Correct Answer :   Nitish Kumar

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Nitish Kumar took oath as the chief minister of BJP-JD(U) government in Bihar on Sunday (28th Jan 2024) after breaking up with RJD.

Nitish Kumar took oath as the chief minister of Bihar for a record ninth time, hours after he tendered his resignation as the chief minister of the RJD-JD(U) government.

Jitan Ram Manjhi, Chirag Paswan, Samrat Chaudhary and JP Nadda were present as Kumar took the oath amid chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Jai Shree Ram.

The last time Nitish Kumar took oath as chief minister was in 2022 when he severed his ties with the NDA and joined the RJD, Congress and the Left alliance in Bihar.

Between 2022 and 2024, Nitish Kumar took the lead in forging the alliance of the opposition parties to unitedly fight the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In June 2023, he hosted the first meeting of the opposition parties before it even adopted the INDIA name.

Nitish Kumar takes oath for the ninth time: Here are top 10 developments :

1. Along with Nitish Kumar, BJP's Samrat Choudhury, Vijay Sinha took oath on Sunday. HAM will also be a part of the new government. Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) president Dr Santosh Kumar Suman took oath on Sunday. Nitish Kumar said Samrat Chaudhury, Vijay Kumar Sinha will be deputy CMs.

2. Overnight, the RJD ministers are out of the cabinet as Nitish Kumar will now get a new cabinet in the changed political equation in Bihar.

3. Tejashwi Yadav said 2024 marks the end of the JD(U) and the game in Bihar is far from being over.

4. Political strategist Prashant Kishor said Nitish's tryst with the BJP will be short-lived and Bihar will again see changes within six months after the Lok Sabha election. But whoever Nitish Kumar goes with, he will not win more than 20 seats in the state election in 2025.

5. Akhilesh Yadav said Nitish Kumar made a new record of betrayal and the BJP is at its weakest now.

6. Nitish Kumar became the CM for the first time in 2000. At that time, he was against RJD and his campaign was based on opposing Lalu. In 2013, Nitish broke away from the NDA and came with RJD in 2015 election.

7. In 2017, Nitish Kumar severed his ties with the RJD and went back to the NDA. In 2022, Nitish Kumar again deserted the NDA and came back to RJD.

8. As Nitish Kumar tendered his resignation on Sunday morning, he explained that things in the INDIA bloc have not been working out.

9. The Congress said it was aware of what was brewing in Bihar but did not comment on it before in the interest of the INDIA bloc. Countering JD(U)'s allegation that the Congress insulted Nitish Kumar time and again, the Congress said if Nitish Kumar wanted to stay, he would have; but he wanted to join the NDA. Earlier, the Congress said Mallikarjun Kharge tried to reach out to Nitish Kumar but was unsuccessful.

10. Kharge said Nitish's switch was pre-planned and Nitish Kumar kept the Congress, and the RJD leadership in the dark..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated (28th Jan 2024) the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Supreme Court of India in Delhi. During the event, he launched several citizen-centric information and technology initiatives, including Digital Supreme Court Reports (Digi SCR), Digital Courts 2.0, and a new bilingual website for the Supreme Court.

In his address, the Prime Minister congratulated everyone on the occasion, marking the beginning of the Supreme Court's 75th year. He highlighted the significant role the Supreme Court plays in upholding the principles of freedom, equality, and justice outlined in the Indian constitution.

PM Modi emphasized the importance of today's judgments in shaping India's future and noted the milestone decisions on individual rights and freedom of speech. He outlined the government's goals for the next 25 years, underscoring the impact of current economic policies on India's vibrant future.

Acknowledging the global attention on India, PM Modi urged capitalizing on opportunities in areas such as ease of living, ease of doing business, travel, communication, and ease of justice. He stressed that every Indian citizen has the right to ease of justice, and the government is prioritizing accessibility to the Supreme Court, even in remote areas.

