Daily Current Affairs 28th September, 2023

Daily Current Affairs 28th September 2023: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation

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This post contains important current affairs of 28th September 2023. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 28th September 2023. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these current affairs we would recommend to you to try 28th September 2023 Current affairs test.

Domestic News

1. Prime Minister Attends 20th Anniversary of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi graced the 20th-anniversary event of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit at Ahmedabad’s Science City. This initiative has evolved considerably over the past two decades, showcasing the growth and transformation of Vibrant Gujarat.
• Launched on September 28, 2003, under the leadership of the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modi, the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit has transformed into a globally recognized business event. It began as a platform to enhance Gujarat’s stature and facilitate international interactions.
• The Summit aims to project Gujarat’s administrative capabilities, India’s potential across various sectors, and to shine a spotlight on India’s talent and cultural heritage. It has grown exponentially from hosting a few hundred attendees in 2003 to over 40,000 participants from 135 countries in its recent editions.

International Updates

2. Delay in Sri Lanka’s IMF Financial Assistance Due to Debt Concerns

• Sri Lanka’s expected $2.9 billion IMF financial aid second installment has been paused due to complications arising from external debt adjustments. The country, currently in its deepest economic slump, is grappling with dwindling foreign currency reserves and extensive public protests over shortages of essential commodities.
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had earlier approved a 48-month extended arrangement for Sri Lanka in March, allocating $2.9 billion under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to assist and revamp its economic plans.
• Before proceeding further, the IMF’s Executive Board is awaiting the completion of financial assurance assessments, ensuring efficient debt restructuring. This process is vital to instill confidence that the debt targets will be met within the stipulated program duration.

3. India and UN Launch Major Global Capacity Enhancement Program

• A significant capacity-building venture, the “India-UN Capacity Building Initiative,” has been jointly inaugurated by India and the United Nations. This initiative aims to share India’s developmental experiences, efficient strategies, and expertise with Global South countries.
• Collaborating with the UN India team and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the program leverages India’s Technical and Economic Cooperation platform to spread India’s growth narratives and best practices globally.
• This initiative builds upon India’s existing cooperative efforts in capacity enhancement with other nations. The commitment of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund to global development is evident, as it has initiated 75 developmental projects in 61 countries over the last six years.

Regional News

4. Extension of AFSPA in Manipur’s Hill Regions

• Manipur’s government has decided to extend the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another six months throughout the state, excluding specific areas in the Imphal Valley.
• The controversial AFSPA grants extensive powers to the military and central security forces in designated “disturbed areas.” This includes the authority to use force, arrest individuals without a warrant, and enjoy immunity from legal repercussions without central government approval.
• The “disturbed area” label under AFSPA remains applicable to all of Manipur’s hill areas. However, it has been progressively lifted from the valley regions, primarily in the Meitei community areas, reflecting the improving security scenario.

5. Uttarakhand Inks Agreement with Poma Group for Ropeway Construction

• With an aim to boost its tourism and infrastructure, the Uttarakhand government has formalized a partnership with the renowned French ropeway construction firm, Poma Group. This landmark Rs 2,000 crore MoU was signed by Vinay Shankar Pandey, representing the Uttarakhand government as the Secretary of Industries, during an event in London.
• Poma Group, a global leader in ropeway construction, has previously contributed to Uttarakhand’s transportation infrastructure, with the Auli ropeway in the Chamoli district being a notable project. The group’s expertise is currently vital for the ongoing ropeway projects in Dehradun-Mussoorie and Yamunotri.

Defense News

6. Indian Air Force Receives the First Dornier Do-228 from HAL

• In a significant milestone for the Indian Air Force (IAF), it has acquired the first of six Dornier Do-228 aircraft, manufactured exclusively by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This addition promises to bolster IAF’s operational capabilities, marking a key step in the military’s modernization initiative.
• The foundation for this advancement was laid in March when an agreement was reached between the Ministry of Defence and HAL for the procurement of six Dornier-228 aircraft, allocating a budget of Rs 667 crore.
• The newly inducted Dornier-228 aircraft features an array of enhancements, including new engine configurations, advanced propeller designs, state-of-the-art avionics, and a modern glass cockpit, significantly boosting its operational efficiency.

