Today's Current Affairs 24th September 2023

INTERNATIONAL

Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2023 set to begin in USA's Alaska

• The 19th edition of YUDH ABHYAS is set to commence in Alaska, USA. This annual exercise is a collaborative effort between the Indian Army and the US Army, aimed at strengthening military cooperation and readiness.
• The Indian Army contingent, consisting of 350 personnel, will actively take part in this edition of the exercise.
• The lead battalion representing India hails from the esteemed MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment.
• During YUDH ABHYAS, both sides will engage in a series of tactical drills geared towards enhancing interoperability, particularly in the context of UN peacekeeping operations.
• The exercise will facilitate the exchange of views and best practices related to a broad spectrum of combat skills.

 NATIONAL

Govt launched AI chatbot for PM-Kisan scheme

• The Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, took a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency and reach of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme with the launch of an AI Chatbot.
• The AI Chatbot introduced with the PM-KISAN scheme serves as a comprehensive guide for beneficiaries, offering timely and accurate responses to their inquiries related to the scheme. Developed and enhanced with the support of EKstep Foundation and Bhashini, the Chatbot aims to empower farmers with a user-friendly and accessible platform.

 SPORTS

India Become First Team To Hit 3000 Sixes In ODI Cricket

• In the second ODI between Team India and Australia in Indore, India achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 3000 ODI sixes. They posted a formidable total of 399/6, striking an impressive 18 sixes during their innings. This remarkable feat made India the first team to reach the milestone of 3000 ODI sixes. The West Indies closely trail as the second team on the list with 2953 sixes, while Pakistan holds the third position with 2566 sixes. Surprisingly, cricketing powerhouses like Australia and England, known for their aggressive style of play, do not feature in the top three in this particular statistic.
• Furthermore, India set a new record against Australia in ODI cricket by scoring 399/6, marking their highest-ever total in matches between the two teams. As a result, Australia faces the daunting task of chasing down a colossal target of 400 runs to level the series.

Marco Bezzecchi makes history with victory at inaugural IndianOil Grand Prix of India

• In a thrilling race at the Buddh International Circuit, Italian rider Marco Bezzecchi, representing the Mooney VR46 Racing Team, emerged victorious in the inaugural Indian Grand Prix for the 2023 MotoGP season. This marked Bezzecchi’s third triumph of the season, solidifying his status as a top contender in the championship.
• The race commenced with Jorge Martin of Prima Pramac taking the lead at Turn 1, closely followed by Francesco Bagnaia and Marco Bezzecchi, who initially held the third position.
• Marco Bezzecchi showcased his exceptional skills by making a remarkable comeback. First, he overtook Bagnaia to claim the second position, and then he seized the lead when Jorge Martin made an error at Turn 4, running wide. From that point onward, Bezzecchi left his competitors far behind, dominating the race and securing his well-deserved victory with a comfortable lead.

Sports Minister cancels trip after China bars 3 Indian athletes from Asian Games

• Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has called off his trip to the Asian Games in protest of China’s refusal to grant entry to Indian Wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh. This decision has come amidst an official protest by the Indian government against China’s discriminatory treatment of these athletes.
• Three players, Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega, and Mepung Lamgu, were denied entry into China despite possessing valid e-accreditations from the event organizers. Ms. Wangsu couldn’t board her flight, while the other two were allowed to travel only up to Hong Kong. This casts doubt on their participation in the event scheduled for Sunday.

 OBITUARY

Former Italian president Napolitano dies aged 98

• Former Italian President Giorgio Napolitano has died at the age of 98. His passing marks the end of an era in Italian politics, as he was not only the longest-serving president but also a central figure in shaping the country’s post-war history.
• Giorgio Napolitano, who served as the President of Italy from 2006 until 2015, was a pivotal figure in the nation’s political landscape. He holds the distinction of being the first president in Italian history to be reelected to the office, a testament to his widespread popularity and the trust placed in him by the Italian people.

 IMPORTANT DAYS

World Rivers Day 2023: 24^th September

• World Rivers Day, observed on the fourth Sunday in September each year, is a global celebration that underscores the immense value of our rivers and aims to raise public awareness about their significance. This year it will be marked on September 24. This annual event also advocates for the conservation and sustainable management of these vital natural resources.
• The inception of World Rivers Day in 2005 can be traced back to the United Nations’ launch of the Water for Life Decade, spearheaded by Canadian river advocate Mark Angelo. This day’s roots are deeply embedded in BC Rivers Day, an event initiated by Angelo in British Columbia, Canada, in 1980. While BC Rivers Day consistently occurs on the fourth Sunday of September, it serves as the inspiration for the global celebration, making the date for World Rivers Day adaptable but consistently in September.

World Day of the Deaf 2023: 24^th September

• World Day of the Deaf, observed every year on the last Sunday in September, is a global celebration that sheds light on the challenges faced by the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This year, it will fall on September 24. This day is dedicated to recognizing their linguistic and cultural diversity, promoting sign language as a crucial means of communication, and advocating for their inclusion and equal opportunities in society. In this article, we delve into the history, significance, and key objectives of World Day of the Deaf.
• The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), a global NGO committed to advancing the rights and living standards of the deaf community, initiated the observance of World Deaf Day in 1958.
• The 72nd anniversary of World Deaf Day in 2023 holds particular significance for the WFD.

 SUMMITS AND MOU’S

Foreign ministers of Quad nations meet on sidelines of UN General Assembly

• On the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Foreign Ministers from the Quad nations – India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S. – convened to discuss various important issues. The Quad ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a “free and open” Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the resolution of disputes in accordance with international law. They also pledged allegiance to the principles outlined in the UN charter and voiced support for UN reform.
• The Quad nations stressed the need for comprehensive UN reform, including the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent representation on the UN Security Council. They also voiced concerns about attempts to undermine the international system, possibly alluding to Russia’s use of the veto in the Security Council concerning the Ukraine conflict.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

Gautam Adani’s Ambitious Vision for Dharavi: Transforming Asia’s Largest Slum into a Modern City Hub

• Gautam Adani expressed his commitment to transforming Dharavi into a modern city hub. He plans to support small industries, create new job opportunities, especially for young people and women, and establish training and research centers. Adani envisions an organized marketplace in line with India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce to be part of the redevelopment plan.
• Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest slums, located in the heart of Mumbai, has long been a focal point for discussions on urban development and improving living conditions for its 1 million residents.
• In the late 1800s, Dharavi was home to potters, leather tanners, artisans, and embroidery workers who established trade and businesses in the region. Over time, slum dwellers settled here, constructing huts in an unplanned manner.