Correct Answer :   Shah Rukh Khan

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Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan has been appointed as the brand ambassador of ICC World Cup 2023.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan launched the World Cup 2023 campaign ‘It takes one day’ in his iconic voiceover.

The World Cup 2023 will be held in India from October 5 to November 19, 2023.

India will start their world cup campaign against Australia on October 8 and the Rohit Sharma led side will take on Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 15.

World Cup 2023 Schedule :

The schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023 Schedule has been released by ICC. The 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will be held in India from October 5 to November 19, 2023.

The upcoming World Cup will feature a total of 10 teams. India, as the host nation, has secured direct qualification, along with Afghanistan, Australia, England, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa.

These teams earned their spots through their performance in the 2020-2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Super League. The remaining two teams will be determined through the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers taking place in Zimbabwe.

Correct Answer :   S. Vincent Rajkumar

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Renowned scientist, clinician and researcher, S. Vincent Rajkumar, has been appointed as chairman-elect of the Board of Directors of the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF).

Dr. Rajkumar takes over from the current chairman, Brian G.M. Durie, who is not seeking re-election to the post.

Dr. Durie, the co-founder and chairman of the Board of Directors for 33 years, has said that he will not seek re-election as chairman when his current term ends in spring 2024. He will, however, remain a member of the Board, hold the position of Chairman Emeritus and continue to perform his current activities.

Career of Dr S. Vincent Rajkumar :

Dr. Rajkumar has also served as principal investigator of several clinical trials for the treatment of myeloma, including pivotal trials that led to the regulatory approval of thalidomide for the treatment of the disease in the U.S. He has published more than 480 peer-reviewed papers primarily in the field of multiple myeloma and related plasma cell disorders.

Among Dr. Rajkumar’s accolades include the Jan Waldenstrom Lifetime Achievement Award (2021), the Mayo Clinic Distinguished Investigator Award (2018) and the Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award (2016).

About the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells — white blood cells that make antibodies. A cancerous or malignant plasma cell is called a myeloma cell. Myeloma is called “multiple” because there are frequently multiple patches or areas in the bone where it grows.

It can appear as both a tumor and/or an area of bone loss, and it affects the places where bone marrow is active in an adult: the hollow area within the bones of the spine, skull, pelvis, rib cage, and the areas around the shoulders and hips.

The IMF was founded in 1999 and is the first, largest global foundation focusing specifically on multiple myeloma. The Foundation’s reach extends to more than 5,25,000 members in 140 countries.

Correct Answer :   HCL Tech

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HCLTech, on Thursday (20th July 2023), announced that it has joined the XR Startup Programme, a collaboration between Meta and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Startup Hub.

Aim : The program aims to support and boost extended reality (XR) technology start-ups in India.  




As a knowledge partner in this initiative, HCLTech will play a vital role in cultivating a dynamic ecosystem for Indian start-ups, the company said. This ecosystem will foster the creation of innovative services, hardware, and software solutions, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and agri-tech.   

The XR Startup Program, launched in September 2022, is a joint effort between MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) and Meta. This initiative focuses on skilling and developing technological capabilities for the metaverse, with a specific emphasis on emerging technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) within the country.  

"The XR Startup Program is playing a crucial role in supporting startups to embrace extended reality technologies. We are delighted to collaborate with HCLTech for this program," said Shivnath Thukral, Director and Head Public Policy, India, Meta.  

“The next wave of innovation, transformation, and investments is in XR technologies and the metaverse and the ‘XR Accelerator’ program will ensure that Indian startups are at the forefront of developing, launching, and scaling immersive technology solutions for the global markets,” said Jeet Vijay, CEO, MeitY Startup Hub.    

During the event in Jan, Jeet Vijay also expressed the importance of emerging technologies like XR (Extended Reality) in shaping the digital landscape. He emphasized that Indian startups and innovators, particularly from non-metro areas, will have a crucial role in developing technologies like the metaverse and shaping the future of the internet.  

The XR (Extended Reality) market is growing due to technological progress and growing interest from consumers across different industries. A report by Research and Markets predicts that the XR market will continue to soar, with an estimated growth rate of 35.27%. By 2028, it is projected to reach $95 billion globally, up from $11 billion in 2021...

