Correct Answer :   Faridabad

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The 9th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 will be held at Faridabad, Haryana from January 17th-20th, 2024.

India’s mega Science Fair will be held at the Campus of Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) and Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) of Department of Biotechnology in Faridabad.

The theme of the present edition is 'Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal'. IISF 2023 aims to provide a platform for inspiring public at large and individuals with diverse levels of interests like students, educators, scientists, researchers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs and science communicators.

IISF 2023 will have a total of 17 themes to showcase scientific achievements offering diverse benefits to participants and the general public.

The event holds interface among all stakeholders through various activities such as seminars by national and international experts, interactions with speakers, exhibitions, competitions, workshops, knowledge-sharing activities, technology shows, etc.

The IISF is dedicated towards fostering creativity in Science, Technology and Innovation for the advancement of prosperous India. This event was initiated under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi through collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences in association with Vijnana Bharati.

Since 2015, the IISF has hosted eight editions in different geographical regions of India and expanded as a mega science festival. In 2021, the Department of Space and the Department of Atomic Energy became an integral part of IISF..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Gas Authority of India Limited

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Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), the country’s leading gas firm, has successfully executed the world’s first ship-to-ship liquefied natural gas (LNG) transfer.

This innovative approach aims to reduce shipping costs and cut emissions significantly, marking a pivotal moment for GAIL as it explores unconventional methods to enhance its business operations.


GAIL’s LNG Contracts and Conventional Shipping Process :

* GAIL has secured contracts for 5.8 million tonnes per annum of LNG from the United States.
* Traditionally, this volume is transported to India via LNG ships, covering a vast distance of approximately 19,554 nautical miles for a round trip.
* The journey, which includes transiting through the Suez Canal and Gibraltar, takes around 54 days and emits about 15,600 tonnes of CO2.


The Challenge of Emissions in LNG Shipping :

* Emissions in LNG shipping are typically managed through advanced technology or altering the cargo’s destination.
* GAIL, however, has taken a novel contractual approach, optimizing the vessels’ paths to achieve a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions.
 

GAIL’s Innovative Ship-to-Ship Transfer :

* In a recent operation, GAIL’s hired vessel, Castillo De Santisteban, performed a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer mid-way through its journey.
* The LNG cargo was transferred to another chartered vessel, Al Gharrafa of QatarGas, making this the world’s first STS transfer.
* The QatarGas vessel then proceeded to Dahej in Gujarat to discharge the cargo originally planned for GAIL’s vessel, subsequently returning from Gibraltar to the next loading port.

Significant Environmental and Economic Benefits :

* This innovative maneuver resulted in a remarkable savings of about 8,736 nautical miles, equivalent to 7,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
* Additionally, it reduced the voyage duration for GAIL’s chartered vessel from 54 days to approximately 27 days.
* The optimized gain for GAIL in this charter exceeded USD 1 million, marking a win-win situation for both GAIL and QatarGas.


Scaling Up the Concept :

* GAIL officials suggest that the proof of concept demonstrated in this operation has the potential to be scaled up across the entire LNG shipping industry.
* By implementing unique contractual arrangements, owners and charterers could significantly reduce shipping distances, leading to substantial carbon emission savings.


Implications for the LNG Shipping Industry :

* Scaling up this concept could result in distance savings of 2,09,664 nautical miles per year with a corresponding emission saving of 1,67,731 tons of CO2.
* Moreover, it could contribute to a significant increase in vessel utilization.
* This innovation aligns with GAIL’s commitment to sustainability and could pave the way for transformative changes in the LNG shipping industry.


Recognition and Awards :

* GAIL’s commitment to innovation, coupled with its recent achievements, has earned the company the ‘Innovation Award – India and Midstream Project of the Year‘ at the Asian Oil and Gas Awards.
* This recognition highlights GAIL’s leadership in adopting pioneering solutions to address environmental and economic challenges in the oil and gas sector.


Floating CNG Station and Further Initiatives :

* In addition to the STS transfer, GAIL has made strides in environmental initiatives, including the installation of the first floating Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station.
* This station, situated in the Ganges in Varanasi, serves as a refueling point for boats running on eco-friendly fuel.
* The CNG dispensing infrastructure manages variable water levels and has resulted in the conversion of diesel and petrol engines to CNG-propelled engines..

Source : India Times

Correct Answer :   David Cameron

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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in a wider cabinet reshuffle, sacked Secretary of State for Home Department Suella Braverman on Monday (13 November 2023).

The development came after the minister’s recent incendiary comments about the policing of pro-Palestinian protests in the UK.

Current Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will replace Braverman as the interior minister. But significantly, Britain’s former Prime Minister "David Cameron" has been made foreign minister – marking his return to politics.

