Daily Current Affairs October 04

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs October 04. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing  Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly  current affairs pdf.

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October 04| Daily Current Affairs 2023

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs October 04

1. When is World Space Week celebrated annually?
A) February 14-20
B) June 1-7
C) October 4-10
D) November 11-17
E) December 25-31
Answer: C) October 4-10

• From 4-10 October World Space Week will be celebrated to highlight the contributions of space science and technology
• The theme of World Space Week 2023 is “Space and Entrepreneurship”.
• The first man-made artificial satellite Sputnik 1 was placed into a low earth orbit on 4 October 1957.
• Exactly ten years later, a treaty on the peaceful use of outer space was introduced and signed by UNO on 10 October 1967.
• World Space Week Established in 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly,

National Wildlife Week 2023

• Celebrations of the 69th edition of National Wildlife Week, an annual event, commenced at the National Zoological Park on October 2 and will go on until October 8.
• This year’s theme “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation”
• National Wildlife Week’s history dates back to 1952 when the Indian Board of Wildlife conceived the concept as a means to raise awareness about the long-term objectives of safeguarding India’s wildlife.
• Originally observed as Wildlife Day in 1955, it later evolved into a week-long event in 1957.

World Animal Day

• World Animal Day, sometimes referred to as World Animal Welfare Day or World Animal Protection Day, is an annual event that aims to celebrate animal rights and welfare around the world
• World Animal Day is an annual event that is celebrated around the world on October 4.
• The theme of World Animal Day 2023 is “Big or small, we love them all”.
• Heinrich Zimmermann, a writer and editor of the German publication Man and Dog, came up with the concept for World Animal Day.
• On March 24, 1925, Zimmermann planned the inaugural World Animal Day event at the Sports Palace in Berlin, Germany. Records show that at than 5,000 people attended the occasion. Zimmermann devoted countless hours to advancing World Animal Day.
• At a Congress of the International Animal Protection Congress in Florence, Italy, in May 1931, his proposal to recognize October 4 as World Animal Day was overwhelmingly approved and enacted as a resolution.
• The World Animal Day website was introduced in 2003 by the UK-based animal protection organization Naturewatch Foundation in an effort to expand the event’s audience
• The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), a statutory body of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India celebrated the World Animal Day 2023 at New Delhi
• The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala and the Minister of State of Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Dr. Sanjeev Balyan graced the occasion. Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner and Dr. O.P. Chaudhary, Chairman AWBI were also present.
• The details of the Awardees who were conferred the awards in various categories are as given below:-

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

• Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign observed in October.
• The primary objective of this month-long campaign is to raise awareness about breast cancer, promote early detection, support those affected by the disease, and raise funds for research, prevention, and treatment.
• In 1985, “National Breast Cancer Awareness Month” (NBCAM) was created as a collaborative effort between the American Academy of Family Physicians, AstraZeneca Healthcare Foundation, CancerCare, Inc., and a variety of other sponsors to raise awareness and gain funding for research for a cure

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs October 04

2. What has the State Bank of India (SBI) launched to enhance accessibility and convenience for its financial inclusion customers?
A) A new credit card
B) A digital wallet
C) A mobile banking app
D) A ‘Mobile Handheld Device’
E) A cryptocurrency platform
Answer: D) A ‘Mobile Handheld Device’

• State Bank of India has unveiled a ‘mobile handheld device’ for its financial inclusion customers for enhancing accessibility and convenience in availing banking services such as cash withdrawal, cash deposit, fund transfer, balance inquiry and mini statement.
• The device will bring kiosk banking directly to customer’s doorstep
• In its first phase, the device will provide five core banking services that account for 75 percent of transactions conducted at CSP outlets.
• The initiative will particularly benefit customers who face challenges in accessing CSP outlets due to health issues, senior citizens and Divyangjans (persons with disabilities)

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3. What is the name of the digital banking app introduced by IndusInd Bank, which includes multiple industry-first offerings?
A) INDIGO
B) INDIE
C) INDUS
D) INDIA Bank
E) INDUSION
Answer: B) INDIE

