Correct Answer :   Haryana

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The India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 is set to begin from tomorrows. The preparations are in full swing. The mega science festival will start from January 17, 2024 and will end at January 20, 2024. The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India is organizing the 9th edition of IISF and its autonomous organization National Innovation Foundation-India is the coordination and implementation body of IISF 2023. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) institutes Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) – Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) located in Faridabad (Haryana) is the host institute of the grand event.

The aim of this science festival is to celebrate the achievements of India in the frontier areas of science and technology. The festival also aims to acknowledge the achievements of science enthusiasts and inculcate scientific temper among young students and spread the same among the Indian citizens. The central theme of IISF 2023 is “Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal”.

This time, 22 countries are also participating at IISF 2023. These include Argentine Republic, Republic of Armenia, Commonwealth of Australia, Kingdom of Cambodia, French Republic, Federal Republic of Germany, Republic of Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Kenya, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia,  Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Republic of Namibia, Republic of the Philippines, Republic of Rwanda, Republic of Singapore, Republic of South Africa, Kingdom of Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and Republic of Zimbabwe.

The following events are planned for all four days of the IISF 2023. On 17th January 2024, twelve events are planned. These include Student Science Village, Face to Face of New Frontiers of Science & Technology, Science through Games & Toys, Students Innovation Festival – Space Hackathon, State S&T Ministers and Centre and States S & T Secretaries and Officials Conclave, Education for Aspiring India – National Science Teachers Workshop, Young Scientists Conference, New Age Technology Show, National Social Organisations and Institutions Meet (NSOIM); Science, Technology, and Innovation Exhibition; Start-up, Technology and Innovation B to B Meet.

On 18th January, 2024, thirteen events are planned. These include Student Science Village, Vigyanika-Science Literature Festival, Science through Games & Toys, Students Innovation Festival – Space Hackathon, State S&T Ministers and Centre and States S&T Secretaries and Officials Conclave, Education for Aspiring India – National Science Teachers Workshop, Young Scientists Conference, New Age Technology Show, National Social Organisations and Institutions Meet, Science, Technology, and Innovation Exhibition, Start-up, Technology, and Innovation B to B Meet, IISF Challenge, and Science & Technology Media and Communicators Conclave.

On 19th January, 2024, a total of eleven events will take place. These include Student Science Festival, Vigyanika – Science Literature Festival, Science through Games & Toys, Students Innovation Festival – Space Hackathon, Education for Aspiring India – National Science Teachers Workshop, Young Scientists Conference, New Age Technology Show, National Social Organisations and Institutions Meet; Science, Technology, and Innovation Exhibition, Start-up, Technology, and Innovation B to B Meet, and Science & Technology Media and Communicators Conclave.

On the last day, 20th January 2024, eight events will be held. These include Student Science Village, Science through Games & Toys, Education for Aspiring India – National Science Teachers Workshop, Young Scientists Conference, New Age Technology Show; Science, Technology, and Innovation Exhibition; Start-up, Technology, and Innovation B to B Meet, and Face to face with New Frontiers of Science and Technology.

The Science Media Communication Cell (SMCC) at CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication & Policy Research (NIScPR) is coordinating and facilitating the media publicity of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023. The key objective of the SMCC is to disseminate and showcase R&D breakthroughs and scientific achievements of India on various platforms of media.

IISF is the largest science festival which brings together and connects all the segments of society. This has been organised since 2015 and the IISF 2023 is the ninth edition of the series. In this edition total 17 events have been scheduled. IISF organises a series of outreach events in R&D institutes, labs and schools for around one month to create awareness among different stakeholders in society..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Dennis Francis

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The President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Dennis Francis arrived in New Delhi on 22nd Jan 2024 a five-day visit to India.

* Ministry of External Affairs said, the visit is an opportunity to advance India-UN ties and exchange views on India’s priorities and global challenges.

* During the visit, Mr. Francis will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on key multilateral issues of mutual interest.

* He will also pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Mr. Francis will attend a round table on India’s advancements in Digital Public Infrastructure. He will also deliver a public address at the Indian Council of World Affairs on Multilateralism and Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability on Wednesday.