Source : Tech Circle

Correct Answer :   Adrian Mardell

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Tata Motors on 20 July 2023 stated that its unit Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has appointed interim boss Adrian Mardell as chief executive officer for a three-year term.

The carmaker also made acting Chief Financial Officer Richard Molyneux's role permanent.

Mardell, a JLR veteran, was appointed to the interim role in November when Thierry Bollore resigned due to personal reasons.

Molyneux was appointed Acting Chief Financial Officer, on 12 December 2022, following six years as Finance Director, Operations, JLR, Tata Motors added.

Tata Group had also announced (20th July 2023) plans to build an electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Britain to supply its Jaguar Land Rover factories.

The gigafactory - Tata's first outside of India - will include an investment of 4 billion pounds ($5.2 billion), the company said.

Investors also cheered for the company's aggressive investment plans, lifting the shares of Tata Motors to the day's high of Rs 625.30 on July 19. At 12.55 am, shares of Tata Motors were trading 1.64 percent higher at Rs 622.15 on the National Stock Exchange.

In April this year, Mardell had told reporters at a media event that the Tata Group is clear the new Gigafactory is going to be in Europe. Spain was believed to be the other site under consideration at the time..

Source : Moneycontrol

Correct Answer :   Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

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Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister "Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu" on Thursday (20th July 2023) launched a collateral-free loan scheme for women.

The ‘Sashakt Mahila Rin Yojna’ is an initiative of Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank (HPSCB), which will provide loans to women for pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams, engage in livelihood activities, fulfil their day to day needs and uplift their families, a statement issued here said.

Sashakt Mahila Rin Yojna - Aim :  The scheme aims to empower women as the applicants need not to provide any assets or collateral as security against the loan amount.

“The absence of collateral removes a significant barrier for women, especially those who may not have valuable assets to offer as security for taking loans,” he added.

By providing financial assistance to women for self-employment and livelihood activities, the scheme will contribute to the economic empowerment of women, make them financially independent and improve their socio-economic status, the chief minister said.

Under the scheme, the bank offers credit of Rs 21,000, Rs 51,000 and Rs 1,01,000 at a relatively low-interest rate of 8.51%..

Source : The Print

Correct Answer :   Argentina

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On Thursday, 20 July 2023, Argentina’s Ministry of Defence and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) inked a Letter of Intent (LoI) pledging their commitment to a productive partnership and the purchase of Light and Medium Utility Helicopters for Argentina’s armed services.

According to a release from the Bengaluru-based PSU, the LoI was signed by the Argentinean Defence Minister "Jorge Taiana" and HAL Chairman and Managing Director "C B Ananthakrishnan" in Bengaluru.

HAL and the Ministry of Defence of The Republic of Argentina have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on productive cooperation and acquisition of Light and Medium Utility Helicopters for the armed forces of the Argentine Republic. pic.twitter.com/Gwk4iKPVl1

— HAL (@HALHQBLR) July 20, 2023

A letter of intent (LOI) is a document that states a party’s initial intention to do business with another. The letter outlines the key conditions of a potential agreement.

“The Lol was signed by Jorge Taiana, Argentinian defence minister and HAL CMD CB Ananthakrishnan in the presence of Francisco Cafiero, secretary of international affairs, Ambassador Hugo Javier Gobbi, Ambassador Dinesh Bhatia and other senior officers from the Argentinian side and HAL,” the PSU said in a statement.

According to media reports, Taiana, who arrived in New Delhi on July 17 for a four-day visit, planned to sign a Rs 8,675 crore contract with India for the fourth-generation fighter aircraft Tejas Mark-1A and LCH (Light Combat Helicopter) Prachanda.

On July 18, 2023, Jorge Taiana met with Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and discussed bilateral relations and pledged to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

Argentina expresses interest in buying Tejas fighter aircraft :

Notably, last year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed that after Malaysia, Colombia and several other countries, the South American nation Argentina had shown interest in buying Tejas. In August 2022, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar acknowledged Argentine interest in the Tejas fighter aircraft and highlighted the importance of the proposal in enhancing the strategic quotient of bilateral relationships. A joint press statement issued by both countries after the Joint Commission Meeting said, “EAM, acknowledging Argentine interest in the Made in India TEJAS fighter aircraft for Argentine Air Force, highlighted importance of the proposal in enhancing strategic quotient of the bilateral relationship.”

