Daily Current Affairs 20 September 2023, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 20 September 2023. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on Women Reservation Bill, ASEAN Joint Military Drills, African Union, Gandhi Walk, Griha Adhar Scheme, Udhampur Railway Station, Green Financing, ‘DNINE Sports’.

Top 19 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 20 September 2023

National News

1.Cabinet approves Women Reservation Bill granting 33% seats to women in Parliament

• The Union Cabinet took a historic step by approving the Women Reservation Bill, The Bill mandates that one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies will be reserved for women candidates. This provision aims to promote gender equality and increase women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies.
• To ensure fairness and equitable distribution, the reserved seats will be rotated after each general election. This mechanism prevents the monopolization of reserved seats by specific political parties or individuals.
• The Bill also proposes sub-reservation within the 33 percent quota for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Anglo-Indians. This sub-reservation recognizes the importance of addressing intersectional inequalities and promoting diversity in political representation.

International News

2.Indonesia Kicks Off ASEAN Joint Military Drills Amid South China Sea Tension

• Units from the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) recently embarked on their inaugural joint military exercises in Indonesia’s South Natuna Sea. These drills come at a time of escalating geopolitical tensions between major global powers and rising concerns over China’s activities in the South China Sea.
• The five-day military operation, taking place in the South Natuna Sea, primarily focuses on enhancing military skills. These skills encompass areas such as maritime security, patrols, and the distribution of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. According to the Indonesian military, this exercise aims to promote regional stability and cooperation among ASEAN members.
• All ten member nations of ASEAN, including prospective member East Timor, are participating in these joint military drills. The decision to hold this collaborative exercise underscores the commitment of ASEAN countries to maintain regional stability and enhance their collective security.

3.African Union to launch own credit ratings agency

• The African Union is set to launch its own credit ratings agency in the coming year as a direct response to concerns regarding what it perceives as biased credit assessments given to African nations. This move aims to provide a more balanced evaluation of lending risks associated with African countries and bolster investment in the continent.
• The African credit rating agency will primarily function within the African continent and will be financially self-sustaining. Its core objective is to offer a supplementary perspective for investors when making decisions regarding African bonds or extending private loans to African nations, according to the African Union.
• Credit ratings fundamentally assess the likelihood of a borrower defaulting on their obligations and significantly influence the terms under which banks and other financial entities provide loans.

4.Gandhi Walk Resumed In Johannesburg, South Africa After Covid-19 Pandemic

• The 35th edition of the annual Gandhi Walk, a cherished event in the predominantly Indian suburb of Lenasia in Johannesburg, finally returned after being postponed for three long years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over two thousand people who embraced the new format—a delightful six-kilometre walk, accompanied by an array of entertainment. This year’s walk was a departure from the traditional format, emphasizing enjoyment over competition.
• A noteworthy presence at this year’s walk was Harivardan Pitamber, a striking look-alike of Mahatma Gandhi. Pitamber has been an integral part of the Gandhi Walk for many years. Pitamber’s involvement adds an authentic touch and a deep connection to Mahatma Gandhi himself, enhancing the experience for all participants.

5.G77+China summit concludes with emphasis on empowering Global South

• The two-day Summit of the G77+China recently concluded, marking a significant moment for the Global South’s aspirations in the international governance system. This summit brought together delegations from over 100 nations, including more than 30 heads of state and government.
• One significant development at the summit was the declaration by developing countries of September 16 as the annual “Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation in the South.” This initiative aims to rally support from the world, the UN system, and global financial institutions to bolster the efforts of Southern nations in advancing their national science and innovation systems.
• The Group of 77 (G77), established in 1964, consists of over 130 member nations, with its leadership rotating among member nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Notably, G77 member countries collectively represent over 80 percent of the world’s population and comprise more than two-thirds of UN member nations.

6.India-Canada Relations Strained Over Allegations of Sikh Separatist Involvement

• Canada’s prime minister, Justin Trudeau, announced that there was “credible” information linking Indian government agents to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia. The announcement marks a significant worsening of bilateral ties.
• Recently, there was a tragic incident where Hardeep Singh Nijjar was fatally shot outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Nijjar had been advocating for the creation of an independent Sikh nation called Khalistan within India’s Punjab state. He was wanted by Indian authorities and was officially labeled as a “terrorist” in July 2020. Nijjar held a prominent position as the leader of the Khalistan Tiger Force, an organization that India has designated as a terrorist group.
• This incident has given rise to discussions on social media regarding potential connections between Indian intelligence agencies and these overseas deaths, including those that occurred on Canadian soil.

