2023 Latest Current Affairs, Daily Current Affairs in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

1 .

'GST Sahay' Invoice Financing Loans Platform Will Be Launched By?

A)

SIDBI

B)

SEBI

C)

NITI Aayog

D)

State Bank of India

Correct Answer : Option (A) - SIDBI

With an aim to enhance the economic and financial sustainability of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is in the process of launching an app-based 'invoice financing' loans platform 'GST Sahay', an official said.

This was announced by SIDBI, Chief General Manager (CGM), Rahul Priyadarshi at a customer outreach programme here on Wednesday (27th Sep 2023).

"The MSMEs are vital for the economic growth and development of India. They (MSMEs) create jobs and contribute enormously to the socio-economic development of the country. Although several measures for the MSMEs have been taken in the past few years by the government, the crunch in working capital credit is one of the major issues for them. Now, SIDBI is in the process of launching an app-based 'invoice financing' loans platform for them," he said."

The new invoice platform-GST Sahay will reduce the problem of delayed payments and consequential cash flows mismatches for the MSMEs. The GST Sahay will be an invoice-financing marketplace where MSMEs can use their unpaid invoices to get quick working capital loans", said Priyadarshi.

While speaking about industrial growth in Bihar, the CGM said, "There is no doubt that the industrial growth is taking place in the state, but SIDBI wants to take this region at a greater height. There is a lot of scope for agro-processing, medical and agri tourism in the state. We are always focused on such businesses and SIDBI wants this region to prosper further".

SIDBI wants to enhance its loan assistance further in the state, he said, adding the loan book of SIDBI's Patna region has grown at 35 per cent (from March 2023 till the date).

"The jump of 35 per cent in lending (of the Patna region), which is at Rs 232 crore now, is quite satisfactory. We want to increase it further. Now the accelerator of growth is on in this region", he said.

Transparency and trust is the principle on which SIDBI does its businesses, he said.

Anubha Prasad, Regional Head of SIDBI Patna, speaking at the event said, "SIDBI is dedicated to fostering strong relationships with its valued customers. SIDBI hopes to aid the development of the two states (Bihar and Jharkhand) through its credit-plus approach, and create stronger footprints for enterprise development at the grassroots level, creating employment and empowering entrepreneurs, as well as work with the two state governments to add value to their initiatives".

SIDBI has appraised 17 proposals involving assistance of approximately Rs 196 crore under Micro and Small Enterprises - Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP) for Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA) clusters in the state, she added.

Highlighting the bank's comprehensive range of offerings, Prasad said, " SIDBI is also providing financial assistance and support for green projects in the MSME sector as aligned to the nation's commitment to reduce the Green House Gas (GHG) emissions"..

Source : Zeebiz

Published On : September 28, 2023

2 .

Father of India’s 'Green Revolution,' MS Swaminathan When Did Passes Away?

A)

25th Sep 2023

B)

26th Sep 2023

C)

27th Sep 2023

D)

28th Sep 2023

Correct Answer : Option (D) - 28th Sep 2023

Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan (MS Swaminathan), legendary agricultural scientist and father of India’s ‘Green Revolution,’ died at the age of 98 in Chennai on Thursday (28th Sep 2023).

Born on August 7, 1925 in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district, he was an agronomist, agricultural scientist, plant geneticist, administrator, and humanitarian who played a crucial role in developing high-yielding varieties of paddy that helped ensure India’s low-income farmers produce more yield.

Swaminathan started his career in 1949 researching on the genetics of potato, wheat, rice and jute. When India was on the verge of a mass famine leading to scarcity of food grains, Swaminathan along with Norman Borlaug and other scientists developed the high yield variety seeds of wheat.

Swaminathan, who is known as the "Father of Economic Ecology" by the United Nations Environment Programme, worked with agriculture ministers including C Subramaniam and Jagjivan Ram during 1960s and 70s for the success of the ‘Green Revolution,’ an initiative that paved the way for exponential rise in productivity of wheat and rice through adaptation of chemical-biological technology.

