Correct Answer :   Bengaluru

---

Pixxel, a Bengaluru-based space tech startup, inaugurates MegaPixxel, a state-of-the-art 30,000 sq ft spacecraft manufacturing facility.

Bengaluru-based space tech startup Pixxel marked a significant milestone on 15 January 2024 with the inauguration of its cutting-edge spacecraft manufacturing facility, named “MegaPixxel.” The 30,000 sq ft facility is poised to revolutionize satellite production capabilities in India.

Key Features :

* Integrated Satellite Manufacturing : MegaPixxel is equipped to provide comprehensive satellite manufacturing services, including spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) under one roof.

* Impressive Capacity : At full operational capacity, the facility boasts the ability to manufacture more than 20 satellites simultaneously, ensuring a remarkable turnaround time of just six months per satellite.

* ISRO Chairman Inaugurates : The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath, highlighting the significance of Pixxel’s advancements in the space industry.

* Clean Room Facilities : MegaPixxel features two modern clean rooms conforming to ISO Class 7 and ISO Class 8 standards, ensuring a controlled environment to safeguard against contaminants during satellite assembly and integration.

* Comprehensive Infrastructure : The facility includes labs for advanced camera integration, electronics R&D, electrical assembly, a mechanical workshop, a mission control room, and office space for over 200 employees.

* Environmental Sustainability : Pixxel emphasizes environmental consciousness with a wastewater treatment plant for water conservation and smart HVAC systems to enhance energy efficiency, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon footprint.

Correct Answer :   Inox Air Products

---

Inox Air Products on Tuesday (16th Jan 2024) said it has signed an MoU with the Maharashtra government here for setting up the state's first Green Ammonia Plant with a capacity of 500,000 MTPA and a planned outlay of USD 3 billion.

* The project is aimed to be commissioned in a 3-5 years timeline, the company said in a statement.

* The plant would produce Liquid Ammonia, which would be a climate-neutral Hydrogen carrier.

* The MoU was signed here at the Maharashtra pavilion which the state has set up to promote Maharashtra as an investment decision at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting.

* Those present included Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Industries Minister Uday Samant, Principal Secretary, Industries and Mining Harshdeep Kamble, and Siddharth Jain, Promoter and Director, INOX Group.

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

---

The Vice-President of India, Shri JagdeepDhankhar today (17th Jan 2024) said that Buddha's teachings are not relics of the past, but a compass for our future emphasising that Gautama Buddha's message of peace, harmony, and coexistence stands stark against forces of hate and terror that threaten our world.

Addressing the gathering at the 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP) in New Delhi today, VP remarked that in an age of ethical uncertainty, Buddha’s teachings offer a path of sustainability, simplicity, moderation, and reverence for all life.His Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path guide us towards inner peace, compassion, and non-violence – a transformative roadmap for individuals and nations facing today's conflicts, he added.

Shri Dhankhar emphasized the profound influence of Buddha's teachings on India's approach to service-driven governance. He underscored how these principles serve as a guiding force in the nation's commitment to prioritizing citizen welfare, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.

Reflecting on the Buddha's timeless wisdom, VP stated that this offers a powerful, harmonious, wholesome, seamless path to peace not only for human beings but also for living beings. Highlighting the relevance of Buddha’s Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path in fostering inner peace and non-violence, Shri Dhankhar highlighted their capacity to guide individuals and nations towards inner peace, compassion, and non-violence.

In his address, the Vice President also underscored the universal relevance of Buddha's principles in addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change, conflict, terrorism, and poverty. He called for a collaborative, collective approach to overcome these existential threats, highlighting Bhagwan Buddha's teachings as a beacon of hope.

Referring to the theme of 12th General Assembly - "ABCP - The Buddhist Voice of Global South", Shri Dhankhar stated that the theme coincides with India's growing leadership role, amplifying the voices of the Global South. “As evidenced by its G20 presidency, India is committed to representing the concerns of nations with three-quarters of the world's population, he added.

