Correct Answer :   Arindam Bagchi

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on 16 October 2023 announced the appointment of career diplomat Arindam Bagchi as India's next permanent representative to the United Nations and related global bodies in Geneva. The exact date when he would assume the charge was not disclosed, but the ministry noted that he would take over the assignment "shortly".

Bagchi would be succeeding Indra Mani Pandey, the incumbent Indian envoy to the UN in Geneva. He was given the key charge in July 2020, and is now set to return to New Delhi after a three-year stint.

"Arindam Bagchi (IFS:1995), presently Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as the next Ambassador/Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva," the MEA said.

“He is expected to take up the assignment shortly," the brief official statement further added.

Bagchi, notably, is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 1955-batch. He was given the key charge of MEA spokesperson in March 2020, at a time when the world was facing the COVID-19 pandemic. During his tenure, Bagchi was known for deftly handling media discussion around crucial topics such as the Sino-Indian border row in eastern Ladakh, Indian government's COVID-19 strategy and New Delhi's G20 presidency.

Before serving as the MEA spokesperson, Bagchi had also discharged duties as the Indian envoy in eastern Europe's Croatia and deputy high commissioner in neighbouring Sri Lanka.

Bagchi had also served as a director in the Prime Minister's Office, and also at India's permanent mission at the UN in New York.

While his replacement as MEA spokesperson has not been named yet, news agency PTI learnt from sources that four senior diplomats, including Mauritius high commissioner K Nandini Singla and joint secretary (G20) Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur are being considered for the post..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   64th

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India has been ranked 64th out of 108 countries for remote work, marking a significant drop of 15 places compared to the previous year, according to a report released on Wednesday (18th Oct 2023). This decline can be attributed primarily to India's subpar digital and physical infrastructure and social safety.

The Global Remote Work Index (GRWI), published by cybersecurity firm NordLayer, assessed countries based on four key criteria: cyber safety, economic safety, digital and physical infrastructure, and social safety.

Donatas Tamelis, the managing director at NordLayer said, “Even though some of the big tech companies recently brought their employees back to the office or introduced a hybrid work model, remote work is here to stay. It’s not just a trend -- it is a fundamental shift in how we approach productivity and work-life balance.”

India's low ranking is a consequence of poor performance across all four dimensions, particularly in the realms of digital and physical infrastructure (77) and social safety (74).

The report highlighted that India's e-infrastructure is among the least developed in the world, earning it the 95th position. Furthermore, India's internet connection is both expensive (78th) and lacking in quality (70th).

In the context of social safety, India appears to be one of the most isolating countries globally, with a low personal rights index (88) and an environment that lacks inclusiveness (65). As for cyber and economic safety, India's performance is considered average, with rankings of 56 and 55, respectively.

While India is recognised as one of the most cost-effective destinations with the third-lowest cost of living, its healthcare system is rated poorly at 93. However, the country boasts a reasonably robust cyber infrastructure (13) and a decent response capacity (19).

Meanwhile, The top 10 countries which scored the highest on the Global Remote Work Index (GRWI) are Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Portugal, Estonia, Lithuania, Ireland, and Slovakia..

Source : Business Today

Correct Answer :   45

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India dropped from the 41st position out of 44 countries in the 2022 Global Pension Index to the 45th spot out of 47 countries in 2023.

The index was released by the United States-based consulting company Mercer and not-for-profit organisation CFA Institute on Tuesday (17th Oct 2023). It comprises three sub-indices – adequacy, sustainability and integrity – to measure retirement income systems in 47 countries across over 50 indicators.

The first sub-index shows the adequacy of the benefits being provided and the sustainability sub-index represents the likelihood that the current pension system would be able to provide benefits in the future. The integrity sub-index includes legislative requirements that influence the overall governance and operations of the pension system, and shows the level of confidence of citizens in it.

India’s score improved marginally from 44.4 last year to 45.9 now. The report primarily attributed this to an improvement in the adequacy sub-index.

“India’s retirement income system comprises an earnings-related employee pension scheme, a DC [defined contribution] employee provident fund [EPFO] and supplementary employer-managed pension schemes that are largely DC in nature,” the report noted. “Government schemes have been launched as part of the universal social security program aimed at benefiting the unorganised sector.”

India can perform better by improving minimum support, expanding coverage of pension arrangements to workers in the unorganised sector and enhancing regulatory requirements for the private pension system, the report said.

The Netherlands, topping the ranking with a score of 85, was followed by Iceland at 83.5 and Denmark at 81.3.

In 2021, the Union government told Parliament that the Global Pension Index that had ranked India’s pension system low that year too, was “not based on reliable comparable international data”. India’s pension system was ranked 40th among 43 countries that year.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment had also said that the report did not recognise “every aspects of pension system prevailing in a country”..