For developing and spearheading the introduction of high-yielding wheat and rice varieties into India, he was awarded the first World Food Prize in 1987 following which he set up the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai. Swaminathan was also awarded with Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1971 and the Albert Einstein World Science Award in 1986.

He had also been conferred with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan. He is also the recipient of the H K Firodia award, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award and the Indira Gandhi Prize.

The Indian agriculturalist had also held administrative positions in various agricultural research laboratories. He served as the director general of Indian Council of Agricultural Research and later International Rice Research Institute. He also served as the principal secretary of the ministry of agriculture in 1979.

In 1988, Swaminathan became the president of the International Union of the Conservation of Nature and Natural resources. In 2004, he was appointed as chair of the National Commission on Farmers.

Beyond his work in the country, Swaminathan was an spectacular figure globally, contributing to various international agricultural and environmental initiatives. He was named one of the 20 most influential Asians of the 20th century by Time magazine.

He is survived by his three daughters Soumya, Madhura, and Nitya. His wife Mina died in 2022..

Source : Hindustan Times

Published On : September 28, 2023

3 .

Which Govt Signs MoU With Ropeway Construction Firm Poma Group In London?

A)

Maharashtra

B)

Uttarakhand

C)

Karnataka

D)

Uttar Pradesh

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand government has signed a memorandum of understanding worth ₹2,000 crore with global ropeway construction firm Poma Group in London.

The MoU was signed by Uttarakhand's secretary (industries) Vinay Shankar Pandey on behalf of the state government.

Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said keeping in mind the geographical conditions of the state, there is immense potential for investment in the field of eco-friendly tourism in Uttarakhand.

The Poma Group has worked in Uttarakhand, having been associated with the Auli ropeway in Chamoli district of the state. The company is also also providing technical support in Dehradun-Mussoorie ropeway & Yamunotri ropeway projects, the government statement said.

“The Poma Group has expressed its desire to invest in providing technical support for ropeway & establishing a Center of Excellence in many other religious and tourist places including Haridwar”, Dhami said.

Dhami said that the focus of his government is also on ecology & economy, along with tourism. The chief minister said that the state government is looking for different ways of investment in which there is a balance between development & environment.

“In such a situation, on one hand, options like ropeway will provide convenience to the tourists in Uttarakhand, while on the other hand, it will prove to be better from the environmental point of view, along with increasing the livelihood opportunities of the local people”, the CM added.

Dhami also participated in the meetings organised at the London roadshow for the Global Investors Summit in Dehradun. He met many leading industrial houses of London and held detailed discussions about possibilities of investment in the hill state. Dhami also invited all the investors to Uttarakhand for the Global Investor Summit to be held in the month of December this year.

Dhami said that London is also a big center of service sector. He added that the Uttarakhand government’s aim is that global investors should come to the state, so that the industrial activities here can gain more momentum..

Source : Hindustan Times

Published On : September 28, 2023

4 .

India Slips Four Spots To ____ Position In 2023 World Talent Ranking

A)

54th

B)

56th

C)

59th

D)

62nd

Correct Answer : Option (B) - 56th

India has slipped four spots to 56th position, compared to its 52nd position in 2022, in the 2023 World Talent Ranking, according to the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) release.

Though the report, released on 27 September 2023, acknowledges India's infrastructure improvements, it underscores the need for further enhancement in talent competitiveness.

However, the IMD praised India's talent pool for its agility, tech-savviness, and readiness for the future. "Indians are seen as well-prepared for global roles, thanks to their linguistic diversity and international exposure"

"Talent competitiveness, alongside substantial infrastructure investments, is crucial for a nation's long-term success," said IMD World Competitiveness Center Director Professor Arturo Bries.

The IMD World Talent Ranking considers various factors, including quality of life, statutory minimum wage, and primary and secondary education. India fares reasonably well in future readiness, ranking 29th. However, the report highlights India's weak educational system, ranking it second to last (63rd) in quality. This is attributed to unequal access to education, particularly in rural areas, and insufficient investment.

