Correct Answer :   Ashwini Vaishnaw

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Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Communications, Railways, and Electronics & Information Technology, launched (7th Mar 2024) the 'NITI for States' platform, a comprehensive digital initiative designed to empower states and union territories (UTs) in their pursuit of national development goals. Shri  Vaishnaw, also inaugurated the ‘NITI For States - Viksit Bharat Strategy Room’ at NITI Aayog in the presence of Prof. Ramesh Chand, Dr V. K. Saraswat, & Dr. Arvind Virmani, Members of NITI Aayog and Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog.

* Senior officials from ministries and departments of the Government of India, senior officials from State Governments, ABP fellows, development partners and media were present at the event.

* Additionally, Shri Vaishnaw inaugurated the ‘NITI for States’ Exhibition at Rang Bhawan, Akashvani, New Delhi. This Exhibition, that was a result of collaboration of various government organisations, took visitors through some of its salient features such as mobile integration for easy accessibility, Expert Helpdesk, built-in AI and Multilingual Support by Bhashini. PM Gatishakti BISAG-N team, with the support of DPIIT, was also integrated to provide for the geospatial tool for Area-Based Planning.

* NITI for States offers a centralised repository of valuable resources, including best practices, policy documents, datasets, and NITI Aayog publications, spanning various sectors and cross-cutting themes like gender and climate change. Its user-friendly interface ensures inclusivity and empower officials across diverse regions to effectively utilise the platform's extensive knowledge base.

* In his address, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “India’s vision for future growth is based on four important pillars, (i) Physical, Digital and Social Infrastructure, (ii) Inclusive Development, (iii) Manufacturing, and (iv) Focus on Simplification of laws and processes.”

* He further added, “the launch of NITI for States platform will help strengthening cooperative federalism and empower data-driven governance.”

Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog, highlighted that the knowledge platform of NITI for States has brought data from across various fields at one location in an interoperable and compatible manner. This makes it very impactful and useful for the administrators

Key Features of the ‘NITI for States’ platform :

* Extensive Knowledge Base : 7,500 curated best practices, 5,000 policy documents, 900+ datasets, 1,400 data profiles, and 350 NITI Aayog publications.
* Multilingual Accessibility : In the near future the platform will be available in 22 major Indian languages and 7 foreign languages, ensuring inclusivity for diverse user groups.
* Capacity Building Initiatives : Tailored digital training modules for officials at various levels (block, district, and state) in collaboration with relevant institutions.
* Expert Help Desk : Specialised guidance through partnerships with leading institutions allows states and UTs to address specific challenges.
* Data Integration : Leverages data from the National Data & Analytics Platform (NDAP) for comprehensive and actionable insights, fostering data-driven decision-making.

Expected Impact of the NITI fir States Platform :

* Accelerate digital transformation of governance by equipping officials with robust knowledge, actionable insights, and user-friendly digital tools.
* Empower frontline functionaries at the district and block levels to replicate successful initiatives and address local challenges effectively.
* Foster cooperative federalism and strengthen good governance practices through knowledge sharing and cross-learning among states and UTs.
* The 'NITI for States' platform is a cornerstone initiative empowering states and UTs to contribute significantly to the collective vision of a developed India. This platform underscores NITI Aayog's commitment to fostering collaborative governance and promoting good governance practices across the nation..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Goa

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FLY91, a Goa-based regional airline, has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, according to government officials.

“This is a significant milestone for FLY91,” said Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO of the airline. “We appreciate the Ministry and DGCA’s support throughout the process.”

FLY91 received its first aircraft, an ATR 72-600, last week, leased from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise. The aircraft will join their fleet operating out of Goa’s Manohar International Airport in Mopa.

The airline focuses on connecting tier 2 and tier 3 cities in India. Their goal is to connect over 50 cities within five years, requiring 30 additional aircraft and establishing hubs across the country. Their choice of ATR 72-600 aircraft aligns with this strategy.

FLY91 already secured routes under the government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) UDAN. These routes will connect cities like Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Nanded, and Agatti with major destinations like Bengaluru, Goa, Hyderabad, and Pune.

With the AOC approval, FLY91 can now start selling tickets and launch commercial operations soon. Their aim is to become a key player in connecting smaller Indian cities and towns..

