General Knowledge(GK) (or) General Awareness

Correct Answer :   Indrajaal

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In a remarkable feat of innovation and technological prowess, Hyderabad-based private sector firm Grene Robotics has introduced Indrajaal, world’s only autonomous wide area, counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS).

This state-of-the-art system is touted as capable of safeguarding against micro, mini, small, large, and extra-large drones, signaling a significant advancement in Indian defense technology.


Grene Robotics’ Commitment to Showcasing Indrajaal :

Grene Robotics has spared no expense or effort, utilizing its own financial resources and scientific expertise to create live demonstrations of Indrajaal for government officials and tri-services officers. This commitment to self-reliance in defense technology demonstrates the firm’s dedication to bolstering India’s indigenous capabilities.

A Remarkable Unveiling :

* The grand unveiling of Indrajaal took place in the presence of Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh, the governor of Uttarakhand, who hailed the system as a groundbreaking advance in defense technology.
* General Singh emphasized that this innovation would not only enhance the nation’s self-reliant military capabilities but also address the pressing need to defend against the escalating threat posed by drones.


The Test at Grene Robotics’ Facility :
 
The trial for Indrajaal is being conducted at Grene Robotics’ expansive 79-acre test facility located in Hyderabad. This facility serves as the proving ground for a technology that has the potential to reshape the landscape of security for defense, public infrastructure, and private enterprises alike.

Indrajaal’s Innovative Design :

* Indrajaal is built on a foundation of 12 unique layers of technology, a feat powered by artificial intelligence, marking a world-first achievement.
* This cutting-edge system possesses the ability to detect, identify, classify, track, and swiftly neutralize threats in real time.
* Its coverage extends to 360 degrees, offering protection over areas spanning up to 4000 square kilometers against all categories and levels of unmanned autonomous threats.


Indrajaal’s Versatility in Defense :

Indrajaal is currently demonstrating its prowess in safeguarding against a wide array of aerial threats, including low radar cross-section (RCS) threats, medium altitude long endurance (MALE) and high-altitude long endurance (HALE) UAVs, loitering munitions, smart bombs, rocket showers, nano and micro drones, swarm drones, and other contemporary threats.

Correct Answer :   Union Bank of India

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The growth of renewable energy in India, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Union Bank of India (UBI) and Bank of Baroda (BoB), on September 5, 2023.

These agreements will empower IREDA to collaborate with UBI and BoB, in co-lending and loan syndication for a wide range of renewable energy projects, including both established and emerging RE technologies.

Expressing his happiness about these partnerships, CMD of IREDA, Shri Pradip Kumar Das said: "Both Union Bank of India and Bank of Baroda have an extensive nationwide presence with a vast network of branches. This collaboration aims to extend our reach, particularly in tier-2 & tier-3 cities and rural areas, enabling us to provide unique and innovative financial support to existing and new customers. We are confident that by combining our strengths and resources, we will continue to serve our customers in alignment with the vision of the Prime Minister for Atmanirbhar Bharat and sustainable growth."

The MoU with Union Bank of India was formally inked by General Manager (Technical Services), IREDA, Shri Bharat Singh Rajput and General Manager (Large Corporate Vertical), UBI, Shri Dhirendra Jain. The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of Chairman and Managing Director of IREDA, Shri Pradip Kumar Das; Managing Director & CEO of UBI, Ms. A. Manimekhalai and senior officials.

The MoU with Bank of Baroda was executed by General Manager (Technical Services), IREDA, Shri Bharat Singh Rajput and General Manager, BoB, Shri Dhiren Lalai. The signing ceremony witnessed the presence of IREDA CMD and MD & CEO of BoB, Shri Debadatta Chand along with Executive Director Mr. Lalit Tyagi. Other senior officials of BoB, Head-Large Corporate Relationships, Mr. Sumit Sachdeva and Head – Credit, Mr. Manoj Chayani were also present on the occasion.

In recent years, IREDA has been actively encouraging partnerships with various Central and State agencies as well as financial institutions to leverage its techno-financial expertise for the development of the renewable energy sector..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   IDFC FIRST Bank

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Private banking company IDFC First Bank, on Monday (4th Sep 2023), said that it has integrated Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) app with UPI QR codes. The move is aimed at encouraging the use of the digital rupee and make it more accessible.

