Correct Answer :   ₹9,384

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National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has awarded Toll, Operate and Transfer (TOT) bundles 13 and 14 of a combined length of 273 km for 9,384 crore rupees.
 
The TOT bundle 13 includes the Kota Bypass and Stay Bridge on NH-76 in Rajasthan, as well as the Gwalior-Jhansi section of NH-75 in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh has been awarded to IRB Infrastructure Trust for 1,683 crores rupees.
 
TOT bundle 14, which consists of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway including the Delhi-Hapur section of NH-9 in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, as well as the Binjabahal to Teliebani section of NH-6 in Odisha, has been awarded to Cube Highways and Infrastructure Pte Ltd for 7,701 crore rupees...


Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   December 18

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International Migrants Day is observed on December 18 to recognise the contributions of migrants and highlight the challenges they face.

* The day sheds light on the socio-economic realities of migrants around the world. Conflict, insecurity, and the effects of climate change and war have all played a major role in the forced migration of people in recent times, both within countries and across borders.

* Over 281 million people were international migrants in 2020, according to a United Nations report. It added that over 59 million people were internally displaced by the 2021 end.


History of International Migrants Day :

* On 4 December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 18 December 2023 as International Migrants Day. The day came into existence after the UNGA took into account the large and increasing number of migrants across the globe.

* On that day in 1990, UNGA adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

International Migrants Day Significance :

* According to the United Nations, migrants, and displaced people, irrespective of the reasons that compel them to shift, represent some of the ”most vulnerable and marginalised” sections in society and are often "exposed to abuse and exploitation".

* Having limited access to essential services including healthcare, these people have to face “xenophobic attacks and stigma fuelled by misinformation.”

* Migrant workers around the world mostly have temporary, informal, or unprotected jobs, which often expose them to the potential risk of insecurity and poor working conditions. Since 2014, over 50,000 migrants have died on migratory routes across the globe, the UN report states.

* The UN's 2030 sustainable development agenda cannot be achieved unless we establish egalitarian societies that embrace these immigrants and enable them to reach their full potential.

* The International Migrants Day is observed every year to highlight the contributions, issues, and role of migrants globally.


On this International Migrants Day, let us take a look at the countries with the highest migration rate :

* The world's largest immigrant population resides in the United States, according to the World Population Review.

* Over 15% of the 331.4 million people who live in the United States were born in a foreign country. Mexico is the leading origin country for US immigrants. It accounts for over 11 million (around 25%) of the immigrants in the US..


Source : CNBC

Correct Answer :   Reuven Azar

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The Israeli government on Sunday (17th Dec 2023) approved the appointment of Reuven Azar as the new Ambassador to India.

* Azar will also be serving as the non-resident Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Bhutan, a statement from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

* His appointment is one of the 21 new Heads of Missions cleared by the Israeli government to assume service soon.

* Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, congratulating the new appointees, said they will “represent Israel and its citizens, strengthen its economy and strengthen international support for the State of Israel”.

* As per information available from official sources, Azar is currently serving as the Ambassador of Israel to Romania.

* It is not yet known when he will take charge in New Delhi.

* Azar has earlier served as Head of the Israel-US-China internal task force at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, immediately after a term of three years as Deputy National Security Advisor for Foreign Policy at the National Security Council and Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister of Israel.

* From 2014 to 2018, Azar was Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of Israel in Washington, DC.

* He also served as the Head of Middle East Research in the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2012 to 2014 and as Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Israel in Amman from 2010 to 2012.

* Since the completion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cadet training programme in 1994, Azar mostly held Middle East-related positions such as Head of the Iran Sanctions Team and Director of Middle East Economic Research.

* He has also covered different aspects of cooperation and negotiations with the Palestinian Authority, as well as research on Palestinian issues during his almost three decades of service.