* Mr. Francis will also travel to Jaipur and Mumbai. In Mumbai, he will pay floral tributes at the 26/11 memorial. He will visit the National Stock Exchange and will address on New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism organized by the Observer Research Foundation.

* On 26th January, on the occasion of Republic Day, Mr. Francis will participate as a State guest in the Republic Day Parade of Maharashtra..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Indian Army

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The Indian Army is launching Operation Sarvashakti, a strategic initiative aimed at curbing the influence of Pakistani proxy terrorist groups. Focused on the Pir Panjal mountain ranges in the Union Territory, this operation seeks to eliminate terrorists operating in the sensitive Rajouri Poonch sector.

The Context: Rising Terrorism in the Pir Panjal Range :

In recent times, terrorist groups supported by Pakistan have attempted to revive terrorism in the South of Pir Panjal ranges, particularly in the Rajouri Poonch sector. Attacks on Indian troops have intensified, with the latest incident occurring on December 21, where four soldiers lost their lives in the Dera ki Gali area. The mounting casualties highlight the urgency of a decisive response to thwart these destabilizing activities.

Operation Sarvashakti: A Comprehensive Counter-Terrorism Strategy :

Operation Sarvashakti aims to conduct combined counter-terrorist operations on both sides of the Pir Panjal ranges. The Srinagar-based Chinar Corps and the Nagrota-headquartered White Knight Corps will execute simultaneous operations to neutralize terrorist threats. Coordinated efforts involving the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, Special Operations Group, and intelligence agencies are crucial components of this operation.

Learning from History: Operation Sarpvinash :

Drawing inspiration from Operation Sarpvinash launched in 2003, Operation Sarvashakti seeks to eliminate terrorists from the same areas in the South of Pir Panjal range. The historical success of Operation Sarpvinash provides a blueprint for the current operation, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism.

Army Chief’s Perspective: Addressing the Resurgence of Terrorism

Army Chief General Manoj Pande has acknowledged the resurgence of terrorist activities in the region since 2003. In response, detailed discussions with Corps Commanders were held to strategize and tackle the evolving threat. General Pande’s commitment to addressing the issue underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for decisive action.

High-Level Coordination: A Multi-Agency Approach :

Operation Sarvashakti is not a standalone effort; it is the result of high-level coordination involving the Army Headquarters, the Northern Army Command in Udhampur, and key stakeholders. Home Minister Amit Shah’s security meeting, attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Army officials, and intelligence agencies, laid the foundation for this collaborative initiative.

Troop Induction and Intelligence Strengthening :

Recognizing the need for increased security measures, the Indian Army has initiated the process of inducting more troops into the Rajouri-Poonch sector. Concurrently, efforts are underway to strengthen the intelligence setup in the region, enhancing the ability to preempt and counter terrorist activities.

Local Support and Ethical Conduct :

Despite provocations, the Indian Army has displayed restraint, refraining from firing back in areas with civilian presence. The swift action taken against own officers and men in the aftermath of the December 21 encounter demonstrates the commitment to ethical conduct, fostering local support in the fight against terrorism.

Operation Sarvashakti – A Unified Front Against Terrorism :

Operation Sarvashakti represents a crucial step in countering the resurgence of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. With a comprehensive strategy, collaborative efforts, and a commitment to ethical conduct, India aims to secure the region from external threats. The success of this operation will not only safeguard national security but also contribute to regional stability and peace.

Correct Answer :   Sony

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Sony Group has sent a termination letter to Zee Entertainment Enterprises (Zee), informing the company of its decision to call off the proposed $10 billion media merger deal, bringing an end to a protracted two-year acquisition process, reported Bloomberg News.

The development comes after a crucial meeting was held on Friday (19th Jan 2024), following which a final decision on the merger deal was expected.

The termination notice was reportedly sent by the Japanese entertainment giant to Zee earlier in the day and is anticipated to be officially disclosed to the exchange shortly, according to sources familiar with the matter who preferred to remain anonymous ahead of the public announcement.

