Current Affairs

Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 at Indian Air Force airbase at Hindon in Ghaziabad

Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 will be co-hosted by the Indian Air Force and the Drone Federation of India at the Indian Air Force airbase at Hindon in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, on September 25, 2023.

  1. Drones are witnessing increased usage in both military and civil applications in India.
  2. The two-day event will feature over 50 live aerial demonstrations, showcasing various types of drones, including survey drones, agriculture drones, fire suppression drones, and tactical surveillance drones.
  3. More than 75 drone start-ups and corporates are expected to participate in the event.
  4. The event will also include the induction ceremony of the first C-295 MW transport aircraft, part of India’s acquisition of 56 Airbus C-295 aircraft to replace the Indian Air Force AVRO fleet.
  5. The acquisition of these aircraft is seen as a boost to the Make in India initiative.
  6. Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 is anticipated to draw approximately 5,000 attendees, including representatives from the Central government, state departments, public and private industries, armed forces, paramilitary forces, and friendly countries.
  7. The event aligns with India’s commitment to becoming a global drone hub by 2030.

Q.: When and where will Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 be co-hosted by the Indian Air Force and the Drone Federation of India?

a) New Delhi, India, in October 2023
b) Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, in September 2023
c) Mumbai, Maharashtra, in November 2023
d) Bengaluru, Karnataka, in August 2023

Anwer:b) Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, in September 2023

19th edition of YUDH ABHYAS in Alaska, USA from 25 September 2023

The 19th edition of YUDH ABHYAS is scheduled to take place in Alaska, USA from 25 September 2023.

  1. This exercise is conducted annually and is a joint effort between the Indian Army and the US Army.
  2. The Indian Army contingent for this edition consists of 350 personnel.
  3. The lead battalion representing India in this exercise is affiliated with the MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment.
  4. The primary focus of the exercise is to conduct tactical drills that enhance interoperability for UN peacekeeping operations.
  5. The exercise will also involve the exchange of views and best practices related to various combat skills, including combat engineering, obstruction clearance, and warfare involving mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Q.: Which infantry regiment is the lead battalion from the Indian side in the 19th edition of YUDH ABHYAS in Alaska, USA?

a) Rajputana Rifles
b) MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment
c) Punjab Regiment
d) Gurkha Rifles

Answer:b) MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment

India-UN Capacity Building Initiative for Global South

India and the United Nations have launched a joint capacity-building initiative called the “India-UN Capacity Building Initiative” on September 24, 2023. The objective of this initiative is to share India’s development experiences, best practices, and expertise with partner countries in the Global South through capacity building and training programs.

  1. The announcement of this initiative took place at the India-UN for the Global South event in New York.
  2. This initiative complements the existing “India-UN Development Partnership Fund,” which has executed 75 development projects in 61 countries over the past six years.
  3. The UN India team and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will collaborate as part of this initiative to utilize India’s Technical and Economic Cooperation platform. A Joint Declaration of Intent has been exchanged between the UN Resident Coordinator in India and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
  4. Additionally, this initiative will work towards achieving the development-related goals of India’s G20 Presidency. These goals include the G20 Action Plan for Accelerating Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), technological transformation, and the establishment of Digital Public Infrastructure.

Q.: What is the primary objective of the “India-UN Capacity Building Initiative” launched on September 24, 2023?

a) To share India’s recipes with partner countries
b) To promote tourism in India
c) To develop new technology
d) To share India’s development experiences and expertise with Global South countries

Answer: d) To share India’s development experiences and expertise with Global South countries

Prime Minister Modi flagged off nine Vande Bharat Express trains

On September 24, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off nine Vande Bharat Express trains via video conferencing. These trains will connect religious and tourist destinations across 11 states.

Here are some key details about the new trains:

  • Udaipur – Jaipur Vande Bharat Express
  • Tirunelveli-Madurai- Chennai Vande Bharat Express
  • Hyderabad –Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express
  • Vijayawada – Chennai (via Renigunta) Vande Bharat Express
  • Patna – Howrah Vande Bharat Express
  • Kasaragod – Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express
  • Rourkela – Bhubaneswar – Puri Vande Bharat Express
  • Ranchi – Howrah Vande Bharat Express
  • Jamnagar-Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express

The Vande Bharat Express trains have several unique features that set them apart from other trains. Here are some of the notable features:

  1. Intelligent Braking System: The Vande Bharat Express trains are equipped with an intelligent braking system that enables better acceleration and deceleration.
  2. Automatic Doors: All coaches of the Vande Bharat Express have automatic doors, ensuring passenger safety and convenience.
  3. GPS-based Audio-Visual Passenger Information System: Passengers can stay informed about their journey through the GPS-based audio-visual passenger information system available on board.
  4. On-Board Hotspot Wi-Fi: The Vande Bharat Express offers on-board hotspot Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing passengers to stay connected and entertained during their journey

Q.: Which safety feature is available in all coaches of the Vande Bharat Express?

a) On-Board Hotspot Wi-Fi
b) GPS-based Audio-Visual Passenger Information System
c) Automatic Doors
d) Intelligent Braking System

Answer: c) Automatic Doors

India become the number 1 ranked team in all three cricket formats: Tests, ODIs, and T20Is

India cricket team become the number 1 ranked team in all three cricket formats: Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. India win against Australia on September 22, 2023, by 5 wickets in first ODI of a three-match series in Mohali.

