Correct Answer :   Unnao

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Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Monday (9th Oct 2023) inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth Rs 804 crore on Monday and unveiled the equestrian statue of freedom fighter Raja Rao Rambaksh Singh in Daundiyakheda village of UP’s Unnao district.

According to the press release, the UP CM mentioned that as per the Sanatan Dharma tradition, the period of ‘Pitrapaksha’ is dedicated to showing gratitude towards our ancestors and it is a matter of great pride that during this period we are unveiling the statue of the eminent freedom fighter, Raja Rambaksh Singh, whose heroic efforts ignited the flame of independence.

CM Yogi also extended his greetings for Sharadiya Navratri and urged the youth of UP to watch the movie “Vaccine War” to unmask the conspirators.

The UP CM also emphasized the significant achievements made by India during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the distribution of free rations to 80 crore people and the administering of 220 crore free vaccines, said the official statement.

CM Yogi said, “A new film has come – Vaccine War, which showcases India’s outstanding scientific achievements on the global stage. This film is dedicated to exposing the conspiracies against India, highlighting the groundbreaking research conducted by Indian scientists, and fostering greater recognition of India on the global map.”

He also encouraged every student and the youth to watch the film and take pride in India’s scientific achievements, said the official statement.

He further emphasized the importance of understanding the conspiracies being hatched against India and Indian values, added the official statement.

“Some individuals are pursuing their own agendas by these means, and it’s crucial to comprehend their motives and expose their actions to the world,” Yogi said.
He praised ‘Vaccine War’ as an excellent initiative in this regard and called for public support for the cause.

“During the pandemic, the fight wasn’t an individual’s battle. With the Prime Minister leading like a captain, certain individuals tried to weaken this fight through false propaganda. ‘Vaccine War’ sheds light on these conspiracies against the country and reveals the faces behind the relentless attempts to undermine the nation,” the UP CM said.

CM Yogi further emphasized the significance of Unnao, not just as a religious and spiritual hub, but also as a place where renowned saints have shaped its legacy through their birth and work, said the press release.

Furthermore, he mentioned India’s global achievements in the present era, highlighting the significant milestone achieved by India by securing more than a hundred medals in the Asian Games, surpassing the previous record of 70 medals in 2018.

This remarkable feat underscores the newfound potential of emerging India on the international stage, he said.

The official release further mentioned that the UP CM, during the event, said, “During the G-20 conference, the Parliament of India also passed the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Abhinandan’, which gives women 33 per cent reservation in Parliament, State Legislative Council, and Assemblies. For this, the BJP has resolved to hold one conference in every assembly constituency within UP. Gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of Nari Shakti.”

Further reflecting on Raja Rambaksh Singh’s campaign for the country’s independence, CM Yogi highlighted the significance of historical events like the 1857 freedom struggle, emphasizing the role of iconic figures such as Mangal Pandey in Barrackpur, Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Tatya Tope, and Raja Rambaksh Singh-Benimadhav Singh. He stressed the unity that led India to realize its collective power in challenging foreign rule.

The event was also graced by the presence of the Minister of State for Transport Dayashankar Singh, Minister of State Ravindra Jaiswal, MP Sakshi Maharaj, Zila Panchayat President Shakun Singh, Zila President of BJP Awadhesh Katiyar, MLA Ashutosh Shukla and some other dignitaries..

Source : Zee5

Correct Answer :   October 11th

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The International Day of the Girl, observed every year on October 11, is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about gender inequality and advocating for the rights and empowerment of girls. This article explores the significance, history, and theme of the International Day of the Girl 2023.


The Origins of International Day of the Girl :

The International Day of the Girl was first celebrated in 2012. This day was established to focus attention on the unique challenges girls face and to promote their empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. The day was born out of the recognition that girls, like boys, deserve equal opportunities and rights.


International Day of the Girl 2023 Theme :

The theme for the International Day of the Girl in 2023 is “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being.” This theme emphasizes the need to invest in girls, recognizing that their leadership and well-being are crucial for a fairer and more equal future.

