8 & 9 October 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 8 & 9 October 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.

World Post Day 2023: History, Date and Theme

Introduction

World Post Day is celebrated each year on October 9th to commemorate the creation of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874. It’s a day to recognize the crucial role that post offices play in connecting communities, and in 2023, the theme is “Together for Trust: Collaborating for a safe and connected future.”

History of World Post Day 

The history of postal services dates back centuries, with the first organized postal service said to have been established during the time of Augustus Caesar in Rome. Remarkably, the oldest functioning post office is in Sanquhar, Scotland, operating since 1712 AD.

UPU and World Post Day

World Post Day was officially declared by the UPU Congress in Tokyo, Japan, in 1969. The UPU is an international organization that promotes and coordinates postal services worldwide. It currently has 151 member countries, all of which participate in this annual celebration.

World Post Day 2023 Significance

World Post Day serves to raise awareness about the vital role of postal services in people’s daily lives and their significant contribution to global social and economic development. Postal operators offer basic financial services to approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide, including payments, money transfers, and savings.

Celebrating World Post Day

Countries around the world celebrate World Post Day in various ways. Post offices often use this occasion to introduce or promote new postal products and services. Many nations host special exhibitions to highlight the importance of postal services in everyday life and their impact on social and economic development. Additionally, some postal services use this day to recognize and reward their employees for their outstanding service.

World Post Day 2023,Theme: “Together for Trust”

The theme for World Post Day 2023, “Together for Trust: Collaborating for a safe and connected future,” underscores the importance of governments and postal services working together to develop a digital single postal territory. This digital infrastructure complements the extensive physical postal network that has been built over centuries. It also encourages collaboration with the UPU to ensure that people everywhere can access the digital economy through their local post office.

In conclusion, World Post Day is a day to celebrate the rich history and vital role of postal services in our interconnected world. It reminds us of the invaluable contributions made by postal workers and services to global development, and it encourages collaboration to create a safer and more connected future.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams: 

• Universal Postal Union Headquarters: Bern, Switzerland;
• Universal Postal Union Founded: 9 October 1874;
• Universal Postal Union Founder: Heinrich von Stephan;
• Universal Postal Union Head: Director-General; Masahiko Metoki;
• Universal Postal Union Parent organization: United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Indian Air Force Day 2023: Date, History, Significance and Celebration

Introduction

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to celebrate its 91st Air Force day on 8 October 2023. This special day will be celebrated and displayed over the holy Sangam area of Prayagraj by the Indian Air Force flying its aircraft in the luv Kush, Sugreev and a Bharat formation along with others. The celebration of Air Force day marks the participation of total number of 120 aircraft in the air display in Prayagraj.

Indian Airforce Day 2023 Overview

Indian Airforce Day 2023

Indian Airforce Day 2023 Will be celebrated on 8 October 2023 which was officially established on 8 October, 1932. On the establishment of this day every year the Air Force Day is celebrated. This year the 91st anniversary of Indian Air Force Day will be celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour at various air stations all over the country. On the Indian Air Force Day, the Indian Air Force would be flying its aircraft in the Sugreev, luv- Kush and Bharat formation along with others. In this article, we will delve into the date, history and significance of the Indian Airforce Day.

Indian Air Force Day 2023 Motto

The Indian Air Force day 2023’s motto is “Nabham Sparsham Deeptham” which means touch the sky with glory. According to some data, the Indian Air Force employs over 1400 aircraft and 1,70,000 personnel. The Indian Air Force has been engaged in four wars with Pakistan and one with the People’s Republic of China after the independence of India. So this day serves as a reminder of the Indian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the skies and enduring the nation’s security.

Indian Air Force Day 2023 Significance

The Indian Air Force was officially established on 8 October 1932 and this is why the day is celebrated every year as an anniversary of the Indian Air Force. Indian Air force Day includes parades and air shows to mark the day. The Indian Air Force is also known as Bharathiya Vayu Sena and is the air arm of the Indian defence. The day plays a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s airspace and national security.

History of Indian Air Force Day

The celebration of Indian Air Force Day marks the establishment of the Indian Air Force was officially established on 8 October 1932 and the first AC flight came into being on 1 April 1933. The day is officially started as the anniversary in order to increase the awareness of the Indian Air Force in any organisation. The Indian defence system is respected by all the citizens and the day is celebrated in the air force bases all across the nation with air shows and parades conducted by the Indian Air Force cadets.

MIG-21 Farewell

The legendary Russian origin MIG-21 jets will make their last appearance at the Indian Air Force Day parade. With the Indian Air Force rolling out the process to phase out the remaining three squadrons of the aircraft. On the location of Indian Air Force day the chief of air staff air chief Marshal V R Chaudhary stated that indigenously developed Tejas Mark 1A aircraft will be replaced with MiG 21st from 2025 onwards.

