Correct Answer :   Adani Group

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Adani Defence and Aerospace, a part of Gautam Adani-led Adani group, on Monday (26th Feb 2024) launched two mega facilities to manufacture ammunition and missiles in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Spread over 500 acres, the facility is going to be one of the largest integrated ammunition manufacturing complexes in South Asia.

The Adani group company plans to invest over ?3,000 crore in the facilities, which are expected to create around 4,000 jobs, with five times the multiplier effect on MSMEs and the local ecosystem benefiting from it indirectly, it says in a release.

The facilities will produce high-quality small, medium and large calibre ammunition for the armed forces, paramilitary forces and police. The facility has started rolling out small calibre ammunition, starting with 150 million rounds estimated at 25% of India’s annual requirement, the release notes.

“These cutting-edge facilities, which are first of their kind in the private sector in India, will provide a significant impetus to the nation’s self-reliance and technological advancement in defence,” Adani Defence says in the release.

The facilities were inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the presence of senior dignitaries from Ministry of Defence and the state government. The unveiling of the facilities coincided with the fifth anniversary of the Balakot airstrike ‘Operation Bandar’, a historic operation by the Indian Air Force that was a testimony to India’s strategic assertiveness over external threats.

“The facility is a testimony to Uttar Pradesh’s transformation into an industrial powerhouse and our commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Adani Defence & Aerospace has made the largest investment in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor, which will play a crucial role in developing a vibrant defence ecosystem,” says UP CM.

“It is encouraging to see the commencement of operations within 18 months of allocating land. It will be a proud moment when ammunition and missiles produced in these facilities will help in securing the nation,” adds Yogi Adityanath.

Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace, says the establishment of these ammunition and missiles complexes represents a leap forward in the company’s quest for self reliance. “With a planned investment of over ?3,000 crore, its impact extends far beyond the defence sector. It will create over 4,000 jobs, with five times the multiplier effect on MSMEs and the local ecosystem benefiting from it indirectly. We are committed to ensuring that our efforts are inclusive and sustainable, fostering growth while preserving the environment for generations to come,” states Rajvanshi.

As per the company, the ammunition complex started operations in less than two years of its announcement by the Adani Group during the Uttar Pradesh Investors’ Summit in 2022. In 2022, Uttar Pradesh Industrial Development Authority (UPIDA) had signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Adani Aerospace and Defence and other companies to develop Kanpur as South Asia's largest manufacturing facility for arms and ammunition.

“An industry 4.0 facility, it has state of the art automation ensuring highest standards in quality, safety and reliability using artificial intelligence and data analytics. Further, being a PESO certified complex, it will also house explosive handling facilities for missiles and precision-guided munitions,” the release highlights.

Adani Defence and Aerospace is the flagship defence company of the Adani Group. It is also focused on developing and offering unique capabilities across the unmanned segment, counter drones, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technologies and cyber defence.

Last month, Adani Defence launched its indigenously manufactured Drishti 10 Starliner Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to the Indian Navy. Drishti 10 Starliner is an advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform with 36 hours endurance and 450 kg payload capacity..

Source : Fortune India

Correct Answer :   Vietnam

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Vietnam has approved a new national hydrogen strategy that aims to produce 100,000-500,000 tonnes of clean H2 annually by 2030, rising to 10-20 million tonnes by 2050.

As part of the strategy, the government is seeking foreign investors to help produce green and blue hydrogen in the country, which will either be exported or used domestically for transport, heavy industry and power generation, meeting about 10% of the nation’s final energy demand by 2050.

“The overall goal of the strategy is to develop Vietnam’s hydrogen energy ecosystem based on renewable energy, including production, storage, transportation, distribution, domestic use and export to downstream countries,” the Ministry of Industry and Trade said in a statement.

It added that the production of hydrogen “from other energy sources (such as coal, oil and gas)... that capture carbon” would also contribute to the targets.