PM Modi highlighted the government's commitment to improving the physical infrastructure of courts and informed about the approval of Rs 800 crore for expanding the Supreme Court Building Complex. He praised the Chief Justice of India for monitoring the digitization of all courts in the country.

Commenting on the digital initiatives, PM Modi expressed happiness about decisions being available in a digital format and the translation of Supreme Court decisions into local languages. He suggested implementing similar technology in other courts for the benefit of common people.

The Prime Minister concluded by acknowledging the significant role the Supreme Court will play in shaping the country's future over the next 25 years. He congratulated the institution on its 75th anniversary, mentioning the posthumous conferment of Padma Bhushan to M. Fathima Beevi.

The event was attended by Chief Justice of India Dr D Y Chandrachud, Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, and other prominent figures in the legal system. During the celebration, PM Modi launched Digital Supreme Court Reports (Digi SCR), Digital Courts 2.0, and the new bilingual website for the Supreme Court. The Digital SCR initiative aims to make Supreme Court judgments available to citizens free of cost and in an electronic format. Digital Courts 2.0, under the e-Courts project, focuses on providing electronic court records to district court judges, incorporating AI for real-time transcription..

Source : DD News

Correct Answer :   January 28th

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Indian Newspaper Day, observed on January 28th each year, is a tribute to the rich legacy of journalism in the country. It marks the inception of newspapers in India, a historic moment when James Augustus Hicky introduced the first printed newspaper, Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, in 1780. This article delves into the significance of this day, the historical backdrop of Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, and the evolving role of newspapers in today’s digital age.

History Unveiled: Hicky’s Bengal Gazette :

Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, also known as the Calcutta General Advertiser, emerged as a trailblazer in journalism. Launched on January 29, 1780, in Kolkata, it played a pivotal role during the British Raj by introducing a new era of information dissemination. Despite its eventual halt in 1782 due to government concerns, it left an indelible mark for its sarcastic and thought-provoking content advocating for the rights of the poor and challenging societal norms.

Evolution of Indian Newspaper Day :

Every year on January 28th, Indian Newspaper Day commemorates the launch of Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, acknowledging its impact on shaping public discourse. It is an occasion to reflect on the integral role newspapers have played in India’s socio-political landscape, emphasizing their commitment to democratic principles, freedom of expression, and the dissemination of accurate information.

Significance in the Modern Context :

Indian Newspaper Day is not just a nod to history but a celebration of the contemporary relevance of newspapers. While digital platforms have altered the reading landscape, the day encourages a return to the roots – reading newspapers the old-fashioned way. The event emphasizes the enduring role of newspapers in fostering informed decision-making, citizen empowerment, and the sustenance of India’s democracy.

Hickey’s Legacy and Its Impact :

Hicky’s Bengal Gazette was not just a medium for news; it was a catalyst for social awareness. Its fearless approach to taboo subjects and commitment to proto-class consciousness paved the way for future journalistic endeavours. The newspaper’s combination of compelling articles, images, and research-backed content empowered the public to critically evaluate information, setting a precedent for responsible journalism.

Educational Benefits of Reading Newspapers :

As we celebrate Indian Newspaper Day, it’s crucial to recognize the educational benefits newspapers offer, especially for the younger generation:

* Vocabulary Enhancement : Newspapers introduce new words, expanding vocabulary and improving communication skills.

* Reading and Comprehension Skills : Daily exposure to newspapers enhances reading and comprehension skills in children.

* Analytical Thought : Newspapers foster analytical thinking by presenting diverse perspectives on current events.

* Awareness of the World : Amid personalized social media feeds, newspapers provide a broader understanding of global events and issues.

* Civic Engagement : Newspapers serve as a gateway to understanding local and global social problems, promoting civic engagement.

