Correct Answer :   Jharkhand

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Chief Minister Hemant Soren of Jharkhand announced (29th Dec 2023) a reduction in the qualifying age for old-age pensions. The decision primarily targets tribals and Dalits, lowering the age threshold from 60 to 50 years. This bold initiative aims to provide financial support to a broader segment of the population, acknowledging the specific challenges faced by these communities.


Pensions for the Elderly: A Paradigm Shift :

Chief Minister Hemant Soren highlighted the historical context, emphasizing that, in the two decades following Jharkhand’s formation in 2000, only 16 lakh people received pension benefits. However, under his government’s tenure, pensions have been extended to an impressive 36 lakh individuals, predominantly those aged above 60 years. This shift reflects a commitment to address the financial needs of the elderly population and recognize their contributions to society.


Inclusive Approach for Tribals and Dalits :

The pivotal announcement during the event at Ranchi’s Morabadi ground signifies a strategic approach to inclusivity. By extending pension benefits to tribals and Dalits at the age of 50, Chief Minister Soren acknowledged the challenges faced by these communities, including a higher death rate and limited employment opportunities after the age of 60. The decision reflects a proactive stance in mitigating socio-economic disparities.

Four Years of Welfare Initiatives :

During the function marking the completion of four years of the JMM-led government in the state, Chief Minister Hemant Soren highlighted the achievements of his administration. Over this period, pension benefits were extended to various segments of the population, including individuals above 60 years of age, widows above 18 years of age, and physically challenged persons. The government’s commitment to social welfare is evident in the implementation of numerous schemes, with a focus on improving the lives of its citizens.


Aapki Yojna, Aapki Sarkar, Aapke Dwar: Government’s Outreach Program :

Chief Minister Soren stressed the government’s relentless efforts in implementing a multitude of schemes for the welfare of the people. The ‘Aapki Yojna, Aapki Sarkar, Aapke Dwar‘ outreach program stands out as a pioneering initiative. This program aims to deliver the benefits of government schemes directly to villagers at their doorsteps, ensuring that the advantages of these schemes reach every corner of the state.


Inclusive Pension Scheme for Transgenders :

In a progressive move in September of the same year, the Jharkhand government expanded its universal pension scheme to include the transgender community. To avail the benefits of the pension scheme, transgenders are required to obtain a certificate from the deputy commissioner’s office, marking a step towards social inclusion and security for this marginalized community..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   200

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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday (1st Jan 2024) flagged off 200 electric buses from Guwahati. He termed the initiative as the government's one of the biggest push towards a pollution-free environment.

* "In one of our biggest pushes towards a pollution-free environment in Assam, I dedicated 200 AC e-Buses today which will ply across Guwahati and adjoining areas," CM Sarma said while addressing the media.

* "By 2025, we want to establish Guwahati as the country's first city to be powered by a 100 per cent green public transportation system. This new fleet builds upon the 100 CNG buses dedicated to the New Year," he added.

* State Transport Minister Parimal Suklabaidya also attended the flag-off ceremony of 200 AC E-buses.

* Meanwhile, the Assam Chief Minister also ceremonially launched the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), a versatile transport card in Guwahati.

* The card, introduced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, is a one-stop solution for facilitating payments of travel fares, toll taxes, and retail purchases, and allows cash withdrawals.

* Operating via the RuPay card system, the NCMC can be obtained as a prepaid, debit, or credit card from associated banks.

* CM Sarma urged everyone to get their NCMC to ensure ease of transportation..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   1 January 2024

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Prominent Indian-American legal scholar, Professor Ved Prakash Nanda passed away on Monday, 1 January 2024.

A Padma Bhushan awardee for his contributions to literature and education, Nanda also held prestigious position of the John Evans Distinguished University Professor of International Law at Colorado's University of Denver.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over Nanda's demise. who said that Professor Nanda’s work highlighted his commitment to legal education.

Deeply saddened by the passing away of Professor Ved Prakash Nanda Ji, a distinguished academic whose contributions to the legal field are invaluable. His work highlights his strong commitment to legal education. He was also a prominent member of the Indian diaspora in USA and… pic.twitter.com/ihs19v1q5q

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 2, 2024

Source : The Quint

Correct Answer :   Rs 20,000

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (2 Jan 2023) inaugurated, and laid foundation stones of several development projects worth over ₹20,000 crore related to the aviation, rail, road, oil and gas, shipping and higher education sectors in Tamil Nadu's Tiruchirappalli.

* He also inaugurated the new terminal building of the Tiruchirappalli International Airport.

* The two-level terminal building has been developed at a cost of over ₹1100 crore. It has the capacity to serve more than 44 lakh passengers annually and about 3,500 during peak hours, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) informed earlier through an official release.

* While addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, " "I wish that the year 2024 is peaceful and prosperous for everyone. It is a privilege that my first public programme in 2024 is happening in Tamil Nadu. Today development projects worth nearly ₹20,000 Cr will strengthen Tamil Nadu's progress. I congratulate you for these projects..."

* Expressing his pain over the loss of lives in Tamil Nadu due to recent rains and floods, he said, “The last few weeks of 2023 were difficult for many people in Tamil Nadu. We lost many of our fellow citizens due to heavy rainfall. There has also been a significant loss of property... The central government stands with the people of Tamil Nadu in this time of crisis. We are providing every possible support to the state government.”

* PM Modi reached Tiruchirappalli where he was received by state chief minister MK Stalin and Governor RN Ravi. He participated in the 38th Convocation Ceremony of the Bharathidasan University.

