Correct Answer :   Prime Ministers' Museum and Library

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The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) has officially been renamed as the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML) Society.

In a tweet on X, formerly known as Twitter, PMML vice-chairman A Surya Prakash wrote, “Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) is now Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) Society w.e.f August 14, 2023 – in tune with the democratisation and diversification of the remit of the society.

Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) is now Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) Society w.e.f August 14, 2023- in tune with the democratisation and diversification of the remit of the society. Happy Independence Day ! @narendramodi, @rajnathsingh @MinOfCultureGoI pic.twitter.com/V7vJ4OVEIN

— A. Surya Prakash (@mediasurya) August 15, 2023

Hitting out at the Centre, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi can never take away the gigantic contributions of Jawaharlal Nehru in the country's freedom struggle.

He further added the legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru will continue to inspire future generations.

Taking to his official handle on X, formerly Twitter, Ramesh posted on Wednesday (16th Aug 2023), “From today, an iconic institution gets a new name. The world-renowned Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) becomes PMML—Prime Ministers’ Memorial Museum and Library. Mr Modi possesses a huge bundle of fears, complexes and insecurities, especially when it comes to our first and longest-serving Prime Minister. He has had a single-point agenda of denying, distorting, defaming and destroying Nehru and the Nehruvian legacy."

From today, an iconic institution gets a new name. The world renowned Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) becomes PMML—Prime Ministers’ Memorial Museum and Library.

Mr. Modi possesses a huge bundle of fears, complexes and insecurities, especially when it comes to our first…

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) August 16, 2023

Correct Answer :   CSIR

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To celebrate the 77th Independence Day, the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) unveiled an enhanced version of the national flower Lotus.

This new variety, named ‘Namoh 108,’ boasts 108 petals and is designed to be more resilient to various weather conditions.

The technology intervention by NBRI allows this lotus variety to bloom for an extended period of 10 months, spanning from March to December.

During the launch, CSIR director general N Kalaiselvi presented ‘Namoh 108’ at the week-long festival named ‘One Week One Lab Programme,’ which commenced on Monday (14th August 2023).

The number ‘108’ was chosen due to its religious significance, coupled with the reverence of the lotus in Indian culture.

Notably, the inception of this improved lotus variety has its roots in Manipur. Scientists from NBRI brought the variety from the northeastern state for research purposes.

Importantly, ‘Namoh 108’ is distinctive for being the first lotus variety with a completely sequenced genome. This feature ensures the plant’s survival and safeguards it from the risk of extinction that many other flowers and plants face.

According to Dr. KJ Singh, the project’s head researcher, the enhanced ‘Namoh 108’ variety displays superior weather resilience compared to other lotus varieties.

It boasts an exceptional flowering duration, spanning from March to December, setting it apart from the typical 4-5 month flowering cycle of other varieties.

The ‘Namoh 108’ lotus features large light pink petals, with flowers reaching up to 10 inches in diameter.

In addition to the flower variety, CSIR-NBRI also introduced products made from lotus fiber, including apparel, and a perfume named ‘Frotus,’ crafted from Lotus plants.

This innovative endeavor by the CSIR-NBRI contributes to preserving the cultural and botanical heritage of India while pushing the boundaries of scientific advancement.

Correct Answer :   15th August 2023

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Former India men’s football team captain Mohammed Habib passed away on Tuesday (15th August 2023) in Hyderabad, aged 74.

Habib, who had been suffering from dementia and Parkinson’s syndrome, according to PTI, is survived by his wife and three daughters.

He represented the national team 35 times, scoring 11 goals.

He made his debut against Thailand in the Merdeka Cup at Kuala Lumpur in 1967 and was an integral part of the bronze-medal winning team at the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

He was also part of the team that jointly won the Pesta Sukan Cup with South Vietnam in 1971, and continued to play internationally until his retirement in 1975.

For his exploits in Indian football, Habib was awarded the Arjuna Award in 1980.

In club football, Habib represented the big three of Kolkata Maidan – Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting – in his playing days from the 1960s through to the 70s.

