Correct Answer :   Chandigarh

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The vibrant city of Chandigarh became a melting pot of cultural heritage and artistic innovation as it hosted the 11th International Puppet Festival at Tagore Theatre. The event, inaugurated by Punjab Governor and Administrator of Union Territory Chandigarh, Banwarilal Purohit, alongside Adviser to the Administrator Rajeev Verma and other dignitaries, marked a significant celebration of puppetry’s rich legacy and its enduring appeal across ages.

Inaugural Ceremony and Distinguished Guests :

The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit, who, along with Rajeev Verma and senior officers, officially kicked off the festivities. The Governor addressed the audience, shedding light on the historical significance of puppet theatre in India, a tradition that dates back to ancient times. He underscored puppetry’s role in entertainment, education, and the preservation of cultural heritage, highlighting its universal presence across various cultures and regions.

Opening Performance by Novosibirsk Regional Puppet Theatre :

The festival commenced with a spellbinding performance by the Novosibirsk Regional Puppet Theatre from Russia, captivating the audience with the renowned puppet show “Petrushka.” This opening act set the tone for the festival, showcasing the global appeal and artistic depth of puppetry.

Accessibility and Engagement :

In a bid to make the festival accessible to a broader audience, the Department organized special morning shows exclusively for school students, while evening shows were open to the general public. This thoughtful scheduling ensured that enthusiasts of all ages had the opportunity to experience the magic of puppetry firsthand.

Puppet Exhibition: A Dive into the Artistry Behind Puppetry :

The festival also featured a Puppet Exhibition at Tagore Theatre, which ran from the opening day until February 21st. This exhibition offered visitors a unique opportunity to explore the art of puppet-making through live demonstrations. Artisans and puppeteers shared their skills and insights, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate craftsmanship that goes into creating these enchanting figures.

Correct Answer :   Anurag Singh Thakur

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The Khelo India University Games Ashtalakshmi has begun today (19th Feb 2024) formally in Guwahati. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Sports minister Anurag Singh Thakur attended the glittering inauguration ceremony at Sarusajai stadium in Guwahati.

A total of 213 universities from across the country have participated in the event. In a special video message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended best wishes to all the participants. Mr. Modi urges all players to play with full sprit .

He said that youths are getting more and more opportunities through the Khelo India games being held at various parts of the country. The Prime Minister said that the time has come that society should develop the spirit of encouraging the players who excel in the field of sports. He said that North East produced some excellent players. He said that 3500 crore rupees have been allocated in the budget for Sports .

Addressing the gathering Union Sports minister Mr. Thakur said that the Khelo India games are being held successfully and became a platform for young sports persons to display their talents. He said that North East has produced several sporting talents for the country.

He lauded the sportspersons for winning 107 medals in recently concluded Asian Games. The Union minister mentioned that India wish to hold youth Olympics in 2029 and summer Olympics in 2036. On this occasion, Assam Chief Minister said that the state wants to hold next year or in 2026. He said that Assam government has taken a series of initiatives to boost sports.

Our Correspondent reports that rich cultural heritage of Assam and North East has been displayed in the opening ceremony. Singer Papon has also mesmerized the audience. A total of 16 sporting events are being held in Guwahati. Over 4500 youths have taken part in event which will be continued till 29th of this month..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Punjab National Bank

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Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) and Punjab National Bank (PNB) have signed an MoU to jointly finance renewable energy projects across India.

The agreement allows both organizations to collaborate on co-lending and loan syndication for a wide range of renewable energy initiatives. Provisions within the MoU include joint lending, loan syndication, underwriting, managing Trust and Retention Account (TRA) for IREDA borrowers, and working towards competitive terms of sanction, including pricing on IREDA borrowings. Additionally, the collaboration enables IREDA and PNB to invest in bonds issued by either party.

The MoU aims to provide substantial financial support to various renewable energy projects, promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. By leveraging this agreement and existing partnerships with other financial institutions, IREDA aims to contribute towards achieving the 500 GW non-fossil-based electricity generation capacity goal by 2030.

