Correct Answer :   Haryana

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This sacred town, resplendent with cultural heritage and spiritual significance, on Sunday (17th Dec 2023) witnessed the grand inauguration of the International Gita Mahotsav – 2023.

International Gita Mahotsav began with Gita Aarti at Brahma Sarovar, promising a week-long blend of spirituality, cultural diversity, and global participation, captivating visitors until December 24, 2023.

Kurukshetra, a sacred town resonating with cultural heritage and spiritual significance, witnessed a grand spectacle as it hosted the inauguration of the International Gita Mahotsav – 2023. This week-long celebration promises a unique blend of spirituality, cultural diversity, and global participation, captivating visitors until December 24.


Commencement with Sacred Rituals :

The auspicious event kicked off with the enchanting Gita Aarti and worship of the holy scripture at Brahma Sarovar. The serene surroundings echoed with verses from the Bhagavad Gita, setting the tone for a spiritually enriching experience.


Inauguration by Distinguished Guests :

A momentous ceremony unfolded as Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj inaugurated the festivities. Their participation marked the commencement of a celebration that goes beyond borders, embodying the universal teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.


Cultural Kaleidoscope :

The inaugural ceremony featured traditional cultural performances by artists from various states. This added a vibrant kaleidoscope of colors and expressions to the event, creating an atmosphere of joy and cultural richness.


Rituals and Offerings :

Vice President Dhankhar and Chief Minister Khattar, adhering to tradition, performed the ritualistic pouring of holy water from Brahma Sarovar. This was followed by worship and the offering of flowers to the sacred scripture, enhancing the luminous atmosphere of the event. Their active participation in the Gita Aarti further elevated the spiritual ambiance.

State Pavilions: Showcasing Cultural Diversity :

As part of the festivities, the Assam and Haryana pavilions were formally inaugurated by the Vice President. These pavilions offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the diverse cultural and artistic heritage of these states. The state-level exhibition showcased scenes ranging from food and accommodation to clothing, creating a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.


Holistic Experience at International Gita Mahotsav :

The International Gita Mahotsav promises a holistic experience with global Gita recitations involving 18,000 students. Cultural programs organized by the North Region Cultural Arts Centre of Patiala and Haryana Art and Cultural Department add a vibrant touch to the festivities. The event also features an International Gita Seminar, a saints’ conference, aarti at the Brahma Sarovar, Deepotsav, and cultural programs at 164 locations within a 48-km radius.


Summary :

* Grand Inauguration : The International Gita Mahotsav – 2023 was inaugurated in Kurukshetra, a sacred town, with a rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance.

* Distinguished Guests : Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj led the grand inauguration ceremony.

* State Pavilions : Assam and Haryana pavilions were inaugurated, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the diverse cultural and artistic heritage of these states.

* Holistic Experience : The International Gita Mahotsav promised a holistic experience with global Gita recitations, cultural programs, a seminar, a saints’ conference, aarti at Brahma Sarovar, Deepotsav, and cultural programs at 164 locations within a 48-km radius.

* Celebration of Diversity : The festival, dedicated to the sacred scripture Bhagavad Gita, serves as an annual celebration of diversity, culture, and spirituality, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Kurukshetra’s heritage..


Source : Sarkaritel

Correct Answer :   153rd

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Pune has the second best ‘quality of life’ in India after Hyderabad, says the Quality of Living Index 2023 released by Mercer, a global consultant for businesses.

In India, while Pune scored the 154th position in Mercer’s Quality of Living City Index,  Hyderabad ranked 153rd and Bengaluru attained the 156th spot.   Vienna (Austria), Zurich (Switzerland) and Vancouver (Canada) are the top three cities in that order, according to the 2023 index.

This index evaluates the quality of life for employees working abroad, especially with families, and relies on data from over 500 cities all over the world. The ranking is based on factors like climate, schools and education, disease and sanitation standards, violence and crime, physical remoteness and ease of communications and socio-political environment.

The last of these rankings were published in 2019 where Pune and Hyderabad both shared the 143rd position.

