Correct Answer : Option (D) - Gajraj Suraksha

Gajraj uses an AI-based algorithm, and a network of sensitive optical fibre cables to detect elephants getting close to railway tracks. It warns nearby station masters when it detects an elephant getting within 200 metres of the track, who then warns locomotive pilots in the area.

Over the past decade, about 200 elephants lost their lives due to collisions with trains, posing a significant threat to both wildlife and railway operations.

In a bid to address the rising concern of elephant deaths in train collisions, Indian Railways has rolled out a groundbreaking, indigenously developed new technology called "Gajraj Suraksha", that is aimed at preventing such tragic incidents.

Gajraj Suraksha, which is a kind of Intrusion Detection System or IDS, is based on an AI algorithm and claims to detect 99.5 per cent of potential collisions, providing a much-needed solution to this longstanding issue. What makes this system unique is that it primarily relies on OFCs or Optical Fibre cables for quick transmission of signals.

Union Minister of Railways, "Ashwini Vaishnaw" announced (30th Nov 2023) plans to install these AI-powered systems in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, Kerala, certain parts of Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu.

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Punjab

Punjab claimed the gold medal after their penalty shootout victory over defending champion Haryana in the final of the 13th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2023.

A total of 27 shots were taken in the shoot-out and sudden death, and Punjab emerged the winner over defending champion Haryana by a 9-8 margin after the teams were tied 2-2 at regulation time. This was Punjab’s fourth title in 13 editions.

There was little to choose between the two teams as both played slow, measured hockey, waiting for the right time to strike.

Towards the end of the first quarter, Punjab’s Sukhjeet Singh rolled one slowly and perfectly for Harjeet Singh to unleash a grand sweep into the net. Haryana fought back through Sanjay, who struck his 13th goal of the tournament with a penalty corner strike that was angled well to the left side of the net in the second quarter.

Punjab captain Harmanpreet Singh did what he does best with a near-perfect penalty corner strike into the left corner of the roof in the third quarter. Haryana made quite a few counter-attacks at the start of the fourth quarter, and it was rewarded soon when an attack from the right resulted in a goal. Sanjay glided one past ‘keeper Krishna Pathak off a short pass from Deepak.

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Michael Douglas

Hollywood actor Michael Douglas has been honored with the 'Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement' Award at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

The 54th IFFI is being organized in Goa. The Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award is an international award instituted by the International Film Festival of India, first presented in 1999.