Correct Answer :   Japan

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The 5th edition of Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self Defence Force commenced today (25th Feb 2024) at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 25th February to 9th March 2024.

Exercise 'DHARMA GUARDIAN’ is an annual exercise and conducted alternatively in India and Japan. The contingent of both sides comprises of 40 personnel each. The Japanese contingent is being represented by troops from the 34th Infantry Regiment and Indian Army contingent is being represented by a Battalion from the Rajputana Rifles.

Aim of the Exercise is to foster Military Cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in semi-urban environment under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter. The Exercise would focus on high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, joint tactical drills and basics of special arms skills.

Tactical drills to be practiced during the Exercise will include establishing of Temporary Operating Base, creating an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Grid, setting up Mobile Vehicle Check Post, executing Cordon and Search Operations in a hostile village, Heliborne operations and House Intervention Drills. A Weapon and Equipment Display will also be organised showcasing ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and the growing defence industrial capability of the country.

Lieutenant General TOGASHI Yuichi, Commanding General, Eastern Army, Japan Ground Self Defence Force is also scheduled to visit India on the sidelines of “Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN”. The General officer will visit Mahajan Field Firing Ranges on 3rd March 2024 and witness Combat Shooting demonstration, Special Heliborne Operation (SHBO) & House Intervention Drills.

Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ will enable the two sides to share their best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of conducting tactical operations. The Exercise will also facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between troops of both the sides. This will enhance the level of defence cooperation, further fostering bilateral relations between the two friendly nations..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (26th Feb 2024) laid the foundation stone for Sikkim's first railway station at Rangpo.

It was among the over 2,000 rail infrastructure projects worth about ? 41,000 crore unveiled by the prime minister.

The design of the Rangpo railway station will draw inspiration from the rich culture, heritage and architecture of Sikkim, the prime minister said in his address via video conference.

Sikkim Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya was present at Khanikola in Rangpo where a function was held.

"The foundation stone laying for the Rangpo railway station is a historic and proud moment for Sikkim, underscoring its significance in the context of 'Viksit Bharat@2047' and its potential to enhance the tourism sector by offering expedited and convenient travel options," Acharya said.

He also noted the advantages of the railways during the monsoon, when the NH-10 encounters disruptions.

The railways will be a blessing during such times, enhancing connectivity and reliability, he added.

The station will be a part of the under-construction 45-km rail line from Sevoke near Siliguri in West Bengal to Rangpo in Sikkim. It will have 14 tunnels and 22 bridges.

The track on the Sevoke-Rangpo section of the Northeast Frontier Railway will have the capacity to handle 25 ton and trains can run at a maximum speed of 110 kmph.

There will be three stations between Sevoke and Rangpo -- Riyang, Teesta and Melli, all in West Bengal.

The project was awarded to IRCON International in May 2010 at a cost of ? 4,084.69 crore and the original deadline was May 2015. The revised date is now December 2024 with a revised cost of ? 12,474.07 crore, according to officials..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   Cillian Murphy

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The cast of the biographical epic won for best ensemble, ahead of Barbie and Killers of the Flower Moon. Cillian Murphy picked up male actor in a leading role, which was also contested by Paul Giamatti and Jeffrey Wright. “This is extremely, extremely special to me because it comes from you guys,” he told the audience at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium.

Robert Downey Jr won for male actor in a supporting role for playing Lewis Strauss in the film. The actor had previously won a Sag award for Ally McBeal in 2001.

Lily Gladstone took home female actor in a leading role for Killers of the Flower Moon, beating Emma Stone and Margot Robbie. “This has been a hard year for all of us,” she said before referencing 2023’s actors strike. “We bring empathy into a world that so much needs it,” she added.

The Holdovers star Da’Vine Joy Randolph was named best female actor in a supporting role after winning a string of awards this season, including a Bafta and a Golden Globe. She called the film’s director Alexander Payne “truly every actor’s dream” and said to actors who are still waiting for a breakout: “Your life can change in a day and it is not a question of if but of when, keep going.”

