Correct Answer :   IIT Bombay

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The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has received a donation of $18.6 million from an alumnus towards the establishment of a Green Energy and Sustainability Research Hub.

This landmark contribution will redefine the Institute’s role in addressing the global climate crisis.

* To be located within a state-of-the-art academic building on the IIT Bombay campus, the focus of this hub extends to critically important areas.

* These include evaluating climate risks and developing effective mitigation strategies, climate change adaptation, and comprehensive environmental monitoring.

* The Hub seeks to advance climate solutions, fostering the adoption of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies.

* The hub will facilitate research in several critical areas, including, but not limited to, battery technologies, solar photovoltaics, biofuels, clean-air science, flood forecasting, and carbon capture.

* The Hub will also serve as a nexus for learning and exploration, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities for students and researchers alike.

* Furthermore, the Hub will offer industry-tailored educational training and cultivate strategic collaborations with global universities and corporations. The objective is to drive practical and transformative solutions while nurturing entrepreneurship in the realm of green energy and sustainability..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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The B20 Summit India 2023 started in New Delhi on 25th August 2023. The Summit is based on the theme of B20 India R.A.I.S.E: Responsible, Accelerated, Innovative, Sustainable, Equitable Businesses.

* Addressing the event 25th August 2023, India G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said, India is witnessing a fast paced growth and soon it is going to be the third largest economy.

* He emphasised on the four key priorities of making the G20 presidency a people's presidency. Talking about the priorities, Mr. Kant said, India is pushing the agenda of strong, sustainable, inclusive and balanced economic growth by focussing to remove the protectionists measures.

* He said, accelerating the pace to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, emphasis on climate actions and rapid climate financing for leveraging growth of the global south and women led development are the other key priorities.

* In his opening remarks, Executive Chairman of Tata Sons and Chair of B20 India N Chandrasekaran said, India is committed to equitable growth particularly in the Global South. He said, India's growth journey will shape the world's future.

* On the first day of the Summit 25th August 2023, seven sessions will be organized including B20 India priorities and recommendations from India for the world. Several Global and Indian business leaders including Chief Executive Officer of Mastercard Michael Miebach and President of World Economic Forum Borge Brende will attend the Summit.

* Seven task forces were created for India’s Presidency in different areas. To focus and deliberate on the larger structural agenda, B20 India worked through two Action Councils on environmental, social, and governance in Business on African Economic Integration.

* During the three days Summit, Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Dharmendra Pradhan, Dr. S Jaishankar, Trade Ministers of various countries, and several business leaders will share their ideas on the issues concerning businesses globally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the special session on the coming sunday as Chief Guest..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   6 Countries

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BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – countries announced on Thursday (24th August 2023) that the awaited expansion of the grouping will go ahead.

Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Argentina and Ethiopia will join BRICS, said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The six countries are expected to become members starting 1 January, 2024.

“Through this step, the faith of numerous nations in a multipolar world order will become stronger," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcoming the expansion in the five-nation grouping.

BRICS began as a group of four countries in the mid-2000s. In 2009, BRICS nations held their first leaders’ summit in Russia.

BRICS was expanded to include South Africa in 2010.

This move holds the potential to open the doors for numerous interested countries to align with a coalition committed to championing the interests of the "Global South"..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Rs. 8139.50

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The North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) with an approved outlay of Rs.8139.50 crore for the period from 2022-23 to 2025-26 was also approved by the Cabinet, with two components viz. NESIDS-Road and NESIDS-Other Than Road Infrastructure (OTRI). 

The scheme is a central sector scheme with 100% central funding. The decisions of the Government including merger of the erstwhile North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS) into NESIDS-Road component etc. necessitated formulation of fresh guidelines to administer and implement the restructured NESIDS during the balance period of the 15th Finance Commission. 

Accordingly, the newly-formulated separate Guidelines to administer and implement both the components of the NESIDS have now been issued after having extensive consultations with the stake holders and detailed discussions internally. The objective of the NESIDS is to support infrastructure development in identified sectors including connectivity in the North Eastern States.

The Union Cabinet had also approved continuation of the ‘Schemes of NEC’ for the period from 2022-23 to 2025-26 with a total outlay of Rs.3202.7 crore. The fresh guidelines for the “Schemes of NEC” has also been issued after having detailed discussion and consultations.

The objectives of the aforesaid schemes of the MDoNER are to supplement the efforts of the different Central Ministries & Departments on one hand and the felt needs of the NE States on the other, for uncovered development/welfare activities.

The MDoNER Schemes help provide gap-filling support to the eight North Eastern States as per their felt needs, by taking up projects – e.g., for developing infrastructure to mitigate connectivity and social sector deficits and enhancing livelihood and employment opportunities in the region.

The newly issued detailed schemes’ guidelines combined with the concerted efforts of the Ministry and with the kind support of NE States will facilitate to achieve intended objectives in a transparent and accelerated manner..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   One Lakh Crores

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Government e-Marketplace, GeM has crossed one lakh crore rupees Gross Merchandise Value in the current financial year (FY 23-24).

* Commerce and Industry Ministry said, GeM has achieved this milestone in a record time within 145 days in the current fiscal year against 243 days in the last fiscal.

* GeM is an online platform for the procurement of goods and services by government departments, public sector units, and other agencies.

* Since its inception in 2016, GeM has continuously been working towards promoting the Make in India initiative.

* The Ministry said, Since inception, GeM has crossed 4.91 Lakh crore rupees in Gross Merchandise Value and has facilitated over 1.67 crore orders on the platform..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Anurag Singh Thakur

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The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sh. Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated 33 Khelo India Centres in the State of Rajasthan this morning (23rd August 2023) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

* The Union Minister announced that a National Center of Excellence with a dedicated Sports Science Centre will be set up in Rajasthan along with additional 18 Khelo India centres, thus taking the total number of Khelo India centres in the State to 51.