Source : Scroll

Correct Answer :   V. Muraleedharan

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Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan will pay his third official visit to the Sultanate of Oman on 18-19 October 2023.

* During the visit, MoS will hold high-level discussions with the Omani leadership and dignitaries. He will also inaugurate the painting exhibition, "India on Canvas: Masterpieces of Modern Indian Painting” which is a collection of specially curated 20 works of art from the collection of National Gallery of Modern Art, exhibited in the National Museum of Oman.

* MoS will also inaugurate a lecture series titled "From Mandvi to Muscat: Indian Community and the Shared History of India and Oman”, organized by the Embassy of India shedding light on the history of Indian community in Oman and its contribution to India-Oman relations.

* During his visit, MoS will also interact with various Indian community organizations and a wide cross section of Indian community residing in Oman, including professionals, blue collar workers, health care workers, social workers, and school students.

* India and Oman share warm and friendly relations underpinned by historical and cultural linkages and strong people-to-people ties. The forthcoming visit offers an opportunity to comprehensively review the bilateral relations between India and Oman and chart pathways to further deepen our multifaceted ties..

Source : MEA

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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A priority section of RAPIDX, which is India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), is all set to  be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi  on October 20, 2023.

The priority section of RRTS or RAPIDX will be thrown open between Duhai and Sahibabad, covering 17 kilometers. The priority section includes 5 stations; Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai and Duhai Depot. PM Modi is expected to flag off the first RAPIDX RRTS train in Ghaziabad.

The Delhi-Meerut RRTS, which is a first-of-its-kind regional connectivity project, will cover 82 kilometers in just an hour’s time once it is completed in 2025.

The Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System project is being executed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). According to NCRTC, the RAPIDX services will be the nation's "first railway system" with a maximum operational speed of 160 kmph along its entire length. The average speed of RAPIDX trains on the RRTS will be 100 kmph, surpassing both metro trains and Indian Railways' passenger trains.

In June this year (2023), the Commissioner for Metro Rail Safety (CMRS), Government of India had given its clearance for the RRTS operations.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Railways had sanctioned the RRTS rolling stock train sets, which have been designed for a speed of 180 kmph but will operate at 160 kmph, marking a significant development. The country’s first RAPIDX train sets have been manufactured by Alstom in Gujarat.

RAPIDX trains will feature six coaches, including one Premium coach with separate entry and exit points on the platform. You can watch the video above to know the salient features and passenger-friendly amenities of India's first RRTS train.

Although the fares for RAPIDX have yet to be disclosed, their announcement is expected soon, especially with the opening of the priority section on the horizon later this week..

Source : Times of India

Correct Answer :   7%

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The Indian government has announced its plans to divest 7% equity in Housing and Urban Development Corp. Ltd (Hudco) via an offer for sale (OFS) scheduled for 18 October - 19 October 2023. This strategic move is expected to generate approximately ₹1,100 crore in revenue.


OFS Details :

Investor Participation : The offer for sale will commence on October 18 for non-retail investors, with retail investors being able to bid on the following day.

Green Shoe Option : The government intends to divest 7% equity, including a green shoe option of 3.5%.

Floor Price : The floor price for the offer is set at ₹79 per share, which is 12% lower than the closing price of ₹89 on the BSE as of the previous Tuesday.

Number of Shares : Approximately 140 million shares will be put up for sale, with a total value of around ₹1,106 crore.

Retail Discount : Notably, there will be no retail discount offered for the OFS, as confirmed by Hudco in a filing with the BSE.

Compliance with SEBI Norms :

One of the primary reasons for the OFS is to ensure compliance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) minimum public shareholding norms. Currently, the government holds an 81.8% stake in Hudco. By divesting 7% of its shares, the government’s ownership will decrease to 74.8%, which is below the maximum permissible limit of 75%.


Government’s Divestment Strategy :

This stake sale aligns with the government’s broader divestment strategy, which aims to reduce its holdings in listed companies in order to meet SEBI norms. The government’s objective is to raise revenue through such divestments.


Brokers for the Sale :

Elara Securities (India), IDBI Capital Markets & Securities, and SBICAP Securities have been selected as brokers for the sale, facilitating the transaction between the government and potential investors.


Utilization of Proceeds :

The revenue generated from this stake sale will be channeled to the government’s treasury, contributing to its goal of raising ₹51,000 crore from disinvestment in the fiscal year 2024.

As of October 17, the government had already raised ₹6,950 crore from disinvestment activities. This amount primarily resulted from selling a 3% stake in Coal India Ltd, a 5.36% stake in Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd, and a 4.92% share sale in SJVN Ltd.

