Correct Answer :   Mizoram

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Under the “100 Microsites” initiative, the National Health Authority (NHA) of India has unveiled the first Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) Microsite in the capital city of Mizoram.

This achievement is poised to transform the healthcare sector by propelling the advantages of digitalization to the forefront.


Unveiling the ABDM Microsite Concept :

The ABDM Microsite project represents a pivotal shift in healthcare digitization efforts across India. The concept revolves around establishing defined geographical regions where targeted outreach efforts are concentrated to onboard small and medium-scale private healthcare providers into the digital healthcare ecosystem.

With a robust support framework in place, these providers will play a vital role in offering digital health services to patients. The project’s origin can be traced to the vision of providing a significant push to healthcare digitization, reaching even the smallest healthcare facilities across the country.

Aizawl Leads as India’s First ABDM Microsite :

Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram now stands as the first ABDM Microsite in India, setting an inspiring example for other regions to follow suit. This achievement showcases Mizoram’s commitment to advancing healthcare services and improving patient experiences through innovative digital solutions.


Digitization: A Key to Universal Health Coverage :

The crux of the ABDM Microsite project aligns seamlessly with the goal of achieving universal health coverage. By integrating digital services into healthcare facilities and ensuring secure access to digital health records, patients stand to gain the most. This transformative shift promises to bridge the gaps in healthcare accessibility and quality, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of citizens.


The Role of ABDM Microsites in Healthcare Transformation :

ABDM Microsites hold immense potential to catalyze the digital transformation of healthcare delivery in India. Spearheaded by State Mission Directors of ABDM in collaboration with the NHA, these Microsites are designed to create a robust network of private healthcare providers.

The NHA, as the guiding force, provides financial resources and overarching direction, while an interfacing agency orchestrates on-ground efforts to onboard healthcare providers into the ABDM ecosystem. Through strategic awareness campaigns and hands-on assistance, this agency promotes the adoption of ABDM-enabled digital solutions for comprehensive clinical documentation.

Empowering Patients Through Digital Health Records :

One of the groundbreaking features of the ABDM Microsite project is the seamless integration of digital health records. Patients availing services from Microsite-enabled facilities can link their health records to their Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHAs). Utilizing ABDM-enabled Personal Health Record (PHR) applications on their smartphones, patients can access, view, and share their health records, ushering in a new era of patient empowerment and engagement.


A Glimpse into the Future :

Mizoram’s achievement serves as an inspirational milestone, but it is not alone in its efforts. States such as Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh are also making significant strides in implementing ABDM Microsites. As these initiatives gather momentum, more Microsites are anticipated to become operational in the coming weeks, amplifying the impact of digital healthcare across India..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Nirmala Sitharaman

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (24th August 2023) launched HSBC India’s strategic partnerships to enable innovation in green hydrogen, partnering with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay and Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (SSEF), the bank said in a statement.

* These two partnerships, with total grant support of ₹15 crore ($2 million), the bank said, will focus on innovation projects that will help prioritize green hydrogen as a strategic alternative fuel and help build a robust green-hydrogen economy.

* Sitharaman said the government is focused on driving growth through a range of green reforms. “This will provide a roadmap towards reducing carbon intensity in the economy and enable the creation of green job opportunities.

* Green hydrogen has a pivotal role to play as we counter climate change and work towards enabling a low-carbon and self-reliant economy," said Sitharaman.

* According to the statement, the partnerships will help boost the government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission. The National Hydrogen Energy Mission, announced in the union budget 2021-22, is a step towards a greener future that will lay down the roadmap for tapping alternative sources of energy in India.

* Tucker said HSBC is committed to helping deliver a net-zero global economy by 2050 or earlier, in line with the Paris Agreement goals..


Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   IWAI

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The Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) on Thursday (24th August 2023) signed an MoU with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) for transporting petroleum products to Bangladesh and southeast Asian countries from Assam.

* The memorandum of understanding was signed here by NRL's Chief General Manager (Marketing) Subrata Das and IWAI Director A Selva Kumar in the presence of Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameshwar Teli.

* The MoU will facilitate the transportation of NRL's petroleum products from IWAI's jetty at Jogighopa in Assam to neighbouring Bangladesh and southeast Asian nations.

* Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said the National Waterways-2 (Brahmaputra) and Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR) will be used for exporting petroleum products to Bangladesh and southeast Asian countries.

