20 September 2023 Current Affairs – The Day’s Top News | GKSERIES

February 9, 2024

Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why; many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 20 September 2023, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.

Current Affairs for Competitive Exam – 20 September 2023

Udhampur Railway Station renamed as Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station

Jammu and Kashmir administration to rename Udhampur railway station as ‘Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station’.

After an order was approved by the Jammu and Kashmir administration regarding the renaming of Udhampur railway station, the Northern Railway has notified the change in the name to ‘Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station’, in honour of the Army braveheart. It is notified for the information of the general public that with immediate effect, the name of UDHAMPUR (UHP) Railway Station in Firozpur Division of Northern Railway has been changed to ” Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan” (MCTM) Railway Station,”.

Who was Captain Tushar Mahajan?

Early Life and Background:

Captain Tushar Mahajan’s journey begins with his birth on May 25, 1987, in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. This section explores his upbringing, family, and the values that shaped his character.

Military Service and 9 Para Special Forces:

A look into Captain Tushar Mahajan’s remarkable military career, with a particular focus on his role in the 9 Para Special Forces unit, renowned as the “9 Parachute Commando.” His training, dedication, and commitment to serving the nation come to the forefront.

The Pampore Operation:

This section delves into the pivotal moment in Captain Tushar Mahajan’s career, the counter-terrorism operation in Pampore, Jammu and Kashmir, in February 2016. It narrates the circumstances of the operation, his exceptional bravery, and leadership skills that came to the fore as he faced down terrorists holed up in a government building.

Sacrifice and Posthumous Honors:

Captain Tushar Mahajan’s ultimate sacrifice during the Pampore operation highlights the price of heroism. This part of the article discusses the awards and honors bestowed upon him posthumously, with a special emphasis on the Shaurya Chakra, one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards.

First Man in Space from India, Know the Name

Rakesh Sharma created a significant milestone in the India’s space exploration by becoming the first Indian to venture into outer space.

Rakesh Sharma created a significant milestone in the India’s space exploration by becoming the first Indian to venture into outer space. His historic mission to the Salyut 7 space station, spanning seven days, 21hours and 40 minutes, marked a monumental milestone in Indian and global space history.

Personal Details of Rakesh Sharma

Birth date: 13^th January 1949

Birthplace: Patiala, Punjab

Parents: Devendranath Sharma; Tripata Sharma

Wife: Madhu Sharma

Alumnus: 35^th National Defence Academy

Educational Life of Rakesh Sharma

Rakesh Sharma attended St. Ann’s High School and St. George’s Grammar School for his early education. He graduated from Nizam College, Hyderabad. His pivotal training was at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakvasla, Pune, setting the path for his historical space journey.

Professional Career: Indian Air Force

Rakesh Sharma joined the Indian Air Force as a test pilot in 1970. He became a squadron leader by 1984 and flew Mig-21 planes during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, completing 21 combat missions. On 20^th September 1982, he was picked for a special program by the Indian Air Force and the Soviet Union’s space program. He trained hard at Moscow’s Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center for two years. Before his space journey, he underwent a 72-hour test for claustrophobia by being locked in a room. Finally, he made history as the first Indian to travel to space, a remarkable journey from test pilot to space explorer.

First Indian to go to Space

Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to go to space. On 3^rd April 1984, he was on board Soyuz T-11, launched from Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic’s Baikunor Cosmodrome. The Soyuz T-11 spacecraft docked and transferred the three-member Soviet-Indian International crew at Salyut-7, they spent 7 days, 21 hours and 40 minutes aboard the Salyut-7. The team performed technical and scientific studies, part of which were 43 experimental sessions. Rakesh Sharma mostly worked in remote sensing and bio-medicine. In a joint TV news conference with the then PM Indira Gandhi, Indira Gandhi asked Rakesh Sharma how India looked from outer space; he quoted Iqbal, saying ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha’. Rakesh Sharma’s venture into the space made India 14^th nation to have sent a human into space and the 128^th man to go to space.

Awards presented to Rakesh Sharma

Rakesh Sharma had received several awards for his accomplishments, these are:

25^th Anniversary of Independence Medal
9 years long service medal
Ashoka Chakra
Hero of the Soviet Union
Paschimi Star
Sainya Seva Medal
Sangram Medal
Videsh Seva Service Medal

P-7 Heavy Drop Parachute System: A Game Changer for India’s Armed Forces

India’s defense capabilities receive a significant boost with the development of the P-7 Heavy Drop Parachute System, an indigenous marvel designed to enhance the paradropping capabilities.