Professor Bries added, "Increasing investment in education is a straightforward solution that requires strong political commitment, as it is the most critical investment a country can make."

The IMD in its report mentions that India needs comprehensive policies, including salary increases and improvements in quality of life, safety, and environmental friendliness to retain talent domestically.

In the IMD World Talent Ranking 2023, Switzerland ranked on top, while Luxembourg was in second place, followed by Iceland, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

The United States is ranked 15th, while China is at 41st place, and the UK ranks 35th. Brazil (63rd) and Mongolia (64th) occupy the bottom two spots.

In October, IMD is planning to release the Hinrich-IMD Sustainable Trade Index, while in November, it will release the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, following earlier releases of the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking and the IMD Smart City Index..

Source : Mint

Published On : September 28, 2023

5 .

Which City Leads in Green Office Space as India Witnesses a 36% Increase Since 2019?

A)

Chennai

B)

Lucknow

C)

Bengaluru

D)

Ahmedabad

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Bengaluru

Bengaluru claims the top spot for green office spaces in India, according to the CBRE-CII report 'Indian Real Estate: Taking Giant Strides - 2023 Mid-Year Outlook.' Over the last three and a half year.

In a significant development for India’s real estate sector, Bengaluru has emerged as the city with the highest green-certified office space. This achievement is part of a broader trend showcased in the ‘Indian Real Estate: Taking Giant Strides – 2023 Mid-Year Outlook’ report jointly released by real estate consultant CBRE and industry body CII during the CII Realty conference.

Green-Certified Office Space Growth :

The report highlights a remarkable 36% growth in green-certified office space across six major Indian cities over the past three and a half years. In 2019, the total green-certified office stock stood at 251 million square feet, but it has now surged to an impressive 342 million square feet.

Key Findings :

Bengaluru’s Leading Role : Bengaluru has taken the lead in this green revolution, showcasing the most significant growth in green office space. This trend underscores the city’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly workplaces.

Report Launch : The CBRE-CII report, titled ‘Indian Real Estate: Taking Giant Strides – 2023 Mid-Year Outlook,’ was unveiled during the CII Realty conference. It serves as a comprehensive overview of the real estate sector’s progress and prospects in the current year.

Green-Certified Office Stock : The report emphasizes the substantial expansion of green-certified office space from 2019 to 2023, reflecting a strong industry response to environmental concerns and evolving global and domestic Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) regulations.

Sustainable Business Practices : The report underscores the growing importance of ESG considerations among businesses, driving a “flight-to-quality” wave among occupiers. This shift reflects a preference for modern, premium, and sustainable office spaces in the medium to long term..

Source : Money Control

Published On : September 28, 2023

6 .

PM Attends 20th Anniversary Celebration Of Vibrant ______ Global Summit Event

A)

Gujarat

B)

Punjab

C)

Uttarakhand

D)

Uttar Pradesh

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Gujarat

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, graced the occasion commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. This prestigious event took place at Science City in Ahmedabad, a city that has witnessed the remarkable transformation of Vibrant Gujarat over the past two decades.

The Evolution of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit: A 20-Year Journey
The inception of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit occurred two decades ago, precisely on September 28, 2003, under the forward-thinking guidance of the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modi. As years passed, it evolved into an internationally recognized event, establishing itself as one of India’s foremost business summits.

Leaders of Industry Share Their Insights

Distinguished leaders of industry gathered to reflect on the incredible journey of Vibrant Gujarat.

B K Goenka: A Role Model for States

B K Goenka, Chairman of Welspun lauded the summit as a global event that serves as a role model for other states. Mr. Goenka recalled Shri Modi’s advice during the first Vibrant Gujarat, which led to successful expansion in the Kutch region. Today, Kutch is poised to become a hub of green hydrogen production.

