Correct Answer :   Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar

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Malaysia's royal families elected the powerful and outspoken Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar from the southern state of Johor to be the country's next king.

The king plays a largely ceremonial role in Malaysia, but the monarchy has become more influential in recent years due to prolonged political instability that has prompted the incumbent king to wield rarely used discretionary powers.

Malaysia has a unique system in which the heads of its nine royal families take turns to be monarch for a five-year term. The Southeast Asian country is a parliamentary democracy, with the monarch serving as head of state.

Sultan Ibrahim will take over from current King Al-Sultan Abdullah on Jan. 31, 2024, the keeper of the rulers' seal said in a statement on Friday (27th Oct 2023).

Unlike other traditional Malaysian rulers, Sultan Ibrahim has been outspoken about politics and has said he has a good relationship with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The sultan, who is known to have a big collection of luxury cars and motorcycles, has wide-ranging business interests from real estate to mining.

King Al-Sultan played an unusually active role in Malaysian politics, picking the country's last three prime ministers.

The federal constitution grants the monarch only a few discretionary powers, with the king largely required to act upon the advice of the prime minister and cabinet.

It also allows the king to appoint a prime minister who he believes has a parliamentary majority, a power never utilised until 2020, as the premier is typically picked through an election.

King Al-Sultan used those powers during a period of political instability triggered by the defeat of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), which had governed Malaysia uninterrupted since independence until 2018.

The king also has the power to pardon convicted people. In 2018, Al-Sultan's predecessor, Sultan Muhammad V, pardoned Anwar, who was then imprisoned on sodomy and corruption charges that he says were politically motivated.

Former prime minister Najib Razak, jailed last year on a graft conviction linked to a scandal over state fund 1MDB, has applied for a royal pardon, a request that could be reviewed by the new king..

Source : Reuters

Correct Answer :   Haryana

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Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, along with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, launched 124 PM-Shri schools in the state.

The schools have been designed with smart classrooms and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) labs.

Mr Pradhan and Mr Khattar also launched the Accreditation of the Schools app and mobile application for NIPUN, books and learning materials for Balvatika-3.

The event showcased presentations on PM-Shri schools, E-Adhigam and MIS platform, online transfer policy and foundational literacy and numeracy - NIPUN Haryana Mission.

Addressing the event, the Union minister said that the launch is aimed at ensuring a bright future for the children of Haryana through advanced and quality education by bringing features of New Education Policy (NEP) on the ground.

He added that PM-Shri Schools will act as a symbol of excellence with 21st century modern education based on skill-based, people-life-culture and mother tongue.

Mr Pradhan also said that the launch of PM Shri School will increase the potential of school education in the state and the children will benefit with the initiative..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   Uttarakhand

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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday (25th Oct 2023) approved the incorporation of Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project in Uttarakhand under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (PMKSY-AIBP), at an estimated cost of ₹2,584 crore.

The project envisages the construction of a dam near near Jamrani village on the Gola river, a tributary of river Ganga, in Uttarakhand's Nainital district. Once constructed, the dam will feed the existing Gola barrage with its 40.5 km canal and a 244-km long canal system, which was completed in 1981.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said that the CentrE would contribute ₹1,557.18 crore towards the project, aiming for completion by March 2028.

The project will see setting up of two feeder canals, refurbishing 207 km of existing canals, and introducing 278 km of solid field channels. On the energy front, the dam is expected to generate 14 MW of hydropower and deliver 42.70 million cubic meters of potable water to over 10.65 lakh residents in Haldwani and its vicinities.

A substantial part of the irrigation benefits of the project would flow to the neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh, and cost or benefit sharing between the two states will be done as per a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2017.

 However, drinking water and power benefits shall be available entirely to Uttarakhand, according to an official release.

The PMKSY, initiated in 2015-16 to improve farm water accessibility and foster sustainable water conservation methods, has a projected outlay of ₹93,068.56 crore until 2026. As a component of PMKSY, the accelerated irrigation benefits programme (AIBP) aims to foster irrigation potential through large-scale projects.

To date, 53 projects have been finalized under PMKSY-AIBP, leading to additional irrigation across 25.14 lakh ha. With the Jamrani Dam project's inclusion, the number of projects post the inception of PMKSY 2.0 in 2021-22 reaches seven..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   China

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Li Keqiang, the former premier of China, has died of a heart attack, less than a year after stepping down from his post as the country’s second-highest-ranking leader.

“On 26 October 2023, Li had a sudden heart attack and passed away at 00:10 on 27 October 2023 [16:10 GMT 26 October 2023] after all rescue measures failed,” the state-run Global Times reported on Friday.

The 68-year-old, who retired in March, served two terms alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping, but towards the end of his career, was politically side-lined as Xi amassed ever-greater personal power over China’s government and economy.

In the hours after Li’s death, news reports were indexed notably low in media like People’s Daily and China Daily – both considered mouthpieces of the Chinese Communist Party –  taking second or third place to articles on new infrastructure, foreign investment, and even astronauts.

David Bandurski, director of the China Media Project, said China’s leadership would probably want to take a “great deal of care” over the treatment of Li’s death, and how his contributions are remembered.

“We can see the official state media moving very slowly already, with the release of a very clipped notice only mentioning that his obituary is forthcoming,’ Bandurski told Al Jazeera. “High-level political deaths are never a personal matter in China. They are highly sensitive and treated as such because there is power and peril in remembering.”

Li’s tenure as premier and head of Xi’s cabinet proved disappointing to supporters at home and abroad who were hoping that a university-educated economist would open China’s economy even further.

Instead, his portfolio was eclipsed by the rise of Xi and a slide towards greater authoritarianism.

“Li hopelessly stood by as China took a sharp turn away from reform and opening. The wind was too strong,” Adam Ni, an independent analyst and editor of the China Neican newsletter, told Al Jazeera..

Source : Aljazeera

Correct Answer :   October 27

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The 2023 World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, observed on October 27, revolves around the theme “Your Window to the World.”

This annual celebration is a significant initiative co-led by UNESCO and the Coordinating Council of Audiovisual Archives Associations (CCAAA) to pay homage to the dedicated audiovisual preservation professionals and institutions safeguarding our rich heritage for the benefit of future generations.

Audiovisual heritage serves as a unique window to the world, providing us with the ability to witness events we may have missed, hear the voices of the past, and create narratives that both inform and entertain.

Through the exploration of recorded sounds and visual imagery captured on film and video, we not only gain an appreciation for cultural wealth but also extract valuable lessons from it.


The Significance of World Day for Audiovisual Heritage :

The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage (WDAH) has its roots in the adoption of the Recommendation for the Safeguarding and Preservation of Moving Images during the 21st General Conference of UNESCO in 1980. This day serves as a vital occasion to raise general awareness about the urgent measures needed to preserve audiovisual documents and to recognize their profound importance.


Evaluating Commitment to Preservation :

The World Day also serves as an opportunity for UNESCO’s Member States to assess their commitment and performance regarding the implementation of the 2015 Recommendation Concerning the Preservation of, and Access to, Documentary Heritage, Including in Digital Form. It highlights the ongoing commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage in all its forms, including the digital realm.

Preservation Challenges and the Need for Action :

Audiovisual materials, such as sound recordings, moving images, and other forms of media, are frequently lost due to factors like neglect, natural decay, and technological obsolescence. Recognizing the potential loss of more audiovisual records without stronger and coordinated international action, organizations like UNESCO proposed the establishment of a World Day for Audiovisual Heritage. This proposal was approved at a UNESCO general conference in 2005, leading to the inaugural celebration on October 27, 2007.


Preserving National Identity :

The primary objective of the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is to emphasize the need for urgent measures and to acknowledge the vital role of audiovisual documents in preserving and reflecting a nation’s identity. These materials encapsulate the essence of a culture, offering a profound connection to our past and the potential to inform our future.

In conclusion, the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is a global celebration that highlights the importance of preserving audiovisual documents, which are our windows to the world and vital components of our cultural heritage. It serves as a reminder of the need for immediate action to safeguard these materials and acknowledges their central role in shaping national identity and the world’s collective memory..

Correct Answer :   China

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The Shenzhou 17 spacecraft lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on the edge of the Gobi Desert in northwestern China atop a Long March 2-F rocket at 11:14 a.m. (0314 GMT) According to the China Manned Space Agency, the average age of the three-member crew is the youngest since the launch of the space station construction mission. Their average age is 38, state media China Daily said.


Crew Details :

* The Shenzhou 17 crew comprises Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie, and Jiang Xinlin, with an average age of 38, making it the youngest team on a space station construction mission.

* Tang Hongbo, a seasoned astronaut, previously led a 2021 space mission for three months.


Mission Objectives :

* The crew’s primary tasks include conducting experiments in space medicine and technology. They will also install and maintain equipment both inside and outside the station.
* Moreover, China plans to send a new telescope into space, allowing in-depth exploration of the universe through surveys and sky mapping, although the installation timeframe remains undisclosed.

China’s Space Advancements :

* China has been excluded from the International Space Station, leading the country to construct its own space station.
* Despite challenges, China has made significant progress in space exploration. It achieved the milestone of sending its first astronaut into space in 2003, making it the third country to do so independently.
* China has also made strides in lunar exploration, bringing back samples from the moon’s surface and landing a rover on the far side of the moon.


Global Space Race :

* China’s endeavors reflect the ongoing competition with the United States in various fields, including technology, military, and diplomacy.
* Both nations have plans for lunar missions and have landed rovers on Mars. The United States, with the support of private sector companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, aims to put astronauts back on the moon by 2025..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Robert Fico

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Leftist leader Robert Fico was appointed Slovakia's prime minister on Wednesday (25th Oct 2023) for the fourth time, after pledging in his election campaign to end military support for Ukraine and criticising sanctions on Russia.

President Zuzana Caputova appointed Fico and his cabinet after his SMER-SSD party won the Sept. 30 election and formed a coalition with the centre-left HLAS and nationalist SNS parties.

Fico quit as prime minister in 2018 amid mass public protests against corruption after a journalist was murdered.

This time, he campaigned heavily on pledges to end Slovak official military aid to Ukraine, make foreign policy independent of EU partners and the U.S., and get tough on keeping out migrants seeking to make it to western Europe.

Both Ukraine and migration may be among topics at an EU summit on Thursday and Friday that Fico will attend.

Fico has also spoken out against political liberalism, the activities of non-governmental organisations, and more rights for transgender people.

He has praised neighbouring Hungary's leader Viktor Orban as a politician defending his country's interests, and could make alliances with Orban where their interests meet.

While railing against Brussels and the United States, Fico has repeatedly said that he has no intention to take the country of 5.5 million people out of the EU or the U.S.-led NATO military alliance..

Source : Reuters

Correct Answer :   Zomato

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Zomato, the food ordering and delivery platform, has introduced a  maternity insurance programme for its female delivery partners. This insurance coverage caters to a range of pregnancy-related expenses, including childbirth and maternity complications.

Operated in collaboration with ACKO, the maternity insurance programme is available to female delivery partners who have completed 1,000 deliveries on the Zomato platform and have maintained an active status for at least 60 days prior to applying for this insurance.

This insurance plan provides up to ₹25,000 for natural childbirth, up to ₹40,000 for cesarean sections, and up to ₹40,000 in case of maternity complications such as miscarriage and abortion.

"We are continuously working towards ensuring that female delivery partners are not just participants but also beneficiaries of our inclusive policies and initiatives. By introducing comprehensive maternity insurance for gig workers, we are looking at providing extra support during our partners' journey to motherhood, reinforcing our dedication to their welfare and financial security, thereby helping them meet their needs every step of the way," said Rakesh Ranjan, CEO, Food Delivery, Zomato.

The comprehensive insurance offering encompasses coverage for both natural and caesarean deliveries for up to two children. Furthermore, it extends its support to cover maternity complications, including but not limited to miscarriage and abortion.

India’s gig economy has been growing daily. According to data by NITI Aayog, India has 7.7 million gig workers, and the numbers are expected to swell to 23.5 million by 2029-30..

Source : CNBC

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 7th Edition of India Mobile Congress 2023 on 27 October 2023 and said 'The Future is Here and Now'. The event is taking place at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

Reliance Jio’s Space Fibre and Jio Bharat Device :

During the event, Akash Ambani introduced Reliance Jio’s groundbreaking initiative – Space Fibre, India’s first satellite-based giga fibre service capable of delivering internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps. This innovation is set to transform high-speed broadband services in previously inaccessible areas of India. Furthermore, the Jio Bharat device, offering 4G services, was on display at the Jio pavilion.


Bharti Enterprises’ Technological Showcase :

At the Mobile Congress, Bharti Enterprises showcased the “future of innovation” with technologies like 5G Plus, AI-enabled tech, and other digital infrastructure solutions. These advancements are set to revolutionize the telecommunications landscape in India.


The ‘100 5G Use Case Labs’ Initiative :

During the event, Prime Minister Modi conferred awards upon 100 ‘5G Use Case Labs’ established in educational institutions across India as part of the ‘100 5G Labs initiative.’ This initiative focuses on developing 5G applications tailored to India’s unique requirements and global demands.

Fostering Innovation Across Sectors :

This initiative encourages innovation across various sectors, including education, agriculture, healthcare, power, and transportation. By doing so, it propels India to the forefront of 5G technology utilization. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in preparing India’s academic and start-up ecosystem for the upcoming 6G era, contributing significantly to the development of indigenous telecom technology vital for national security.


Asia’s Largest Telecom, Media, and Technology Forum :

The India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2023, scheduled from October 27 to 29, is Asia’s largest telecom, media, and technology forum. It serves as a platform to showcase India’s remarkable advancements in telecommunications and technology, make significant announcements, and offer startups the opportunity to showcase innovative products and solutions.

Theme: ‘Global Digital Innovation’ :

Under the theme ‘Global Digital Innovation,’ IMC 2023 aims to reinforce India’s position as a developer, manufacturer, and exporter of cutting-edge technologies. This includes 5G, 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and critical discussions on issues related to the semiconductor industry, green technology, and cybersecurity.


Introducing the ‘Aspire’ Startup Program :

This year, IMC introduces a startup program called ‘Aspire‘ to facilitate connections between startups, investors, and established businesses. The program promotes fresh entrepreneurial initiatives and collaborations, fostering an environment of innovation and growth.


Expectations for IMC 2023 :

The event is expected to host over one lakh participants from 22 countries, including approximately 5,000 CEO-level delegates, 230 exhibitors, 400 startups, and various stakeholders. IMC 2023 promises to be a hub of innovation and collaboration, propelling India to the forefront of the global telecommunications and technology landscape.

Correct Answer :   Kerala

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The Kerala government on Wednesday (25th Oct 2023) decided to establish a graphene production facility as a pilot project in the State.

Graphene, a material produced from graphite, is in high global demand for its use in making electronics, sensors, coatings, composites, and biomedical devices.

The Cabinet cleared the proposal to establish the exploratory facility for ₹237 crore in public-private partnership (PPP) mode. It has not specified the location of the facility.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took the decision to set up this innovative graphene production facility in a recent cabinet meeting.

The Kerala Digital University will be the implementing agency, while the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) has been assigned the role of a special purpose vehicle for infrastructure development.

Securing Funds and Private Partners : To kickstart this ambitious project, the Kerala Digital University has been given the green light to prepare a preliminary proposal. This proposal aims to secure loans from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) and seek private partners through a global expression of interest. By tapping into both public and private resources, the state government aims to ensure the success of this groundbreaking initiative.

Graphene: A Marvel of Modern Science : Graphene, often hailed as the thinnest and strongest material in the world, offers a wealth of remarkable properties. It possesses exceptional chemical stability, high electrical conductivity, and an expansive surface area while remaining transparent and lightweight. These characteristics make it a material with vast potential for applications across various industries.

Building the Project Team : To ensure the smooth execution of this project, a managing committee will be formed. This committee will comprise representatives from the Industries and IT Departments and key individuals from the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA). This multi-stakeholder approach is expected to streamline decision-making and project oversight.

A Vision for the Future : In 2022-23 budget, the Left government in kerala had already announced its commitment to establish a graphene ecosystem in the state. This ecosystem is envisioned to encourage the development of future material technologies. The Graphene Innovation Centre, a research and development facility dedicated to graphene-based technology development, is in its nascent stages. It is expected to play a pivotal role in the realization of this visionary ecosystem.

Progress in the Pipeline : As a testament to their commitment, the Chief Minister’s Office has stated that a mid-sized graphene production unit is currently under development, aiming to produce graphene materials on an industrial scale. This step is set to lay the foundation for the larger and more ambitious graphene production facility..

Source : The Hindu