Correct Answer : Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh experienced severe devastation due to a cloudburst that caused flash floods, resulting in numerous fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure. Cloudbursts, characterized by sudden and intense rainfall over a short period, are particularly destructive in mountainous regions like Himachal Pradesh due to the orographic lift effect, where moisture-carrying air rises and forms heavy rain clouds. The event significantly disrupted local life and infrastructure, including buildings, bridges, and roads.
Correct Answer : India
India is set to host the 3rd Voice of the Global South Summit on August 17, 2024. This summit will be led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and aims to address significant global issues such as conflicts, development, and climate change. The event is intended to strengthen cooperation among developing nations from Latin America, Africa, and Asia, continuing the themes of unity and growth from previous summits. India's role in hosting this summit underscores its commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration among emerging economies.
Correct Answer : Calicut
The National Institute of Technology that recently launched the 'Nivahika' web portal for data management is located in Calicut. This web portal represents a significant advancement in how the institute handles and reports data, ensuring accuracy and consistency in various institutional processes. The launch of 'Nivahika' is expected to set a benchmark for data management across other National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and enhance the efficiency of data handling within the educational sector.
Correct Answer : Gujarat
Gujarat has recently established the GRIT think-tank, modeled after NITI Aayog, to advance its development objectives with a focus on 'Earning Well' and 'Living Well.' The think-tank is part of the state's broader strategy, which includes the 'Gujarat@2047 Roadmap' aimed at achieving a USD 3.5 trillion economy by 2047. The initiative reflects Gujarat's commitment to contributing significantly to India's GDP and advancing various sectors such as PM Gati Shakti, health, women's empowerment, and MSME development.
Correct Answer : 39th
According to the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) for 2024 released by the World Economic Forum, India secured the 39th position. This ranking reflects India's performance in enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of its tourism sector. Despite a methodological adjustment by the WEF, which revised India's 2021 rank to 38th, the 2024 ranking indicates a slight decrease, demonstrating India’s consistent efforts in maintaining a robust tourism ecosystem.
Correct Answer : Dr. Grinson George
Dr. Grinson George has been appointed as the Director of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). With over 20 years of experience in fishery research, Dr. George previously led CMFRI's Marine Biodiversity and Environment Management Division and served as a Senior Programme Specialist at SAARC in Dhaka.His extensive background in fishery resource management, marine biodiversity, environment management, and climate change has equipped him to lead high-impact research projects funded by prominent national and international agencies.
Correct Answer : Brazil
The G20 endorsed Brazil's proposal to levy a 2% wealth tax on fortunes exceeding $1 billion, which inspired their agreement on taxing the ultra-rich. This initiative seeks to address wealth inequality and is projected to generate up to $250 billion annually from approximately 3,000 individuals. The G20's declaration supports cooperation on tax sovereignty, best practices, and anti-avoidance measures, reflecting a global commitment to more equitable taxation policies.
Correct Answer : Kashmir
Kashmir City was awarded the prestigious Certificate of World Craft City by the World Crafts Council International in a ceremony held in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. This recognition highlights Kashmir's rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship, making it the fourth Indian city to receive this honour, following Jaipur, Mamallapuram, and Mysore. The award emphasizes the global significance of Kashmir's traditional crafts.
Correct Answer : IIT Kharagpur
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, along with his wife Anjali Pichai, was honoured by their alma mater, IIT Kharagpur. Pichai was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) degree during a ceremony in San Francisco. This honour acknowledged his significant contributions to the field of technology and his leadership at one of the world’s most influential companies. The event highlighted the global impact of IIT Kharagpur and fulfilled the aspirations of Pichai's family regarding higher education.
On July 31, 2024, at the World Health Organization Headquarters in Geneva, the Ministry of Ayush, the Government of India, and the WHO signed a landmark Donor Agreement. This agreement specifies the financial terms for implementing the activities of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. The Indian government committed US$ 85 million over ten years to support the centre, recognizing it as a key hub for traditional medicine practices.