Daily Current Affairs January 19

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs January 19. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing  Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly  current affairs pdf.

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January 19 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Ranking – Daily Current Affairs January 19

1. Which smartphone claimed the title of the world’s best-selling smartphone in 2023, according to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC)?
A) Samsung
B) Xiaomi
C) Apple’s iPhone
D) Huawei
E) Oppo
Answer: C) Apple’s iPhone

• Apple’s iPhone outpaced Samsung’s smartphones to clinch the title of the world’s best-selling smartphone in 2023, marking the first time the South Korean tech giant has surrendered the top position since 2010.
• Preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) reveals that Apple recorded an impressive 234.6 million iPhone shipments in 2023, commanding a 20.1 per cent share of the global market with an annual growth rate of 3.7 per cent.
• Meanwhile, Samsung experienced a 13.6 per cent decline in smartphone shipments, totalling 226.6 million units and securing a market share of 19.4 per cent.
• China’s Xiaomi claimed the third position with 145.9 million shipments, representing a 12.5 per cent market share.

Note:

• Apple recently surpassed Amazon to claim the title of the world’s most valuable brand, valued at $516.6 billion, according to a report by consultancy Brand Finance

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs January 19

2. What does the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Google India Digital Services and NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) aim to achieve?
A) Launch a new digital currency
B) Introduce contactless payment technology
C) Enable Google Pay users to make UPI transactions globally
D) Establish a digital banking platform
E) Develop a blockchain-based payment system
Answer: C) Enable Google Pay users to make UPI transactions globally

• Google Pay, a digital payment application, is set to expand its UPI services globally by joining hands with NPCI Payments International Limited (NPIL), a subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Google India Digital Services and NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), Google Pay users will be able to make UPI transactions and can pay foreign merchants using G-pay when abroad.
• This feature eliminates the need for international cards, as users are paying foreign merchants directly in the local currency.
• When using an international credit card, users usually get burdened with a foreign currency transaction fee.
• The proposed service is currently available in countries where UPI is functional.
• These countries include Singapore, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, the USA, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
• Google Pay thus joins the league of apps and banks enabling peer-to-peer (P2P) remittances through UPI.
• As of now it is only available between India and Singapore, and users of Singapore’s PayNow and India’s UPI will be able to make instant money transfers between the two countries through any of these services.
• G-pay now joins the ranks of other major players in the digital payments space, such as BHIM, PhonePe, and Paytm, along with various banks like Axis Bank, DBS Bank India, ICICI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, and State Bank of India.

Note:

• In 2023, UPI in India facilitated a whopping 117.6 billion transactions, a huge rise compared to the 74 billion transactions in 2022 and 38.7 billion transactions in 2021.

Keyperson:

• Deeksha Kaushal, Director, Partnerships, Google Pay India

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3. What is the name of the app launched by ICICI Bank Canada for sending money to any bank in India?
A) MoneyTransferPro
B) Canada2India Funds
C) ICICI MoneyFlow
D) Money2India
E) CanadianTransact
Answer: D) Money2India

• ICICI Bank Canada, a subsidiary of ICICI Bank Ltd., has launched the app Money2India, which allows customers of any Canadian bank to send money to any bank in India without an account with ICICI Bank Canada.
• Customers can send money directly through the app via Visa or Mastercard.
• Customers can send up to $22,446 in a single transaction and can set up recurring transfers.
• The app features two factor authentication and a one-time-password.

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs January 18

4. What is the focus of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Airbus and the CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP)?
A) Development of new aircraft models
B) Testing and qualification of indigenous sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in India
C) Exploration of space technologies
D) Designing of electric vehicles
E) Improving airport infrastructure
Answer: B) Testing and qualification of indigenous sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in India

• Airbus and the CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop new technology pathways as well as test and qualify indigenous sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in India.
• Both entities will work jointly on technical assessment, approvals, market access, and sustainability accreditation efforts for the production of SAF.
• The aviation sector has strengthened its sectoral CO2 reduction targets in order to reach net-zero carbon emission by 2050. SAF, including the one developed by CSIR-IIP, will act as the measure with the biggest impact on the industry’s decarbonisation effort.
• The biggest challenge in the rise of SAF uptake lies in (i) the ramp up of production and (ii) addressing the cost differential between SAF and conventional jet fuel.
• Currently, all Airbus aircraft are certified to fly on 50 per cent SAF blend, with a goal to achieve the capability to fly up to 100 per cent SAF by 2030.
• Airbus and CSIR-IIP will contribute to increasing this up to 100 per cent in order to remove the need to use fossil fuels.

