Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC - 19th September 2023

 

National News

1. Union Minister of Civil Aviation Inaugurates ‘Udaan Bhawan’ At Delhi’s Safdarjung Airport 

• Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated ‘Udaan Bhawan,’ a state-of-the-art integrated office complex nestled within the confines of Delhi’s Safdarjung Airport. 
• Udaan Bhawan is thoughtfully equipped with contemporary amenities, including modern conference rooms, an advanced AV system, robust IT infrastructure, an efficient parking management system, a serene Yoga room, a convenient creche facility, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, among others. 
• With a prestigious GRIHA-5 rating, this building embraces a plethora of sustainability features that align with eco-friendly principles. Its design prioritizes the utilization of natural daylight to the fullest extent, incorporates efficient LED fixtures, utilizes a glazed curtain-wall assembly, and implements a double-skin Façade System to minimize heat gain. Additionally, it highlights the recycling of wastewater and effective wastewater management as notable environmentally friendly aspects. 

2. Old Parliament Building To Be Called As ‘Samvidhan Sadan’

• 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. 
• 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. 

3. Last diesel-run double-decker bus of Mumbai retires 

• Mumbai bids farewell to the last diesel-run double-decker bus of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST)
• Mumbai’s iconic red double-decker buses have been an integral part of the city’s public transport system for more than 80 years. 
• New battery-operated double-deckers have replaced the old red diesel-run buses in Mumbai.
• A total of 900 air-conditioned double-decker bus services will be provided to the people of Mumbai by the end of July 2024. 
• The first double-decker bus was introduced on Mumbai roads in 1937. The era of red diesel-run double-deckers, introduced on the city streets 86 years ago, thus came to an end. New, shiny red- and-black battery-operated (EV) double-deckers have already begun to ply since February this year. 
• The first double-decker bus was introduced on Mumbai roads in 1937, a decade after BEST launched its bus service in the growing city. 
• Till the mid-1990s, BEST had around 900 double-decker buses in its fleet. The number began to decrease and around 125 buses were left in 2010. By 2019, it had dwindled to 50. 

4. Raipur hosts 4th meeting of G20 Framework Working Group 

• The fourth and final G20 Framework Working Group Meeting is organized in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. 
• More than 65 delegates from G20 members and invitee countries, and various international and regional organizations participated in the meeting.
• The FWG facilitates discussions on the latest global economic outlook and policy guidance on key macroeconomic issues. 
• The deliverables from this working group under the 2023 Indian Presidency have been successfully concluded and are referred to in the New Delhi Leaders Declaration: G20 Report on Macroeconomic Impacts of Food and Energy Insecurity and G20 Report on Macroeconomic Risks Stemming from Climate Change and Transition Pathways. 
• The upcoming meeting will take stock of the discussions in the FWG in 2023 and explore future areas of work. 

5. G20 Framework Working Group (FWG) Meeting under India’s Presidency 

• 1st G20 Framework Working Group (FWG) Meeting – Bengaluru, Karnataka (17 – 18 December 2022) 
• 2nd G20 Framework Working Group (FWG) Meeting – Chennai, Tamil Nadu (24 -25 March 2023)
• 3rd G20 Framework Working Group (FWG) Meeting – Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, (19 – 21 June 2023)
• 4th G20 Framework Working Group (FWG) Meeting – Raipur, Chhattisgarh (18- 19 September 2023) 

6. MP govt. inaugurated ‘Mukhyamantri Ladli Bahna Awas Yojana’ 

• The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has inaugurated the Mukhyamantri Ladli Bahna Awas Yojana in Bhopal. 
• Under the scheme, the families who were left out of getting the benefit of housing facilities in various housing schemes will get their houses under it. Applications will be filled from September 17 to October 5 for the scheme. 
• Under the scheme, such families will get benefits whose applications under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Rural on the Awas Plus app portal and MIS portal of the Government of India have been automatically rejected. It will also benefit those families who are not included in the list of Social, Economic, and Caste Census 2011 and Awas Plus and who have not received the benefit of any housing scheme of the Center or the State. 

