Correct Answer :   Jharkhand

---

Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren will formally launch the State Widow Remarriage Promotion Scheme on 6th Mar 2024.

Giving information about the scheme, the Secretary of Women and Children and Social Welfare Department, Manoj Kumar, said, “This scheme is being introduced so that widows can be brought into the mainstream and they can live with dignity…Any widow who remarries can apply for this; Within one year of her marriage…Rs 2 lakhs will be given to her…”

“The widows in our society are not leading a dignified life. Their productivity is down. Their contribution to society and the nation is also not achieved. To fetch their productivity for the construction and restructuring of society and nation, it is required that they are brought to the manifold of the society,” Manoj Kumar added.

This step comes ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the country.

Earlier, the Jharkhand government presented a budget of Rs 1.28 lakh crore for the financial year 2024-25. This was the first budget of the newly formed Champai Soren government.

The budgetary estimates for next year were up 10 per cent from the previous budget estimates of 2023-24 and 6.5 per cent up against the revised estimates.

The JMM-led coalition government had presented a budget of Rs 1.16 lakh crore for the current financial year 2023-24. The budgeted figures were later upwardly revised to Rs 1.20 lakh crore.

The fiscal deficit is estimated to be 2.02 per cent, against the target of limiting it to 3.0 per cent of GSDP in the financial year 2024-25..

Correct Answer :   West Bengal

---

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (6th Mar 2024) inaugurated India’s first underwater Metro line in Kolkata (West Bengal) and took a ride on the train from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan along with several school students. Modi also virtually inaugurated several other Metro services across the country.

The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section underwater Metro line has the first transportation tunnel under a river in India. It passes under the Hooghly River – Kolkata and Howrah are situated on its east and west banks, respectively – and has the deepest Metro station in India at Howrah (30 m deep).

Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, a total of 11.45 km is being added to the existing Kolkata Metro network– 5.4 km on the Orange Line, 4.8 km on the Green Line and 1.25 km on the Purple Line.

According to officials, from its inception in 1984 till 2014, only 27.99 km of the Metro network was functional in Kolkata. After 2014, the Metro network was expanded by 25.34 km, starting with the inauguration of the first phase of the East-West Metro from Salt Lake Sector V to Salt Lake Stadium over a 5.3 km stretch in 2020. Gradually, the Kolkata Metro extended its wings and the Salt Lake Stadium to Phoolbagan (1.67 km) and Phoolbagan to Sealdah (2.33 km) stretches were also opened for commercial service. The Noapara-Dakshineswar stretch (4.14 km) was inaugurated in 2021 and the Joka-Taratala (6.5 km) stretch on the Purple Line was inaugurated in 2022.

As per Metro authorities, 2022-2023 recorded the highest-ever Metro network expansion of 14.23 km in a single year. “It was an addition of 36 per cent to the existing network since Kolkata Metro’s inception,” an official said.

Between 1972 and 2014, an expenditure of Rs 5,981 crore was made for all Kolkata Metro projects.  From 2014 to October 2023, an expenditure of Rs 19,043 crore has been made to complete all the ongoing Metro projects in the city.

VIDEO | PM Modi travels in India's first underwater metro in West Bengal's Kolkata.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/SD7ihTKEln

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 6, 2024

At present, the Kolkata Metro network spans a 47.93 km stretch – 32.13 km of North-South Corridor, 9.3 km of East-West Corridor and 6.5 km of Joka-Esplanade Corridor. An extension of 13.27 km has been planned. Of this, a 4.80 km stretch of East-West Metro from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade was inaugurated on Wednesday along with another extension of 1.25 km from Taratala to Majerhat and a 5.4 km stretch of New Metro Corridor from Kavi Subhas to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay.

New Metro Corridor from Kavi Subhash to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay stretch: This 5.4 km stretch has been built at a cost of Rs 1,435 crore. The five stations on this stretch have been named after luminaries like film maestro Satyajit Ray, writer Jyotirindra Nandi, poets Sukanta Bhattacharya and Subhash Mukhopadhyay and famous singer Hemanta Mukhopadhyay.

This Metro Corridor will decongest the busy Eastern Metropolitan Bypass and reduce travel time between Kavi Subhash and Rabi Thakur More. Commuters from Howrah, Hooghly and North 24 Parganas on the Blue Line will be able to avail of the Metro services of the Orange Line with the same tokens and smart cards by just interchanging at Kavi Subhash station with the help of the integrated ticketing system.

