Correct Answer :   Odisha

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Odisha Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, on Friday (21st July 2023) approved Mission Shakti Scooter Yojana, under which interest subvention on bank loans up to Rs 1 lakh will be provided to beneficiaries to purchase a scooter.

Odisha Mission Shakti Minister Tukuni Sahu said around 75,000 SHG community support staff and nearly 1,25,000 SHG federation leaders will be benefited under the new scheme.

The State government has made budgetary provision of Rs 528.55 crore for execution of the scheme over a period of next five years, she added.


Mission Shakti Scooter Yojana : Enhancing Accessibility and Recognizing Social Impact

* Over the next five years, the state government has allocated a budgetary provision of INR 528.55 crore for the implementation of the Mission Shakti Scooter Yojana, ensuring its extensive reach.This initiative seeks to empower a larger number of Community Support Staff and EC (Executive Committee) members across the State.

* Apart from providing enhanced personal mobility to women, the scheme acknowledges and appreciates the pivotal role fulfilled by Community Support Staff and EC members in fostering social transformation and promoting women’s empowerment throughout the state.

Mission Shakti : Empowering Women in Odisha

* On the 8th of March, 2001, the Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, initiated Mission Shakti—a state-sponsored program aimed at empowering women in Odisha through the Self Help Group approach.

* The program emphasizes the critical role of SHGs and their federations in delivering social security and driving social action in areas such as health, nutrition, sanitation, gender, and more.

* Through this model, Mission Shakti aims to elevate women by providing them with a platform to attain economic independence and foster collective growth.

Correct Answer :   Gujarat

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate 'Semicon India 2023', a premier showcase of India's semiconductor capabilities and chip design innovation, on 28 July 2023 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

With the participation of companies like Foxconn, Micron, AMD, IBM, Marvell, Vedanta, LAM Research, NXP Semiconductors, STMicroelectronics, the mega event will shine a light on India's rapid strides towards fostering global semiconductor manufacturing and design ecosystem.

The event will offer deep insight into cutting-edge technologies and innovations in chip-making and will bring together the biggest names in the semiconductor and technology industry.

"The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology...is poised to make significant strides in revolutionising the semiconductor landscape in India with the inauguration of 'Semicon India 2023' in Gandhinagar, by...Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 28 July 2023," according to a statement.

Prior to the commencement of the main event, an exclusive exhibition would be inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on July 25, 2023.

The exhibition promises to offer visitors a comprehensive insight into the leading-edge technologies and innovations driving the semiconductor industry.

Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Railways and Communication Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajeev Chandrasekhar will also be present at the Semicon India 2023..

Source : Economic Times

Correct Answer :   Anurag Thakur

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The Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Thakur 23rd July 2023 conferred the 8th and 9th National Community Radio Awards.

The awards were conferred during the Inaugural Session of the two-day Regional Community Radio Sammelan (North) which was inaugurated by the Union Minister at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication in New Delhi.

The winners of 8th and 9th National Community Radio Awards is a recognition of Community Radio Stations who have done commendable work in their field, in public interest. These awards are being conferred during Community Radio Regional Sammelan being held on the occasion of National Broadcasting Day on 23rd July 2023.

For the 9th National Community Radio Awards a total of 12 Awards in 4 Categories are being given. The award winning Community Radio Stations are situated in the States of Haryana, Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Tripura.

The National Community Radio Awards carry 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize for Rs, 1 Lakh, 75,000/- and 50,000/- respectively. Details of awardees are given below :

Thematic Awards :

* First Prize: Radio Mind Tree, Ambala, Haryana; Name of Programme: Hope Jeene Ki Rah

* Second Prize: Radio Hirakhand, Sambalpur, Odisha; Name of Programme: Adhar O PoshanBigyan

* Third Prize: Green Radio, Sabour, Bihar; Name of Programme: PoshanShrinkhla

 

Most Innovative Community Engagement Awards

* First Prize Radio SD, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh; Name of the programme: Hizra in Between

* Second Prize Kabir Radio, Sant Kabir Nagar, Uttar Pradesh; Name of Program: Selfie Le Le Re

* Third Award: Radio Mind Tree, Ambala, Haryana Name of Programme: Book Bugs

 

Promoting Local Culture Awards

* First Prize: Voice of SOA, Cuttack, Odisha; Name of Programme: Asmita

* Second Prize: Friends FM, Tripura, Agartala; Name of Programme: Revived a dying art: MASK & POT

* Third Prize: PantnagarJanvani, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand; Name of Program: Dadi Ma Ka Batua

 

Sustainability Model Awards

* First Prize: Radio Hirakhand, Sambhalpur, Odisha

* Second Prize: VayalagaVanoli, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

* Third Prize: VAGAD Radio “90.8”, Banswara, Rajasthan.

