Correct Answer :   3 August 2023

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Bureaucrat and administrator Nagarajan Vittal, who passed away on 3 August 2023 in Chennai at the age of 85, is mostly remembered for his four-tenure as India’s Central Vigilance Commissioner — the last major post he held for four years, in a career in the IAS spanning 36 years.  


Work experiences :

His experience of more than 40 years covered a wide spectrum with focus on industrial administration, science and technology and security.

As Secretary of the Department of Electronics (1990-1996), he initiated policies for boosting software, setting up software technology parks and strategic alliance with the industry.

This eventually led to the formation of the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI).

As Chairman of the Telecom Commission, he also initiated the process of liberalisation in the telecom sector and played a major role in getting the National Telecom Policy 1994 approved.

Vittal, a chemistry honours graduate of Loyola College, Chennai, was a strong advocate of ethics and a corruption-free India. In a preface of his book, Corruption in India – The Roadblock to National Prosperity, he says, “Corruption is anti-national, anti-economic development and anti-poor. As CVC, I had a ringside view of the occupation at the bureaucratic level and indirectly at the political level for four years.”

Correct Answer :   Kerala

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The State government of kerala has launched a groundbreaking scheme called ‘Shubhayatra’. The scheme aims to provide much-needed financial support to first-time overseas emigrants from Kerala, facilitating a positive and productive migration ecosystem.

With a financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh, a tax holiday for six months, and attractive interest subvention, the scheme intends to help eligible candidates cover the incidental expenses associated with overseas employment.


The Shubhayatra Solution: Soft Loan and Financial Assistance

* The ‘Shubhayatra’ scheme offers a comprehensive solution to address the financial hurdles faced by aspiring overseas job seekers.
* The scheme will provide a soft loan called ‘foreign employability skilling assistant’ which covers preparatory expenses for migration. The loan amount will be proportional to the salary offered to the candidate by their employer in the recipient country.
* To ensure the successful implementation of the scheme, the State government will collaborate with nationalized and scheduled banks. These banks will be responsible for offering the soft loans to eligible candidates.
* Additionally, the government will provide financial support for interest subvention and grant a six-month tax holiday for the loan.

Financial Allocation and Repayment :

* In support of the ‘Shubhayatra’ scheme, the Kerala government has allocated ₹2 crore in the current financial year for providing tax holidays and interest subvention to emigrants.
* The tax holiday and interest subvention aim to alleviate the financial burden on first-time emigrants and promote higher quality professional migration from the State.
* Candidates who avail of the soft loan will have a grace period of up to three years to repay the borrowed amount.
* This flexible repayment plan is expected to ease the transition for emigrants and allow them to focus on establishing themselves in their overseas careers without immediate financial stress.

Enhancing Quality and Economic Development :

‘Shubhayatra’ scheme will significantly enhance the quality of professional migration from Kerala. As the largest remittance-receiving State in India, Kerala’s economy is closely linked to its emigration history. Therefore, creating a conducive and productive ecosystem for affordable and quality migration from the State is of utmost importance for its sustained development.

Correct Answer :   ₹24,470 Crores

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 508 railway stations spread across the country in a virtual manner on 6th August 2023.

According to the Ministry of Railways, the redevelopment work has been done at an estimated cost of ₹24,470 crore.

Improving passenger amenities is a major focus of the government. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said, the Prime Minister is personally monitoring the progress of the Railways from time to time and has given excellent inputs in designing the stations.

Revival of only 508 stations currently under Amrit Bharat scheme :

Currently only 508 stations are being taken up for revival under the Amrit Bharat scheme launched for redevelopment of 1,309 stations.

Under the scheme, construction work is in progress at 24 stations in 10 states – Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.

Officials told media agency The Hindu that the estimated cost for the stations where work is underway is ₹11,136 crore.

