Correct Answer :   Tamil Nadu

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Tata Power announced (8th Jan 2024) a ₹70,000-crore investment to develop 10 gigawatts (GW) of solar and wind power capacity in Tamil Nadu over the next five to seven years. This ambitious project aligns with the power giant's vision of achieving 70 per cent clean and green energy production by 2030 and complete carbon neutrality by 2040, according to a report by Economic Times.

Tata Power CEO and MD Praveer Sinha unveiled the plan at the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet (GIM) in Chennai on January 8. Sinha emphasised the crucial role of renewable energy in mitigating climate change and securing a sustainable future for India.

Tata Power's Renewable Energy Portfolio :

Tata Power has an installed capacity of 982 MW wind power generation with plants spread across seven states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, leading in promoting wind power generation in India, according to the company's website.

Additionally, Tata Power Solar has a portfolio of more than 11.5 GWp of ground-mount utility-scale, over 1.7 GW of rooftop and distributed ground-mounted systems, and over 1 lakh solar water pumps in India.

The stocks of Tata Power were trading in the green, up 0.13 per cent at ₹341.15, on BSE at 2:18 pm on January 8, 2024.

Tata Power's share price bottomed out at around ₹185 apiece level on the NSE at the end of March 2023, and since then, it has remained an ideal 'buy on dips' stock for investors. In the last two months, Tata Power's share price has been touching new highs regularly, and the share has delivered over 80 per cent return to its long-term investors in the current fiscal, as reported by Livemint earlier.

Meanwhile, India's renewable energy capacity crossed the 179.5 GW mark, making the country the 4th largest player globally in wind and solar power. This rapid green surge isn't just powering homes and industries; it's electrifying stock markets and driving India's ambitious climate goals, according to the REN21 Renewables 2022 Global Status Report.

Correct Answer :   Ashwani Gupta

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Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), India’s premier ports and logistics company, has announced significant changes in its leadership structure, marking a new era in its corporate journey.


Karan Adani Ascends to Managing Director
In a strategic move, APSEZ has promoted its CEO Karan Adani to the role of Managing Director. This move signifies a shift in responsibilities, with Karan Adani stepping into a role previously held by Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group. Gautam Adani will now serve as the ‘Executive Chairman’ of APSEZ, reflecting a focus on strategic oversight and global growth.


Karan Adani’s Impactful Tenure as CEO :

Karan Adani’s leadership as CEO has been a period of remarkable growth and expansion for APSEZ. Since joining the Adani Group in 2009 and taking over as CEO in 2016, he has been instrumental in expanding the APSEZ portfolio. This includes the addition of four ports and terminals in India, as well as expansions in Sri Lanka and Israel, significantly enhancing the nation’s infrastructure capabilities.

Ashwani Gupta Takes the Helm as CEO :

In a notable appointment, Ashwani Gupta, former global Chief Operating Officer at Nissan Motors, has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of APSEZ. Gupta brings a wealth of nearly three decades of experience across various sectors, including automotive, retail, and manufacturing.


Gupta’s Global Expertise and Vision :

Ashwani Gupta’s global perspective and leadership have been recognized in fostering key international partnerships. His expertise in electrification, autonomous driving, and digital transformation technologies positions him as a forward-thinking leader. Known for his focus on sustainability, innovation, and customer-centric approaches, Gupta’s leadership is expected to drive APSEZ towards new heights of industry relevance and energy transition.

Correct Answer :   Ghoghala Beach

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In Diu, Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated the Beach Games held at the Ghoghala Beach of the Union Territory 4th Jan 2024. He said that by organising this festival, new dimensions will be established and the culture and tourism will get a boost.

Due to this festival, beach sports will also be promoted in other beach-bearing States and Union Territories of the country. Earlier, Mr. Thakur attended the ‘My Bharat’ programme at the Malala Auditorium in Diu. He said that, so far, 45 lakh youth have registered their names in the Mera Bharat platform.
 
Mr. Anurag Thakur says, The Beach Games are being organised from 4th Jan 2024 to the 11th of January at the Ghoghala Beach of the Union Territory. More than 1200 players are participating in this sports festival. A total of eight different sports are included in the Beach Games, including beach volleyball, pencak silat, beach boxing, beach soccer, and sea swimming along with traditional sports such as Malakhambah, beach kabaddi, and tug of war, more than 20 in the beach games.

Players from States and Union Territories are participating in the Beach festival. As its subject theme is dolphins, the picture of Dolphins has also been placed in various game paintings and banners. The closing ceremony will be held at the INS Khukhri Memorial. Administrator, Union territory Praful Patel, Member of Parliament Daman & Diu Lalubhai Patel also remained present in the event..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   West Bengal

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As a part of the National GI Drive Mission, West Bengal has acquired a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for some products which include Sundarban honey, Black Nunia rice from Jalpaiguri district and Tangail, Gorod and Kadiyal sarees.

