Correct Answer :   Asian Development Bank

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The Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 15th December 2023 signed agreement for a 37 billion Japanese Yen ($250 million) loan that will continue financing the construction of the 82-kilometre Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor.

The signatories to the loan agreement were Ms. Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, for the Government of India, and Mr. Hoe Yun Jeong, Deputy Country Director, and Officer-in-Charge of the India Resident Mission, for ADB.

Earlier, ADB had approved a $1,049 million Multi-tranche Financing Facility (MFF) for the project in 2020 to support construction of RRTS, the first of three priority rail corridors planned under the NCR Regional Plan 2021, to connect Delhi to other cities in adjoining states.

The RRTS will have multi-modal hubs to ensure smooth interchange with other transport modes. The first tranche of the ADB loan amounted to $500 million with another $500 million co-financed by AIIB.

After signing the loan agreement, Ms. Mukherjee stated that the investment project will enable the RRTS to improve urban mobility, and the project’s economic impacts will also benefit women and the differently abled.

“ADB financing is helping the construction of the corridor which will allow people to travel by a low carbon and efficient railway system and save millions of tons of CO2 emissions and play a significant role in climate change mitigation,” said Mr. Jeong.

Passing through the populated sections of the national capital region, the 82-km corridor will provide fast, safe, and high-capacity commuter transit services, expanding economic and employment opportunities in the region by cutting travel time from 3-4 hours to about 1 hour...


Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Raman Singh

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Former chief minister of Chhattisgarh Raman Singh was on Tuesday (19th Dec 2023) elected as the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. Outgoing speaker and present Leader of Opposition Charan Das Mahant moved the proposal for the election of Singh as the Speaker and Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel as well as other MLAs gave their mandate to the BJP leader.

After taking oath as the Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker, Singh said, “I shall discharge my responsibility to the best of my ability. I congratulate all MLAs.”

Describing himself as an ordinary worker of the BJP, Singh added, “I would like to thank Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji who made this state. We will carry forward the principles and traditions of Guru Ghasidas ji”.

After Singh’s election, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said, “I congratulate all MLAs. I thank Charan Das Mahant and CM Bhupesh Baghel who continued with the tradition. He has been an MLA, MP, and a Union minister. It’s my pleasure to work with him.”

As a mark of respect, Congress leader Mahant walked with Singh, the three-time chief minister of Chhattisgarh, to the Speaker’s seat.

While congratulating Singh later, Mahant said, “The Opposition (35 Congress MLAs and one MLA from the Gondwana Gantantra Party) has chosen you which shows our culture. In the Assembly, it is not important if we are the ruling party or the Opposition, it is important to be fair. We were good friends when we both were Members of Parliament. You are a good human being and your love for Chhattisgarh is known”.

Outgoing chief minister Bhupesh Baghel said, “Mahant ji used to be fair with the BJP MLAs, whose number came down from 15 to 13. We are 35 MLAs, not less, and hope the tradition will continue.”

In the recently concluded Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, the BJP, which was decimated in the 2018 state poll by winning just 15 seats, smoothly sailed back to power with 54 seats.

Singh, who became a seven-time MLA from Rajnandgaon in 2023, is the longest-serving chief minister of Chhattisgarh. He held the post from the first Chhattisgarh Assembly election in 2003 until 2018 when the BJP faced its worst-ever defeat amid anti-incumbency sentiments and won just 15 seats.

The 71-year-old, who holds a Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine, and Surgery degree, began his political career in college and won his first election as a councillor in 1983. In 1999, Singh, who was by then a two-time MLA, contested and won the Lok Sabha elections.

In 2003, the Bharatiya Janata Party chose him to lead the party after which Singh resigned as the Union minister and contested the state polls.

He is known as “Chawal wale Baba” for his rice procurement initiative and for putting the Public Distribution System (PDS) in place.

The Congress party, which had a tally of 71 MLAs, came down crashing to 35 seats, their lowest tally since the formation of Chhattisgarh..


Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   19th December

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The 'Goa Liberation Day' is celebrated to commemorate the liberation of the state from Portuguese rule in the year 1961. On this unique day, there is a sense of pride and independence in the air as the golden sun rises over the beautiful state of Goa.