India’s defense capabilities receive a significant boost with the development of the P-7 Heavy Drop Parachute System, an indigenous marvel designed to enhance the paradropping capabilities of the country’s Armed Forces. This innovative system, entirely developed within India, promises to revolutionize the way military stores are paradropped on the battlefield.

Details of P-7 Heavy Drop Parachute System

It has developed the P7 Heavy Drop System which is capable of para-dropping military stores up to 7-ton weight class from IL 76 aircraft.
The system has been manufactured with 100 percent indigenous Ferrous/Non-Ferrous Materials.
Engineering textiles for Parachutes have been developed with the latest combination of Fluorocarbon and Silicon treatment to provide water/oil repellency and improved abrasion resistance.
This system is fully indigenous and made under the Make in India program.
The system would be a force multiplier for armed forces while enabling the rapid delivery of combat stores in far-flung inaccessible areas.
The parachute guarantees the secure delivery of heavy cargo, even under challenging conditions.
With a maximum load-bearing capacity of 8,500 kg and a permitted payload limit of 7,000 kg, the system operates at drop speeds ranging from 260 to 400 kph, showcasing its adaptability to different scenarios.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

DRDO Date founded: 1958;
DRDO Agency executive: : Sameer V. Kamat, Chairman, DRDO;
DRDO Headquarters: DRDO Bhavan, New Delhi.

Shri Apurva Chandra Unveils “People’s G20”, An eBook On India’s G20 Presidency

Apurva Chandra, the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, introduced an ebook titled ‘People’s G20,’ which provides a comprehensive perspective on India’s G20 Presidency.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary, Apurva Chandra, recently unveiled an ebook titled “People’s G20” in New Delhi, offering a detailed insight into India’s G20 Presidency. This ebook serves as a comprehensive documentation of India’s significant role in the G20 Summit and its various initiatives during its tenure. The book is divided into three distinct parts, each shedding light on different aspects of India’s G20 Presidency.

Part 1: The Monumental G20 Summit

The inaugural section of the ebook delves into the monumental G20 Summit held on the 9th and 10th of this month in New Delhi.
It encapsulates the essence of the summit, highlighting the key discussions, agreements, and outcomes. This section also provides an in-depth exploration of the structure and workings of the G20, making it accessible for readers who may be unfamiliar with the organization’s intricacies.
Moreover, it elaborates on the initiatives that India championed during its G20 Presidency, showcasing the nation’s commitment to global cooperation and progress.

Part 2: Behind the Scenes – Sherpa and Finance Track

The second part of the ebook offers a comprehensive summary of the meetings conducted by various Working Groups under the Sherpa and Finance Track.
These meetings play a pivotal role in shaping the G20’s policies and decisions. Readers will gain insights into the meticulous planning, negotiations, and coordination that go into ensuring the success of the G20 agenda.
Additionally, this section sheds light on the various meetings of the Engagement Groups held across India over the past year since India assumed the role of the Chair. These interactions have enabled broader public participation and engagement in the G20 process, fostering a sense of ownership among the citizens.

Part 3: A People-Powered Movement – Jan-Bhagidari Events

The concluding part of the ebook paints a vibrant picture of the Jan-Bhagidari events that were held across India in the past year.
These events transformed India’s G20 Presidency into a people-powered movement, highlighting the government’s commitment to engaging with the citizens.
The photo essay captures the essence of these events, showcasing the enthusiasm and participation of people from all walks of life. Through Jan-Bhagidari, India’s G20 Presidency became more inclusive, ensuring that the benefits of the G20 initiatives reached a broader audience.

Unlocking India’s G20 Leadership: A Comprehensive Guide to India’s Presidency

The ebook “People’s G20” serves as a valuable resource for those interested in understanding India’s role in the G20 and the impact of its Presidency. It not only provides a detailed account of the G20 Summit but also sheds light on the behind-the-scenes efforts and the people-powered movement that made India’s G20 Presidency truly remarkable. With contributions from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Press Information Bureau, this ebook is a testament to India’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and global cooperation.

