Correct Answer :   Manik Saha

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Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Tuesday (27th Feb 2024) inaugurated the waterfront development project of Jagannath Dighi Waterfront Development Project in Udaipur.

* This significant endeavor reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and promoting tourism in the region.

Renovation of Jagannath Dighi: A Step Towards Development

* The inauguration ceremony witnessed the unveiling of the renovated Jagannath Dighi, symbolizing a new chapter in Udaipur’s development.
* The project aims to rejuvenate the water body and its surroundings, fulfilling the aspirations of the local community and bolstering the area’s appeal to tourists.

Astha Special Train: Connecting Spiritual Destinations

* In conjunction with the inauguration, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha flagged off the Astha Special Train to Ayodhya from Agartala Railway Station.
* This initiative not only facilitates pilgrimage to Ayodhya but also promotes spiritual tourism, aligning with the government’s vision to enhance connectivity and promote cultural exchanges.

Embracing Spiritual Tourism in Ayodhya

* Ayodhya holds immense significance in Hindu mythology, making it a sought-after destination for spiritual seekers.
* The commencement of Astha Special Train services underscores the government’s efforts to facilitate seamless travel experiences for devotees and promote Ayodhya as a cultural and spiritual hub.

Acknowledging Government Initiatives :

* Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his unwavering support towards the development of northeastern states.
* Initiatives such as the Jagannath Dighi Waterfront Development Project and the Astha Special Train service exemplify the government’s commitment to fostering growth and connectivity across the region.

Milestones Towards Holistic Development and Cultural Preservation :

* The inauguration of the Jagannath Dighi Waterfront Development Project and the commencement of Astha Special Train services mark significant milestones in Tripura’s journey towards holistic development and cultural preservation.
* Through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, the government aims to create sustainable solutions that benefit both residents and visitors, fostering a prosperous future for Udaipur and the broader region..

Source : ANI

Correct Answer :   Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar

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Nearly 19 months after he retired as a Supreme Court judge, Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar was appointed the chairperson of the anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal on Tuesday (27th Feb 2024). The post fell vacant nearly two years ago.

“President Droupadi Murmu is pleased to appoint Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar as the chairperson of the Lokpal,” a statement released by Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

Justice Khanwilkar had a six-year tenure as an SC judge. In his last year, he authored a series of crucial verdicts that validated the state’s sweeping powers against citizens in special legislations — the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act. He retired in July 2022.

The government has also appointed six members, including three judicial members, to the Lokpal. Former Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice Lingappa Narayana Swamy, former Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Sanjay Yadav and former Karnataka High Court Chief Justice and Law Commission Chairperson Ritu Raj Awasthi are judicial members; non-judicial members include former Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra, former Chief Secretary of Gujarat Pankaj Kumar and former Rural Development Secretary Ajay Tirkey.

The Lokpal chairperson and the members are appointed for a term of five years or serve till they are 70 years old, whichever is earlier. The first Lokpal chairperson was former Supreme Court Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, who had assumed office in March 2019. Since his retirement in May 2022, former Jharkhand HC Chief Justice Pradip Kumar Mohanty has been the acting Lokpal chairperson.

Justice Awasthi was appointed the chairperson of the 22nd Law Commission in November 2022. The panel’s tenure ends in August 2024. During his tenure, the panel submitted a key report in support of retaining sedition as a criminal offence..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala : Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (27th Feb 2024) said that the country will have its own space station by 2035 which will help in the study of the unknown expanse.

Addressing a gathering at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, the PM said that Indian astronaut will land on the surface of the moon on our own rocket.

"By 2035, India will have its own space station that will help us study the unknown expanses of space. In this period of Amrit Kaal, Indian astronaut will land on the surface of the moon on our own rocket..." the PM said.

He further said that the India in the 21st century is emerging as a dynamic global player, showcasing significant developmental strides across sectors.

"India of the 21st century, is today surprising the world with its potential. In the last 10 years, we have launched about 400 satellites, whereas 10 years before that, only 33 satellites were launched..." the PM added.