About Madhya Pradesh 

• Capital – Bhopal 
• Chief Minister – Shivraj Singh Chauhan
• Governor – Mangubhai C. Patel Recent Scheme/Campaign launched by Madhya Pradesh government 
• Ladli Bahna scheme CM Learn and Earn’ scheme 
• Chief Minister’s Residential Land Rights scheme 
• Ladli Laxmi 2.0 
• Launchpad Scheme 
• Pankh Abhiyan
• Sickle Cell Mission 
• Mukhyamantri Awasiya Bhu-dhikar Yojana 

7. Udhampur railway station renamed after Captain Tushar Mahajan 

• Udhampur Railway Station was formally rechristened as Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station days after Union minister Jitendra Singh made the announcement. 
• The Northern Railway notified the name change in honour of the Army brave heart following the approval by the Jammu and Kashmir administration. 
• Captain Tushar Mahajan was an officer in the Indian Army who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. He was a part of the 9 Para Special Forces unit, also known as the “9 Parachute Commando.” 
• He gained recognition and respect for his bravery and leadership during a counter-terrorism operation in Pampore, Jammu and Kashmir, in February 2016. During the operation, he displayed remarkable courage and skill in neutralizing terrorists who had holed up in a government building. Tragically, he was killed in action during the operation. 
• Captain Tushar Mahajan’s selfless dedication to his duty and his bravery in the face of danger earned him posthumous awards and honours, including the Shaurya Chakra, which is one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards.

 

8. IIT Kanpur partners with ICICI Bank to foster startup innovation 

• The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has signed an MoU with private lender ICICI Bank to support the startup ecosystem in the institute. 
• This partnership will empower startups and innovators at its Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC). SIIC is one of the oldest incubators in the country having been engulfed on its journey in 2000. 
• The partnership between the two will also focus on supporting incubates by improving their understanding of foreign trade policies by conducting several workshops and seminars. 

Recent MoU in Banking Sector

• SIDBI partners with Tata Power for MSME solar rooftop financing
• BriskPe introduce BriskPe A2A with Yes Bank to enable seamless cross-border payment
• NABARD partners with UNDP to boost data-driven innovations
• IREDA signed MoU with the Union Bank of India and Bank of Baroda to co-finance renewable energy (RE) projects.
• Mastercard partners with KredX to Make B2B Payments Rewarding for Vendors

State News

9. Uttar Pradesh government launches 'Gift Deed Scheme' to reduce property-related families Disputes in the courts

• To promote harmony and reduce property-related family disputes, the CM Yogi Adityanath-led UP government had launched a 'Gift Deed Scheme'/'Special Gift Deed Scheme'. 
• More than 43,574 people have benefited from this from August 5, 2023, to September 12, 2023. An official statement said that the public got a benefit of Rs 1807.31 crore under the scheme. 
• Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Stamp and Court Fees and Registration, Ravindra Jaiswal said that important changes have been made in the stamp duty related to donation of property to blood relatives in Uttar Pradesh. Under the new scheme, stamp duty for such transactions has been reduced to Rs 5,000.
• Before this scheme, individuals had to pay stamp duty equal to the prevailing circle rate while executing the gift deed. Under the new policy, donation of immovable property in Uttar Pradesh to certain family members such as son, daughter, father, mother, husband, wife, daughter-in-law, real brother (or wife in case of death of real brother), sister-in- law, the maximum stamp duty for sister and son-in-law has been fixed at Rs 5,000. 

10. Odisha government approves public transport scheme, ‘LAccMI’ 

• The Odisha Cabinet on 15 September 2023 approved the 'Location Accessible Multi-Modal Initiative' (LAccMI) scheme, which aims to ensure sustainable and affordable transportation. 
• For the first three years of bus operation, from 2023-24 to 2025-26, the project is estimated to cost around Rs 3178 crore. Under this scheme, bus operations have been planned to connect all the gram panchayats, block headquarters, district headquarters, major cities and economic centers across the state.
• The LAccMI scheme will be implemented in a phased manner. Around 1000 buses will be deployed under the scheme. The tenure of the scheme will be for 10 years, which can be extended by two years. Further allotment will be considered based on review and performance. LAccMI scheme 
• Under this, women will be encouraged to actively participate in the workforce due to safe transportation space. Additionally, facilitating efficient transportation of agricultural commodities from production sites to destinations will be another initiative under the scheme. 
• This will include timely transportation of various agricultural and perishable products from producers to nearby markets, mandis and similar commercial centres.

