Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das has been rated "A+" in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2023 published by New York-based magazine Global Finance. He was ranked first among three central bank chiefs in the top A+ category. This recognition follows Das being named "Governor of the Year" for 2023 by Central Banking journal in March. The Global Finance report graded 101 central bank governors on originality, ingenuity and tenacity in handling economic conditions. Das was lauded for keeping Indian inflation under control and supporting growth amid global uncertainty. The full report will be published in Global Finance's October print and digital editions.

US President Joe Biden will travel to India on September 7th ahead of the G20 Leaders' Summit. He will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bilateral talks on September 8th before attending the G20 Summit on September 9th-10th. The White House announced that Biden will commend Modi's G20 leadership and reaffirm US commitment to the G20. Key G20 agenda items include tackling climate change, mitigating economic impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war, and increasing multilateral development banks' capacity to alleviate poverty. Biden will also confirm the US will host the G20 summit in 2026. The India visit underscores strengthening US-India ties.

A interaction between Virat Kohli and pacer Haris Rauf during practice has gone viral ahead of the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan Asia Cup clash on Saturday. Kohli was seen greeting Rauf, whose team he will face again after hitting a match-winning six against him in last year's T20 World Cup. As anticipation builds for the high-voltage clash in Sri Lanka, players are training intensely. The Kohli-Rauf interaction, despite being rivals, exemplified cricket's spirit. Their friendly meeting has won hearts online, even as fans eagerly await the India-Pakistan marquee battle at the Asia Cup starting this weekend.

ISRO chief S Somanath visited the Sri Chengalamma temple in Andhra Pradesh on Friday, a day before the Aditya-L1 solar mission launch, to offer prayers for its success. Somanath also spoke about ISRO's upcoming missions including Gaganyaan, GSLV, SSLV-D3 and PSLV. A team of ISRO scientists had earlier visited Tirupati temple with a model of the Aditya-L1 spacecraft seeking blessings. ISRO is making last-minute preparations for the launch of India's first solar observatory mission from Sriharikota on Saturday. The countdown is underway amidst anticipation for the launch of Aditya-L1 on the PSLV rocket to study the Sun's corona. (Video courtesy: ANI)

Indian Navy's Mahendragiri warship, named after an Eastern Ghats peak in Odisha, was launched in Mumbai by Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. This seventh ship in the Project 17A frigates series features advanced stealth capabilities, weapons, sensors, and platform management systems. Developed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, it underscores India's commitment to indigenous defense capabilities and strengthening its maritime presence, countering regional challenges, including China. Vice President Dhankhar expressed confidence that Mahendragiri will proudly represent India's maritime strength globally and contribute to safeguarding its interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Indian-origin Tharman Shanmugaratnam, 66, was elected Singapore's new president with 70.4% votes, replacing the nation's first female head Halimah Yacob. Shanmugaratnam, the former deputy PM, resigned from the ruling PAP and Cabinet to contest the first competitive presidential polls in over a decade. The ceremonial role oversees reserves, vetoes appointments, approves probes against PM's will. The outcome signals support for PAP despite scandals as Indian-origin Shanmugaratnam is establishment-linked. Voting was compulsory for 2.7 million voters. PM Lee's PAP has ruled since 1959 but saw worst performance in 2020. Shanmugaratnam's significant win reflects enduring trust despite controversies.

Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan have joined India in firmly rejecting a map released by China's Ministry of Natural Resources, which asserts territorial sovereignty over the South China Sea region. These nations categorically disputed the legitimacy of China's claims depicted on the map. Malaysia's foreign ministry stated that it does not recognize China's claims in the South China Sea outlined on the map, and the map has "no binding effect" on Malaysia. The Philippines called on China to adhere to international law, while Taiwan emphasized that it is "absolutely not a part of the People's Republic of China." India had previously lodged a strong protest against the map for depicting Indian territories as Chinese territory.

The Opposition's INDIA alliance, concluding a two-day brainstorming session in Mumbai, has formed a 14-member coordination panel and is set to announce a seat-sharing formula for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Amid the ongoing controversy over the Centre's 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge noted that the strength of the INDIA alliance is unsettling the ruling government. He cautioned that the Opposition should expect more government actions, including raids and arrests, in what he called "vendetta politics." The Centre has recently appointed a committee to examine the 'One Nation, One Election' issue. The INDIA alliance has also postponed the unveiling of its official logo.

As India meets Pakistan in a much-anticipated ODI for the first time since the 2019 World Cup on Saturday, the weather may play a spoilsport. Rain may delay the start of play at Pallekele. The high-stakes match pits Pakistan's Afridi, Rauf, and Naseem against India's Rohit, Gill, and Kohli. Bumrah’s performance will be much under the scanner while Fakhar looks to regain form for Pakistan. Both teams have batting depth but India faces tough bowling choices. Some records are also on the cards. While Kohli can reach 13,000 ODI runs in his 266th innings, beating Tendulkar's 321, Babar can break Kohli's record of fastest to 2000 ODI runs as captain.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shared the 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' anthem, calling it an inspiring tribute to the sacrifices of bravehearts for the nation. In a tweet, PM Modi said the anthem resonates deeply with every Indian's heart, reminding us of the sacrifices made for the beloved nation. He described the anthem as beautifully encapsulating the feelings of 140 crore Indians for the bravehearts who laid down their lives for the motherland. PM Modi called upon people to make the movement a success that will inspire coming generations. He signed off urging people to listen to the inspirational anthem Vande Mataram.