The termination is attributed to Sony citing unmet conditions outlined in the merger agreement, as indicated in the termination letter reviewed by Bloomberg.

Sony's decision comes after an extended impasse between the two companies, primarily revolving around the leadership question for the merged entity.

The disagreement revolved around whether Punit Goenka, Zee's Chief Executive Officer, would assume the helm of the amalgamated company, especially given the ongoing regulatory investigation into his conduct by market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

This leadership standoff has effectively derailed the merger, which, if successful, would have given rise to a formidable $10 billion media conglomerate with the financial clout to compete against global streaming giants such as Netflix Inc. and Amazon.com Inc.

Termination letter after grace period expiry :

The termination notice from Sony arrived after the expiration of a 30-day grace period over the weekend, during which the two parties failed to reach a consensus on the deadline set in late December.

None of the parties have issued any official statement on reports of the merger deal being called off yet.

Reports initially surfaced on January 8, indicating Sony's intention to abandon the merger due to the unresolved leadership dispute.

Despite subsequent statements from Zee suggesting ongoing negotiations to salvage the deal, the termination notice solidifies the conclusion of this high-stakes corporate drama.

The primary sticking point in the negotiation had been Zee's insistence on Punit Goenka leading the new entity, as per the terms agreed upon in the 2021 pact, while Sony expressed reservations given the regulatory scrutiny surrounding him..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   G. Kishan Reddy

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Union Culture and Tourism Minister, G. Kishan Reddy inaugurated five new galleries at the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad on 21st Jan 2024. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said Salar Jung Museum, one of India’s most prestigious museums, has made efforts to innovate and upgrade by reorganising old galleries and adding new ones from collections with interesting potential to appeal to the public.

The Indian Sculpture Gallery has some of the 40 sculptures dated back to the 2nd century B.C. like an ‘Anantsayana Vishnu’ from the Kakatiya period. The Bidriware Gallery presents 300 unique objects which include exquisite ‘Huqqa’ bases and unique jugs while The Lamp and Chandelier Gallery exhibits 180 antique objects from across the world.

The European Bronze Gallery has over 100 bronze statues and The European Marble Gallery showcases 50 marble sculptures.

Renowned sculptor, Dr. A Yadagiri Rao, Indian Council of Historical Research former Chairman Prof Y. Sudershan Rao, and senior IIS officer, Additional DG, National Museums, Ashish Goyal were among them who were present..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Rajnath Singh

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Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh dedicated to the nation 35 infrastructure projects of Border Roads Organisation (BRO), built at a cost of Rs 670 crore, during an event organised at Joshimath-Malari Road in Uttarakhand on January 19, 2024.

In his address, the Raksha Mantri commended the BRO for strengthening the border infrastructure of the country and asserted that by constructing roads, bridges etc., the organisation is connecting the far-flung areas with the rest of the nation geographically, while also linking the hearts of the people residing in remote villages with the rest of the citizens.

Enhancing Connectivity Across Border States

* The Defence Minister inaugurated 35 crucial projects, comprising 29 bridges and six roads, strategically positioned across seven states and union territories.

* These include eleven projects in Jammu and Kashmir, nine in Ladakh, eight in Arunachal Pradesh, three in Uttarakhand, two in Sikkim, and one each in Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh.

* The challenging weather conditions and inhospitable terrains make these projects a testament to the dedication of the Border Roads Organisation.

Dhak Bridge Inauguration

* The event centered around the inauguration of Dhak Bridge, a state-of-the-art 93-meter long Class 70R bridge over Dhak Nallah.

* This bridge showcases the engineering prowess of the BRO and symbolizes the commitment to infrastructure development in border areas.

* The remaining 34 projects, virtually inaugurated by Mr. Singh, include significant initiatives like the Ragini-Ustad-Pharkian Gali Road in Jammu and Kashmir, a 38.25-km long CL-9 road enhancing all-weather connectivity between Tangdhar and Keren sector, crucial for military operational readiness.

Changing Perspective on Border Infrastructure Development :

* Highlighting a shift in mentality, Mr. Singh noted that there was a time when border infrastructure development wasn’t a priority.