In the run-up to 2030, Vietnam wants to “gradually develop the hydrogen energy market in accordance with, and in sync with, the fuel conversion roadmap in energy-using sectors of the economy including electricity production, transportation (road, rail, waterway, air), industry (steel, cement, chemical, oil refining, other industrial), commercial and residential”.

The ministry added that it will seek to deploy pilot projects that “take advantage of existing infrastructure”, while also creating a “mechanism and legal corridor for businesses that produce and use fossil energy to actively convert to producing and using hydrogen energy… [including] regulations to decide investment policies for offshore wind power projects, hydrogen/ammonia production and export projects using renewable energy (solar power, offshore wind power…)”.

Preferential mechanisms and policies on taxes, fees and land rights will also be developed to attract investment into the sector.

Yesterday (Thursday), industry and trade minister Nguyen Hong Dien chaired an in-person and online conference to discuss the new hydrogen strategy with other ministries, local authorities, Communist Party branches, trade associations, corporations, state energy enterprises and international development agencies, including USAID and Germany’s GIZ.

The Communist government, which is aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2050, has assigned tasks to “ministries, branches and localities” to deploy the hydrogen strategy, including adjusting provincial plans, proposing policies to encourage the use of H2 fuel for vehicles, and increasing the “mobilisation of domestic and foreign capital sources”..

Source : Hydrogen Insight

Correct Answer :   Droupadi Murmu

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After the success of the ‘International Purple Fest, 2024’ held in Goa from 8th to 13th January, 2024, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is set to host a day-long celebration of inclusivity at Amrit Udyaan in the Rashtrapati Bhawan on 26th February, 2024.

Inauguration by the Honorable President :

* The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, will inaugurate the Purple Fest event, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
* Accompanied by the Ministers of Social Justice & Empowerment and the Secretary of DEPwD, the inauguration sets a powerful tone for the day’s festivities.

A Gathering of Empowerment :

* More than 10 thousand Divyangjan, along with their companions, will gather at this illustrious venue, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and empowerment.
* The Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities spearheads the organization of this monumental event, underscoring its significance in promoting disability rights and inclusion.

Celebrating Inclusivity: Key Activities

The ‘Purple Fest’ promises a plethora of fully inclusive and interactive stalls featuring organizations dedicated to accessibility, inclusion, and disability rights. Attendees can immerse themselves in various activities, including:

* Amrit Udyaan Visit : Explore the serene beauty of Amrit Udyaan, soaking in the tranquil ambiance of nature.
* Know Your Disabilities : An educational initiative aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of different disabilities.
* Purple Cafe : A corner offering refreshments and fostering conversations.
* Purple Kaleidoscope : An artistic showcase celebrating the diverse talents and creativity within the disability community.
* Purple Live Experience Zone : An immersive experience allowing participants to step into the shoes of individuals with disabilities, promoting empathy and understanding.
* Purple Sports : Engage in competitions and activities, showcasing the prowess and athleticism of individuals with disabilities.

Promoting Awareness and Understanding

* The ‘Purple Fest’ serves as a platform for individuals to showcase their ideas and insights, fostering dialogue and collaboration towards creating a more inclusive and accessible society.
* By raising awareness about different disabilities and challenging misconceptions, prejudices, stigma, and stereotypes, the fest aims to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of persons with disabilities within society.

Correct Answer :   SIDBI

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Bihar Startup Fund Trust and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) have inked a pact to administer the INR 50 Cr Bihar Startup Scale-up Financing Fund (BSSFF) with an aim to transform the state into a startup hub.

Pankaj Dixit, IAS, director industries at the Department of Industries in Bihar government and Arijit Dutt, general manager representing SIDBI, formally signed the agreement, SIDBI said in a statement on Friday (February 23).

Bihar Startup Fund Trust is a nodal agency constituted by the Bihar government’s Department of Industries for the implementation of the Bihar Startup Policy. The policy aims to foster entrepreneurship and promote innovation by creating an ecosystem conducive to the growth of startups in the state.

Under the state’s startup policy, the trust has been allocated an initial corpus of INR 500 Cr, in which BSSFF has been established with an initial corpus of INR 50 Cr for scale-up funding support for the startups.

