Correct Answer :   Zydus

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New Delhi, Zydus Lifesciences on Thursday (25th Jan 2024) said it has received approval from the US health regulator to market a generic medication to manage postherpetic neuraliga.

The company has received final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to manufacture and market Gabapentin tablets in strengths of 300 mg and 600 mg, respectively, Zydus Lifesciences said in a regulatory filing.

The drug maker is the first company to receive final approval for generic Gabapentin tablets (300 mg and 600 mg), it added.

The product will be launched immediately in the US market, the drug firm stated.

As per IQVIA data, the product had an annual sales of USD 85 million in the US. Shares of Zydus were trading 2.27 per cent down at Rs 735.30 apiece on the BSE..

Source : India Times

Correct Answer :   Droupadi Murmu

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The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Kaushal Bhawan – a new building of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in New Delhi on January 24, 2024.

On the occasion, the President visited the exhibition stalls set up by the beneficiaries of various initiatives of the Government such as PM Vishwakarma, PM JANMAN, Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP), Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and interacted with them.

The Kaushal Bhawan whose foundation stone was laid in March 2019 will provide office space for the Ministry as well as its associated organisations – the Directorate General of Training, the National Council for Vocational Education and Training and the National Skill Development Corporation.

This state-of-the-art office building, equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure has been built with the aim of providing a safe, convenient and efficient work environment to usher in new work culture and give a fillip to Skill India Mission..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Oman

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The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on 15th December, 2023, between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of the Sultanate of Oman on cooperation in the field of Information Technology.

* The MoU intends to promote comprehensive cooperation between the Parties through mutual support, sharing of technologies, information and investments in the field of Information Technology.

* The MoU shall come into effect from the date of signature of the Parties and shall be remain in force for a period of 3 years.

* Both G2G and B2B bilateral Cooperation in the field of Information Technology will be enhanced.

* MoU envisages improved collaboration leading to employment opportunities in the field of IT.

Background :

* MeitY has been mandated to promote international cooperation in emerging and frontier areas of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) under bilateral and regional frameworks of cooperation.  MeitY is collaborating with a number of countries and multilateral agencies for fostering bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the ICT domain.

* Over the period, MeitY has entered into MoUs/Agreements with its counterpart organizations/agencies from various countries to promote cooperation and exchange of information in the ICT domain.  This is in consonance with the various initiatives taken by Government of India such as Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India etc. to transform the country into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.  In this changing paradigm, there is an imminent need for exploring business opportunities, sharing of best practices and attracting investment in the digital sector with the objective of enhancing mutual cooperation..


Source : PM India

Correct Answer :   Visakhapatnam

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The 14th edition of the Annual All India Police Commando Competition (AIPCC) began on January 22, 2024 at the Greyhounds Training Centre in Kapuluppada, Visakhapatnam. Elite commando forces from 16 states are participating in this week-long competition.

Inauguration and Dignitaries :

Commissioner A. Ravi Shankar inaugurated the event, emphasizing its significance in fostering inter-state cooperation and showcasing the prowess of India’s top commando units. The Additional Director General of Greyhounds, R.K. Meena, added prestige to the occasion with his presence.

Participating States and Forces :

The competition has attracted elite commando forces from across the country. Notable participants include the Special Operations Group (SOG) from Odisha and Chhattisgarh, C-60 from Maharashtra, and paramilitary forces such as BSF, CRPF, Assam Rifles, ITBP, RPF, SSB, and CISF. The diverse representation promises a competition of unparalleled intensity and skill.

Competition Format :

The competition is structured in five phases, each designed to challenge the participants’ skill, endurance, and teamwork. With teams comprising 13-15 commandos, the event aims to push the limits of the commandos’ capabilities. The competition spans a week, providing a comprehensive assessment of the participants’ tactical acumen and physical prowess.

Judging Criteria and Expert Panel :

A distinguished panel of judges from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) will evaluate the commandos throughout the competition. Their expertise ensures a fair and meticulous assessment of the participants, adding a layer of credibility to the event. The judging criteria encompass various facets, including strategic thinking, execution precision, and adaptability to diverse scenarios.

State Team Representation :

The state team, a crucial aspect of the competition, comprises personnel from the Greyhounds and Octopus units. Their performance not only contributes to individual glory but also adds to the overall standing of their respective states in the competition.

A Showcase of Dedication and Skill in the 14th All India Police Commando Competition :

The 14th All India Police Commando Competition is not merely a display of physical prowess but a testament to the dedication and skill of the nation’s law enforcement agencies. The competition promises to be a riveting spectacle of tactical brilliance and strategic acumen, showcasing the best of India’s elite commando forces.

