Daily Current Affairs Highlights | 24 and 25 September 2023

We've compiled the latest happenings from various sectors such as National Affairs, International Affairs, Banking & Finance, and more for the 24th and 25th of September, 2023. Let's dive right in.

National Affairs

Kisan e-Mitra: AI Chatbot for PM-KISAN Scheme

Union Minister of State Kailash Choudhary launched an AI Chatbot named "Kisan e-Mitra" for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme in New Delhi. This chatbot aims to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of the PM-KISAN scheme, providing rapid and clear responses to farmers' inquiries.

MoU for NMBA Awareness

The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and All World Gayatri Pariwar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to spread the message of NMBA (National Mission for a Better Tomorrow) among the youth, women, students, and the community. This MoU aims to achieve a drug-sensitized India and was signed in the presence of Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar and other dignitaries.

International Affairs

SIMBEX 2023: Maritime Exercise with Singapore

The Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy participated in the 30th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX 2023). Conducted from 21st to 28th September 2023 in the South China Sea, the exercise included two phases: a land phase involving table-top activities and planning meetings, and a sea phase.

Banking & Finance

UPNEDA and SIDBI MoU for Green Projects

The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) signed an MoU to promote solar energy and bio-energy projects in Uttar Pradesh. This agreement aims to develop Ayodhya as a Solar City.

Axis Bank's 'NEO for Business' for MSMEs

Axis Bank launched 'NEO for Business,' a one-stop Transaction Banking platform designed for Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This platform aims to meet the real, current, and emerging Transaction Banking needs of MSMEs.

Utkarsh Small Finance Bank's ICCW Using UPI on ATMs

Utkarsh Small Finance Bank introduced an Interoperable Cardless Cash Withdrawal (ICCW) service, allowing Unified Payment Interface (UPI) enabled cardless cash withdrawal from their ATMs. This initiative aligns with the Reserve Bank of India's 2022 notification on ICCW at ATMs.

Awards & Recognitions

Highlights of Raj Bhasha Kirti Puraskar 2022-23

The Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar, the most prestigious award offered by the Indian government for "achievements in implementing the official language," was presented at the Hindi Diwas Samaroh 2023. The event was part of the 3rd All-India Official Language Conference held in Pune, Maharashtra.

India to Host 17th International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement in 2027

India won the bid to host the 17th International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement in 2027 in New Delhi. The decision was announced during the ongoing 16th ICCC in Bangkok, Thailand.

Appointments & Resignations

New Women Vice-Chairpersons in Rajya Sabha

The Vice President of India, ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha, reconstituted the panel of vice-chairpersons, including four new women members. This is the first time in history that the Rajya Sabha has given equal representation to women members in the panel.

Indian-origin Nihar Malaviya Assumes Permanent CEO of Penguin Random House

Nihar Malaviya, an Indian-origin American publishing executive, has been named the permanent Chief Executive Officer of Penguin Random House.

Vivek Bhasin Appointed as 14th Director of BARC

Vivek Bhasin took charge as the 14th Director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), India’s premier nuclear research facility.

Science & Technology

Delhi LG Launches Vigilance Complaint Information Management System Portal

The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, launched the first-of-its-kind Vigilance Complaint Information Management System (VCIMS) portal. This portal enables people to file graft complaints against government employees at any time from anywhere.

Environment

New Marine Tardigrade Species Named after A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Researchers from the Department of Marine Biology of the Cochin University of Science and Technology identified a new species of marine tardigrade, "Batillipes kalami," found in the Mandapam coast in Tamil Nadu. The species is named after the late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India.

Obituary

Padma Bhushan Awardee & Bharatanatyam Dancer Saroja Vaidyanathan Passed Away

Saroja Vaidyanathan, a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and Padma Bhushan awardee, passed away at the age of 86 due to lymphoma diseases in Delhi.

Books & Authors

Sonal Goel IAS Unveils Her Book "Nation Calling"

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju launched a book titled 'Nation Calling – Holistic Approach for UPSC Civil Services Examination,' authored by IAS officer Sonal Goel.

Important Days

International Day of Sign Languages 2023

The United Nations observes the International Day of Sign Languages annually on September 23 to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users.

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