Correct Answer :   Ministry of Defence

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The Defence Accounts Department (DAD) of the Ministry of Defence has signed MoUs with four banks to onboard them as SPARSH service centres across 1,128 branches of these banks in the country, officials said.

The System for Pension Administration (RAKSHA) or SPARSH is a web-based system for processing pension claims and crediting the pension directly into the bank accounts of defence pensioners without any external intermediary.

DAD has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Bank of India, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank in New Delhi to onboard them as SPARSH service centres across 1,128 branches of the four banks, the defence ministry said in a statement.

The MoUs will provide last-mile connectivity to pensioners, especially in remote areas where they do not have the technical wherewithal to log on to SPARSH.

These service centres will become an interface for pensioners for SPARSH, providing an effective medium to update their profile; register grievances; digital annual identification; data verification, besides fetching detailed information regarding their monthly pension, the statement said.

The access to these centres would be provided free of cost, with nominal service charges being borne by the DAD, it said.

With these MoUs, SPARSH services would now be available at over 26,000 branches of a total of 15 banks across the country. This is in addition to 199 dedicated service centres of the DAD, and more than 3.75 lakh common service centres across the country, the statement said.

SPARSH is an initiative of the Ministry of Defence to provide a comprehensive solution to the defence pensioners. It is a fundamental change in managing defence pensions as it focuses on bringing in efficiency, responsiveness and transparency, it said..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Slovenia

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Slovenia has become the latest European country to formally recognize Palestinian statehood, after the country’s parliament approved the move with a majority vote on Tuesday (4th June 2024).

The decision follows those of Spain, Ireland and Norway, who formally recognized Palestinian statehood in late May.

The growing momentum in Europe is likely to bolster the global Palestinian cause, but could further strain relations with Israel.

Most of the world already recognizes Palestinian statehood. More than 140 out of 193 member states of the United Nations have made their recognition official. But only some nations in the 27-member European Union are among them.

The vote passed with 52 votes in favor and zero against, Slovenia’s national broadcaster RTV Slovenija reported. The vote passed during an extraordinary parliament session after numerous procedural hurdles, according to the outlet.

Slovenia is the latest country to formally recognize a Palestinian state :

The decision follows Spain, Ireland and Norway, which formally recognized Palestinian statehood in May. They have joined more than 140 countries that have recognized a Palestinian state since 1988. None of the G7 countries — United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy or Japan — do.

Correct Answer :   Haryana

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Haryana Chief Secretary T V S N Prasad recently said the state government will soon launch a World Bank-funded Rs 10,000 crore project to tackle air pollution.

This project will be implemented phase wise first in the districts falling in the National Capital Region (NCR) and later it will be implemented in the entire state.  

Correct Answer :   SEBI

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* The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched a personal finance-focused mobile app 'Saarathi 2.0' for investors with an aim to simplify complex financial tasks.

* This app is available on Google Play Store iOS App Store. The first version of the Sarathi app was launched in January 2022. SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India.

Correct Answer :   Shravasti

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The China Temple, a significant cultural and religious landmark, is located in the Shravasti district of Uttar Pradesh.

Uttar Pradesh, India’s fourth largest state by area, covers approximately 240,928 square kilometers, accounting for about 7.33% of the entire country. Known for its diverse culture and unique traditions, this state holds significant historical and religious importance, attracting both domestic and international tourists. Among its many attractions, there is a remarkable place known as the China Temple. This article explores the connection between Uttar Pradesh and the China Temple.

An Overview of Uttar Pradesh :

Located in northern India, Uttar Pradesh is renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and unique traditions. The state is home to numerous religious cities, making it a significant destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. With 75 districts, 18 divisions, 822 community development blocks, 351 tehsils, and 17 municipal corporations, each district in Uttar Pradesh has its own distinct identity and significance.

The Largest and Smallest Districts in Uttar Pradesh :

Lakhimpur Kheri is the largest district in Uttar Pradesh, covering an area of 7680 square kilometers, while Hapur is the smallest district, spanning 660 square kilometers. The easternmost district is Ballia, the northernmost is Saharanpur, the westernmost is Shamli, and the southernmost is Sonbhadra.

District of Uttar Pradesh Related to China Temple :

The China Temple, a significant cultural and religious landmark, is located in the Shravasti district of Uttar Pradesh. This temple, near the sacred Jetavanaramaya site where Buddha spent 45 rainy seasons, is managed by the Mahabodhi Society of India. It was established following the wishes of the late Rev. Ren Chen, a Chinese Buddhist monk, highlighting the historical ties between Indian and Chinese Buddhism.

