Correct Answer :   Maharashtra

---

Former Lok Sabha Speaker and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi passed away at the age of 86. He was admitted in the ICU of Mumbai’s PD Hinduja Hospital on Wednesday (22nd Feb 2024) and breathed his last at the private medical facility.

His family said that Joshi died at 3am on Friday (23rd Feb 2024) following prolonged age related health issues. “We will be conducting his last rites at Shivaji Park crematorium in Dadar at 3pm prior to which he shall be at his residence from 11am to 2pm,” a statement by his family read.

The hospital had said in a statement on Thursday that Joshi (86) was severely ill. The Shiv Sena stalwart was admitted to the same hospital in May last year after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

Joshi served as chief minister from 1995 to 1999 and was the first leader from the undivided Shiv Sena to occupy the top post in the state. He was also elected as a Member of Parliament and was the Lok Sabha Speaker from 2002 to 2004 when the Vajpayee government was in power.

Born on December 2, 1937 in coastal Konkan region of Maharashtra, Joshi obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) in Mumbai.

His political career began with his involvement in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and he later became a member of the Shiv Sena. In the 1980s, Joshi emerged as a key leader within the Shiv Sena, and was known for his organisational skills.

He was the Lok Sabha Speaker from 2002 to 2004 when the Vajpayee government was in power.

The former Union minister was married to Anagha Joshi, who died in 2020 at the age of 75. He is survived by a son and two daughters.

Joshi began his career as a teacher and entered politics in 1967. He was associated with the Shiv Sena for more than four decades.

He was a municipal councilor in Mumbai during 1968-70 and Chairman, Standing Committee of the Mumbai municipal corporation in 1970. He was the Mayor of Mumbai during 1976-1977..

Source : News18

Correct Answer :   Sri Lanka

---

The 5th edition of the International Gita Mahotsav (IGM) will take place in Sri Lanka from 1st March to 3rd March 2024, marking its foreign debut.

The International Gita Mahotsav (IGM), a celebration deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural heritage of India, is set to embark on a new journey as it finds its foreign soil in Sri Lanka. Scheduled from March 1 to 3, the fifth edition of the IGM promises to be a grand affair, bringing together devotees and enthusiasts from around the world.

Preparations Underway :

* A dedicated team, led by the Chief Executive Officer of the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB) along with the Honorary Secretary of the Board and the Chairman of the 48-Kos Tirtha Monitoring Committee, is gearing up for the event. Arriving in Sri Lanka on February 28, their mission is to ensure seamless preparedness for the festivities.

A Testament to Bilateral Relations :

* Sri Lanka’s Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka graced the previous edition of the Mahotsav at the Brahma Sarovar alongside BJP national president JP Nadda.
* Wickramanayaka’s expressed willingness to host the event showcases the deep-rooted cultural ties and bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka.

Joint Efforts for a Grand Celebration

* Highlighting the collaborative spirit, KDB Honorary Secretary Upender Singhal stated, “The event will be jointly organised by the KDB and the government of Sri Lanka.”
* This joint effort underscores the shared commitment to preserving and promoting the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, a timeless scripture revered worldwide.
* As part of the festivities, a copy of the Gita will be ceremoniously presented in the Parliament of Sri Lanka, symbolizing the universal message of peace and enlightenment encapsulated in its verses.

Expanding Horizons :

* The decision to host the IGM in Sri Lanka marks a significant milestone in the event’s journey.
* Having previously been held in Mauritius, London, Canada, and Australia, the Mahotsav’s expansion into Sri Lanka reflects its growing global appeal.
* It serves as a testament to the widespread admiration and reverence for the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita transcending geographical boundaries.

Embracing Cultural Exchange and Spiritual Enlightenment

* As the countdown begins for the fifth edition of the International Gita Mahotsav on foreign soil, anticipation and excitement fill the air.
* The event not only celebrates the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita but also serves as a beacon of cultural exchange and harmony.
* With Sri Lanka as its new host, the Mahotsav is poised to further enrich the tapestry of international relations and spiritual enlightenment.

Correct Answer :   DY Chandrachud

---

On February 22, 2024 (Thursday), Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud inaugurated the ‘AYUSH Holistic Wellness Centre’ in the Supreme Court premises located on the ground floor of the E-Block in the Additional building complex of the Court. AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.

