Current Affairs for Academic Students in India (September 1-17, 2023)

Current Affairs for Academic Students in India (September 1-17, 2023)

Education

• UPAg portal launched: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the UPAg portal, a one-stop destination for all information related to higher education in India. The portal provides information on admission procedures, scholarships, and other important resources for students and parents.
• India's industrial output (IIP) grows 8.8% in August: India's industrial output (IIP) grew 8.8% in August 2023, compared to the same period last year. This is the highest growth rate in IIP in the past 11 months. The growth was driven by strong performance in the manufacturing and mining sectors.
• Chainalysis' 2023 Global Crypto Adoption Index: India ranked second in Chainalysis' 2023 Global Crypto Adoption Index, after Vietnam. The index measures the level of cryptocurrency adoption in 157 countries based on three factors: on-chain retail value, on-chain transaction volume, and decentralized exchange volume.
• Telangana Super Thermal Power Project commissioned: The first unit of the Telangana Super Thermal Power Project was commissioned on September 14, 2023. The project is a joint venture between the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and the Telangana State Power Generation Corporation (TSGENCO). It is expected to generate 4,000 MW of electricity once fully operational.
• India's trade deficit widens to $28.68 billion in August: India's trade deficit widened to $28.68 billion in August 2023, from $26.7 billion in the same period last year. The widening of the trade deficit was due to a sharp increase in imports, while exports remained relatively flat.

Science and Technology

• DST Dashboard launched: Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the DST Dashboard, a tool for nationwide monitoring and feedback to facilitate successful execution of DST-funded projects, schemes, scholarships, and fellowships. The Dashboard will give access to details of schemes and programmes for any group in every State on a real time basis.
• India's first Airbus C295 aircraft arrives: India's first Airbus C295 aircraft arrived in the country on September 16, 2023. The aircraft will be used by the Indian Air Force for medium-range transport operations. The C295 is a new generation transport aircraft that is known for its versatility and operational flexibility.
• Cabinet approves e-Courts Phase III: The Indian government has approved Phase III of the e-Courts project, with a budget of Rs. 7,000 crore. The project aims to make the Indian judicial system more efficient and accessible to citizens. Phase III of the project will focus on developing new e-services, improving the existing infrastructure, and increasing the use of ICT in the courts.

Other Important Events

• Prime Minister Modi visits the United States: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to the United States. During his visit, he will meet with President Joe Biden and other senior US officials to discuss a range of issues, including bilateral relations, trade and investment, and regional security.
• India hosts the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting: India is hosting the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi on September 17-18, 2023. The meeting will be attended by foreign ministers from all G20 member countries, as well as representatives from international organizations. The meeting is expected to focus on a range of issues, including global economic recovery, food security, and climate change.

Credit: Google and Various News Outlets

Ankit Chaurasia
Educator