Liberation Day in Goa is a historic event that resonates with resilience and freedom. It's a moment to celebrate and remember how the people of Goa united for freedom and harmony. Every year, Goans unite to celebrate this historic occasion with enthusiasm and joy as it represents the victory of the people's will over colonial tyranny. From history to significance, here's all you need to know about this day.

Goa Liberation Day 2023: Date and history

Goa, Daman and Diu Liberation Day will be observed with great pomp and enthusiasm on Tuesday (19 December 2023). On this day in 1961, the Indian Army captured Goa, which had been under Portuguese rule for some 451 years Goa was also somewhat influenced by the Indian independence movement of the 19th century, though not significantly. In the 1940s, a small number of Goan citizens participated in Satyagraha.

As Goa was culturally and religiously distinct from the rest of India, the Portuguese refused to leave the region even after India gained independence from the British in 1947. The Indian government at the time engaged in a series of diplomatic discussions with the Portuguese, rather than using force, as it was more focused on absorbing the independent princely states. When negotiations failed, the then-Indian government decided to take the military option to annex Goa.

Significance of Goa Liberation Day :

Goa Liberation Day is very important as it marks the official liberation and integration of Goa into the Indian Union in 1961, after centuries of Portuguese colonial rule. This day, which represents the unwavering struggle of the people for freedom, opens a significant period in Goa's history. Celebrated with cultural fervour and national pride, Goa's Liberation Day is a poignant reminder of the region's rich past, unique culture and enduring spirit that define the coastal paradise. It also celebrates the perseverance of its citizens. To commemorate the day, Goa has organised a series of events and programmes. The celebrations included a Youth Parliament and a Women's Parliament in 2021.

Correct Answer :   Egypt

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Egypt’s election authority announced on 18 December 2023 that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has secured a third six-year term leading the North African nation.  

* Sisi won another term with 89.6 percent of the vote, the National Elections Authority said.  Over 39 million Egyptians voted for the former army chief, who has ruled the nation for over a decade.  

* This will be Sisi’s final term in office as the Egyptian constitution only allows a president to sit for three terms.  

* He was first sworn into office in 2014 after the overthrow of the country’s first popularly elected president, Mohammed Morsi, and was reelected in 2018, both times winning with over 90 percent of the vote.  

* Egypt’s election took place as the nation is struggling with a slow-burning economic crisis and keeping a long-standing position as a mediator between Palestine and Israel.

* Furthermore, the Egyptian economy has worsened to the point where the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said they’re “seriously considering” increasing its loans to Egypt.  

* “The conflict is devastating Gaza's population and economy and has severe impacts on the West Bank's economy and is also posing difficulties for neighboring countries Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan through the loss of tourism and higher energy costs,” IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva had previously said.

* Egypt’s economic struggles can only potentially worsen amid Yemen’s Ansarallah attacks on the Red Sea, forcing ships to take the long route around Africa instead of the Suez Canal – a significant source of income for Egypt.  

* Cairo has also been dealing with Israel’s plan of displacing Palestinians from Gaza into the Sinai desert, with Sisi threatening Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of rupturing diplomatic ties.  

* Israeli sources told Axios, “The Egyptians expressed anxiety that a crisis on their border with Gaza would result in thousands of Palestinian refugees crossing the border barrier and trying to find shelter in the Sinai.”

* “Displacing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Sinai means transferring the conflict and the killings from Gaza to Sinai, where Sinai becomes a base for launching operations against Israel, and in this case, Israel will have the right to defend itself, so it directs its strikes against Egyptian territory...


Source : Thecradle

Correct Answer :   Jagdeep Dhankhar

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Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the two-day-long Atal Health Fair in memory of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the PNT Ground in Rajajipuram, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on Sunday (17th Dec 2023).
 
* Speaking on the occasion, the Vice President said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee led Lucknow and the country for a long time.

* Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak and Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha Dr Dinesh Sharma also graced the occasion.
 
* The Vice President added that today's youth is getting all the opportunities. Youth just need to take care of their health as without good health you can not perform well and achieve anything. In Amritkaal, Youth has the responsibility to always work with a nation-first approach.

* Akashvani Correspondent reports that 48 Government and private hospitals are holding medical camps at the fair...


Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   ₹9,384

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National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has awarded Toll, Operate and Transfer (TOT) bundles 13 and 14 of a combined length of 273 km for 9,384 crore rupees.
 
