General Knowledge(GK) (or) General Awareness

Correct Answer :   Defence Acquisition Council

---

The Defence Acquisition Council approved procurement including the indigenous Dhruvastra short-range air-to-surface missile.


About the Dhruvastra Missile :

* It is a helicopter-launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) system.

* It is a short-range air-to-surface missile.

* It was indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

* It is a third-generation, renowned for its versatility in engaging and neutralizing enemy tanks and armored vehicles..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   Axis Bank

---

Axis Bank has launched a transaction banking platform for the Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) called NEO for Business. According to the company's statement, it will cater to the "real, current, and emerging" transaction needs of Indian MSMEs.

* The NEO for Business platform offers features like digital self on-boarding, bulk payments, GST compliance invoicing, payment gateway integration, end-to-end transaction tracking, auto reconciliation, cash flow reports, and recurring collections, among others.

* India currently has over 65 million MSMEs, which contribute over 30 per cent to India's gross domestic product (GDP).

* "The MSME Business Banking landscape is evolving rapidly, and there is a need for a comprehensive solution for all their Banking and Beyond Banking requirements," said Neeraj Gambhir - Group Executive and Head - Treasury, Markets and Wholesale Banking Products, Axis Bank.

* "'NEO by Axis Bank' was launched as a platform for our corporate banking customers, offering a complete suite of digital banking products and services. Within this platform, our newly launched 'NEO for Business' is a one stop solution for the business requirements of MSMEs."

* 'NEO by Axis Bank' offers a range of products and services for its corporate customers and clients, including internet banking, mobile app and APIs.


Who can use NEO for Business?

* Existing Axis Bank Current Account customers can use NEO for Business on mobile by downloading a mobile app or through a simple web-based digital registration.

* "It currently caters to sole proprietorship entities and individuals who form a considerable part of MSME addressable pool in the industry. Axis Bank will soon be extending the platform to companies, partnerships, and LLPs," the bank said..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Singapore

---

The Singapore - India annual Naval Maritime Bilateral Exercise between the Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy is being held from 21st Sep 2023 to 24th Sep 2023.

* The SIMBEX enhances interoperability and mutual understanding between two navies. The Exercise is conducted in two phases.

* The Harbour Phase includes wide range of professional interactions, cross-deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges and sports fixtures.

* The Sea phase of SIMBEX includes exercises of air- defence, gunnery firing, anti-submarine and other maritime operations.

* Ranvijay, Kavaratti, and Sindhukesari, Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P81 participate in the exercise.

* SIMBEX is the longest naval exercise that Indian Navy has with any other country. Units of both the navies will hone their war-fighting skills with multi-discipline operations jointly in the Maritime domain..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Nireekshak

---

Indian Naval Ship (INS) 'Nireekshak' successfully conducted vital Mixed Gas Diving training sessions as part of IN-SLN Divex 23.

The Indian Navy’s diving support vessel initiated the sea dive on Sunday and after a successful diving exercise, returned today with the Sri Lanka Navy divers.
 
Earlier last week, the vessel arrived at Sri Lanka’s Trincomalee port where Commanding Officer Jeetu Singh Chauhan, held productive discussions with Rear Admiral PS De Silva.

The ship's crew also engaged in activities such as yoga sessions, interactions with local schoolchildren, and beach cleaning efforts.
 
The Indian Naval Ship is well-equipped with two six-man recompression chambers and a three-man diving bell. It possesses the capability to execute submarine rescue operations and train saturation divers.
 
This marks the ship's continued engagement with the Sri Lanka Navy, aligning with India's 'Neighborhood First' policy for capacity building in neighboring nations. The vessel had previously visited Trincomalee in September 2019 and March 2022 for similar training initiatives..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Odisha

---

* Nuakhai Juhar is an agricultural harvest festival mainly observed by the people of Western Odisha.

* It is celebrated on the fifth day of the lunar fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September), the day after the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

* This year (2023), it is being celebrated on September 20.

* Nuakhai is a time of great joy and celebration for the people of Odisha.

* It is a time to give thanks for the new harvest and to celebrate their culture and heritage.

Correct Answer :   United States Army

---

* The Indian Army and the United States Army will co-host the 13th  Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference.

* It is a 3 day conference of Chiefs of Armies and delegates of 35 countries in New Delhi from 25th to 27th September 2023.

* Theme of 2023 :  is “Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.”

