Correct Answer :   Iceland

---

In a global landscape characterized by diverse challenges such as geopolitical conflicts and natural calamities, individuals place a premium on safety and security to attain a tranquil and stable living environment. Certain nations emerge as exemplary models in this regard, distinguished by their commitment to the safety of their populace.

Whether gauged through factors like minimal crime rates, proficient governance or societal cohesion, these countries consistently prioritize the welfare and security of their residents. This article delves into the top 10 safest countries in the world, shedding light on their outstanding safety records and the measures they adopt to ensure the well-being of their citizens.

World’s Safest Country 2023 :

For an impressive 14th consecutive year, Iceland secures its title as the world’s safest country according to the Global Peace Index. With a population of 340,000, Iceland’s safety stems from its high living standards, social harmony and a small, trusting community. Notably, the absence of a military, unarmed police and progressive laws promoting equality contribute to Iceland’s unrivaled reputation for security.

List of Top-10 Safest Countries in the World :

As per the Global Peace Index 2023, Iceland holds the title of safest country in the world with the Global Peace Index of 1.12 in the year 2023, followed by Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand and Austria.

Here is the list of top-10 safest countries of the world :

Correct Answer :   India-Korea

---

Mr. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), inaugurated the India-Korea Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES) on December 6, 2023, in New Delhi.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. KO Kwang Hyo, Commissioner of Korea Customs Service (KCS), and his delegation.

Objective : EODES aims to streamline the implementation of the India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) through the electronic exchange of origin information between the customs administrations of both nations, specifically for goods traded under CEPA.

Functionality : The system enables the electronic sharing of data fields in a Certificate of Origin (CoO) by the exporting customs administration with the importing customs immediately upon the issuance of the certificate. This electronic exchange expedites the clearance process for imported goods.

Importance of Customs Cooperation : Mr. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal emphasized the significance of Customs cooperation between India and Korea, focusing on aspects such as automated data exchange, capacity-building, and enforcement. He expressed optimism that the success of the EODES project would set a global standard for international Customs cooperation.

Acknowledgment and Recognition : Mr. KO Kwang Hyo acknowledged the collaborative efforts of both teams and highlighted that the operationalization of the system would provide a new momentum to preferential trade between India and Korea.

Soft Launch and Commitment : With the soft launch of EODES, both sides committed to its early utilization in a live environment. The launch is considered a major milestone in the ongoing bilateral relations between the two countries.

Correct Answer :   India

---

The Defence Ministry on Friday (15th Dec 2023) said a successful flight trial of an indigenous high-speed flying-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was carried out in Karnataka’s Chitradurga that propelled India into an elite club of nations to have the technology to produce such a platform.



* The autonomous flying wing technology demonstrator has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

* "The DRDO has successfully carried out a flight trial of autonomous flying wing technology demonstrator, an indigenous high-speed flying-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) from the aeronautical test range in Chitradurga," the ministry said.

* The successful flying demonstration of this autonomous stealth UAV is a testimony to maturity in the technology readiness levels in the country, it said.

* "With this flight in the tailless configuration, India has joined the elite club of countries to have mastered the controls for the flying wing technology," the Defence Ministry said.

* Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented the DRDO, the armed forces and the industry for the successful flight trial of the system. He said the successful development of such critical technologies indigenously will further strengthen the armed forces.

* This UAV is designed and developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment. The ministry said the maiden flight of this aircraft was demonstrated in July 2022, followed by six flight trials in various developmental configurations using two in-house manufactured prototypes.

* ”These flight tests led to achievements in the development of robust aerodynamic and control system; integrated real-time and hardware-in-loop simulation, and state-of-the-art ground control stations,” it said.

* ”The team had optimised the avionic systems, integration and flight operations towards the successful seventh flight in the final configuration,” the ministry added.

* The aircraft prototype, with a complex arrowhead wing platform, is designed and manufactured with lightweight carbon prepreg composite material developed indigenously.

* "Also, the composite structure, impregnated with fibre interrogators for health monitoring, is a showcase of 'Aatmanirbharta' in aerospace technology," the ministry said.

