Daily Current Affairs 25 September 2023, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 25 September 2023. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on Policy for Border Roads Workers, Bharat Drone Shakti-2023, YUDH ABHYAS, Indian Grand Prix 2023, World Rivers Day 2023.

Top 21 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 25 September 2023

National News

1.India’s first lighthouse festival took place in Goa

• On September 23, India witnessed a historic event as the country’s first-ever lighthouse festival illuminated the picturesque state of Goa. Organized by the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, this festival is part of a grand vision to transform 75 lighthouses across India into thriving tourist hubs.
• The Indian Lighthouse Festival in Goa, which commenced on September 23 and extends to September 25, marks a significant milestone in the journey to resurrect these historic structures and celebrate their cultural and historical significance.
• The festival kicked off with a grand inauguration ceremony at the iconic Fort Aguada Lighthouse in Panjim, Goa. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who spearheads this initiative, inaugurated the event. The Fort Aguada Lighthouse, with its rich history and stunning vistas, provided the perfect backdrop for this transformative endeavor.

2.India Celebrates Milestone with 75% of Villages Declaring ODF Plus Status

• India’s Jal Shakti minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, recently announced a significant achievement in the country’s sanitation efforts. He reported that 75% of Indian villages, totaling about 4.4 lakh, have attained the coveted ‘Open Defecation Free Plus’ (ODF Plus) status. This milestone signifies a crucial step toward fulfilling the goals of the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin by 2024-25.
• An ‘ODF Plus’ village is one that has not only maintained its Open Defecation Free (ODF) status but has also successfully implemented either solid or liquid waste management systems.
• Out of the 4,43,964 ODF Plus villages, the breakdown is as follows: 2,92,497 villages are categorized as ‘ODF Plus Aspiring’ with arrangements for either solid waste or liquid waste management systems. 55,549 villages fall under ‘ODF Plus Rising’ with arrangements for both solid and liquid waste management. 96,018 villages have achieved the status of ‘ODF Plus Model,’ demonstrating comprehensive waste management systems.

International News

3.World’s Second Largest Hindu Temple outside India to be Inaugurated in US

• In a historic moment for devotees of Hinduism and lovers of art and culture, the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, is set to be inaugurated on 8^th October 2023, under the guidance of its spiritual head, Mahant Swami Maharaj.
• This monumental temple, constructed outside of India, is poised to become the second-largest Hindu temple in the world, following the majestic Angkor Wat in Cambodia. With its intricate design, spiritual significance and commitment to sustainability, the Swaminarayan Akshardham stands as an evident to human dedication, tradition and artistry.
• Measuring an impressive 255ft x 345ft x 191ft, the New Jersey Akshardham temple is possibly the second largest temple globally, only surpassed by Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. The temple complex boasts one main shrine, 12 sub-shrines, nine shikhars (spire-like structures) and nine pyramidal shikhars, with the largest elliptical dome of traditional stone architecture ever constructed.

State News

4.Arunachal Pradesh to Gain Three New Air Routes by October

• Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently announced the imminent launch of three additional air routes in Arunachal Pradesh, set to be operational by October of this year.
• These new routes will connect Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, to Rupsi, Jorhat, and Delhi as part of the UDAN-5 scheme.  Arunachal Pradesh is set to benefit significantly from the expansion of air routes, making travel more convenient for its residents. The Tezu airport, now equipped with upgraded facilities, will play a pivotal role in facilitating these new air connections.
• UDAN, or Ude Desh ka Aam Nagarik, is a regional connectivity initiative designed to enhance accessibility to aviation services for the common citizens. The development comes after the inauguration of enhanced infrastructure at the Tezu airport in Lohit district.

5.India gets its 54th Tiger Reserve “Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve” in MP

• The Madhya Pradesh Government has unveiled the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, becoming the seventh tiger reserve in the state and the 54th in India.
• It is spread across Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur districts of Madhya Pradesh. It circumscribes an area of 2,339 square kilometres. It will encompass areas within the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary. A green corridor linking Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) with Durgavati will be developed for the natural movement of the tiger to the new reserve.
• About 1,414 square kilometres in the tiger reserve has been included in the core area and 925.12 square kilometres in the buffer zone, the official said. MP retained the “tiger state” status in the 2022 census with the number of big cats in the state rising to 785 from 526 in 2018.