 

Sports News

11. Spanish League 'La Liga' will establish football academy in West Bengal 

• The Spanish Football League's La Liga has signed an agreement with the West Bengal government to set up a football academy in the state to nurture young talent. The MoU was signed during a meeting between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and La Liga president Javier Tebas in Madrid. 
• The academy will focus on training coaches and players from West Bengal and will also provide expertise to local football clubs. Banerjee invited Tebas to come to West Bengal and see the football passion in the state.
• West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the football stadium Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in the Spanish capital Madrid to know about its infrastructure. The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid Football Club, has the second largest seating capacity in Spain.
• Apart from this, he will also share his experience and expertise to assist football clubs and make them self-reliant. Banerjee was also accompanied by former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and senior officials of Kolkata football giants Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting Club. 
• La Liga (Campeonato Nacional de Liga de Primera Division) is the name of the Spanish football league and has been in existence since 1929. The first division is called the Primera Division (commonly known as La Liga) and the second is called the Segunda Division.

12. Recent Grand Prix Winner 

• Italian Grand Prix 2023 – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands) 
• Dutch Grand Prix 2023 – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands) 
• Hungarian Grand Prix 2023 – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands) 
• British Grand Prix 2023 – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands) 
• Austrian Grand Prix 2023 – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands) 
• Canadian Grand Prix 2023 – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands) 
• Spanish Grand Prix 2023 – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands) 
• Monaco Grand Prix 2023 – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands) 
• Miami Grand Prix 2023 – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands)
• Australian Grand Prix 2023 – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands)
• Bahrain Grand Prix 2023 – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands) 
• Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023 – Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez (Mexico)
• Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2023 – Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez (Mexico) 

13. 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 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 
• Olympian Elavenil Valarivan shot 252.2 from her series of 24 shots in the final and narrowly beat France’s Oceanne Muller. 
• A total of eight shooters qualified for the final. This was Elavenil Valarivan’s second individual ISSF World Cup medal. 
• Earlier, Elavenil Valarivan finished 9th in the qualification round with 630.5. The Rio meet is the last rifle and pistol ISSF World Cup of 2023. 
• The ongoing event in the Brazilian city will be followed by the finals in Doha, Qatar, scheduled from November 18 to 27.

Defence News 

14. Coastal Security Drill ‘Operation Sajag’ Conducted By Indian Coast Guard Along The West Coast 

• Operation Sajag,’ a comprehensive drill was conducted by the Indian Coast Guard along the west coast on September 18, 2023. It is a significant event in the realm of coastal security. This operation involves all stakeholders in the coastal security construct and plays a pivotal role in revalidating the coastal security mechanism while enhancing awareness among fishermen operating at sea. 
• During ‘Operation Sajag,’ an extensive checking and verification process was initiated, targeting the documents and crew passes of all fishing boats, barges, and crafts at sea. The sheer scale of this operation is evident from the participation of 118 ships, including vessels from Customs, Marine Police, Ports, and the Indian Navy. This unified effort demonstrates the commitment of various agencies to ensure the safety and security of India’s coastal regions. 
• In an effort to streamline the identification process, biometric card readers have also been issued to security agencies. This technology allows for quick and efficient verification of fishermen, further enhancing the security apparatus. 