The inauguration event was initiated in the presence of Companion judges of the SC, Minister of AYUSH and Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State for Ayush Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai, Secretary  Ministry of AYUSH Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha and Director Secretary and other senior officers of the Ministry of AYUSH; Prof. Tanuja Nesari, Director All India Institute of Ayurveda.

During the event, CJI said, “For me, this is a satisfying moment. I have been working on this ever since I took over as CJI. I am a proponent of Ayurveda and holistic lifestyle. We have over 2000 staff members, and we must look at a holistic pattern of living not just for the judges and their immediate families but for the staff members too.

I am deeply grateful to all the doctors of All India Institute Ayurveda.” He also shared his experience with AYUSH during his battle with COVID-19 and the call he received from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Moreover, CJI explained “The facilities have been prepared scientifically, whether anti-skid tiles or treatment rooms. Ensuring that the restrooms are consistent with the nature of the treatment that is taking place.

It is being looked into with a great deal of care.” As per the press release of PIB (Press Information Bureau), “The AYUSH Holistic Wellness Centre in the Supreme Court premises is a state-of-the-art facility providing holistic care addressing physical, mental and emotional well-being, promoting overall health of the  Judges and staff of the Supreme Court of India.

The facility has been set up with the active participation of the All India Institute of Ayurveda under the aegis of the Ministry of AYUSH.”.

Source : Freelaw

Correct Answer :   5.1%

---

India's mineral output increased by 5.1 per cent in December 2023 as compared to the year-ago period, the government said on Thursday (22nd Feb 2024).

The index of mineral production of mining and quarrying sector for the month of December, 2023 at 139.4 is 5.1 per cent higher as compared to the level witnessed in the corresponding month of 2022, the mines ministry said in a statement.

The cumulative growth rate in the mining and quarrying sector for the April-December period of the current fiscal over the corresponding period of previous financial year is 8.5 per cent, as per the provisional statistics of Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM).

In December, the production of coal stood at 929 lakh tonnes while that of lignite at 40 lakh tonnes, iron ore at 255 lakh tonnes and limestone at 372 lakh tonnes.

Production of lignite, limestone, coal, bauxite and natural gas showed positive growth.

However, a negative growth was registered in the production of petroleum (crude), gold, chromite, phosphorite and diamond.

The ministry further said that country produced iron ore worth Rs 9,360 crore in December, 2023, higher from Rs 6,943 crore in the year-ago month. In case of limestone, the output was worth Rs 984 crore in December last year compared to Rs 887 crore in December 2022.

Silver production was worth Rs 452 crore in December 2023, up from Rs 305 crore a year ago, the ministry said..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   World Bank

---

Power Finance Corporation (PFC), leading NBFC, power sector PSU and the largest renewable energy financier in India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the climate ambitions of the state of Goa. The support extended would be under the Blended Finance Facility being set up by Government of Goa in partnership with The World Bank. The Government of Goa is setting up the sub-national Blended Finance Facility in partnership with the World Bank, aiming to foster low-carbon, climate-resilient development.

Under the MoU, PFC will utilize innovative blended finance mechanisms to fund key climate projects such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, electric vehicles, waste-to-wealth technology and nature-based solutions, thus contributing to Energy Transition.

The Government of Goa will facilitate the successful implementation of the facility by identifying and developing a pipeline of climate projects, and promoting policy decisions and facilitating stakeholder collaboration to take those projects forward. PFC and the Government of Goa will pool resources and expertise, aiming to advance sustainable development. The agreement thus pioneers blended financing facility in India and seeks to attract private sector investment in climate initiatives, thus contributing to India's ambitious net-zero goals.

The agreement has been signed at the two-day India Climate and Development Partners’ Meet in Goa today, February 20, 2024, in the presence of the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant.

Speaking about the MoU, CMD, PFC, Smt. Parminder Chopra said: “India is committed to achieving 'Panchamrit' and Net Zero emissions by 2070; and PFC is going to play a pivotal role in aligning with the government's commitment to Net Zero, through this milestone initiative in the area of blended financing for achieving energy transition.”