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Amit Shah

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday (23rd July 2023) laid the foundation stone of 108 feet tall statue of Lord Shri Ram in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh through video conferencing.

* The statue will be built at a cost of over 500 crore rupees. In his address, Mr. Shah said the statue to be installed in Mantralayam will give the message of Sanatan Dharma to the entire world, and it will strengthen the Vaishnava tradition.
 
* The Home Minister said this project is spread over an area of 10 acres in Mantralayam village. It would be completed in two and a half years.

* He said the village is very famous for the temple of Raghavendra Swamy and the place has historical significance.

* He informed that under the Mantralayam Das Sahitya Prakalp, many initiatives, such as housing, Anna Daanam, Pran Daanam, Vidya Daanam, drinking water and cow protection have been taken..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Madhya Pradesh

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The 5th Helicopter & Small Aircraft Summit is to be jointly organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Pawan Hans Ltd. and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on 25th July 2023 in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

Theme : The event's theme is "Reaching the Last Mile: Regional Connectivity through Helicopters & Small Aircraft".

It will be inaugurated by Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation & Steel. The event format includes an inaugural session followed by a technical session.

Save the date and stay tuned for the full reveal of the 5th Helicopter & Small Aircraft Summit 2023! You won't want to miss the chance to be a part of the Summit. #HeliSummit2023 pic.twitter.com/4pUfZ1G1Qk

— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) July 22, 2023

The broad objectives of the Summit are :

* Provide a common platform for all industry stakeholders, and policymakers to discuss the growth story of the Indian Helicopter and Small Aircraft industry.
* Enhance the scope of the UDAN Scheme in remote and hilly terrains and expand the country's rural to urban connectivity.
* Boost Helicopter & Small Aircraft connectivity to places with existing and potential tourism hotspots by providing uninterrupted services.

Helicopters and small aircraft play integral roles in India's transportation ecosystem. Civilian helicopters contribute to improved accessibility, particularly in remote areas, while offering tremendous potential for tourism, allowing travellers to experience scenic landscapes and cultural destinations in unique ways. Other roles of helicopter service include emergency medical services and disaster management during floods, rescue operations etc.

Similarly, small aircrafts provide efficient and convenient transportation options for business and leisure travellers, enhancing regional air connectivity and promoting the exploration of lesser-known destinations. The aviation and tourism industries mutually benefit from each other, fostering employment opportunities and driving economic growth across the country.

The Summit comes at a crucial time when the Indian civil aviation industry is undergoing a paradigm transformation. The sector has now become the need of the hour not only for India but for humankind across the world as it always brings with it two important multipliers- the economic multiplier and the employment multiplier.

The 5th Heli Summit will bring industry stakeholders together to engage and collaborate with policymakers to implement efficient and rational decisions that would boost India’s civil aviation industry further..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   8.15%

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The government on Monday (24th July 2023) approved the interest rate of 8.15 per cent recommended by the Central Board of Trustees of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) for its over 6 crore subscribers for the financial year 2022-23.

In a circular issued 24th July 2023, the EPFO said the Ministry of Labour and Employment has conveyed the approval of the central government for the EPF interest rate to be credited into members’ accounts.

As per the convention, the Ministry of Labour and Employment had sent the interest rate recommendation to the Ministry of Finance for ratification. After the government’s consent to the interest rate, the EPFO would now start crediting the rate of interest for the previous fiscal to the EPF subscribers.

“The Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, has conveyed the approval of the Central Government under para 60(1) of Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1952 to credit interest @ 8.15% for the year 2022-23 to the account of each member of the EPF Scheme as per the provisions under Para 60 of EPF Scheme, 1952,” the EPFO circular said.

