12 September 2023 Current Affairs – The Day’s Top News | GKSERIES

Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why; many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 12 September 2023, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.

So, here is the Top News of the Day for 12 September to help you prepare the Latest Current Affairs part. After reading this section, you can successfully attempt Current Affairs Quiz.

Current Affairs for Competitive Exam – 12 September 2023

United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation 2023

Every year on September 12, numerous countries around the world observe United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation. The United Nations’ Day for South-South Cooperation celebrates the economic, social and political developments made in recent years by regions and countries in the South and highlights United Nations efforts to work on technical cooperation among developing countries. The International Labour Organization (ILO) plays a pivotal role in championing workers’ rights on a global scale, and in an increasingly interconnected world it recognizes the significance of South-South and triangular cooperation as a key avenue for achieving its mission. The ILO has also contributed to the establishment of the role of South-South partnership in assisting nations in meeting their development goals and in achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023

This year the ILO has partnered with the governments of Brazil, China and India to launch new programmes and reaffirm commitments. Funded by the government of Brazil, a programme on South-South Cooperation for Social Justice in the Global South, and a programme on Public Employment Services and Skills development in ASEAN, funded by the government of China, have been launched. A project in the Caribbean on skills development and climate change, which is closing phase one, is receiving new impetus for a second phase through the United Nations India Fund.

United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation 2023, Theme

“Solidarity, Equity, and Partnership: Unlocking South-South Cooperation to Achieve the SDGs” is this year’s topic.

History of United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation

Cooperation among nations has been a fundamental principle of the United Nations (UN) since its inception. The importance of South-South collaboration has expanded as income, GDP, and human development gaps between countries in different regions have grown. The primary objective of this initiative is to foster collaboration among developing nations. This led to the establishment of the United Nations Development Program in 1965 and, in 1974, the creation of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation as a key UN body responsible for coordinating various cooperation efforts.

The genesis of South-South cooperation programs can be traced back to 1978, following the Global South conference, which marked an early milestone in facilitating this type of international collaboration. As technology advanced, technical collaboration became increasingly important for poorer countries’ economic development. The annual United Nations Conference on South-South Cooperation arose as a venue for establishing particular goals, programmes, and targets to encourage this type of international cooperation. In 2009, the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation gained independent status within the UN, providing it with greater resources and capacity to plan and execute large-scale cooperative initiatives. A significant milestone occurred in 2015 with the adoption of the Agenda for Sustainable Development, a crucial document outlining the UN’s South-South Cooperation agenda. This adoption has spurred numerous governments to engage in collaborative efforts, implementing technical cooperation programs that contribute to the economic advancement of developing nations.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams: 

• International Labour Organization Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo;
• International Labour Organization Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland;
• International Labour Organization Founded: 1919.

Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes-2022 announced by CSIR

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has announced the recipients of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) awards for 2022, which are considered among India’s most prestigious science honours. The announcement was issued on September 26, the CSIR’s foundation day, after an unexplained delay of nearly a year. The CSIR had announced the Bhatnagar winners for 2021 nearly two years ago.

All the 12 winners for 2022 are men just as they were for 2021. The 2020 winners had included two women scientists.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023

This year’s awardees constitute 12 scientists below the age of 45 and they include

About the award Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) awards

The Bhatnagar prizes are named after S.S. Bhatnagar, who was the CSIR’s first director general from 1942 to 1954. The SSB Prize, instituted in the memory of the first Director General of the CSIR, is usually announced on the foundation day of the institution on September 26. Bhatnagar Award, each of the value of Rupees five lakh, are awarded annually for notable and outstanding research, applied or fundamental, in the following disciplines:

• Biological Sciences: This is jointly awarded to Dr. Ashwani Kumar of CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology and Dr. Maddika Subba Reddy of Centre for DNA Fingerprinting Diagnostics.
• Chemical Sciences: This is jointly awarded to Dr. Akkattu T Biju of the Indian Institute of Science and Dr. Debabrata Maiti of the Indian Institute of Technology (Bombay)
• Earth, Atmosphere and Planetary Sciences: This is awarded to Dr. Vimal Mishra of the Indian Institute of Technology (Gandhinagar)
• Engineering Sciences: Dr. Dipti Ranjan Sahoo of the Indian Institute of Technology (Delhi) and Dr. Rajnish Kumar of the Indian Institute of Technology (Madras) share this honour.
• Mathematical Sciences: This jointly awarded to Dr. Apoorva Khare of the Indian Institute of Science and Dr. Neeraj Kayal of Microsoft Research Lab
• Medical Sciences: This is awarded to Dr. Dipyaman Ganguli of CSIR- Indian Institute of Chemical Biology
• Physical Sciences: This is jointly awarded to Dr. Anindya Das of the Indian Institute of Science and Dr. Basudeb Dasgupta of Physics Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.

