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 21 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.
International Day of Peace 2023: Date, Theme, Celebration, History and Significance
Each year on 21 September, the world comes together to observe the International Day of Peace (IDP). This day, established by the United Nations (UN), serves as a reminder of our commitment to peace, non-violence, and conflict resolution. In 2023, the significance of this day is heightened as it coincides with the mid-point milestone of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the interconnectedness of peace and sustainable development.
International Day of Peace 2023 Theme
The theme for the 2023 International Day of Peace is “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals.” This theme underscores our individual and collective responsibility in fostering peace. It highlights the critical role peace plays in achieving the SDGs, as well as the imperative to engage diverse actors, including the 1.2 billion young people worldwide, to ensure the goals’ success. The three key areas of focus are fighting inequality, driving action on climate change, and promoting and protecting human rights.
Significance of International Day of Peace
Commitment to Peace and Conflict Resolution
The International Day of Peace reaffirms the UN’s commitment to peace and conflict resolution. It serves as a call for individuals, communities, and nations to work collaboratively towards a more peaceful and just world. True peace, as recognized by the UN, extends beyond the absence of violence and encompasses the creation of societies where all members can flourish.
Promoting Dialogue and Cooperation
This day remains vital for promoting dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among people and nations. It provides a platform for bridging differences and fostering a shared commitment to peace, irrespective of race or nationality. The ultimate goal is to build a global culture of peace where everyone is treated equally.
Celebration of International Day of Peace
United Nations Peace Bell
In 1986, the United Nations Peace Bell was inaugurated at the UN Headquarters in New York City. An annual ceremony is held on the International Day of Peace, during which the Peace Bell is rung to symbolize the call for global peace. The Peace Bell was crafted from coins and medals donated by representatives of Member States, religious leaders, and children from over 60 nations who supported the initiative.
Symbolic Bell Tower
The design of the bell tower is inspired by the Hanamido, a small temple adorned with flowers symbolizing the birthplace of Buddha. The Peace Bell is rung twice a year: on the first day of spring, during the Vernal Equinox, and on September 21 to commemorate the International Day for Peace.
History of International Day of Peace
The history of the International Day of Peace dates back to the United Nations General Assembly passing Resolution 36/67 on September 30, 1981. This resolution called for a global ceasefire and the cessation of all hostilities on that day. Subsequently, the third Tuesday of September each year was declared as the International Day of Peace. The first official observance took place on September 21, 1982, and later in 2001, this date was officially established as September 21, marking a significant step toward promoting peace and raising awareness about the importance of peacekeeping efforts worldwide.
In conclusion, the International Day of Peace serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to foster peace, promote sustainable development, and build a world where all individuals can thrive. It is a day of reflection, action, and unity in pursuit of a more peaceful and just global society.
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. In the past, India had co-hosted the World Cup on three occasions – 1987, 1996 and 2011. The tournament will be played across ten venues – Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, Dharamsala and Lucknow. A total of ten teams will be fighting it out in the thirteenth edition of the ICC ODI World Cup. The competition is scheduled to be played from October 5 to November 19.
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.
Vibrant Tricolor Stripes
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.
Commemorating Past Glories
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.
‘3 Ka Dream’ Campaign
In an inspiring move, Team India has named their World Cup campaign as ‘3 Ka Dream,’ which roughly translates to “the dream of 3.” Here, the number 3 symbolizes India’s dream of securing their third ODI World Cup victory. This campaign reflects the team’s determination and aspiration to etch their name in cricketing history once again.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the commencement of the ICC World Cup 2023, the unveiling of Team India’s jersey adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to this grand sporting spectacle. With the nation’s hopes pinned on their cricketing heroes, the Men in Blue are all set to embark on a journey to realize the dream of ‘3 Ka Dream.’
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.
Nuakhai Date 2023
Nuakhai in 2023 falls on September 20. It is celebrated precisely on the day after Ganesh Chaturthi. Determined by the lunar calendar, the day falls on the ‘Panchami tithi‘ (the fifth day) of the lunar fortnight, typically occurring between August and September.
Where is Nuakhai Celebrated?
Though celebrated throughout the state, the districts of Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Balangir, Bargarh, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sonepur, Boudh, and Nuapada are the best places to experience Nuakhai in Odisha. These places of rich history have a sizable high tribal population, and hence, are a great destination to experience the cultures.
Origin of the Word Nuakhai
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.
Nuakhai – Activities and Highlights of the Festival
Nuakhai is a festival with quintessentially agrarian roots – the underlying belief behind the celebration is that to receive the blessings of mother earth, one has to worship the harvest. Preparations for the day begin 15 days in advance – in villages, elderly persons meet at holy places and blow a trumpet to mark the onset.
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. The preparations reveal elements of both tribal origins and Hindu rituals – it is believed to have been adopted from the tribal communities of western Odisha but is now recognized as a festival for one and all in the state.
Savoring Traditional Delicacies and Embracing Rustic Culture During Nuakhai
Traditional culinary delights impart a distinctive essence to this season. To immerse oneself in the festive atmosphere and embrace the rustic culture of Odisha, visiting during the festival is an ideal choice. The celebration extends to both individual households and communal gatherings. 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.
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. This proactive step not only acknowledges the invaluable contributions of homemakers but also seeks to uplift their socio-economic status.
