Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

---

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the two-day Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit at Forest Research Institute, FRI in Dehradun 8th Dec 2023.

* The main objective of this summit is to establish Uttarakhand as a new center of investment. Addressing the investors on this occasion, Mr. Modi said, the Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit is a golden opportunity to invest in the state.

* The Prime Minister said that there has been rapid development of the road, rail and air sector in Uttarakhand, which will make it easier for industrial groups to invest in the state. He added, that there is untapped potential in the state for every investor.

* Referring to the tourism sector, Mr Modi said that there is immense potential for investment in tourism in Uttarakhand. He appealed to the countrymen to get married in the country instead of getting married abroad and asked to establish Uttarakhand as a destination wedding.

* The Prime Minister stressed strengthening the local supply chain and MSMEs in the country. He said that the country will have to focus on increasing exports and reducing imports.

* The Prime Minister said that in his third term, India will emerge as the third-largest economy in the world and this is bound to happen.

* Shri Modi asked investors to cooperate in capacity building for the development of the country. He appealed to the investors to become partners in the development of the state by investing in Uttarakhand. The Prime Minister expressed hope that industrial groups will invest more and more in Uttarakhand by taking advantage of the investor-friendly policies of the state.

* On this occasion, the Prime Minister also launched the House of Himalayas Brand of the women's self-help groups of the state. He said that with this brand the work of making 2 crore rural women Lakhpati Didi will be realized rapidly.

* Earlier, the Prime Minister held a road show in which he was welcomed by local women in traditional attire. The Prime Minister also visited an exhibition organized in connection with the Global Investors Summit. It may be recalled that thousands of investors and industry groups from India and abroad are participating in this Global Summit..


Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   8th December 2023

---

Veteran actor Junior Mehmood, known for his iconic roles in over 250 films spanning five decades, has passed away (8th December 2023) at the age of 67 after a prolonged battle with stage four stomach cancer.


Junior Mehmood's Last Moments At Home :

The actor, whose real name was Naeem Sayyed, breathed his last at his Mumbai residence. His ailment came to light two weeks ago, revealing a diagnosis of stage four cancer. The actor's condition worsened, leading to his demise at home last night.

Johnny Lever, a fellow comedian and actor, had earlier paid a visit to the ailing star, showing support during the challenging period. Other actors including Jeetendra and Sachin Pilgaonkar, with whom he shared the screen in various films, also visited him. Pilgaonkar and Junior Mehmood collaborated in movies like 'Bachpan,' 'Geet Gaata Chal,' and 'Brahmachari.'


Health Struggles & Final Farewell :

Close friend Salam Kazi, who confirmed Junior Mehmood's demise to ETimes, recounted the actor's health struggles.

Kazi disclosed, "He was ill for 2 months, and initially, we thought that he might have some minor problem. But after that, suddenly his weight started decreasing."

The medical reports revealed the severity of the situation, indicating cancer in the liver, lungs, and a tumour in the intestine, accompanied by jaundice.

Despite undergoing treatment at the Tata Memorial Hospital in Parel, Junior Mehmood's health continued to deteriorate. His funeral is scheduled to take place at the Juhu Muslim Cemetery in Santacruz west at 12 pm, where he will be laid to rest beside his mother.


A Cinematic Legacy :

In a career that spanned over four decades, Junior Mehmood made a lasting impact on Indian cinema, featuring in over 200 films across seven languages.

Junior Mehmood, who began his career as a child actor in 1967 with the film 'Naunihal,' quickly rose to prominence, earning his moniker from the late comedy icon Mehmood.

His cinematic journey included memorable performances in classics such as 'Kati Patang,' 'Mera Naam Joker,' 'Parvarish,' and 'Do Aur Do Paanch.' The late actor's contribution extended beyond films, as he actively participated in stage shows in India and abroad. His legacy endures through his cinematic contributions, leaving a lasting mark in the hearts of his audience..

Source : India Times

Correct Answer :   Mansukh Mandaviya

---

“Under the able and visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the Indian Fertiliser Sector has achieved the twin objectives of supporting our 14 crore farming families by providing timely fertilisers, driving agronomic services, and emerging as a strong force in fertilisers sector by playing a significant role in shaping up the global market.” This was stated by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilisers and Health and Family Welfare during his inaugural address to the 59th Fertiliser Association of India Annual Seminar 2023, here today. The theme of the seminar was “Innovations in Fertiliser and Agriculture Sectors”.

