Correct Answer :   4th Feb 2024

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Hage Geingob, 82, died early on Sunday (4th Feb 2024) while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in the capital, Windhoek.

A veteran of the country's independence struggle, Mr Geingob had been diagnosed with cancer and revealed the details to the public last month.

The nation had lost a "liberation... icon", Mr Mbumba said.

He has since been sworn-in as Mr Geingob's replacement and will serve in the role until elections due later this year.

Political Legacy :

Born in 1941, Geingob played a pivotal role in Namibia’s political landscape. He chaired the drafting of Namibia’s constitution and served as the first prime minister after the country gained independence in 1990. Geingob’s influence extended to his role as vice president of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), the governing party, solidifying its unchallenged rule since independence.

Economic Landscape :

Namibia, known for its diamond and lithium deposits, faces a shift in leadership as Vice President Nangolo Mbumba takes charge until upcoming elections later in the year. Geingob’s tenure included addressing economic disparities and overseeing the mining sector’s prominence in the country.

Election Challenges :

Despite winning the 2014 election with a substantial majority, Geingob faced scrutiny in the 2019 polls, narrowly avoiding a runoff amid a government bribery scandal. The controversy implicated officials in alleged kickbacks involving fishing quotas, leading to ministerial resignations.

Legacy and Concerns :

Geingob’s leadership underscored challenges such as wealth concentration among the white minority. In 2023, he voiced concerns about the persistent disparities in Namibia’s wealth distribution, emphasizing the need for inclusive economic policies.

End of an Era :

President Hage Geingob passed away at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek, where he was undergoing treatment. His death marks the end of a significant era in Namibian politics, leaving a nation in mourning and transition.

Correct Answer :   1st Feb 2024

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Hollywood actor Carl Weathers, known for his role in 'Rocky' opposite Sylvester Stallone passed away at the age of 76, Deadline, a US-based media outlet reported.

He died on Thursday (1st Feb 2024), his family announced in a statement.

A Legend’s Journey :

Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Carl Weathers embarked on a remarkable journey in the world of cinema. With a career spanning five decades, he left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.

The Iconic Apollo Creed :

Weathers etched his name in cinematic history with his portrayal of Apollo Creed, the charismatic and formidable heavyweight champion in the ‘Rocky’ franchise. His electrifying performances opposite Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa captivated audiences and earned him a place in the pantheon of Hollywood legends.

Beyond the Ring and Jungle :

While ‘Rocky’ propelled him to stardom, Weathers showcased his versatility in diverse roles. From battling extraterrestrial threats in ‘Predator’ to delivering comedic brilliance in Adam Sandler’s ‘Happy Gilmore,’ he demonstrated his range as an actor.

Embracing the Small Screen :

Weathers’ talent transcended the silver screen, as evidenced by his portrayal of Greef Karga in the acclaimed Disney+ series ‘The Mandalorian.’ His contributions to television further solidified his status as a multifaceted talent.

A Lasting Legacy :

As news of Weathers’ passing spread, tributes poured in from fans and colleagues, underscoring the impact he had on the industry. His family’s statement, as reported by Deadline, eloquently captured the essence of his legacy: “Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, and beyond, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations.

Correct Answer :   Uttarakhand

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Justice Ritu Bahri was administered oath as the new chief justice of the Uttarakhand high court on Sunday (4th Feb 2024) by Governor Lt Gen (retd) Gurmit Singh at a ceremony held here at Raj Bhawan.

Senior government functionaries, including chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, attended the swearing-in ceremony.

The Centre on February 2 notified the appointment of justice Ritu Bahri as the new chief justice of Uttarakhand high court. Justice Bahri replaces former chief justice Vipin Sanghi, who retired on October 26 last year. After his retirement, senior high court judge Manoj Kumar Tiwari was made the acting chief justice.

According to the notification issued by the Union ministry of law and justice, department of justice on February 2, “In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Kumari Justice Ritu Bahri, Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, to be Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court, with effect from the date she assumes charge of her office.”

In October last year, justice Bahri was appointed as acting chief justice of the Punjab and Haryana high court. On November 2, 2023, the Supreme Court collegium recommended her appointment as the chief justice of Uttarakhand high court.

