Correct Answer :   Uttar Pradesh

---

Uttar Pradesh a leading state in the field of milk development and milk production, the state government has launched the Nand Baba Milk Mission scheme at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore.

* The Nand Baba Milk Mission scheme, which was launched on Tuesday (6th June 2023) has been implemented to provide milk producers the facility of selling their milk at a reasonable price in villages through dairy co-operative societies.

* Cabinet Minister, Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Dharampal Singh said the department was making constant efforts to ensure the development of the rural economy in the state, to provide remunerative prices to the farmers for their milk and to strengthen the agro-based infrastructure.

* Under this mission, it is proposed to form Dairy farmer producer organisation (Dairy FPO) in order to facilitate sale of milk in producers' villages itself, he said.

* In the financial year 2023-24, there is a plan to set up five Dairy FPOs in as many districts of the state as a pilot project, in which women will also play a major role, he said.

* Besides the opening of office of the Nand Baba Milk Mission at Kisan Gomtinagar, a 'Dairy Development Portal' and logo of Nand Baba Mission has also been unveiled..

Source : India Times

Correct Answer :   Yes Securities

---

YES SECURITIES (YSL) is partnering with WatchYourHealth (WYH), a tech driven healthcare platform, to provide investment solutions to healthcare professionals through the ‘Wellth- Where Investments and Health Unite’ program.

Aim : As per the company, the partnership is aimed at helping the healthcare community start their investment journey for successful wealth creation and achieving long-term financial goals.

Anshul Arzare, joint MD and CEO, YES SECURITIES said, “The journey of wealth creation and financial planning involves investment awareness, picking the right asset mix, and aligning it with financial goals and this requires time, knowledge and critical decision making. Our products and offerings are curated to suit both the new age and traditional investors. With this partnership, we aim to provide the best of wealth advice and democratise investment accessibility to every investor in the country.”

Additionally, the company will provide free-of-cost demat and trading accounts, monthly stock research recommendations, and tailor-made product offerings based on the client’s needs. The partnership will also see the launch of a custom app, which will provide a seamless and personalised investment journey exclusively for doctors.

Ratheesh Nair, CEO and co-founder, WatchYourHealth said, “The Wellth initiative, where Investments and Wealth unite is an endeavour from WYH and the YES SECURITIES to help the Doctor community grow their wealth with professional guidance using financial education as a tool. This educational series will help doctors diversify from traditional investment opportunities like FD and look at growing their wealth in line with the India growth story.”

Moreover, some of the other features under the Wellth program include investment products and advisory services to doctors and healthcare professionals, financial planning products including SIPs and AIFs to retail and HNI clients. This will also comprise webinars to create investment awareness, an online module to train doctors and healthcare professionals..

Source : Financial Express

Correct Answer :   Pinarayi Vijayan

---

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the "KFON, Kerala Fibre Optic Network project" at Shankaranarayanan Thambi Hall of the State Legislative Assembly on Monday (5th June 2023).

Aim : The project aims to, ensure internet facilities for all at affordable rates in the State.

* It also aims to give free internet to over twenty lakh of poor families. While inaugurating Chief Minister said, by providing internet facilities at a lower rate, Kerala aims to bridge the digital divide in the society.

* It will lead the State forward in line with the changing world, he added. The Chief Minister informed that an internet connection would be provided to all Government offices and houses soon.

* During the first phase of the KFON initiative, Internet facilities will be provided to thirty thousand government institutions and fourteen thousand houses in the State..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Prasoon Joshi

---

The Central Board of Film Certification, a statute under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, have launched its revamped website (cbfcindia.gov.in) and the new Mobile App (e-Cine App) recently (2nd June 2023).

* This is one of the most important milestones for CBFC in its process of Phase II advanced Digitization since 2017, to bring more transparency and efficiency in the working.

* Shri Prasoon Joshi, the Chairman-CBFC launched the revamped website and newly developed Mobile App which aims at simplification of certification process by providing more valuable, user-centric, and inclusive features to filmmakers, applicants, and other users in general.

* The dynamically revamped CBFC website and the new Mobile App focus on making them user- friendly to learn, locate valuable information, and carry out simpler tasks by both applicants and CBFC officials, at their desks and on mobile devices.

* The new features of CBFC website offer a more comprehensive understanding of film certification, various Acts, Rules, Important Circulars/communications, Court Judgements, statistical information on certified films, updated FAQs, a Help Desk, Contacts, a user guide, and a video tutorial on registration, application process, real-time progress tracking, and search facility to the applicants.

* The revamped website of CBFC will provide timely updates on new and upcoming events, circulars, orders, notifications, etc. The registered users can continue to log in using their existing credentials.

* The newly developed Mobile App provides features such as real-time progress tracking of application status and intimation of tentative screening dates, a facility to respond to intimation and show cause notice, and uploading of required documents (including video of less than 10 minutes duration), thereby encouraging complete automation process and minimal human intervention. Also, the CBFC Officials can form and schedule screening committees, track application status, view notice responses, approve requests to change regional office, etc..

