Correct Answer :   9th August 2023

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Renowned author and vice-president of Samata Parishad, Mr. Hari Narke, passed away in Mumbai 9th August 2023 after suffering a heart attack. He was 70.

Mr. Narke was the professor of Mahatma Phule chair at Savitribai Phule Pune University and a former member of the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission.

He was also a member of the Rangnath Pathare committee which was formed to collect evidence to prove Marathi as a classical language.
 
In his condolence message, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the State has lost an intellectual who was a pillar for the preservation and promotion of progressive ideology.
 

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the State has lost a great researcher and guide, who was critical to effectively propagating the thoughts and ideals of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Dr. B R Ambedkar.
 
Recalling Mr. Narke as someone who was at the forefront to fight for OBC rights, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said Mr. Narke was not only a scholar but a foot soldier for all those who belonged to the weaker and marginalized sections of the society..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   15

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Coal/Lignite PSUs have established 15 Eco-parks during the last 5 years. No fund has been allocated by the Government for Eco-parks.

* Expenditure on establishment, maintenance and upkeep of Eco-parks are funded by respective Coal/Lignite PSUs.

* The State-wise and year-wise details of Eco-parks, including the details of completion time, initial amount of fund allocated by Coal/Lignite PSUs and the extra funds needed are given at Annexure-I.

 The details of estimated funds for new eco-parks by Coal/Lignite PSUs are given at Annexure-II.

Eco-parks were developed by Coal/Lignite PSUs for recreational purpose of nearby localities and no revenue earned from these Eco-parks is spent on development of the mining areas. However, Kenapara Eco-Park, SECL, Chhattisgarh is run and maintained by local Self-Help Groups to promote mine tourism. These Self-Help Groups are also earning revenues from floating restaurant, pisciculture and boating facilities of the Kenapara Eco-park for their livelihood.

Annexure-I : State-wise and year-wise details of eco parks set up by Coal/Lignite PSUs during the last five years :

Annexure-II : Details of new eco parks to be set up by Coal/Lignite PSUs along with estimated funds :

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Tehmasp Printer

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International Gemological Institute ("IGI"), a Blackstone portfolio company, announced that Roland Lorie, current CEO, will step down after spending nearly five decades building the largest network of gemological laboratories and schools worldwide and playing a pivotal role in cementing its reputation as a pioneer in the certification of natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, colored stones and finished jewelry.

Tehmasp Printer has been appointed as Global CEO of IGI, effective October 1, 2023.

Tehmasp Printer has more than 30 years of experience in managing and leading businesses.

He has been with IGI for 24 years, most recently as Managing Director of IGI India, and was instrumental in introducing IGI's grading and certification practices to India's gemstone and jewelry industries.

Roland Lorie, current CEO, said : "Selecting Tehmasp as the new leader of IGI was effortless – he has been with IGI for more than two decades and knows the business inside and out. He brings a commitment to excellence and innovation that can help propel the company into its new chapter. On behalf of my family, we are incredibly proud of the stellar reputation, teams, and trust that we've built over the last 50 years. I feel it's the perfect time to pass on the baton to new leadership, and my best wishes are with Tehmasp."

Printer said : "I am honored to take on this new role, working closely with IGI's management team and Blackstone to continue to support the growth of IGI's footprint and technological capabilities. Roland and the Lorie family have left a lasting legacy for the business, which today has become a world leader in the certification of natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and colored stones. I am confident that with Blackstone's scale, expertise, and track record of building phenomenal businesses, IGI can continue to pave innovation in the industry and provide confidence to manufacturers, retailers and consumers around the world."

Founded in 1975 in Antwerp by the Lorie family, IGI is a global leader in independent certification of diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry, with a global footprint of 29 laboratories and 18 schools of gemology across 10 countries. IGI is the world's first gemological laboratory to hold ISO accreditation in both natural and lab-grown diamonds. Since 2005, IGI has pioneered the certification of lab-grown diamonds, paving the authentication and standardization of a rapidly growing industry..

Source : PR News Wire

Correct Answer :   33%

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India’s greenhouse emissions rate dropped by a faster-than-expected 33% in 14 years as renewable energy generation rose and forest cover increased, according to two officials privy to latest assessment made for submission to the United Nations.