Correct Answer :   Punjab

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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday (27th Jan 2023) rolled out a specialised 'Sadak Surakhya Force' to streamline traffic movement and check road accidents in the state. Addressing a gathering on the occasion of the launch of the road safety force here, he said Punjab is the first state to come out with such an initiative and expressed concerns over fatalities in road accidents.

As per data available, road accidents claim 17-18 lives in the state every day, Mann said.

"More than 500 people die every month and in a year, nearly 6,000 people die (in road accidents)," he added.

The chief minister went on to cite the names of various personalities, including former President Giani Zail Singh, Congress leader Rajesh Pilot and actor and comedian Jaspal Bhatti, who died in road accidents.

Mann said the force will have 144 vehicles and 5,000 employees who will be deployed on the roads every 30 kilometres to protect people.

Punjab minister Balkar Singh, MP Sushil Rinku, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and Additional Director General of Police A S Rai were present on the occasion..

Source : Economic Times

Correct Answer :   Airbus

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New Delhi, In a major boost to ‘Make in India’, Airbus Helicopters has announced that it is partnering with the Tata Group to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters in the country. The FAL will produce Airbus’ best-selling H125 helicopter from its civil range for India and export to some of the neighbouring countries.

The FAL will be the first instance of the private sector setting up a helicopter manufacturing facility in India, providing a major boost to the Government of India’s 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) programme. Under this partnership, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of Tata Group, will set up the facility along with Airbus Helicopters.

The announcement was made during the two-day visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India as Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations on 26th January 2024.

The FAL in India will undertake the integration of the major component assemblies, avionics and mission systems, installation of electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel system and the engine. It will also do testing, qualification, and delivery of the H125 to customers in India and the region. The FAL will take 24 months to set up and deliveries of the first ‘Made in India’ H125s are expected to commence in 2026. The location of the FAL will be jointly decided by Airbus and the Tata Group.

“Helicopters are crucial for nation building. A ‘Made-in-India’ civil helicopter will not only be a symbol of the confident New India but will also unlock the true potential of the helicopter market in the country,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO. “This helicopter final assembly line, which we will build together with our trusted partner Tata, is a reaffirmation of Airbus’ commitment to developing the full spectrum of the aerospace ecosystem in India. This will be the second final assembly line Airbus is building in India after the ‘Make in India’ C295 military aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.”

N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, said, “The Tata Group is delighted to set up India’s first helicopter assembly facility in the private sector. This facility will have the final assembly line in partnership with Airbus for the world’s bestselling Airbus H125 single engine helicopter for the Indian as well as export markets.”

Undisputed in its class, the H125 produced in India will catalyse the use of helicopters in the country. This multi-mission workhorse will revolutionise passenger and goods transportation and will also be used for segments such as emergency medical services (HEMS), disaster management, law enforcement, tourism and aerial work missions. Providing last mile connectivity to remote areas, the H125 will significantly contribute to the Government of India’s regional connectivity scheme – Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) that will further promote the tourism sector in the country.

The H125 is the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter that outclasses other helicopters in its category. This high-performing versatile helicopter is a member of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, which has accumulated more than 38 million flight hours worldwide. It can operate in high-and-hot and extreme environments and can be easily reconfigured for various missions, including aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, rescue, air ambulance, passenger transport, and many others.

The H125 is the only helicopter to have landed on Mount Everest, demonstrating its agility in operating in high altitude, extreme environments.

The proposed helicopter manufacturing facility will be the second FAL to be established in India by Airbus, leveraging TASL’s capabilities in aerospace and defence. The two companies are building the C295 military transport aircraft FAL in Vadodara, Gujarat.

The latest announcement is part of Airbus’ efforts to develop a holistic aerospace ecosystem in India, where the company is expanding its industrial footprint with aircraft assembly, component manufacturing, engineering and digital design and development, MRO support, pilot and maintenance training as well as academic collaboration to foster human capital..

Source : Airbus

Correct Answer :   Assam

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A rare Bengal tiger morph (the golden morph), taking a stroll, was recently spotted in Kaziranga National Park in Assam.