State News

7.CM Pramod Sawant Launches Griha Adhar Scheme To Empower Goan Homemakers

• In a significant move aimed at bolstering the financial independence and well-being of homemakers in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant distributed Griha Adhar sanction orders to a multitude of beneficiaries across the state.
• The Griha Adhar initiative, orchestrated by the Directorate of Women and Child Development, represents a significant stride towards women’s empowerment. By providing financial support to homemakers, this initiative aspires to make them self-reliant and enhance their overall quality of life.
• In addition to the Griha Adhar initiative, Chief Minister Sawant unveiled another transformative program – the Chavath-e-Bazaar. This digital endeavor, launched under the Swayampura Goa Programme, is designed to empower Goan entrepreneurs and self-help groups. By harnessing the potential of e-commerce, Chavath-e-Bazaar aims to provide a platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their products to a wider audience.

8.Nuakhai Juhar 2023

• Today, on the 20th of September, people in Odisha enthusiastically celebrated the Nuakhai festival. Nuakhai is an annual harvest celebration in the state, marking the arrival of the new rice season. It is observed with great fervor, typically falling a day after Ganesh Chaturthi, and holds special significance in Western Odisha and the neighboring areas of Simdega in Jharkhand.
• The word ‘nua‘ translates to new and ‘khai‘ means food – the name of the festival signifies the possession of new rice in granaries, an event that calls for revelry.
• On the day of Nuakhai, the family head collects paddy from the field after offering milk and flowers to the crop and mother earth. It is then offered to the deity revered by the family or the village. While the festival draws people back to their hometowns for traditional greetings and urban feasts, rural areas continue the festivities throughout the entire month, featuring prayers, community dances, and lavish feasts as integral components.

Defence News

9.Udhampur Railway Station renamed as Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station

• After an order was approved by the Jammu and Kashmir administration regarding the renaming of Udhampur railway station, the Northern Railway has notified the change in the name to ‘Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station’, in honour of the Army braveheart.
• It is notified for the information of the general public that with immediate effect, the name of UDHAMPUR (UHP) Railway Station in Firozpur Division of Northern Railway has been changed to “Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan (MCTM) Railway Station.”
• Captain Tushar Mahajan, a dedicated officer in the Indian Army, gave his life in service to his country. He served as a member of the renowned 9 Para Special Forces, often referred to as the ‘9 Parachute Commando.’ Captain Tushar Mahajan was born on May 25, 1987, in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Economy News

10.OECD raises India’s growth forecast for FY24 to 6.3 per cent

• The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has revised its GDP growth projection for India in the fiscal year 2024, forecasting a growth rate of 6.3%. This upward revision represents a notable increase from the previous estimate of 6%. The OECD attributes India’s positive growth surprises to favorable agricultural outcomes driven by favorable weather conditions.
• The OECD has also revised India’s inflation projection, anticipating it to be 5.3%, an increase from the previous estimate of 4.8% made in June. The report points out that while headline inflation has decreased in many countries due to declining food and energy prices in the first half of 2023, core inflation has not experienced a significant slowdown.
• The OECD report also suggests room for modest policy easing in several major economies, including India, Indonesia, Mexico, and South Africa, over the next year. However, it advises a cautious approach to monetary policy until clear signs of lasting relief from inflationary pressures emerge.

Banking News

11.ACKO Launches “Health Insurance ki Subah ho Gayi Mamu” Campaign for Platinum Health Plan

• ACKO, a leading insurance company, has unveiled its latest health insurance offering called the “ACKO Platinum Health Plan.” This comprehensive plan boasts several notable features, including 100% bill payment, no room rent capping, and zero waiting periods.
• To promote this new product, ACKO has reintroduced the beloved characters of Munna Bhai and Circuit from the iconic Bollywood movie series. The campaign is aptly titled “Health Insurance ki Subah ho Gayi Mamu” and has been directed by renowned filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani. Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi reprise their original roles in the campaign.
• The campaign highlights the plan’s unique feature of zero waiting periods, ensuring immediate coverage for policyholders. ACKO emphasizes its commitment to covering 100% of the medical bills, alleviating financial burdens during health crises.  The campaign encourages policyholders to provide full disclosures of their ailments. This transparency simplifies the claims process, leading to a stress-free experience.

Schemes and Committees News

12.Union Education Minister Launches ‘Skills on Wheels’ Initiative to Empower Rural Youth

• Union Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, alongside Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, inaugurated the groundbreaking ‘Skills on Wheels’ initiative.
• The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance the employability of rural youth and prepare them for the challenges of the future job market. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and IndusInd Bank.
• Over a span of five years, the ‘Skills on Wheels’ initiative aims to empower and upskill a staggering 60,000 rural youth. The ultimate goal is to enhance the livelihoods of rural households by equipping their youth with the necessary skills. One of the core objectives of this initiative is to impart essential digital skills to rural youth, with a special focus on women.