* Governments often viewed developments near the borders with suspicion, fearing they might be exploited by adversaries.

* However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the current government is committed to the holistic development of border areas, considering them an integral part of the nation’s mainstream.

Climate Change and National Security :

* Addressing the increasing instances of natural disasters in border states due to climate change, Mr. Singh stressed the serious implications of climate change on national security.

* He expressed the Defence Ministry’s commitment to addressing this issue and seeking cooperation from friendly countries.

* The minister also pointed out the steps taken to ensure risk and hardship allowances for BRO personnel, as well as increased compensation for casual laborers, emphasizing the importance of their contributions.

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (19th Jan 2024) declared the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 open at the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The opening ceremony of the national sports event took place in a grand fashion with several cultural programmes exhibiting the traditional and cultural practices of Tamil Nadu.

The event, which is being held for the first time in a south Indian state, will feature over 5,600 athletes. The games will be played across four cities of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, and Coimbatore, from January 19 to January 31. The games will feature 26 sporting disciplines with a mix of conventional sports and traditional ones.

Chief Minister M K Stalin, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur, Union Ministers of State L Murugan, Tamil Nadu Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin were among the dignitaries present alongside the Prime Minister at the event.

Modi placed the Game’s torch handed by Olympians Sharath Kamal and V Subha on the cauldron, marking the inauguration of the Games.

He also launched the foundation stone of projects related to the broadcasting sector worth about Rs 250 crore.

Addressing the gathering, Modi extended his wishes to all the athletes arriving from various parts of the country to the capital city of Tamil Nadu and said, “For Indian sports, the youth games are a great start to 2024.”

“Together you are showcasing the true spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” he said, adding, “The people of Tamil Nadu, the beautiful language, its culture and cuisine will make the athletes feel at home.”

He said the hospitality of Tamil Nadu will win all hearts and that the Khelo India Youth Games will provide the opportunity for them to showcase their skills as well as help them make new friendships that will last a lifetime.

According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s office, talking about the expected growth of India’s sports industry to Rs 1 lakh crore, Modi said there is a new awareness about sports and the resulting growth in broadcasting, sports goods, sports tourism, and sports apparel business.

Modi said Thiruvalluvar inspired the youth and gave them direction and heaped praises on Veera Mangai Velu Nachiyar, an Indian queen who waged a war against the British Colonial rule, which is also the mascot of this edition of the games. He called Nachiyar a symbol of woman power and said it is unprecedented for a real-life personality to be chosen as the mascot..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Maharashtra

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In a significant stride towards its ambitious goal of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the signing of 19 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during his visit to the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos. Accompanied by Industries Minister Uday Samant and senior officials, Shinde expressed his determination to lead the state towards economic prosperity.

Strategic Investments Unveiled :

The state government successfully sealed investment MoUs amounting to Rs 3.53 lakh crore (USD 44 billion) across various sectors, including electronics, IT, data centers, gems and jewelry, agriculture, automobile, and renewable energy. An additional expression of interest for Rs 1 lakh crore investment was also received, catapulting the total potential investment to Rs 4.5 lakh crore (almost USD 57 billion).

Job Creation on the Horizon :

This substantial investment has the potential to generate around two lakh jobs, contributing significantly to employment across diverse industries.

Sectoral Breakdown of Investments :

The signed MoUs encompass a spectrum of industries, ranging from the establishment of a green hydrogen and ammonia plant by Inox Air Product to the expansion of paper production capacity by a global natural resources conglomerate. Noteworthy agreements also include initiatives by BC Jindal for battery separator film manufacturing, Adani Group’s expansion of Dighi Port, and JSW Steel’s foray into renewables.

Global Outreach and Collaboration :

Under the theme “Bringing Confidence during a changing World,” Chief Minister Shinde engaged with a multitude of global political leaders, industry captains, and decision-makers, presenting Maharashtra as the premier investment hub.

