Correct Answer :   Mahavir Lunawat

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Association of Investment Bankers of India (AIBI), the investment banking sole representative to SEBI and various statutory authorities, announced the appointment of Mahavir Lunawat, Managing Director of Pantomath Capital Advisors Pvt Ltd. as its Chairman for two years starting September 2023.

The Chairperson of AIBI represents Investment Bankers on the Primary Market Advisory Committee (PMAC) of SEBI, and has been active in representing the members’ views, comments, and suggestions on various regulatory reforms pertaining to the capital markets.

AIBI also announced the appointment of Arjun Mehra, MD of J.M. Financial, and Prem D’Cunha, SVP & Head – ECM Execution at ICICI Securities as its Vice Chairmen.

Mahavir Lunawat is an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience across the country’s foremost business houses and as the Founder and Group Managing Director of Pantomath Capital Advisors Pvt. Ltd. He has led some of the key M&As, corporate restructuring projects and has lead managed more than 100 IPOs..

Source : AIBI 

Correct Answer :   September 11

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National Forest Martyrs Day is observed on September 11 in India. This day is a tribute to those who laid down their lives in the line of duty, defending the forests and wildlife that are important for the well-being of our planet.

The Day is an important day to remember the sacrifices made by forest officers and personnel in protecting our forests and wildlife. It is also a day to reaffirm our commitment to conserve these precious natural resources.


National Forest Martyrs Day 2023, Significance :

* National Forest Martyrs Day is significant because it honours and recognises the sacrifices made by forest guards, rangers, and other personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This day emphasises the importance of forest conservation.

* It serves as a reminder that forests are not just a collection of trees but complex ecosystems that support many species, maintain ecological balance, and also provide many benefits to humans.

* National Forest Martyrs Day sheds light on the dangers forest rangers encounter while combating illegal activities such as logging, poaching, and encroachments.

National Forest Martyrs Day, History :

National Forest Martyrs Day’s history can be traced back to 1970 when the Khejarli massacre took place in the Marwar Kingdom. It so happened that Maharaja Abhai Singh of Rajasthan ordered the cutting of trees in the Bishnoi village of Khejarli. This move was strongly opposed by the Bishnoi community.

* The revolt was led by a woman named Amrita Devi Bishnoi. The villagers refused to surrender their trees. Amrita Devi said that the Khejri trees were sacred to the Bishnois, and her faith prohibited her from allowing the trees to be cut down. They were even offered a bribe. Amrita then announced that she would rather die than to allow the trees to be cut down. She and her family began hugging the Khejris, shielding it with their bodies.

* This angered the King’s men and they beheaded Amrita Devi and three of her daughters before beginning to cut down the trees. This resulted in widespread outrage where the Bishnoi community old, young, men and women all gathered to hug and protect the trees.

*  Around 363 Bishnois were killed in this. Abhai Singh was so shocked by the incident that he withdrew his troops and personally visited the villagers to apologise. He also promised the villagers that such an incident will not happen again. In 2013, the Ministry of Environment declared the day of the massacre September 11 as National Forest Martyrs Day.

Correct Answer :   1 September 2023

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Dennis Austin, the co-creator of PowerPoint presentation died at his home in Los Altos, California on 1 September 2023, he was 76.

Austin created PowerPoint with Robert Gaskins and released it in 1987. The pair of software developers were part of software company Forethought, which was acquired by Microsoft for $14m months after PowerPoint, then called Presenter was launched.

Initially only available for the Macintosh, PowerPoint soon gained popularity as an alternative to overhead projectors for presentations after it was bundled with other tools in the Microsoft Office suite, including Word and Excel.

Today, 33 years after it was first launched on Windows, the Silicon Valley software has become ubiquitous in meetings, classrooms and online collaborations with a near-monopoly over the global presentation software market.

Before PowerPoint, creating individual slides or transparencies to show colleagues in meetings could take hours. Digitising the process so that people could properly demonstrate their ideas in a fraction of the time became a gamechanger.

Career of Dennis R. Austin

* Dennis R. Austin was the principal software developer for PowerPoint from 1985 to 1996, particularly its versions for Apple Macintosh computers. Austin first encountered computers in high school at a summer program at the Carnegie Institute of Technology. His interest in programming languages and compilers deepened during his undergraduate engineering studies at the University of Virginia in the late 1960s.

* Austin’s career in software began at General Electric’s computer division in Arizona, followed by positions with Honeywell in Massachusetts and Burroughs in California. Following exposure to the graphical user interface and broader graphical approach to computing at Xerox PARC, he became a software developer for Gavilan Computer, before joining Forethought, Inc. in late 1984.

* At Forethought, Robert Gaskins launched an effort to develop graphical presentation software which became PowerPoint, for which Gaskins worked as architect. Austin served as the principal developer for PowerPoint, contributing to its design and implementation. Tom Rudkin joined the PowerPoint project and made significant contributions to the programming with Austin. After Microsoft acquired Forethought in 1987, Austin continued as a principal developer for PowerPoint to 1996. This oral history of Austin focuses on his experiences in creating software, most especially PowerPoint..