To accelerate renewable energy growth in India, IREDA has engaged in collaborations with various entities in the sector. Recently, on 11 February 2024, IREDA partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar, to enhance innovation, research, technology transfer, and support start-up development in the renewable energy sector.

IREDA has also previously signed MoUs with the Union Bank of India (UBI) and the Bank of Baroda (BoB) to foster co-lending and loan syndication initiatives for a wide array of renewable energy projects..

Source : DD News

Correct Answer :   394th

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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary, also known as Shiv Jayanti, isn’t just a state holiday in Maharashtra – it’s a vibrant celebration of courage, justice, and cultural pride resonating across India. Every year, on February 19 – though the exact date varies based on the Hindu lunar calendar- the nation remembers the visionary king who established the Maratha Empire and carved a path towards Swarajya, self-rule for his people.

This year (2024) marks the 394th birth anniversary of Chhratrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Banks in Maharashtra will be closed today on Monday, 19th February 2024, but it will operate as usual in other states.

FROM FORT WALLS TO EMPIRE BUILDER :

Born in 1630 within the formidable Shivneri Fort in Pune, Shivaji Maharaj displayed exceptional leadership and valour from a young age. Fuelled by his mother Jijabai’s teachings and the dream of Swarajya (self-rule), he carved his path. He strategically seized forts, employed innovative warfare tactics, and built a powerful navy, laying the foundation for the Maratha Empire.

SHIVAJI JAYANTI: HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE

* Social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was the first to initiate the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti in 1870, after he discovered his tomb in Raigad Fort.
* Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti was first celebrated in Pune, as the Raigad Fort lies 100 kilometres away from the place.
* After Jyotirao Phule, great freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak continued the tradition of celebrating the day.
* The freedom fighter is also credited for highlighting the contributions of the Maratha King among the public during the freedom movement.

BEYOND MAHARASHTRA, AN ALL-INDIA ICON :

Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy transcends state borders. Revered not just in Maharashtra but across India, he is celebrated for his progressive ideas, religious tolerance, and unwavering commitment to justice. He championed education, encouraged regional languages like Marathi and Sanskrit, and established a strong administrative system. His policies were inclusive, respecting all faiths and communities.

A DAY OF REVELRY AND REMEMBRANCE

Shivaji Jayanti comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colours and infectious energy. Grand processions snake through cities in Maharashtra, echoing with patriotic songs and energetic dances. Performances depicting war scenes and showcasing his legacy enthrall audiences. Statues are adorned with flowers, devotional songs fill the air, and people from all walks of life come together to pay homage..

Source : News18

Correct Answer :   Third Sunday of February

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World Whale Day, observed annually on the third Sunday of February, serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness about the threats faced by whale species. This year (2024), falling on February 18, the day sheds light on the significance of protecting these marine giants and their vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

Blue Whales in Indian Waters : Blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, grace the waters of the Arabian Sea along the western coast of India. Sightings have been reported off the coasts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala, emphasising the need for global efforts in whale conservation.

History : Founded in 1980 by Greg Kauffman, the Pacific Whale Foundation initiated World Whale Day to address the imminent threat of extinction faced by humpback whales. Initially, with only around 1,000 North Pacific humpback whales, the day has since evolved into the 'Maui Whale Festival', celebrating the success of conservation efforts with over 21,000 humpback whales visiting Maui.

Importance : World Whale Day highlights need to protect whales facing challenges such as pollution and habitat loss. With current whale populations at a fraction of their pre-whaling numbers, the day encourages a new generation to take the lead in preserving these majestic mammals for the sake of our environment.

Why is there a need to protect whales?

* Carbon Capture : Whales play a crucial role in capturing carbon from the atmosphere, providing an economic service valued at $1 trillion, as revealed by the International Monetary Fund.

* Oxygen Production : Phytoplankton, vital for oxygen production, thrives where whales are present. Whales contribute to capturing carbon dioxide, enhancing oxygen levels.

* Biodiversity and Climate Change : Whales, being slow-growing and long-lived, are susceptible to overfishing. Their preservation is crucial for maintaining marine biodiversity and combating climate change.

