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

Correct Answer :   Sashidhar Jagdishan

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The Reserve Bank of India has approved the re-appointment of Sashidhar Jagdishan as HDFC Bank MD & CEO for a period of three more years and he will remain at the post till 26 October 2026.

In a regulatory filing, HDFC Bank said,"In continuation of our intimation dated March 4, 2023, we wish to inform you that pursuant to an application which was made by the Bank to the Reserve Bank of India (“RBI") upon recommendation of the Bank’s Board of Directors in this regard, the RBI vide its communication dated September 18, 2023, has approved the re-appointment of Mr. Sashidhar Jagdishan (DIN: 08614396) as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank for a period of 3 (three) years w.e.f. October 27, 2023 to October 26, 2026."

Sashidhar Jagdishan has an overall experience of over thirty-one (31) years. Mr. Jagdishan has completed his graduation in Science with specialization in Physics, is a Chartered Accountant by profession and holds a Master’s degree in Economics of Money, Banking & Finance from the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom.

He joined the Bank in 1996 as a Manager in the Finance function. He became Business Head - Finance in 1999 and was appointed as Chief Financial Officer in 2008. He played a critical role in supporting the growth trajectory of the Bank, and led the finance function with a pivotal role in aligning the organization in achieving the strategic objectives over the years.

Prior to his appointment as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, he was the Group Head of the Bank in addition to overseeing the functions of Finance, Human Resources, Legal & Secretarial, Administration, Infrastructure, Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Jagdishan is not debarred from holding office of director by virtue of any SEBI order or any other such authority. He is not related to any director or Key Managerial Personnel of the Bank..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   52nd

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India has been ranked 52nd out of 121 countries in Digital Quality of Life Index survey 2023. The survey has been carried out by cybersecurity firm Surfshark.

The annual survey by the Netherlands-based firm has ranked 121 countries on five factors: internet quality, internet affordability, e-infrastructure, e-government and e-security.

“In many nations, ‘digital quality of life’ has merged into the broader concept of overall ‘quality of life’.

There’s no other way to look at it now that so many daily activities, including work, education, and leisure, are done online.

That’s why it’s crucial to pinpoint the areas in which a nation’s digital quality of life thrives and where attention is needed, which is the precise purpose of the DQL Index”, says Surfshark spokesperson Gabriele Racaityte-Karasauske.

India was ranked 59th last year (2022). This means that it has jumped seven places this time. Surfshark has said that this jump is due to improvement in internet quality in the country. In terms of internet quality, India ranks 16th among 121 countries..

Source : Wio News

Correct Answer :   On the third Saturday of September

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Every year, on the third Saturday in September, the world comes together to celebrate International Red Panda Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of these enchanting creatures.

This year (2023), on September 16, we once again unite in our efforts to protect the red panda, a species teetering on the brink of extinction. Launched by the Red Panda Network in 2010, this annual observance has grown in importance over the years, especially in the face of mounting challenges posed by global warming and climate change.


History and Significance :

The Debut of International Red Panda Day

International Red Panda Day made its debut in September 2010, aiming to shed light on the critical conservation needs of the red panda. These charming animals are native to the Eastern Himalayas, spanning regions in China, Nepal, and Bhutan. Unfortunately, they face imminent danger primarily due to human activities.

Correct Answer :   Kuldeep Dwivedi

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Senior IPS officer Kuldeep Dwivedi has been appointed as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a Personnel Ministry order said.

He is currently working as DIG, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

The Personnel Ministry has approved lateral shifting of Dwivedi from the position of DIG, ITBP to the post of DIG in the CBI for 5 years up to January 17, 2026, the order said.

Source : Republic World

Correct Answer :   Apurva Chandra

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Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting 18th Sep 2023 unveiled “People’s G20”, an eBook on India’s G20 Presidency in New Delhi.

The book was released in the presence of Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau Shri Manish Desai and other senior Officers of Ministry of I&B and PIB.

The book presents a complete journey of India’s G20 Presidency. The book consists of three parts, the first part dealing with the monumental G20 Summit that was held between September 9-10, 2023 in New Delhi. The book encapsulates the structure and working of G20 and elaborates on the initiatives that have been taken under India’s Presidency of the grouping.

The second part provides a summary of the meetings of various Working Groups under the Sherpa and Finance Track along with the meetings of the Engagement Groups that have been held across the country over the last year since India took over as the Chair.

The last part of the eBook presents a photo essay of the Jan-Bhagidari events that were held across the country in the past year transforming India’s G20 Presidency into a people-powered movement..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Samvidhan Sadan

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (19th Sep 2023) suggested naming the old Parliament building as 'Samvidhan Sadan' after both Houses shift to the new building.

The old Parliament Building which was designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker and was completed in 1927 witnessed some of the great moments in Indian history like the passing of India's constitution.

