Current Affairs Quiz 22nd September 2023 Quiz

Exp. PM Modi inaugurated 16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas in UP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated 16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas built across Uttar Pradesh.

These are built at a cost of over 11 hundred crore rupees to further enhance access to quality education for children of labourers, construction workers, and orphans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each school is constructed on an area of 10 to 15 acres with classrooms, sports ground, recreational areas, a mini auditorium, hostel complex, mess and residential flats for staff.

These residential schools intend to eventually accommodate 1000 students each.

Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone of the International Cricket Stadium in Varanasi. The cricket stadium, to be built in Ganjari, Rajatalab, Varanasi will be developed in more than 30-acre area, at a cost of about 450 crore rupees. The stadium will have a capacity of 30,000 spectators.

About Uttar Pradesh

• Capital – Lucknow
• Chief Minister – Yogi Adityanath
• Governor – Anandiben Patel

Exp. Cabinet approved the expansion of Ujjwala Yojana

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for the release of 75 lakh LPG connections over three years from Financial Year 2023-24 to 2025-26.

Provisioning of 75 lakh additional Ujjwala connections will take total number of PMUY beneficiaries to 10.35 crore.

A targeted subsidy of Rs.200 per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder for upto 12 refills per year is being provided to PMUY consumers. Without continuation of PMUY, eligible poor households may not be able to get their due benefit under the scheme

The additional LPG connections to be provided in the course of the next three years will come with a financial implication of Rs 1650 crore.

The PMUY scheme has empowered women economically and socially. With easier access to LPG, women are no longer burdened with the task of collecting firewood or other traditional fuels, which often required long and laborious journeys. This newfound convenience allows them to participate more actively in community life and take up other income-generating opportunities.

Data indicate that LPG penetration reached 99.9 percent in 2022.

About PMUY

• The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), often referred to as Ujjwala 1.0, was initially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 1, 2016.
• The aim was to provide clean cooking fuel to around 80 million disadvantaged households throughout India. Remarkably, this target was met in September 2019.
• Subsequently, PMUY Phase-2, or Ujjwala 2.0, was launched in August 2021 from Mahoba district, Uttar Pradesh, with an initial goal of offering 10 million additional connections.
• This target was achieved by January 2022, and the government further distributed 6 million more connections under Ujjwala 2.0 until December 2022.

Exp. Anurag Thakur inaugurates Synthetic Athletic Tracks

The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur has inaugurated the newly-built 6-lane 200 Metre Synthetic Athletic Track at the Sports Authority of India High Altitude Training Centre in Shilaroo, Himachal Pradesh.

This is the very first track of the country built at an altitude of 8,000 feet. The SAI centre in Shilaroo also houses the high-altitude Hockey Synthetic Track.

This state-of-the-art track is a significant addition to the facility, poised to boost the regions and the nation’s sporting landscape. It will enable athletes to acclimatise to high-altitude conditions and enhance their endurance, stamina, and quick recovery after intense training sessions.

Exp. Goa CM launches Griha Adhar scheme to empower Goan homemakers

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has launched the Griha Aadhaar scheme in the state.

The objective of the Griha Aadhaar scheme is to promote the financial independence and well-being of housewives, recognize their contribution, and improve their socio-economic status.

The Griha Aadhaar initiative led by the Directorate of Women and Child Development is an important step towards women’s empowerment.

Chief Minister Sawant also launched the Chavath-e-Bazaar programme, part of the Swayampura Goa programme, which aims to empower local entrepreneurs through e-commerce.

Chavath-e-Bazaar provides a platform to local artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their products to a wide audience.

About Goa

• Formation – 30 May 1987
• Capital – Panaji
• Chief Minister – Pramod Sawant
• Governor – S. Sreedharan Pillai

Exp. IGF signs with World Governments Summit to develop an Emerging Economies Programme

India Global Forum (IGF) and the World Governments Summit have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an Emerging Economies Programme.

The programme will convene key stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, economists, and experts to foster high-level discussions on sustainable economic growth, geo-economic perspectives, and innovative solutions.

