Current affairs 01 October 2023

India’s Core Sector Records Robust Growth in August, Highest in 14 Months.

• In a significant economic development, India’s core sector witnessed impressive growth in August, reaching a 14-month high of 12.1%.
• This remarkable surge in core sector performance is attributed to several key factors, primarily the favorable base effect.

Government Increases Windfall Tax on Crude Petroleum.

• In a recent move, the Indian government has announced significant changes to its tax policies related to the petroleum industry.
• These changes include an increase in the special additional excise duty (SAED) on domestically produced crude petroleum, as well as reductions in levies on diesel and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Unveils 15-Point Winter Action Plan to Combat Air Pollution.

• Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has unveiled a comprehensive 15-point winter action plan aimed at addressing air pollution in the national capital, just in time for the festive season.
• This initiative is a response to the pressing need for cleaner air in Delhi, which has seen some improvements in air quality metrics, including reductions in PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels.

Ruixiang Zhang Awarded 2023 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize in Mathematics.

• Mathematician Ruixiang Zhang, an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, USA, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2023 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize.
• This award recognizes his remarkable contributions to the field of mathematics.
• The prize, which includes a cash award of $10,000, will be presented during an international conference in Number Theory, held in the hometown of the renowned mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, at SASTRA University in Kumbakonam during the third week of December.

Dr Dinesh Dasa takes oath of Office and Secrecy as Member, UPSC.

• Dr Dinesh Dasa, an eminent scholar with a rich background in forestry and public service, recently took the oath of office and secrecy as a Member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
• The ceremony, administered by UPSC Chairman Dr Manoj Soni, marks a significant milestone in Dr Dasa’s distinguished career.
• This article delves into Dr Dasa’s impressive qualifications, his impactful tenure as Chairman of the Gujarat Public Service Commission, and his contributions to the realm of public service examinations.