Correct Answer :   Saudi Arabia

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There’s a new luxury train on the horizon that is aiming to enter the pantheon of classic trains and iconic rail journeys like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Royal Scotsman, and Africa’s Rovos Rail.

It’s called Dream of the Desert, and it promises to offer a luxurious and eye-opening journey through Saudi Arabia. It is also the first luxury train in the Middle East.

The 800-mile trip will begin in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital city, and travel northwest toward the border with Jordan. The route will pass through long stretches of scenic deserts and UNESCO World Heritage archeological sites. Highlights include the city of Ha’il, the Al-Qassim province, and the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve in Al Jouf. The journey will conclude at Al-Qurayat, near the Jordanian border. Passengers will be able to book one or two-night trips.

The luxury train is a partnership between the state-owned railway company Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and the Italian hospitality company Arsenale Group that is said to be worth 200 million Saudi riyals ($53.32 million).

The Arsenale Group is an Italian luxury brand company. It has launched Soho House Roma, Hotel Santavenere Maratea, the new Orient Express La Dolce Vita train in Italy, and three luxury hotels that will debut in 2024: Orient Express La Minerva, Rome; Orienet Express Palazzo Dona Giovannelli Venice; and Abbazia di Spinetto in Tuscany. The company refers to the Dream of the Desert rail journey as “luxury train cruising.”

Dream of the Desert will have 40 cars and will carry 82 passengers, with a fine dining restaurant and a lounge bar, among other amenities. Arsenale says that the design is inspired by “Saudi style and tradition” and that the trains will be “fully-customized” and are already under construction. The train is tentatively scheduled to finish production in the summer of 2025 and begin running by the end of 2025.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia country was long sealed off from Western visitors and only began to welcome international tourists in 2019. It has already spent many billions in the effort to attract visitors, most notably at NEOM, a new urban development area that’s to be built from the ground up in northwestern Tabuk Province, north of the Red Sea, east of Egypt, and across the Gulf of Aqaba.

Developments include the island of Sindalah in the Red Sea and Trojena, a ski resort in the NEOM mountains. The country’s stated goal is to invest more than $800 billion into tourism development in the next decade, hoping to welcome an astonishing 70 million international tourists a year by 2030.

Dream of the Desert is Saudi Arabia’s reach for not only the luxury train travel market but also taps into the current travel trends of experiential travel, cultural travel, and slow travel. Luxury train travel is also one of the most romantic ways to travel, harkening back to the 1920s and 1930s and Agatha Christie mysteries. It could well help soften the country’s current image abroad..

Source : Forbes

Correct Answer :   EPIC Foundation

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The first designed-in-India and powered-by-AI tablet is here. EPIC Foundation, a non-profit organisation, launched the indigenously manufactured Education Tablet that has been designed by VVDN Technologies in partnership with MediaTek India and CoRover.ai. The device comes with a host of features and is promoted as a device that is repairable and upgradable to counter concerns related to the digital divide and mounting e-waste.

The company aims to manufacture up to three lakh tablets targeted for supply to state governments. The devices are yet to be commercially manufactured, but the company has already signed an MoU for over 12,000 units with entities like IRIS Global and Vedavaag Systems Ltd.

The MILKYWAY Tab comes with an 8-inch 1280×800 IPS display, MediaTek MT8766A processor, 3/4GB RAM, 32/64GB storage, 5MP front and 8MP rear cameras, and a 5,100mAh battery. It is backed by Android 13, supports 4G LTE connectivity, and has a sleek design with 5-finger touch support. Besides this, the key features include the integrated India-made BharatGPT virtual assistant to aid students, options for video and chatbots, a speech translation app by CoRover.ai, and a focus on repairability for sustainability

Dr Ajai Chowdhry, chairman of Epic Foundation, said that they want to build products in such a way that the components are easily replaceable and upgradeable. “Repair expenses surpassing the cost of purchasing a new device, the production of substandard goods, and obsolescence strategies are not only pressing concerns of today but also exacerbate the escalating problem of electronic waste. Our repairable product will enable many jobs all over India for repair engineers,” Chowdhry said.

