Correct Answer :   Odisha

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The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors 28th March 2023 approved a $100 million loan to help the Indian state of Odisha strengthen its early forecasting systems for improved response to disasters and enhance its social protection coverage for poor and vulnerable households through digital platforms.

* The coastal state of Odisha is vulnerable to natural disasters with cyclones hitting the state every 15 months on an average. The state’s 480 km coastline is also exposed to tsunami risk.

* Recurrent disasters significantly impact economic activities including agricultural production, infrastructure and access to health, education, and jobs.

* The Odisha State Capability and Resilient Growth Program will help reduce losses caused by natural disasters through a multi-hazard digital warning system and strengthen the state’s data collection efforts for better resilience planning.

* The program will also increase social protection coverage through a cash transfer program, with coastal and underserved communities receiving assistance through online delivery platforms (Mo-Sewa Kendras).

* “The Program will help Government of Odisha scale up existing social protection systems to better protect vulnerable households from climate shocks,” said Auguste Tano Kouame, the World Bank’s Country Director for India.

* “The proposed engagement complements reform priorities identified by the Government of Odisha while building on the extensive program of technical assistance provided by World Bank to the state over the past decade.”

* The new Program will support the state’s efforts to enhance digital social service delivery systems...

Source : World Bank

Correct Answer :   Hero Motocorp

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The country's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, 30th March 2023 appointed Niranjan Gupta as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from May 1, 2023.

* He was earlier serving as the company's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Head - Strategy, and Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A).

* Pawan Munjal, who was earlier the CEO of Hero MotoCorp, will continue as Executive Chairman and Whole-Time Director on the company's Board.

* In an official statement, Hero MotoCorp said that over the past six years, Gupta has played a key role in shaping the financial health of the company by navigating it through a highly competitive and ever-evolving environment. "He has also played a significant role in forging key partnerships with global brands such as Harley Davidson and Zero Motorcycles," it added.

* Gupta has over 25 years of leadership experience in finance, M&A, supply chain and strategy roles across business sectors, including consumer goods, metals and mining, and automobiles. He also serves as a Director on the Board of Ather Energy, HMC MM Auto and HMCL Colombia.

* Our vision, mission and values will continue to be the guiding light towards building the next growth story, as we further consolidate our market leadership while delighting our customers and creating shareholder value.

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Prof (Dr.) Renu Cheema Vig

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The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, who is also the Chancellor, Panjab University appointed Prof. (Dr.) Renu Cheema Vig, presently the Dean of University Instruction (DUI), as the Vice Chancellor of Panjab University, 29th March 2023.

Exercising the powers conferred by Section 10 of the Panjab University Act 1947, Shri Dhankhar made the appointment of Prof. Vig for a term of three years.

It may be noted that subsequent to the resignation of Prof. Raj Kumar as Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, Prof. Vig, was Acting Vice Chancellor since January 16, 2023.

Consequently, the Hon’ble Vice-President constituted a three member Search-cum-Selection Committee on March 21, 2023 for recommending names for the post of Vice Chancellor, Panjab University. Prof. Renu Vig’s appointment follows from the committee’s report..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Ranveer Singh

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The Walt Disney Company India-owned channel "Star Sports" has signed Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh as its brand ambassador.

* The association, the company said, makes the pop culture icon the first actor to be associated with the channel and will be growing synergy between sports and entertainment, it said.

* Singh will be seen as ‘sutradhaar’ for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League or as the company is terming it, “Incredible League". He will be involved in creating content for the league. The league begins 31 March 2023.

* Singh’s collaboration with Star Sports is a significant move for the brand, it said. It aims to leverage Singh’s popularity and his love for sports to connect with diverse audiences which haven’t yet formed a deep relationship with sports.

