Correct Answer :   ₹1,487 Crore

---

The government has received about ₹1487 crore from state-owned power corporation NTPC as dividend tranche, Secretary, DIPAM said in a tweet. The development comes days after NTPC announced the payment of its Final Dividend for the financial year 2022-23.

The company released ₹2908.99 crore which constituted 30% of the paid-up equity share capital.

NTPC Ltd., India's leading power generation company, has announced the payment of its Final Dividend for the financial year 2022-23. This Final Dividend payment of ₹2908.99 crore constitutes 30.00% of the paid-up equity share capital of NTPC Ltd.

The total dividend disbursed for FY 2022-23 stands at an impressive Rs. 7,030.08 crore, being 41% of the Profit After Tax (PAT) for the financial year," the company said in a release on 9 September 2023.

The statement added that this marks the 30th consecutive year in which the company has distributed dividends, underscoring its dedication to providing consistent returns to its investors. “As a key player in the Indian energy sector, NTPC Ltd. continues to drive excellence, sustainable growth, and shareholder satisfaction through its strategic initiatives and robust financial performance," it said.

Lower than previous dividend tranche :

The dividend tranche released is lower than the previous release in February which was ₹2,106 crore. “Government has respectively received about ₹2,106 crore, ₹1,791 crore and ₹58 crore from NTPC, PGCIL, and Engineers India Ltd as dividend tranches," DIPAM said in a tweet in February.

Recently, NTPC announced that the combined power generation capacity of its group has now reached 73,824 megawatts (or 73.8 gigawatts). This milestone was reached following the successful completion of the trial operation of the initial 800-megawatt unit at the Telangana Super Thermal Power Project on 5 September.

With this, the installed capacity of NTPC Limited and NTPC Group has become 57,838 MW and 73,824 MW respectively..


Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Srinivasan K. Swamy

---

Srinivasan K Swamy, executive chairman of R K Swamy Hansa Group, has been unanimously elected as the chairman of the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) for the year 2023-2024.

"Swamy currently serves as the chairman of the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations, he was earlier president/chairman of the International Advertising Association (IAA), IAA India Chapter, Confederation of Asian Advertising Agency Associations, Advertising Agencies Association of India, Advertising Standards Council of India, All India Management Association, Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Madras Management Association."

Swamy was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI).

Deputy Chairman :  The press release further stated that Riyad Mathew, chief associate editor and director of Malayala Manorama representing Publisher Members on the Council was unanimously elected as the deputy chairman of the bureau for the year 2023-2024.

Honorary Secretary : Mohit Jain, executive director of Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd, representing Publisher Members on the Council, was unanimously elected as the Honorary Secretary for the year 2023-2024.

Honorary Treasurer : Vikram Sakhuja, partner and Group chief executive officer of Media and OOH of Madison Communications Pvt. Ltd, representing Advertising Agencies Members on the Council was unanimously re-elected as the Honorary Treasurer of the Bureau for the year 2023-2024..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Ministry Of Railways

---

Ministry of Railways has launched Swachhata Pakhwada 2023 on 15th Sep 2023. Swachhata Pakhwada – 2023 was inaugurated by Smt. Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairperson & CEO, Railway Board on 15th September, 2023 by administrating Swachhata Pledge in Rail Bhawan.

Swachhata pledge was administered to entire Railway family which includes employees of Railways along with senior officials of Railway Zones and Divisions connected via video conferencing.

Swachhata Pledge taken by entire Railway family focused on one’s commitment towards cleanliness, devoting hundred hours per year for cleanliness and propagating the message of Swachh Bharat Mission.

Ministry of Railways is observing Swachhata Pakhwada from 16th September 2023 to 30th September 2023. Ministry of Railways has extended it suo-moto up to 02nd October and has decided to culminate it with Mahatama Gandhi’s Jayanti.

This year, joint campaign of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and Ministry of Jal Shakti namely ‘Swachhata hi Sewa’ (SHS) Campaign (from 15.09.23 to 02.10.23) is also being celebrated. Activities of SHS have been integrated with Indian Railways’ Swachhata Pakhwada programme.

For Swachhata Pakhwada – 2023, dedicated days have been assigned for activities during pakhwada like Swachh Railgadi, Swachh Station, Swachh Aahar, Swachh Tracks etc. Extensive awareness campaign are also planned  to be carried out through digital media/public announcement via PA systems to educate people about the use of bio-toilets, avoiding single use plastic and observing cleanliness habits.

In order to ensure greater participation & more effective outcome of the  fortnight, Swachhata Pakhwada Awards have been provided to each ministry by Ministry of Jal Shakti (nodal Ministry) for awarding to field functionaries/ attached offices/ subordinate organizations for exemplary performance during pakhwada period. Previous year Swachhata Pakhwada – 2022 awards have been given to following zonal railways:

* 1st  Position : South Western Railway;
* 2nd  Position : Western Railway;
* 3rd   Position : North Eastern Railway.