In a surprise victory, The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal won for male actor in a drama series, beating out three more hotly tipped Succession stars including recent Emmy winners Kieran Culkin and Matthew Macfadyen. He joked in his speech that he was drunk as he didn’t think he would win. “I’m gonna have a panic attack and I’m gonna leave,” he said at the end.

Elizabeth Debicki was named female actor in a drama series for The Crown, beating out Succession’s Sarah Snook. But the final season of the hit HBO financial drama did go on to win the night’s big TV award for drama ensemble. Star Alan Ruck called the win “one last hurrah”.

The Bear picked up three awards, including for comedy ensemble, against Abbott Elementary and Only Murders in the Building. Jeremy Allen White was also named best male actor in a comedy series for his role. “Wow, they give you a lot of time at this one but that’s all I have!” he joked at the end of his speech. His co-star Ayo Edebiri won for female actor in a comedy series after recently winning both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for the role.

Ali Wong won yet another award for her role in Netflix series Beef, picking up best female actor in a TV movie or limited series, while her co-star Steven Yeun also won for male actor..

Source : The Guardian

Correct Answer :   Nepal

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Head coach Biby Thomas Muttath on Monday (26th Feb 2024) announced a 23-member Indian squad for the upcoming SAFF U16 Women’s Championships to be played in Nepal from March 1–10, 2024.

The Indians had emerged triumphant in the U-15 format in 2018 and 2019, having beaten Bangladesh in the final on both occasions. It’s the first time the event is being held in the U16 format.

The final squad was chosen from a pool of probables who had been training in Goa.

The Young Tigresses will be leaving for Nepal on Tuesday (27th Feb 2024) before playing their opening tie against Bhutan (March 1, 2024), followed by matches against Bangladesh (March 5, 2024) and Nepal (March 7, 2024).

The top two sides from the round-robin stage meet in the final, with all the games to be played at the Chyasal Stadium in Lalitpur.

The Indian Squad : Goalkeepers: Konjengbam Tamphasana Devi, Munni, Surajmuni Kumari.

Defenders : Amrita Ghosh, Bonifila Shullai, Divyani Linda, Elizabed Lakra, Gauri, Rheanna Liz Jacob, Rupashree Munda, Sarangthem Alena Devi.

Midfielders : Anita Dungdung, Anushka Kumari, Anwita Raghuraman, H Yashica, Longajam Nira Chanu, Ritu Badaik, Shveta Rani, Thanda Moni Baskey.

Forwards : Gurleen Kaur, Gurnaz Kaur, Neha Saji, Pearl Fernandes..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   United States of America

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The Odysseus spacecraft from the United States successfully landed on the moon on Thursday (22nd Feb 2024), becoming the first American spacecraft to achieve the feat in more than 50 years.

With this, Intuitive Machines (IM) -- the commercial venture behind the Nova-C lander -- has become the first private venture to carry out a successful landing on the lunar surface.

This marks the first American soft landing on the lunar surface since the Apollo era in 1972.

Notably, this landing comes months after India's Chandrayaan-3 lander, which became the first spacecraft from the country to safely reach the lunar surface in August 2023.

India made a soft landing on the lunar South Pole with a robotic vehicle for the first time in the 21st century.

"I know this was a nail-biter, but we are on the surface, and we are transmitting," Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus just announced on the webcast. "Welcome to the moon."

Although, the exact state of the lander is not yet clear, but the company has confirmed it has made contact with the moon.

The landing site of Odysseus is near Malapert A, an impact crater near the moon's south pole.

The site is "(A) relatively flat and safe region is within the heavily cratered southern highlands on the side of the Moon visible from Earth," according to NASA.

Moments before landing, the spacecraft started troubleshooting communication, after the passing of the expected landing time. But, an Intuitive Machines flight controller confirmed that the lander is "not dead yet" and they have received a "faint signal".

