Correct Answer :   Om Birla

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Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Speaker, Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla 17th Sep 2023 launched ‘Skills on Wheels’ initiative with NSDC and IndusInd Bank with a flagging off ceremony. Under the partnership, 60,000 youth will be empowered over a period of five years with the objective of improving livelihood of rural households by providing relevant skills training to its youth population.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pradhan said that as a customised bus with retrofitted tools, Skills On Wheels will take the  Skill India Mission to the remotest corners of India. The initiative will equip rural youth, particularly women with key Digital Skills and make them job and future-ready, he added.

Under the collaboration, a customized bus with retrofitted tools will promote the 'Skill India Mission’ initiative through 'Skills on Wheels' and will travel across the length and breadth of aspirational and backward districts.

The initiative is aimed at spreading awareness at grass root level about free skill training programs enabling youth to profoundly change the trajectory of their lives through robust skill training. Aligned with this mission, this partnership with IndusInd Bank is aimed at empowering the youth of the nation through the ‘Skills on Wheels’ project.

The objective of Skills on Wheels is to enable a large number of youth to take up industry-relevant skill training that will improve their theoretical as well as practical knowledge and help them in securing a better livelihood by bringing necessary synergy, oversight, and effective coordination.

Aim : It aims to bridge the gap between the skilled people required in the industry and the unemployed youth by ensuring that the right candidate with a passion for a particular job chooses the right course according to his/her academic background, aptitude, and skill set..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   West Bengal

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Santiniketan, the town in West Bengal’s Birbhum district where Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore spent much of his life, has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Established in 1901 by poet and philosopher Tagore, Santiniketan was a residential school and centre for art based on ancient Indian traditions and a vision of the unity of humanity transcending religious and cultural boundaries.

* A ‘world university’ was established at Santiniketan in 1921, recognising the unity of humanity or “Visva Bharati”. Distinct from the prevailing British colonial architectural orientations of the early 20th century and of European modernism, Santiniketan represents approaches toward a pan-Asian modernity, drawing on ancient, medieval and folk traditions from across the region.

* India had been striving for long to get a UNESCO tag for this cultural site located in the Birbhum district.

* A few months ago, the landmark site was recommended for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List by international advisory body ICOMOS.

* The France-based International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is an international non-governmental organisation that comprises professionals, experts, representatives from local authorities, companies and heritage organisations and is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of the architectural and landscape heritage around the world.

* “Santiniketan, popularly known today as a university town, a hundred miles to the north of Kolkata, was originally an ashram built by Debendranath Tagore, where anyone, irrespective of caste and creed, could come and spend time meditating on the one Supreme God,” according to a description of the place on the official website of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. It later became the Nobel laureate’s home and base for activity, it said.

* “Debendranath, who was father of the poet, Rabindranath, was also known as Maharshi (which means one who is both saint and sage), was a leading figure of the Indian Renaissance,” the website said.

* Visva-Bharati in Santiniketan is Bengal’s only central university. The Prime Minister is the chancellor of the varsity.

* It was in 2010 that the Centre had first tried to get the World Heritage tag for Santiniketan. It mounted its campaign again in 2021 and a fresh dossier was prepared by the Archaeological Survey of India with the help of Visva Bharati authorities and submitted to Unesco.

* While speaking at a programme organised to celebrate Tagore’s birth anniversary in Kolkata, Union home minister Amit Shah had said that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 was inspired by the model of education the Nobel laureate had introduced at Santiniketan..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   September 18

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World Bamboo Day is observed annually on September 18. The day serves as a platform for not just raising awareness about the importance of bamboo but also promoting its role in sustainable development, poverty alleviation, environmental conservation and cultural preservation.


World Bamboo Day Date : World Bamboo Day is marked annually on September 18.


World Bamboo Day History :

* World Bamboo Day was established courtesy the efforts of the World Bamboo Organization, a non-profit organization that was founded in 2005 by Susanne Lucas and David Knights to promote bamboo as a valuable and versatile resource.

* In 2009, the WBO organised the first World Bamboo Congress in Bangkok, Thailand which brought together bamboo enthusiasts, experts, researchers and industry professionals from around the world and proposed the idea of creating a dedicated day to celebrate bamboo.

