Current Affairs - October 4, 2023 Current Affairs

The World Bank has revised its retail inflation forecast for India for FY24 to 5.9%, up from the earlier estimate of 5.2%. This upward revision is attributed to certain factors which caused a sharp increase in food prices in July 2023. It is important to note that this is just a forecast and the actual inflation rate may vary.

India’s Annu Rani won the gold medal in the women’s javelin throw with a 69.92m throw at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou. She became the first Indian woman to win a javelin gold in Asian Games history.

Basohli Pashmina, a renowned traditional craft from the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, has recently received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This recognition not only celebrates the exceptional craftsmanship of the artisans but also protects the authenticity and uniqueness of this artisanal heritage.

Indian players Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Pravin Ojas Deotale won gold in the Compound Archery Mixed Team at the Asian Games 2023.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced plans to retire its iconic MiG-21 fighter jets and replace them with the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A. This is part of the IAF's ongoing efforts to modernize and replace its ageing Russian-origin aircraft.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named Sachin Tendulkar as the Global Ambassador for the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Tendulkar is one of the greatest cricketers of all time and is a global icon. He is sure to help promote the World Cup and generate excitement for the event.

India participated in the recent 5th meeting of Moscow Format meeting on the security situation of Afghanistan held in the Russian city of Kazan on 29th September 2023. The Moscow Format is a regional dialogue mechanism on Afghanistan that was established in 2017. It includes Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The format is designed to promote regional cooperation and coordination on Afghanistan, with a focus on security, counter-terrorism, and economic development.

Anirban Mukherjee, previously the CEO of PayU India, has been promoted to the global CEO position of PayU. This change indicates a strategic focus on PayU's Indian operations and its adjustment to the fast-changing digital payment scene in the country. Laurent Le Moal, the current Global CEO, will take on an advisory role in the company.

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has announced that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to procure a range of weapon systems, including aircraft, helicopters, and missiles, with an estimated cost ranging from Rs 2.5 lakh crore to Rs 3 lakh crore over the next six to seven years. This move aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance in defence production.

The 11th edition of the India-Bangladesh annual joint military exercise SAMPRITI is being held in Umroi, Meghalaya. The exercise is being organized alternately by both countries and highlights their robust bilateral defence cooperation initiatives.SAMPRITI-XI began on October 3, 2023, and will continue for 14 days. Approximately 350 personnel from both sides are participating in the exercise. The focus of the exercise is on enhancing interoperability, sharing tactical drills, and promoting best practices.

World Animal Welfare Day is celebrated on October 4th every year. The theme for 2023 is "Great or Small, Love Them All." This day is an opportunity to raise awareness about animal rights and welfare and to promote compassion and respect for all animals.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed throughout the entire month of October each year. During this time, individuals, healthcare organizations, and nonprofits collaborate to raise awareness and promote breast cancer prevention and treatment.

Dr. Samir V. Kamat is the current Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). He took over the position on August 26, 2022. Dr. Kamat is a distinguished scientist with over 30 years of experience in DRDO. He has a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from The Ohio State University, USA.

The World Bank has maintained its GDP growth forecast for India in FY24 at 6.3%. This is despite the global challenges that India is facing, such as the war in Ukraine and rising inflation. India's resilience rests on domestic demand and infrastructure investments.

The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, flagged off the CRPF Women Bike Expedition ‘Yashasvini’ from the iconic Lal Chowk, Srinagar. The expedition is a groundbreaking initiative to empower women and promote women's empowerment. It is an all-female bikers’ expedition rally that will travel from Srinagar to Gujarat.

National Wildlife Week is celebrated in India every year from October 2 to October 8. The dates coincide with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who championed the principles of Ahinsa (non-violence) and compassion for all living beings. This year’s theme, “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation,” reflects the collaborative efforts required to protect and preserve the nation’s rich biodiversity.