Correct Answer :   NHAI

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The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Thursday (3rd August 2023) said that it has taken a significant step toward enhancing the highway user experience by introducing the 'Rajmargyatra' mobile application.

Aim : The app aims to foster safer and more enjoyable journeys on Indian National Highways.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, this user-centric app marks a substantial advancement in providing travellers with comprehensive information about Indian National Highways and an effective mechanism for addressing complaints.

The application is currently available in both Hindi and English languages and available for download on Google Play Store and iOS App Store.

The 'Rajmargyatra' app encompasses several key features to facilitate a smoother highway experience. Serving as a centralised repository, the app offers essential information for National Highway users.

It provides real-time weather updates, timely broadcast notifications, and details about nearby toll plazas, petrol stations, hospitals, hotels, and other vital services, ensuring a secure and seamless journey on National Highways.

The app incorporates an integrated complaint redressal and escalation system. Users can effortlessly report issues related to the highway, including geo-tagged videos or photos for added clarity. Registered complaints will be addressed promptly, with automated escalations to higher authorities in cases of delays. The app enables users to monitor the progress of their grievances for transparency.

'Rajmargyatra' seamlessly integrates its services with various bank portals, simplifying FASTag recharge, monthly pass acquisition, and other FASTag-related banking services—all accessible within a unified platform.

The app includes features like over-speeding notifications and voice assistance, aimed at encouraging safer and more responsible driving practices.

The enhancements brought by the 'Rajmargyatra' app are designed to establish a user-friendly and streamlined experience for highway users. By offering comprehensive information, efficient complaint resolution, and integrated services like FASTag management..

Source : Business Today

Correct Answer :   Sarbananda Sonowal

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Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, recently unveiled the Port Health Organisation (PHO) module as part of the Sagar Setu - National Logistics Portal (Marine).

The digital initiative aims to streamline operations, promoting Ease of Doing Business (EODB) and ensuring the health and safety of citizens and port workers. The PHO module will conduct disease surveillance, health inspections, and quarantine measures, leveraging technology to modernize and digitize processes.

During the launch, Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the Ministry's commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of transforming and modernizing ports to make them future-ready. This initiative represents another step towards the digitalization and modernization of systems, ultimately fostering ease of doing business across the country.

Pleased to launch the Port Health Organisation (PHO) module of the Sagar Setu app in New Delhi.

The PHO module will help conduct disease surveillance, health inspections and quarantine measures to safeguard citizens and port workers. It is a significant addition to EoDB… pic.twitter.com/vBdds0bX81

— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) August 3, 2023

The Port Health Organization module is designed to simplify the process for obtaining PHO clearance certificates by incorporating features such as online certification generation, request tracking, and approval by PHO.

This streamlined approach will benefit Shipping Agents, PHOs, Port Authorities, Customs, and other relevant stakeholders by providing easier access to PHO clearance functionalities through online channels. It will facilitate collaboration among different departments and agencies for faster approval processes and ensure data mobility with paperless transparency.

With a strong focus on public health, the Port Health Organization will play a crucial role in safeguarding citizens and port workers by conducting disease surveillance, health inspections, and implementing quarantine measures.

Additionally, this module will enhance seamless communication for Custodians like Ports Authorities and Customs, improving overall coordination within the maritime sector. By promoting ease of doing business and implementing digitization processes, the PHO module of Sagar Setu (NLP-M) is expected to boost maritime trade significantly.

The Sagar Setu (National Logistic Portal - Marine) also introduced the 'SAGAR-SETU' mobile app in April 2023. The app offers real-time information on vessel-related details, gate information, container freight stations, and transactions. Moreover, it facilitates digital payments for import and export clearance processes, including shipping line charges, transportation fees, and container freight station charges.

Overall, the introduction of the PHO module under Sagar Setu represents a significant leap forward in the modernization of maritime operations in India..

Source : Pratidintime

Correct Answer :   3rd August 2023

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Noted Marathi poet, lyricist and Padma Shri recipient Namdeo Dhondo Mahanor passed away in a private hospital in Pune due to old age-related ailment on Thursday (3rd August 2023) morning. He was 81.

"Mahanor was ailing with multiple chronic ailments for the last few years. He was admitted on July 13 and he was severely unwell for the last couple of weeks. In spite of giving best medical support from the hospital, he unfortunately passed away at 8.32 am on Thursday," the authorities of the Ruby Hall Clinic where he was under treatment, said in a statement.

