Lok Sabha Passes Women’s Reservation Bill

• The women's reservation bill was passed in Lok Sabha on 20^th September 2023 with 454 members voting in favour of its consideration, and two against it.
• The bill would reserve one-third of seats in Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women.
• The bill- Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam- was tabled by the government on 19th September 2023, making it the first bill to be introduced in the new Parliament building.
• According to the bill, the reservation will come into effect after a delimitation exercise is undertaken and will continue for 15 years.

International Day of Peace 2023

• Every year on 21^st September, International Day of Peace is celebrated around the world.
• This occasion is designated by the United Nations (UN), is to recall the dedication that is needed to promote peace, non-violence, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
• The theme for International Peace Day 2023 is "Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals”.

 SIMBEX 2023

• Indian Naval Ships Ranvijay and Kavaratti and submarine INS Sindhukesari arrived in Singapore to participate in the 30^th edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX).
• An annual bilateral Naval exercise between the Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), which is being conducted since 1994.
• SIMBEX holds the distinction of being the longest continuous naval exercise that Indian Navy has with any other country.
• SIMBEX-2023 is being conducted in two phases - Harbour Phase at Singapore from 21 to 24 September 2023, followed by a Sea Phase.

Education Scheme for Medical Devices Sector Approved

• The government has approved a ₹480 crore scheme to develop a talent pool that will drive the medical devices industry.
• This three-year scheme will provide financial assistance to government institutions for running multiple courses on medical devices, upgrading such institutions to global standards.
• This action comes in the wake of the recent unveiling of the National Medical Device Policy, 2023, which is expected to facilitate the expansion of the medical devices industry from its current $11 billion to $50 billion by the year 2030.

BCCI Announces SBI Life as Official Partner

• On September 20, 2023, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled SBI Life as their official partner for the BCCI Domestic and International Season 2023-26.
• This partnership spans three years and will commence with the forthcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, commencing on September 22, 2023.

Flag Bearer of Asian Games 2023

• Hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and Olympic medallist boxer Lovlina Borgohain will be the flag-bearers of the Indian contingent during the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Hangzhou on 23^rd September 2023.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

• The Government has instituted a new set of National Awards in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation known as ‘Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’.
• This award is in four categories, which include Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, and Vigyan Team.
• The award shall be one of the highest recognitions in this field in India and will have the status at par with other National Awards.
• The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskars shall be given in the 13 domains, namely Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and others.
• This award is meant to recognize the notable and inspiring contribution made by scientists, technologists, and innovators in various fields of science, technology and technology-led innovation.