RBI releases list of 15 NBFCs in ‘Upper Layer’ under

RBI released the names of 15 NBFCs that fall under the Upper Layer (UL)/NBFC-UL of the SBR. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the SBR framework, its layers.

In the year 2023-24, RBI released the names of 15 NBFCs that fall under the Upper Layer (UL)/NBFC-UL of the SBR. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the SBR framework, its layers, and its implications for the NBFC sector in India. In October 2021, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced a groundbreaking regulatory framework known as Scale Based Regulation (SBR) for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). This framework aims to categorize NBFCs based on their asset size and other critical factors, providing a clear roadmap for regulation.

Understanding Scale Based Regulation (SBR)

Scale Based Regulation (SBR) is a revised regulatory framework introduced by RBI for NBFCs in India. This framework is designed to categorize NBFCs based on their asset size and activities, allowing for more tailored regulatory oversight. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of the SBR:

I. Base Layer (NBFC-BL)

The Base Layer primarily consists of non-deposit-taking NBFCs with assets below Rs 1,000 crore. It includes NBFC Peer to Peer (P2P), NBFC-Account Aggregator (AA), Non-Operative Financial Holding Company (NOFHC), and NBFCs without public funds and customer interface.

II. Middle Layer (NBFC-ML)

The Middle Layer encompasses deposit-taking NBFCs and non-deposit-taking NBFCs with assets exceeding Rs 1,000 crore. It also includes NBFCs engaged in specific activities such as Standalone Primary Dealers (SPDs), Infrastructure Debt Fund – NBFCs (IDF-NBFCs), Core Investment Companies (CICs), Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), and Infrastructure Finance Companies (NBFC-IFCs).

III. Upper Layer (NBFC-UL)

The Upper Layer includes NBFCs identified by RBI as warranting enhanced regulatory requirements based on specific parameters and scoring methodology. The top 10 eligible NBFCs in terms of asset size will always reside in the Upper Layer, regardless of other factors.

IV. Top Layer (NBFC-TL)

NBFCs in the Upper Layer can be moved to the Top Layer if RBI recognizes a substantial increase in potential systemic risk. As of now, the Top Layer remains ideally empty, but it serves as a contingency for increased risk.

Placement of Other NBFCs

NBFCs falling outside the predefined layers, such as Investment and Credit Companies (NBFC-ICC), Micro Finance Institutions (NBFC-MFI), NBFC-Factors, and Mortgage Guarantee Companies (NBFC-MGC), may be placed in any of the layers of the regulatory structure depending on various parameters determined by RBI.

The Implications of SBR

The introduction of the SBR framework by RBI carries significant implications for the NBFC sector in India. It allows for a more nuanced and risk-based approach to regulation, ensuring that NBFCs are subject to appropriate levels of oversight based on their size and activities. Here are some key implications:

1. Tailored Regulatory Oversight

NBFCs will receive regulatory oversight tailored to their specific risk profiles and activities, reducing the burden of excessive regulation on smaller entities while ensuring robust oversight for larger and potentially systemic NBFCs.

2. Systemic Risk Mitigation

The ability to move NBFCs to the Top Layer in the event of increased systemic risk ensures that the RBI can respond swiftly to emerging threats to financial stability.

3. Clarity and Transparency

The SBR framework brings clarity and transparency to the regulatory landscape for NBFCs, allowing market participants to better understand their obligations and requirements.

Here is the list of NBFC-UL for 2023-24:

S. No.	Company Name	Type	Category
1	LIC Housing Finance Limited	Deposit taking	Housing Finance Company
2	Bajaj Finance Limited	Deposit taking	Non-Banking Financial Company – Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC)
3	Shriram Finance Limited (formerly Shriram Transport Finance Company Limited)	Deposit taking	Non-Banking Financial Company – Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC)
4	Tata Sons Private Limited	Core Investment Company (CIC)	–
5	L & T Finance Limited	Non-deposit taking	Non-Banking Financial Company – Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC)
6	Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Limited	Non-deposit taking	Housing Finance Company
7	Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited	Non-deposit taking	Non-Banking Financial Company – Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC)
8	Indiabulls Housing Finance Limited	Non-deposit taking	Housing Finance Company
9	Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited	Deposit taking	Non-Banking Financial Company – Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC)
10	Tata Capital Financial Services Limited	Non-deposit taking	Non-Banking Financial Company – Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC)
11	PNB Housing Finance Limited	Deposit taking	Housing Finance Company
12	HDB Financial Services Limited	Non-deposit taking	Non-Banking Financial Company – Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC)
13	Aditya Birla Finance Limited	Non-deposit taking	Non-Banking Financial Company – Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC)
14	Muthoot Finance Limited	Non-deposit taking	Non-Banking Financial Company – Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC)
15	Bajaj Housing Finance Ltd.	Non-deposit taking	Housing Finance Company

