Correct Answer :   Uttar Pradesh

---

Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has announced a complete waiver of electricity bills for private tube wells owned by farmers, effective from April 1, 2023. This decision, announced, aims to alleviate the financial burden on the state’s farmers, enhancing their agricultural productivity and overall well-being.

Financial Allocation and Scheme Implementation

Budget Allocation for the Electricity Bill Waiver : To facilitate the implementation of this significant policy, the Uttar Pradesh government has earmarked a substantial sum of ?1,800 crore in the 2024-2025 budget. This allocation underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the agrarian sector, a vital component of the state’s economy.

Scheme for Settling Outstanding Bills : Additionally, the government has proposed a scheme to aid farmers with outstanding electricity bills predating April 1, 2023. This initiative is designed to enable farmers to clear their dues without incurring any interest, with the added flexibility of paying in convenient installments. This approach not only provides financial relief but also ensures that farmers are not burdened with accumulated debt.

Fulfilling Promises and Expanding Beneficiaries

Delivering on a Key Electoral Promise : Energy Minister AK Sharma, while sharing details with the media, emphasized that this move fulfills the government’s promise to exempt farmers owning private tube wells from 100% of power tariffs. This policy is seen as a testament to the government’s dedication to the welfare of the farming community in Uttar Pradesh.

The Broader Impact on the Farming Community : The significance of private tube wells in the agricultural landscape of Uttar Pradesh cannot be overstated. On average, each tube well benefits 8 to 10 farmers, facilitating the irrigation of their fields. With this waiver, the scheme is expected to benefit approximately 1.5 crore individuals within the farming community, marking a substantial step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in the state.

A Look Back and Looking Forward

The Journey to 100% Rebate : It’s noteworthy that farmers in Uttar Pradesh had already been receiving a 50% rebate on their electricity bills for tube wells since the government’s announcement weeks before the assembly elections in 2022. The promise of a 100% rebate was made in the Budget 2023, and with the latest announcement, the government has now fully realized this commitment. This move comes after many farmers stopped paying their bills in anticipation of the promised relief, showcasing the government’s responsiveness to the needs and expectations of the agrarian sector.

Correct Answer :   Guwahati

---

The inaugural Bharat Steam Boiler Expo 2024 has officially commenced in Guwahati, Assam, marking a significant milestone in India’s industrial journey. Launched with the objective of enhancing the growth and efficiency of sectors reliant on steam boilers, this three-day event has been inaugurated by Sanjay Kishan, the state’s Labour and Employment Minister. This pioneering expo is the result of a collaborative effort among industry stalwarts including Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Oil India Ltd (OIL), Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL), Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Ltd (BCPL), Assam Petro Chemicals Ltd, and NTPC Ltd.

A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration

Showcasing Cutting-Edge Technology

The Bharat Steam Boiler Expo 2024 serves as a dynamic platform, bringing together domestic and international manufacturers, suppliers of ancillary equipment, service and maintenance professionals, and representatives from key sectors such as power plants, textile industries, food processing plants, and chemical manufacturers. The expo is not just a showcase of products and innovations but a celebration of the boilers’ pivotal role in India’s industrial framework, driving production and innovation across various industries.

Educational Seminars and Workshops :

A series of seminars and workshops conducted by esteemed experts will cover vital topics including best maintenance practices, regulatory compliance, safety standards, and emerging trends in boiler technology. These sessions aim to equip participants with the latest knowledge and skills required for the evolving industrial landscape.

Skill Development and Capacity Building

BIOMMAS: Training for the NextGen :

In alignment with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s vision, the Bharat Institute of Modern Manufacturing Applied Sciences (BIOMMAS) with the tagline “Training for the NextGen” Vision Document was unveiled by Minister Sanjoy Kishan. This initiative underscores the state’s commitment to skill development and preparing the youth for the demands of the modern industrial sector. The Centre of Excellence, envisioned by Kalyan Chakravarthy, head of the Skill Department in the Government of Assam, aims to be a catalyst for capacity building in next-generation manufacturing technologies.

Strengthening Business and Regulatory Insights

A Gateway to Business and Regulatory Frameworks :

The expo also facilitates business-to-business meetings, collaborations, and insights into government subsidies and financing for adopting new technologies. It offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders to explore export markets and engage with government agencies overseeing industry regulations, safety, and environmental compliance, setting the stage for a more interconnected and regulated industrial ecosystem.

Correct Answer :   Piyush Goyal

---

Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal today (4th Mar 2024) stated that the agriculture sector will be the foundational pillar spearheading the nation towards becoming ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.

