Correct Answer :   Zomato

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Zomato, the food ordering and delivery platform, has introduced a  maternity insurance programme for its female delivery partners. This insurance coverage caters to a range of pregnancy-related expenses, including childbirth and maternity complications.

Operated in collaboration with ACKO, the maternity insurance programme is available to female delivery partners who have completed 1,000 deliveries on the Zomato platform and have maintained an active status for at least 60 days prior to applying for this insurance.

This insurance plan provides up to ₹25,000 for natural childbirth, up to ₹40,000 for cesarean sections, and up to ₹40,000 in case of maternity complications such as miscarriage and abortion.

"We are continuously working towards ensuring that female delivery partners are not just participants but also beneficiaries of our inclusive policies and initiatives. By introducing comprehensive maternity insurance for gig workers, we are looking at providing extra support during our partners' journey to motherhood, reinforcing our dedication to their welfare and financial security, thereby helping them meet their needs every step of the way," said Rakesh Ranjan, CEO, Food Delivery, Zomato.

The comprehensive insurance offering encompasses coverage for both natural and caesarean deliveries for up to two children. Furthermore, it extends its support to cover maternity complications, including but not limited to miscarriage and abortion.

India’s gig economy has been growing daily. According to data by NITI Aayog, India has 7.7 million gig workers, and the numbers are expected to swell to 23.5 million by 2029-30..

Source : CNBC

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 7th Edition of India Mobile Congress 2023 on 27 October 2023 and said 'The Future is Here and Now'. The event is taking place at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

Reliance Jio’s Space Fibre and Jio Bharat Device :

During the event, Akash Ambani introduced Reliance Jio’s groundbreaking initiative – Space Fibre, India’s first satellite-based giga fibre service capable of delivering internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps. This innovation is set to transform high-speed broadband services in previously inaccessible areas of India. Furthermore, the Jio Bharat device, offering 4G services, was on display at the Jio pavilion.


Bharti Enterprises’ Technological Showcase :

At the Mobile Congress, Bharti Enterprises showcased the “future of innovation” with technologies like 5G Plus, AI-enabled tech, and other digital infrastructure solutions. These advancements are set to revolutionize the telecommunications landscape in India.


The ‘100 5G Use Case Labs’ Initiative :

During the event, Prime Minister Modi conferred awards upon 100 ‘5G Use Case Labs’ established in educational institutions across India as part of the ‘100 5G Labs initiative.’ This initiative focuses on developing 5G applications tailored to India’s unique requirements and global demands.

Fostering Innovation Across Sectors :

This initiative encourages innovation across various sectors, including education, agriculture, healthcare, power, and transportation. By doing so, it propels India to the forefront of 5G technology utilization. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in preparing India’s academic and start-up ecosystem for the upcoming 6G era, contributing significantly to the development of indigenous telecom technology vital for national security.


Asia’s Largest Telecom, Media, and Technology Forum :

The India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2023, scheduled from October 27 to 29, is Asia’s largest telecom, media, and technology forum. It serves as a platform to showcase India’s remarkable advancements in telecommunications and technology, make significant announcements, and offer startups the opportunity to showcase innovative products and solutions.

Theme: ‘Global Digital Innovation’ :

Under the theme ‘Global Digital Innovation,’ IMC 2023 aims to reinforce India’s position as a developer, manufacturer, and exporter of cutting-edge technologies. This includes 5G, 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and critical discussions on issues related to the semiconductor industry, green technology, and cybersecurity.


Introducing the ‘Aspire’ Startup Program :

This year, IMC introduces a startup program called ‘Aspire‘ to facilitate connections between startups, investors, and established businesses. The program promotes fresh entrepreneurial initiatives and collaborations, fostering an environment of innovation and growth.


Expectations for IMC 2023 :

The event is expected to host over one lakh participants from 22 countries, including approximately 5,000 CEO-level delegates, 230 exhibitors, 400 startups, and various stakeholders. IMC 2023 promises to be a hub of innovation and collaboration, propelling India to the forefront of the global telecommunications and technology landscape.

Correct Answer :   Kerala

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The Kerala government on Wednesday (25th Oct 2023) decided to establish a graphene production facility as a pilot project in the State.

Graphene, a material produced from graphite, is in high global demand for its use in making electronics, sensors, coatings, composites, and biomedical devices.

The Cabinet cleared the proposal to establish the exploratory facility for ₹237 crore in public-private partnership (PPP) mode. It has not specified the location of the facility.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took the decision to set up this innovative graphene production facility in a recent cabinet meeting.

The Kerala Digital University will be the implementing agency, while the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) has been assigned the role of a special purpose vehicle for infrastructure development.