The US remains the only country to have put humans on the lunar surface, most recently in 1972 with the Apollo 17 mission.

The space agency said it chose this landing site for Intuitive Machines' first mission because it wanted to learn more about the lunar environment and how communications function in this area.

NASA wants to scout the lunar south pole because the space agency believes it's the best location to set up a future astronaut base..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Maldives

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Seeking to enhance maritime security and interoperability, coast guard personnel from India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka have embarked on a four-day trilateral exercise to identify emerging maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.

Indian Coast Guard ship Samarth and ICGS Abhinav along with Sri Lanka Naval Ship Samudura reached here on Thursday (22nd Feb 2024) for the exercise ‘DOSTI-16′ that would be held between February 22 and 25. Bangladesh is participating as an observer.

Coast guard helicopter ICGS Dornier too is part of the trilateral exercise ‘Dosti,’ which Sri Lanka said aims to enhance cooperation, strengthen friendship, improve mutual operational capability, and develop interoperability among the Coast Guard personnel of India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) late Thursday evening extended a warm welcome to ADG S Paramesh, Additional Director General of the Indian Coast Guard.

“Upon his (Paramesh) arrival at the VIA, Colonel Mohamed Saleem, Commandant of MNDF Coast Guard, greeted him,” a post on X by MNDF said.

“Commanding Officers of both ICG ships called on Commandant MNDF CG and discussed mutual avenues of cooperative engagements,” the Indian Coast Guard said in a post on X.

The ICG ships would participate in a series of activities and take part in a joint sea exercise with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and Maldives National Defence Force.

The Indian Mission in Maldives described the 16th edition of the India-Maldives-Srilanka trilateral exercise ‘Dosti’ as a “regional synergy to enhance maritime security & interoperability!” Earlier, a release from the Sri Lankan Navy said before its ship left for the Maldives: “Participating in this nature of exercises will allow the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance cooperation and interoperability with other maritime stakeholders in the region.” “It (also) offers numerous advantages, including acquiring new knowledge about maritime operations, exchanging strategies and experiences, identifying emerging maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean Region, and collaboratively finding solutions for them,” it added..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Gulmarg

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In Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governer Manoj Sinha formally inaugurated the 4th edition of Khelo India winter games in Gulmarg on 21st Feb 2024. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik was also present on the occasion.

The 5-day-event will see the participation of around 1000 athletes and sports persons from 20 different states and UTs of the country. Games like skiing, snow mountaineering, nordic skiing and alpine skiing are the major features of the 4th Khelo India Winter Games.

Speaking on occasion, Mr Sinha said that these events will enhance sporting spirit among the participating youth. Welcoming the athletes, he said, mega events like Khelo India Games give the sportsmen an opportunity to prove their mattle on National as well as International levels.

Mr Pramanik said that this event has added a new chapter in the developmental history of Kashmir. He encouraged the participating athletes to give their best during the event. A video message encouraging the athletes of Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, was also played during the inaugural session..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Babar Azam

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Pakistan’s Babar Azam has become the fastest batter to notch 10,000 runs in T20 cricket. Babar achieved this feat during a Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday (21st Feb 2024).

Babar scored 72 runs off 51 deliveries to reach the milestone in 271 innings. The star Pakistan batter surpassed the previous record held by West Indies’ Chris Gayle (285 innings). Virat Kohli claims the third spot on this elite list of batters having breached the 10,000 run-mark in 299 T20 innings. Despite Babar’s brilliance with the bat, Peshawar conceded a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Karachi.

“I’m happy with my personal form though, happy to have got past 10,000 career runs,” Babar Azam said after the match.

Former Pakistan skipper and Karachi all-rounder Shoaib Malik also lavished immense praise on Babar for setting the new record. “Big congrats to him, we all know that he is very consistent and I wish him all the luck. Keep playing like this and win games for Pakistan, that’s all I can say,” Shoaib said..

