Correct Answer :   18 September to 24 September 2023

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Every year, the full week ending on the last Sunday of September is observed as the International Week of the Deaf (IWD).

In 2023, IWD is being observed from 18 September to 24 September 2023. The last Sunday of the month of September is celebrated as the World Day of Deaf or International Day of the Deaf. (September 24, 2023).


Objective of International Week of the Deaf (IWD) :

IWDP aims to call for unity from the rest of the world through consistent, coordinated, and widespread mobilisation to ensure that the campaigns are visible
through sufficient media coverage.

The theme of 2023 IWD :

* September 18: Declaration on the Rights of Deaf Children
* September 19: building capacities in deaf communities across the globe
* September 20: Realizing “Nothing without Us”
* September 21: Putting Deaf People on the Agenda
* September 22: Achieving Sign Language Rights for All
* September 23: A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere! (International Day of Sign Languages)
* September 24: Building Inclusive Deaf Communities

History of International Week of the Deaf :

The International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) is an initiative that was first launched by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1958 in Rome, Italy. The IWD is an initiative of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD).  It is celebrated annually by the global Deaf Community on the last week of September to commemorate the same month (23 September 1951), the first World Congress of the WFD was held. Each year the WFD promotes awareness of human rights and sign language of the respective Deaf Communities worldwide by hosting a variety of events around the globe.


About World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) :

WFD is an international non-governmental organization representing Deaf people worldwide. It is a federation of deaf organisations from 135 nations.

* President: Dr Joseph J. Murray;
* Headquarters:  Helsinki, Finland;
* Founded: 23 September 1951.

Correct Answer :   Himanta Biswa Sarma

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The Assam government will launch a new scheme to provide financial assistance of ₹2 lakh to youth for their self-employment, said Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday (20th Sep 2023), adding that the registration for 'Mukhya Mantri Atmanirbhar Asom' will begin from 23 September - 24 September 2023.


Empowering Assam’s Youth :

The “Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbharshil Asom Abhiyan” stands as a testament to the Assam government’s commitment to empowering its youth. By offering financial support to two lakh young individuals, the scheme intends to enable them to pursue their dreams and aspirations, thereby reducing unemployment and boosting self-reliance among the state’s youth.


The Visionary Leadership :

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, known for his forward-thinking approach, spearheads this transformative initiative. In a bid to ensure the success of the scheme, he recently conducted a video conference with the Chief Secretary and senior officials from the conference hall of Assam House to discuss various crucial facets of the scheme, such as eligibility criteria, application procedures, and the disbursement of financial assistance.

“Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbharshil Asom Abhiyan”: Skill Enhancement and Financial Support :

Over the span of two years, the government intends to extend financial assistance to a total of 200,000 eligible applicants, complemented by subsidies and an interest-free loan that carries a five-year repayment period. Selected beneficiaries are required to engage in a month-long training program, during which they will receive a stipend of Rs. 10,000. This training initiative focuses on enhancing skills related to management, accounting, and entrepreneurship. Successful candidates must also meet the prerequisite of attending classes at their designated educational or skill training institutions.


A Glimpse into the Future :

The “Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbharshil Asom Abhiyan” is poised to create a ripple effect of positive change in Assam. As registration for the scheme opens on September 23-24, the youth of Assam will have an opportunity to embark on a journey towards self-reliance and prosperity. In a state known for its rich culture and heritage, this scheme serves as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for a brighter future. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his dedicated team are paving the way for a more self-reliant and empowered Assam, one youth at a time.

Source : Economic Times

Correct Answer :   Harmanpreet Singh and Lovlina

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The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has decided to have not one, but two flag-bearers to lead the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony of the upcoming Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China. This decision comes as a significant departure from tradition and has generated considerable excitement among sports enthusiasts across the nation.


Harmanpreet Singh and Lovlina Borgohain to Lead the Way :

The distinguished honor of flag-bearer at the opening ceremony of the Asian Games 2023 has been bestowed upon two exceptional athletes: Harmanpreet Singh and Lovlina Borgohain. Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of the Indian Hockey team, and Lovlina Borgohain, an Olympic medallist boxer, have been selected to jointly lead the Indian contingent at this grand sporting event, scheduled to commence on September 23 in Hangzhou.

Record-Breaking Indian Contingent :

The Asian Games 2023 will see a record-breaking Indian contingent with a total of 655 athletes representing the nation. This marks the largest Indian contingent ever to participate in the Asian Games, reflecting the country’s growing prominence in the field of sports.


Harmanpreet Singh: A Hockey Star :

* Harmanpreet Singh is widely regarded as one of the best drag-flickers in the world. He was an integral part of the Indian Hockey team that made history by winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

* As the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, Harmanpreet Singh carries the aspirations of the nation to secure a gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games, a feat that would guarantee automatic qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Lovlina Borgohain: A Boxing Sensation :

* Lovlina Borgohain, the Olympic medallist boxer, is another shining star in India’s sporting constellation. She clinched a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in the 69kg category.
* This year, she added to her laurels by winning a gold medal in the 75kg category at the World Women’s Boxing Championship in New Delhi. Her stellar achievements have made her a source of pride for the nation, and she is now poised to carry the Indian flag at the Asian Games.