The collaboration between PFC and the Government of Goa marks a historic milestone in green financing, under which PFC will lend its financial expertise to drive climate initiatives and catalyze energy transition through emerging technologies. The initiative is an innovative partnership between Government of Goa and the World Bank on the one hand and leading financial institutions PFC, SIDBI and NABARD on the other, to finance climate action priorities..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Noida

---

'International Tourism Expo' is being organized in Greater Noida from 22nd February 2024. Travel agents from more than 120 Indian cities are participating in this three-day expo. Internationally, Saudi Arabia is the premium partner country for the event, while Maldives, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand are the partner countries.

The Noida Flower Show, which will be a vibrant celebration of nature's beauty, will be held at the Ramlila Ground, Noida Stadium, in Sector 21.

It’s a collaborative effort between the Noida authority and the Floriculture Society of Noida. This grand exhibition, now in its 36th edition, promises to showcase as many as 70 varieties of flora, and thereby creating a breathtaking spectacle for attendees.

Manju Grover, General Secretary of the Noida Floriculture Society, disclosed that the chosen theme for this year's exhibition is the elegant ‘Stock’ flower. At the entrance, captivating Stock flower exhibits will greet visitors, while various delightful varieties of this floral beauty will be prominently displayed throughout the show.

A particular highlight of the event will be a landscaping exhibit featuring an array of cut flowers and plants, capturing the essence of nature's diverse splendour.

With a keen focus on environmental consciousness, the exhibition will focus on plants that contribute to pollution reduction. In addition to the visual feast of flowers, workshops will be organised during the event, which will aim at educating school children on plantation techniques and the art of transforming kitchen waste into valuable compost. To cater to diverse interests, food stalls will also be present, offering a culinary complement to the botanical wonders on display.

Invitations will be extended to schools, corporate offices, colleges, and Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs), anticipating the participation of around three lakh people, particularly nature enthusiasts and gardening aficionados. The flower show, unfortunately, couldn't take place during the challenging COVID years of 2021 and 2022, but made a triumphant return last year.

The expansive exhibition grounds will host over 80 stalls, featuring 38 nurseries alongside entrepreneurs selling a wide variety of gardening-related equipment, pottery, manure, and more. Vandana Tripathi, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) with the Noida Authority, highlighted the diverse offerings, while stressing on the fact that the show will also include gardening competitions, potting demonstrations, informative talks covering topics such as millets and composting, and captivating cultural shows.

The organisers aim to make the show accessible to all, with free entry for attendees. Furthermore, to infuse a touch of social awareness, street plays addressing pertinent social issues will be held, adding an educational and thought-provoking dimension to this delightful celebration of nature's bounty.

Manish Kumar, from the floriculture department of the Noida authority, expressed excitement about the upcoming event, ensuring that it will be a holistic experience that caters to a wide spectrum of interests and passions..

Source : India Times

Correct Answer :   Ministry of AYUSH

---

Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Tribal Affairs announced (21st Feb 2024) a Joint Initiative on Public Health of Tribal Students. The joint National Level Project of Health Screening and Management through Ayurvedic Interventions will benefit over 20,000 Tribal Students. The Ministry of Ayush through its research council CCRAS has taken this health Initiative for Tribal Students with the joint initiative of Ministry of Tribal Affairs and ICMR-NIRTH Jabalpur.

Union Minister for AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal and Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda together announced initiative to address the health needs of children in Eklavya Model Residential Schools across tribal areas through public health initiatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sonowal said, to make India a self-reliant nation, every Indian has to be disease free. He said that both the Ministries have joined hands to study the health needs of Tribal population and cater to the public health-care services in major thrust areas in Malnutrition, Iron deficiency Anaemia and Sickle Cell Diseases through Ayurveda interventions, which are already prevalent and effective to address these health needs. He informed that this project aims to cover the students of 10 to 18 years of age group enrolled in classes 6th to 12th in identified 55 EMRS across 14 states of the country.

