Correct Answer :   Maharashtra

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Maharashtra Government has decided to introduce ‘Chief Minister Vayoshree Yojana’ that is likely to benefit 15 lakh senior citizens who suffer from some physical or mental disability. These citizens, above the age of 65 years, will be screened and those found eligible will be paid three thousand rupees. The scheme will be implemented across all districts at an approximate cost of 480 crore rupees.

With an aim to boost the confidence of depositors in cooperative societies, the government has announced an assistance scheme. According to an official press release, the government will form an independent entity that will pay back deposits of upto one lakh rupees in case a non-agricultural cooperative society goes bankrupt. While the government has announced an initial corpus of hundred crore rupees as its contribution for this entity, the cooperatives too will have to contribute ten paise for every hundred rupees of deposits that they receive. About three crore depositors are expected to benefit from this decision.

The state cabinet, during its meeting in Mumbai, further decided that there will be no increase in property tax for Mumbaikars. A proposal in this regard was approved by the Maharashtra Government today. According to an official press release, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai will have to bear a burden of 736 crore rupees in order to provide relief to citizens.

Meanwhile, considering the success of the Employment Fair held in Nagpur recently, the cabinet has decided to hold the Namo Maharojgar Fair at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nashik, Pune and Konkan divisions with an aim to provide job opportunities to atleast two lakh youngsters.

For tourists and wildlife enthusiasts, the state government has decided to start a Leopard Safari in Pune’s Ambegaon.

The cabinet has also approved the plan to expand Shirdi Airport, seek salt pan land from Centre for Dharavi Redevelopment Plan and revision of retirement age for teachers in agricultural universities from 62 to 60 years..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Justice Vijay Bishnoi

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Justice Vijay Bishnoi was sworn in as the new Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court on Monday, February 5, 2024,

Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria administered the oath of office to the new Chief Justice, an official release said.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary and several other dignitaries were present at the ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, it added.

Mr. Sarma, in a post on X, congratulated the new chief justice.

"I congratulate Justice Vijay Bishnoi Ji on taking oath as the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court. His legal acumen, wisdom, counsel and vast experience will greatly benefit the State. My best wishes for a fruitful tenure," he wrote..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   Anand Kumar

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Super 30 founder Anand Kumar on Tuesday (6th Feb 2024) joined the elite list of Indian celebrities, including Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Dutt, who have been granted the ‘Golden Visa’ by the United Arab Emirates government.

The coveted Golden Visa, introduced by the UAE in 2019, grants long-term residency, permitting independent living, working, and studying.

Kumar was nominated for the Golden Visa by the UAE Embassy in India. He officially received it on Tuesday (6th Feb 2024).

Individuals in the fields of science, knowledge, culture, and art are granted the Golden Visa.

Kumar getting the coveted visa represents a noteworthy inclusion from the academic sector, traditionally dominated by Bollywood and sports icons, including Sania Mirza, Boney Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Kamal Haasan, and their family members.

“It is an honour to receive the Golden Visa. I am thankful to the authorities for this,” said Kumar, who has been invited to the UAE to personally receive the honour for his extensive work in the field of education.

Kumar, a Mathematics educator, started his Super 30 programme in Patna in 2002, known for coaching underprivileged students for JEE-Main & JEE-Advanced, the entrance examination for the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

Kumar was named in Time magazine’s list of Best of Asia 2010. In 2023, he was awarded the Padma Shri, fourth highest civilian award by the Government of India for his contributions in the field of literature and education..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ONGC's sea survival centre in Goa on Tuesday (06th Feb 2024). It aims to advance the Indian sea survival training ecosystem to global standards as a one-of-a-kind Integrated Sea Survival Training Centre. It is expected to train 10,000-15,000 personnel annually.

Personnel will be trained in simulated and controlled harsh weather conditions. The centre will help trainees deal with real-life disasters and enhance their sea survival skills.

What's planned in PM Modi's Goa visit :

In Goa, PM Modi will inaugurate India Energy Week 2024 to be held from February 6th -9th, 2024 in the state. At the energy exhibition and conference, he will also meet Global oil and gas CEOs and experts.

Through the India Energy Week 2024, the government aims to encourage startups and companies which can contribute to India's energy goals. 17 Energy ministers from different countries, 35,000 attendees and more than 900 exhibitors are expected to participate in the event.

The conference will have six dedicated country pavilions - Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Russia, the UK and the US. Notably, India aims to transition from non-renewable sources of energy to renewable sources. The Modi government is making efforts to achieve Atma Nirbharta in India's energy requirements.

PM Modi will also participate in the Viksit Bharat, Viksit Goa 2047 programme.

He will inaugurate the permanent campus of the National Institute of Technology Goa. The campus has various facilities to meet the needs of students, faculty and staff of the institute.

He will dedicate the new campus of the National Institute of Watersports.

The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for Passenger Ropeway, along with associated tourism activities, connecting Panaji and Reis Magos.

He will also lay the foundation stone for the construction of a 100 MLD water treatment plant in South Goa..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   Nayib Bukele

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President Nayib Bukele on Sunday (4th Feb 2024) secured a thumping victory in El Salvador's elections after voters cast aside concerns about erosion of democracy to reward him for a fierce gang crackdown that transformed security in the Central American country.

Provisional results on Monday (5th Feb 2024) morning show Bukele winning 83% support with just over 70% of the ballots counted. Bukele declared himself the winner before official results were announced, claiming to have attained more than 85% of the vote.

Thousands of Bukele's supporters clad in cyan blue and waving flags thronged San Salvador's central square to celebrate his re-election, which the 42-year-old leader termed a "referendum" on his government.

His New Ideas party is expected to win almost all of the 60 seats in the legislative body, tightening its grip on the country and bestowing even more sway on Bukele, the most powerful leader in El Salvador's modern history.

Gang Violence Crackdown Fuels Bukele’s Reelection Success :

Bukele’s resounding victory is fueled by his aggressive crackdown on gang violence, a pervasive issue in El Salvador. His policies, which have led to the imprisonment of thousands without formal charges, have resonated strongly with voters seeking security and stability.

Nayib Bukele: El Salvador’s Unconventional President :

Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez, born on July 24, 1981, is a Salvadoran politician and entrepreneur. He assumed office as the 43rd president of El Salvador on June 1, 2019. Notably, he is the first president since Jose Napoleon Duarte (1984–1989) who did not come from either of the country’s dominant political parties, the left-wing Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) or the right-wing Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA).

Addressing Poverty and Fostering Economic Growth :

As Bukele embarks on his second term, addressing poverty and fostering economic growth remain paramount. His initiatives, including the adoption of Bitcoin, aim to stimulate economic activity and alleviate poverty, despite skepticism from international observers.

Balancing Security and Democracy in Bukele’s Second Term :

President Nayib Bukele’s reelection victory reflects his enduring popularity and his administration’s efforts to combat gang violence and promote economic prosperity. However, the challenges of maintaining democratic principles amidst concerns of authoritarian rule loom large. As Bukele navigates his second term, striking a balance between security imperatives and democratic values will be crucial for El Salvador’s future.

Correct Answer :   Maharashtra

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The National Highways Logistic Management Limited (NHLML) has partnered with the Maharashtra government to implement ropeways as part of the National Ropeway Programme 'Parvatmala'.

Last week, the Maharashtra Public Work Department and NHLML, a 100 per cent owned special purpose vehicle of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for infrastructure development, formalised their collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard.

NHLML is responsible for implementation of the ropeways projects.

The state government has put forward a total of 40 ropeway projects for consideration under the scheme. These proposals are mainly from Mumbai, Satara, Raigad, Nashik, Nanded, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, with an additional five projects from Pune.

Some of the proposal entail providing ropeway connectivity to major tourist destinations such as Sinhagad Fort, Rajgad Fort, Shivneri Fort, Darya Ghat, and Lenyadri Ashtavinayak at Junnar in Pune.

Among the 40 proposed projects, the state-owned NHLML has already initiated work on four ropeway projects, with a combined investment exceeding Rs 1,000 crore.

While, the detailed project report (DPR) of three projects — Rajgad fort in Pune, Matheran hill station and Mahad in Raigad district — are being worked out, bids have been invited to build a new ropeway from Brahmagiri to Anjaneri Hills in Trimbakeshwar at Nashik.

The 5.7-km-long Brahmagiri-Anjaneri Hills ropeway will connect both these important places atop the respective hills, which are separated by a distance of around 7 km.

MoU With NHLML :

As per the scheme, NHLML has been mandated to implement feasible ropeway projects out of priority list of proposals submitted by the state governments.  

State governments are required to sign a MoU with NHLML for the development of ropeway networks. The MoU is expected to bring effective implementation, development, construction, operation and maintenance of the identified projects.

So far, Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Assam and Andhra Pradesh, have inked MoU with NHLML for construction of ropeways under the ambitious Parvatmala Yojana..

Source : Swarajyamag

Correct Answer :   Jitendra Singh

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National Science Day (NSD) is a celebration of scientific achievements and discoveries that have shaped the world we live in. On this occasion, the Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, unveiled the theme for NSD 2024 – “Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat” – emphasizing India’s commitment to innovation and self-reliance in science and technology.

National Science Day Theme :

The theme for NSD 2024, “Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat,” underscores the importance of homegrown solutions to address societal challenges and foster overall well-being. It reflects a strategic focus on promoting public appreciation for science, technology, and innovation, highlighting the accomplishments of Indian scientists.

Significance of National Science Day :

NSD is celebrated annually on 28th February to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ by Sir C.V. Raman, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930. The designation of NSD aims to promote science communication activities across the country, encouraging scientific inquiry and collaboration.

India’s Scientific Achievements :

India’s scientific trajectory has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with significant contributions in various fields such as artificial intelligence, astronomy, renewable energy, biotechnology, and space research. The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon’s south pole and India’s robust vaccine development capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic are notable milestones.

Global Recognition :

India’s prowess in scientific research is globally acknowledged, with the country ranking among the top five in scientific research publications and making substantial progress in the Global Innovation Index (GII). With over 90,000 patent filings, India is witnessing a resurgence in its scientific ecosystem, contributing to the nation’s ‘Ease of Living.’

Collaborative Endeavors :

The launch of the NSD theme for 2024 marks a collaborative effort by the scientific community, including the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Together, they aim to create an ecosystem that fosters scientific inquiry and collaboration across the nation.

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur, on Tuesday (6th Feb 2024) inaugurated the BIMSTEC Aquatics Championships 2024 in New Delhi. This marks the first time such an event is being held.

During the inauguration ceremony, Thakur underscored the significance of uniting the seven BIMSTEC countries. With a quarter of the world's population residing in South Asia and Southeast Asia, this collaboration not only facilitates travel and transportation in the Bay of Bengal region but also fosters progress, development, and cooperation.

Thakur said that the championships will not only strengthen friendships but also promote a deeper sporting culture, echoing the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he announced the event during the 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Nepal in 2018.

Originally scheduled for 2021, the event was postponed to 2024 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside Thakur, the opening ceremony witnessed the presence of Nepal's Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dig Bahadur Limbu, and BIMSTEC High Commissioners & Ambassadors to India, among other dignitaries from participating nations.

The event is taking place at Delhi’s Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Pool Complex from February 6 to 9. It features competitions in swimming, water polo, and diving for athletes under 20 years old.

A total of 39 medals and 9 trophies are up for grabs across the three sporting events, with over 500 personnel, including 268 athletes from BIMSTEC member countries, expected to participate.

BIMSTEC, comprising five South Asian nations (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) and two Southeast Asian nations (Myanmar and Thailand), serves as a vital link between South and Southeast Asia for multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation..

Source : DD News

Correct Answer :   Dharmendra Pradhan

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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is set to inaugurated a two-day event, the ULLAS Mela, on Tuesday (6th Feb 2024) at the National Bal Bhavan in New Delhi.

Organized by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education, the event will showcase national and state-level activities as part of the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram.

The ULLAS Mela will witness the participation of 700 individuals from various states and union territories, alongside over 100 dignitaries representing the Ministry of Education and diverse organizations.

The central government has been actively implementing the Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram, also known as the New India Literacy Program, spanning from fiscal years 2022 to 2027. Recognized as ULLAS, standing for Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society, the scheme is guided by the motto "Jan-Jan Sakshar." It primarily targets individuals aged 15 and above who lack literacy and have not had the opportunity to receive formal education.

The scheme aims to achieve multiple objectives, including the provision of foundational literacy and numeracy. Additionally, it encompasses various components such as critical life skills, covering areas like financial literacy, digital literacy, commercial skills, healthcare and awareness, child care and education, and family welfare.

The scheme also focuses on vocational skills development, aiming to equip individuals with skills for local employment.

Furthermore, the program addresses basic education, spanning preparatory, middle, and secondary stage equivalency. It emphasizes continuing education by offering holistic adult education courses in arts, sciences, technology, culture, sports, and recreation. The curriculum extends to cover other topics of interest or utility for local learners, including more advanced material on critical life skills..

Source : DD News

Correct Answer :   6th February

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Safer Internet Day, celebrated on 6th February each year, serves as a global call to action for individuals, families, and communities to unite in making the digital world a safer and more secure environment for all.

The theme for Safer Internet Day 2024, “Inspiring Change.

Making a difference, managing influence and navigating change online,” reflects a proactive approach towards fostering a positive and secure online experience. This blog post delves into the history, importance, and ways to celebrate Safer Internet Day 2024, emphasizing the collective effort required to safeguard our digital footprint.

History of Safer Internet Day :

The inception of Safer Internet Day dates back to 2006, initiated by EU Safe Borders and later embraced by the Insafe Network of Awareness Centres. This initiative aimed to highlight the importance of internet safety and encourage responsible digital technology usage. In 2012, the United States officially adopted Safer Internet Day, marking its expansion into a global movement. Today, Safer Internet Day transcends geographical boundaries, rallying countries worldwide to promote online safety and responsibility.

Safer Internet Day 2024 Theme: Inspiring Change :

The theme for Safer Internet Day 2024, “Inspiring Change. Making a difference, managing influence and navigating change online,” calls for active participation in creating a safer digital environment. It encourages individuals to leverage their influence positively and adapt to the dynamic nature of the online world. This theme underscores the importance of collective action in fostering a culture of safety, respect, and empathy online.