Correct Answer :   India and USA

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India and the USA, jointly conducted an ‘Operation Broader Sword’ to stop the illegal shipment of drugs through the International Mail System.

The operation resulted in the interception of over 500 shipments of illicit and unapproved prescription drugs bound for US consumers.

Operation “Broader Sword”, which was carried out in June 2023, targeted shipments of illicit, potentially dangerous, unapproved prescription drugs, combination medical devices, and synthetic drug precursors shipped through International Mail Facilities (IMF), the US Embassy said on Friday (7th July 2023).

The operation was carried out by India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

‘Operation Broader Sword', a bilateral multi-agency enforcement operation, takes action & gives results. The collaboration between @US_FDA, @CBP, @HSI_HQ, @DEAHQ, and the GOI’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence helps both the U.S. & Indian law enforcement officials gain an…

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) July 7, 2023

OPERATION BROADER SWORD :

* In Operation Broader Sword, investigators examined more than 1,500 shipments originating in India and took action on approximately 500 products, including illegal medications intended to treat and or mitigate serious diseases.

* Many shipments were determined to have opioids and other controlled substance drug products, the US Embassy informed in a statement.

* The operation targeted packages entering the US from India through the New York (JFK International Airport) and Chicago (ORD International Airport) International Mail Facilities (IMFs) during June 12-23..

Source : IndiaToday

Correct Answer :   National Law University (NLU) Delhi

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The National Law University (NLU), Delhi 11th July 2023 launched Eklavya – a ‘Research Affiliate’ programme, under its new academic initiatives.

This scheme is open to those who do not have a traditional law degree. Through this, the university aims to emphasise its commitment to actively seek partnerships outside the varsity and draw from their experiences and perspectives to develop quality legal scholarship.

The programme is open for any individual with at least three years of demonstrable experience working on issues that have significant interface with the law.

At least three years should have passed after the completion of the undergraduate degree for the candidate to be eligible for this programme.

Candidates should remember that if an applicant is in full time/ parttime employment with any organisation/ firm/ company/ law chambers/ government department etc, approval to be part of this fellowship will be required at the time of final selection. Self-employed individuals/ freelancers/ independent consultants etc will have to provide a declaration to that effect at the time of final selection..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi as he launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCEM) in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh 1st July 2023.

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Mangubhai C. Patel, Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Prof. SP Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Steel, Smt Renuka Singh Saruta, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, and Shri Bishweswar Tudu, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, were also present at the event.

“Sickle Cell Disease is a disease that impacts tribal sections of societies significantly. The government is committed to eliminate the disease before India celebrates it’s Amrit Kaal in 2047.”

The NSCAEM takes a comprehensive approach to tackle sickle cell disease, recognizing its impact on not just patients but also their families. The mission combines screening and awareness strategies to ensure early detection and treatment while promoting education about the disease. By identifying individuals with sickle cell trait, the mission aims to prevent the unintentional transfer of the disease to the next generation. Over the course of three years, an ambitious screening initiative aims to examine approximately 7.0 crore individuals who are under 40 years old.

Distribution of Ayushman Cards and PVC Ayushman Bharat Cards :

PM Modi initiated the distribution of over 3 crore digital Ayushman cards nationwide and 1 crore PVC Ayushman Bharat cards specifically in Madhya Pradesh. These cards provide beneficiaries with access to health insurance coverage worth ₹5 lakh, ensuring affordable and quality medical treatment. Ayushman Card is a guarantee backed by his government, offering financial security for healthcare expenses.


About Sickle cell disease :

Sickle cell disease (SCD), also known as sickle cell anemia, is a genetic blood disorder that affects the structure and function of red blood cells. It is an inherited condition caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene, which is responsible for producing the protein that carries oxygen in the red blood cells. This disorder results in a distressing systemic condition marked by persistent anemia, episodes of intense pain, organ infarction, chronic organ impairment, and a considerable decrease in life expectancy.


Efforts to Eradicate Sickle Cell Anemia by 2047 :

The National Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Mission (NSCAEM) seeks to address the urgent health challenges posed by sickle cell disease by encompassing disease management guidelines & monitoring modules. The distribution of Ayushman cards, aims to alleviate the healthcare challenges faced by the tribal population Nearly half of the global sickle cell disease cases are concentrated in India which predominantly affects the tribal population in India. With the launch of this mission, the government aims to eliminate sickle cell anemia from the country by 2047, adopting a mission mode approach..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   10th July

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National Fish Farmer’s Day is an annual celebration held on July 10th to honor and appreciate the vital role played by fish farmers, aquaculture industry professionals, and other stakeholders in developing a sustainable and successful fisheries sector.

