Correct Answer :   Arjun Ram Meghwal

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Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal launched Tele-Law- 2.0 on Friday (25th Aug 2023) that Integrates Tele-Law and Nyaya Bandhu App to ensure access to Justice in New Delhi.

* This will enable the common citizen to access legal advice, legal assistance and legal representation through a single registration and single gateway of Tele-Law.

* Speaking on the occasion, Mr Meghwal said, the number of beneficiaries of the Tele-Law Scheme have reached 50 Lakhs.

* The integration of legal guidance, support, and representation through a single registration process stands as a testament to the commitment to nurture a digitally literate and empowered populace.

* The Minister called upon legal professionals to contribute pro bono services to ensure that no citizen is deprived of essential legal assistance..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Gujarat

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The second G20-Chief Scientific Advisers’ Roundtable meeting officially began in Gujarat, Gandhinagar (28th Aug 2023) in August 2023.

Science advisors, Scientists, researchers from G20 countries, and invited countries will participate.

Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Ajay K Sood, will address the meeting tomorrow (28th Aug 2023).

Themes Include :

* Opportunities in One Health
* Synergizing Global Efforts to Expand the Access to Scholarly Scientific Knowledge
* Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility in Science & Technology
* Institutional Mechanism for Inclusive Global S&T Policy Dialogue.

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka hosted its very first Karnataka cultural festival on Friday (25th Aug 2023). It was organized by the International Cultural Council of India in collaboration with Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre and M.E Global Peace Foundation.

* The event showcased a mesmerizing lineup of performances by over 30 artists from Karnataka including dances, folk songs, multi-lingual poems, ballet, and captivating puppet shows.

* The programme featured the essence of Karnataka's heritage, with the spotlight on talented artists like Madhuri Bondre and her troupe.

* The event celebrated cultural diversity and marked a significant moment in the shared cultural heritage of India and Sri Lanka..


Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   India

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India has handed over the B20 presidency to Brazil to host G20 in 2024. B20 India Chair N Chandrasekaran said that India's B20 Presidency under the its G20 Presidency worked under the theme of Vasaudeva Katumbakam (One Earth, One Family, One Future).

He said, it is being attended by over one thousand 500 global business delegates and experts across 55 countries.

Mr Chandrasekaran said, during this period we worked on nine important themes which included empowerment of women and youth, transition towards an Artificial Intelligence world, building a global resilient supply chain and financing for the global economic recovery.

He said, the presidency of India's B20 has been recognized for its effective process, engagement, and consensus-building in generating 54 policy recommendations over the last nine months..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Zimbabwe

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Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa was re-elected for a second and final five-year term in August 2023.

* Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa was re-elected for a second and final term in an election marred by widespread allegations that the governing party, ZANU-PF had committed fraud.

* Mnangagwa’s victory over his closest competitor, Nelson Chamisa after his first full term in office, strengthened ZANU-PF 's grip on power. Zimbabwe has over the past two decades suffered under disastrous economic policies that have led to soaring prices, high unemployment, and a medical system lacking basic drugs and equipment.

* With Mnangagwa, 80, winning another five years in office, Zimbabwe is likely to continue to struggle to break out of its isolation from Western nations, which have demanded greater democracy and respect for human rights in exchange for helping it grapple with USD 18 billion in debt.

* The South African nation of 16 million, has a history of election irregularities, and such tactics helped Robert Mugabe, a liberation leader turned autocrat, maintain power for nearly four decades..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   August 26th

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International Dog Day is observed as a special occasion to celebrated every year on August 26 in several countries. This day aims to recognise the important role that a dog plays in our lives.


International Dog Day History :

International Dog Day has been observed since 2004, when a pet lover, Colleen Paige, celebrated the day as a way to raise awareness about dog shelters. Since then, International Dog Day has become a global celebration for all pet lovers who participate in events and activities to honour their pets and also to raise awareness about humans' best friends. Paige is also the founder of National Cat Day and National Pet Day.

International Dog Day 2023 Significance :

* International Dog Day is observed to highlight the conditions of hundreds of dogs who are in need of being rescued as they are deprived of proper care. The main aim of International Dog Day is to encourage people to take care of these needy animals.

* On this day, people are encouraged to adopt stray dogs and also raise awareness about the problems facing them. Additionally, the message that this day conveys is to tell people to provide a safe, loving and caring environment for all dogs.

* The purpose of this day is to spread awareness about dogs' lives and to encourage the same, a theme is set to disseminate among pet lovers.

* If you’re an animal lover who wants to adopt a furry friend, you need to understand some key points prior to making such a crucial decision.