13.Government Launches Three Transformative Initiatives for Farmers

• The government has announced the launch of three game-changing initiatives. These initiatives, which focus on agri-credit and crop insurance, were unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar.
• The initiatives are set to amplify financial inclusion, harness technology, and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the country.
• These three initiatives are: 1. Kisan Rin Portal (KRP): A Digital Leap in Agri-Credit. 2. Door to Door KCC Campaign: Ensuring Universal Financial Inclusion and 3. Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) Manual: Data-Driven Insights for Farmers.

Agreements News

14.IREDA Signs MoUs With Bank Of Maharashtra For Green Financing

• The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has joined forces with Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the administrative control of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in the field of renewable energy sector.
• The central objective of this collaboration is to promote and facilitate co-lending and loan syndication for a diverse spectrum of renewable energy projects across India. This initiative aligns with India’s ambitious goals of reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to clean and sustainable energy sources.
• This collaboration emphasizes the significance of financial institutions and government bodies working in tandem, aligning with India’s ambitious aim to attain Net Zero emissions by 2070, as directed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

Summits and Conferences News

15.14th World Spice Congress: Celebrating India’s Spice Heritage

• The 14th edition of the World Spice Congress (WSC) commenced in Vashi, Navi Mumbai. This three-day event is being meticulously organized by the Spices Board India, a subsidiary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with several trade bodies and export forums.
• India, often referred to as the ‘Spice Bowl’ of the world, is known for producing high-quality, rare, and medicinal spices. The World Spice Congress (WSC) aims to create new opportunities for the international trade of Indian spices.
• India cultivates a wide variety of spices, each with its unique characteristics and regional significance. Some of its produces are: Black Pepper: Grown in Kerala, Karnataka, and other southern states, Cardamom: Mainly produced in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, Turmeric: Cultivated in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Odisha etc.

Appointments News

16.HDFC Bank’s Jagdishan Gets 3-Year Extension

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently given its stamp of approval for the reappointment of Sashidhar Jagdishan as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HDFC Bank.
• This tenure extension will see Jagdishan at the helm of the bank for an additional three years, extending his leadership until October 26, 2026. This regulatory decision comes as a significant endorsement of his leadership and strategic vision for one of India’s largest and most influential banking institutions.
• Jagdishan’s contract extension comes several months following the merger of HDFC Ltd, the parent company, with HDFC Bank. This merger resulted in the formation of the second-largest bank in India, trailing only behind the State Bank of India in terms of size and scope. The merger officially took effect on July 1, 2023, leading to the dissolution of the long-standing institution, HDFC Ltd, which had been in operation for 44 years.

Sports News

17.Cricketer Deepak Chahar launches new brand ‘DNINE Sports’

• Cricketer Deepak Chahar, known for his stellar performances on the cricket field, has ventured into the world of sports equipment with the launch of DNINE Sports.
• With an investment of ₹2.5 crore, this sports line promises to revolutionize athletic gear, offering a wide range of products catering to the needs of athletes, including professional cricketers.
• DNINE Sports adopts a multi-pronged approach to distribution, both online and offline. It discusses the company’s strategy for reaching consumers through various channels and the importance of word-of-mouth marketing in building brand awareness.

18.Elavenil Valarivan Wins Air Rifle Gold In Rio World Cup

• Indian shooter Elavenil Valarivan secured a remarkable victory in the women’s 10m air rifle event at the ISSF World Cup 2023 held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on a thrilling Saturday. The 24-year-old Olympian showcased her exceptional skills and nerves of steel as she outperformed her competitors to clinch the coveted gold medal.
• In the final of the women’s 10m air rifle event, Elavenil Valarivan demonstrated her precision and composure, shooting an impressive score of 252.2 from a series of 24 shots. Her remarkable performance allowed her to narrowly edge out France’s Oceanne Muller, who scored 251.9. Jiale Zhang of the People’s Republic of China secured the final podium position with a score of 229.0. In a highly competitive field, a total of eight shooters qualified for the final showdown.

19.Adidas revealed Team India Jersey For ICC World Cup 2023

• Adidas has revealed Team India’s jersey for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023. The upcoming tournament is a historic one for India as they will be hosting the ODI World Cup alone for the very first time.
• With just over two weeks remaining before the ICC World Cup 2023 gets underway, Adidas, Team India’s official kit sponsor, has unveiled the jersey for the Men in Blue. On Wednesday (September 20), Adidas posted a video on their social media platforms to release the jersey.
• In a notable departure from previous designs, the iconic three white stripes on the shoulders of the jersey have been replaced with vibrant tricolor stripes. This bold move serves as a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage and national pride. The jersey also features two stars above the BCCI logo, symbolizing India’s two triumphs in the ODI World Cup – in 1983 and 2011. These stars are a proud reminder of India’s cricketing achievements on the world stage.

Important Current Affairs of 20 September 2023

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