Describing Bharat as a nation guided by the principles of Bhagwan Buddha, Shri Dhankhar echoed PM Modi’s statement where he said “we are proud to belong to a nation that has given the world 'Buddha' and not 'Yuddha' (war).”..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   January 16

---

Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed January 16 as National Startup Day, marking a pivotal moment in India’s recognition and celebration of its burgeoning startup ecosystem. Since then, various initiatives and events have unfolded, underlining the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.

National Startup Day History :

National Startup Day was officially announced on January 15, 2022, with the inaugural observance taking place that same year. Prime Minister Modi, during a video conference with aspiring entrepreneurs, lauded the exponential growth of startups and their vital contribution to the economy.

National Startup Day 2024 Significance :

The day holds immense significance as it provides a dedicated platform to celebrate the triumphs of the startup community. It serves as an occasion for entrepreneurs to share insights, discuss innovations, and reflect on their journey. Moreover, National Startup Day emphasizes the critical role startups play in driving economic growth and job creation.

National Startup Week 2024, Unlocking Infinite Potential :

To amplify the celebration, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry have extended the festivities to a week-long event known as National Startup Week. Commencing from January 10 to 16, the week revolves around the theme “Startups Unlocking Infinite Potential.”

The Startup India Innovation Week, a flagship initiative, is a focal point of this celebration. Entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, inventors, and enthusiasts converge to partake in a series of events, discussions, and activities aimed at fostering collaboration and growth within the startup ecosystem.

Correct Answer :   Switzerland

---

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has secured Switzerland’s agreement to host a global peace summit aimed at resolving the conflict sparked by Russia’s incursion into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Switzerland, known for its neutrality and past mediation roles, will facilitate talks to find a resolution.

Context :

Zelenskiy, during a press conference in Bern alongside Swiss counterpart Viola Amherd, revealed that the peace summit’s participants are yet to be finalized. However, he emphasized the invitation to countries respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, hinting at inclusivity.

Key Points :

* Open Invitation : Zelenskiy expressed openness to all nations endorsing Ukraine’s sovereignty, particularly emphasizing the Global South’s presence to showcase worldwide opposition to Russian aggression.

* Summit Logistics : No specific details on the summit’s date or location in Switzerland were provided. Zelenskiy was in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum in Davos, potentially meeting Chinese Premier Li Qiang and other world leaders.

* Peace Formula : Zelenskiy’s peace formula, announced previously at the Group of 20 summit, calls for restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity, Russian troop withdrawal, cessation of hostilities, and the release of all detainees.

* Kremlin’s Response : The Kremlin dismissed talks in Davos on Ukraine’s peace proposals, asserting futility without Russian involvement.

Correct Answer :   Andhra Pradesh

---

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics (NACIN) at Palasamudram, Sri Sathya Sai District in Andhra Pradesh on 16th Jan 2024.

He also took a walkthrough of the exhibition showcased on the occasion. The Prime Minister also interacted with Officer Trainees of the 74th and 75th batches of the Indian Revenue Service (Custom & Indirect Taxes) as well as officer trainees of the Royal Civil Service of Bhutan.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister congratulated everyone for the inauguration of the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics at Palasamudram.  He expressed confidence that the new campus of NACIN will create new dimensions of good governance and give a boost to trade and industry in the nation.

Further elaborating this PM Modi talked about the tax reforms in the last 10 years. He recalled multiple, non-transparent tax systems of earlier times. “We gave the country a modern system in the form of GST and simplified income tax and introduced faceless assessment. All these reforms have resulted in record tax collection”, the Prime Minister said. ‘We are returning people’s money through various schemes’, he added. He informed that the IT exemption limit was raised from the income of 2 lakh to 7 lakh rupees. Tax reforms after 2014 have resulted in tax savings of about 2.5 lakh crore rupees for the citizens. He said that the number of taxpayers is consistently increasing in the country as they feel happy that their tax money is put to good use.

He concluded by asking the officers to realize their role in nation-building and called for collective efforts to increase the country's income, and investment and enhance ease of doing business.

Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri S. Abdul Nazeer; Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman; Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy; and Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, were present on the occasion among others.