In 2022, a Cost of Living City ranking was released evaluating the most expensive cities for international employees to live. Mumbai emerged as the most expensive Indian city with a rank of 127. It was followed by New Delhi (155), Chennai (177), Bengaluru (178), Hyderabad (192) and Pune at rank 201.

In a similar index prepared by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs called Ease of Living Index 2023, Pune ranked second among cities with a population over a million. In 2018, Pune achieved the top rank..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Arctic Region

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The Honourable Union Minister, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Sh Kiren Rijiju, flagged off India’s first winter scientific expedition to the Arctic from the MoES headquarters in New Delhi on December 18, 2023. Indian scientific expeditions to the Arctic during the winter (November to March) will allow researchers to conduct unique scientific observations during polar nights, where there is no sunlight for nearly 24 hours and sub-zero temperatures (as low as -15 degrees Celsius). This will aid in expanding understanding of the Arctic, especially climate change, space weather, sea-ice and ocean circulation dynamics, ecosystem adaptations, etc., which affect weather and climate in the tropics, including monsoons.     

Since 2008, India operates a research base in the Arctic named Himadri, which has been mostly hosting scientists during the summer (April to October). The decision to facilitate winter expeditions to the Arctic comes after an in-person review of India’s Arctic activities by Sh Rijiju at Himadri, Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard in the Norwegian Arctic, in June 2023. Elaborating on ambitious plans of the Government to expand India’s scientific prowess, the Hon’ble Union Minister said, “Towards achieving the vision of the Honourable PM, Sh Narendra Modi, of making India a developed nation by 2047, we are committed to expanding scientific activities and international cooperation and collaboration.

Artic is an area of scientific, climatic, and strategic importance; hence, our scientists will have to play a vital role in addressing areas that affect life and survival on this planet”. He encouraged and interacted with members of India’s Arctic expedition who are set to depart from New Delhi for Himadri on December 19, 2023, and wished them a safe and productive stay. The first batch of the maiden Arctic winter expedition comprises researchers from the host NCPOR, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi; Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune; and Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru.

Dr M Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES, said, “The launch of winter expeditions marks an important milestone for India’s Arctic endeavours, which opens more avenues for us to expand our scientific capabilities in Earth’s poles”. Sh Vishwajit Sahay, Additional Secretary and Finance Adviser, MoES; Sh D Senthil Pandian, Joint Secretary, MoES; Dr Vijay Kumar, Head, PACER (Polar and Cryosphere) and Scientist G/Adviser, MoES; Dr Thamban Meloth, Director, NCPOR; and Dr Manish Tiwari, Scientist F and Group Director of the Arctic Operations, NCPOR, were key dignitaries at the event.

Launching winter expeditions to the Arctic makes India among select nations with extended in-time operations in the Arctic. Priority research areas include atmospheric, biological, marine, and space sciences, environmental chemistry, and studies on cryosphere, terrestrial ecosystems, and astrophysics. To facilitate the Arctic expeditions, NCPOR reviews research proposals from across the country invited through an open call for applications to conduct cutting-edge research in the Arctic region. “This year, MoES received 41 proposals for winter Arctic research, of which 15 have been shortlisted after a thorough peer review and expert selection committee process”, informed Dr Meloth, Director, NCPOR..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   20th December

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International Human Solidarity Day 2023 is a significant observance held annually on December 20th. Recognized by the UN General Assembly, this day emphasizes the importance of solidarity in fostering global unity and diversity. As candidates prepare for competitive exams, it is crucial to delve into the theme, history and significance of International Human Solidarity Day 2023.


International Human Solidarity Day 2023 – Date : Marked on the 20th December 2023, International Human Solidarity Day serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility of nations to honor their commitment to international agreements.


International Human Solidarity Day 2023- Historical Background :

The roots of this day trace back to December 22, 2005, when the UN General Assembly acknowledged solidarity as a fundamental value of the twenty-first century through Resolution 60/209. This recognition led to the establishment of the World Solidarity Fund to combat poverty, coupled with the declaration of International Human Solidarity Day.