Securing Funds and Private Partners : To kickstart this ambitious project, the Kerala Digital University has been given the green light to prepare a preliminary proposal. This proposal aims to secure loans from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) and seek private partners through a global expression of interest. By tapping into both public and private resources, the state government aims to ensure the success of this groundbreaking initiative.

Graphene: A Marvel of Modern Science : Graphene, often hailed as the thinnest and strongest material in the world, offers a wealth of remarkable properties. It possesses exceptional chemical stability, high electrical conductivity, and an expansive surface area while remaining transparent and lightweight. These characteristics make it a material with vast potential for applications across various industries.

Building the Project Team : To ensure the smooth execution of this project, a managing committee will be formed. This committee will comprise representatives from the Industries and IT Departments and key individuals from the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA). This multi-stakeholder approach is expected to streamline decision-making and project oversight.

A Vision for the Future : In 2022-23 budget, the Left government in kerala had already announced its commitment to establish a graphene ecosystem in the state. This ecosystem is envisioned to encourage the development of future material technologies. The Graphene Innovation Centre, a research and development facility dedicated to graphene-based technology development, is in its nascent stages. It is expected to play a pivotal role in the realization of this visionary ecosystem.

Progress in the Pipeline : As a testament to their commitment, the Chief Minister’s Office has stated that a mid-sized graphene production unit is currently under development, aiming to produce graphene materials on an industrial scale. This step is set to lay the foundation for the larger and more ambitious graphene production facility..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   China

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China is embarking on a groundbreaking endeavor by constructing an immense telescope in the western Pacific Ocean. The primary mission of this massive facility is to detect elusive particles known as “ghost particles” or neutrinos. This ambitious undertaking will result in the world’s largest neutrino-detecting telescope.

Unveiling the Elusive Neutrino : Neutrinos are a type of electron but, like neutrons, they do not have any charge. They are among the most abundant particles in our universe. With trillions of neutrinos passing through at any given second, they are also among the tiniest. Neutrinos were long believed to be massless, until scientists found evidence that they do have a very small mass.

The Race for Neutrino Detection : At present, the most extensive neutrino-detecting telescope is the “IceCube” at the University of Madison-Wisconsin, nestled deep in the Antarctic. It consists of sensors dispersed throughout a cubic kilometer of ice. However, China is taking this pursuit to an entirely new level with its forthcoming telescope, aptly named “Trident.”

A Game-Changer in Neutrino Research : Situated in the South China Sea, this monumental apparatus, Trident, is projected to span a staggering 7.5 cubic kilometers. Scientists assert that the sheer size of this telescope will enable it to detect a greater number of neutrinos, making it “10,000 times more sensitive” than any existing underwater telescopes. Construction of the Trident telescope is already underway and is slated for completion within this decade, representing an extraordinary leap in neutrino research capabilities.

The Deep-Sea Marvel ‘Ocean Bell’ in the Western Pacific : Set to be finished by 2030, TRIDENT, affectionately known as ‘Ocean Bell‘ or ‘Hai ling‘ in Chinese, will be situated at a depth of 11,500 feet (3,500 meters) beneath the Western Pacific Ocean’s surface.

Revolutionizing Neutrino Detection with 24,000 Sensors and 1,211 String Arrays : Featuring over 24,000 optical sensors distributed across 1,211 strings, each extending 2,300 feet (700 meters) from the ocean floor. The arrangement of detectors adheres to a Penrose tiling pattern, spanning a substantial 4 km diameter.

The Significance of Neutrinos : Understanding neutrinos carries immense significance because they hold the potential to unravel one of the cosmos’s most perplexing mysteries: the origins of cosmic rays. These high-energy particles that zip through space at nearly the speed of light have confounded scientists for decades. Neutrinos, thanks to their unique properties and their interactions with water, offer a promising avenue for gaining insights into the enigmatic sources and mechanisms behind cosmic rays.

Correct Answer :   IIT Kanpur

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The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) and Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate increased collaboration in developing education programmes with a focus on research to foster talent development in the Indian aerospace sector.

According to a press release by IITK, the MoU was signed on September 1, 2023, between Prof. Abhay Karandikar, then Director of IIT Kanpur, and Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia. Under the collaboration, both entities will promote research in advanced technologies and develop programmes and activities to enhance technical capabilities for aerospace students in India. Both organisations will also explore collaboration opportunities with global institutes where students will get to work on projects relevant to the sector.

“IIT Kanpur has been relentlessly pursuing its vision to support innovation, research, and entrepreneurial activities in technology-based fields, and Aerospace is one of the key thrust areas in this endeavor. This collaboration with Airbus Group indeed is a significant step. The collaboration is certain to enhance the industry experience of aerospace engineering students at the institute. With our Aerospace Department covering an expansive array of research and development in the field we look forward to a mutually fulfilling engagement," said Prof S Ganesh, Officiating Director, IIT Kanpur.