Born on October 11, 1962, in Punjab’s Jalandhar, justice Bahri belongs to a family of illustrious lawyers. Her great-grandfather late Karam Chand Bahri was a well-known lawyer. Her grandfather late Som Dutt Bahri also practised law and was a legislator from Punjab from 1952 to 1957. Her father justice Amrit Lal Bahri retired as judge of Punjab and Haryana high court in 1994.

Ritu did her schooling at Carmel Convent School, Chandigarh, and graduated in Economics (Hons.) from Government College for Women, Chandigarh, in 1982.

After that, she pursued law at Punjab University in 1985. She was enrolled as an advocate in 1986 with the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana and started her practice at the Punjab and Haryana high court.

In March 1992, she was appointed as assistant advocate general, Haryana, and in 1999, as the deputy advocate general and senior advocate general in December 2009. She was elevated as judge of the Punjab and Haryana high court in August 2010.

In 2000, when Uttarakhand was carved out from Uttar Pradesh, the high court of Uttarakhand was also established at the same time in Nainital, with justice Ashok A Desai as its founder chief justice..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   Punjab

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Punjab governor Banwarilal Purohit on Saturday (3rd Feb 2024) resigned from the post, while also stepping down as the administrator of the Union territory (UT) of Chandigarh, the joint capital of the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana.

In a short letter written to the President of India, he cited personal reasons behind tendering his resignation.

Purohit, 83, in the letter, said, “Due to personal reasons and certain other commitments, I tender my resignation from post of governor and administrator of UT Chandigarh. Please accept the same and oblige.”

Political Fallout :

Purohit’s resignation comes just a day after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. The timing of his resignation, following the BJP’s triumph in the Chandigarh mayoral polls where they secured all three posts, has raised eyebrows. This victory dealt a blow to the Congress-AAP alliance, and despite allegations of ballot paper tampering from the opposition, the BJP emerged successful.

Legal Battles :

A division bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court denied interim relief to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had sought fresh polls under the supervision of a retired judge of the court. However, the Supreme Court agreed to consider an AAP councillor’s request seeking urgent hearing of his plea challenging the high court order, adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape.

Clashes with Punjab Chief Minister :

Purohit had been at loggerheads with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over various issues in the past. His resignation adds a new dimension to the political dynamics in Punjab and Chandigarh.

Banwarilal Purohit: Political Background :

Banwarilal Purohit, born on 16 April 1940, is an Indian politician who served as the 29th Governor of Punjab, India, and Administrator of Chandigarh until 3 February 2024. He previously served as the Governor of Tamil Nadu from 2017 to 2021 and the Governor of Assam from 2016 to 2017. Purohit is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has represented the Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency three times, twice as an Indian National Congress member and once as a BJP member.

Correct Answer :   Banaras Hindu University

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Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has initiated two groundbreaking endeavors: the establishment of the Human DNA Bank and the imminent completion of the Wildlife DNA Bank. These initiatives, powered by cutting-edge technologies such as the Automated DNA Extractor Machine, epitomize India’s commitment to innovation and indigenous manufacturing under the Make in India initiative.

BHU’s DNA Banks: Pioneering Genetic Research :

BHU’s Human DNA Bank and Wildlife DNA Bank represent pivotal milestones in genetic research. The Automated DNA Extractor Machine, a testament to Indian ingenuity, expedites the extraction of genetic material from diverse biological sources, facilitating comprehensive studies in personalized medicine, wildlife conservation, and beyond.

Making India Proud: Indigenous Technology and Global Models :

Emulating Estonia’s esteemed Genome Bank, BHU’s DNA banks aim to collect and analyze genetic data from diverse populations. This ambitious undertaking promises to advance genetic studies and address prevalent challenges such as endogamy-related hereditary diseases.

Personalized Medicine: Transforming Healthcare with Genetic Insights :

By harnessing the power of genetic data, BHU’s DNA banks empower healthcare professionals to deliver personalized medical interventions. Early detection of hereditary diseases and tailored treatment plans are made possible, ushering in a new era of proactive healthcare management.