EPFO’s deficit :

The interest rate had been hiked despite the EPFO registering a deficit of around Rs 197 crore in 2021-22 against an estimated surplus of Rs 350-400 crore for 2021-22 when an 8.1 per cent interest rate was recommended for the year in March 2022. The 8.1 per cent rate for 2021-22, ratified by the Finance Ministry in June 2022, was the lowest in four decades.

The decline in the Fund’s amount to a deficit in the previous financial year 2021-22 happened primarily as several exempted establishments approached the EPFO for surrendering their exempt status. Total 83 cases were received for surrendering of exempt status, out of which five cases were placed before the CBT for its consideration.

Over the years, the finance ministry has questioned the high rate retained by EPFO and has been nudging it to reduce it to a sub-8 per cent level. EPFO rate continues to be among the highest when compared with other savings instruments, with small savings rates ranging from 4.0 per cent to 8.2 per cent..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   21 July 2023

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Former Australia and New South Wales (NSW) keeper-batter Brian Taber passed away aged 83. A not-so-tall right-handed batter, who represented Australia between 1966-1970, breathed his last on Friday, 21 July 2023.

We are today mourning the loss of former Australian and NSW wicketkeeper Brian Taber, who passed away on Friday aged 83.

Taber played 16 Tests between 1966 and 1970 and is widely regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers our country has produced. May he Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/qdAzhC6mAz

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) July 22, 2023

Having made his Test debut for Australia against South Africa at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on December 23, 1966, Taber affected eight dismissals (seven catches and one stumping).

In his four-year international career, Taber faced the mighty West Indies, India and Australia's oldest rivals, England.

In 16 Test matches, Taber scored a mere 353 runs at 16.04, with his highest score of 48 coming against West Indies in Sydney in 1969 - a Test Australia won by a whopping 382 runs.

Not really known for his batting, New South Wales great was regarded as the best keeper for his club and Australia during his time. His impeccable glovework and calm demeanour behind the stumps separated him from the rest.

For NSW, he played over 100 matches and is a member of the state's Hall of Fame.

Following hanging his boots as a player, Taber held various roles within the game, including becoming NSW coach and chairman of selectors. Later, he got selected as manager of the Australian Under-19 Men's Cricket Team..

Source : WIO News

Correct Answer :   Chennai

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The 3rd G20 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group, under the India's Presidency, started in Chennai 24th July 2023.

* The inaugural session was addressed by the Special Representative for the UN Secretary-General Ms. Mami Mizutori, Sherpa Amitabh Kant, and Prime Minister's Principal Secretary P.K. Mishra.

* The remarks were made by the representatives of TROIKA G20 countries Brazil and Indonesia along with India.
 
* During his address to the delegation, Amitabh Kant said that G20 countries have a responsibility to drive strong, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth, and today's discussions hold the power to transform challenges into opportunities, adversity into resilience, and uncertainty into hope.
 

* Mr. P.K. Mishra highlighted that G20 has already identified “Early Warning and Early Action” as one of the five priorities and is putting its full weight behind it. With Respect to Financing Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), it is important to pursue structured mechanisms at all levels for financing all aspects of DRR.
 
* The draft communique on Disaster Risk Reduction and Global Coverage of Early Warning Systems received meticulous attention and deliberation from member countries and delegates during the technical sessions.
 
* Alongside the technical session, two side events were conducted, focusing on significant themes like "Capturing the Resilience Dividend Towards Closing the Infrastructure Gap" and "Enhancing Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Governance.".


Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

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The Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated a 2-day National Conference on Rural WASH Partners' Forum (RWPF) at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, 21st July 2023 to celebrate 1st anniversary of formation of RWPF. 

The theme of the conference is ‘Accelerating Progress towards a Swachh Sujal Bharat’. RWPF is a platform set up by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) in collaboration with KPMG India for Development/ Sector Partners working in rural WASH space of India. The main objective of the Forum is to support the expeditious implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G), the flagship missions of DDWS, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Govt. of India.