* Highlighting the efforts taken by the Union Government in the fertilisers sector, Dr Mandaviya said “the Government has been stepping up its support to the small and marginal farmers, prioritizing their welfare and thereby, meeting the food security goals of the nation. During the past 2-3 years, the Government of India has absorbed the impact of high global commodity prices and ensured the availability of fertilisers at stable MRP. This has resulted in stable fertiliser consumption and a record agricultural output during these years, as compared to degrowth in consumption globally. He also stated that several proactive measures intending to strengthen domestic production and plugging leakages and diversions have been taken by the government, the combined efforts of which have led to record productivity.

* On the efforts taken by the government towards self sufficiency, the Union Minister said “more than 3 million tons of Urea capacity have been revived, with additional capacity expected to come on-stream in next couple of years.” He said that the government been working towards raw material security in the Phosphatic and Potassic sectors and are encouraging Indian companies to partner in overseas ventures, long term strategic partnerships and mining. He also underscored the need to focus on promotion of integrated crop management, improving soil health through balanced nutrition, developing technologically superior products and penetrating technology from labs to farmers field to promote sustainable farming practices.

* Dr Mandaviya informed that under the PM PRANAM initiative, a mass movement has started to save the health of Mother Earth by promoting sustainable and balanced use of fertilizers, adopting alternate fertilisers, promoting organic farming and implementing resource conservation technologies.

* The Union Minister also highlighted the recent technological interventions made by India in the agriculture sector. He said that India is the first nation to introduce Nano fertilisers such as Nano DAP and Nano Urea through the Indian Research ecosystem. “This is one of the one-of-a-kind technology in the world and can revolutionise the nutrient application practices on earth”, he stated. He also emphasised that the “NAMO Drone Didi” scheme which was recently launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, will make drone spraying services accessible to farmers at affordable prices.

* Dr Mandaviya encouraged Indian industries to scale up and develop smart nutrients like slow release, coated and liquid fertilisers which can improve nutrient use efficiency. He informed that the government have been engaging closely with the drone manufacturers, service providers and agri companies to develop cost effective solutions and improve technology penetration. He also highlighted that the Union Government has set up close to 2 lakh Model Retail outlets known as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras which are acting as one-stop shops for all agricultural activities.

* Dr Mandaviya concluded his speech by urging the fertiliser fraternity to move towards greener ways of fertiliser manufacturing and engage reasonably to achieve the goal of alleviating global food crisis. He assured the Union Government’s support to further strengthen communication and coordination between farmers, Government and Industry..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Indonesia

---

Indonesia’s Mount Marapi, located in West Sumatra, recently erupted, leading to a tragic incident resulting in the loss of lives and the disappearance of several climbers. The eruption occurred on December 3, 2023, catching many by surprise as authorities scrambled to evacuate those in the vicinity.


The Eruption and Immediate Aftermath :

As Mount Marapi unleashed its fury, a massive cloud of volcanic ash blanketed the sky and debris covered roads and vehicles. The eruption took place with 75 people in the area and while efforts were made to evacuate, 26 individuals were left behind. Abdul Malik, the head of the Padang Search and Rescue Agency, reported that out of the 26, only 14 have been accounted for, with three survivors and a devastating 11 casualties.


Search and Rescue Operations :

Video footage captured during the eruption showcased the severity of the incident, hindering rescue operations. The footage revealed the challenging conditions faced by rescue workers as they navigated through the ash-covered terrain. Unfortunately, a minor eruption on the following day forced a temporary suspension of the rescue efforts, adding complexity to an already dire situation.

 
Geological Context :

Indonesia is situated on the “Ring of Fire,” a volatile tectonic region known for its seismic and volcanic activity. The country boasts 127 active volcanoes and Mount Marapi, standing at 2,891 meters (approximately 9,500 feet), is among the most active on Sumatra. Currently at the second-highest alert level on Indonesia’s four-step warning scale, the volcano has a history of eruptions, with the deadliest recorded in 1979, claiming the lives of 60 people.


Human Impact and Unanswered Questions :

The tragedy raises concerns about the preparedness and response mechanisms in place for such natural disasters. Questions loom about the adequacy of evacuation plans and the overall safety measures implemented for climbers and residents in volcanic-prone areas. As families grieve the loss of their loved ones and anxiously await news of the missing, the incident prompts a reflection on the need for improved disaster management strategies.

Correct Answer :   7th December

---

International Civil Aviation Day  is observed on  December 7. This year (023) celebration zooms in on the theme of "Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development."

This theme focuses on how innovation will shape and improve civil aviation worldwide in the future. It implies a commitment to explore and implement innovative ideas and technological breakthroughs to advance and improve the aviation sector. The focus on innovation is consistent with the ongoing efforts to improve the safety, efficiency and sustainability of aviation.

International Civil Aviation Day is celebrated to raise global awareness of the role of aviation and international air transport in the social and economic development of the world. The day also recognises the special contribution of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in maintaining the efficiency, safety and cooperation of international aviation. It is observed each year to raise awareness of the value of aviation and its role in global socio-economic development.

