Correct Answer :   Madhya Pradesh

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* Justice Satyendra Kumar Singh has been appointed as the new Lokayukta (anti-corruption ombudsman) of Madhya Pradesh.

* The General Administration Department (GAD) of the state government on Saturday (9th Mar 2024) night issued an order in this regard.

* Justice Singh was appointed as Lokayukta (anti-corruption ombudsman) under the Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta Adhiniyam 1981, the order stated.

Correct Answer :   11 March

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World Plumbing Day, held annually on 11 March, is an international event initiated by the World Plumbing Council to recognize the crucial role plumbing plays in societal health and amenity. The WPC works year-round, in partnership with organizations like the World Health Organization, to promote the benefits of safe plumbing.

History and Global Celebration :

* The idea behind World Plumbing Day is for people worldwide to pause and reflect on the vital role of plumbing in preserving health and way of life, or in building sustainable, disease-free futures for millions in developing countries. Launched in 2010, World Plumbing Day is celebrated across continents like Australia, Europe, and Africa, with events organized to draw attention to the importance of good plumbing and sanitation.

Promoting Health Through Plumbing :

* World Plumbing Day recognizes the critical link between health and plumbing facilities. The bathroom plays a significant role in maintaining our health worldwide, as sanitized plumbing solutions cut the spread of harmful bacteria like bacillus, gram-negative rods, cocci, and gram-positive rods, which can cause skin infections, pneumonia, and antibiotic resistance.

Supporting Plumbing Initiatives Globally :

* On World Plumbing Day, individuals and organizations can actively support initiatives that develop plumbing in impoverished areas. This includes donating to charities that build toilets in developing regions or supporting organizations that use profits to fund plumbing projects.

Promoting Healthy Bathroom Habits :

* World Plumbing Day is an opportunity to introduce and reinforce healthy bathroom habits, such as proper handwashing techniques and maintaining a clean bathroom environment. Simple practices like changing hand towels regularly and keeping plumbing fixtures clean can significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Supporting Local Plumbers :

* On World Plumbing Day, it’s essential to recognize and support local plumbing professionals, as their knowledge and expertise play a crucial role in protecting home hygiene and maintaining safe plumbing systems. Avoiding harmful DIY practices and seeking professional help for plumbing issues can ensure the safety and longevity of your plumbing system.

Appreciating Modern Plumbing Facilities :

* World Plumbing Day is a reminder to appreciate and maintain modern plumbing facilities. Homeowners can learn quick fixes for everyday plumbing challenges, schedule regular maintenance and inspections, and use eco-friendly solutions like water filters and softeners to keep pipes clean and free of obstructions.

* World Plumbing Day highlights the vital role of plumbing in maintaining public health, promoting sustainable sanitation practices, and ensuring access to clean water and safe plumbing facilities for all. By supporting initiatives, promoting healthy habits, and appreciating the work of plumbing professionals, individuals and communities can contribute to improving health outcomes and creating a more sustainable future.

Correct Answer :   Tamil Nadu

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The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu announced the launch of a new initiative called “Neengal Nalama” (Are you doing well) on the 6th of March 2024. The Tamil Nadu government is continuously taking different initiatives to elevate each family in the state. This scheme is also called as ‘Are you alright scheme’. It is another major initiative of the Tamil Nadu government. Through this initiative, Tamil Nadu govt. wants to uplift every family in the state. Read the article below to learn more about ????????? ??? ???????.

Neengalum Nalama Scheme 2024 :

This website was created to provide information, resources, and rights related to public welfare. This website allows users to voice their comments about the projects. On March 6, 2024, Minister M.K. Stalin introduced the Neengal Nalama Scheme, which stands for “Are you doing well”? The government of Tamil Nadu hopes to improve every family in the state with this programme.

Objectives of Neengalum Nalama Scheme :

The new project’s premise is that all Tamil Nadu residents should be in good health so that the government can continue to show them love and kindness. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has started this initiative called Are You OK? with the main goal of making sure people benefit from the programmes for people’s well-being.