Significance of the China Temple :

The China Temple is renowned for its unique history and cultural significance. According to the Mahabodhi Society of India, the Shravasti Center (Chinese Buddhist Temple) was entrusted to them according to the last wishes of the founder monk, the late Rev. Ren Chen, a Chinese Buddhist monk and a lifetime member of the Mahabodhi Society of India. The center is situated near Jetavanaramaya in Shravasti, a sacred site where Buddha spent 45 rainy seasons and delivered most of his sermons.

Activities and Religious Importance of the China Temple :

The China Temple serves as a hub for pilgrims, offering various religious activities such as meditation and chanting. It stands as a testament to the deep-rooted connections between Indian and Chinese Buddhist traditions, promoting cultural and spiritual exchange.

Correct Answer :   IIT Dharwad

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A group of teachers and students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Dharwad, directed by Profs. Sudheer Siddapureddy and Ameer Mulla, with funding from the TiHAN Foundation, IIT Hyderabad (NMICPS, Indian government), has created a drone for fire rescue assistance.

During the two-day workshop on Drone design and autonomous navigation in fire rescue (DDANFR 2024), organized by the Fire and Thermal Research Laboratory (FLRL) and the Control System and Robotics Laboratory at IIT Dharwad on May 31 and June 1, there was an unveiling and demonstration of what is purported to be the first fire rescue assistance drone.

About Fire Fighting Drone :

Drones with thermal cameras installed on them, or drones with thermal imaging capabilities, are frequently used by firefighters. The infrared radiation that objects, including flames, emanate can be detected and captured by the specialist thermal sensors fitted to these drones. Thermal drones assist firefighters with hotspot identification, fire spread tracking, and flame intensity assessment by evaluating temperature differences in the acquired photos. Especially at night or in low visibility situations, thermal drones are extremely useful for early fire detection, situational awareness, and assisting firefighting efforts.

Design and Capabilities of this Drone :

Fighting fires in challenging environments requires a drone that can fly through tight spaces and hot weather. Professor Siddapureddy discussed the challenges involved in creating a device that is both incredibly compact and powerful. Important contributions came from the Fire and Thermal Research Laboratory (FTRL), which created flexible protection shields after extensive fire testing and sensors resistant to soot.

Navigation and Application :

The guidance issue in smoke-filled areas was further discussed by the Expert Professor, marking a significant advancement over the Control Systems and Robotics Laboratory’s work. In addition to helping in fire situations, this technology might also be used to manage large crowds in areas like train stations, malls, and pilgrim centers, improving their safety and effectiveness.

Collaboration and Inspiration :

The head of IIT Dharwad, Prof. Venkappayya Desai, also offered his opinions regarding the IITs’ founding tradition. He highlighted the important contributions these organizations have made to the development of cutting-edge technology and creative solutions to pressing issues in society; the creation of biotoilets for Indian Railways being one such example. This thought-provoking session was opened by Prof. Pratyasa Bhui, dean of R&D, and featured keynote speakers such as Prof. Bhaskar Dixit of Jain University and Siva Bathina of IIT Madras.

Correct Answer :   ISRO

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ISRO, through its Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), has introduced the PraVaHa software, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tool aimed at facilitating aerodynamic design and analysis for aerospace vehicles.

Aerodynamic Design and Analysis :

PraVaHa, acronym for “Parallel RANS Solver for Aerospace Vehicle Aero-thermo-dynamic Analysis,” is tailored to simulate both external and internal flows on various types of vehicles, including launch vehicles, winged, and non-winged re-entry vehicles.

Functionality and Applications :

This CFD software enables the understanding of airflow around aircraft, rocket bodies, and Crew Modules during earth re-entry, crucial for shaping design elements such as structure and Thermal Protection Systems (TPS). It addresses the challenges posed by unsteady aerodynamics, including flow disturbances and acoustic noise generation during missions.

Capabilities and Scope :

PraVaHa leverages advancements in CFD technology, offering accurate predictions for complex aerodynamic flows and faster simulation turnaround times, particularly on High-Performance Computing Clusters. Its versatility extends to CPU and GPU architectures, making it adaptable to current and upcoming supercomputing facilities.

Application in Gaganyaan Program :

PraVaHa has played a significant role in the Gaganyaan program, facilitating aerodynamic analysis for human-rated launch vehicles like HLVM3, Crew Escape System (CES), and Crew Module (CM). Its collaborative framework allows for partnerships with academic institutes and government labs.

Future Prospects :

With ongoing validations and enhancements, PraVaHa aims to incorporate simulations for scenarios involving chemical reactions during air dissociation and combustion, particularly relevant for vehicles like scramjets. Its eventual integration is anticipated to replace commercial software in many aero characterization simulations, benefiting academia and institutions engaged in aerospace design endeavors. Through PraVaHa, ISRO aims to contribute to India’s self-reliance aspirations in aerospace technology.