The new feature simplifies the process for merchants to accept payments made with the digital rupee. This development allows individuals to easily use digital rupees for payments through existing UPI QR codes at various merchant outlets.


Digital rupee adoption :

"Being one of the banks that are a part of RBI's CBDC initiative for retail users, this new feature will simplify payment acceptance for merchants, enabling them to seamlessly accept payments made with digital rupees," IDFC First Bank said in a statement.

"Individuals can effortlessly make payments using digital rupees through existing UPI QR codes at various merchants," it added.

According to IDFC First Bank's Executive Director, Madhivanan Balakrishnan, this UPI interoperability feature is expected to greatly increase the adoption of CBDC throughout the country.

The digital rupee, introduced by the Reserve Bank of India last year, represents a digital form of legal tender issued by the central bank. It possesses essential qualities like physical currency, including trustworthiness, security, and the capability for instant settlement in the digital realm..

Source : Republic World

Correct Answer :   P V Satyanarayana

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Dr P.V. Satyanarayana, principal scientist at the Agricultural Research Station, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (Angrau), Ragolu, AP was presented 8th Dr M.S. Swaminathan award.

The award was presented at an event at the Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) on Sunday (3rd Sep 2023). It includes a cash prize of `2 lakh and a gold medal.

Dr Satyanarayana received the award in recognition for his contribution to the development of high-yielding rice varieties that exhibit resilience against pests and environmental challenges, including BPH, BLB, Blast, submergence, and salinity.

He has also contributed to fine-grain varieties and hybrid rice that have revolutionized agriculture across India..

Source : Deccan Chronicle

Correct Answer :   Avinash Sable

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In Athletics, India’s Avinash Sable qualified for his maiden Diamond League Final after finishing fifth in the men’s 3000m steeplechase race at the Xiamen Diamond League 2023 in China on 2nd Sep 2023.

* Avinash Sable clocked 8:16.27 in overcast conditions at the Egret Stadium. Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali, the reigning Olympic and world champion, won the Xiamen track and field event with a meet record of 8:10.31.

* Samuel Firewu of Ethiopia clinched the second spot in 8:11.29 while Amos Serem of Kenya claimed the third place in 8:14.41.

* Commonwealth Games champion Abraham Kibiwot of Kenya came fourth with a timing of 8:15.87.

* The race in Xiamen was the sixth and last race men’s 3000m steeplechase event in the Diamond League series this year.

* India’s Neeraj Chopra (men’s javelin throw) and Murali Sreeshankar (men’s long jump) have already made the cut for the Diamond League Final..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Delhi Metro

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Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, DMRC has started selling of  ‘Tourist Smart Cards’ from its selected Metro stations through dedicated counters from 4th September 2023.

These Smart Cards which will be sold till 13th of this month, has been launched to facilitate the G20 delegates and international visitors who might be interested in exploring the prominent tourist places of the capital city as they arrive in Delhi.

 The 36 stations where these cards will be sold through dedicated counters include  Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazar, New Delhi, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, Lok Kalyan Marg, ITO and Supreme Court metro stations.

The ‘Tourist Smart Cards’ will be available in two categories of One-Day Validity and Three-Day Validity cards, offering unlimited rides in the Metro network. The One-day validity Tourist Smart Card will be available for 200 rupees. The three-day validity card will be available for 500 rupees. Our correspondent reports that this amount also includes a refundable security deposit of 50 rupees.

Besides unlimited rides, these Tourist Smart Cards are of great benefit to tourists as they can seamlessly travel in the entire network from the first train to the last train service available for the day. There are no penalties or surcharges levied on Tourist Smart Cards on account of instances like Entry or exit mismatch, overstay in the system, and overstepping.

Delhi Metro, which is ranked among one of the largest Metro systems in the world is well connected to almost all the prominent tourist destinations in the city like Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Akshardham Temple, and Kalkaji Temple, to name a few. Tourists can seamlessly reach these tourist places by travelling on various corridors of the Delhi Metro by using these cards. Tourists can also download the ‘Delhi Metro Rail’ app for more details on the network to plan their journeys.

