Correct Answer :   Hyderabad

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India’s first digital National Museum of Epigraphy is now housed in the Salar Jung Museum in the city. Over one lakh inscriptions, including copper plate grants and stone inscriptions discovered across the country and preserved by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), will be displayed in the museum.

The museum will feature a floating display of alphabets from scripts of India with pronunciation sound. The museum will provide information on the development of various scripts from early times to modern Indian languages through detailed infographics.

The museum will also delve into the evolution of scripts in India, starting from the earliest system found on seals in the Indus Valley to the Brahmi script inferred from Ashokan edicts. It will include maps of epigraphs found in India, maps of important inscriptions found in Telangana, and a chronological development of Indian script using an interactive sliding display.

Other interactive displays will showcase iconic Indian inscriptions, language and scripts (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Devangari) using projection mapping, digital flip books, evolution of Indian scripts displayed on a tree, script projection on a life-size statue, and a holographic display system.

A Hindi/English to Brahmi kiosk with printing as a takeaway will allow visitors to type their name in English and get a print of their name translated into the Brahmi script. The museum’s activity area will include estampage-taking, an AV room with a documentary on the evolution of epigraphy, and a brochure stand with leaflets, catalogues, and QR codes for exhibits.

According to the Archaeological Survey of India, India stands as one of the few nations with recorded history dating back to around 2500 BCE. India possesses a substantial epigraphic wealth, with over 100,000 inscriptions discovered to date.  These inscriptions are pivotal for comprehending India’s history and culture, shedding light on political, dynastic, social, religious, administrative, and economic aspects.

Epigraphs are broadly categorized into stone inscriptions, primarily found on temple walls, and copper-plate grants, documenting land grants to Brahmanas and educational institutions.

The foundation stone for the epigraphy museum, located near the Western Block in the Salar Jung Museum, was laid by union Minister G. Kishan Reddy on Monday (5th Feb 2024)..

Source : Telangana Today

Correct Answer :   Goa

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate India Energy Week 2024 in Goa and also dedicate to the nation the permanent campus of the National Institute of Technology (NIT), apart from laying the foundation stones for various projects costing more than Rs 1,330 crore.

Modi will also address the Viksit Bharat and Viksit Goa 2047 programmes.

The PM will inaugurate the ONGC Sea Survival Centre at Betul village in South Goa in the morning and inaugurate India Energy Week.

He will participate in the Viksit Bharat, Viksit Goa 2047 programme at Fatorda in the afternoon, as per a release issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

"Achieving 'aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in energy requirements has been a key focus area of the prime minister. In yet another step in this direction, India Energy Week 2024 will be held from February 6 to 9 in Goa," the PMO said.

It will be India's largest and only all-encompassing energy exhibition and conference, bringing together the entire energy value chain, and will serve as a catalyst for India's energy transition goals. The PM will hold a roundtable with global oil and gas CEOs and experts, the release said.

Encouraging and fostering startups and integrating them into the energy value chain will be an important focus for India Energy Week 2024. It is expected to witness the participation of around 17 energy ministers from different countries, 35,000+ attendees, and more than 900 exhibitors, it stated.

The Energy Week will have six dedicated country pavilions: Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, the UK, and the US. A special Make in India pavilion is also being organised to showcase innovative solutions that Indian MSMEs are spearheading in the energy sector.

The newly built NIT Goa campus has various facilities, including complexes for various wings, hostels, a health centre, staff quarters, an amenity centre, a sports ground, and other utilities to cater to the needs of students, faculty, and staff of the institute.

The prime minister will also dedicate the new campus of the National Institute of Watersports to the people.

"The institute will introduce 28 tailor-made courses aimed at fostering the development of watersports and water rescue activities catering to both the public and the armed forces," the release said.

Modi will also inaugurate a 100 TPD Integrated Waste Management Facility in South Goa, which has been designed for the scientific treatment of 60 TPD wet waste and 40 TPD dry waste, while also featuring a 500 KW solar power plant that generates surplus electricity.

He will lay the foundation stone for the Passenger Ropeway, along with associated tourism activities, connecting Panaji and Reis Magos in North Goa.

"The foundation stone for the construction of a 100 MLD water treatment plant in South Goa will be laid by the PM," as per the release.

He will distribute appointment orders to 1,930 new government recruits across various departments under the Rozgar Mela and also hand over sanction letters to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes..

Source : Outlook India

Correct Answer :   Bina Modi

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Dr. Bina Modi, the esteemed Chairperson of Modi Enterprises, has been honored with the prestigious ‘Outstanding Business Woman of the Year’ Award. This recognition, bestowed upon her by Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister of India, at a distinguished conference organized by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), underscores her exceptional leadership and contributions to the industry.

