Correct Answer : Option (A) - Ujjwala

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'Ujjwala'- a sparrow, was unveiled as the official mascot of Khelo India – Para Games 2023. The little sparrow is a symbol of the pride of Delhi and its uniqueness portrays determination and empathy.

Ujjwala, as the mascot of Khelo India – Para Games 2023, is a reminder that strength comes in many forms and the human spirit is unbreakable.

Among the attendees, former Indian Women’s Hockey Team Captain Rani Rampal, Indian freestyle wrestler and Olympian bronze medallist, Yogeshwar Dutt, Indian professional wrestler Sarita Mor along with Indian professional boxer Akhil Kumar were present.

The presence of star para athletes like Pramod Bhagat, Bhavina Patel, Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil added to the special occasion.

Reflecting on the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of an inclusive sports ecosystem, Shri Anurag Thakur said, “On the occasion of the launch of the inaugural edition of the first-ever Khelo India Para Games, I would like to congratulate everyone. It is because of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision, that Khelo India has become a household name. It has become a movement and Khelo India was missing the Para Games for the last few years. From 2018 till date, we have had 11 Khelo India Games, we are delighted to add Para Games this year.”

The Union Minister also added that for the last four years, the budget for Khelo India was Rs 3,000 crores sanctioned by the Prime Minister of IndiaShri Narendra Modi and today, I am elated to announce that for the next five years, it has been increased to more than Rs 3300 crores..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer : Option (A) - United Kingdom

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On Monday (27th Nov 2023), the United Kingdom (UK) Health Security Agency (UKHSA) disclosed the first human case of H1N2, or the pig virus, discovered through routine national flu surveillance.

The affected individual experienced mild illness and fully recovered, raising questions about potential pig-to-human transmission.


Detection and Recovery : The UKHSA detected the case through routine flu surveillance, highlighting the unidentified source of infection. Despite uncertainties, the agency reported the individual’s recovery from a mild illness. This marks the first human instance of H1N2 in the UK, underscoring the virus’s mysterious origin.


Similarity to Porcine Viruses : Meera Chand, the incident director at UKHSA, emphasized the H1N2 virus’s similarity to strains found in pigs. Though the first human case in the UK, the virus closely resembles those observed in swine populations, sparking concerns about potential pathways for transmission between pigs and humans.

Contact Tracing and Surveillance : The UKHSA is actively tracing contacts related to the infected case and closely monitoring the situation. Enhanced surveillance measures are being implemented in North Yorkshire, where the case emerged. The focus is on understanding potential transmission routes between pigs and humans.


Historical Context : The H1N2 virus’s discovery in humans prompts reflections on the 2009 swine flu pandemic. The current situation raises awareness of risks associated with zoonotic transmission, where viruses move from animals to humans. The virus in question contains genetic material from various sources, including pigs, birds, and humans.


Global Comparison : The UKHSA, based on early information, distinguishes the recently detected UK infection from around 50 global cases since 2005. This raises questions about the unique characteristics of the UK virus, emphasizing the need for further research and analysis to understand its distinct features and potential implications.

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Anahat Singh

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Velavan Senthilkumar (Tamil Nadu) and Anahat Singh (Delhi) won their maiden men’s and women’s titles, respectively in the 79th National squash championships at the Indian Squash and Triathlon Academy (ISTA) here on Thursday (23rd Nov 2023).

The 15-year-old Anahat is the second youngest ever to have won the women’s title. Joshna Chinappa was 14 when she won the first of her 19 titles in 2000.

In the first match of the day, top seed Tanvi Khanna (Delhi), having seemingly picked up a right knee injury, unfortunately conceded the women’s final to Anahat.

In the second game, she seemingly slightly collided with Anahat and immediately went down clutching her right knee. Anahat was awarded the point and was up 6-4.

She walked out of the court, was tended to, and was given a three-minute recovery time. As she tried walking around a bit, apparently to get a sense of whether she would be able to continue, the official announced that she had only fifteen seconds left at which point she conceded the game. The official declared that Anahat had won the second game 11-4.

As the two-minute break between the games elapsed, Tanvi conceded the match.

It was misery for poor Tanvi, who had won the first game with a combination of her skill, opponent’s mistakes, and never-give-an-inch doggedness.