Assam Chief Minister's Office shared a video on its social media platform, showing the tiger strolling in the park before disappearing into the field.

Assam's wildlife never ceases to amaze!

A rare golden tiger was recently spotted in Kaziranga National Park taking a stroll. This sighting adds to the list of diverse faunal creatures found in Assam's landscape.@kaziranga_ #NationalTourismDay pic.twitter.com/JY1VXvUVZO

— Chief Minister Assam (@CMOfficeAssam) January 25, 2024

"Assam's wildlife never ceases to amaze! A rare golden tiger was recently spotted in Kaziranga National Park taking a stroll. This sighting adds to the list of diverse faunal creatures found in Assam's landscape," Chief Minister's Office, Government of Assam posted on X..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   REC

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REC Ltd, a Maharatna power finance company, has been designated as the nodal agency for the ambitious Pradhan Mantri Suryoday Yojana. This initiative, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, aims to install rooftop solar panels in one crore households. REC Ltd, under the leadership of CMD Vivek Kumar Dewangan, is set to lend up to Rs 1,20,000 crore for this massive undertaking.

Key Points (Pradhan Mantri Suryoday Yojana) :

* Target and Timeline : The scheme sets an ambitious target of installing rooftop solar in one crore households within a year, contributing to the larger goal of achieving 40 GW of rooftop solar installations by 2026.

* odal Agency Role : REC has been designated by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) as the overall program implementation agency for the rooftop solar scheme, showcasing the company’s pivotal role in driving the initiative.

* Central Public Sector Enterprises Involvement : Eight central public sector undertakings (CPSEs), including NTPC, NHPC, and PowerGrid, will actively participate in rooftop solar installation under the RESCO model, receiving a Line of Credit from REC.

* hallenges and Commitment : Achieving the ambitious target will require coordination with multiple stakeholders, but REC expresses confidence in meeting the set objectives.

* Financial Outlook : REC Ltd aims to increase its renewable energy loan portfolio to Rs 300,000 crore by 2030, with a current sanctioned amount of about Rs 125,000 crore.

In the quarter ending December 2023, REC Ltd reported a net profit of Rs 3,269.3 crore, reflecting a 13.6% increase from the previous year. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing renewable energy initiatives.

Correct Answer :   Maersk

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Maersk, the maritime titan, revealed the Ane Maersk, the world’s largest container ship fueled by green methanol sourced from green hydrogen, marking a significant stride towards eco-friendly maritime transportation.

Maritime giant AP Moller-Maersk has officially unveiled its new methanol-powered shipping container, the Ane Maersk, which is the world’s largest vessel capable of running on the green hydrogen derivative.

It is able to carry almost eight times more containers than the Danish logistics company’s pioneering Laura Maersk, which became the planet’s first methanol dual-fuel container ship when it was launched in September last year (2023).

The new vessel is able to carry 16,000 20ft shipping containers (TEU), compared to only 2,100 for the Laura Maersk.

The Ane Maersk is set to begin its maiden voyage on 9 February from the Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea, where it was built, to Ningbo, China. It will then continue on to Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Morocco, the UK, France, Belgium and Germany.

Maersk has ordered 24 container vessels equipped with dual-fuel engines capable of burning methanol, biodiesel and conventional bunker fuel — another 11 of which will be the same size as the Ane Maersk. Six will be larger, with a capacity of 17,000 TEU, while six will be 9,000 TEU.

A further six of these vessels — the sizes of which are not clear — are due to be unveiled by the end of this year (2024).

The company says it has “secured sufficient green methanol to cover the vessel’s maiden voyage and continues to work diligently on 2024-25 sourcing solutions for its methanol-enabled vessel fleet”. This includes methanol derived from both green hydrogen and biogas.

Last November, Maersk agreed to buy 500,000 tonnes of green and biomethanol a year from Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Goldwind, although the exact split between the two production methods is not known.