* The NRL will export around 10,000 MT of petroleum and petrochemical products per month from IWAI Jogighopa Multi Modal terminal.

* It will also set up a Port of Loading (POL) Oil Terminal at Jogighopa Logistics Park with rail connectivity.

* "It is a watershed moment for the promotion of trade in Northeast India. The Act East policy is empowering the region towards unlocking the full potential of Hydrocarbon vision 2030..


Source : Economic Times

Correct Answer :   23 August 2023

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Wrestling icon and WWE Hall of Famer, Terry Funk has died (23 August 2023) at the age of 79. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) issued an official statement on its official social media channel on X, former known as Twitter.

* Extending condolences to his loved ones, it wrote, “WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79. WWE extends its condolences to Funk’s family, friends and fans."

* Born on 30 June in 1944, Funk was son of late pro wrestler and promoter Dory Funk. In 1965, during the start of his career in wrestling, he had married Vicki Ann and who passed away on 29 March 2019. Terry and Vicki have two daughters Brandee and Stacy.

WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79.

WWE extends its condolences to Funk’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/1elQq5ZkDn

— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2023

* He started wrestling in 1965 and had a remarkable career of five decades till 2017. He had competed in many wrestling franchises which included All Japan Pro Wrestling, World Wrestling Federation (WWF), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), WWE.

* During his career, he secured many championship including NWA World Heavyweight Championship, the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, and the WWF Tag Team Championship.

* Terry received his WWE Hall of Fame alongside his brother Dory Jr. in the year 2009. Funk was diagnosed with dementia in the year 2021, a report by Wrestling INC stated.

* Meanwhile, wrestler Mick Foley broke the news of Terry's death on Instagram. While sharing a photo with Terry, he said he lost his mentor.


Born : 30 June 1944, Hammond, Indiana, United States
Died : 23 August 2023.


Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Andhra Pradesh

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NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation (APGENCO) Limited (an  undertaking of the Government of Andhra Pradesh) for implementation of Pumped Hydro Storage Projects and Renewable Energy Projects in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

* In the first phase, the MoU envisages implementation of two identified Pumped Hydro Storage Projects of total capacity 1,950 MW.

* These projects are Kamlapadu (950 MW) and Yaganti (1,000 MW). The implementation of these projects is expected to create significant employment opportunities and boost the local economy in the region. The projects will be implemented under Joint Venture mode.

* The MoU was signed in Tadepalli, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh on 23rd August, 2023, in the presence of Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

* The agreement was signed by Director (Finance), NHPC, Shri R.P. Goyal and Managing Director, APGENCO, Shri K. V. N. Chakradhar Babu, in the presence of other officers of both organizations.

* The MoU seeks to harness Pump Storage Projects as Energy Storage Solutions to achieve the national objective of clean and green energy, i.e., of achieving 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel (Renewable Energy + Nuclear) sources by the year 2030 and of realizing Net Zero by 2070.

* Pumped Storage System utilises surplus grid power available from thermal power stations or other sources to pump up water from lower to upper reservoir and reproduces power during peak demand when there is scarcity of power.

* NHPC Limited is India’s premier Hydropower Company. NHPC’s total installed capacity is 7,097.2 MW of renewable power (including Wind & Solar), through its 25 power stations including 1,520 MW through subsidiaries..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   IIT Bombay

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The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has received a donation of $18.6 million from an alumnus towards the establishment of a Green Energy and Sustainability Research Hub.

This landmark contribution will redefine the Institute’s role in addressing the global climate crisis.

* To be located within a state-of-the-art academic building on the IIT Bombay campus, the focus of this hub extends to critically important areas.

* These include evaluating climate risks and developing effective mitigation strategies, climate change adaptation, and comprehensive environmental monitoring.

* The Hub seeks to advance climate solutions, fostering the adoption of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies.

* The hub will facilitate research in several critical areas, including, but not limited to, battery technologies, solar photovoltaics, biofuels, clean-air science, flood forecasting, and carbon capture.

* The Hub will also serve as a nexus for learning and exploration, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities for students and researchers alike.

* Furthermore, the Hub will offer industry-tailored educational training and cultivate strategic collaborations with global universities and corporations. The objective is to drive practical and transformative solutions while nurturing entrepreneurship in the realm of green energy and sustainability..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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The B20 Summit India 2023 started in New Delhi on 25th August 2023. The Summit is based on the theme of B20 India R.A.I.S.E: Responsible, Accelerated, Innovative, Sustainable, Equitable Businesses.