The Metro project from New Garia (Kavi Subhash) – Airport (Biman Bandar) was sanctioned in 2010-11 as an elevated corridor at a cost of Rs 3,952 crore and the revised sanctioned cost is Rs 8,964 crore. Metro work between New Garia to the airport is under construction and the main work on the 5.4 km section from New Garia to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay has been completed with Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) authorisation on February 7, 2023, by One Train Only System. This section was inaugurated on Wednesday.

Green Line :

The East-West corridor has the distinction of being the first under-river transportation tunnel in India. The passage is 520 metres long from one bank to the other and is more than 30 metres (100 feet) below the Hooghly River’s surface at its deepest points.

The 4.8-km stretch of East-West Metro from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade has been built at a cost of Rs 4,965 crore. With the opening of the 2.33 km Metro corridor from Sealdah railway station to Phoolbagan in 2002, 9.3 km of the corridor is presently operational. A 4.80 km truncated section from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade was inaugurated on Wednesday. The travel time between Sealdah and Salt Lake has now reduced to 20 minutes, as against more than an hour by road..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Kerala

---

In a groundbreaking move, a Kerala school has welcomed Iris, the first Generative AI teacher, as part of its staff. This innovative approach to education has been met with excitement and anticipation from both students and educators alike. The introduction of Iris marks a significant shift in the way education is being delivered, with the potential to revolutionize the learning experience.

Generative AI refers to a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, such as text, images, or even entire systems, based on the data it has been trained on. This technology has been rapidly evolving and is now being integrated into various fields, including education.

According to Makerlabs, Iris was built as part of the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL), a 2021 NITI Aayog project to boost students’ extracurricular activities in schools.

Meet Iris :

Iris, the AI teacher at the Kerala school, is an AI-enabled humanoid who has been designed to interact with students in a way that is both engaging and educational. She is equipped with advanced natural language processing capabilities, allowing her to understand and respond to students’ queries in real time.

The Impact of Iris :

The introduction of Iris has already had a significant impact on the school community. According to reports, Iris’s class has zero absentees, indicating that students are highly engaged and interested in the lessons she teaches. This is a remarkable achievement, as traditional classroom settings often struggle with attendance issues.

The Future of Education :

The integration of Generative AI in education has the potential to transform the way we learn. With AI-powered teachers like Iris, students can receive personalized instruction tailored to their individual needs and learning styles. This can lead to improved retention rates, increased engagement, and ultimately, better educational outcomes.

Challenges and Concerns :

While the introduction of Iris has been met with enthusiasm, some concerns and challenges need to be addressed. Some educators worry about the potential loss of human interaction in the classroom, while others question the impact of AI on job security. These concerns are valid and should be addressed as we continue to integrate Generative AI into education.

The introduction of Iris, the first Generative AI teacher at a Kerala school, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of education. With her advanced capabilities and engaging teaching style, Iris has the potential to revolutionize the learning experience, making it more personalized, engaging, and effective. As we continue to integrate Generative AI into education, we must address the challenges and concerns that arise, ensuring that AI enhances, rather than replaces, the human element in education..

Source : Analytics Insight

Correct Answer :   Himachal Pradesh

---

In a significant move, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu has announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering women in the state. The announcement comes as part of the Congress party’s pre-election promises, marking a pivotal step towards fulfilling its commitments to the electorate.

Introduction of Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojna :

* Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu unveiled the “Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojna,” a scheme designed to provide financial support to women aged between 18 to 60 years.
* Under this scheme, eligible women will receive a monthly stipend of ?1,500, amounting to an annual expenditure of ?800 crore. The initiative aims to cover over five lakh women, offering them much-needed financial assistance.

Empowering Young Women: Key Features of the Scheme :

* One of the highlights of the scheme is its focus on empowering young women. Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that all girls above 18 years of age would receive ?18,000 per annum under the initiative.
* This ambitious endeavor not only provides financial aid but also signifies a commitment to uplifting and supporting the women of Himachal Pradesh.

Combatting Corruption and Delivering on Promises :

* Chief Minister Sukhu expressed his satisfaction with the government’s efforts to combat corruption and ensure the effective implementation of the scheme. By delivering on their promises, the government aims to build trust among the people and fulfill its electoral mandates.
* The introduction of the “Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojna” marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards inclusive development and women’s empowerment.