“The Fund, to be managed by SIDBI, shall be in the form of a Fund of Funds. In this model, the fund shall not invest directly into startup companies, instead, it shall contribute to the corpus of SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds, which in turn shall invest in startups,” the official statement read.

It is pertinent to note that in 2022, Bihar’s industry ministry had launched the Bihar Startup Policy to encourage entrepreneurship in the state. Under the policy, the state government offered an interest-free seed fund of INR 10 Lakh to startups for a period of 10 years, along with a grant of INR 3 Lakh for product development and training if a startup participates in an accelerator program.

On the other hand, over the last three decades, SIDBI has played a major role in introducing several pioneering steps for supporting the Indian startup ecosystem and also in providing financial services to the MSME sector.

Last year, the Odisha government also launched an INR 100 Cr Odisha Startup Growth Fund to invest in startups, in partnership with the SIDBI, which would be the fund manager.

Recently, SIDBI also entered the venture debt space and partnered with a few funds for debt investments..

Source : Inc42

Correct Answer :   Sudarshan Setu

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (25th Feb 2024) inaugurated India's longest cable-stayed bridge, Sudarshan Setu, which connects the Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka island in Gujarat. The foundation of the bridge, which connects old and new Dwarka, was laid in 2017 by the Prime Minister.

Features of the Sudarshan Setu: India's Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge

* The Sudarshan Setu spans an impressive 2.32 km, which makes it India's longest cable-stayed bridge.
* The bridge has been constructed at a cost of around ? 980 crore and is a significant investment in the nation's infrastructure.
* The four-lane cable-stayed bridge connects the Okha mainland with Beyt Dwarka island.
* It has a total width of 27.2 meters (89 ft) with two lanes in each direction.
* The footpaths on both sides of the bridge, 2.5 meters (8 ft) wide, are adorned with verses from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and images of Lord Krishna, providing a unique cultural touch.
* Solar panels are installed on the sides of the footpath with a capacity of generating one megawatt of electricity.
* Sudarshan Setu aims to reduce travel time for devotees and tourists and is expected to be a major tourist attraction in Dwarka.
* The construction of the Setu addresses the transportation challenges faced by pilgrims, allowing easier and more convenient access to Beyt Dwarka. Earlier, devotees relied on boats, which limited their travel to only daytime.
* Sudarshan Setu aims to benefit around 8,500 residents on Beyt Dwarka island and accommodate approximately two million pilgrims visiting temples in the area..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Bharat Tex 2024, 26th Feb 2024 (Monday) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The 4-day textile event is considered one of the largest-ever global textile events to be organised in India with more than 100 countries participating at the event. Bharat Tex 2024 is being organised from February 26-29, 2024.

"Drawing inspiration from the 5F Vision of the Prime Minister, the event has a unified farm to foreign via fibre, fabric and fashion focus, covering the entire textiles value chain. It will showcase India's prowess in the textile Sector and reaffirm India's position as a global textile powerhouse," an official statement issued by Prime Minister's Office reads.

The Bharat Tex 2024 will feature over 65 knowledge sessions with more than 100 global panelists discussing various issues facing the sector. The mega textile event is expected to host major policymakers, global CEOs, over 3 thousand 500 exhibitors and over 3 thousand buyers.

‘The Bharat Tex’ is expected to witness more than 40 thousand business visitors, besides students, weavers, artisans and textile workers. The Prime Minister’s Office said in a release that this year’s Bharat Tex will boost trade and investment, help enhance exports and will showcase India’s prowess in the textile sector.

Organised by a consortium of 11 Textile Export Promotion Councils and supported by the government, Bharat Tex 2024 is built on the twin pillars of trade and investment, with an overarching focus on sustainability, PMO said.

PMO added that the four days event will feature over 65 knowledge sessions with more than 100 global panelists discussing various issues facing relevant to the sector. "It will also have dedicated pavilions on sustainability and circularity, an 'Indi Haat', fashion presentations on diverse themes such as Indian Textiles Heritage, sustainability, and global designs, as well as interactive fabric testing zones and product demonstrations," the release said.