International Human Solidarity Day 2023 Theme :

As of now, the specific theme for International Human Solidarity Day 2023 has not been released. Once unveiled, it will be updates on the dedicated International Human Solidarity Day 2023 Theme Page.


Check This: Important Days in December 2023 :

International Human Solidarity Day 2023 Significance :

International Human Solidarity Day holds immense significance, serving as a platform for nations to reaffirm their commitment to various international agreements. On this day, discussions and events revolve around fostering solidarity, addressing issues such as land mine usage, disaster relief, universal education, poverty eradication and more.

The day carries added importance as it encourages new initiatives for poverty eradication, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. The United Nations outlines the significance of this day by emphasizing:

* Celebrating unity in diversity
* Reminding governments to uphold international commitments
* Raising public awareness about the importance of solidarity
* Promoting solidarity for achieving Sustainable Development Goals, especially poverty eradication.

Correct Answer :   Prahlad Joshi

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Gearing up for the success of the first tranche of auction of Critical and Strategic Minerals,  launched on 29th November, 2023, the Ministry of Mines conducted a roadshow here on 19th December, 2023, in the presence of Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines, Shri Pralhad Joshi, Minister of state for Mines, Coal & Railways, Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve and  Secretary, Ministry of Mines Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, senior officers of the Ministry, Industry Associations and PSUs. Over 45 companies, consultants and exploration agencies participated in the event. Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi also launched the National Geoscience Data Repository Portal (NGDR) during the event.

A total of 20 critical & strategic mineral blocks will be auctioned in the 1st tranche, out of which 16 mineral blocks are put up for grant of Composite Licence and four mineral blocks for grant of Mining Lease. The minerals include Graphite, Glauconite, Lithium, REE, Molybdenum, Nickel, Potash etc. The blocks are spread across the States of Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and UT – Jammu & Kashmir.

Addressing the function, Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi appraised the efforts and initiatives undertaken by Ministry of Mines for increasing domestic production of minerals, meeting the goals of self-sufficiency as envisioned by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He emphasized how the Indian mining sector in general, and critical minerals in particular are significant in the present global context, underscoring priorities such as strengthening domestic production, fostering self-sufficiency, diminishing import reliance, advocating sustainable resource management, attracting investments in the mining sector and advancing key industries crucial for India's industrial and technological progress. The Government is committed to bring more  critical mineral blocks to auction in a phased manner, the Minister added.

The Minister of State for Mines, Coal and Railways, Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve expressed optimism about the potential success of the initial phase of the critical minerals auction, seeing it as a positive stride toward establishing a dependable supply chain for these minerals, aligning with the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat and contributing to heightened economic growth. The Minister of State of Mines reiterated the government’s efforts to bring these blocks into auction and how the success of this auction process relies on the active participation from the industry. He called upon all the participants to demonstrate the highest standards of transparency, fairness and ethical practices throughout the auction process.

Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines gave insights about the steps taken by Ministry of Mines to increase the exploration activity carried out in the country and about the efforts to streamline the policy framework for multifaceted growth of the mineral sector. Secretary, Mines also responded to the queries of the participants and ensured all assistance from the Ministry for easy participation in the e-auction process. Shri Rao also encouraged the participants to give their suggestions for the e-auction process being conducted by Central Government..


Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   28%

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In a revelation during the ongoing Winter Session, the Indian Parliament disclosed a concerning trend in unclaimed deposits within the country’s banking sector. The unclaimed deposits have witnessed a substantial 28% annual rise, reaching a staggering ₹42,270 crore by the end of the last financial year in March 2023. This marks a significant jump from the previous year’s figure of ₹32,934 crore.


Breakdown of Unclaimed Deposits :

Public sector banks accounted for the majority of unclaimed deposits, with a substantial ₹36,185 crore, while private sector banks held ₹6,087 crore in unclaimed deposits as of March 2023.


Definition by RBI :

Unclaimed deposits, as defined by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), refer to balances left in savings or current accounts that have remained inactive for 10 or more years. Following this period, such deposits are to be transferred to the RBI’s Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund.