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs January 19

5. Who has been appointed as the director general of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)?
A) Daljit Singh Chaudhary
B) Rajesh Kumar
C) Anjana Sinha
D) Rakesh Asthana
E) Nupur Sharma
Answer: A) Daljit Singh Chaudhary

• Senior IPS officer Daljit Singh Chaudhary was appointed as the director general of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
• He is presently working as Special Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved his appointment as the DG, SSB for a period up to November 30, 2025.
• The SSB guards India’s frontiers with Nepal and Bhutan.

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6. Who has been appointed as the CEO for PepsiCo India?
A) Ahmed El Sheikh
B) Jagrut Kotecha
C) Indra Nooyi
D) Satyendra Chaturvedi
E) Manu Anand
Answer: B) Jagrut Kotecha

• Snacks and beverage major PepsiCo India announced the appointment of Jagrut Kotecha as CEO for PepsiCo India.
• He will succeed Ahmed El Sheikh, who will take over as CEO for the Middle East Business Unit, in March, after a seven-year stint in India.
• Kotecha is currently Chief Commercial Officer for PepsiCo in Africa, Middle East, and South Asia (AMESA).

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs January 19

7. Who received the award for International Sports Personality of the Year at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Awards ceremony?
A) Lionel Messi
B) Gianni Infantino
C) Cristiano Ronaldo
D) Serena Williams
E) Usain Bolt
Answer: B) Gianni Infantino

• FIFA President Gianni Infantino has received the award for International Sports Personality of the Year at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Awards ceremony in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
• Inspired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s love of sport, the awards were established in 2009, and recognise individual achievement in a broad range of sport-related fields.
• International recipients have been eligible since 2012, and the International Sports Personality of the Year is the highest international honour, acknowledging innovators who develop sport and increase fair competition

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8. Who has been honored with Assam’s highest civilian award, Assam Baibhav, from the field of Law and Justice?
A) Ranjan Gogoi
B) Kishan Chand Nauriyal
C) Elvis Ali Hazarika
D) Hima Das
E) Nadiram Deuri
Answer: A) Ranjan Gogoi

• Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Ranjan Gogoi has been bestowed with Assam highest civilian award, Assam Baibhav.
• Gogoi, who served as 46th CJI, has been selected from the field of Law and Justice.
• He is the first judge from the North East to occupy the august office of Chief Justice of India.
• Four personalities – archaeologist Kishan Chand Nauriyal, swimmer Elvis Ali Hazarika, sprinter Hima Das and Tiwa folk dance exponent Nadiram Deuri – won the second highest civilian award, Assam Saurav.
• A total of 17 personalities from diverse fields have been named for the third highest state civilian award, Assam Gaurav.

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9. What award has NHPC Limited received from SCOPE in the category of Effective Implementation of RTI Act?
A) Excellence in Environmental Sustainability
B) Innovation in Renewable Energy
C) Commendation Certificate
D) Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility
E) Leadership in Corporate Governance
Answer: C) Commendation Certificate

• NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower company, has been awarded SCOPE’s ‘Commendation Certificate’ in the category of Effective Implementation of RTI Act.
• The certificate has been presented by Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, during the SCOPE Awards ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
• CMD, NHPC, Shri R.K. Vishnoi and Director (Personnel), NHPC Shri Uttam Lal received the award.

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10. In which category did REC Limited receive the Scope Excellence Award?
A) Excellence in Renewable Energy
B) Special Institutional Category (Digitalization)
C) Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility
D) Leadership in Corporate Governance
E) Innovation in Technology
Answer: B) Special Institutional Category (Digitalization)

• REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power and a leading NBFC, has been honored with the prestigious Scope Excellence Award in the category of Special Institutional Category (Digitalization).
• The award acknowledges REC Limited’s unwavering commitment to the digitalization of its workplace and the promotion of best practices in establishing a paperless office.
• The award was presented by the Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
• Director (Finance), Shri Ajoy Choudhury and Executive Director (BDM), Shri Saurabh Rastogi of REC Limited graciously accepted the award from the Vice President of India at the ceremony.

Note:

• SCOPE was established in 1973 as an apex body of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs), and is dedicated to promoting competitiveness and excellence within the PSE sector.
• The SCOPE Excellence Award recognizes and commemorates exemplary performances of Public Sector Enterprises.