He was addressing the gathering at the launch ceremony of ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ (Digital Gateway) of the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) in New Delhi.

The Minister said that the ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ initiative will ease the farmers’ warehousing logistics with the help of technology and aid the farmers in receiving fair prices for their produce.

He said that the initiative with its simplified digital process can ease the procedure of farmers' storage at any registered WDRA warehouse.

Mr. Goyal announced that the security deposit charges at WDRA registered warehouses will soon be reduced to encourage more farmers, especially small farmers, to utilise the warehouses and enhance their income. He said that the farmers stocking their produce at these warehouses would need to pay only one percent security deposit instead of the earlier three percent..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   IIM Mumbai

---

European aviation major Airbus on Wednesday (6th Mar 2024) said it has signed a contract with Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai) to offer aviation training to professionals.

Aimed at equipping these professionals with industry-ready skills under Airbus Beyond programme, Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai), as part of the initiative will offer short-term aviation courses to aspiring and working professionals, Airbus said in a release.

Airbus Beyond is an Airbus company that readies professionals for aerospace industry challenges, as per the company.

The programme offers courses in the areas of aviation logistics, supply chain management, operations excellence, cargo handling, strategic procurement, business analytics and digitisation. Under the pact, IIM Mumbai will organise courses, onboard students and provide infrastructure and logistical support.

On the other hand, Airbus on its part, will provide trainers and training material from the Airbus Beyond catalogue for short-term courses in the initial phase and co-curate long-term courses and certify their trainers in the later phase, the release stated.

“Through this partnership with IIM Mumbai, we are combining our expertise and resources to create comprehensive programmes that will help advance the future of aerospace education and skilling in India,” Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, said.

The move will further support in creating a strong pipeline of industry-ready talent for the aviation sector in the country, he added.

“This is the first-of-its-kind strategic collaboration between IIM Mumbai and Airbus,” Manoj K Tiwari, Director at the institute, said.

The programmes are designed to enhance capability building at both executive and frontline levels, according to Airbus..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Kerala

---

Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is set to launch Kerela's OTT platform at Kairali Theatre on Thursday (7th March 2024), at 9:30 am. The state is poised to make waves in the digital entertainment realm with the launch of CSpace.

The CSpace OTT platform is poised to debut tomorrow and aims to deliver a unique blend of informative and entertaining content especially tailored for the masses. Meabwhile, Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian will preside. This marks India's first government-backed OTT platform.

Noted film director and Chairman at Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), Shaji N Karun at a press conference pointed out that the OTT platform is being launched to deal with to the growing imbalances and multifarious challenges in the OTT sector. He said, "CSpace is essentially a response to the growing imbalances and multifarious challenges in the OTT sector in terms of content selection and propagation".

An official statement noted, “Set to debut this Thursday, the platform aims to deliver a unique blend of informative and entertaining content tailored for the masses."

What is CSpace?

* CSpace is managed by Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) which is a state-owned company entrusted with the promotion of Malayalam cinema and industry.

* This OTT platform will be released on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs of Government of Kerala. KSFDC has constituted a curator panel of 60 members including eminent cultural personalities from the state for selecting and approving the content.

* The eminent cultural personalities include Benyamin, OV Usha, Santhosh Sivan, Shyamaprasad, Sunny Joseph, and Jeo Baby. Every content that is submitted to the platform will be evaluated by three curators from the panel for its artistic, cultural and infotainment merit..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   3.1%

---

In 2023, India witnessed a significant decline in its unemployment rate, reaching 3.1%, marking the lowest figure in the past three years. This notable drop is attributed to several factors, including the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and increased economic activity following the relaxation of lockdown measures.

Key Findings from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for 2023 :

* Overall Unemployment Rate : Decreased to 3.1% from 3.6% in 2022 and 4.2% in 2021.
* Gender Disparities : Unemployment rate among females declined to 3%, while for males it dropped to 3.2%.
* Urban vs. Rural Disparities : Urban unemployment rate decreased to 5.2%, rural rate dropped to 2.4%.

* Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in Urban Areas : Increased to 56.2%, indicating greater engagement in economic activities.
* Impact of Economic Growth : The decline in unemployment coincided with an economic growth rate of 8.4% in the third quarter of 2023-24 fiscal year, driven by robust performances in manufacturing, mining & quarrying, and construction sectors.

