Hello readers…Certainly! Our Current Affairs Digest is designed to keep you well-informed and up-to-date with the most significant events and developments happening around the world. It serves as a comprehensive source of curated information, presenting a wide range of topics such as politics, economics, science, technology, culture, sports, and more.
Q1.Who organized India’s first Lighthouse Festival?
- Indian Navy
- Ministry of Tourism
- National Institute of Oceanography
- Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships
Ans:-4)Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships
- On September 23, Goa witnessed a momentous occasion with the inauguration of India’s inaugural lighthouse festival. Orchestrated by the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, this festival is a pivotal step towards revitalizing 75 lighthouses across the nation, aiming to elevate them into vibrant tourist destinations.
- Taking place from September 23 to 25, the Indian Lighthouse Festival in Goa holds great cultural and historical significance. It commenced with a grand opening ceremony at the renowned Fort Aguada Lighthouse in Panjim, Goa. Spearheaded by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the event unfolded against the backdrop of this historic structure, known for its storied past and breathtaking panoramas.
Q2.What milestone did India achieve in regards to sanitation?
- 50% of villages declared ODF Plus status
- 75% of villages declared ODF Plus status
- All villages in India declared ODF Plus status
- None of the above
Ans:-2)75% of villages declared ODF Plus status
- India’s Minister for Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, recently announced a significant achievement in the country’s sanitation efforts. He reported that 75% of Indian villages, totaling about 4.4 lakh, have attained the coveted ‘Open Defecation Free Plus’ (ODF Plus) status. This milestone signifies a crucial step toward fulfilling the goals of the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin by 2024-25.
- An ‘ODF Plus’ village is one that has not only maintained its Open Defecation Free (ODF) status but has also successfully implemented either solid or liquid waste management systems.
- Out of the 4,43,964 ODF Plus villages, the breakdown is as follows: 2,92,497 villages are categorized as ‘ODF Plus Aspiring’ with arrangements for either solid waste or liquid waste management systems. 55,549 villages fall under ‘ODF Plus Rising’ with arrangements for both solid and liquid waste management. 96,018 villages have achieved the status of ‘ODF Plus Model,’ demonstrating comprehensive waste management systems.
Q3.World’s Second Largest Hindu Temple Outside India To Be Inaugurated In US
1.True
2. False
Ans:-1)True
- In a momentous occasion for devotees of Hinduism and admirers of art and culture, the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, is poised for inauguration on October 8, 2023, under the spiritual guidance of Mahant Swami Maharaj.
- This monumental temple, constructed outside of India, is set to become the second-largest Hindu temple globally, second only to the grandeur of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. With its intricate design, profound spiritual significance, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, the Swaminarayan Akshardham stands as a testament to human devotion, tradition, and artistic brilliance.
- Spanning an impressive 255ft x 345ft x 191ft, the New Jersey Akshardham temple is likely the second-largest temple in the world, trailing only behind Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. The temple complex boasts a central shrine, 12 sub-shrines, nine shikhars (spire-like structures), and nine pyramidal shikhars, featuring the largest elliptical dome ever constructed using traditional stone architecture.
Q4.How many new air routes is Arunachal Pradesh set to gain by October?
- Two
- Three
- Four
- Five
Ans:-2)Three
- Union Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, has recently announced the forthcoming launch of three additional air routes in Arunachal Pradesh, expected to be operational by October this year.
- Under the UDAN-5 scheme, these new routes will establish connections between Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, and Rupsi, Jorhat, and Delhi. This expansion of air routes is poised to greatly benefit the residents of Arunachal Pradesh by rendering travel more convenient.
- The Tezu airport, having undergone substantial upgrades, will play a central role in facilitating these new air connections. UDAN, an acronym for Ude Desh ka Aam Nagarik, is a regional connectivity initiative aimed at improving aviation accessibility for the general public.
- This development follows the inauguration of enhanced infrastructure at the Tezu airport in Lohit district.
Q5.Where is the “Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve” located?
- Assam
- Madhya Pradesh
- Rajasthan
- Tamil Nadu
Ans:-2)Madhya Pradesh
- The Madhya Pradesh Government has officially inaugurated the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, marking the seventh tiger reserve in the state and the 54th in the country. Encompassing regions in Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts of Madhya Pradesh, it spans an extensive area of 2,339 square kilometers. This reserve integrates sections from the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Additionally, plans are underway to establish a green corridor linking the Panna Tiger Reserve with Durgavati, facilitating the natural movement of tigers to the new reserve. Out of the total area, approximately 1,414 square kilometers have been designated as the core zone, with an additional 925.12 square kilometers forming the buffer zone. Madhya Pradesh proudly maintains its status as the “tiger state,” with the 2022 census reporting an increase in the big cat population to 785, up from 526 in 2018.