On this day, special attention is paid to international aviation and how it connects the world. It is celebrated with numerous events, activities, press releases, seminars and lectures on aviation. From history to theme, scroll down to know more about this day.

History of International Civil Aviation Day :

* International Civil Aviation Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 7 December 1996.

* The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) was established on 7 December 1944 to promote global cooperation and uniformity in civil aviation matters.

* Both the International Air Transport Agreement and the International Services Transit Agreement were signed in the same year. In honour of its 50th anniversary, ICAO established International Civil Aviation Day in 1994.


International Civil Aviation Day significance :

* The significance of International Civil Aviation Day is to raise public awareness of the value of civil aviation and its impact on the social and economic progress of the world.

* It is an opportunity to highlight the role of global aviation organisations, in particular the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), in establishing and maintaining global standards for effective, safe and efficient air transport.

* This day also serves as a reminder of how air transport links the world and the importance of nations working together to solve common problems such as environmental sustainability, safety and security in aviation. It recognises the benefits of aviation to trade, tourism, global connectivity and overall economic growth..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   Gujarat

---

One of the most popular Garba songs starts with the line, “dholida, dhol re vagaad, maare heench levi chhe”, an instruction to the dhol player to start playing so that the dancing may begin.

Across Gujarat, that’s all it takes — a familiar beat — for people to form a circle and fall in step with each other, performing the folk dance synonymous with the state. This week, Garba joined other Indian dances, such as the Kalbelia folk dance of Rajasthan, Chhau from eastern India, Sankirtana from Manipur and Mudiyettu from Kerala, on the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, becoming another representative of the richness of India’s performing art traditions.

In one important way, Garba is distinct from many of the Indian, and non-Indian traditions, on the list. An indelible part of every Gujarati celebration, from wedding to birth, and, most notably, the annual nine-day festival of Navratri, it remains a thriving tradition.

One feature that keeps it alive is its strong roots in community, with everyone, young and old, male and female, expert and amateur, dancing around a perforated earthen pot — the metaphorical universal womb from which all of humanity emerged and a symbol of the earth’s fertility. The other is its adaptability — every new generation refashions the dance to its tastes, with songs and techniques from over a hundred years ago being as popular as the more contemporary ones.

There is no existential threat to Garba, but its inclusive character has, of late, become imperilled. While the worship of goddess Amba (a form of Durga) is a key part of this tradition, as the film submitted to UNESCO by the Government of India states, people of other faiths were for long enthusiastic participants. Reports, in recent years, of performances being open to only Hindus, and Dalits being assaulted for attending events for upper-caste communities, must be taken seriously if this beloved intangible heritage is to continue to thrive.

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Samir Shah

---

* Britain's government on Wednesday (6th Dec 2023) chose a new BBC chairman after the previous incumbent was forced to quit earlier this year over a loan to then-prime minister Boris Johnson.

* The Conservative government named veteran TV executive Samir Shah as its choice to replace Richard Sharp, who stood down in April, as head of the publicly funded broadcaster.

* His appointment will almost certainly be ratified by a parliament committee and comes at a crucial time for the BBC, which is facing increased funding pressures.

* The corporation is currently looking to make £500 million in savings and recently announced cutbacks to its flagship "Newsnight" programme.

* Samir Shah, 71, will be tasked with negotiating with the government an increase to the licence fee, which is where the BBC gets most of its funding.

* UK media reported recently that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak plans to block a nine percent increase in the annual fee, which is currently £159 ($200) per household.

* Samir Shah has worked in television for more than 40 years and has held a number of roles at the BBC, including as head of current affairs.

* He said in a statement that he was "delighted" to have been named the government's preferred candidate.

* "We welcome the announcement that Samir Shah has been selected as the Government's preferred candidate to take up the role of BBC chair and look forward to him joining the board once the formal process has been complete," said a BBC spokesperson.

* Richard Sharp, a former executive at investment bank Goldman Sachs, quit after it emerged he acted as a go-between to facilitate an £800,000 ($1 million) loan for Boris Johnson..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   Sam Altman

---

Sam Altman has been recognized as Time magazine's 'CEO of the Year' 2023 for his remarkable impact on the tech industry. The announcement was made on December 6, 2023.

The award underscores Altman's significant contributions as the CEO of OpenAI, a prominent research company specializing in artificial intelligence.

OpenAI's achievements under Altman's leadership : Under Altman's guidance, OpenAI has been a trailblazer in AI research, achieving notable successes such as the development and launch of Chat-GPT-4. This AI-powered natural language processing tool allows users to interact with a chatbot in a way that closely resembles human conversation, marking a significant leap in AI technology.

