Here, we bring you the most significant current affairs of 19th September 2023, covering various sectors such as national news, defence, economy, and more. Let's dive into the details:
National News
Union Minister Of Civil Aviation Inaugurates ‘Udaan Bhawan’ At Delhi’s Safdarjung Airport
- Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated ‘Udaan Bhawan,’ a modern office complex at Delhi’s Safdarjung Airport.
- The building features modern amenities including conference rooms, an advanced AV system, robust IT infrastructure, and a yoga room.
- It has received a GRIHA-5 rating for incorporating eco-friendly features and efficient waste management systems.
Hoysala Temples Now India’s 42nd UNESCO’s World Heritage Site
- The Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid, and Somananthpura in Karnataka have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
- This marks the 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Site in India.
- These temples, built in the 12th and 13th centuries, showcase a blend of various architectural styles prevalent in India during that period.
Defence News
Coastal Security Drill ‘Operation Sajag’ Conducted By Indian Coast Guard Along The West Coast
- The Indian Coast Guard conducted a comprehensive drill named ‘Operation Sajag’ along the west coast on 18th September 2023.
- The operation involved extensive checking and verification of documents and crew passes of all vessels at sea.
- Biometric card readers were issued to security agencies to streamline the identification process.
2ND EDITION OF INDIAN NAVY’S NAVAL INNOVATION AND INDIGENISATION SEMINAR (SWAVLAMBAN-2023)
- The Indian Navy will host the second edition of the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar, ‘Swavlamban 2023,’ on 4th and 5th October 2023.
- The seminar will showcase 75 prototypes and feature live demonstrations of promising technologies.
- The initiative aims to foster innovation and indigenisation in the defense sector.
Economy News
S&P Global Upgrades India’s FY24 Growth Forecast To 6.6%
- S&P Global Market Intelligence has revised India's economic growth forecast for FY24 to 6.6%, up from 5.9%.
- The revision is due to robust economic performance in the April-June quarter.
- However, the firm also predicts a sharp increase in inflation, reaching 6% in 2023.
Banking News
SBI Revolutionizes NRI Banking: Digital NRE/NRO Account Setup Via YONO
- The State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced a digital platform for NRIs to open NRE and NRO accounts seamlessly.
- The service aims to simplify and expedite the account opening process for "new to bank" customers.
- The initiative represents a step forward in leveraging technology to enhance banking services for NRIs.
SBI’s Innovative Approach To Prevent Loan Default: Chocolates At Borrowers’ Doorsteps
- SBI has adopted a novel approach to improve loan collections by personally visiting borrowers and offering them a pack of chocolates.
- This initiative is part of efforts to enhance loan recovery, especially given the substantial growth in SBI's retail lending.
- SBI collaborates with fintech companies utilizing AI technology to enhance loan recovery efforts.
Finance Ministry Approves Welfare Measures For LIC Agents And Employees
- The Finance Ministry has approved several welfare measures for LIC agents and employees.
- The measures include an increase in the gratuity limit for LIC agents from three lakh rupees to five lakh rupees.
- The ministry has also introduced a family pension at a uniform rate of 30% to support the families of LIC employees.
Schemes and Committees News
SHREYAS Scheme Empowers Thousands: Over 2300 Crore Rupees Allocated For Education Of SC And OBC Students Since 2014
- The SHREYAS scheme has allocated over 2300 crore rupees since 2014 for the education of SC and OBC students.
- The scheme encompasses several sub-schemes aimed at empowering economically disadvantaged SC and OBC candidates.
- It facilitates high-quality coaching to help these candidates compete in exams and secure admission to prestigious institutions.
Appointments News
Dhananjay Joshi Appointed Chairman Of Telecom Industry Body DIPA
- Dhananjay Joshi, MD and CEO of Summit Digitel, has been appointed as the chairman of the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA).
- He succeeds Akhil Gupta, who served as the chairman since 2011.
- Sandeep Girotra, CEO of American Tower India, has been named the new vice chairman, effective from October 1, 2023.
- DIPA, a non-profit industry body, represents the digital infrastructure industry in India and includes a wide range of companies involved in the development and operation of digital infrastructure in the country.
Nihar Malaviya Named As Permanent CEO Of Penguin Random House
- Nihar Malaviya has been appointed as the permanent CEO of Penguin Random House, succeeding Markus Dohle.
- Malaviya joined Bertelsmann in 2001 and has held various positions before becoming CEO.
- Penguin Random House, owned by Bertelsmann, is the world's largest publisher of consumer books, undergoing a company-wide reorganization in 2023.
Sports News
Diamond League Final In Eugene 2023: Mondo Duplantis Breaks Pole Vault World Record
- Swedish pole vault champion, Mondo Duplantis, broke the world record at the 2023 Diamond League Final in Eugene on September 17th.
- Duplantis cleared the bar at 6.23 meters with his first attempt, surpassing his previous record of 6.22 meters.
- This marks the seventh time Duplantis has broken the world record in pole vault, showcasing an impressive display of skill and athleticism.
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Current affairs quiz - 19 September 2023