The partnership will also focus on cultivating and fostering thought leadership, producing research on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities that pertain to the Global South.

The World Governments Summit Organization is a global, neutral, non-profit organization dedicated to shaping the future of governments. The Summit, in its various activities, explores the agenda of the next generation of governments, focusing on harnessing innovation and technology to solve universal challenges facing humanity.

Recent MoU

• DMRC sign with BEL to develop Communication Based Train Control system
• Amazon Web Services ties up with ISRO to advance its Al capabilities
• TCS collaborates with Dassault Systems in Living Heart Project
• NGEL partners with Nayara Energy for green hydrogen production
• Google Cloud partners with MeitY to train government officials

Exp. India Ranked 52nd in Digital Quality of Life Index 2023

India has been ranked 52nd out of 121 countries in the Digital Quality of Life Index survey 2023. The survey has been carried out by cybersecurity firm Surfshark.

The annual survey by the Netherlands-based firm has ranked 121 countries on five factors: internet quality, internet affordability, e-infrastructure, e-government and e-security.

The top 3 Countries in the Digital Quality of Life Index survey are Denmark, South Korea, and Finland.

In terms of internet quality, India ranks 16th among 121 countries. In terms of e-infrastructure, India is placed at the 91st position. In terms of factors like internet affordability, e-governance and e-security, India was placed on 28th, 25th and 66th positions respectively.

The survey has placed Singapore and Saudi Arabia in top positions when average internet speed is considered. It stands at 300 Mbps and 310 Mbps respectively.

Recent index

• Chainalysis’ Global Crypto Adoption Index 2023 – Rank 1 India, 2. Nigeria, 3. Vietnam, 4. US, 5. Ukraine.
• US News & World Report’s annual Best Countries – Switzerland (Rank 1), Canada (Rank 2), Sweden (Rank 3)
• Henley Passport Index 2023– India ranked 80th; topped by Singapore
• World’s most powerful military – Strongest (1. USA, 2 Russia, 3. China, 4. India, 5. UK); Weakest (1. Bhutan, 2. Benin, 3. Moldova, 4. Somalia, 5. Liberia)
• Global Peace Index 2022 – India at 126, topped by Iceland; last Afghanistan
• Global Competitiveness Index 2023: India ranked 40; topped by Denmark

Exp. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Introduces Maxima Savings Account

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (Ujjivan SFB) has launched the Maxima Savings Account and Business Maxima Current Account for the premium customer segment.

The annual interest rate on the Maxima Savings Account is up to 7.5 percent and customers can open the account with Rs 1 lakh.

Customers also have the flexibility to maintain Rs 15 lakh or more in fixed deposits to meet the balance eligibility criteria of the Maxima Savings Account.

Other services offered by Maxima Savings Account include higher transaction limits, free cheque, and DD Issuances.

Business Maxima Current Account provides businesses and entrepreneurs with services designed to meet their unique needs.

It features online banking, instant fund transfers, and cash management options. Notable features include the ability for businesses to define their own cash deposit limit, a higher daily ATM withdrawal limit of Rs 5 lakh per day, the provision of beyond banking services such as account services for merchants, and free installation and rental fees for POS services.

Both the Maxima Savings Account and the Business Maxima Current Account offer a RuPay Select Debit Card that provides access to wellness services, exclusive merchant offers, airport lounge access, and a premium health checkup

Recent Facilities Launched in Banking & Insurance Sector

• ACKO Insurance introduced the ‘Platinum Health Plan’
• SBI introduces digital opening of NRE/NRO account setup through YONO
• IndusInd Bank launches ‘Virtual Commercial Credit Card
• Indian Bank rolls out IB SAATHI to provide basic banking services
• Max Life Insurance launched new health, wellness plan SEWA

Exp. OECD raises India’s growth forecast for FY24 to 6.3 percent

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has raised India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth projection for the financial year 2024 to 6.3 percent, up from the previous estimate of 6 percent.