This year (2023), National Fish Farmer’s Day 2023 provides a special opportunity for the entire nation to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of fish farmers and their commitment to responsible aquaculture practices.

By promoting ethical and sustainable approaches in fish farming and harnessing the potential of the fisheries sector, we can lay the foundation for a prosperous future. This involves ensuring an ample food supply, enhancing food security, and contributing to the overall advancement of our nation. National Fish Farmer’s Day serves as a reminder of the significance of sustainable aquaculture and encourages us to show support and appreciation for the endeavors of fish farmers in constructing a thriving fisheries industry.


National Fish Farmer’s Day 2023 Significance :

In order to commemorate the accomplishments of India’s fisheries sector, the Department of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying has arranged the ‘Summer Meet 2023’ and the ‘Start-up Conclave’ in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.

These events serve as a platform for fish farmers, experts, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to showcase achievements, promote innovation, and discuss the future of sustainable fisheries development.

The ‘Start-up Conclave’ specifically supports aspiring entrepreneurs and start-ups in the fisheries and aquaculture industry, providing them with an opportunity to present their ideas and technologies that can contribute to the growth and modernization of the sector.

To recognize and encourage startups that are making a significant impact in the fisheries ecosystem, the Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with the Startup India hub and DPIIT, has introduced the Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge.

The challenge received applications from 121 startups across four problem statements, and after a thorough evaluation process, 12 startups have been selected as winners, deserving recognition and rewards for their contributions.

National Fish Farmer’s Day History :

National Fish Farmers Day is celebrated in India on July 10 every year to commemorate the successful induced breeding of Indian Major Carps on this day in 1957. The scientists who achieved this feat were Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and his colleague Dr. Alikunhi. They were working at the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) in Cuttack, Odisha.

The induced breeding of Indian Major Carps was a major breakthrough in the field of aquaculture. It allowed fish farmers to produce fish on a much larger scale, which helped to meet the growing demand for fish in India.

National Fish Farmers Day is an opportunity to honor the contributions of fish farmers to the Indian economy. Fish farming is a major source of employment in India, and it provides a sustainable source of protein for the country’s people.

The day is also used to raise awareness about the importance of aquaculture and to encourage people to eat more fish. Fish is a healthy and nutritious food, and it is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Correct Answer :   Bhupendra Patel

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Union Minister of State for Communication, Devusinh Chauhan, and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched a Pilot project of Antyoday Shramik Suraksha Yojana at Nadiyad in the Kheda district of Gujarat on 8th July 2023, Saturday.

The scheme is launched by the Department of Posts and Indian Postal Payment Bank and aims to give financial stability to the Shram yogis by providing them with accident insurance of up to 10 lakh rupees.
 
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Chauhan said the Antyoday Shramik Suraksha Yojana will be implemented across the country benefitting over 28 crore labourers.

The scheme will be available through 1.6 lakh post offices in the country. He added that the benefits of the scheme will soon be extended to common people. Mr. Chauhan also announced setting up more than 5,000 post offices across India in order to extend insurance benefits to the maximum number of people.
 
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the scheme will provide relief to the workers and will help in making them self-reliant..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   V. Srinivas

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Secretary of Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) V. Srinivas launched the 3rd edition of the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) Portal (www.nesda.gov.in) to show the performance of States, UT’s and selected Central Ministries in delivering e-Governance services to citizens.

DARPG has developed NeSDA framework with an overall objective to measure the depth and effectiveness of existing e-Governance service delivery mechanisms from the citizen’s perspective.

This framework, based on the Online Service Index (OSI) of UN eGovernment Survey, has been customized for the Indian federal structure and the e-Governance landscape of the States and UTs. DARPG undertakes NeSDA study biennially. This study assesses States, Union Territories (UTs), and focus Central Ministries on the effectiveness of e-Governance service delivery. NeSDA helps the respective governments improve their delivery of citizen centric services and shares best practices across the country for all States, UTs and Central Ministries to emulate.

