2024 Latest Current Affairs, Daily Current Affairs in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

1 .

Who signs MoUs with Bank of Maharashtra for Financing Renewable Energy Projects?

A)

IREDA

B)

REC

C)

Power Finance Corporation

D)

Solar Energy Corporation of India

Correct Answer : IREDA

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), a Government of India enterprise under the administrative control of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bank of Maharashtra (BoM). “This collaboration aims to promote and facilitate co-lending and loan syndication for a diverse spectrum of Renewable Energy projects across the nation”.

The MoU, it said, comprises several services including co-lending and co-origination support for all Renewable Energy projects, facilitating loan syndication and underwriting, management of Trust & Retention Account for IREDA borrowers, and a commitment to establishing stable fixed interest rates spanning a period of 3-4 years for IREDA borrowings. Under this agreement, Bank of Maharashtra can invest in the Bonds issued by IREDA in accordance with the specified terms and conditions of the offering.

The MoU was signed by General Manager (Technical Services), IREDA, Bharat Singh Rajput and General Manager (Retail & MSME Credit), Bank of Maharashtra, Rajesh Singh at IREDA’s Business Centre, New Delhi. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Chairman and Managing Director of IREDA, Pradip Kumar Das and other senior officials from both organizations.

IREDA CMD Pradip Kumar Das said, “This MoU with Bank of Maharashtra is another significant step in our ongoing efforts to promote Renewable Energy adoption in India.

Aim : By joining forces, we aim to provide a robust financial ecosystem for Green Energy projects, making clean and sustainable energy accessible to more communities and industries. The partnership underscores the importance of Financial Institutions and Government Agencies working together in line with the country’s goal to achieve India’s goal of Net Zero emissions by the year 2070, the target set by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.”

To address the substantial funding requirement of the renewable energy sector, including emerging technologies such as green hydrogen and offshore wind, IREDA has signed MoUs with public sector banks and financial institutions to collaborate on co-lending for big-ticket-size projects..

Source : Financial Express

Published On : September 19, 2023

2 .

UN WFP and ______ sign MoU for Contributing Toward Improving Food Security.

A)

IIT Delhi

B)

IIT Bombay

C)

IIT-Kanpur

D)

IIT Gujarat

Correct Answer : IIT Bombay

United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)Bombay have signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) for contributing towards improving food security, nutrition, climate resilience and livelihoods.

WFP and IIT will work together to establish a comprehensive knowledge management system. It will involve identifying and analysing relevant data, research and evidence generation related to food and nutrition security.

This partnership will also focus on ecosystem development for technology and innovations to bolster government food safety net programs.

Real-time monitoring systems and dashboards using administrative data sets will be created to generate actionable evidence concerning food and nutrition security in the country.

WFP’s country director Elisabeth Faure said, our immediate areas of collaboration will include a micro study to understand the effect of climate change on food security, nutrition and livelihoods of vulnerable households in select geography in India..

Source : AIR

Published On : September 19, 2023

3 .

Which Company Becomes Title Sponsor of MotoGP Bharat at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida?

A)

Bharat Petroleum

B)

Nayara Energy

C)

Indian Oil

D)

Hindustan Petroleum

Correct Answer : Indian Oil

MotoGP Bharat is set to host the IndianOil Grand Prix of India at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. The announcement comes as MotoGP Bharat announced IndianOil as its title sponsor for the top-tier international Bike riders event. This will be the first time Moto E (electric race) is organising a Grand Prix outside Europe and MotoGP Bharat will raise the curtains for Asia region.

"We are thrilled to welcome IndianOil as our title sponsor for MotoGP Bharat. As we gear up for the country's biggest racing event, this association with one of India's energy giants adds a new layer of excitement to it," Pushkar Nath Srivastava, founder and chief operating officer of FairStreet Sports said.

IndianOil Grand Prix: Date, tickets and live streaming details

IndianOil Grand Prix of India is scheduled to take place at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida from 22 to 24 September. The schedule of the Grand Prix is as follows:

22 September (Friday) :

Practice 1: 4:00 Pm to 5:10 pm IST

23 September (Saturday) :

Practice 2: 10:40 Am to 11:10 Am IST

Qualifying 1: 11:20 Am to 11:35 Am IST

Qualifying 2: 11:45 Am to 12:00 pm IST

Tissot Sprint: 3:30 pm IST

24 September, (Sunday) :

Warm-up: 11:10 am to 11:20 am IST

Race: 3:30 pm IST

BookMyShow is the official ticketing partner of MotoGP Bharat for the event and people can book IndianOil Grand Prix tickets from its official website. The price of the tickets range from â‚¹800 to â‚¹1,80,000.

