Current Affairs – October 18 2023. Read and Download daily, the latest Current Affairs Quiz 2023 for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, IBPS, SBI etc,. Download month-wise Daily Current affairs 2023 PDF and Current affairs quiz PDF .
Current Affairs – October 18 2023
1. Arindam Bagchi Appointed as India’s Ambassador to UN in Geneva
Arindam Bagchi, currently serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva. This significant appointment marks a key change in India’s diplomatic representation in Geneva.
Arindam Bagchi is set to succeed the incumbent Indian envoy to the UN in Geneva, Indra Mani Pandey, who assumed the role in July 2020. After a three-year tenure, Pandey is now scheduled to return to New Delhi, paving the way for Bagchi to take the helm
2. What is ‘IRON BEAM’ Missile Defence System?
Israel tested its new laser-based ‘Iron Beam’ missile defence system. The system is designed to destroy short-range rockets, artillery, and mortar bombs. The system could also intercept unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It has a range of up to 7 km.
Iron Beam constitutes the sixth element of Israel’s integrated missile defense system, in addition to Arrow 2, Arrow 3, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome. Iron Beam uses a fiber laser to generate a laser beam to destroy an airborne target. The main benefits of using a directed energy weapon over conventional missile interceptors are lower costs per shot, an unlimited number of firings, lower operational costs, and less manpower. There is also no interceptor debris to fall on the area protected.
3. Kempegowda International Airport tops global on-time performance rankings
In a recent report published by aviation analytics firm Cirium, the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru, also known as the Bengaluru International Airport, has earned a remarkable distinction. It has been recognized as the “world’s most punctual airport” for the past three consecutive months. This accolade underscores the airport’s exceptional commitment to on-time departures and an impressive travel experience for passengers.
4. IDFC gets CCI nod for merger with IDFC First Bank
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has given its approval for the merger of the Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC) and IDFC First Bank. This approval was communicated through a regulatory filing on October 17, 2023.
The merger had previously received the green light from the board of directors of both IDFC and IDFC First Bank on July 3. These include the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
The merger also needs the consent of stock exchanges, as well as the agreement of shareholders and creditors of both IDFC and IDFC First Bank.
5. World Trauma Day 2023 is observed on October 17
World Trauma Day, observed every year on 17 October, is dedicated to raising awareness about trauma, its causes, symptoms, and prevention. Trauma encompasses emotional responses to accidents, injuries, physical violence, rape, natural disasters, or any incident affecting an individual both physically and mentally.
The primary goal of this day is to educate people about the causes and consequences of trauma and to promote strategies for trauma care and prevention.
6. APAAR: ‘One Nation, One Student ID’
The Union Education Ministry has recently advised all states to implement the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR), also known as the ‘One Nation, One Student ID.’ This move aims to create a seamless educational ecosystem and facilitate better tracking of students’ academic journeys and achievements.
The National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) under the Ministry of Education initiated the concept to create a comprehensive educational ecosystem registry that includes students, teachers, schools, and colleges.
7. Supreme Court Declines to Recognize Same-Sex Marriages
A five-judge Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, issued a unanimous verdict declining to recognize same-sex marriages and civil unions for non-heterosexual couples.
All five judges on the Bench, including the CJI, agreed that there is no fundamental right to marry under the Indian Constitution.
Interpretation of the Special Marriage Act, 1954 to allow same-sex marriage using gender-neutral language was deemed unfeasible.