Born in Palaskheda village of Aurangabad district in 1942, Mahanor became a popular name in the field of poetry due to his poetry which had essence of nature. Popularly known as Na Dho Mahanor, he also penned several songs for classic Marathi movies like Jait Re Jait, Ek Hota Vidushak and Sarja.

For his contribution in the field of literature, he was awarded with the fourth highest civilian award of the country , Padm Shri. He had also been a member of the state legislative council ..

Source : Times of India

Correct Answer :   National Aerospace Laboratories

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Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), Bengaluru Wednesday (2nd August 2023) unveiled JALDOST, an airboat that removes aquatic weeds from lakes and rivers. An airboat is powered by an aircraft engine.

Our country is blessed with huge inland water bodies, which often get contaminated with waste materials and aquatic weeds. JALDOST is a remarkable feat of indigenous engineering aimed at conserving water bodies more effectively.

It operates on water and is designed to remove excess aquatic weeds and floating waste from water bodies, thereby promoting a cleaner and healthier environment,” CSIR-NAL said in a statement.

The technology is developed in a way that JALDOST while navigating on the water bodies will not sink.

Key facts about National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)

* It is a constituent of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, established in the year 1959.
* It is the only government aerospace R&D laboratory in the country's civilian sector.
* CSIR-NAL is a high-technology-oriented institution focusing on advanced disciplines in aerospace.
* It has several advanced test facilities, and many of them are recognized as National Facilities.
* It has provided significant value-added inputs to all the Indian national aerospace programmes.
* It has also developed many critical technologies for the strategic sector and continues to support the mission-mode programmes of the country.
* Mandate: To develop aerospace technologies with strong science content, design and build small, medium-sized civil aircraft, and support all national aerospace programmes.

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   MASI Portal

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National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has developed an application ‘MASI’ - Monitoring App for Seamless Inspection for real time monitoring of the Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and their inspection mechanism across the country.

The effective and efficient functioning of the mechanism for inspection of CCIs provided under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 (as amended in 2021) and synchronous monitoring of the system is the rationale behind developing this comprehensive application. The app is linked to the monitoring Portal where the automatic reports are generated.

‘MASI’ enables unified inspections by Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), State Inspection Committees, District Inspection Committees, Members of Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) and State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs) as laid down under the JJ Act, 2015.

It serves as a single platform for inspections of all the CCIs across the country by any of the above stated authorities. Regular follow-up is done before and after the completion of cycle of inspection. The complete reports are automatically generated on the Portal as soon as the questionnaire is filled and submitted by the authority. 4268 inspections, as on 24.07.2023, have been completed on MASI Portal by 32 States/UTs.

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, makes it mandatory to establish at least one Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in each district as the authority to dispose of cases for the care, protection, treatment, development and rehabilitation of children in need of care & protection and to provide for their basic needs and protection of human rights.

The composition and functioning of the CWC is in accordance with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and Rules thereof. Mission Vatsalya Scheme provides infrastructure and financial support to the States/UTs for facilitating setting up of CWC in every district and to ensure their effective functioning. The CWC performs functions and Roles as laid down in Juvenile Justice Act, 2015/ Rules as amended from time to time.

As per Mission Vatsalya Scheme Guideline, financial support of Rs.9,25,800/- is provided for setting up of two rooms of 300 sq. ft. for the CWC in the Children Home / VatsalyaSadan (an Integrated Home Complex of CCIs (Children Home, Observation Home, Special Home, Place of Safety) along with offices for JJB and CWC within single premises for implementation of the JJ Act) for which grants for construction are sanctioned under the Scheme.

Where an existing Children Home has the required space available within the premises, the same is provided to the CWC. However, in district where there is no Children Home or the existing Children Home has no space for the CWC, funds are provided under the Mission Vatsalya Scheme for renting suitable premises for the CWC. CWC holds its sittings in one room while the other room is used as a waiting area for Children and their families.

This information was given by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar 3rd August 2023 jointly launched Study in India (SII) Portal in New Delhi.


About Study in India (SII) Portal :

* The portal is a one-stop platform that will simplify international students’ academic journey in India.

* The Portal is a dedicated website that will provide comprehensive information about Indian Higher Education Institutions.

* The portal will present information about the academic facilities, research support, and related information. The new portal will also provide an integrated one-stop solution for the student registration and visa application process.
 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Pradhan said that SII Portal is a one-stop platform that will simplify international students’ academic journey in India. He said, guided by the National Education Policy, the SII Portal reflects, the Government’s commitment to make India a preferred education destination for shaping a prosperous future.