The App also includes a dedicated section on the home page by the name of ‘Tour Guide’ where they can find the list of all stations and tourist places nearby. Tourist Smart Cards are also available at all Metro stations Except Airport Express Line across the network. Anyone who wants to explore the city can avail these cards from the stations any time during the day...

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Shanta Thoutam

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Telangana Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) Dr Shanta Thoutam received the World Innovation Award at the first BRICS Innovation Forum hosted in Moscow from August 27 to 29, 2023.

The award is given for outstanding contribution to the Sustainable Development Goal-4 that ensures inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong opportunities for all. 

The award, organised by World Organisation for Development, an international NGO with special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, honours leaders from the developing world that have made an outstanding personal contribution to the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDG).

Dr Thoutam as one of the panelists in the Cloud City Conference, spoke about the pathbreaking initiatives and achievements of Telangana in the space of open data, digital innovation, and urban development.

She also highlighted about the Command Control Center in Hyderabad on ensuring the citizens’ security by analysing visual data captured from 1 lakh CCTV cameras, and Open Data Portal that hosts data sets in the public domain leading to a transparency in the working of the government and triggering innovative solutions from various stakeholders.

As a part of the second panel discussion on nomadic career and learning from international working experience, she spoke about the advantages in the form of local talent choosing to stay back and contribute to the social sector because of a stable, dynamic, and ever-aspiring local government.

While she had completed seven years of her service in the innovation ecosystem of Telangana starting with the role of Vice President at T-Hub, then Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for State Handlooms and Textiles Department, and currently serving as the first woman CIO, Dr Thoutam dedicated the award to IT Minister K.T Rama Rao and extended her gratitude to Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary to ITE&C for encouraging her to take up the role of CIO.

Source : Deccan Chronicle

Correct Answer :   India

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In Hockey, India beat Pakistan in penalty shootout in the final to win the inaugural Men’s Hockey 5s Asia Cup 2023 in Salalah, Oman, 2nd September 2023.

The win also served as Asia’s qualifying tournament for the FIH Men’s Hockey5s World Cup Oman 2024. Subsequently, India qualified for the FIH Men’s Hockey5s World Cup Oman 2024.

This is the first time in three meetings that India have beaten Pakistan in the Hockey 5s format. From 2-4 down in the second half, India took the game to the shootout after two goals from Mohammed Raheel. In the shootout, Pakistan missed all their chances while Maninder Singh hit the hammer in the coffin to score India's second goal in the shootout. Earlier in the evening, India thrashed Malaysia 10-4 in the semifinals.  

Pakistan reached the final after defeating Oman 7-3. For their remarkable performance and the important win, Hockey India announced Rupees Two Lakh to each player of the team, while Rupees One Lakh each for the support staff. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey congratulated the team on qualifying for the FIH Men's Hockey5s World Cup Oman 2024 and winning the Gold medal.

Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur has congratulated Indian Men's Hockey Team for winning the inaugural Men’s Hockey 5s Asia Cup 2023 in Salalah, Oman yesterday. In a social media post, Mr Thakur said that the victory speaks volumes about the grit and passion of the talented players. He lauded them for their exceptional performance and making their way to the Hockey5s World Cup to be held in Oman..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Mastercard

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Mastercard has launched (1st Sep 2023) the ALT (Alternate Identification Number) ID solution in India to enhance the security of guest checkout transactions on ecommerce platforms, simplifying payments for merchants and cardholders.

As per the announcement information, ALT ID is a custom-made capability developed by Mastercard to create an alternate identifier for the real card numbers provided by cardholders when at guest checkout transactions on ecommerce platforms. The solution is designed to help increase online payment security for both merchants and consumers.

Mastercard’s ALT ID Solution Capabilities and Launch Context :

Mastercard has previously rolled out a card-on-file tokenization solution for cardholders to be able to complete transactions in a safe manner, without revealing sensitive card details. The Mastercard ALT ID solution is designed for cardholders who carry out transactions without saving their cards, also referred to as guest checkout. It helps create and store an alternative identifier for every card, thereby bettering the security of these types of online payments.

The ALT ID solution is set to provide cardholders with multiple advantages, such as non-storage of card numbers on merchant websites and protection against potential data breaches. When talking about merchants and payment service providers, it is set to enable them to secure the card numbers with minimal development efforts, while simultaneously helping improve the payment experience of their customers.