Positive Actions on World Whale Day :

* Adoption Initiatives : Adopting a humpback whale through organisations like Whale and Dolphin Conservation demonstrates support for these magnificent creatures.

* Combatting Plastic Pollution : Addressing the issue of plastic pollution in oceans by supporting local clean-up efforts and reducing single-use plastic consumption.

* Climate Change Advocacy : Supporting initiatives to combat climate change is essential, as changes in ocean conditions directly impact whale welfare.

* Volunteerism and Conservation : Encouraging local volunteerism and direct donations to marine conservation organisations can contribute significantly to safeguarding whale populations.

Facts about whales :

* Baleen and Toothed Whales : Whales are classified into baleen (e.g., humpbacks and blue whales) and toothed (e.g., orcas and sperm whales) categories based on their feeding methods.

* Humpback Feeding Habits : Southern Hemisphere humpback whales live off fat reserves for months during migration, feeding on krill in Antarctic waters.

* Complex Singing : Male humpback whales exhibit complex songs during winter breeding that are audible for miles in breeding areas like Hawaii and the Caribbean.

* Blue Whale Size : The blue whale, Earth's largest animal, can grow over 90 feet long and weigh as much as 24 elephants, surpassing even dinosaurs in size.

* Longevity : Bowhead whales can live over 200 years, and killer whales can live more than 10 years, highlighting their remarkable lifespans.

* Social Behavior : Killer whales are highly social, often forming matrifocal family units centered around the mother.

* Gray Whale Migration : Gray whales undertake one of the longest mammalian migrations, covering about 10,000 miles round trip.

* Sperm Whale Oil Exploitation : Sperm whales, nearly driven to extinction for their oil, possess a unique spermaceti organ crucial for echolocation.

* Antarctic Blue Whale Decline : Exploitation in the 1900s reduced Antarctic blue whale numbers dramatically, with only 10,000–25,000 estimated today.

* Orcas as Dolphins : Killer whales, also known as orcas, belong to the dolphin family and serve as the ocean's top predators..

Source : ETV Bharat

Correct Answer :   18th Feb 2024

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Renowned Jain monk Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj died on Sunday (18th Feb 2024) at Chandragiri Teerth in Chhattisgarh's Rajnandgaon district after undertaking 'sallekhna'. He was 77.

'Sallekhna' is a Jain religious practice involving voluntary fasting unto death for spiritual purification, a statement from the teerth said.

Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj attained Samadhi through 'sallekhna' at Chandragiri Teerth at 2:35 am, the statement said.

"Maharaj was staying on the teerth in Dongargarh for the last six months and was unwell for the past few days. For the last three days, he was observing 'sallekhna', a religious practice of voluntarily fasting to death, and had quit intake of food and liquids. According to Jainism, it is a vow taken for spiritual purification," the statement said.

A procession will be taken out at 1 pm on Sunday for people to pay tribute to the departed seer and the final rites will be held in Chandragiri Teerth, it added.

On November 5 last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Dongargarh, a popular pilgrimage spot, and met Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj and took his blessings, ahead of the Chhattisgarh Assembly polls.

In a tweet on Sunday, PM Modi condoled the demise of Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj and said it was an "irreparable loss". He also said his valuable efforts for spiritual awakening among the people will always be remembered.

"Throughout his life, he remained engaged in poverty alleviation as well as promoting health and education in society. It is my good fortune that I continue to receive his blessings. My meeting with him at Chandragiri Jain Temple in Chhattisgarh last year will be unforgettable for me. I had received a lot of love and blessings from Acharya ji," he wrote on X.

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— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 18, 2024

"His unmatched contribution to society will continue to inspire every generation of the country," he said.

PM Modi said his thoughts and prayers were with the countless devotees of Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Pradeep Kumar Sinha

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ICICI Bank 17th Feb 2024 at its board meeting approved the appointment of Mr Pradeep Kumar Sinha as an Additional (Independent) Director for 5 years, with immediate effect, subject to the approval of shareholders. Mr. G. C. Chaturvedi would retire as Non-Executive Part-time Chairman on close of business hours of June 30, 2024.