Q6.What recent policy did India introduce to uphold the dignity of Border Roads workers?
- Border Security Enhancement Policy
- Dignity Assurance Policy for Border Road Workers
- Border Roads Workers’ Rights Act
- India’s Dignity at Borders Initiative
Ans:-2)Dignity Assurance Policy for Border Road Workers
- India has recently introduced a pioneering policy to honor the lives of casual workers employed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure in remote frontiers. Approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, this policy not only addresses the handling and transportation of deceased individuals but also increases the provision for funeral expenses. This move underscores the hazardous conditions in which these individuals carry out their work in challenging terrains.
- Previously, the benefit of government-funded preservation and transportation of mortal remains was exclusively available to the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) personnel of BRO. However, acknowledging the invaluable contribution of casual laborers, this policy now extends this privilege to them as well.
Q7.Who inaugurated the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 Exhibition?
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
- Home Minister Amit Shah
- Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar
Ans:-2)Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to inaugurate the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition at Hindan Air Base in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Alongside the exhibition, he will officiate the formal induction of the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force. This procurement stems from a Rs 21,935-crore agreement between New Delhi and Airbus Defence and Space, inked two years ago.
- Airbus is tasked with delivering the initial batch of 16 C-295 transport aircraft in a ‘fly-away’ condition from its final assembly line in Seville, with anticipated completion by 2025. An industrial collaboration between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India will oversee the subsequent manufacturing and assembly of the remaining 40 aircraft.
Q8.Where will the 19th edition of YUDH ABHYAS be conducted?
- Nevada, USA
- Alaska, USA
- Hawaii, USA
- California, USA
Ans:-2)Alaska, USA
- The 19th edition of YUDH ABHYAS is poised to kick off in Alaska, USA. This annual joint exercise involves collaboration between the Indian Army and the US Army, with the primary objective of bolstering military cooperation and preparedness. The Indian Army contingent, comprised of 350 personnel, will actively participate in this edition, led by the esteemed MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment.
- Throughout YUDH ABHYAS, both sides will partake in a series of tactical maneuvers aimed at refining their interoperability, particularly in the context of UN peacekeeping missions. The exercise will serve as a platform for the exchange of perspectives and the sharing of best practices across a wide spectrum of combat skills.
Q9.What is Apple’s plan for production in India over the next 4-5 years?
- $4 billion
- $20 billion
- $40 billion
- $400 billion
Ans:-3) $40 billion
- Apple, the renowned manufacturer of iPhones, is preparing for a substantial expansion of its manufacturing operations in India. Government sources indicate that the company is aiming to increase its production in the country by more than fivefold, projecting to reach around $40 billion (approximately 3.32 lakh crore) within the next 4-5 years.
- This ambitious endeavor comes on the heels of Apple’s successful achievement of crossing the $7 billion production milestone in the previous fiscal year. In addition to iPhones, Apple is set to initiate the production of AirPods in India. However, it seems that the company does not presently have immediate plans to manufacture iPads, laptops, or engage in IT hardware Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
- As per the insights from market research firm Counterpoint Research, Apple currently commands an impressive 59 percent market share in the ultra-premium smartphone segment (phones priced above Rs 45,000) during the first quarter of 2023. India has emerged as one of the top-five markets for Apple, underscoring its burgeoning influence and market presence in the country.
Q10.Who has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ICICI Lombard?
- Sanjeev Mantri
- Chanda Kochhar
- Rakesh Sharma
- Sandeep Bakhshi
Ans:-1)Sanjeev Mantri
- Following a notable leadership transition, the board of ICICI Lombard General Insurance has designated Sanjeev Mantri as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of the company. This decision comes after the resignation of Bhargav Dasgupta, the outgoing MD & CEO, who departed before completing his 15-year tenure due to recent regulatory alterations.
- Sanjeev Mantri became a part of ICICI Lombard in 2015, initially serving as the Executive Director. In this role, he oversaw various retail divisions and played a pivotal role in distribution across diverse channels. His adept leadership played a crucial role in the company’s successful listing, underscoring his proficiency in the insurance sector.
- With nearly three decades of experience, Mantri brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. Before his time at ICICI Lombard, he held pivotal positions at esteemed organizations like Bennett Coleman and Co. and BNP Paribas. His diverse background in the financial sector has equipped him with a profound understanding of the intricacies of the industry.
