Correct Answer :   Mohamed Muizzu

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Pro-China leader Mohamed Muizzu has won the Presidential election in Maldives. PM Narendra Modi also congratulated Muizzu on being elected as president of the Maldives.

Muizzu defeated incumbent Mohamed Solih to become president of the island nation.

This was the second round of polling after no candidate emerged clear winner in the first round.

Muizzu, 45, helms a party that presided over an influx of Chinese loans when it last held power in the atoll nation, better known for its luxury beach resorts and celebrity tourists.

He won 54.06 percent of the vote in the run-off contest, prompting incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to concede defeat shortly before midnight.

The outcome also marks a stark reversal of fortune for Solih, who won the last election in 2018 by a landslide, amid widespread anger over human rights abuses and corruption under his predecessor.

About Mohamed Muizzu :

Mohamed Muizzu, 45, is a British-educated civil engineer. He was an unlikely candidate for the presidency after serving as construction minister in the government of his mentor Abdulla Yameen.

But Yameen's jailing for corruption saw Muizzu tapped to lead the party as his proxy in an election fought on whether the strategically placed atoll aligns itself with China or India.

Muizzu oversaw several Chinese-funded infrastructure projects including a $200-million bridge linking the capital with the archipelago's main airport.

Muizzu's election success hinged on a sustained campaign against India's outsized political and economic clout in the Maldives.

Muizzu has also vowed to pardon Yameen, the architect of their party's eager embrace of Beijing's financial largesse through the Belt and Road Initiative.

Yameen is currently serving an 11-year jail term on the same remote prison island he had imprisoned opponents during his autocratic presidency..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   154th

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Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated on October 2nd every year, is a day of profound significance in India and around the world.

It marks the 154th birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on 2nd October 2023, fondly known as Mahatma Gandhi, Bapu or the Father of the Nation.

This day is a tribute to the life and principles of a man who dedicated his existence to India’s struggle for independence and left an indelible mark on the world with his unwavering commitment to truth and non-violence.


Theme of Gandhi Jayanti 2023 : “Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath” is the theme for 2 October Gandhi Jayanti, A national call to action for 1 Hour of citizen-led shramdaan for swachhata on 1st Oct, 2023 at 10 am.

A Historical Overview of Mahatma Gandhi : Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. His early life was marked by a modest upbringing and a strong sense of ethics instilled by his parents.


Pillars of Mahatma Gandhi’s Philosophy: Satyagraha and Ahimsa

Gandhi initiated two pivotal movements- Satyagraha (truth force) and Ahimsa (non-violence), which became the cornerstone of his philosophy and tools for resistance.

Role of Mahatma Gandhi in India’s Freedom Struggle :

Under British colonial rule, Gandhi’s non-violent approach and his ability to win people over with love and tolerance had a profound impact on India’s civil rights movements.


Assassination and Legacy :

Tragically, on January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, but his legacy continued to shine as a guiding light for those who believed in the power of non-violence.


Significance of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti 2023 :

Mahatma Gandhi’s life and work left an indelible mark on India’s history. His dedication to the principles of truth, non-violence and social justice inspired millions of people not only in India but around the world. Gandhi Jayanti provides an opportunity for people to pay their respects to this great leader, who made immense sacrifices for the betterment of his country.


Commemorative Activities on Gandhi Jayanti 2023 :

On Gandhi Jayanti a wide array of activities takes place across the nation to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s memory. These includes:

* Prayer Meetings : People gather in various places, including Gandhi Ashrams, to participate in prayer meetings. These meetings reflect the spiritual and philosophical aspects of Gandhi’s life.

* Devotional Songs : One of Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite bhajans, “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram,” is sung with great devotion during these gatherings. The song carriers a message of unity and harmony.

* Award Presentations : To acknowledge individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to society in line with Gandhi’s principles, awards are presented on this day.

* Rallies : Peaceful rallies and processions are organized to promote the ideals of non-violence and social justice that Gandhi stood for.

Gandhi Jayanti 2023 Celebrations Across India :

Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday observed in all Indian states and union territories. The day sees beautiful celebrations at schools and colleges, where students participate in various competitions to commemorate Gandhi’s legacy. Prizes are awarded to the best performers, fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership among the youth.


Symbols :

Several places hold significance in the commemoration of Gandhi Jayanti:

* The Martyr’s Column : This is the site where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948.
* The Raj Ghat : This is the location where Mahatma Gandhi’s body was cremated on January 31, 1948.
* The Triveni Sangam : This is where the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati converge. It symbolizes the unity and diversity that Gandhi sough to promote throughout his life.

Correct Answer :   119th

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2nd October 2023 marks the 119th birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, India's second Prime Minister.

