Correct Answer :   Bijay Kumar Mohanty

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Dr. Bijay Kumar Mohanty, a distinguished senior finance professional with an illustrious career spanning over 25 years in the Indian power sector, has taken charge as the Director (Finance) of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) effective from 12th October, 2023.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment on 7th October 2023 marks a significant addition to IREDA's leadership team. Subsequently, in an order issued by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy on 12th October, 2023, Dr. Bijay Kumar Mohanty has been appointed to the post for a period of 5 years from the date he assumed charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

Prior to joining IREDA, Dr. Mohanty, aged 53 years, held the position of Head of Department and Senior General Manager (Finance & Accounts) at REC Limited. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise in Financial Management, Corporate Governance & Compliance, Risk Management, Project Management, and Legal Functions.

His career in the Indian power sector has been marked by significant contributions, and he has played invaluable roles at GRIDCO and CESCO Distribution Company, where he honed his expertise across the entire power sector value chain.

His academic background includes Ph.D., M.Phil, M.Com, MA (Public Administration), and LL.B degrees in addition to a postgraduate diploma in Management. He is a distinguished fellow member of the Institute of Cost & Management Accountants of India and holds a Ph.D. in Commerce from KIIT, Bhubaneswar.

Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director of IREDA extended his warm wishes and said, "We are happy to welcome Dr. Bijay Kumar Mohanty to the IREDA family as the Director (Finance). His exemplary track record in the Indian power sector and expertise in finance, coupled with his passion for renewable energy, make him the ideal leader not only for guiding our financial functions but also for sharing his insights for business promotions. Dr. Mohanty's leadership will play a pivotal role in further strengthening IREDA's commitment to sustainable and clean energy solutions in the country."..

Source : Ireda

Correct Answer :   15th October 2023

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Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India and Congress leader Manohar Singh Gill died at a private hospital on Sunday (15th October 2023) at the age of 86 after combating a brief illness.

Condoling Gill's death, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge posted on X, “Extremely saddened at the passing away of Former Union Minister, Padma Vibhushan, Shri Manohar Singh Gill Ji.

As a valued colleague in the UPA Govt and earlier as a civil servant, his contributions to development of the nation in varied fields like sports, electoral processes and agriculture were long lasting."

Gill, a Punjab cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, served as the CEC between December 1996 and June 2001.

Later, he entered the Rajya Sabha as a Congress member and was made the Union sports minister in 2008. He is survived by his wife and three daughters..


Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Green Credit Program

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To take ahead the 'LiFE' - 'Lifestyle for Environment' movement announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has introduced two pioneering initiatives that indicate the country's pro-active approach to climate change, sustainability and promotion eco-conscious practices. These initiatives, the Green Credit Program (GCP) and the Ecomark Scheme, seek to encourage environmentally friendly practices rooted in tradition and conservation; reflecting the ideas of LiFE  concept.


Green Credit Program (GCP): Incentivizing Environmental Actions :

Green Credit Program (GCP ) notified on 13th October, 2023 is an innovative market-based mechanism designed to incentivize voluntary environmental actions across diverse sectors, by various stakeholders like individuals, communities, private sector industries, and companies. The GCP's governance framework is supported by an inter-ministerial Steering Committee and The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) serves as the GCP Administrator, responsible for program implementation, management, monitoring, and operation.

In its initial phase, the GCP focuses on two key activities : water conservation and afforestation. Draft methodologies for awarding Green Credits have been developed and will be notified for stakeholder consultation. These methodologies set benchmarks for each activity/process, to ensure environmental impact and fungibility across sectors. A user-friendly digital platform will streamline the processes for registration of projects, its verification, and issuance of Green Credits. The Green Credit Registry and trading platform, being developed by ICFRE along with experts, would facilitate the registration and thereafter, the buying and selling of Green Credits.

To obtain Green Credits, individuals and entities must register their activities through the central government's dedicated app/website www.moefcc-gcp.in. The Administrator will verify the activity through a designated agency, with self-verification for small projects. Once verification is complete, the Administrator will grant a Green Credit certificate which will be tradable on the green credit platform.


Ecomark Scheme: Promoting Eco-Friendly Products :

The philosophy behind LiFE, (Lifestyle for Environment) is nudging individual choices and behavior towards sustainability.  In line with this approach, the MoEF&CC has recast its Ecomark notification so that consumers are able to make choices among products and thereby opt for those products that are eco-friendly in their design, process etc.

The Ecomark Scheme, notified on 13th October 2023, replaces the previous Notification. It provides accreditation and labelling for household and consumer products that meet specific environmental criteria while maintaining quality standards as per Indian norms. Products accredited under the Ecomark Scheme will adhere to specific environmental criteria, ensuring minimal environmental impact. It will build consumer awareness of environmental issues and encourage eco-conscious choices. It will also motivate manufacturers to shift towards environmentally friendly production. The scheme seeks to ensure accurate labelling and prevent misleading information about products.

The Central Pollution Control Board administers the Ecomark Scheme in partnership with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which is the national body for standards and certification.