Restoration of Old Pension Scheme :

* In addition to the women empowerment initiative, Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the government’s efforts to restore the old pension scheme, benefiting 1.36 lakh state employees.
* This move underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of its workforce and providing them with financial security.

Challenges Amidst Stability: Addressing Adverse Conditions :

* Despite facing challenges such as adverse financial conditions and natural disasters, Chief Minister Sukhu reiterated his government’s stability and determination to complete its five-year term.
* The government’s proactive approach in handling crises and implementing effective measures reflects its resilience and commitment to serving the people of Himachal Pradesh.

Correct Answer :   Hardeep Singh Puri

---

Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, overseeing Petroleum and Natural Gas as well as Housing and Urban Affairs, dedicated 201 CNG Stations and India’s inaugural Small Scale LNG Unit of GAIL to the nation via video conferencing. The event, graced by numerous dignitaries, underscored the government’s pledge to elevate the share of natural gas in the primary energy basket to 15% by 2030.

Expansion of CNG Infrastructure and Small-Scale LNG Unit Inauguration :

* 201 CNG stations inaugurated by 15 City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities of GAIL in 52 Geographical Areas across 17 states.
* Distribution breakdown: 53 stations – GAIL Gas Limited, 50 – Indraprastha Gas Limited, 43 – GAIL, and 20 – Mahanagar Gas Limited and others.
* India’s first small-scale LNG unit established by GAIL at Vijaipur LPG plant.

Advancing Sustainable Fuel Infrastructure :

* The Minister emphasized India’s commitment to enhancing the policy and regulatory framework to facilitate the development of cleaner and sustainable fuel for widespread public accessibility.
* The establishment of GAIL group’s 201 CNG stations across 52 Geographical Areas signifies a significant stride towards achieving sustainability goals and environmental responsibility.
* The inauguration of these CNG stations underscores collective efforts aimed at reducing carbon footprint and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.Government’s Commitment to Sustainability.

Innovative Small Scale LNG Unit :

* Minister Hardeep Singh Puri commended GAIL for its pioneering effort in establishing India’s maiden Small Scale LNG unit at Vijaipur, Madhya Pradesh, with a project cost of 150 crores.
* He highlighted the significance of this technology in bridging isolated gas sources with markets and consumers, facilitating the monetization of these resources.

Future Plans and Vision :

* By 2030, the country aims to establish approximately 17,500 CNG stations and provide about 120 million PNG (Domestic) connections, as outlined in the Minimum Work Plan submitted by CGD entities.
* This initiative will foster the growth of ancillary industries across various segments such as CGD meters, compressors, and dispensers, contributing to the realization of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
* The inauguration of CNG stations and the Small-Scale LNG unit reaffirms the government’s dedication to sustainable energy practices.

Correct Answer :   Rajnath Singh

---

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the new Administrative & Training building at the Naval War College (NWC), Goa on March 5, 2024. The modern edifice, named the ‘Chola’, pays homage to the mighty maritime empire of the Chola dynasty of ancient India. The event marked a significant milestone in the history of the NWC, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in military education and nurturing maritime thought.

A Tribute to Maritime Legacy :

Shri Rajnath Singh described Chola Bhawan as a symbol of the aspirations of the Navy and India’s legacy of maritime excellence. It is also a reflection of India’s new mindset of coming out of the mentality of slavery and feeling proud of our rich historical heritage – a clarion call made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

Shift in Threat Perception :

The Raksha Mantri highlighted the shift in dealing with the threat perception under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister. He emphasized the importance of re-balancing military resources and strategic attention to cover maritime challenges, especially in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). India has emerged as the first responder and preferred security partner in the IOR under this approach.

Strengthening Maritime Order :

Shri Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of strengthening the rules-based maritime order in the IOR. India aims to ensure autonomy and sovereignty for all neighboring countries in the region, preventing the assertion of dominance by any single entity.

Role of Indian Navy in the Indo-Pacific :

The Raksha Mantri underlined the growing prowess of the Indian Navy and its role in creating an environment of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. India is committed to strengthening economic and security cooperation with maritime neighbors, aligning with the Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision of the Prime Minister.

