Correct Answer :   October 16

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World Food Day is an annual observance that takes place on October 16. It is a global initiative aimed at addressing the pressing issues of hunger, food security, and access to proper nutrition.

History of World Food Day :

The roots of World Food Day trace back to the establishment of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945. However, it wasn’t until 1979, during the FAO Conference, that World Food Day was officially recognized as a global holiday. Over 150 countries came together to celebrate and promote the importance of food and nutrition.

World Food Day 2023 Theme :

The theme for World Food Day 2023 is “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind.” This theme emphasizes the critical role of water in food production, nutrition, and livelihoods. Water is essential for life on Earth and plays a fundamental role in agriculture, which is the primary source of food.

It raises awareness about the finite nature of this precious resource and the need for responsible water use in food production. The theme urges collective action to ensure equal access to food and water for all.

Correct Answer :   Amit Shah

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Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated Samau Shaheed Memorial and Library in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on 15th Oct 2023.

Shri Amit Shah wished all the countrymen a happy Navratri festival. He said that he had come to Samau during the last Navratri and performed Bhoomi Pujan of Shaheed Memorial and 15th Oct 2023, on the first day of Navratri, this Shaheed Memorial has been inaugurated.

Shri Shah said that during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji started initiatives to build memorials of countless unsung martyrs across the country who sacrificed their lives in the 90 years of freedom struggle from 1857 to 1947 and revive their history so that the youth and the new generation could draw inspiration from them.

He said that 12 valiant heroes had sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle in Samau in November, 1857, but there was no memorial for them till 2022-23.

The memorial inaugurated today will serve to immortalize their stories of bravery. He said that he wrote a letter to the Chief Minister of Gujarat at that time that the Youth and Cultural Activities Department of the Gujarat Government should build a beautiful memorial with 12 pillars in the memory of those martyrs, so that when the national flag hoisting takes place on 15 August and 26 January every year, these martyrs are also respected.

Along with this, a library should also be built to connect the youth with the history, language and culture of the country..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Mansukh Mandaviya

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Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Saturday (14th Oct 2023) as he inaugurated the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR) in Kohima, the first medical college in the northeastern state.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said it was a historic day for the people of Nagaland as a long-cherished dream of theirs was fulfilled.

Mandaviya highlighted that the NIMSR is not just a medical college, but also a research institute.

Highlighting the Centre's commitment towards improving medical education in the country, Mandaviya said, "In a span of just nine years, the (number of) MBBS seats in India has increased from 64,000 to 1.6 lakh. Similarly, PG seats have also doubled in the last nine years".

In a word of encouragement for the students and other stakeholders, the Union Health Minister said they should not limit their scope of research within the national borders. "We must encash on opportunities abroad as well," he said.

Mandaviya informed that the Centre has started foreign language courses in many medical education institutes, so that students can have an edge in getting jobs abroad.

He said strengthening medical, nursing and pharmacy education in the country is an endeavour of the BJP-led Centre for the holistic development and expansion of the country's health sector.

"The aim is to ensure that each citizen of India is able to get access to affordable and accessible healthcare across the country," the minister said. He also highlighted the expansion of the 'Jan Aushadhi Kendras' all over the country to improve access to quality and affordable medicines for all.

NIMSR Kohima is affiliated to Nagaland University. It received the letter of permission for the admission of 100 MBBS students from the academic year 2023-2024 from the National Medical Commission (NMC) in April, paving the way to start the first medical college in Nagaland after 60 years of statehood, the health ministry said in a statement.

It said 85 MBBS students from Nagaland and six from the all-India seats got admitted to the NIMSR and joined the MBBS classes after their induction programme on September 1, 2023.

"This is a historic day for the people of Nagaland as we inaugurated the first medical college in the state," Rio said.

Highlighting that it was a long-cherished dream of the people of Nagaland to have a medical college in their state, the Chief Minister thanked the central government for steadfastly taking up the project.

Rio also said the NIMSR would help the state strengthen its secondary and tertiary healthcare and hoped that it would become a centre of excellence in the future..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Coca-Cola India

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To empower the retailer community in the states of Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), working under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), announced a partnership with Coca-Cola India (15th Oct 023) to launch the Super Power Retailer Program under the Skill India Mission. The program is being piloted in the state of Odisha.

* The partnership was formally announced in the presence of the Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan; Ved Mani Tiwari, COO, NSDC; and Sanket Ray, President, Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia.

* Under the partnership, NSDC will support Coca-Cola India in expanding the program's outreach on SID. This involves creating and refining training content that aligns with industry-specific skill requirements. Additionally, NSDC will facilitate the recruitment of trainers for program implementation and ensure a seamless learning experience by providing the requisite training infrastructure.

* Reflecting on this milestone, Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, COO, NSDC highlighted that a transformative revolution is underway within India's skill development ecosystem, driven by an unwavering commitment to empowering the country's youth and its ambitious workforce through skill acquisition, enhancement, and adaptation.

* He also mentioned that under the guidance and leadership of Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, with the introduction of the Academic Bank of Credit, a digital repository of prior learning experiences will further empower the nation's youth.

* Sanket Ray, President of Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia, highlighted his company’s effort to create value for the retailer ecosystem which is an integral part of the business value chain.