As per the official release, the IndianOil Grand Prix will be broadcast on Sports 18 and JioCinema is the livestreaming partner for the event. It added that the broadcast will reach 450 million homes in 195 countries with the help of 90 broadcast network companies across the globe..

Source : Mint

Published On : September 19, 2023

4 .

Who Has Been Appointed Chairman Of Telecom Industry Body DIPA?

A)

Dhananjay Joshi

B)

Harit Nagpal

C)

Punit Garg

D)

Nagendra Karri srinivasa

Correct Answer : Dhananjay Joshi

Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA) on Monday (18th Sep 2023) said that it has appointed Dhananjay Joshi as its new Chairman, and Sandeep Girotra as Vice-Chairman.

Joshi currently serves as the Managing Director and CEO of Summit Digitel, and has previously held the position of COO at Bharti Infratel. He will be succeeding Akhil Gupta, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises.

Sandeep Girotra, who currently serves as the current CEO of American Tower India takes over from Amit Sharma Vice-Chairman, DIPA & Former EVP at American Tower Corporation (ATC).

As per a statement from DIPA, the changes in the leadership management will come into effect from October 1, 2023. The industry association concluded its Annual General Body Meeting for FY23, with the announcement of its leadership for the term FY24.

On his appointment, Dhananjay Joshi said, "The telecom infrastructure providers resilience and dedication have been nothing short of remarkable, and we shall continue to build upon this foundation of excellence. As we move forward, DIPA will continue to innovate, adapt, and evolve to meet the evolving needs of the telecom industry."

Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA) represents the India’s digital infrastructure industry that develop, build, own and operate the nation’s digital infrastructure.

"As a forward-looking industry, we are committed to leading the way in the adoption and deployment of 5G technology. DIPA will continue to work closely with regulatory bodies, technology partners, and other stakeholders to ensure that India remains at the forefront of this transformative journey." the DG of DIPA, TR Dua, said..

Source : CNBC

Published On : September 19, 2023

5 .

Who has been appointed as permanent CEO of Penguin Random House?

A)

Thomas Rabe

B)

Gerd Bucerius

C)

Shantanu Narayen

D)

Nihar Malaviya

Correct Answer : Nihar Malaviya

* Nihar Malaviya, an Indian-origin publishing executive, has been named permanent CEO of New York-based international publishing group "Penguin Random House", nine months after he was appointed the interim chief executive, the publisher's parent company Bertelsmann said on Monday (18th Sep 2023).

* Malaviya, 48, assumed the role of Interim CEO of Penguin Random House starting January 1, 2023. Malaviya will replace Markus Dohle, who departed after Penguin Random House's failed bid for Simon & Schuster last year.

* "Nihar Malaviya will lead Penguin Random House permanently as CEO," Bertelsmann said in a statement.

* Bertelsmann Chairman and CEO Thomas Rabe said: "In Nihar Malaviya, the right leader is at the helm of Penguin Random House at the right time. Nihar has proven exactly this over the past nine months, and I am delighted that he is now taking over responsibility for Penguin Random House on a permanent basis."

* Rabe said as interim CEO, Malaviya has set an important strategic course.

* "Most importantly, he has transformed the structures at Penguin Random House so that the publishers and publishing groups can work more creatively and entrepreneurially. I am confident that he will continue to develop the Group with great vigour. I look forward to continuing to work with him as CEO of Penguin Random House and on the GMC," Rabe said.

* Prior to his appointment as interim CEO of Penguin Random House on January 1, 2023, Malaviya served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Penguin Random House US since 2014.

* During his tenure in publishing, Malaviya has spearheaded the creation of a variety of industry-first capabilities in data science, supply chain, technology, and consumer insights.

* Malaviya began his career at Bertelsmann in 2001 as a participant in the Bertelsmann Entrepreneurs Programme.

* In 2003, he moved within the group to Random House, successfully taking on a number of leadership positions.

* Malaviya is a two-time recipient of the Bertelsmann Entrepreneur Award for Strategy Execution.

