Correct Answer :   Sanjeev Raina

---

Sanjeev Raina, a 1987-batch ITBP officer, has been appointed Additional Director General (ADG) in the India-China LAC guarding force, only the second time when a non-IPS officer has been elevated to this post in the force.

An order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday (21st August 2024) said Raina, serving as an Inspector General (IG) at the force's central sector headquartered in Bhopal, is being elevated to the ADG rank apart from another officer, IG Jaspal Singh, for the panel year 2024.

However, Raina, 59, will serve in the new post for just over a month as he is scheduled to retire next month.

A rank piping ceremony was held at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) headquarters on Lodhi Road here on Thursday (22nd August 2024) in the presence of DG Rahul Rasgotra and other senior officers.

Raina has now been posted as the ADG (western command) of the ITBP headquartered in Chandigarh, the order said. The formation looks after the deployment of the force along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh apart from supervising units located in Punjab, Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir.

As per officials who spoke to PTI, this is only the second time in the 1962 raised ITBP when a cadre officer has been elevated to the ADG post, the second highest rank in the force after the DG.

The ADG post in the ITBP and other central armed police forces (CAPFs) is essentially occupied by officers who come on deputation to these organisations from the Indian Police Service (IPS)..

Source : Economic Times

Correct Answer :   Noida

---

The first semiconductor park in Uttar Pradesh was inaugurated at Noida International Airport.

This significant development includes the approval of three companies to establish semiconductor units on 275 acres of land.

The project is expected to create approximately 13,780 jobs and will contribute significantly to India's self-reliance in the technology sector, especially in chip manufacturing, which has faced global shortages recently.

Correct Answer :   IndiGo

---

IndiGo, a leading Indian airline with a significant 62% domestic market share, is evaluating the introduction of the gender-neutral honorific 'Mx' for its internal candidates.

This initiative is part of IndiGo's broader strategy to promote inclusivity and diversity within the company.

Alongside this, IndiGo is focused on increasing the number of disabled employees in customer-facing roles and partnering with agencies that specialize in LGBTQ+ recruitment.

These efforts underline the airline's commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace environment.

Correct Answer :   Malaysian

---

Alister Yoong, a talented Malaysian racer, clinched victory in the inaugural race of the Indian Racing League, driving for the Bengal Tigers at Chennai.

This win marks his first international motorsport triumph, where he showcased his exceptional driving skills.

Competing against strong international competition, Yoong's performance from pole position demonstrated his potential in the global racing arena.

This event highlighted Malaysia's presence in India's emerging motorsport scene, alongside other international racers like Australian driver Hugh Barter.

Correct Answer :   BioE3 Policy

---

The Union Cabinet has approved the BioE3 Policy, which is designed to strengthen research and development, entrepreneurship, and job creation within the advanced biomanufacturing sector.

This policy aims to establish Bio-AI hubs and Biofoundries, aligning with India's broader objectives of achieving a 'Net Zero' carbon economy and promoting 'Green Growth.'

By fostering a circular bioeconomy and encouraging sustainable practices, the BioE3 Policy is a significant step towards India's commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2070.

Correct Answer :   Maharashtra

---

The Prime Minister recognized the achievements of 11 lakh new Lakhpati Didis in Maharashtra, awarding them certificates for their annual earnings of over ?1 lakh.

This initiative aims to empower women and promote financial independence.

Additionally, the Prime Minister launched a Community Investment Fund and bank loans to further support Self-Help Group (SHG) members, demonstrating the government's commitment to women's economic empowerment.

Correct Answer :   Deepti Gaur Mukherjee

---

Deepti Gaur Mukherjee, a 1993 batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has taken over as Secretary to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), succeeding Manoj Govil.

Prior to this, she served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Health Authority, showcasing her experience in leadership roles within the government sector.

Correct Answer :   Varanasi

---

The Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark has led to the creation of the Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR) in Varanasi.

This tripartite initiative, involving the Government of India, IIT-BHU, and Denmark, aims to rejuvenate the Varuna River using sustainable approaches. The project features a hybrid lab model at IIT-BHU and an on-field living lab at the Varuna River, fostering collaboration among government bodies, academic institutions, and local communities.

Governance and Oversight :

 The Indo-Danish Joint Steering Committee (JSC) provides strategic guidance, while the Project Review Committee (PRC) oversees quality control.

The Multi-Stakeholder Working Group (MSWG) coordinates efforts among central and state agencies, and the Secretariat manages daily operations with initial funding from India and Denmark.

Key Projects :

Decision Support System (DSS) : A 2-3 year project to develop a comprehensive river management plan through real-time monitoring and data analytics.

Pollutant Characterization : An 18-month initiative to identify and quantify emerging pollutants using advanced techniques.

Varuna River Demonstration : A holistic plan to rejuvenate a selected stretch of the Varuna River, focusing on regional development and river health.

Hydrogeological Modelling : A 24-month project to enhance base flow through Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) using advanced geophysical techniques.

Correct Answer :   Odisha

---

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has unveiled the Subhadra scheme, a significant initiative under the BJP government.

The scheme promises ?50,000 to one crore women aged 21 to 60 over the next five years, with a total budget allocation of ?55,825 crore.

The funds will be disbursed in annual installments of ?10,000, divided into two payments of ?5,000 each on Rakhi Purnima and International Women’s Day.

Scheme Details :

The Subhadra scheme will start from the financial year 2024-25 and continue until 2028-29. Eligible women will receive the ?50,000 in five annual installments, designed to benefit one crore women in the state. Payments will be made directly to beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-enabled bank accounts via the Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (APBS), and a Subhadra debit card will be issued. Additionally, incentives of ?500 will be given to 100 beneficiaries with the highest digital transactions in each gram panchayat and urban local body.

Opposition Criticism :

The principal opposition party, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has criticized the government for allegedly failing to meet its promise of providing ?50,000 within two years, as outlined in the BJP’s election manifesto.

Eligibility Criteria :

Women from economically privileged backgrounds, government employees, or income tax payees are excluded from the scheme. The implementation aims to bring transparency and encourage digital transactions among beneficiaries.

Odisha: Key Points :

Capital : Bhubaneswar
Chief Minister : Mohan Charan Majhi
Governor : Raghubar Das
Language : Odia
Major Dance Forms : Odissi, Ghoomar
Cuisine : Known for dishes like Dalma, Pakhala Bhata, and Rasgulla
Economy : Predominantly agricultural with significant contributions from mining and tourism
Tourist Attractions : Konark Sun Temple, Puri Jagannath Temple, Chilika Lake
Climate : Tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfall during the monsoon season
Cultural Heritage : Rich in traditional art, dance, and festivals like Rath Yatra and Durga Puja.

Correct Answer :   Wayanad

---

Wayanad is the district with the lowest literacy rate in Kerala, standing at 89.03%. With a population of 817,420, approximately 645,585 individuals are literate. Despite being lower compared to other districts in the state, Wayanad's literacy rate remains high relative to national averages.

Kerala is known for its high literacy rate, which is the highest among all Indian states. However, with in Kerala, there are variations in literacy rates across its districts. The district with the lowest literacy rate in Kerala is Wayanad. Despite being part of the most literate state in India, Wayanad lags behind the other districts.

An Overview of Kerala :

Kerala, located on India’s Malabar Coast, was formed on November 1, 1956, by merging Malayalam-speaking regions. Spanning 38,863 km², it is the 21st largest Indian state by area and the 13th largest by population, with 33 million residents as of the 2011 census. Bordered by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and the Lakshadweep Sea, Kerala is divided into 14 districts, with Thiruvananthapuram as its capital. Malayalam is the state’s official language.

Administrative Divisions of Kerala :

Kerala’s administrative structure comprises 14 districts, 27 revenue divisions, 75 taluks, and 1,453 revenue villages. In terms of local governance, Kerala has 14 district panchayats, 152 block panchayats, and 941 grama panchayats. Additionally, there are six municipal corporations and 87 municipalities, ensuring effective local self-government across the state.

Literacy Rate in Kerala :

Kerala boasts a high literacy rate of 94.00%, according to the latest census. Male literacy in the state is an impressive 96.11%, while female literacy stands at 92.07%. This highlights Kerala’s strong emphasis on education and gender equality, making it the most literate state in India.

District of Kerala with the Lowest Literacy Rate :

Wayanad is the district with the lowest literacy rate in Kerala, standing at 89.03%. With a population of 817,420, approximately 645,585 individuals are literate. Despite being lower compared to other districts in the state, Wayanad’s literacy rate remains high relative to national averages.

What is Wayanad district known for?

Wayanad district is renowned for its abundant camping and trekking trails, stunning waterfalls, mysterious caves, and rich bird-watching sites. The area is also home to diverse flora and fauna, offering a plethora of breathtaking natural sights. These attractions have made Wayanad a favorite destination for tourists seeking adventure and nature’s beauty over the years.