Correct Answer :   Dr. Anandi Gopal Joshi

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Dr. Anandi Gopal Joshi, first female doctor of India, was a special lady who did something amazing a long time age. She became the first woman doctor at that time when it was really hard for women to study medicine. Let’s learn about her inspiring story and how she made history.

Anandi Gopal Joshi was a trailblazing Indian physician who became the first female doctor in India in 1886. She was born in 1865 in a small village in Maharashtra, India. She was married at the age of 14, but her husband, Gopalrao Joshi, was a progressive thinker who encouraged her to pursue her education.

Early Life and Education :

Birth date : 31st March 1865

Birth place: Kalyan, Bombay Presidency, British India

Qualification: Medical degree

Medical degree: Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA

Anandi’s father was unconventional for their time, as her father believed in educating girls. Despite the norms that restricted women’s education, her father’s progressive outlook allowed her  to attend a local missionary school, where she not only exceed in her studies but also learned English, a language not commonly taught to girls then.

Tragedy as a cause to become 1st female doctor in India :
A turning point in Anandi’s life came when she lost her first child due to lack of medical care. This tragedy initiated her determination to become a doctor and improve healthcare for women in India. Her resolve to pursue medical education was further strengthened by her husband’s support and a family friend named Theodicia Carpenter, who recognized Anandi’s potential and encouraged her to study medicine in the United States.

Challenges faced in United States :
In 1883, Anandi Gopal Joshi embarked on a journey to the United States to fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor. She got admission at the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. This marked a significant leap, as she was one of the very few Indian women to study abroad at that time. Adjusting to a new culture, language and environment, Anandi Joshi faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties, homesickness and health issues.

Academic Excellence and Historical Achievement :
Despite the challenges, Anandi’s determination and dedication led her to excel in her studies. In 1886, she accomplished a momentous feet by earning her medical degree. Her achievement as a first Indian woman to become a doctor not only shattered gender barriers but also inspired others to challenge societal norms and pursue their aspirations.

Legacy :
Anandi’s journey led the foundation for women’s entry into the field of medicine in India. She demonstrated that with determination, support and unyielding spirit, one can overcome even the most formidable challenges to achieve greatness. Anandi’s story serves as an enduring source of inspiration for generations, motivating individuals to strive for education, equality and empowerment.

Correct Answer :   Odisha

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The Odisha Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik approved to open banking outlets in 4,373 unbanked gram panchayats at a cost of Rs 500 crore in Aug 2023.

Aim : To improve financial inclusion, will be implemented in coordination with six public sector banks in a phased manner.

The Odisha government will provide rent-free banking space for five years. It will also bear one-time expenses for fixed cost and recurring expenses for a period of three years, said officials.

“Financial inclusion is a high-priority agenda of the government and it’s a critical challenge for Odisha, given the low banking penetration in the state. Banking is an essential service for financial inclusion,” said finance minister Bikram Keshari Arukha.

Notably, there is also very slow or negligible progress in Odisha regarding the establishment of brick-and-mortar branch. Under the new scheme, the government will set up customer service point-plus (CSP plus) outlets in unbanked panchayats.

Arukha said people residing in all unbanked panchayats of the state will now have easy access to all kinds of banking services free of cost. “Senior citizens, differently-abled people and pregnant women will get doorstep banking services and they can avail direct benefit transfer of the government in a timely manner,” said the minister.

To facilitate faster and easier deployment of telecom infrastructure to enable speedy 5G rollout, and to mitigate operational difficulties and improve quality of telecom services, the Odisha government amended the Odisha Mobile Towers and Telegraph Line, OFC and related Telecom Infrastructure Policy, 2017. The amendment has been done to align the policy with the provisions of the Indian Telegraph Right of Way (Amendment) Rules, 2022.

The cabinet also approved a new scheme NUA-Odisha —Nutana (new), Unnata (developed), Abhilasha (aspirational) — with an outlay of Rs 385 crore that aims to skill one lakh youth every year in the state during the next three years.

“The scheme will work towards addressing the scarcity of skilled human resources in emerging trades by offering high-quality training, fostering industry linkages, and enhancing employability skills,” said chief secretary PK Jena..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   NPCI

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National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched the 3rd edition of the UPI Safety Awareness Campaign, "UPI Chalega".

The campaign aims to promote UPI as an easy, safe, and instant mode of payment. It also educates users about various features such as UPI LITE, which enables swift low-value transactions;

UPI AUTOPAY, which allows secure and convenient recurring payments using any UPI application; and UPI Interoperability, which facilitates seamless money transfers between all UPI-enabled applications.

UPI has revolutionized digital payments, witnessing increased transaction value and volume. The campaign was launched in 2020 under the Financial Literacy Advisory Committee (FLAC) guidance.

UPI Chalega Campaign 1.0 and 2.0 played a crucial role in expanding UPI’s outreach, educating users about its safety, and enhancing its ease of use for various transactions, making it the preferred payment choice.

Praveena Rai, Chief Operating Officer, NPCI said, “We at NPCI are thrilled to unveil the third edition of our popular ‘UPI Chalega’ campaign. This dedicated initiative, developed in collaboration with key stakeholders in the payment ecosystem, aims to educate users about the seamless adoption of digital payments using UPI. Through this campaign, we strive to instil confidence in users, empowering them to make secure and hassle-free transactions with UPI and experience the true potential of this transformative payment platform.”


UPI Chalega 3.0 Aim :

To drive UPI adoption and safe usage through engaging initiatives. The campaign aims to boost UPI’s brand awareness, amplify understanding of its features, and encourage wider adoption among new users.


Sujit Ganguli, Head – Corporate Brand and Communications, ICICI Bank, said, “UPI payments have seen exceptional growth in the last few years, making it the largest digital payment instrument. The third edition of the ‘UPI Chalega’ campaign aims to take the usage of UPI to the next level by offering new use cases. The newly launched interoperability features among various payment apps, low-value quick-payments, and autopay facility on UPI will expand the digital payments market and bring in new users and benefit the existing users.”..

Source : IBS Intelligence

Correct Answer :   August 13

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International Left-Handers Day is celebrated annually on August 13. International Left-Handers Day celebrates the uniqueness of left-handed individuals worldwide.

* It's a day to raise awareness about the challenges and accomplishments of left-handers, promoting inclusivity and understanding in a predominantly right-handed world. This day is a wonderful occasion to honour our left-handed friends and family since just 10% of people worldwide are left-handed.

* On this day, people come together to recognise and appreciate the diversity of skills, talents, and perspectives that left-handers bring to various fields and activities.

* It's a recognition of the unique talents, perspectives, and contributions that left-handers bring to fields ranging from art and science to sports and everyday life, reminding us all of the beauty in diversity. Scroll down to know more about this day.

International Left-Handers Day 2023 theme :
The focus of International Left-Handers Day 2023 centres around the theme of "Left-Handers in Sports." This theme acknowledges and honours the numerous left-handed sports personalities who have excelled in their respective fields. Legends like Diego Maradona, Pele, and Lionel Messi stand as prime examples of remarkable left-handed athletes in the realm of football.


History of International Left-Handers Day :
International Left-Handers Day was first observed in 1976, initiated by Dean R. Campbell, founder of the Left-Handers Club. This day was established to raise awareness about the challenges and experiences faced by left-handed individuals in a predominantly right-handed world. The aim was to address the historical biases and prejudices associated with left-handedness, as well as to celebrate the unique skills and perspectives that left-handers bring to various fields.

Significance of International Left-Handers Day :
International Left-Handers Day holds significant importance as it highlights the challenges and accomplishments of left-handed individuals in a predominantly right-handed world. It aims to raise awareness about the unique experiences faced by left-handers and promote inclusivity, understanding, and appreciation for their distinctive talents and contributions across various fields, reminding us of the diversity that enriches our global community..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   Dharmendra Pradhan

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Union Minister for Education and Skill Development, Dharmendra Pradhan said that Saturday (12th August 2023) is a momentous day towards invigorating the apprenticeship ecosystem in our country.

He was launching the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme on Saturday (12th August 2023) in New Delhi.

Vision : The Minister also dispersed around 15 crores Rupees to One lakh apprentices and focused over the vision of making skilling an apprenticeship aspirational as well as encouraging earning while learning as envisioned in National Education Policy.
 

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said that more than 25 Lakh apprentices have been engaged since the inception of the Scheme in 2016, whereas around 3 lakh Apprentices have completed training in 2023.
 
Secretary for Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Atul Kumar Tiwari said that Direct Benefit Transfer through National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme marks a stride towards transparency and efficiency as skilled workforce is paramount, to encompass policy evolution, industry synergies, and heightened recognition..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Gujarat

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said coastal security is paramount for the country, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building infrastructure facilities to ensure peace on the borders.
 
The minister was addressing a gathering at Koteshwar in Kutch district after laying the foundation stone of the BSF's Mooring Place on Saturday (12th August 2023).

He also virtually inaugurated a newly-built Chidiyamod Biarbet link road and OP Tower in Kutch. Mr. Shah said all three projects, with a total outlay of 360 crore rupees will help maintain vigil on the international borders..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Rs 4,000 crore

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated rail and road projects worth about 4,000 crore rupees in a program organized at Dhana in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh on Saturday (12th August 2023).

Mr. Modi performed Bhumi Pujan of the memorial and temple of Sant Ravidas, which took shape at a cost of about 100 crores rupees on 11 acres of land at Badtuma near Sagar. He also unveiled the plaque.
 
Along with this, the Samarsata Yatra which started from five places of the state also concluded 12th Aug 2023.
 

On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the government is making all out efforts to end hunger and poverty. He said, that's why we started Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana adding that Dalit, deprived, tribal and backward classes are getting the maximum benefit of this scheme. Mr. Modi said that for the first time in the country, the Dalit backward community is getting the respect which was not received in the previous governments.
 
Mentioning various public welfare schemes of the government, Mr. Modi said that from the Matru Vandana Yojana on the birth of a child to Mission Indradhanush, Ayushman Bharat for free treatment, 701 Eklavya residential schools in tribal areas for education, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for daughters, Mudra Yojana and Stand Up Yojana to make the youth self-reliant, are bringing changes in the lives of the downtrodden, deprived and backward classes.
 
He informed that 8,000 crore rupees have been given to the youth of these sections under the Stand Up scheme. Referring to the government's campaign against diseases, the Prime Minister said that a campaign to eradicate sickle cell anemia is being run to treat seven crore people. Similarly, a campaign is going on to get rid of TB by 2025.
 

Mr. Modi said that the Mahakumbh of harmony is visible in Sagar. He said that there will be grandeur as well as divinity in the memorial of Saint Ravidas.
 
Referring to the rail and road projects, Mr. Modi said that when inspiration and progress join together, a new era of development begins. He said that this will further improve the connectivity of Sagar.
 
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also addressed the meeting. Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangu Bhai Patel, Union Ministers Dr. Virendra Kumar, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Prahlad Patel and ministers of state government and MPs were present in the programme..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Reliance Jio

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Indian telecommunications major, Reliance Jio has completed the work related to connecting Maldives with a High Speed Optic Fibre cable.

A ceremony was held in Hulhumale in Maldives on Friday to land the Ocean Connect Maldives-India Asia Express (OCM-IAX) Submarine Cable System.

The 22.5 million dollar project has been executed in a little over one year since signing of the agreement in February last year (2022) with Ocean Connectivity Maldives.

The IAX cable system originates in Mumbai and connects Singapore, with branches and landings in India, Malaysia, and Thailand. The cable system is expected to be ready for service by end of this year (2023).

The high capacity and high-speed optic fibre system will provide capacity at more than 200 Tera byte per second with speeds of 100Gb/s, over a distance of 16,000 kilometres.

The IAX together with India Europe Express cable system will be one of the most important developments in telecommunications infrastructure in this decade, linking India, Europe to Southeast Asia, and the Maldives..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Kashmir valley

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Director Agriculture Chaudhary Muhamad Iqbal on Friday (11th Aug 2023) said Geographical Indication (GI) Tag to the Mushkbudji aromatic rice will transform the farmers in Sagam village of Kokernag into entrepreneurs.

It is short bold aromatic rice grown in higher reaches of Kashmir valley.

“I can say with authority that the future of the farmers associated with this scented variety of rice is as bright as the sun,” said Iqbal.

He visited Sagam and congratulated the farmers for the rare achievement.

“It will boost the production of the niche crop thus increasing the employability. All those associated with the trade from growers to buyers to sellers to consumers will benefit,” Iqbal said.  

He said that even the tourism sector will reap dividends.

Around 2000 farmers are cultivating the aromatic rice in Tangpawa –Sagam village of Anantnag alone on approximately 5000 Kanals of land.

Iqbal, however, said that in the coming years, it will reach 1000 hectares.

“We are also trying to expand its growth in other parts of the valley,” he said.

As of now only the unique climate and cold water of Tangpawa-Sagam is ideal for its cultivation.

In 2007, the government announced a revival program of the Mushkbudji rice variety in Sagam village of Kokernag.

This precious and aromatic variety had fallen out of cultivation in the 1970s due to blast disease.

 But with support from the agriculture department and SKAUST (K), the stage was set for resurgence.

Drawn by its unique qualities and the prospect of higher revenues, more and more farmers started cultivating this fragrant variety on their lands.

Director Agriculture praised the farmers in general Sagam Farmers Producers Organisation (FPO) with around 500 farmers in particular, NABARD  and Human Welfare Foundation Anantnag, a non-profit organization in the success of the project.

“Mushkbudji was our special project in our Holistic Agriculture program and a major initiative in doubling the income of farmers as envisaged by the Prime Minister,” he said.

Chief Horticulture Officer Anantnag, Ajaz Hussein Dar assured of every possible support to the farmers.

Human Welfare Foundation Chairman, Shabir Baba instrumental in framing the project said that mobilizing the farmers and training them was a challenge which they accomplished successfully.

The farmers also appreciated the efforts of the agriculture department, marketing and planning departments, NABARD and Human Welfare Foundation in the success of the project..

Source : Greater Kashmir

Correct Answer :   Both 1 and 2

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Recently, researchers have developed devices called Placenta-On-a-Chip (POC).

* A bunch of devices mimicking the placenta at various stages of pregnancy can help in drug discovery, study of toxicity of chemicals like caffeine, and understanding the effects of conditions such as preeclampsia and diabetes mellitus during pregnancy.

* In pregnancy, the placenta shields the baby from harmful drugs and chemicals. But some can still cross this barrier and cause harm to the baby in the womb.

* Thus, pregnant women are not given most medications and they continue to suffer. Determining which medicines can be given during pregnancy that would not cross the placenta is a daunting task.

* Researchers have used microfluidic technology which can integrate processes, to create an environment that represents basic organ structure and functions of the placenta.

* The placenta in a lab dish developed by the team allows different cells to interact with each other, incorporate mechanical properties and mimic the blood flow, which closely resembles the in-vivo condition.

* Among various available POC models, these devices are more suitable for probing placental development as well as diseases caused due to defects in the placenta. Also, patient-specific sample screening will be possible for personalised medicine.


Advantage of placenta-on-chip :

* It will enable early detection of adverse conditions and allows researchers and healthcare professionals to observe, study, and identify potential issues that may arise during pregnancy.

* It enables the study of placental function, detection of complications, personalized medicine, and the development of new therapies..

Source : dst.gov.in