Thanking the Prime Minister for a World Class Institute and a World Class Academy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, in his address on the occasion, said, “It is indeed a privilege to participate in the inaugural event of the 2nd NACIN Academy. It is a preeminent institution that enables comprehensive training and capacity building in the fields of customs, indirect taxes, and narcotics control. For officers representing various entities such as CBIC, Narcotics Control Bureau and so forth.”

Speaking on the occasion, Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said that, “This is an Institute of National Importance where the Indian Revenue Service officials will get their training like how the IAS officers get their training in LBSNAA (Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration) and IPS officers get their training at SVPNPA (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy). This is recognised by World Customs Organisation and is capable of training officers from South East Asian countries also. I would like to thank Shri Narendra Modi ji for gracing the occasion.  I extend my sincere gratitude to the State Government for providing 500 acres of land for this purpose.”

Welcoming the Prime Minister on the occasion, Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairperson, CBIC, in his address, said, “NACIN campus is sprawling across 500 acres of land and will serve as a temple of learning with state-of-art technologies. Despite the vast area and challenging terrain, the buildings of the campus have taken shape at unprecedented pace and the facility has been made ready in short span of 18 months.”

Shri Aggarwal further said, “With international collaborations and a focus on regional capacity building, the Academy is slated to emerge as a pioneer in excellence and professional training.”..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Uttar Pradesh

---

NITI Aayog report reveals that 24.82 crore people in India have successfully moved out of multidimensional poverty from 2013-14 to 2022-23. The decline is remarkable, dropping from 29.17% to 11.28% during this period. The multidimensional poverty index assesses deprivations across health, education, and standard of living using 12 sustainable development goals-aligned indicators.

State-Level Progress: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh Lead the Way :

At the state level, Uttar Pradesh takes the lead with 5.94 crore people escaping poverty, followed by Bihar at 3.77 crore and Madhya Pradesh at 2.30 crore. All 12 indicators, encompassing nutrition, mortality rates, education, and more, witnessed significant improvements.

Accelerated Decline: India Aims for Single-Digit Poverty Rates by 2024 :

NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand highlights the accelerated pace of poverty reduction, translating to 2.75 crore people escaping multidimensional poverty annually. The government is committed to bringing multidimensional poverty below 1%, with efforts directed towards this ambitious goal.

Sustainable Development Goals: India on Track for Early Achievement :

The report suggests that India is poised to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1.2 (reducing multidimensional poverty by at least half), well before the 2030 deadline. The accelerated decline is attributed to various government initiatives targeting specific deprivation aspects.

Future Outlook: India Set to Reach Single-Digit Poverty Levels by 2024 :

Anticipating a continued positive trajectory, the report envisions India reaching single-digit poverty levels by 2024. The paper underscores the government’s commitment and the impact of targeted initiatives in driving this transformative change.

Correct Answer :   Curb the overuse of antibiotics

---

The Kerala Drug Control Department has taken a proactive step to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through Operation Amrith (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health).

This initiative aims to curb the overuse of antibiotics in the state by conducting surprise raids in pharmacies and detecting over-the-counter (OTC) sales of antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.

Understanding AMR :

AMR, or antimicrobial resistance, refers to the ability of bacteria and microbes to resist the drugs used to inhibit or kill them. Recognized as a “silent pandemic,” AMR was associated with approximately 5 million deaths globally in 2019, with 1.3 million deaths directly attributed to it.

Role of Drug Controller :

The Drugs Controller of Kerala emphasized the significant role played by the Drugs Control Department in optimizing antibiotic use by preventing OTC antibiotic sales. Pharmacies are now required to maintain records of antibiotic sales and display posters stating “antibiotics not sold without doctor’s prescription.” Strict actions will be taken against those who fail to comply.

Public Participation :

To involve the public in this crucial initiative, the Drug Control Department encourages individuals to report pharmacies selling antibiotics without prescriptions. A toll-free number has been provided for lodging complaints, and upon receipt, the complaints will be transferred to the zonal office for verification and immediate action.

Alignment with State Action Plan :

Operation Amrith activities align with Kerala’s Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP) and its antibiotic literacy initiative. Kerala, being the first Indian state with a state action plan on AMR aligned with the national plan, initiated the Antibiotic Literate Kerala Campaign to raise awareness about AMR.