* He holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from the NYU Stern School of Business, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science..

Source : Theweek

Published On : September 19, 2023

6 .

In which state has 'Mukhyamantri Ladli BehnaAwas Yojana' been started on 17th Sep 2023?

A)

Assam

B)

Haryana

C)

Madhya Pradesh

D)

Arunachal Pradesh

Correct Answer : Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Sunday (September 17, 2023) the ‘Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Awas Yojana’ in a state level program organized at Kushabhau Thackeray Auditorium.

Key Points :

* In the state level program held at Kushabhau Thackeray Auditorium, the Chief Minister inaugurated the scheme and also started the registration process by registering the applications of Mamta Chauhan and Deepak Bansal of Bhopal on the portal.

* The Chief Minister also got Sharmila Bai and Sangeeta Solanki registered in the gas cylinder refilling scheme started on September 15.

* The families who are left out of getting the benefit of housing facilities in various housing schemes will be provided housing under ‘Mukhyamantri Ladli Brahmin Awas Yojana’.

* The Chief Minister said that ‘Mukhyamantri Ladli Brahmin Awas Yojana’ is a big step taken for the happiness and respect of the sisters. Under the scheme, houses will be provided to the families who are not included in Pradhan Mantri Awas, Awas Plus.

* More than 4 lakh 75 thousand beneficiaries will get the benefit of this new housing scheme. Houseless eligible families of all categories will get the benefit of this scheme, which has been made for the families deprived of the benefits of various housing schemes.

Scheme Eligibility :

* Such families, whose applications have been automatically rejected on the Awas Plus App portal under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Rural.

* Such families, which have been left out of being registered on the MIS portal of the Government of India.

* Such families who are not included in the list of Social, Economic and Caste Census 2011 and Housing Plus and have not got housing in any government scheme.

* The scheme will also include those families who do not have houses with pitched roofs or who live in kutcha houses with up to two rooms.

* Such families whose monthly income is less than Rs 12 thousand and no member of the family is an income taxpayer.

* If you have 2.5 acres (about the area of a Manhattan city block) or more of irrigated agricultural land and more than 5 acres of non-irrigated agricultural land, you will not be able to avail the benefit of this scheme.

* Families who have motorized four-wheelers will not be eligible for this scheme.

* Even if any member of the family is in government service, he will not be eligible for this scheme.

* Documents required include Total ID, Aadhaar Number, Bank Account, MNREGA Job Card (if available), Ladli Behna Scheme Registration Number (only for Ladli Sisters). All these documents must be verified by the applicant himself, there is no need to get it verified by anyone else.

* The applications received will be registered on the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Rural Portal. After verification by the District Panchayat Officer, the action for allotment of houses to the eligible families will be taken by the State Government.

Published On : September 18, 2023

7 .

In Which State Has The "NaMo 11-Point Programme" Been Started?

A)

Bihar

B)

Maharashtra

C)

Uttar Pradesh

D)

Madhya Pradesh

Correct Answer : Maharashtra

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday (17th Sep 2023), marking the 73rd birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, declared “NaMo 11 point programme” to be implemented across the state.

The 11-point programme includes :

* NaMo women empowerment mission that aims to extend benefits of government schemes to 73 lakh women;

* NaMo construction worker welfare mission that will provide safety kits to 73,000 workers;

* NaMo farm pond mission to create 73,000 farm ponds;

* NaMo self-sufficient and solar energy village campaign to make 73 villages self-reliant;

* NaMo poor and backward class dignity mission for overall development of poor and backward classes;

* NaMo village secretariat mission to construct 73 gram panchayat offices in every district;

* NaMo smart tribal school mission for smart schools and 73 science centres;

* NaMo Divyang Shakti Abhiyan to construct rehabilitation centres for the physically challenged;

* NaMo sports ground and garden mission to construct well-equipped playgrounds and gardens;

* NaMo city beautification project in 73 cities and NaMo pilgrim;

* NaMo fort protection mission that will renovate 73 historic shrines.

Each of the 11 schemes announced by the state government aims at different sections of the society.

Addressing a press conference at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Shinde said that the projects will be implemented across the state and aim at overall development. Praising the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shinde said, “The recently held G-20 meeting is an indication of India’s growing global strength. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s various decisions and resolutions were accepted by superpowers in the world.”