Correct Answer :   India and Sri Lanka

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe inaugurated a ferry service connecting India and Sri Lanka on Saturday (14th Oct 2023), nearly four decades after the last such service was cancelled amid civil war in the island nation.

Aim : This initiative aims to bolster bilateral ties, boost tourism, and increase people-to-people relations while benefiting local traders on both shores.


The New Service :

The passenger ferry service, named ‘Cheriyapani,’ was officially launched on a Saturday. The one-way ticket for this high-speed craft costs approximately Rs 7,670, with a generous baggage allowance of up to 40 kg per passenger. The journey commences at Nagapattinam at 7 am, reaching Kankesanthurai by 11 am, and the return trip starts at 1.30 pm, arriving in Nagapattinam by 5.30 pm.


The Previous Route :

While the recent ferry service inauguration is a new development, maritime linkage between India and Sri Lanka has a long history. The Indo-Ceylon Express or Boat Mail operated between Chennai and Colombo via the Thoothukudi port from the early 1900s until 1982. However, the civil war in Sri Lanka led to the suspension of these services.

Pre-Civil War: Dhanushkodi to Talaimannar :

Before the civil war, one of the most popular routes was from Dhanushkodi to Talaimannar. Passengers from Chennai would board the Boat Mail Express, a train from Chennai’s Egmore railway station, and then transfer to a coal-powered steam ferry in Dhanushkodi, which would take them to Talaimannar in approximately two hours.


Attempts to Restart :

The idea of resuming ferry services between India and Sri Lanka has been under consideration for years, especially after the end of the civil war in 2009. In 2011, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning passenger transportation by sea was signed, and a similar service was launched. However, it did not last for more than six months due to a poor response.

Efforts were also made to establish services from Rameswaram to Talaimannar and Karaikal to Kankesanthurai, but various challenges prevented these proposals from materializing.


Infrastructure Enhancement at Nagapattinam Port :

The Nagapattinam port, under the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board, was recently upgraded with funds worth Rs 8 crore from the Union Ministry of External Affairs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the service’s launch, emphasized that connectivity is not just about bringing two cities closer but also about bringing countries, people, and hearts closer.

Potential Impact of the New Service :

The reestablishment of the passenger ferry service has the potential to have a profound impact on the region. By providing an additional transportation option, it can amplify religious tourism in the coastal regions of both India and Sri Lanka. Indian pilgrim centers and temple towns are expected to see an influx of Lankan tourists, which would stimulate the local economies in these regions.


Tamil Nadu’s Commitment to the New Ferry Service :

Recognizing the significance of this new service, the state government of Tamil Nadu is actively working on infrastructure development. E V Velu, the Minister for Public Works, has noted that the state is coordinating with various departments of the Union government to ensure a smooth experience for passengers..


Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Yogi Adityanath

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Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday (17th Oct 2023) said the Ujjwala scheme beneficiaries would get a free cooking gas cylinder as a “Diwali gift”.

The free gas cylinder to beneficiaries of Ujjwala scheme has been a pre-poll promise of the BJP. Ahead of Diwali, Adityanath said that his government intends to honour his party’s commitment.

Adityanath made the announcement while inaugurating a BJP’s women meet from Bulandshahr in western Uttar Pradesh where he also launched or laid the foundation stone of several projects worth ₹632 crore.

While 104 projects worth ₹208 crore were inaugurated, the foundation stones of 152 projects worth ₹424 crore were laid.

“PM Modi had recently given a gift to Ujjwala scheme beneficiaries by reducing prices of cooking gas cylinders and now we intend to give a free cooking gas cylinder to women as Diwali gift,” he said.

The chief minister reminded women how before 2014 getting a cooking gas cylinder was a difficult task.

“Now, around 1.75 crore women have benefitted through the Ujjawala scheme,” Adityanath said.

He also spoke of how 55 lakh women in Uttar Pradesh now have a house of their own under the PM Awas Yojna and 2.75 lakh toilets built in the state under ‘Swachh Bharat’ initiative have also benefitted women. He also referred to schemes like ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ to highlight the double engine BJP government’s women-centric push..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   17th October

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World Trauma Day, observed every year on 17 October, is dedicated to raising awareness about trauma, its causes, symptoms, and prevention.

Trauma encompasses emotional responses to accidents, injuries, physical violence, rape, natural disasters, or any incident affecting an individual both physically and mentally.

The primary goal of this day is to educate people about the causes and consequences of trauma and to promote strategies for trauma care and prevention.


History of World Trauma Day :

There is no specific information about the background and history of World Trauma Day. However, the day is commemorated to promote excellent trauma care and reduce the global burden of trauma caused by road accidents, burns, violence, and other injuries. World Trauma Day serves as an opportunity for healthcare professionals, organizations, policy makers, and stakeholders to establish specific policies for trauma care, prevention, and management.