Here are some of the necessary considerations that one needs to make before adopting a dog :

* Make sure that you will be able to handle the financial expenses of keeping a dog.
* Take your time with the pet, as they will become a part of the family after the adoption.
* No more last-minute weekend getaways, as you will have a pet to take care of. Otherwise, you’ll need to plan and find a dog sitter or dog boarder in your vicinity.
* Dogs need to get outdoors and in the backyard, so you will need to take care of your pet’s walk every day for the betterment of their health.
* You'll have to bear with dog hair everywhere in your house when you adopt a dog. If you are a cleanliness freak, then you might find it irritating.

Correct Answer :   Uttar Pradesh

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The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday (22nd August 2023) approved developing 18 Atal Residential Schools along the lines of the centre-run Navodaya Vidyalayas at a cost of Rs 1,250 crore.

* The Cabinet, which met at the home of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, approved 23 proposals, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna told reporters.

* Khanna said the state government will spend Rs 1,250 crore on the Atal Residential Schools, to come up in all 18 divisions of Uttar Pradesh.

* “The capacity of these schools will be 1,000 students, including 500 girls and as many boys. It will have classes from six to 12. Children whose studies were affected by Covid-19 pandemic can also get admission to these schools,” he said.

* These schools will act as centres of excellence, Khanna added.

* The Cabinet also approved purchasing 25 lakh smartphones, to be distributed free of cost to students under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme, the minister said.

* In another important decision, the Chief Minister’s Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, which will benefit 10 lakh people, was approved. The beneficiaries will get Rs 9,000 during the training.

* Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi said six dairy plants of the Pradesh Cooperative Dairy Federation will be leased out for 10 years. These plants are located in Gorakhpur, Kanpur, Noida, Prayagraj, Azamgarh and Moradabad.

* The Cabinet also approved regulations for biodiesel production and marketing..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   24 August 2023

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Veteran Marathi actress Seema Deo, who was seen in films like Anand, Koshish and Kora Kagaz, passed away on 24 August 2023. Seema Deo acted in nearly 90 Hindi and Marathi movies in a career spanning over six decades from the black-and-white to the colour era of the Indian film industry.

She is hugely remembered for her major role in the musical blockbuster ‘Anand’, along with her husband Ramesh, and Amitabh Bachchan among other actors. Some of her renowned Marathi films are ‘Jagachya Pathivar’, ‘Vardakshina’, among many others. She was last seen in ‘Jivan Sandhya’ released in 2021.


Seema Deo’s career :

* She was born Nalini Saraf on March 27, 1942, in Girgaum, Mumbai.
* She made her film debut in the Marathi film “Jagachya Pathivar” in 1962.
* She went on to act in over 90 Hindi and Marathi films, including “Anand” (1971), “Kora Kagaz” (1974), “Apradh” (1975), “Janaki” (1977), “Bezubaan” (1980), “Koshish” (1982), and “Sansar” (1987).
* She was married to actor Ramesh Deo from 1966 until his death in 2021. They had two sons, actor Ajinkya Deo and director Abhinay Deo.
* She was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2022.
* Seema Deo was a versatile actress who could play a wide range of roles. She was known for her gentle and graceful persona, and she often played the role of the sweet sister, daughter-in-law, or mother. However, she was also capable of playing strong and complex characters, as evidenced by her performance in “Anand”.

* She was a dedicated and hardworking actress who was passionate about her craft. She will be remembered as a talented and accomplished actor who made significant contributions to Hindi and Marathi cinema.

Here are some of her notable films :

* Jagachya Pathivar (1962)
* Anand (1971)
* Kora Kagaz (1974)
* Apradh (1975)
* Janaki (1977)
* Bezubaan (1980)
* Koshish (1982)
* Sansar (1987)
* Jivan Sandhya (2021)

Correct Answer :   ₹19,000 Crore

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The Defence Ministry on Friday (25 August 2023) signed a contract with Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. (HSL), Visakhapatnam, for the acquisition of five fleet support ships (FSS) for the Indian Navy at an approximate cost of ₹19,000 crore.

The ships in the 44,000-tonnes category will be the first of their kind to be built in India by an Indian shipyard.


