and ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Emphasis was placed on the timely review of ASEAN-India FTA (AITIGA).

1. Proposal for a South-East Asia-India-West Asia-Europe economic corridor.
2. India offered its Digital Public Infrastructure Stack to ASEAN nations.
3. Announcement of an ASEAN-India fund for Digital Future, focusing on digital transformation and financial connectivity.
4. Renewed support for the Economic and Research Institute of ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) as a knowledge partner.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

SBI Card adds new features to AURUM super premium credit card

• SBI Card, India’s largest credit card issuer, launched new features of its super-premium card ‘AURUM’, targeted at the premium section of society, such as high-net-worth individuals. With the enhancements, AURUM cardholders will be able to avail benefits worth up to Rs 2 lakh annually, based on their spending. The card offers unlimited international lounge access to cardholders, as well as four international lounge visits for accompanying guests. In addition, the card also offers a one-year Club Marriott membership as a welcome gift.
• AURUM has been tailored to meet the discerning taste and lifestyle of the globetrotting and high-flying executives who pursue excellence in every aspect of their life. It has become one of the most coveted cards in the super-premium segment. Looking at the admiration it has garnered so far, we decided to take the cardholders’ experience a notch higher.
• All in all, AURUM cardholders can expect a more rewarding, richer, and more luxurious experience. The joining and annual membership fee for this by-invitation-only card is Rs 9,999, an amount that will be reversed once the cardholder achieves a milestone of Rs 12 lakh spending in the card membership year.