RBI’s Initiatives and Measures :

* The RBI has actively addressed the issue by directing banks to display lists of unclaimed deposits on their websites, particularly in accounts inactive for a decade or more. The aim is to locate the account holders or their legal heirs, facilitating the rightful return of unclaimed deposits.

* In addition, the RBI has introduced the Unclaimed Deposits Gateway to Access Information (UDGAM), a centralized web platform. UDGAM enables the search for unclaimed deposits across various banks, streamlining the process of tracing original account holders.


RBI’s ‘100 Days 100 Pays’ Campaign :

In a proactive move to reduce unclaimed deposits, the RBI launched the ‘100 Days 100 Pays’ campaign. Thirty-one major banks, constituting over 90% of unclaimed deposit balances with the DEA Fund, participated in the campaign. As a result, a substantial amount of ₹1,432.68 crore has already been refunded to rightful claimants, showcasing the effectiveness of this initiative.

Correct Answer :   15%

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India’s economic landscape has witnessed a significant transformation over the past few decades, marked by a notable decline in the share of agriculture in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to recent government data, the share of agriculture in India’s GDP dropped from 35% in the fiscal year 1990-91 to 15% in 2022-23. This shift can be attributed to the rapid growth experienced by the industrial and service sectors during this period.


Factors Behind the Decline: A Focus on Industrial and Service Sectors :

Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, in a written reply to Lok Sabha, shed light on the factors contributing to this decline. He emphasized that the decrease in the share of agriculture in the Gross Value Added (GVA) of the economy is not a result of a reduction in agricultural GVA but rather stems from the remarkable expansion of the industrial and service sector GVAs.


Global Context: Aligning with International Trends :

Munda further contextualized the situation by noting that the decline in the share of agriculture in GDP aligns with global trends. Drawing a parallel with international experiences, he highlighted that the share of agriculture in the world’s GDP has also dwindled over the decades and currently stands at around 4% in recent years.

Agricultural Growth Amidst Economic Shifts :

Despite the declining share in GDP, the agricultural and allied sector has demonstrated resilience, registering an average annual growth of 4% over the last five years. This indicates that while agriculture’s contribution to the overall economy may be diminishing proportionately, the sector is still experiencing positive growth.


Government Initiatives: Nurturing Agricultural Prosperity :

In response to the changing dynamics, the government has implemented a series of developmental programs, schemes, and reforms aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, resource use efficiency, and sustainability. Minister Munda highlighted these initiatives, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring remunerative prices for farmers and strengthening agricultural infrastructure.


PM-KISAN Scheme: A Beacon of Support :

One significant initiative is the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, launched in 2019. This income support program provides Rs 6,000 annually to eligible farmers in three equal installments. Minister Munda proudly stated that, as of November 30, 2023, more than Rs 2.81 lakh crore has been disbursed to over 11 crore farmers under this scheme.

Correct Answer :   Bengaluru

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Accenture, a global leader in professional services, has taken a significant stride in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) with the establishment of its Generative AI Studio in Bengaluru, India. This cutting-edge facility is poised to become a central hub for the development and application of generative AI technologies, showcasing Accenture’s commitment to advancing AI solutions for businesses.


Purpose of the AI Studio :

The primary objective of the Generative AI Studio is to serve as a collaborative space where Accenture’s data and AI team collaborates with clients in the development of solutions based on generative AI. Accenture envisions these solutions as powerful tools to optimize business processes and facilitate the reinvention of enterprises.


Role of Generative AI in Business Optimization :

Generative AI, a transformative type of artificial intelligence, plays a pivotal role in this context. It has the capability to generate new data that closely resembles the training data it has been exposed to. According to Senthil Ramani, Global Lead – Data & AI at Accenture, the studio aims to assist clients in prioritizing capabilities across the entire value chain, enabling them to scale their AI investments and optimize business processes effectively.