India, which is listed among the G20 emerging-market economies, has experienced mostly positive growth surprises, attributed in part to favourable weather-related agricultural outcomes.

The global economy, however, is expected to grow at a rate of 3 percent in 2023, before slowing down to 2.7 percent in 2024, according to the report.

The OECD has also revised India’s inflation projection to 5.3 percent, up from the previous estimate of 4.8 percent in June. The report observed that while headline inflation had decreased in many countries due to declining food and energy prices in the first half of 2023, core inflation had not experienced a significant slowdown.

The report has, meanwhile, revised India’s GDP growth projection for FY25 downward to 6 percent from the earlier projection of 7 percent.

Updated GDP List

• OECD – 7.2% (FY23), 6.3% (FY24), 6%(FY25)
• CRISIL – 7% (FY23), 6% (FY24)
• Morgan Stanley – 7% (FY23), 6.4%(FY24)
• Nomura – 5.9% (FY24)
• Goldman Sachs – 6.4% (FY24)
• Barclays – 6.3 % (FY24)
• BofA Global Research – 6.3% (FY24)
• World Economic Outlook by IMF – 7.2% (FY23), 6.1% (FY24), 6.3% (FY25)
• Economic Survey –7% (FY23), 6.5% (FY24)
• World Bank – 6.9% (FY23), 6.3% (FY24), 6.4% (FY25), 6.5% (FY26)
• Moody– 6.8% (FY23), 6.1% (FY24), 6.3% (FY25)
• NACER – 7.4% (FY23), 6.5% (FY24)
• S&P – 7.2% (FY23), 6.7% (FY24), 6.9% (FY25 & 26)
• ICRA – 6.9% (FY23), 6% (FY24)
• ADB – 7% (FY23), 6.4% (FY24), 6.7% (FY25)
• RBI – 6.8% (FY23), 6.5% (FY24)
• India Ratings – 6.9% (FY23), 5.9% (FY24)
• Fitch Rating – 7.2% (FY23), 6.3% (FY24), 6.7% (FY25)

Exp. Defence Ministry clears proposal to buy ‘Pralay’ ballistic missiles

The Defence Ministry has cleared the proposal of buying a regiment of Pralay tactical ballistic missiles for the Indian Army which can strike targets at 150–500 km.

It is the first time that a ballistic missile will be inducted into the services for conventional operations.

The Pralay missiles are currently being mass-produced and are expected to be ready for operational service soon.

The missile was successfully tested twice on two consecutive days last December, and the forces have been working towards its acquisition and induction ever since.

The Pralay missiles, propelled by a solid-propellant rocket motor and other novel technologies, are expected to provide a substantial boost to the Indian Army’s offensive capabilities.

It can hit targets between 150-500 Km and missiles developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

Exp. Naval Ship ‘Nireekshak’ successfully conducted Diving training sessions

Indian Naval Ship ‘Nireekshak’ has successfully conducted vital Mixed Gas Diving training sessions as part of IN-SLN Divex 23.

The Indian Navy’s diving support vessel initiated the sea dive and after a successful diving exercise, returned with the Sri Lanka Navy divers.

Earlier last week, the vessel arrived at Sri Lanka’s Trincomalee port where Commanding Officer Jeetu Singh Chauhan, held productive discussions with Rear Admiral PS De Silva.

The Indian Naval Ship is well-equipped with two six-man recompression chambers and a three-man diving bell. It possesses the capability to execute submarine rescue operations and train saturation divers.

This marks the ship’s continued engagement with the Sri Lanka Navy, aligning with India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy for capacity building in neighboring nations. The vessel had previously visited Trincomalee in September 2019 and March 2022 for similar training initiatives.

Exp. Nischal wins silver with new national record at Shooting World Cup in Rio

Young Indian shooter Nischal has won the silver in the women’s 50m rifle 3 Positions at the ISSF World Cup in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

She finished behind Norwegian rifle ace Jeanette Hegg Duestad with a score of 458.0 in the final.

