Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway in Gurugram on Monday (11th Mar 2024). The 8-lane high-speed expressway is India's first elevated highway, and is expected to help improve traffic flow and ease congestion between Delhi and Gurugram.

The Haryana section includes two packages -- from the Delhi-Haryana border to Basai ROB (10.2 km) and from Basai ROB to Kherki Daula (Cloverleaf Interchange) (8.7 km).

The 19-km-long section has been built at a cost of around Rs 4,100 crore.

FEATURES OF THE DWARKA EXPRESSWAY :

* The expressway is the country’s first elevated urban expressway and the first single-pillar flyover with eight lanes. The entire stretch is being built at a cost of about Rs 9,000 crore.

* About 19 kilometres of the expressway stretch fall in Haryana while the remaining 10 kilometres are in Delhi.

* The high-speed expressway begins from Shiv-Murti on the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway, and ends near the Kherki Daula Toll Plaza, passing through Dwarka Sector 21 in Delhi, Gurugram border, and Basai.

* It will have four multi-level interchanges, such as tunnels or underpasses, an at-grade road section, an elevated flyover, and a flyover above flyover.

* The 9-kilometre-long, 34-metre-wide elevated road of eight lanes on a single pillar is the first of its kind in the country.

* The stretch also consists of the longest (3.6 kilometres) and widest (eight-lane) urban road tunnel in India.

* Once completed, it will also provide direct access to the upcoming India International Convention Centre (IICC) in Dwarka Sector 25 in Delhi.

* The expressway will be an alternate connection to the Indira Gandhi International Airport through a shallow tunnel.

* It connects Dwarka Sectors – 88, 83, 84, 99, 113 with Sector-21 along with the proposed Global City in Gurugram district.

* The expressway has sophisticated safety mechanisms, and toll collection will be completely automated, and the entire project will be equipped with an Efficient Transport System (ITS).

* The construction has been scheduled in four stages. First, in the Delhi region from Shiv Murti in Mahipalpur to Bijwasan (5.9 km), second from Bijwasan ROB to Delhi-Haryana border in Gurugram (4.2 km), third in the Haryana region from Delhi-Haryana border to Basai ROB (10.2 km), and fourth from Basai ROB to Kherki Daula (Cloverleaf Interchange) (8.7 km).

* For the total construction, it is estimated to consume 2 lakh MT of steel (30 times the steel used in the Eiffel Tower) and 20 lakh cubic metres of concrete (6 times the concrete used in the Burj Khalifa)..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Asif Ali Zardari

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Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday (10th Mar 2024) took oath as Pakistan’s 14th President, a day after the veteran politician was overwhelmingly elected as the next head of state.

* Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa administered the oath to the 68-year-old Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the Presidential Palace.

* Zardari will replace Dr Arif Alvi, who stayed in office for five more months despite completing his five-year term in September 2023.

* The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, all three service chiefs, senior officials and diplomats.

* Zardari, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman, the joint candidate of the ruling alliance, was elected as the country’s president for the second time on Saturday after he defeated PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) candidate Mahmood Khan Achakzai by a huge margin.

* He secured 411 electoral votes in Parliament and all four provincial assemblies with the backing of allied parties — mainly Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P).

* His rival, Achakzai bagged 181 votes as he was only able to secure the majority of votes in the PTI-backed SIC-dominated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.

* This is the second time Zardari has won the presidency. He earlier served as the 11th president of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013 and has been a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan since August 2018.

* Born in 1955, Zardari was brought up and educated in Karachi. He was married to Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s daughter, Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated in December 2007..

Source : Dailyexcelsior

Correct Answer :   10 March

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The International Day of Women Judges is celebrated every year on 10 March. This year (2024), it falls on Sunday (10th Mar 2024). The day is dedicated to recognizing the contributions of women judges worldwide and promoting women’s participation in decision-making for achieving equality and democracy.