Source : The Hindu Businessline

Correct Answer :   Uttar Pradesh

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Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has announced a complete waiver of electricity bills for private tube wells owned by farmers, effective from April 1, 2023. This decision, announced, aims to alleviate the financial burden on the state’s farmers, enhancing their agricultural productivity and overall well-being.

Financial Allocation and Scheme Implementation

Budget Allocation for the Electricity Bill Waiver : To facilitate the implementation of this significant policy, the Uttar Pradesh government has earmarked a substantial sum of ?1,800 crore in the 2024-2025 budget. This allocation underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the agrarian sector, a vital component of the state’s economy.

Scheme for Settling Outstanding Bills : Additionally, the government has proposed a scheme to aid farmers with outstanding electricity bills predating April 1, 2023. This initiative is designed to enable farmers to clear their dues without incurring any interest, with the added flexibility of paying in convenient installments. This approach not only provides financial relief but also ensures that farmers are not burdened with accumulated debt.

Fulfilling Promises and Expanding Beneficiaries

Delivering on a Key Electoral Promise : Energy Minister AK Sharma, while sharing details with the media, emphasized that this move fulfills the government’s promise to exempt farmers owning private tube wells from 100% of power tariffs. This policy is seen as a testament to the government’s dedication to the welfare of the farming community in Uttar Pradesh.

The Broader Impact on the Farming Community : The significance of private tube wells in the agricultural landscape of Uttar Pradesh cannot be overstated. On average, each tube well benefits 8 to 10 farmers, facilitating the irrigation of their fields. With this waiver, the scheme is expected to benefit approximately 1.5 crore individuals within the farming community, marking a substantial step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in the state.

A Look Back and Looking Forward

The Journey to 100% Rebate : It’s noteworthy that farmers in Uttar Pradesh had already been receiving a 50% rebate on their electricity bills for tube wells since the government’s announcement weeks before the assembly elections in 2022. The promise of a 100% rebate was made in the Budget 2023, and with the latest announcement, the government has now fully realized this commitment. This move comes after many farmers stopped paying their bills in anticipation of the promised relief, showcasing the government’s responsiveness to the needs and expectations of the agrarian sector.

Correct Answer :   Guwahati

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The inaugural Bharat Steam Boiler Expo 2024 has officially commenced in Guwahati, Assam, marking a significant milestone in India’s industrial journey. Launched with the objective of enhancing the growth and efficiency of sectors reliant on steam boilers, this three-day event has been inaugurated by Sanjay Kishan, the state’s Labour and Employment Minister. This pioneering expo is the result of a collaborative effort among industry stalwarts including Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Oil India Ltd (OIL), Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL), Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Ltd (BCPL), Assam Petro Chemicals Ltd, and NTPC Ltd.

A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration

Showcasing Cutting-Edge Technology

The Bharat Steam Boiler Expo 2024 serves as a dynamic platform, bringing together domestic and international manufacturers, suppliers of ancillary equipment, service and maintenance professionals, and representatives from key sectors such as power plants, textile industries, food processing plants, and chemical manufacturers. The expo is not just a showcase of products and innovations but a celebration of the boilers’ pivotal role in India’s industrial framework, driving production and innovation across various industries.

Educational Seminars and Workshops :

A series of seminars and workshops conducted by esteemed experts will cover vital topics including best maintenance practices, regulatory compliance, safety standards, and emerging trends in boiler technology. These sessions aim to equip participants with the latest knowledge and skills required for the evolving industrial landscape.

Skill Development and Capacity Building

BIOMMAS: Training for the NextGen :

In alignment with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s vision, the Bharat Institute of Modern Manufacturing Applied Sciences (BIOMMAS) with the tagline “Training for the NextGen” Vision Document was unveiled by Minister Sanjoy Kishan. This initiative underscores the state’s commitment to skill development and preparing the youth for the demands of the modern industrial sector. The Centre of Excellence, envisioned by Kalyan Chakravarthy, head of the Skill Department in the Government of Assam, aims to be a catalyst for capacity building in next-generation manufacturing technologies.

