July - 2024 Current Affairs

Correct Answer :   ?2,514.36 cr

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To fulfill Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of disaster resilient India, Ministry of Home Affairs under the guidance of Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah has taken several initiatives to ensure effective management of disasters in the country.

A number of steps have been taken to prevent any extensive loss to life and property during disasters by strengthening disaster risk reduction system in India.

Approval of six project proposals :

The High-Level Committee in today’s meeting approved six project proposals in the states of Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, West Bengal and Maharashtra at a total cost of Rs. 2514.36 crore for Urban Flood Management in six metro cities, namely Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Pune.  Earlier, HLC, on 27th November 2023, had approved the Project proposal for integrated solutions for flood management for the state of Tamil Nadu in Chennai city at a cost of Rs. 561.29 crore.

Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services :

HLC also approved three project proposals under the scheme for “Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services in the states” for the Assam, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu of a total outlay of Rs. 810.64 crore. Central Government has allocated a total amount of Rs. 5000 crore under National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for this scheme, and had already approved the proposals of 11 states at a total outlay of Rs. 1691.43 crore.

A project proposal for GLOF :

In addition, High-Level Committee also approved a project proposal for GLOF risk mitigation for the states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh at a total outlay of Rs. 150 crore. The GLOF Risk Mitigation Project will provide necessary impetus to these four states in taking necessary mitigation measures to address GLOF risks.

Proposal of Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme (YAMS) :

HLC also approved a proposal of Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme (YAMS) at an outlay of Rs.470.50 crore from NDRF, which will be implemented in 315 most disaster-prone districts of the country for training of 1300 trained Aapda Mitra Volunteers as Master Trainers and 2.37 lakh volunteers exclusively from NCC, NSS, NYKS and BS&G (Bharat Scouts &Guides) in disaster preparedness and response.

Preparing the community as first responders :

This is in line with the vision of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, of preparing the community as first responders during any disaster. Earlier, the Government has implemented “Aapda Mitra”, scheme under which around 1 lakh community volunteers have been trained for disaster response in 350 most disaster-prone districts of the country.

Rs 6348 crores to 14 states :

During the current financial year, Central Government has released Rs 6348 crores to 14 states under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and Rs672 crores to 06 states under State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF). In addition, an amount of Rs. 4265 crore has been released to 10 states under National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

Correct Answer :   Khordha

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Odisha, a culturally rich state in eastern India, boasts Khordha district as its most literate region. With a literacy rate of approximately 86.88%, Khordha surpasses the state average, showcasing significant progress in education.

Known for its esteemed educational institutions and effective government initiatives, Khordha exemplifies how community involvement and strategic programs can elevate literacy rates, making it a beacon of educational success in Odisha.

An Overview of Odisha :

Odisha, formerly known as Orissa until 2011, is an eastern Indian state with over 41 million people, making it the eighth-largest by area and eleventh-largest by population. It has significant tribal communities and borders Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh. Odisha boasts a 485-kilometer coastline along the Bay of Bengal. The state’s language, Odia, is a recognized Classical language of India.

Number of Districts in Odisha :

Odisha, formerly Orissa Province, was formed on 1 April 1936. The state observes Odisha Day to commemorate its formation. Bhubaneswar, the capital and largest city, leads the state’s administrative divisions. Odisha is divided into 30 districts, grouped into three divisions, each playing a crucial role in the state’s governance and development. These districts contribute to Odisha’s cultural and administrative diversity.

Literacy Rate in Odisha State :

As per the latest population census, Odisha’s literacy rate is 72.87%. Male literacy is notably higher at 81.59%, while female literacy stands at 64.01%. This disparity highlights the ongoing need for educational initiatives to bridge the gender gap and improve overall literacy across the state, ensuring equal access to education for all residents.

Most Literate District in Odisha :

Khordha is the most literate district in Odisha, boasting a literacy rate of 86.88%. This impressive figure reflects the district’s commitment to education, with numerous esteemed institutions and effective government initiatives. Khordha’s success serves as a model for other districts, showcasing how dedicated efforts in education can significantly enhance literacy rates and contribute to overall development.

Literacy Rate of Khordha, the Most Literate District in Odisha
Khordha, the most literate district in Odisha, has a population of 2,251,673, with 1,749,936 literates, achieving a literacy rate of 86.88%. This high literacy rate reflects Khordha’s strong educational infrastructure, numerous institutions, and effective government programs, making it a benchmark for educational success in the state.