High Hopes for India

Randhir Singh, the acting president of the Olympic Council of Asia and a former Olympian shooter, expressed his optimism about India’s performance in the Hangzhou Asian Games. He wished the Indian athletes great success and voiced his expectations for India to outshine its previous performance.

Correct Answer :   Volvo

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Volvo Cars, a prominent name in the automotive industry, has recently made a groundbreaking announcement. The Swedish car manufacturer has declared its intention to cease the production of diesel-powered vehicles by early 2024, marking a significant step toward its goal of becoming an all-electric carmaker. This decision aligns with Volvo’s commitment to transitioning fully to electric vehicles by 2030.


The End of an Era: Volvo’s Diesel Production Halt :

Volvo’s bold move to discontinue diesel vehicle production is a proactive response to the evolving landscape of the automotive industry. According to the company’s official statement, the last diesel-powered Volvo car will roll off the assembly line in just a few months. This decisive action places Volvo among the pioneers in the automotive world, as one of the first legacy car manufacturers to completely eliminate diesel from its lineup.

A Glimpse into the Future: Volvo’s Electric Vision :

Volvo’s decision to phase out diesel is part of a broader vision aimed at transforming the company into a fully electric carmaker. This vision entails an ambitious goal to have all Volvo cars be electric by the end of this decade, specifically by 2030. By taking this bold step, Volvo is sending a clear message about its commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and staying at the forefront of automotive innovation.


The Rise of Electrification: Hybrid and Electric Models :
 
As Volvo phases out diesel, it is concurrently witnessing a surge in the popularity of its hybrid and fully-electric models. In August of the same year, an impressive 33 percent of Volvo’s sales comprised fully-electric or hybrid vehicles. This demonstrates not only the company’s responsiveness to changing consumer demands but also its commitment to providing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional combustion-engine cars.

Correct Answer :   Adidas

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Adidas has launched Team India's jersey for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023. It is noteworthy that this time ODI World Cup 2023 is being organized in India.

This is the first time that India is going to play the ODI World Cup alone. This tournament will be held in India between 5 October to 19 November 2023.

The new jersey has been launched through a video anthem created for the Indian team for the 2023 World Cup. The anthem, named “3 ka dream”, signifies the spirit of how India will be aiming for their third men’s ODI World Cup trophy.

Adidas came on board as the Indian cricket team’s kit sponsor in May earlier this year, taking over from “Killer”, the previous sponsor.

The Indian men’s team sported their first Adidas jerseys during the World Test Championship final against Australia in June. The 2023 men’s ODI World Cup is the second ICC tournament where the Indian men’s team will wear Adidas jerseys..

Source : Wisden

Correct Answer :   Nirmala Sitharaman

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Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar on Tuesday (19th Sep 2023) launched Kisan Rin portal along with Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) manual in Delhi.

The initiatives are set to amplify financial inclusion, harness technology, and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the country.


1. Kisan Rin Portal (KRP): A Digital Leap in Agri-Credit

Developed in collaboration with multiple government departments, the Kisan Rin Portal (KRP) is poised to transform access to credit services under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme. This digital platform provides farmers with a comprehensive view of their data, loan disbursement specifics, interest subvention claims, and facilitates efficient agriculture credit. It promises to simplify and streamline the borrowing process for farmers.

2. Door to Door KCC Campaign: Ensuring Universal Financial Inclusion

The Ghar Ghar Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Abhiyaan is an ambitious campaign that seeks to extend the benefits of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme to every farmer in India. With a total of 7.35 Crore operative KCC accounts and a sanctioned limit of 8.85 lakh crores rupees as of March 2023, this campaign aims to ensure that every farmer has unhindered access to credit facilities. It envisions universal financial inclusion, empowering farmers with the financial resources they need.


3. Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) Manual: Data-Driven Insights for Farmers

The Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) initiative is a groundbreaking innovation that leverages advanced weather data analytics. By providing stakeholders with actionable insights on weather patterns, WINDS aims to assist farmers in making informed decisions about their agricultural activities. This data-driven approach will enhance crop management and help farmers mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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The Indian and the US armies will co-host 13th IPACC, 47th IPAMS and 9th SELF, a three-day conference of Chiefs of Armies and delegates of 35 countries in New Delhi from 25th to 27th September 2023.

The Ministry of Defence said that the central theme for this forum is “Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.”

It said that the conference will provide an opportunity for Army Chiefs and senior-level leaders from land forces, primarily of the Indo-Pacific region, to exchange ideas and views on security and contemporary issues. The core effort of the forum will be to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region through mutual understanding, dialogue and friendship amongst the littoral partners.

