Correct Answer : India
India, represented by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Voice of Global South Summit, emphasized the urgent reform of multilateral institutions to address global crises and inefficiencies within organizations like the United Nations. India advocates for economic resilience, climate action, digital transformation, and equitable access to financing and technology to empower the Global South. This advocacy reflects India's commitment to addressing global challenges and fostering inclusive development within the framework of international cooperation.
Correct Answer : Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, the Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides financial assistance of Rs 1500 per month for a year to single women aged 18-40, has faced criticism over its high publicity costs. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar has raised concerns that Rs 199.81 crore is being spent on promoting this scheme, despite only a few women receiving the first instalment. The state government's spokesperson defended the expenditure as necessary for public awareness, citing past practices where similar sums were allocated for schemes like Maharashtra's Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Maharashtra Nirmulan Vikas Yojana. Wadettiwar's comments highlight the tension over government resource allocation, questioning the prioritisation of funds for advertising rather than direct aid.
Correct Answer : Reliance Foundation
The Mizoram Football Association (MFA) honoured the Reliance Foundation for its contributions to football development in Mizoram. The Reliance Foundation's initiatives—Reliance Foundation Young Champs, Naupang League, and Youth Sports—have significantly impacted youth football, leading to a surge in local talent and interest in football.MFA acknowledged the foundation's work in transforming the football ecosystem in Mizoram and beyond.
Correct Answer : Kolar
The Bangladesh crisis has significantly impacted Kolar's tomato farmers, who face steep losses due to the sudden halt in exports to Bangladesh and reduced demand from Indian markets. Kolar, known as Asia's second-largest tomato market, has been forced to sell its high-quality tomatoes locally for much lower prices. Farmers are concerned about their livelihoods as prices have plummeted by 60%.
Correct Answer : R N Agarwal
R N Agarwal, known for his significant contributions to India's missile development and his leadership at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), died at 84. Agarwal, who received the Padma Bhushan, played a crucial role in India's missile development.As the director of ASL, his efforts were instrumental in initiating the Agni missile programme under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMP). His contributions were pivotal to India's missile capabilities, including the Agni series of missiles and the BrahMos missile system.
Correct Answer : Bangladesh
Bangladesh has called back ambassadors to the US, Russia, Japan, Maldives, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, and ordered them to return to Dhaka. This action follows an announcement by the country's Foreign Ministry on August 14. The ambassadors are to leave their current posts immediately. This comes amidst the ongoing investigation by Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the 1971 war with Pakistan.
Correct Answer : Ampil
Typhoon Ampil, the third major typhoon this year, is threatening Japan, causing widespread cancellations of flights and train services during the major holiday week, as it heads towards the archipelago after Tropical Storm Maria. The typhoon, expected to hit Tokyo and the Pacific coast on Friday and Saturday, has led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights and train services, significantly impacting travel plans. With gusts up to 180km/h and warnings of floods, officials urge safety measures as the weather agency predicts violent gusts, floods, and landslides in eastern regions. This typhoon season is particularly intense, with climate change influencing storm behaviour, intensifying, and lasting longer over land, posing significant challenges to Japan's preparedness and response efforts.
Correct Answer : Punya Salila Srivastava
The Centre has appointed Punya Salila Srivastava as the new Health Secretary, replacing Apurva Chandra upon his superannuation. In a reshuffle, Rajesh Kumar Singh is set to be the new Defence Secretary, while Katikithala Srinivas takes over as Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary. Deepti Umashankar has been appointed as Secretary to the President, and Vivek Joshi transitions to the Department of Personnel and Training. This appointment comes amidst ongoing discussions on the National Health Mission, including the implementation of a national electronic medical records system.
Correct Answer : Karnataka
The Union Cabinet approved three metro rail projects worth Rs 30,765 crore on Friday (16 Aug 2024), including two corridors of Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-3 (BMRP) worth Rs 15,611 crore, set to be operational by 2029, and the Swargate-to-Katraj Underground Line Extension of the existing PCMC-Swargate Metro Line of the Pune Metro Phase-I project worth Rs 12,200 crore operational by 2029. Additionally, the Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project Corridor was approved with an estimated cost of Rs 12,200 crore to be funded by various sources, including the Government of India, Maharashtra, and private investments. This development aims to enhance urban connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and promote economic growth in Karnataka and Maharashtra, addressing the need for efficient and reliable public transportation systems in these regions.
Correct Answer : Sweden
Sweden reported its first case outside Africa of a more dangerous variant of mpox, known as the Clade 1b subclade, which has been causing a severe global outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo since September 2023. The Swedish public health agency confirmed the case in Stockholm, which was contracted during a visit to Africa where the outbreak is concentrated. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) currently considers the risk of transmission in Sweden to be very low due to the country’s high vaccination rate against mpox.
