Correct Answer :   SBI

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The State Bank of India announced in a release on Monday (4th September 2023), “This feature, accessible through the 'eRupee by SBI' application, will empower SBI CBDC users to scan any merchant UPI QR code for transactions,” the bank said in the release.”

Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot project, multiple Indian banks have announced the introduction of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) interoperability feature on the Digital Rupee application. This means, Digital Rupee app users can scan any QR code to make payments for groceries and daily expenses.


The CBDC push :

State Bank of India (SBI), Kotak Mahindra Bank, Yes Bank, Axis Bank. HDFC Bank, Canara Bank, among others are live with the inclusion of UPI interoperability.

The State Bank of India announced in a release on Monday, “This feature, accessible through the 'eRupee by SBI' application, will empower SBI CBDC users to scan any merchant UPI QR code for transactions,” the bank said in the release.”

Will this improve CBDC adoption?

This development is said to increase the adoption of RBI’s CBDC, as it would now be able to depend on the distribution systems built by the leading Indian banks.

“Bank feels that this integration will be a game changer for the digital currency ecosystem. The move is the outcome of our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital innovation to accelerate the transition to a more cashless economy. SBI remains dedicated to providing secure, efficient, and user-friendly solutions that reshape conducting transactions,” SBI highlighted in its release.


Will merchants have to install new QR codes?

It is worth noting that as per the announcements made by the Indian banks, merchants would not be required to replace their current QR codes. They would only need to display a single QR code on their storefront or via the banking mobile application which would accept CBDC payments as well. This means, the existing QR code will be interoperable, allowing a simple QR payment acceptance terminal. It will accommodate the Scan & Pay feature through multiple payment options.

Moreover, the eligible banks' digital rupee customers can transact using the funds available in their Digital Rupee (CBDC) wallet by scanning the UPI QR code.


RBI’s CBDC :

The RBI launched the CBDC pilot programme in 2022. The Indian CBDC, which is backed by the RBI, is also known as Digital Rupee. It represents a tokenised digital version of the currency, i.e. Indian Rupee which is issued and regulated by the RBI..

Source : Business Today

Correct Answer :   Satyajit Majumdar

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Mumbai Professor Satyajit Majumdar, dean of School of Management and Labour Studies from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), will receive the ‘Dr V G Patel Memorial Award-2023 for Entrepreneurship Trainer, Educator and Mentor’ on 6 September 2023 for his work in promoting and strengthening entrepreneurship in India.

Dr Patel is widely acknowledged as the Father of Entrepreneurship Movement in India.

Majumdar’s name was chosen among 400 applicants from 26 states by a jury nominated by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad.

Over the last two decades, Majumdar 63, has played an important role in the development of entrepreneurship, especially in the social sector. Along with his team, he has mentored more than 350 startups, including 40 in Jammu and Kashmir and group startups in Jhabua, West Bengal.

“Despite thinking about major investments in the startups, we put focus on providing livelihood for the locals,” said Majumdar.

Since joining TISS in 2010, Majumdar’s main role has been to build an ecosystem for entrepreneurship. In 2012, TISS started a separate entrepreneurship cell under his leadership. “Our major focus has always been on tribal and hilly areas of the country. We tie up with local organisations to help the youth.

Apart from this, our focus is on sustainable development while selecting the themes of startups. For instance, one startup incubated at TISS is currently working in the waste management sector. We have more examples like this,” Majumdar added. Majumdar will donate the award money of ₹1 lakh to TISS Incube Foundation, incubation centre of TISS, Mumbai.

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   Amul

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Amul is named as the official sponsor of the Indian Contingent for the 19th Asian Games 2022 to be held in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8, 2023.

* Announcing Amul’s association, Jayen Mehta, In-charge Managing Director, Amul, said “Amul is delighted to announce its association with the Asian Games 2022 and the Indian Olympic Association.

* Milk is the world’s original energy drink, and every sportsperson nourishes their health with milk in any of its various forms such as ghee, butter, cheese or paneer among many others.

* Amul has partnered with Indian sportspersons through the Indian Olympic Association since the London 2012 Olympics for all Indian contingent to Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games and we are pleased to further strengthen our decade long relationship.”

* As part of this association, Amul will use the integrated logo in its communication to celebrate the efforts of the sportsperson.

Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games

* The XIX Asian Games 2022 will feature 482 events across 40 sports. The Asian Games, also known as Asiad, is a continental multi-sport event held every fourth year among athletes from all over Asia. The upcoming event is officially called the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022. It was originally slated to be held last year but was postponed due to Covid-19.

* The India contingent will field 634 athletes at the Asian Games across 38 different sports with the largest contingent of 65 in athletics. At the last edition, Jakarta 2018, India sent a contingent of 570 to compete in 36 sports and won 70 medals..

Source : The Hindu Businessline

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