Current Affairs Quiz 13th March 2024 Quiz

Exp. Tamil Nadu govt. launches ‘Neengal Nalama’ Scheme

Tamil Nadu State government has launched the Neengal Nalama Scheme with the aim of improving the health index and social well-being of all citizens and making them aware of the Tamil Nadu government schemes.

This scheme involves government officials reaching out to beneficiaries across the state to inquire about any challenges or difficulties they may have faced while availing themselves of various Tamil Nadu government schemes.

This scheme will be monitored by the welfare department of Tamil Nadu, which will ensure that it solves the problems of Tamil Nadu citizens regarding various schemes.

Through the Neengal Nalama Scheme 2024, the Tamil Nadu government aims to ensure that all citizens receive the maximum benefit from the various schemes and services offered by the Tamil Nadu government, which directly enhance their overall lifestyle.

Recent Schemes launched by state governments

• Widow Remarriage Promotion Scheme (Jharkhand) – To provide 2 lakh to all the widowed who will get remarriage.
• MYUVA Scheme (Uttar Pradesh) – To support young entrepreneurs
• Indiramma Housing Scheme (Telangana) – To provide Rs 5 lakh financial assistance to construct houses
• CM’s Health Insurance Scheme (Nagaland) – To ensures financial security and protection
• Savera programme (Haryana) – For early detection and prevention of breast cancer.

Exp. PM Modi inaugurates 15 Airport Projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated 15 airport projects, including the revamped Terminal 1 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, worth over Rs.9,800 crore.

The project virtually launched by the PM during an event at Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh included 12 new terminal buildings of Pune, Kolhapur, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Delhi, Lucknow, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Moradabad, Shravasti and Adampur Airports.

Additionally, foundation stones were laid for new terminal buildings at Kadapa, Hubballi, and Belagavi airports, signaling a significant boost to India’s aviation infrastructure.

In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has already operationalized state-of-the-art new integrated terminal buildings at Chennai, Port Blair, Surat, and Tiruchirappalli Airports.

PM Modi in News

• PM Narendra Modi has launched the Mahtari Vandan Yojana in Chhattisgarh.
• PM Modi unveiled a 125-foot bronze statue of ‘Ahom general’ Lachit Borphukan (Statue of Valour) in Assam’s Jorhat
• PM Modi lays foundation stone of “Experience of Spirituality at Chitrakoot Ghat” project in Chitrakoot
• PM Modi dedicated the Sela tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh to the country
• PM Modi launched 52 tourism sector projects worth over Rs 1400 crore under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes.

Exp. Tata Power Solar completes India’s largest solar-BESS project in Chhattisgarh

Tata Power Solar Systems Limited (TPSSL), a subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), has completed India’s largest Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) project at Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh.

It comprises a 100 MW Solar PV Project and a 120 MWh Utility Scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

TPSSL secured the Rs 945 crore project from SECI in December 20 21, handling engineering, construction, and commissioning of the project.

The project anticipates generating 243.53 million energy units annually, cutting carbon emissions by 4.87 million tonnes over 25 years, aligning with India’s renewable energy targets.

Tata AutoComp Systems Limited supplied the BESS, reflecting a commitment to excellence and collaboration.

Exp. MoRD partners with IIT Delhi to work collaboratively in Geospatial Technology and Artificial Intelligence

The Ministry of Rural Development has signed a MoU with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi to formalize their partnership in applications of geospatial technology and artificial intelligence.

The project is to be executed by the HydroSense lab led by Manabendra Saharia.

The MoU centred around the project “BhuPRAHARI,” an initiative aimed at leveraging ground and space-based geospatial technologies along with Artificial Intelligence to monitor and manage assets under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

The BhuPRAHARI project is set to commence with immediate effect, with both parties eager to translate this vision into reality.

IITs in News

• NICDC joined hands with IIT Delhi to enhance development of greenfield smart cities
• AFMS signed MoU with IIT Roorkee to foster research in improving combat medical support & patient care of serving personnel
• IREDA and IIT Bhubaneswar sign MoU for Clean Energy Innovation
• IIT Kanpur develops India’s first hypervelocity expansion tunnel test facility
• IIT Madras to open new campus at Kandy in Sri Lanka

Exp. SBI partners with Aurionpro for its transaction banking platform

Mumbai-based tech company Aurionpro Solutions has secured a Rs 100-crore contract from State Bank of India for the licence, implementation and support of its transaction banking platform, iCashpro+.

The company will have to deliver the licence and implementation in phases over 12 months, along with maintenance and support for six years.

Aurionpro’s iCashpro+ solution is built on modern cloud technology and a micro services-based architecture which incorporates the latest market features, rendering it highly configurable, parameterized, resilient, scalable, and agile.