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor – Shaktikanta Das
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governors – Swaminathan Janakiraman, Michael Debabrata Patra, M. Rajeshwar Rao, T. Rabi Sankar
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Establishment – 1st April 1935
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra

Old Parliament Building To Be Called As ‘Samvidhan Sadan’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the new name for the former Parliament building as ‘Samvidhan Sadan’ or ‘Constitution House,’ signifying a dedication to safeguarding India’s democratic legacy.

As the proceedings of the Indian Parliament shift to a new, state-of-the-art building, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the new name for the old Parliament building: “Samvidhan Sadan” or “Constitution House.” This iconic structure, designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker and completed in 1927, has witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in Indian history, including the drafting and passing of India’s constitution.

Prime Minister Modi’s Touching Tribute: Renaming and Preserving India’s Parliamentary Legacy

In a poignant moment, Prime Minister Modi proposed the renaming of the old Parliament building during a special ceremony. He emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy and significance of this historic edifice. This renaming not only pays homage to the past but also connects future generations to the great leaders who once convened here in the Constituent Assembly.

Honoring Jawaharlal Nehru and the Historical Legacy of Parliament

Prime Minister Modi remembered India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and emphasized the historical significance of the old Parliament building. He stated, “Today when we are entering the new Parliament building, when the ‘grih pravesh’ of Parliamentary democracy is taking place, the witness to the first rays of Independence and that which will inspire generations to come – the holy Sengol – that which was touched by India’s first Prime Minister Pt Nehru. That is why, this Sengol connects us to a very important past.” This reference to Nehru underlines the continuity of India’s democratic values and its commitment to its founding principles.

Renaming ‘Samvidhan Sadan’: A Symbolic Commitment to India’s Democratic Legacy

The renaming of the old Parliament building to “Samvidhan Sadan” is not just a symbolic gesture; it represents a commitment to preserving India’s democratic heritage and passing it on to future generations. As India moves forward, the new Parliament building will serve as a symbol of modernity and progress, while the “Samvidhan Sadan” will remain a timeless reminder of the nation’s democratic roots and its enduring commitment to the principles enshrined in its constitution.

Hoysala Temples now India’s 42nd UNESCO’s World Heritage site

The famed Hoysala temples in Karnataka have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

This inclusion marks the 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Site in India.

The sacred ensembles of the Hoysalas, constructed during the 12th and 13th centuries are represented here by the three components of Belur, Halebid, and Somnathapura.

All these three Hoysala temples are already protected monuments of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Indian shooter Elavenil Valarivan wins Gold medal in ISSF World Cup 2023

Indian shooter Elavenil Valarivan has won the gold medal in the women’s 10-metre air rifle event at the ISSF World Cup 2023 in Brazil.

She defeated France’s Oceanne Muller.

This was Elavenil Valarivan’s second individual ISSF World Cup medal.

The third position was grabbed by China’s Jiale Zhang, scoring 229 points.

At the ISSF World Cups staged so far in 2023, Indian shooters have won a total of 23 medals – seven gold, four silver, and 12 bronze.

Indian-origin Nihar Malaviya named permanent CEO of Penguin Random House

Nihar Malaviya, an Indian-origin publishing executive, has been appointed as permanent CEO of New York-based international publishing group Penguin Random House.

He had replaced Markus Dohle, who departed after Penguin Random House’s failed bid for Simon & Schuster 2022

He has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Penguin Random House US since 2014.

He spearheaded the creation of a variety of industry-first capabilities in data science and supply chain

10th meeting of India-Malaysia Joint Sub-Committee on Defence Science

The 10th meeting of the India-Malaysia Joint Sub-Committee on Defence Science, Technology and Industry Cooperation was held in New Delhi.

