Daily Current Affairs 29th September 2023: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
Dear Readers,
This post contains important current affairs of 29th September 2023. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 29th 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 29th September 2023 Current affairs test.
National Coverage
1. ‘Sankalp Saptaah’ to be Launched by PM on 30th September
- On September 30, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to roll out a week-long campaign named ‘Sankalp Saptaah.’ The primary aim of this campaign is to elevate governance standards at the block level to enhance citizen well-being.
- This week serves as a crucial milestone in the Aspirational Blocks Programme’s progression, with events planned across all 500 Aspirational Blocks from October 3 to October 9, 2023.
- The kick-off ceremony at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, scheduled for September 30, 2023, promises to be significant, featuring around 3,000 participants from panchayat and block level from across India. Moreover, an estimated two lakh individuals, spanning various professions and backgrounds, are expected to virtually engage in the event.
Global Coverage
3. Understanding the Five Eyes Intelligence Coalition
- Commonly known as “Five Eyes,” the Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance is a clandestine intelligence-sharing collaboration between five Anglophone nations.
- This alliance, established in 1946, originated as a pact to exchange signals intelligence between the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, primarily to address the rising Soviet threat during the Cold War era.
- Its inception post World War II marked its significance in influencing worldwide intelligence and security blueprints.
4. Skyrocketing Number of US Visa Applications from Indians in 2023
- In 2023, the US Mission in India achieved a record by processing a remarkable one million non-immigrant visa applications, indicative of the increasing appeal of the US to Indian citizens.
- Accounting for over 10% of global visa applicants, Indians have demonstrated their significant interest in US visas. This upswing is a testament to the continuous attraction the US holds for Indian tourists.
- A noteworthy 20% of all student visa applicants come from India, showcasing their inclination towards American academia. Furthermore, a vast 65% of all H&L-category visa applicants are Indians, emphasizing the robust economic prospects the US extends to Indian professionals.
Regional Updates
6. Inauguration of the First-ever Cartography Museum in Mussoorie
- On World Tourism Day, Uttarakhand’s Tourism and Culture Minister, Satpal Maharaj, unveiled the George Everest Cartography Museum located in the scenic town of Mussoorie.
- Positioned in Park Estate, previously inhabited by the renowned surveyor Sir George Everest, after whom the world’s tallest mountain is named, this museum graces the Hathipaon region of the town.
- A helipad on the George Everest estate has been christened after Radhanath Sikdar, the pioneering mathematician who first measured Mount Everest’s height, setting the stage for later expeditions and surveys in the Himalayan range.
7. Bihar’s Endeavor to Create a New Tiger Reserve in Kaimur
- Plans are underway in Bihar to set up its second tiger reserve, to be located in the Kaimur district. The new reserve is expected to supplement tiger conservation efforts, considering the rising tiger count and the proactive approach of the State Forest Department.
- This proposed tiger reserve in Kaimur will enhance the conservation efforts alongside the already established Valmiki Tiger Reserve in West Champaran.
- Latest figures suggest that Bihar is home to 54 tigers, indicating a commendable increase in the state’s tiger population. The commitment of the State Forest Department to tiger preservation has largely contributed to this positive trajectory, ensuring a promising future for these majestic felines in Bihar.
Financial Sector Highlights
10. Crisil’s Perspective on the Growth of Bank Credit in India
- Prominent research and ratings agency, Crisil, has shared insights regarding the projected trajectory of India’s bank credit for the fiscal year 2023-24. Various elements are seen to influence the predicted deceleration in credit growth.
- The economic growth forecast for the year stands at 6%, marginally lower than the 7.2% observed last year. Wholesale credit, which grew by 15% previously, is now anticipated to witness a growth of roughly 11-11.5%.
- Retail credit, which previously expanded by 19-20%, is projected to maintain its consistent growth rate this year. Agricultural credit is likely to see an expansion of 9-10%, contingent upon the monsoon season. The GDP growth for FY25 is projected at 6.9%.
Ranking and Analysis
13. TCS Tops Kantar BrandZ 2023’s Valuable Indian Brands Report
- Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has secured the top position in the Kantar BrandZ Top 75 Most Valuable Indian Brands of 2023, boasting an impressive brand valuation of $43 billion.
- HDFC Bank remains in second place, with Infosys following in third. Airtel, the telecommunication giant, holds the fourth position while the State Bank of India makes a notable entry into the top five, emphasizing its vital role in India’s financial sector.