Recognizing Excellence :

The award ceremony, held to celebrate Dr. Modi’s outstanding achievements, took place during a conference aimed at strengthening the Indo-US relationship. Attended by notable figures including Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti and representatives of IACC, the event served as a platform to foster economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Commitment to Sustainability :

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Bina Modi emphasized the importance of sustainability in business practices. She stated, “We have immense potential for growth, but it’s crucial to prioritize sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet.” Dr. Modi’s commitment to sustainability underscores her dedication to responsible leadership within Modi Enterprises – KK Modi Group.

Leadership and Vision :

As Chairperson of Modi Enterprises – KK Modi Group, Dr. Bina Modi oversees a diverse portfolio of companies, including the renowned FMCG giant, Godfrey Phillips India, and the leading agro-chemical firm, Indofil. Under her guidance, these companies have experienced significant growth, driven by a commitment to both profit and the well-being of employees and the environment.

Continued Recognition :

Dr. Bina Modi’s contributions to business and society have garnered numerous accolades, including two honorary doctorates and prestigious awards such as ‘The AsiaOne Women Empowerment Leadership Principles Award, Asia, 2023,’ and the Outlook Business Spotlight Visionary Leader Award 2023’s ‘Most Inspiring Woman In Business’ award. However, she takes particular pride in the recurring Great Place To Work certifications for many of the Group’s Companies, reflecting her unwavering commitment to prioritizing the well-being of employees.

Correct Answer :   Israel

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The Geological Institute of Israel uncovered a never before known about underwater canyon near Cyprus. The canyon, known as Eratosthenes for the underwater mountain it is near, dates back to the Messinian Event that transpired about 5.5 million years ago.

The canyon is about 10 km wide and 500 m deep and was buried at the beginning of the Messinian period before the deposition of the salt layer. It was created when the level of the Mediterranean Sea decreased at the same time there was a rise in the salinity of the water, which apparently created gravity currents or dense solutions that caused the destabilization of the submarine slopes and subsidence of the seabed.

The Institute said that in a broader aspect this work reveals the environmental conditions of high salinity and lower sea level in the deep Mediterranean basin at the beginning of the Messinian event.

Also known as the Messinian salinity crisis, the Messinian event was a geological event during which the Mediterranean Sea went into a cycle of partial or nearly complete desiccation..

Source : Hornbilltv

Correct Answer :   242 Feet

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The Civil Aviation Ministry has granted in-principle approval for the installation of a towering 242 feet high statue of Adiyogi Shiva near the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar, western Uttar Pradesh.

This monumental decision clears the path for the Isha Foundation to spearhead the establishment of this spiritual landmark.

Isha Foundation’s Vision for Adiyogi Shiva Statue :

Led by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, the Isha Foundation is renowned for its commitment to yoga, environmental stewardship, and social welfare. Now, it will bring its vision to fruition by overseeing the installation of the Adiyogi Shiva statue alongside the development of an ashram and other amenities aimed at promoting holistic living.

Consent Secured from Civil Aviation Ministry :

The proximity of the proposed site to the airport necessitated approval from the Civil Aviation Ministry. With their consent secured, the groundwork can begin for the realization of this ambitious project, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards enhancing the spiritual landscape of the region.

Land Allocation and Development :

The Isha Foundation has requested 200 acres of land from the Yamuna Authority for the establishment of the statue and associated facilities. The identified site near Amarpur Palaka village in Noida Sector-23D holds promise for realizing this vision. Once the foundation submits its formal application, the process of land allocation and subsequent development can commence.

Fostering Spiritual Identity and Cultural Enrichment :

The installation of the Adiyogi Shiva statue near the Noida Airport holds the promise of not only enriching the spiritual identity of the region but also enhancing its cultural landscape. As a beacon for yoga enthusiasts and spiritual seekers, it will complement existing landmarks and contribute to the harmonious coexistence of industrial and spiritual activities.

A Transformative Initiative: Adiyogi Shiva Statue near Noida Airport :

With the collaborative efforts of the Isha Foundation, government authorities, and the support of the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Adiyogi Shiva statue near the Noida International Airport represents a transformative initiative. By embracing spirituality and promoting holistic living, this endeavor promises to leave a lasting legacy, enriching the cultural fabric of the region for generations to come.

Correct Answer :   Uttarakhand

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Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the “Dhami against drugs campaign” being run by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha Metropolitan Dehradun from 5th February  to 10th February 2024. The campaign was launched on February 5, 2024.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister also released T-shirts and posters related to the campaign.

Earlier, Pushkar Singh Dhami called upon people in the State to work to come forward to help the Government in its resolution to make the State drug-free by the year 2025.

He held a high-level meeting at his official residence and directed the officials to rapidly involve the students and colleges in a campaign to achieve the target of a “Drugs Free Uttarakhand” by the year 2025.

Correct Answer :   Yemen

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Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council issued a decision on Monday (5th Feb 2024) appointing its foreign minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak as the country's new prime minister.

* Outging Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed will take on the role of an advisor to the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, the office of Yemen's Cabinet later posted on X.

