Correct Answer :   ISRO

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing its innovative device named ‘Nabhmitra’.

This device, developed at ISRO’s Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad, aims to enhance the safety of fishermen during their sea expeditions.

The successful testing took place at Neendakara, where the device was installed on a fishing vessel, and its capabilities were assessed in the presence of both scientists and officials from the Fisheries department.

Nabhmitra operates on the basis of advanced satellite communication technology, allowing seamless two-way messaging between fishing boats and maritime authorities stationed at sea. This breakthrough technology greatly improves the communication channels and safety measures available to fishermen during their voyages.

Key Features and Functions (Nabhmitra device) :

* Weather and Cyclone Warnings : The device facilitates the transmission of critical weather updates and cyclone warnings to fishing boats in the local language. This enables fishermen to stay informed about potentially hazardous conditions and make informed decisions regarding their operations.

* Distress Messages : Fishermen can now send distress messages to the authorities in case of emergencies. Whether facing challenges like capsizing or fires, fishermen can activate the distress signal with a single button press, immediately alerting the control center about their situation.

* Emergency Connectivity : Upon receiving a distress signal, the control center is immediately notified, including the precise location of the distressed fishing boat. Simultaneously, the boat’s crew receives a response message from the control center, assuring them that help is on the way.

* Navigational Assistance : In addition to safety features, Nabhmitra also serves as a valuable navigational tool. It provides vital information about shipping channels and maritime boundaries, assisting fishermen in navigating safely through often challenging waters.

* Fishing Field Identification : The device’s capabilities extend beyond safety concerns. Nabhmitra aids in the identification of fishing fields, contributing to more effective and productive fishing operations.


Source : inkl

Correct Answer :   Siddaramaiah

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Karnataka government on Wednesday (30 August 2023) will launch 'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme--women's financial aid scheme in Mysuru.

During the launching event, Congress party President Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will be present along with CM Siddararamaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar.

Under this scheme, about 1.1 crore women heads of family will get ₹2,000 each at a function in Mysuru. "As many as 1.1 crore women heads of households will be given ₹2,000 every month," Siddararamaiah said.

The Karnataka government has earmarked ₹17,500 crore for 'Gruha Lakshmi' programme in the current financial year.

'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme is one of the five pre-poll 'guarantees' of the Congress, which ousted the BJP from power in the Karnataka Assembly election held in May.

Karnataka government has already implemented three of the five 'guarantees' (pre-poll promises) -- 'Shakti', 'Gruha Jyothi' and 'Anna Bhagya' -- and 'Gruha Lakshmi' is the fourth one. The fifth one is the 'Yuva Nidhi' scheme that promises to provide unemployment allowance to the state's youth.

About Gruha Lakshmi Scheme :

* Under this scheme, the women heads of the family will get a monthly allowance of ₹2,000.

* For this scheme, Karnataka has allocated a substantial ₹32,000 crore annually to support this scheme.

* Women listed as family heads on Antyodaya, Below Poverty Line (BPL), and Above Poverty Line (APL) ration cards are eligible for the Gruha Lakshmi Scheme. Only one woman in a family will be the beneficiary of this scheme.

* Women government employees taxpayers and families whose husbands pay income tax or file GST returns are not eligible for the scheme..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Tamil Nadu

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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Fourth Partner Energy Private Limited (Fourth Partner) signed a long-term loan of up to 1.2 billion Indian rupees (about $14.7 million) to construct and operate a 25-megawatt solar photovoltaic-based power plant to increase clean and low-cost energy supply to commercial and industrial customers.

The power plant, located in Tirunelveli district in the state of Tamil Nadu in India, is expected to generate about 50.7 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually and will directly sell power to commercial and industrial users. India’s progressive open access renewable energy policy allows a group of consumers to purchase electricity directly from an Independent Power Producer (IPP).

“Open access energy procurement can play an important role in businesses achieving their net zero emissions targets,” said ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department Director General Suzanne Gaboury. “Solutions like this are being spearheaded by ADB to promote renewable energy across the region. This is ADB’s first direct financing to a renewable energy plant of this nature and is expected to crowd in international commercial financing to further decarbonize the commercial and industrial sector”.

Nearly 41,700 tons of carbon dioxide emissions a year will be avoided through the plant, which would otherwise have been generated by conventional fossil fuel plants.

“We are excited to add ADB to our esteemed list of green financiers as we move closer to our 3.5 GW renewable energy target by 2025.  Fourth Partner is also constructing solar and wind parks across Ottapidaram, Tuticorin, and Nandikundu in Tamil Nadu,” said Fourth Partner Energy Co-Founder and Executive Director Vivek Subramanian. “We see this project as the beginning of our long-standing partnership with ADB to deliver cleaner, affordable power to India’s commercial and industrial sector,”

ADB has supported the development of renewable energy in India since 2007 when it financed the first set of wind projects under the IPP model. ADB has subsequently financed solar IPPs by assisting projects under the National Solar Mission and various state policies.