Infrastructure Developments :

On the occasion, Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated two major piers in Naval Base, Karwar, which are part of ongoing Phase IIA of Project Seabird. These developments will significantly enhance the strategic presence on the western coast of the country.

Chief of Naval Staff’s Perspective :

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar highlighted the evolving security challenges in the maritime domain and emphasized the importance of higher military education in countering these challenges. He expressed confidence that the new training facility will serve as an icon of the country’s resurgence as a maritime power.

Correct Answer :   Dharmendra Pradhan

---

A Centre of Management Education of IIM Mumbai and IIM Sambalpur was inaugurated by the Union Minster for Education, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship,   Shri Dharmendra Pradhan at NALCO Training Institute in Angul, in presence of Shri Sridhar Patra, CMD, NALCO.

Speaking on the occasion, The Union Minister said that Angul is rich in Industrial activities and well known for production of coal. The rail and road infrastructures are being developed and in this line, PM Gati Shakti program is being aligned with the newly inaugurated Centre of Management Education. The focus is to enhance the logistics and supply chain activities through digitisation. Improving the specialized skill of the employees working in various industries in this area will lead towards required development of logistical sector.

This Centre of Management Education set up in NALCO Campus at Angul will play a pivotal role in meeting the skill demand required for Logistic Sector of our State. The Centre will not be limited to Angul and Dhenkanal district, but will also be beneficial to all the Industries of Odisha.

Worth mentioning that the Management Centre shall impart courses of three and six months on Logistics and Operation. It will also impart one-year Executive Post Graduate Course The course structure has been designed in consultation with the Industries by IIMs. This Centre will also offer new courses keeping in view the requirement from time to time.

NALCO and MCL are among the two leading Public Sector Enterprises operating in these areas. MCL has already signed an agreement and have selected forty executives in each batch for this course. Similarly, NALCO has signed an agreement for providing classrooms, offices, accommodation and logistics.   

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi is giving special priority to all aspects to make the country developed in the next 25 years. Angul and Dhenkanal districts are benefiting greatly due to reforms in the mining policies, said the Union Minister.

Among others, Prof. Manoj Kumar Tiwary, Director, IIM Mumbai, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, IIM Sambalpur, Shri Keshav Rao, Director (Personnel), MCL and Shri Amiya Kumar Swain, ED(S&P), NALCO, were notably present on the occasion.

It may be mentioned that this initiative will help in the development of the logistics sector in various districts including Angul, Dhenkanal, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, and Cuttack..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Patna

---

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated (4th Mar 2024) India’s first-ever dolphin research centre in Patna. Built at a cost of Rs 30 crore, the National Dolphin Research Center (NDRC) stands on the banks of the Ganges inside the Patna University campus and will help students and researchers understand the behaviour of freshwater dolphins, particularly of those found in the Ganges.

Speaking at the inauguration, Bihar Chief Wildlife Warden P.K. Gupta said that the NDRC marks a milestone in the research of environment and forest animals in India.

“It is the result of the efforts of honourable CM Nitish Kumar that the Gangetic River Dolphin was declared the national aquatic animal in the year 2009. It is a matter of happiness that the state of Bihar has got the country’s only national dolphin research institute. This research centre will help scientists, academicians and research students in understanding and researching the behavior of freshwater dolphins. This institute will be established as a center of excellence in future.”

Environmentalists, too, see NDRC’s establishment as a major boon. “The presence of dolphins in a river is very important for a river’s ecosystem. If the number of dolphins increases in a river, then it can be said that the river’s climate is good,” said Kavi Nishant Bharadwaj Rajput, founder of Dharti Foundation.

“There is a good number of dolphins in the Ganga and its tributaries in Bihar. Establishment of NDRC will help in research. I myself visited the research centre last month. There are separate labs for every field of study related to dolphins, which will help a lot in research. Such a research centre will help in connecting nature with society,” he added.

The Ganges dolphin was officially discovered in the year 1801. They live in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India and Bangladesh. Hunting of Ganga dolphins is prohibited under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. According to a count conducted by the Bihar government, there were 1,048 dolphins in the Ganges in 2018.

NDRC was scheduled to be inaugurated in December last year but due to delays in completion of work, it was postponed. The foundation stone of this institute was laid by Nitish Kumar in the year 2020.

