Current Affairs

Utkal Dibasa or Odisha Day : 1 April

  • Utkal Dibasa is celebrated on April 1st every year in the Indian state of Odisha to commemorate the formation of Odisha as a separate state on April 1, 1936.
  • On this day, people across the state come together to celebrate their cultural traditions and heritage with various cultural programs, parades, and exhibitions.
  • The Odisha flag is hoisted, featuring a combination of yellow and white colors representing peace, prosperity, and culture.
  • The state government recognizes and honors the contributions of individuals and organizations that have played a role in the state’s growth and development.
  • Odisha has made significant progress in a range of areas, including education, healthcare, agriculture, and industry.

Questions : When is Utkal Dibasa (Odisha Day) celebrated ?
A) January 26
B) March 22
C) April 1
D) August 15

Answer: C) April 1

Joint Commanders’ conference of all three forces is being held in Bhopal

  • Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Joint Commanders’ conference of the three services in Bhopal on April 1, 2023.
  • The Joint Commanders’ conference of all three forces is being held in the capital city Bhopal in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh.
  • Top commanders of the three forces including CDS General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Manoj Pandey, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhary and Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar are participating in this conference.
  • The theme of the conference is ‘Ready, Resurgent, Relevant’.
  • The focus of the conference is on advancing the theatre command format for national security, increasing coordination among the three forces, and working together in the future.
  • The strategy of forces in the event of war, self-reliance in defense matters, and the defense ecosystem are also being discussed at the conference.

Questions : What is the theme of the Joint Commanders’ conference of all three forces held in Bhopal, India?

A) ‘Together for Stronger Defense’
B) ‘Advancing National Security’
C) ‘Ready, Resurgent, Relevant’
D) ‘Building a Future-Ready Defense Force’

Answer: C) ‘Ready, Resurgent, Relevant’

Inauguration of Diamond Jubilee Merchant Navy Week in Mumbai by Maharashtra Governor

  • Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais inaugurated the Merchant Navy Week in Mumbai on 31 March 2023.
  • The Director General of Shipping and Chairman of NMDC, Rajiv Jalota, pinned the miniature flag of Merchant Navy Day on the Governor’s apparel to mark the beginning of the Diamond Jubilee of Merchant Navy Week.
  • The Governor stated that the ocean around Mumbai can be explored for the development of passenger transport services.
  • He emphasized the need to increase the number of Maritime Training Institutes in India and further strengthen them.
  • The Governor stressed the importance of the merchant navy for India’s economic development, citing its vast maritime history.
  • The DG of Shipping highlighted the importance of National Maritime Day and the developments made by the Directorate General of Shipping and other organizations in the maritime field.
  • Merchant Navy Week celebrations showcase the Shipping Industry’s role in all its aspects through various events like meetings, seminars, symposiums, workshops, exhibitions, and competitions.

Question : What is the purpose of the Merchant Navy Week celebrations?
a) To highlight the role of the Shipping Industry in all its aspects.
b) To focus only on the developments made by the Directorate General of Shipping.
c) To promote the fishing industry in India.
d) None of the above.

Answer: a) To highlight the role of the Shipping Industry in all its aspects.

Government raises interest rates on post office saving schemes for April-June 2023 quarter

  1. The Government has raised interest rates on most post office saving schemes for the April-June 2023 quarter.
  2. The National Savings Certificate (NSC) interest rate has been increased to 7.7%.
  3. Sukanya Samriddhi interest rate has been increased to 8%.
  4. PPF and savings deposits interest rates have been retained at 7.1% and 4% respectively.
  5. Senior citizen savings scheme interest rate increased to 8.2%.
  6. Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) interest rate has been increased to 7.5%, and its maturity period reduced from 120 to 115 months.
  7. One-year term deposit interest rate has been increased to 6.8%.
  8. Two-year term deposit interest rate has been increased to 6.9%.
  9. Three-year term deposit interest rate has been increased to 7%.
  10. Five-year term deposit interest rate has been increased to 7.5%.
  11. Five-year recurring deposit interest rate increased to 6.2%.
  12. Interest rates on Monthly Income Scheme have been increased to 7.4%.
  13. Interest rates for small savings schemes are notified quarterly.

What is the new interest rate for the National Savings Certificate (NSC) for the April-June 2023 quarter?
A) 6.8%
B) 7%
C) 7.7%
D) 8%
Answer: C) 7.7%

Meghalaya gets Electric trains for the first time.

  • Indian Railways is marching ahead on the path of progress with full force to become Net Zero Carbon emitter by the year 2030.
  • In an endeavour for complete electrification, Northeast Frontier Railway has achieved another milestone by commissioning Dudhnai – Mendipathar (22.823 Track Kilometre) single line section and Abhayapuri – Pancharatna (34.59 Track Kilometre) double line section on 15th March, 2023.
  • With the introduction of electric traction, trains hauled by electric locomotives can now operate directly from Mendipathar in Meghalaya. This significant breakthrough will also increase the average speed of trains.
  • Now more passenger and freight trains will be able to operate at their respective section-specific full speed after electrification of these sections. This will also increase punctuality in rail operation of the section. Parcel and freight trains hauled by electric locomotives from other states will be able to reach Meghalaya directly.

Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in exercise Shinyuu Maitri 2023 with Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF).

  • Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in exercise Shinyuu Maitri with Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF). The exercise is being conducted on 1 to 2 March 2023.
  • An Indian Air Force contingent with a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft is participating in Exercise Shinyuu Maitri 23.
  • The first phase of the exercise involves discussions on transport operations and tactical manoeuvres, followed by the second phase of flying exercises by C-17 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force and C-2 transport aircraft of the Air Self-Defense Force of Japan.
  • This special exercise provides an opportunity for the respective subject matter experts to interact and deliberate on each other’s operational philosophies and best practices. The exercise will also enhance mutual understanding and interoperability between the Indian Air Force and the Air Self Defense Force of Japan.
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