  1. In the ODI rankings, India displaced Pakistan from the top spot.
  2. India also led the T20I rankings, with England following closely behind.
  3. In Test cricket, India held the first position, with Australia as the immediate second.
  4. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah congratulated Team India in a social media post for their historic achievement.
  5. He emphasized that the rankings reflect the team’s hard work and pursuit of excellence on the field.
  6. The achievement is particularly notable as it occurred just before the World Cup.

Q.: Which team did India displace to become the number 1 ranked team in ODI cricket?

a) England
b) Australia
c) Pakistan
d) South Africa

Answer : c) Pakistan

India’s First Lighthouse Festival in Goa from 23 to 25 September 2023

India’s First Lighthouse Festival began in Goa. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, along with Chief Minister of Goa Shri Pramod Sawant, inaugurated the festival at Fort Aguada Lighthouse.

  1. The festival started on September 23 and will continue until September 25.
  2. It is being celebrated at lighthouses across the country to promote them as tourist destinations.
  3. The campaign ‘Lighthouse Heritage Tourism’ was launched to transform 75 historic lighthouses into tourist spots.
  4. The festival is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to develop lighthouses as tourist attractions and boost local economies.
  5. The festival at Fort Aguada in Goa includes various activities such as dance performances, food stalls, music concerts, and discussions on marine history.

Q.: Who is the Chief Minister of Goa?

a) Shri Sarbananda Sonowal
b) Shri Pramod Sawant
c) Shri Shripad Naik
d) Shri Rohan Khaunte

Answer: b) Shri Pramod Sawant

PM Modi inaugurate two day International Lawyers Conference in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a two-day International Lawyers Conference in New Delhi.

  1. The conference’s theme is “Emerging Challenges in Justice Delivery System.”
  2. The Bar Council of India is organizing this conference for the first time.
  3. Key topics for discussion include emerging legal trends, challenges in cross-border litigation, legal technology, and environmental law.
  4. The conference aims to facilitate meaningful dialogue and discussion on legal topics of national and international significance.
  5. It seeks to promote the exchange of ideas and experiences and enhance international cooperation and understanding on legal issues.

Q.: Which organized the International Lawyers Conference in New Delhi ?

a) United Nations
b) International Court of Justice
c) Bar Council of India
d) American Bar Association

Answer : c) Bar Council of India

19th Asian Games a in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8, 2023

The 19th Asian Games are scheduled to take place in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8, 2023. The event will include a total of 61 different sporting disciplines.

  1. India is sending a 655-member delegation to the Asian Games, participating in 40 different sports.
  2. The sport of Athletics will have the largest Indian representation with 68 athletes.
  3. Both the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams will make their debut in the Asian Games.
  4. A dispute has arisen between India and China due to China’s alleged discrimination against three athletes from Arunachal Pradesh. India has formally protested against China’s refusal to grant visas and accreditation to martial art (wushu) players from Arunachal Pradesh.

Q.: In which city and country is the Asian Games in 2023 being held?

a) In Tokyo, Japan
b) In Hangzhou, China
c) In Beijing, China
d) In Mumbai, India

Answer: b) In Hangzhou, China

New set of national awards called ‘Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’ in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

The Indian Government has established a new set of national awards called ‘Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’ in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

  1. These awards aim to recognize and celebrate the remarkable and inspiring contributions made by scientists, technologists, and innovators across various domains of science, technology, and technology-led innovation.
  2. The ‘Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’ is divided into four categories, namely:
    • Vigyan Ratna
    • Vigyan Shri
    • Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
    • Vigyan Team
  3. These awards are expected to be among the highest recognitions in the field of science, technology, and innovation in India and will hold a status equivalent to other national awards.
  4. Nominations for these awards will be invited annually from January 14th to February 28th, coinciding with National Science Day.
  5. The award announcements will take place on May 11th, which is National Technology Day, and the Award Ceremony will be held on August 23rd, designated as National Space Day, each year.
  6. The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskars will be presented in 13 domains, including Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and others.

Q.: The award ceremony of ‘Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’ will be held on August 23 every year. What is the significance of that date?

a. National Mathematics Day.
b. National Environmental Day.
c. National Space Day.
d. National Innovation Day.

Ans : c. National Space Day.

Parliament Passes Women’s Reservation Bill for Increased Political Representation

Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023, was passed by Parliament on September 21, 2023.

  1. The bill aims to reserve one-third of the total number of seats for women in the following legislative bodies:
    • Lok Sabha (the lower house of India’s parliament)
    • State Legislative Assemblies
    • Delhi Assembly
  2. The bill, also known as the Women’s Reservation Bill or Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, received approval from the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of parliament) through a division of votes. In this division, 214 members voted in favor of the bill, and none voted against it.
  3. The Lok Sabha had previously given its approval to the bill.

Q.: Which legislative bodies are covered by the Women’s Reservation Bill?

a. Lok Sabha, State Legislative Councils, and Municipal Corporations
b. Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and Panchayati Raj Institutions
c. Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and Delhi Assembly
d. Gram Panchayats, Zila Parishads, and Municipalities

Ans : c. Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and Delhi Assembly

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