Correct Answer :   Adani Group

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The World Economic Forum 2024, the Adani Group unveiled plans to invest Rs 50,000 crore over the next decade in establishing a 1 GW hyperscale data centre in Maharashtra. The conglomerate’s flagship company, Adani Enterprises Ltd, and the Maharashtra government formalized this commitment through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani.

Key Highlights :

Scale of Investment : The ambitious project involves a staggering investment of Rs 50,000 crore, reinforcing Adani Group’s commitment to the data infrastructure sector.

Renewable Energy Focus : The 1 GW data centre, strategically located in key areas such as Mumbai or Navi Mumbai and Pune, will be powered entirely by renewable energy. This initiative not only boosts green energy infrastructure in Maharashtra but also aligns with broader sustainability goals.

Employment Opportunities : The project is expected to generate direct and indirect employment for approximately 20,000 individuals, contributing significantly to the economic landscape of the state.

Deemed Distribution Investments : Adani Group plans to make deemed distribution investments to support the energy requirements of the proposed data centre infrastructure, indicating a comprehensive approach to power the facility.

Maharashtra’s Perspective :

* The Maharashtra government views this hyperscale data centre as economically and socially beneficial to the state. With a keen interest in promoting information technology-related infrastructure and services, this partnership is poised to bolster Maharashtra’s position in the evolving digital landscape.

Mumbai’s Renewable Energy Transformation :

* Mumbai has rapidly transitioned from a minimal share of renewable energy to emerging as a global leader in clean energy adoption. Mega projects, including this data centre initiative, have played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s renewable energy journey. As of 2023, Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd supplied up to 38% of electricity to Mumbai consumers from renewable sources, with a target to reach 60% by 2027.

Correct Answer :   Andhra Pradesh

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In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will unveil the 125 feet Bronze statue of Dr BR Ambedkar at Swaraj Maidan in Vijayawada. Termed as "Statue of Social Justice", it pays tribute to the contributions of DR BR Ambedkar and seeks to inspire future generations for an egalitarian society.

Akashvani Correspondent reports that inspired from the Kalachkara Mahamandap of Buddhist architecture, the 125 feet Bronze statue of Dr BR Ambedkar stands on a pedestal of 81 feet taking the total height to 206 ft.

Built at the cost of 400 crores in about 18 acres, the Swaraj Maida also houses Dr BR Ambedkar Chaitya Museum, a convention centre, a colonnade with mural art works of life events of BR Ambedkar along with a musical fountain and a garden.

The Statue of Social Justice is a tribute to the contributions of Babasaheb who was a crusader for social justice. With the inauguration slated today, the city of Vijayawada is bearing a festive look with all the roads leading to Ambedkar Smriti Vanam..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Sikkim

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India’s wildlife conservation, the first-ever confirmed sighting of the rare Tibetan Brown Bear (scientific name: Ursus arctos pruinosus) was recorded in the high altitudes of North Sikkim. This discovery, made by the joint efforts of the Sikkim Forest Department and WWF-India, marks a significant addition to the country’s mammal diversity and highlights the ecological richness of the region.

The Discovery :

* Location of Sighting : The bear was spotted in the Mangan district of North Sikkim, a region known for its pristine landscapes and rich biodiversity.

* Camera Trap Evidence : Camera traps installed in the area captured images of the bear in December 2023, revealing its characteristic yellowish scarf-like collar that broadens from the shoulders to the chest????.

* Conservation Significance : This sighting is a groundbreaking revelation for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists, as it adds a new subspecies to India’s mammalian portfolio and emphasizes the importance of preserving the state’s precious wildlife?.

Characteristics and Habitat of the Tibetan Brown Bear :

* Appearance and Diet : The Tibetan Brown Bear, also known as the Tibetan Blue Bear, is an omnivore with a diet generally consisting of marmots and alpine vegetation. It is distinct from the more commonly found Himalayan Black Bear in terms of appearance, habitat, and behavior.

* Habitat : This rare bear inhabits high-altitude alpine forests, meadows, and steppes above 4000 meters and is very shy of human contact, making it seldom observed in the wild??.

* Adaptation to Environment : It is uniquely adapted to the harsh conditions of the Tibetan Plateau and is one of the rarest subspecies of bears in the world??.

Ecological and Cultural Importance :

* Cultural References : The elusive nature of this creature has inspired folklore, such as the Yeti legends, across the Himalayas. It has been a subject of intrigue among the Dokpas, the nomadic herders from the high-altitude areas of the Tso Lhamo plateau and Muguthang.

* Conservation Status : The Tibetan Brown Bear is accorded the highest protection status under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as a protected species??.

