Correct Answer :   Amit Garg

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Amit Garg, HPCL's Director (Marketing), was recommended for the CMD position by the MoPNG's Search-cum-Selection Committee.

With over 35 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, including expertise in sourcing, logistics, and sales, Garg has demonstrated significant leadership capabilities.

He assumed the Director (Marketing) role in December 2023 and participated in the CMD selection process, which concluded on November 13, 2024.

Correct Answer :   Bosnia & Herzegovina

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The 4th Foreign Office Consultations between India and Bosnia & Herzegovina took place in Sarajevo, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties in politics, economics, science, and culture.

The discussions emphasized trade, investment, technology partnerships, and cultural exchanges, including student programs and tourism promotion.

Both nations reviewed regional developments and global cooperation through platforms like BRICS, the UN, and NAM.

Celebrating 30 years of diplomatic ties in 2025, the two sides committed to deepening their relationship and agreed to host the next consultation in New Delhi, further enhancing their strategic partnership.

Correct Answer :   IIT Guwahati

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IIT Guwahati, located in Assam, will host the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2024, the country's largest science celebration, from November 30 to December 3, 2024.

Organized under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), IISF 2024 will focus on promoting science-society engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The event, being held for the first time in North East India, aligns with the government’s vision of turning India into a global manufacturing hub through advancements in science and technology.

Correct Answer :   Panipat

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The 'Bima Sakhi Yojana,' aimed at empowering women across India through financial security and skill development, will be launched by the PM in Panipat on 9th December 2024.

The initiative promotes economic participation and entrepreneurship among women by providing financial assistance, access to insurance products, and skill development opportunities. Panipat is the chosen location for this significant event.

Correct Answer :   Justice Manmohan

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The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by CJI Sanjiv Khanna, has recommended Justice Manmohan, the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, for appointment as a Supreme Court Judge.

Justice Manmohan, who joined the Delhi High Court in 2008 and became its Chief Justice on September 29, 2024, is set to fill one of the two pending vacancies in the Supreme Court, which has a sanctioned strength of 34 judges.

Correct Answer :   Odisha

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The Odisha government has approved 20 investment projects worth Rs 1.36 lakh crore, spanning sectors like steel, chemicals, green energy, and power.

These projects, set to be implemented across 10 districts, including Jajpur and Sambalpur, aim to create over 74,350 jobs, boosting the state's industrial and infrastructural growth.

Led by the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA) under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, this initiative positions Odisha as a key hub for industrial investment, with strategic contributions to local economies and sustainable development.

Correct Answer :   Indian Army

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Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday (28th Nov 2024) launched an online learning platform for the Indian Army nicknamed as "Eklavya".

This initiative aligns with the Indian Army propelling itself into the "Decade of Transformation" as envisioned by the COAS and also with Indian Army's theme for 2024 as the "Year of Technology Absorption," a release said.

The Eklavya software platform has been developed under the aegis of Headquarters Army Training Command with Army War College as the sponsor agency. The platform has been developed at zero cost through "Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics" (BISAG-N), Gandhinagar, along with support from Directorate General of Information Systems.

This platform has been hosted on the Army Data Network and features a scalable architecture. This enables Headquarters Army Training Command to seamlessly integrate any number of training establishments of the Indian Army, each capable of hosting an extensive range of courses. Student officers are permitted to register for multiple courses simultaneously. A total of 96 courses by 17 Category 'A' Training Establishments of the Indian Army have already been hosted on the platform.

There are three categories of courses hosted on the Eklavya platform. The first category is the 'Pre-Course Preparatory Capsules', which has study material for all offline physical courses being conducted at various Category 'A' training establishments. The aim is to shift the "basics" to the online courses so that physical courses have more and more contemporary content with a focus on the "application part".

It will help to decongest the existing courses while generating time for adding emerging concepts as per the changing character of warfare, the release said.

"An important aspect is that the students can register for any course at any point of their service. That is, registration for online courses has been delinked from nomination on the physical courses," it said.

The second category of courses are the "appointment or specific assignment-related courses".

Officers on getting posted to some of the specialist appointments have to learn the craft by getting on-the-job training (OJT) and therefore, it takes a finite amount of time for them to function with full efficiency in those appointments.

Some of such appointments are in the domain of information warfare, defence land management, financial planning, discipline and vigilance, works, provost, veteran affairs etc.

"Therefore, it will be beneficial for these officers to undergo an online capsule course in the respective domain as they receive their posting order. The courses in this category will also enable the officers to get domain specialisation in the field of their choice, which will further aid their employment planning," the release said.

The third category of courses is the "Professional Development Suite" to include courses on Strategy, Operational Art, Leadership, Organisational Behaviour, Finance, Art of Reading, Power Writing, Emerging Technology and related issues.

The Eklavya also has the functionality of a searchable "Knowledge Highway", wherein various journals, research papers and articles are uploaded under a single window..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   John Cockerill India Limited

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Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a Maharatna and India’s largest public sector steel producer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with John Cockerill India Limited (JCIL), the Indian arm of the global John Cockerill Group in Mumbai.

This MoU aims to leverage the combined strengths of the two companies, including cutting-edge technologies, extensive industry expertise and a shared vision for innovation and sustainability. Mr Anil Kumar Tulsiani, Director (Finance), SAIL and Mr Michael Kotas, Managing Director-Metals Division, John Cockerill India Limited signed the MoU.