Source : First Post

Correct Answer :   6.5%

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Morgan Stanley Research said on Wednesday (21st Feb 2024) that it expects India’s GDP growth for FY25 to moderate to 6.5 per cent from 6.9 per cent projected for FY24.

ICRA, meanwhile, has projected the year-on-year (Y-o-Y) GDP growth to moderate sequentially to 6 per cent in Q3 FY24 from 7.6 per cent, led by agriculture and industry sectors.

Aditi Nayar, chief economist, head-research & outreach, ICRA Ltd, said, “Lower volume growth for the industrial sector, flagging momentum in certain indicators of investment activity, a slowdown in government expenditure and an uneven monsoon are expected to dampen the GDP growth to 6 per cent in Q3 FY24 from 7.6 per cent in Q2 FY24.”

MS Research’s report said it maintained a constructive outlook on the Indian economy, while highlighting that risks emanate from global factors and elections in May 2024.

“Domestic demand improved in January, while macro stability remains comfortable, reflecting strength in the fundamentals. We maintain our constructive outlook on the economy,” Morgan Stanley Research said in its report titled India Economics – Macro Indicators Chartbook: Strength in Growth, Stability in Macro-Fundamentals.

Expecting the GDP growth to remain healthy, Morgan Stanley Research has projected growth for the third quarter of FY24 ending December 2023 at 6.5 per cent, even as it slows from 7.7 per cent in the first half of the current financial year.

The research arm of the investment bank also said that, supported by strength in services exports and softening global commodity prices, especially oil, the current account deficit is likely to remain benign.

The ICRA report noted a slowing down of investment activity in the third quarter of the current financial year. It said that the government’s gross capital expenditure dipped slightly in October-December 2023 to 24.4 per cent from 26.4 per cent in the previous quarter.

The capital outlay and net lending of 25 state governments shrank by 3.9 per cent Y-o-Y, after having surged by 42.4 per cent in Q2 FY24..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Ashwin Prabhu

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A new book titled "Sculpted Stones: Mysteries of Mamallapuram" has emerged as a beacon guiding readers through the rich tapestry of history and artistry that defines the ancient town of Mamallapuram. Authored by Ashwin Prabhu and published by Tulika Books, this captivating exploration invites readers to delve into the enigmatic world of ancient sculptural art.

Essence of the Book :

“Sculpted Stones” serves as a portal to Mamallapuram’s illustrious past, offering readers a window into the architectural marvels and cultural heritage that have stood the test of time. Through meticulous research and engaging narrative, the book unfolds the stories behind the iconic landmarks that dot the landscape of this historic town.

Journey Through Ancient Art :

As readers embark on this journey, they are transported to a bygone era where waves crash against the crescent-shaped beach, and the Shore Temple stands as a silent sentinel, bearing witness to centuries of history. The book breathes life into the ancient temples, rock caves, and relief sculptures, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries that lie within their intricate carvings and sacred spaces.

Interactive Engagement :

What sets “Sculpted Stones” apart is its interactive approach to storytelling. Through thought-provoking questions and immersive descriptions, the book encourages readers to imagine life in Mamallapuram’s heyday and contemplate the motivations behind the creation of its architectural wonders. From the purpose of the great halls to the tales of gifted sculptors like Mandhatar, each page invites readers to explore, question, and discover.

Uncovering Hidden Gems :

In addition to unraveling well-known landmarks, “Sculpted Stones” uncovers lesser-known facts and anecdotes that add depth to Mamallapuram’s narrative. From the symbolism of a deer featured on an old currency note to the earliest visual representations of the town captured by English painter Thomas Daniell, the book unveils a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be unearthed.

An Invitation to Explore :

With its vivid imagery, compelling storytelling, and meticulous attention to detail, “Sculpted Stones: Mysteries of Mamallapuram” beckons readers on an unforgettable journey through time and art. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about the wonders of the ancient world, this book promises to ignite your imagination and deepen your appreciation for the cultural heritage of Mamallapuram.