Earlier, marking the 75th anniversary of Marathwada freedom struggle, Shinde hoisted the tricolour at Siddharth Bhawan at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. “We have announced projects worth Rs 45,000 crore for Marathwada which is the beginning of overall development of the region,” said Shinde.

Source : Indian Express

Published On : September 18, 2023

8 .

'Yashobhoomi' India International Convention and Expo Center was Inaugurated in Which State/UT?

A)

Bihar

B)

Delhi

C)

Karnataka

D)

Uttar Pradesh

Correct Answer : Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the â‚¹5,400 crore first phase of the India International Convention Centre (IICC), named YashoBhoomi in Dwarka, Delhi, on his birthday on Sunday (17th Sep 2023).

He is also likely to dedicate the extension of Delhi Airport Metro Express line from Dwarka Sector 21 to a new metro station at Dwarka Sector 25.

What is Yashobhoomi convention centre :

1) The YashoBhoomi centre, built over a sprawling area of over 73,000 square metres, comprises 15 convention rooms including the main auditorium. It also has a grand ballroom and 13 meeting rooms with a total capacity of holding 11,000 delegates.

2) The venue boasts of the country's most extensive LED media facade. With a spacious ballroom capable of accommodating approximately 2,500 guests, it offers a grand setting for events. The venue also has cutting-edge security measures to ensure the safety of all attendees.

3) Additionally, the convention centre features an expansive 1,07,000 square metres exhibition area. The project is being touted as the world’s largest Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) facility.

4) The plenary hall is furnished with a seating capacity for approximately 6,000 guests.

5) It will also be connected to the Delhi Airport Metro Express line with the inauguration of the new metro station ‘Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25’.

Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector-25 metro station :

The station will become operational from 3 pm onwards on the same day after its inauguration. The upcoming metro station will feature three subways: one spanning a length of 735 metres to link the station with the exhibition halls, convention centre, and central arena. The second subway will connect to the entry/exit points across the Dwarka expressway and the third one will connect the metro station to the foyer of the future exhibition halls of Yashobhoomi, the statement said..

Source : Hindustan Times

Published On : September 18, 2023

9 .

What is the minimum age prescribed for applying for PM Vishwakarma Yojana?

A)

18 Years

B)

21 Years

C)

23 Years

D)

25 Years

Correct Answer : 18 Years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started Vishwakarma Yojana. PM Modi launched this scheme on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti and his 73rd birthday.

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023 is a flagship scheme initiated by the Government of India. It is designed to empower and support skilled workers across the nation.

The scheme is named after Lord Vishwakarma, a revered figure in Hindu mythology known as the divine architect and craftsman. Its primary aim is to offer financial assistance, skill development opportunities, and recognition to artisans and craftsmen who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

PM Vishwakarma Yojana Eligibility Criteria :

Before delving into the application process, it’s essential to comprehend the eligibility criteria for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023:

* Residential Criteria : Applicants must be Indian citizens and residents of India to qualify for this scheme.

* Age Limit : The minimum age for applying to the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is 18 years, with no upper age limit. This inclusivity ensures that artisans of all age groups can participate.

* Occupational Criteria : Eligible applicants should be engaged in traditional artisanal or craftsmanship activities. This category encompasses carpenters, blacksmiths, weavers, potters, sculptors, and other traditional artisans.

* Annual Income : The applicant’s family’s annual income should not exceed a specific limit, as defined by the government. This limit may vary depending on the applicant’s category (e.g., general, SC/ST, OBC).

Benefits of PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023 :

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023 offers a range of benefits to eligible applicants:

* Financial Assistance : Under this scheme, eligible artisans and craftsmen can receive financial aid to support their crafts and livelihoods. The amount of assistance may vary based on the craft’s nature and the applicant’s specific needs.

* Skill Development : The scheme provides opportunities for skill development and training. Artisans can upgrade their skills and learn new techniques to enhance the quality of their work.

* Recognition and Promotion : Successful applicants will gain recognition for their contributions to traditional crafts. The government also aids in promoting their work, enabling them to reach a broader audience and market their products effectively.

* Access to Markets : The scheme aims to facilitate market access for artisans. This may involve support for marketing their products through e-commerce platforms or participation in exhibitions and fairs.

* Insurance Coverage : In some instances, the scheme may provide insurance coverage to eligible artisans, ensuring they have a safety net in case of accidents or unforeseen events.