The Board, therefore, approved the appointment of Mr. Sinha as the Non-executive Part-time Chairman with effect from July 1, 2024 or the date of approval from RBI, whichever is later for a period until February 16, 2029, in the vacancy caused by the retirement of Mr. Chaturvedi.

Who is Mr. Pradeep Kumar Sinha?

Mr. Pradeep Kumar Sinha joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1977 after completing his Masters in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics in 1976. He had graduated in Economics (Honours) from St. Stephens College, Delhi. While in service, he completed M. Phil in Social Sciences in 1991 and was a Visiting Fellow in University of Oxford during 1999. He has also attended prestigious programmes, such as, on ‘Mergers and Acquisitions’ in the University of Stanford and on 'Leaders in Development' in Harvard University.

In the formative years, he served in the State of Uttar Pradesh, whereafter he served mostly in the Government of India and rose to the highest position of Cabinet Secretary, the head of civil services. He served as the Cabinet Secretary for more than 4 years before moving to the Prime Minister’s Office. He retired from there in March 2021 after 44 years of continuous service to the nation. In the Govt. of India, he worked mostly in the Power and Oil & Gas (Petroleum) Ministries for about 15 years.

Notable positions held in Gov’t of India include: Financial Advisor and Special Secretary, Petroleum and Natural Gas; Secretary, Ports and Shipping; and Secretary, Power. He has been a Government Nominee Director in numerous major Public Sector Undertakings and is therefore well versed with the principles of healthy corporate governance.

These include ONGC, IOCL, HPCL, BPCL, GAIL, etc. In particular, he was on the Board of Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) for about 7 years at a stretch and similarly on the Boards of BPCL and HPCL for about 6 years each. By virtue of his experience, he has developed expertise in the sectors of Energy, Infrastructure, Transport, Urban Development and Finance..

Source : PSU Connect

Correct Answer :   Uttar Pradesh

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (19th Feb 2024) laid the foundation stone of Shri Kalki Dham temple in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal.

The event noted the presence of Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and Shri Kalki Dham Nirman Trust Chairman Acharya Pramod Krishnam.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone of Hindu shrine Kalki Dham in Sambhal.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and Shri Kalki Dham Nirman Trust Chairman Acharya Pramod Krishnam also present. pic.twitter.com/sTJk2FPEYc

— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2024

Earlier in the day, Acharya Pramod Krishnam, said, "It is a matter of pride for us that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be laying the foundation of Shri Kalki Dham today. PM Modi will reach here around 10:25 am. PM Modi will install the main stone in the sanctum sanctorum of the Shri Kalki Dham," Acharya Pramod Krishnam said while speaking to ANI.

The construction of Shri Kalki Dham is overseen by the Shri Kalki Dham Nirman Trust, led by its chairman Acharya Pramod Krishnam.

Later in the day, the Prime Minister is set to inaugurate over 14,000 projects valued at more than ?10 lakh crore across the state. These projects stem from investment proposals received during the UP Global Investors Summit 2023 (UPGIS 2023) held the previous year. The event is anticipated to draw around 5,000 participants, including prominent industrialists, representatives from leading global and Indian companies, as well as ambassadors and high commissioners, among other distinguished guests.

Acharya Pramod was previously expelled from the Congress on February 10 due to alleged anti-party activities. Following his expulsion, Acharya Krishnam emphasized the importance of 'Ram' and 'Rashtra', stating his willingness to endure a 14-year expulsion instead of the initially proposed 6 years, drawing a parallel to Lord Rama's exile of the same duration.

At approximately 1:45 pm, the Prime Minister is slated to inaugurate 14,000 projects throughout Uttar Pradesh, collectively valued at over ?10-lakh crore. This marks the fourth ground-breaking ceremony for investment proposals garnered during the Uttar Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2023 (UPGIS 2023).

The projects span various sectors including manufacturing, renewable energy, information technology and IT-enabled services, food processing, housing and real estate, hospitality and entertainment, as well as education, among others..

© ANI

Correct Answer :   Karnataka

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Karnataka has taken the lead in the country with 5,059 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, surpassing Maharashtra and Delhi.

Data from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Union Ministry of Power reveals that Karnataka, the first state in India to introduce an EV policy in 2017, now boasts the highest number of public charging stations.