Mr Munda said, the initiative will help in developing healthy lifestyle practices in children as per the principles of Ayurveda, thereby improving and protecting their health and overall well-being with emphasis on prevention of diseases. He added that there should be a medicinal plant garden in the schools to make the future generation aware about the importance of traditional medicines in our citizen’s life.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Tribal Affairs in October 2022 to explore the areas of collaboration, convergence and synergy for tribal development. Accordingly, CCRAS developed 72 Poshan Vatikas in EMRS of 20 states..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Visakhapatnam

---

Power sector PSU and India’s largest integrated power company NTPC Limited has signed a Land Lease Agreement in order to realize its green energy and green hydrogen objectives, thus also contributing to the Government of India’s efforts towards energy transition. The agreement, signed on 20th February, 2024 between NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) and Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), is for the development of an “Integrated Green Hydrogen Hub”. The hub will come up on 1,200 acres of land near Pudimadaka village of Atchutapuram Mandal in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

The Pudimadaka Green Hydrogen Hub aims to create a world-class ecosystem for technologies in the new energy paradigm, such as electrolyser and fuel cell manufacturing, related ancillary industries, and start-up, incubation, testing facilities, production and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives such as green ammonia and green methanol. The project includes construction of India's largest green hydrogen production facility (1,200 tons per day), which will enable further conversion of green hydrogen to derivatives such as green ammonia and green methanol, primarily catering to various export markets.

The Land Lease Deed was exchanged between Chief General Manager, NGEL, Shri Sivakumar V. V. and Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, APIIC, Shri Pravin Kumar at Secretariat, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Amravati in the presence of Chief Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Shri K S Jawahar Reddy; Executive Director, NTP, Shri R Sarangapani and other senior officials.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing the National Green Hydrogen Mission, approved by the Union Cabinet on 4th January 2023, with an outlay of ?19,744 crores. The overarching objective of the Mission is to make India the Global Hub for production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.

NTPC is India’s largest Power Utility into the core business of power generation, with a total installed capacity of 74 GW (including joint ventures and subsidiaries). As part of increasing its renewable energy portfolio, a fully owned subsidiary “NTPC Green Energy Limited” (NGEL) has been formed, which will take up Renewable Energy Parks and Projects including business in the area of Green Hydrogen, Energy Storage Technologies, and Round-the-Clock renewable energy power.

NTPC Group has ambitious plans of attaining 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by the year 2032. Currently, it has 3.4 GW of installed RE capacity and 22-plus GW under pipeline. NTPC is committed to supporting Andhra Pradesh’s and India’s decarbonisation goals..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   3 years

---

ACC appoints M R Kumar as BOI Chairman, Srinivasan Sridhar as IOB Chairman, and Aravamudan Kumar as UCO Bank Chairman for three-year terms

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed former LIC Chairman M R Kumar as part time non official Director as well as non-executive Chairman of Bank of India (BOI)

He has been appointed as BOI Chairman for a term of three years.

ACC has also appointed Srinivasan Sridhar, as part time non official Director as well as non Executive Chairman on the Board of Indian Overseas Bank (IOB).  Sridhar has been appointed for a term of three years subject to the condition that he resigns from the Board of Bank of Baroda.

In another decision, ACC has appointed Aravamudan Krishna Kumar as part time non official Director as well as non Executive Chairman on the Board of UCO Bank. Kumar has been appointed for a term of three years subject to his resignation from the Board of Suraksha Asset Reconstruction Limited, according to an order issued by the Department of Personnel & Training..

Source : The Hindu Businessline

Correct Answer :   Madhya Pradesh

---

The Madhya Pradesh government has announced 'bag less school' day once a week for students in classes 1 to 12, starting from the upcoming academic session in 2024-25. This decision applies to all government and private schools operating in the state.

The state government, aiming to alleviate the burden on students, has issued a notice outlining the maximum permissible weight of school bags for different classes.

According to the notice, students in classes 1 and 2 should carry bags weighing between 1.6-2.2 kg, while those in classes 3 to 5 should limit their bags to 1.7-2.5 kg. For classes 6 and 7, the recommended weight is 2-3 kg, and for classes 8, 2.5-4 kg. Students in classes 9 and 10 are advised to carry bags weighing between 2.5-4.5 kg.

Additionally, the weight of school bags for students in classes 11 and 12 will be determined by the school management committee based on the students' respective streams.

Uday Pratap Singh, the Minister of School Education, emphasized the objective of this initiative in an interview with ANI, said, "To avoid stress on children due to the burden of their bags, we have categorized the weight of bags of students according to their class." Singh further explained that the initiative includes a designated 'bag less school' day each week, during which students are encouraged to engage in recreational activities such as games, sports, cultural programs, and music.

The minister emphasized that the aim is to ensure that school is not perceived as a source of stress for students but rather a source of joy. Strict instructions have been issued to schools to adhere to the new school bag policy from the commencement of the academic session in 2024-25..

Source : DD News