* On September 18, 2009, during the 8th World Bamboo Congress, the participants officially declared September 18 as World Bamboo Day to coincide with the birthday of the renowned bamboo researcher, Nobel Laureate and India's former President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who was a strong advocate for bamboo's potential to combat poverty and environmental degradation.

* Following the declaration, World Bamboo Day gained recognition and support from bamboo organisations, environmental groups, governments and bamboo enthusiasts worldwide and the day was dedicated to promote the sustainable and versatile uses of bamboo.


World Bamboo Day Significance :

World Bamboo Day aims to promote the environmental friendly and sustainable resource (as bamboo grows quickly, requires minimal water and pesticides and can be harvested without harming the plant's root system), increase awareness about the diverse uses of bamboo (from construction and furniture making to textiles and culinary applications), emphasises the economic potential of bamboo for communities and businesses (as bamboo-based industries can create jobs and income opportunities in many parts of the world), recognises the cultural significance of bamboo in various societies and its role in traditional crafts, music and rituals.

Given that bamboo is often a habitat for various wildlife species, celebrating bamboo further highlights the importance of conserving bamboo forests for biodiversity, encourages research and innovation in bamboo-related industries and fosters collaboration among governments, organisations and individuals to promote the responsible cultivation and use of bamboo resources..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   18 September

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International Equal Pay Day, celebrated on 18 September, is a significant global observance that highlights the ongoing struggle for equal pay for work of equal value.

This day underscores the commitment of the United Nations to uphold human rights and combat all forms of discrimination, particularly discrimination against women and girls. One pressing issue it addresses is the gender pay gap, which continues to persist in various parts of the world.


The Gender Pay Gap :

The gender pay gap is a stark representation of inequality. It quantifies the difference between the average earnings of men and women, typically expressed as a percentage of men’s earnings. In 2023, women in the United States, for instance, earn an average of 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. This glaring gap means that women have to work more than 15 months to earn what men do in just 12 months.

Significance of International Equal Pay Day :

History of International Equal Pay Day :

In conclusion, International Equal Pay Day stands as a powerful symbol of the ongoing struggle for pay equity and gender equality. It serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure that all individuals are compensated fairly for their labor, regardless of their gender. By acknowledging the significance of this day and working together to address pay inequality, we move closer to a more just and equitable world.

Correct Answer :   September 17

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World Patient Safety Day, observed on the 17th of September every year, serves as a global platform to emphasize the importance of patient safety in healthcare systems worldwide.

Aim : The day aims to create awareness and inspire countries to make patient safety a top priority, ultimately striving to eliminate avoidable errors and negative practices within healthcare settings.


The Evolving Landscape of Patient Safety :

As healthcare systems have evolved with the introduction of new technologies, treatments, and medicines, the complexity of patient care has increased. Ensuring patient safety in this dynamic environment has become a critical challenge that requires continuous attention and improvement.


The 2023 Theme: “Engaging Patients for Patient Safety” :

The theme for World Patient Safety Day 2023 is “Engaging patients for patient safety.” This theme highlights the vital role that patients, their families, and caregivers play in ensuring safe healthcare practices. It underscores the importance of involving patients in their care and decision-making processes.

Objectives of World Patient Safety Day 2023 :

1. Raising Global Awareness : The primary objective is to raise global awareness regarding the active engagement of patients, their families, and caregivers at all levels of healthcare. This engagement is seen as a means to enhance patient safety significantly.

2. Engaging Stakeholders : World Patient Safety Day encourages the active involvement of various stakeholders, including policy-makers, healthcare leaders, health and care workers, patients’ organizations, civil society, and more. These efforts are aimed at improving patient safety policies and practices across the healthcare spectrum.

3. Empowering Patients and Families : Empowering patients and their families to take an active role in their healthcare is a key goal. Informed and engaged patients can contribute to the improvement of healthcare safety by actively participating in their own care and decision-making processes.

4. Advocating Urgent Action : Advocacy for immediate action on patient and family engagement is aligned with the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030. The objective is to encourage all partners to take urgent steps towards enhancing patient safety.