RBI, NPCI Introduce Credit Lines On UPI, Conversational Payments

In a significant move aimed at enhancing India’s digital payment ecosystem, Shaktikanta Das, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, announced a series of new UPI (Unified Payments Interface) capabilities developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). These introduced features are set to revolutionize the way Indians transact and manage their finances.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023

1. Credit Line on UPI: Promoting Financial Inclusion and Innovation

• One of the standout features introduced by the central bank is the concept of ‘Credit Line on UPI.’ The basic concept behind this function is to give pre-approved credit lines from banks via UPI, hence making credit more accessible to a larger population.
• This initiative incorporates various elements such as the linkage of pre-sanctioned credit lines, the creation of digital credit products by banks, interest-free credit periods with defined interest rates, and a clear schedule of charges.
• Additionally, it offers customer engagement channels for credit sanction requests and the ability to link different pre-sanctioned credit lines through UPI-enabled apps for seamless transactions.

2. UPI Lite X: Taking Offline Payments to the Next Level

• During the Global Fintech Fest 2023, NPCI presented ‘UPI Lite X,’ an improvement of the previously available UPI Lite functionality. This idea aims to make offline payments more convenient.
• Users can now send and receive money offline using any compatible device that supports Near Field Communication (NFC).
• This development is set to empower users in areas with limited or intermittent network connectivity to continue their financial transactions smoothly.

3. UPI Tap & Pay: Effortless Payments through QR Codes and NFC Technology

• In line with the goal of enhancing the adoption of QR codes and NFC technology, NPCI introduced ‘UPI Tap & Pay.’
• This feature enables customers to make payments at merchant locations by simply tapping NFC-enabled QR codes.
• This touchless payment method not only enhances convenience but also aligns with global trends in contactless payments, providing a safer and more hygienic payment option.

4. Conversational Payments: A New Era of Voice-Enabled Transactions

• Perhaps the most exciting announcement is the launch of conversational UPI and bill payments. The ‘Hello! UPI‘ feature facilitates voice-enabled payments via UPI applications, telephone calls, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices.
• Initially available in Hindi and English, this feature will be made available in a variety of regional languages in the near future.
• Users can issue voice commands to transfer funds and input their UPI PIN to complete transactions, simplifying the process and making it more accessible to diverse segments of the population.

5. BillPay Connect: Streamlining Bill Payments

• NPCI’s subsidiary, Bharat BillPay, introduced the ‘BillPay Connect‘ feature for conversational bill payments.
• The goal of this feature is to develop a standardised mechanism for bill payments across India, allowing customers to retrieve and pay their invoices by sending a simple ‘Hi’ on their messaging application.
• Importantly, this feature caters to individuals without smartphones or immediate mobile data access, as they can pay their bills by giving a missed call.
• This initiates a call back for verification and payment authorization. Furthermore, ‘BillPay Connect’ offers voice-assisted bill payments and the option to settle bills at physical collection centers through payment soundbox devices.

These new UPI features unveiled by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das and developed by NPCI signify a significant step toward a more inclusive, convenient, and innovative digital payments landscape in India. As these features become increasingly accessible to a broader audience, they are expected to reshape the way Indians transact and manage their financial affairs, ultimately driving the nation’s digital payment revolution forward.

SAFF U16 Championship Final: India Crowned Champions After Beating Bangladesh In Final

India won the SAFF U-16 Championship 2023 with a 2-0 victory over Bangladesh in the final match, which took place on September 10 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023

Blue Colts Clinch Top Spot in Group A

Under the guidance of head coach Ishfaq Ahmed, the Blue Colts claimed the top position in Group A. They secured hard-fought 1-0 victories against Bangladesh and Nepal, followed by a commanding performance that saw them net eight goals against the Maldives in the semifinals. Surprisingly, the team accomplished this accomplishment without conceding a single goal throughout the tournament.