October 2 is special for many reasons. The country celebrates Gandhi Jayanti on this day with a lot of pomp and grandeur. The father of the nation – Mahatma Gandhi is remembered on this day for his contributions, teachings and the journey of life which was full of teachings for others. He devoted his life to serving the nation and for the freedom movement of the country. For another reason, October 2 is special. It is also the birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri. The leader served as the second Prime Minister of the country post the independence in 1947. On this day, we remember Lal Bahadur Shastri's life and his legacy.

Date : Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti is celebrated on October 2 every year. Lal Bahadur Shastri was born in 1904 on this date in Uttar Pradesh. Every year, we celebrate this day to remember and commemorate his birth anniversary.

History : Born to Sharda Prasad Srivastava and Ramdulari Devi in Mugharsarai, Uttar Pradesh, Lal Bahadur Shrivastava earned the title of Shastri for his academic excellence. His commitment to education later went on to make him a great leader with vision. His dedication for the Indian National Congress soon made him the second Prime Minister of the country in 1964. He served the nation until his untimely death in 1966.

Significance : Lal Bahadur Shastri's vision in improving the education system and empowerment of women is remembered and respected on this day. He brought a lot of necessary changes to society and helped in developing the nation for the better. On this day, Lal Bahadur Shastri is remembered and his contributions for the nation are celebrated..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   Dharmendra Pradhan

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Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launched the Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav and inaugurated the two-day Technology & Bharatiya Bhasha Summit on 30th September 2023 at New Delhi.

The summit aims to facilitate a seamless transition from the current education ecosystem to one rooted in Bharatiya languages, in line with the NEP-2020 vision and to set the course for a technologically enriched future for Bharatiya languages in education.

An exhibition was also set up to showcase Bharatiya Bhasha technology products, and their applications by the industries, government organizations and start-ups. An inspiring moment was the presentation of a significant book by various officials to dignitaries, symbolizing the rich literary heritage of Bharatiya languages.

The summit, organized as part of the Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav, encompasses three pivotal thematic sessions :

(i) Technology FOR Bharatiya Languages;
(ii) Technology IN Bharatiya Languages;
(iii) Technology THROUGH Bharatiya Languages.

Today, two technical sessions will be held under the theme of Technology FOR Bharatiya Languages. In these sessions, speakers and experts discussed ways and means to leverage technology for Bharatiya languages. The role of technology in the teaching-learning process of Bharatiya languages, the use of Machine Learning, Language modelling for speech recognition, Unicode standardization for Bharatiya language scripts, and other important aspects were also discussed in detail during these sessions. Both sessions were followed up with intense discussions among the audience and the speakers.

These themes will emphasize the integration of technology in promoting Bharatiya Bhasha, including its role in teaching, training, examination, and translating educational materials. The summit aims to facilitate a seamless transition from the current education ecosystem to one rooted in Bharatiya Languages, in line with the vision of NEP-2020.

During the summit, key discussions will be held on agendas like "Leverage Technology for Bharatiya Languages", "Operating Systems and Software Localization", "Search Engine Localization" and more. A comprehensive roadmap for realizing the vision of education in Bharatiya Languages will be charted, with active participation from stakeholders across various sectors, including academia, students, research scholars, edutech and infotech industry professionals, technical experts, media representatives, and freelancers..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan

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Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan assumed the role of the 28th Director General (DG) of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Saturday (30th Sep 2023). This transition follows the superannuation of Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry.


Lt Gen Srinivasan’s Distinguished Military Career and Expertise in Border Regions :

* Srinivasan is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla and the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, where he was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers in 1987.
* His illustrious service record includes participation in key military operations such as Operation Vijay, Operation Rakshak, and Operation Parakram.
* One of Lt Gen Srinivasan’s most significant areas of expertise lies in serving along India’s border regions, particularly in Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. His extensive experience in these challenging terrains has equipped him with a unique perspective on the infrastructural needs of these regions.

Command and Staff Appointments :

* Throughout his career, he completed the Defence Services Staff College, Higher Command, and National Defence College courses.
* Notable among his assignments are commanding the 58 Engineer Regiment and the 416 Engineer Brigade.
* Additionally, he has held important positions such as Deputy Director General of Discipline and Vigilance at the Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army), Commandant of the Bengal Engineer Group & Centre Roorkee, Chief Engineer of the Southern Command, and Assistant Director General at the Engineer-in-Chief Branch at the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army).


The Border Roads Organisation’s Legacy :

* The Border Roads Organisation was established on May 7, 1960, with the primary objective of securing India’s borders through the development of infrastructure in the remote regions of the north and northeast.
* Since its inception, the BRO has made remarkable contributions to this mission, having constructed and dedicated to the nation more than 63,000 kilometers of roads, 976 bridges, six tunnels, and 21 airfields.
* In the past year alone, the BRO completed a record-breaking 193 projects across eight border states and three Union Territories, with a total cost of ₹5,400 crore..

Source : NDTV