Importance of Women Judges :

Women’s representation in the judiciary is crucial for ensuring that courts reflect the citizens they serve. Women judges enhance the legitimacy of courts, sending a message of accessibility and openness to those seeking justice. This day empowers girls and young women to aspire to become judges and community leaders.

Promoting Gender Equality :

The International Day of Women Judges is a significant way to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women. It is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and identify the challenges women still face in the judiciary. It reminds us of the importance of supporting women judges and promoting their leadership and advancement.

Women Judges: Catalysts for Change :

The representation of women in the judiciary is an important factor in promoting gender equality and empowerment. Women judges bring diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences to the bench, making the judicial system more accessible and responsive to the needs of all people.

Theme and Background of International Day of Women Judges 2024 :

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Women in Justice, women for justice,” promoting the full and equal participation of women at all levels of the judiciary. The United Nations General Assembly declared 10 March as the International Day of Women Judges, recognizing the need to redress gender inequalities in the judiciary.

The International Day of Women Judges celebrates the achievements of women judges worldwide and promotes their full and equal participation in the judiciary. It highlights the importance of gender equality and diversity in decision-making for a more inclusive and accessible justice system.

Correct Answer :   Arunachal Pradesh

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sela Tunnel, the world's longest twin-lane tunnel, in Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday (9th Mar 2024).

Situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet, the strategically important Sela Tunnel will ensure all-weather connectivity to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.

Following the tunnel's inauguration, PM Modi, in a speech, said, "You must have heard of 'Modi Ki Guarantee'. You will understand its significance once you visit Arunachal. The entire Northeast bears witness to this. I laid the foundation of the Sela Tunnel here in 2019, and today it has been inaugurated."

PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the project in February 2019, but its completion was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Constructed at a cost of Rs 825 crore, the project consists of two tunnels and over 8 km of approach roads, with a total length of approximately 12 km. The first tunnel is a single-tube tunnel spanning 980 metres, while the second serves as an emergency escape route, measuring 1.5 km in length.

Situated near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Sela Tunnel is strategically crucial, providing year-round access to Tawang and other forward areas bordering China.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (9th Mar 2024) unveiled projects worth Rs 55,600 crore in the Northeast. The PM unveiled the projects spread across Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh at a programme in Itanagar. The PM inaugurated the Sela tunnel by flagging off an Arunachal Pradesh State Transport bus that went through it. In all, the PM unveiled development projects worth more than 41,000 crore in Arunachal Pradesh, reported PTI..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Czech Republic

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Krystyna Pyszkova? of the Czech Republic won the 71st edition of the Miss World 2024 pageant, which returned to India after a 28-year gap. The highly anticipated grand finale unfolded in Mumbai at the Jio World Convention Centre.

Sini Shetty, the winner of Femina Miss India 2022, was representing India on this global stage. Shetty bowed out of the contest after a top-eight finish in the competition, which featured 112 contenders from around the world.

TOP FOUR :

Before Pyszkova? was announced as the winner, Yasmin Azaytoun of Lebanon, Aché Abrahams of Trinidad & Tobago, and Lesego Chombo of Botswana, made it to the top four. They had to make a pitch to Shark Tank judges who made a special appearance during the event.

MISS WORLD HUMANITARIAN AWARD– NITA AMBANI :

During the event, Nita Mukesh Ambani, chairperson and founder of the Reliance Foundation, was honored with the Miss World humanitarian award for her charitable work. She was presented the award by Julia Morley CBE, the Chairwoman of the Miss World Organisation. Priyanka Chopra Jonas also delivered a video message during the award ceremony.

INDIA’S SINI SHETTY BOWS OUT AFTER TOP 8 FINISH :

Miss India Sini Shetty bowed out of the contest after a top-eight finish in the competition, which features 112 contenders vying for the coveted title.

MISS WORLD TALENT CONTEST :

Big shoutout to Miss World Tunisia, crowned as the winner of the Talent contest at Miss World.

MISS WORLD MULTI-MEDIA CHALLENGE :

Miss World contestant from Vietnam was announced as the Multi-Media Challenge.