Mr Pradhan said, Study In India Portal is going to be a pivotal step in making India a preferred destination for higher education among students worldwide.
 
On the occasion, Dr. S. Jaishankar said, the portal signifies the government’s commitment to making India a global hub of education by welcoming students of diverse backgrounds.

He said, the presence of international students will also benefit the domestic students by connecting them more closely to the globalizing world..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   7.95%

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According to a report published by Bloomberg citing Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy(CMIE) data for the month of July 2023, the total joblessness rate fell to 7.95% in July 2023, from 8.45% in June 2023.

The seasonal monsoon rains have covered the entire country and it is critical as the monsoon rains water nearly half of the country's agricultural land have raised the expectations of higher production in farm products and also helping in economic growth. The seasonal monsoon rains have been 4% above normal so far this season.

While the agriculture sector saw activity with improved rains, demand for labor from the rural non-agriculture sector dropped in July 2023, said Mahesh Vyas, managing director of CMIE said to Bloomberg. “This led to a fall in rural labor seeking employment, which in turn led to a fall in the rural employment rate."

The labor force in rural India fell by 5 million, the data showed. The labour force participation rate in urban areas also fell, indicating a broader weakness in the economy.

Creating enough jobs for Indians is crucial for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he seeks a rare third term in office in the national polls next year.

His administration is distributing appointment letters as part of a promise to provide one million government jobs by the end of this year (2023) amid wide discontent over rising unemployment..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Nirmala Sitharaman

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The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance "Nirmala Sitharaman", has launched the scheme, “Vivad se Vishwas II – (Contractual Disputes), to effectively settle the pending contractual disputes of government and government undertakings.

The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 by the Union Finance Minister.

In Para 67 of the Union Budget speech, Union Finance Minister and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman had announced :-

“To settle contractual disputes of government and government undertakings, wherein arbitral award is under challenge in a court, a voluntary settlement scheme with standardized terms will be introduced. This will be done offering graded settlement terms depending on pendency level of the disputes”

The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, had issued an order on 29.05.2023 indicating detailed guidelines of the scheme. The last date for submission of claims is 31.10.2023.

Cases satisfying the following criteria will be eligible for settlement under this scheme :

Status of dispute	The award shall have been issued upto the following date
Arbitral Award passed	31.01.2023
Court Award passed	30.04.2023

The scheme will apply to all domestic contractual disputes where one of the parties is either the Government of India or an organisation working under its control.

Under the scheme, for Court Awards passed on or before 30.04.2023 the settlement amount offered to the Contractor will be up to 85% of the net amount awarded/ upheld by the court.

For Arbitral Awards passed on or before 31.01.2023, the settlement amount offered is up to 65% of the net amount awarded.

Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has developed a dedicated web-page for implementation of this scheme. Eligible claims shall be processed only through GeM. For non-GeM contracts of Ministry of Railways, contractors may register their claims on IREPS (www.ireps.gov.in).

The details of the scheme are available on the website of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   ₹6,366 Crores

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The Union Ministry of Rural Development informed Parliament on Tuesday (1st August 2023) that it owes ₹6,366 crore under the wage component of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to States.

There are a total of 14.42 crore active MGNREGS workers, most of whom are women, dependent on the wages to supplement their family’s income. Of the total sum, ₹2,770 crore is owed to West Bengal alone.

Invoking Section 27 of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Centre has blocked payment of over ₹7,500 crore to West Bengal for “non-compliance of directives of the Central government” since December 2021.

These statistics were revealed in a question posed by the Congress’ Lok Sabha member Ramya Haridas, who also asked the Centre to reveal how many beneficiaries were owed wages for more than 5 months now.

The government replied that, barring West Bengal, there is no pendency for more than 5 months in wage disbursal for any MGNREGS worker.

MGNREGS aims : To enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to unskilled manual work

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   SMSES

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For the first time ever, Subroto Mukherjee Sports Education Society (SMSES) signed 2nd August 2023 MoU with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to promote football at the grassroots level.

SMSES, which has been conducting the Subroto Cup International Football Tournament since 1960, will form a Subroto XI (eleven) team under Junior Boys (Under-17) from this edition onwards.

Addressing media in New Delhi,  Air Vice Marshal and SMSES member Alok Sharma announced that the team will also participate in AIFF Youth Competition from the 2023-24 season.

He said that an education workshop will also be undertaken by AIFF for coaches of final-round teams to update and educate them.

Clubs from the Indian Super League, Indian Women's League, and I-League will also pick up players from the Subroto Cup.

Source : AIR