• IndusInd Bank introduced a hyper-personalized financial super-app named ‘INDIE’
  INDIE is a new mobile banking app from IndusInd Bank that offers a completely differentiated experience to customers who are digitally savvy and looking for a superlative digital experience.
• The app leverages advanced analytics to provide personalized insights to its customers.
• The app offers many industry first features including ultra flexible products that users can personalize as per their needs.
• The app aims to usher in a revolutionary new way to bank and make finance easier, safer and much more engaging than traditional banking apps
• For instance, INDIE offers an instant line of credit of up toRs. 5 lakh which is ultra flexible unlike a standard personal loan.
• This app also offers the most transparent rewards program, that allows its customers the flexibility to choose their preferred brands out of top ecommerce brands earn upto 3 percent rewards per Rs. 100 spend (1 reward point valued at ₹1) on brands of their choice.
• At the same time, INDIE also offers the best of IndusInd Bank such as choice of account number, a high-interest-bearing savings account which provides upto to 6.75 percent p.a. return, fixed deposits that offer exclusive returns of up to 7.85 percent p.a.

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4. Karnataka Bank recently introduced three variants of savings accounts under the corporate salary category. What are the names of these savings account variants?
A) KBL Sal Elite, KBL Sal Vantage, KBL Sal Prestige
B) KBL Sal Deluxe, KBL Sal Elegance, KBL Sal Premier
C) KBL Sal Ultimate, KBL Sal Eminent, KBL Sal Prestige
D) KBL Sal Delite, KBL Sal Prestige, KBL Sal Elite
E) KBL Sal Ultimate, KBL Sal Delite, KBL Sal Pride
Answer: E) KBL Sal Ultimate, KBL Sal Delite, KBL Sal Pride

• The Karnataka Bank launched three variants of savings account under the corporate salary category viz. KBL Sal Ultimate, KBL Sal Delite, and KBL Sal Pride.
• These variants are designed to meet the financial needs and aspirations of salaried employees under corporate category.
• The account holders will get personal accident insurance cover of ₹50 lakh. The premium debit card also gives customers an access to international and domestic airport lounges and meets the customer aspirations on wellness and lifestyle.
• The zero balance savings accounts for salaried professionals also covers the features like concession in processing charges on housing, personal and vehicle loans, hospital cash benefits up to ₹60,000 and jewellery insurance up to ₹2 lakh

KBL Sal Ultimate

• Gross Salary >= ₹1,00,000
• 100% Concession On Processing Charges For Retail Loans
• Domestic Airport Lounge 2 Per Calendar Quarter & 2 International Lounge Access Per Year
• Personal Accident Insurance cover (Accident Death or Permanent Disability) upto ₹ 50,00,000/
• No Minimum Balance
• Preventive Health Care Check-Up Upto ₹ 1,500/-
• ₹ 1,000 Per Day Cash Back On Hospitalization For Accident/Illness For 60 Days Upto ₹ 60,000/-
• 20% Concession On Locker Rent Upto A Maximum Cap Of ₹ 750/-
• OTT: 1 Complementary 12 Months Amazon Prime Or Hot Star Membership Or Sony Liv Membership For 6 Months
• Jewellery Insurance Upto ₹ 2 Lakhs
• 1 Free Golf Lesson/ Round Per Year
• Free Rupay NCMC Select International Debit Card

KBL Sal Delite

• Gross Salary >= ₹50,000 &< ₹1,00,000
• 50% Concession On Processing Charges For Retail Loans
• Domestic Airport Lounge 2 Per Calendar Quarter & 2 International Lounge Access Per Year
• Personal Accident Insurance cover (Accident Death or Permanent Disability) upto ₹ 50,00,000/-
• No Minimum Balance
• ₹ 1,000 Per Day Cash Back On Hospitalization For Accident/Illness For 30 Days Upto ₹ 30,000/-
• One Premium Health Check-Up
• 15% Concession On Locker Rent Upto A Maximum Cap Of ₹ 500/-
• OTT: 1 Complementary 12 Months Amazon Prime Or Hot Star Membership Or Sony Liv Membership For 6 Months
• Jewellery Insurance Upto ₹ 2 Lakhs
• 1 Free Golf Lesson/ Round Per Year
• Free Rupay NCMC Select International Debit Card