This event will be organised in Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt and will see over 150 delegates participate in various plenary and round-table sessions. A joint press conference will be held with General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff, Indian Army and General Randy George, Vice Chief of Staff of the US Army.

This will be followed by an opening ceremony on 26th September, at the Manekshaw Centre. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff will attend the opening ceremony..

Source : Greaterkashmir

Correct Answer :   Acko General Insurance

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ACKO, a leading insurance company, has unveiled its latest health insurance offering called the “ACKO Platinum Health Plan.” This comprehensive plan boasts several notable features, including 100% bill payment, no room rent capping, and zero waiting periods.

To promote this new product, ACKO has reintroduced the beloved characters of Munna Bhai and Circuit from the iconic Bollywood movie series. The campaign is aptly titled “Health Insurance ki Subah ho Gayi Mamu” and has been directed by renowned filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani. Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi reprise their original roles in the campaign.


Revolutionizing Health Insurance :

Ashish Mishra, EVP-Marketing at ACKO, explained that Munna and Circuit’s character traits align with the company’s goal of challenging the conventional norms of health insurance. The Platinum Health Plan has been designed to simplify health insurance and eliminate common customer pain points. The campaign leverages Rajkumar Hirani’s storytelling prowess to convey complex issues in a comprehensible manner.

Key Campaign Highlights :

The series of advertisements within the campaign focus on educating the audience about several critical aspects of the ACKO Platinum Health Plan:

Unprecedented Collaboration :

Vikram Pandey, National Creative Director at Leo Burnett India, expressed that the idea of Munna and Circuit challenging traditional health insurance norms was met with enthusiasm but seemed unachievable. However, securing the participation of Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, and Rajkumar Hirani to create the next episode of the Munna Bhai series for an advertising campaign was a remarkable achievement.

Correct Answer :   Pramod Sawant

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Goa CM Pramod Sawant, on Friday (15th Sep 2023), distributed Griha Adhar sanction orders to numerous beneficiaries to support homemakers financially, fostering their independence and improving their quality of life.

Apart from the sanction orders, which are a result of the initiative of the Directorate of Women and Child Development, the CM also launched the Chavath-e-Bazaar. It is aimed at empowering Goan entrepreneurs and self-help groups, a digital initiative under the Swayampura Goa Programme organised by the Directorate of Planning, Statistics and Evaluation.

Sawant also flagged off the Chavath-e-Bazaar vehicle, symbolizing a new era of empowerment for rural artisans and entrepreneurs in Goa. The CM was accompanied by Poriem MLA Deviya Rane, Bicholim MLA Chandrakant Shetye, Mayem MLA Premendra Shet, Vijay Saxena, Director Directorate of Planning and Statistics, Sangeeta Parab, Director of Directorate of Women and Child Development, and Dolly Sureka, Vice President, Swiggy (Assurance and Business Advisory).

Goa moves ahead with PM Modi's 'Vocal for Local' vision :

* Sawant said that his government is committed to uplifting the common people as well as the local entrepreneurs in line with PM Narendra Modi's vision of 'Vocal for Local'. As many as 11,500 newly sanctioned orders were disbursed across the state, with 6,000 orders allocated to the North Goa district alone. The distribution took the number of women beneficiaries to 1.5 lakh.

* "Over 310 crores have been distributed through various schemes this month, firmly establishing Goa as a leader in supporting its people. For packaging the food items, selling and other related things, under Swayampurna Goa 2.0, free of-cost training will be given to women at their respective panchayats," Sawant said.

* "In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Vocal for Local," the government is committed to uplifting the common people," he further said.

* Vishwajeet Rane, Minister for Women and Child Development, highlighted that Griha Adhar beneficiaries have already received their financial support in their account today itself, and the scheme will see annual increments. As for the Chavath-e-bazaar, which is an online portal integrated with the Swiggy app for seamless ordering, will be beneficial to the women and will boost their dream of becoming an entrepreneur, Rane added..

Source : Republic World

Correct Answer :   6.3%

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The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has raised India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth projection for financial year 2023 - 2024 to 6.3%, up from the previous estimate of 6%.

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, OECD said.

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

“A disproportionate share of global growth in 2023-24 is expected to continue to come from Asia, despite the weaker-than-expected recovery in China,” the OECD report noted.

The OECD has also revised India’s inflation projection to 5.3%, up from the previous estimate of 4.8% 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.

“A key risk is that inflation could continue to prove more persistent than expected, which would mean interest rates need to tighten further or remain higher for longer,” the report said.

The report added that there was room for modest policy easing in several major economies, including India, Indonesia, Mexico, and South Africa, over the next year.

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

The OECD recommended a cautious approach to monetary policy until clear signs of lasting relief from inflationary pressures emerge. It also emphasised the need for fiscal policy to prepare for future spending pressures..

Source : Business Standard