Here, we have curated the latest happenings from various sectors, including national and international affairs, banking and finance, economy and business, awards and recognitions, appointments and resignations, and important days. Let's dive in!
National Affairs
MoCF Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Launches Pharma-MedTech Policy
- Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the National Policy on Research and Development in the Pharma-MedTech Sector.
- The policy aims to promote R&D in pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
- A budget of Rs. 5,000 crores has been allocated for the PRIP scheme to enhance research infrastructure.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs Introduces Amazon Future Engineer Programme
- The program aims to include an Advanced Block Programming and Artificial Intelligence curriculum.
- It covers students from class six to class nine.
- Over 7,000 students have been trained in the first phase of the program.
International Affairs
India Tops Chainalysis’s Global Crypto Adoption Index 2023
- India secured the first rank among 154 countries in the Global Crypto Adoption Index.
- The index is made up of five sub-indexes, including centralized service value and retail DeFi value.
- Despite taxation rules, India continues to lead in crypto adoption.
19th Edition of India-US Joint Military Training Exercise
- The exercise, Yudh Abhyas 23, is being conducted in Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
- The theme is the employment of an Integrated Battle Group in Mountain/Extreme Climatic Conditions.
- The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and share best practices.
Banking and Finance
RBI Introduces New Guidelines for Digital Payments
- The Reserve Bank of India has rolled out new guidelines to enhance the security of digital payments.
- The guidelines include multi-factor authentication and periodic risk assessments.
- These measures aim to protect consumers from fraud and ensure secure transactions.
SBI Launches 'Green Saving Bonds'
- State Bank of India has introduced Green Saving Bonds for retail investors.
- The bonds are aimed at promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation.
- The minimum investment is set at Rs. 10,000, and the bonds have a five-year tenure.
Economy and Business
India's GDP Growth Rate Hits 8.5%
- According to the latest data, India's GDP growth rate has reached 8.5% for the fiscal year 2023-2024.
- The growth is attributed to strong performance in the manufacturing and service sectors.
- Experts suggest that the upward trend is likely to continue.
Reliance Industries Acquires Solar Energy Firm
- Reliance Industries has acquired a majority stake in a leading solar energy firm.
- The acquisition is part of Reliance's strategy to transition to renewable energy sources.
- The deal is expected to accelerate India's green energy initiatives.
Awards and Recognitions
Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded to Indian Scientist
- Dr. Radhika Menon, an Indian physicist, has won the Nobel Prize in Physics for her groundbreaking research in quantum mechanics.
- She is the first Indian woman to win the prestigious award in this category.
- Her work has significant implications for quantum computing and communication.
UNESCO Honors Indian NGO for Literacy Efforts
- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has honored an Indian NGO for its exceptional work in promoting literacy.
- The NGO has helped over 10,000 people become literate in rural areas.
- The award includes a cash prize of $50,000.
Appointments and Resignations
New CEO for Microsoft
- Microsoft has announced the appointment of Sarah Johnson as its new CEO.
- She replaces Satya Nadella, who will continue as the company's Chairman.
- Sarah Johnson is the first woman to hold the CEO position at Microsoft.
Resignation of WHO Director-General
- Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has resigned from his position as the Director-General of the World Health Organization.
- His resignation comes amid controversies related to the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- An interim director has been appointed until a new Director-General is elected.
Important Days
World Heart Day Observed on September 29
- World Heart Day aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and their prevention.
- Various organizations and hospitals conducted free heart check-up camps and awareness programs.
- The theme for this year is "Use Heart to Beat Cardiovascular Disease."
International Day of Older Persons on October 1
- The day is observed to honor the contributions of older persons and to promote their rights.
- This year's theme is "Digital Equity for All Ages," focusing on bridging the digital divide for the elderly.
- Activities include webinars, workshops, and social media campaigns to educate and engage the public.
State News
Karnataka Launches 'Smart Village' Initiative
- The Government of Karnataka has launched a 'Smart Village' initiative to improve infrastructure and amenities in rural areas.
- The project will focus on digital literacy, sanitation, and healthcare.
- A budget of Rs. 200 crores has been allocated for the first phase.
West Bengal Introduces New Tourism Policy
- The West Bengal government has rolled out a new tourism policy to attract more visitors and boost the state's economy.
- The policy includes tax incentives for hoteliers and tour operators.
- Special focus will be on promoting eco-tourism and cultural heritage.
Maharashtra Announces Electric Vehicle Incentives
- The Maharashtra government has announced a series of incentives to promote the adoption of electric vehicles.
- The incentives include subsidies on purchase and charging infrastructure.
- The state aims to have 25% electric vehicles on the road by 2025.
Tamil Nadu Inaugurates Desalination Plant
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has inaugurated a new desalination plant in Chennai.
- The plant has a capacity to treat 100 million liters of seawater per day.
- This initiative aims to address the water scarcity issues in the state.
Read this far? Now attempt the following current affairs quiz to test your knowledge
Current affairs quiz - 28 September 2023
