Rapid Fire
Rapid Fire Current Affairs
- 07 Sep 2023
- 3 min read
Bird-Like Dinosaur: Fujianvenator prodigiosus
- The recent discovery of fossils of a Jurassic Period bird-like dinosaur called Fujianvenator prodigiosus in southeastern China has captivated scientists and shed light on a critical evolutionary stage in the origin of birds.
- The dinosaur had elongated legs and arms built much like wings, suggesting it either was a fast runner or lived a lifestyle like a modern wading bird.
- It is classified as a member of a grouping called avialans that includes all birds and their closest non-avian dinosaur relatives.
- Its forelimb is generally built like a bird's wing, but with three claws on the fingers, which are absent from modern birds.
India's first ever UPI-ATM
- India's first UPI-ATM was launched on 5th September 2023, by Hitachi Payment Services.
- The ATM is a White Label ATM (WLA) developed in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
- The ATM was designed to enable "seamless cash withdrawals" and eliminate the need to carry physical ATM cards. It also aims to drive financial inclusion by making banking services more accessible in areas with limited traditional banking infrastructure.
Read more: Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
UIDAI Drives Aadhaar Innovation at Global Fintech Festival
At the Global Fintech Festival in Mumbai, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) unveiled its enhanced Face Authentication feature, utilizing in-house Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies, embodying the theme "reimagining Aadhaar authentication."
- Under the Volunteer Guideline 2022 initiative, UIDAI has fostered collaborations with industry and fintech partners to accelerate technology adoption and develop innovative solutions for residents.
- Collaborative efforts with Airtel Payments Bank have enhanced face authentication, optimizing low-light conditions and bolstering fraud prevention measures.
Read more: Unique Identification Authority of India, Artificial Intelligence.
EMRS Principal Honored with National Teachers’ Award 2023
Union Minister for Tribal Affairs felicitated Dr. Yashpal Singh, Principal of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, who received the prestigious National Teachers’ Award for 2023.
- The EMRS scheme, initiated in 1997-98, aimed to establish residential schools that offer free education to Scheduled Tribe children from class VI to XII in remote corners.
- The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
Read more: Eklavya Model Residential School, National Teachers’ Award for 2023.