KBL Sal Pride

• Gross Salary >= ₹20,000 &< ₹50,000
• 50% Concession On Processing Charges For Retail Loans
• Domestic Airport Lounge 1 Per Calendar Quarter & 1 International Lounge Access Per Year
• Personal Accident Insurance cover (Accident Death or Permanent Disability) upto ₹ 2,00,000/-
• No Minimum Balance
• 10% Concession On Locker Rent Upto A Maximum Cap Of ₹ 300/-
• Jewellery Insurance Upto ₹ 2 Lakhs
• Monthly 20% Discount On Swiggy Orders, With Max. ₹ 100 Per Card, For Min. Transactions On Fridays.
• Free Rupay NCMC Platinum International Debit Card

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5. PepsiCo has collaborated with which digital payment platform to offer cashback promotions?
A) Apple Pay
B) PayPal
C) Paytm
D) Samsung Pay
E) Google Pay
Answer: E) Google Pay

• PepsiCo India has partnered with Google Pay to offer cashback offer for this festival season.
• Google Pay users will get cashbacks of upto ₹30 on purchase of select Lay’s, Kurkure, and Doritos packs .
• In line with these trends, PepsiCo India, in collaboration with Google Pay has introduced a cashback offer on the purchase of Lay’s, Kurkure and Doritos. To avail the benefit, users can simply find the promo code inside the pack and redeem it on the Google Pay App.
• Once the code is claimed, users can enjoy cashback of up to ₹20 and ₹30 (on purchase of packs with ₹20 and ₹30, respectively)

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6. The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) partnered with which international financial institution to establish the India-Japan Fund with a capital of USD 600 million?
A) Asian Development Bank (ADB)
B) World Bank
C) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
D) Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)
E) China Development Bank (CDB)
Answer: D) Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)

• The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund has entered into a collaboration with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to launch a USD 600 million India-Japan Fund.
• The fund will have JBIC and Government of India as anchor investors.
• It will focus on investing in environmental sustainability and low carbon emission strategies and aims to play the role of being a ‘partner of choice’ to further enhance Japanese investments into India
• The announcement marks NIIF’s first bilateral fund, with GoI contributing 49 per cent of the target corpus and the remaining 51 per cent contributed by JBIC.
• The fund will be managed by NIIF Limited (NIIFL), and JBIC IG (a subsidiary of JBIC) will support NIIFL in promoting Japanese investments in India
• The setting up of the India-Japan Fund represents a key milestone in the strategic and economic partnership between the Japanese government and GoI.
• The Rs 40,000-crore NIIF was set up in December 2015 as an institution for enhancing infrastructure financing by investing in greenfield (new), brownfield (existing) and stalled projects.
• The fund was set up as Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF). NIIF manages three funds with distinct strategies — Master Fund, Fund of Funds and Strategic Opportunities Fund.

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs October 04

7. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has partnered with which British retail giant to assist in its digital transformation and implement a new organization-wide IT operating model?
A) Tesco
B) Sainsbury’s
C) Marks & Spencer
D) Morrisons
E) Asda
Answer: E) Asda

• Tata Consultancy Services has entered into a multi-year partnership with British retail giant Asda to facilitate its digital transformation and implement a new organisation-wide IT operating model, following its separation from Walmart.
• This collaboration will leverage TCS’ expertise in cloud, AI, and security solutions to secure the divestiture process for ASDA.
• TCS will also work towards enhancing ASDA’s customer experience and innovation capabilities.
• TCS would establish a new digital core by deploying multiple cloud-based ERP platforms, streamlining Asda’s supply chain forecasting, buying and merchandising processes, HR operations, warehouse management, and e-commerce procedures. Additionally, TCS will utilise its Machine First™ Delivery Model to automate the retailer’s IT operations.

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs October 04

8. Who has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) with effect from October 3, 2023?
A) Raghuram Rajan
B) Muneesh Kapur
C) Urjit Patel
D) Shaktikanta Das
E) Subbarao Duvvuri
Answer: B) Muneesh Kapur

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Muneesh Kapur as Executive Director (ED) with effect from October 3, 2023.
• Prior to being promoted as ED, Kapur was Adviser-in-Charge, Monetary Policy Department and Secretary to the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).
• In his new role, he will look after the Department of Economic and Policy Research.
• Over a span of nearly three decades in the Reserve Bank, Kapur has worked in the areas of macroeconomic policy and research and monetary policy in Department of Economic Policy and Research and Monetary Policy Department in RBI
• He also served as Adviser to Executive Director, International Monetary Fund during 2012-15.