Both initiatives mark significant steps in promoting sustainable living, environmental conservation, and, through individual and collective choice, embody eco-friendly practices in India. They align with global sustainability goals and reflect the government's commitment to conservation and protection of the environment..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Washington

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A statue of Dr B R Ambedkar, the principal architect of India's Constitution was formally inaugurated in a Maryland suburb in Washington on Sunday (15th Oct 2023).

It is touted to be the tallest statue of Ambedkar outside India.

During the inauguration of the statue, chants of 'Jai Bhim' were heard. According to the PTI news agency, more than 500 Indian-Americans from various parts of the US and some from India and other countries attended the unveiling ceremony of the 19-foot tall "Statue of Equality".

The statue was made by renowned artist and sculptor Ram Sutar, who also built the statue of Sardar Patel, called as Statue of Unity, and installed on an island in Narmada, metres downstream of the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat.

"We are calling it the Statue of Equality… this (inequality) is not only the problem in India, everywhere (in) different forms (it exists)," Ram Kumar, president of the Ambedkar International Center (AIC).

The "Statue of Equality" represents 1.4 billion Indians and 4.5 million Indian Americans, said Deelip Mhaske from New York who leads the Ambedkarite movement in the US.

"Although this is completely done through community contributions, we received congratulatory messages from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stating 'Ambedkarite has put the foundation of Unified India in the USA and globally'," he said.

"This statue will not just inspire millions of Indians residing in the US but all communities including Black, Hispanic, and others!" Mhaske said. "This is a historic step towards unifying the Indian-American diaspora and working towards making India a superpower not just in technology but also in social justice," he said.

Mahindra Rajwade, who drove for more than 10 hours from Kentucky to attend the statue unveiling ceremony, said this is a proud moment for all followers of Dr Ambedkar. "This is the first time in the world that we have such a tall statue of Babasaheb outside India".

The unveiling ceremony was followed by cultural performances by Indian-Americans from various parts of the country.

Born on April 14, 1891, Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar - popular among his followers as Babasaheb - was the chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s most crucial Drafting Committee that earned him the moniker Architect of the Indian Constitution.

He died on December 6, 1956, months after he embraced Buddhism on October 14 that year, the date coinciding with the unveiling of the statue in Maryland. October 14 is celebrated as Dhamma Chakra Parivartan Din by Ambedkarites..

Source : Live Mint

Correct Answer :   S. Jaishankar

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Minister of External Affairs Dr. S Jaishankar who is on a visit to Vietnam, on Sunday(15th October 2023), unveiled the bust of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore at the International Friendship Park in Bac Ninh province, Vietnam.

"Gurudev’s works are widely known and appreciated throughout Vietnam. Sure that this will enhance the international reputation of Bac Ninh province and further its strong ties with India

Earlier in the day, Dr. Jaishankar visited the historical Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi.

The age-old links between India and Vietnam are symbolized by the Bodhi tree here, he said. It was gifted by President Rajendra Prasad in 1959 to President Ho Chi Minh, he informed.

The External Affairs Minister is in Vietnam to co-chair the 18th Joint Commission Meeting on October 16, 2023. He arrived in the country on Sunday, October 15, for his four-day visit and was welcomed by his counterpart Bui Thanh Son, at whose invitation the EAM is in Vietnam.  

The EAM is also expected to hold talks with Vietnamese leaders. India and Vietnam share a comprehensive strategic partnership and Vietnam is a key member of India's Act East Policy. The visit will further the bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

Following the visit to Vietnam, EAM Dr. S Jaishankar will fly to Singapore on an official visit from 19 October - 20 October 2023..


Source : DD News

Correct Answer :   October 15

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The International Day of Rural Women, celebrated annually on October 15, is a day dedicated to recognizing the vital contributions of rural women worldwide. they play an essential role in agriculture, food production and rural development. However, their contributions are overlooked and undervalued. This article we will explore the date, theme, history and significance of International Day of Rural Women 2023.


International Day of Rural Women 2023 Theme :

The theme of International Day of Rural Women 2023 is “Rural Women Cultivating Good For All”. This theme underscores the essential role that all roral women and girls, including indigenous and tribal women, play in agricultural labor, particularly in developing nations. These women are responsible for sowing seeds, harvesting crops, processing and preparing food grains and distribution.

International Day of Rural Women History :

On 18th December 2007, the United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 62/136, formally acknowledging the crucial role of rural women in agricultural and rural development, enhancing food security and reducing poverty. Subsequently, on 15th October 2008, the first-ever International Day of Rural Women celebrated.


International Day of Rural Women 2023 Significance :

The International Day of Rural Women is celebrated to recognize the work of these heroines in the food systems of the world and claim rural areas with equal opportunities for all. It recognizes “the critical role and contribution of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.”

Correct Answer :   October 15

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World Students Day, observed on October 15 every year, is a day dedicated to commemorating the birth anniversary of the late Indian President, Dr. A.PJ. Abdul Kalam.