Correct Answer :   January 24

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National Girl Child Day 2024, observed annually on January 24th in India, plays a pivotal role in highlighting the importance of empowering girls and addressing the challenges they face in society. Initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, this day marks a commitment to promote gender equality, empower girls, and protect their rights.

National Girl Child Day History :

The inception of National Girl Child Day (NGCD) in 2008 was a crucial step in India’s journey towards gender equality. This day emerged from the recognition that girls in India confront numerous challenges, including gender-based violence, child marriage, and restricted access to education and healthcare. These issues not only impede girls’ personal development but also negatively affect the nation’s progress.

The first NGCD was celebrated with the theme “Saving our Girls: Educating our Girls.” Since then, it has been observed annually with various themes, each underscoring the need to empower and address specific challenges faced by girls.

National Girl Child Day 2024- Theme

As of the latest information, the theme for National Girl Child Day 2024 has not been announced. However, the day consistently focuses on promoting girls’ rights and opportunities, with an emphasis on education, and skills, and enabling them to reach their full potential?.

National Girl Child Day 2024- Celebrating :

National Girl Child Day serves as a beacon of hope, spotlighting the challenges faced by girls and championing their rights, education, and overall well-being. Activities like sports events, cultural programs, career guidance sessions, health and hygiene workshops, and storytelling sessions featuring inspiring women are typically organized. These events aim to motivate girls and instil a sense of resilience and empowerment?.

National Girl Child Day 2024 -Government Initiatives and Objectives :

The Government of India marks this day by highlighting various schemes and initiatives focusing on education, health, and nutrition for girls. The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, is a notable initiative addressing the declining child sex ratio and promoting girls’ rights and welfare?.

The Importance of Participation :

National Girl Child Day is not just a government-led initiative; it calls for participation from all sectors of society. Engaging in community service projects, organizing health camps, and supporting initiatives that empower girls are ways in which individuals and organizations can contribute.

Correct Answer :   Jagdeep Dhankhar

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The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar  will inaugurate a year long pan India campaign 'Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman' to commemorate the 75th Year of India as Republic, tomorrow i.e. 24th January, 2024 at Dr Ambedkar International Centre.

The campaign aims to reaffirm our collective commitment to the principles enshrined in the Constitution of India and celebrate the shared values that bind our nation. This nationwide initiative envisage to instill a sense of pride and responsibility to uphold the ideals outlined in the constitutional framework. It will also give opportunity to every citizen to participate in various ways, empower them to contribute in meaningful way in our democratic journey.

Some of the themes to be covered during the Campaign include:-

Sabko Nyay –Har Ghar Nyaya aims to connect the villagers through the Village Level Entrepreneurs of the Common Service Centers and exalt them to read Sabko Nyay pledge; ‘Nyaya Sahayaks’ which will spearhead awareness about the various citizen- centric legal services to the masses, at their door steps across aspirational blocks and districts. At the State/UT level, Nyaya Seva Mela would be organized which would serve as platforms for individuals to seek guidance, information and support on various legal as well as other services and schemes of the government.

Another activity naming Nav Bharat Nav Sankalp aims to encourage the masses to embrace the resolutions of Panch Pran by reading the Panch Pran Pledge. The citizens would get the opportunity to showcase their talent and creativity by participating in Panch Pran Rangotsav (Poster Making competition); Panch Pran Anubhav (Reel/Video making competition). The citizens will also get the chance to test their knowledge on Constitution in engaging way. The activities would be hosted at the My Gov platform.

The third activity Vidhi Jagriti Abhiyan aims to involve the students to carry the message Panch Pran in the villages adopted by the Law colleges, under the Pro Bono Club scheme. It aims to disseminate the legal information of the rights responsibilities and entitlements in very engaging, entertaining and memorable way. It also aims to touch the vulnerable sections of society through Gram Vidhi Chetna, Vanchit Varg Samman, and Nari Bhagidari initiatives.

During the Event, Nyaya Setu will be launched which is a significant and transformative step that aims to extend and expand the reach of legal services till the last mile. It will provide a unified legal interface for legal information, legal advice and legal assistance and thus enable a more inclusive and just society.