PM Modi further expressed his happiness over the equipment being used in the Gaganyaan mission are mostly made in India.

Lunar Exploration Goals :

PM Modi also outlined India’s aspirations for lunar exploration, stating that the country’s own astronaut will touch down on the moon’s surface utilizing indigenous spacecraft technology. This mission marks a significant milestone in India’s space exploration journey.

Progress Review of Gaganyaan Mission :

During his visit to Kerala, PM Modi reviewed the progress of the Gaganyaan mission, India’s maiden manned mission to the moon. He emphasized the extensive preparations underway across various ISRO centers for this historic endeavor.

Gaganyaan Mission Objectives :

The Gaganyaan project is designed to demonstrate India’s human spaceflight capabilities by launching a crew of three members into a 400 km orbit for a three-day mission. The mission’s success will culminate in the safe return of the crew to Earth, with a planned landing in the Indian sea waters.

Empowering Astronaut Designates :

PM Modi hailed the astronauts designated for the Gaganyaan mission as ‘Shaktiyaan,’ emphasizing their significance in India’s space exploration narrative. He reiterated India’s commitment to nurturing indigenous talent and fostering technological advancements in space exploration..


Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   February 27th

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Every year on February 27th, we celebrate World NGO Day to honour and appreciate the important work done by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). These groups aren't part of the government and work to help people and improve society. They tackle problems like helping the environment, supporting communities, and providing aid during disasters.

World NGO Day reminds us to recognise and support the efforts of these organisations. It's a chance to learn more about their history and why they're crucial for improving the world.

A LOOK BACK: THE HISTORY OF WORLD NGO DAY :

The concept of World NGO Day originated in 2010, proposed by the Baltic Sea NGO Forum. Initially, it was celebrated only in the forum's member countries, including Denmark, Estonia, and Finland. However, after gaining widespread support from organisations like the United Nations and the European Union, it transformed into a globally recognised event in 2014.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WORLD NGO DAY :

NGOs play a crucial role in shaping our world. These independent, non-profit organisations address diverse social issues, ranging from poverty alleviation and education to environmental protection and human rights advocacy. They work tirelessly to empower communities, promote positive change, and create a more just and equitable society..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Spain

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The MWC 2024 is being hosted by GSMA. It will be organised at Barcelona, Spain. And while MWC 2024 unfolds, India Today Tech team will be at the venue to bring you latest from the world of mobiles and wireless technologies.

From some key speakers addressing various topics to startup founders talking about their journeys, the MCW 2024 seems to be all set to take the stage in February. Read on to know what you can expect from this year’s biggest mobile show.

MWC 2024: Microsoft VP and others to speak at the event :

* Several keynote speakers will be attending the event and share their insights with the world. Among these are Microsoft’s Vice President and Chairman Brad Smith, and Xtend’s Co-Founder and CEO Aviv Shapira, who will be showcasing the role of 5G in robotics.

* On the other hand, Alef Aeronautics CEO Jim Dukhovny will talk about designing flying cars and Dell Technologies Founder, Chairman, and CEO Michael Dell, will focus on Dell's partnership value for telcos.

* In addition to this, Ethiopia Telecom’s CEO Frehiwot Tamiru will also be seen talking about technology visions for African telcos while Oxford Quantum Circuit’s CEO Ilana Wisby will be delving into Quantum-as-a-Service.

MWC 2024: What will the discussions be about?

Most of MWC Barcelona's discussions will revolve around the theme "Future First," and will focus on the need to unite industries, continents, technologies, and communities to realise their future potential. There are also six sub-themes: Humanising AI, 5G and Beyond, Connecting Everything, Manufacturing DX, Game Changers, and Our Digital DNA.

The event will also mark the 10th edition of 4YFN, the global digital and tech startup event collaborating with MWC. Halls 8.0 and 8.1 will host 4YFN, featuring names like Sir Martin Sorrell and Nigel Toon. The speakers, at the 4YFN, will address various topics around the Age of AI, Growth, Startup Funding, Corporate Innovation, Art of Innovation, and Decentralisation and Beyond.