The Early Breakthrough

India’s initial breakthrough came early, just eight minutes into the match. Levis Zangminlun provided an incisive through ball to forward Bharat Lairenjam, who swiftly invaded the space ahead and slotted the ball between the legs of Bangladesh goalkeeper Mohammad Nahidul Islam to score.

Bangladesh’s Response and Missed Opportunity

Bangladesh responded to India’s goal and got a chance to equalise but Mohammed Mursed Ali made an unfortunate mistake. The forward evaded the offside trap and received a through ball from Bangladesh captain Nazmul Huda Faysal. However, India custodian Suraj Singh raced forward quickly to close the angle, allowing Ali to miss the target.

India’s Dominance in the First Half

Throughout the first half, Levis Lairenjam and India’s captain, Mate Ngamgouhou, consistently pressured the Bangladeshi defence, creating multiple scoring opportunities. A long ball was lofted towards the Bangladesh penalty area in the 34th minute, prompting Indian striker Mohammad Arbash to give chase. Recognising that Bangladeshi goalkeeper Nahidul Islam had ventured off his line to attempt a clearance, Arbash seized the moment. He skillfully attempted to head the ball over the onrushing keeper. However, Islam was quick to react, successfully punching the ball out of harm’s way and preserving the 1-0 scoreline as the teams entered halftime.

Sealing the Victory with Style

India started the second half with the same intensity. Their relentless search for another goal bore fruit in the 74th minute with a sublime strike. Samson Ahongshangbam started a promising move down the left wing before switching play wonderfully to send the ball to Levis Zangminlun on the opposite flank.Engaging in a swift one-two pass with Vishal Yadav, Zangminlun outsmarted his defender to find himself in open space. Taking a moment to set himself, he then unleashed a devastating left-footed strike that sailed into the back of the net, doubling India’s advantage.

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

• India Under-17 Head coach: Ishfaq Ahmed
• Best Goalkeeper of SAFF U16 Championship: Suraj Singh
• Most Valuable Player (MVP) & Highest Scorer of SAFF U16 Championship : Mohammed Arbash

PM Modi and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia discussed India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, on 11 September in New Delhi. The presidents discussed a variety of bilateral issues, including how to strengthen the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023

The economic corridor is expected to boost economic growth and digital connectivity across Asia, West Asia, and Europe.

1. Both leaders co-chaired the first Meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) and signed the minutes of the meeting.
2. The Crown Prince’s visit is part of a three-day state visit to India, during which he will attend the 18th G20 Summit.
3. India and Saudi Arabia have strong economic and socio-cultural ties, with India being the second-largest trade partner for Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia the fourth-largest trading partner for India.
4. Bilateral trade between the two countries during the Financial Year 2022-23 was valued at over $52 billion, and Saudi direct investments in India exceeded $3 billion.
5. Energy cooperation is a significant aspect of their relationship, with Saudi Arabia playing a crucial role in ensuring India’s energy security. During the fiscal year 2022-23, it remained India’s third-largest source of crude and petroleum products.

First Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights in New Delhi on 12 September 2023

On September 12, 2023, President Droupadi Murmu will open the inaugural Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights in New Delhi. The event hosted eminent scientists, farmers, and resource persons from 59 countries worldwide.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023

1. The symposium focused on discussing critical issues related to Farmers’ Rights, which are outlined in Article 9 of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
2. India is the first country in the world to incorporate Farmers’ Rights into the framework of Plant Variety Registration, as done by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act of 2001.
3. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar also participated in the event.

India defeated Pakistan by 228 runs in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup Cricket ODI

India defeated Pakistan by 228 runs in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup Cricket ODI. The match took place at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on September 11, following several rain delays since Sunday.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023

India dominated with both the bat and the ball, setting a winning goal of 357 runs and reducing Pakistan to 128 all out in 32 overs. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul scored centuries, with Kohli contributing 122 runs off 94 balls and Rahul scoring 111 runs off 106 balls. Kohli achieved the milestone of becoming the fastest player to reach 13,000 ODI runs, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record, accomplishing this feat in just 267 innings. This century marked Kohli’s 47th in One-Day Internationals.

Openers Rohit Sharma (56 runs) and Shubman Gill (58 runs) provided India with a strong start in the match. Kuldeep Yadav took 5 wickets for India.