* In the evolving consumer landscape, equipping retailers with key entrepreneurial and digital skills enhances their relevance for today’s consumers and enables them to be future-ready, he added. He applauded the efforts of the Skill India Mission that fosters innovation and provides industry-specific skills which are accessible to all..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Christopher Luxon

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New Zealand's prime minister-elect, Christopher Luxon, said on Monday (16th Oct 2023) while his party was waiting for special votes to be counted, they were working on building relationships with both ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First.

Christopher Luxon will be the 42nd Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Luxon's centre-right National Party and preferred coalition partner ACT won a razor-thin electoral victory on Saturday (14th Oct 2023), together securing 61 seats in 121 seat parliament.

While National and libertarian party ACT have the numbers to form a government on the current count, roughly 567,000 special votes, around 20% of the total, must still be counted. The official result is due on Nov. 3, and conservative parties have historically lost at least a seat with the final count.

Luxon, 53, a relative newcomer to politics and former airline executive, told a press conference on Monday (16th Oct 2023) National would be waiting for the special votes to be counted before officially forming a government.

"We are working very strongly to build relationships and also to work through arrangements with respective parties. We are going to do that confidentially," he said.

He added he would ideally like to have a government formed before the Pacific Island Forum and APEC meetings in early November but that this will depend on the special votes and how negotiations have progressed.

New Zealand is currently being governed by a transitional government run by Labour.

Luxon, a protege of former prime minister John Key, said the process of transition between the two governments was under  way but would not comment on current issues such as New Zealand's response to the Israel's intense bombardment of Gaza as they was the responsibility of the Labour government.

Newly elected members of parliament are also in Wellington on Monday to begin their induction to parliament..

Source : Times of India

Correct Answer :   October 16

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World Anaesthesia Day, celebrated on October 16 each year, is a significant occasion that highlights the critical role of anaesthesia in modern medical treatments.

* This day not only recognizes the birth of anaesthesia but also serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of this field in healthcare.

* World Anaesthesia Day stands as a tribute to the birth of anaesthesia, a groundbreaking development in the history of medicine. It serves to raise awareness about the importance of this field in healthcare and recognizes the ongoing need to ensure safe anaesthesia practices worldwide.


World Anaesthesia Day Theme for 2023 :

The theme for World Anaesthesia Day in 2023 is ‘Anaesthesia and Cancer Care.’ This theme sheds light on the indispensable role of anaesthesia in cancer treatments. Anaesthesiologists play a vital part in ensuring the comfort and safety of cancer patients during surgical interventions and other medical procedures. The theme also highlights efforts to strengthen anaesthesia services, ultimately enhancing cancer treatment.

World Anaesthesia Day History :

World Anaesthesia Day commemorates the birth of anaesthesia as a medical practice. The pivotal moment occurred on October 16, 1846, when William Thomas Green Morton conducted the first successful demonstration of ether anaesthesia at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. This breakthrough revolutionized surgical procedures by allowing patients to undergo operations without feeling pain.


World Anaesthesia Day Significance :

Advocacy for Safe Anaesthesia Practices

Today, World Anaesthesia Day serves as a crucial advocacy tool to address the global shortage of safe anaesthesia practices. Nearly 5 billion people worldwide lack access to safe anaesthesia services. This day emphasizes the importance of anaesthesia in patient well-being and aims to educate the general public, medical professionals, and society about its significance.

Correct Answer :   ₹30,000 Crore

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The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) continues to elicit an enthusiastic response even after crossing the milestone of over 50 crore beneficiaries.

The total balance in the basic bank accounts of the Centre’s flagship financial inclusion grew by about ₹30,000 crore in the first half of the current financial year to reach ₹2.05 lakh crore as of October 4, 2023, as against ₹1.75 lakh crore in the comparable period of FY23, as per the latest government data.

The total number of beneficiaries increased by over 3.5 crore in the last one year, from 47 crore to 50.63 crore.


Growth Trajectory :

“The growth trend has almost been similar in the last three years in terms of new enrolments for the scheme. This is driven by increasing realisation of benefits of having a bank account and relentless efforts by the public sector banks,’‘ a senior official of the State Bank of India told businessline.

Public sector banks operate 40 crore of the total number of accounts with a balance of ₹1.60-lakh crore, while the rest is pooled in by regional rural banks, co-operative banks, and private sector banks.

According to a senior economist with a private sector bank, the trajectory of growth is interesting, especially immediately after Covid-19. “As against a steady increase of about 2.5 crore to 3 crore beneficiaries, there was a record increase during 2021-22,’‘ he said.

If H1 of these years is taken as a parameter, over a crore new accounts have been added between September 2021 and September 2022 as the government implemented some benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana through PMJDY accounts, especially for women.

According to bankers, interest in Jan Dhan enrolments is being driven by the linking of all government schemes and DBTs to bank accounts under PMJDY and also by the ease of opening and maintaining the accounts with no cost. The large fleet of 8.50 lakh Bank Mitras is also adding to its popularity.

However, there is a huge lag in the issue of RuPay ATM debit cards to the beneficiaries. Out of a total of 50.63 crore account holders, the cards have been issued only to 35 crore..

Source : The Hindu Businessline

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