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 19

11. What organizations collaborated to inaugurate solar power stations at Egyptian world heritage sites and museums?
A) Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Environment, and UNICEF
B) Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Supreme Council for Antiquities, Industrial Modernization Center, and UNDP
C) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, and World Health Organization
D) Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Transportation, and Greenpeace
E) Ministry of Finance, Supreme Council for Antiquities, and European Union
Answer: B) Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Supreme Council for Antiquities, Industrial Modernization Center, and UNDP

• The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities represented by the Supreme Council for Antiquities (SCA), the Industrial Modernization Center, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Egypt, inaugurated solar power stations at five Egyptian world heritage sites and museums.
• The five solar power stations, strategically located at the Giza Plateau’s Visitor Center, Manial Palace in Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh Museum, and two Museums in Alexandria (The National and the Royal Jewelry Museums) boast a total capacity of 325 kW of photovoltaic systems generating 520 MW.hr/year.
• This is estimated to reduce approximately 295 tons/year of carbon dioxide equivalent of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
• The solar power stations mark the completion of the Egypt PV flagship project, a pioneering initiative that opened the market for rooftop small-scale PV systems in Egypt.
• Supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and later funded by the European Union through the UNDP project with COP27 Presidency, the project engaged a diverse range of government and private sector stakeholders.
• This aims to achieve Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy for 2030.

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 19

12. How does the e-SAKSHI mobile application benefit Members of Parliament (MPs) under the MPLAD scheme?
A) By providing entertainment content
B) By facilitating online shopping
C) By offering real-time access to propose, track, and oversee projects
D) By allowing MPs to play mobile games
E) By serving as a social media platform
Answer: C) By offering real-time access to propose, track, and oversee projects

• The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) Rao Inderjit Singh launched the MPLADS e-SAKSHI Mobile Application for revised fund flow procedure under MPLAD Scheme.
• The objective of MPLAD Scheme is to enable the Members of Parliament (MPs) to recommend works of developmental nature with emphasis on the creation of durable community assets based on the locally felt needs.
• The revised set of guidelines aims to broaden the scope of the Scheme so as to enable the MPs to recommend the developmental works as per the changing needs of the community; with an emphasis on improving the functioning, implementation and monitoring of the MPLAD scheme.
• The launching of e-SAKSHI mobile application for Members of Parliament (MPs) under the MPLAD scheme would offer convenience and accessibility, allowing MPs to propose, track, and oversee the projects at their fingertips.
• This real-time access enhances decision-making processes, enabling swift responses to emerging needs or issues.
• Additionally, the mobile app will promote transparency by providing MPs with instant updates on the status and progress of their proposed projects.

Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme:

• Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) is a scheme formulated by Government of India on 23 December 1993 that enables the members of parliaments (MP) to recommend developmental work in their constituencies with an emphasis on creating durable community assets based on locally felt needs.
• Durable resources for community needs and national priorities, such as roads, drinking water, elementary education, public health, and sanitation.
• At first, the Ministry of Rural Development and Planning was in charge of the Scheme.
• The plan was moved to the Ministry of Statistics & Program Implementation in October 1994.
• Every MP is allowed to spend Rs 5 crore a year under this arrangement.
• A number of states have passed Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development Schemes (MLALADS), which are similar to MPLADS in that they provide funding to MLAs.
• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation published the “Guidelines on Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)” in June 2016.
• This document states that MPLAD funds may also be utilized to carry out programs like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), rainwater harvesting for water conservation, and the Sansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana, among others.

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13. Where will the 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) take place?
A) Itanagar
B) Ziro
C) Seijosa
D) Tawang
E) Pasighat
Answer: C) Seijosa

• The 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF), a state festival of Arunachal Pradesh, will take place at Seijosa in the Pakke Kessang district from January 18-20, 2024.
• The festival focuses on wildlife conservation, with a particular emphasis on hornbills. Four species of the birds — Wreathed, Great Indian, Oriental Pied and the endangered Rufous-necked — are found in the Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR) of Arunachal Pradesh.
• The area is also home to the Nyishi, the largest tribal group in Arunachal Pradesh.
• This year, the festival’s theme is Domutoh Domutoh, Paga hum Domutoh.
• It translates to ‘Let Our Hornbills Remain’ in the Nyishi language.
• This year’s festival aims to underscore the critical need for preserving these iconic birds.

