30th September 2023 Daily Current Affairs

National & International Appointments

Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan took over as the 28th Director General Border Roads (DGBR) on September 30, 2023.
He assumed the charge following the superannuation of Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry.
Prior to his appointment as the DGBR, the General Officer was holding the appointment of Commandant, College of Military Engineering, Pune.
Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.

National & International Appointments

The Union government has extended the tenure of the incumbent chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Nitin Gupta till June 30, 2024.
The nine-month extension for Gupta came on the day when he was scheduled to retire and demit from office.
As per the Centre’s notification, his service period has been extended “on a contract basis”.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the reappointment of Gupta as the CBDT Chairman.

Schemes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a unique week-long programme for aspirational blocks in the country called ‘Sankalp Saptaah‘ at the Bharat Mandapam on 30 September 2023.
It is being implemented in 500 aspirational blocks across 329 districts in the country.
‘Sankalp Saptaah’ is linked to the effective implementation of the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).
The ABPP was launched across the nation by the Prime Minister on 7 January, 2023.

Sports

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the two official ICC mascots named ‘Blaze’ and ‘Tonk’ for the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India.
‘Blaze’ is a female mascot, bowling at a rapid pace, leaving batters in sheer awe.
She is adorned with a belt carrying six power cricket orbs, each meticulously prepared for various game-changing tactics.
‘Tonk’ is a male mascot, with icy-cool composure, making him a batting champion.

Summits & Conferences

Ministry of Tourism will be hosting the 46th edition of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart 2023 at the magnificent International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi.
The Mart is scheduled to take place from October 4th to 6th 2023.
Aim: To bring together tourism professionals and business stakeholders from across the world
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) was founded in 1951, with its Headquarters in Bangkok.

Defense

The 30th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) has successfully concluded in Singapore.
Indian Naval Ships Ranvijay, Kavaratti, submarine Sindhukesari, and a long-range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I participated in the exercise.
Combined aviation, firefighting, and damage control exercises were conducted during the period.
The sea phase of SIMBEX 23 was conducted from 25 to 28 of September.

National Affairs

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav and Technology and Bharatiya Bhasha Summit in New Delhi.
The two-day summit aims to set a course for a technologically enriched future for Bharatiya languages in education.
The summit encompassed 3 pivotal thematic sessions with a special focus on the integration of technology in promoting Bharatiya Bhasha, including its role in teaching, training, examination, and translating educational materials.

Banking & Finance

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to acquire a 9.7% stake in Federal Bank.
Earlier this year, the Kerala-based private sector lender had raised ₹959 crore via preferential issue of shares to the World Bank Group member.
’The Federal Bank Ltd has received an intimation from the Reserve Bank of India on September 28, 2023.
After RBI, the stake holding is subject to compliance by other regulatory bodies.

Sports

India’s Sarabjot Singh, Divya TS won silver in the 10m air pistol mixed team on Day 7 of the Asian Games 2023.
On day 7, India’s medal tally reached 38 including Gold (10); Silver (14); and Bronze (14).
Other winners:
- Arathy Raj 5th in women’s 10000m speed skating final.
- Tennis players, Rohan Bopanna, and Rutuja Bhosala clinch gold in mixed doubles final.
- Indian men’s team beats Pakistan in thrilling Squash final to win gold medal.