Addressing Emerging Challenges: Genetics in Epidemics :

The integration of genetic data into epidemiological models enhances our understanding of disease transmission dynamics and population susceptibility. BHU’s DNA banks play a crucial role in preemptive healthcare, equipping researchers with invaluable insights to combat epidemics effectively.

Conservation at the Forefront: Preserving Biodiversity through Genetics :

In parallel, BHU’s commitment to wildlife conservation is exemplified by the imminent completion of the Wildlife DNA Bank. Spearheaded by the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), this initiative underscores the importance of genetic diversity in safeguarding endangered species and their habitats.

BHU’s DNA Banks – Catalysts for Scientific Advancement :

As BHU continues to lead the way in genetic research and conservation efforts, India reaffirms its position as a global player in scientific innovation. By leveraging indigenous technology and international best practices, BHU’s DNA banks pave the way for a future defined by personalized medicine, genetic enlightenment, and environmental sustainability.

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA) - Commonwealth Attorneys and Solicitors General Conference (CASGC) 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan on 3rd February, 2024 at around 10 AM. Prime Minister will also address the gathering on the occasion.

The theme of the conference is “Cross-Border Challenges in Justice Delivery”. This conference will deliberate on important issues pertaining to law and justice like judicial transition and the ethical dimensions of legal practice; executive accountability; and revisiting modern-day legal education, among others.

This Conference will have participation of Attorney Generals and Solicitors from the Commonwealth nations spanning the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Caribbean along with various international delegations. The conference serves as a unique platform by offering a forum for interaction among different stakeholders in the Commonwealth legal fraternity.

It also includes an exclusive round table conference tailored for Attorneys and Solicitors general aiming to develop a comprehensive roadmap to address the challenges in legal education and transnational justice delivery..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   3 Crores

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (1st Feb 2024) announced the government’s decision to raise the target of creating ‘Lakhpati Didis’ from 2 crores to 3 crores. The Lakhpati Didi scheme focuses on providing training to women in self-help groups (SHGs), enabling them to generate a sustainable annual income of at least Rs 1 lakh.

While presenting the interim Budget, the Union minister highlighted that 83 lakh self-help groups (SHGs) comprising nine crore women are transforming the rural socio-economic landscape through empowerment and fostering self-reliance.

“Eighty-three lakh SHGs with nine crore women are transforming rural socio-economic landscape with empowerment and self-reliance. Their success has assisted nearly one crore women to become Lakhpati Didi already. They are an inspiration to others,” she said.

“Their achievements will be recognised through honouring them. Buoyed by the success, it has been decided to enhance the target for Lakhpati Didi from 2 crore to 3 crore,” Sitharaman added.

In an attempt to reach out to the economically marginalised before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2023, announced the new initiative — Lakhpati Didi, under which skill training will be provided to two crore women so that they can earn at least Rs 1 lakh annually.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 77th Independence Day, the prime minister said he has taken forward the issue of women-led development in G-20, where it has received a lot of support.

“Today 10 crore women are associated with Women Self Help Groups and if you go to a village, you will find women working with banks, you will find women working in Anganwadi, you will find women who give medicines. Now my dream is to create 2 crore Lakhpati Didis (women with annual earnings of Rs 1 lakh and more),” PM Modi had said.

Aim of the scheme :

The scheme aims to empower women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) through a comprehensive approach. This includes fostering collective unity among women, enhancing the strength of their federations, and equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills for livelihood improvement. The scheme is committed to supporting SHG women in various aspects, such as financial assistance, credit support, and interventions aimed at enhancing their overall livelihoods.

To achieve its goals, the scheme focuses on four key components :

a) Social mobilisation and promotion, which involves strengthening self-managed and financially sustainable community institutions for rural communities.
b) Financial inclusion efforts targeted at the rural poor.
c) Sustainable livelihood initiatives for the rural population.
d) Promoting social inclusion, social development, and facilitating convergence for overall community development..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Uttarakhand

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Abhinav Kumar, Director General of Police, Uttarakhand, flagged off four cutting-edge self-balancing electric scooters from the Police Headquarters to patrol the vibrant streets of Haridwar. For the safety of tourists and local citizens, police in Haridwar will patrol with self-balancing scooters.