The NDRC project was approved in 2013 by then Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia on the request of Professor R.K. Sinha — also known as the Dolphin Man of India — who was the Professor of Zoology at Patna University at the time (he is currently the vice-chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University)...

Source : The Print

Correct Answer :   Hisar

---

Union Minister for Steel and Civil Aviation, Sh. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, today (4 March, 2024) virtually inaugurated India's 1st Green Hydrogen Plant in Stainless Steel Sector located at Jindal Stainless Limited, Hisar.

The inauguration also witnessed the presence of Secretary, Ministry of Steel Sh. Nagendra Nath Sinha, Managing Director (Jindal Stainless Limited), Sh. Abhyuday Jindal, Founder, Hygenco Sh. Amit Bansal,  and other officials of the Ministry of Steel.

Union Minister of Steel highlighted India's commitment to a green and sustainable future, emphasizing the need for responsible economic progress in the post-COVID era. “As the world strives to recover from the pandemic's aftermath, India is steadfast in its resolve to contribute to global environmental goals”, he added.

India emerging as a Green leader :

The Minister mentioned that India's rich history of environmentalism, deeply embedded in traditions and practices, is now being revitalized through modern strategies. The country is making significant strides in tackling climate change with initiatives like the Panchamrit (five fold strategy to fight climate change) and Mission LiFE (a worldwide effort dedicated to supporting eco-friendly lifestyle and protecting the environment), showcasing a holistic approach to development that balances both nature and human prosperity. “As a government we are encouraging companies, citizens, and state governments to focus on "green growth" and "green jobs" to achieve the target of net zero carbon emission by 2070.”, he added.

National Green Hydrogen Mission transforming India's Steel Industry :

The Minister also highlighted India's progress in the steel sector, evolving from a net importer to a net exporter and aiming to become the world's largest producer of crude steel. One key initiative in this journey is the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), launched last year with an outlay of around ?20,000 crore with an aim to make India a Global Hub for production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. The Mission is also supporting pilot projects in the steel sector with a budget of around ?500 crore until FY 2029-30.

“Allocation of 11% additional outlay for infrastructure development in this year’s Interim Union Budget also reflects the importance the government attaches to sectors crucial for growth.”, the Union Minister mentioned while highlighting the benefits industry accrue from the government’s push towards sustainability solutions, including infrastructure spending.

Green Hydrogen Milestone: Industry Transformation :

While congratulating Hygenco and Jindal Stainless, for the commissioning of India's first long-term off-take green hydrogen plant, the Union Minister mentioned that this innovative green hydrogen project seamlessly aligns with the government's vision for a cleaner and more sustainable future. “The project not only aligns with the government's vision but also creates valuable employment opportunities, showcasing the potential of responsible industrial practices.”, he added. The Minister urged other industry stakeholders to enthusiastically adopt clean technologies, actively participating in India's transformative journey towards a greener economy and fostering a conscientious industrial landscape.

The Minister highlighted the government's readiness to initiate robust national green policies, 13 task forces to identify action points for each aspect of green steel production, and implementation of Steel Scrap Recycling Policy for enhancing the availability of domestically generated scrap.

“The need of the hour, therefore, is for stakeholders to come together to build a globally competitive as well as sustainable steel industry.” the Minister said while emphasizing the monumental significance of energy transition in this new world order, and stating unequivocally that the next era of growth belongs to India and, within India, to the steel industry..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Shahbaz Sharif

---

Shehbaz Sharif was on Monday (4th Mar 2024) sworn in as Pakistan's 24th Prime Minister, taking over the reins of the cash-strapped country for a second time since 2022, amidst staggering economic and security challenges.

President Arif Alvi administered the oath to the 72-year-old Shehbaz in a ceremony held at the Aiwan-i-Sadr, the presidential residence.

The oath-taking ceremony comes days after the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the Pakistan Peoples Party agreed on a power-sharing deal to form a coalition government.

Shehbaz earlier served as prime minister of a coalition government from April 2022 to August 2023 before Parliament was dissolved to hold general elections last month.

The ceremony was attended by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and other PML-N workers. PPP leader and Sindh chief minister Murad Ali Shah was also present on the occasion.

On Sunday (3rd Mar 2024), Shehbaz comfortably won a majority in the newly-elected Parliament amidst sloganeering by the Opposition..

Source : Hindustan Times