Today's Current Affairs 25th September 2023

INTERNATIONAL

India Achieves Major Sanitation Milestone As 75% Villages Are Now ODF Plus under Swachh Bharat Mission - Grameen

• India’s Jal Shakti minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, recently announced a significant achievement in the country’s sanitation efforts. He reported that 75% of Indian villages, totaling about 4.4 lakh, have attained the coveted ‘Open Defecation Free Plus’ (ODF Plus) status. This milestone signifies a crucial step toward fulfilling the goals of the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin by 2024-25.
• An ‘ODF Plus’ village is one that has not only maintained its Open Defecation Free (ODF) status but has also successfully implemented either solid or liquid waste management systems.

 NATIONAL

Three new air routes to become operationalise in Arunachal Pradesh in October: Scindia

• Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently announced the imminent launch of three additional air routes in Arunachal Pradesh, set to be operational by October of this year. These new routes will connect Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, to Rupsi, Jorhat, and Delhi as part of the UDAN-5 scheme. UDAN, or Ude Desh ka Aam Nagarik, is a regional connectivity initiative designed to enhance accessibility to aviation services for the common citizens. The development comes after the inauguration of enhanced infrastructure at the Tezu airport in Lohit district.
• Arunachal Pradesh is set to benefit significantly from the expansion of air routes, making travel more convenient for its residents.
• The Tezu airport, now equipped with upgraded facilities, will play a pivotal role in facilitating these new air connections.

Goan unemployed persons to build and operate shacks across

• Goa, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Orient,” is a coastal paradise in India known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. Recently, the government of Goa has approved a groundbreaking policy named “Goa State Shack Policy 2023-2026” to enhance the beach experience for tourists while promoting sustainable tourism and economic opportunities for the local community. This policy is set to redefine the beach scene in Goa.
• One of the most exciting aspects of the “Goa State Shack Policy 2023-2026” is the provision for the creation of seasonal structures along the beaches. These structures, including deck beds, umbrellas, and beach shacks, are designed to elevate the beach experience for visitors during the upcoming tourist seasons. This innovative approach aims to strike a balance between enhancing tourism and preserving Goa’s natural beauty.

India rolls out policy to ensure dignity in death for Border Roads workers

• India, on a mission to enhance its infrastructure along the country’s remote frontiers, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking policy aimed at dignifying the lives of casual workers employed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved this policy, which not only addresses the preservation and transportation of mortal remains but also raises funeral expenses. This move emphasizes the perilous nature of the work undertaken by these individuals in challenging terrains.
• Until now, the facility for preserving and transporting mortal remains at government expense was exclusively available to BRO’s General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) personnel. However, recognizing the invaluable contribution of casual laborers, this policy extends this privilege to them as well.
• BRO employs approximately one lakh casual workers who labor tirelessly to construct critical border infrastructure spanning regions from Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim to Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. These projects encompass roads, bridges, tunnels, airfields, and helipads. Unfortunately, the tough working conditions and adverse climates sometimes result in casualties.

 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

NASA capsule set to land in Utah desert, carrying largest asteroid samples ever

• The climactic end of a seven-year voyage comes to an end when a NASA capsule landed in the Utah desert, carrying to Earth the largest asteroid samples ever collected. Scientists have high hopes for the sample, saying it will provide a better understanding of the formation of our solar system and how Earth became habitable.
• Four years after its 2016 launch, the Osiris-Rex probe landed on the asteroid Bennu and collected roughly nine ounces (250 grams) of dust from its rocky surface. Even that small amount, NASA says, should “help us better understand the types of asteroids that could threaten Earth” and cast light “on the earliest history of our solar system.” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said, this is going to be the biggest sample we’ve brought back since the Apollo moon rocks” were returned to Earth.

Rajnath Singh inaugurates Bharat Drone Shakti exhibition 2023, inducts C-295 MW aircraft

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to inaugurate the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition at Hindan Air Base in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. In addition to the exhibition, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will formally induct the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force. Key military officials, including IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, will be in attendance for this significant event.
• The Indian Air Force recently received its first C-295 aircraft, marking a significant milestone.
• This acquisition follows a Rs 21,935-crore deal between New Delhi and Airbus Defence and Space, which was signed two years ago.
• Airbus is responsible for delivering the initial 16 aircraft in a ‘fly-away’ condition from its final assembly line in Seville, with completion expected by 2025.
• An industrial partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India will oversee the manufacturing and assembly of the subsequent 40 aircraft.

World Pharmacists Day 2023: 25^th September

• World Pharmacists Day is a globally recognized event observed every year on September 25th. It serves as a dedicated occasion to honor and appreciate the vital contributions of pharmacists to the improvement of global health. This special day underscores the pivotal role that pharmacists play in enhancing human well-being and seeks to raise awareness about their invaluable work.
• The theme for World Pharmacists Day in 2023 is “Pharmacy Strengthening Health Systems.” This theme focuses on recognizing and celebrating the indispensable contributions of pharmacists in the field of medical supplements and healthcare professionals. It emphasizes the role of pharmacists in fortifying healthcare systems worldwide.
• The roots of World Pharmacists Day trace back to its establishment at the 2009 International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Congress held in Istanbul, Turkey. This annual observance was created to highlight the significant importance of pharmacists and pharmacy professionals in the healthcare sector. Over the years, it has evolved into a global celebration of pharmacists’ contributions.

Daughters Day 2023:24^th September

• Daughters are indeed a beautiful treasure in any household. They bring love, laughter and happiness and their connection with their families persists even as they embark on new chapters in their lives. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, including India, gender inequality remains a significant challenge. Daughters often shoulder multiple responsibilities at the expense of their physical and mental health.
• Daughters Day is celebrated every year on fourth Saturday of the September month. This year, 24th September 2023 marks a special occasion dedicated to celebrating the joy of having a daughter. Daughter’s Day is a beautiful reminder of the importance of daughters in our lives and an opportunity to express our love and appreciation for them. As our daughters are the guiding lights of our future, it is crucial to make this day memorable and meaningful.

BANKING AND ECONOMY

Apple Plans To Increase Production Over Five Times In India In 5 Years: Report

• Apple, the renowned iPhone maker, is gearing up to significantly expand its manufacturing operations in India. Government sources report that the company aims to increase its production in the country by over fivefold, reaching approximately $40 billion (about 3.32 lakh crore) within the next 4-5 years.
• This ambitious move follows Apple’s successful crossing of the $7 billion production mark in the previous fiscal year. In addition to iPhones, Apple is poised to commence manufacturing AirPods in India. However, it appears that the company currently has no immediate plans to produce iPads, laptops, or participate in IT hardware Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
• Apple plans to scale up its production in India from $7 billion to a remarkable $40 billion within the next 4-5 years.
• The company aims to establish itself as a major player in India’s manufacturing landscape.