Correct Answer :   REC

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REC Limited, the Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, has been recognized for its exceptional performance in risk management with the esteemed Golden Peacock Award, given by the Institute of Directors (IOD).

The Golden Peacock Award in Risk Management highlights REC's continued commitment to implementing effective risk assessment strategies, thereby contributing to the organization's sustainable growth and resilience in a competitive business landscape.

The recognition also underscores REC's commitment to excellence and innovation in its operations in the power sector.

The Golden Peacock Awards, established by the Institute of Directors (IOD), India in 1991, has emerged as an internationally acclaimed standard for corporate excellence. REC Limited was selected by the jury panel headed by former Chief Justice of India, Justice M. N. Venkatachaliah.

Director (Projects), REC, Shri V. K. Singh and Executive Director (Finance), REC, Shri Daljeet Singh Khatri received the award on behalf of REC at a glittering ceremony held in London on 17th October 2023.

REC has been awarded the prestigious Golden Peacock Award in the Risk Management Category by the Institute of Directors at a glitzy ceremony in London on October 17, 2023. From REC The award was received by Mr V K Singh, Director (Projects) and Mr Daljeet Singh Khatri, Executive… pic.twitter.com/OxTM7ngj5K

— REC Limited (@RECLindia) October 18, 2023

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Mohammed Shami

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Puma has roped in Team India’s fast bowler Mohammed Shami as its brand ambassador. The sports brand has a star-studded roster of brand ambassadors which includes Virat Kohli, champion sprinter Usain Bolt, football stars Neymar Jr and Sunil Chhetri, celebrated boxer MC Mary Kom, cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Harleen Deol, and para-shooter Avani Lekhara.

Under this partnership, the Indian pacer will endorse Puma’s footwear, apparel and accessories through multiple activities and campaigns throughout the year. The brand has also launched a new bowling spikes with a mid-sole meant for runners, to support fast bowlers.

Bringing Mohammed Shami into the Puma family reinforces our dedication to the sport of cricket. We are delighted to support and welcome Shami into the Puma  family which has been home to cricket icons Virat Kohli and Harmanpreet Kaur.

Shami is an outstanding fast bowler with an impressive track record across cricketing formats. His relentless courage, unwavering spirit and the finesse he brings to the game perfectly resonates with our brand values.

We strongly believe that Shami’s association with Puma will not only inspire fans and athletes but also drive our commitment to further sports culture in the country,” Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director, PUMA India, said.

Shami has been a key member of India’s pace bowling unit. He made his debut against the West Indies in 2013 at the Eden Gardens, picking up nine wickets in the match, the most by an Indian fast bowler on debut. The right-arm fast bowler has played 64 Tests and picked up 229 wickets at an average of 27.7. He has scalped 171 wickets in 94 ODI matches. In 23 T20 matches, Shami picked up 24 wickets with 3 for 15 being his best figures..

Source : The Hindu Businessline

Correct Answer :   Himanta Biswa Sarma

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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the newly constructed ‘Shraddhanjali’ flyover in Guwahati on October 19, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the state’s infrastructure development as it was completed in just 60 days. This achievement stands out, considering that it was completed 300 days ahead of the original schedule.


Shraddhanjali Flyover Inaugurated with Ambitious Citywide CCTV Project : The 2.28-kilometer-long Shraddhanjali flyover, linking Commerce Point with Sundrapur on RG Baruah Road is considered to be the second longest flyover in the state. It was unveiled alongside a range of initiatives, including the deployment of 2,000 CCTV cameras throughout the city by August next year (2024).


The Financial Aspect : The construction of the Shraddhanjali Flyover was accomplished within a budget of Rs 316 crore, demonstrating prudent financial management. This allocation of resources reflects the government’s dedication to cost-effective and efficient execution of infrastructure projects for the benefit of the people.


A Tribute to Shraddhanjali Kanan : The name “Shraddhanjali” was chosen for the flyover in honor of Shraddhanjali Kanan, a park situated inside the state zoo cum-botanical garden. This thoughtful naming decision pays tribute to an iconic location within Assam, highlighting the state’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Previous Milestone: Nilachal Flyover : Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had already marked another significant achievement in Assam’s infrastructure development earlier in the year. On August 30, 2023, he inaugurated the Nilachal Flyover, the longest flyover in the state. This four-lane flyover connects Maligaon Chariali to Kamakhya Gate in the city, further enhancing transportation and connectivity in the region.


Nilachal Flyover: A Remarkable 2.63-Kilometer Marvel of Infrastructure Development : The Nilachal Flyover spans 2.63 kilometers. This remarkable infrastructure was successfully constructed at a total cost of ₹420.75 crore within a concise 35-month timeline, with collaborative efforts from Shree Gautam Construction Co Ltd and Anupam Nirman Pvt Ltd.


Assam’s Commitment to Rapid and Efficient Infrastructure Development : The inauguration of the Shraddhanjali Flyover is a testament to the Assam government’s commitment to rapid and efficient infrastructure development. This project not only eases traffic congestion but also stands as a symbol of the government’s dedication to improving the lives of the people it serves. With milestones like the Shraddhanjali and Nilachal flyovers, Assam is on a transformative path towards better infrastructure and enhanced connectivity..

Correct Answer :   ₹150 Crore

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Tata Motors committed to invest ₹150 crore in 'Freight Tiger' to acquire a 27% stake, with the aim of advancing efficiency within the truck and freight ecosystem in India.

Tata Motors, a prominent name in the Indian automotive sector, announced a significant move that would reshape the country’s logistics landscape. The company revealed its plan to acquire a 27% stake in Freight Tiger, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform specializing in end-to-end logistics solutions. This strategic partnership represents a crucial step in advancing efficiency within the truck and freight ecosystem in India.


The Deal: Tata Motors Invests in Freight Tiger : Tata Motors committed to a substantial investment of ₹150 crore in Freight Tiger, securing a 27% stake in the (Software as a service) SaaS platform. However, Tata Motors also holds the option to further invest ₹100 crore over the next two years, depending on the prevailing market value. This investment signifies Tata Motors’ intent to become a significant player in the digitization and optimization of the logistics industry.

Freight Tiger: Revolutionizing Logistics : Freight Tiger, a subsidiary of Freight Commerce Solutions Pvt Ltd, is at the forefront of transforming the logistics industry in India. The platform functions as a digital marketplace, connecting shippers, carriers, logistics service providers, and fleet owners. This connection simplifies the process of finding, booking, and managing freight, making it more efficient for all stakeholders involved.


SaaS Solutions for Streamlined Logistics : Beyond its marketplace function, Freight Tiger offers a suite of SaaS solutions to digitize and streamline various aspects of logistics interactions. These solutions include freight tracking, assignment management, carrier matching, documentation, and payment processing. Over the past seven years, the platform has successfully integrated and eliminated inefficiencies in cargo movements, handling over 10 million trips on an annualized basis.


Tata Motors’ Fleet Edge: Enhancing Fleet Operations : Tata Motors has been actively involved in the digitization of fleet operations through its connected vehicle platform, ‘Fleet Edge.’ This technology aims to improve efficiency within the truck and freight ecosystem. The strategic investment in Freight Tiger will complement and accelerate Tata Motors’ efforts to optimize the logistics industry.

Correct Answer :   Hope Initiative

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In Punjab, efforts to make the state completely drug-free are going at different levels currently. The state government also started the mission ‘Hope Initiative’ in this regard from Amritsar 18th Oct 2023. The Ardas for the success of this mission was performed in the premises of Sri Harmandir Sahib.

Akashvani's correspondent reports, led by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, thousands of youth from across the state 18th Oct 2023 participated in Ardaas at Sri Harmandir Sahib to make the state completely drug-free.

These youth wearing yellow turbans, patkas and duppatas, prayed to the almighty to give strength to them for fulfilling this sacred mission aimed at wiping out the curse of drugs from this border state.

This anti-drug ‘Hope Initiative’ has been embarked with a three fold strategy of Pray, Pledge, and Play which is first of its kind mass movement against drugs to break the backbone of this menace..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Arunachal Pradesh

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The Arunachal Pradesh State Cabinet on Wednesday (18th October 2023) approved the constitution of Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) in the State for three Tiger Reserves of the State namely- Namdapha, Pakke and Kamlang. This decision will result in the creation of 336 regular posts in the state.

The cabinet observed that this will lead to protection of Tigers and their habitats, protection of wildlife habitats and prevention of other illegal activities in these tiger reserves.

In addition to it, the state cabinet also approved to provide a lump-sum monthly honorarium to all the Third Language Teachers of various tribes who have developed their own scripts.

There are 1043 Language teachers engaged presently in Arunachal Pradesh and this decision of the cabinet is seen as an encouragement of the third language subject of respective tribes, right from elementary level onwards.