Strengthening Business and Regulatory Insights

A Gateway to Business and Regulatory Frameworks :

The expo also facilitates business-to-business meetings, collaborations, and insights into government subsidies and financing for adopting new technologies. It offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders to explore export markets and engage with government agencies overseeing industry regulations, safety, and environmental compliance, setting the stage for a more interconnected and regulated industrial ecosystem.

Correct Answer :   Piyush Goyal

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Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal today (4th Mar 2024) stated that the agriculture sector will be the foundational pillar spearheading the nation towards becoming ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.

He was addressing the gathering at the launch ceremony of ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ (Digital Gateway) of the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) in New Delhi.

The Minister said that the ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ initiative will ease the farmers’ warehousing logistics with the help of technology and aid the farmers in receiving fair prices for their produce.

He said that the initiative with its simplified digital process can ease the procedure of farmers' storage at any registered WDRA warehouse.

Mr. Goyal announced that the security deposit charges at WDRA registered warehouses will soon be reduced to encourage more farmers, especially small farmers, to utilise the warehouses and enhance their income. He said that the farmers stocking their produce at these warehouses would need to pay only one percent security deposit instead of the earlier three percent..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   IIM Mumbai

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European aviation major Airbus on Wednesday (6th Mar 2024) said it has signed a contract with Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai) to offer aviation training to professionals.

Aimed at equipping these professionals with industry-ready skills under Airbus Beyond programme, Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai), as part of the initiative will offer short-term aviation courses to aspiring and working professionals, Airbus said in a release.

Airbus Beyond is an Airbus company that readies professionals for aerospace industry challenges, as per the company.

The programme offers courses in the areas of aviation logistics, supply chain management, operations excellence, cargo handling, strategic procurement, business analytics and digitisation. Under the pact, IIM Mumbai will organise courses, onboard students and provide infrastructure and logistical support.

On the other hand, Airbus on its part, will provide trainers and training material from the Airbus Beyond catalogue for short-term courses in the initial phase and co-curate long-term courses and certify their trainers in the later phase, the release stated.

“Through this partnership with IIM Mumbai, we are combining our expertise and resources to create comprehensive programmes that will help advance the future of aerospace education and skilling in India,” Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, said.

The move will further support in creating a strong pipeline of industry-ready talent for the aviation sector in the country, he added.

“This is the first-of-its-kind strategic collaboration between IIM Mumbai and Airbus,” Manoj K Tiwari, Director at the institute, said.

The programmes are designed to enhance capability building at both executive and frontline levels, according to Airbus..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Kerala

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Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is set to launch Kerela's OTT platform at Kairali Theatre on Thursday (7th March 2024), at 9:30 am. The state is poised to make waves in the digital entertainment realm with the launch of CSpace.

The CSpace OTT platform is poised to debut tomorrow and aims to deliver a unique blend of informative and entertaining content especially tailored for the masses. Meabwhile, Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian will preside. This marks India's first government-backed OTT platform.

Noted film director and Chairman at Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), Shaji N Karun at a press conference pointed out that the OTT platform is being launched to deal with to the growing imbalances and multifarious challenges in the OTT sector. He said, "CSpace is essentially a response to the growing imbalances and multifarious challenges in the OTT sector in terms of content selection and propagation".

An official statement noted, “Set to debut this Thursday, the platform aims to deliver a unique blend of informative and entertaining content tailored for the masses."

What is CSpace?

* CSpace is managed by Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) which is a state-owned company entrusted with the promotion of Malayalam cinema and industry.

* This OTT platform will be released on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs of Government of Kerala. KSFDC has constituted a curator panel of 60 members including eminent cultural personalities from the state for selecting and approving the content.

* The eminent cultural personalities include Benyamin, OV Usha, Santhosh Sivan, Shyamaprasad, Sunny Joseph, and Jeo Baby. Every content that is submitted to the platform will be evaluated by three curators from the panel for its artistic, cultural and infotainment merit..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   3.1%

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In 2023, India witnessed a significant decline in its unemployment rate, reaching 3.1%, marking the lowest figure in the past three years. This notable drop is attributed to several factors, including the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and increased economic activity following the relaxation of lockdown measures.

