Correct Answer :   Israel

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The Geological Institute of Israel uncovered a never before known about underwater canyon near Cyprus. The canyon, known as Eratosthenes for the underwater mountain it is near, dates back to the Messinian Event that transpired about 5.5 million years ago.

The canyon is about 10 km wide and 500 m deep and was buried at the beginning of the Messinian period before the deposition of the salt layer. It was created when the level of the Mediterranean Sea decreased at the same time there was a rise in the salinity of the water, which apparently created gravity currents or dense solutions that caused the destabilization of the submarine slopes and subsidence of the seabed.

The Institute said that in a broader aspect this work reveals the environmental conditions of high salinity and lower sea level in the deep Mediterranean basin at the beginning of the Messinian event.

Also known as the Messinian salinity crisis, the Messinian event was a geological event during which the Mediterranean Sea went into a cycle of partial or nearly complete desiccation..

Source : Hornbilltv

Correct Answer :   242 Feet

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The Civil Aviation Ministry has granted in-principle approval for the installation of a towering 242 feet high statue of Adiyogi Shiva near the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar, western Uttar Pradesh.

This monumental decision clears the path for the Isha Foundation to spearhead the establishment of this spiritual landmark.

Isha Foundation’s Vision for Adiyogi Shiva Statue :

Led by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, the Isha Foundation is renowned for its commitment to yoga, environmental stewardship, and social welfare. Now, it will bring its vision to fruition by overseeing the installation of the Adiyogi Shiva statue alongside the development of an ashram and other amenities aimed at promoting holistic living.

Consent Secured from Civil Aviation Ministry :

The proximity of the proposed site to the airport necessitated approval from the Civil Aviation Ministry. With their consent secured, the groundwork can begin for the realization of this ambitious project, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards enhancing the spiritual landscape of the region.

Land Allocation and Development :

The Isha Foundation has requested 200 acres of land from the Yamuna Authority for the establishment of the statue and associated facilities. The identified site near Amarpur Palaka village in Noida Sector-23D holds promise for realizing this vision. Once the foundation submits its formal application, the process of land allocation and subsequent development can commence.

Fostering Spiritual Identity and Cultural Enrichment :

The installation of the Adiyogi Shiva statue near the Noida Airport holds the promise of not only enriching the spiritual identity of the region but also enhancing its cultural landscape. As a beacon for yoga enthusiasts and spiritual seekers, it will complement existing landmarks and contribute to the harmonious coexistence of industrial and spiritual activities.

A Transformative Initiative: Adiyogi Shiva Statue near Noida Airport :

With the collaborative efforts of the Isha Foundation, government authorities, and the support of the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Adiyogi Shiva statue near the Noida International Airport represents a transformative initiative. By embracing spirituality and promoting holistic living, this endeavor promises to leave a lasting legacy, enriching the cultural fabric of the region for generations to come.

Correct Answer :   Uttarakhand

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Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the “Dhami against drugs campaign” being run by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha Metropolitan Dehradun from 5th February  to 10th February 2024. The campaign was launched on February 5, 2024.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister also released T-shirts and posters related to the campaign.

Earlier, Pushkar Singh Dhami called upon people in the State to work to come forward to help the Government in its resolution to make the State drug-free by the year 2025.

He held a high-level meeting at his official residence and directed the officials to rapidly involve the students and colleges in a campaign to achieve the target of a “Drugs Free Uttarakhand” by the year 2025.

Correct Answer :   Yemen

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Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council issued a decision on Monday (5th Feb 2024) appointing its foreign minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak as the country's new prime minister.

* Outging Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed will take on the role of an advisor to the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, the office of Yemen's Cabinet later posted on X.

* Bin Mubarak came to prominence in 2015 when he was kidnapped by the country's Iran-aligned Houthis while he served as Yemen's presidential chief of staff during a power struggle with then President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

* The seizure of bin Mubarak helped plunge Yemen into a political crisis, resulting in clashes between the Houthis and President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's presidential guards that prompted the president and the government to resign.

* Bin Mubarak most recently served as Yemen's foreign minister from 2020..

Source : Reuters

Correct Answer :   Oleg Kononenko

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Russian cosmonaut 'Oleg Kononenko' has broken the world record for the most cumulative time spent in space, Russia’s space agency Roscosmos reported Sunday (4th Feb 2024).

The 59-year-old has now spent more than 878 days and 12 hours in space, surpassing fellow Russian Gennady Padalka, who set the previous record of 878 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes, and 48 seconds in 2015.

Kononenko has made five journeys to the International Space Station, dating back to 2008.