The Event will also witness the release of the achievement booklet of the Scheme on Access to Justice ‘Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice’ (DISHA). Under DISHA scheme Tele Law Programme has connected 67 lakh+ citizens for pre-litigation advice through the use of Tele-Law Citizens Mobile App and via 2.5 lakh Common Service Centers (CSC) situated in 36 States and UTs in the country.  The Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) Programme aims to decentralize and create a dispensation framework for the Pro Bono Legal Services programme. It has created a network of 10,000+ of Probono advocates across 24 Bar Councils, created Nyaya Bandhu Panels in 25 High Courts and constituted Pro Bono Clubs across 89 Law schools in the country. In addition to this, more than 7 lakh beneficiaries have been sensitized and made aware on their legal rights and duties and entitlements through webinars and legal literacy programmes being implemented through support of 14 agencies across the country.

Simultaneously, the event will also bring together representatives from Bhashini and IGNOU to formalize their collaboration with Department of Justice. The partnership with Bhashini would break the barriers of language in accessibility to justice. The solutions of Bhashini have already been embedded in the Nyay Setu – Tele Facilitation of legal services. The partnership with IGNOU will open the opportunity for Paralegals to acquire certifications in diverse field of laws, enhance their educational opportunities and increase their skills and employability across different sectors of legal assistance and support.

The  dignitaries who will grace the event include  Minister of State(I/C) for Law and Justice Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal and Attorney General of India, Shri R. Venkatramani as Guest of Honour.

650+ Tele-Law functionaries from Common Service Centres across the country, students and faculty of the Pro Bono Law colleges will  attend  this event. This momentous inauguration event will conclude with the key note address by the  Vice-President.

The Campaign 'Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman' is being undertaken by Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Nisha Pahuja

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Helmed by Nisha Pahuja, To Kill a Tiger is nominated for Best Documentary Feature at Oscars 2024. The awards ceremony will take place in March 2024.

Set in India, To Kill a Tiger, directed and written by Nisha Pahuja, made it to the 96th Oscars nomination list in the Best Documentary Feature category. The nominations were announced on Tuesday, and many might be wondering who is Nisha Pahuja? For starters: Born in Delhi, Nisha is based in Toronto, Canada.

Who is Nisha Pahuja?

Nisha Pahuja shifted to Canada with her family in the 1970s and completed her studies in English Literature at the University of Toronto. She worked as a researcher on the CBC documentary Some Kind of Arrangement and later joined hands with Canadian filmmakers John Walker and Ali Kazimi. She rose to fame after her 2012 documentary film, The World Before Her.

Her projects :

With recognitions including Best Documentary Feature and Jury Award Winner from the Tribeca Film Festival, Best Canadian Documentary from Hot Docs and TIFF's Canada's Top Ten, the Emmy-nominated film, with the help of director Anurag Kashyap, saw a theatrical release in India in 2014. Nisha's other works include the feature documentary Bollywood Bound and a three-part series Diamond Road.

More about her latest, About To Kill a Tiger :

To Kill a Tiger is based in India and follows the story of Ranjit and his battle for justice as his daughter was sexually assaulted by three men. The official synopsis of the film reads, “In To Kill a Tiger, Ranjit, a farmer in Jharkhand, India, takes on the fight of his life when he demands justice for his 13-year-old daughter, the survivor of sexual assault. In India, where a rape is reported every 20 minutes and conviction rates are less than 30 percent, Ranjit’s decision to support his daughter is virtually unheard of, and his journey unprecedented.”.


Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   Bengaluru

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Timetooth, a Bengaluru-based engineering company, has unveiled India’s first-ever domestically manufactured aircraft passenger seat at the Wings India 2024 event. This groundbreaking development marks a departure from the industry norm, where 100% of aircraft seats used by India’s registered air travel companies are imported.

Identifying the Gap: Timetooth’s Vision for Change :

Amitav Chaudhuri, Co-Founder and Director of Timetooth, highlighted the current dependence on imported aircraft seats in a statement. He emphasized that despite the freedom given to airlines to choose seat sourcing, the lack of a domestic alternative compelled them to import all seats. Timetooth, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and with support from Indian airline companies, identified this gap and took the initiative to launch India’s first indigenous aircraft passenger seat.

Designing for Performance and Comfort :

Janhavi Nene, VP Engineering at Timetooth and the project manager for the seats, shared insights into the design process. She explained that the team focused on meeting the Performance standards as per ITSO C39c while ensuring user comfort and operational efficiency for the airlines. The result is a range of lightweight seats, currently tailored for commuter aircraft such as the newly DGCA certified Hindustan (Dornier) 228. Additionally, Timetooth has regional transport aircraft seats conforming to ITSO C127c in the pipeline.