Correct Answer :   Saryu River

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Ayodhya into a model solar city, a solar power-enabled boat will for the first time be launched in the country in the Saryu river, an official statement said here on Tuesday. The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Agency (UPNEDA) has prepared the outline for the regular operation of this boat service in the Saryu river of Ayodhya.

* This boat has been assembled on the banks of Saryu Ghat and its spare parts and other accessories have been procured from different corners of the country, it said.

* Currently, one boat has been fully assembled and it is undergoing the testing phase.

* It is expected that it will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath before the Ram temple consecration ceremony on January 22, paving the way for regular operation of other such boats in the coming days.

* This solar-powered boat works on the concept of operating through clean energy. It is a dual-mode operating boat that works on a 100 per cent solar electric power base.

* In addition to solar charging, it can also be operated using electric energy.

* Constructed with a lightweight and durable fiberglass body, this boat ensures a noise-free and environmentally friendly operation, the statement said, adding the boat can accommodate up to 30 passengers and will operate from the Naya ghat.

* The boat can manage a propulsion timeframe of five to six hours on a full charge.

* Between January 17 and 18, the boat will undergo various testing procedures, including waterproofing. Following successful testing, it is scheduled to be inaugurated before the 'pran 'pratishtha' ceremony.

* The UPNEDA developed boat is powered by 3.3 kilowatt rooftop solar panels and there are a total of six solar panels installed on the rooftop of the boat which produce 550 watts of power energy..

Source : India Times

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (18th Jan 2024) launched commemorative postage stamps on Ayodhya's Ram Temple and a book with stamps dedicated to Lord Ram from around the world.

* Speaking about the launch of the stamps, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Today, I got the opportunity to attend another event organised by Shri Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha Abhiyan. Today, 6 Commemorative Postage Stamps on Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir and an album of stamps issued on Lord Ram around the world have been released. I want to congratulate the people of the country and all Ram Bhakts across the world."

* The stamp book aims to showcase the international appeal of Lord Ram on various societies. This 48-page book covers stamps issued by more than 20 countries, including the US, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, Cambodia and organisations like the United Nations.

* The design of the stamps encompasses essential elements related to Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir, showcasing the temple itself, the revered Choupai 'Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari,' the sun, the Saryu River, and the sculptures in and around the temple.

* The commemorative stamp collection comprises six distinct stamps, each featuring key figures and symbols associated with Lord Ram's narrative.

* The stamps include depictions of the Ram Temple, Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Jatayu, Kevatraj, and Ma Shabri. The use of gold leaf detailing for the sun rays and the Choupai adds a regal touch to the miniature sheet.

* Preparations are underway for the mega Ram Mandir 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration) ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the chief guest of the event, which will also mark the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

* According to the temple trust, over 7,000 people, including politicians, celebrities, industrialists, saints will attend the ceremony.

Correct Answer :   Shantanu Jha

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Rear Admiral Shantanu Jha has assumed charge as Chief Staff Officer (Operations) Eastern Naval Command. An alumnus of NDA, he was commissioned into IndianNavy in 1993. Rear Admiral Shantanu Jha is a Navigation and Direction specialist and has served as Navigating Officer onbaord six frontline Frigates, Destroyers and Aircraft carrier INS Viraat.

His afloat appointments include Executive Officer, INS Vikramaditya and Command of INS Nishank, INS Kora and INS Sahyadri. An alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Royal College of Defence Studies, UK, the Admiral has Masters Degree in Defence Studies from MadrasUniversity and International Security and Strategy from Kings College, London.

He also tenanted appointment as Naval Attaché Tehran. A recipient of the Nau Sena Medal, Rear Admiral Shantanu Jha was Commodore (Strategy, Concepts and Transformation) at Naval Headquarters, prior taking over as CSO (Ops), ENC.

Correct Answer :   Employee's Provident Fund Organization

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The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will no longer accept Aadhaar Card as proof of date of birth, the retirement fund body announced on Tuesday (January 16).

The decision has been made with the approval of the Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC).

The following documents will be considered as valid proof of date of birth by the EPFO :

1. Marksheet issued by any recognised government board or university
2. School Leaving Certificate (SLC)/School Transfer Certificate (TC)/SSC certificate with name and date of birth
3. Certificate based on the service records
4. PAN card
5. Central/State Pension Payment Order
6. Domicile certificate issued by the government
7. Passport
8. Government pension
9. Medical certificate issued by the civil surgeon

* Aadhaar is primarily an identity verification tool and not a proof of birth, EPFO said in a circular.