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9. Who recently took charge as the Executive Director of SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India)?
A) Shri Sanjay Gupta
B) Shri Biranchi Narayan Sahoo
C) Shri Rajesh Sharma
D) Shri Arvind Patel
E) Shri Amit Mishra
Answer: B) Shri Biranchi Narayan Sahoo

• Shri Biranchi Narayan Sahoo took charge as Executive Director, Securities and Exchange Board of India in Mumbai
• He will handle Corporation Finance Investigation Department (CFID).
• Prior to his promotion as Executive Director, Shri Sahoo was Chief General Manager in SEBI and h as handled several assignments in SEBI since joining in 1996. Shri Sahoo has in the past served in various Departments including Investigations Department (IVD), Investment Management Department (IMD), Corporation Finance Department (CFD), Human Resources Department (HRD), Market Intermediaries Regulation and Supervision Department (MIRSD) and Eastern Regional Office (ERO).
• Shri Sahoo is a Cost Accountant from the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) and holds a Bachelor Degree in Science from Utkal University.

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10. Who has been named as the ‘Global Ambassador’ for the ICC (International Cricket Council) ODI World Cup?
A) Virat Kohli
B) Ricky Ponting
C) M.S. Dhoni
D) Sachin Tendulkar
E) Jacques Kallis
Answer: D) Sachin Tendulkar

• The International Cricket Council named legendary Sachin Tendulkar as the ‘Global Ambassador’ for the Cricket World Cup 2023, beginning in Ahmedabad.
• Sachin, who featured in a record six 50-over World Cups will be unveiling the World Cup trophy before the inaugural clash between England and New Zealand, officially opening the tournament
• The biggest Cricket World Cup ever will also have West Indies legend Vivian Richards, South Africa’s AB de Villiers, England World Cup-winning skipper Eoin Morgan, Australia’s Aaron Finch, Sri Lankan spin great Muttiah Muralitharan, New Zealand’s Ross Taylor, India’s Suresh Raina and Mithali Raj, and Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez as the ICC ambassadors.

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs October 04

11. The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to scientists Moungi Bawendi, Louis Brus, and Alexei Ekimov for what groundbreaking contribution?
A) Advancements in genetic engineering
B) Discovery and synthesis of quantum dots
C) Development of efficient solar cells
D) Pioneering work in nanotechnology
E) Contributions to superconductivity
Answer: B) Discovery and synthesis of quantum dots

• Scientists Moungi Bawendi, Louis Brus and Alexei Ekimov won the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for “the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots”
• Nanoparticles and quantum dots are used in LED-lights and TV-screens and can also be used to guide surgeons while removing cancer tissue.
• Bawendi is a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Brus is professor emeritus at Columbia University and Ekimov works for Nanocrystals Technology Inc.
• Brus was hired by AT&T Bell Labs in 1972 where he spent 23 years, devoting much of the time to studying nanocrystals.
• Bawendi was born in Paris and grew up in France, Tunisia, and the U.S. Bawendi did his postdoctoral research under Brus then joined MIT in 1990 and became professor in 1996.
• Ekimov was born in the Soviet Union worked for the Vavilov State Optical Institute before moving to the United States.
• In 1999, Ekimov was named chief scientist at Nanocrystals Technology Inc.
• Established in the will of Swedish dynamite inventor and chemist Alfred Nobel, the prizes for achievements in science, literature and peace have been awarded since 1901 with a few interruptions, primarily due to the world wars.
• Last year’s chemistry award went to scientists Carolyn Bertozzi, Morten Meldal and Barry Sharpless for pioneering work in “click chemistry”, discovering reactions that let molecules snap together to create new compounds.