Significance of World Trauma Day : 

The main significance of celebrating World Trauma Day includes the following:

Raising Awareness : Creating awareness among people about the causes, symptoms, prevention, and management of trauma.

Promoting Road Safety : Addressing the high incidence of trauma due to road accidents by promoting road safety measures such as wearing seat belts, avoiding rash driving, refraining from drunk driving, and advocating safe driving practices.

Supporting Trauma Survivors : Recognizing that trauma can have a long-lasting impact on the physical, mental, and social well-being of individuals, World Trauma Day emphasizes the need to support and provide resources to trauma survivors.

Enhancing Emergency Response : Promoting the development of emergency response systems and trauma care facilities to reduce the long-term effects of trauma and save lives.

Raising Awareness on Various Forms of Trauma : Focusing on various trauma-related issues, including accidental trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), mental trauma, and more, in a collaborative effort to spread awareness.

World Trauma Day serves as a crucial platform for addressing the multifaceted challenges associated with trauma and promoting a safer and more supportive world for all individuals affected by traumatic experiences.

Correct Answer :   ₹143 Lakh Crore

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India is gearing up for a substantial infrastructure spending spree, with a plan to invest nearly ₹143 lakh crore between fiscal years 2024 and 2030. This represents more than double the ₹67 lakh crore spent on infrastructure over the past seven financial years starting from 2017. The rating agency CRISIL shared this information in its Infrastructure Yearbook 2023, underlining the significance of this ambitious undertaking.


Green Investments on the Rise :

A notable aspect of this investment is that ₹36.6 lakh crore will be allocated to green projects. This marks a fivefold increase compared to the amount spent on sustainability-focused initiatives between fiscal years 2017 and 2023. The emphasis on green investments reflects India’s commitment to environmental sustainability.


Economic Growth and Income Projections :

CRISIL Ltd.’s Managing Director and CEO, Amish Mehta, expects India’s gross domestic product (GDP) to grow at an average rate of 6.7% through fiscal year 2031, positioning India as the fastest-expanding large economy. He predicts a significant increase in per capita income, rising from $2,500 to $4,500 by fiscal year 2031, effectively transitioning India into a middle-income country. This growth trajectory will be driven by extensive infrastructure development with a strong focus on sustainability.

Sectors Poised for Growth :

While releasing the ‘CRISIL Infrastructure Yearbook 2023,’ Mehta highlighted several sectors that are key to this growth :

* Infrastructure Sectors with High Scores: Four sectors, namely roads and highways, power transmission, renewable energy, and ports, have earned an overall score of 7 or higher out of 10. This demonstrates the pace of reforms and developments in these areas over the past few years.
* Mega-Scale Projects: The next phase of infrastructure development will see an increase in the average project size and a substantial number of mega-scale projects. This reflects the nation’s ambition to undertake large and transformative initiatives.
* Policy and Regulatory Support: Mehta emphasized the importance of consistent policy and regulatory support to create an attractive environment for stakeholders to accelerate investments across infrastructure sectors.
* Emerging Sectors: Prominent sectors such as roads and power are expected to remain major contributors to the infrastructure expansion. Meanwhile, relatively nascent areas such as electric vehicles (EVs), solar, wind, and hydrogen are poised for significant growth.


Electric Vehicle Revolution : CRISIL predicts a substantial shift towards electric vehicles, with the share of EVs in India’s overall automobile sales projected to reach 30% by 2030. Two-wheeler EV sales are expected to outpace other segments up to 2028, while demand for EV buses will be driven by state transport undertakings. Factors such as favorable total cost of ownership and total cost of acquisition, along with increased model availability for two- and three-wheelers, are expected to support EV adoption in the coming years.

Renewable Energy Surge : CRISIL also anticipates a significant expansion of renewable energy capacity, estimated to grow fourfold between fiscal years 2023 and 2030. Solar energy will account for half of the incremental non-fossil generation. To further enhance sustainability, the adoption of emerging technologies like ‘floatovoltaics’ (floating solar), offshore wind technology, and green hydrogen will be pivotal.


Green Hydrogen Potential : The hydrogen sector is set to attract substantial investments, estimated at ₹1.5 lakh crore between fiscal years 2024 and 2030. Mandates for green hydrogen use and incentive schemes will play a crucial role here, as the production cost of green hydrogen is double that of fossil-based hydrogen.


Sovereign Green Bond Issuance : India’s plan to issue its first sovereign green bond will pave the way for the development of the domestic bond market for green projects. In recent years, there has been a growing global appetite for green assets among investors, leading Indian companies to seek funding in global markets. This move aligns with India’s commitment to green financing and sustainability.