Expressing his condolences, All India Football Federation president Kalyan Chaubey said, “The ‘Bade Miya’ of Kolkata football was my coach and mentor in [Tata Football Academy] and Mohun Bagan. His contribution to India’s bronze medal-winning team in the 1970 Asian Games will be remembered forever. May his soul rest in peace.”

On the domestic front, Habib switched over from Hyderabad to Kolkata in 1966 when he joined East Bengal.

Always considered a big-match player, Habib shone when it was needed most. In the 1969 Santosh Trophy final, he scored five goals in Bengal’s 6-1 win over Services, which is still a record.

Fans of Indian football will remember him for his exploits during the exhibition match between Brazil legend Pele’s New York Cosmos team and Mohun Bagan.

Habib not only scored a goal in the 2-2 draw but also earned the praise of Pele for his impressive display at the Eden Gardens that evening.

Habib had the rare distinction of scoring the winning goals in three Durand Cup finals in the span of seven seasons for East Bengal.

The prolific playmaker was also one of the few players to win the Triple Crown (IFA Shield, Durand Cup and Rovers Cup) in the same season for both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in 1972 and 1977, respectively.

After his retirement from club football in 1982, Habib decided to turn to coaching. Having joined as the coach at Tata Football Academy in Jamshedpur, he was instrumental in producing a number of footballers who went on to don the national team colours.

Later, he coached Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting in the late 1990s and early 2000s..

Source : Scroll

Correct Answer :   Leila Seth

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Leila Seth (20 October 1930 – 5 May 2017) was an Indian judge who served as the first woman judge on the Delhi High Court and became the first woman to become Chief Justice of a state High Court, Himachal Pradesh High Court, on 5 August 1991.

* She was also the first woman to be designated as a senior counsel by the Supreme Court of India.

* She sat on a number of enquiry commissions, including one into the death of 'Biscuit Baron' Rajan Pillai, and was also a part of the three-member bench of the Justice Verma Committee that was established to overhaul India's rape laws in the aftermath of the infamous 2012 Delhi gang-rape case.

* She was a member of the 15th Law Commission of India from 1997 to 2000, and was responsible for the amendments to the Hindu Succession Act that gave equal rights to daughters in joint family property.

Marriage Life and Education :

* In Kolkata, Leila Seth met her future husband, Prem Seth, leading to what to she termed a ‘semi-arranged’ marriage. The couple’s move to London provided her with an opportunity to pursue her interest in law.

* Her motivation was driven by the flexibility the field offered, essential for her as a young mother. Remarkably in 1958, at the age of 27, Seth secured the top spot in the London Bar exam, a ground-breaking achievement for a woman.


Legal Career of Leila Seth :

* Upon returning to India, Leila Seth started her legal journey in Patna. Despite facing gender bias and scepticism, she fearlessly tackled a range of cases, spanning taxation, constitutional matters and public interest litigations.

* Her tenacity led her to the Delhi High Court, where she shattered the glass ceiling and became the first woman judge in 1978. This achievement marked a pivotal step towards her trailblazing role in the Indian judiciary.

Correct Answer :   Meira Kumar

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Meira Kumar, an Indian politician, and former diplomat was born on March 31, 1945. She served as the 15th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 4 June 2009 to 18 May 2014 and served as the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment from 2004 to 2009.

She is a member of the Indian National Congress. When she received the United Progressive Alliance’s nomination for president of India in 2017, Kumar became the second woman to do so.

Key Points :

* She was an Indian Foreign Service Officer from the 1973 batch.

* She served as a diplomat in the high commission of India in the UK.

* She entered politics in 1989 as a member of the Indian National Congress.

* Meira Kumar was elected to the 8th, 11th, 12th, and 14th Lok Sabha.

* Meira served as the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2004 (Under Manmohan Singh’s Prime Ministership).

* In 2009, she became the first woman speaker of Lok Sabha (15th Lok Sabha).

* She was the presidential candidate for Indian National Congress in 2017; But failed to win against Ram Nath Kovind.