Correct Answer :   Brazil

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The 18th G20 Summit successfully concluded in New Delhi on 10th September 2023 with India handing over the Presidency to Brazil. In the closing ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel to the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Modi expressed confidence that under the Presidency of Brazil, the G20 forum would be able to achieve the common goals. He also proposed a virtual session of the G20 forum at the end of November to review the progress of the agenda decided in this Summit.
 
After receiving the gavel, President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva appreciated India's efforts in leading the G20 presidency saying that India gave the voice to issues of interest to emerging countries. He welcomed the African Union as a full member of the group.
 

Speaking during the third session, namely One Future,  Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of reforms in the United Nations Security Council by emphasizing on a new global structure.

He also highlighted the need to expand the mandate of Multilateral Development Banks and to develop global standards to regulate crypto currencies. He urged the member nations to work towards the Green Development Pact, Action Plan on Sustainable Development Goals, and Digital Public Infrastructure..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Indore

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IIM Indore has entered into a game-changing partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). The collaboration signifies a commitment to foster excellence and innovation in these critical domains.

The MoU, inked online on September 6, 2023, by Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore, and Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, Chief Executive Officer of NSDC, is poised to redefine skill development, entrepreneurship, and research in India, aligning the visions of both institutions and leveraging their collective prowess to shape the nation’s skilling ecosystem.

IIM Indore’s vision is not just limited to academic excellence; it is about elevating livelihood opportunities and income levels for families and households across the nation. Prof. Rai emphasized that this collaboration is set to create a unique social impact model backed by pioneering projects that employ innovative approaches.

These initiatives will provide professional support to underserved regions, communities, individuals, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), thereby nurturing a skilled ecosystem primed for market success.

A cornerstone of this transformative MoU is its focus on robust research endeavors. “We will embark on joint research activities, encompassing surveys and qualitative research methods, to gain profound insights into industry dynamics and stakeholder needs”, he said. This synergy will identify industry trends, bridge gaps, and gather invaluable data to guide strategic decision-making..

Source : iimidr

Correct Answer :   United States and Vietnam

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The United States and Vietnam have signed a deal on semiconductor supply chains to expand the capacity of the semiconductor ecosystem in Hanoi, in support of the US industry.

The White House in a statement, 10th Sep 2023, said that the US  recognizes Vietnam’s potential to play a critical role in building resilient semiconductor supply chains, particularly to expand capacity in reliable partners where it cannot be re-shored to the United States and further promote manufacturing and industry development at home under the US CHIPS Act.

The White House also said that a newly-signed Memorandum of Cooperation on Semiconductor Supply Chains, Workforce and Ecosystem Development will formalize this bilateral partnership to expand the capacity of the semiconductor ecosystem in Vietnam, in support of US industry.

The US and Vietnam also announced the launch of comprehensive workforce development initiatives in Vietnam that jointly develop hands-on teaching labs and training courses for semiconductor assembly, testing, and packaging.

The US government will provide initial seed funding of 2 million US Dollars to launch the initiatives, in conjunction with future support from the Government of Vietnam and the private sector.

After attending the G20 Summit in India, the US President departed for Vietnam and within a few hours of reaching there, he held a press conference where Biden discussed how China has been trying to change the rules of the game in various aspects, including trade..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   10th September

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The World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is observed on September 10 every year and raises awareness about the far-reaching consequences of suicides. According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, more than 700,000 suicides are registered worldwide every year.

This World Suicide Prevention Day also serves as a reminder that preventing suicides is a public health priority, and urgent actions are required to curb the increasing suicide rates. This day is an occasion to raise awareness about the mental health issues that could be behind suicides and the far-reaching consequences of taking one's own life on one's own family and society at large.

Theme : The theme for the World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021-2023“ is Creating Hope Through Action

This theme serves as a powerful call to action and a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and that through our actions we can encourage hope and strengthen prevention.

Suicide is a major public health problem with far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences.

The combined efforts of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) resulted in this day being established as a global observance. The day was established following WHO's 1999 campaign for preventing suicides worldwide.

On this day, IASP, WHO, and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) organise events to spread awareness about the societal stigmas that lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviour. This helps in early identification of such problems so that proper help can be provided. Therefore, World Suicide Prevention Day plays an important role in the initiative to curb the increasing suicide rates in the world.

Suicide rate in India :

According to the August 2022 data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a total of 1.64 lakh suicides were registered in India in 2021. The numbers are shocking as they show a significant increase of 6.1 cases per one lakh population compared to the 2020 figures. The suicide rate in India in 2021 was recorded at 12 per one lakh population as against the rate of 11.3 per one lakh population in 2020.

Moreover, this data is the highest since the start of reporting of suicides by the NCRB in 2021, and it's a matter of serious concern. The majority of suicides were reported in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Karnataka, as these five states accounted for a huge 50.4 percent of suicide cases recorded in the country.