Indian Railways is an environment friendly means of bulk transportation and it has always been in the forefront of promoting clean and green environment. It has taken several initiatives for providing clean environment in and around Railway stations and trains  such as Bio toilets on coaches leading to clean tracks, segregation of bio degradable/non bio degradable waste, solid waste management, discourage use of single use plastic etc..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Naveen Patnaik

---

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday (14th Sep 2023) launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Sampoorna Pushti Yojana’ in the state for fulfilling the nutritional needs among the mothers, adolescent girls and children, in addition to this CM also launched the ‘Pada Pushti Yojana’, said an official statement from Odisha Government on Thursday.

Under the scheme provisions have been made to provide nutritional supplements to all adolescent girls between the ages of 15 to 19 years and additional dry food to pregnant women and expecting mothers, in addition with, the provision has been made to provide complete food to severely malnourished children, vitamin-enriched Chhatua (roasted gram glour) and eggs for moderately malnourished children and severely underweight children, said the government release.

Under the ‘Pada Pushti Yojana’ children in remote and tribal areas will be provided with high-quality-cooked food in their enclaves and villages.

On the occasion, Chief Minister said that nutrition has a deep connection with prosperity. “So by improving nutrition, we can meet development goals. Only the mothers can provide proper nutrition to the family. So the success of this program depends on the mothers including Anganbadi workers and women of the Mission Shakti.”

Odisha is the first state in the country to design a nutrition budget for 2020-21. Mamata Yojana is taking proper care of the health of pregnant women and newborns in the state. The Chief Minister said the ‘Mukhyamantri Sampoorna Pushti Yojana’ will further improve the nutritional value among the needy.

“Through this scheme, every woman and child of the state can become healthy. By this, we will lead on the path of prosperity and we will be successful in achieving our goals,” said the Chief Minister..

Source : Thestatesman

Correct Answer :   Infosys

---

Infosys, the Bengaluru-headquartered IT services provider, has secured a coveted spot on TIME magazine’s ‘The World’s Best Companies of 2023’ list.

Infosys stands out as the only Indian company to make it into the top 100 rankings, claiming the 64th position with an impressive overall score of 88.38.

Notably, the company has earned a ‘very high’ growth rate, a testament to its commitment to excellence. On sustainability, Infosys ranked 135, and 103 for employee-satisfaction.

About Infosys : Founded in 1981 by four engineers, including NR Narayana Murthy, Infosys has grown into India’s second-largest IT company in terms of revenue. The company’s illustrious history is marked by its dedication to technological excellence and innovation. Notably, Infosys has a prominent connection to the political landscape of the United Kingdom, as the son-in-law of NR Narayana Murthy is Rishi Sunak, who serves as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Correct Answer :   Shivraj Singh Chouhan

---

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will inaugurate a 108-foot-tall statue of Adi Shankaracharya in the temple town of Omkareshwar on September 18, 2023.

Omkareshwar is famous for being home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The towering structure has been named "Ekatmata Ki Pratima" (statue of oneness).

According to a government release, ongoing efforts are focused on transforming Omkareshwar, situated approximately 80 kilometers from Indore, into a prominent hub for the Advaita Vedanta philosophy advocated by Adi Shankaracharya, with the aim of attracting global attention to this spiritual and philosophical tradition.

The construction of the statue on the Mandhata mountain in the temple town is part of the first phase of the development project, it said.

आदि शंकराचार्य जी की ज्ञानभूमि ओम्कारेश्वर से एक अभिनव युग का सूत्रपात हो रहा है।

इस नयनाभिराम दृश्य को देख हृदय प्रफुल्लित तथा आनंदित है।@EkatmaDham प्रकल्प पूरे राष्ट्र को चैतन्य की सार्वभौमिक एकात्मता से आलोकित करेगा। pic.twitter.com/GG5Asx5Vyx

— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) September 13, 2023

"Omkareshwar, a global hub for unity and spiritual enlightenment, will honour the teachings of Acharya Shankar with a majestic 108-foot statue, a museum delving into the depths of Advaita Vedanta, and a research institute for in-depth study and contemplation," said Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The 108-foot-tall multi-metal statue portrays Adi Shankaracharya as a 12-year-old boy.

Born in present-day Kerala, Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have reached Omkareshwar after becoming a 'sanyasi' (monk) at a very young age, where he met his guru Govind Bhagwadpad, stayed in the religious city for four years, and attained education.

According to his religious beliefs, he left Omkareshwar at the age of 12 and travelled across the country spreading the Advaita Vedanta philosophy and explaining its tenets to people.

Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com

The release said that along with the establishment of a museum named "Advaita Lok" in Omkareshwar and an international Vedanta institute, an "Advaita Forest" is also being developed across 36 hectares in the town..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   Ashok Leyland

---

Ashok Leyland, one of the largest manufacturers of commercial vehicles, has decided to set up its electric bus manufacturing unit in Uttar Pradesh. If all goes well, then the company may set up the unit in Lucknow.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in this regard between the company and the state government at a programme organised in the presence of chief minister Yogi Adityanath here on Friday (15th Sep 2023).

This new unit is likely to be operationalised in 18 months. The MoU, however, keeps the option of the unit’s location open, those aware of the development said.

Meanwhile, Ashok Leyland has selected the land of Scooters India Limited (SIL) in Lucknow to set up its electric buses manufacturing unit, said infrastructure and industrial development commissioner Manoj Kumar Singh.

“Ashok Leyland is setting up its electric vehicles manufacturing unit in the state. We gave them four to five choices. It has narrowed down the choice to the land of Scooters India Limited in Lucknow. About 70-acre land of SIL will be given to the company for the purpose. An investment of ₹200 to ₹500 crore will be made in the first phase. It will invest ₹1,000 crore later.

The company also proposes to manufacture batteries later,” said Singh, who signed the MoU on behalf of the government with the company’s Managing Director and CEO Shenu Agarwal.

Those aware of the development said the company would initially manufacture 2,500 buses annually. The capacity would be ramped up to 5,000 later. The CM has asked the company to start manufacturing at the unit before Kumbh Mela-2025 as the state government would be buying new electric vehicles for the grand event..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   15th September

---

The International Day of Democracy is celebrated around the world on 15 September each year. It was established through a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly in 2007, encouraging governments to strengthen and consolidate democracy.

We encourage all our Member Parliaments to mark the day with events and celebrations. Since the day was first observed in 2008, hundreds of parliamentary events have been held worldwide.

These have included photo competitions, workshops for children, live televised debates, radio phone-ins and meetings with civil society organizations.

The International Day is an opportunity to review the state of democracy around the world. Each year highlights a specific theme.

Past themes have included stronger democracies, the importance of democracy for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, strengthening the voices of citizens, dialogue and inclusiveness, accountability, and political tolerance.

Our support for International Democracy Day stems from our core belief that democracy requires the participation of all citizens. It is an opportunity to highlight the important role of parliaments, and to celebrate their capacity and mandate to deliver on justice, peace, development and human rights.

Our work on International Democracy Day is part of our efforts to build democracy..

Source : IPU

Correct Answer :   15th September

---

Engineers’ Day, observed on September 15th each year in India, is a day dedicated to celebrating the remarkable contributions of engineers to society.

It is also an opportunity to remember the visionary engineer, Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, whose birth anniversary coincides with this special day.


The Origin of Engineers’ Day :

Born in 1861, Visvesvaraya initially pursued a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree at the University of Mysore. However, he later transitioned to engineering studies at the prestigious College of Science in Pune, one of Asia’s oldest engineering institutions.

Beginning his career in the Public Works Department for the Government of Bombay, Visvesvaraya undertook complex projects, including the development of a patented irrigation system featuring water floodgates at the Khadakvasla reservoir near Pune and the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam in Mysore.

In 1912, he assumed the role of the 19th Diwan of Mysore, a position he held until 1918. Throughout his life, Visvesvaraya received numerous accolades, including India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna.

His significant contributions also extended to the establishment of the Government Engineering College in Bangalore in 1917, which was later renamed in his honor.

In recognition of his exceptional achievements in civil engineering, the Indian government, in 1968, designated his birth anniversary, September 15th, as National Engineer’s Day, a day dedicated to commemorating and celebrating the contributions of engineers to society.


Significance of Celebrating Engineers’ Day :

How Engineers’ Day is Celebrated?

Correct Answer :   Tata Power

---

Tata Power Company shares were up by 0.5 per cent after the integrated solar company and a subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to provide accessible financing options to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) looking to adopt solar solutions.

Under the scheme, MSMEs opting for Rooftop Solar PV Plants or associated services from Tata Power or its authorised channel partners across India will receive financial support from SIDBI.

The MoU was signed in the presence of the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Bhagwat Karad, during the Global SME Finance Forum 2023 in Mumbai. Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO and MD, Tata Power, and Shri Sivasubramanian Ramann, Chairman and Managing Director, SIDBI, conducted the exchange.

Aim : This collaboration aims to promote solar energy adoption among MSMEs by providing tailored and innovative financing solutions through SIDBI’s 4E (End-to-End Energy Efficiency) Scheme, which offers competitive interest rates and flexible loan limits, catering to the specific needs of the MSME sector.

Additionally, TPSSL and SIDBI have introduced ‘The Big Solar Fest’ at the Global SME Finance Forum 2023, offering zero processing fees during the upcoming festival season.

This initiative aims to drive awareness about competitive financing options with no processing fees, further accelerating the transition towards green energy in the MSME sector..

Source : The Hindu Businessline