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 7 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 7 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 – 7 September 2023
International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies 2023
The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is observed annually on September 7 in recognition of the importance of clean air to people’s health and daily lives, despite the fact that air pollution is the single greatest environmental risk to human health and one of the leading preventable causes of death and disease worldwide.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023
International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, Theme
The fourth annual International Day of Clean Air for blue skies will focus on the theme, ‘Together for Clean Air’. The theme aims to highlight the urgent need for stronger partnerships, increased investment, and shared responsibility for overcoming air pollution. It also emphasises the direct impact of air pollution on human and ecosystem health, as well as the shared responsibility to safeguard the environment and provide clean air for all.
International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, Significance
According to WHO, almost everyone (99 % of the global population) breathes polluted air. The transboundary nature of air pollution calls for local, national, regional, and global partnerships to tackle the problem. This year’s theme highlights that it is time to invest, work together, and contribute to clean air. Collaboration with UN member states, development organizations, international and regional organizations, the private sector, and civil society is crucial to reducing pollution and improving air quality.
Everyone has a part to play in cleaning our air and protecting our health, and everyone can benefit from it: a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, including clean air, is integral to the full enjoyment of a wide range of human rights.
International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, History
The Second Committee of the 74th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a resolution recognising September 7 as the “International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies” on November 26, 2019. The resolution stresses the importance of, and urgent need to, raise public awareness at all levels and to promote and facilitate actions to improve air quality.
By resolution 74/212 of 22 January 2020, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) designated the Day to emphasize the need to make further efforts to improve air quality, including reducing air pollution, to protect human health.
Japan launches ‘moon sniper’ lunar lander SLIM into space
Japan has launched its lunar exploration spacecraft “moon sniper” aboard a homegrown H-IIA rocket, paving the way for the country to become the world’s fifth to land on the moon early next year. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said the rocket took off from Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan as planned and successfully released the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM). Japan aims to land SLIM within 100 metres of its target site on the lunar surface. The $100-million mission is expected to reach the moon by February.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023
With its Chandrayaan-3 mission to the unexplored lunar south pole, India became the fourth country to safely land a spacecraft on the moon. Japan’s previous moon landing attempts failed last year.
Japan’s Lunar Landing Challenges
JAXA lost contact with the OMOTENASHI lander and scrubbed an attempted landing in November. The Hakuto-R Mission 1 lander, made by Japanese startup ispace, crashed in April as it attempted to descend to the lunar surface. The X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) satellite, a collaborative mission of JAXA, NASA, and the European Space Agency, is also aboard the H-IIA rocket.
The H-IIA Rocket Launch
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries manufactured the rocket and operated the launch, which marked the 47th H-IIA rocket Japan has launched since 2001, bringing the vehicle’s success rate close to 98%. JAXA had suspended the launch of H-IIA carrying SLIM for several months while it investigated the failure of its new medium-lift H3 rocket during its debut in March.
Japan’s space missions have faced other recent setbacks, with the launch failure of the Epsilon small rocket in October 2022, followed by an engine explosion during a test in July. The country plans to send astronauts to the moon in the late 2020s.
Key takeaways for competitive examinations
- JAXA Founded: 1 October 2003;
- JAXA President: Yamakawa Hiroshi;
- JAXA Headquarters: Chōfu, Tokyo, Japan.
Neeraj Mittal Takes Charge As DoT Secretary
The Cabinet Appointments Committee (ACC) has appointed Neeraj Mittal, a seasoned Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1992 batch, as secretary in the Department of Telecommunications.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023
Neeraj Mittal’s Current Role and Career Milestones
Neeraj Mittal presently holds the position of principal secretary in the information technology department of Tamil Nadu. Prior to this position, he was a senior advisor at the World Bank Group and a joint secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. He will succeed K Rajaraman, who has been appointed chairman of the International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) in Gujarat.
S Krishnan to Lead the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Another significant appointment is that of S Krishnan, a distinguished 1989 batch IAS officer from the Tamil Nadu cadre. Currently, Krishnan holds the position of industries secretary in the Tamil Nadu state government. His vast administrative experience led to his appointment as the new secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Krishnan’s appointment comes as Alkesh Kumar Sharma, the previous secretary, retired on August 31.