6.Goa Has Approved A New Beach Shack Policy To Promote Local Tourism Within The State

• Goa, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Orient,” is a coastal paradise in India known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. Recently, the government of Goa has approved a groundbreaking policy named “Goa State Shack Policy 2023-2026” to enhance the beach experience for tourists while promoting sustainable tourism and economic opportunities for the local community. This policy is set to redefine the beach scene in Goa.
• One of the most exciting aspects of the “Goa State Shack Policy 2023-2026” is the provision for the creation of seasonal structures along the beaches. These structures, including deck beds, umbrellas, and beach shacks, are designed to elevate the beach experience for visitors during the upcoming tourist seasons. This innovative approach aims to strike a balance between enhancing tourism and preserving Goa’s natural beauty.
• In an effort to enforce the policy’s guidelines and maintain quality standards, penalties have been introduced. For instance, the penalty for subletting a shack has been increased from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. Additionally, there is a provision for imposing a fine of Rs 10,000 in case a toilet facility is found to be unhygienic, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and sanitation on the beaches.

Defence News

7.India Introduces A Policy To Uphold Dignity Of Border Roads Workers

• India, on a mission to enhance its infrastructure along the country’s remote frontiers, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking policy aimed at dignifying the lives of casual workers employed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved this policy, which not only addresses the preservation and transportation of mortal remains but also raises funeral expenses. This move emphasizes the perilous nature of the work undertaken by these individuals in challenging terrains.
• Until now, the facility for preserving and transporting mortal remains at government expense was exclusively available to BRO’s General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) personnel. However, recognizing the invaluable contribution of casual laborers, this policy extends this privilege to them as well.

8.Inauguration of Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 Exhibition by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to inaugurate the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition at Hindan Air Base in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. In addition to the exhibition, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will formally induct the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force.
• This acquisition follows a Rs 21,935-crore deal between New Delhi and Airbus Defence and Space, which was signed two years ago. Airbus is responsible for delivering the initial 16 C-295 transport aircraft in a ‘fly-away’ condition from its final assembly line in Seville, with completion expected by 2025.
• An industrial partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India will oversee the manufacturing and assembly of the subsequent 40 aircraft.

9.19th edition of YUDH ABHYAS to be conducted in Alaska

• The 19th edition of YUDH ABHYAS is set to commence in Alaska, USA. This annual exercise is a collaborative effort between the Indian Army and the US Army, aimed at strengthening military cooperation and readiness.
• The Indian Army contingent, consisting of 350 personnel, will actively take part in this edition of the exercise. The lead battalion representing India hails from the esteemed MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment.
• During YUDH ABHYAS, both sides will engage in a series of tactical drills geared towards enhancing interoperability, particularly in the context of UN peacekeeping operations. The exercise will facilitate the exchange of views and best practices related to a broad spectrum of combat skills.

Business News

10.Apple Plans to Boost Production in India Fivefold to $40 Billion Over Next 4-5 Years

• Apple, the renowned iPhone maker, is gearing up to significantly expand its manufacturing operations in India. Government sources report that the company aims to increase its production in the country by over fivefold, reaching approximately $40 billion (about 3.32 lakh crore) within the next 4-5 years.
• This ambitious move follows Apple’s successful crossing of the $7 billion production mark in the previous fiscal year. In addition to iPhones, Apple is poised to commence manufacturing AirPods in India. However, it appears that the company currently has no immediate plans to produce iPads, laptops, or participate in IT hardware Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
• According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, Apple holds a commanding 59 percent market share in the ultra-premium smartphone segment (phones priced above Rs 45,000) during the first quarter of 2023. India has emerged as one of the top-five markets for Apple, indicating its growing influence and market presence.

Important Days News

11.International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 2023

• The United Nations observes 26 September every year as the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. This day provides an opportunity to educate the public and their leaders about the real benefits of eliminating such weapons, and the social and economic costs of perpetuating them.
• In 2013, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) declared September 26 to be the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons (Nuclear Abolition Day). The aims of the day are to enhance public awareness about the threat posed to humanity by nuclear weapons and the necessity for their total elimination.
• September 26 is also the anniversary of the incident in 1983 when a nuclear war was almost launched due to malfunctions in the Soviet nuclear weapons early warning system, which erroneously detected a US ballistic missile attack against Moscow. The incident is graphically portrayed in the award winning docu-drama ‘The Man who Saved the World.’