The Forum has brought organizations working in the rural WASH sector under one umbrella for better collaboration & synergy, besides creating an environment of learning and knowledge sharing, finding scalable and cost-effective solutions, sharing best practices & success stories while avoiding overlap in efforts.

The inaugural session of the conference also saw launch/ release/ felicitation of following :

1. Digital WASH Academy aims : To build the capacity of various stakeholders associated with water supply programme viz. administrators, engineers, panchayat functionaries, technicians, sanitation workers and foot soldiers. The Academy will equip them with necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute towards achieving the Mission objectives. ECHO India a leading non-profit organization has supported the Department in establishing the Academy.

2. RWPF Annual Yearbook and Web page : The work done by the development partners in different regions & across various themes is documented in the Yearbook and showcased on the Web page. The associated acknowledgment of the work on ground by various agencies encourages the partners to perform better and support the government in reaching desired goals.

3. Swachhata Chronicles - Transformative Tales from India : A compendium of 75 ODF Plus Best Practices, showcases the innovations, measures taken to overcome barriers and raise awareness, special campaigns launched, and other endeavors of States/UTs in various ODF Plus activities in order to meet the goals of SBM-G Phase-II.

4. Field Assessment Framework and Ranking Protocol of Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2023 : The detailed framework defining how the States & UTs will be ranked in the SSG 2023.

5. Manual for Disaster Management Plan (DMP) to ensure safety, uninterrupted supply and minimum loss of WASH assets and services. The Plan aligns with the two-flagship missions of DDWS i.e.  Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G).

6. Felicitation of Four start-ups by Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti, for developing cost-effective and portable water quality testing kits under Technology Challenge conducted by Invest India with support from DDWS. Elico, Cluix and Heuristics have developed digital portable multi parameter water quality testing devices which can directly be connected with web-based Dashboard. Reports so generated can also be used for monitoring the programme. Device developed by Earthface is NABL approved for water analysis and purification.

The conference was attended by senior officers from States/UTs Mission Directors, Secretaries In-charge of JJM and SBM-G, line-Ministries of Government of India, Corporates working in WASH sector among others. Details about RWPF can be accessed at www.rwpf.in

The programme was followed by thematic session on water and sanitation on :

a) Community Outreach and engagement – creating a Jan Andolan – from infrastructure building to community ownership
b) Efficient and effective operation and maintenance for JJM & grievance redressal
c) Safely managed sanitation
d) Circular economy in Plastic Waste.

The sessions were moderated by UNICEF, Aga Khan Foundation, All India Institute of Self Governance (AIILSG), Water AID, WASH institute and Centre for Environment Education (CEE)..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Tamil Nadu

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Tamil Nadu Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister "Udhayanidhi Stalin" Thursday (20th July 2023) unveiled the trophy and the ‘Bomman’ mascot for the prestigious Asian Champions Trophy 2023 hockey tournament to be held in Chennai from August 3 to 12, 2023.

On the occasion, the minister also launched the ticket sales by receiving the first ticket from Hockey India General Secretary Bhola Nath Singh at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Egmore.

Six teams from the continent – India, China, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan and Korea – will compete for the coveted trophy.

Our Mascot Asia's Champions Trophy Chennai 2023 - #Bomman Welcomes you@CMOTamilnadu @Udhaystalin @Office_of_Udhay@TNDIPRNEWS @TheHockeyIndia @jmeghanathreddy@Atulyamisraias @DilipTirkey#VanakkamAsia #GoalPodu #HockeyisBack #HockeyIndia #SportsTN pic.twitter.com/9gG7PGJv1r

— Sports Tamil Nadu (@SportsTN_) July 20, 2023

According to the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), the illustrious sporting event, now in its seventh edition, will be held at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium.

This will be the first time since the Asia Cup in 2007, the stadium is hosting a major event. Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 17 crore for the conduct of the event.

The renovation works at Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium which include setting up the synthetic turf, gallery for the spectators, spectator lounge for special guests, rooms for athletes, modern toilet facilities, advanced lighting facilities are under way.

“The government of Tamil Nadu has allocated Rs 16 crore for the construction of the world’s first Paris Turf, renovation and development works in order to conduct the international level competition in a best manner,” said an official statement on Thursday (20th July 2023)..

Source : Indian Express