Key Changes in Other Ministries and Departments
The ACC has also approved a series of changes in various ministries and departments:
- VL Kantha Rao, who previously served as an additional secretary in the Department of Telecommunications, has been appointed as the secretary in the Ministry of Mines.
- Former mining secretary Vivek Bhardwaj will now serve as an officer on special duty in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
- Umang Narula has been designated as the secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, bringing his extensive administrative expertise to this crucial portfolio.
- Arunish Chawla, a 1992 batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre, will take over as secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals within the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers on November 1, 2023.
- Chanchal Kumar, also from the 1992 batch and Bihar cadre, has been appointed as secretary in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
- Vumlunmang Vualnam, an IAS officer from the 1992 Manipur cadre, has been entrusted with the role of secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation. He previously served as an additional secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance.
Sanchi Achieves Milestone as India’s First Solar City
Solar City Inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister
Sanchi, a World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district, has been designated as India’s first solar city. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Chief Minister, officially launched the project. It has a capacity of 3 megawatts and is located at Nagauri near Sanchi, reducing annual carbon dioxide emissions by 13,747 tonnes. This is equivalent to more than 2,38,000 trees. Sanchi has become India’s first solar city. The production of electricity from coal and other resources causes a negative impact on the environment. The citizens of Sanchi, the Renewable Energy Department, and all scientists have done a commendable task by resorting to solar energy option.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023
Sanchi’s Aspiration: Becoming a Net-Zero City
The resolve to make Sanchi a net-zero city with the help of IIT Kanpur is a commendable step. This city will be an example before the world. It is very important to save the environment. The increasing energy needs have to be met by the use of renewable energy.
This facility will assist Sanchi in saving 7.68 crore in annual electricity costs. Sanchi residents have adopted the solar-in-every-home concept. Soon, a five-megawatt solar plant will be built in Gulgaon to address the energy needs of the agricultural sector in Sanchi. About 7,000 citizens in Sanchi have taken a pledge to save electricity by using solar stand lamps, solar study lamps and solar lanterns in their homes. About 63 kilowatt capacity solar plants have been installed on domestic rooftops.
Key takeaways for competitive examinations
- Madhya Pradesh Chief minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan;
- Madhya Pradesh Capital: Bhopal;
- Madhya Pradesh Official fruit: Mango;
- Madhya Pradesh Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel.
Prayagraj Police Launches ‘Savera’ Scheme To Assist Senior Citizens
The Prayagraj police have taken a proactive move to ensure the safety and well-being of senior residents in their community. They have recently launched the ‘Savera‘ scheme, aimed at offering essential services during health and other emergencies to senior citizens residing in seven districts within the Prayagraj zone. This initiative has garnered significant attention and participation, with over 700 senior citizens registering in just the past three days.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023
A Lifeline for Seniors
Prayagraj police are methodically preserving a thorough database of those aged 60 and above under the ‘Savera’ scheme. These records are accessible through a dedicated helpline number, 112, ensuring a quick and efficient response in times of need. One of the key objectives of the police officers involved in this scheme is to conduct frequent safety checks at registered elderly persons’ houses. These examinations are critical in ensuring the safety and well-being of older people who may otherwise be vulnerable.
Regular Home Visits
A notable aspect of the ‘Savera’ scheme is the commitment of the police to send beat police personnel for regular visits to the homes of senior citizens. During these visits, the officers engage with the elderly residents, inquiring about their well-being, and addressing any concerns they may have. This proactive approach not only enhances the sense of security for senior citizens but also strengthens the bond between law enforcement and the community.
Preventing Delays and Ensuring a Timely Response
According to Additional DG (Prayagraj zone), Bhanu Bhaskar, the ‘Savera’ scheme was launched with the primary objective of enhancing response time and preventing delays in addressing senior citizens’ concerns. Often, senior citizens face difficulties in obtaining timely assistance, especially when they live alone. The scheme aims to bridge this gap by ensuring that registered seniors can quickly access the help they need.
Registration Process and Integration with Emergency Services
The registration process for senior citizens aged 60 and above is straightforward. They can register for the ‘Savera’ scheme online, and their information is automatically transmitted to the local police station through the 112 helpline. Once the information is received, the police station verifies it by sending a police officer to confirm the details. Once verification is complete, the senior citizen becomes a registered user of the scheme.