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12. The Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) was honored with which prestigious award in 2023 for their outstanding efforts in promoting inclusivity for differently-abled sports-persons in traditional sports?
A) Bharat Ratna
B) Padma Shri
C) Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna
D) Mahatma Award 2023
E) Arjuna Award
Answer: D) Mahatma Award 2023

• The Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) has been conferred with the prestigious “Mahatma Award 2023” for their exemplary contribution to promoting inclusivity for differently-abled sports-persons in traditional sports
• The award was presented to Ms Roma Balwani CEO of IDCA and Ms Reena Jain Malhotra, Patron of IDCA, on the eve of the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi.
• Team members from the IDCA women’s league were also present at the ceremony
  IDCA has been breaking down barriers for differently-abled sportspersons by providing a platform for hearing-impaired individuals to showcase their talent in cricket.
• Formed in 2020, closely works with the ICC to promote cricket amongst deaf cricketers globally. It is engaged in organising matches at the national and international level.
• The Mahatma Award is conferred to organisations for accomplished and influential social and community initiatives.
• It acknowledges remarkable contributions in diverse fields such as sustainability, philanthropy, shared value, and corporate social responsibility.
• Moreover, it recognizes those who use their literary and creative genius to bring social consciousness to the forefront. Founded and instituted by Philanthropist Mr Amit Sachdeva, also known as ‘The CSR Man of India’, the annual award is supported by the Aditya Birla Group and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs October 04

13. India recently signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Dominican Republic. What specific areas do these MoUs cover?
A) Space exploration and agricultural cooperation
B) Education and cultural exchange
C) Ocean sciences and medical product regulation
D) Military alliance and cybersecurity
E) Economic trade and tourism promotion
Answer: C) Ocean sciences and medical product regulation

• India signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) in ocean sciences and medical product regulation with Dominican Republic.
• The MoUs were signed during a meeting between Raquel Pena Rodriguez, the Vice President of Dominican Republic, and India’s Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar in the national capital.
• The two leaders also held discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in diverse sectors including trade, pharmaceuticals, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), agriculture, food processing, space, higher education, capacity building, Ayurveda and Yoga.
• Dominican Republic is an important partner of India in the Latin America and Caribbean region
• Notably, the two nations established diplomatic relations on 04 May 1999

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs October 04

14. Who inaugurated the 4th EMRS National Cultural & Literary Fest and Kala Utsav-2023?
A) Narendra Modi
B) Arvind Kejriwal
C) Arjun Munda
D) Rahul Gandhi
E) Amit Shah
Answer: C) Arjun Munda

• Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda inaugurated the 4th EMRS National Cultural & Literary Fest and Kala Utsav- 2023, in the presence of Chief Minister, Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, at Dehradun.
• The event has been organized by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) under Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and hosted by Eklavya Vidyalaya Sangathan Samiti (EVSS), Uttarakhand at Maharana Pratap Sports College, Dehradun.
• The Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) Cultural Fest provides tribal students a national platform to showcase their hidden talents in different spheres.
• The four-day event (3rd – 6th October) this year would witness performances from over 2000 tribal students from 22 States.
• More than 20 events will be organized in this fest, from dance and song performances to quiz and visual arts etc. Stalls from different States have been arranged to showcase tribal cultural displays

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15. Which organization handed over the first LCA Tejas twin-seater aircraft to the Indian Air Force?
A) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
B) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
C) Indian Railways
D) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
E) Tata Motors
Answer: D) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited handed over the first LCA Tejas twin-seater aircraft to the Indian Air Force.
• The twin-seater variant has all the capabilities to support training requirements of IAF and augments itself to the role of fighter as well
• The LCA Tejas twin-seater is a light-weight all-weather multi-role 4.5 generation aircraft.
• It is an amalgamation of contemporary concepts and technologies such as relaxed static stability, quadraplex fly-by-wire flight control, carefree manoeuvering, advanced glass cockpit, integrated digital avionics systems and advanced composite materials for the airframe
• HAL has an order of 18 twin-seaters from IAF and is planning to deliver eight of them during 2023-24.
• The remaining 10 would be delivered progressively by 2026-27.
• LCA-Tejas is the ”largest” R&D programme ever undertaken in India
  It made its maiden flight during 2001
• The LCA – Tejas MK 1 A – is equipped with an indigenously developed Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missile, modern Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite, and Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) capabilities, making it a formidable addition to the IAF’s fleet.
• IAF had earlier placed orders for 20 IOC standard aircraft and 20 FOC standard aircraft, including eight twin seater trainers. Thirty two Mk-1 single seater aircrafts have already been inducted by the IAF.
• In 2021, the Defence Ministry had signed a ₹48,000 crore deal with HAL to supply 83 LCA-Mk1A, a more capable fighter than the current LCA-MK1 in service.
• As per contract, three LCA-MK1A are scheduled to be delivered to the IAF in February 2024 and 16