The tablet uniquely integrates the BharatGPT virtual assistant to promote digital learning and language translation between Indian languages, enabling inclusion. The main objective is to increase schools’ access to affordable devices with longer lifespans while driving demand for homegrown electronics that empower society.

“This groundbreaking tablet not only embodies technological innovation but also reflects our commitment to sustainability and addressing India’s unique educational needs. With features like repairability, upgradability, and integration of India-made BharatGPT powered Conversational AI platform and various AI apps, this tablet is not just a device; it’s a catalyst for a transformative educational experience,” said Ankush Sabharwal, Co-Founder of CoRover.ai and BharatGPT.

Meanwhile, Anku Jain, managing director of MediaTek India, asserts that the MediaTek Chipsets for tablets are designed to provide powerful performance, captivating display and video, and energy efficiency. “EPIC Foundation’s first Indian designed, repairable, upgradable, and first AI-tablet powered by MediaTek is equipped with the latest advancements in multicore processing, CorePilot technology, MediaTek MiraVision, and multimedia powerhouse to develop power-efficient media tablets with a PC-like browser,” Jain said..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   16th

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The 16th Finance Commission (XVI-FC) held its first meeting under the Chairmanship of Dr. Arvind Panagariya in Jawahar Vyapar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi. The Chairman and Members were welcomed by Secretary, XVI-FC, Shri Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey and other officials of the Finance Commission.

* The XVI-FC discussed its Terms of Reference, as per the order made by the President of India and notified by the Ministry of Finance vide Notification S.O. 5533(E), dated 31st December, 2023.

* The XVI-FC acknowledged the need for wide ranging consultations with various stakeholders, including State Governments, Local Bodies, Ministries of Government of India, and experts.

* The XVI-FC recognised that it will be carrying out detailed analytical work and would require to rope in all the expertise that it can garner, including that from leading research organisations, leading think tanks and other organisations working in the area of fiscal federal relations.

* The XVI-FC approved the setting-up of its office at Jawahar Vyapar Bhawan on Janpath in New Delhi.

* The XVI-FC will make its recommendations available by 31st October, 2025, covering an award period of 5 years commencing 1st April, 2026..


Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   IIT Roorkee

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The MoU will be signed between the relief commissioner’s office and IIT Roorkee on the instructions of CM Adityanath with the aim to minimise casualties and shift people to safe places before the disaster strikes.

In a move aimed at bolstering disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts, the Uttar Pradesh government is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR) for enhanced disaster management. The MoU will be signed between the relief commissioner’s office and IIT Roorkee on the instructions of chief minister Yogi Adityanath with the aim to minimise casualties and shift people to safe places before the disaster strikes.

Under the proposed collaboration, IIT Roorkee’s seasoned professionals will impart specialised training to personnel at the relief commissioner’s office, equipping them with advanced skills and techniques in disaster management. Additionally, the institute will conduct comprehensive research to identify the root causes of prevalent disasters, enabling proactive measures to be implemented.

The impending MoU signifies a significant step towards fortifying the state’s resilience against natural calamities over the next five years, during which IIT Roorkee’s experts will spearhead critical research initiatives and capacity-building exercises, according to a UP government press release.

Moreover, IIT Roorkee’s involvement extends beyond disaster management to include assistance in land consolidation matters, said relief commissioner GS Naveen. Leveraging their technical acumen, experts from the institution will facilitate the resolution of land consolidation disputes, offering invaluable support in surveying and land measurement activities, he pointed out.