The report’s findings showed India well on the way to meeting a commitment to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to reduce emissions intensity by 45% from the 2005 level by 2030.

India’s rate of emissions intensity – the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions emitted for every unit increase of gross domestic product (GDP) – fell by 33% from 2005 to 2019, officials privy to the preparations of the Third National Communication (TNC) report said.

Many countries are preparing their TNC reports to update the UNFCCC on their efforts to mitigate emissions.

India’s average rate of reduction in emissions increased to 3% annually in the period 2016-2019, from just about 1.5% in the period 2014-2016.

It was the fastest reduction so far, and was largely attributable to the government’s push towards renewables, even as fossil fuel continues to dominate the energy mix.

“There is continuous reduction in the emission intensity of the Indian economy, which shows the country has been able to completely decouple its economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions,” one official, who declined to be named, told Reuters.

The progress made on reducing emissions intensity should help India avert pressure by developed nations to stop using coal, the second official said.

This official said a substantial increase in forest cover and schemes promoting non-fossil generation and targeting emissions in industrial, automotive and energy sectors has led to the sharp reduction in India’s emissions intensity.

As of 2019, forests and trees covered 24.56%, or 80.73 million hectares, of India.

Recently, India has also been trying to promote green hydrogen, manufactured by splitting water molecules using renewable energy.

A third official said the report is yet to be ratified by the federal cabinet.

India’s environment ministry did not respond to queries sent on Monday (7th Aug 2023) by Reuters.

Central Electricity Authority data shows that non-fossil fuel-based power – including hydro, nuclear and renewable energy – accounted for 25.3% of India’s total power generation in the fiscal year that ended in March, up from 24.6% three years earlier.

Thermal power stations still provide 73% of the electricity consumed, down from about 75% in 2019.

The Group of 20 (G20) major economies failed twice last month to agree on phasing out the use of fossil fuels and on setting concrete targets to cut emissions.

Developing countries including India are resisting higher emission reduction targets, arguing that industrialised nations unfettered use of fossil fuels have depleted resources..

--Reuters.

Correct Answer :   India Defence Ministry

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India's Defence Ministry will install an indigenously developed operating system called Maya OS, replacing Microsoft's Windows, on all its computers by the end of this year (2023). By doing this, the ministry expects to protect its computers from cyberattacks. The OS will soon be adopted by Armed Forces.


What is Maya OS?

* Maya OS is a new operating system developed by the Union Ministry of Defence to protect its computer systems from cyberattacks. It is based on the open-source Ubuntu platform, which means it uses free and publicly available software. Maya OS aims to provide a robust defence against cyber threats by offering an interface and functionalities that are similar to that of Windows OS, ensuring a seamless transition for users.

* Maya OS also comes with a feature called Chakravyuh, which is an end-point anti-malware and antivirus software that creates a virtual layer between the user and the internet, preventing hackers from accessing sensitive data. Maya OS is expected to be installed in all the computers of the Defence Ministry by the end of this year.

The development of the OS :

* The development of Maya OS started in 2021 after India faced several cyberattacks from foreign actors that targeted its critical infrastructure and defence systems. The Defence Ministry decided to replace Microsoft Windows with a locally built OS that would be more secure and reliable.

* A team of experts from various government agencies, including the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), and the National Informatics Centre (NIC), worked on developing Maya OS based on the open-source Ubuntu platform.

* The team also collaborated with Indian software companies and academic institutions to test and improve the OS. The OS was developed in six months, according to people in the know.


What's in a name?

* Maya OS is named after the ancient Indian concept of illusion, which refers to the deceptive appearance of reality. The name reflects the idea that hackers will be faced with maya or illusion when they try to hack into Defence Ministry computer systems.

* Maya OS also draws inspiration from the ancient Indian art of warfare, as it uses a feature called Chakravyuh, which is a multi-layered defensive formation that was used in the epic Mahabharata.

* Chakravyuh is an end-point anti-malware and antivirus software that creates a virtual layer between the user and the internet, blocking any malicious attempts to access or compromise the data.

User interface :

Maya OS is designed to provide a user-friendly and familiar interface for its users, as it mimics the look and feel of Windows. It also supports various applications and software that are commonly used by the Defence Ministry, such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, etc. Maya OS also offers features such as cloud storage, encryption, digital signature, biometric authentication, etc. that would enhance its security and functionality.