Significant Days

7. World Maritime Day 2023 – Honoring Global Maritime Workers

• Celebrated on September 28, the last Thursday of the month, World Maritime Day acknowledges the invaluable contributions of global maritime industry personnel.
• The word ‘maritime’ originates from the Latin term ‘maritimus,’ signifying ‘related to the sea.’ This day serves as a reminder of the crucial roles played by maritime professionals in our daily lives.
• The 2023 theme for World Maritime Day is “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment continues,” reflecting the organization’s dedication to protecting the environment from the impacts of shipping through strict regulatory practices.

8. World Rabies Day 2023 – Promoting Global Rabies Awareness

• Annually, on September 28, World Rabies Day is observed to raise awareness about rabies, a deadly disease transmitted between animals and humans, resulting in many fatalities each year.
• Initiated by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), this day highlights the importance of rabies prevention.
• This year’s theme, “All for 1, One Health for All,” underscores the collaborative efforts across health sectors, including human, animal, and environment, to effectively combat rabies.

9. World Heart Day 2023 – Championing Global Heart Health

• World Heart Day, observed every September 29th, seeks to raise awareness about heart diseases and promote preventive measures against cardiovascular conditions.
• Being the leading cause of deaths worldwide, cardiovascular diseases underscore the need for a persistent focus on heart health. The 2023 themefor World Heart Day, “Heart Choices, Not Hard Choices,” motivates individuals to prioritize healthy lifestyles for better heart health.
• World Heart Federation (WHF) encourages everyone to actively participate by organizing awareness programs, health checks, and even marathons to further the cause.

National News

11. India’s Aging Population 2023 Report

• Over the coming years, India is poised to witness a swift aging of its populace. By 2050, the elderly are forecasted to make up over a fifth of the nation’s total populace.
• This demographic transition is accentuated in the “India’s Aging Population 2023 Report”, collaboratively released by the International Institute for Population Sciences and the UN Population Fund.
• The study delves into multiple facets of this aging trajectory, discussing the evolving ratio of the elderly to those of working age, discrepancies in life expectancy based on gender, and the subsequent repercussions on socio-economic policies.
• The document points out the consistent rise of India’s elderly population, observing a moderate to high growth rate since the 60s. Although this growth remained slow-paced up to 2001, it’s projected to rise more swiftly in the ensuing decades.

12. THE World University Rankings 2024 Announcement

• The Times Higher Education (THE) has launched its 20th edition of the Global University Rankings, displaying the premier global educational institutions.
• The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, has made a landmark achievement, being the foremost among Indian institutions. This is the first time since 2017 that IISc has clinched this position, highlighting its commitment to academic and research excellence.
• Oxford University from the UK has secured the top global position for the eighth year in a row. Following Oxford, Stanford University from the US has been ranked second.
• MIT occupies the third slot in these rankings. This 2024 version, the most extensive yet, lists 1,904 universities from 108 global territories and countries, appraising them based on 18 core mission indicators.

13. India’s Position in the Global Innovation Index 2023

• India stands at the 40th position among 132 economies in the 2023 Global Innovation Index. This is released by the World Intellectual Property Organization. Over recent years, India has climbed the ranks, moving from 81st in 2015 to 40th in 2023.
• This year, the unveiling of the Global Innovation Index 2023 for India will be hosted virtually on September 29th, 2023, by the NITI Aayog in collaboration with the CII and WIPO.
• For the 13th consecutive year, Switzerland holds the title of 2023’s most innovative economy. It’s followed by Sweden, the US, the UK, and Singapore. The Global Innovation Index 2023 offers insights into the performance of various other economies.