Duestad is the reigning air rifle European champion and 300m 3 position World Champion and has 12 ISSF World Cup medals to her name including five gold. She was also fourth at the Tokyo Olympics.

Nischal was in supreme form throughout the day, breaking the qualification national record in women’s 3 position in the process.

The 16-member Indian team returned with one gold and one silver from the Rio World Cup and was seventh in the standings.

Elavenil Valarivan had won the Women’s 10m Air Rifle gold.

Italy was on top with two gold and a bronze. China was second with a gold, four silver and three bronze.

Exp. Bengal’s Kiriteshwari Bags Best Tourism Village of India award

Kiriteshwari village in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district has been selected as the country’s best tourism village by the Centre.

The village beat 795 applications received from 31 states and Union Territories to bag the honour.

The Union ministry will give the award at a function in New Delhi on September 27.

Other than its scenic beauty, the village’s big attraction is the Kiriteswari temple, considered one of the 51 Shaktipeeths.

Recent Awards

• Singapore Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship – Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Awards – 84 artists (70 men and 14 women)
• Ig Nobel prize 2023 – India, China, Malaysia, and the US researcher team
• Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) Award by France govt. – Famous Indian fashion designer Rahul Mishra
• Safety Innovation Award 2023′ in the ‘Construction’ category – RITES Limited

Exp. Binomo Awarded the Most Reliable Trading Platform of 2023

Binomo has been honoured with two prestigious international awards at the World Business Outlook Awards and the International Business Magazine Awards for “Best Trading Platform Global 2023” and “Most Trusted Platform Global 2023”.

In today’s world, with up to 3,000 successful cyber-attacks per day, digital security must be given as much attention as physical security. Therefore, it is very important for us to provide our services at the highest level.

These awards are an achievement in the world of financial services. They emphasize excellence in the areas of customer service and security. Binomo is constantly striving for development, and these awards confirm the company’s position.

“Best Trading Platform, Global 2023” recognizes Binomo as the most user-friendly and easiest trading platform to learn. The platform is constantly introducing new technologies, developing training materials, and expanding its functionality to help users achieve their financial goals and enjoy themselves.

Recent Awards

• Green Railway Certification by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) – Vijayawada Railway Station (Platinum rating)
• The Lifetime Achievement Award in Academia – VC of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) Najma Akhtar
• Dr AM Gokhale Award – Ophthalmologist Dr Sanjay Kumar Mishra
• Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award for 2022 – 12 scientists selected
• Leading Fintech Personality of the Year Award by Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) – Adeeb Ahamed

Exp. 22 August – World Rose Day

World Rose Day, also known as The Welfare of Cancer Patients Day, is an annual observance held on September 22nd.

The day is dedicated to creating awareness about cancer, and honouring cancer patients who are fighting a tough battle between life and death.

The history of World Rose Day is associated to a 12-year-old cancer patient Melinda Rose from Canada. Melinda Rose was diagnosed with Askin’s Tumour, a rare form of blood cancer in the year 1994.

After her diagnosis, she was told by doctors that she could survive only a week but due to her courage, will power, and desire to live, Melinda Rose survived almost 6 months post-cancer diagnosis.

During her cancer journey, Melinda Rose wrote poems, wishes, and messages for other cancer patients as a gesture of hope. Hence celebrating World Rose Day is a symbol of hope for all the cancer patients.

Exp. 22 August – World Rhino Day

World Rhino Day is observed every year on 22 August.

This special day serves as a platform to highlight the challenges these magnificent creatures face and the urgent need for conservation efforts to prevent their extinction.

The crisis of rhinoceros started in Africa back in 1990. By 2010, it became a nationwide hazard, and people started to express their concerns over the crisis.

The crisis situation was soon brought to notice as only 30000 rhinos were alive at that time throughout the planet. During that time, World Wildlife Fund – South Africa announced World Rhino Day to create awareness about the crisis and the importance of saving these animals.

In 2011, a woman called Lisa Jane Campbell wrote a mail to a fellow rhino lover, Rhishja stating the desire of seeing at least five species of rhinos thriving in the world.