Commenting on the launch, Anubhav Gupta, Senior Vice President, South Asia, Mastercard said that the ALT ID solution showcases the enterprise's ongoing endeavour to introduce innovative products and solutions that are compliant, user-friendly, and increase the safety and security of digital payments, while helping make them seamless for both merchants and cardholders. By ensuring an increasingly safer shopping experience, the solution is also believed to support the growth of ecommerce in India.

Sheetal Lalwani, Co-founder & COO, Juspay stated that the launch of ALT ID is to support the company’s efforts to secure the digital experiences of cardholders who don’t want to save their cards with merchants, saying that leveraging the Juspay platform, they are ensuring that merchants can transition customers to ALT ID in a simple manner, without any changes at their end.

Mohit Gopal, COO of PayU India added that Mastercard’s ALT ID solution for guest checkout transactions underscores PayU’s foundational commitment to bettering digital payment security, convenience, and accessibility. The spokesperson believes the service will empower cardholders, merchants, and payment service providers with a simplified and fortified approach to online transactions.

Further adding on this, Khilan Haria, SVP and Head of Payments Product, Razorpay said that they’re looking forward to collaborating with Mastercard for its ALT ID solution, stating that the association will benefit merchants through increased payment success rates and no integration effort, while strengthening the company’s commitment to developing a more secure and extensive ecosystem for digital payments...

Source : The Paypers

Correct Answer :   September 2, 2023

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ISRO Aditya L1 mission was launched successfully on September 2, 2023 at 11:50 AM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.

* The mission is India’s first dedicated solar mission and will study the Sun’s atmosphere, including the chromosphere and corona. It will also study the solar wind and its interaction with the Earth’s atmosphere.

* The Aditya L1 spacecraft is a 1.5-ton satellite that is equipped with seven payloads. The payloads will study the Sun’s atmosphere using a variety of methods, including remote sensing and in-situ measurements.

* The spacecraft will be placed in a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1), which is located about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth.

* The Aditya L1 mission is expected to last for five years. During this time, it will collect valuable data about the Sun that will help scientists to better understand its behavior and its impact on Earth.

* Aditya, the mission’s name, pays homage to Surya, the Hindu god of the Sun. In Hindu mythology, Surya represents the life-giving force and the source of light and energy. This choice of name underscores the mission’s quest to uncover the Sun’s secrets, as it aims to traverse the intricate realms of our star.


Here are some more details about the Aditya L1 mission :

* The mission is named after Aditya, the Hindu god of the Sun.
* The spacecraft is about the size of a refrigerator and weighs 1.5 tons.

It is equipped with seven payloads :

1. Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) : This payload will image the solar corona in the visible light spectrum. It will help to study the structure and dynamics of the corona, and to understand the mechanisms that heat it up.

2. Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) : This payload will image the solar chromosphere and transition region in the ultraviolet light spectrum. It will help to study the heating and dynamics of these layers, and to understand the origin of the solar wind.

3. Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS) : This payload will measure the spectrum of the solar X-rays. It will help to study the solar flares and coronal mass ejections, and to understand the physics of the solar atmosphere.

4. High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS) : This payload will measure the spectrum of the solar X-rays in the high-energy range. It will help to study the solar flares and coronal mass ejections, and to understand the acceleration of particles in the solar atmosphere.

5. Plasma Analyser Package For Aditya (PAPA) : This payload will measure the properties of the solar wind plasma, such as its density, temperature, and composition. It will help to study the interaction between the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetosphere.

6. Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment(ASPEX) : This payload will measure the properties of the energetic particles in the solar wind, such as their energy, charge, and mass. It will help to study the acceleration of particles in the solar atmosphere, and the effects of these particles on the Earth’s atmosphere and environment.

7. Solar Irradiance Monitor (SIM) : This payload will measure the solar irradiance, which is the total amount of energy emitted by the Sun. It will help to study the variability of the solar irradiance, and its effects on the Earth’s climate.
 

The Aditya L1 mission is a major milestone for the Indian space program and will contribute significantly to our understanding of the Sun. The data collected by the mission will help scientists to better understand the Sun’s atmosphere, its magnetic field, and its impact on Earth. This information will be invaluable for predicting space weather events, which can have a significant impact on our planet.