Correct Answer :   Justice Fatima Beevi

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Justice Fatima Beevi has been appointed as the first woman judge in India’s Supreme Court on 6th October 1989, breaking the rule that said only men could be judges in Supreme Court.

In the annals of legal history, there are certain individuals who did something great. M. Fathima Beevi is one of these important people. She broke the rule that said only men could be judges in Supreme Court of India.

She started from a humble beginning and worked hard to reach the pinnacle of the Indian Judiciary.


Early Life and Education :

Fatima Beevi, born on April 30, 1927 in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, was raised in a society where gender roles were deeply entrenched. She went to school at Catholicate High School and later moved to Trivandrum for more studies. She got a degree in science from University College and then studied law at Government Law College in Trivandrum.

Breaking Records :

Fatima Beevi was one of only five girls in her law class, and later only three. But that didn’t stop her. In 1950, after finishing her law studies, she took a big exam called the Bar Council exam. She not only passed but also become the first woman to get the highest marks. She even got a special medal for this achievement.


Legal Career of M. Fatima Beevi :

After becoming a lawyer, she started working in the lower courts in Kerala from November 14, 1950. She kept moving up and eventually reached an important position of judge in Supreme Court of India.


Historic Appointment of M. Fatima Judge :

On 6 October, 1989, Justice Fatima Beevi created history by becoming the first lady judge in India’s Supreme Court. This was a huge deal because it showed that women could do any job, even ones that were usually done by men. Her appointed opened the doors for other women who wanted to work in the law field.

Notable Judgements :

Fatima Beevi’s legacy also includes her insightful judgements. In cases such as “Scheduled Caste and Weaker Section Welfare Assn. v. State of Karnataka” and “Assam Sillimanite Ltd. v. Union of India”, her thoughtful approach underscored the importance of safeguarding citizen rights and questioning unconstitutional laws.


Beyond the Courts :

After retiring from the Supreme Court, Fatima Beevi became a member of the National Human Rights Commission. Fatima Beevi also had a political career. She became the Governor of Tamil Nadu on 25th January 1997. This showed that she was also a great leader who made important decisions for the state. From 1997-2001, she served as the Governor of Tamil Nadu, leaving an indelible mark on governance.


Legacy :

Fatima Beevi’s remarkable journey, from a young woman in Kerala to a pioneer in the Indian legal system, continues to inspire generations. Her unwavering commitment to justice, her trailblazing spirit and her advocacy for gender equality have left an indelible mark on India’s legal landscape.

Correct Answer :   13th August 2023

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Former Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) president Prof MR Satyanarayana Rao, known for his research in biochemistry, passed away following a cardia arrest at his Tatanagar residence here at 7pm Sunday (13th August 2023). He was 75.

* The Padma Shri recipient is survived by his mother, wife and two sons. Born in January 1948 in Mysuru, Prof Rao graduated and completed his PG from Bangalore University before getting his PhD from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), where he later served as chairman, the Centre for Genetic Engineering and Department of Biochemistry.

* Rao, whose area of expertise was in biochemistry and molecular biology, did his postdoctoral research at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, US.

* He served as JNCASR president for a decade between 2003 and 2013. He was also associated with the Chromatin Biology Lab at the institute. He was a member on several panels of the ICMR and CSIR.

* During his long professional career he served as assistant professor in Baylor College of Medicine.

* He was also a visiting Professor at the Harvard Medical School, and visiting Scientist at Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California at San Diego, USA.

* He was also member, Karnataka Knowledge Commission between 2014-2017. Prof Rao received various awards and honours aside from Padma Shri. his cremation is scheduled for Tuesday (15th August 2023)..

Source : ToI

Correct Answer :   16th August

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Death Anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee 2023 : As the nation observed the solemn occasion of the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 16th August, leaders from various political backgrounds and affiliations converged at the ‘Sadaiv Atal’ memorial in Delhi.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Praful Patel, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister, Anupriya Patel and HAM’s Jitan Ram also paid tribute to the Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 5th death anniversary.