This day is a tribute to his remarkable contributions to education and his unwavering commitment to the welfare of children and students across India and the world. In 2023, World Students Day takes on special significance as we celebrate the 92nd birth anniversary of the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.


Theme of World Students Day 2023 :

The theme for World Students Day 2023 is “FAIL: stands for First Attempt in Learning.” This theme, introduced by the Ministry of Education and the Government of India, aims to motivate students to embrace failure as a learning experience and continue their educational journey.

History of World Students Day :

The United Nations officially designated October 15 as World Students Day in 2010. This date holds special significance as it is the birthdate of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. As an aerospace and scientist and educator who worked with prestigious organizations like ISRO and DRDO, Dr. Kalam’s contributions to India and the world remains unparalleled.


World Students Day 2023 Significance :


World Students Day holds significant importance for several reasons:

* Dr. Kalam’s efforts to improve education serve as an inspiration for students worldwide to pursue their dreams and become responsible citizens.
* It serves as a reminder of the value of education and its pivotal role in shaping the future.
* Students use their day to highlight educational challenges and advocate for international collaboration to improve education systems.

Correct Answer :   13th October

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The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDR) is celebrated every year on 13 October. The day is dedicated to create awareness about disasters, their impact on living beings, and preventive measures. One of the main aims behind observing this day is to educate communities about the risks posed by disasters, and prepare them to survive through both natural and human-made disasters.

The International Day for Disaster Reduction was first established by the United Nations in to foster a culture of disaster awareness and reduction. On this day several activities like events, seminars, workshops, and conferences are held across the world to highlight the significance of disaster preparedness and measures to mitigate the impact of disasters on living beings.

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2023 Theme :

The theme of UN International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2023 is "Fighting inequality for a resilient future."

According to the un.org, "This year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction addresses the connection between disasters and inequality. Disasters and inequality are two sides of the same coin. Each adversity reinforces the other: unequal access to services leaves the most vulnerable exposed to the danger of disasters; while the effects of disasters exacerbate inequalities and push the most at risk further into poverty.".

Source : Thequint

Correct Answer :   Journalism

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Veteran journalist K S Sachidananda Murthy, who had served as the former Delhi Resident Editor of The Week magazine and Malayala Manorama daily, died at a private hospital here on Friday (13th Oct 2023).

The 68-year-old had recently undergone a lung transplant surgery, and was on ventilator for the past few days, sources close to him said.

Popularly known as 'Sachi' among friends and in the media fraternity, he is survived by wife and two sons, they said. His family was originally from the Ashtagrama villages in Karnataka's Kolar district.

Murthy had joined The Week in November 1982 as its Bangalore correspondent and stayed with the Malayala Manorama group until his retirement in September 2022, the magazine said on its website.

In February 1989, he became the magazine's special correspondent in Bangalore, and moved to Delhi in April 1990 as the chief of the national capital bureau. In April 2000, he was appointed resident editor, according to The Week.

Expressing shock over Murthy's death, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recalled him as his dear friend and a well-wisher.

Murthy was one of the very few senior Kannadiga journalists active in Delhi's media circle, the CM, in a post on social media platform X said. "The death of Sachidananda Murthy, who was like an encyclopedia on state-national developments, is an irreparable loss to the media world. I share in the grief of his family and friends."

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar in his condolence message said, "With his death, a sincere talent has disappeared from the media world." He recalled that Murthy had served as the General Secretary of the Editors Guild of India, as a member of the Press Council, and was one of the most famous journalists from Karnataka in Delhi.

BJP leader and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, recalling the prominent journalist's contributions, said on X, "The news of the death of veteran journalist Sachidananda Murthy (Sachi) is very painful." Murthy was a recipient of the Durlabh Singh Media Award and the Karnataka Media Academy award award for lifetime contribution to journalism at the national level, among others..

Source : Tribuneindia

Correct Answer :   NTPC

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India’s largest integrated energy conglomerate, NTPC Limited, has been recognized as one of the “World’s Best Employers 2023” in the Forbes World’s Best Employers list 2023 released on 10th Oct 2023.

It ranked 261st out of top 700 companies in the World ranking and is the only Indian PSU to figure in the list. This is a testimony that the people practices at NTPC are at par with the top companies in the world.

Every year Forbes publishes the World’s Best Employers List through independent market research to identify top 700 companies which offer exciting working and a positive environment, opportunities for training and career advancement, employee benefits, employee centric and workplace diversity. Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to create the seventh annual list of the World’s Best Employers this year (2023).

This recognises NTPC’s progressive and “People before PLF” approach, excellence in development and management of its Human Resources through continuous process improvement, creating a caring, learning and engaging workplace, employee well-being and care and creating a meaningful, collaborative employee experience by putting the needs of employees first and adopting people practices aligned strategically to business needs.

Progressive people policies and interventions have facilitated its workforce to be agile and be future ready. Introduction of contemporary Performance Management system with continuous assessment, focussed learning and development initiatives, transparent Career Development & Succession Planning System, besides progressive and supportive people policies are few of the levers building the enabling and engaging culture unique to NTPC..

Source : PIB