The Origins of World Patient Safety Day

World Patient Safety Day was established in May 2019 following the resolution for global action on patient safety adopted by the World Health Assembly. This initiative was the result of the Global Ministerial Summits on Patient Safety conducted annually since 2016. It was driven by strong advocacy and commitment from major international stakeholders.

Correct Answer :   September 16

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World Ozone Day is observed on September 16, every year. Ozone Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the depletion of the ozone layer and to explore potential solutions for its preservation.

* On this day, people from all around the world are encouraged to participate in discussions and seminars related to the Montreal Protocol.

* Numerous commonly used chemicals have been identified as highly detrimental to the ozone layer.

* Life on Earth would be impossible without sunlight. However, the energy emitted by the sun would be too intense for life to thrive on Earth if it weren't for the protective ozone layer.

* This stratospheric layer shields Earth from the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

WORLD OZONE DAY HISTORY :

On 19 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 16 September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date, in 1987, on which the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed.

On September 16, 1987, the United Nations and 45 other countries signed the Montreal Protocol, on substances that deplete the Ozone layer. Every year this day is celebrated as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone layer. The purpose of the Montreal Protocol is to protect the Ozone layer by reducing the production of substances that are supposed to be responsible for Ozone layer depletion.


WORLD OZONE DAY 2023 THEME :

The theme for the 2023 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is “Montreal Protocol: fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change.”

This reiterates the recent finding by the Scientific Assessment Panel of the positive impact the Montreal Protocol has on climate change, that ozone recovery is on track, and how climate challenges can be supported through the Kigali Amendment..


Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Erica Robin

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Erica Robin, a model from Karachi has been crowned “Miss Universe Pakistan 2023”, becoming the first-ever woman from the country to win the title.

* Four other models from different parts of the country participated in the beauty pageant, including Hira Inam from Lahore, Jessical Wilson from Rawalpindi, Pakistani-American Malika Alvi from Pennsylvania, and Sabrina Wasim.

* Jessica Wilson, a 28-year-old cyber security engineer was named first runner-up while Hira Inam (24), Malyka Alvi (19), and Sabrina Wasim (26) were the rest of the finalists.

* Award-winning actress, mental health advocate, and former Miss International Kylie Verzosa from the Philippines was one of the distinguished panel of judges who picked the winner.

* Robin will be the official representative of Pakistan at the Miss Universe pageant, scheduled to be held in El Salvador later this year.

* Pakistan will be sending five models to compete in the prestigious Miss Universe pageant. This landmark moment marks the first time Pakistan has ever been represented in the world’s most esteemed beauty competition.

Correct Answer :   16 September

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The International Day for Interventional Cardiology, celebrated annually on 16 September, is a significant occasion dedicated to recognizing the crucial field of interventional cardiology and its impact on heart health worldwide.

This day serves as a platform to raise awareness, acknowledge advancements, and emphasize the importance of interventional cardiology in saving lives.


International Day for Interventional Cardiology History :

* Interventional cardio-angiology improves health, increases life expectancy and improves the quality of life. The first coronary angioplasty was performed by Dr. Andreas Grüntzig on 16 September 1977.

* Since then angioplasty has been the procedure that has saved the most grams of myocardium at risk worldwide.

* In September 2022, the General Assembly decided to proclaim 16 September as International Day for Interventional Cardiology and invited stakeholders to observe annually the International Day for Interventional Cardiology in an appropriate manner and in accordance with national priorities, in order to raise public awareness of cardiovascular diseases and procedures, related complications, as well as prevention and care, including through education and the mass media.

International Day for Interventional Cardiology Significance :

* Raising Awareness : The International Day for Interventional Cardiology plays a crucial role in raising public awareness about heart diseases and the role of interventional cardiology in their diagnosis and treatment. It educates individuals about the importance of early detection and timely intervention.

* Highlighting Innovation : This day serves as a platform to showcase the latest innovations and breakthroughs in interventional cardiology. It recognizes the tireless efforts of healthcare professionals and researchers in developing cutting-edge technologies and techniques to save lives.

