Correct Answer :   Guyana

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The 2nd India-CARICOM Summit was chaired by the Prime Minister of India in Georgetown, Guyana.

This summit marked a key milestone in strengthening relations between India and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The event focused on various areas of collaboration such as agriculture, renewable energy, and healthcare, and highlighted India's commitment to furthering ties with CARICOM nations.

The summit also underscored the importance of shared goals in capacity building, cultural exchange, and sustainable development within the region.

Correct Answer :   Andhra Pradesh

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Andhra Pradesh reversed its longstanding two-child policy, citing concerns about a rapidly ageing population and declining fertility rate, which could have serious long-term economic and social consequences.

The state's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.5 is below the replacement level of 2.1, raising concerns about a shrinking workforce and labour shortages.

This demographic shift highlights the need for a new population policy to address future challenges and harness the potential of India's young population.

Correct Answer :   Coking Coal

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Coking coal is crucial for steel production, accounting for 42% of steel production costs, and infrastructure development.

India's reliance on imports (85% of its coking coal needs) highlights the need to enhance domestic production.

The NITI Aayog's recommendation aligns with global trends, such as the European Union's declaration of coking coal as a critical raw material.

Including coking coal in the critical minerals, list will enable policy changes to leverage India's 16.5 billion tonnes of medium coking coal reserves and achieve self-reliance while adhering to Net Zero commitments by 2070.

Correct Answer :   United Kingdom

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* The United Kingdom is set to relaunch FTA negotiations with India in early 2025, as announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer after meeting with Indian PM Modi.

* This move aims to strengthen bilateral ties and boost economic growth, with the bilateral trade between the two countries currently valued at GBP 42 billion annually.

* The negotiations, which began in January 2022, will pick up from the progress made in the 14th round of discussions.

* A successful trade deal is expected to benefit both economies, with India being the fifth-largest economy globally and a crucial trade partner for the UK.

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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* The 'One Day One Genome' initiative was launched in New Delhi on the 1st foundation day of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC).

* This initiative aims to showcase India’s microbial diversity by releasing fully annotated bacterial genomes, along with summaries, infographics, and genome data.

* It focuses on leveraging this data for a better understanding of microbial functions, which could enhance areas like agriculture, human health, and environmental sustainability. The initiative is coordinated by BRIC-NIBMG under the Department of Biotechnology.

Correct Answer :   Biofloc Technology

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* Biofloc Technology (BFT) is a sustainable aquaculture technique that uses beneficial bacteria to recycle organic waste in a closed tank system.

* These bacteria, like Bacillus and Pseudomonas, convert waste into microbial biomass that fish can consume, providing both water quality management and nutrition.

* This method reduces the need for frequent water changes and external chemicals, making it cost-effective, especially for small-scale farms. It also helps prevent diseases by maintaining a clean environment and reducing the need for antibiotics.

Correct Answer :   IISc

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* The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has made a significant breakthrough in nanopore research by introducing STRONG (STring Representation Of Nanopore Geometry), a novel language that encodes nanopore shapes as character sequences.

* This innovative tool enables machine learning models to predict nanopore properties accurately, paving the way for advanced applications like gas separation.

* By assigning distinct letters to atomic configurations, STRONG provides a detailed understanding of nanopore geometries, facilitating better prediction of properties and efficient data analysis.

* The integration of STRONG with neural networks enhances the accuracy of property predictions, representing a major leap forward in materials science and computational research.

Correct Answer :   Gwalior

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* India's first self-sufficient gaushala, equipped with a state-of-the-art Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant, was inaugurated in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

* Named Adarsh Gaushala, the facility is a significant milestone in promoting sustainable development and green energy solutions.

* It generates biogas and organic manure by processing cattle dung and organic waste, demonstrating the "Waste to Wealth" vision.

* This project is a collaboration between the Gwalior Municipal Corporation and the Indian Oil Corporation, contributing to environmental sustainability and the growth of organic farming in the region.

Correct Answer :   Six

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The World Bank's 'Jobs at Your Doorstep' report concentrates on six states, proposing a comprehensive framework for the entire country.

Unveiled by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the report prioritizes skilling, redefining jobs and addresses technology-driven shifts in employment.

Key recommendations include integrating informal and region-specific education into curricula, and ensuring students acquire relevant skills for emerging job markets.

This initiative aims to enhance India's employment landscape, making education more aligned with industry requirements and regional needs.

Correct Answer :   Kerala

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Kerala's Kanhirapoil region in Kasaragod has yielded significant archaeological discoveries, including 24 pairs of prehistoric footprints and a human figure carved into rock, dating back to the Megalithic period.

These rock-cut footprints, likely representing souls of the dead, demonstrate ancient civilizations' sophisticated craftsmanship using iron tools.

Similar finds in Udupi, Wayanad's Edakkal Caves, and other north Kerala sites highlight the region's shared cultural heritage, underscoring Kerala's importance in India's archaeological landscape and providing valuable insights into the lives of prehistoric communities.