Former PM Atal Bihari’s foster daughter Namita Kaur Bhattacharya pays floral tribute at ‘Saidav Atal’ on his death anniversary.


PM Modi’s Tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee :

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by President Droupadi Murmu, paid his respects at the memorial. PM Modi’s tribute extended beyond the physical act, he tweeted on X, “I join the 140 crore people of India in paying homage to the remarkable Atal Ji on his Punya Tithi. India benefitted greatly from his leadership. He played a pivotal role in boosting our nation’s progress and in taking it to the 21st century in a wide range of sectors.”

This heartfelt tribute from the current Prime Minister echoed the feelings of countless Indians, underscoring Vajpayee’s contributions in steering India towards growth and prosperity across various sectors.

About Atal Bihari Vajpayee :

Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s journey in Indian politics spanned decades during which he became an important figure representing the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP). His leadership marked an era of significant growth and development in various sectors, from economics to international relations. Vajpayee’s tenure as Prime Minister was characterized by his commitment to good governance, economic reforms and foreign policy initiatives that elevated India’s global stature.

Born on 25th December 1924, Vajpayee’s legacy extended beyond his time as the Prime Minister. He served two non-consecutive terms as PM, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s political landscape.


A Lasting Tribute: Good Governance Day :

In recognition of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s contributions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared December 25th, his birthdate, as Good Governance Day. This annual observance seeks to commemorate Vajpayee’s commitment to effective governance, nation-building and progress.

Correct Answer :   R. Doraiswamy

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Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), a public sector insurance firm, has announced the appointment of Doraiswamy Ramachandran as the Managing Director, effective from September 1, 2023.

Currently, Doraiswamy is serving LIC as the Executive Director at the head office in Mumbai. He will be taking over from Mini Ipe, who is retiring as CEO and MD this month, after around 35 years of service. In her latest role, she had been acting as MD since 2021, and prior to that, she served as the Executive Director of the Legal department for LIC.

In the exchange filing submitted by LIC, it stated, “Pursuant to the Government of India’s Notification F. NO. A-11011/04/2023-Ins. dated 14th August 2023, Shri R. Doraiswamy, Executive Director (IT/SD), Life Insurance Corporation of India, Central Office, Mumbai, has been appointed as Managing Director, LIC of India vice Ms. Ipe Mini with effect from the date of assumption of charge of Office on or after 1st September 2023 and up to the date of his superannuation (i.e., 31st August 2026), or until further orders, whichever is earlier.”

Doraiswamy’s appointment as Managing Director (MD) of LIC has been recommended by the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB), the official recruiter of directors for state-owned banks and financial institutions.

The bureau led by Bhanu Pratap Sharma, ex-Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), also recommended the appointment of Sat Pal Bhanoo as MD of LIC in July 2023.

Doraiswamy joined LIC in 2010 as Senior Divisional Manager and was promoted to Chief Information Technology Officer in 2013. After over 10 years of service, he was named Executive Director in 2022. Prior to that, he worked as a Research Associate at the National Insurance Academy for over five years.

On the academic front, Doraiswamy graduated from the Institute of Actuaries of India and completed a fellowship programme from the Insurance Institute of India. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Madurai Kamaraj University..

Source : People Matters

Correct Answer :   13-15 August 2023

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The government is celebrating Har Ghar Tiranga from 13-15 August 2023, as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Har Gar Tiranga campaign launched by the Ministry of Culture has transformed into a people’s movement with increasing jan-bhagidari, said Culture secretary Govind Mohan.

The idea behind this is to commemorate the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav with the essence of collaborative participation.

Giving details in a presser, Mohan said that the Postal Department has placed requisition for 2.5 crore flags this year and 55 lakh flags have already been sent out through post offices.

The Ministry of Textiles has already sent out 1.3 crore flags to states, he said and added, "Crores of flags are also being produced by self-help groups in states indicating a trend of AtmaNirbharta in flag manufacturing."

According to the Culture Ministry, this year the Tiranga rallies are under full swing in various parts of the country and are witnessing immense public participation.