* Bin Mubarak came to prominence in 2015 when he was kidnapped by the country's Iran-aligned Houthis while he served as Yemen's presidential chief of staff during a power struggle with then President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

* The seizure of bin Mubarak helped plunge Yemen into a political crisis, resulting in clashes between the Houthis and President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's presidential guards that prompted the president and the government to resign.

* Bin Mubarak most recently served as Yemen's foreign minister from 2020..

Source : Reuters

Correct Answer :   Oleg Kononenko

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Russian cosmonaut 'Oleg Kononenko' has broken the world record for the most cumulative time spent in space, Russia’s space agency Roscosmos reported Sunday (4th Feb 2024).

The 59-year-old has now spent more than 878 days and 12 hours in space, surpassing fellow Russian Gennady Padalka, who set the previous record of 878 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes, and 48 seconds in 2015.

Kononenko has made five journeys to the International Space Station, dating back to 2008.

Speaking with Russian state news agency TASS, the engineer said that each trip to the ISS required careful preparation due to the station’s constant upgrades — but that life as a cosmonaut was a childhood dream come true.

“I fly into space to do what I love, not to set records. I’ve dreamt of and aspired to become a cosmonaut since I was a child. That interest — the opportunity to fly into space, to live and work in orbit — motivates me to continue flying,” he told TASS.

Kononenko’s current trip to the ISS began on Sept. 15, 2023, when he launched alongside NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara and Roscosmos compatriot Nikolai Chub. By the end of this expedition, the cosmonaut is expected to become the first person to accumulate 1,000 days in space.

The International Space Station is one of the few areas in which the United States and Russia still cooperate closely following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in Feb. 2022. Roscosmos announced in December that its cross-flight program with NASA transporting astronauts to the ISS had been extended until 2025..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Rajendra Prasad

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Rajendra Prasad has been appointed the new advocate general of Rajasthan, the Raj Bhavan said in a statement issued on Saturday (3rd Feb 2024).

Governor Kalraj Mishra has approved the proposal for Prasad's appointment, the statement said.

The post of advocate general was vacant for almost two months after the change of government in December. Prasad will replace MS Singhvi as the state's advocate general.

Correct Answer :   France

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France has allowed the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to work in the country. NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Lyra, a French leader in securing e-commerce and proximity payments, have announced the acceptance of the UPI payment mechanism in France.

From now on, Indian tourists can book their visit to the Eiffel Tower by purchasing tickets online using UPI. With this, France has become the first European country to accept UPI. The official announcement was made in Paris at an event organised by the Indian Embassy in France to celebrate the Republic Day of India.

Eiffel Tower is the first merchant to offer UPI payments in France, thereafter it will extended to other merchants in the tourism and retail space, NPCI International Payments Limited said.

“At NIPL, our ambition is to enable acceptance of NPCI's payment solutions in international markets and create a truly interoperable global payment system. We aim at actively collaborating with financial institutions worldwide to establish partnerships and provide consumers with convenient and secure cross-border payment solutions. Through this strategic partnership with Lyra, we have taken another step forward towards this goal,” said Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NIPL.

“It is a great pride to have the trust of the Indian government and NIPL to launch UPI in Europe. We have been present in India for 17 years, and this partnership confirms the strength of our collaboration with this vast country. We also demonstrate our ability to stay ahead of market trends and strengthen our ambition to offer all payment methods used worldwide. For the players in the French and European tourism ecosystem, this partnership represents a major advancement and the promise of new business opportunities to come,” said Christophe Mariette, Commercial Director of Lyra France.

During his visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that UPI payment mechanism will begin from the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Addressing the Indian community at La Seine Musicale in Paris, PM Modi said, “Be it India's UPI or other digital platforms, they have brought a huge social transformation in the country and I am happy that India and France are also working together in direction."

“India and France have agreed to use UPI in France. I will leave after the agreement. However, it is your job to move forward. Friends, in the coming days its beginning will be made from Eiffel Tower which means that Indian tourists will now be able to make payments in Rupees, through UPI, at Eiffel Tower," the Prime Minister said.

Last year, the Indian government said that non-resident Indians (NRIs) from 10 countries can use UPI to send and receive money if their domestic bank accounts are linked to their phone numbers abroad.

The list of countries included Singapore, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, US, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

In February last year, India and Singapore linked their digital payments systems, UPI and PayNow, to enable instant transfers. In Singapore, the route would include PayNow for UPI payments to work.

For UPI transactions in Singapore, the DBS Bank is providing an exchange rate to the NPCI. The organisation adds a markup to the rate. Then the rate and the markup are shown to the customer, and the transaction goes through only when the customer agrees. The sending bank credits the total rupee amount to the NPCI’s settlement bank.

The NPCI’s settlement bank then instructs the DBS to credit the beneficiary’s bank in Singapore dollars. The NPCI shares a part of the markup with the sending bank, and all banks get the same share..

Source : Business Today