Source : cbfcindia.gov.in

Correct Answer :   Nitin Gadkari

---

Highlighting its commitment towards Environment sustainability, NHAI’s first ‘Sustainability Report for FY 2021-22’ covers NHAI’s governance structure, stakeholders, environment and social responsibility initiatives.

* The report was recently released by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways.

* The Sustainability Report underlines the effectiveness of various efforts made by NHAI for environment and energy conservation. From FY 2019-20 till 2021-22 direct emission reduced by 18.44% and 9.49% due to less fuel consumption. NHAI continues to work towards reducing indirect emissions as well, by transiting towards clean and green energy sources.

* Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions from energy consumption, operations, transport and travel measured in Metric Tonnes CO2 equivalent /km constructed saw a decline of 9.7% in FY 2020-21 and 2% in FY 2021-22.  

* Similarly in operations, energy intensity in Giga Joules/km reduced by 37% in FY 2020-21 and 27% in FY 2021-22, while the kilometers constructed through the reporting period has risen steadily. With over 97% penetration, Electronic Toll Collection through FASTag has contributed to reduce the carbon footprint.

* Apart from this, NHAI has been using recycled materials for National Highway construction. Use of fly-ash and plastic waste in construction has increased over the last three years. NHAI has  been encouraging use of Recycled Asphalt (RAP) and Recycled Aggregates (RA) in the National Highway construction.

* In order to ensure sustainable environmental growth, more than 100 Wildlife Crossings were created in three years across 20 States as a measure for wildlife protection and conservation to reduce man-animal conflict.

* Over the years, NHAI has been undertaking plantation drives to develop eco-friendly National Highways. There has been a significant increase in number of saplings planted from 2016-17 till 2021-22. Around 2.74 crore saplings were planted till 2021-22 to offset direct emissions from the vehicles.

* NHAI has partnered with different stakeholders such as State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM), Self Help Groups, CSR partners and NGOs to collaboratively organize plantation drives. In July 2022, NHAI organized a nationwide plantation drive and planted around 1.1 lakh plants in a single day through simultaneous plantations at 114 identified locations across the country..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Jacinda Ardern

---

Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern received one of New Zealand’s highest honours for her service leading the country through a mass shooting and coronavirus pandemic.

* Ardern received the Dame Grand Companionship, New Zealand's second-highest honour, as part of the King Charles Birthday Honours.

* In New Zealand, royal honorees are typically chosen twice a year by the Prime Minister and signed off by Charles, the British king who is also recognised as New Zealand’s king.

* In a statement, Prime Minister of New Zealand, said that she was being recognised for her service during some of the greatest challenges our country has faced in modern times. .

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Eknath Shinde

---

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has launched Asia's largest, ambitious and historic cluster development scheme in Thane.

* While launching the scheme, Mr. Shinde said his much-awaited dream is coming into reality but he will be the happiest person in the world only on the day the beneficiaries of the scheme will receive the keys of their own house.

* This scheme was conceptualized for the collective redevelopment of unauthorized and official dangerous buildings after the collapse of the Sairaj Building in Thane which had claimed 18 lives.

* The redeveloped township plan includes well-equipped health, educational, sports, recreational, parking, mandi, and civic facilities.

* The CIDCO will execute the project. Under the project, the integrated redevelopment project will be done on the lines of townships.

* The occupants will get a 323 Sq ft ownership house. Chief Minister Shinde announced that the scheme will be implemented not only in Thane but also in Mumbai and the Mira-Bhayandar area of Thane district. He added that 10,000 houses will be constructed in the first phase of cluster development in Thane on 1500 acre area.

* He expressed confidence that the projects which are stalled or delayed will be completed with greater initiative with the help of CIDCO, MHADA, and BMC and those who had to migrate away from Mumbai will be brought back.

* Eknath Shinde also thanked Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his cooperation and his guidance for this scheme during his tenure as the Chief Minister of the state...

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Sri Lanka

---

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the maiden International Cruise Vessel - MV Empress, India’s first international cruise vessel - from Chennai to Sri Lanka in Chennai 5th June 2023.

* This marks the beginning of the international cruise tourism terminal at Chennai, built at a cost of ₹17.21 crores, heralding a new age of cruise tourism & maritime trade in the country.

* Coinciding on the occasion of Enviornment Day, the Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal along with the port officials also planted 2500 tree saplings at the port today.

* Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways have been taking multiple steps to develop the avenues of cruise tourism in the country and bolster opportunities of maritime trade of India.

* With our rich heritage & culture around our coastal region, the potential of cruise tourism in India is immense. Today, as we launch the maiden cruise service between Chennai and Sri Lanka, it has ushered a new chapter in the cruise tourism sector in the country.

* As the affordability & access to world class cruise services becomes a reality, the people can enjoy & relish luxurious amenities, entertainment, and breathtaking views.”

* The cruise service is the result of an MoU signed during the first Incredible India International Cruise Conference in 2022 between Chennai Port and M/S Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd to start domestic and international cruise service.