Correct Answer :   Rs 10,000-Crore

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Haryana Chief Secretary T V S N Prasad announced the launch of a Rs 10,000-crore project funded by the World Bank to address air pollution in the state. The Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development will be rolled out in phases, starting with districts in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Enhancing Air Quality Monitoring Infrastructure :

The initial phase of the project focuses on upgrading Haryana’s air quality monitoring infrastructure. This includes establishing a state-of-the-art laboratory and modernizing existing ones. Additionally, a dedicated program management unit will oversee implementation, alongside training programs for stakeholders involved in air quality management.

Sectoral Interventions :

The project allocates resources to tackle various sources of air pollution, including transportation, industry, construction, road dust, biomass burning, and household pollution. Efforts will promote cleaner vehicles, incentivize the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), and phase out older, more polluting vehicles. A model for automated testing stations (ATS) will be developed to monitor vehicle health.

Promoting Clean Energy and Green Spaces :

Industries will be encouraged to transition to clean energy through financial incentives and the promotion of cleaner fuels. Initiatives will also focus on increasing green spaces in urban areas through the establishment of biodiversity parks and green belts.

Combatting Stubble Burning :

To address stubble burning, the project will promote in-situ crop residue management practices, such as the use of bio-decomposers to accelerate residue decomposition and reduce the need for burning.

Strengthening Monitoring Institutions :

The Haryana government has made strides in strengthening institutions for air quality measurement and monitoring, including establishing state sample-testing laboratories and operating ambient air quality monitoring stations across different districts.

Correct Answer :   Minnesota

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Minnesota, fondly referred to as "The North Star State," holds a rich tapestry of history and symbolism within its boundaries.

Nestled in the heart of the United States lies a state rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Minnesota, affectionately known as “The North Star State,” holds a special place in the fabric of America. Let’s delve into the origins and significance of this renowned nickname.

Which State of United States is Known as “The North Star State”?

Minnesota, fondly referred to as “The North Star State,” holds a rich tapestry of history and symbolism within its boundaries. Let’s delve into the significance of this nickname and explore the unique characteristics that define Minnesota.

Historical Significance of “The North Star State” :

The moniker “The North Star State” was bestowed upon Minnesota for its geographical location as the most northern state in the United States during the mid-19th century. Governor Henry Sibley, recognizing the symbolism of the North Star as a guiding beacon, selected this motto in 1861, reflecting the state’s sense of direction and purpose.

Symbolism of “The North Star State” :

* The North Star holds profound symbolism, historically serving as a navigational guide for travelers and explorers. In selecting this motto, Governor Sibley aimed to encapsulate Minnesota’s position as a guiding light, both geographically and metaphorically. The motto embodies a sense of direction, leadership, and aspiration, reflecting the state’s pioneering spirit and commitment to progress.

Additional Nicknames of Minnesota :

* While “The North Star State” is the official state nickname, Minnesota boasts several other monikers that capture different facets of its identity:

* “Land of 10,000 Lakes“: This widely recognized nickname highlights Minnesota’s abundance of natural water resources. Despite its name, Minnesota actually boasts over 11,000 lakes, showcasing its picturesque landscapes and recreational opportunities.

* “The Gopher State“: This nickname pays homage to the state’s early settlers, who were affectionately dubbed “gophers” due to their perseverance and industriousness.
“The Bread and Butter State“: Reflecting its agricultural heritage, this nickname underscores Minnesota’s significance in grain production and dairy farming, contributing to the nation’s food supply.

Correct Answer :   June 5th

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On June 5th of each year, the world observes World Environment Day (WED), a significant global event aimed at raising awareness and promoting action towards environmental protection. Established by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in 1972, this day serves as a platform to highlight pressing ecological issues faced by our planet and foster sustainable practices.

World Environment Day 2024: Theme

This year, the theme for World Environment Day is ‘Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience‘ under the slogan ‘Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.‘ The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the 2024 World Environment Day global celebrations, marking a pivotal moment as the world commemorates the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.

Significance and History :

World Environment Day holds immense importance as it raises awareness, catalyzes action, and promotes environmental sustainability. Through campaigns, events, and initiatives, this day mobilizes individuals, communities, and organizations to make positive changes and address environmental challenges for a sustainable future.

The origins of World Environment Day can be traced back to 1972, when the United Nations General Assembly established it as a platform to address pressing environmental issues and encourage global action. The first meeting was held in Stockholm, Sweden, in the same year, where the concept was debated and discussed. Since 1973, the tradition has continued annually on the same date.