It is notable that Argentina is the first Latin American nation to show interest in acquiring Tejas for its air force. Before this, several other countries including Australia, Egypt, the USA, Indonesia, and the Philippines have shown interest in buying the fighter made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

HAL seals contract with Argentinian Air Force for supply of helicopter spares

In February this year, HAL inked a contract with the Argentinian Air Force (AAF) for the supply of spares and engine repair of legacy two-tonne class helicopters. The contract was signed by Brigadier General Xavier Issac, Chief of AAF and Chairman and Managing Director of HAL C B Ananthakrishnan on the sidelines of Aero India 2023..

Source : OP India

Correct Answer :   DAHD

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Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fishries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing the "Credit Guarantee Scheme" under Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) to strengthen credit delivery system and facilitate smooth flow of credit to the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) engaged in Livestock sector without hassles of collateral security.

For operationalizing the scheme, DAHD has established a Credit Guarantee fund Trust of Rs. 750.00 crores, which will provide credit guarantee coverage up to 25% of the credit facilities extended to the MSMEs by the eligible lending institutions.

The credit guarantee scheme facilitates access to finance for un-served and under-served livestock sector, making availability of financial assistance from lenders to mainly first-generation entrepreneurs and under privileged section of society, who lack collateral security for supporting their ventures.

Objective :

The main objective of the Credit Guarantee Scheme is that the lender should give importance to project viability and secure the credit facility purely on the basis primary security of the assets financed.

The establishment of credit guarantee fund trust was approved under the Prime Minister’s AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan stimulus package of Rs.15000 crores“ Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund” (AHIDF) for incentivizing investments by individual entrepreneurs, private companies, MSMEs, Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) and Section 8 companies to establish :

(i) the dairy processing and value addition infrastructure
(ii) meat processing and value addition infrastructure
(iii) Animal Feed Plant
(iv) Breed Improvement technology and Breed Multiplication Farm
(v) Animal Waste to Wealth Management (Agri Waste Management)
(vi) Setting up of Veterinary Vaccine and Drugs Manufacturing facilities.

Main Key features of the AHIDF scheme :

* Is the establishment of a Credit Guarantee Fund Trust of Rs. 750.00 Crores.

* DAHD has formed a trust with NABSanrakshan Trustee Company Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of NABARD for the establishment of a Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for extending the credit guarantee to Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises under AHIDF scheme.

* This fund trust established in March 2021  is the Nation’s first ever fund trust under Credit guarantee scheme of AHIDF in the agriculture and Animal Husbandry sector and is a path-breaking initiative taken by DAHD which would exponentially increase the number of MSME units getting benefits of AHIDF scheme and strengthen the ecosystem for the collateral-free credit from the banks.

* The credit guarantee portal has been developed as a rule based B2B portal and implemented the enrollment of eligible lending institutions under Credit Guarantee Scheme, issuance/renewal of Credit Guarantee Cover and Settlement of Claims.

* Notably, the initiative of credit guarantee scheme taken by DAHD is expected to greatly increase the participation of MSMEs engaged in livestock sector leading to increased flow of credit to the sector and strengthen the MSMEs to boost the overall rural economy through strengthening the Livestock sector which is of one of the most potential sector seeking development.

* Interest Subvention of 3%

* Loan up to 90% of the total project cost from any Scheduled Bank, National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Kiren Rijiju

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Union Minister of Earth Sciences, "Shri Kiren Rijiju" 20th July 2023 informed that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recently launched the Heat Index on experimental basis.

Stating this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, he said the experimental Heat Index has been launched by IMD to provide general guidance for the regions within India where, the apparent temperature/feel like temperature (considering the impact of humidity along with the temperature) are on the higher side causing discomfort for the people.

At present, heat index is derived using the heat index equation similar to what is used by National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), USA.

