Current Affairs september-20th-2023


National News

1. Union Minister Of Civil Aviation Inaugurates ‘Udaan Bhawan’ At Delhi’s Safdarjung Airport

Usthadian Academy

  • In a significant development for Delhi's Safdarjung Airport, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated ‘Udaan Bhawan,’ a cutting-edge integrated office complex.
  • This facility is well-appointed with modern conference rooms, advanced AV systems, robust IT infrastructure, efficient parking management, a tranquil Yoga room, a convenient creche facility, and electric vehicle charging stations.
  • Udaan Bhawan boasts a prestigious GRIHA-5 rating, underscoring its commitment to sustainability through features like natural daylight utilization, energy-efficient LED fixtures, glazed curtain-wall assembly, and a double-skin Façade System to minimize heat gain. Notably, it also emphasizes wastewater recycling and management.

2. Hoysala Temples Now India’s 42nd UNESCO’s World Heritage Site

Usthadian Academy

  • The Hoysala temples in Karnataka, including Belur, Halebid, and Somnathpura, have earned the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage status.
  • This recognition marks India's 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • These temples, constructed during the 12th and 13th centuries, blend Dravidian architecture with influences from Central India's Bhumija style, northern and western Nagara traditions, and Karnataka Dravida modes preferred by the Kalyani Chalukyas.

3. Old Parliament Building To Be Called As ‘Samvidhan Sadan’

Usthadian Academy

  • As India's Parliament relocates to a modern building, the old Parliament building, a historic structure designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker in 1927, will be renamed ‘Samvidhan Sadan’ or ‘Constitution House.’
  • This iconic building has witnessed key moments in Indian history, including the drafting of the constitution.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of preserving this legacy and connecting future generations to the leaders who convened here in the Constituent Assembly.

Defence News

4. Coastal Security Drill ‘Operation Sajag’ Conducted By Indian Coast Guard Along The West Coast

Usthadian Academy

  • The Indian Coast Guard conducted 'Operation Sajag' along the west coast, a comprehensive drill vital for coastal security.
  • This operation involved multiple stakeholders and focused on verifying documents and crew passes of fishing boats, barges, and crafts at sea.
  • With the participation of 118 ships from Customs, Marine Police, Ports, and the Indian Navy, this unified effort demonstrates the commitment to safeguard India’s coastal regions.
  • Biometric card readers were introduced to streamline identification processes, enhancing security.

5. SECOND EDITION OF INDIAN NAVY’S NAVAL INNOVATION AND INDIGENISATION SEMINAR (SWAVLAMBAN-2023)

Usthadian Academy

  • The Indian Navy is set to host the second edition of the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation (NIIO) Seminar, known as ‘Swavlamban 2023,’ on October 4th and 5th, 2023.
  • This event will showcase 75 prototypes and live demonstrations of promising technologies, highlighting the Navy’s commitment to innovation and self-reliance.
  • 'SPRINT,' an initiative unveiled in the inaugural edition, continues to drive indigenous technology adoption and innovation in the defense sector.

6. P-7 Heavy Drop Parachute System: A Game Changer For India’s Armed Forces

Usthadian Academy

  • India's defense capabilities receive a substantial boost with the indigenous P-7 Heavy Drop Parachute System, designed to enhance paradropping capabilities.
  • This system, developed entirely within India, can para-drop military stores weighing up to 7 tons from IL 76 aircraft.
  • Its maximum load-bearing capacity of 8,500 kg and adaptable drop speeds of 260 to 400 kph ensure secure cargo delivery even in challenging conditions.

Banking News

7. SBI Revolutionizes NRI Banking: Digital NRE/NRO Account Setup Via YONO

Usthadian Academy

  • The State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a cutting-edge digital platform for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to easily open NRE and NRO savings and current accounts.
  • This innovative service simplifies and expedites the account opening process for "new to bank" (NTB) customers.
  • NRE accounts are for securely housing foreign earnings, while NRO accounts manage income earned within India.
  • SBI's digitized account opening process ensures efficiency and precision, offering a comprehensive solution for NRI banking needs.

8. SBI’s Innovative Approach To Prevent Loan Default: Chocolates At Borrowers’ Doorsteps

Usthadian Academy

  • State Bank of India (SBI) has adopted an innovative approach to improve loan collections by personally visiting borrowers' homes unannounced and surprising them with chocolates.
  • This proactive strategy aims to enhance loan recovery, particularly as SBI's retail lending has experienced substantial growth.
  • Collaborating with fintech companies utilizing AI technology further strengthens loan recovery efforts.

9. RBI Releases List Of 15 NBFCs In ‘Upper Layer’ Under Scale Based Regulation (SBR)

Usthadian Academy

  • In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a list of 15 NBFCs categorized in the 'Upper Layer' (UL) of Scale Based Regulation (SBR).
  • This innovative framework classifies NBFCs based on asset size and critical factors, providing a clear regulatory roadmap.
  • The Upper Layer includes NBFCs subject to enhanced regulatory requirements, ensuring robust oversight.

Important Days News

10. International Red Panda Day 2023: A Call To Protect A Precious Species

Usthadian Academy

  • International Red Panda Day, celebrated every third Saturday in September, aims to raise awareness about the endangered red panda.
  • These charming creatures, native to the Eastern Himalayas, face imminent danger due to human activities.
  • By participating in this day, we contribute to global conservation efforts, supporting organizations like the Red Panda Network and WWF in their mission to protect this precious species.

Schemes and Committees News

11. SHREYAS Scheme Empowers Thousands: Over 2300 Crore Rupees Allocated For Education Of SC And OBC Students Since 2014

Usthadian Academy

  • The Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS scheme) has empowered numerous students from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) since its inception in 2014.
  • This comprehensive scheme provides high-quality coaching to economically disadvantaged SC and OBC candidates, enabling them to excel in competitive exams and gain admission to prestigious institutions.

12. Prime Minister Modi Launches PM Vishwakarma Scheme To Empower Traditional Artisans

Usthadian Academy

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme on Vishwakarma Jayanti, offering low-interest loans without collateral to traditional craftsmen and artisans.
  • With a substantial allocation of Rs 13,000 crore over five years, this scheme supports approximately 30 lakh families of traditional artisans, enhancing the accessibility and quality of their products and services.

Appointments News

13. Dhananjay Joshi Appointed Chairman Of Telecom Industry Body DIPA

Usthadian Academy

  • Dhananjay Joshi, MD and CEO of Summit Digitel, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA).
  • He takes over from Akhil Gupta, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, who served as Chairman since 2011.
  • Sandeep Girotra, CEO of American Tower India, has been named as the new vice chairman. These changes in leadership will take effect from October 1, 2023.

Books and Authors News

14. Shri Apurva Chandra Unveils “People’s G20”, An EBook On India’s G20 Presidency

Usthadian Academy

  • Apurva Chandra, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, unveiled the ebook "People’s G20" in New Delhi.
  • This ebook provides a comprehensive insight into India’s G20 Presidency, documenting its role in the G20 Summit and various initiatives. Divided into three parts, it offers a detailed account of India's impact on the G20 and its Presidency.

Sports News

15. Diamond League Final In Eugene 2023: Mondo Duplantis Breaks Pole Vault World Record

Usthadian Academy

  • Mondo Duplantis, the Swedish pole vault sensation and reigning world and Olympic champion, achieved a remarkable feat at the 2023 Diamond League Final in Eugene.
  • He cleared the bar at 23 meters, breaking his own world record set in Clermont-Ferrand.
  • This marked the seventh time Duplantis had broken the pole vault world record, showcasing his exceptional skill and athleticism.