Cochin International Airport Limited has signed an agreement with Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) for the Green Hydrogen Project. Under this project, a 1000 kilowatt green hydrogen project will be established in the airport premises.
Kochi Airport will become the first airport in the country to set up a green hydrogen project.
Service Sector
3. What is the primary objective of the ‘e-Jagriti Portal’, recently mentioned in the news? – To facilitate consumer dispute redressal
The Consumer Affairs Secretary advocates the infusion of artificial intelligence into the ‘e-Jagriti’ portal to expedite consumer court case resolutions.
The portal, under the Department of Consumer Affairs, streamlines consumer dispute redressal through features like online case filing, fee payment, and AI-driven smart search for archived complaints.
It integrates various grievance platforms, utilizing AI and ML technologies for voice-to-text conversions, metadata creation, and a virtual court facility, aiming to enhance efficiency and accessibility in consumer complaint resolution.
Environment
Biodiversity
4. What is ‘Cuscuta dodder’, recently seen in the news? – Invasive weed
Cuscuta dodder, an invasive weed native to North America, is threatening Chengalpet forests and Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu, endangering local ecology and migratory bird habitats.
This parasitic vine lacks roots, infesting acres of trees in reserve forests and penetrating India’s oldest bird sanctuary.
In India, it poses a significant problem in oilseeds, pulses, and fodder crops. Globally, it’s listed as a ‘declared noxious weed’ in 25 countries.
Science & Technology
IT & Computer
5. Recently, which country won the 9th GovTech Prize for AI Powered Government Services at the World Government Summit 2024? – India
India won the 9th GovTech Prize at the 2024 World Government Summit in Dubai for its innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing government services.
The award recognizes the Government of India’s Ministry for Road Transport and Highways’ transformative project, iRASTE.
The Emirates Government Service Excellence Program (EGSEP) manages the annual GovTech Prize and the “M-Gov Award”.
State Current Affairs
6. Who has been elected as the new Speaker of Bihar Assembly – Nand Kishore Yadav
The Odisha government announces the Nua-O scholarship, providing annual financial aid to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Male students receive Rs 9,000, while females get Rs 10,000. SC/ST and Nirman Shramik male students receive Rs 10,000, and females get Rs 11,000.
The initiative, part of the Nutana Unnata Abhilasha (NUA) Odisha scheme, focuses on skilling youth, allocating a budget of Rs 385 crore for 2023-24 to 2025-26.
The scholarship targets students in state universities and aided colleges, excluding Income Tax payers and government employees’ children.
Short News
Appointments
8. Who has assumed the charge of President of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India- Ranjit Kumar Aggarwal
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the apex body of chartered accountants, has elected Ranjit Kumar Aggarwal and Charanjot Singh Nanda as the President and Vice President of the institute respectively.
Ranjit Kumar took charge as the 72nd President of ICAI.
Sports
Misc
9. Indian hammer thrower Rachna Kumari has been banned for how many years on doping charges – 12