* Aim :  To promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region through mutual understanding, and friendship amongst the littoral partners..


Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   ICGS Samudra Prahari

---

The Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari, a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, is currently on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries from 11 Sep to 14 Oct 2023.

* This deployment is part of India's ASEAN initiatives for Marine Pollution Response, showcasing the Pollution Response capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and its commitment to addressing marine pollution issues and enhancing capacity in the region.

* The ship is equipped with a Chetak Helicopter in Pollution Response configuration, enhancing its capabilities in this area. This initiative was announced by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh during the ASEAN Defence Minister Meeting Plus meeting in Cambodia in November 2022.

* During this deployment, the ship is scheduled to make port calls in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, and Jakarta. It will demonstrate the ICG's pollution response capabilities and its dedication to collaborative efforts for marine pollution response.

* As part of an overseas exchange program, the ship has embarked 13 NCC cadets to participate in "Puneet Sagar Abhiyan," an international outreach program focused on beach clean-ups and similar activities in coordination with partner nations.

* This visit holds significant importance in strengthening bilateral relationships with key maritime agencies, including the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre and BAKAMLA (Indonesia Maritime Security Agency). These relationships have evolved over the years to ensure the safety, security, and cleanliness of the seas in the region. Engagements with senior officials and personnel from these agencies during the visit will further enhance regional safety and security.

* The visit's agenda includes professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, planning and tabletop exercises, joint exercises, as well as official and social engagements including visits to capacity-building facilities.

* The visit of ICGS Samudra Prahari to ASEAN countries reinforces India's continuous efforts to foster friendly relations through maritime cooperation. This aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, known as "SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region," which seeks to unite the region. It also echoes the Indian government's theme during its G20 Presidency: "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" – One Earth, One Family, One Future..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   DRDO

---

DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) has developed P7 Heavy Drop System which is capable of para dropping military stores up to 7-ton weight class from IL 76 aircraft.

This system is fully indigenous and being manufactured by L&T who makes the platform system, parachutes manufactured by Ordnance Factory, DRDO said.

This system has been made under the Make in India programme.

"As part of mandatory requirement prior to accord Bulk Production Clearance (BPC), joint team of Indian Army, IAF and ADRDE conducted validation Trials at Agra today, on two systems, which were dropped from IL76 ac from an altitude of 600 mtrs at 280 kmph speed.

The store landed safely with the help of cluster of five large size parachutes (750 sqm each)," according to a release by DRDO.

The system would be a force multiplier for armed forces, while enabling the rapid delivery of combat store in the far flung inaccessible areas.

"The system has been manufactured with 100 per cent indigenous ferrous/non ferrous materials. Engineering textiles for Parachutes have been developed with the latest combination of Fluorocarbon and Silicon treatment to provide water/oil repellency and improved abrasion resistance"..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   Indian Army

---

The Defence Ministry has cleared the proposal of buying a regiment of "Pralay Tactical Ballistic Missiles" for the Indian Army which can strike targets at 150–500 km. It is the first time that a ballistic missile will be inducted into the services for conventional operations, according to senior defence officials.

The Pralay missiles are currently being mass-produced and are expected to be ready for operational service soon, the officials added.

As per information, the acquisition of these missiles is part of a broader strategy to develop a strategic rocket force, a concept advocated by Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat.

This development comes after the recent remarks of Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, who said General Rawat had been working on the creation of a rocket force to counter enemies on the border.

The missile was successfully tested twice on two consecutive days last December, and the forces have been working towards its acquisition and induction ever since.

The Pralay missiles, propelled by a solid-propellant rocket motor and other novel technologies, are expected to provide a substantial boost to the Indian Army's offensive capabilities..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Indonesia

---

Indonesia kicked off the first joint military drills by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc on Batam island on 19 September 2023 amid rising maritime tension with China in the South China Sea region.

The five-day ASEAN Solidarity Exercise-01 Natuna (ASEX-01N) exercise, will be held at Indonesia’s Natuna Islands near the South China Sea. Military personnel from all ASEAN member countries, including East Timor will participate.

The non-combat drills are aimed at cooperation and strengthening strategic partnership among the member countries, Indonesia military chief Yudo Margono told reporters at the opening ceremony.

The drills come amidst rising tension with China after Beijing released a map in August with a “10-dash line” showing what appeared to be an expansion of the area it considers its territory in the South China Sea. Several ASEAN members rejected the map..

Source : AIR