* "The autonomous landing of this high-speed UAV, without the need for ground radars/infrastructure/pilot, showcased a unique capability demonstration, allowing take-off and landing from any runway with surveyed coordinates," it said.

* The ministry said this was possible using onboard sensor data fusion with indigenous satellite-based augmentation using GPS-aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) receivers to improve the accuracy and integrity of GPS navigation..


Source : CNBC

Correct Answer :   $21 Billion

---

In November 2023, India experienced a 2.83% decline in merchandise exports, totaling $33.90 billion, while the trade deficit narrowed to $20.58 billion.

India’s economic landscape in November 2023 witnessed a decline in merchandise exports by 2.83%, totaling $33.90 billion, compared to $34.89 billion in the corresponding month the previous year. This downturn, however, contributed to a positive trend in the trade deficit, which narrowed to $20.58 billion, as revealed by government data released by the Commerce Ministry.

Trade Scenario Overview (April-November 2023) :

* Export Contraction : The overall merchandise trade scenario for April-November 2023 depicted a 6.51% contraction in exports, amounting to $278.80 billion.
* Import Reduction : Imports experienced a 4.33% reduction, standing at $54.48 billion in November 2023. Import figures for the cumulative period of April-November 2023 recorded an 8.67% decrease, reaching $445.15 billion.

Factors Influencing Imports :

* Oil Imports Decline : The decrease in imports was notably attributed to a significant decline in oil imports, falling from $139.29 billion in April-November 2022-23 to $113.65 billion in the corresponding period of FY2023-24.
* Positive Trade Deficit Shift : The cumulative trade deficit for April-November 2023 was estimated at $166.35 billion, showcasing a positive shift from the $189.21 billion reported during the same period in the previous fiscal year.

Sectoral Performance :

* Positive Growth Sectors : Sectors such as electronics, iron ore, and pharmaceuticals registered positive growth.
* Contracting Import Segments : Conversely, segments experiencing a decline in inbound shipments included coal, coke; pearls, precious and semi-precious stones; and fertilizers.

Specific Import Details :

* Gold Imports Increase : Gold imports recorded a notable increase of 21% to $32.93 billion.
* Electronic Goods : Imports of electronic goods rose to $57.83 billion during April-November 2023-24, compared to $51.89 billion in the same period last year.

Monthly Fluctuations :

* Gold Imports in November : In November, gold imports saw a 6.24% rise, reaching $3.44 billion.
* Oil Imports in November : However, oil imports during the month dipped by 8.47% to $14.93 billion.

Export Performance in October :

* October Growth : In contrast to November, exports in October had shown a growth of 6.21%.

Services Export Overview :

* Estimated Service Exports : The estimated value of services exported for November is $28.69 billion, compared to $26.93 billion in November 2022.
* Eight-Month Period : Over the eight-month period, service exports stood at $220.66 billion against $208.30 billion in April-November 2022.

Correct Answer :   China

---

The world's deepest and largest underground laboratory became operational in China, state news agency Xinhua reported on Thursday (7th Dec 2023). The report said that the 2,400-metre-deep physics laboratory in located in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

* The state agency's report stated that the Deep Underground and Ultra-low Radiation Background Facility for Frontier Physics Experiments (DURF) is located beneath Jinping Mountain in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture.

* The DURF has a total room capacity of 330,000 cubic metres.

* The report mentioned the scientists think that the lab provides a major boost to the global search for dark matter, which is a hypothetical form of matter that appears not to interact with light or the electromagnetic field.

* It is expected that the lab will open up new frontiers in deep-earth experiments as the extreme depth will help the scientists by blocking most cosmic rays that mess with the observation.

* The underground laboratory has been launched after three years of extensive upgrades and expansion as it is the second phase of China Jinping Underground Laboratory, Xinhua further reported.  

* The facility started construction in December 2020 and was jointly built by Tsinghua University and Yalong River Hydropower Development Company, Ltd.

* The facility, which is offering special testing conditions, is not available to scientists elsewhere.