Speaking with Russian state news agency TASS, the engineer said that each trip to the ISS required careful preparation due to the station’s constant upgrades — but that life as a cosmonaut was a childhood dream come true.

“I fly into space to do what I love, not to set records. I’ve dreamt of and aspired to become a cosmonaut since I was a child. That interest — the opportunity to fly into space, to live and work in orbit — motivates me to continue flying,” he told TASS.

Kononenko’s current trip to the ISS began on Sept. 15, 2023, when he launched alongside NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara and Roscosmos compatriot Nikolai Chub. By the end of this expedition, the cosmonaut is expected to become the first person to accumulate 1,000 days in space.

The International Space Station is one of the few areas in which the United States and Russia still cooperate closely following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in Feb. 2022. Roscosmos announced in December that its cross-flight program with NASA transporting astronauts to the ISS had been extended until 2025..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Rajendra Prasad

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Rajendra Prasad has been appointed the new advocate general of Rajasthan, the Raj Bhavan said in a statement issued on Saturday (3rd Feb 2024).

Governor Kalraj Mishra has approved the proposal for Prasad's appointment, the statement said.

The post of advocate general was vacant for almost two months after the change of government in December. Prasad will replace MS Singhvi as the state's advocate general.

Correct Answer :   France

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France has allowed the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to work in the country. NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Lyra, a French leader in securing e-commerce and proximity payments, have announced the acceptance of the UPI payment mechanism in France.

From now on, Indian tourists can book their visit to the Eiffel Tower by purchasing tickets online using UPI. With this, France has become the first European country to accept UPI. The official announcement was made in Paris at an event organised by the Indian Embassy in France to celebrate the Republic Day of India.

Eiffel Tower is the first merchant to offer UPI payments in France, thereafter it will extended to other merchants in the tourism and retail space, NPCI International Payments Limited said.

“At NIPL, our ambition is to enable acceptance of NPCI's payment solutions in international markets and create a truly interoperable global payment system. We aim at actively collaborating with financial institutions worldwide to establish partnerships and provide consumers with convenient and secure cross-border payment solutions. Through this strategic partnership with Lyra, we have taken another step forward towards this goal,” said Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NIPL.

“It is a great pride to have the trust of the Indian government and NIPL to launch UPI in Europe. We have been present in India for 17 years, and this partnership confirms the strength of our collaboration with this vast country. We also demonstrate our ability to stay ahead of market trends and strengthen our ambition to offer all payment methods used worldwide. For the players in the French and European tourism ecosystem, this partnership represents a major advancement and the promise of new business opportunities to come,” said Christophe Mariette, Commercial Director of Lyra France.

During his visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that UPI payment mechanism will begin from the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Addressing the Indian community at La Seine Musicale in Paris, PM Modi said, “Be it India's UPI or other digital platforms, they have brought a huge social transformation in the country and I am happy that India and France are also working together in direction."

“India and France have agreed to use UPI in France. I will leave after the agreement. However, it is your job to move forward. Friends, in the coming days its beginning will be made from Eiffel Tower which means that Indian tourists will now be able to make payments in Rupees, through UPI, at Eiffel Tower," the Prime Minister said.

Last year, the Indian government said that non-resident Indians (NRIs) from 10 countries can use UPI to send and receive money if their domestic bank accounts are linked to their phone numbers abroad.

The list of countries included Singapore, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, US, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

In February last year, India and Singapore linked their digital payments systems, UPI and PayNow, to enable instant transfers. In Singapore, the route would include PayNow for UPI payments to work.

For UPI transactions in Singapore, the DBS Bank is providing an exchange rate to the NPCI. The organisation adds a markup to the rate. Then the rate and the markup are shown to the customer, and the transaction goes through only when the customer agrees. The sending bank credits the total rupee amount to the NPCI’s settlement bank.

The NPCI’s settlement bank then instructs the DBS to credit the beneficiary’s bank in Singapore dollars. The NPCI shares a part of the markup with the sending bank, and all banks get the same share..

Source : Business Today

Correct Answer :   4th Feb 2024

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Hage Geingob, 82, died early on Sunday (4th Feb 2024) while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in the capital, Windhoek.

A veteran of the country's independence struggle, Mr Geingob had been diagnosed with cancer and revealed the details to the public last month.

The nation had lost a "liberation... icon", Mr Mbumba said.

He has since been sworn-in as Mr Geingob's replacement and will serve in the role until elections due later this year.

Political Legacy :

Born in 1941, Geingob played a pivotal role in Namibia’s political landscape. He chaired the drafting of Namibia’s constitution and served as the first prime minister after the country gained independence in 1990. Geingob’s influence extended to his role as vice president of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), the governing party, solidifying its unchallenged rule since independence.