The Cabinet also approved the Amendment of Arunachal Pradesh State Industrial and Investment Policy 2020 and framing of Arunachal Pradesh Home Guard Rules 2023 along with others..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Maharashtra

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi launched 511 Pramod Mahajan Grameen Kaushalya Vikas Kendras in Maharashtra via video conferencing 19th Oct 2023.

Established across 34 rural districts of Maharashtra, these Kendras will conduct skill development training programs across various sectors to provide employment opportunities to rural youth

The Prime Minister began his address by stating that it is the 5th day of Navratra when Skanda Mata is worshipped. Noting that every mother wishes for happiness and success for their children, the Prime Minister underlined that this can be made possible only with education and skill development.

Speaking about the establishment of 511 Pramod Mahajan Grameen Kaushalya Vikas Kendras in Maharashtra, the Prime Minister underlined that 19th Oct 2023. is a huge step for the skill development of millions of youth making this day a memorable one.

The Prime Minister said that the demand for skilled Indian youth is growing globally. Referring to the increasing age profile in the demography of many countries, the Prime Minister mentioned a study that says that 16 countries have planned to provide employment to about 40 lakh skilled youth. 

“India is preparing skilled professionals for the world, not just for itself”, the Prime Minister said. He said that the Skill Centers in Maharashtra will prepare the local youth for global jobs and will skill them in construction, modern farming, media and entertainment, and electronics.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the need to provide training in soft skills such as basic foreign language skills, using AI tools for language interpretation which will make them more attractive for the recruiters.  

For long, the Prime Minister pointed out that the previous governments lacked farsightedness and seriousness towards skill development which resulted in fewer job opportunities for the lakhs of youth due to lack of skills.

The Prime Minister underlined that the present government understood the need for skill development and created a separate ministry dedicated to it with its own budgetary allocation and multiple schemes. Under the Kaushal Vikas Scheme, the Prime Minister informed that more than 1 crore 30 lakh youth have been provided training under multiple traits, while more than hundreds of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras have been established all over the country..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Raghubar Das

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President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Raghubar Das as Governor of Odisha, and Indra Sena Reddy Nallu as Governor of Tripura.

An official statement from the President's Secretariat issued on Wednesday, said, "The President of India is pleased to make the following appointments:- Shri Indra Sena Reddy Nallu as Governor of Tripura and Shri Raghubar Das as Governor of Odisha."
 
Key Points :

* Raghubar Das has been appointed as the 26th governor of Odisha.

* Das is a former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

* He has also served as the president of the Jharkhand BJP twice.

* At present, Ganeshi Lal is serving as the 25th Governor of Odisha.

* He was sworn in as the Odisha governor in 2018.

* Indra Sena Reddy Nallu is a national secretary of the BJP and has thrice served as an MLA in Andhra Pradesh.

* Currently, Satyadev Narayan Arya is serving as the 19th governor of Tripura.

* He is a BJP leader from Bihar and has previously served as a Governor of Haryana..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Kolkata

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Under the initiative of the Union Textiles Ministry, the National Handicraft Exhibition- Gandhi Bunkar Mela started in Kolkata.

Its main objective is to increase the marketing of Khadi clothes across the country and to generate people's interest in Khadi products.

This fair will be organized till October.  

Correct Answer :   Rajeev Chandrasekhar

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Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar will inaugurate project “Heartland Tripura,” a skill development initiative in collaboration with Deloitte and the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) in Agartala 19th Oct 2023.

The project will be launched at the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala and will aim to provide skill development and employment opportunities to undergraduate students in engineering and non-engineering disciplines.

“Heartland Tripura” is being implemented by Deloitte in association with NIELIT, Agartala, with the support of the Government of India and the Government of Tripura.

The inauguration will also be attended by Km. Pratima Bhoumik, Minister of State, Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, as the guest of honor, and Smt  Santana Chakma, Minister of Industries & Commerce, Jail (Home), and Welfare of OBCs, Government of Tripura, as a special guest.

The "Heartland Tripura" project will deliver a specific set of skill development certification courses through NIELIT-Agartala for the state. Select professionals will also have the opportunity to be selected in internships, which could lead to promising job prospects after they successfully complete the certification and internship requirements.

The certification courses offered under “Heartland Tripura” will cover a wide range of new-age technical and professional development skills, such as cybersecurity, internal audit, and analytics, as well as softer skills such as business communication and executive presence.

Minister Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar last visited Agartala in June to review the progress of the International Railway Station at Charipara..

Source : PIB