MWC 2024: Showcasing innovations and more :

Over the years, MWC Barcelona has expanded beyond showcasing mobile industry transformation to impact vertical business sectors. More than half of the attendees come from diverse industries, making it a pivotal moment in business calendars. Hall 6 of the event will act as hub for leaders to come together and connect with one another. There will also be auditoriums and a VIP lounge, encouraging collaboration and conversations..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   4

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (27th Feb 2024) revealed the name of four astronauts who have been selected for the Gaganyaan Mission. The astronauts are undergoing training for the country's maiden human space flight mission.

The four astronauts are - Prashanth Nair, Angad Prathap, Ajit Krishnan, and Shubhanshu Shukla.

The Gaganyaan Mission is India's first human space flight program for which extensive preparations are underway at various ISRO centres.

The Gaganyaan project envisages a demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching crew members into an orbit of 400 km for a three-day mission and bringing them back safely to earth by landing in Indian sea waters.

ISRO successfully completed the acceptance tests of the flight engine identified for the first unmanned Gaganyaan (G1) mission, tentatively scheduled for Q2 of 2024. This engine will power the upper stage of the human-rated LVM3 vehicle and has a thrust capability of 19 to 22 tonnes with a specific impulse of 442.5 seconds.

In a stellar display of prowess, India soared to new heights in 2023 with the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the South Pole of the Moon and the launch of Aditya-L1, India's first solar mission.

Among other feats India now aims for are the Gaganyaan Mission in 2024-2025, setting up 'Bharatiya Antariksha Station' by 2035, and sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   Madhya Pradesh

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The world's first Vedic clock- which will display time according to ancient Indian traditional panchang- has been prepared and installed in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district and will be unveiled on March 1, 2024.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the Vedic clock installed on an 85-foot high tower constructed at Jantar Mantar in the city on March 1, 2024. It is located near Government Jiwaji Observatory in the district.

The clock will display information about Vedic Hindu Panchang, planetary positions, Muhurat, astrological calculation, predictions, etc and it will also show time the Indian Standard Time (IST) and the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The clock will calculate the time based on from one sunrise to another.

Member of Vedic clock developing team, Shishir Gupta told ANI "The world's first Vedic clock is installed at an 85-foot high tower constructed here in Ujjain. The clock will calculate time from one sunrise to another. The time period between the two sunrises will be divided into 30 parts whose one hour consist of 48 minutes according to ISD. The reading will start from 0:00 with the sunrise functions for 30 hours (an hour of 48 minutes)."

The clock will display 30 Muhurats, tithi and all other time calculations of Vedic Hindu panchang, he added.

Director of Maharaja Vikramaditya Research Institute, Shree Ram Tiwari said, "It will be the world's first clock in which Indian time calculation will be displayed. The Vedic Clock is installed here as Ujjain has been considered the centre of time calculation. The Tropic of Cancer passes through Ujjain."

Experts say that 300 years ago, the standard time of the world was determined from Ujjain only. A machine is present in Ujjain to find out the time.

The then Higher Education Minister and now state Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had laid the foundation stone of the Vedic clock on November 6, 2022..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   Chandigarh

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Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shri Anurag Singh Thakur 25th Feb 2024 announced the setting up of a regional facilitation office of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Chandigarh, with the objective of promoting ease of doing business for filmmakers of the region.

Making this announcement at the closing ceremony of the Chitra Bharati Film Festival in Chandigarh today, Shri Thakur said filmmakers of the region can can get the facility of screening of their films and submission of cuts/modifications, without having to go to either  Delhi or Mumbai to get CBFC Certificate for their films. He said, this move will further strengthen the Punjabi film industry.

The Minister further said  "today, India is being viewed as a content hub and we are becoming the preferred country for both shooting and post production for international films. Parallely our own content is getting a lot of praise across the world".

Stating that every year, more than half of the 2500 films made in the world are made on Indian soil the Minister said " from feature films to documentaries and short films to serials, Indian cinema today is capturing every colour of life on its canvas and making local stories global. It therefore does not matter what language a film is being made in, as long as the content is interesting, it will always have takers".