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16. How much has the Centre increased the subsidy for cooking gas cylinders for the poor, as announced in August?
A) ₹50 per unit
B) ₹100 per unit
C) ₹150 per unit
D) ₹200 per unit
E) ₹300 per unit
Answer: E) ₹300 per unit

• Union Minister Anurag Thakur announced that the government had raised the subsidy amount for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries from ₹200 to ₹300 per LPG cylinder.
• Ujjwala beneficiaries currently pay ₹703 per 14.2-kg cylinder as against the market price of ₹903. After the decision of the Union Cabinet, they will now pay ₹603
• The Union Cabinet had last month approved the extension of PMUY for release of 75 lakh LPG connections over three years from financial year 2023-24 to 2025-26.
• The 75 lakh additional Ujjwala connections will take total number of PMUY beneficiaries to 10.35 crore.

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17. Which Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh received Geographical Indication (GI) tags for products including Yak churpi, Khamti rice, and Tangsa textile?
A) Himachal Pradesh
B) Sikkim
C) Arunachal Pradesh
D) Assam
E) Nagaland
Answer: C) Arunachal Pradesh

• Arunachal Pradesh has been awarded the geographical indication (GI) tag for Khamti rice, Yak churpi from Tawang and Tangsa textile by the GI Registry in Chennai
• Khamti rice is a variety of sticky rice produced in Namsai district. It is known for its taste.
• Churpi is a cheese product widely consumed in the Himalayan region of India, Nepal and Bhutan. In Arunachal Pradesh, it is largely produced in Tawang district.
• Textile products of Tangsa tribe of Changlang district are famous for their exotic designs and colours.
• NABARD has extended financial support for GI registration of 18 indigenous products from the state in various sectors ranging from textiles to food and agricultural produce.
• ‘Rasabali’, a famous sweet dish of Odisha’s Kendrapara district, has received geographical indication (GI), giving a boost to sweet makers.
• The Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai, under the ministry of commerce and industry on Tuesday accorded the GI tag to the sweet dish, which is popularly known as ‘Kendrapara Rasabali.’
• ‘Kendrapara Rasabali Mistanna Nirmata Sangha’ and the rural infrastructure development and employment department had applied for GI tag for ‘Rasabali’ and submitted supporting documents to the registry.

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18. What recent decision did the Cabinet make regarding the Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal-II under the Inter State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956, in response to a request from the State of Telangana?
A) Cabinet approved additional funding for the tribunal’s operations.
B) Cabinet dissolved the tribunal and transferred the case to a different authority.
C) Cabinet approved the Terms of Reference for the tribunal.
D) Cabinet issued a directive to expedite the tribunal’s proceedings.
E) Cabinet rejected the State of Telangana’s request.
Answer: C) Cabinet approved the Terms of Reference for the tribunal

• The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the issue of further Terms of Reference (ToR) to the existing Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II) under section 5(1) of the ISRWD Act for its adjudication between the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh (AP).
• This is based on receipt of the legal opinion and in light thereof on the issues raised by Government of Telangana (GoT) in their complaint under section (3) of the Inter State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956.
• The resolution of dispute between the two States on the use, distribution or control of Krishna river waters will open new avenues of growth in both the States of Telangana and AP and will be beneficial for the people of both these States, thus helping in building our country stronger.
• Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II was constituted by the Central Government on 02.04.2004 on requests made by the party States under Section 3 of the ISRWD Act, 1956.
• Subsequently, on 02.06.2014, Telangana, as a State of the Union of India, came into existence.
• As per section 89 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act (APRA), 2014, the tenure of the KWDT-II was extended to address the clauses (a) and (b) of the said section of APRA, 2014.
• Subsequently, Government of Telangana (GoT) forwarded a complaint on 14.07.2014 to the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), Govt. of India, referring the dispute on the use, distribution or control of Krishna river waters.
• A Writ Petition was also filed in the matter by GoT in the Hon’ble Supreme Court (SC) in 2015. In 2018, GoT further requested DoWR, RD & GR, MoJS to refer the complaint to the existing KWDT-II by confining the scope of reference between the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh only.
• The matter was later discussed in the 2nd Apex Council meeting in 2020 held under the Hon’ble Minister (Jal Shakti).
• As discussed during the 2nd Apex Council meeting, GoT withdrew the said Writ Petition in 2021 and subsequently, legal opinion of Ministry of Law & Justice (MoL&J) was sought by DoWR, RD & GR in the matter.