This will seamlessly integrate with SBI’s core banking systems, Payments Hub, and a myriad of internal and external platforms.

Recent MoU

• Easy Trip Planners partners with Ministry of Rural Development to empower self-help groups
• Airbus signs contract with IIM Mumbai to boost aviation talent in India
• Swiggy and IRCTC join h ands to deliver food on Indian Railways
• NTPC joins hands with MAHAGENCO for development of Renewable Energy Parks
• CIL and BHEL sign a JVA for setting up Ammonium Nitrate Plant in Odisha
• Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has signed an MoU with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for integration of futuristic Weapons and Sensors for LCA Tejas aircraft.

Exp. BoB launches green term deposit scheme with 7.15% interest

Bank of Baroda (BoB) has launched the BoB Earth Green Term Deposit Scheme, aimed at raising deposits for financing eligible environment-friendly projects and sectors.

The scheme offers customers the dual benefits of stable financial returns and contribution to a greener planet.

It offers annual interest rates, ranging from 6.75 per cent for a tenure of 12 to 18 months to 7.15 per cent for 777 days.

Additionally, for longer tenures of 1,111 days, 1,717 days, and 2,201 days, the interest rates are set at 6.40 per cent per annum.

Funds collected through this scheme will be directed towards financing green initiatives such as renewable energy.

Recent Facilities Launched in Banking & Insurance Sector

• Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank launched a new loan scheme called ‘Vikas Spoorty’
• Future Generali India Insurance launched a women’s health insurance plan “HEALTH POWHER”
• Kotak Life Insurance launched a non-linked participating product Kotak G.A.I.N
• PNB partnered with EaseMyTrip to launch a co-branded travel credit card “PNB EMT Credit Card”.
• Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd launched ‘Smart Choice Gold Loan’ for customers.

Exp. IndusInd Bank launched all-in-one payment wearables

IndusInd Bank has introduced ‘Indus PayWear,’ a new wearable payment solution, available on Mastercard.

These wearables enable users to tokenise their IndusInd Bank cards for tap-and-pay transactions at contactless Point-of-Sale (PoS) terminals worldwide.

Indus Paywear aims to deliver unparalleled flexibility, convenience, and security to users. It is a fine example of how Mastercard leverages its expertise to allow consumers the power to choose between and make payments using their favorite wearable device.

IndusInd Bank

• Founded – 1994
• Founder – S.P. Hinduja
• Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra,
• MD & CEO – Sumant Kathpalia
• Tagline – We Make You Feel Richer

Exp. Nayab Singh Saini elected as new CM of Haryana

BJP leader Nayab Singh Saini has become the new Chief Minister of Haryana, succeeding Manohar Lal Khattar.

The announcement comes close on the heels of Manohar Lal Khattar and his entire cabinet submitting their resignations to Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya.

Nayab Singh Saini was unanimously elected the BJP’s Legislative Party leader in the presence of Khattar and Haryana-in-charge Biplab Dev.

Who is Nayab Saini?

• Nayab Singh Saini, 54, is the MP representing Kurukshetra and a member of the OBC community.
• He was appointed as the president of the BJP’s Haryana unit in October last year.
• He began his political career in 1996 with the BJP, starting in the Haryana BJP’s organisational structure and gradually rising through the ranks.
• Saini served as the district general secretary of the BJP Youth Wing in Ambala in 2002 and later became the district president in Ambala in 2005.

About Haryana

• Capital – Chandigarh
• Chief Minister – Nayab Singh Saini (replace Manohar Lal Khattar)
• Governor – Bandaru Dattatreya
• Legislative Assembly Seats- 90

Exp. Fintech GIPL merges with North East Small Finance Bank, gets CCI nod

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the merger of a financial technology company, Garagepreneurs Internet Pvt Ltd with the North East Small Finance Bank.

The proposed transaction comprises the merger of a financial technology company, GIPL (including Quadrillion Finance Pvt Ltd (QFPL) (an NBFC-SI-ICC) and Intergalactory Foundry Pvt Ltd (IFPL) with North-East Small Finance Bank (NESFB) (including RGVN (North-East) Microfinance Ltd (RGVN)), pursuant to the composite scheme of amalgamation to be filed before the jurisdictional National Company Law Tribunal and certain related transactions.

GIPL operates under the brand name “slice” and focuses on facilitating payments and credit products through digital means in India.

The company’s core mission is to enable access to financial services for underbanked customers through affordable and transparent cost solutions and structures.

NESFB is a private sector small finance bank. It is headquartered in Guwahati, Assam.