These 508 stations are spread over 27 states and union territories :

* 55 stations in Uttar Pradesh

* 55 stations in Rajasthan

* 49 stations in Bihar

* 44 stations in Maharashtra

* 37 stations in West Bengal

* 34 stations in Madhya Pradesh

* 32 stations in Assam

* 25 stations in Odisha

* 22 stations in Punjab

* 21 stations in Gujarat

* 21 stations in Telangana

* 20 stations in Jharkhand

* 18 stations in Andhra Pradesh

* 18 stations in Tamil Nadu

* 15 stations in Haryana

* 13 stations in Karnataka

* 8 stations in Chandigarh

* 5 stations in Kerala

* 3 stations in Delhi

* 3 stations in Tripura

* 3 stations in Jammu and Kashmir

* 3 stations in Uttarakhand

* 1 station in Himachal Pradesh

* 1 station in Meghalaya

* 1 station in Nagaland

* 1 station in Puducherry


₹1,813 crore given to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus :

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus has been given the highest allocation of ₹1,813 crore among 24 stations. This station is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, Gujarat’s Surat station has been allotted a renovation of ₹980 crore. Just after Surat is Chennai Egmore station in Tamil Nadu, whose development cost is estimated to be ₹842 crore. ‘The revitalization of some of these stations is a complex task. A top railway official said, there are 25% to 30% stations in this scheme where we are facing challenges in improvement.

Challenging endeavor to develop Kerala’s Ernakulam station :

“For example, developing Kerala’s Ernakulam station, which is being developed at a cost of ₹445 crore, is a challenging endeavor as there is construction on both sides of the tracks and little room for expansion,” the official said. There is space.’ The official further said, another example is the Sabarmati station being built at an estimated cost of ₹335 crore, which requires multi-modal transport connectivity as it is one of the main stations for the bullet train project.

Correct Answer :   1 Year

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The Central government relaxed key rules to give a one-year extension to Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba beyond August 30, 2023, his extension was extended, as per a government order.

With this extension, Rajiv Gauba now becomes the longest-serving cabinet secretary.

A government order said, “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved extension in service to Shri Rajiv Gauba as Cabinet Secretary for a further period of one year beyond 30.08.2023, in relaxation of AIS (DCRB) Rules, 1958 and Rule 56(d) of the Fundamental Rules."

Before Rajiv Gauba, BD Pande had been the longestserving cabinet secretary from November 2, 1972, to March 31, 1977.

About Rajiv Gauba :

Rajiv Gauba, a 1982-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Jharkhand cadre and a former Union home secretary, assumed the country's top bureaucratic post in 2019, and his tenure was initially set for two years. Subsequently, he received extensions twice, first in 2021 and then in August of the following year.

The rules allow the Central government to give an extension in service to the cabinet secretary, in the public interest "provided that the total term of the cabinet secretary, who is granted such extensions of service, shall not exceed four years".

The latest extension will allow Rajiv Gauba to stay in the post during the general elections due early next year.

Rajiv Gauba is credited as the primary architect of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. This act led to the division of the erstwhile state into two union territories - Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, following the abrogation of the special status accorded to the region under Article 370 of the Constitution.

He had also served as secretary in the Union urban development ministry and additional secretary in the home ministry, looking after the crucial left-wing extremism division, among other responsibilities.

Born in Punjab, Gauba had graduated in Physics from the Patna University. He had served in Jharkhand as the chief secretary for 15 months before returning to serve in the central government in 2016..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Savi Soin

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Chipset maker Qualcomm has appointed Savi Soin as the new President of Qualcomm India. Soin  has more than two decades of experience at Qualcomm and a decade serving on the senior leadership team.

As President of Qualcomm India, he will report directly to Jim Cathey, the Chief Commercial Officer of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. (QCT).

In his new position, Soin will be responsible for executing Qualcomm's strategy in India, fostering relationships with industry partners, and collaborating with the Government of India in various sectors, including mobile, automotive, semiconductor, industrial & IoT, and communication infrastructure.

Soin has previously led the Global Strategic Partnerships and Business Incubation team. Additionally, he was the head of Strategy and Business Development at Qualcomm Technologies' semiconductor division, where he played a pivotal role in planning and executing Qualcomm's strategy.

Rajen Vagadia, who served as Qualcomm India President for the past 5 years, will be relocating to Qualcomm headquarters in San Diego.

In his new role as Vice President, he will lead Global Distribution and Global Carrier Strategy. Under Vagadia's leadership, Qualcomm Technologies achieved significant milestones in India, becoming a leader in wireless technologies and forging crucial partnerships for the rollout of 4G and 5G in the country..