Fourth Partner is India’s leading renewable energy solutions platform, focused on building and financing renewable energy projects for commercial and industrial consumers. It offers end-to-end capabilities including evaluation, design, planning, procurement, construction, operation, maintenance, and financing of critical solar, wind, and battery storage infrastructure..

Source : ADB

Correct Answer :   Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)

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Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) manufactured India’s first set of Catalysts for Selective Catalyst Reactors (SCR) for limiting NOx emissions from thermal power plants, the company on Wednesday (30th Aug 2023) announced through an exchange filing.

The first set of indigenously manufactured SCR catalysts for the 5x800 MW Yadadri Thermal Power Station in Telangana, were flagged off by Renuka Gera, Director (Industrial Systems & Products), BHEL, from the company’s Solar Business Division (SBD) unit in Bengaluru, the company said through the filing.

BHEL has set up a state-of-the-art SCR catalyst manufacturing facility at its SBD unit to cater to NOx abatement in thermal power stations.

Recognizing the long-term severe effects of NOx and in consideration of the Ministry of Environment and Forest’s notification, TSGENCO had placed an order for SCRs for 5x800 MW Yadadri TPS, MAHAGENCO for 1x660 MW Bhusawal TPS, WBPDCL for 1x660 MW Sagardighi TPS and NALCO for 1x18.5 MW Damanjodi TPS.

Correct Answer :   Draupadi Murmu

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On 25th August, 2023, a special event took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre as President Draupadi Murmu unveiled a postage stamp in memory of Dadi Prakashmani.

This initiative has been taken on the 16th death anniversary of Dadi Prakashmani under the ‘My Stamp’ initiative of the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications.


Significance of the Postage Stamp :

The commemorative postage stamp unveiled by President Draupadi Murmu on the 16th death anniversary of Dadi Prakashmani, holds a deep significance. This initiative stands as an evident to the enduring influence and remarkable contribution of Dadi Prakashmani to both spirituality and society. The stamp not only immortalizes her legacy but also symbolizes the timeless wisdom she imparted and the positive change she brought.

Who was Dadi Prakashmani?

Dadi Prakashmani, former chief of Brahma Kumaris, played a pivotal role in the Brahma Kumaris organization. Her life was dedicated to spreading Indian values and culture across the nation and beyond, through the path of spirituality. Her leadership guided the Brahma Kumaris to become the world’s largest women-led spiritual institution. Even in tough times, Dadi Prakashmani’s faith and courage offered unwavering support and guidance to the Brahma Kumaris family.


Brahma Kumaris :

Brahma Kumaris, founded in 1937 by Prajapita Brahma Baba, is a global spiritual organization with a profound focus on personal transformation and the renewal of the world. With its headquarters nestled in Mount Abu, India, the Brahma Kumaris holds non-governmental status across various international spheres.

Correct Answer :   President Murmu

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President Droupadi Murmu on Monday (28th August 2023) released a ₹100 commemorative coin on legendary actor and former chief minister of unified Andhra Pradesh late N T Rama Rao on his centenary year at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.

While NTR’s sons-in-law N. Chandrababu Naidu and Daggubati Venkateswara Rao, BJP national president J.P. Nadda, MPs K. Raghu Ramakrishna Raju, C.M. Ramesh and Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar and other invitees were seated in the front rows, NTR’s sons Ramakrishna, Balakrishna and Mohan Krishna and daughters Lokeswari, Purandeswari and Bhuvaneswari got to share the dais with the President as she released the commemorative coin brought out by the India Government Mint located in Hyderabad.

In a message on Twitter earlier in the day, Mr. Naidu said the event was a matter of immense pride for Telugu people around the world, who stood united in commemoration of the legendary actor, and said NTR had also made his mark in politics as a Chief Minister. “People remember NTR’s remarkable legacy by setting aside all differences and political affiliations,” Mr. Naidu said.

Nandamuri Ramakrishna said in a press release that the entire family of NTR was grateful to the President for honouring the great actor, who also left a lasting impression on the State’s political landscape by founding the TDP four decades ago. He said he was proud to be a descendant of NTR, whose contribution to Telugu cinema was phenomenal..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   29th August

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The National Sports Day in India is celebrated on 29 August every year. It is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend "Major Dhyan Chand Singh".

The day also serves as a reminder for all of us to recall the contributions, determination and extraordinary achievements of the athletes and their influence in shaping societies. The first National Sports Day was celebrated on August 29, 2012 and hence this year marks the 12th anniversary of Rashtriya Khel Divas.

National Sports Day 2023 Theme :  The theme for this year's National Sports Day celebration is "Sports are an enabler to an inclusive and fit society".

National Sports Day History :

* The roots of India’s National Sports Day can be traced back to the birth of Major Dhyan Chand Singh, one of its most revered sporting legends of India, who went on to become one of the most popular names in the game of hockey. He ruled the world of hockey with his delightful stick work and understanding of the game that earned him the moniker of 'Hockey Wizard' and 'The Magician'.

* Born on 29 August 1905 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, he started off his career with the British Indian Army. His career spanned from 1926 to 1948 and ended as one of the greatest hockey players of all time after having represented India 185 matches and scored over 400 goals during this period. His skills mesmerized the world, guiding India to three consecutive Olympic Hockey gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936.