Maharashtra follows with 3,079 stations, and Delhi with 1,886. Other states with notable numbers of public charging stations include Kerala (958), Tamil Nadu (643), Uttar Pradesh (583), and Rajasthan (500).

These stations are a combination of those set up by private firms and public sector undertakings.

Regarding the number of EVs, Uttar Pradesh leads with 7.45 lakh vehicles, followed by Maharashtra with 4.15 lakh and Karnataka with 3.31 lakh.

In Karnataka, Bengaluru Urban district leads with the highest number of public charging stations at 4,281, which accounts for 85 per cent of the state's charging infrastructure.

According to Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom), the nodal agency for EV charging infrastructure in Karnataka, there has been a notable increase in EV adoption.

The number of registered EVs in the state has surged from 9,703 in 2020 to 33,306 in 2021, 95,892 in 2022, and 1.52 lakh in 2023.

Bescom officials mentioned that the charging stations were installed under the Union government's Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, utilising Bescom's own capital expenditure, green cess funds from the state transport department, through the public-private partnership model, among other sources.

Recently, the Karnataka government introduced the EV Policy 2023-28, aiming to create 1 lakh jobs and attract an investment of Rs 50,000 crore.

A senior Bescom official stated, "We plan to establish an additional 2,560 charging locations, including 140 through Bescom's planned capital expenditure, 20 funded by green cess funds, and 2,380 under the PPP model." He added that 20 fast charging stations would be installed at toll plazas along NH-48 (Bengaluru-Pune) within Karnataka.

In the first phase of the PPP model, Bescom intends to set up 1,190 stations in areas such as Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Belagavi, Dakshina Kannada, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, and Haveri districts.

Bescom is also nearing completion of work on its largest EV charging hub at Kempegowda International Airport.

The rooftop solar charging hub will enable simultaneous fast charging for 24 EVs and is expected to be operational in a few months.

Nationally, there are 16,271 operational public charging stations and 80 charge point operators.

Public sector undertakings have installed 4,994 charging stations, with Indian Oil Corporation leading the way with 1,984 stations.

On the other hand, private sector entities have established 11,277 charging stations, with Ujoy Technology having the highest number of stations at 7,176.

Experts have attributed the growing EV penetration to various factors, including the high number of e-rickshaws in states like Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, favourable EV policies in Maharashtra, the presence of e-mobility firms/startups in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the increasing use of battery-run vehicles by delivery workers, rising fuel prices, the growing availability of charging stations, and the introduction of more affordable and diverse battery-run vehicle models..

© Moneycontrol.

Correct Answer :   S Jaishankar

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External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is attending the 60th Munich Security Conference in Germany. As part of the conference, Dr Jaishankar will address a panel discussion on 'Growing the Pie: Seizing Shared Opportunities, 17th feb 2024. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, and US Secretary of State Blinken will also take part in the panel discussion along with the External Affairs Minister.

On the sidelines of the Conference, Dr Jaishankar 16th Feb 2024 discussed issues related to bilateral cooperation as well as those of key global and regional concern with prominent leaders including US Secretary of State Blinken and his British counterpart David Cameron. In a social media post, Dr. Jaishankar said that during his meeting with Mr. Blinken, their talk centred on the situation in West Asia, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific. He said they reviewed the continuing progress in India-US bilateral ties.

The talks between the External Affairs Minister and his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly focused on the present state of bilateral ties. The two leaders also exchanged views on the global situation.

The External Affairs Minister and European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell exchanged perspectives on the current global situation. Dr Jaishankar and UK Foreign Minister David Cameron discussed India-UK bilateral cooperation as well as global and regional issues.

Earlier, the External Affairs Minister held a meeting with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock, and discussed global challenges and the pathway ahead. The two leaders reviewed preparations for the next meeting of India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations. He also held a meeting with Argentina's counterpart, Diana Mondino, and discussed economic and political cooperation between the two nations.

The 60th Munich Security Conference got underway 16th Feb 2024. The three-day meeting offers a unique opportunity for high-level debates on the world’s most pressing security challenges..

Source : AIR