Key MoUs and Initiatives :

* Inox Air Product: Green hydrogen and ammonia plant
* BC Jindal: Battery separator film manufacturing facility
* Global Natural Resources Conglomerate: Expansion of paper production capacity
* ABInBev: Brewery business expansion
* Adani Group: Dighi Port expansion
* JSW Steel: Renewable energy ventures
* Godrej Agrovet: Investment in cattle feed expansion and chemical segments
* CtrlS Data Centers: Setting up solar parks
* Web Werks: Investment in IT/ITES Data Center
* Hyundai Motor: Expansion plans

Correct Answer :   Himachal Pradesh

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National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, the state of Himachal Pradesh has unveiled the ambitious ‘My School-My Pride’ campaign under the ‘Apna Vidyalay’ programme. This initiative is set to revolutionize the quality of education in government schools, providing a holistic approach to student growth and development.

Encouraging Stakeholder Participation :

The ‘My School-My Pride’ campaign aims to encourage active participation from individuals and organizations to adopt schools and contribute to various aspects of students’ growth. Stakeholders are urged to play a pivotal role in providing career counseling, offering remedial teaching, coaching students for examinations, and engaging in community support services.

Multi-faceted Contributions :

Under the ‘Apna Vidyalay’ programme, stakeholders are not only encouraged to contribute their time and expertise but also make monetary contributions for infrastructure development, sponsor events, provide scholarships, and support the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) programme. This multi-faceted approach ensures a comprehensive enhancement of the overall educational environment.

‘Giving Back to Society’ Initiative :

A notable aspect of the initiative is the ‘Giving back to society’ initiative, which invites retired teachers, professionals, housewives, and other members of the society to become part of the academic support team. Members of this team will volunteer to teach students without expecting any payment or honorarium. This ensures continuous academic support, particularly during teacher shortages or leaves.

Adoption by Dignitaries and Officers :

Dignitaries, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and government officers are actively encouraged to adopt at least one government school as patrons. This involvement includes suggesting improvements and staying informed about students’ progress. Officers from the education department will act as mentors for specific schools, further enhancing the support system.

Online Portal for Transparency :

To ensure transparency, accountability, and real-time monitoring of activities, the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) will launch an online portal dedicated to the ‘Apna Vidyalaya’ programme. This digital platform will streamline communication and facilitate efficient coordination among stakeholders.

SAMVAD: A Holistic Approach :

Adding to the holistic approach, the ‘systematic adolescent management and value addition dialogue’ (SAMVAD) component will educate school-going adolescents on moral values, drug awareness, nutrition, legal knowledge, and empowerment schemes. This comprehensive education is aimed at nurturing responsible citizens.

Chief Minister’s Vision :

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed, “Our government is working with the motto of Vyavastha Parivartan, and Apna Vidyalaya programme aims to foster civic duty, strengthen school vision, and create a sustainable model for educational improvement.” This visionary initiative comes as a beacon of hope for the public education system in Himachal Pradesh, catering to over 55% of students in government schools.

The ‘My School-My Pride’ campaign is expected to bring about a positive transformation, emphasizing community engagement and mentoring for educational enhancement.

Correct Answer :   PepsiCo India

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PepsiCo India, in a strategic realignment, has appointed Jagrut Kotecha as its new CEO, succeeding Ahmed El Sheikh. Kotecha, currently the Chief Commercial Officer for PepsiCo in Africa, Middle East, and South Asia (AMESA), is set to take the helm of PepsiCo India’s operations in March 2024. This move comes as Ahmed El Sheikh transitions to the role of CEO for PepsiCo’s Middle East Business Unit.

Kotecha’s Journey with PepsiCo :

Jagrut Kotecha, with over three decades of experience at PepsiCo, has made significant contributions to the company’s growth. His PepsiCo journey began in 1994 in the Sales and Marketing team in India. Climbing the corporate ladder, Kotecha assumed various roles, including Regional Sales Manager and Marketing Manager for Western Snack.

His international tenure includes positions in Thailand and the Philippines. Most recently, he served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for AMESA since January 2020.

Educational Background : Kotecha holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Mumbai and an MBA in Marketing from SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS).