Welcome to the daily roundup of the most important current affairs dated 18th September 2023. In this edition, we cover a range of topics including national and state news, banking updates, business developments, important days, and much more. Let's delve into the details without further ado.
National News
- PM Modi Inaugurates YashoBhoomi Convention Centre
- Historic unveiling of Phase 1 of the India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC), named ‘Yashobhoomi’.
- A global hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
- Facility includes 15 convention rooms with a capacity to host up to 11,000 delegates.
State News
Hyderabad Liberation Day on 17th September
- Celebrates the integration of Hyderabad into India in 1948.
- Now also known as “Telangana National Integration Day”.
Maharashtra Renames Aurangabad and Osmanabad
- Aurangabad renamed to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Osmanabad to Dharashiv.
- Reflects historical and cultural significance.
Launch of ‘Sarpanch Samvad’ Mobile App in Assam
- Facilitates networking and collaboration among village headmen.
- Developed by the Quality Council of India (QCI).
Banking News
Resignation of Dhanlaxmi Bank Independent Director
- Sridhar Kalyanasundaram resigns citing various issues including “unethical” business conduct.
E-Rupee Circulation Statistics
- RBI reveals E-rupee circulation reached ₹16.39 crore as of March 2023.
- Plans to enhance transaction volumes and interoperability with UPI QR codes.
Launch of ‘IB SAATHI’ by Indian Bank
- Initiative to enhance financial inclusion services.
- Aims to expand the business correspondent network significantly.
Business News
- SIDBI Announces ₹10,000 Crore Rights Issue
- To support asset expansion and bolster equity capital.
- The rights issue will be executed in two tranches of ₹5,000 crore each.
Important Days
World Bamboo Day 2023
- Celebrated on 18th September to highlight the benefits of bamboo.
- Commemorates the birthday of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
International Equal Pay Day 2023
- Observed on 18th September to address the gender pay gap issue.
- Aims to promote equal pay for work of equal value.
Schemes News
- IRDAI Forms Committee on Cyber Security
- To assess cyber threats and fortify the cyber security framework in the insurance sector.
- Chaired by PS Jagannatham.
Summits and Conferences
- Inaugural UNCITRAL South Asia Conference Hosted by India
- Aims to foster closer ties between India and UNCITRAL.
- Focuses on positioning India as a hub for international arbitration.
Ranks and Reports
- Inclusion of Santiniketan in UNESCO World Heritage List
- Recognizes Santiniketan as a global cultural and educational hub.
- India now ranks sixth on the World Heritage List.
Awards News
Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Awards Presentation
- 84 artistes honored for their contributions to music, dance, and drama.
- A one-time award to recognize artists aged above 75 years.
Fashion Designer Rahul Mishra Receives French Award
- Honored with the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
- Recognized for blending traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern design.
Sports News
Singapore Grand Prix 2023
- Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz wins, ending Max Verstappen’s record run of wins.
- Event attracted over 264,000 spectators.
Neeraj Chopra’s Performance in Diamond League Final
- Secures second place with a best throw of 83.80 meters.
- Engages in a remarkable battle against formidable opponents.
Asia Cup 2023 Awards
- Kuldeep Yadav named Player of the Tournament.
- Mohammad Siraj wins Player of the Match title in the final.
MotoGP Bharat Sponsorship Agreement
- Indian Oil sponsors the first-ever MotoGP Bharat in India.
- Event to be held at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida.
Obituaries
- Passing of Renowned Writer Gita Mehta
- Author of several books and director of numerous documentaries.
- Passed away at the age of 80.
Science and Technology News
ISRO's Successful Launch of GSAT-32
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the GSAT-32 communication satellite.
- Aims to enhance telecommunication and broadcasting services across the country.
Development of AI-Powered Weather Forecasting System
- A collaboration between IIT Madras and IBM.
- The system promises more accurate and localized weather predictions.
Environment News
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) Updates
- The government announces new measures to reduce air pollution in 132 non-attainment cities.
- Includes the introduction of cleaner fuels and stricter emission norms.
Launch of the Green Agriculture Project
- A joint initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
- Aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce the carbon footprint.
Education News
Introduction of New Vocational Courses in CBSE Schools
- The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) introduces new vocational courses in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.
- Aims to equip students with skills for the future job market.
National Digital Library of India (NDLI) Reaches Milestone
- Crosses 50 million downloads, offering access to over 4.7 million digital resources.
- A project under the Ministry of Education, providing free access to educational resources.
Health News
Launch of the National Telemedicine Service
- A new initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Offers remote medical consultations and healthcare services to rural areas.
Global Handwashing Day 2023
- Observed on 15th October to promote handwashing as an effective way to prevent diseases.
- This year's theme: "Clean Hands for All".
Entertainment News
Release of the Movie "The Chronicles of the East"
- A historical drama directed by renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
- Features a star-studded cast including Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone.
Grammy Awards 2023
- Celebrated artists like Adele and BTS bag top honors at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.
- A night filled with stellar performances and memorable moments.
Miscellaneous News
Launch of the "Clean Ganga Initiative"
- A government project to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga river.
- Includes measures like wastewater treatment and solid waste management.
World Tourism Day 2023
- Celebrated on 27th September to promote tourism and its social, cultural, and economic values.
- This year's theme: "Tourism for Inclusive Growth".