In a post on X confirming the appointment, Cameron wrote, “While I have been out of front-line politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience – as Conservative Leader for eleven years and Prime Minister for six – will assist me in helping the Prime Minister to meet… vital challenges.”

Who is David Cameron?

* Cameron is a former UK Prime Minister (between 2010 to 2016) and a senior Conservative party leader. Like many prominent UK politicians, he studied at the elite Eton College before graduating from Oxford University.

* He was given the mandate to change and modernise the Conservative Party and was elected its leader in December 2005, following the party’s weak electoral performance. The party did bounce back, and in 2010 it formed a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats and came to power. Cameron became Prime Minister, making him the youngest UK PM in 198 years at the age of 43.

* Under Cameron, the Conservatives won two general elections – in 2010 and 2015. But following the Brexit vote of 2016, he resigned from the post and was succeeded by Theresa May as PM..


Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   1,037

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The “One Station One Product” initiative by the Indian Railways, which provides uniquely designed sale outlets for locals to sell indigenous products, is now operational at 1,037 stations nationwide.

The scheme, designed by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, provides distinctive outlets that give high visibility to indigenous products, benefiting local craftsmen. A senior railway official noted that the scheme is gaining momentum, and more stations are expected to have these outlets soon.


‘One Station One Product’ scheme – Tamil Nadu leads :

* Launched on May 20 last year after a successful 15-day pilot project, the scheme has gained popularity among local artisans and workers. As of November 9 this year, 1,134 outlets are operational at 1,037 stations across 27 states. Tamil Nadu leads with 146 outlets at 137 stations, followed by West Bengal with a similar number at 123 stations, and Uttar Pradesh in third place with 112 outlets at 105 stations.

* Up to November 9, 39,847 direct beneficiaries have availed opportunities under this scheme. Considering five indirect beneficiaries for each allotment, the total beneficiaries amount to 1,43,232. The scheme has recorded total sales of Rs 49.58 crore.

OSOP scheme aims to enhance livelihoods :

* The OSOP scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2022-23, aims to enhance livelihoods through skill development for local artisans, weavers, and craftsmen. Sale outlets are provided at stations nationwide, allotted through a tendering process.


Indian Railways spreads the scheme :

* The policy emphasises reaching the scheme’s benefits to the target groups and providing opportunities to all applicants. To achieve this, the Indian Railways has adopted various public outreach measures, including advertising in newspapers, social media, public announcements, press notifications, and personal visits to artisans.

* Products sold at these outlets are indigenous to the respective areas and include artefacts, handicrafts, textiles, handlooms, toys, leather products, traditional appliances/instruments, garments, gems and jewellery, and locally made or grown processed and semi-processed food products..


Source : Financial Express

Correct Answer :   Jharkhand

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Jharkhand is the 28th state of India. It was formed on November 15, 2000 after a long-standing tribal movement for statehood. Jharkhand was earlier a part of Bihar, more precisely it was then South Bihar.

15th November is the birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda who was a part of the tribal movement against the British in the 1870s.

He was arrested by the British when he got highly involved in the movement and died in a Ranchi jail at the young age of 25 in 1900. President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to take part in the state’s foundation day celebrations this year at Morhabadi ground and also will visit the birthplace of Munda in Ulihatu village in Khunti district.

Jharkhand Foundation Day History, Significance :

* In 2000 a campaign was led by the BJP for a separate state from Bihar state which led to the passage of the Bihar Reorganization Act with the creation of Jharkhand as a new Indian state. It was formed on November 15th. Jharkhand Foundation Day 2023 coincides with the birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda, also known as Bhagwan Birsa.

* Jharkhand state is rich in minerals like coal, iron ore, copper ore, uranium, mica, bauxite, granite, limestone, silver, graphite, magnetite, and dolomite. Agriculture is the main source of income for 80% population in Jharkhand. Rice is an important cultivation in Jharkhand. Chau is the most famous dance form of Jharkhand.

* On Jharkhand Foundation Day celebrations take place all over the state for their separation from Bihar and declaration as a separate State. Chau dance the famous dance form of the state is performed by the tribals on the occasion of Jharkhand  Foundation Day 2023.

* The Central University of Jharkhand also celebrates Jharkhand foundation day 2023. Quiz programs, Essay writing competitions, and story writing are conducted on the auspicious occasion at various institutions. It is one of the important State holidays..


Source : The Quint

Correct Answer :   Russia

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Russia has signed a contract to supply Igla-S hand-held anti-aircraft missiles to India and allow production of the Igla there under licence, the Russian state news agency TASS quoted a top arms export official as saying on Tuesday.

The Igla-S is a man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) that can be fired by an individual or crew to bring down an enemy aircraft.

“We have already signed the corresponding document and now, together with an Indian private company, we are organising the production of Igla-S MANPADS in India,” TASS quoted Alexander Mikheyev, head of the state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, as saying.