* Sanjog Gupta, head of sports at Disney Star, said, We believe that sports in India is on the move but needs a continuous injection of fandom to turn into a full-fledged movement. In Ranveer Singh, we see a die-hard sports fan, a committed storyteller, and an entertainer par excellence, who is keen to use his popularity to grow sports. We want to reach new audiences, who still haven’t discovered their passion for the sport. This also includes millions of viewers, who haven’t been watching cricket or don’t watch cricket regularly...

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Ajay Singh

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SpiceJet’s Chairman & Managing Director Ajay Singh has assumed charge as the President "Assocham", replacing Renew Power MD Sumant Sinha after the completion of his tenure.

* Sanjay Nayar, founder and Chairman of Sorin Investment Fund is the new Senior Vice-President of Assocham, the industry body said in a release on Wednesday (29th March 2023).

* He emphasised that the chamber would stay engaged with the government, Centre and states, leading academicians, economists besides corporate leaders to find solutions to the issues, which may crop up in a fast-changing global economic and political landscape.

About Ajay Singh :

Ajay Singh studied at the Indian Institute of Technology – Delhi, where he received a degree in engineering, and got his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Cornell University in the US. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) from the Law Faculty, University of Delhi..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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Deptt of Telecom organised ‘First International Quantum Communication Conclave’ on 27 to 28 March 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Modi Vision : Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision is that India should lead in development of telecom technologies and standards.

* Minister of Communications, Electronics & Information Technology and Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Communications Shri Devusinh Chauhan inaugurated the Conclave on 27 th March 2023.

* The conclave was organised in association with CDOT, Telecommunications Standards Development Society India (TSDSI) and IEEE Communications Society - Delhi Chapter.

* The International Quantum Communication Conclave provided an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in quantum communication technologies. Experts from industries, academia, R&D centres, and government deliberated possible applications of Quantum Technologies in building a secure communication infrastructure.

* The standards on the ‘Test Guide of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) System’ and ‘Quantum-Safe and Classical Cryptography System’ were released by the  Minister during the inaugural.

* The C-DOT is actively engaged in developing solutions in Quantum Communications and is poised to be designated as hub for Quantum Communication related activities under NMQTA.

* C-DOT has developed Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) security solutions for communication. These solutions have been demonstrated in the live network and TEC certification process is also under way...

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Bharat Electronics Limited

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The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday (29th March 2023) signed three contracts -- two with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad and one with New Space India Limited (NSIL) -- at a total cost nearly Rs 5,400 crore, to bolster the defence capabilities of the country.

* According to the Ministry of Defence, the first contract with BEL pertains to the procurement of the Automated Air Defence Control and Reporting System 'Project Akashteer' worth Rs 1,982 crore for the Indian Army.

* The second contract with BEL relates to the acquisition of Sarang Electronic Support Measure (ESM) systems along with the associated Engineering Support Package from BEL, Hyderabad at an overall cost of Rs 412 crore for the Indian Navy.

* The contract with NSIL, a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Space, Bengaluru pertains to the procurement of an advanced Communication Satellite, GSAT 7B, which will provide High Throughput Services to the Indian Army at an overall cost of Rs 2,963 crore, said the Defence Ministry statement..

Source : Economic Times

Correct Answer :   144th

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According to the latest update from the Passport Index, India’s Mobility Scores have decreased, resulting in the country experiencing the largest global drop on the Index this year. Prior to the pandemic in 2019, India had a mobility score of 71, which increased to 73 in 2022 as the post-pandemic wave of increasing mobility took effect.

* However, as of March 2023, its mobility score has dropped to 70. This decline has occurred despite record increases in mobility as the global and national economies re-opened after the pandemic. India’s ranking has fallen by six places in 2023, resulting in an individual ranking of 144 compared to 138 in 2022.

* The Passport Index has released its latest update, which reveals that India’s Mobility Score has dropped. Other large Asian economies such as Vietnam, Indonesia, China, and Thailand have also experienced declines in their mobility scores, indicating a missed opportunity to capitalize on the global uptick in mobility recorded last year.

* India’s sharp decline has been linked to the European Union’s policy of introducing visa requirements for Indian nationals, placing pressure on countries like Serbia in 2023.