Bharat Tex 2024 is expected to witness participation of policymakers and global CEOs, over 3,500 exhibitors, over 3,000 buyers from over 100 countries, and more than 40,000 business visitors, besides textiles students, weavers, artisans and textile workers.

With more than 50 announcements and MoUs expected to be signed during the event, it is envisaged to provide further impetus to investment and trade in the textile sector and help push up exports, PMO said..

Source : DD News

Correct Answer :   Dubai

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Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has announced the introduction of a five-year multiple-entry visa aimed at enhancing travel between India and the UAE. This initiative comes in response to the significant increase in Indian visitors to Dubai, with India being the top source market for tourists in the region.

Key Points

Rise in Indian Visitors :

* In 2023, Dubai witnessed a notable surge in Indian visitors, totaling 2.46 million overnight stays, marking a 25% increase from pre-pandemic levels.
* This growth trend has been consistent, with a 34% year-on-year increase, solidifying India’s position as the leading source market for international visitors to Dubai.


Introduction of 5-Year Visa :

* Dubai has introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa to facilitate seamless travel between India and the UAE, aiming to strengthen economic ties and promote tourism and business collaborations.
* The visa is processed within 2-5 working days upon application acceptance, granting holders a 90-day stay in the UAE, extendable once for an additional 90 days, with a maximum cumulative stay of 180 days within a year.


Tourism Growth in Dubai :

* Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, Dubai experienced a significant rise in international overnight visitors, reaching 17.15 million in 2023, marking a 19.4% growth compared to the previous year.
* This growth underscores Dubai’s status as a leading global tourism destination and its ongoing efforts to attract visitors from diverse regions, including India.

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (25th Feb 2024) inaugurated virtually two institutes of the Ministry of Ayush which will further promote a holistic healthcare scenario in the country. The ‘Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy’ (CRIYN) at Jhajjar, Haryana, and the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) titled ‘NISARG GRAM’ in Pune, Maharashtra were inaugurated.

While inaugurating Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “Our government’s priority is to increase the immunity and the ability to fight the disease. We have laid emphasis on nutrition. Focus has been on Yoga, Ayurveda and hygiene to prevent diseases. We have promoted both traditional Indian systems of medicine and modern medicine. Today, two big hospitals and research centres related to Yoga and Naturopathy have also been inaugurated in Maharashtra and Haryana. A centre of WHO related to traditional medicine is also being set up in Gujarat. Our government is constantly trying to ensure that every person, whether poor or middle class, gets better treatment with savings.

Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal joined the event virtually from Kalyani, West Bengal, where AIIMS was inaugurated by the Prime Minister. Eknath Shinde, CM of Maharashtra joined the event virtually and Union Minister of State for Ayush and Women and Child Development Munjpara Mahendra Bhai joined the event in Gujarat.

At the inaugural event on site of the ‘Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy, Jhajjar (Haryana) the Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar along with other dignitaries participated in the event.

Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy, Jhajjar (Haryana) is built under the aegis of the Ministry of Ayush. This is an Apex-level Yoga and Naturopathy Research and Education facility. Through this project, tertiary level Yoga and Naturopathy healthcare infrastructure will be created. The Institute includes a 200-bed Hospital with OPD, a Treatment Block, an Academic block, a Hostel, and a Residential Block apart from the Yoga Block and Diet Block. The 19 19-acre project has been built for Rs 63.88 crore.

NISARG GRAM is a 250-bedded hospital with a Multi-disciplinary Research and Extension Service Centre along with a Naturopathy Medical College for undergraduate (UG)/postgraduate (PG) /Para Medical Courses. The college also has residential & non-residential facilities comprising of Boys & Girls Hostel, Auditorium, Yoga Hall, Cottages, and the famous Gandhi Memorial Hall is also an integral part of the campus. The 25-acre project costs a total of Rs 213.55 crore.