India is the world’s largest arms importer and Russia remains its largest supplier despite the damage to the reputation of its army and weaponry from the war in Ukraine, where Russia has suffered numerous setbacks at the hands of a smaller but highly motivated and Western-equipped military.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russia accounted for 45% of India’s arms imports between 2018 and 2022, with France providing 29% and the United States 11%.

Another Russian state news agency, RIA, quoted Mikheyev earlier as saying that “Rosoboronexport is working with Indian private and public enterprises to organise joint production of aviation weapons and integrate them into the existing aviation fleet in India”.

No details were provided about which Indian companies would be involved or when potential production would start.

Mikheyev said Rosoboronexport and Indian partners had provided the Indian Ministry of Defence with Su-30MKI fighter jets, tanks, armoured vehicles and shells.

At the beginning of the year, India and Russia also started joint production of AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles..

Source : The Hindu Businessline

Correct Answer :   Shital Mahajan

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* Indian skydiver Shital Mahajan jumped off a helicopter from the height of 21,500 ft in front of the world's highest peak, Mt Everest.

* She became the first woman to do so.

* Mahajan landed at Kalapatthar peak at an altitude 17,444ft.

* Mahajan is a well-known Indian skydiver who holds several skydiving records and is the recipient of the fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri in 2001..


Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   14 November 2023

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Subrata Roy, the founder of Sahara India Pariwar, passed away on 14 November 2023. He was 75.

In a statement, the Sahara group said, "Saharasri ji an inspirational leader and visionary, passed away on 14th November 2023 at 10.30 pm due to cardiorespiratory arrest following an extended battle with complications arising from metastatic malignancy, hypertension, and diabetes. He was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute (KDAH) on 12th November 2023, following a decline in health. " Roy is survived by wife Swapna Roy and two sons, Sushanto Roy and Seemanto Roy.

Born in Bihar's Araria in 1948, he made a modest start with a capital for only Rs 2,000 to build Sahara India. Eventually he shifted to Lucknow in the 1990s and made the city the headquarters of his group. The company was once hailed by Time magazine as the second-largest employer in India after Indian Railways.

Over the years, the company grew and Roy became known for hosting film stars at events and having “friends” across political parties. He was known to share deep ties with Mulayam Singh Yadav and his Samajwadi Party.

"The death of Shri Subrata Roy ji is an emotional loss for Uttar Pradesh and the country because along with being a very successful businessman, he was also a very sensitive person with a big heart who helped countless people and became their support," Samajwadi Party chief and former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said in a post on X.

#WATCH | Maharashtra | Outside visuals from Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute.

Sahara Group Managing Worker and Chairman Subrata Roy passed away on Tuesday due to cardiorespiratory arrest pic.twitter.com/7QQWHMpHqU

— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2023

Source : Money Control

Correct Answer :   Meghalaya

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The Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs in Meghalaya has launched the ‘Food Security’ Campaign, which focuses on sensitising the public about the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 and strives to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 – ‘Zero Hunger.

The campaign was launched by Minister-in-Charge Comingone Ymbon at the Shillong Press Club on Monday (13th Nov 2023).

Minister Ymbon informed reporters that the Department is exploring the use of social, mainstream, and community-based media to communicate the verticals of the Department and apply a hyper-local approach to reason with the public on pertinent matters linked to the provisions of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013.

Objective  : The objectives of the Campaign is to create general awareness about food security being a right of the citizen and calls upon the public at ground zero community level to work together towards ‘Zero Hunger’ to meet the need of the public at the bottom of the poverty pyramid.

The One Nation One Ration Card scheme (ONORC) will also be taken up as one of the salient features of the National Food Security Act, he added..

Source : Hub Network

Correct Answer :   New Zealand

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A new interactive map was launched on Tuesday (14th Nov 2023) to restore a minimum of 15 percent local biodiversity within every catchment in New Zealand in the next nearly 100 years.

The interactive map from Eco-index includes information on the type of habitat that existed there historically and targets for restoring 15 percent of biodiversity in each area.

The free, open access-resourced tool will help community groups, businesses, government and land managers to set restoration priorities for areas where local biodiversity is most at risk, said Eco-index, a program aiming at tackling the challenge of biodiversity decline in New Zealand.

The launch of the ecosystem restoration map provides a tool for those seeking to make strategically significant investment decisions on biodiversity redress, said Bruce Burns, associate professor of the School of Biological Sciences of the University of Auckland.

The tool identifies those areas and ecosystems that are locally impoverished, and therefore "offer the best bang for the buck in terms of actions," Burns said.

"Modelling suggests that biodiversity crisis impacts could be even more severe for human society than climate change," he said..

Source : China