* With an overwhelming response by 85,000 passengers availing the cruise service through 37 vessels for the domestic circuit, it is expected that the opening up of international circuit will further amp up the business of cruise tourism in the region. The modern cruise terminal developed at Chennai Port is spread over an area of 2,880 square meters with an ability to host 3,000 passengers at a time.

* We expect that the volume of cruise ships will increase from 208 in 2023 to 500 in 2030 and upto 1100 by 2047. Consequently, the number of passengers availing cruise services is also likely to increase from 9.5 lakhs in 2030 to 45 lakhs in 2047.

* In order to boost demand for cruise services the western, southern and eastern coasts of India, we are working on Gujarat Pilgrimage tours, Cultural and Scenic Tours, Ayurveda Wellness Tours & Heritage Tourism. Plans are afoot to develop new cruise tourism terminal in Andamans, Puducherry and Lakshadweep circuits. We are also studying the feasibility of developing ferry circuits across India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar.”

* The cruise service will sail to three Sri Lankan ports; viz. Hanbantota, Trincomalee, and Kankesanturei. The tour packages on board MV Empress will be offered for 2 nights, 3 nights, 4 nights and 5 nights. During its run at the sea, MV Empress will be touching 3 ports in Sri Lanka before returning to Chennai..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

---

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (5th June 2023) launched two schemes--Amrit Dharohar and MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes).

Aim : At reviving the country's wetlands and mangroves.

* "In the last nine years, the number of wetlands and Ramsar sites in India has increased almost three times as compared to earlier," Modi said while launching the schemes to further the campaign of Green Future, Green Economy.

* India currently has 75 Ramsar sites that are wetlands of international importance and have been designated under the criteria of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

* The country also accounts for about 3% of South Asia’s mangrove population. Apart from the Sundarbans in West Bengal, the Andamans region, the Kachchh and Jamnagar areas in Gujarat have substantial mangrove cover.

* Underlining India's efforts to balance present requirements and future vision, PM Modi said that necessary help has been provided to the poorest of the poor while huge steps have been taken keeping in mind the energy needs of the future. “During the last nine years, India has made an unprecedented focus on green and clean energy. India started Mission Green Hydrogen and took major steps towards natural farming to save soil and water from chemical fertilizers."

* The launch of Amrit Dharohar Yojana will ensure the conservation of the existing Ramsar sites through public participation, and these sites will become the centre of eco-tourism and a source of green jobs for thousands of people, the prime minister said.


MISHTI scheme : The MISHTI scheme will help revive and protect the mangrove ecosystem in the country. With this, the mangrove cover will be restored in nine states across the country and help in mitigating the threat to lives and livelihoods in coastal areas from rising sea levels and disasters like cyclones.

* While Amrit Dharohar aims to achieve sustainable ecosystem development with the help of local communities over the next three years, MISHTI envisages comprehensively exploring the possible area for development of mangroves covering nearly 540 sq km, spreading across 11 states and two union territories over five years, starting FY24.

* The primary objectives of the MISHTI scheme are sharing of best practices on plantation techniques, management practices, conservation measures and resource mobilisation through public-private partnership.

* The Centre will cover 80% of the project cost, while state governments will contribute the remaining 20%.

Progress in Plastic Waste Management : Modi also added that India had started work in 2018 to get rid of single-use plastic. “On one hand, we have banned single-use plastic and on the other hand, plastic waste processing has been made mandatory," he said.

As a result, there has been compulsory recycling of about 3 million tonne of plastic packaging in India, which is 75% of the total annual plastic waste produced in India, and around 10 thousand producers, importers and brands have come under its ambit till date.

Mission LiFE : Speaking on mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), PM Modi highlighted that the mission was spreading a new consciousness about lifestyle changes to combat climate change..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Nirmala Lakshman

---

Ms. Nirmala Lakshman has been unanimously appointed Chairperson of the Board of Directors of The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited (THGPPL) for a term of three years.

* She succeeds Ms. Malini Parthasarathy, who stepped down as Chairperson at the Board’s meeting on Monday, June 5, 2023 upon nearing the completion of her three-year term.

* Ms. Nirmala Lakshman holds a Ph.D. in post-modern literature and brings with her more than four decades of experience as an editor, writer, and strategist for The Hindu’s various publications.

* In her years as Joint Editor of The Hindu, she led the re-launch of several feature sections and the creation of new ones, such as ‘The Hindu Literary Review’, ‘Young World’, and ‘The Hindu in School’.

* She is the founder and curator of Lit for Life, The Hindu’s literary festival. Ms. Lakshman served as the Chairperson of Kasturi Media Limited (KML), publishers of The Hindu Tamil Thisai.

* The Board of Directors of THGPPL placed on record its appreciation of Ms. Malini Parthasarathy’s contributions to the Group and its publications as well as the efficient way in which she led the deliberations and proceedings at the Board level.

* The Board expressed confidence that Ms. Lakshman, with her qualifications and experience, would succeed in fulfilling the responsibility that comes with her new position..

Source : The Hindu