Source : Business Today

Correct Answer :   NHAI

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The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Thursday (3rd August 2023) said that it has taken a significant step toward enhancing the highway user experience by introducing the 'Rajmargyatra' mobile application.

Aim : The app aims to foster safer and more enjoyable journeys on Indian National Highways.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, this user-centric app marks a substantial advancement in providing travellers with comprehensive information about Indian National Highways and an effective mechanism for addressing complaints.

The application is currently available in both Hindi and English languages and available for download on Google Play Store and iOS App Store.

The 'Rajmargyatra' app encompasses several key features to facilitate a smoother highway experience. Serving as a centralised repository, the app offers essential information for National Highway users.

It provides real-time weather updates, timely broadcast notifications, and details about nearby toll plazas, petrol stations, hospitals, hotels, and other vital services, ensuring a secure and seamless journey on National Highways.

The app incorporates an integrated complaint redressal and escalation system. Users can effortlessly report issues related to the highway, including geo-tagged videos or photos for added clarity. Registered complaints will be addressed promptly, with automated escalations to higher authorities in cases of delays. The app enables users to monitor the progress of their grievances for transparency.

'Rajmargyatra' seamlessly integrates its services with various bank portals, simplifying FASTag recharge, monthly pass acquisition, and other FASTag-related banking services—all accessible within a unified platform.

The app includes features like over-speeding notifications and voice assistance, aimed at encouraging safer and more responsible driving practices.

The enhancements brought by the 'Rajmargyatra' app are designed to establish a user-friendly and streamlined experience for highway users. By offering comprehensive information, efficient complaint resolution, and integrated services like FASTag management..

Source : Business Today

Correct Answer :   Sarbananda Sonowal

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Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, recently unveiled the Port Health Organisation (PHO) module as part of the Sagar Setu - National Logistics Portal (Marine).

The digital initiative aims to streamline operations, promoting Ease of Doing Business (EODB) and ensuring the health and safety of citizens and port workers. The PHO module will conduct disease surveillance, health inspections, and quarantine measures, leveraging technology to modernize and digitize processes.

During the launch, Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the Ministry's commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of transforming and modernizing ports to make them future-ready. This initiative represents another step towards the digitalization and modernization of systems, ultimately fostering ease of doing business across the country.

Pleased to launch the Port Health Organisation (PHO) module of the Sagar Setu app in New Delhi.

The PHO module will help conduct disease surveillance, health inspections and quarantine measures to safeguard citizens and port workers. It is a significant addition to EoDB… pic.twitter.com/vBdds0bX81

— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) August 3, 2023

The Port Health Organization module is designed to simplify the process for obtaining PHO clearance certificates by incorporating features such as online certification generation, request tracking, and approval by PHO.

This streamlined approach will benefit Shipping Agents, PHOs, Port Authorities, Customs, and other relevant stakeholders by providing easier access to PHO clearance functionalities through online channels. It will facilitate collaboration among different departments and agencies for faster approval processes and ensure data mobility with paperless transparency.

With a strong focus on public health, the Port Health Organization will play a crucial role in safeguarding citizens and port workers by conducting disease surveillance, health inspections, and implementing quarantine measures.

Additionally, this module will enhance seamless communication for Custodians like Ports Authorities and Customs, improving overall coordination within the maritime sector. By promoting ease of doing business and implementing digitization processes, the PHO module of Sagar Setu (NLP-M) is expected to boost maritime trade significantly.

The Sagar Setu (National Logistic Portal - Marine) also introduced the 'SAGAR-SETU' mobile app in April 2023. The app offers real-time information on vessel-related details, gate information, container freight stations, and transactions. Moreover, it facilitates digital payments for import and export clearance processes, including shipping line charges, transportation fees, and container freight station charges.

Overall, the introduction of the PHO module under Sagar Setu represents a significant leap forward in the modernization of maritime operations in India..

Source : Pratidintime

Correct Answer :   3rd August 2023

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Noted Marathi poet, lyricist and Padma Shri recipient Namdeo Dhondo Mahanor passed away in a private hospital in Pune due to old age-related ailment on Thursday (3rd August 2023) morning. He was 81.