Most of these suicides were fueled by the economic downturn during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Several factors like pay cuts, layoffs, and uncertain income spurred male suicides. The male-to-female ratio of suicide victims stood at 72.5 as against 27.4, respectively, which was significantly higher compared to 2020’s ratio of 70.9 against 29.1..


Source : CNBC

Correct Answer :   Google Cloud

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Google Cloud on Thursday (7th Sep 2023) announced its partnership with the government's computer emergency response unit CERT-In to train 1,000 government officials and provide 1 lakh cybersecurity certificate scholarships to learners.

The 'cyber force' of government officials will be trained in cyber defence best practices, including the use of generative AI, and conducting cybersecurity AI hackathons led by Google Cloud and Mandiant experts, the American technology giant said in a statement.

CERT-In Director General Sanjay Bahl said, "Cybersecurity is the cornerstone of our digital future, and harnessing the power of generative AI will help to stay ahead in this ever-evolving landscape.

The collaboration will ameliorate and crank up the generation of skilled manpower in the area of cybersecurity and generative AI in our country." Google Cybersecurity Certificates are taught by experts at Google and equip people with in-demand skills needed for jobs in cybersecurity, the statement said.

"We extend our gratitude to the ministry for their leadership and partnership. Together, we are facilitating essential skill development, and fostering collaborations to deliver new safe and secure services for Indians countrywide," said Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian..

Source : CNBC

Correct Answer :   Switzerland

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Switzerland has once again claimed the title of the world's best country, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report's annual Best Countries rankings 2023.

This marks Switzerland's second consecutive year at the pinnacle and its sixth time overall as the No. 1 nation on the list. The rankings, released recently, reaffirm Switzerland's supremacy, closely followed by Canada at No. 2, Sweden at No. 3, Australia at No. 4, and the United States at No. 5. The United States has slipped one spot compared to its 2022 ranking.

In the 2023 rankings, European countries dominate the top tier, securing 16 of the top 25 spots. Notable shifts include Germany, which has fallen five spots since 2022, and Australia and New Zealand, both climbing three places year over year. The Middle East is represented by the United Arab Emirates, while Asia boasts Japan, Singapore, China, and South Korea within the top 25.

The rankings are developed in collaboration with global marketing communications company WPP and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Based on a global survey encompassing 87 countries and more than 17,000 respondents, these rankings evaluate countries based on 73 attributes such as dynamism, safety, economic stability, and commitment to social justice. Notably, Cyprus, Honduras, and Zimbabwe have made their debut in the rankings, while El Salvador rejoins the list after being absent in 2022.

Switzerland's enduring popularity is underlined by its consistent performance across various subrankings, securing a place in the top 25 for all 10 subrankings and ranking within the top 10 for half of them. Switzerland excels particularly in entrepreneurship (No. 6), quality of life (No. 6), social purpose (No. 8), and cultural influence (No. 8). It also claims the top spot for being open for business.

Meanwhile, the United States has slipped to the fifth position, despite steadily climbing from No. 8 to No. 4 between 2019 and 2022. The U.S. remains strong in several subrankings, such as entrepreneurship and cultural influence, largely attributed to the global appeal of President Joe Biden and his policies..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   18th

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In the run-up to the 18th G20 Summit, a one-day conference themed "Transnational Grid Interconnections for One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)" convened in New Delhi on 6 September 2023.

* The conference, spearheaded by the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a 'Maharatna' company under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, sought to explore the potential of cross-border energy connectivity and collaboration, read the Ministry of Power press release.

* In a virtual address to the conference, Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R. K. Singh, underscored India's commitment to leveraging transnational grid interconnections to harness solar energy efficiently, read the release.

* Singh emphasized that such initiatives, like OSOWOG, will enable nations to harness the abundant energy resources of the sun, particularly as the world transitions toward renewable energy sources, read the release.

* He highlighted that OSOWOG has the potential to make round-the-clock renewable energy more cost-effect, reducing the need for energy reserves and ultimately lowering electricity costs for the populace while ensuring energy access to millions who currently lack it, read the release.

* The Minister expressed his optimism, stating, "Once we have OSOWOG, no one will ever have to go without electricity. This will unite the world and ensure energy access to the millions of people who do not have access."

* The conference featured a distinguished panel of experts, both domestic and international, who provided insights into the significance of transnational grid interconnections.

* Waleed S. Alsuraih from The World Bank emphasized the potential for interregional grids' integration in the Middle East & Africa, highlighting the role of the Pan Arab Electricity Market (PAEM) in connecting South Asia via GCC, the European Union, and Africa, read the release.

* Pankaj Batra, Senior Advisor at IRADe, presented the ASEAN perspective, highlighting the complementary energy resources of SAARC, BIMSTEC, and ASEAN countries that can be tapped through transnational interconnections..

Source : Economic Times