12.World Rivers Day 2023 observed on 24th September

• World Rivers Day, observed on the fourth Sunday in September each year, is a global celebration that underscores the immense value of our rivers and aims to raise public awareness about their significance. This year it will be marked on September 24. This annual event also advocates for the conservation and sustainable management of these vital natural resources.
• The inception of World Rivers Day in 2005 can be traced back to the United Nations’ launch of the Water for Life Decade, spearheaded by Canadian river advocate Mark Angelo. This day’s roots are deeply embedded in BC Rivers Day, an event initiated by Angelo in British Columbia, Canada, in 1980.
• World Rivers Day carries profound significance, serving as a poignant reminder of the pivotal role rivers play in sustaining life on Earth. It fosters collaboration among governments, environmental organizations, community groups, and individuals to protect and restore rivers. This collective effort is crucial for the health of ecosystems, communities, and global economies.

13.Antyodaya Diwas 2023

• Antyodaya Diwas is an annual celebration in India that commemorates the birth anniversary of the revered Indian leader, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. This day serves as a tribute to his life and enduring legacy, honoring one of the most influential figures in India’s political history.
• Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya was not only a co-founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) but also a profound thinker associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His relentless efforts to uplift the marginalized and less fortunate in society are at the core of this celebration, which takes place every year on September 25th.
• Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, born in Mathura on September 25, 1916, holds a significant place in India’s history. In 2014, Indian Prime Minister Modi declared this day a national holiday in his honor. Tragically, he passed away in 1968 near the Mughalsarai Junction railway station. In recognition of his contributions, the Uttar Pradesh government renamed the station as ‘Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction’ in 2018.

14.World Pharmacists Day 2023

• World Pharmacists Day is a globally recognized event observed every year on September 25th. It serves as a dedicated occasion to honor and appreciate the vital contributions of pharmacists to the improvement of global health. This special day underscores the pivotal role that pharmacists play in enhancing human well-being and seeks to raise awareness about their invaluable work.
• The theme for World Pharmacists Day in 2023 is “Pharmacy Strengthening Health Systems.” This theme focuses on recognizing and celebrating the indispensable contributions of pharmacists in the field of medical supplements and healthcare professionals. It emphasizes the role of pharmacists in fortifying healthcare systems worldwide.
• The roots of World Pharmacists Day trace back to its establishment at the 2009 International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Congress held in Istanbul, Turkey. This annual observance was created to highlight the significant importance of pharmacists and pharmacy professionals in the healthcare sector. Over the years, it has evolved into a global celebration of pharmacists’ contributions.

Appointments News

15.Sanjeev Mantri Appointed As MD And CEO Of ICICI Lombard

• In a significant leadership transition, the board of ICICI Lombard General Insurance has appointed Sanjeev Mantri as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of the company. This move follows the resignation of Bhargav Dasgupta, the outgoing MD & CEO, who stepped down ahead of completing his 15-year tenure due to recent regulatory changes.
• Sanjeev Mantri joined ICICI Lombard in 2015 as the Executive Director, where he headed various retail divisions and was responsible for distribution across different channels. His leadership was instrumental in the company’s successful listing, showcasing his expertise in the insurance industry.
• Mantri brings with him a wealth of experience, spanning close to three decades. Prior to his tenure at ICICI Lombard, he held key positions at renowned organizations such as Bennett Coleman and Co. and BNP Paribas. His diverse experience in the financial sector has equipped him with a deep understanding of the complexities of the industry.

Sports News

16.Inaugural Indian Grand Prix 2023: Marco Bezzecchi Secures Victory

• In a thrilling race at the Buddh International Circuit, Italian rider Marco Bezzecchi, representing the Mooney VR46 Racing Team, emerged victorious in the inaugural Indian Grand Prix for the 2023 MotoGP season. This marked Bezzecchi’s third triumph of the season, solidifying his status as a top contender in the championship.
• Jorge Martin, despite leading for a portion of the race, ultimately finished in the second position. Francesco Bagnaia, the championship leader, faced a disappointing crash at Turn 4, marking his third crash of the season and preventing him from securing a podium finish.
• Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo claimed the third-place spot, while KTM’s Brad Binder followed closely in fourth place. Eight-time world champion Marc Marquez, who initially contended for a top position, ran wide and finished in ninth place.

