• The average, middle class populations of India, Nigeria, and Thailand are driving the grassroot adoption of cryptocurrencies by engaging with digital assets. The notion has been shared by crypto research firm Chainalysis, in the fourth instalment of its Global Crypto Adoption Index report. India has topped this index of 154 countries, showing that crypto culture is finding its place in the day-to-day financial and investments activities for Indians. Nigeria, Vietnam, US, and Ukraine have followed India on the index to secure the second, third, and fourth rankings, respectively.
• On the Chainalysis index, India has bagged the first rank in crypto transactions recorded in both retail and non-retail DeFi transactions. In terms of peer-to-peer exchange trade volume, India secured the fifth rank, whereas Nigeria ranked first in the category.

• Naveen Patnaik, CM of Odisha, introduced the "Mukhyamantri Sampoorna Pushti Yojana" with the aim of improving the nutritional well-being of the state's populace and nurturing a healthier.In a significant move towards improving the overall health and well-being of its residents, Odisha’s Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, unveiled the “Mukhyamantri Sampoorna Pushti Yojana.”
• This initiative, along with the complementary “Pada Pushti Yojana,” is a concerted effort to address the nutritional needs of mothers, adolescent girls, and children in the state. The launch of these programs demonstrates the government’s commitment to enhancing the nutritional status of its citizens and fostering a healthier future.

• World Patient Safety Day 2023 is celebrated every year on 17 September to spread awareness around the world about patient safety. It is the duty of doctors to take care and protect patients. The doctor is no less than a god for the patient. In such a situation, World Patient Safety Day is celebrated every year on 17 September to spread awareness around the world regarding patient safety. This day is celebrated with great pomp every year by patients, doctors and healthcare providers around the world.
• The theme of World Patient Safety Day for the year 2023 is Engaging Patients for Patient Safety. In such a situation, all healthcare providers are also asked to be included in this day. Last year, the theme “Medication safety” is selected for the World Patient Safety Day 2022. This theme varies with World Patient Safety Day 2023 slogan “Elevate the voice of Patients.”

• The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Gujarat has passed a bill in the assembly that raises reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC) community in local self government bodies like panchayats, municipalities and civic corporations to 27 per cent from the current 10 per cent.
• The Gujarat Local Authorities Laws (Amendment) Bill 2023 was passed through a majority voice vote after all the 17 Congress MLAs, including Congress Legislative Party leader Amit Chavda and senior MLA Arjun Modhwadia, staged a walkout in protest demanding higher ratio of reservation and tabling of a report of the commission headed by former Supreme Court Justice K S Zaveri.
• The state government  announced 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in the local governing bodies on the basis of a report submitted by the Zaveri commission.

• The 'PM Vishwakarma Yojana' will be launched on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 73rd birthday.It is a matter of happiness that 'PM Vishwakarma Yojana' will be launched on the occasion of PM Modi's birthday. As part of the initiative, the government will provide support, skill and the right tools to the artisans and craftsmen.
• The scheme has a Rs 13,000 crore outlay over five years up to 2027-28. Speaking while inaugurating Yashobhoomi, or the India International Convention Centre at Delhi’s Dwarka, Modi also said that India is on its way to becoming a major destination for conference tourism and the new centre, along with the ‘Bharat Mandapam’, will be a medium for showcasing India of the future.

• Ministry of Railways has launched Swachhata Pakhwada 2023. Swachhata Pakhwada – 2023 was inaugurated by Smt. Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairperson & CEO, Railway Board on 15th September, 2023 by administrating Swachhata Pledge in Rail Bhawan.
• Swachhata pledge was administered to entire Railway family which includes employees of Railways along with senior officials of Railway Zones and Divisions connected via video conferencing. Swachhata Pledge taken by entire Railway family focused on one’s commitment towards cleanliness, devoting hundred hours per year for cleanliness and propagating the message of Swachh Bharat Mission.

• The Government approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India and the Ministry of High-Tech Industry of Armenia on Cooperation in the field of sharing successful Digital Solutions implemented at the Population Scale for Digital Transformation.
• The MoU intends to promote closer cooperation and exchange of experiences and digital technologies-based solutions in the implementation of digital transformational initiatives of both the country. It envisages improved collaboration leading to employment opportunities in the field of IT. The MoU will remain in force for a period of three years.

• The Ministry of Defence approved the proposal for the procurement of 12 Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs for the Indian Air Force which would be manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The project worth Rs 11,000 crore will include the aircraft and related ground systems.According to Defence officials these Su-30 MKI would include more than 60 per cent indigenous content as per need and would be the most modern Sukhoi aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
• The decision taken during the meeting of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved nine capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 45,000 crore.For the nine capital acquisition proposals, the DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) and the AoN for acquiring 12 Su-30 MKI aircraft was also accorded.

• Tata Power Solar Systems Limited (TPSSL), a fully-owned subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TREPL), the energy solutions arm of the Tata Group, has forged a collaboration with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), the primary financial institution serving MSMEs in India. This partnership aims to offer financing solutions to MSMEs seeking to install rooftop Solar PV systems from Tata Power or its authorized distribution partners.
• Tata Power Solar and SIDBI have jointly introduced “The Big Solar Fest” to promote the adoption of solar energy among MSMEs during the upcoming festive season. This initiative offers a zero percent processing fee and provides an online application portal for MSMEs to access the scheme’s advantages.

• IndiGo has embarked on a partnership with the All-India Football Federation (AIFF). IndiGo now stands as the global partner and official airline for the Indian Football Team. Football is among the three most popular sports in India, both in terms of player participation and TV viewership, making this partnership between IndiGo and the AIFF even more significant.
• The Indian National Football Team players hail from diverse regions of the country, each with its unique culture, and are brought together by team spirit and a shared passion for football. Just like that, "India by IndiGo" reflects a dynamic and ever-expanding network, a vital thread that connects these players from all parts of India. This partnership not only leverages IndiGo’s extensive network across the country but also harnesses the airline's global network.

Download Daily GK PDF of 17 September 2023