How to Apply Online for PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023 :

Now that we understand the eligibility criteria and benefits of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023, let’s explore the step-by-step process for applying online:

* Visit the Official Website : Initiate the application process by visiting the official website of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023. Ensure that you are on the official website to avoid fraudulent schemes.

* Registration : Create an account on the portal by providing your basic details, including name, address, contact information, and occupation. Keep your Aadhar card and other essential documents ready for reference.

* Check Eligibility : After registration, the portal will guide you through a series of questions to determine your eligibility. Answer these questions accurately and honestly.

* Upload Documents : Once your eligibility is confirmed, upload scanned copies of essential documents, including proof of identity, proof of residence, income certificate, and documents related to your craft.

* Submit Application : Review all the information and documents you have provided. Make any necessary corrections. Once satisfied with your application, electronically submit it.

* Acknowledgment : After successful submission, you will receive an acknowledgment or application reference number. Keep this number secure, as it will be used to track your application’s status.

* Verification : Government authorities will review your application and may conduct field visits or interviews to verify your eligibility and the authenticity of your craft.

* Approval and Disbursement : If your application is approved, you will receive the benefits outlined in the scheme. These may include financial assistance, skill development opportunities, and other forms of support.

PM Vishwakarma Yojana Last Date :

It’s crucial to note that the last date for application submission under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023 may vary from year to year and could change based on government notifications. Therefore, applicants are advised to regularly check the official website or consult local government offices for the most up-to-date information regarding application deadlines.

Published On : September 18, 2023

10 .

Who launched (14 Sep 2023) new e-Bhoomi Portal in Haryana?

A)

Bandaru Dattatreya

B)

Om Prakash Chautala

C)

Bhagwant Mann

D)

Manohar Lal Khattar

Correct Answer : Manohar Lal Khattar

Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched (14th Sep 2023) a new e-Bhoomi portal that promises to further ease the process of purchasing land for the development of government projects with the consent of landowners.

The government aims at purchasing land in a transparent manner with the consent of the landowners, said Khattar, addressing a press conference here.

He said the offer of land on the new portal would be valid for six months. Farmers can offer their land independently or through listed aggregators. A minimum offer of 10 acres has been made mandatory for voluntary offers made by aggregators.

In yet another step towards resolving land acquisition issues of year 2011 for the expansion of the Industrial Model Township (IMT) Manesar, Khattar inaugurated the ‘No-Litigation Policy-2023 portal’.

This is set to address land-related issues in the villages of Kasan, Kukrola and Sahrawan, situated in the Manesar Tehsil of Gurugram district. The primary objective of this policy is to extend benefits to landowners whose names are recorded in the revenue estate of villages Kasan, Kukrola and Sahrawan in Manesar tehsil of Gurugram district as of the date of the awards declared in award no. 1, 2, and 3 on August 16, 2022.

The chief minister also launched the HMJIS portal in place of the already launched e-Ravana portal to stop illegal mining in the state. There will be more transparency in this new version and there will be a ban on mining-related complaints, he said.

OBC certificate service via PPP launched :

The chief minister said the government will issue OBC (Other Backward Classes) certificate through the Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) system. Now, citizens can download their OBC certificates online by accessing the Citizen Saral Portal. If their eligibility is confirmed based on the data available in the OBC category within the PPP, the certificates can be obtained.

He said that 397 schemes and services are currently linked to the PPP.

‘Mukhyamantri Shehri Awas Yojana Portal’ :

Khattar also unveiled the portal for the Mukhyamantri Shehri Awas Yojana, an initiative aimed at ensuring that every economically weaker section has a roof over their heads. With the launch of this portal, the benefits of this scheme will be readily accessible to those in need, in a transparent and expedited manner, he said.

He said that under this scheme, flats would be built in Panchkula, Gurugram, Sonipat and Faridabad, while other cities would offer both plot and flat options. The scheme would be implemented by the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran, ensuring the provision of essential amenities in the housing colonies.

Relief for farmers who have resown paddy :

Khattar announced that the state government will give â‚¹7,000 per acre compensation to farmers who had to transplant paddy again due to heavy rains and floods in July. He said the government has launched e-Kshatipoorti portal to deal with issues such as loss of property, livestock or human loss due to rains, floods and riots..

Source : Hindustan Times

Published On : September 18, 2023