She played a delicate drop shot at the right corner to go 6-3 up before holding on to clinch the longest rally of the first game to lead 8-5. She clinched the opener 11-9.

In the men’s final, it was neck and neck in the first and third games. Velavan was up 10-9 when defending champion Abhay Singh (Tamil Nadu) saved a game point to draw level 10-10, but the former went on to claim the first game 12-10.

Though Abhay briefly retired with a physical discomfort in the second game, Velavan otherwise comfortably won it 11-3.

Velavan is to be commended for being nerveless in saving two game points from 8-10 down to make it 10-all in the third game and eventually clinch the match.

“I’m pretty happy with the way I played today. It was more of a mental battle than a physical battle. Mentally, I could keep pushing every single point. I’m really proud of that. More than physicality, I’m just glad I could push through mentally today,” said Velavan after the match.



RESULTS :

Men : Velavan Senthilkumar (TN) bt Abhay Singh (TN) 12-10, 11-3, 12-10;

Women : Anahat Singh (Del) bt Tanvi Khanna (Del) (retd.) 9-11, 11-4..


Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Nepal

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The Nepal Army contingent comprising of 334 personnel arrived in India to participate in 17th edition of Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN.

The exercise will be conducted in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand from 24th November to 07th December 2023. It is an annual event and conducted alternatively in the two countries.

The Indian Army contingent comprising of 354 personnel is being led by a Battalion from the KUMAON Regiment. The Nepal Army contingent is represented by Tara Dal Battalion.

Exercise Aim : Aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter terrorism operations in mountainous terrain and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief under United Nations Charter on peace keeping operations.

The exercise will focus on employment of drones and counter drone measures, medical training, aviation aspects and also environment conservation. Through these activities, the troops will enhance their operational capabilities, refine their combat skills and strengthen their coordination in challenging situations.

 The exercise will provide a platform for soldiers from India and Nepal to exchange ideas and experiences; share best practices and foster a deeper understanding of each other’s operational procedures.

Exercise SURYA KIRAN signifies the strong bonds of friendship, trust, common cultural linkages that exist between India and Nepal. It sets the stage for a productive and fruitful engagement, showcasing the unwavering commitment of both nations towards a broader defence cooperation. The exercise aims to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly neighbours..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Dr. Debashish Bhattacharya

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The National Metallurgist Awards 2022 were presented at an event organized by the Steel Ministry.

In this, Dr. Debashish Bhattacharya was honored with the National Metallurgist Award.

Dr. Niloy Kundu was honored with the Young Metallurgist (Environment) Award.

Also Dr. Kamachi Mudali Uthandi was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin

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Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, head of the Mumbai-based Dawoodi Bohra sect of Islam, will be conferred ‘Nishan-e-Pakistan’, making him the fourth Indian to be honoured with Pakistan’s highest civilian award.

The announcement of the award comes as an acknowledgement of Dr Saiduddin’s services, according to a statement by Pakistan President Arif Alvi, who approved the conferment on Wednesday. The date for the investiture ceremony was, however, not made public.

Nishan-e-Pakistan or the Grand Cross of the Order of Pakistan is the highest civilian honour awarded for services of highest distinction to the national interest of Pakistan. It is equivalent to Nishan-e-Haider, the highest military gallantry award.

President Alvi approved the conferment of the civil award under Article 259 (2) of the Constitution and the Decorations Act 1975.

Each year, the announcement of awards is made on August 14, Pakistan’s Independence Day, and the awards are conferred next year on Pakistan National Day, observed on March 23. But in special cases, these dates are not followed and the investiture can be arranged anytime.

Dr Saifuddin, the head of the Dawoodi Bohra community spread across over 40 countries, including a sizeable congregation in Pakistan, is the 53rd Da’i al-Mutlaq of the order. The Dawoodi Bohras carry out developmental works to benefit the underprivileged in all these countries..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer : Option (C) - South Africa

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The ICC Board named a new host nation for the 15th edition of the ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup 2024 in January.

The ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup 2024 in January will be held in South Africa after the ICC Board that met 21st Nov 2023 confirmed Sri Lanka would be replaced as hosts.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was recently suspended by the ICC for breaching its obligations as a Member, namely for failing to manage its affairs autonomously and without government interference.