Coco Gauff won Women’s Singles title at the US Open tennis tournament 2023

Coco Gauff won her maiden Women’s Singles title at the US Open tennis tournament. On September 10, 2023, in New York, she defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the title match.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023

Gauff won a hard-fought match with a final score of 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. Gauff won three major titles in 40 days and 18 of her previous 19 matches. Her previous titles were at the Washington Open and Cincinnati Open in August. Coco Gauff, age 19 years is the first American teenager to win the US Open singles title in the 21st century. She is only the third American overall to achieve this feat in the history of the tournament.

UK Commits $2 Billion to UN-Backed Climate Fund

In a significant announcement at the G20 Leaders Summit held in New Delhi, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declared that the United Kingdom would allocate $2 billion to the Green Climate Fund (GCF). According to an official government statement, this is the UK’s largest single cash contribution to address global climate change concerns.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023

Empowering Developing Nations

The Green Climate Fund (GCF), recognized as the world’s largest fund of its kind, was established within the framework of United Nations’ climate change negotiations. Its principal mission is to enable the transfer of critical financial resources to poor countries in order to assist them in achieving various climate-related goals. These goals encompass reducing carbon emissions, promoting cleaner energy sources, and adapting to the consequences of a warming planet.

A Robust Commitment to Climate Finance

The UK has undertaken a comprehensive commitment to international climate finance, pledging a total of £11.6 billion (equivalent to $14.46 billion) for the period spanning from 2021 to 2026. Significantly, Prime Minister Sunak’s current pledge represents a 12.7% increase over the UK’s previous contribution to the GCF for the years 2020-2023, demonstrating the country’s commitment to combating climate change on a global scale.

Clarification Amidst Speculation

Amidst earlier reports suggesting a potential retraction of the UK’s flagship climate funding pledge, the government firmly refuted these claims. It was calculated by government officials that allocating 83% of the total aid budget to the international climate fund would be necessary to meet the ambitious £11.6 billion target by 2026.

Global Cooperation for Climate Solutions

The Group of 20 nations, as part of their collective declaration at the summit, reaffirmed their dedication to scaling up sustainable finance. This commitment aims to assist developing countries in their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and minimize their environmental impact. The declaration emphasised developing nations’ staggering requirement of $5.8-5.9 trillion before 2030, with a specific focus on meeting their emission reduction targets.

Dennis Austin, software developer who created PowerPoint, passes away at 76

Dennis Austin, one of Microsoft PowerPoint’s co-creators, died at the age of 76. PowerPoint was invented by Austin and Robert Gaskins and debuted in 1987. The pair of software developers were part of software company Forethought, which was acquired by Microsoft for $14m months after PowerPoint, then called Presenter was launched.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023

After being packaged with other products in the Microsoft Office suite, including Word and Excel, PowerPoint quickly gained popularity as an alternative to overhead projectors for presentations.

Today, 33 years after it was first launched on Windows, the Silicon Valley software has become ubiquitous in meetings, classrooms and online collaborations with a near-monopoly over the global presentation software market.

Before PowerPoint, creating individual slides or transparencies to show colleagues in meetings could take hours. Digitising the process so that people could properly demonstrate their ideas in a fraction of the time became a gamechanger.

Career of Dennis R. Austin 

• Dennis R. Austin was the principal software developer for PowerPoint from 1985 to 1996, particularly its versions for Apple Macintosh computers. Austin first encountered computers in high school at a summer program at the Carnegie Institute of Technology. During his undergraduate engineering studies at the University of Virginia in the late 1960s, his interest in programming languages and compilers grew.
• Austin’s career in software began at General Electric’s computer division in Arizona, followed by positions with Honeywell in Massachusetts and Burroughs in California. He became a software developer for Gavilan Computer after being exposed to the graphical user interface and a broader graphical approach to computing at Xerox PARC, before joining Forethought, Inc. in late 1984.
• At Forethought, Robert Gaskins launched an effort to develop graphical presentation software which became PowerPoint, for which Gaskins worked as architect. Austin served as the principal developer for PowerPoint, contributing to its design and implementation. Tom Rudkin joined the PowerPoint project and made significant contributions to the programming with Austin. After Microsoft acquired Forethought in 1987, Austin continued as a principal developer for PowerPoint to 1996. This oral history of Austin focuses on his experiences in creating software, most especially PowerPoint.