17.Indian team Become First Team To Hit 3000 Sixes In ODI Cricket

• In the second ODI between Team India and Australia in Indore, India achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 3000 ODI sixes. They posted a formidable total of 399/6, striking an impressive 18 sixes during their innings.
• This remarkable feat made India the first team to reach the milestone of 3000 ODI sixes. The West Indies closely trail as the second team on the list with 2953 sixes, while Pakistan holds the third position with 2566 sixes.
• Furthermore, India set a new record against Australia in ODI cricket by scoring 399/6, marking their highest-ever total in matches between the two teams. As a result, Australia faces the daunting task of chasing down a colossal target of 400 runs to level the series.

18.India Clinched 5 Medals On Day One Of Asian Games At Hangzhou In China

• India, known for its strong sporting culture, had a promising start on the first official day of the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. India wrapped up the first official day of the Asian Games 2023 with five medals – three silver and two bronze.
• The women’s 10m air rifle team, comprising Ashi Chouksey, Mehuli Ghosh, and Ramita, set the tone for India by clinching the country’s first medal at the Asian Games 2023. They secured a silver medal in the team event. Ramita, displaying exceptional skill, went on to win an individual bronze in the same category.
• India’s impressive medal streak in rowing continued as Arjun Lal Jat and Arvind Singh, competing in the men’s lightweight double sculls, secured a silver medal. Additionally, the men’s eight teams also performed remarkably and secured a silver medal, further contributing to India’s success. Additionally, the men’s pair represented by Babu Lal Yadav and Lekh Ram secured a bronze, further adding to India’s medal tally in this discipline.

Science and Technology News

19.NASA Capsule With Largest Sample Ever Lands In Utah Desert

• The climactic end of a seven-year voyage comes to an end when a NASA capsule landed in the Utah desert, carrying to Earth the largest asteroid samples ever collected. Scientists have high hopes for the sample, saying it will provide a better understanding of the formation of our solar system and how Earth became habitable.
• Four years after its 2016 launch, the Osiris-Rex probe landed on the asteroid Bennu and collected roughly nine ounces (250 grams) of dust from its rocky surface. Even that small amount, NASA says, should “help us better understand the types of asteroids that could threaten Earth” and cast light “on the earliest history of our solar system.”
• Scientists believe Bennu, which is 1,640 feet in diameter, is rich in carbon — a building block of life on Earth — and contains water molecules locked in minerals.

Obituaries News

20.Former President Of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, Passes Away At The Age Of 98

• Former Italian President Giorgio Napolitano has died at the age of 98. His passing marks the end of an era in Italian politics, as he was not only the longest-serving president but also a central figure in shaping the country’s post-war history.  Napolitano’s impact on Italian politics spanned over six decades.
• Giorgio Napolitano, who served as the President of Italy from 2006 until 2015, was a pivotal figure in the nation’s political landscape. He holds the distinction of being the first president in Italian history to be reelected to the office, a testament to his widespread popularity and the trust placed in him by the Italian people.
• In recognition of his exceptional contributions to Italian politics, Napolitano was appointed Senator for Life in 2005 by former President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, further solidifying his status as a revered statesman.

21.National Award Winning Malayalam Filmmaker K G George Passed Away At 78

• The world of Malayalam cinema mourned the loss of veteran filmmaker K G George, who passed away at the age of 78 in an old age home near Kakkanad. The filmmaker had been battling health issues for the last five years, following a stroke that significantly impacted his life.
• Throughout his career, he explored a wide range of themes in his films, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Some of his most acclaimed works include “Ulkaddal” (1979), “Onappudava” (1978), “Yavanika” (1982), and “Adaminte Variyellu” (1984). These films not only won him critical acclaim but also secured numerous state film awards.
• In 1976, K G George received the National Award for Best Feature Film for “Swapnaadanam,” a testament to his exceptional storytelling abilities. Additionally, his dedication and influence in the Malayalam film industry were recognized in 2015 when he was selected for the J C Daniel Award, the Kerala government’s highest honor for outstanding contributions to Malayalam cinema.

Important Current Affairs of 25 September 2023

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