Spicejet’s Interest: A Testament to Timetooth’s Innovation :

Spicejet, one of India’s leading airlines, has expressed keen interest in procuring state-of-the-art seating systems from Timetooth. The airline aims to customize these seats to align with the Spicejet brand and its vision for an enhanced user experience. Arun Kashyap, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Spicejet, formalized this intent during Wings India 2024, signing a letter of agreement with Timetooth. In his statement, Kashyap mentioned the alignment of Timetooth’s commitment to safety, comfort, and innovation with Spicejet’s expansion and modernization plans.

A Paradigm Shift in the Indian Aviation Industry :

Timetooth’s launch of India’s first aircraft passenger seat not only marks a historic moment for the company but also signals a paradigm shift in the Indian aviation industry. The move towards domestically produced seating solutions not only supports the government’s “Make in India” initiative but also opens doors for innovation, collaboration, and self-sufficiency in meeting the evolving needs of the aviation sector.

Correct Answer :   January 24

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Celebrated on January 24th each year, the International Day of Education is a pivotal occasion to underscore the importance of education for all. In 2024, this day will be observed under the theme “Learning for Lasting Peace,” emphasizing the transformative nature of education in promoting peace and understanding.

International Day of Education History and Significance :

The United Nations General Assembly declared January 24th as the International Day of Education in 2018, recognizing the fundamental role education plays in fostering peace, development, and intercultural understanding. This global observance marks a commitment to ensuring free access to learning for everyone, highlighting education as a basic human right????.

International Day of Education Theme for 2024 :

The 2024 theme “Learning for Lasting Peace” resonates with current global challenges. It focuses on empowering individuals with knowledge, values, attitudes, skills, and behaviours essential for fostering peace within communities. Education is acknowledged as a foundational force in our lives, playing a crucial role in building more peaceful, just, and sustainable societies???.

Objectives and Activities International Day of Education 2024 :

The International Day of Education aims to advocate for inclusive and equitable education for all, including marginalized and disadvantaged groups. It highlights the importance of education in promoting global citizenship, peace, and mutual understanding among diverse cultures. Various activities like educational field trips, book reading sessions, digital literacy workshops, and cultural events are organized globally to celebrate this day??.

India’s Role and Celebration of International Day of Education 2024 :

India, in the spirit of the International Day of Education, could engage various organizations, educational institutions, and volunteers to work towards the cause of education. Programs focused on reaching out to deprived sections of society and addressing educational constraints are crucial. Diplomatic dialogues and awareness campaigns can further India’s commitment to eradicating illiteracy and achieving sustainable development?.

Global Impact :

The International Day of Education plays a vital role in re-evaluating the importance of education in our lives. It addresses education-related issues in society and highlights its role in breaking cultural and national boundaries. Education is acknowledged as a key instrument for achieving peace and equality, emphasizing its significance as a human right????.

Correct Answer :   Bihar

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Former Chief Minister of Bihar Karpoori Thakur was conferred the nation's highest honour, Bharat Ratna, posthumously by the President of India Droupadi Murmu this evening. The award comes 35 years after his death -- Karpoori Thakur died on February 17, 1988.

"I am delighted that the Government of India has decided to confer the Bharat Ratna on the beacon of social justice, the great Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji and that too at a time when we are marking his birth centenary. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his enduring efforts as a champion for the marginalized and a stalwart of equality and empowerment," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

I am delighted that the Government of India has decided to confer the Bharat Ratna on the beacon of social justice, the great Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji and that too at a time when we are marking his birth centenary. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his enduring… pic.twitter.com/9fSJrZJPSP

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2024

Dubbed "Jan Nayak" by many in the state, Karpoori Thakur served as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a short while -- from December 1970 to June 1971 and from December 1977 to April 1979.

The Centre's recognition for the state's first non-Congress Chief Minister meets a long-standing demand of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his Janata Dal United.

23rd Jan 2024, the Chief Minister said, this "highest honor to late Karpoori Thakur ji on his 100th birth anniversary will create positive sentiments among the Dalits, deprived and neglected sections".

Coming ahead of the general election, it is seen as the BJP's masterstroke in a state that has 40 parliamentary seats. Karpoori Thakur being a member of Other Backward Castes, many see it as part of the BJP's attempt to gain allegiance of this section which has so far been loyal to Nitish Kumar.

Sources said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was well aware that after the state government's caste survey in Bihar and the subsequent increase in quota for the Economically Backward Classes, the Other Backward Classes and the Dalits in jobs and educational institutions in Bihar, the ruling alliance led by Nitish Kumar was enjoying a clear edge..

Source : NDTV