Correct Answer :   UNDP

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NITI Aayog and UNDP India have signed today, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise a framework of cooperation on a range of areas, including SDG localisation, data-driven monitoring, Aspirational Districts and Blocks, among others.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri B. V. R. Subrahmanyam CEO, NITI Aayog by Dr Yogesh Suri, Senior Adviser (SDGs), NITI Aayog, and Ms Shoko Noda, Resident Representative, UNDP India.

Welcoming the partnership, Shri B. V. R. Subrahmanyam said, “Over the years, NITI Aayog and UNDP’s collaboration has grown from strength to strength.

With monitoring going beyond districts down to the block level, we see this partnership fostering data-driven policy interventions and programmatic action. Standing at the midpoint of the 2030 agenda, we look forward to working together with the States in the true spirit of cooperative federalism.

We also look forward to partnering with UNDP to showcase and share India’s successes in realizing its development priorities to its peers”

Reaffirming UNDP’s commitment Ms Shoko Noda, Resident Representative, UNDP India said, “Midway to 2030, India’s leadership is critical for making the SDGs a reality.

India nearly halved multidimensional poverty between 2015-2016 and 2019-2021, demonstrating that despite complex challenges, accelerating progress towards the Goals is possible.

Through this MoU with NITI Aayog, UNDP stands ready to enhance its support for localization of the SDGs, data-driven decision-making through various indices, the Aspirational Districts and Blocks programme, and SDG financing. UNDP will also provide support for NITI Aayog’s work on women's livelihoods, innovation, and Mission LiFE."

The MoU was signed for a period of five years. NITI Aayog is the nodal Institution for coordinating the adoption and monitoring of SDGs at the national and sub-national levels. UNDP plays the integrator role in coordinating efforts to fast-track progress on the SDGs within the UN system.

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   India and New Zealand

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India and New Zealand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost cooperation in civil aviation. This will cover the scheduling of new routes, codeshare services, traffic rights, and capacity entitlement.

* The MoU was signed by Civil Aviation Secretary, Rajiv Bansal and the New Zealand High Commissioner  David Pine in New Delhi.
 
* On the occasion, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Minister for Trade and Export Growth  Damien O’Connor of New Zealand were also present.
 

* According to the MoU, the designated airlines of New Zealand may operate any number of services with any type of aircraft, with third and fourth freedom traffic rights to and from six points in India, namely New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. 

* The designated airlines of India may operate any number of services with any type of aircraft with third and fourth freedom traffic rights to and from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Three more points in New Zealand to be named by the Government of  India.
 
* Speaking on the occasion, Mr Scindia said that today is an important day for Civil Aviation air services between India and New Zealand. He said, both the countries have signed an MoU that has opened the possibilities of furthering of air transport between them. He added that the open sky policy has been put in place and the point of calls has been increased.

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Nitin Gadkari

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In a major move towards reducing carbon dioxide emission and improving fuel efficiency in vehicles, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari  29th August 2023 launched the world's first 100 percent Ethanol-fueled car in New Delhi.

Mr. Gadkari termed this day as historic saying that the world's first BS-VI (Stage-II), electrified flex-fuel vehicle has been launched which can function fully on ethanol-based fuel.

Raising concern over the pollution emitted by vehicles, the Minister said, the country needs to undertake more sustainable and stringent measures to curb pollution.

He stressed that the country has to reduce its dependence on oil imports in order to become self-reliant. Highlighting the importance of ethanol blended fuel, he said, country’s agriculture sector will witness growth with the adoption of this move and it will generate lots of job opportunities.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, with the implementation of 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol, the country will save 35 thousand crore rupees annually as import bill. 

He added that India has achieved 10 percent of ethanol blending five months in advance of the initial target of 2022. He also underlined that the country is aiming to forge a partnership for International Biofuel Alliance.

Union Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey said with the ethanol blending process the farmers have earned 82 thousand crores rupees so far and the country’s import bill has reduced.

The flex fuel is a technology that allows an engine to utilise ethanol-blended petrol or gasoline beyond 20 percent. The aim is to reduce carbon footprint, improve sustainable mobility and decrease the country's dependency on traditional fuel sources.

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Gujarat

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In Gujarat, the state government 29th August 2023 announced a 27 percent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in local bodies like panchayats, municipalities, and civic corporations.

* Briefing media in Gandhinagar, minister and government spokesperson Rushikesh Patel said the decision was taken based on the basis of the Jhaveri Commission report.

* The announcement, seats in panchayats municipalities and municipal corporations will be kept reserved for OBC candidates in 27 percent proportion when elections are held.

* However, in the PESA-notified areas, the reservation for OBCs will continue to be 10 percent to protect the interest of tribals.

* The minister added that the existing quota for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will remain unchanged and there has been no breach of the 50 percent reservation ceiling.

* This decision will pave the way for holding of local body polls in the state which were postponed due to the pending OBC quota issue..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Umesh Revankar

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The Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC) has appointed Umesh Revankar as its chairman. The managing committee elected Revankar unanimously in a meeting convened in Mumbai.

He currently holds the position of executive vice chairman for Shriram Finance and brings with him decades of experience and expertise in the financial services industry.

“I look forward to partnering with members and the community and contribute to the industry’s growth and development during my tenure. FIDC’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation is something I deeply resonate with,” Umesh Revankar, chairman, FIDC, said.

Joining as an executive trainee with Shriram Group in 1987, Revankar has risen through the ranks, assuming responsibilities and leadership roles in business operations. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in making Shriram Transport Finance company the largest commercial vehicle financer in India.

In addition to his contributions to Shriram Finance, Revankar serves as a director for several companies within the Shriram Group, including Shriram Automall India, Shriram General Insurance company, and Shriram Life Insurance company.

Revankar is poised to lead the organisation into an era of growth and innovation. Assuming the chairmanship for a two-year term commencing on August 23, 2023, he brings vision and understanding of the financial services landscape to the role.

Under the dynamic leadership of Revankar, FIDC is poised to spearhead growth and foster innovation within the organization.

Further, to strengthen Revankar’s hands, Kamlesh Gandhi, CMD, MAS Financial Services, and K V Srinivasan, CEO and WTD, Profectus Capital will act as the co-chairmen of FIDC..

Source : Financial Express

Correct Answer :   ISRO

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing its innovative device named ‘Nabhmitra’.

This device, developed at ISRO’s Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad, aims to enhance the safety of fishermen during their sea expeditions.

The successful testing took place at Neendakara, where the device was installed on a fishing vessel, and its capabilities were assessed in the presence of both scientists and officials from the Fisheries department.

Nabhmitra operates on the basis of advanced satellite communication technology, allowing seamless two-way messaging between fishing boats and maritime authorities stationed at sea. This breakthrough technology greatly improves the communication channels and safety measures available to fishermen during their voyages.

Key Features and Functions (Nabhmitra device) :

* Weather and Cyclone Warnings : The device facilitates the transmission of critical weather updates and cyclone warnings to fishing boats in the local language. This enables fishermen to stay informed about potentially hazardous conditions and make informed decisions regarding their operations.

* Distress Messages : Fishermen can now send distress messages to the authorities in case of emergencies. Whether facing challenges like capsizing or fires, fishermen can activate the distress signal with a single button press, immediately alerting the control center about their situation.

* Emergency Connectivity : Upon receiving a distress signal, the control center is immediately notified, including the precise location of the distressed fishing boat. Simultaneously, the boat’s crew receives a response message from the control center, assuring them that help is on the way.

* Navigational Assistance : In addition to safety features, Nabhmitra also serves as a valuable navigational tool. It provides vital information about shipping channels and maritime boundaries, assisting fishermen in navigating safely through often challenging waters.

* Fishing Field Identification : The device’s capabilities extend beyond safety concerns. Nabhmitra aids in the identification of fishing fields, contributing to more effective and productive fishing operations.


Source : inkl

Correct Answer :   Siddaramaiah

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Karnataka government on Wednesday (30 August 2023) will launch 'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme--women's financial aid scheme in Mysuru.

During the launching event, Congress party President Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will be present along with CM Siddararamaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar.

Under this scheme, about 1.1 crore women heads of family will get ₹2,000 each at a function in Mysuru. "As many as 1.1 crore women heads of households will be given ₹2,000 every month," Siddararamaiah said.

The Karnataka government has earmarked ₹17,500 crore for 'Gruha Lakshmi' programme in the current financial year.

'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme is one of the five pre-poll 'guarantees' of the Congress, which ousted the BJP from power in the Karnataka Assembly election held in May.

Karnataka government has already implemented three of the five 'guarantees' (pre-poll promises) -- 'Shakti', 'Gruha Jyothi' and 'Anna Bhagya' -- and 'Gruha Lakshmi' is the fourth one. The fifth one is the 'Yuva Nidhi' scheme that promises to provide unemployment allowance to the state's youth.

About Gruha Lakshmi Scheme :

* Under this scheme, the women heads of the family will get a monthly allowance of ₹2,000.

* For this scheme, Karnataka has allocated a substantial ₹32,000 crore annually to support this scheme.

* Women listed as family heads on Antyodaya, Below Poverty Line (BPL), and Above Poverty Line (APL) ration cards are eligible for the Gruha Lakshmi Scheme. Only one woman in a family will be the beneficiary of this scheme.

* Women government employees taxpayers and families whose husbands pay income tax or file GST returns are not eligible for the scheme..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Tamil Nadu

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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Fourth Partner Energy Private Limited (Fourth Partner) signed a long-term loan of up to 1.2 billion Indian rupees (about $14.7 million) to construct and operate a 25-megawatt solar photovoltaic-based power plant to increase clean and low-cost energy supply to commercial and industrial customers.

The power plant, located in Tirunelveli district in the state of Tamil Nadu in India, is expected to generate about 50.7 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually and will directly sell power to commercial and industrial users. India’s progressive open access renewable energy policy allows a group of consumers to purchase electricity directly from an Independent Power Producer (IPP).

“Open access energy procurement can play an important role in businesses achieving their net zero emissions targets,” said ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department Director General Suzanne Gaboury. “Solutions like this are being spearheaded by ADB to promote renewable energy across the region. This is ADB’s first direct financing to a renewable energy plant of this nature and is expected to crowd in international commercial financing to further decarbonize the commercial and industrial sector”.

Nearly 41,700 tons of carbon dioxide emissions a year will be avoided through the plant, which would otherwise have been generated by conventional fossil fuel plants.

“We are excited to add ADB to our esteemed list of green financiers as we move closer to our 3.5 GW renewable energy target by 2025.  Fourth Partner is also constructing solar and wind parks across Ottapidaram, Tuticorin, and Nandikundu in Tamil Nadu,” said Fourth Partner Energy Co-Founder and Executive Director Vivek Subramanian. “We see this project as the beginning of our long-standing partnership with ADB to deliver cleaner, affordable power to India’s commercial and industrial sector,”

ADB has supported the development of renewable energy in India since 2007 when it financed the first set of wind projects under the IPP model. ADB has subsequently financed solar IPPs by assisting projects under the National Solar Mission and various state policies.

Fourth Partner is India’s leading renewable energy solutions platform, focused on building and financing renewable energy projects for commercial and industrial consumers. It offers end-to-end capabilities including evaluation, design, planning, procurement, construction, operation, maintenance, and financing of critical solar, wind, and battery storage infrastructure..

Source : ADB

Correct Answer :   Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)

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Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) manufactured India’s first set of Catalysts for Selective Catalyst Reactors (SCR) for limiting NOx emissions from thermal power plants, the company on Wednesday (30th Aug 2023) announced through an exchange filing.

The first set of indigenously manufactured SCR catalysts for the 5x800 MW Yadadri Thermal Power Station in Telangana, were flagged off by Renuka Gera, Director (Industrial Systems & Products), BHEL, from the company’s Solar Business Division (SBD) unit in Bengaluru, the company said through the filing.

BHEL has set up a state-of-the-art SCR catalyst manufacturing facility at its SBD unit to cater to NOx abatement in thermal power stations.

Recognizing the long-term severe effects of NOx and in consideration of the Ministry of Environment and Forest’s notification, TSGENCO had placed an order for SCRs for 5x800 MW Yadadri TPS, MAHAGENCO for 1x660 MW Bhusawal TPS, WBPDCL for 1x660 MW Sagardighi TPS and NALCO for 1x18.5 MW Damanjodi TPS.

Correct Answer :   Draupadi Murmu

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On 25th August, 2023, a special event took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre as President Draupadi Murmu unveiled a postage stamp in memory of Dadi Prakashmani.

This initiative has been taken on the 16th death anniversary of Dadi Prakashmani under the ‘My Stamp’ initiative of the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications.


Significance of the Postage Stamp :

The commemorative postage stamp unveiled by President Draupadi Murmu on the 16th death anniversary of Dadi Prakashmani, holds a deep significance. This initiative stands as an evident to the enduring influence and remarkable contribution of Dadi Prakashmani to both spirituality and society. The stamp not only immortalizes her legacy but also symbolizes the timeless wisdom she imparted and the positive change she brought.

Who was Dadi Prakashmani?

Dadi Prakashmani, former chief of Brahma Kumaris, played a pivotal role in the Brahma Kumaris organization. Her life was dedicated to spreading Indian values and culture across the nation and beyond, through the path of spirituality. Her leadership guided the Brahma Kumaris to become the world’s largest women-led spiritual institution. Even in tough times, Dadi Prakashmani’s faith and courage offered unwavering support and guidance to the Brahma Kumaris family.


Brahma Kumaris :

Brahma Kumaris, founded in 1937 by Prajapita Brahma Baba, is a global spiritual organization with a profound focus on personal transformation and the renewal of the world. With its headquarters nestled in Mount Abu, India, the Brahma Kumaris holds non-governmental status across various international spheres.