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14. What is the allocated amount for the expansion project of the Mangalore-Mudigere-Tumkur section of NH-73?
A) Rs 200 Crore
B) Rs 275.50 Crore
C) Rs 312.25 Crore
D) Rs 343.74 Crore
E) Rs 400 Crore
Answer: D) Rs 343.74 Crore

• Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari sanctioned an allocation of Rs 343.74 Crore for the expansion of the Mangalore-Mudigere-Tumkur section of NH-73, transforming it into a 2-lane road with paved shoulders.
• The project, spanning 10.8 km, is slated for execution under the EPC mode.
• Negotiating challenging hilly and mountainous landscapes, particularly the Charmadi Ghat, this initiative is poised to substantially enhance connectivity in the region.

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15. Which organization launched India’s ‘first’ indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine, Havisure?
A) National Health Mission (NHM)
B) Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL)
C) Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
D) Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
E) National Institute of Virology (NIV)
Answer: B) Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL)

• Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), launched India’s ‘first’ indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine, Havisure.
• Hepatitis A, a highly contagious liver viral infection that poses a significant public health challenge primarily spreads through the fecal-oral route.
• It is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water.
• Havisure is expected to play a key role to protect against the Hepatitis A virus, which primarily affects the liver.
• The vaccine is effective in preventing the disease and is recommended for children in routine immunisation.
• Priced at Rs 2,150 per dose, it is a two-dose vaccine wherein the first dose is administered at above 12 months of age and the second dose is given at least after 6 months of the first dose.
• The vaccine is also recommended for individuals who are at risk of exposure or travel to the regions with high hepatitis A prevalence.
• In addition to this people with occupational risk of infection and suffering from chronic liver diseases also need Hepatitis A vaccination.

Keyperson:

• K Anand Kumar, Managing Director, IIL

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16. Who is the parent organization of Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL)?
A) Kerala Feeds Ltd (KFL)
B) National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)
C) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
D) Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)
E) National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (NIANP)
Answer: B) National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

• Kerala Feeds Ltd (KFL) has tied up with Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL) to market vaccines for humans, livestock and fish.
• A Memorandum of Understanding signed in this regard will allow KFL to sell across Kerala all the products of IIL, a subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board.
• To begin with, KFL will market IIL’s veterinary items.

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17. Which traditional sport of Tamil Nadu is being introduced as a demo sport for the first time in the history of Khelo India Youth Games?
A) Kalaripayattu
B) Gatka
C) Thang ta
D) Kabaddi
E) Silambam
Answer: E) Silambam

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the opening ceremony of the 13th edition of Khelo India Youth Games 2023 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Shri Modi also launched and laid the foundation stone of projects related to the Broadcasting sector worth about Rs 250 crores.
• This includes the launch of the revamped DD Podhigai channel as DD Tamil; 12 Akashvani FM projects in 8 States; and 4 DD transmitters in Jammu and Kashmir.
• In addition, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for 26 new FM transmitter Projects in 12 States.
• The Games will be played across four cities of Tamil Nadu, namely Chennai, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore from 19th to 31st January 2024.
• The mascot for the games is Veera Mangai. Rani Velu Nachiyar, fondly called Veera Mangai, was an Indian queen who waged a war against British colonial rule.
• The mascot symbolizes the valour and spirit of Indian women, embodying the strength of women power.
• The logo for the games incorporates the figure of poet Thiruvalluvar.
• Over 5600 athletes will be participating in this edition of Khelo India Youth Games, spread across 13 days in 15 venues with 26 sporting disciplines, over 275 competitive events and 1 demo sport. The 26 sporting disciplines are a diverse mix of conventional sports such as Football, Volleyball, Badminton etc. and traditional sports such as Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang ta, Kabaddi and Yogasana.
• Silambam, a traditional sport of Tamil Nadu, is being introduced as a demo sport for the first time in the history of Khelo India Youth Games.

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18. Which DISCOMs achieved the A+ (highest) ranking among all the 62 rated DISCOMs in the country?
A) NPCL (Uttar Pradesh)
B) BRPL (Delhi)
C) BYPL (Delhi)
D) TPDDL (Delhi)
E) All of the above
Answer: E) All of the above

• Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh launched the third edition of the Consumer Service Ratings of DISCOMs, covering performance of DISCOMs for FY 2022-23.
• As per the Ratings, NPCL (Uttar Pradesh), BRPL (Delhi), BYPL (Delhi) and TPDDL (Delhi) have achieved A+ (highest) ranking among all the 62 rated DISCOMs in the country.
• The report captures the current status of consumer services across various DISCOMs.
• The report will steer healthy competition amongst the DISCOMs and nudge them to improve upon the key services rendered to consumers.
• The Minister also launched Powerthon 2024, which will enable budding startups and entrepreneurs having concepts and ideas for solving key problems of power DISCOMs to participate in an incubation programme, wherein they will have an opportunity to seek overall guidance, resources and nurturing by established domestic incubators to build prototypes.
• The Minister also released Electricity Distribution Network Planning Criteria formulated by Central Electricity Authority, encompassing different aspects of distribution planning processes at Sub-Transmission & distribution level including introduction of smart technologies.