Through workshops, seminars, and training programs, this collaborative endeavor aims to foster innovation and develop bespoke solutions tailored to UP’s unique challenges. The MoU framework ensures equitable distribution of intellectual property rights, further enhancing the partnership’s transparency and effectiveness in driving sustainable disaster risk reduction measures..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   Odisha

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The Odisha government has declared the Gupteswar forest in Koraput district as its fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS).

The forest is adjacent to the Gupteswar Shiva temple in the Dhondrakhol reserve forest under the Jeypore forest division.

Earlier, the State government had declared Mandasaru in Kandhamal district, Mahendragiri in Gajpati, and Gandhamardan in Bargarh and Bolangir districts as Biodiversity Heritage Sites.

The Gupteswar forest site spread over 350 hectares of area is having sacred grooves traditionally worshiped by the local community and bestowed with a wide range of flora and fauna.

As per the biodiversity inventory and survey conducted by the Odisha Biodiversity Board, the site has 608 faunal species including 28 species of mammals, 188 species of birds, 18 species of amphibia, 48 species of reptiles, 45 species of pisces, 141 species of butterflies, 43 species of moths, 30 species of spiders, six species of scorpion, and 20 species of lower invertebrates.

“Significant faunal species such as mugger, kanger valley rock gecko, sacred grove bush frog, and avifauna like black baza, Jerdon’s baza, Malabar trogon, common hill myna, white-bellied woodpecker, and banded bay cuckoo have also been documented,” says the government.

The limestone caves of Gupteswar boast of eight species of bats out of the total 16 species found in southern Odisha.

“This site also has a rich floral diversity, including 182 species of trees, 76 species of shrubs, 177 species of herbs, 69 species of climbers, 14 species of orchids and threatened medicinal plants such as Indian trumpet tree, Indian snake root, Cumbi gum tree, garlic pear tree, Chinese fever vine, Rohituka tree, Jodpakli, Indian jointfir, a number of wild crop relatives of ginger and turmeric,” it said.

The State government has asked the Odisha Biodiversity Board to prepare a long-term plan for intensive conservation and development of these sites through direct participation of the local communities. An amount of ?35 lakh has been provided for preparation of the action plan and awareness building activities in the localities, the government said in a statement..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   Odisha

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The Odisha Cabinet on Monday (12th Feb 2024) approved the SWAYAM scheme, which is meant to provide interest-free loans to unemployed youths. However, the scheme has been rebranded for fresh launching and it is, in fact, a scheme of the Central Government, the BJP alleged on Tuesday (13th Feb 2024).

The State Government has tried to hijack yet another scheme of the Central Government. The scheme is to be launched soon ahead of general elections just to bias the youngsters and to grab votes, the party alleged.

“The programme through which the State Government will provide interest-free loans originally belongs to the Central Government. The Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises has a provision for granting loans up to a maximum limit of Rs 5 crore. Instead, the State Government has limited it to Rs 1 lakh only,” BJP State spokesperson Anil Biswal told mediapersons.

“Besides, the ruling party has failed in keeping its words. In its manifestoes during the 2009, 2014 and 2019 general elections, the BJD Government had committed to provide jobs to around 56 lakh unemployed youths which was subsequently not kept. The recently-announced assistance of Rs 1,000 each to the public distribution system (PDS) beneficiaries is in a sense ‘bribe’ to prospective voters,” Biswal added.

Notably, the Odisha Government has announced the launch of a scheme ‘Swatantra Yuva Udyami (SWAYAM)’ to promote self-employment opportunities among the young population in the State..

Source : Daily Pioneer

Correct Answer :   Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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World Government Summit 2024, Dubai has unveiled groundbreaking agreements to introduce the world’s inaugural air taxi service, setting a new standard in urban transportation. This initiative, centered around the innovative Joby Aviation S4 aircraft, promises to revolutionize Dubai’s cityscape with its electric-powered, environmentally friendly design.