Takashi Suzuki: Japan’s Strong Partnership

Takashi Suzuki, Chief Director General of Jetro (South Asia), extended congratulations to the Gujarat Government for the summit’s 20th anniversary. He emphasized Japan’s significant contribution to the Make in India initiative and highlighted the deepening cultural and business ties between Japan and Gujarat. Suzuki credited Prime Minister Modi’s guidance for Jetro’s presence in Gujarat and invited a Japanese business delegation for future collaborations.

Lakshmi Mittal: Shaping India’s Investment Landscape

Lakshmi Mittal, Executive Chairman of ArcelorMittal, recognized Vibrant Gujarat as the trendsetter that inspired similar events across India. He commended Prime Minister Modi’s vision and leadership, highlighting Gujarat’s status as a leading industrial state. Mr. Mittal also provided insights into ArcelorMittal’s projects in Gujarat.

Prime Minister’s Vision for India’s Global Economic Leadership

The Prime Minister remarked, “When we initiated Vibrant Gujarat, our objective was to position this state as the catalyst for the nation’s advancement. He went on to mention that the 2014 goal of making India the world’s growth engine is gaining recognition among international organizations and experts.

Today, India stands as the fastest-growing economy globally. We are now at a pivotal juncture where India is poised to emerge as a major global economic force. Our aspiration is for India to claim the position of the third-largest economy in the world,” he stated.

Seeds of Transformation

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the challenging circumstances that Gujarat faced in the early 2000s, including the 2001 earthquake, drought, and the Madhavpura bank crisis. Despite these difficulties, he expressed his unwavering confidence in the people of Gujarat and pledged to lead the state out of its predicament.

Birth of Vibrant Gujarat

Vibrant Gujarat emerged as a means to uplift the state’s spirits and engage with the world. It showcased Gujarat’s decision-making prowess and the nation’s potential in various sectors. The summit also presented opportunities, talent, and India’s cultural richness on a global stage.

Prime Minister Modi detailed the summit’s growth from a few hundred participants in 2003 to over 40,000 participants from 135 countries in recent editions. He emphasized the importance of combining audacious ideas with effective implementation.

Prime Minister’s Reflections on the 20th Anniversary of Vibrant Gujarat

Speaking to the assembled audience, the Prime Minister observed that the efforts initiated two decades ago have blossomed into the vibrant and multifaceted phenomenon we now know as Vibrant Gujarat. He expressed his joy at being part of the 20th-anniversary festivities of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit.

Emphasizing that Vibrant Gujarat isn’t just a branding exercise for the state but a means to fortify connections, the Prime Minister stressed that the summit symbolizes a strong and enduring link between himself and the abilities of the state’s 70 million residents.

A Catalyst for Development

Vibrant Gujarat’s success stories include substantial growth in investments, employment, and exports across sectors like textiles, automobiles, agro-processing, medical devices, diamonds, ceramics, and defense manufacturing. Prime Minister Modi noted that it had transformed Gujarat into an industrial and manufacturing hub.

Towards a Self-Reliant India

The Prime Minister urged industrialists to focus on sectors that could propel India’s growth. He emphasized the need to nurture the startup ecosystem, promote agri-tech, and boost food processing. He also highlighted the increasing relevance of GiFT City for financial cooperation.

Looking to the Future

Prime Minister Modi concluded by stating that the next 20 years are crucial, as India aspires to become a developed and self-reliant nation by its centenary of independence in 2047. He expressed hope that Vibrant Gujarat would continue to move in this direction.

Published On : September 28, 2023

7 .

Who has been appointed (27th Sep 2023) as the Country Head of Wholesale Banking by Yes Bank?

A)

Manish Jain

B)

Ajay Puri

C)

Ravi Thota

D)

Alok Sinha

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Manish Jain

Yes Bank on Wednesday (27th Sep 2023) announced Manish Jain as the Country Head- Wholesale Banking with immediate effect. Jain will succeed Ravi Thota, according to stock the statement by the bank to the stock exchanges.