Indian Airforce Day 2023 Celebration

The Indian Air Force Day 2023 celebration will be with great enthusiasm and righteousness. Air Force day is celebrated with the same zeal and pride at various air stations all over the country. Even the military parade will be conducted as per same schedule and protocol that is followed every year according to the air force and the supreme Commander of the Indian Air Force will also contribute in many forms. Sarang helicopters will take part in the 91st Indian Air Force Day celebration in Prayagraaj. It is for the first time, five Sarang helicopters will be introduced at Prayagraaj, adding grandeur to the envent.

Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Day 2023: Date, History and Significance

ntroduction

Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Day is an annual celebration held on October 9th. This special day honors the establishment of the Indian Foreign Service, a critical institution for India’s diplomatic, consular, and commercial representation worldwide. Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Day is a momentous occasion to celebrate the establishment and enduring legacy of the IFS. It serves as a reminder of the invaluable contributions made by diplomats and foreign service officers in promoting India’s interests and fostering global cooperation. This day not only honors the past but also looks forward to a future where diplomacy continues to play a vital role in shaping India’s international relationships.

The Origin of IFS Day

The roots of IFS Day trace back to a significant moment in Indian history. On October 9, 1946, the Indian government formally established the Indian Foreign Service. This development marked a pivotal transition from the Foreign and Political Department to the Ministry of External Affairs as India gained independence.

The Historical Context

During the era of British rule, the Foreign Department was created to manage interactions with “Foreign European Powers.” This foundation eventually evolved into the modern-day Indian Foreign Service.

Roles and Offices Within IFS

Members of the Indian Foreign Service hold various prestigious positions, including Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Consul Generals, Permanent Representatives of India to the United Nations, and the Foreign Secretary. These roles are pivotal in advancing India’s interests on the global stage.

Contributions of Foreign Service Officers

IFS officers are career diplomats tasked with representing India’s interests both domestically and abroad. They engage in a wide spectrum of activities, including:

• Bilateral Diplomacy: Fostering political and economic cooperation with other nations.
• Trade and Investment Promotion: Encouraging international trade and investment.
• Cultural Diplomacy: Promoting cultural exchange and understanding.
• Media Liaison: Managing press and media relations.
• Multilateral Engagement: Addressing global issues and participating in international organizations.

Remarkable Achievements

The Indian Foreign Service has a rich history of notable accomplishments. One such instance is the commendable response during Operation Ganga, the evacuation of Indian citizens from Ukraine during the 2022 Russian invasion. Additionally, under the Vande Bharat Mission, IFS officers played a crucial role in bringing back thousands of Indians stranded abroad, employing various modes of transportation.

Diverse Contributions to India

The IFS has produced leaders and distinguished individuals who have contributed to India’s growth and influence on the world stage. This includes Presidents, Vice Presidents, Speakers of the Lok Sabha, Ministers, Parliamentarians, renowned authors, scholars, historians, and international public servants.

Asian Games 2023 Medals Tally: Final medal table

The Asian Games 2023 medal tally is a table that shows the number of medals won by each country at the 19th Asian Games, which are being held in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8. The table is sorted by the number of gold medals won, followed by the number of silver medals won, and then the number of bronze medals won.  The Asian Games 2023 are still ongoing, with the final day of competition being October 8th, 2023. The medal tally is therefore subject to change.

The Asian Games are a major international multi-sport event held every four years to promote sports and friendship among Asian nations. Athletes from all over Asia compete in a variety of sports, including athletics, aquatics, archery, badminton, baseball, basketball, boxing, canoeing, cycling, equestrian, fencing, football, golf, gymnastics, handball, hockey, judo, kabaddi, karate, modern pentathlon, rowing, rugby sevens, sailing, shooting, softball, squash, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, and wushu.

Asian Games 2023 Medals Tally

The 19th Asian Games were held in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8, 2023. A total of 45 Olympic sports and 61 disciplines were contested by over 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and territories.

Asian Games Medal Winners List of India

India’s performance at the Asian Games has been on a steady rise in recent years, and the 2023 edition in Hangzhou was no exception. The Indian contingent finished with a record haul of 33 medals, including 8 gold, 13 silver, and 12 bronze. This was India’s best performance at the Asian Games since 1982.

Asian Games 2023 India’s medal winners

India’s medal winners at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, represent a diverse range of sports and backgrounds. Here is a brief introduction to some of the most notable medalists:

These are just a few of the many Indian athletes who won medals at the 2023 Asian Games. Their success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the athletes themselves, as well as the support of their coaches, families, and the Indian government.