Economic Growth Outlook :

* Third Quarter Performance : Indian economy grew by 8.4% in Q3 of 2023-24 fiscal year, showcasing strength across various sectors.
* National Statistical Office (NSO) Estimates : NSO’s second advance estimate pegged the country’s growth at 7.6% for the entire fiscal year 2023-24, reflecting a positive trajectory from earlier projections.

Correct Answer :   Hamirpur

---

Union Minister Anurag once again provided a splendid platform for young sports talents in Hamirpur by inaugurating Sansad Khel Mahakumbh 3.0 on Tuesday (5th Mar 2024).

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid graced the occasion as chief guests. Lakhvinder Singh Vadali, Kuldeep Sharma, "Natti King", "Pines of Harmony" Himachal Police Band, and Apaarshakti Khurana also enhanced the grandeur of the inaugural ceremony.

During the inauguration, Luhnu Ground in Bilaspur dazzled with spectacular fireworks. Notable dignitaries, including BJP district president Swatantra Sankeyan, former MP and senior BJP leader Suresh Chandel, MLA Satpal Satti, MLA Naina Devi, MLA Randeep Sharma, MLA Trilok Jamwal, MLA JR Katwal, former MLA Rajendra Garg, Hamirpur Lok Sabha in-charge Sumit Sharma, and state minister Narendra Atri, graced the occasion.

While inaugurating Sansad Khel Mahakumbh, Anurag Thakur said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi says 'Khelega India toh Khilega India', emphasizing the importance of sports. Therefore, Sansad Khel Mahakumbh not only provides a platform for talents in my Hamirpur parliamentary constituency but also offers them the opportunity to shine at national and international levels.

Sansad Khel Mahakumbh has become the biggest platform for players in my Hamirpur parliamentary constituency to play, compete, and showcase their talents.

“After 40,000 participants in the first edition and 45,000 in the second, our aim this time is to engage 75,000 players. I extend my best wishes to all participants of the event,” Thakur said..

Source : Daily Pioneer

Correct Answer :   Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL)

---

NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary NLC India Green Energy Limited (NIGEL) to carry out future Renewable Energy Projects. The subsidiary will focus specifically on Renewable Energy projects and thus leveraging the expertise to its benefits.

NLCIL has won 600 MW Solar Power Project tender in the GSECL Khavda Solar Park, floated by GUVNL through competitive bidding process. In line with the policy of developing RE projects under the green energy wholly owned subsidiary (WoS), the project development has been vested with NIGEL.

As a first initiative, NIGEL has signed the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) for the proposed 600 MW Solar Power Project at Khavda Solar Park, Bhuj District, Gujarat.

The entire power from the project will be procured by GUVNL with the PPA tariff for the electricity from the project at Rs. 2.705/kWhr. The annual generation of electricity is set at 1,577.88 MU (Million Unit), with a cumulative electricity generation of 39.447 BU (Billion Unit) in its lifetime. The project is set to offset approximately 35.5 Million Metric Tons of Carbon dioxide emissions during its entire life.

The PPA was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of NIGEL in the presence of Chairman, NIGEL Director and CFO, NIGEL with GM (Renewables), GUNVL at Vadodara. On the occasion, Chairman, NIGEL Shri. Prasanna Kumar Motupalli stated that, this project has the benefit of being established in a Solar Park with all readily available necessary infrastructure and with payment security for the power sold. By securing additional capacity in the Green shoe option, the project economics have been improved because of scales, he further added.

The proposed 600 MW Solar Power Project in Khavda Solar Park will be the single largest Solar project developed by NLCIL as on date..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Jharkhand

---

Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren will formally launch the State Widow Remarriage Promotion Scheme on 6th Mar 2024.

Giving information about the scheme, the Secretary of Women and Children and Social Welfare Department, Manoj Kumar, said, “This scheme is being introduced so that widows can be brought into the mainstream and they can live with dignity…Any widow who remarries can apply for this; Within one year of her marriage…Rs 2 lakhs will be given to her…”

“The widows in our society are not leading a dignified life. Their productivity is down. Their contribution to society and the nation is also not achieved. To fetch their productivity for the construction and restructuring of society and nation, it is required that they are brought to the manifold of the society,” Manoj Kumar added.

This step comes ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the country.

Earlier, the Jharkhand government presented a budget of Rs 1.28 lakh crore for the financial year 2024-25. This was the first budget of the newly formed Champai Soren government.

The budgetary estimates for next year were up 10 per cent from the previous budget estimates of 2023-24 and 6.5 per cent up against the revised estimates.