Timeline of rollout and adoption :* The Defence Ministry has said that Maya OS will not only improve its cybersecurity but also reduce its dependence on foreign software and promote indigenous innovation.

* The Defence Ministry has also said that Maya OS will soon be adopted by the other branches of the Indian armed forces, such as the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as they have already vetted and evaluated the OS..


Source : CNBC TV

Correct Answer :   August 9th

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Annually, on August 9th, the world observes World Tribal Day, dedicated to advocating for and safeguarding the rights of indigenous populations.

* It's a day to recognize their valuable contributions and accomplishments that have enhanced global living conditions.

* Also referred to as World Indigenous Day or International Day of World's Indigenous People, this occasion offers a prime opportunity to actively work towards safeguarding the fundamental rights of tribal communities worldwide.



Tribal Day 2023 Theme : 

The theme chosen for World Tribal Day 2023 centers around “Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination."



Tribal Day 2023 History :

* The origins of observing this day stem from a worldwide movement aimed at acknowledging the rights and valuable contributions of indigenous peoples. Despite constituting around 6% of the global population, indigenous communities are frequently marginalized, even though they possess rich cultural diversity.

* The concept of designating a day to honor indigenous people's started within the United Nations. The primary goal was to safeguard the rights of these populations and ensure their voices received global recognition.

* In December 1994, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to officially recognize and commemorate the International Day of the World's Indigenous People.

Tribal Day 2023 Significance :

* The significance of the International Day of the World's Indigenous People in 2023 lies in its capacity to spotlight the difficulties encountered by numerous indigenous communities.

* These challenges encompass issues such as poverty, prejudice, and limited availability of education and healthcare services.

* This occasion functions as a prompt to uphold and rejoice in the abundant cultural legacy, customs, languages, and insights that indigenous individuals contribute to the global tapestry. It's intended to cultivate unity among indigenous communities and to increase consciousness within the wider populace.

* Grasping and valuing indigenous cultures facilitate heightened empathy and regard, thus aiding in establishing a society that is more comprehensive and caring.

Correct Answer :   Sanjay Kumar Agarwal

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IRS officer Sanjay Kumar Agarwal has taken charge as the Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

“Sh. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, IRS (C&IT:1988) takes over as Chairman of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) w.E.F August 05, 2023,” the CBIC tweeted.

Agarwal succeeds Vivek Johri who superannuated as CBIC chief on May 31.

In an order issued on 5 August 2023, the finance ministry had appointed Agarwal, who was holding charge of CBIC member compliance management, looking into investigations.

The CBIC, which deals with policy making in indirect taxes — GST, customs, excise — is headed by a chairman and has six members in the board.

The board is assisted by principal chief commissioners/chief commissioners and principal director generals/ director generals..

Source : Daily Excelsior

Correct Answer :   Kerala

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The Kerala assembly unanimously passed a resolution against the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in the country by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government

On Tuesday (8th August 2023), Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan moved the resolution in the Assembly against the UCC implementation and called it a "unilateral and hasty" step taken by the Centre.

Further Vijayan claimed that the UCC was based upon the Hindu text of Manusmriti rather than the Indian Constitution and was a visualisation by the Sangh Parivar.

Vijayan reportedly said, "That has been made clear by Sangh Parivar long back. They are not trying to implement something that is there in the Constitution. There is no need to misunderstand it like that."

The opposition in the Kerala Assembly United Democratic Front welcomed the move by the ruling Left in the House and suggested several amendments and modifications as well. The Chief Minister took the suggestions into consideration and read out the finalised resolution which said that the state assembly was concerned and dismayed with the Centre's move to impose UCC as it was a unilateral and hasty decision that would take away the secular character of the country, reported PTI.

Further, Vijayan explained that in the Indian Constitution, the idea of general civil law is given as a directive principle and not told to be mandatory. He also mentioned that Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees the freedom of religion which includes the right to follow and practice religious personal rules and implementing UCC would prohibit people from exercising this constitutional right.

Vijayan pointed out that establishing a common civil code in Article 44 of the Constitution is merely stated but a move like UCC should be implemented after debates and discussions with the people. He said that not taking the feedback of the citizens is "concerning".