* As quoted, Yue Qian, a professor at Tsinghua University, said that the location helps DURF to be exposed to a very small amount of cosmic rays  - one hundred-millionth of that on the Earth's surface.

* The facility boasts advantages including ultra-low cosmic ray flux, extremely low environmental radiation, extremely low radon concentration, and ultra-clean space.

* Notably, the first phase of the China Jinping Underground Laboratory was completed and put into use at the end of 2010, with a room capacity of about 4,000 cubic meters.

* Several reports have stated that the facility made several scientific achievements, which have helped China's dark matter direct detection experiments. ..


Source : WIO News

Correct Answer :   Rijul Maini

---

A medical student from Michigan, Rijul Maini, was recently crowned Miss India USA 2023 at the annual pageant held in New Jersey. The title of Miss Teen India USA was awarded to Saloni Rammohan of Pennsylvania, while Mrs India USA was won by Sneha Nambiar of Massachusetts.

Greeshma Bhat of Virginia was declared first runner-up and Ishita Pai Raikar of North Carolina was the second runner-up.

The pageant, which is the oldest Indian pageant held outside of India, is celebrating its 41st year this year. Dharmatma and Neelam Saran, two Indian-Americans living in New York, founded it under the Worldwide Pageants umbrella.

Ms Maini is a model and a medical student. According to the beauty pageant, she wants to become a surgeon and inspire women everywhere by being an example.

Ms Maini took to Instagram and shared a post about the same. The 24-year-old wrote, "I am so humbled and grateful to say that I am the new MISS INDIA USA 2023!  This could not have been possible without the support of my loving parents and family, Michigan pageant directors @chrysaliscouturemi @msindiamichigan @utsavplanners, and ride or die friends that stuck with me every step of the way. They say it takes a village and that couldn't be more true!!"

She thanked her family and her mother who curated her outfits.  "And to my loving amazingly talented momma, who curated the most beautiful outfits for me to walk the stage. Love you so much, I am so blessed to have you!! @soniamainii Thank you to @gauridesigns for executing such stunning pieces!! I am especially grateful for the family of amazing, strong, confident women I gained throughout this process. Your light shines so bright, never dim it for anyone. Thank you to @ifc_worldwidepageants for an incredible opportunity!! Can't wait to see what the future holds," she added.

The organisers stated that three separate pageants-Miss India USA, Mrs India USA, and Miss Teen India USA included a total of 57 candidates from more than 25 states. The winners of all three categories will get free air tickets to take part in Miss- Mrs-Teen India Worldwide.

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   State Bank of India

---

State Bank of India (SBI) on Wednesday (13th Dec 2023) said it will sign 70 million euro (about Rs 630 crore) Line of Credit (LoC) with German Development Bank KfW for promoting solar project in the country.

* The agreement will be signed on 14 December 2023 at the bank's IFSC Gift City Branch in Ahmedabad, SBI said in a regulatory filing.

* The Line of Credit (LoC) is aimed at supporting Solar Photovoltaics (PV) projects in India, it said.

* The country's largest lender SBI reported a 9.13 per cent growth in consolidated net profit for the September quarter to Rs 16,099.58 crore as against Rs 14,752 crore in the year-ago period.

* On a standalone basis, it posted a net profit of Rs 14,330.02 crore as against Rs 13,264.52 crore in the year-ago period.

* The bank reported a total income of over Rs 1.12 lakh crore for the quarter under review, up from Rs 88,733 crore in the year-ago period..


Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Bharat Electronics Limited

---

The defence ministry on Friday (15th Dec 2023) sealed an over Rs 5,300 crore deal with state-run Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) for procurement of electronic fuzes for the Indian Army for a period of 10 years.

An electronic fuze is an integral component of medium to heavy calibre artillery guns which provide sustained artillery firepower for military operations.

The ministry said the fuzes are being procured for usage in artillery guns which are capable of lethal engagements in various kinds of terrain including high-altitude areas along the northern borders.

It said the aim of the project is to build up ammunition stocks to minimise imports.

“The Ministry of Defence on 15 December 2023 signed a landmark contract with Bharat Electronics Ltd, Pune for procurement of electronic fuzes for the Indian Army for a period of 10 years, at a total cost of Rs 5,336.25 crore,” it said.