Asian Games 2023 Schedule India 08th October

Escalation Of Israel-Palestine Conflict: “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” Unleashed By Hamas Sparks Widespread Violence

The Israel-Palestine conflict has escalated dramatically as Hamas, the armed Palestinian group, initiated “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” firing over 5,000 rockets into Israel. The situation quickly escalated into a full-scale war, resulting in significant casualties and widespread fear among civilians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. He asserted that this was not a mere operation but a full-blown war. Netanyahu vowed that Hamas would face an unparalleled retaliation.

The conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants, particularly Hamas, dates back to 2007. The latest escalation followed heightened tensions, exacerbated by Israel’s closure of borders to Gazan workers. The conflict’s toll included both combatants and civilians, with a significant number of casualties reported on both sides.

EU Approves World’s First Green Bond Standards To Combat Greenwashing

In a significant move to combat greenwashing and assist investors in identifying truly sustainable companies, European Union lawmakers have approved groundbreaking standards for companies issuing “green” bonds. This new initiative aims to promote transparency and credibility in the green bond market, preventing misleading climate-friendly claims.

The European Parliament’s approval marks the introduction of a voluntary standard for the use of the “European Green Bond” label, heralded as the first of its kind globally. This standard is designed to guide investors towards genuinely sustainable investment opportunities while providing issuing companies with confidence regarding the suitability of their bonds for environmentally conscious investors.

These standards not only enhance transparency but also establish a registration system and supervisory framework for external reviewers of European green bonds. By ensuring rigorous oversight, the EU aims to bolster investor confidence in green bonds, thereby supporting the region’s transition to climate neutrality.

Tripura Becomes Fourth State To Implement E-Cabinet System

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha recently introduced the state’s e-cabinet system. This move positions Tripura as the fourth Indian state, and the second in the Northeast region, to adopt an e-cabinet system after Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh.

The introduction of this system signifies a commitment to paperless cabinet meetings, reducing the carbon footprint and promoting environmental sustainability through the use of digital tablets by ministers and bureaucrats.

During the debut e-cabinet meeting, the government approved a proposal to procure a loan of Rs 160 crore from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The launch of the system was made possible through collaboration between the National Informatics Centre and the state’s information and cultural affairs department.

Rajasthan To Have Three New Districts: CM Ashok Gehlot

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot recently revealed plans to establish three new districts in the state: Malpura, Sujangarh, and Kuchman City.

This development comes ahead of the upcoming Assembly election, bringing the total number of districts in Rajasthan to 53.

The state government had previously created 17 new districts in August of the same year. This move is part of the government’s efforts to address public demands and align with recommendations from a high-level committee.

NITI Aayog Organized First State Workshop On Women-Led Development In Goa

The inaugural edition of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) – NITI Aayog State Workshop Series on Enabling Women-led Development through Entrepreneurship was organized at CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) Auditorium, Goa. The workshop was held in collaboration with the Government of Goa with a focus on the western region of the country.

Swayampurna Goa initiative: Celebrating the three-year milestone of the Swayampurna Goa initiative, Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasized its focus on skill development and the deployment of “Swayampurna Grameen Mitras” for the doorstep delivery of government services in every block and Panchayat.

Swayampurna e-bazaar: Furthermore, the Chief Minister reiterated the role of women in socio-economic progress, announcing the Swayampurna e-bazaar during Dussehra, aimed at expanding market access through Common Service Centres.

India’s Historic Re-Election As AIBD GC President

India has been re-elected as the President of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) General Conference (GC) for an unprecedented third successive term.

This remarkable accomplishment, announced by Apurva Chandra, Secretary of the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, signifies a monumental moment in AIBD’s history. The pivotal moment in India’s broadcasting history unfolded during the 21st General Conference & Associated Meetings 2023.

Established in 1977 under the auspices of UNESCO, AIBD stands as a prestigious institution with 92 member organizations spanning 44 countries. Among its members are 26 government representatives from various countries, comprising 48 broadcasting authorities and broadcasters, along with 44 affiliates from 28 nations and regions across Asia, Pacific, Europe, Africa, Arab States, and North America.

Reliance’s JioMart Ropes In MS Dhoni As Brand Ambassador

Reliance Retail’s JioMart has signed up Mahendra Singh Dhoni, India’s most iconic cricketer, as its brand ambassador. Dhoni’s association comes alongside the rebranding of their festive campaign JioMart to “JioUtsav, Celebrations Of India,” which is scheduled to launch on October 8, 2023.

The JioUtsav campaign is designed to celebrate India’s vibrant culture, its people, and the various festivals that mark the country’s calendar. This campaign takes inspiration from Dhoni’s life, recognizing that he has given the nation numerous reasons to celebrate through his incredible cricketing achievements.