* Azar served four years in Cairo as Head of the Economic and Trade Department at the Embassy of Israel..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Kuwait

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India declared state mourning across the country on 17 December 2023 as a mark of respect to Kuwait’s Amir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

The Indian government on Sunday (17 December 2023) conveyed its deepest condolences to Kuwait on the death of its Amir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and declared state mourning across the country on December 17 as a mark of respect.

Sheikh Nawaf died on Saturday (16 December 2023) at the age of 86, according to the royal court, just a little more than three years after assuming power in the West Asian country. The cause of his death was not immediately disclosed. The Amir was admitted to hospital in November due to an emergency health problem.

Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, 83, who has been Kuwait’s de facto ruler since 2021, was named as Sheikh Nawaf’s successor.

The external affairs ministry said in a statement that petroleum and natural gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri would visit Kuwait as the prime minister’s special envoy to pay condolences on behalf of the government and people of India. Puri would deliver personal letters of condolences from the president and prime minister to Sheikh Meshal.

“In the demise of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait has lost a visionary leader who took the country towards progress and prosperity. India and Kuwait maintained close and friendly relations under the leadership of the late Amir,” the statement said.

Sheikh Nawaf was “steadfast in guiding and strengthening bilateral engagements for the mutual benefit of the people” of India and Kuwait, according to the statement.

“The large Indian expatriate community in Kuwait will miss his presence and compassionate care. India stands united in mourning with the leadership and the people of Kuwait,” it added.

Kuwait is hometown about one million Indians, the largest expatriate community in the country. The expatriates include professionals such as engineers, doctors, chartered accountants, scientists, software experts, technicians and nurses, though a large proportion consists of unskilled and semi-skilled workers.

The West Asian state is also among India’s key energy suppliers and there was close cooperation between the two sides during the Covid-19 pandemic. An Indian medical team was sent to Kuwait in a special aircraft in April 2020 to help fight Covid-19. Kuwait established an air and sea bridge during the second wave of the pandemic to supply oxygen and medical supplies to India..


Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   Varanasi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen inaugurated the world's largest meditation center Swarved Mahamandir in Umaraha, Varanasi, 18th Dec 2023, adding a magnificent spiritual landmark to the holy city.

#WATCH | PM Modi inaugurates and visits the newly built Swarved Mahamandir in Umaraha, Varanasi, UP pic.twitter.com/K4LeRtYkBg

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2023

Standing tall at seven floors and boasting a capacity of 20,000 devotees, the Swarved Mahamandir is a breathtaking architectural marvel. Its intricate marble carvings and towering lotus-shaped domes reflect the city's rich cultural heritage and blend seamlessly with modern design elements.

Addressing the event on Sunday (17th Dec 2023), the prime minister said, "Those from Tamil Nadu, I request them to use your earphones (to listen to the speech) using AI technology for the first time."

Modi expressed hope that artificial intelligence would make it easier for him to reach out to the people. "This was my first experience. In future, I will use it and you will have to respond. Now, as usual, I speak in Hindi and AI will translate it to Tamil," he said.

The prime minister said, "Coming from Tamil Nadu to Kashi means coming from one home of Mahadev to His other home. Coming from Tamil Nadu to Kashi means coming from the place of Madurai Meenakshi to Kashi Vishalakshi's place."

Top 10 things about Swarved Mahamandir :

1. Following the inauguration, he along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took a tour of the centre that can seat 20,000 people at a time for meditation.

2. Verses of the Swarveda have been carved upon the walls of the Mahamandir -- a seven-floor superstructure.

3. The Union Ministry of Education is the nodal agency for the event with participation from the ministries of culture, tourism, railways, textiles, food processing, MSME, information and broadcasting, skill development and entrepreneurship, IRCTC and related departments of the Uttar Pradesh government.

4. The Kashi Tamil Sangamam will encompass lectures covering literature, ancient texts, philosophy, spirituality, music, dance, drama, yoga, and Ayurveda.

5 Additionally, seminars are planned on innovation, trade, knowledge exchange, edutech and next-gen technology.

6. The temple is named after the Swarved, a spiritual text authored by Sadguru Shri Sadafal Deoji Maharaj, an eternal yogi and the founder of Vihangam Yoga.