Note:

• The average daily availability of power supply in rural areas goes up from 12.5 hours per day in 2015-16 to ~21 hours.
• Similarly, hours of supply in urban areas improved to 23.8 hours per day from 20 hours in 2015-16.
• 29 million households were electrified.
• AT&C Losses have been reduced from 27% in 2014-15 to 15.41% in 2023.

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19. How many STEM Labs are planned to be created under the Boeing Sukanya Program to spark interest in STEM careers for young girls?
A) 50
B) 100
C) 150
D) 200
E) 250
Answer: C) 150

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the new state-of-the-art Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC) campus in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• Built with an investment of Rs 1,600 crores, the 43-acre campus is Boeing’s largest such investment outside the USA.
• The Prime Minister also launched the Boeing Sukanya Program which aims to support the entry of more girl children from across India into the country’s growing aviation sector.
• The program will provide opportunities for girls and women from across India to learn critical skills in the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fields and train for jobs in the aviation sector.
• For young girls, the program will create STEM Labs at 150 planned locations to help spark interest in STEM careers.
• The program will also provide scholarships to women who are training to be pilots.

Keyperson:

• COO of Boeing Company, Ms Stephanie Pope

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20. Where will the 63rd Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) meeting be held?
A) New Delhi, Delhi
B) Jaipur, Rajasthan
C) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
D) Hyderabad, Telangana
E) Kolkata, West Bengal
Answer: C) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

• The 63rd Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) meeting organized by Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines will be held on 22nd January 2024 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
• The meeting will be held under the Chairmanship of Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Govt. of India, Ministry of Mines.
• On this occasion, GSI will hand over the Report on Geological & Geotechnical investigation of Joshimath Township, Chamoli District, to Uttarakhand Govt.
• The Mineral Map of the newly carved out UT of Ladakh will also be released on this occasion along with other significant publication of GSI.
• GSI has formulated about 1055 scientific programs for the year 2024-25, which includes 392 Mineral Development projects (G2;G3;G4; and Offshore Explorations) that has the potential to generate auctionable mineral blocks in near future.
• Other 133 projects with mineral bias or Mineral Discovery Projects (RMT; Research Project; C-MAP;GT; MPA; Multispectral/Hyperspectral projects) having potential for generating promising areas for future exploration in G4 stage will be taken up.
• A total of 188 projects on these strategically important mineral commodities like REE, RM, Graphite, Lithium, Vanadium and PGE etc. have been proposed for the year 2024-25, which is almost a jump of 50% from previous year’s target.

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21. What is the name of the scheme announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to develop self-help-group (SHG) members as rural micro-entrepreneurs?
A) Mukhya Mantri Swavalamban Abhiyan
B) Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan
C) Mukhya Mantri Gram Vikas Yojana
D) Mukhya Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
E) Mukhya Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Yojana
Answer: B) Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan

• Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a scheme to develop 40 lakh self-help-group (SHG) members as rural micro-entrepreneurs and help them become ‘lakhpati baidos (elder sister)’.
• The scheme, ‘Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan’, will be implemented at an estimated cost of Rs 4,000 crore and offered to those SHG members who are willing to undertake a personal business plan along with their group activity.
• Each eligible woman will be provided with Rs 35,000 over three years in their endeavour to become ‘lakhpati baidos’.
• Over the next two years, each beneficiary will get a total of Rs 25,000, including Rs 12,500 from the government and an equal amount from a bank as loans which they will have to return but the government support is non-refundable.
• They will get an additional Rs 10,000 in the subsequent year.
• The beneficiaries will have to submit a business plan to avail the grant which will be prepared and supported by the government.
• The scheme will fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building two crore ‘Lakhpati didis’.
• This new programme will help 40 lakh women in the state.

Eligibility criteria.

• These criteria include that women belonging to the general and OBC categories should not have more than three children, while those in the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes should not have more than four children.
• The SHG member, having a girl child or children, should enrol them in school, if they have attained the age and if they are younger, an undertaking must be given for the same.
• The trees planted under the Amrit Brikshya Andolan by beneficiaries must be surviving.

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