The focus areas of this collaboration will be Cold Rolling and Processing for Carbon Steel, Green Steel and Silicon Steel — specifically CRGO (Cold Rolled Grain Oriented) and CRNO (Cold Rolled Non-Oriented) steels.

Additionally, the partnership seeks to integrate green technologies into iron and steelmaking processes and incorporate advanced steelmaking technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

SAIL remains committed to transform traditional iron and steelmaking practices by adopting advanced, sustainable technologies. With a steadfast focus on reducing carbon emissions and improving resource efficiency, SAIL is aligning its operations with the evolving demands of a dynamic market and to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Kaziranga National Park

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The 12th Edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM), in Kaziranga in Assam was inaugurated (27th Nov 2024) by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in presence of Chief Minister of Assam Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma and Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Pema Khandu.

Union Minister Shri Shekhawat in his address underscored the Northeast’s legacy, cultural diversity, and natural wealth emphasizing its rich cuisine, crafts and biodiversity.

This ITM is a remarkable opportunity for Northeast India to showcase its rich culture and diversity to the world and also offers a platform for people from across the globe to witness the extraordinary heritage of this region, he said.

He further highlighted the significance of hosting the ITM in Kaziranga, stating that it reflects the increasing importance of the Northeast on the national stage. Mentioning the event in Kaziranga as special, the minister said that over the past decade, development in the region has accelerated.

The Minister noted that hosting ITM in Kaziranga aligns with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Kaziranga being declared a national park. He acknowledged the park's remarkable growth, with its area expanding from 400 sq. km to 1,300 sq. km in the last 10 years.

This event not only celebrates Kaziranga’s legacy but also provides a platform to explore the vast tourism potential of the Northeast. The region holds immense potential and this Mart serves as a gateway to enhance it, Shri Shekhawat stated.

The minister also added that the tourism potential of India is set to grow more in the coming years, with the Northeast playing a pivotal role in this growth.

Chief Minister of Assam Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma in his address said that this mart offers the international students and global influencers an immersive opportunity to explore the region's natural beauty and cultural richness. This event will highlight the vast potential of tourism in NE not just as industry but as a transformative force for cultural exchange, ecological preservation and economic development, he added.

From November 26th to 29th, 2024, in Kaziranga, Assam, the ITM takes place in Northeast region renowned for its diverse topography, rich flora and fauna, vibrant ethnic communities, ancient traditions, festivals, and abundant arts and crafts. Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the majestic one-horned rhino, adds to the allure of this event.

A Coffee Table Book on Assam “Guwahati and Around” published by Assam Tourism Development Corporation Limited was also launched. The book takes a comprehensive look at the rich heritage, culture and diversity of Guwahati and its picturesque surroundings. The book is a visual tapestry in words capturing the true essence of the region...

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Economics

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Professor Amiya Kumar Bagchi, a prominent economic historian and macroeconomist, passed away on November 28, 2024. Renowned for his revolutionary contributions to economic history and his commitment to Left politics, Bagchi’s scholarship bridged economic theory and historical data, influencing both economists and historians alike. His work continues to shed light on India’s colonial economic history, development, and underdevelopment, providing profound insights into the impact of imperialism.

Early Education and Career :

* Initially admitted to a college, Bagchi left for speaking out against injustice and joined Presidency College, Kolkata, where he completed his Master’s in Economics.
* He pursued his doctoral studies at Cambridge University, funded by a West Bengal government scholarship.
* After completing his Ph.D., he joined the Faculty of Economics and Politics at Cambridge, with a Fellowship at Jesus College.

Shift from Game Theory to Economic History

* Initially a mathematical economist and game theorist, Bagchi turned to economic history for his doctoral dissertation, a decision that marked his future path.
* His interdisciplinary approach combined macroeconomics with historical data to reveal new patterns, making him a pioneer in the field.

Notable Works

* Private Investment in India (1900-1939): A groundbreaking book that compared to works of anti-colonial historians like Naoroji and Dutt, this work explored the dynamics of investment during colonial India.
* Deindustrialization in Colonial India: Provided decisive evidence in a long-standing debate on the impact of colonialism on India’s industrial decline.
* Dialectics of Development and Underdevelopment (1972): An influential piece outlining the historical relationship between development and underdevelopment in the global economy.
* Perilous Passage: His final book focusing on the global ascendency of capitalism and the demographic collapse in the Global South caused by imperialism.

Academic and Institutional Roles

* Bagchi returned to Kolkata to teach at Presidency College and later became the Director of the Centre for the Study of Social Sciences, Calcutta.
* He was a strong advocate for Left politics and served as Vice-Chairman of the West Bengal State Planning Board.
* Established and directed the Institute of Development Studies, Kolkata, where he continued to influence economic thought.

Institution-builder and Mentor :

* A beloved teacher and mentor, Bagchi guided numerous students, many of whom went on to become prominent scholars in their own right.
* He played a pivotal role in the academic landscape, combining economics with historical analysis to challenge colonial narratives.

Cultural and Intellectual Contributions :

* Known for his connection to Kolkata’s cultural and intellectual life, Bagchi remained rooted in the city throughout his career, despite numerous prestigious offers.
* He contributed regularly to Bengali literary magazines and enjoyed engaging with Kolkata’s artistic community, particularly through Rabindra Sangeet and Bengali literature.