* Addressing the event 25th August 2023, India G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said, India is witnessing a fast paced growth and soon it is going to be the third largest economy.

* He emphasised on the four key priorities of making the G20 presidency a people's presidency. Talking about the priorities, Mr. Kant said, India is pushing the agenda of strong, sustainable, inclusive and balanced economic growth by focussing to remove the protectionists measures.

* He said, accelerating the pace to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, emphasis on climate actions and rapid climate financing for leveraging growth of the global south and women led development are the other key priorities.

* In his opening remarks, Executive Chairman of Tata Sons and Chair of B20 India N Chandrasekaran said, India is committed to equitable growth particularly in the Global South. He said, India's growth journey will shape the world's future.

* On the first day of the Summit 25th August 2023, seven sessions will be organized including B20 India priorities and recommendations from India for the world. Several Global and Indian business leaders including Chief Executive Officer of Mastercard Michael Miebach and President of World Economic Forum Borge Brende will attend the Summit.

* Seven task forces were created for India’s Presidency in different areas. To focus and deliberate on the larger structural agenda, B20 India worked through two Action Councils on environmental, social, and governance in Business on African Economic Integration.

* During the three days Summit, Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Dharmendra Pradhan, Dr. S Jaishankar, Trade Ministers of various countries, and several business leaders will share their ideas on the issues concerning businesses globally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the special session on the coming sunday as Chief Guest..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   6 Countries

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BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – countries announced on Thursday (24th August 2023) that the awaited expansion of the grouping will go ahead.

Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Argentina and Ethiopia will join BRICS, said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The six countries are expected to become members starting 1 January, 2024.

“Through this step, the faith of numerous nations in a multipolar world order will become stronger," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcoming the expansion in the five-nation grouping.

BRICS began as a group of four countries in the mid-2000s. In 2009, BRICS nations held their first leaders’ summit in Russia.

BRICS was expanded to include South Africa in 2010.

This move holds the potential to open the doors for numerous interested countries to align with a coalition committed to championing the interests of the "Global South"..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Rs. 8139.50

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The North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) with an approved outlay of Rs.8139.50 crore for the period from 2022-23 to 2025-26 was also approved by the Cabinet, with two components viz. NESIDS-Road and NESIDS-Other Than Road Infrastructure (OTRI). 

The scheme is a central sector scheme with 100% central funding. The decisions of the Government including merger of the erstwhile North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS) into NESIDS-Road component etc. necessitated formulation of fresh guidelines to administer and implement the restructured NESIDS during the balance period of the 15th Finance Commission. 

Accordingly, the newly-formulated separate Guidelines to administer and implement both the components of the NESIDS have now been issued after having extensive consultations with the stake holders and detailed discussions internally. The objective of the NESIDS is to support infrastructure development in identified sectors including connectivity in the North Eastern States.

The Union Cabinet had also approved continuation of the ‘Schemes of NEC’ for the period from 2022-23 to 2025-26 with a total outlay of Rs.3202.7 crore. The fresh guidelines for the “Schemes of NEC” has also been issued after having detailed discussion and consultations.

The objectives of the aforesaid schemes of the MDoNER are to supplement the efforts of the different Central Ministries & Departments on one hand and the felt needs of the NE States on the other, for uncovered development/welfare activities.

The MDoNER Schemes help provide gap-filling support to the eight North Eastern States as per their felt needs, by taking up projects – e.g., for developing infrastructure to mitigate connectivity and social sector deficits and enhancing livelihood and employment opportunities in the region.

The newly issued detailed schemes’ guidelines combined with the concerted efforts of the Ministry and with the kind support of NE States will facilitate to achieve intended objectives in a transparent and accelerated manner..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   One Lakh Crores

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Government e-Marketplace, GeM has crossed one lakh crore rupees Gross Merchandise Value in the current financial year (FY 23-24).

* Commerce and Industry Ministry said, GeM has achieved this milestone in a record time within 145 days in the current fiscal year against 243 days in the last fiscal.

* GeM is an online platform for the procurement of goods and services by government departments, public sector units, and other agencies.

* Since its inception in 2016, GeM has continuously been working towards promoting the Make in India initiative.

* The Ministry said, Since inception, GeM has crossed 4.91 Lakh crore rupees in Gross Merchandise Value and has facilitated over 1.67 crore orders on the platform..

Source : AIR