* It was also announced that  Competitions will be organised  between the Khelo India Centers while Coaching the Coaches programme will also be extended to the Khelo India Center.  

* Coaches as well & the KIC coaches will be trained by getting them attached with our national & international coaches.

* Also present in the event was Sh. Ashok Chandna, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. Of Rajasthan, as well as other eminent dignitaries from the State, YAS Ministry and SAI.

* Addressing the event, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur mentioned, “We want all States to grow in terms of sports. When State Governments work in tandem with Central Govt with a unanimous vision for sports, more medals will come for India..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   54th

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India got its 54th tiger reserve in Rajasthan's Karauli and Dholpur districts on Tuesday (22nd August 2023) with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) approving a proposal in this regard.

This is Rajasthan's fifth tiger reserve after Ranthambore, Sariska, Mukundra Hills and Ramgarh Vishdhari.

"Giant leap for wildlife conservation in Rajasthan. Happy to announce that the state has got yet another Tiger Reserve.

"The Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve has been accorded the final approval by @ntca_india. Let's pledge to safeguard this precious ecosystem and its majestic tigers," Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav wrote on the microblogging site X.

The number of tigers in India has increased from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,682 in 2022, an annual rise of 6 per cent, according to government data.

With a 50 per cent increase in the last four years, Madhya Pradesh has the maximum number of tigers in the country (785), followed by Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444).

The number of tigers in Rajasthan has increased from 32 in 2006 to 88 in 2022..

Source : Economic Times

Correct Answer :   Ram Nath Kovind

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Kerala took a significant step towards the integration of technology in education with the inauguration of its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) school in Thiruvananthapuram.

The inauguration ceremony, graced by former President Ram Nath Kovind, marked a transformative moment for education in the state.


AIM BEHIND THIS AI SCHOOL :

* The pioneering AI School, located at Santhigiri Vidyabhavan, has been developed in collaboration with iLearning Engines (ILE) USA, a globally renowned educational platform, and Vedhik eSchool. The latter is managed by a distinguished panel of experts, including former Chief Secretaries, DGPs, and Vice Chancellors.

* According to Vedhik eSchool authorities, AI school introduces an innovative learning approach that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to offer students an international standard of education. This unique system ensures quality learning experiences not only during school hours but also beyond, through the school's online portal.

INITIALLY AVAILABLE TO CLASSES 8 TO 12 :

* Vedhik eSchool authorities explained that the AI School is meticulously aligned with the National School Accreditation Standards, as outlined in the New National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It caters initially to students in classes 8 to 12, providing a comprehensive suite of learning tools and resources.


INTENSIVE TRAINING ON THE PLATFORM :

* The AI-powered features of the school include Multi-Teacher Revision Support, Multilevel Assessment, Aptitude Tests, Psychometric Counseling, Career Mapping, Ability Enhancement, Memory Techniques, Communication and Writing Skills, Interview and Group Discussion Skills, Mathematical Skills, Behavioral Etiquette, English Language Proficiency, and the Development of Emotional-Mental Abilities Training.

* Furthermore, the AI School offers intensive training for competitive exams and entrance tests such as JEE, NEET, MAT, CUET, CLAT, G-MAT, GRE, IELTS, and more. It extends its support to higher education pursuits, including guidance for scholarships in prestigious foreign universities.

AIMS TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES :

* Importantly, the AI School aims to provide these exceptional educational services at minimal fees. The digital content, backed by artificial intelligence, is readily accessible through the school's website, eliminating additional financial burdens on students and parents.

* The curriculum not only enhances the learning experience but also aids teachers in addressing various academic challenges. It empowers parents to effectively assess their children's academic progress and equips even average students for remarkable success.

* The launch of Kerala's first AI School ushers in a new era of education, combining technology, innovation, and accessibility to pave the way for a brighter future for students...

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Indore

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The 26th National Conference on e-Governance began in Indore on 24th August 2023 to deliberate on providing better facilities to the citizens.

* The conference was inaugurated by MP Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Science & Technology Minister Om Prakash Sakhalecha.

* Tulsi Ram Silavat, Minister of Water Resources, Fishermen Welfare and Fisheries Development Department of Madhya Pradesh was also present on this occasion.

* The two-day conference is being organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in collaboration with the Government of Madhya Pradesh. 

* The conference is being brainstormed on the topic 'Developing India: Empowering Citizens'. Representatives from 28 states and 9 union territories as well as industry are participating in the conference. 

* Eleven themes including district-level initiatives, emerging technologies for providing citizen centric services, role of R&D in citizen centric services are being discussed in the conference.  National e-Governance Awards 2023 in 5 categories will also be presented during the conference..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Justice Prakash Srivastava

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Justice Prakash Shrivastava, former Chief Justice of the Calcutta high court, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Appointment order to this effect was issued on Monday (21st August 2023). Justice Shrivastava (62) will assume his charge at NGT this week.

Earlier, Justice Shiv Kumar Singh was appointed as the executive chairperson after the retirement of the then NGT Chairman Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel in July 2023.

Justice Shrivastava was appointed as a Judge of the Madhya Pradesh high court in January 2008. He became a permanent judge two years later. He was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Calcutta high court in October, 2021. He was retired from there in March this year.

Enrolled as advocate on February 2, 1987, he practised on tax, civil and constitutional sides in the Supreme Court of India before appointed as Judge of the high court of Madhya Pradesh on January 18, 2008..

Source : India Times