A Boost for Women: The Griha Adhar Initiative
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. The sanction orders distributed during this event are a testament to the government’s commitment to the welfare of women in Goa.
Chavath-e-Bazaar: A Digital Leap for Goan Entrepreneurs
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.
A Commitment to ‘Vocal for Local’
Chief Minister Sawant reiterated his government’s commitment to uplift both the common people and local entrepreneurs, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local.’ This commitment reflects a steadfast dedication to promoting indigenous industries and empowering grassroots-level businesses.
Support for Women Beneficiaries
A noteworthy outcome of this initiative is the distribution of 11,500 newly sanctioned orders across the state, with a substantial allocation of 6,000 orders to the North Goa district alone. This distribution has significantly increased the number of women beneficiaries, with the count now reaching an impressive 1.5 lakh.
Empowering through Training
Furthermore, Chief Minister Sawant highlighted the government’s proactive approach in providing free-of-cost training to women at their respective panchayats. This training encompasses essential skills related to packaging food items, selling, and other relevant aspects, fostering self-reliance among women beneficiaries.
Annual Increments for Griha Adhar Beneficiaries
Vishwajeet Rane, Minister for Women and Child Development, shared that Griha Adhar beneficiaries have already received their financial support directly into their accounts on the same day. Furthermore, the scheme is structured to provide annual increments, ensuring continued financial assistance for homemakers.
Chavath-e-Bazaar: Boosting Entrepreneurial Dreams
Minister Rane emphasized that the Chavath-e-Bazaar, an online portal integrated with the Swiggy app for seamless ordering, holds great promise for women entrepreneurs. This digital platform will not only facilitate their businesses but also propel them towards realizing their dreams of becoming successful entrepreneurs.
Key takeaways for competitive examination
- Minister for Women and Child Development of Goa: Vishwajeet Rane
Nischal wins silver with new national record at Shooting World Cup in Rio
Nischal won the women’s 50-metre rifle 3-position silver medal in the World Cup 2023 in Brazil.
She finished behind Norway’s Jeanette Hegg Duestad, who won gold.
It was the second medal for India, following the gold by Elavenil Valarivan in women’s air rifle.
India finished joint fifth with Germany and France with a gold and silver.
Italy was on top with two gold and a bronze.
China was second with a gold, four silver and three bronze.
India Ranked 52nd in Digital Quality of Life Index
India has been ranked 52nd out of 121 countries in the Digital Quality of Life Index Survey 2023.
The annual survey by the Netherlands-based firm has ranked 121 countries on five factors: internet quality, internet affordability, e-infrastructure, e-government, and e-security.
In Asia, India takes 13th place, with Singapore the leader in the region.
The top 3 Countries in the Digital Quality of Life Index survey are Denmark, South Korea, and Finland
Defence ministry clears proposal to buy ‘Pralay’ ballistic missiles
The Indian Army is set to acquire a regiment of Pralay tactical ballistic missiles for the first time, as part of a broader strategy to develop a strategic rocket force.
The Pralay missiles, propelled by a solid-propellant rocket motor and other novel technologies, are expected to provide a substantial boost to the Indian Army’s offensive capabilities.
It can hit targets between 150-500 Km and missiles developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
Sashidhar Jagdishan appointed as HDFC Bank MD and CEO
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the re-appointment of Sashidhar Jagdishan as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HDFC Bank.
He joined the Bank in 1996 as a Manager in the Finance function.
He became Business Head of finance in 1999 and was appointed as CFO in 2008.
He played a critical role in supporting the growth trajectory of the Bank, and led the finance function with a pivotal role in achieving the strategic objectives
OECD raises India’s growth forecast for FY24 to 6.3 per cent
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OCED) has raised India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth projection for Financial Year 23 -2024 to 6.3 per cent.
The global economy, however, is expected to grow at a rate of 3 per cent in 2023, before slowing down to 2.7 per cent in 2024.
India, which is listed among the G20 emerging-market economies, has experienced mostly positive growth surprises.
ACKO launches campaign ‘Health Insurance ki Subah ho Gayi Mamu’
ACKO has unveiled its latest health insurance offering called the ACKO Platinum Health Plan titled “Health Insurance ki Subah ho Gayi Mamu”
As per the company, the plan has features including 100% bill payment, no room rent capping, and zero waiting period, among others.
Aim: To focus on simplifying health insurance and removing all the pain points that customers have to face.
CM launches Griha Adhar scheme to empower Goan homemakers
Goa CM Pramod Sawant distributed Griha Adhar sanction orders to numerous beneficiaries to support homemakers financially, fostering their independence and improving their quality of life.
Aim : To empower Goan entrepreneurs and self-help groups, a digital initiative under the Swayampura Goa Programme.
He also flagged off the Chavath-e-Bazaar vehicle, symbolizing a new era of empowerment for rural artisans and entrepreneurs in Goa.
RBI imposes monetary penalty on four co-operative banks
RBI it imposed a monetary penalty on four co-operative banks for rule violations.
These banks include Lalbaug Co-operative Bank, The Co-operative Bank of Mehsana, The Harij Nagrik Sahakari Bank, and The National Co-operative Bank.
RBI imposed Rs 1 lakh penalty on National Co-operative Bank, Rs 3 lakh on THarij Nagrik Sahakari Bank, Rs 3.50 lakh on Co-operative Bank of Mehsana and Rs 5 lakh penalty on tLalbaug Co-operative Bank.