Daily Current Affairs Highlights and Quiz | 6 September 2023

Today, we bring you a comprehensive update on the current happenings from various domains including national and international spheres, the banking sector, recent appointments, advancements in science and technology, sports highlights, and noteworthy dates. Let's take a closer look at the significant events of 6th September 2023.

National News

A New Era of Digital Education and Entrepreneurship

On the 3rd of September 2023, a groundbreaking partnership was forged between the Ministry of Education (MoE), the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), and Meta, previously known as Facebook. This initiative, dubbed ‘Education to Entrepreneurship’, is set to revolutionize the digital landscape by empowering students, educators, and entrepreneurs over the next three years, with its epicenter in New Delhi. Spearheaded by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, this collaboration promises to be a beacon of innovation and skill development, fostering ties with key institutions like NIESBUD, AICTE, and CBSE.

Green Energy Boost: IREDA and IIFCL Join Hands

In a bid to accelerate the green energy movement, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) and the India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 4th September 2023. This alliance is set to pool the green financing expertise of IREDA with the infrastructure financing prowess of IIFCL, paving the way for co-financing of renewable energy projects. This strategic move, endorsed by Pradip Kumar Das and Padmanabhan Raja Jaishankar, the heads of IREDA and IIFCL respectively, aims to propel India towards achieving a 50% energy share from non-fossil fuels by 2030.

A Tribute to the Father of the Nation in Delhi

In a solemn ceremony on 4th September 2023, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a majestic 12-foot statue of Mahatma Gandhi, along with the inauguration of Gandhi Vatika at Gandhi Darshan in Delhi. This event marks a significant addition to the landmarks dedicated to the Father of the Nation in the capital city.

Global Updates

UN Rings Alarm Bells on Invasive Alien Species

On the international front, the UN's leading body on biodiversity and conservation, the IPBES, released a critical report on 4th September 2023. The report sheds light on the alarming rate of biodiversity loss worldwide, attributing it significantly to the proliferation of invasive alien species. It points out the establishment of at least 37,000 alien species globally, signaling a dire need for control measures to curb biodiversity loss.

Banking & Finance

Paytm Introduces Revolutionary 'Soundbox' for Seamless Transactions

In a significant move to streamline payment processes, Paytm has launched an industry-first 'Soundbox' that facilitates both mobile and card payments across various networks including Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and RuPay. This innovative device, equipped with a 'tap and pay' feature, allows transactions up to Rs 5,000 and offers multilingual alerts, enhancing the payment experience for merchants and customers alike.

RBI Expands UPI Functionality to Include Pre-Sanctioned Credit Lines

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a giant leap in broadening the scope of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) by incorporating pre-sanctioned credit lines as funding accounts. This initiative, announced in a recent circular, is expected to enhance the functionality and versatility of the UPI system, offering more flexibility to users and banks.

Indian Bank Collaborates with IBM to Augment Banking Operations

In a strategic move to bolster its infrastructure, Indian Bank has partnered with IBM to facilitate the deployment of innovative banking applications. This collaboration, a part of the bank's Project PARADISE, aims to enhance scalability and agility, paving the way for a more robust and adaptable computing infrastructure.

Appointments & Resignations

Sato Kilman Returns as Prime Minister of Vanuatu

The political landscape of Vanuatu witnessed a significant shift with the election of Sato Kilman as the Prime Minister for an unprecedented fifth term. Kilman, a veteran in Vanuatu politics, has previously held the position several times, showcasing his enduring influence in the nation's political sphere.

Leadership Change at NASSCOM

In a recent development, Rajesh Nambiar, the Chairman and Managing Director of Cognizant India, has been appointed as the Chairperson of NASSCOM. Nambiar succeeds Anant Maheshwari, marking a significant change in the leadership of the prominent IT industry association.

Science & Technology

SpaceX Marks Another Milestone with Successful Satellite Launch

SpaceX continues to make strides in space technology with the successful launch of 22 Starlink satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This mission, conducted on 31st August 2023, saw the Falcon 9 rocket making its seventh launch and landing, further cementing SpaceX's position as a leader in space exploration.

Sports

India Shines at the ISSF World Championships 2023

The Indian contingent made a remarkable showing at the ISSF World Championships 2023 held in Baku, Azerbaijan. Clinching a total of 14 medals, including 6 golds, India secured a prestigious third place in the overall standings. This championship served as a qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics, with several Indian athletes securing their spots for the grand event.

Important Days

Celebrating the Spirit of Charity and Education

September 5th marked the observance of two significant events: the International Day of Charity and the National Teachers' Day. The International Day of Charity seeks to encourage philanthropic activities and recognizes the efforts of various charitable organizations and individuals, including the notable work of Mother Teresa. Concurrently, National Teachers' Day, celebrated in honor of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's birth anniversary, acknowledges the invaluable contributions of teachers in shaping society.

State News

Himachal Pradesh Launches SABAL Yojna for Empowering Specially-Abled Children

In a commendable initiative, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the SABAL Yojna on September 4, 2023. This scheme, unveiled during an event organized by the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan and Sampark Foundation, aims to integrate specially-abled children into the mainstream, fostering an inclusive environment and enhancing their quality of life.

Made this far? Now attempt this quiz and test your knowledge! - Daily Current Affairs Quiz - 6 September 2023