Correct Answer :   Jawaharlal Nehru Port

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The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) is set to develop India’s first integrated agricultural export facility at Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai.

The project, approved by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, is valued at Rs. 284.19 crore and will cover an area of 67,422 square meters.

This state-of-the-art facility aims to streamline logistics, reduce multiple handling, and extend the shelf life of agricultural products, thus enhancing the export capacity of Indian agricultural commodities.

Key Benefits and Impact :

Empowering Farmers and Exporters : The facility will enable better pricing for agricultural goods and support small exporters with improved logistics, container booking, and cold chain logistics.

Job Creation and Rural Development : The project is expected to generate employment opportunities and stimulate rural development, aligning with the government’s vision to empower farmers.

Increased Export Capacity : The facility will cater to prominent export items such as non-basmati rice, maize, spices, onion, and wheat, with an increased capacity including a frozen store of 1800 metric tonnes, a cold store of 5800 metric tonnes, and dry warehouses for grains, cereals, and dry cargo.

Support for Meat and Marine Exports :

As JNPA is a key gateway for frozen meat and marine products, the new facility will enhance export operations for these products, benefiting exporters from areas beyond Mumbai.

Strategic Significance and Future Projects :

The JNPA, India’s first 100% Landlord port, is already among the leading container ports globally. In addition to this agri-export facility, Maharashtra will also see the development of Vadhavan Port, a major Greenfield deep draft port project with an investment of Rs. 76,220 crore. This project aims to handle 23 million TEUs or 254 million tons annually, potentially ranking among the world’s top 10 largest ports and serving as a green fuel hub.

Government Support and Infrastructure Development :

Maharashtra has completed 16 projects worth Rs. 790 crore with assistance from the Sagarmala scheme. Currently, 14 additional projects worth Rs. 1,115 crore are underway, receiving Rs. 561 crore from the same scheme. The integrated agri-export facility at JNPA is a significant step towards enhancing India’s agricultural export capabilities, supporting farmers, and fostering rural development.

Correct Answer :   Jayant Chaudhary

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Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary recently launched the 'Model Skill Loan Scheme' in New Delhi.

The aim of this scheme is to empower the future-ready workforce of the country.

Under this scheme, 25 thousand youth across the country will be provided opportunities for education and skill upgradation.

Correct Answer :   25,000

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The Central Government has set a target of opening 25,000 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJP) across the country by March 31, 2027.

Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel told the Lok Sabha that till June last month, 547 PMBJP centres have been opened in Primary Agricultural Credit Societies across the country.  

Correct Answer :   Assam

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Moidams, located in eastern Assam, has received the prestigious 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site tag in the cultural category.

It has been included in the list more than a decade after its nomination.

These Moidams, around 700 years old, are hollow cellars made of brick and stone and contain the remains of kings and royal families.

Correct Answer :   Rs 20 lakh

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The MUDRA Yojana, which aims to provide financial support to non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises, has increased the loan limit under the Tarun category to Rs 20 lakh for those who have repaid previous loans.

This enhancement in the Union Budget is a significant boost to the MSMEs, allowing greater access to funds for business expansion and development.

Correct Answer :   China

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According to a recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), China led the world in forest area gains from 2010 to 2020, adding an impressive 1,937,000 hectares annually.

Australia followed with an increase of 446,000 hectares. India ranked third globally, significantly contributing to forest area expansion by adding 266,000 hectares annually.

These gains reflect substantial efforts in reforestation and land restoration by these countries, with China leading the way.

Correct Answer :   Rajasthan

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ReNew has inaugurated a 400 MW solar project in Rajasthan as part of a 600 MW PPA with the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited.

The project, expected to generate 1331 million units of electricity annually, was inaugurated by CM Bhajan Lal in the presence of SECI Chairman R P Gupta and ReNew’s Founder and Chairman Sumant Sinha.

This initiative is part of a long-term commitment to generate clean energy for the next 25 years.

Correct Answer :   July 22

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The National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) celebrated World Brain Day on July 22, 2024.

This event aimed at fostering interest in neuroscience among young minds, bringing together students and teachers to engage with experts in the field.

World Brain Day, established by the World Federation of Neurology, is observed annually on July 22nd to raise awareness about brain health, promote neurological research, and emphasize the importance of continued education in combating neurological disorders.