During the meeting, the existing defence cooperation between the two countries was reviewed and wide-ranging discussions were held on issues of mutual interest.

Both sides explored effective and practical initiatives to further expand the bilateral defence engagements.

Dhananjay Joshi Appointed Chairman Of Telecom Industry Body DIPA

Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA) has appointed Dhananjay Joshi as its new Chairman and Sandeep Girotra as Vice-Chairman.

He currently serves as the Managing Director and CEO of Summit Digitel, and has previously held the position of COO at Bharti Infratel. He will be succeeding Akhil Gupta, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises.

Sandeep Girotra, currently serves as the current CEO of American Tower India

Indian Oil becomes title sponsor of MotoGP Bharat

MotoGP Bharat is set to host the IndianOil Grand Prix of India at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida.

It is the first time Moto E (electric race) is organizing a Grand Prix outside Europe and MotoGP Bharat will raise the curtains for Asia region.

It is scheduled to take place at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida from 22 to 24 September.

MotoGP Bharat announced IndianOil as its title sponsor for the top-tier international Bike riders event.

Andhra Pradesh: GI tag for ‘Atreyapuram Pootharekulu’

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has announced the issuance of the Geographical Indication tag to “Atreyapuram Pootharekulu.”

It is a sweet made of rice and jaggery

The production of the sweet is confined only to the Atreyapuram village on the banks of the Godavari in Andhra Pradesh.

The tag was allotted after Sir Arthur Cotton Pootharekula Sahakara Sangham, a cooperative society, applied to secure a GI tag for the Pootharekulu sweet.

India, Russia agree to train Indian seafarers in polar and arctic waters

India and Russia agreed to train Indian seafarers in polar and arctic waters in this far-eastern Russian port

Aim: To widen maritime cooperation including the possibility of usage of new transport corridors like the Northern Sea Route as well as the Eastern Maritime Corridor.

The two sides also agreed to train Indian seafarers in Polar and Arctic waters at the Russian Maritime Training Institute, named after GI Admiral Nevelsky.

IREDA Signs MoUs With Bank Of Maharashtra For Green Financing

IREDA and Bank of Maharashtra have partnered through an MoU to boost renewable energy adoption in India.

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has joined forces with Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the administrative control of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in the field of renewable energy sector.

Advancing Renewable Energy Initiatives

The central objective of this collaboration is to promote and facilitate co-lending and loan syndication for a diverse spectrum of renewable energy projects across India. This initiative aligns with India’s ambitious goals of reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to clean and sustainable energy sources.

The MoU Signing

The MoU was formally inked by Bharat Singh Rajput, General Manager (Technical Services) at IREDA, and Rajesh Singh, General Manager (Retail & MSME Credit) at Bank of Maharashtra. The signing ceremony took place at IREDA’s Business Centre in New Delhi, marking a crucial milestone in the partnership.

A Unified Effort for a Sustainable Future

This memorandum of understanding with Bank of Maharashtra marks another crucial milestone in the continuous endeavor to encourage the adoption of renewable energy in India. Its primary objective is to establish a resilient financial infrastructure for green energy projects, ensuring greater accessibility to clean and sustainable energy solutions for diverse communities and industries.

This collaboration emphasizes the significance of financial institutions and government bodies working in tandem, aligning with India’s ambitious aim to attain Net Zero emissions by 2070, as directed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

Comprehensive Services for Renewable Energy Projects

The MoU encompasses several key services to support renewable energy projects:

Co-lending and Co-origination Support: IREDA and Bank of Maharashtra will collaborate to provide financial support for all renewable energy projects. This partnership aims to streamline the lending process and ensure efficient access to funds.

Facilitating Loan Syndication and Underwriting: The collaboration will facilitate loan syndication and underwriting, making it easier for renewable energy projects to secure the necessary financing.

Management of Trust & Retention Account: IREDA borrowers will benefit from efficient management of Trust & Retention Accounts, enhancing transparency and accountability in financial transactions.

Stable Fixed Interest Rates: The partnership is committed to establishing stable fixed interest rates spanning a period of 3-4 years for IREDA borrowings. This stability is essential for the long-term viability of renewable energy projects.