The TOT bundle 13 includes the Kota Bypass and Stay Bridge on NH-76 in Rajasthan, as well as the Gwalior-Jhansi section of NH-75 in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh has been awarded to IRB Infrastructure Trust for 1,683 crores rupees.
 
TOT bundle 14, which consists of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway including the Delhi-Hapur section of NH-9 in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, as well as the Binjabahal to Teliebani section of NH-6 in Odisha, has been awarded to Cube Highways and Infrastructure Pte Ltd for 7,701 crore rupees...


Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   December 18

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International Migrants Day is observed on December 18 to recognise the contributions of migrants and highlight the challenges they face.

* The day sheds light on the socio-economic realities of migrants around the world. Conflict, insecurity, and the effects of climate change and war have all played a major role in the forced migration of people in recent times, both within countries and across borders.

* Over 281 million people were international migrants in 2020, according to a United Nations report. It added that over 59 million people were internally displaced by the 2021 end.


History of International Migrants Day :

* On 4 December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 18 December 2023 as International Migrants Day. The day came into existence after the UNGA took into account the large and increasing number of migrants across the globe.

* On that day in 1990, UNGA adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

International Migrants Day Significance :

* According to the United Nations, migrants, and displaced people, irrespective of the reasons that compel them to shift, represent some of the ”most vulnerable and marginalised” sections in society and are often "exposed to abuse and exploitation".

* Having limited access to essential services including healthcare, these people have to face “xenophobic attacks and stigma fuelled by misinformation.”

* Migrant workers around the world mostly have temporary, informal, or unprotected jobs, which often expose them to the potential risk of insecurity and poor working conditions. Since 2014, over 50,000 migrants have died on migratory routes across the globe, the UN report states.

* The UN's 2030 sustainable development agenda cannot be achieved unless we establish egalitarian societies that embrace these immigrants and enable them to reach their full potential.

* The International Migrants Day is observed every year to highlight the contributions, issues, and role of migrants globally.


On this International Migrants Day, let us take a look at the countries with the highest migration rate :

* The world's largest immigrant population resides in the United States, according to the World Population Review.

* Over 15% of the 331.4 million people who live in the United States were born in a foreign country. Mexico is the leading origin country for US immigrants. It accounts for over 11 million (around 25%) of the immigrants in the US..


Source : CNBC

Correct Answer :   Reuven Azar

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The Israeli government on Sunday (17th Dec 2023) approved the appointment of Reuven Azar as the new Ambassador to India.

* Azar will also be serving as the non-resident Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Bhutan, a statement from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

* His appointment is one of the 21 new Heads of Missions cleared by the Israeli government to assume service soon.

* Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, congratulating the new appointees, said they will “represent Israel and its citizens, strengthen its economy and strengthen international support for the State of Israel”.

* As per information available from official sources, Azar is currently serving as the Ambassador of Israel to Romania.

* It is not yet known when he will take charge in New Delhi.

* Azar has earlier served as Head of the Israel-US-China internal task force at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, immediately after a term of three years as Deputy National Security Advisor for Foreign Policy at the National Security Council and Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister of Israel.

* From 2014 to 2018, Azar was Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of Israel in Washington, DC.

* He also served as the Head of Middle East Research in the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2012 to 2014 and as Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Israel in Amman from 2010 to 2012.

* Since the completion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cadet training programme in 1994, Azar mostly held Middle East-related positions such as Head of the Iran Sanctions Team and Director of Middle East Economic Research.

* He has also covered different aspects of cooperation and negotiations with the Palestinian Authority, as well as research on Palestinian issues during his almost three decades of service.

* Azar served four years in Cairo as Head of the Economic and Trade Department at the Embassy of Israel..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Kuwait

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India declared state mourning across the country on 17 December 2023 as a mark of respect to Kuwait’s Amir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

The Indian government on Sunday (17 December 2023) conveyed its deepest condolences to Kuwait on the death of its Amir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and declared state mourning across the country on December 17 as a mark of respect.

Sheikh Nawaf died on Saturday (16 December 2023) at the age of 86, according to the royal court, just a little more than three years after assuming power in the West Asian country. The cause of his death was not immediately disclosed. The Amir was admitted to hospital in November due to an emergency health problem.

Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, 83, who has been Kuwait’s de facto ruler since 2021, was named as Sheikh Nawaf’s successor.

The external affairs ministry said in a statement that petroleum and natural gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri would visit Kuwait as the prime minister’s special envoy to pay condolences on behalf of the government and people of India. Puri would deliver personal letters of condolences from the president and prime minister to Sheikh Meshal.

“In the demise of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait has lost a visionary leader who took the country towards progress and prosperity. India and Kuwait maintained close and friendly relations under the leadership of the late Amir,” the statement said.

Sheikh Nawaf was “steadfast in guiding and strengthening bilateral engagements for the mutual benefit of the people” of India and Kuwait, according to the statement.

“The large Indian expatriate community in Kuwait will miss his presence and compassionate care. India stands united in mourning with the leadership and the people of Kuwait,” it added.

Kuwait is hometown about one million Indians, the largest expatriate community in the country. The expatriates include professionals such as engineers, doctors, chartered accountants, scientists, software experts, technicians and nurses, though a large proportion consists of unskilled and semi-skilled workers.

The West Asian state is also among India’s key energy suppliers and there was close cooperation between the two sides during the Covid-19 pandemic. An Indian medical team was sent to Kuwait in a special aircraft in April 2020 to help fight Covid-19. Kuwait established an air and sea bridge during the second wave of the pandemic to supply oxygen and medical supplies to India..


Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   Varanasi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen inaugurated the world's largest meditation center Swarved Mahamandir in Umaraha, Varanasi, 18th Dec 2023, adding a magnificent spiritual landmark to the holy city.

#WATCH | PM Modi inaugurates and visits the newly built Swarved Mahamandir in Umaraha, Varanasi, UP pic.twitter.com/K4LeRtYkBg

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2023

Standing tall at seven floors and boasting a capacity of 20,000 devotees, the Swarved Mahamandir is a breathtaking architectural marvel. Its intricate marble carvings and towering lotus-shaped domes reflect the city's rich cultural heritage and blend seamlessly with modern design elements.

Addressing the event on Sunday (17th Dec 2023), the prime minister said, "Those from Tamil Nadu, I request them to use your earphones (to listen to the speech) using AI technology for the first time."

Modi expressed hope that artificial intelligence would make it easier for him to reach out to the people. "This was my first experience. In future, I will use it and you will have to respond. Now, as usual, I speak in Hindi and AI will translate it to Tamil," he said.

The prime minister said, "Coming from Tamil Nadu to Kashi means coming from one home of Mahadev to His other home. Coming from Tamil Nadu to Kashi means coming from the place of Madurai Meenakshi to Kashi Vishalakshi's place."

Top 10 things about Swarved Mahamandir :

1. Following the inauguration, he along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took a tour of the centre that can seat 20,000 people at a time for meditation.

2. Verses of the Swarveda have been carved upon the walls of the Mahamandir -- a seven-floor superstructure.

3. The Union Ministry of Education is the nodal agency for the event with participation from the ministries of culture, tourism, railways, textiles, food processing, MSME, information and broadcasting, skill development and entrepreneurship, IRCTC and related departments of the Uttar Pradesh government.

4. The Kashi Tamil Sangamam will encompass lectures covering literature, ancient texts, philosophy, spirituality, music, dance, drama, yoga, and Ayurveda.

5 Additionally, seminars are planned on innovation, trade, knowledge exchange, edutech and next-gen technology.

6. The temple is named after the Swarved, a spiritual text authored by Sadguru Shri Sadafal Deoji Maharaj, an eternal yogi and the founder of Vihangam Yoga.

7. According to the temple's website, Swarved Mahamandir aims to “illuminate humankind with its magnificent spiritual aura and engulf the world in a state of peaceful alertness."

8. The temple promotes the teachings of Swarveda, emphasizing Brahm Vidya—a body of knowledge empowering spiritual seekers to maintain a state of consummate Zen, characterized by unwavering constancy in peace and happiness.

9. The temple advocates the principles of Swarveda, placing a special emphasis on Brahm Vidya—a comprehensive knowledge that empowers spiritual seekers to attain a state of complete tranquility, marked by steadfast peace and happiness.

10. The walls are adorned with pink sandstone, and the grandeur is further enhanced by a beautiful garden featuring medicinal herbs...


Source : Mint