MISS WORLD SPORTS CHALLENGE :

Croatia won the Miss World 2024 Sports Challenge.

MISS WORLD TOP MODEL COMPETITION :

The Martinique candidate won the Top Model Competition at the 71st Miss World Festival.

MISS WORLD BEAUTY WITH A PURPOSE :

Brazil won the Beauty with a Purpose continental award.

INDIA’S HOPE :

Among the contestants, Sini, a 22-year-old Mumbai native with roots in Karnataka, stands as India’s hopeful. A trained dancer, Shetty attained her Arangetram in Bharatanatyam at a tender age, under the tutelage of the esteemed classical dancer Radhakrishnan Padmini...

Source : News18

Correct Answer :   Second

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At the end of the decade from 2014 to 2024, India has emerged as the world’s second-largest producer of mobile phones. This achievement marks a significant transition for the country’s electronics manufacturing sector.

Reduced Import Dependence

* According to the India Cellular and Electronics Association, the mobile phone sector has transformed from being 78 percent import-dependent in 2014 to achieving 97 per cent self-sufficiency by 2024. Only 3 per cent of the total mobile phones sold in India are now imported.

Unprecedented Production

* India’s mobile phone production has reached an impressive 20 lakh crore rupees in this decade of unprecedented growth. During these ten years, the country produced 2.45 billion units of mobile phones, against a target of 2.5 billion units.

Thriving Manufacturing Ecosystem

* This remarkable achievement highlights the growth of India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem. The country has successfully reduced its reliance on imports and fostered a self-sufficient mobile phone production industry.

* India’s rise as the second-largest mobile phone producer globally is a testament to the country’s commitment to developing a robust manufacturing sector. With reduced import dependence and substantial production volumes, India has established itself as a major player in the global mobile phone market, contributing to its economic growth and technological advancements.

Correct Answer :   Sea6

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Sea6 Energy, a pioneer in the Blue Economy, has launched the world’s first large-scale mechanized tropical seaweed farm off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia. The one-square-kilometer seaweed farm is a significant milestone in establishing the scalability of sustainable tropical seaweed cultivation for various industrial applications.

Overcoming Challenges :

Harvesting tropical seaweed at scale has been a significant barrier in the industry, limiting research on its applicability in large industrial applications. Sea6’s vertically integrated technology platform automates various workflows, from seeding to harvesting, and enhances the seaweed feedstock’s shelf life, increasing smallholder farmer productivity.

Promoting Environmental Stewardship and Economic Growth :

The launch was attended by dignitaries in Indonesia, including ministers and ambassadors, highlighting the project’s importance in promoting environmental stewardship and fostering economic growth in the region. The Indian Ambassador to Indonesia praised Sea6 Energy’s commitment to scaling up seaweed cultivation and processing, creating local green jobs, and building a sustainable local economy.

Potential Applications

Seaweed is gaining popularity due to its potential as an input feedstock for various products traditionally made from fossil fuels or land-based biomass. Sea6’s farm aims to revolutionize the ocean economy by maximizing efficiency, minimizing environmental impact, and ensuring the highest standards of product quality, safety, and traceability.

Investor Support and Partnerships :

Sea6 Energy has attracted nearly USD $30 million of international investment over the past ten years, including from sustainable aquaculture funds, venture capital firms, and family offices. The Temasek Foundation provided a grant to support the automation and mechanization of the tropical seaweed farm in Ekas.

Sea6 Energy’s pioneering mechanized tropical seaweed farm in Indonesia marks a significant step towards sustainable seaweed cultivation at scale. With the support of investors and partnerships, the company aims to revolutionize the ocean economy by producing renewable and versatile seaweed-based products while promoting environmental stewardship and economic growth in coastal communities.

Correct Answer :   Jharkhand

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Minister of Tribal Affairs, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Arjun Munda inaugurated the 3-day National dairy Mela and Agricultural Exhibition at Chaibasa in West Singhbhum district in Jharkhand on 9th Mar 2024.