* “In this connection, a letter has been received from UIDAI (copy attached), wherein it has been stated that the use of an Aadhaar, as proof of DoB needs to be deleted from the list of acceptable documents. Accordingly, the Aadhaar is being removed from the list of acceptable documents for correction in date of birth as mentioned in Table-B of Annexure -1 of the JD SOP under reference,” EPFO said.

* The move was notified after a directive from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

Correct Answer :   China

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In China, a startup named Betavolt has unveiled a revolutionary battery, asserting its capability to produce electricity for 50 years without requiring charging or maintenance.

According to The Independent, this innovation is a nuclear battery that has successfully integrated 63 isotopes into a module smaller than a coin. Betavolt claims that it is the world's first battery to achieve the miniaturization of atomic energy, challenging traditional notions associated with nuclear technology.

The battery's technology operates by transforming the energy generated through the decay of isotopes into electrical power. The startup has commenced preliminary testing and aims to scale up production of the battery for widespread use in commercial devices like smartphones and devices.

The startup said in a press release, "Betavolt atomic energy batteries can meet the needs of long-lasting power supply in multiple scenarios, such as aerospace, AI equipment, medical equipment, microprocessors, advanced sensors, small drones, and micro-robots."

Utilizing a layered design, the battery is engineered to mitigate the risk of catching fire or exploding under abrupt force, as asserted by Betavolt. The company also states that the battery demonstrates resilience in operating within a temperature range spanning from -60 degrees Celsius to 120 degrees Celsius.

The battery's dimensions are 15 x 15 x 5 millimeters, constructed from thin layers of nuclear isotopes and diamond semiconductors. Presently, the nuclear battery produces 100 microwatts of power at 3 volts. The objective is to achieve a power output of 1 watt by the year 2025.

While concerns about radiation often accompany nuclear energy, Betavolt seeks to allay such fears by asserting the safety of its battery, assuring users of its lack of external radiation. Following the decay period, the 63 isotopes within the battery undergo a transformation into a stable, non-radioactive isotope of copper, eliminating any environmental threats..

Source : Outlook India

Correct Answer :   Telangana

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The World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Telangana government are jointly establishing the 19th Centre of the WEF’s Fourth Industrial Revolution Network (4IR) in Hyderabad. The WEF-Telangana Centre, slated for launch in February 2024, will be the world’s inaugural thematic center dedicated to health tech and life sciences.

Strategic Partnership and Objectives

The collaboration, solidified during a meeting between Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and WEF President Borge Brende at Davos, underscores the commitment to advancing healthcare technology. The centre aims to align with the broader vision of the Telangana government and WEF, emphasizing collaborative efforts to enhance lifestyles and living standards.

Key Features and BioAsia 2024 Launch :

The C4IR in Hyderabad is poised to become the world’s premier healthcare hub, providing employment opportunities in the healthcare sector and fostering partnerships between the government and small and medium enterprises. The official launch is scheduled to take place during BioAsia 2024.

Global Recognition for Telangana :

This strategic move positions Telangana as a crucial node in the global 4IR network and reinforces its global leadership in health tech. The autonomous, non-profit organization will lead policy and governance initiatives for healthcare and life sciences, marking a significant milestone in advancing world-class healthcare services, particularly in rural areas.

Important Takeaways For All Competitive Exams :

World Economic Forum’s 4IR Centre in Hyderabad :

* WEF and Telangana government jointly establishing 19th Centre of 4th Industrial Revolution Network in Hyderabad.
* Focus on health tech and life sciences, making it the first thematic center of its kind.
* Launch scheduled during BioAsia 2024, emphasizing global leadership in health tech.

Correct Answer :   Sue Redfern

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Sue Redfern will become the first female neutral umpire appointed by the International Cricket Council to work in a bilateral series, having been named for the upcoming ICC Women’s Championship and T20I matches between Australia and South Africa.

Redfern’s appointment ensures neutrality while fostering the growth of local female umpires who learn alongside seasoned professionals. This builds upon the momentum created by the historic all-female match officials panel at the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

The ICC prioritises female umpires for this neutral role, guaranteeing them equal match-day pay and perks as their male counterparts on ICC’s elite panel.

This merit-based selection system aims to place more female umpires on the international panel in the coming years, in line with the ICC’s strategic vision for greater female presence in cricket.

Redfern, brimming with excitement, recognizes the significance of her appointment. “This defines a new era for both women’s cricket and female officials,“ she states. “I see this building momentum and propelling the development of female umpires globally.“

Redfern’s journey is an inspiration. Having played for England and officiated in multiple World Cups, her expertise shines brightly. With the ICC’s unwavering support, she and other aspiring female umpires now have a clear path to success, both on and off the field..

Source : The Hindu