While methanol (CH₃OH) does release CO₂ when burned, it is said to be carbon-neutral when produced using captured CO₂ derived from non-fossil sources..

Source : Hydrogen Insight

Correct Answer :   Nitish Kumar

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In a significant development, Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) National President Nitish Kumar tendered his resignation from the ruling alliance on Sunday, January 28, 2024. Nitish Kumar arrived at the Raj Bhavan in Patna and handed over his resignation letter to Governor Rajendra Arlekar.

During the meeting with the Governor at Raj Bhavan, Nitish Kumar conveyed, “We have decided to sever ties with the Mahagathbandhan in the state.”

The development comes amid a deafening buzz that Nitish would rejoin the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), bringing an end to the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ rule in the state.

The fast-changing political events in the state were triggered by a social media post from former CM and RJD chief Lalu Yadav’s daughter, Rohini Acharya, in which she took a swipe at the JD(U) saying that while the ‘socialist party’ styles itself as progressive, its ideology shifts with the changing wind patterns.

If Nitish crosses over, it would mark the fourth time that he would be switching sides. In the Bihar Assembly of 243, the RJD has 79 MLAs; followed by the BJP at 78; JD(U) at 45, Congress at 19, the CPI (M-L) at 12, CPI(M) and CPI at 2 each, and the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular)’s at 4. Another two seats are with the AIMIM and an Independent.

Earlier, in a fresh post, Rohini Acharya said her fight against ‘communal forces’ will continue till death.

“Our fight against the communal forces will continue till our last breath,” she posted on X..

Source : Organiser

Correct Answer :   January 26

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International Day of Clean Energy, observed on January 26, is a significant day dedicated to promoting the importance of renewable energy for a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. This day serves as a reminder of the critical role clean energy plays in combating climate change, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

The Importance of Clean Energy :

Clean energy, derived from renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, is essential for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the effects of global warming. The transition to clean energy is vital for achieving sustainability, protecting ecosystems, and ensuring energy security for all.

Significance of Observing on January 26 :

Observing International Day of Clean Energy on January 26 provides a timely opportunity to reflect on the progress made in the field of renewable energy and to recommit to advancing clean energy initiatives. It is a day to celebrate achievements in renewable energy technologies and to encourage further innovation and investment in this sector.

History and Evolution of International Day of Clean Energy :

* The establishment of an International Day of Clean Energy reflects the growing global consensus on the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources. This day has gained recognition as a platform for raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and fostering collaboration among nations, organizations, and individuals committed to a sustainable energy future.

* The International Day of Clean Energy on 26 January was declared by the General Assembly (resolution A/77/327) as a call to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet.

* Adopting clean energy is integral to the fight against climate change. A large chunk of the greenhouse gases that blanket the Earth and trap the Sun’s heat are generated through energy production, by burning fossil fuels (oil, coal, and gas) to generate electricity and heat.

* The science is clear : to limit climate change, we need to end our reliance on fossil fuels and invest in alternative sources of energy that are clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable, and reliable. Renewable energy sources – which are available in abundance all around us, provided by the sun, wind, water, waste, and heat from the Earth – are replenished by nature and emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air.

Objectives of International Day of Clean Energy :

The primary objectives of this day include :

* Promoting Renewable Energy : Highlighting the benefits and importance of renewable energy sources in achieving environmental sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

* Encouraging Adoption : Motivating individuals, businesses, and governments to adopt renewable energy solutions and to invest in clean energy technologies.

* Advocating for Policy Change : Advocating for policies and initiatives that support the development and expansion of renewable energy infrastructure and technologies.

* Fostering Collaboration : Facilitating international cooperation and partnerships in the field of renewable energy to share best practices, technologies, and resources.

* Educating and Raising Awareness : Educating the public about the advantages of clean energy and the role it plays in addressing climate change and environmental conservation.