The Department has successfully released 2 editions of NeSDA study, viz., NeSDA 2019 and NeSDA 2021.   Both the studies have shown a significant rise of e-services across all States/UTs. It has also shown a rising trend of e-Services delivery shifting from single silo departmental portals to integrated / centralized portals.

Improvement in the country’s e-Governance landscape due to last 2 editions of NESDA study may be summarized in the following key takeaways –

    * Increase in e-Service Delivery
    * Rise in use of Integrated / Centralized Portals for delivery of e-Services
    * Improvement across assessment parameter scores

In NeSDA 2021, 1400 services across all States and UTs were assessed as compared to 872 in 2019, an increase of over 60%. 74% respondents of the nation-wide citizen survey conducted during the study had stated that they are satisfied with the e-Services provided by the States and UTs. The e-Services of Finance and Local Governance & Utility Services sectors were the most widely used by citizens.

Now, with the launch of NeSDA 2023 portal, DARPG has embarked on the journey of third edition of the study- NeSDA 2023. NeSDA 2023 framework has been revised in-line with the contemporary citizens need, leading global digital government trends and UN e-Government Survey studies.

Additions in the NeSDA 2023 framework are proposed under following dimensions :

* Portals Coverage : All Government Portals assessed during NeSDA are classified into two categories viz., (i) State, UT, Central Ministry Portal and (ii) State, UT, Central Ministry Services Portals. A growing number of people are living in cities, more people will be accessing public services locally. So, it is imperative that robust e-government in place at city level to accommodate present and future citizen’s needs. Hence NeSDA 2023 framework will evaluate the maturity of e-Government at the City level by assessing City Portal i.e., the official portal of respective City/Urban Local Body that provides a single window access to the information and links to the services being provided for the citizens and other stakeholders in the city.

* Focus Sectors and Mandatory Services Coverage : The NeSDA framework covers G2C and G2B services across seven sectors, viz Finance, Labour Employment, Education, Local Governance Utility Services, Social Welfare (including Health, Agriculture, Home Security), Environment (including Fire) and Tourism sectors. The framework for NeSDA 2023 proposes an expansion on focus sectors with an addition of Transport and Public Grievance. Accordingly, additional mandatory services have been proposed under States/UTs and Central Ministries. In NeSDA 2023, additional 5 mandatory services at State / UT level and 12 services at Central Ministry level would be evaluated. In NeSDA 2023, a total of 59 mandatory services are proposed to be assessed for every State & UT and 37 services to be assessed covering 21 Central Ministries/Departments.

* Assessment Parameters : To make NeSDA framework more robust and align with global digital government trends it is proposed to include three additional assessment parameters, viz., Open Government Data (OGD), E-Participation, and Leveraging Emerging Technologies..

Surce : PIB

Correct Answer :   Neeraja Prabhakar

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B.Neeraja Prabhakar has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) for the ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (IIOPR) located in Pedavegi, Andhra Pradesh.

This significant appointment, effective from June 13, will see Ms. Prabhakar leading a ten-member committee for a three-year term. With her extensive experience and expertise in the field, Ms. Prabhakar’s appointment is expected to contribute to the growth and development of the oil palm industry in India.


About Neeraja Prabhakar : Ms. B.Neeraja Prabhakar is the Vice-Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University. Her diverse background and in-depth knowledge of the horticulture sector have made her an ideal candidate for the position of Chairperson of the RAC for IIOPR. In addition to her new role, Ms. Prabhakar has previously served as a member of the Telangana Oil Palm Advisory Committee, where she provided valuable insights and recommendations for the cultivation and promotion of oil palm in the state.

The Significance of the Research Advisory Committee : The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) plays a crucial role in guiding and advising the ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (IIOPR) on research and development initiatives. As the only dedicated institute in India for oil palm research, IIOPR aims to develop cutting-edge technologies applicable to all oil palm growing states. The RAC, led by Ms. Prabhakar, will provide strategic direction, review research proposals, evaluate ongoing projects, and offer valuable insights to ensure the institute’s research activities are aligned with the industry’s needs.


Focus on Oil Palm Research in India : Oil palm cultivation in India has gained significant importance in recent years due to its economic and nutritional value. Telangana, in particular, has emerged as a leading state in terms of oil extraction from oil palm kernels. With Ms. Prabhakar’s involvement in the Telangana Oil Palm Advisory Committee, her appointment as RAC Chairperson brings added expertise and understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities faced by the region.  The state aims to expand oil palm cultivation to 20 lakh acres in the near future with a target of reaching at least 10 lakh acres over the next four years.