* The Central Government has already uploaded the names of the products in the designated portal.

* West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited (WBFDCL)  applied for an exclusive GI tag for Sunderban honey.

* WBFDCL had to compete with a Pune-based entity to win the case. This honey was collected by the 'Mouli' community from the Sunderban forest.  WBFDCL collects and processes the honey and sells it with the brand name Mouban.

* The Black Nunia rice is called Prince of Rice and is cultivated in the Jalpaiguri district of the State. It is an indigenous variety of rice. Kadiyal saree is produced only at Mirzapur of Murshidabad district of West Bengal. Tangail and Gorod saree are also famous in this field..


Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Jagdeep Dhankhar

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Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar has lauded the NCC for heralding a new era of youth development and national progress by channelising the youth's energy for positivity. Describing NCC cadets as important stakeholders in the rise of Bharat, the Vice President said that they are role models for the nation's youth.

* Addressing the gathering during formal inauguration of NCC Republic Day Camp 2024 in New Delhi on January 05, 2024, Shri Dhankhar fondly recalled his days as an NCC cadet underlining that “the cadet spirit is eternal and lasting”.

* Urging the cadets to maintain the highest standards of dignity, he exhorted them to work with the enthusiasm, valor, and dedication to make our Bharat a truly developed nation & a world leader by 2047. “The qualities of discipline and patriotism must remain alive in your hearts, this is the greatest tribute we can pay to our motherland,” he told them.

* Recollecting a piece of advice tendered by him to the NCC Cadets last year, Shri Dhankhar was delighted to note their impactful involvement in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, digital transactions, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and environmental contribution. “NCC ensures your organic growth as ambassadors for national awareness campaigns, fostering integration across cultural, religious, and geographical lines,” he observed.

* Commending the increased female participation within the NCC, Shri Dhankhar stated that female cadets will proudly march down the Kartavya Path in two exclusive contingents with two female bands on this Republic Day. “Pro-women change is taking place very impactfully within the NCC,” he added.

* During the inauguration of NCC Camp, Shri Dhankhar also visited flag area which displayed tableaus of different NCC directorates. Thereafter he visited the NCC’s ‘Hall of Fame’ and witnessed mesmerising cultural performance by the cadets.

* DG NCC Lieutenant General Gurbirpal Singh, senior officials from tri-services, NCC cadets from across the country participated in the ceremony..


Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Shashi Singh

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The All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) on Wednesday (3rd Jan 2024) said Shashi Singh has been elected as the president during its Annual General Meeting.

Further, Zafar Ahmed has been elected as the Senior Vice-President and Indra Parekh as the Vice President of AIRIA, a statement said.

"Alongside the highly capable team of professionals at AIRIA, we will strive to strengthen the standing of the rubber industry in the Indian business market," Shashi Singh said in a statement..

Source : Devdis Course

Correct Answer :   Amit Shah

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Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (4th Jan 2024) urged farmers to cultivate pulses on a large scale to reduce dependency on imports. He assured them that the two cooperatives, the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited (NCCF) would procure produce at a minimum support price or the market price.

* Mr. Shah inaugurated a "tur dal procurement portal" through which farmers can register and sell their produce to NAFED and NCCF. A similar facility will be launched in future for urad and masoor farmers as well as maize farmers, he said.

* The Minister also transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) about ₹68 lakh to 25 farmers towards payment for sale of tur via the portal.

* After the launch, the Minister said that before the sowing operation, tur farmers can register on the portal to sell their produce to NAFED and NCCF.

* The country is still dependent on the import of some varieties of pulses except for chana and moong, the Minister said. “By December 2027, the country should become self-reliant in pulses. We will not import even one kilo of pulses from January 2028,” he added..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   Tamil Nadu

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Adidas is gearing up to set up its first and only global capacity centre (GCC) in Asia outside China in Chennai (Tamil Nadu), according to a media report on Thursday (04th Jan 2024).

* While global corporations are trying to harness the abundant software/technology skills in India, Adidas' entry into this realm is likely to reinforce the recent multinational GCC investments.

* Adidas will set up its Global Business Services (GBS), with Akhil Kapoor leading the operations. Kapoor is reportedly the Vice President of GBS global procurement and Head of GBS India with his location listed as Chennai.

* The Chennai hub of the German company will be designed to seamlessly integrate with Adidas' existing hubs in Porto (Portugal), Dalian (China), Bogota (Columbia) and North America, catering to the company's global operations.

* The German major is anticipating significant growth in its Chennai centre and is planning to add 'high-quality resources' over the next three to five years, noted the report.

* The company’s attempt aligns with Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa’s recent statement which underscored Chennai’s attempt to establish itself as the 'premier choice' for GCCs and research and development centres in India.