A New Horizon in Naval Operations :

The Fleet Support Ships (FSS) serve a crucial role in maritime operations by facilitating the replenishment of ships at sea. These vessels, weighing an impressive 44,000 tonnes each, are equipped to provide essential resources such as fuel, water, ammunition, and supplies to naval fleets on extended missions. This capability to operate independently for extended periods will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s reach and effectiveness, particularly in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Strategic Impact on Indian Naval Fleet :

The acquisition of these cutting-edge Fleet Support Ships holds immense strategic significance. With the capability to support multiple fleets, including aircraft carriers and other warships, these FSS vessels will play a pivotal role in ensuring sustained operations across various naval assets. The FSS vessels possess the remarkable capacity to carry between 20,000 to 25,000 tonnes of fuel and water, which can be a game-changer in naval logistics.


Timeline and Expansion Plans :

According to sources within the Navy, the delivery of the first FSS is expected to commence four years after the signing of the contract with Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL). Subsequently, the remaining vessels will be commissioned at intervals of ten months. The Navy envisions the integration of a total of eight Fleet Support Ships over the next decade, augmenting its fleet of tanker vessels. Presently, the Navy operates four existing tankers, with two stationed on the East Coast and the remaining two on the West Coast.

Strengthening National Industry and ‘Make in India’ Initiative :

This landmark contract not only elevates the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities but also resonates with the ‘Make in India‘ initiative and the nation’s aspiration for self-reliance. The Ministry of Defence highlighted that the majority of equipment and systems for the FSS vessels would be sourced from indigenous manufacturers, thus fostering the growth of the Indian shipbuilding industry and supporting associated sectors, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).


Hindustan Shipyard Limited’s Role and Expertise :

Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), a prominent entity in India’s maritime landscape, is entrusted with the monumental task of constructing these groundbreaking Fleet Support Ships. The shipyard boasts an impressive track record, having constructed 200 vessels, refitted five submarines, and repaired around 2,000 vessels of various types. As part of the contract, HSL is set to modernize its facilities to accommodate the significant demands of this venture while ensuring its other ongoing operations continue seamlessly..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   Indore

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The India Smart Cities Awards 2022, organized by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, have recognized Indore as the best city and Madhya Pradesh as the best state in the Smart Cities Mission. The awards celebrate the progress and achievements of cities and states in promoting sustainable development and enhancing the quality of urban life across India.


Top City and State Recognized :

* Best City Award: Indore has been named the best city in the India Smart Cities Awards 2022. The city has a remarkable track record, being consistently ranked as the cleanest city in the Swachh Bharat Mission for six consecutive years.
* Best State Award: Madhya Pradesh has been recognized as the best state in the Smart Cities Mission. The state has shown significant commitment to urban development through the implementation of multi-sectoral projects aimed at improving citizens’ quality of life.


Top Smart Cities :

* Second Best City: Surat secured the second position among the smart cities for its notable efforts in urban development.
* Third Best City: Agra claimed the third spot for its initiatives contributing to the Smart Cities Mission.

State Rankings :

* Second Best State: Tamil Nadu was placed second among the states, reflecting its strides in urban development and sustainable projects.
* Shared Third Best State: Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh shared the third position among the states for their contributions to the Smart Cities Mission.


Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCC) :

* All 100 Smart Cities have operational Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCC), which serve as the urban management nerve center. These centers have enhanced urban services, including crime tracking, safety measures, transport management, waste management, water supply, and disaster management.


ISAC Awards and Its Goals :

* The India Smart Cities Awards aim to recognize and reward cities, projects, and ideas that contribute to sustainable development and enhance the overall quality of life for urban residents.
* The awards promote inclusivity, equity, safety, health, and collaboration among cities.

Award Categories and Winning Projects :

* Built Environment Category: Coimbatore’s model roads and restoration of lakes project was recognized as the top project in this category.
* Economy Category: Jabalpur’s incubation center project was awarded the top position for its economic impact.
* Mobility Category: Chandigarh’s public bike-sharing initiative stood out in the mobility category.
* Governance Category: Chandigarh also excelled in the governance category, specifically in e-governance services.
* Union Territory Category: Chandigarh received the overall award for being the best Union Territory in the India Smart Cities Awards.


Progress of Smart Cities Mission :

* The Smart Cities Mission, launched in 2015, has seen significant achievements. The 100 selected cities have completed 76% of the proposed projects worth Rs. 1.10 lakh crore.
* The remaining projects, valued at Rs. 60,095 crore, are expected to be completed by June 30, 2024. The deadline was extended to accommodate the completion of projects due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


Selection Process and Nominations :

* The ISAC 2022 had a two-stage submission process. The Qualifying Stage assessed cities’ overall performance, while the Proposal Stage required nominations for six award categories.
* Out of 845 nominations from 80 qualifying smart cities, 66 winners were identified across various categories.