“As part of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, this contract has been signed for ammunition procurement under ‘manufacture of ammunition for Indian Army by Indian industry’, a government initiative for long term requirement of 10 years,” the ministry said in a statement.

It said the aim of the project is to achieve self-sufficiency in ammunition manufacturing, obtain critical technologies, and secure stock affected by supply chain disruption.

The electronic fuzes will be manufactured by the BEL at its Pune and upcoming Nagpur Plant.

“The project will generate employment for one-and-half lakh man days and encourage active participation of Indian industries including MSMEs in ammunition manufacturing and broaden ammunition manufacturing ecosystem in the country,” the ministry said..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   11th Dec 2023

---

Andre Braugher, the Emmy-winning actor best known for his roles on the series Homicide: Life on The Street and Brooklyn 99, died Monday (11th Dec 2023) at age 61. Braugher's publicist Jennifer Allen told The Associated Press the actor died after a short illness.

The Chicago-born actor had his breakthrough role in 1989's Glory, starring alongside Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington, who won an Oscar for the film about an all-Black army regiment during the the Civil War.

Despite the part, he told The Associated Press in 2019 that he struggled to find work in a Hollywood where roles for African American actors were “few and far between. Period.”

But he would establish himself with the role of Det. Frank Pembleton, which he would play for seven seasons in Homicide: Life on the Street, a gritty police drama on NBC based on a book by David Simon, who would go on to create The Wire.

He would win his first career Emmy for the role, taking the trophy for lead actor in a drama series in 1998.

He would win his second for lead actor in a miniseries or movie for the 2006 limited series Thief on FX. Braugher would be nominated for 11 Emmys overall.

Years later he would play a very different kind of cop on a very different kind of show, shifting to comedy as Capt. Ray Holt on the Andy Samberg-starring Brooklyn Nine-Nine. It would run for eight seasons from 2013 to 2021 on Fox and NBC.

Though he'd dipped his toe into comedy in the TNT dramedy Men of a Certain Age, Brooklyn Nine-Nine still represented a major shift for Braugher, who was known for acting in dark and heavy dramas.

“I just felt as though it was an opportunity to do something strikingly different from the rest of my career,” Braugher told the AP. “I like it because it just simply opens up my mind and forces me to think in a different way. So I think I’ve become much more sort of supple as an actor, and more open to the incredible number of possibilities of how to play a scene."

He would be nominated for four Emmys during the run. He was married for more than 30 years to his Homicide co-star Ami Brabson. They had three sons. His death was first reported by Deadline..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   Bangladesh

---

On 14 December 1971, just two days before Bangladesh got liberation, the Pakistani occupation forces with the help of their local collaborators named Razakar, Al-Badr and Al-Shams, went on a torture and killing spree of the most prominent intellectuals of the country. The horror of the torture and killing came to light after Bangladesh attained independence on 16 December 1971.

* Bangladesh President Mohammad Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday (14th Dec 2023) paid tributes to the martyred intellectuals on the occasion of the Martyred Intellectuals Day. The president and the prime minister placed wreaths at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial at Mirpur.

* Later, the prime minister talked to the war-wounded freedom fighters and the family members of the martyred intellectuals.

* On the occasion, Liberation War Heros organised a photo exhibition at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial showing Pakistan's brutality in 1971 and India's role in Bangladesh's liberation.

* Leaders of political parties and people from all walks of life paid their respects to the martyred intellectuals at the memorial in Dhaka.

* On the night of December 14, 1971, over 200 intellectuals including educationists, journalists, litterateurs, writers, physicians, scientists, lawyers, artists, philosophers and political thinkers had been picked up in Dhaka by the Pakistani occupation forces, aided by their local collaborators.

* The intellectuals were taken blindfold to torture cells in Mirpur, Mohammadpur, Nakhalpara, Rajarbagh and other locations in different parts of the city and later executed en masse at different killing grounds, most notably Rayerbazar and Mirpur. Since then, the day has been observed as the Martyred Intellectuals Day..


Source : DD News