Benefits of Neengalum Nalama Scheme :

Following are the benefits of the Neengalum Nalama Scheme

Registration Process of Neengalum Nalama Scheme :

Following are the steps for the Registration Process of the Neengalum Nalama Scheme.

Login to the Tamilnadu Neengal Nalama Portal :

The steps mentioned below will guide you to Login to the Tamilnadu Neengal Nalama Portal.


Official Website :    https://neengalnalamaa.tn.gov.in/

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi made headlines by inaugurating 15 significant airport projects On 10 March 2024, marking an unprecedented infrastructural addition in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh. This extensive initiative, almost valued at ?10,000 crore, encompasses a blend of new airports, expanded terminals, foundation stones for future airports, and other ancillary facilities.

The Projects Unveiled :

* The highlight of this massive project rollout includes 12 new terminal buildings at airports across diverse locations such as Pune, Kolhapur, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Delhi, Lucknow, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Moradabad, Shravasti, and Adampur. Additionally, foundation stones were laid for new terminal buildings at Kadapa, Hubballi, and Belagavi airports, signaling a significant boost to India’s aviation infrastructure.

* Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, among other dignitaries, graced the occasion, underlying the project’s significance for the state and the country.

Prior Achievements and Future Plans :

* In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has already operationalized state-of-the-art new integrated terminal buildings at Chennai, Port Blair, Surat, and Tiruchirappalli Airports. Other inaugurations include new terminal buildings at Kanpur Airport, Rajkot International Airport, Tezu Airport, and Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya Dham. These projects are primarily aimed at enhancing passenger amenities and stimulating local economic growth.

* Furthermore, the foundation for new terminals in Datia, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Rajahmundry has been laid to accommodate future demands, emphasizing the government’s vision for a robust aviation network.

Financial and Capacity Highlights :

* The development of these 12 new terminal buildings is underway at an estimated cost of ?8,903 crore. Upon completion, these terminals will collectively have the capacity to handle 615 lakh passengers annually, significantly increasing India’s passenger handling capability.

* Moreover, the AAI has committed to developing three new terminal buildings at Kadapa, Hubballi, and Belagavi Airports with an investment of ?908 crore, which will further enhance the passenger handling capacity to 95 lakh passengers per annum.

Emphasis on Sustainability and Cultural Heritage :

* In a nod to sustainability, these new terminals will feature double insulated roofing systems, energy-saving canopies, LED lighting, low heat gain double glazing units, and solar power plants to meet GRIHA ratings.

* Reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage, the design of these airports incorporates elements from heritage structures of their respective states and cities. This approach aims to enrich the travel experience through murals, paintings, and architectural styles that showcase the local culture and heritage.

Impact on the Economy and Aviation Industry :

* The PMO’s press release highlighted the significant impact of these 15 airport projects, worth ?9,811 crore, on India’s civil aviation industry. This move is expected to bolster economic growth, enhance air connectivity, boost tourism, and create employment opportunities, reinforcing India’s stature in the global aviation landscape.

* With the inauguration of these projects, India’s aviation sector is poised for a substantial leap forward, promising an era of increased connectivity, economic prosperity, and cultural exchange.

Correct Answer :   Ashwini Vaishnaw

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Union Minister for Communications, Electronics, and Information Technology and Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, unveiled India’s fastest and indigenously developed IP/MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) router in Bengaluru.

The router, boasting a capacity of 2.4 tdps, marks a significant milestone in India’s technological advancement. Ashwini Vaishnaw stressed that the router’s creation is a significant step in achieving the Prime Minister’s Digital India vision.

Top Features of India’s Fastest Router

Blazing Speed : The indigenously developed router boasts a remarkable speed of 2.4 tbps (terabytes per second), signifying a significant leap in data transmission capabilities. This speed is equivalent to 1,000 gigabytes or one lakh crore bytes per second.
Versatile Applications : Vaishnaw emphasized the diverse applications of the router, stating that its installation will catalyze growth across various sectors, including railways communication networks, power grids, telecommunications, and television media.
MPLS Routing Technique : The router employs MPLS, a sophisticated routing technique commonly used in telecommunications networks. MPLS directs data from one node to the next based on labels rather than traditional network addresses, optimizing data transfer efficiency.
Collaborative Development : Developed through collaboration between the Department of Telecom, CDOT, and Nivetti, the router represents a testament to India’s prowess in technological innovation. Its capability to handle 2.4 tbps data signifies a significant advancement in networking technology.

