Current Affairs - September 20, 2023 Current Affairs

Neuralink, a brain-computer interface (BCI) company founded by Elon Musk, has received permission from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin human trials of its brain chip implant.

The panel of vice-chairpersons established by the Rajya Sabha Chairman includes 50% women MPs, as mentioned in the passage, reflecting a commitment to promoting gender equality in Indian politics.

Indian shooter Elavenil Valarivan won gold in the women's 10m air rifle event at the ISSF World Cup 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Valarivan shot 252.2 in the final to narrowly beat France's Oceanne Muller (251.9). China's Jiale Zhang (229.0) took the final podium spot. Valarivan's gold medal is her second individual ISSF World Cup medal. The 24-year-old shooter had clinched the 10m air rifle gold in Rio back in 2019.

The Women Reservation Bill approved by the Union Cabinet mandates a 33% reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. To ensure fairness and equitable distribution, the reserved seats will be rotated after each general election.

The African Union plans to launch its own credit ratings agency in response to concerns about biased credit assessments for African nations. This initiative aims to offer a fairer evaluation of lending risks in African countries and attract more investments to the continent in the coming year.

The Uttar Pradesh government has declared June 29 as Traders' Welfare Day to recognize and honour the contributions of traders to the state's economy.

The 14th World Spice Congress (WSC) started in Vashi, Navi Mumbai. This three-day event is carefully arranged by the Spices Board India, a part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with the help of trade groups and export forums. India is famous for producing excellent, unique, and medicinal spices, earning it the nickname "Spice Bowl" of the world.

The 10th meeting of the India-Malaysia Joint Sub-Committee on Defence Science, Technology and Industry Cooperation was held in New Delhi on September 18, 2023. During the meeting, the existing defence research and industry cooperation between the two countries was reviewed. Discussions were also held on issues of mutual interest.

The OECD has increased its GDP growth forecast for India in the fiscal year 2024 to 6.3%, up from the earlier estimate of 6%. This change is due to India's strong economic performance in agriculture, which was supported by favourable weather conditions.

Sashidhar Jagdishan has received approval for a three-year extension as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HDFC Bank by the Reserve Bank of India.

The largest airport in the world by size and area is King Fahd International Airport (DMM), located in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. It spans over 776 square kilometres (299.61 square miles), which is approximately the same size as New York City, including its five boroughs. King Fahd International Airport is a major hub for Saudi Arabian Airlines and is one of the busiest airports in the Middle East. It handles over 20 million passengers and 700,000 tons of cargo each year.

The Karnataka government has announced that it will ban hookah and tobacco products for people below 21 years of age. The ban is expected to be implemented soon after the necessary amendments are made to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). The decision to ban hookah and tobacco products for people below 21 years of age was taken after the government received several complaints from parents and teachers about the increasing use of these products among young people.

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) on September 18, 2023, to promote and facilitate co-lending and loan syndication for a diverse spectrum of Renewable Energy projects across the nation.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed an agreement with Bengaluru Logistics Parks Pvt Ltd (BLPPL) on September 20, 2023, to develop a Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) at Bengaluru. The MMLP will be developed on a 350-acre plot of land at Doddaballapur, about 40 km from Bengaluru city. The project is estimated to cost Rs 1,500 crore and is expected to be completed within three years.

ASEAN nations have started joint military exercises in Indonesia's South Natuna Sea due to increasing tensions in the South China Sea. These drills involve units from various ASEAN countries and coincide with rising concerns about China's actions in the region.

The railway station in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, has been renamed "Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station" in honour of the Army braveheart. Captain Tushar Mahajan was an officer in the Indian Army who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. He was a part of the 9 Para Special Forces unit, also known as the "9 Parachute Commando." Captain Tushar Mahajan was born on May 25, 1987, in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

The rare metal vanadium has been found in sediment samples collected from the Gulf of Khambhat, off the coast of Gujarat.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the 'Skills on Wheels' initiative in collaboration with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The initiative aims to empower 60,000 rural youth, especially women, with digital skills.

Indian cricketer Deepak Chahar launched his new sports brand, DNINE Sports, on September 19, 2023. The brand is focused on providing high-quality, innovative sports products to athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The cricket shoes are designed with the help of Chahar and other professional cricketers to provide the best possible performance and comfort.

The G77+China summit concluded on September 20, 2023, in Havana, Cuba, with a call for a new global order that is more just and equitable. The summit was attended by leaders from 134 developing countries, as well as representatives from the United Nations and other international organizations. In the closing declaration, the G77+China leaders called for a "new international economic order" that is "based on the principles of equity, justice, and solidarity."