The ‘Savera’ scheme, in addition to offering direct aid through police stations, connects with other critical hotline services such as 108 for ambulance, 181 for women in crisis, and 101 for fire services. This integration ensures that senior citizens registered with the ‘Savera’ scheme can easily access all necessary emergency services promptly.
Ministry of Education observes Literacy Week from 1st to 8th September 2023
The Government of India has planned to organise a literacy week from September 1st to September 8th, 2023, to commemorate International Literacy Day and raise awareness about the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram among all stakeholders/beneficiaries/citizens. The week-long literacy campaign shall enable mass participation to inculcate a sense of Kartavyabodh and Janbhagidari in each and every citizen of the nation. This vision would popularise the scheme and help us attain the goal of making India fully literate.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023
The literacy week would encompass a spectrum of activities (given below) followed by the celebration of International Literacy Day on 8th September 2023. Another major goal will be to increase the number of learners and volunteers who register on the ULLAS mobile app. Students of Govt./aided schools,CBSE affiliated Schools,NVS, KVS, Teacher Training Institutions under NCTE, HEIs (Degree colleges/Technical institutions) under a University/AICTE, Scouts and Guides, NYKS, NCC, NSS Volunteers, Anganwadi Workers, Gram Panchayats, Farmers, Women, Retired Employee etc.Retired Employees, ICDS/ One Stop Centres, Members of Schools Management Committees, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Neo-literates, Non-literates, etc. and citizen of country are going to partake in the campaign.
An Overview of the News
- The Literacy Week aims to encourage mass participation and inculcate a sense of responsibility among all citizens in achieving complete literacy in India.
- Various stakeholders including students, teachers, volunteers, government employees and citizens will participate in the campaign.
- Ullas- New India Literacy Program is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which will run from 2022 to 2027.
- The scheme is divided into five sections: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Important Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills, and Continuing Education.
- The scheme’s logo and slogan, “Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society” (ULLAS) and “Jan Jan Sakshar,” were launched by the Union Education Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, on July 29, 2023, during the celebration of the 3rd anniversary of NEP 2020 in New Delhi.
Important Points:
- International Literacy Day, marked annually on September 8, promotes literacy as a fundamental human right as well as a tool for addressing a variety of social issues.
- The ULLAS Mobile App serves as a platform where learners and volunteers can connect with literacy and educational programs.
- The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a comprehensive framework in India designed to revamp the education system in line with the demands of the 21st century.
- DIKSHA Portal is a digital platform that provides access to a wide range of educational resources for students.
BIS and RBI Announce G20 TechSprint 2023 Winners
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have recently unveiled the winners of the G20 TechSprint 2023 challenge in a prestigious award ceremony held in Mumbai. This project, established by the RBI last May during India’s G20 leadership, aimed to develop innovative solutions that improve cross-border payments.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023
Problem Statements and Winning Solutions:
Problem Statement #1: Combating Financial Crimes
Winner: Team Secretarium Ltd. (UK)
Solution: Transaction Monitoring and Privacy Protection
- Utilised secure privacy technologies to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, tax evasion, and sanction evasion.
- Emphasized protecting anonymity and privacy in financial transactions.
Problem Statement #2: Enhancing Liquidity in Cross-Border Payments
Winner: Team Millicent Labs (UK)
Solution: Hybrid Decentralized Exchange for CBDCs
- Launched a decentralised hybrid exchange for Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).
- Included automated market makers and traditional order books to optimize liquidity and minimize volatility risks.
Problem Statement #3: Developing Multilateral CBDC Platforms
Winner: Team Knox Networks (US)
Solution: Multilateral CBDC based on File-Based Digital Assets (FBDAs)
- Proposed a multilateral CBDC solution using File-Based Digital Assets (FBDAs).
- Addressed the need for efficient cross-border CBDC platforms.
Shortlisted Teams:
Problem Statement #1: Combating Financial Crimes
- Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF)
- Global Screening Services (GSS)
- Mastercard Technology Private Limited
- Monetago
- PayGlocal
- Secretarium Ltd
- United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)
Problem Statement #2: Enhancing Liquidity in Cross-Border Payments
- Ajna Inc.
