Current affairs 23 September 2023

Rajasthan tops the list in solar water pump installations.

• Rajasthan tops the list in solar water pump installations in 2023.
• More than 62,000 farmers have directly benefited from the scheme introduced by the Ashok Gehlot government four-and-a-half years ago.
• According to the gov, farmers in Rajasthan are encouraged to install solar pumps for irrigation, instead of relying on electricity connections and diesel-powered plants.
• The state government is encouraging farmers by offering 60 percent subsidy for installing solar pumps.

Union Minister Kailash Choudhary launches PM KISAN AI-Chatbot.

• Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Kailash Choudhary launches PM KISAN AI-Chatbot (Kisan e-Mitra) in New Delhi.
• Aim: Tol help in accessing scheme information and resolving grievances.
• This is the first AI Chatbot integrated with a major flagship scheme of the Union government.
• The AI Chatbot acts as a comprehensive guide for the beneficiaries, providing them with timely and accurate responses to their queries related to the scheme.

UP gov launches instant birth certificate for newborns at health facilities.

• Newborns at government health facilities of Uttar Pradesh will now be issued birth registration certificates immediately after delivery without the parents having to apply for same.
• Gov has integrated its Maa Navjaat Tracking app (MaNTrA) with the birth registration system as part of its efforts to provide 'ease of living' to the citizens using digital technology.
• UP has become the first state to implement suo motu birth registration for government health institutions.

ISO and UNDP announce partnership to enhance sustainability action.

• The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a landmark Statement of Intent, in addressing global development challenges.
• Aim: To collaborate on initiatives geared towards enhancing international standards that advance sustainability actions by both the public and private sectors.
• Objective: To provide a common basis for documentation and certification, making it easier for organizations.

BCCI announces SBI Life as Official Partner for BCCI Domestic Season.

• The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced SBI Life as one of the official partners for the BCCI Domestic and International Season 2023-2026.
• SBI Life has signed a 3-year deal with the BCCI and their partnership will begin with the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting September 22.
• This collaboration reflects our commitment to promoting and supporting the sport of cricket at all levels.