Addressing Funding Needs in Renewable Energy

IREDA recognizes the substantial funding requirements of the renewable energy sector, including emerging technologies such as green hydrogen and offshore wind. To address these needs, IREDA has proactively signed MoUs with public sector banks and financial institutions to collaborate on co-lending for big-ticket-size projects. This collaborative approach is essential in realizing India’s vision of a sustainable and green future.

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

Chairman and Managing Director of IREDA: Pradip Kumar Das

Indonesia Kicks Off ASEAN Joint Military Drills Amid South China Sea Tension

Units from the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) recently embarked on their inaugural joint military exercises in Indonesia’s South Natuna Sea. These drills come at a time of escalating geopolitical tensions between major global powers and rising concerns over China’s activities in the South China Sea.

The ASEAN Military Drills: A Non-Combat Operation

The five-day military operation, taking place in the South Natuna Sea, primarily focuses on enhancing military skills. These skills encompass areas such as maritime security, patrols, and the distribution of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. According to the Indonesian military, this exercise aims to promote regional stability and cooperation among ASEAN members.

ASEAN Unity in Action

All ten member nations of ASEAN, including prospective member East Timor, are participating in these joint military drills. The decision to hold this collaborative exercise underscores the commitment of ASEAN countries to maintain regional stability and enhance their collective security. It also sends a strong signal of unity among member states in the face of rising geopolitical tensions.

Clarification on the Nature of the Drills

Indonesia’s military chief, Yudo Margono, clarified that these drills are non-combat operations, highlighting ASEAN’s primary focus on economic cooperation rather than military confrontation. The exercises are structured to emphasize social and humanitarian aspects of military cooperation, intending to foster regional resilience and readiness in times of crises.

Sensitive Relocation of Drills

The choice of the South Natuna Sea as the exercise location stems from diplomatic sensitivities. Initially, the drills were planned to be held in the southernmost waters of the South China Sea, which are contested by Beijing. In response to concerns, the location was changed to ensure that the exercises would not inadvertently escalate tensions with China.

China’s “10-Dash Line” Map and Regional Concerns

The joint military drills coincide with diplomatic protests against China’s release of its “10-dash line” map, which asserts expansive territorial claims, covering approximately 90% of the South China Sea. This region is vital for global trade, with more than $3 trillion in trade passing through it each year. The Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam have rejected China’s map, deeming it baseless. Malaysia has also lodged a diplomatic protest in response.

ASEAN’s Quest for a Code of Conduct

For over two decades, ASEAN has been engaged in discussions regarding a Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea. Progress on this front has been slow, leading to growing frustration among some ASEAN member states, including the Philippines. During the 43rd ASEAN Summit, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos emphasized his country’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty while expressing the need to address challenges in the South China Sea.

Promoting Peace and Cooperation

Amid rising geopolitical tensions and disputes over territorial claims, these drills emphasize the region’s intent to focus on cooperation rather than confrontation. As ASEAN continues to navigate the complexities of the South China Sea issue, these exercises are a tangible step toward fostering unity and preparedness among member nations.

Cricketer Deepak Chahar launches new brand ‘DNINE Sports’

Cricketer Deepak Chahar, known for his stellar performances on the cricket field, has ventured into the world of sports equipment with the launch of DNINE Sports. With an investment of ₹2.5 crore, this sports line promises to revolutionize athletic gear, offering a wide range of products catering to the needs of athletes, including professional cricketers. In this article, we explore the inception, products, and vision of DNINE Sports.

Inception of DNINE Sports

This section delves into the origins of DNINE Sports, highlighting Deepak Chahar’s entrepreneurial journey and the decision to bootstrap the venture. It also provides insight into the company’s incorporation under the entity LCDC Athletics Private Limited, with Deepak Chahar and his father, Lokendra Singh Chahar, as co-founders.

This section explores the groundbreaking innovation represented by DNINE Sports’ cricket shoes. Deepak Chahar’s involvement in their development is emphasized, showcasing how these cricket spikes and rubber studs are poised to set new benchmarks in performance and safety within the sport. The endorsement of international physiotherapists, coaches, and athletes adds credibility to their injury-reduction and muscle recovery capabilities.

DNINE Sports adopts a multi-pronged approach to distribution, both online and offline. It discusses the company’s strategy for reaching consumers through various channels and the importance of word-of-mouth marketing in building brand awareness.