Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2023

Notes:
One of the primary objectives of the Aditya-L1 mission is to study the upper layers of the Sun, specifically the chromosphere and corona, to gain a better understanding of their behavior and interaction with each other.

Notes:
The Government of India’s patent office has granted a patent to the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) for the creation and manufacturing of a “reusable straw.”
This straw is developed from the endemic bamboo species known as Schizostachyum andamanicum, which is native to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The bamboo’s economic potential has received a significant boost with the patent issuance.

Notes:
India, under its G20 presidency, has introduced two initiatives that have gained consensus within the G20 Agriculture Deputies Group.
The first initiative is the “Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition, 2023,” and the second is an international research initiative focused on millets and ancient grains. Both initiatives are expected to feature prominently in the G20 outcome document.

Notes:
Hitachi Payment Services, a subsidiary of Japan-based Hitachi, introduced India’s first UPI-ATM in partnership with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) during the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai.
This UPI-ATM allows customers to withdraw cash without the need for a debit or credit card. The United Payments Interface (UPI) is a mobile payment method operated by NPCI that enables instant and free fund transfers between bank accounts.

Notes:
“Air Quality and Climate Bulletin” – a report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) highlights the link between climate change, heatwaves, wildfires, and rising air pollution, including ozone.
The report states that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, which, in turn, raise the risk and severity of wildfires. The report cites examples from the European summer of 2022, which experienced record-breaking heatwaves resulting in increased concentrations of ozone and particulate matter.

Notes:
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced a scheme to acknowledge Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for their outstanding contributions to expanding Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) broadband connectivity in rural India.
This initiative aligns with the government’s objective of promoting digital inclusion and fostering socio-economic development in rural areas.

Notes:
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment has unveiled five groundbreaking initiatives including the PM Daksh-DEPwD portal for skill training and employment opportunities, the release of anonymous data through the Unique Disability ID (UDID) portal, collaboration with the Council of Architecture for universal accessibility courses.
It includes a compilation of disability rights court judgments, and an online case monitoring portal by the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD).

Notes:
The North Tech Symposium has commenced at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu, featuring new indigenous Defence Technology, made-in-India defence equipment, and weapons.
Indian Army displayed its latest Light Specialist Vehicles (LSVs) at the symposium, which can be equipped with anti-tank guided missile launchers, medium machine guns, and grenade launchers.

Notes:
India-Saudi Arabia Investment Forum 2023 was organized in New Delhi. This is the first formal investment symposium between the two nations. Over 500 companies from both countries participated in the event.
The Saudi Crown Prince had previously announced an investment of approximately $100 billion in various sectors of the Indian economy. The forum also witnessed the signing of over 45 MoUs, aimed at deepening economic engagement and boosting investment flows.

Notes:
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), in partnership with UNICEF and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), organized a workshop on Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) in Mumbai.
The BRSR framework, rooted in the nine principles of the National Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC), mandates top 1000 listed companies to disclose their performance on environmental, social, and governance aspects.