Cabinet approved Amendment to the Central Universities Act, 2009 for setting up of Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University in the State of Telangana

• The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave its approval for introduction in Parliament, a Bill, namely, the Central Universities (Amendment), Bill, 2023 further to amend the Central Universities Act, 2009 for setting up of Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University at Mulugu District in the State of Telangana as provided in the Thirteenth Schedule to the Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act, 2014 (no. 6 of 2014).
• There would be provision of funds of Rs. 889.07 crore.
• The new university will not only increase access and improve the quality of higher education in the State but also promote avenues of higher education and advance knowledge by providing instructional and research facilities in tribal art, culture and traditional knowledge system for the benefit of the tribal population in the State.
• This new university will also create additional capacity and will strive to remove regional imbalances.

Cabinet approves Revised Cost of completion of balance works of North Koel Reservoir Project in Bihar & Jharkhand

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs Chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to a proposal of Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti to complete the balance works of North Koel Reservoir Project at a revised Cost of Rs. 2,430.76 crore (central share: Rs.1,836.41 crore) as against the balance cost of Rs.1,622.27 crore (central share: Rs.1,378.60 crore) approved earlier in August, 2017.
• On completion of the balance works, project would provide additional annual irrigation to 42,301 ha in the four drought prone districts of Jharkhand and Bihar.
• North Koel Reservoir Project is an inter-State major irrigation project with command area lying in the two States of Bihar and Jharkhand.
• The project comprises a dam on North Koel river near Kutku village (District Latehar, Jharkhand), a barrage 96 km downstream of the dam (at Mohammadganj, District Palamu, Jharkhand), Right Main Canal (RMC) and Left Main Canal (LMC) taking off from the barrage.
• The Construction of dam and ancillary activities started in the year 1972 by Govt. of Bihar from its own resources. The work continued till 1993 and was stopped in that year by the Forest Department, Govt. of Bihar.

Cabinet approves tenancy regulations for 3 UTs

• The Union Cabinet has approved tenancy regulations for the Union territories of Andaman and Nicobar, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu to provide ”a legal framework” for creating an accountable and transparent ecosystem for renting premises
• The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a proposal for the promulgation of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Tenancy Regulation, 2023, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Tenancy Regulation, 2023 and Lakshadweep Tenancy Regulation, 2023 under Article 240 of the Constitution
• Article 240 empowers the president to make regulations for the Union territories.
• The regulations will provide a legal framework for creating an accountable and transparent ecosystem for renting premises in the Union territories by balancing the interests and rights of both the landlord and the tenant

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19. What recent action did the Government of India take regarding the turmeric industry?
A) Imposed a ban on turmeric exports
B) Announced a subsidy for turmeric farmers
C) Notified the establishment of the National Turmeric Board
D) Reduced the import duty on turmeric
E) Launched a national turmeric awareness campaign
Answer: C) Notified the establishment of the National Turmeric Board

• The Government of India notified the constitution of the National Turmeric Board. The National Turmeric Board will focus on the development and growth of turmeric and turmeric products in the country.
• The National Turmeric Board will provide leadership on turmeric related matters, augment the efforts, and facilitate greater coordination with Spices Board and other Government agencies in development and growth of the turmeric sector.
• There is significant potential and interest world over on the health and wellness benefits of turmeric, which the Board will leverage to further increase awareness and consumption, develop new markets internationally to increase exports, promote research and development into new products, and develop on our traditional knowledge for value-added turmeric products.
• The Board shall have a Chairperson to be appointed by the Central Government, members from the Ministry of AYUSH, Departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Commerce & Industry of the Union Government, senior State Government representatives from three states (on rotation basis), select national/state institutions involved in research, representatives of turmeric farmers and exporters, and have a Secretary to be appointed by the Department of Commerce.
• The leading export markets for Indian Turmeric are Bangladesh, UAE, USA and Malaysia. With the focused activities of the Board, it is expected that turmeric exports will reach USD 1 Billion by 2030.

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