Correct Answer :   Harish Bhat

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* Forbes has ranked Tata Group’s brand custodian Harish Bhat as among the top ten most influential Chief Marketing Officers (CMO) for the second consecutive year.

* Last year (2022), he was in the ninth position.

* William White, CMO of Walmart has topped the Forbes list of most influential CMOs 2023.

* While Ashimita Dubey, chief digital and marketing officer at L'Oreal, is ranked 21 and Infosys chief marketing officer Sumit Virmani is at 41..

Source : TOI

Correct Answer :   REC Limited

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REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Union Ministry of Power, has decided to extend financial assistance of Rs. 3,045 crores to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), for establishment and development of Metro Lines under Phase-II project of Bangalore Metro.

The decision to extend the assistance was taken at the board meeting of REC, held in Bengaluru on 24th June, 2023, at which the Board approved the proposal of BMRCL.

The Phase-II project of Namma Metro comprises extension of existing two corridors of Phase-I, namely East–West Corridor and North–South Corridor; and 2 new lines, namely one from R.V. Road to Bommasandra and another from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara. These lines will traverse some of the densest and high-traffic areas of the city.

Phase-II of the project will enhance connectivity and ease traffic in the densely populated city of Bengaluru. With completion of Phase-II (72.09 km), the combined network of Namma Metro shall stand at a line length of 114.39 km, with 101 stations.

REC Limited is an NBFC focusing on Power Sector Financing and Development across India.

The financial assistance to BMRCL forms part of REC’s foray into funding infrastructure development. Established in 1969, REC Limited has completed over fifty years of operations.

It provides financial assistance to the complete power sector value chain; for various types of projects including Generation, Transmission, Distribution and Renewable Energy. REC’s funding illuminates every fourth bulb in India..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   $255.5 Million

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The World Bank has granted its approval for a USD 255.5 million loan aimed at enhancing the quality of technical education in government-run institutions across India.

This funding will support approximately 275 selected government-run technical institutions over the course of the next five years, benefiting more than 350,000 students annually.

The Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education Project will focus on improving student skills and employability through various measures.

The project will emphasise enhanced research capabilities, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Additionally, it aims to improve the governance of technical institutions.

Under this initiative, students will gain access to upgraded curricula that include emerging technologies in communication and climate resilience.

The project will also facilitate improved internship and placement services, providing students with networking opportunities within professional associations.

Statement from the World Bank :

According to a statement released by the World Bank, "World Bank's Board of Executive Directors have approved a USD 255.5 million loan to help India improve the quality of its technical education and provide more career opportunities to students."

This investment underscores the World Bank's commitment to supporting educational development in India..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Egypt

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Sunday (25th June 2023) held bilateral talks in Cairo, focussing on trade & investment, defence & security, renewable energy, cultural and people to people ties.

Three MoUs in the fields of Agriculture, Archaeology & Antiquities and Competition Law were also signed.

Modi, the second Indian prime minister on a state visit to Egypt in 26 years, was conferred with the African country's highest state honour ‘Order of the Nile’ by the Egyptian president Sisi.

It is the 13th international award to be bestowed on the prime minister since he assumed office in 2014.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited the 11th century Al-Hakim mosque which has been restored by India's Dawoodi Bohra community. “Honored to visit the historic Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo. It's a profound testament to Egypt's rich heritage and culture”, Modi tweeted.

Later, Modi visited the Heliopolis Commonwealth War Cemetry and offered tributes to the Indian soldiers who bravely fought and laid down their lives in Egypt and Palestine during the First World War...

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   IIT Kanpur

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The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has successfully conducted a test flight for cloud seeding. The project was initiated at IIT Kanpur a few years ago and is headed by Prof. Manindra Agrawal from the Computer Science and Engineering Department.

* The experiment was conducted with due approval from the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation).
 
* The test flight went up to an approximate height of 5000 ft. The short flight took off and came back to the IIT Kanpur Flight Lab airstrip, after successfully completing the test ride.
 
* Cloud seeding involves the utilization of various chemical agents such as silver iodide, dry ice, common salt, and other elements with the aim of enhancing the probability of precipitation.

* In the experiment undertaken by IIT Kanpur, a Cessna aircraft was flown from the Flight Laboratory of IIT Kanpur with cloud seeding attachments.

* These attachments were procured from a manufacturer in the US and the modifications in the aircraft were approved both by the manufacturers of Cessna and DGCA. The test flight spread the agents using a flare as is standard practice.
 
* Prof. Manindra Agrawal said that they did not fire the flares into the clouds, it was a trial for the equipment only. The successful test flight implies that we’re now prepared to run a cloud seeding in later stages and make it a success.

* He said that IIT Kanpur has been working on this project for a few years now. There was a delay in the procurement processes due to Covid. But now, after the approval from DGCA and the successful completion of the first trial, we are close to completing the setup...

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Dr Vanessa Kerry

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WHO (World Health Organization) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Vanessa Kerry as the first-ever Director-General Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health.



Dr Kerry, a renowned global health expert and medical doctor and CEO of Seed Global Health, will play a pivotal role in amplifying WHO's climate and health messaging and undertake high-level advocacy.

"We are delighted to have Dr Vanessa Kerry join WHO as our Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health. Her extensive experience and dedication to public health make her an invaluable asset in addressing the health consequences of climate change. Together, we will work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for all," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, WHO.

Climate change is emerging as the greatest health challenge of the 21st century, impacting various aspects of human well-being. Extreme weather events, noncommunicable and infectious diseases, as well as health infrastructure and workforce capacity, are all being significantly affected.

Dr Kerry will bring her invaluable expertise and leadership to the forefront in supporting WHO. As the Director-General Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health.