The National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) in Pune and the Central Research Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy (CRIYN) in Deverkhana Village, Jhajjar, represent significant milestones in promoting holistic healthcare through Traditional Healthcare systems. These institutes utilize diverse approaches such as hydrotherapy, massage, clinical nutrition, and yoga therapy to prevent and address emerging healthcare challenges, especially the growing prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). With their state-of-the-art infrastructure and educational programs, these institutes will empower individuals to prioritize their health and well-being..

Source : India

Correct Answer :   110th

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In the 110th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates the remarkable contributions of women across India. With Women’s Day around the corner, he highlights the inspiring journey of women like Sunita Devi, affectionately known as “Drone Didi,” who are breaking barriers and transforming lives. From mastering drone technology to revolutionizing agriculture in villages, women are scripting a new narrative of empowerment and progress.

Empowering Women in Natural Farming and Conservation :

* Prime Minister Modi acknowledges the pivotal role of women in natural farming, water conservation, and sanitation. He engages in a conversation with Kalyani Prafulla Patil, who shares her experiences in implementing organic farming techniques and spearheading water conservation initiatives. Their stories underscore the significant strides women are making towards sustainable development and environmental preservation.

Harnessing Technology for Wildlife Conservation :

* Ahead of World Wildlife Day, Prime Minister Modi sheds light on innovative approaches to wildlife conservation leveraging technology. He highlights initiatives like the use of artificial intelligence to mitigate human-tiger conflicts in Chandrapur and the development of drones for monitoring crocodiles in Uttarakhand. These technological interventions exemplify India’s commitment to safeguarding its rich biodiversity.

Preserving Cultural Heritage and Language Diversity :

* Prime Minister Modi pays tribute to individuals like Bhim Singh Bhavesh and Mohammad Manshah, who are dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and indigenous languages. Their efforts in promoting regional languages and folk traditions reflect India’s cultural richness and linguistic diversity.

Youth Empowerment and Civic Engagement :

* Encouraging youth participation in civic affairs, Prime Minister Modi urges first-time voters to exercise their franchise responsibly. He emphasizes the importance of active engagement in the electoral process and calls upon influencers from various fields to inspire and mobilize youth participation.

A Break Amidst Election Season :

* In light of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Modi announces a temporary hiatus for ‘Mann Ki Baat’ to uphold political neutrality. However, he urges citizens to continue sharing their achievements and societal contributions on social media using the hashtag #MannKiBaat.

Correct Answer :   Chhattisgarh

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The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has commissioned India’s largest solar-battery energy storage system (BESS) in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh.

Project Highlights :

* Capacity : 40 MW / 120 MWh BESS
* Solar PV Plant Capacity : 152.325 MW
* Dispatchable Capacity : 100 MW AC (155.02 MW peak DC)
* Beneficiary : State of Chhattisgarh

Project Significance :

* First-of-its-kind : This large-scale integration of solar and battery storage represents a pioneering leap in renewable energy generation and utilization in India.
* Peak Power Management : The project addresses peak energy demand by storing solar energy during the day and releasing it during evening hours, ensuring grid stability and reliability.
* Environmental Benefits : By utilizing renewable energy sources and adopting sustainable land-use practices, the project contributes significantly to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental responsibility.
* Economic Viability : The project’s long-term power purchase agreement with the state electricity distribution company ensures economic sustainability and paves the way for future renewable energy endeavors.

Project Features :

* Innovative Technology : The project incorporates bifacial solar modules, generating more electricity compared to traditional models.
* Land Utilization : The project demonstrates responsible land use by repurposing previously unused land through a collaborative agreement with the Chhattisgarh government.
* Grid Integration : Seamless integration into the existing power grid is ensured through a dedicated 132 kV transmission line.
* Financial Collaboration : The project is a testament to successful collaboration, receiving funding from the World Bank, Clean Technology Fund, and domestic lending agencies.

Looking Ahead :

The successful commissioning of this project is expected to have a widespread positive impact :


This project serves as a beacon of hope for a sustainable future, demonstrating the immense potential of renewable energy to meet growing energy demands while safeguarding the environment.