Historical Significance :

Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action : In 1995, the World Conference on Women held in Beijing resulted in a landmark achievement. Countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a progressive blueprint for advancing the rights of women and girls. This declaration was a pivotal moment as it was the first international document to explicitly call out the rights of girls.

The Rights of Girls : The United Nations underscores that girls have the inherent right to a safe, educated, and healthy life. This right is not just limited to their formative years but extends into their adulthood. Empowering girls during their adolescent years can have a profound impact on their ability to change the world. They can be today’s empowered girls and tomorrow’s leaders, workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, and political leaders.

Investment in Girls : Investing in adolescent girls is an investment in a brighter and more equitable future. It is a commitment to ensuring that half of humanity has an equal stake in addressing critical global challenges, including climate change, political conflicts, economic growth, disease prevention, and sustainable development.

The Role of Gender Equality in Sustainable Development : Achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls is an integral part of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by world leaders in 2015 as part of the Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030. Recognizing the rights of women and girls across all these goals is fundamental to achieving justice and inclusion, creating economies that work for all, and sustaining a shared environment for current and future generations.

Correct Answer :   Navneet Munot

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The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) has elected Navneet Munot and Anthony Heredia as its new chairman and vice-chairperson. Munot is the managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of HDFC Asset Management. Heredia is the MD and CEO of Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund.

* The election brings an end to a two-year term of A Balasubramanian as the chairman and Radhika Gupta as the vice-chairperson.

* Though the association holds elections for the two positions every year, the elected representatives generally get a two-year term.

* The election took place at the 28th annual general meeting (AGM) of Amfi in September 2023. Munot and Heredia will take charge from 16 October 2023.


Navneet Munot: A Financial Veteran :

Navneet Munot’s appointment as the Chairman of AMFI brings with it a wealth of experience and expertise. As a Chartered Accountant and a CFA charter holder, Munot’s impressive credentials have made him a respected figure in the financial services industry. With over thirty years of experience, his leadership promises to steer AMFI in the right direction.

Other Appointment :

* The Board of AMFI has also elected Anthony Heredia, MD and CEO of Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund, as the Vice-Chairman. With his extensive experience in the investment management industry, Heredia takes over the role from Radhika Gupta, MD of Edelweiss Asset Management.

* Anthony Heredia’s appointment as Vice-Chairman of AMFI is a testament to his qualifications and contributions to the investment management sector. As a Chartered Accountant with over 26 years of experience, he is well-prepared to support and guide AMFI in achieving its objectives.

* Radhika Gupta, the outgoing Vice-Chairman, has been a valuable asset to AMFI during her tenure. Her expertise and dedication have helped shape the mutual fund industry’s growth in India. Her departure marks the start of a new chapter with Anthony Heredia taking on the role.


Both Joining :

The new Chairman, Navneet Munot, and Vice-Chairman, Anthony Heredia, are set to take charge of AMFI from October 16. Their combined expertise and experience are expected to bring fresh insights and guidance to further enhance the mutual fund industry in India. As the leaders of AMFI, they will play a crucial role in shaping the future of mutual funds in the country..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Hardeep Singh Puri

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The Petroleum & Natural Gas Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri was addressing the gathering at inauguration (10th Oct 2023) of 26th Energy Technology Meeta at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

In the esteemed presence of notable dignitaries, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, the Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs inaugurated the 26th Energy Technology Meet at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Shri Hardeep Singh Puri spoke about the country’s achievements in the green and clean energy sector during the 26th Energy Technology Meet, shedding light on the nation’s accomplishments and its future goals.


Exceeding Biofuel Blending Targets :

* Shri Hardeep Singh Puri proudly announced that India has exceeded its biofuel blending targets, a critical component of the nation’s green energy strategy. The initial goal was to achieve a 10 percent biofuel blending rate by November 2022.

