Daily Current Affairs Highlights and Quiz | 4 September 2023

In a world that is constantly evolving, it is vital to stay updated with the latest happenings around the globe. Here, we bring you a comprehensive roundup of the daily current affairs from various sectors including national affairs, economy and business, awards and recognitions, and much more. Let's look into the significant events that took place on 4th September 2023.

National Affairs

CBIC Launches ‘Mera Bill Mera Adhikar’ - GST Reward Scheme

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), functioning under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, has initiated an invoice incentive scheme named ‘Mera Bill Mera Adhikar’. This scheme encourages citizens to request Goods and Service Tax (GST) invoices for business-to-consumer (B2C) purchases of goods or services. Initially launched in three states and three Union Territories, it aims to enhance GST processes and revenue collection by offering cash rewards through monthly and quarterly lucky draws. The scheme is expected to curb tax evasion and foster the growth of the formal economy.

NCERT Granted 'Deemed to be University' Status by UGC

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has conferred the 'Deemed to be University' status to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) under the 'De Novo' category. This announcement was made by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during the 63rd Foundation Day of NCERT. With this status, NCERT gains the autonomy to establish new institutions, design its syllabus, and award its degrees.

DGR Collaborates with Genpact to Facilitate Employment for Ex-Servicemen

The Directorate General Resettlement (DGR), a part of the Ministry of Defence, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Genpact India Private Limited. This collaboration aims to create employment opportunities for ex-servicemen, providing them with a second career post their military service.

Economy & Business

NTPC and OIL Sign MOU for Renewable Energy and Decarbonization Initiatives

NTPC Limited and Oil India Limited (OIL) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in areas of renewable energy, green hydrogen, and decarbonization initiatives. This partnership is a step towards achieving India's 2070 Net Zero emissions target, with NTPC committed to attaining 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032.

Moody's Elevates India's GDP Forecast to 6.7% for 2023

Moody's, a global rating agency, has revised India's growth forecast to 6.7% for the year 2023, citing strong economic growth in the first quarter of FY24. This projection is slightly higher than the Reserve Bank of India's estimate of 6.5% for the fiscal year 2023-24.

Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Shanta Thoutam Receives World Innovation Award at BRICS

Dr. Shanta Thoutam, Telangana's first woman Chief Innovation Officer, was honored with the World Innovation Award at the inaugural BRICS innovation forum held in Moscow, Russia. The award recognizes her significant contributions to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-4 through the systematic implementation of innovative solutions.

Appointments & Resignations

Committee on ‘One Nation One Election’ Formed Under Former President Ram Nath Kovind

On 1st September 2023, the Union Government established a committee led by former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, to explore the feasibility of the "One Nation One Election" initiative. This initiative aims to synchronize the General (Lok Sabha) and State elections.

Tharman Shanmugaratnam Becomes the 9th President of Singapore

Indian-origin Singaporean economist, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, has been elected as the 9th President of Singapore, succeeding Halimah Yacob, the first female President of Singapore. Shanmugaratnam secured a significant majority of the votes, marking the beginning of his tenure on 13th September 2023.

Acquisitions & Mergers

CCI Approves Merger of TSAL into Air India

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has given the green light for the merger of Tata SIA Airlines Limited (TSAL) into Air India Limited (AIL), with AIL emerging as the surviving entity. This merger, initiated in April 2023, sees Singapore Airlines Limited holding a 25.1% stake in Air India, representing an investment of Rs 2,059 crore.

Science & Technology

INS Mahendragiri: The Final Nilgiri-Class Stealth Frigate Launched

The Indian Navy has launched the INS Mahendragiri, the seventh and final Nilgiri-class stealth frigate, at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai. This marks the completion of Project 17A, with the ship being the fourth frigate constructed by the shipyard.

ISRO Launches Aditya-L1: India's First Mission to the Sun

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched Aditya-L1, India's first space-based solar mission, on 2nd September 2023. This mission, facilitated by the PSLV-C57 rocket, marks a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey.

Sports

Zurich Diamond League 2023: Neeraj Chopra Secures Second Place

In the recent Zurich Diamond League 2023, world champion Neeraj Chopra made India proud by securing the second place in the men's javelin throw event. With a remarkable throw of 85.71 meters, he stands second in the league, gearing up for the finals in Eugene, USA, scheduled for 16th and 17th September 2023. In addition, Indian athlete Murali Sreeshankar marked his debut in the Diamond League finals with a fifth-place finish in the men's long jump event.

Obituary

In Memory of Jan Jongbloed: A Legendary Goalkeeper

The football world mourns the loss of former Netherlands goalkeeper Jan Jongbloed, who was a part of the iconic "Clockwork Orange" team that reached the finals in the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cups. Jongbloed, who held a record for the longest time without conceding a goal in international matches, passed away leaving a rich legacy in Dutch football history.

Important Days

World Coconut Day 2023: Celebrating the Versatility of Coconuts

On 2nd September, the world celebrated World Coconut Day to highlight the significance of coconuts in various sectors including economy, agriculture, and health. This year, the day was observed with the theme "Sustaining Coconut Sector for the Present and Future Generation", emphasizing the sustainable cultivation and consumption of coconuts.

Literacy Week 2023: A Step Towards Universal Education

The Ministry of Education, Government of India, has organized a week-long literacy campaign from 1st to 8th September 2023, culminating on International Literacy Day. This initiative, named ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, aims to foster a sense of duty-consciousness and citizen participation, bringing India closer to achieving universal education.

State News

Utkela Airport Inaugurated in Odisha

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia, along with Gen. Vijay Kumar Singh, inaugurated the Utkela Airport in Odisha's Kalahandi district, marking the commencement of direct flight services between Utkela and Bhubaneswar. This development is a significant step in enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth in the region.

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