* In recognition of his unparalleled contributions to the realm of sports, the Indian Government declared his birthday as National Sports Day in 2012, with the aim to inspire generations to come. This decision was also focused on promoting sports and physical fitness among the people in the country.

National Sports Day 2023 Significance :

* National Sports Day encourages people of all ages to embrace physical fitness. It emphasises the importance of regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. It also warns against of implications of sedentary lifestyle and related diseases.

* This day also serves as a catalyst for the development of a robust sports culture in the country. It encourages to participate in various sports and games for holistic personal growth. Sports have the unique power to bring people together regardless of their background, language, or beliefs. National Sports Day showcases this unity.

Correct Answer :   27th August 2023

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Eminent littérateur and poet Jayanta Mahapatra passed away on Sunday (27th August 2023) late evening at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. He was 95.

* Mahapatra was admitted to the said hospital on August 4 due to old-age related complications. He was shifted to the ICU after his condition deteriorated.

* Mahapatra was the first Indian poet to win a Sahitya Akademi award for English poetry. He was also conferred with the Padma Shri award in 2009. However, he returned it in 2015 to protest against “rising intolerance in India”.

* The author of ‘Indian Summer’ and ‘Hunger’, considered as classics in modern Indian English literature, Mahapatra penned 27 books of poems, of which seven are in Odia language and the rest in English.

* Born on October 22, 1928, in Cuttack, Mahapatra started his career as a lecturer in physics and served in many government colleges across Odisha.

* Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed grief on the passing away of Mahapatra, describing him “a legendary author and poet who was prolific in both English and Odia literature”. “He had successfully elevated the reach of Odia literature to a wider circle. His intellect and knowledge was a guiding spirit for many youngsters to write in English literature,” said the CM..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   31,000

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday (25th Aug 2023) launched the expanded formed of the state government's breakfast scheme for government schools.

Stalin launched the expansion at a school at Tirukkuvalai in Nagapattinam district. He served food to students to mark the launch.

Video from the launch showed Stalin sitting on the floor and eating the meal with the children.

VIDEO | Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin enjoys a meal with school children in Nagapattinam district as he launched the Chief Minister’s breakfast scheme.

The scheme was initially launched to provide breakfast to over 1 lakh students in classes 1 to 5 across 1,545 government schools,… pic.twitter.com/Ac7KBSI4uF

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 25, 2023

The scheme was initially launched last year for 1,545 government primary schools, but has now been expanded to 31,000 schools across the state.

Here we explain what's Tamil Nadu's CM Breakfast Scheme and how it has performed so far.

What is Tamil Nadu's CM Breakfast Scheme?

* Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin had launched the CM Breakfast Scheme on September 15, 2022. It provides free breakfast to children primary government schools.

* Initially, the scheme covered around 1.14 lakh students in 1,545 government primary schools.

* Now, the scheme has been expanded to cover 15.75 children in state's all 31,008 government primary schools in both urban and rural areas.

* The government order to expand the scheme was issued on June 7 and it was formally launched on Friday, reported PTI.

* Launching the breakfast scheme in Madurai, Stalin, quoting the late Periyar E V Ramasamy, C N Annadurai and M Karunanidhi had said nothing -be it poverty or caste- should be an obstacle to access education, reported PTI.

* The menu of the breakfast provided to students is made such as that children get a unique set of food items every day. The proposed menu on Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Departments' website states that children get uppama type breakfast on Monday, kitchadi type on Tuesday, Pongal type on Wednesday, uppama type on Thursday, and sweet type on Friday. Besides these items, the children would also be provided with millet-based meals at least twice a week.

* "The quantity of raw material will be 50 grams per child per day. Locally available millet-based Breakfast also be utilised for at least two days a week. This will ensure approximately 293.40 calories of energy, 9.85 garms of protein, 5.91 grams of fat, 1.64 grams of iron, and 20.41 grams of calcium for each child," says the departmental website.

CM Breakfast Scheme has led to increased attendance: Govt study

* The CM Breakfast Scheme in Tamil Nadu has sought to address the dual issues of nutrition deficiency in children and low attendance in schools.

* A government study has found that around 90 per cent of schools covered so far have recorded an increase in attendance after implementation of the scheme.

* "The study conducted by the State Planning Commission found that 1,319 out of 1,543 schools where children are provided with breakfast since September 15, 2022 have shown an increase in attendance in the months of January and February when compared to June-July last year," reported Deccan Heralad.

* The scheme also complements the mid-day meal scheme. While the mid-may meal provides lunches, the CM Breakfast Scheme provides morning meals.

Correct Answer :   Maharashtra

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The Maharashtra Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Germany's professional association football league, 'Bundesliga', to build a football team for players under the age of 14.

Aim : To help young footballers to develop their skills and potentially compete at a high level.

The agreement was signed by Ranjit Singh Deol, Principal Secretary, Department of School Education and Sports, and Mrs Julia Farr, representative of the Bundesliga, on behalf of the Government of Maharashtra..

Source : AIR