"I have great faith that the films that are made in the Punjab region also have great potential. Therefore, the Government has decided to set up a CBFC facilitation office in Chandigarh so that the process of getting certification becomes easier and the process of film completion becomes faster" Shri Thakur added.

The Minister also spoke about the initiative being taken by the government to make film halls more accessible for specially- abled film fans. The government has already invited comments from stakeholders to firm up a new guideline in this regard so that people with hearing and visual impairment have the opportunity to enjoy a film, like everyone else. "It has been the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi  to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens of this country. He is the first person to call them Divyang, instead of Viklang. It is with his express interest that the Government has taken it upon itself to release a version of every film which will be suited for those who are differently-abled.

Speaking on the menace of piracy, Shri. Thakur added, "We have recently made very meaningful changes in the Cinematograph Act to prevent film piracy. Today, special nodal officers are being appointed at all our CBFC centres to curb piracy. 12 nodal officers across the country will receive complaints against piracy and give instructions to remove pirated content on digital platforms. Action will be taken within 48 hours of receiving the complaint. Piracy is a big threat not only to the film industry but to the entire world."

According to reports, the film industry is incurring a loss of Rs 20,000 crore every year due to piracy.

Congratulating the organisers of the Chitra Bharati Film Festival, Shri Thakur said, "The efforts being made to promote young talent and to motivate them to make meaningful films that reflect the rich culture and heritage of our country is indeed commendable. I look forward to seeing many of these films in leading film festivals across the world in the near future."..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   25th February 2024

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Raja Venkatappa Naik, a revered figure in Surapur’s political landscape in Karnataka and a dedicated Congress MLA, bid farewell on 25th February 2024 (around 1:50 pm), leaving behind a rich political legacy. His demise, at the age of 66, marked a poignant moment for Surapur and Karnataka’s political fraternity.

A Tragic Loss at Manipal Hospital :

Naik, who had been undergoing treatment at Manipal Hospital, succumbed to his illness, prompting an outpouring of grief and condolences from across the political spectrum. His passing, confirmed by hospital authorities, cast a pall over Surapur and beyond, as colleagues and constituents mourned the loss of a stalwart leader.

Condolences from Key Figures :

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge led the tributes, expressing heartfelt condolences to Naik’s family and supporters. Their poignant messages echoed the sentiments of a grieving community, acknowledging Naik’s profound impact on state politics and his unwavering commitment to public service.

A Legacy of Service and Dedication :

Naik’s tenure as a four-time MLA and recent appointment as Chairman of Karnataka State Warehousing Corporation underscored his enduring commitment to the people of Surapur. His political journey, marked by electoral triumphs and advocacy for his constituents, served as a testament to his unwavering dedication and leadership.

Reflecting on Naik’s Political Journey :

From his early victories in the 1990s to his latest role in shaping state policies, Naik’s political journey reflected a lifetime of service and dedication. His victories in Surapur resonated with the electorate, who entrusted him with their hopes and aspirations, forging a bond that transcended partisan lines.

End of an Era in Surapur :

Raja Venkatappa Naik’s passing marked the end of an era in Surapur’s political landscape, leaving behind a void that would be challenging to fill. As the community mourned his loss, they found comfort in the enduring legacy of a leader who dedicated his life to serving others. Naik’s memory would live on in the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege of knowing him, a testament to the enduring impact of his remarkable life and career.

Correct Answer :   Pakistan

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In Pakistan, Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of three-time Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, became the first woman Chief Minister of West Punjab on Monday (26th February 2024).

Speaking after taking the oath, Maryam said,  it is the victory of every woman, every mother and every sister. She added that it is not easy to take over the legacy of her father but she will try to perform over and above the expectations. Ms. Maryam said that from today, she would not just be the representative of a particular political party but a Wazir-e-Ala of the entire Punjab.

In the recently concluded elections,  PML-N won 137 seats in the Punjab Assembly while independents backed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won 113 seats..

Source : AIR