Enhancing Digital Infrastructure

* The introduction of the indigenously developed router promises to revolutionize India’s digital infrastructure.
* MPLS, pioneered in the 1990s, accelerates network connections by routing packets along predetermined network paths, significantly reducing data transfer times.
* By identifying paths or “network roads,” MPLS streamlines data transmission, enhancing overall network efficiency.

Correct Answer :   Himanta Biswa Sarma

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Chief Minister, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 50 MW solar power project in Sonitpur, Assam. This venture is spearheaded by SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL), a subsidiary of the central public sector enterprise SJVN Limited, which operates under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. The solar project, with an investment of Rs. 291 crores, is set to rise in Sitalmari village, Barsola Block, within the Dhekiajuli Revenue Sector of Sonitpur district.

The project is anticipated to produce 101 million units of electricity in its inaugural year, promising a substantial cumulative output of approximately 2,319 million units over 25 years. This green energy will be supplied to the Assam Power Development Corporation Limited at a rate of Rs. 3.92 per unit, marking a significant milestone in Assam’s journey towards sustainable energy.

The ceremony saw the attendance of notable figures including Shri Ashok Singhal, Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs of Assam; Shri Pallab Lochan Das, MP of Tezpur; Shri Ganesh Kumar Limbu, MLA of Barchalla, among other distinguished guests from the Ministry of Power and SJVN.

Smt. Geeta Kapur, Chairperson and Managing Director of SJVN, revealed the company’s broader vision in Assam, detailing the development of three solar projects with capacities of 200 MW, 70 MW, and 50 MW, cumulatively aiming for 320 MW of power generation in the state. This expansion includes a 70 MW solar project in Dhubri, the foundation stone of which was laid by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on March 4, 2024.

Established in 1988, SJVN has evolved from a joint venture into a diverse energy conglomerate, embracing hydro, thermal, wind, solar, power trading, and transmission. With a goal to achieve an installed capacity of 25,000 MW by 2030 and 50,000 MW by 2040, SJVN aligns with India’s commitment to a sustainable energy future, emphasizing the shift towards non-fossil-fuel-based sources..

Source : Solar Quarter

Correct Answer :   Delhi Airport

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Delhi Airport has once again asserted its dominance in the aviation sector by securing the prestigious title of ‘Best Airport’ in the Asia-Pacific region for the sixth consecutive year. This accolade, bestowed by the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, reaffirms Delhi Airport’s commitment to excellence and leadership in providing top-notch services to passengers.

Award Recognition :

* The Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Best Airport award for 2023 was conferred upon Delhi Airport in the category of over 40 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA) by the Airports Council International (ACI).
* This award underscores Delhi Airport’s consistent dedication to enhancing the passenger experience and maintaining high standards of service excellence.

Methodology

* The ASQ Awards, organized annually by ACI World, evaluate airport performance based on customer experience metrics gathered from passengers participating in ASQ’s Departures and Arrivals Surveys.
* ACI World collaborates with Amadeus, a leading travel technology company, to administer the ASQ Awards, ensuring a rigorous and impartial assessment process.

Significance

* Delhi Airport’s repeated recognition as the best airport in the Asia-Pacific region underscores its pivotal role as a benchmark for excellence in the global aviation industry.
* This achievement reflects Delhi International Airport Limited’s (DIAL) unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional services and maintaining its position as a preferred hub for travelers in the region.

Correct Answer :   Maharashtra

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Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Mr. Narayan Rane laid the foundation stone of the MSME-Technology Centre in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg on Monday (11th Mar 2024).

* Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rane said the Technology Centre will provide advanced training to youngsters in various fields, adding that food processing is likely to become a major industrial activity in this area.