* Preventing Heart Disease : Interventional cardiology procedures not only treat heart conditions but also have a preventive aspect. Promoting a healthy lifestyle, regular check-ups, and early intervention can reduce the risk of heart disease.

* Global Collaboration : The International Day for Interventional Cardiology encourages collaboration among healthcare organizations, governments, and medical professionals worldwide. It emphasizes the need for international cooperation in addressing the global burden of heart diseases.

* Saving Lives : Ultimately, this day underscores how interventional cardiology has transformed the treatment landscape, allowing for less invasive procedures and faster recoveries. It highlights that early diagnosis and appropriate interventions can significantly increase the chances of survival and improve the quality of life for individuals with heart conditions.

Correct Answer :   Rahul Navin

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IRS officer Rahul Navin was appointed as in-charge director of the Enforcement Directorate on Friday (15th Sep 2023) on the completion of tenure of the incumbent Sanjay Kumar Mishra, officials said.

According to an official order, Mr Navin, a 1993-batch IRS officer, will hold the charge till the appointment of a regular director or until further orders. Mr Navin is currently the ED's special director.

The order stated that the President "is pleased to order the cessation of tenure of Sanjay Kumar Mishra...as Director of Enforcement in the Enforcement Directorate on 15.09.2023." In July, the Supreme Court granted an extension of tenure to ED chief Mishra till September 15 but made it clear there will be no further extension.

The Supreme Court order came days after it had held as "illegal" two notifications by the Centre granting extension of service, for one year each time, Mishra as the chief of the Enforcement Directorate..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   M. K. Stalin

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On the birth anniversary of Dravidian icon C N Annadurai, CM MK Stalin rolled out ₹1,000 monthly financial assistance scheme for women today i.e. on 15 September 2023.

M.K. Stalin launched the scheme saying it is a recognition of women's hard work and distributed bank debit cards to several beneficiaries and state ministers rolled out the programme in their districts. It is a matter of pride that the scheme is launched on the birth anniversary of Anna and during the centenary (2023-24) of Karunanidhi, CM Stalin said.

A basic income programme, it is named after former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and the state government has christened the assistance the "right" of women.

மகளிர் உரிமைத்திட்டம் இரண்டு முதன்மை
நோக்கங்களைக் கொண்டது.

1. பெண்களின் உழைப்பிற்கு கொடுக்கும் அங்கீகாரம்.

2. ஆண்டுக்கு 12,000 ரூபாய் உரிமைத்தொகை வறுமையை ஒழித்து பெண்கள் சுயமரியாதையோடு வாழவும், அவர்களின் வாழ்வாதாரத்தை மேம்படுத்தவும் வழிவகுக்கும்.#TNEmpowersWomen pic.twitter.com/X99qmoTnbD

— DMK (@arivalayam) September 15, 2023

Here's all you need to know :

* The scheme is known as Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam' scheme (Kalaignar Women's rights fund scheme).

* Late DMK patriarch Karunanidhi (1924-2018) is popularly known as Kalaignar, which means an artist of eminence.

* According to the scheme, monthly financial assistance of ₹1,000 will be provided to all eligible women beneficiaries of Tamil Nadu.

* The government has identified as many as 1.06 crore women (1,06,50,000) as beneficiaries under the plan and the ₹1,000 assistance is paid to beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer.

* The state government had months ago announced that the scheme, a key feature of DMK's manifesto ahead of the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly election, would be launched on September 15, on the birth anniversary of Annadurai.

Kancheepuram is Annadurai's home town who steered the DMK to its first ever grand victory in the assembly election in 1967 and he was Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister between 1967 and 1969. Annadurai founded the DMK in 1949. In July, Stalin inaugurated a camp in Dharmapuri to facilitate registration of applications by women to avail the ₹1,000 monthly assistance. Stalin had described the scheme as revolutionary that would lead to a new renaissance in the lives of crores of women.

The ₹12,000 payout per annum would be great support for women, a symbol of development. It would help them improve their standards of living, lead a life of self-respect and eradicate poverty, he had said.

On the 115th birth anniversary of Annadurai, Stalin garlanded a statue of the Dravidian stalwart here and paid floral tributes before he launched the scheme..

Source : Mint