* China continues to underperform in comparison to countries like the USA and Germany due to its lack of visa-free agreements with blocs like the EU or regional competitors like India and Japan.

* South Korea and Japan are the exceptions to the downward trend in mobility, with both maintaining their strong positions. South Korea has the highest mobility score in Asia at 174 and is ranked 12th overall. Japan is ranked 26th with a mobility score of 172, making it the closest Asian competitor to South Korea.

* Only 10 countries have seen a rise in their mobility score this year, with Sweden overtaking Germany to rise to second overall. Kenya recorded the largest gain this year, jumping four places in the individual ranking, in line with the broader movements towards greater mobility in the African continent, where 40% of the ten countries showing mobility growth were African nations.

Correct Answer :   Gujarat

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The 1st Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) meeting will take place from March 30 to April 1, 2023, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

* The G20 India Presidency has achieved a significant milestone by building consensus to start a new workstream on disaster risk reduction after assuming the G20 Presidency.

* The meeting will be inaugurated by Dr. PK Mishra, PS to Honourable Prime Minister and Minister of State for Communication, Government of India Shri DevuSinh Chauhan.

* More than 80 delegates from G20 member countries, invited countries and international organisations are attending the meeting.

* This momentous occasion serves as a resounding call to action for the global community to come together and collaboratively pave the path towards a future that is fortified against the devastation caused by disasters.

* India's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), MHA, will lead the discussions on the DRRWG. The meeting over the three days would deliberate on - Global coverage of Early Warning Systems, Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, stronger national financial frameworks, disaster response systems and increased application of ecosystems-based approaches to DRR.

* On the margins of the main meeting, two side events are envisaged on ‘Early Warning-Early Action’ and ‘Disaster Risk Reduction and its Impact on Global Infrastructure Resilience: Insights for the G20’ respectively.

* As a prelude to the main event, a Curtain Raiser : ‘Learning from Disasters: Memorialising disasters, learning, building back better, investing in resilience’ took place on the 29th of March, 2023 at the Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management (GIDM) attended by Dr. PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Honourable Prime Minister along with subject-matter experts in Disaster Risk Reduction.

* Some other key participants included Dr. Adityajati, Deputy Minister, National Agency for Disaster Management, Indonesia, Ms. Rita Missal from UNDP, Dr. Agostino Goretti from Italy amongst others.

* During the three days, the delegates would also be given an opportunity to get a glimpse of the cultural heritage and cuisine of Gujarat along with a field visit to the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum at Bhuj..

Source : G20

Correct Answer :   ₹ 8.88 Trillion

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The central government has decided to make a gross market borrowing of ₹8.88 trillion in the first half of FY24, accounting for 57.55% of the overall market borrowings planned for the year, finance ministry said on Wednesday.

* The borrowing programme is finalised in consultation with the RBI, the ministry said. The Centre has budgeted a gross market borrowing of ₹15.43 trillion in FY 2024.

* Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had in her budget speech for FY24 projected a fiscal deficit of ₹17.86 trillion accounting for 5.9% of the nominal gross domestic product (GDP). Centre is pursuing a target of fiscal deficit lower than 4.5% of GDP by FY26.

* The ministry said the borrowing is scheduled to be completed in 26 weekly tranches of ₹31,000-39,000 crore.

* The borrowing will be spread under securities of 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 30 and 40 year maturity. Ten year securities account for the highest share of 20.5% among these.  

* The ministry also said that issuance of Sovereign Green Bonds will be announced in the second half (H2) of FY 2023-24.

* The Government will continue to exercise green shoe option to retain an additional subscription of up to ₹2,000 crore against each of the securities indicated in the auction notification.

* Weekly borrowing through issuance of Treasury Bills in the first quarter of FY24 is expected to be ₹32,000 crore with net borrowing of ₹1.42 trillion during the quarter, against net borrowing of ₹2.40 trillion in the comparable quarter of FY23...

Source : Mint