Key Features of the Joby Aviation S4 :

* Capacity : Designed to comfortably accommodate four passengers and a pilot.
* Propulsion : Equipped with six propellers powered by four battery packs.
* Range : Boasts a maximum range of 161 km and a top speed of 321 km per hour.
* Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) : Ideal for urban settings, minimizing space requirements and noise pollution.
* Sustainability : Zero operating emissions and swift recharge between flights.

Benefits of the Air Taxi Project :

* Reduced noise levels and enhanced passenger convenience.
* Sustainable and eco-friendly urban mobility solutions.
* Seamless integration into Dubai’s urban landscape.
* Commencement of operations slated for 2026, marking a significant milestone in Dubai’s urban mobility transformation.

UAE Signs Key Agreements on Investments and Taxation

* Alongside the air taxi initiative, the UAE, represented by the Ministry of Finance, has inked crucial agreements at the World Government Summit 2024, focusing on investment encouragement, taxation, and international cooperation.

Investment and Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements :

* Signed agreements with Kuwait, Bahrain, and Egypt, aimed at fostering investment protection and avoiding double taxation.
* Strengthening economic ties and promoting cross-border investment flows.


Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Dharmendra Pradhan

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Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship, inaugurated the National Conference on APAAR: One Nation One Student ID Card in New Delhi. This conference aimed to emphasize the importance of the APAAR ID as a universally recognized document for students across the nation. Pradhan highlighted the significance of Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs) and their proliferation, both globally and within India, with 19 established DPIs in the country.

APAAR is another DPI of India that will emerge as a gateway to innumerable possibilities.

Glad to launch it and dedicate it to the nation today. #APAAR will be a digital repository that will map a student’s complete academic credits, credentials & competencies and pave the way… pic.twitter.com/Dt18epXEgu

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) February 13, 2024

Key Points :

1. Significance of APAAR ID :

* Dharmendra Pradhan stressed the significance of the APAAR ID as a prestigious and internationally recognized document for students nationwide.
* The APAAR ID aims to streamline student identification processes and enhance accessibility to educational services.

2. Growth of Digital Public Infrastructures :

* Pradhan highlighted the proliferation of Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs) globally, with 53 such infrastructures across 16 countries.
* India has established 19 DPIs, reflecting the country’s commitment to leveraging digital technologies in education.

3. Role of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 :

* The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 was lauded for its facilitation of seamless integration and migration provisions within the education system.
* NEP 2020 emphasizes the importance of competency attainment through skill development alongside traditional knowledge acquisition.

4. Aspirational Nature of Competency Attainment :

* Pradhan emphasized the aspirational aspect of competency attainment through skill development, aligning with the goals set forth in NEP 2020.
* The statement highlighted the need to foster a holistic approach to education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills.

Correct Answer :   5th

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Five years ago, on February 14, 2019, India witnessed a horrific attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. A suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden SUV into a convoy of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, claiming the lives of 40 brave jawans.

The convoy, carrying over 2,500 jawans, was returning from leave or heading to deployment areas when the attack occurred. This dark day left the nation scarred, igniting outrage and a deep sense of loss.

Let's honour the brave soldiers who gave their lives for our country and those who passed away protecting us. Here's a collection of touching videos and powerful images to pay tribute to these Indian soldiers who are forever in our hearts.

SALUTING THE BRAVEHEARTS :

The nation remembers the 40 CRPF personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Their courage and dedication to protecting the nation will forever be in our memories. Here are 20 quotes that pay tribute to their bravery:

* In the face of terror, we stand together and remain determined to fight against such awful acts. Pulwama will always remind us to stay strong against terror.
* Pulwama is a sad part of our history, reminding us of the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers. We will always remember their bravery."
* Pulwama is a name that brings pain but also shows our resilience. By honouring the fallen, we promise to stand united against those who want to harm our country.
* The Pulwama attack was a shock to our peace, but it couldn't shake our nation's determination. We remember, we mourn, and we stay strong.
* Pulwama is a clear sign of the sacrifices our soldiers make. Their bravery guides our commitment to protect our nation.
* On the Pulwama anniversary, we honour the heroes who gave their lives. Their sacrifice motivates us to create a future without terror.
* Pulwama is a painful memory, but it also shows how strong our nation is. We remember and honour those who died.
* As we think of the Pulwama attack, we unite against those who threaten our peace. The bravery of our armed forces is our guiding light.
* Pulwama reminds us of the bravery of our soldiers who sacrificed everything. Today, we remember and pay tribute to their commitment to our nation.
* The pain of Pulwama is deep, but so is our commitment to peace and unity. We stand together against terror.
* Pulwama shows us that freedom comes with a price. We salute the bravery of our soldiers who faced danger with courage. We'll never forget their sacrifice.
* Pulwama reminds us of the challenges our nation faces. We honour the brave soldiers we lost and vow to protect our peace.
* Pulwama showed us the heroism of our soldiers. Today, we honour their sacrifice and renew our pledge to defend our nation.
* On this day, we remember Pulwama and honour the bravery of our soldiers. Their sacrifice will always be remembered.
* Pulwama is a painful memory, but we pay tribute to the fallen heroes and promise to protect our nation.
* After Pulwama, we stand united, remembering the sacrifices of our brave soldiers. Their bravery will inspire generations.
* Pulwama was a tragedy, but it couldn't break our spirit. Today, we remember and pay tribute to the heroes who defended our peace bravely.
* On the Pulwama anniversary, we solemnly remember the sacrifice of our soldiers. Their courage continues to inspire us.
* Pulwama is a painful scar, but it shows our nation's spirit. We honour the fallen heroes who fought against terror.
* In the darkness of Pulwama, the heroes showed us the strength of our unity. Today, we remember their sacrifice and renew our commitment to a safer, stronger India.
* The Pulwama attack serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave security personnel. We must honour their memory by promoting peace, unity, and a strong fight against terrorism. Let their courage inspire us to build a safer and more secure future for all..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Assam

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Assam, the state government has officially declared kaji nemu (Citrus limon), a variety of lemon unique to the region, as the ‘State Fruit’. The announcement was made by State Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, following a Cabinet meeting on February 12, underscoring the fruit’s cultural, traditional, and nutritional significance to the state and its people.

Cultural and Nutritional Gem of Assam

Kaji nemu, known for its juicy, aromatic nature, and immense nutritional value, holds a special place in Assam’s agricultural landscape. This citrus fruit, exclusive to Assam and parts of the northeast, is celebrated for its unique aroma and antioxidant properties, which have long enriched local cuisines and traditional practices.

A Boost for Local Farmers and Global Recognition

The decision to declare kaji nemu as the State Fruit comes as a strategic move to spotlight this agricultural jewel on the global stage. Assam has a dedicated community of farmers specializing in the cultivation of kaji nemu, with its demand steadily rising, especially in West Asian markets. The fruit’s ability to be produced throughout the year, peaking in two seasons, adds to its appeal and potential for boosting local economy and self-dependency in agricultural production.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to X to express his optimism about the announcement, stating, “With today’s announcement, it is set to shine on the global fruit map, boosting self-dependency & production.” This initiative is expected to further propel the Assam lemon into international markets, enhancing its recognition and demand.

Geographical Indication Tag

Adding to its accolades, kaji nemu received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019, a testament to its unique quality and geographical origin. The GI tag not only protects the exclusive nature of the fruit but also assures a premium position in both national and international markets.

A Tradition of State Symbols

The declaration of kaji nemu as the State Fruit is part of Assam’s tradition of recognizing its natural heritage through state symbols. In February 2016, the Assam government declared the one-horned rhino as the State Animal, the white-winged wood duck as the State Bird, the hollong as the State Tree, and the foxtail orchid as the State Flower. These symbols play a crucial role in conservation efforts and in raising awareness about the state’s rich biodiversity.