14. Surge in Green Office Space in Bengaluru, 2023

• Bengaluru has been recognized as the metropolis with the leading amount of eco-friendly office spaces, as depicted in the ‘Indian Real Estate: Making Significant Progress – 2023 Mid-Year Insight’ report. This was co-published by CBRE, a property consulting firm, and the Confederation of Indian Industry during a realty conference.
• Notably, there’s been a 36% augmentation in green-certified office areas in six primary Indian cities since 2019. The total square footage of these spaces grew from 251 million in 2019 to a staggering 342 million in 2023.
• This documentation underscores the expansive growth of green office spaces in the last four years, indicative of the industry’s proactive approach towards environmental challenges and the dynamic local and global ESG norms.

Sports Updates

15. India Triumphs at Asian Games 2023 in 10m Air Pistol Men’s Team Event

• India’s marksmen have maintained their exceptional form at the Asian Games, securing their sixth gold in the Men’s 10m Air Pistol Team category.
• The triumphant trio comprising Sarabjot Singh, Shiva Narwal, and Arjun Singh Cheema displayed stellar skill, clinching the gold by edging out the host Chinese team by a solitary point. Their victory not only augmented India’s gold tally but also ensured Sarabjot and Arjun’s qualification for the individual finals in the same category.
• With a combined score of 1734, the Indian trio exhibited their shooting prowess, surpassing the Chinese contenders to grasp the gold. Their slim victory margin is a testament to their impeccable accuracy and resolve.

Science and Tech Highlights

17. Google’s Earthquake Alert System Debuts for Android in India

• Tech behemoth Google has rolled out its Earthquake Alerts System for Android users in India. This system, available in multiple regional languages, was crafted in association with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Seismology Center (NSC).
• The system utilizes the miniature accelerometers in Android devices, generally designed to gauge device motion, but has been repurposed by Google to sense seismic movements.
• Google has affirmed that this alert system will be activated across India in the coming week, promising Android users nationwide a potentially life-saving tool.

18. NASA’s Ambitious Psyche Mission to Probe Metallic Asteroid

• NASA’s Psyche mission is an adventurous endeavor aimed at exploring a unique metallic asteroid situated between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. The intriguing aspect of this asteroid, christened Psyche, is that it’s largely made up of materials thought to be the naked nickel-iron core of an early planet—one of the original constituents of our solar system.
• Most rocky planets, including Earth, conceal their metallic cores beneath protective layers of crust and mantle. Psyche provides a rare chance to inspect such a core without these coverings. Researchers hope this will shed light on the chaotic processes of planetary creation that happened through violent collisions and slow agglomerations.
• Arizona State University is at the helm of this mission, with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory taking charge of operations, navigation, and mission management. Maxar (previously known as SSL) will be responsible for building the spacecraft’s solar-electric propulsion system, which will be complemented by a variety of scientific tools.

19. Perseverance Mars Rover Breaks Speed Record with Advanced AutoNav

• NASA’s Mars rover, Perseverance, has set an outstanding record, navigating a vast rocky field in record time—three times faster than its predecessor, Curiosity.
• The rover’s ability to traverse this challenging expanse is attributed to its cutting-edge AutoNav system, enabling it to drive autonomously. This is a marked advancement from previous rovers, which had more restricted auto-navigation capabilities.
• With the aid of AutoNav, Perseverance managedto cross 125 meters during a single Mars day (Sol), an unprecedented feat. The rover, equipped with its autonomous capabilities, is primed to explore the Martian terrains in greater depth.

20. AI Decodes Ancient Texts, Offering Insight into Early Civilizations

• Computer scientists, in collaboration with archaeologists, have employed artificial intelligence (AI) to decode ancient scripts from bygone civilizations. This innovative application of AI could offer novel insights into our collective history.
• By analyzing fragmented inscriptions from ancient relics, the AI tool, labeled “AncientTextNet”, has managed to decipher languages that have remained enigmatic for centuries. This endeavor, as per the team, could transform our understanding of the past, bridging significant knowledge gaps.
• The artificial intelligence model has successfully decoded a myriad of scripts, which include those from the Indus Valley Civilization. The findings, replete with cultural, economic, and societal intricacies, promise to redefine our understanding of ancient civilizations.