- Baton Systems Inc.
- Dian Nofitri/Clever
- Groww
- Millicent Labs
- Partior
- Uniswap Labs
Problem Statement #3: Developing Multilateral CBDC Platforms
- Currency Network Ltd
- FortisNet Ltd
- Kevin Zhang
- Knox Networks
- Parfin
- Polly Bauumler
- Zerone Microsystems Pte. Ltd
Judges Panel:
- Dilip Asbe: Managing Director and CEO, National Payments Corporations of India (NPCI)
- Bryan Zheng Zhang: Co-founder and Executive Director, Cambridge Centre for Alternatives
- Yvonne Tsui: Senior Fintech Director, Hong Kong Monetary Authority
- Andrew McCormack: Chief Operating Officer, Al Etihad Payments
- Andre Reslow: Senior Economist, International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- Harish Natarajan: Senior Financial Sector Specialist, World Bank
- Violaine Clerc: Executive Secretary, Financial Action Task Force
- Peerapong Thonnagith: Deputy Director, Bank of Thailand
Lokesh Suji elected to IESF membership committee for three-year term
The General Body of the International Esports Federation (IESF) has elected Lokesh Suji, director, the Esports Federation of India (ESFI) and vice-president, the Asian Esports Federation, to its membership committee on a three-year term. This is the first time an Indian has been elected to the membership committee of the International Esports Federation.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023
Suji’s Election a Boost for Indian Esports
The elections for Suji’s appointment were conducted during the recent Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) of the IESF on August 28 in Iasi, Romania, where out of the 70 voting and present members, a majority of 42 member countries voted in favour of his selection. As part of the membership committee, he will now leverage his experience and expertise to ensure the execution of the process, contributing to a future for esports within the IESF.
Suji to Leverage Experience to Promote Esports
Lokesh Suji is a pioneer and well-respected figure in the Indian as well as global Esports industry and has showcased exceptional thought leadership throughout his tenure as the Director of ESFI and Vice-president of AESF. Under his leadership, ESFI has created a healthy environment for Esports in India, which has contributed considerably to the Indian government’s official recognition of Esports as a multi-sport event.
Led by his vision, ESFI has successfully organized fair national qualifiers to select the athletes for representing the country at prestigious international events such as the World Esports Championships and Global Esports Games year after year. ESFI has been sending the Indian Esports contingent to major multi-sport tournaments such as the Asian Games 2018, where Esports was a demonstration event, and the Commonwealth Esports Championships last year, where the country’s talented athletes made history by clinching historic bronze medals in Hearthstone and DOTA 2.
Additionally, ESFI will also be sending the 15-member contingent to compete at the upcoming Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou where Esports is debuting as an official medal sport.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- International Esports Federation Founded: 11 August 2008;
- International Esports Federation Headquarters: Busan, South Korea;
- International Esports Federation President: Vlad Marinescu.
Indian Bank collaborates with IBM to deploy new front-end banking apps
Indian Bank has collaborated with Nasdaq-listed IBM to deploy future ready infrastructure to enhance scalability and agility.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023
Aim: To accelerate its modernisation path with flexible and secure infrastructure for deploying new front-end banking applications.
The city-headquartered bank wanted to consolidate its front branch servers for better manageability and availability at Data Centres and Disaster Recovery centres under their ‘Project Paradise’ initiative.
Bharat Electronics inks pact with Israel Aerospace
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEl) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the defence company, have inked an MoU for cooperation in addressing India’s requirements in the domain of Short Range Air Defence Systems.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023
Objective: To boost the cooperation between the two companies in the field of Short Range Air Defence Systems.
Aim: leveraging IAI and BEL’s capabilities and is in sync with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ policies of the Government of India.
Hitachi Payment Services launches India’s first-ever UPI-ATM with NPCI
Hitachi Payment Services, a subsidiary of Japan-based Hitachi Ltd, announced the launch of India’s first-ever UPI-ATM as a White Label ATM (WLA) named Hitachi Money Spot UPI ATM, with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023
The ATM will offer cardless cash withdrawals, eliminating the need for physical cards.
A UPI-ATM allows users to withdraw cash from multiple accounts using the United Payments Interface app.
WLAs are operated by non-banking entities.