Increasing Investment in AI :

The establishment of the Generating AI Studio aligns with a broader industry trend of heightened investment in AI. A recent survey conducted by Accenture revealed that 74% of C-suite executives plan to increase their AI-related spending in 2024, marking a significant uptick from 50% in the previous year. This underscores the growing recognition of AI as a transformative force in shaping the future of businesses.


Services Offered by the Studio :

The Generation AI Studio in Bengaluru offers a comprehensive suite of services aimed at empowering clients to harness the potential of generative AI. These services include:

Strategic Investment and Technological Advancements :

The Bengaluru studio is a crucial component of Accenture’s $3 billion investment in data and AI. Leveraging strategic investments made in Accenture’s Centre for Advanced AI, the studio taps into Accenture’s extensive intellectual property with over 1,450 pending and issued patents in AI. Drawing insights from more than 300 active generative AI projects, Accenture is well-positioned to drive innovative and deliver impactful solutions through its Generative AI Studio.

Correct Answer :   57

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The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday (19th Dec 2023) approved the setting up of cyber crime police stations in 57 districts of the state, including Ghaziabad, Raebareli, Sitapur, Hardoi, Kanpur Dehat, Etawah, Baghpat, Barabanki, Mainpuri and Rampur.

So far, such police stations have been set up at the division level and there are 18 of them, under the Inspector General of Police.

The district-level cyber crime police stations would be under the Superintendent of Police.

“Due to the rise in cases of cyber crime in the state, there is a need for specialised police stations in all the 75 districts of the state. While cyber crime police stations are already operational in the 18 divisional headquarters, a significant decision has been made to establish such stations in the remaining 57 districts,” said Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna after the Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The cost of setting up these police stations would cost the state exchequer over Rs 125 crore.

Claiming that Uttar Pradesh leads the country in terms of convictions in cyber crime cases, Khanna said, “Our conviction rate is much better than the national average. The national conviction rate in cyber crime cases is 46.5 per cent, whereas our conviction rate is 87.8 per cent. So far, there have been 838 convictions in the state, whereas Madhya Pradesh, which is at second place, has had only 59 convictions.

A total of 7,122 criminals have been arrested in the state, while 2,582 in Maharashtra. In 2022, Uttar Pradesh has registered 10,117 cybercrime cases.”.


Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   IIT Kanpur

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The Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Kanpur and the Indian Navy have formally entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Naval Headquarters in New Delhi.

The agreement signifies their mutual dedication to advancing technology development, fostering innovative solutions, and collaborating on joint research and development initiatives.

Rear Admiral K Srinivas, Assistant Chief of Material (Dockyard & Refits), and Professor S Ganesh, Director of IIT Kanpur, were the signatories of this MoU.


Enhancing Capacity Building and Training :

The MoU serves as a comprehensive framework, laying the groundwork for both entities to intensify capacity building efforts. The collaboration envisions tackling real-world challenges faced by the Indian Navy through the exchange of faculty and guest lectures. This not only promotes the sharing of knowledge but also contributes to the effectiveness of training progress. The structured partnership targets the enhancement of training modules and solutions to field-level issues, setting the stage for a symbolic relationship between academia and the armed forces.

Focus on Joint Research and Development :

A pivotal aspect of this collaboration is the emphasis on joint Research and Development initiatives. Teams from the Centre of Excellence (Marine Engg.) at INS Shivaji, Lonavla and IIT Kanpur will collaborate on cutting-edge projects. This strategic alignment of academic and naval expertise aims to drive technological innovations, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in the maritime domain. The synergy between these institutions promises breakthroughs in marine engineering and related fields, fostering advancements that are crucial for national security.


IIT Kanpur’s Dedication to National Defense :

Prof. S. Ganesh, Director of IIT Kanpur, expressed the institute’s dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering strategic partnerships for the benefit of the nation’s defense capabilities. Recognized for its cutting-edge research and technological advancements, IIT Kanpur is poised to contribute significantly to addressing the complex challenges faced by the Indian Navy. The collaboration signifies a commitment to leveraging academic expertise to find practical solutions that enhance the operational effectiveness of the naval forces...


Source : India Today