He called the imposition of UCC a "non-secular move" to attack the unity of the people and the nation as a whole and said that the Kerala assembly too shares this concern.

He said that, although there were divergent views on the UCC and B R Ambedkar's stance in this respect during the Constituent Assembly debates, Parliament was free to pursue a civil law as long as it did not insist upon its enforcement. "He only indicated a possibility," the Chief Minister contended.

The decision by the CPIM led the government to put a resolution forward made in response to an ongoing campaign against the UCC, which was being fought by both the State's governing Left and opposition UDF as well as other religious organisations within the country. The two fronts have held separate seminars against the UCC recently in Kozhikode, where representatives of various religious organisations took part.

The chief minister has claimed that the issue of UCC was being raised by the BJP's "electoral agenda" and appealed to the Centre not to push for its imposition. Vijayan accused BJP of implementing a "majority communal agenda of 'one nation, one culture' by wiping out the cultural diversity of the country". "The Central government and the Law Commission should withdraw from the move to impose the Uniform Civil Code," he has said.

Earlier in February, the Mizoram assembly had unanimously adopted an official resolution opposing any move to implement the UCC in the country.

The Law Commission of India had last month received submissions from the public regarding suggestions for the implementation of the UCC..

Source : Outlook India

Correct Answer :   Justice Subhasis Talapatra

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Justice Subhasis Talapatra, Judge of the Orissa High Court, on Tuesday (8th Aug 2023), took oath as the 33rd Chief Justice of the High Court consequent upon the superannuation of its former Chief Justice Dr. S. Muralidhar. He was administered oath by Prof. Ganeshi Lal, Governor of Odisha.

The name of Justice Talapatra, as the Chief Justice, was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium last month which was later approved by the Central Government.

Justice Talapatra was born on October 4, 1961 at Udaipur, Tripura. He did his graduation in Arts and Law from University of Calcutta and was enrolled with the Bar Council of Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh on September 12, 1990.

He practiced mainly at Agartala Bench of the Gauhati High Court and appeared in various constitutional, civil and criminal matters. Later, he was designated as a Senior Advocate on December 21, 2004.

He took oath as an Additional Judge of the Gauhati High Court on November 15, 2011 and was appointed as a Permanent Judge of the Tripura High Court on September 13, 2013. He served as the Acting Chief Justice of the Court twice, i.e. from 02.11.2018 to 13.11.2018 and again from 11.11.2019 to 15.11.2019.

He was transferred to the Orissa High Court on June 1, 2022 and took oath of office on June 10, 2022.

He will have a very brief tenure of less than two months as the Chief Justice before he retires on October 3, 2023..

Source : Livelaw

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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During the National Handloom Day celebration held at Bharat Mandapan in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the e-portal 'Bhartiya Vastra evam Shilp Kosh - A Repository of Textiles and Crafts.'

The portal has been developed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles. It aims to create a comprehensive catalogue of India's diverse clothing on a single platform.

Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister highlighted how the rich tapestry of Indian clothing and textiles is a mirror of the country's vibrant cultural heritage.

He also emphasised the importance of preserving and celebrating this diversity.

"I had previously envisioned the idea of cataloguing and consolidating the diversity in our clothing into a single platform. Today (7th Aug 2023), I am delighted to witness that it has been achieved through the launch of this portal," he said.

The e-portal promises to be a valuable resource for those interested in exploring and understanding the clothing traditions in India. It has a craft atlas, a cultural artefact display, and a visual museum, among other things.

During the event, the PM also informed that the turnover of the khadi and village industries has reached more than Rs 1.3 lakh crore, as compared to around Rs 30,000 crore 9 years ago.

“With the spirit of Vocal for Local, the citizens are buying indigenous products wholeheartedly and it has become a mass movement,” he said.

In his address, he discussed various government initiatives designed to promote cottage industries and handlooms, such as the 'One District One Product' scheme, the Government e-Marketplace, the Mudra Yojana, skill training programmes, and so on.

The celebration of National Handloom Day was initiated by the government 8 years ago, with the first one taking place on August 7, 2015.

Explaining the significance of this date, the PM said, "There was a reason for the government to select this specific date. On this day (in 1905), the Swadeshi Andolan was launched. It went beyond just boycotting foreign goods; it symbolised a path towards the economic independence of our nation."..

Source : Your Story