Thota has tendered his resignation on account of personal and other professional commitments.

In his role as Country Head-Whilesale Banking, Jain will be responsible for spearheading the wholesale banking business at Yes Bank, comprising large corporates, the bank said.

Jain is a senior banking professional with three decades of work experience which includes 23 years in Standard Chartered Bank.

He has worked in diverse geographical locations throughout India serving all client segments like Large Local Corporates, Strategic Groups, Middle Market Companies, Supply Chain Finance, Transaction Banking sales, Multinational Corporates, Financial Institutions, and SMEs.

Prior to Standard Chartered Bank, Jain worked with Ernst & Young Consulting India, GE India, and Maruti Suzuki.

Jain holds a Master of Business Administration from IIM Bangalore and a BTech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Delhi.

Yes Bank stock traded at ₹17.45 apiece, up by 0.58% at the time of writing..

Source : Mint

Published On : September 27, 2023

8 .

Which film has been named as India's official entry for Oscars 2024?

A)

Jawan

B)

Ghadar-2

C)

The Kashmir Files

D)

2018-Everyone is a Hero

Correct Answer : Option (D) - 2018-Everyone is a Hero

The Film Federation of India has nominated the Malayalam film "2018: Everyone is a Hero", based on the Kerala floods, as India's official entry for the Academy Awards (Oscars) in 2024.

'2018' is the first Malayalam film to cross the Rs 100 crore mark and the fastest. Now this film will lead India in the Academy Awards.

Survival drama "2018-Everyone is a Hero", based on the Kerala floods that year, is India's official entry to the Academy Awards 2024, the Film Federation of India announced here on Wednesday (27th Sep 2023).

Addressing a press conference, Girish Kasaravalli, noted filmmaker and chairperson of the selection committee, said the 16-member jury unanimously selected the Malayalam film to represent the country.

Kasaravalli, a renowned voice in Kannada cinema, said they had a lengthy discussion before choosing "2018" to represent India at the 2024 Academy Awards.

"It was a pan-Indian selection. And we were happy that we were 16 members and we watched 22 films in one week's time. It was a difficult decision because there were so many good films and we had to analyse to find out which film had better merit. Finally, we decided on '2018 - Everyone is a Hero'," the filmmaker said.

According to Kasaravalli, the Jude Anthany Joseph-directed film highlights "Indian ethos, situation and people".

"It's a film that talks about a calamity that Kerala faced in 2018. It not only represents India but also the calamity that's happening around the world. The film also excels cinematically and technically," he said.

"Such messages are linked to climate change and the so-called development," he added.

Lead star Tovino Thomas, who is currently in Amsterdam for the Septimius Awards where he won the best Asian Actor trophy for "2018", said it was time for celebration for the team.

"I was very happy last night and woke up even happier to this exciting news as our film '2018' has been selected as India's official entry (to Oscars). We worked in extreme conditions but it's all paying off. This movie is now getting international acclaim. It's great," Thomas told PTI over phone from Amsterdam.

"I’m not with the team to celebrate this moment. But this definitely calls for a celebration," he added.

Joseph said the announcement came as a happy surprise.

"It was such a happiness that our film is going for the Oscars as the country's official entry," he added.

Ravi Kottarakara, FFI president, said as many as 22 titles including Hindi films "The Kerala Story", "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani", "Gadar 2", "Zwigato", "The Vaccine War", "Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway" as well as "Balagam" (Telugu), "Vaalvi" (Marathi), "Baaplyok" (Marathi) and "August 16, 1947" (Tamil) were also in the running. But the jury unanimously chose "2018".

"2018" also stars Tanvi Ram, Kunchako Boban and Aparna Balamurali. In June, the makers claimed that the film had crossed over Rs 200 crore at the box office to become the highest grossing film in Malayalam cinema..

Source : Telegraph India

Published On : September 27, 2023

9 .

Which company is going to launch earthquake warning service in India?

A)