* While addressing the event, he quoted the 'Puthiyathor Ulagam Seivom' Tamil verses of poet Bharathidasan, after whom the university had been named, and said it meant creating a brave new world which is also the university's motto.

* He also said the Indian youth were already creating such a world. The Indian scientists are on the world map through missions like Chandrayaan-3 and 'our innovators took the number of patents from around 4,000 in 2014 to almost 50,000 now.'

* The Prime Minister is on a two-day visit to southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Union Territory of Lakshadweep from January 2-3, 2024..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   Geetika Mehta

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Leading skincare brand Nivea India on 2nd January 2024 said it has appointed Geetika Mehta as its new Managing Director. Mehta, who has an experience of over two decades in the FMCG sector, will steer the brand in the country, Nivea India said in a statement.

Earlier, Mohan was the managing director of Hershey India for 2.5 years and worked with FMCG major HUL for almost two decades, as per the statement. Commenting on her new role, Mehta said, "As we navigate the ever-evolving skincare landscape, my focus will be on driving innovation, enhancing customer experiences, and further solidifying Nivea's position as the skincare brand of choice for millions of Indians."

Nivea is owned by German multinational company Beiersdorf AG, which is a leader in skincare products..

Source : Money Control

Correct Answer :   Hamid Karzai

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* Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has been nominated by the United Nations Security Council as the special envoy for peace in Afghanistan.

* China and Russia abstained from voting on this resolution brought in the Security Council, while 13 countries supported this resolution.

* It is noteworthy that in the year 2021, Taliban had captured power in Afghanistan.

Correct Answer :   Rashmi Govil

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Rashmi Govil, a senior HR executive at Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), is set to be next Director (Human Resources) of the state-owned firm.

Her name for the job was recommended by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), according to a notification by the government headhunter.

PESB interviewed 11 candidates, including five from IOC, before recommending Govil for the job, the notification showed.

She is presently Executive Director (HRD & ER) in IOC..

Source : The Hindu Businessline

Correct Answer :   66th

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India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) commemorated its 66th Foundation Day on January 1, 2024, marking a significant journey of innovation and self-reliance in the country’s defence sector. The day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and a renewed commitment to bolstering India’s defence capabilities.


Key Highlights of the Celebration :

DRDO’s Journey and Achievements :

Over the past 66 years, DRDO has played a pivotal role in developing and deploying cutting-edge defence technologies. Some of its key achievements include:

DRDO Future Vision and Challenges :

DRDO remains focused on developing future-ready technologies to address emerging threats. Some of its key focus areas include:

DRDO’s 66th Foundation Day was a celebration of its remarkable achievements and a strong commitment to securing India’s future. The organization continues to strive for technological excellence, self-reliance, and a stronger India.

Correct Answer :   Vivek Srivastava

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Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Vivek Srivastava (IPS) as Director General of Fire Service, Civil Defence & Home Guards under the Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday (29th Dec 2023). He is a 1989-batch IPS officer of Gujarat cadre.

According to an order issued from the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) on 28 December 2023, Srivastava has been appointed to the post for a period with effect from the date of joining the post and up to June 30, 2025 i.e. date of his superannuation or till further orders whichever takes place earlier. Presently, he is posted as Special Director in Intelligence Bureau..

Source : PSU Watch

Correct Answer :   Mathura

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According to the defence ministry, Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School, the first all-girls sainik school with a strength of about 870 students, has been inaugurated under the initiative of establishing 100 new sainik schools in partnership with NGOs/private/state government schools in all states/Union territories.

* These are in addition to the existing 33 sainik schools already functioning under the erstwhile pattern, the ministry said in a statement.

* "Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School is a beacon of light for girls who aspire to join the Armed Forces and serve the motherland. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has given women their rightful place in the Armed Forces, which was neglected for years," the defence minister said on the occasion.

मथुरा-वृंदावन में स्थित वात्सल्य ग्राम में आयोजित दीदी माँ साध्वी ऋतंभरा के षष्ठिपूर्ति महोत्सव में सम्मिलित हुआ। इस अवसर पर छात्राओं के लिए बने 'संविद गुरुकुलम, सैनिक स्कूल' का उद्घाटन किया।

पूज्य दीदी माँ ऋतम्भरा जी का, समाज को ही अपना परिवार मान लेना, इस राष्ट्र के प्रति… pic.twitter.com/XoxIJ0Orfy

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 1, 2024

* "They (girls) have the right to protect the nation just like their male counterparts. It was a golden moment in the history of women empowerment when we approved the admission of girls to sainik schools. Today, our women are not only flying fighter jets, they are also securing the borders," he said.

* Speaking about the importance of Mathura, he said that the sages of India have considered the global society as one family. "There is happiness in the name of Lord Krishna. Therefore, my mind is pleased in this city of Krishna," he stated.

* Singh said that in Vrindavan, even foreigners feel the divine presence and many of them settle down here.

* "They find peace in Vrindavan by worshipping Lord Krishna and Radha Rani. Even rickshaw pullers here greet with 'Radhe-Radhe'. 'Radhe-Radhe' is ingrained in the people's lives here. The military school here is not opened by me but on the orders of Radha-Krishna," the defence minister said.

* Singh had, in 2019, approved admission of girl children to sainik schools from academic session 2021-22 in a phased manner. The decision was taken following the success of the pilot project started by the defence ministry in Sainik School Chhingchhip in Mizoram..


Source : Hindustan Times