Dairy mela is a platform where efforts have been made to bring the latest technologies of dairy science to the farmers. There is a need for the country's farmers and cattle rearers to adopt scientific methods to augment milk production.

Initiatives for Livestock Development :

* Shri Munda expressed intentions to establish a center in the area to enhance milk production, emphasizing support for the farming community.
* The event witnesses participation from over 6 thousand stakeholders including cattle rearers, farmers, input dealers, entrepreneurs, students, and government officials.

Technological Demonstrations and Exhibitions :

* Various research institutes and district-level departments are showcasing agricultural technologies and animal husbandry advancements.
* Over 50 exhibition stalls feature agricultural technologies, livestock, and animal breeds, fostering knowledge dissemination and exchange.

Awareness and Support Schemes
* Shri Munda urged farmers to leverage government schemes like PM Fasal Bima and PM Kisan Samridhi for their benefit.
* Farmer-scientist dialogues and seminars aim to educate farmers on the latest agricultural and husbandry techniques, providing quick solutions to their queries.

Recognition and Support for Farmers :

* The fair rewards farmers excelling in vegetable production, crop management, dairy production, and value addition, bolstering their morale.
* Material technology under the Scheduled Tribe Sub-Plan is provided to farmers to promote agricultural knowledge and development.

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’ in Chhattisgarh from Kashi, Uttar Pradesh. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to women in the state.

Disbursement Details :

* PM Modi disbursed the first installment of Rs 1,000 to 70,12,417 women in Chhattisgarh.
* The state government has allocated Rs 655.57 crore for this purpose.

Continuous Support

* PM Modi assured regular monthly transfers of Rs 1,000 to eligible beneficiaries under the scheme.

Acknowledgement

* Prime Minister praised Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and his team for the swift implementation of the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’.

Scheme Overview :

* Under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, approximately 70 lakh women in Chhattisgarh will receive Rs 1,000 every month.

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— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 10, 2024

Correct Answer :   March 10

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CISF Raising Day is celebrated every year on March 10. This day marks the establishment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in 1969. CISF is an important armed police force in India that provides security to many important places and projects across the country.

What is CISF?

CISF is under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It protects places like airports, seaports, power plants, and other infrastructure projects. CISF has special skills and training to handle difficult situations like terrorist attacks, hijackings, bomb threats, and hostage situations.

History of CISF :

CISF was established on March 10, 1969, by an Act of Parliament. Initially, it had a few battalions. Over the years, CISF has grown bigger and stronger. It has now become a multi-skilled security force with specialized training.

CISF’s Role and Capabilities :

CISF is known for its ability to handle challenging situations. It has modern weapons, vehicles, and security equipment. CISF also has a special dog unit trained to detect explosives and illegal materials.

Apart from providing security, CISF is also involved in social welfare activities. It runs schools, hospitals, and dispensaries in areas where it is deployed. CISF also helps in disaster relief and rescue operations during natural calamities and emergencies.

Significance of CISF Raising Day :

CISF protects some of the most important and sensitive places in the country. Its role in safeguarding the country’s infrastructure and assets is crucial for national security. CISF Raising Day honors the bravery and dedication of the force in performing its duties, often in difficult situations.

Celebrations on CISF Raising Day :

On CISF Raising Day, various events and programs are organized across the country. CISF personnel participate in parades, sports events, cultural programs, and other activities. The public can interact with CISF personnel and appreciate their service to the nation.

Different CISF units follow different traditions to mark the occasion. Some organize parades and ceremonies, while others hold cultural programs like music, dance, and drama performances. Other activities include blood donation camps, health check-up camps, and awareness programs.

CISF also awards and honours its outstanding personnel who have made exceptional contributions to the organization. This day serves as a reminder of CISF’s commitment to providing security and safeguarding the nation’s critical assets. It also provides an opportunity to promote public awareness and service.