7. According to the temple's website, Swarved Mahamandir aims to “illuminate humankind with its magnificent spiritual aura and engulf the world in a state of peaceful alertness."

8. The temple promotes the teachings of Swarveda, emphasizing Brahm Vidya—a body of knowledge empowering spiritual seekers to maintain a state of consummate Zen, characterized by unwavering constancy in peace and happiness.

9. The temple advocates the principles of Swarveda, placing a special emphasis on Brahm Vidya—a comprehensive knowledge that empowers spiritual seekers to attain a state of complete tranquility, marked by steadfast peace and happiness.

10. The walls are adorned with pink sandstone, and the grandeur is further enhanced by a beautiful garden featuring medicinal herbs...


Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Guinea-Bissau

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Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has reappointed Geraldo Martins as prime minister after dissolving his government last week, he said in a statement on Tuesday (12th Dec 2023).

* Martins was first appointed PM in August after serving as finance minister in a previous government. He is a member of the former ruling PAIGC party which now leads an opposition coalition.

* The opposition coalition won a majority in legislative elections in June, but Embalo dissolved the parliament last week, accusing it of "passivity" in response to what he said was an attempted coup.

* A date for new elections has yet to be announced.

* Coups and unrest have been commonplace in Guinea-Bissau since it gained independence from Portugal in 1974.

* Under the current political system, the majority party or coalition appoints the government but the president has the power to dismiss it in certain circumstances, often leading to political deadlock..


Source : Reuters

Correct Answer :   ICICI Bank

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iVIS a subsidiary of Magellanic Cloud, has announced its empanelment with ICICI Bank for the delivery of e-surveillance services across branches.

This strategic collaboration enables iVIS to offer AI/ML and IoT technology-enabled e-surveillance services, which will include real-time video monitoring and recording, facial recognition, incident detection, reporting, and data analytics.

iVIS will strengthen the branch-level security operations of ICICI Bank, such as ATMs and cash counter operations, with real-time threat mitigation, remote security management, and automated response systems. iVis is skilled in its e-surveillance segment, with a centre in its Hyderabad office that oversees 20,000 ATMs and banking sites across the country.

Commenting on the empanelment, Joseph Sudheer Reddy Thumma, CEO of Magellanic Cloud, said, “The partnership between iVIS, Magellanic Cloud’s subsidiary, and ICICI Bank brings a convergence of cutting-edge technologies to the realm of advanced e-surveillance. This will ensure that clients receive the highest quality services and solutions, backed by a wealth of experience. We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with ICICI Bank, and we are poised to elevate the bank’s security infrastructure.”

Expressing his thoughts about the association, Murali Mohan Rachapoodi, Co-Founder of iVIS said, “iVIS a leader in e-surveillance is excited to deliver holistic security solutions that incorporate cutting-edge features such as Video analytics based remote surveillance, cloud processing and storage, operational insights, actionable intelligence complimented by alarm triggers in real-time. Our services will elevate ICICI Bank’s branch services, ensuring an enhanced experience for customers while proactively deterring suspicious activities. We are committed to providing comprehensive security solutions using our AI/ML and IoT capabilities with real-time threat mitigation.”

Magellanic Cloud has achieved fivefold growth from production to commissioning through its subsidiary iVIS by making use of technology and automation to build efficiency and scale production..

Source : IBS Intelligence

Correct Answer :   IndiGo

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IndiGo, India's largest airline, has received approval to establish an aircraft leasing venture in IFSC Gift City.

* The parent company, Interglobe Aviation, plans to invest around ₹11,500 crore in the segment over the next five years. The funds will come from promoter investments.

* The new venture, named Interglobe Aviation Financial Services IFSC Private Limited, will focus on operating leasing, financial leasing, and other related services for aircraft.

* It will also offer lease arrangements, sale and leaseback, asset management, and various transactions related to aircraft and aircraft engine leases. The end customers for their services will be the DTA entity of their Group company. The estimated value for the export of services over five years is projected at ₹11,563 crore.