- The 2023 rankings are determined from the feedback of a vast 127,634 individuals who evaluated 1,500 brands across 106 categories. This comprehensive survey provides insight into the brand perceptions of Indian consumers, shedding light on current market sentiments and trends.
Agreements Updates
14. Google and HP Join Forces to Manufacture Chromebooks in India
- In collaboration with Google, HP is set to begin the production of Chromebooks in India, with manufacturing commencing on October 2. This initiative aims to offer affordable computing solutions to Indian students, aligning with the “Make in India” government campaign.
- The production hub for these devices will be located at the Flex Facility near Chennai. HP has been operating at this facility since August 2020. This venture by HP and Google intends to reinforce India’s digital education structure by supplying cost-effective and superior computing devices to educational entities, ensuring affordable computer access for students in India.
- Driven by Google’s ChromeOS, Chromebooks play a crucial role in revolutionizing educational systems worldwide. As stated, Chromebooks are the primary devices in K-12 education, aiding over 50 million teachers and students globally due to their cost-effectiveness and user-friendly design.
Appointments Briefs
15. Banmali Agarwal Appointed Chairman of Tata Advanced Systems
- Banmali Agarwal has assumed the role of Chairman of TASL, succeeding the outgoing Vijay Singh. This move reiterates the Tata Group’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the defense and aerospace sectors.
- Agarwal’s notable professional milestones include advising Tata Sons and holding the chairmanship at Tata Electronics.
- Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of Tata Sons, plays a crucial role in the Tata Group’s defense-focused strategies, handling both managerial and operational functions.
Sports Highlights
16. Palak Gulia Wins Gold in Women’s 10m Air Pistol at Asian Games 2023
- During the sixth competition day at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Indian shooters Palak Gulia and Esha Singh showcased their prowess in the women’s 10m air pistol individual category, securing gold and silver medals respectively.
- 17-year-old Palak’s remarkable performance earned her a gold medal, setting a new record with a score of 242.1 points. Esha Singh secured the second spot with 239.7 points. Kishmala Talat of Pakistan clinched the bronze with 218.2 points.
17. Indian Men’s Shooting Team Sets World Record, Clinches Gold at Asian Games
- The shooting trio comprising Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar, Swapnil Suresh Kusale, and Akhil Sheoran bagged a gold medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions Team event at the Asian Games 2023. They set a world record with a score of 1769 points.
- Thanks to this exceptional performance, India has climbed to the fourth position in the Asian Games 2023 medal tally. The Indian women’s shooting team, including Palak, Esha Singh, and Divya Subbaraju, secured a silver medal in the 10m air pistol team event.
- India’s current medal count at the Asian Games 2023 stands at 27, consisting of 7 gold, 9 silver, and 11 bronze medals, reflecting India’s dedication to achieving sports excellence.
Science and Technology Updates
19. Scientists Release Updated Map of ‘8th Continent’ Zealandia
- A global team of geologists and seismologists has produced an updated map of Zealandia, the submerged continent in the Pacific Ocean, offering detailed insights into its geological attributes.
- Often referred to as the “eighth continent”, Zealandia is predominantly underwater, with 94% submerged. The exposed 6% comprises regions like New Zealand and its neighboring islands.
- The history of Zealandia dates back approximately 83 million years when volcanic activities caused the mega-continent Gondwana to fragment, leading to the formation of today’s continents.
In Memoriam
20. Michael Gambon, Renowned for his Role as Professor Dumbledore, Passes Away
- Michael Gambon, best known for his portrayal of Professor Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series, has passed away at the age of 82.
- Born in Ireland on October 19, 1940, and later relocating to London, Gambon achieved fame in 1980 with his standout role in “Life of Galileo” at London’s National Theatre.
- Throughout his illustrious career, Gambon took on a myriad of roles, ranging from a menacing gangster in “The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover” to the beloved Professor Dumbledore, a role he assumed after Richard Harris in 2002.
21. Passing of Ashwin Dani, Co-Founder of Asian Paints
- Ashwin Dani, a pivotal figure and non-executive director at Asian Paints, passed away on September 28, 2023, at the age of 79. His invaluable contributions to Asian Paints and the global paint industry remain unmatched.
- Joining the Asian Paints team in 1968, which was founded by his father and three other visionaries in 1942, Dani played a significant role in the company’s exponential growth. He pioneered India’s first computerized color mixing system, propelling the company to greater heights.
- Apart from his business acumen, Dani was a fervent yoga practitioner and art enthusiast, reflecting his wide-ranging interests and passion for life.