Revolutionizing industries with AI concepts : The concepts introduced by OpenAI, including GPT-3 and GPT-4, have a profound impact across various industries, transforming the way people engage with technology. These innovations have opened up new possibilities in problem-solving and content production.

One year of transformative success with Chat-GPT : One year after the release of Chat-GPT, OpenAI's tech product with the fastest adoption rate in history, proved to be a transformative experience for the company. The success of Chat-GPT has solidified OpenAI's position as a leader in the AI landscape.

Sam Altman's journey: Dropout to AI pioneer : Sam Altman's journey from a Stanford dropout in 2005 to becoming an AI pioneer has been extraordinary. After developing the social networking app Loopt, sold for $43 million in 2006, Altman went on to lead Y Combinator. In 2015, he founded OpenAI with the ambitious goal of achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI).

OpenAI's evolution : Over the years, OpenAI underwent significant transformations, including a shift to a capped profit model in 2019. Collaborating with Microsoft in the same year brought substantial investment and cloud computing resources. Microsoft's $10 billion investment in 2021 enabled the development of ChatGPT-4, cementing OpenAI's status as a leading AI firm..


Source : Money Control

Correct Answer :   Italy

---

* Italy has withdrawn from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), more than 4 years after becoming the only Group of Seven (G7) nation to sign up.

* After months of uncertainty regarding Italy’s involvement in the ambitious project, Rome conveyed its decision in a recent letter to Beijing, news agencies Reuters and AFP reported on Wednesday (6th Dec 2023).

* The Belt and Road plan proposes massive investments in infrastructure such as roads, bridges and ports to recreate the ancient Silk Road trade routes linking Europe and Asia.

* Critics have cast the scheme as a vehicle for Beijing to expand its geopolitical influence, including by saddling poorer countries with unsustainable debts.

* “We have every intention of maintaining excellent relations with China even if we are no longer part of the Belt and Road Initiative,” an Italian government source said.

* “Other G7 nations have closer relations with China than we do, despite the fact they were never in [the BRI],” he added.

* The long-anticipated decision was communicated to Beijing three days ago, according to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, which first reported the withdrawal.

* In 2019, Italy became the first major Western nation to participate in the programme, despite US concerns about China gaining control over crucial technologies and infrastructure.

* Nevertheless, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who took office last year, expressed a desire to withdraw, citing the lack of substantial benefits for Italy.

* The 2019 agreement is set to expire in March 2024, with automatic renewal unless Rome provides three months’ written notice of withdrawal.

* However, Rome has been wary of provoking Beijing and risking retaliation against Italian companies..

Source : Aljazeera

Correct Answer :   Saudi Arabia

---

Saudi Arabia has introduced a 96-hour stopover visa for Indians traveling to the West or the Middle East. This initiative, part of the Saudi Vision 2030 to streamline Umrah visits, was announced by Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan.

During a joint press briefing with India's Minister of Minority Affairs Smriti Irani and Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan emphasized the nation's commitment to facilitating the religious pilgrimage of Muslims globally. He stated, "Indians traveling to the West or the Middle East can obtain a stopover visa, that is, for 96 hours, and get a visa within the ticket issuance process, which allows them to perform Umrah and visit any city in the Kingdom."

The Umrah Visa, valid for 90 days, enables holders to reside and travel within Saudi Arabia, ensuring an efficient and convenient pilgrimage experience. Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan highlighted the Kingdom's efforts to transform Umrah into a rewarding religious expedition by utilizing technological advancements and upgrading infrastructure.

Individuals looking to perform Umrah can now obtain a Kingdom entry visa within 48 hours. Indian travelers can perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia using their work, tourism, or Umrah visas. The streamlined visa acquisition process aims to enhance accessibility for Umrah pilgrims.

The collaborative efforts between India and Saudi Arabia have yielded significant results, with the number of Umrah pilgrims from India surpassing 1.2 million in 2023, reflecting a 74% increase from the previous year. Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan expressed a commitment to discussions to enhance the range of direct flight options and focus on increasing capacity to accommodate the growing number of Indians looking to perform Umrah.

As part of these efforts, three new visa centers will be established in India, streamlining the visa issuance procedures. An upcoming exhibition in Mumbai will serve as an opportunity for collaboration between Umrah and tourism companies from Saudi Arabia and India, introducing initiatives to enhance the Umrah journey.

India and Saudi Arabia's close and friendly relationship, fostered under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has reached new heights. Muraleedharan emphasized the mutual recognition of the partnership's benefits to both countries, communities, and the broader region. He reiterated the Ministry of External Affairs' commitment to working closely to ensure the success of the pilgrimage..


Source : India Times