"Mahanor was ailing with multiple chronic ailments for the last few years. He was admitted on July 13 and he was severely unwell for the last couple of weeks. In spite of giving best medical support from the hospital, he unfortunately passed away at 8.32 am on Thursday," the authorities of the Ruby Hall Clinic where he was under treatment, said in a statement.

Born in Palaskheda village of Aurangabad district in 1942, Mahanor became a popular name in the field of poetry due to his poetry which had essence of nature. Popularly known as Na Dho Mahanor, he also penned several songs for classic Marathi movies like Jait Re Jait, Ek Hota Vidushak and Sarja.

For his contribution in the field of literature, he was awarded with the fourth highest civilian award of the country , Padm Shri. He had also been a member of the state legislative council ..

Source : Times of India

Correct Answer :   National Aerospace Laboratories

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Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), Bengaluru Wednesday (2nd August 2023) unveiled JALDOST, an airboat that removes aquatic weeds from lakes and rivers. An airboat is powered by an aircraft engine.

Our country is blessed with huge inland water bodies, which often get contaminated with waste materials and aquatic weeds. JALDOST is a remarkable feat of indigenous engineering aimed at conserving water bodies more effectively.

It operates on water and is designed to remove excess aquatic weeds and floating waste from water bodies, thereby promoting a cleaner and healthier environment,” CSIR-NAL said in a statement.

The technology is developed in a way that JALDOST while navigating on the water bodies will not sink.

Key facts about National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)

* It is a constituent of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, established in the year 1959.
* It is the only government aerospace R&D laboratory in the country's civilian sector.
* CSIR-NAL is a high-technology-oriented institution focusing on advanced disciplines in aerospace.
* It has several advanced test facilities, and many of them are recognized as National Facilities.
* It has provided significant value-added inputs to all the Indian national aerospace programmes.
* It has also developed many critical technologies for the strategic sector and continues to support the mission-mode programmes of the country.
* Mandate: To develop aerospace technologies with strong science content, design and build small, medium-sized civil aircraft, and support all national aerospace programmes.

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   MASI Portal

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National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has developed an application ‘MASI’ - Monitoring App for Seamless Inspection for real time monitoring of the Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and their inspection mechanism across the country.

The effective and efficient functioning of the mechanism for inspection of CCIs provided under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 (as amended in 2021) and synchronous monitoring of the system is the rationale behind developing this comprehensive application. The app is linked to the monitoring Portal where the automatic reports are generated.

‘MASI’ enables unified inspections by Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), State Inspection Committees, District Inspection Committees, Members of Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) and State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs) as laid down under the JJ Act, 2015.

It serves as a single platform for inspections of all the CCIs across the country by any of the above stated authorities. Regular follow-up is done before and after the completion of cycle of inspection. The complete reports are automatically generated on the Portal as soon as the questionnaire is filled and submitted by the authority. 4268 inspections, as on 24.07.2023, have been completed on MASI Portal by 32 States/UTs.

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, makes it mandatory to establish at least one Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in each district as the authority to dispose of cases for the care, protection, treatment, development and rehabilitation of children in need of care & protection and to provide for their basic needs and protection of human rights.

The composition and functioning of the CWC is in accordance with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and Rules thereof. Mission Vatsalya Scheme provides infrastructure and financial support to the States/UTs for facilitating setting up of CWC in every district and to ensure their effective functioning. The CWC performs functions and Roles as laid down in Juvenile Justice Act, 2015/ Rules as amended from time to time.

As per Mission Vatsalya Scheme Guideline, financial support of Rs.9,25,800/- is provided for setting up of two rooms of 300 sq. ft. for the CWC in the Children Home / VatsalyaSadan (an Integrated Home Complex of CCIs (Children Home, Observation Home, Special Home, Place of Safety) along with offices for JJB and CWC within single premises for implementation of the JJ Act) for which grants for construction are sanctioned under the Scheme.

Where an existing Children Home has the required space available within the premises, the same is provided to the CWC. However, in district where there is no Children Home or the existing Children Home has no space for the CWC, funds are provided under the Mission Vatsalya Scheme for renting suitable premises for the CWC. CWC holds its sittings in one room while the other room is used as a waiting area for Children and their families.

This information was given by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha..

Source : PIB