"I appeal to you, and I hope you will consider it after deliberation. Now that we are going there (the new parliament building), the glory of this house should never decline. We shouldn't just call it the 'old parliament'. I request, if both of you permit, that this building should be known as 'Samvidhan Sadan' so that it always serves as an inspiration for us. When we call it 'Samvidhan Sadan', the memories of those great people who once sat here in the Constituent Assembly get linked to it. We shouldn't let go of this opportunity to offer this gift to the coming generations," NDTV quoted PM Modi as saying.

PM Modi paid his tribute to “every brick" of the old Parliament building and said the members of Parliament will enter the new Parliament with new hope and confidence. The sources have revealed that the old Parliament building will be conserved as an archeological marvel of India..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Prasar Bharati

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Embracing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s mantra of 'Local for Vocal' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. inked three separate MoUs, and laid foundation stone of 'Modern Khadi of New India' in the Amritkal of Independent India here 18th Sep 2023.

In presence of Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman, Khadi & Village Industries Commission these agreements were signed with Prasar Bharati, NBCC (India) Limited, and Digital India Corporation.

The objective of these MoUs is to prepare a roadmap to modernize the Khadi and Village Industries Commission and popularize its products among the youth as per the vision of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. On this occasion, Shri Kumar distributed margin money subsidy of Rs 150 crore to the beneficiaries under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme.

According to the MoU signed with Prasar Bharati, very soon the anchors of DD News and DD International channels will be seen in Khadi apparels. Shri Kumar reiterated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Khadi has now become identity self-reliant India. In such a scenario, this agreement with Prasar Bharati will substantiate to be a milestone in making Khadi popular among the youth.

Along with this, NBCC (India) Limited will build new modern infrastructure for Khadi and Village Industries Commission across the country and to focus on keeping KVIC up-to-date with the latest technology, KVIC has joined hands with Digital India Corporation.

The MoUs were signed by Shri Sanjay Prasad, Deputy Director General of Prasar Bharati and Shri Sanjeev Poswal, Director Publicity of KVIC. Shri Pradeep Sharma, Chief General Manager of NBCC (India) Ltd. and by Shri Rajan Babu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Estate & Services of KVIC and Shri Debarat Nayak, Chief Technical Officer of Digital India Corporation and Shri Rajan Babu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Information Technology of KVIC.

Shri Kumar also launched a dashboard and ATR Portal. Dashboard will help the Chairman for monitoring the schemes run by the Commission and ATR Portal will facilitate the efficient tracking of actions taken on Commission’s decision.

Addressing the program, The KVIC Chairman said that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has promoted India's National Heritage Khadi on every platform of the world in the past 9 years. He said, the way Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi did global branding of Khadi by gifting Khadi gifts to the world leaders at the recently held G-20 summit in Delhi, has given a new global identity to Khadi.

KVIC chairman further said that during the India’s freedom struggle, Khadi, which was made the key weapon of the Swadeshi movement by the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, the same Khadi has been magnificently used by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the last 9 years for poverty alleviation, artisan empowerment, food security, women empowerment and has created the most powerful, capable and successful tool and weapon to eradicate unemployment. Creating history in the last financial year under Prime Minister’s leadership, the trade of Khadi and village industry products crossed Rs 1.34 lakh crore, while 9.54 lakh new jobs were generated. KVIC officers and employees were present in the program..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   19 September

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International Talk Like a Pirate Day is here and though it is not a serious or deeply historical observance, it has gained popularity over the years as a way to inject humour and whimsy into our mundane lives.

This whimsical and lighthearted holiday is all about having fun, embracing creativity and letting your inner pirate out for a day of silliness, serving as a reminder that sometimes, it is okay to be a little bit silly and playful.

International Talk Like a Pirate Day : This humorous observance takes place annually on September 19.


International Talk Like a Pirate Day History :

The birth of International Talk Like a Pirate Day can be traced back to the year 1995 when two friends, John Baur (also known as "Ol' Chumbucket") and Mark Summers (also known as "Cap'n Slappy"), came up with this idea during a racquetball game where they decided to create a fun and quirky day dedicated to celebrating pirate culture. Hence, the parodic holiday was created and ever since then on September 19 each year, everyone in the world is encouraged to talk like a pirate.

International Talk Like a Pirate Day Significance :

Talk Like a Pirate Day provides a break from the daily routine to offer a day of whimsical, imaginative and carefree fun where people of all ages are encouraged to embrace their inner child and engage in playful banter, role-play and creativity. The day aims to bring people together in the spirit of camaraderie and shared amusement as friends, family and even strangers engage in lighthearted conversations, jokes and activities that lets them loose, have a good laugh and momentarily escape the stresses of everyday life.

The observance often references and celebrates pirate culture from books, movies and folklore as a way for fans of pirate-themed media to express their enthusiasm and pay homage to their favourite stories and characters so, when people speak and act like pirates, they tap into their creativity and imagination which works like an exercise in thinking outside the box and engaging in playful role-play. While Talk Like a Pirate Day is primarily about entertainment, it can also spark interest in history and folklore given that it involves references to real pirate history and legendary pirate figures..

Source : Hindustan Times