Economic Landscape :

Namibia, known for its diamond and lithium deposits, faces a shift in leadership as Vice President Nangolo Mbumba takes charge until upcoming elections later in the year. Geingob’s tenure included addressing economic disparities and overseeing the mining sector’s prominence in the country.

Election Challenges :

Despite winning the 2014 election with a substantial majority, Geingob faced scrutiny in the 2019 polls, narrowly avoiding a runoff amid a government bribery scandal. The controversy implicated officials in alleged kickbacks involving fishing quotas, leading to ministerial resignations.

Legacy and Concerns :

Geingob’s leadership underscored challenges such as wealth concentration among the white minority. In 2023, he voiced concerns about the persistent disparities in Namibia’s wealth distribution, emphasizing the need for inclusive economic policies.

End of an Era :

President Hage Geingob passed away at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek, where he was undergoing treatment. His death marks the end of a significant era in Namibian politics, leaving a nation in mourning and transition.

Correct Answer :   1st Feb 2024

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Hollywood actor Carl Weathers, known for his role in 'Rocky' opposite Sylvester Stallone passed away at the age of 76, Deadline, a US-based media outlet reported.

He died on Thursday (1st Feb 2024), his family announced in a statement.

A Legend’s Journey :

Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Carl Weathers embarked on a remarkable journey in the world of cinema. With a career spanning five decades, he left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.

The Iconic Apollo Creed :

Weathers etched his name in cinematic history with his portrayal of Apollo Creed, the charismatic and formidable heavyweight champion in the ‘Rocky’ franchise. His electrifying performances opposite Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa captivated audiences and earned him a place in the pantheon of Hollywood legends.

Beyond the Ring and Jungle :

While ‘Rocky’ propelled him to stardom, Weathers showcased his versatility in diverse roles. From battling extraterrestrial threats in ‘Predator’ to delivering comedic brilliance in Adam Sandler’s ‘Happy Gilmore,’ he demonstrated his range as an actor.

Embracing the Small Screen :

Weathers’ talent transcended the silver screen, as evidenced by his portrayal of Greef Karga in the acclaimed Disney+ series ‘The Mandalorian.’ His contributions to television further solidified his status as a multifaceted talent.

A Lasting Legacy :

As news of Weathers’ passing spread, tributes poured in from fans and colleagues, underscoring the impact he had on the industry. His family’s statement, as reported by Deadline, eloquently captured the essence of his legacy: “Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, and beyond, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations.

Correct Answer :   Uttarakhand

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Justice Ritu Bahri was administered oath as the new chief justice of the Uttarakhand high court on Sunday (4th Feb 2024) by Governor Lt Gen (retd) Gurmit Singh at a ceremony held here at Raj Bhawan.

Senior government functionaries, including chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, attended the swearing-in ceremony.

The Centre on February 2 notified the appointment of justice Ritu Bahri as the new chief justice of Uttarakhand high court. Justice Bahri replaces former chief justice Vipin Sanghi, who retired on October 26 last year. After his retirement, senior high court judge Manoj Kumar Tiwari was made the acting chief justice.

According to the notification issued by the Union ministry of law and justice, department of justice on February 2, “In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Kumari Justice Ritu Bahri, Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, to be Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court, with effect from the date she assumes charge of her office.”

In October last year, justice Bahri was appointed as acting chief justice of the Punjab and Haryana high court. On November 2, 2023, the Supreme Court collegium recommended her appointment as the chief justice of Uttarakhand high court.

Born on October 11, 1962, in Punjab’s Jalandhar, justice Bahri belongs to a family of illustrious lawyers. Her great-grandfather late Karam Chand Bahri was a well-known lawyer. Her grandfather late Som Dutt Bahri also practised law and was a legislator from Punjab from 1952 to 1957. Her father justice Amrit Lal Bahri retired as judge of Punjab and Haryana high court in 1994.

Ritu did her schooling at Carmel Convent School, Chandigarh, and graduated in Economics (Hons.) from Government College for Women, Chandigarh, in 1982.

After that, she pursued law at Punjab University in 1985. She was enrolled as an advocate in 1986 with the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana and started her practice at the Punjab and Haryana high court.

In March 1992, she was appointed as assistant advocate general, Haryana, and in 1999, as the deputy advocate general and senior advocate general in December 2009. She was elevated as judge of the Punjab and Haryana high court in August 2010.

In 2000, when Uttarakhand was carved out from Uttar Pradesh, the high court of Uttarakhand was also established at the same time in Nainital, with justice Ashok A Desai as its founder chief justice..

Source : Hindustan Times