About North East Small Finance Bank

• Established- 17 October 2017
• Headquarters – Guwahati, Assam
• MD & CEO- Satish Kumar Kalra

Exp. Sidbi gets $24.5 million from GCF for ‘Avaana’ fund

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has received $24.5 million from Green Climate Fund (GCF) for its maiden anchored project `Avaana Sustainability Fund (ASF)’ valued at $120 million.

GCF, a pivotal component of the historic Paris Agreement, is the world’s largest climate fund.

The primary aim of the ASF project is to invest in early-stage companies harnessing technology-led innovation to spur climate solutions and sustainability in India.

Anticipated outcomes include significant contributions to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and the enhancement of resilience in vulnerable sectors of the Indian economy.

About Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)

• Founded – 2 April 1990
• Headquarters – Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
• Chairman & MD – Siva S Ramann

Exp. Srinivasan Swamy receives 2024 IAA Golden Compass Award

Srinivasan K. Swamy, CMD of integrated marketing services company RK Swami Ltd. has been presented with IAA Goden Compass Award at the 45th IAA World Congress held in Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak presented the award to Mr. Swamy.

The award honours those who have significantly contributed to the world stage in the field of marketing, advertising and media.

This is the first time this award is being bestowed upon an Indian industry leader.

About the International Advertising Association (IAA)

• Established- 1938
• Headquarters- New York, USA.
• It is the only global association representing all sectors of the marketing and marketing communications industry.

Recent Awards

• Erasmus Prize 2024 – Amitav Ghosh (For highlighting the climate change crisis
• Measles and Rubella Champion Award – India
• National Youth Parliament Festival 2024 – Yatin Bhaskar Duggal (First prize); Vaishna Pitchai (Second); Kanishka Sharma (Third)
• USGA’s prestigious Bob Jones Award – Tiger Woods
• India-UK Achievers’ Award – Zoya Akhtar and Asma Khan
• Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2024 – Dr. Pradeep Mahajan

Exp. Indian sailor Vishnu Saravanan clinches gold medal at Europa Cup

Indian sailor Vishnu Saravanan won the gold medal at the Europa Cup 2024 in the ILCA 7 category in Mallorca, Spain.

The event was organised by Reial Club Nautic Port de Pollenca. Saravanan topped the 91-boat race with 17 net points.

Australia’s Lawson McAullay won the bronze with 22 net points at the event.

The ILCA7 is a category within the ILCA -International Laser Class Association sailing class.

Saravanan became the first Indian sailor to qualify for successive Olympics.

Exp. Deepak Ballani appoints as DG of ISMA

Industry body Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has announced the appointment of Deepak Ballani as its new Director General.

With over 25 years of extensive experience in public policy, government affairs, and organizational management, Ballani assumes this pivotal role with a wealth of expertise.

Prior to joining ISMA, Ballani served as the Director General at the All-India Plastics Manufacturers Association, where he spearheaded policy advocacy, government affairs management, and international partner management.

Recent Appointment

• CM of Haryana – Nayab Singh Saini (replace Manohar Lal Khattar)
• Vigilance Commissioner – AS Rajeev
• Chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) – Kishor Makwana
• Member of National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) – Luv Kush Kumar
• President of Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) – Devendra Jhajharia (replace Deepa Malik)

Exp. 11 March – World Plumbing Day

World Plumbing Day is celebrated on March 11 annually to honor the critical role that plumbing plays in societal health.

Plumbing is, after all, the reason that our cities and towns are so clean. Without proper plumbing, all the human defecation and waste would remain in the city.

It is an international event initiated by the World Plumbing Council to recognize the crucial role plumbing plays in societal health and amenity.

The idea behind World Plumbing Day is for people worldwide to pause and reflect on the vital role of plumbing in preserving health and way of life, or in building sustainable, disease-free  futures for millions in developing countries.

Launched in 2010, World Plumbing Day is celebrated across continents like Australia, Europe, and Africa, with events organized to draw attention to the importance of good plumbing and sanitation.

Q.15. No Smoking Day is celebrated every year on the second _________ of March.

हर साल मार्च के दूसरे _________ को धूम्रपान निषेध दिवस मनाया जाता है।

(a) Monday

(b) Tuesday

(c) Wednesday

(d) Thursday

(e) Friday

Exp. 13 March - No Smoking Day

No Smoking Day is celebrated every year on the second Wednesday of March. This year is fall on 13 March.

It is a day dedicated to spreading awareness about the destructive impacts of smoking and to inspire individuals to give up smoking.

It is a day to promote healthy ways of life, and a smoke-free environment.

The history of No Smoking Day traces back to 1984, when a charity called 'No Smoking Day' was founded.