Correct Answer : RailTel
RailTel has entered into a partnership with Cylus to strengthen cybersecurity measures for Indian Railways. This collaboration involves deploying CylusOne™ to safeguard railway signalling and telecom systems. The aim is to implement advanced cyber defence technologies, integrate professional services, and build cybersecurity expertise within the rail network. RailTel’s Chief Managing Director, Sanjay Kumar, highlighted the importance of cybersecurity as Indian Railways undergoes significant technological upgrades. This partnership reflects a proactive approach to protecting critical infrastructure from evolving cyber threats.
Correct Answer : August 11
The inaugural World Steelpan Day will be celebrated on August 11th, 2024. The United Nations is set to endorse a draft resolution on July 24th, 2024, that officially declares August 11th as World Steelpan Day. This day will be added to the UN calendar as an annual global celebration to honour the cultural and historical significance of the steelpan, an instrument with deep roots in Trinidad and Tobago. The declaration emphasizes the steelpan’s role in promoting cultural diversity and sustainable development worldwide.
Correct Answer : August 10
World Lion Day is celebrated annually on August 10th to raise awareness about the importance of lion conservation and the critical need to protect these majestic animals. As lions play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, this day emphasizes the ongoing efforts to ensure their survival. The global lion population has been declining, with only about 20,000 lions remaining worldwide. In India, the Asiatic lion population, primarily found in the Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat, was recorded at 674 in the 2020 Lion Census.
Correct Answer : ICoAS @ Viksit Bharat
The Indian Cost Accounts Service (ICoAS) Foundation Day 2024 was celebrated with the theme ‘ICoAS @ Viksit Bharat.’ This theme underscored the vital role that ICoAS officers play in shaping India’s economic future, particularly in contributing to the nation’s development goals by 2047. The event featured prominent speakers, including Dr. T. V. Somanathan, who emphasized the significance of the ICoAS in realizing the vision of a developed India. Various sessions highlighted the importance of cost control, resource optimization, and the advisory role of ICoAS officers in the country's progress.
Correct Answer : Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh approved the notification of a new tiger reserve on August 7, 2024, making it the third largest in the country. The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, formed by integrating an existing national park with a wildlife sanctuary, spans 2,829 square kilometres across four northern districts of the state. This is Chhattisgarh’s fourth tiger reserve, addressing concerns about the state’s declining tiger population, which fell from 46 in 2014 to 17 in 2022. The new reserve aims to boost eco-tourism and provide employment opportunities, while also receiving additional budget support from the National Project Tiger Authority.
Correct Answer : China
China has announced the discovery of the Lingshui 36-1 gas field in the South China Sea, marking it as the world's first large, ultra-shallow gas field in ultra-deep waters. This field is estimated to contain over 100 billion cubic meters of natural gas, which could significantly impact regional geopolitics given the South China Sea's contested nature. The discovery is part of China's broader strategy to enhance its energy security, particularly given its status as the world's largest natural gas importer. The findings could exacerbate existing geopolitical tensions involving various countries and international stakeholders.
Correct Answer : Kasturi Cotton
The Kasturi Cotton Bharat programme, launched by the Ministry of Textiles, is a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing the traceability, certification, and branding of Indian cotton. Through the use of QR-based certification technology and blockchain software, the programme ensures complete traceability of Kasturi Cotton Bharat across the supply chain. The initiative is supported by a budget of Rs. 30 crore and involves collaboration between the Government of India, trade bodies, and industry stakeholders, promoting Indian cotton on both national and international platforms.
Correct Answer : Maharashtra
The Maharashtra government has introduced the Logistics Policy 2024 with a vision to transform the state's logistics infrastructure. This policy includes the development of over 200 logistics parks, hubs, and terminals across 10,000 acres, aimed at creating approximately 500,000 job opportunities. The policy also emphasizes the integration of advanced technologies like AI, Blockchain, robotics, and IoT to modernize the logistics sector, making Maharashtra a significant player in national and international logistics networks.
Correct Answer : Zambia
Zambia hosted the 4th Foreign Office Consultations with India in Lusaka, which aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas such as education, defence, and trade. Zambia, a landlocked country in southern Africa, shares borders with several countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Mozambique. This meeting highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
Correct Answer : Sarovaram
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in collaboration with the Habitat Charitable Trust, has proposed the construction of a state-of-the-art faecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP) at Sarovaram, Kozhikode, Kerala. The plant is designed to improve sanitation and water hygiene in the region with a capacity of 200 KLD (0.2 MLD). The project is funded entirely by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Habitat Charitable Trust, amounting to ?36 crore, thereby ensuring no financial burden on the Kozhikode Corporation. This initiative represents a significant upgrade to Kozhikode's waste management infrastructure.
