Current Affairs Digest: 21st October 2023
Introduction
In a rapidly changing world, staying updated with current affairs is crucial. Whether you're preparing for competitive exams or simply want to be informed, our digest of the current affairs for 21st October 2023 will provide you with all the essential news. Let's dive in!
National News
India's First Semi-High-Speed Rail: Namo Bharat
- India introduces its first semi-high-speed regional rail service, Namo Bharat.
- The trains offer features like Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile charging outlets.
- The Namo Bharat trains have an average speed of 100 km/h and are manufactured by Alstom in Gujarat.
National Police Commemoration Day 2023
- Observed on 21st October to honor police personnel who have sacrificed their lives.
- In 2018, PM Narendra Modi dedicated the National Police Memorial in New Delhi.
- The memorial serves as a site of pilgrimage and reverence for police personnel and citizens.
International News
Japan's Electromagnetic Railgun
- Japan becomes the first nation to launch an electromagnetic railgun from an offshore vessel.
- The technology is capable of targeting various objects, including ships, missiles, and aircraft.
- Japan aims to integrate this technology with long-range missiles.
Defence News
Indian Navy's New Guided Missile Destroyer: Imphal
- The Indian Navy receives its third guided missile destroyer, Imphal, on October 20, 2023.
- The ship is part of Project 15B and was built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
- Imphal is designed with advanced weaponry and cutting-edge sensors.
Banking News
RBI's E-Rupee Pilot Project
- RBI initiates a pilot run to test the E-Rupee for inter-bank borrowing.
- The project aims to revolutionize the way inter-bank transactions are conducted in India.
- RBI aims to reach a daily transaction volume of 1 million transactions by December 2023.
Business News
Kotak Mahindra Bank Acquires Sonata Finance
- RBI approves Kotak Mahindra Bank's acquisition of 100% stake in Sonata Finance.
- The acquisition is valued at approximately Rs 537 crore.
- Sonata Finance operates in 10 states and serves nearly 900,000 customers.
Important Days
National Police Commemoration Day 2023
- Celebrated on 21st October to honor the policemen who laid down their lives in 1959 during an ambush by Chinese troops.
- PM Narendra Modi dedicated the National Police Memorial in 2018.
- The memorial serves as a site of pilgrimage and reverence for police personnel and citizens.
Agreements
IRCTC Partners With Zomato
- IRCTC and Zomato partner to enhance the dining experience of railway passengers.
- The partnership aims to offer a wider array of food options through IRCTC’s E-Catering segment.
- A Proof of Concept has been launched at five prominent railway stations.
Appointments
HP Appoints Ipsita Dasgupta
- Ipsita Dasgupta appointed as Senior Vice President & Managing Director for HP's India market.
- She brings 24 years of international operating experience across various industries.
Awards
Gujarat’s Dhordo Awarded UNWTO’s Best Tourism Village 2023
- Dhordo village in Gujarat receives international recognition as the Best Tourism Village by UNWTO.
- The village recently hosted the inaugural Tourism Working Group Meeting of the G20.
Technology News
Google's DigiKavach Program
- Google launches DigiKavach to combat online financial frauds in India.
- The program involves a comprehensive study of methods used by online scammers.
- One of the primary objectives is to create and implement countermeasures against emerging online scams.
Important Days News
West Bengal Governor Presents ‘Durga Bharat Samman’ Awards
- Hindustani classical vocalist Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty and ISRO receive the prestigious ‘Durga Bharat Samman’ from the Governor of West Bengal.
- The award also honors Visva-Bharati University for its commitment to quality education and research.
- Recipients are honored with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh each, a plaque, and a citation.
Science & Technology News
ISRC Report: Blueprint For India’s Semiconductor Sector
- The India Semiconductor R&D Committee presents a comprehensive report outlining a strategic roadmap for India's semiconductor sector.
- The report identifies pillars like Advanced Silicon, Packaging R&D, and Chip Design & EDA.
- The ISRC aims to become a global leader in semiconductor research and innovation over the next four to five years.
Now take the following current affairs quiz to test your knowledge
Current affairs quiz - 21 October 2023