Correct Answer :   Hampi

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Third  G20 Culture Group (CWG) meet  began in Hampi, Karnataka from 9th July 2023. Briefing the media in Hampi 9th July 2023, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India,  Shri Govind Mohan said that the 3rd Culture Working Group Meeting  under India's G20 presidency   is being organized in Hampi, Karnataka from 9th -12th July.

He also said that the meeting will be attended by delegates from G20 members, guest nations, and several international organizations.

Aim : The aim of the G20 Culture Working Group is to make a place in the Guinness Book of World Records by creating the largest masterpiece of 'Lambani Embroidery Patch Work'..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Indira Gandhi International Airport

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Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is all set to inaugurate its 2.1 km long dual lane Elevated Cross Taxiway on July 14, 2023. In addition to this, the fourth runway at the airport will also become operational on Thursday.

The inauguration of ECT will cut short the waiting time in an aircraft from 20-25 minutes to 10 minutes. India's first Elevated Cross Taxiway will be inaugurated by Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Here are the key points you need to know about the amazing ECT at Indira Gandhi Airport.

Key highlights of India's first Elevated Cross Taxiway at Delhi's IG airport

* Total length of the dual-lane ECT is 2.1 kilometres. It will link the Northern and Southern airfields on the eastern side of the airport.

* Passenger experience : The waiting time inside the airplane after landing is expected to fall significantly, as planes will take lesser time after landing to reach Terminal 1. The same goes for the process of take-off. The distance that an aircraft needs to cover, after landing on the third runway and going to T1, will be reduced to 2 kms from the present 9 km.

* Less waiting time : As ECT will reduce the distance between the two airfields, it will also help in saving around twenty to seven minutes of passengers before take-off. However, it also depends upon factors like directions of aircraft landing, said Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL)

* Main benefits of the ECT : According to DIAL officials, after the inauguration of ECT, airport authority would be able to reduce aircraft emissions, save natural resources like ATF, and enhance operational efficiency. ECT will mainly cut short the taxiing distances of aircraft.

* Carbon emissions : A minor reduction in distance between airfields can make a big difference in CO2 emissions. The taxiway is expected to optimise taxiing routes and aircraft operations. With this, it would be able to save approximately 55,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum and will contribute to achieving a "Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport' by 2030.

* India's first elevated taxiway : The first-of-its-kind taxiway has made Indira Gandhi International Airport to be India's first airport to have ECT. "This historic feat is a testimonial to DIAL's commitment to creating environmentally sustainable architecture and becoming a 'Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport' by 2030. With Eastern Cross Taxiway, the Delhi Airport has become India's first Airport to have an elevated taxiway in the country, which will not only enhance passenger experience but also make Delhi Airport future-ready," said Prabhakara Rao, deputy MD of GMR Group.

 * Strong and sturdy structure of ECF : The dual lane elevated Code F taxiways are also capable of ensuring to the safe and simultaneous passage of two big aircraft..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Voyager Space

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Voyager Space, a global leader in space exploration, is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), to foster collaboration in spacecraft launch and deployment opportunities on-board NSIL’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

* Under this MOU, Voyager Space and NSIL will explore launch and deployment opportunities for small satellites orbited by SSLV and PSLV.

* The two organizations will also study the use of space qualified components from NSIL in support of spacecraft manufacturing, deployment, operations, and other areas of interest.

* ISRO’s state-of-the-art launch infrastructure and NSIL’s experience in delivering payloads to orbit expands access to space for Voyager’s global customer base. Voyager Space has previously flown customer satellites on two PSLV missions.

* Clay Mowry, Chief Revenue Officer at Voyager Space stated, “We are thrilled to embark on this collaborative journey with NewSpace India Limited. This partnership is a unique opportunity as we join forces to drive innovation and advancement in the small satellite launch industry. We look forward to growing Voyager’s presence in India and providing additional opportunities for our customers.”

* NSIL Chairman and Managing Director Radhakrishnan shared, “We are delighted to enter into this alliance with Voyager Space. India’s space industry is open for business, and we are proud to serve the rapidly growing global small satellite launch service market. By working together, we will create a synergy that accelerates the development of a commercial space economy in India and abroad.”.

Source : Theprint