It was revealed after the board meeting that Sri Lanka can continue to compete internationally both in bilateral cricket and ICC events, however funding to SLC will be controlled by the ICC and as a result, the U19 event has been moved to the same country that hosted the Women’s U19 T20 World Cup earlier this year.

The upcoming World Cup marks the 15th edition of the U19 men's event, following the last tournament in the West Indies in 2022 where India clinched the title for the fifth time..

Source : Icc-Cricket

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Australia

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The Indian Armed Forces contingent comprising of 81 personnel departed for Australia 22nd November 2023 to take part in the second edition of Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND-23.

The exercise will be conducted at Perth, Australia from 22nd November to 06th December 2023.

Indian Army contingent comprises 60 personnel from a Battalion of the GORKHA Rifles. The Australian Army contingent comprising 60 personnel will be from the 13th Brigade.

One officer from Indian Navy and 20 personnel from Indian Air Force will also participate from the Indian side. The Australian contingent will include 20 personnel each from the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force.

Exercise AUSTRAHIND was instituted in 2022 and the first edition was conducted in Mahajan, Rajasthan. It is planned to be an annual training event to be conducted alternatively in India and Australia.

Exercise Aim :  Aim of the exercise is to foster collaborative partnership and share best practices between the two sides. The exercise will also promote inter- operability while undertaking multi-domain operations in Urban and Semi- Urban terrain under Chapter VII of United Nations on peace keeping operations.

The joint exercise will promote exchange of ideas and jointly rehearse tactics, technique and procedures for conducting tactical operations. Training curriculum also includes sniper firing, and jointly operating surveillance and communication equipment to achieve a high degree of situational awareness. Casualty management and evacuation will also be rehearsed besides tactical actions at Company/ Battalion level.

The exercise will also help in promoting understanding between the two militaries and further strengthen the defence cooperation between the two friendly nations..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer : Option (B) - USA

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14th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “VAJRA PRAHAR 2023” commenced at the Joint Training Node, Umroi 21st Nov 2023.

The US contingent is represented by personnel from the 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) of US Special Forces. The Indian Army contingent is led by Special Forces personnel from the Eastern Command.

Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR is a joint exercise conducted between Indian Army and US Army Special Forces. It aims at sharing best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics.

The first edition was conducted in the year 2010 in India and the 13th edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise was conducted at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS), Bakloh (HP). The current edition is being conducted in Umroi Cantonment, Meghalaya from 21st November to 11th December 2023.

During the course of the next three weeks, both sides will jointly plan and rehearse a series of Special Operations, Counter Terrorist Operations, Air Borne operations in simulated conventional and unconventional scenarios in mountainous terrain.

Key highlights :

Key highlights include ‘Combat free fall insertion of troops from stand-off distances’, ‘Water borne insertion of troops’, ‘Precision engagement of targets at long ranges’, ‘Combat air controlling of fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft’ besides ‘Airborne insertion and sustenance of troops’.

Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR has evolved as a mechanism to exchange ideas and share best practices between the Special Forces of both the nations. It is also a platform to enhance inter-operability and strengthen defence cooperation between the armies of India and the United States of America..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Vir Das

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Actor-comic Vir Das has become the first Indian to win the International Emmy Award for his Netflix stand-up special “Vir Das: Landing” in the best comedy category and has dedicated the honour to his home country, India.

The 51st International Emmy Awards Gala was held at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City on late Monday (20th Nov 2023) night.

This was the second nomination and maiden win in the segment for Das, who shared the trophy with popular British teen sitcom “Derry Girls” season three.

Das said he has immense gratitude holding the International Emmy trophy for best comedy for ‘Vir Das: Landing’, his fourth stand-up special with the streamer.

“This one is for my team and for Netflix without whom this wouldn’t have been possible.

“This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and to win this accolade for my fifth special with Netflix feels like a culmination of passion, perseverance, and the undying support of people around the globe who have given so much love to ‘Vir Das: Landing’,” the comedian said in a statement.

Das, also known for films such as “Go Goa Gone” and “Delhi Belly”, won the award for “Vir Das: Landing”, a show about what it means to be truly global while looking for home. His last stand-up special “Vir Das: For India” was nominated for an International Emmy in the best comedy category in 2021..

Source : The Print