* Surpassing expectations, India reached this milestone five months ahead of schedule. Furthermore, the ambitious target of 20 percent biofuel blending, originally set for 2030, has now been advanced to 2025. This remarkable progress demonstrates India’s commitment to cleaner energy sources and reduced environmental impact.


Addressing Energy Challenges: Availability, Affordability, and Sustainability :

In his address, Minister Puri emphasized the significance of managing three crucial challenges in the energy sector: availability, affordability, and sustainability. He highlighted that, despite these challenges, India has not allowed the issue of sustainability to hinder its progress. On the contrary, the country has accelerated its efforts towards building a more sustainable energy future.

Overcoming Self-imposed Limits :

* Shri Puri acknowledged that India had imposed a 20 percent blending limit on itself, mainly because automobile manufacturers claimed that blending beyond this point would require substantial engine modifications. However, India has now successfully achieved the 20 percent blended fuel and is vigorously working on the establishment of ethanol and biogas production plants.

* Furthermore, the automobile industry is making significant strides in technological advancements, exemplified by the recent introduction of the Green Hydrogen Bus by India Oil. This development marks a transition towards a new technological mindset, with the introduction of electric cars and flexible-fuel vehicles.


India’s Rising Energy Demand :

Highlighting India’s growing energy demand, Minister Puri projected that the country’s energy requirements would serve as the driving force for future economic growth.

* Currently, India stands as the world’s third-largest consumer of oil.
* The third-largest LPG consumer.
* The fourth-largest LNG importer
* The fourth-largest refiner.

Additionally, it ranks as the fourth-largest automobile market globally. India’s energy demand is set to grow exponentially in the coming years, making the nation a pivotal player in the global energy landscape.

India’s Global Impact :

* Minister Puri emphasized that India is poised to account for 25 percent of global energy demand growth over the next two decades. With the launch of the Biofuels Alliance, he anticipates a substantial increase in the global biofuel market, projecting a growth from $92 billion to $200 billion in the near future.

* However, he underlined that this is just the beginning of the biofuels story. The introduction of 10 percent ethanol blending has already led to significant savings on India’s import bill, and these savings are expected to increase with the 20 percent blending goal.


Energy Consumption as a Growth Indicator :

The Minister stressed that a reliable indicator of a country’s growth is its energy consumption. India’s energy consumption is currently three times the global average, further emphasizing its rapid development and growth. In conclusion, he called for more collaborative events like the Energy Technology Meet, encouraging countries to participate and benefit from valuable discussions on sustainable energy solutions..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   3000 Crores

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The Assam government in its weekly cabinet meeting approved the construction of a 1000-km "High-Speed Economic Corridor" road project with a cost of Rs 3,000 crore.

Announcing the decisions taken in the cabinet meeting held Monday (9th Oct 2023) chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Assam Tourism Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said that this proposed high-speed economic corridor will come under the 'Asom Mala' project.

The state cabinet also approved the construction of a Judicial Guest House in Kaziranga.

"7 Bigha, 2 Katha, 10 Lessa of land at Halowagaon revenue village under Kaziranga Mouza of Bokakhat revenue circle to be allotted for construction of Judicial Guest House in Kaziranga.

The proposed Guest House will boost the tourism sector and provide top-class hospitality to state guests and guests of Gauhati High Court in Kaziranga National Park," Jayanta Malla Baruah said.

The state cabinet also approved to completion of construction of a new office building under the Commissioner of Taxes with an additional estimate of Rs 11.91 crore for additional works approved. Re-validation of the administrative approval has been issued for Rs 100.61 crore up to March 31, 2024.

The state cabinet also approved funds for Sipajhar Municipal Board, Eco Sensitive Zone of Bherjan-Borajan- Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary. Further, the Assam government will raise a loan of up to Rs 950.43 crore from NABARD, which would be used to expedite the upgradation of 90 rural roads and 4 rural bridges under PWD (Roads).