JioMart has been steadily expanding its presence in the Indian e-commerce market. Whether it’s electronics, groceries, fashion, or home essentials, JioMart aims to provide a wide array of choices to cater to every customer’s needs. Currently, the platform collaborates with over 1000 artisans and offers a diverse range of 150,000 unique products.

Professor Dr. Joyeeta Gupta Honored With Dutch Spinoza Prize For Climate Change Research

Dr. Joyeeta Gupta, an Indian-origin professor at the University of Amsterdam, has been awarded the prestigious Dutch Spinoza Prize for her groundbreaking work in the field of climate change.

Dr. Joyeeta Gupta becomes the twelfth researcher affiliated with the University of Amsterdam to receive this prestigious award, highlighting the institution’s commitment to excellence.

Dr. Gupta’s research primarily focuses on understanding and addressing the distributional challenges posed by climate change through effective governance. She emphasizes that climate change consequences directly impact the socio-economic disparities between affluent and underprivileged communities.

All India Police Science Congress organized in Dehradun on 7 October.

The 49th All India Police Science Congress (AIPSC) was organized by Uttarakhand Police at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun.

It was organized with the theme of “Policing in Amrit Kaal.”

This event, held every year, was organized under the aegis of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D).

Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended as the chief guest while Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was the guest of honour.

In the 49th AIPSC, six themes have been selected for discussion:

Policing in the 5G Era

Narcotics: A Game-Changing Approach

Coordination between Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFS)

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)

Internal Security & Social Media Challenges

Community Policing

In 1970, BPR&D was established in New Delhi to assist all police agencies in improving their infrastructure, human resources, and processes.

BPR&D organizes such congresses to provide a platform for all ranks of police officers, technical experts, and forensic experts to actively participate and contribute to the discussion.

Two out of every five amphibians are facing the threat of extinction.

As per a new study, climate change is emerging as one of the biggest threats to frogs, salamanders, and caecilians.

This study is based on the second global amphibian assessment highlighted that climate change poses the greatest threat to the existence of amphibian life.

The second global amphibian assessment was conducted by the Amphibian Red List Authority.

As per the assessment, there is a risk of extinction of more than 8,000 amphibian species from all over the world.

The data revealed that two out of every five amphibians are threatened with extinction.

According to the study, between 2004 and 2022, 300 amphibians have come closer to extinction. Climate change was the primary threat for 39% of these species.

Habitat destruction and degradation due to agriculture, infrastructure development and other industries are the major threats to amphibians.

Habitat destruction and degradation affect 93% of all threatened amphibian species.

Three out of every five salamander species are threatened with extinction.

41% of all amphibian species that have been assessed are currently in the threatened (critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable) categories.

Since 2004, four amphibian species have become extinct. Twenty-seven additional critically endangered species are now considered possibly extinct.

Strong Surge In US Job Growth In September Points To Potential Fed Tightening

The U.S. job market experienced substantial growth in September, bolstering the case for potential interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve later this year. Nonfarm payrolls, a key indicator of employment trends, saw a remarkable increase of 336,000 jobs in September.

The unexpectedly strong job growth in September has raised the prospects of the Federal Reserve taking action to raise interest rates in the near future. While the central bank’s primary mandate is to control inflation and ensure price stability, a robust labor market can also influence its policy decisions.

One notable aspect of the employment report is the moderation in wage growth. While job creation has surged, wage growth has shown signs of tempering, which could alleviate some concerns about inflationary pressures. The Federal Reserve often considers both employment and inflation when determining its monetary policy.

RBI Flags High Inflation As Key Risk To Macroeconomic Stability, Vows To Bring Inflation To 4%

RBI Governor Das highlighted that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is steadfastly dedicated to realigning inflation with the 4% target. The MPC has adopted a majority decision to withdraw accommodation, thereby fostering inflation alignment while supporting economic growth.

Governor Das emphasized that the RBI’s inflation target remains at 4% and not within the range of 2 to 6%. The central bank aims to actively pursue anti-inflationary measures while supporting growth to achieve this target.

Governor Das acknowledged several risks to the economic outlook, including geopolitical tensions, global economic slowdown, volatility in financial markets, and uneven monsoon rains. These factors necessitate careful monitoring of incoming data and distinguishing between durable and transitory elements of price shocks.

PM Modi To Inaugurate 10th Edition Of Vibrant Gujarat Summit On January 10, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit on January 10, 2024. The summit is scheduled to take place from January 10 to 12, 2024, at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

This event promises to be a golden opportunity for investors to engage with Gujarat and tap into its potential for growth and prosperity. This event holds significance as it aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047,” emphasizing India’s growth and development.

The 10th Vibrant Gujarat Summit carries the theme of “Gateway to the future.” This theme underscores the state’s vision for the future and its role as a gateway to investment and development opportunities.