Phase Out OTC Antibiotic Sales :

The health department in Kerala is committed to completely phasing out OTC antibiotic sales without prescriptions and taking strict actions against violating pharmacists. This step is crucial in curbing the misuse of antibiotics and promoting responsible antibiotic use.

Drug Take-Back Programme :

Kerala has implemented the Programme on Removal of Unused Drugs (PROUD) to ensure proper disposal of unused antibiotics. Launched in Thiruvananthapuram district in 2019, this drug take-back programme aims to prevent environmental contamination and further resistance development.

Global Health and Economic Impact :

The World Bank estimated in 2017 that annual global healthcare costs could reach $1.2 trillion by 2050 under a high AMR impact scenario. Additionally, the world could lose 3.8% of GDP annually, leading to up to 10 million deaths each year, primarily in Asia and Africa. Kerala’s proactive measures contribute to the global fight against the economic and health impacts of AMR.

Kerala’s Efforts on AMR Surveillance :

In addition to Operation Amrith, Kerala has undertaken significant efforts in AMR surveillance. The state launched the Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (KARS-NET) for human surveillance in 2018-19. Moreover, in August 2023, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board inaugurated an AMR lab specifically dedicated to environmental surveillance, further emphasizing the comprehensive approach towards tackling AMR.

Correct Answer :   Vice Admiral AN Pramod

---

Vice Admiral AN Pramod assumed charge as the Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) on 15 Jan 2024. An alumnus of the 38th Integrated Cadet Course, Naval Academy, Goa, he was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 July 1990.

The Flag Officer is a CAT ‘A’ Sea King Air Operations Officer and a Communication & Electronics Warfare Specialist. He did the Staff Course at DSSC Wellington (Nilgiris) and the Naval Higher Command Course at NWC, Goa.     

His important afloat appointments include Fleet Operations Officer, Western Fleet, Command of IN ships Abhay, Shardul and Satpura, Executive Officer Rajput, SCO Sujata and GO II Kirpan.  He commanded the Naval Air Station, Utkrosh at Port Blair and was also the Directing Staff at DSSC, Wellington.

He has also held important staff appointments that include Joint Director, Naval Air Staff & Joint Director, Director and the Principal Director Aircraft Acquisition.  He has also been the member of Indian Strategic & Operational Council (INSOC) and Tactical Audit Group (TAG) from 2016-19 and 2006-09 respectively.

The Flag Officer has tenanted the appointments of Deputy Commandant, INA, ACNS (Air) at Naval Headquarters and Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area.  The Flag Officer is married to Mrs Ambili Pramod. They have two children Chitranjali and Siddhanta..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Droupadi Murmu

---

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 5th Edition of the Meghalaya Games in Tura, Meghalaya today (January 15, 2024).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the North East region has a tremendous potential for development of sports and sportspersons. She noted that this region traditionally has a strong sports culture.

The President said that diversity is the beauty of our nation and we should utilise it to further boost India’s global image in the sports arena. She emphasized the need to support the talent from the tribal areas and groom them to become professional sportspersons.

The President was happy to note that the society of North East encourages women to play and join sports as a profession. She said that the North East region has produced many great women athletes. She also underlined the potential of adventure sports and adventure tourism in this region and the need to explore and leverage it on priority.

The President said that India’s sporting culture has developed immensely in recent years. With Government’s new initiatives and encouragement to the athletes, Indian sportspersons are now winning more medals than ever in global events.

Programmes such as Khelo India are helping in identifying and nurturing future sports champions. She said that India has also demonstrated its ability to host large scale international sporting and other events.

The President urged children and youth to learn at least one sport and participate in sports activities. She said that they may or may not adopt sports as a career but playing together will inculcate team spirit and competitiveness in their personality apart from keeping them physically and mentally fit.

The President said that the decision of the government to hold these games in different parts of the state is a welcome step and would ensure wider reach of such events among masses. She expressed confidence that the events like Meghalaya Games will encourage athletes for excellence, promote competitiveness and create a vibrant sporting ecosystem..

Source : PIB