He said the heat index provides information about the impact of humidity on the high temperatures and thus provides a feel like temperature for human beings which can be used as an indication for human discomfort. It provides guidance towards additional care to be taken by people to reduce discomfort.

Shri Rijiju said colour codes used for Experimental Heat Index are as follows :

Green : Experimental heat Index less than 35 deg C

Yellow : Experimental heat Index in the range 36-45 deg C

Orange : Experimental heat Index in the range 46-55 deg C

Red : Experimental heat Index greater than 55 deg C

Shri Rijiju said the Heat Index is implemented on experimental basis only across the entire country including the State of Andhra Pradesh. However, it is mentioned that, heat index for Bhubaneshwar and Ahmedabad under Heat Action Plan is done under project mode by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with local agencies like Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH)..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Kerala

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OPPO India announces the establishment of an Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) in Kerala in collaboration with NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) as Knowledge Partners.

Motive : This programme motivates students to explore, experiment, and undertake projects involving DIY kits in robotics, electronics, and rapid prototyping.

The lab at St Paul’s CEHSS in Kuriachira, Thrissur, was inaugurated on 10th July 2023 by Shri Rajeev Chandrashekar, the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Electronics and Information Technology.

Objective : The primary objective of this initiative is to create an empowered future-ready workforce and nurture entrepreneurship and technological skills among the youth. Till 2022, 10,000 ATLs were established across 35 States and UTs in India via government grants. This collaboration marks the establishment of the first-ever Atal Tinkering Lab, based on the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model.

Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, MD, Atal Innovation Mission, said, "On behalf of the Atal Innovation Mission team, I welcome OPPO to the ATL Community. The establishment of the first PPP Atal Tinkering Lab in collaboration with OPPO India is a significant milestone in India's School Innovation journey. Through this new modality of partner-established ATLs, we hope to democratise tinkering and make it available to many more students across the country. I invite more partners to this new and exciting initiative to establish many more ATLs in India, thus empowering more young innovators."

Collaboration : This collaboration is part of our endeavour to promote ‘out of the box’ thinking and teach community-oriented problem-solving capabilities to young students. We are proud to be able to contribute to the Government of India’s mission of empowering the citizens of tomorrow with future-ready skills..

Source : Theweek

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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One District One Product (ODOP) program, an initiative under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, launched its first collaboration with the Government of Gujarat in New Delhi to promote the indigenous crafts and artisans of the State.

Smt. Manmeet Nanda, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, and Smt. Arti Kanwar, Resident Commissioner and Secretary (Economic Affairs) Finance Department, Government of Gujarat jointly inaugurated the ODOP Wall at Garvi Gujarat Bhawan in New Delhi on 20th July 2023.

Gujarat, with its 33 districts, exemplifies the vast geographic coverage and potential for diverse products across the state. ODOP-Gujarat features a rich collection of 68 unique products, ranging from traditional crafts like Gamthi Block print and Mata-ni-Pachedi to agricultural goods such as groundnuts and cumin.

Significant collaboration : ODOP has partnered with the Government of Gujarat to implement product tagging and story cards, enhancing the promotion and recognition of Gujarat's unique products. This collaboration aims to drive consumers towards emporia, boosting sales and increasing the visibility of Gujarat's products at the national level. Garvi Gujarat Bhawan has integrated ODOP products into its interiors to better showcase Gujarat handicrafts.

ODOP interventions in Gujarat have been, specifically focused on certain products to enhance their market presence. For example, Government e-Marketplace (GeM) onboarding drives have been conducted for Sujani Handloom, Jamnagari Bandhini, and Patan Patola. Additionally, support from the National Institute of Design (NID) workshop has been provided for Agate Stone in Khambat district and Sujani from Bharuch district.

ODOP Aim : The ODOP initiative aims at manifesting the vision of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi to make the country and its people self-reliant by fostering balanced regional development across all districts of the country.

The program selects, brands, and promotes one unique product from each district, showcasing the diverse range of products across the country which encompasses various sectors, including handlooms and handicrafts. To better realize this aim, the ODOP team has been joining forces with other government and private players working in this direction to reach a larger audience..

Source : PIB