Key Findings from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for 2023 :

* Overall Unemployment Rate : Decreased to 3.1% from 3.6% in 2022 and 4.2% in 2021.
* Gender Disparities : Unemployment rate among females declined to 3%, while for males it dropped to 3.2%.
* Urban vs. Rural Disparities : Urban unemployment rate decreased to 5.2%, rural rate dropped to 2.4%.

* Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in Urban Areas : Increased to 56.2%, indicating greater engagement in economic activities.
* Impact of Economic Growth : The decline in unemployment coincided with an economic growth rate of 8.4% in the third quarter of 2023-24 fiscal year, driven by robust performances in manufacturing, mining & quarrying, and construction sectors.

Economic Growth Outlook :

* Third Quarter Performance : Indian economy grew by 8.4% in Q3 of 2023-24 fiscal year, showcasing strength across various sectors.
* National Statistical Office (NSO) Estimates : NSO’s second advance estimate pegged the country’s growth at 7.6% for the entire fiscal year 2023-24, reflecting a positive trajectory from earlier projections.

Correct Answer :   Hamirpur

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Union Minister Anurag once again provided a splendid platform for young sports talents in Hamirpur by inaugurating Sansad Khel Mahakumbh 3.0 on Tuesday (5th Mar 2024).

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid graced the occasion as chief guests. Lakhvinder Singh Vadali, Kuldeep Sharma, "Natti King", "Pines of Harmony" Himachal Police Band, and Apaarshakti Khurana also enhanced the grandeur of the inaugural ceremony.

During the inauguration, Luhnu Ground in Bilaspur dazzled with spectacular fireworks. Notable dignitaries, including BJP district president Swatantra Sankeyan, former MP and senior BJP leader Suresh Chandel, MLA Satpal Satti, MLA Naina Devi, MLA Randeep Sharma, MLA Trilok Jamwal, MLA JR Katwal, former MLA Rajendra Garg, Hamirpur Lok Sabha in-charge Sumit Sharma, and state minister Narendra Atri, graced the occasion.

While inaugurating Sansad Khel Mahakumbh, Anurag Thakur said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi says 'Khelega India toh Khilega India', emphasizing the importance of sports. Therefore, Sansad Khel Mahakumbh not only provides a platform for talents in my Hamirpur parliamentary constituency but also offers them the opportunity to shine at national and international levels.

Sansad Khel Mahakumbh has become the biggest platform for players in my Hamirpur parliamentary constituency to play, compete, and showcase their talents.

“After 40,000 participants in the first edition and 45,000 in the second, our aim this time is to engage 75,000 players. I extend my best wishes to all participants of the event,” Thakur said..

Source : Daily Pioneer

Correct Answer :   Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL)

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NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary NLC India Green Energy Limited (NIGEL) to carry out future Renewable Energy Projects. The subsidiary will focus specifically on Renewable Energy projects and thus leveraging the expertise to its benefits.

NLCIL has won 600 MW Solar Power Project tender in the GSECL Khavda Solar Park, floated by GUVNL through competitive bidding process. In line with the policy of developing RE projects under the green energy wholly owned subsidiary (WoS), the project development has been vested with NIGEL.

As a first initiative, NIGEL has signed the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) for the proposed 600 MW Solar Power Project at Khavda Solar Park, Bhuj District, Gujarat.

The entire power from the project will be procured by GUVNL with the PPA tariff for the electricity from the project at Rs. 2.705/kWhr. The annual generation of electricity is set at 1,577.88 MU (Million Unit), with a cumulative electricity generation of 39.447 BU (Billion Unit) in its lifetime. The project is set to offset approximately 35.5 Million Metric Tons of Carbon dioxide emissions during its entire life.

The PPA was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of NIGEL in the presence of Chairman, NIGEL Director and CFO, NIGEL with GM (Renewables), GUNVL at Vadodara. On the occasion, Chairman, NIGEL Shri. Prasanna Kumar Motupalli stated that, this project has the benefit of being established in a Solar Park with all readily available necessary infrastructure and with payment security for the power sold. By securing additional capacity in the Green shoe option, the project economics have been improved because of scales, he further added.

The proposed 600 MW Solar Power Project in Khavda Solar Park will be the single largest Solar project developed by NLCIL as on date..

Source : PIB