Dr Kerry will undertake key responsibilities :

* Amplifying WHO's climate and health messaging, disseminating WHO's crucial messages on the significance of climate change and health, influential figures, and policymakers to ignite a widespread understanding and sense of urgency;

* Undertaking high-level advocacy for global impact;

* Supporting WHO’s work and engaging in the work of global and regional organizations and national governments, in line with WHO's expert guidance;

* Fostering the adoption and adaptation of WHO's recommendations, while considering the unique contexts of local, national, and regional circumstances;

* Providing strategic advice to the Director-General and decision-makers, strengthening WHO's position as a trusted and authoritative source of information and support, aligning with WHO's own guidance;

* Help mobilize resources to advance the work of WHO, seeking out new partners and influential figures, including prominent personalities, recognizing their potential to lend their expertise and resources to amplify WHO's initiatives..

Source : WHO

Correct Answer :   Paytm

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Paytm Payment Services Limited (PPSL) on Thursday (22nd June 2023) signed an MoU with Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Park (APIIP) to create a startup ecosystem for the youth in the northeastern state.

* According to the MoU, Paytm Incubation Centre will provide its product to early-stage startups at a discounted price and offer free credits through the Paytm Startup toolkit to aid the business ventures of youths in their early stage of growth.

* This will nurture the startup ecosystem in the state and motivate the young entrepreneurs, an official communique informed here.

* The MoU was signed at the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation & Investment Park, the first state-owned marquee incubator here in the presence of its CEO Tabe Haidar.

Paytm Statement : We are happy to partner with the government of Arunachal Pradesh in its journey to create a vibrant startup ecosystem. At the Paytm Incubation Centre, we strive to catalyse the startup ecosystem in India and help young entrepreneurs gain new user acquisition, access funds and more facilities".

"Our comprehensive platform helps businesses to expand their digital presence with quick integration of payment, brand and commerce solutions," he added..

Source : Economic Times

Correct Answer :   Jitendra Singh

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Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched(24th June 2023) mRNA-based Covid Booster Vaccine - GEMCOVAC-OM in New Delhi.

* The vaccine is the first booster COVID-19 vaccine developed in India against the highly transmissible Omicron variant. The booster vaccine can be administered to individuals who have received two doses of either Covaxin or Covishield.

* The vaccine can be stored at 2 to 8 degrees Centigrade. It has demonstrated robust immune responses in phase - 3 clinical trials conducted at 20 centres across 13 cities in India.

* GEMCOVAC-OM is a needle-free, thermostable vaccine, which does not require ultra-cold chain infrastructure used for other approved mRNA-based vaccines, making it easy for deployment pan India.

* The vaccine does not need ultra-low temperature conditions for transport and storage. Gemcovac Om has received emergency use authorization from the office of the Drugs Controller General of India for the Omicron variant. The vaccine has been developed under the mission COVID Suraksha..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and DRDO

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Larsen & Toubro has signed a contract with DRDO for the realisation of two Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system modules for Kalvari class of submarines of the Indian Navy.

Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) or air-independent poweris any marine propulsion technology that allows a non-nuclear submarine to operate without access to atmospheric oxygen.

The Kalvari Class is a category of diesel-electric attack submarines based on the Scorpene-class submarine being built for the Indian Navy.

Technology of this indigenous AIP system generates hydrogen on demand, thereby obviating the need for carrying hydrogen onboard, which is a major safety concern for a submarine.

Larsen & Toubro is the recipient of Transfer of Technology (ToT) for this DRDO-developed AIP system. The manufacturing, integration and factory acceptance of the EMs will be taken at L&T's AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex at Surat. These EMs will be supplied for integration into the AIP plug that will be retrofitted into the submarine.

The company further said that this project would pave the way for more orders for the AIP Systems for the remaining Kalvari class submarines in the upcoming years. This could also open up possible export opportunities to other countries that operate the Scorpene class submarines..

Source : CNBC

Correct Answer :   Amit Shah

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday (24th June 2023) laid the foundation of the ‘Balidan Stambh’ (Martyr’s Memorial) in Srinagar’s Pratap Park famously known as the heart of the city. Shah was accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha including top dignitaries.

The Pratap Park is located close to historic Ghanta Ghar and Lal Chowk city abutting the major arterial roads- MA road as well as Residency road on either side. The space for the memorial is contextually selected because of its proximity to Lal Chowk and is strategically located at the western end of Pratap Park.

As per the officials, stringent security arrangements had been put in place given the inauguration. The traffic across the area remained normal except when it was briefly stopped at the stretch between Regal Crossing and Lal Chowk till Amit Shah left the venue.

After laying the foundation stone, Shah immediately went to Raj Bhavan, the Lieutenant Governor's official residence. The Union Minister also visited the Karan Mahal – the residence of the last Yuvraj of Jammu and Kashmir, Karan Singh.

About ‘Balidan Stambh’ :

* The memorial has been built under the Srinagar Smart City project and is a tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation, the officials said. This Balidan Stambh stands in respect of their supreme sacrifice who laid their lives in service of this country.

* The design of the 'Martyrs Memorial' is kept very simple consisting of a visually open oval arcade. The arcade towards MA road and Residency road is kept visually open and is also embracing the central space.

* This serene park already attracts numerous tourists and locals, thus making it the ideal location for creating a civilian remembrance memorial. This central oval space is further framed by large columns in the shape of candles metaphorically connecting the space with the martyrs.

* This space is anchored in the centre by a "Stambh" which represents the soul of the civilian memorial. On the western end of the space, a large plaque is placed with a description of the memorial.

* This plaque is flanked by 2 LED screens on either side, which will display the names and faces of the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives. Balidaan Stambh in Pratap Park creates a connection between nature and memory and stands as an eternal symbol of peace and hope for the future..

Source : Republic World