The state cabinet also approved to hold cabinet meetings in district headquarters in November in Tinsukia in November, North Lakhimpur in December, and Nagaon in January..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Pushkar Singh Dhami

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The state government on Monday (9th Oct 2023) launched ‘Yuva Uttarakhand mobile application’ to provide information about self-employment. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the app would help unemployed youth become self-reliant.

Appointment Letters To 17 Individuals : During the event, the Chief Minister also distributed appointment letters to 17 individuals who were selected through employment fairs. Additionally, he took the opportunity to tour the exhibitions organized by various government departments.

‘Prayag Portal’ – Connecting Youth with Job Opportunities : In addition to the ‘Yuva Uttarakhand mobile application,’ the Chief Minister also inaugurated the ‘Prayag portal.’ This portal is dedicated to providing job information and serves as a comprehensive resource for job-seeking youth in the state.

‘Prayag Portal’ – Objective : The portal’s primary focus is on outsourcing employment opportunities in various government departments. Designed by the state’s IT development agency, the ‘Prayag portal’ aims to bring all employment-related information onto one platform, ensuring the convenience of users.

Self-Employment Centers for Information and Schemes : Chief Minister Dhami, as part of his government’s commitment to youth empowerment, announced the establishment of self-employment centers in all districts of Uttarakhand.

Objective Of Self-Employment Centers : These centers will serve as hubs where local residents can access information and application details related to various self-employment schemes. In a remarkable initiative, two such centers were inaugurated in the first phase, located in Dehradun and Udham Singh Nagar.

Collaborations for Skill Development : To further enhance the skill set of the state’s youth, Chief Minister Dhami revealed that his government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee and technology giant Microsoft.

Aim of the Collaboration : This strategic collaboration aims to provide skill development courses, enabling young individuals to become creators of job opportunities rather than mere job seekers. This partnership between academia and industry will play a crucial role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-sufficiency among the youth of Uttarakhand..

Source : India Times

Correct Answer :   West Bengal

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The Indian Museum, situated in Central Kolkata, West Bengal, is a renowned institution that occupies a distinct position in India’s cultural and scientific legacy. Founded in 1814 under the auspices of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, it not only claims the title of oldest museum of India but also stands as the largest museum of India.

This article takes a deep dive into the storied history, diverse array of collections and the profound significance of the Indian Museum.


History of India’s Largest Museum, Indian Museum :

The origins of the Indian Museum can be traced back to the Asiatic Society of Bengal, founded by Sir William Jones in 1784. The idea of creating a museum emerged in 1796 as a place to house, displayed various natural and man-made objects. It was not until 1814, however, that the museum officially came into existence under the leadership of Danish botanist Nathaniel Wallich. Over the years, the museum received support from the government and underwent several expansions and relocations.

In 1867, the foundation of the present Indian Museum building was laid on Chowringee Road (now Jawaharlal Nehru Road), designed by W.L. Granville in consultation with Sir Thomas Holland. The museum has played a significant role in preserving India’s cultural and scientific heritage.

Collections of Indian Museum :

The Indian Museum, largest museum in India, boasts an extensive and diverse collection that spans six sections and comprises thirty-five galleries:

Indian Art : The museum houses a large collection of ancient and medieval Indian artifacts, including sculptures, railings and gateways from Buddhist stupas like Bharhut and Amaravati. It also preserves Buddha’s relics and a copy of the Lion Capital of Ashoka.

Archaeology : The archaeological section holds a wide array of artifacts from different periods, especially from Bengal, Bihar and Odisha.

Anthropology : This section showcases exhibits related to human societies, including ethnographic materials and cultural artifacts.

Geology : The geological section focuses on mineral resources and houses an impressive collection of geological specimens.

Zoology : The zoology section has galleries dedicated to mammals, birds, insects and botanical exhibits. It even features the skeleton of a dinosaur.

Economic Botany : This section explores plant-related artifacts and materials of economic importance.