* The proposed premises for the leasing company will span 15 square meters. IndiGo has an order book of 980 aircraft and had previously announced its intention to establish a presence in IFSC Gift City in September 2023.

Source : EZ News

Correct Answer :   Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

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Chief Minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday (17th Dec 2023) inaugurated the ‘Him Mahotsav’ being organised in Dilli Haat by HimCraft, Himachal Pradesh Tourism development Corporation (HPTDC) and Art, Language and Culture department from 17 to 30 December 2023 at New Delhi.

The CM said that the present state government was taking initiatives to promote the state’s ‘pahari’ culture at various national and international platforms. He said the government was making efforts to export the Himachali caps which were being appreciated by investors in Dubai.

The CM stated that ‘Him Mahotsav’ would provide an effective platform for the state’s artisans and weavers to sell their products and take big orders in the national capital besides expanding their business activities. He added that as many as 60 stalls had been showcased in the ‘Him Mahotsav’ and cultural programmes would be presented by the Himachali folk artists.

Sukhu said the natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh attracts all and weather in winter was very good as compared to the plains. He welcomed the tourists to enjoy winter especially the last weekend of the year in the state and added that winter carnival will be an added attraction for them.

Speaking on the occasion, industries minister Harshvardhan Chauhan said ‘Him Mahotsav’ was an attempt to celebrate the art, culture and cuisine of the state. He said that Himcraft had organised similar events during the International Trade Fair and G20 Summit where the handicrafts, handlooms and cuisine of the state were highly appreciated and registered good sales. He also detailed the activities of the Himcraft and the support being extended by the state government to the artisans and weavers.

Chief secretary Prabodh Saxena in his welcome address detailed the aims and objectives of the event..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   December 16

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Vijay Diwas, observed on December 16 every year, stands as a testament to the valor and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces during the 1971 war against Pakistan.

This day holds deep historical significance as it marks India’s resounding victory, resulting in the creation of Bangladesh. The day is dedicated to honoring the soldiers who laid down their lives for the country.


Vijay Diwas Historical Background :

The roots of the 1971 war lie in the oppressive actions of the Pakistani military regime led by General Yahya Khan. The conflict arose when the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won the 1970 elections. In response, the Pakistani military resorted to genocide, triggering a mass exodus from East Pakistan. India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, intervened to shelter the refugees.

On December 3, 1971, Pakistan’s air strikes on Indian airbases prompted a decisive response. Indira Gandhi, instructing General Sam Manekshaw, initiated a full-scale war. India supported Bangladeshi nationalist groups and executed ‘Operation Trident,’ targeting the Karachi Port. After 13 days of intense conflict, General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi of Pakistan surrendered with 93,000 soldiers, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.


The Surrender and its Implications :

On Vijay Diwas, India remembers the significant moment when General Niazi, along with 93,000 soldiers, surrendered before the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini of Bangladesh. This surrender is marked as one of the most substantial military surrenders post-World War II, signifying India’s triumph in the face of adversity.

Vijay Diwas 2023: Commemoration and Significance :

Vijay Diwas is a day of reflection and tribute, commemorating the sacrifices made by the Indian armed forces. The day holds immense cultural and political significance, emphasizing the strong ties between India and Bangladesh. India pays homage to the bravery and strength displayed by its armed forces during the war.


Vijay Diwas 2023, Celebrations and Observances :

Vijay Diwas is marked by parades and significant events in both India and Bangladesh. Beyond its historical importance, the day serves as a reminder of the shared history and the enduring spirit of cooperation between the two nations.

As students reflect on Vijay Diwas, they are reminded of India’s celebrated emergence during the 1971 war. The day stands as a symbol of courage, unity, and the indomitable spirit of the armed forces. Vijay Diwas continues to inspire generations, fostering a deep sense of patriotism and pride in the hearts of the citizens of India and Bangladesh alike.