“At Airbus, we are firmly committed to developing the aerospace ecosystem in India. We continue to invest in education and skill development that will help in the creation of a competent workforce in the country. This MoU will harness Airbus’ expertise and IIT Kanpur’s capabilities in education, research and training to nurture the next generation of technology leaders and will unlock the potential of the fast-evolving aerospace landscape in the country," said Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   Gurugram

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A national level Saras Aajeevika Mela 2023 will begin 26th Oct 2023 in Gurugram, Haryana.

The 17-day fair, which is being held at Leisure Valley Ground, Gurugram will continue till 11th of next month. Around 800 women of Self-Help Groups from 28 States will display their varied range of products like handicrafts, handlooms and natural food items from rural areas across the country at the fair.

Entry to the fair will be free and people can visit between 11 AM to 9.30 PM.

SARAS Mela is an initiative by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission of Ministry of Rural Development  to bring the rural women Self Help Group members under one platform to showcase their skills, sell their products and help them build linkages with potential market players..

Source  : AIR

Correct Answer :   India

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The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India has taken the initiative for hosting a United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), from 26-28 October 2023, at Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun.

More than 80 delegates are participating from 40 countries and 20 International Organisations, both in person and online, are attending the programme, including Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), along with delegates and organisations from India.

The programme has adopted a hybrid, physical and online formats for enabling participation across the globe.

This Country Led Initiative (CLI) focuses on two thematic areas: forest fires/wildfires and best practices on its prevention and restoration in fire-affected areas, and forest certification and sustainable forest management..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Rajkumar Rao

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Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar will formally appoint Rajkumar Rao as a National Icon of the Election Commissioner.

The Commission will on Tuesday (24th Oct 2023) appoint actor Rajkummar Rao, who played the role of a poll official working in Naxal-affected areas of Chhattisgarh in the film 'Newton', as a 'National Icon' .

The poll body appoints prominent personalities as 'National Icons' to motivate voters to participate in elections and exercise their right.

Rao, in the said movie, was seen as a government clerk who tried all means to ensure a free and fair election.

The movie won the National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi and was also India's nominee for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Oscars.

Earlier, the EC recognised actors Pankaj Tripathi, Aamir Khan and sportspersons Sachin Tendulkar, M S Dhoni and M C Mary Kom as national icons ..

Source : Times of India

Correct Answer :   Mike Johnson

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Washington: Republican Congressman from Louisiana Mike Johnson has been elected as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, bringing an end to three weeks of uncertainty in US politics.

The position of Speaker of the House of Representatives is one of the most powerful political chairs in the country and is third in the line of succession after the US President.

Johnson on Wednesday (25th Oct 2023) was elected by 220 to 209 votes in a bitterly divided Congress, three weeks after his predecessor Kevin McCarthy was unceremoniously voted out of the seat for the first time in US history. In the 435-member House, the Republicans hold a slender majority with 221 seats against 212 of the Democrats.

The 56th Speaker of the House of Representatives, Johnson, 51, a lawyer by profession, is a four-term Congressman from the Fourth Congressional District of Louisiana.

In his maiden address to the Congress, Speaker Johnson said his first legislative agenda would be to bring a resolution in support of Israel, a country that was hit by a terrorist attack by Hamas early this month..

Source : Deccan Herald

Correct Answer :   Arjun Munda

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Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda inaugurated the National Tribal Festival at Vastrapur Hat in Ahmedabad on 25th Oct 2023, Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Munda emphasised the significance of National tribal festivals, stating that they serve as a platform to celebrate and showcase the diverse cultural traditions of the tribal communities.

He noted that when people attend such festivals, they have the opportunity to learn about the cultural tapestry of the nation. Mr. Munda went on to acknowledge the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been a proponent of integrating tribal culture with the broader goals of the country.

He recalled the Prime Minister's personal interest in the Aadi Mohotsav held in Delhi and his aspiration to connect the vibrancy of tribal culture with economic activities.

The Minister also highlighted the Government's commitment to systematically develop institutions that foster the progress of tribal communities at various levels. He underlined that the government has taken several initiatives to promote entrepreneurship, particularly in remote areas, with the aim of enhancing sustainable production.

State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also graced the occasion with his presence, emphasising the importance of celebrating and preserving tribal culture. The National Tribal Festival in Ahmedabad features over 100 stalls that showcase India's tribal culture, handicrafts, and cuisine.

The festival offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the diversity and artistry of tribal communities from across the country.

The National Tribal Festival is scheduled to continue until the 3rd of November, providing an extended window for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of India and her tribal heritage..

Source : AIR