The museum’s collections also include rare antiques, meteorites and prehistoric artifacts. Notably, it houses a 4,000-year-old Egyptian mummy.

Significance of Largest Museum in India, Indian Museum :

The Indian Museum holds a unique position as the harbinger of socio-cultural and scientific achievements in India. It is considered the beginning of modernity and the end of the medieval era in the country’s cultural landscape. The museum has contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of India’s rich heritage.


Administration of Indian Museum :

The Indian Museum operates as an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It is currently under the directorship of Shri Arjit Dutta Choudhary. The museum has various service units, including preservation, publication and photography, contributing to its multidisciplinary activities.

Correct Answer :   10th October

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The World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 every year. The World Federation of Mental Health (WFMH) formally created the day in the early 1990s.

It is observed to create an awareness about mental illness and to start a discussion on mental health issues like borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, etc. and provide those who suffer from it a safe space and comfort to be able to openly accept and address such issues.

“The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide," according to the World Health Organization (WHO) website.

Theme for World Mental Health Day 2023 : “Mental health is a universal human right" provides an opportunity for individuals and communities to come together to deal with mental health issues.

Its goal is to boost public awareness of mental health concerns and coordinate assistance for those grappling with them.

The initiative aims to enhance understanding, increase awareness, and encourage steps that support and safeguard the mental health of all.

The World Mental Health Day was founded by the WFMH, led by Richard Hunter, the deputy secretary-general at the time, in 1992.

The theme of the first World Mental Health Day in 1994 was “Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services Throughout the World".

That campaign saw feedback reports from 27 nations and led to national campaigns in Australia and England.

On October 10, several organizations across the world join hands to commemorate the World Mental Health Day. It is an opportunity for everyone to help build and maintain the mental wellbeing.

On World Mental Health Day, people all over the world get involved by raising awareness of mental health..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   10th October

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* Indian Postal Day is celebrated on 10th October every year in India.

* It is an extended celebration of World Post Day, which is observed on 9th October every year.

* Aim : To remember the service of the India Post, which is the most widely functioning government postal service in the world.

* It is also celebrated to honor the pivotal role of the national postal service in our lives.

* India Post was first established in 1854 by Lord Dalhousie..

Source : News18

Correct Answer :   Bani Verma

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10 October 2023: On her appointment as Director on the Board of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Ms. Bani Varma, 55, has assumed charge as Director (Industrial Systems & Products) of the Public Sector Engineering and Manufacturing Enterprise.

Prior to this, Ms Varma was spearheading BHEL’s Transportation Business segment as well as the company’s Electronics Division (EDN) manufacturing unit at Bengaluru.

Ms Varma is an Electrical engineering graduate from the Delhi College of Engineering and started her career with BHEL as an Engineer Trainee in the company’s Industry Sector vertical in 1990. During her 33 years of holistic, diversified and hands-on experience in the energy, industry and transportation segments, she has developed a comprehensive set of competencies in areas of strategic management, business development, project execution, change management and human resource management.

As Head of BHEL’s Transportation Business & Systems Group, she was responsible for BHEL’s diversification initiatives in the rail transportation business and strategised to secure the prestigious Vande Bharat trains manufacturing cum maintenance order for the company.

Apart from this, as head of EDN, she was responsible for engineering and production of BHEL’s power & defence business related control equipment and propulsion electrics for Indian Railways. She successfully turned around the unit leading it to profitability after sustained losses.

She has also handled various key positions in the company including Corporate Strategic Management, Project Management, Marketing of Industrial Products (Electrical), Captive Power Plants, etc.

She has provided support for the organisation’s strategic initiatives as well as for achieving operational targets by coordinating with various stakeholders of BHEL. Ms Varma has also played a pivotal role in formulation and implementation of the development plan for BHEL’s new growth areas and in driving BHEL’s transformation initiatives across functions and verticals.

 A passionate and professional leader, Ms. Varma brings with her a track record of three decades of notable performance..

Source : BHEL