Correct Answer :   P Santhosh

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P Santhosh, Chief General Manager at Canara Bank, has been appointed as the Managing Director of National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL) with effect from 5th January 2024, succeeding Natarajan Sundar, who resigned from the post. This unexpected change in leadership at the government-promoted asset reconstruction organization has raised eyebrows within the industry.


Resignations in Top Management :

* Natarajan Sundar, a seasoned banking veteran who previously served as Deputy Managing Director at State Bank of India, is the second high-ranking official to resign from NARCL before completing the designated tenure. Last August, Karnam Sekar, the then Chairman of NARCL, also stepped down without providing a specific reason, leaving the organization amid uncertainty.

* Sundar had assumed the role of Managing Director on May 30, 2022, for a two-year term, similar to the tenure of his predecessor, Karnam Sekar. Both resignations occurred before completing the stipulated two-year period, raising questions about the stability and management structure of NARCL.

Merger Proposal and Previous Leadership Changes :

* The surprise resignation of Karnam Sekar was closely linked to a proposal to merge NARCL with India Debt Resolution Company (IDRCL), an entity that acts as a resolution agent. This proposal, initiated by IDRCL’s former head, Diwakar Gupta, prompted Sekar’s resignation. In November, Gupta was appointed Chairman of NARCL, while Narayan Sheshadri assumed the role of Chairman.

* The merger proposal aimed at streamlining the operations of both public sector NARCL and private sector IDRCL, with the former acting as the principal asset reconstruction company and the latter functioning as a resolution agent. However, the unexpected leadership changes have added an element of uncertainty to the proposed merger.


Upcoming Leadership Transition :

With P Santhosh taking over as the Managing Director of NARCL, the organization is expected to invite candidates to apply for the vacant position soon. Santhosh, who joined NARCL on deputation from Canara Bank, will play a crucial role in steering the asset reconstruction company through its mandate of acquiring bad loans and facilitating their resolution.


Financial Overview :

As of November, ten public sector banks had transferred Rs 11,617 crore in bad loans to NARCL. However, the recovery figures indicate a modest sum of Rs 16.64 crore as of November 30, 2023. These financial metrics underscore the challenges faced by NARCL in its mission to alleviate the burden of bad loans from the banking sector.

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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The Union Cabinet Chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the overarching scheme “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” of Ministry of Earth Sciences, for implementation during the period from 2021-26 at an overall cost of Rs. 4,797 crore.

The scheme encompasses five ongoing sub-schemes namely “Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)”, “Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)”, “Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER)”, “Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE)” and “Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT)”.


The major Objectives of the overarching Prithvi Scheme are :

* Augmentation and sustainance of long-term observations of the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere and solid earth to record the vital signs of the Earth System and change
* Development of modelling systems for understanding and predicting weather, ocean and climate hazards and understanding the science of climate change
* Exploration polar and high seas regions of the Earth towards discovery of new phenomena and resources;
* Development of technology for exploration and sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources for societal applications
* Translation of knowledge and insights from Earth systems science into services for societal, environmental and economic benefit.    
 

Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is mandated to translate Science to Services for the Society in providing services for weather, climate, ocean and coastal state, hydrology, seismology, and natural hazards; to explore and harness marine living and non-living resources in a sustainable manner for the country and to explore the three poles of the Earth (Arctic, Antarctic and Himalayas). These services include weather forecasts (both on land and in the Oceans) and warnings for various natural disasters like tropical cyclones, storm surge, floods, heat waves, thunderstorm and lightning; alerts for Tsunamis and monitoring of earthquakes, etc. The services provided by the Ministry are being effectively used by different agencies and state governments for saving human lives and minimising damages to the properties due to natural disasters.

The research & development and operational (services) activities of MoES are carried out by ten Institutes of MoES, viz. India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), National Centre for Seismology (NCS), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service (INCOIS), Hyderabad, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune and National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS). A fleet of oceanographic and coastal research vessels of the Ministry provide required research support for scheme.

Earth System Sciences deal with all the five components of the earth system: atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere and their complex interactions. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) holistically addresses all the aspects relating to the Earth System Science. 

The overarching scheme of PRITHVI will holistically address all the five components of earth system to improve the understating of the Earth System Sciences and to provide reliable services for the country. Various components of PRITHVI scheme are inter-dependent and are carried out in an integrated manner through combined efforts of the concerned Institutes under MoES.

The overarching scheme of Prithvi Vigyan will enable development of integrated multi-disciplinary earth science research and innovative programs across different MoES institutes. These integrated R&D efforts will help in addressing the grand challenges of weather and climate, ocean, cryosphere, seismological science and services and explore the living and non-living resources for their sustainable harnessing..

Source : PIB