15. Second Edition of the Indian Navy's naval innovation annd Insigenisation Seminar (Swavlamban-2023) 

• The Indian Navy is all set to host the second edition of the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation (NIIO) Seminar, known as ‘Swavlamban 2023,’ scheduled to take place on 4th and 5th October 2023. This event follows the maiden edition of the seminar, which was held in July 2022 and marked a significant milestone in the Navy’s quest for innovation and self-reliance. 
• The upcoming ‘Swavlamban 2023’ seminar in New Delhi, promises to be a platform where these 75 prototypes will take center stage. Attendees can look forward to live demonstrations of several promising technologies, further cementing the commitment of the Indian Navy and its partners to drive innovation, indigenisation, and self-reliance in the defense sector. 
• In the inaugural edition of ‘Swavlamban’ in 2022, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India unveiled the ‘SPRINT’ initiative, which has since become a driving force behind the Indian Navy’s pursuit of indigenous technology adoption. ‘SPRINT’ stands for Supporting PoleVaulting in R&D through Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), NIIO, and Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC). This collaborative effort aims to foster innovation and indigenisation in the defense sector. 

16. 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 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.
• P-7 Heavy Drop Parachute System has been developed by 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/NonFerrous Materials. 
• 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. The parachute guarantees the secure delivery of heavy cargo, even under challenging conditions.

Banking News 

17. SBI Revolutionizes NRI Banking: Digital NRE/NRO Account Setup Via YONO 

• The State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest lender, has launched a cutting-edge digital platform for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to seamlessly open NRE (Non-Residential External) and NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) savings and current accounts. This innovative service is specifically tailored to “new to bank” (NTB) customers, aiming to simplify and expedite the account opening procedure. 
• NRE and NRO Accounts: NRE Account: A Non-Residential External (NRE) account is established in India under the NRI’s name to house their foreign earnings securely. NRO Account: Conversely, a Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) account is opened in India in the NRI’s name to manage income earned within the country, such as rent, dividends, pensions, interest, and more. 
• Furthermore, SBI has harnessed the power of technology to create a seamless and digitized account opening process that guarantees efficiency and precision, effectively serving as a comprehensive solution for NRI banking needs. 

18. SBI’s Innovative Approach To Prevent Loan Default: Chocolates At Borrowers’ Doorsteps 

• Recognizing that borrowers planning to default often ignore reminder calls, State Bank of India (SBI) is taking a proactive approach by personally visiting borrowers homes unannounced and surprising them with a pack of chocolates. This innovative method is aimed at improving loan collections, particularly as SBI’s retail lending has experienced substantial growth. 
• SBI’s retail loan book has witnessed remarkable growth, surging by over 46 percent to reach Rs 12,04,279 crore in the June 2023 quarter from Rs 10,34,111 crore in the previous year. To enhance its loan recovery efforts, SBI has partnered with fintech companies that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) technology. These fintech platforms play a dual role: one focuses on negotiating with borrowers, while the other assesses a borrower’s likelihood of default. 

19. RBI Releases List Of 15 NBFCs In ‘Upper Layer’ Under 

• In the year 2023-24, RBI released the names of 15 NBFCs that fall under the Upper Layer (UL)/NBFC-UL of the SBR. 
• 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.
• 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.

Important Days News

20. International Red Panda Day 2023: A Call to Protect Precious Species 

• Every year, on the third Saturday in September, the world comes together to celebrate International Red Panda Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of these enchanting creatures. This year, on September 16, we once again unite in our efforts to protect the red panda, a species teetering on the brink of extinction. 
• International Red Panda Day made its debut in September 2010, aiming to shed light on the critical conservation needs of the red panda. These charming animals are native to the Eastern Himalayas, spanning regions in China, Nepal, and Bhutan. Unfortunately, they face imminent danger primarily due to human activities.
• By participating in International Red Panda Day, we contribute to a global movement dedicated to conserving these endangered animals. We can make a difference by supporting organizations like the Red Panda Network and WWF, spreading awareness about the challenges they face, and advocating for stronger conservation measures and law enforcement. Schemes and Committees News 

21. SHREYAS Scheme Empowers Thousands: Over 2300 Crore Rupees Allocated For Education Of SC And OBC Students Since 2014

• The Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS scheme), comprising four central sector sub-schemes, has been instrumental in empowering thousands of students from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) since its inception in 2014. 
• This umbrella scheme encompasses “Top Class Education for SCs,” “Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs,” “National Overseas Scheme for SCs,” and “National Fellowship for SCs.” 
• The scheme aims to offer high-quality coaching to economically disadvantaged SC and OBC candidates, enabling them to participate in competitive exams and gain admission to prestigious technical and professional higher education institutions. Families with a total annual income of up to 8 lakhs are eligible for this scheme.