Donated by Utkarsh Small Finance Bank, these eco-friendly electric scooters are equipped to navigate narrow streets, allowing police personnel to efficiently monitor walking paths, Ganga ghats, and crowded areas of the city.

#WATCH | Abhinav Kumar, Director General of Police, Uttarakhand flagged off four self-balancing electric scooters to Haridwar from the Police Headquarters. Four self-balancing electric scooters have been handed over to Uttarakhand Police on behalf of Utkarsh Small Finance Bank.… pic.twitter.com/eUaa676XGv

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 2, 2024

Director General Abhinav Kumar expressed confidence in the scooters' ability to streamline crowd management and emphasized their environmental benefits. "These scooters, which can move easily in narrow streets, will help in crowd management. Apart from this, this electric scooter is also environment friendly. Eight personnel from Haridwar have also been trained to operate these self-balancing electric scooters. He said that in future they will also be used in Mussoorie Mall Road, Dehradun Paltan Bazaar," Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar said.

Eight personnel who had received training in driving self-balancing electric scooters were also given citations by the Director General of Police..

Source : Latestly

Correct Answer :   Champai Soren

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Champai Soren, veteran leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, will take oath today (2nd Feb 2024) as the next Chief Minister of Jharkhand. The 67-year-old was invited by the Governor to take oath late this evening -- more than 24 hours after the arrest of his predecessor Hemant Soren in an alleged money laundering case.

Governor CP Radhakrishnan's move came hours after Champai Soren met him earlier on Thursday, pleading that he be called to take oath.

"There is no government (in the state) for 18 hours. There is a situation of confusion. Being the constitutional head, we expect you will soon take steps for the formation of a popular government," read his letter to the Governor.

The delay in the Governor's decision -- coupled with the slim margin in numbers -- pushed the ruling alliance to move their MLAs, fearing an Operation Lotus by the opposition BJP.

But the weather played spoilsport. The plane -- bound for Congress-ruled Telangana -- could not take off and late in the evening, the MLAs were taken to a government guest house in the city.

Shortly after, Champai Soren got a call from the Governor.

The ruling JMM-Congress-RJD alliance of Jharkhand has 47 MLAs in the 81-member house, where the majority mark is 41. Currently 43 MLAs are backing Champai Soren.

The BJP has 25 MLAs and the AJSU, or All Jharkhand Students Union, has three. The remaining seats are divided between the NCP and a Left party (one each) and there are three independent MLAs.

The slim majority has given rise to concern in the ruling alliance. Since before Hemant Soren's arrest on Wednesday, the leaders have been insisting they have the numbers to form government.

Today, Champai Soren said, "We have submitted the report with 43 MLAs in our support. We expect the number will reach 46-47... so there is no problem. Our 'gathbandhan' (alliance), is very strong".

The Governor was also shown a 49-second roll-call video of the MLAs backing Mr Soren, sources said.

Post a commenHemant Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday evening after meeting the Governor and submitting his resignation from the top post. The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that he is involved in a ? 600-crore land scam and the laundering of its proceeds..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   Ranjana Prakash Desai

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Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Committee Chairperson Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai along with the committee members submitted the final report of the UCC to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Dhami said that his government will bring a bill in this regard in the assembly session on February 5, 2024.  

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that a committee formed to prepare the draft for the purpose of implementing the Uniform Civil Code will submit the draft on Friday (2nd Feb 2024).

"The committee formed to prepare the draft for the purpose of implementing the Uniform Civil Code will submit the draft today at 11 a.m. in Dehradun. After reviewing this, we will move forward in the direction of implementing the Uniform Civil Code in the state by bringing a bill in the upcoming assembly session. Today is an important day for all the people of the state, when we are going to move forward with more strength by realizing the vision of 'Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat' of the country's illustrious Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Uttarakhnad Chief Minister Dhami posted on X.

The Uttarakhand Assembly session will be held from 5 February to 8 February 2024, according to a notification by the Secretariat of the Assembly. Apart from this, the government will also present a bill in the House for a 10 per cent horizontal reservation in government services for the state agitators and their dependents.

Uttarakhand had constituted a panel on the Uniform Civil Code under Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai on May 27, 2022. The UCC was promised to the people of the state in the run-up to the 2022 assembly polls in Uttarakhand..

Source : Business Standard