* According to an official press release, 20 such Technology Centres and 100 Extension Centres have been planned across the country.

* MSME-Technology Centre in Sindhudurg will be built at an estimated cost of 182 Crore Rupees. The Centre will focus on sectors like General Engineering and Food Processing and will create new opportunities for growth for the MSMEs in the nearby areas.

* Meanwhile, Mr. Rane also inaugurated an exhibition on PM Vishwakarma and the Sindhudurg Audyogik Mahotsav and Self Employment Conclave on the occasion..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway in Gurugram on Monday (11th Mar 2024). The 8-lane high-speed expressway is India's first elevated highway, and is expected to help improve traffic flow and ease congestion between Delhi and Gurugram.

The Haryana section includes two packages -- from the Delhi-Haryana border to Basai ROB (10.2 km) and from Basai ROB to Kherki Daula (Cloverleaf Interchange) (8.7 km).

The 19-km-long section has been built at a cost of around Rs 4,100 crore.

FEATURES OF THE DWARKA EXPRESSWAY :

* The expressway is the country’s first elevated urban expressway and the first single-pillar flyover with eight lanes. The entire stretch is being built at a cost of about Rs 9,000 crore.

* About 19 kilometres of the expressway stretch fall in Haryana while the remaining 10 kilometres are in Delhi.

* The high-speed expressway begins from Shiv-Murti on the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway, and ends near the Kherki Daula Toll Plaza, passing through Dwarka Sector 21 in Delhi, Gurugram border, and Basai.

* It will have four multi-level interchanges, such as tunnels or underpasses, an at-grade road section, an elevated flyover, and a flyover above flyover.

* The 9-kilometre-long, 34-metre-wide elevated road of eight lanes on a single pillar is the first of its kind in the country.

* The stretch also consists of the longest (3.6 kilometres) and widest (eight-lane) urban road tunnel in India.

* Once completed, it will also provide direct access to the upcoming India International Convention Centre (IICC) in Dwarka Sector 25 in Delhi.

* The expressway will be an alternate connection to the Indira Gandhi International Airport through a shallow tunnel.

* It connects Dwarka Sectors – 88, 83, 84, 99, 113 with Sector-21 along with the proposed Global City in Gurugram district.

* The expressway has sophisticated safety mechanisms, and toll collection will be completely automated, and the entire project will be equipped with an Efficient Transport System (ITS).

* The construction has been scheduled in four stages. First, in the Delhi region from Shiv Murti in Mahipalpur to Bijwasan (5.9 km), second from Bijwasan ROB to Delhi-Haryana border in Gurugram (4.2 km), third in the Haryana region from Delhi-Haryana border to Basai ROB (10.2 km), and fourth from Basai ROB to Kherki Daula (Cloverleaf Interchange) (8.7 km).

* For the total construction, it is estimated to consume 2 lakh MT of steel (30 times the steel used in the Eiffel Tower) and 20 lakh cubic metres of concrete (6 times the concrete used in the Burj Khalifa)..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Asif Ali Zardari

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Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday (10th Mar 2024) took oath as Pakistan’s 14th President, a day after the veteran politician was overwhelmingly elected as the next head of state.

* Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa administered the oath to the 68-year-old Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the Presidential Palace.

* Zardari will replace Dr Arif Alvi, who stayed in office for five more months despite completing his five-year term in September 2023.

* The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, all three service chiefs, senior officials and diplomats.

* Zardari, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman, the joint candidate of the ruling alliance, was elected as the country’s president for the second time on Saturday after he defeated PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) candidate Mahmood Khan Achakzai by a huge margin.

* He secured 411 electoral votes in Parliament and all four provincial assemblies with the backing of allied parties — mainly Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P).

* His rival, Achakzai bagged 181 votes as he was only able to secure the majority of votes in the PTI-backed SIC-dominated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.

* This is the second time Zardari has won the presidency. He earlier served as the 11th president of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013 and has been a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan since August 2018.

* Born in 1955, Zardari was brought up and educated in Karachi. He was married to Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s daughter, Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated in December 2007..

Source : Dailyexcelsior