The JMM-led coalition government had presented a budget of Rs 1.16 lakh crore for the current financial year 2023-24. The budgeted figures were later upwardly revised to Rs 1.20 lakh crore.

The fiscal deficit is estimated to be 2.02 per cent, against the target of limiting it to 3.0 per cent of GSDP in the financial year 2024-25..

Correct Answer :   West Bengal

---

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (6th Mar 2024) inaugurated India’s first underwater Metro line in Kolkata (West Bengal) and took a ride on the train from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan along with several school students. Modi also virtually inaugurated several other Metro services across the country.

The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section underwater Metro line has the first transportation tunnel under a river in India. It passes under the Hooghly River – Kolkata and Howrah are situated on its east and west banks, respectively – and has the deepest Metro station in India at Howrah (30 m deep).

Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, a total of 11.45 km is being added to the existing Kolkata Metro network– 5.4 km on the Orange Line, 4.8 km on the Green Line and 1.25 km on the Purple Line.

According to officials, from its inception in 1984 till 2014, only 27.99 km of the Metro network was functional in Kolkata. After 2014, the Metro network was expanded by 25.34 km, starting with the inauguration of the first phase of the East-West Metro from Salt Lake Sector V to Salt Lake Stadium over a 5.3 km stretch in 2020. Gradually, the Kolkata Metro extended its wings and the Salt Lake Stadium to Phoolbagan (1.67 km) and Phoolbagan to Sealdah (2.33 km) stretches were also opened for commercial service. The Noapara-Dakshineswar stretch (4.14 km) was inaugurated in 2021 and the Joka-Taratala (6.5 km) stretch on the Purple Line was inaugurated in 2022.

As per Metro authorities, 2022-2023 recorded the highest-ever Metro network expansion of 14.23 km in a single year. “It was an addition of 36 per cent to the existing network since Kolkata Metro’s inception,” an official said.

Between 1972 and 2014, an expenditure of Rs 5,981 crore was made for all Kolkata Metro projects.  From 2014 to October 2023, an expenditure of Rs 19,043 crore has been made to complete all the ongoing Metro projects in the city.

VIDEO | PM Modi travels in India's first underwater metro in West Bengal's Kolkata.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/SD7ihTKEln

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 6, 2024

At present, the Kolkata Metro network spans a 47.93 km stretch – 32.13 km of North-South Corridor, 9.3 km of East-West Corridor and 6.5 km of Joka-Esplanade Corridor. An extension of 13.27 km has been planned. Of this, a 4.80 km stretch of East-West Metro from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade was inaugurated on Wednesday along with another extension of 1.25 km from Taratala to Majerhat and a 5.4 km stretch of New Metro Corridor from Kavi Subhas to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay.

New Metro Corridor from Kavi Subhash to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay stretch: This 5.4 km stretch has been built at a cost of Rs 1,435 crore. The five stations on this stretch have been named after luminaries like film maestro Satyajit Ray, writer Jyotirindra Nandi, poets Sukanta Bhattacharya and Subhash Mukhopadhyay and famous singer Hemanta Mukhopadhyay.

This Metro Corridor will decongest the busy Eastern Metropolitan Bypass and reduce travel time between Kavi Subhash and Rabi Thakur More. Commuters from Howrah, Hooghly and North 24 Parganas on the Blue Line will be able to avail of the Metro services of the Orange Line with the same tokens and smart cards by just interchanging at Kavi Subhash station with the help of the integrated ticketing system.

The Metro project from New Garia (Kavi Subhash) – Airport (Biman Bandar) was sanctioned in 2010-11 as an elevated corridor at a cost of Rs 3,952 crore and the revised sanctioned cost is Rs 8,964 crore. Metro work between New Garia to the airport is under construction and the main work on the 5.4 km section from New Garia to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay has been completed with Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) authorisation on February 7, 2023, by One Train Only System. This section was inaugurated on Wednesday.

Green Line :

The East-West corridor has the distinction of being the first under-river transportation tunnel in India. The passage is 520 metres long from one bank to the other and is more than 30 metres (100 feet) below the Hooghly River’s surface at its deepest points.

The 4.8-km stretch of East-West Metro from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade has been built at a cost of Rs 4,965 crore. With the opening of the 2.33 km Metro corridor from Sealdah railway station to Phoolbagan in 2002, 9.3 km of the corridor is presently operational. A 4.80 km truncated section from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade was inaugurated on Wednesday. The travel time between Sealdah and Salt Lake has now reduced to 20 minutes, as against more than an hour by road..

Source : Indian Express