Appointment and Resignation News 

22. Dhananjay Joshi Appointed Chairman Of Telecom Industry Body DIPA 

• Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA) has appointed Dhananjay Joshi, MD and CEO of Summit Digitel, as the chairman. Dhananjay Joshi takes over the baton from Akhil Gupta, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, who served as Chairman of the industry body since 2011. 
• DIPA named Sandeep Girotra, CEO of American Tower India, as the new vice chairman of the association. The changes in the leadership management will come into effect from October 1, 2023. 
• The Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA) is a non-profit industry body that represents the digital infrastructure industry in India. It was founded in 2010 as the Tower and Infrastructure Providers Association (TIPA), but was renamed DIPA in 2020 to reflect the broader scope of its membership. DIPA’s members include a wide range of companies that are involved in the development, construction, ownership, and operation of digital infrastructure in India. 

23. Payal Chhabra becomes 1st Woman Army Surgeon to become Para Commando 

• Major Dr Payal Chhabra, a surgeon serving at the Army hospital in Ladakh, has become the first woman surgeon to join the elite Para Special Forces of the Indian Army. 
• She completed her training and received the coveted Maroon Beret at the Paratroopers Training School in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. 
• She hails from Haryana and holds an MBBS degree and MS surgery degree.
• Dr Chhabra became a senior resident doctor at the surgery department of Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College in Karnal, Haryana, in 2020. 
• She was commissioned into the Indian Army as a Captain in January 2021. 

Recent Appointment 

• Interim director of Enforcement Directorate (ED) – Rahul Navin (replace Sanjay Kumar Mishra) 
• Vice Chairperson of NASSCOM – Sindhu Gangadharan 
• Director (Finance) of Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) – Joshit Ranjan Sikidar 
• MD & CEO Tata Steel – TV Narendran (reappointment) 
• Chief Operations Manager of Central Railway – Shyam Sunder Gupta (replace Mukul Jain)

24. Nihar Malaviya Named As Permanent CEO Of Penguin Random House 

• Nihar Malaviya has been named as permanent CEO of Penguin Random House, nine months after he was appointed the interim chief executive. Malaviya succeeded Markus Dohle, who departed weeks after a federal judge struck down Penguin Random House’s attempted merger with Simon & Schuster. 
• Bertelsmann, the German media conglomerate, has owned Random House since 1998. Random House and Penguin merged in 2013. Malaviya, 48, joined Bertelsmann in 2001, and had served in a variety of positions before becoming CEO. He was most recently COO and president of Penguin Random House in the U.S. 
• Penguin Random House is the world’s largest publisher of consumer books, with over 300 distinct imprints and publishing houses in more than 20 countries. The company has been undergoing a company-wide reorganization in 2023, with numerous senior editors either laid off or departing under a voluntary retirement plan. 

Books and Authors News 

25. Shri Apurva Chandra Unveils “People’s G20”, An EBook 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. 
• 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. 

Award News

26. Himanta Biswa Sarma awarded Singapore’s top fellowship 

• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been awarded the prestigious Singapore Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship for his distinguished contribution to public service. 
• The Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship is conferred on outstanding individuals in recognition of bilateral relations with Singapore. 
• Sarma is the first Assam Chief Minister to have been bestowed with this prestigious fellowship. 

Recent Awards 

• Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Awards – 84 artists (70 men and 14 women)
• Ig Nobel prize 2023 – India, China, Malaysia, and the US researcher team 
• Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) Award by France govt. – Famous Indian fashion designer Rahul Mishra 
• Safety Innovation Award 2023′ in the ‘Construction’ category – RITES Limited 
• Green Railway Certification by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) – Vijayawada Railway Station (Platinum rating) 
• The Lifetime Achievement Award in Academia – VC of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) Najma Akhtar