Current Affairs

Rituals Begins for Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lala Virajman Ahead of January 22 Consecration

  • Pran Pratishtha program for Ram Lala Virajman at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex begins on January 16, 2024.
  • The program continues until January 21, with the consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22.
  • The consecration event will have the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and other dignitaries.
  • The program starts at 12:20 and concludes by 1:00 pm on January 22.
  • Over 150 traditions, sects, saints, religious leaders, and distinguished dignitaries will be present during the ceremony.
  • The Pran Pratishtha ritual will be supervised by Laxmikant Dixit of Varanasi and performed during the Abhijeet Nakshatra.
  • The idol of Ramlala, weighing 150 to 200 kg, will undergo rituals involving water, fruits, and other offerings before the Prana Pratistha.

Q: When does the Pran Pratishtha program for Ram Lala Virajman at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex begin?

a) January 21, 2024
b) January 16, 2024
c) January 22, 2024
d) January 15, 2024

Ans : c) January 22, 2024

Festivals of harvest – Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan and Magh Bihu celebrated in different parts of the country

Festivals of harvest – Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan, and Magh Bihu were celebrated in different parts of the country on 15 July 2024. These festivals mark the end of winter and the onset of longer days. These festivals are celebrated with cultural diversity, featuring traditions like kite flying, bonfires, and delightful feasts across the country.

In Tamil Nadu, Thai Pongal, as it is called is the beginning of the Tamil month Thai, which is celebrated by Tamils living all over the World. The season is celebrated for three days. Today the people offer their harvest to the Sun in the morning.

Q: What is the significance of Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan, and Magh Bihu festivals?

a) End of summer
b) Onset of monsoon
c) End of winter and onset of longer days
d) Celebration of spring

Ans : c) End of winter and onset of longer days

PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan : First installment to one lakh beneficiaries release

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first installment to one lakh beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin on January 15, 2024, under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN).

  • The PM-JANMAN initiative was launched in November of the previous year for the socio-economic welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
  • The initiative, with a budget of around 24,000 crore rupees, focuses on 11 critical interventions through nine Ministries.
  • PM-JANMAN aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of PVTGs by providing basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water, improved access to education, health and nutrition, electricity, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Q: Who are the beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)?

  • A) Urban population
  • B) Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
  • C) General category citizens
  • D) Women entrepreneurs

Ans : B) Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

Crown Prince Frederik X becomes the new King of Denmark

  • Crown Prince Frederik X became the new King of Denmark on January 14, 2024.
  • He succeeded his mother, Queen Margrethe II, who formally abdicated after 52 years as the monarch.
  • Tens of thousands of Danes gathered in Copenhagen to witness the historic succession in freezing temperatures.
  • Queen Margrethe II, at 83 years old, is the first Danish monarch to voluntarily relinquish the throne in nearly 900 years.
  • The abdication was formalized when Queen Margrethe signed the declaration during a meeting of the Council of State at Parliament at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen.
  • The new King, his Australian-born wife Mary (now Queen Consort), and their 18-year-old eldest son, Crown Prince Christian, were present at the meeting.
  • Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaimed 55-year-old Frederik as the new king from the balcony of the Palace.
  • Queen Consort Mary, an Australian-born commoner, is the first commoner to become Queen of Denmark.

Q: Who succeeded Queen Margrethe II as the new King of Denmark on January 14, 2024?

  • A) Crown Prince Christian
  • B) Prince Frederik X
  • C) King Christian IX
  • D) Prince Mette Frederiksen

Ans : B) Prince Frederik X

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty lose in the men’s doubles final at the Malaysia Open Super 1000

  • Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty faced a narrow loss in the men’s doubles final at the Malaysia Open Super 1000 on 14 January 2024.
  • The opponents in the final were the world No. 1 Chinese pair, Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang.
  • The final score was 21-9, 18-21, 17-21 in favor of Liang and Wang.
  • Both pairs displayed exquisite strokeplay during the summit clash.

Q: Who were the Indian players in the men’s doubles final at the Malaysia Open Super 1000?

  • A) Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Srikant Kidambi
  • B) Chirag Shetty and Lakshya Sen
  • C) Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty
  • D) Srikant Kidambi and Lakshya Sen

Ans : C) Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty

DRDO conducts successful flight-test of New Generation AKASH missile from Chandipur

  • DRDO conducts successful flight-test of New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile on January 12, 2024, at ITR Chandipur.
  • Test targets high-speed unmanned aerial target at very low altitude was successfully intercepted and destroyed during the flight test.
  • Validation of complete AKASH-NG weapon system, including missile, Radio Frequency Seeker, Launcher, Multi-Function Radar, and Command, Control, and Communication system.
  • AKASH-NG is a state-of-the-art missile system capable of intercepting high-speed, agile aerial threats.
  • Successful flight test opens the way for user trials of the AKASH-NG system.
  • Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh commends DRDO, IAF, PSUs, and Industry for the successful test.
  • Development of AKASH-NG system expected to enhance the country’s air defence capabilities.

Q: What is the primary capability of the AKASH-NG missile system?

  • A. Submarine warfare
  • B. Anti-tank warfare
  • C. Interception of high-speed, agile aerial threats
  • D. Long-range artillery attacks

Ans : C. Interception of high-speed, agile aerial threats

Q: Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, is located in which state?

A. Maharashtra
B. Odisha
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Gujarat

Ans : B. Odisha

India’s longest bridge, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri – Nhava Sheva Atal Setu,

  • PM Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s longest bridge, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri – Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, on January 12, 2024.
  • The 21.8 km bridge is the longest sea bridge in India and a significant infrastructure project for Mumbai.
  • The 6-lane bridge, 16.5 km over the sea and 5.5 km over land, is the longest sea and overall bridge in India.
  • Dignitaries present at the inauguration included Governor Ramesh Bais, CM Eknath Shinde, and Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.
  • PM Modi laid the foundation stone for Atal Setu in December 2016.
  • Atal Setu aims to enhance connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, reducing travel time between Sewri and Nhava Sheva from 2 hours to 20 minutes.
  • It shortens routes from Mumbai to Pune, Goa, and South India, improving connectivity to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai International Airports, Mumbai Port, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.
  • Executed by MMRDA on an EPC basis with a total cost of over Rs 17,840 crore; Japan International Cooperation Agency provided a loan of approximately 30,755 million yen.

Q: What is the name of India’s longest bridge ?

  • A. Rajiv Gandhi Setu
  • B. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri – Nhava Sheva Atal Setu
  • C. Indira Gandhi Bridge
  • D. Sardar Patel Crossing

Ans : B. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri – Nhava Sheva Atal Setu

A United Nations helicopter captured by al-Shabab fighters in Somalia

  1. A United Nations helicopter was captured by al-Shabab fighters in Somalia on January 10, 2024.
  2. The helicopter experienced a technical glitch, prompting it to land close to Gadoon village in the Galgaduud region.
  3. The helicopter took off from the city of Beledweyne, and there were nine passengers on board, including military personnel and a third-party contractor.
  4. Al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda affiliate, has been attempting to overthrow the Somali government since 2006 to establish its rule.
  5. The group primarily operates in the center and south of Somalia, with thousands of fighters.

Q: Which terrorist group captured a United Nations helicopter in Somalia in January 2024?

a. Taliban
b. Al-Shabab
c. ISIS
d. Boko Haram

answer: b. Al-Shabab

National Youth Day ; National Youth Festival at Nashik

National Youth Day is celebrated on January 12th each year to commemorate the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, a key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. Swami Vivekananda was a dynamic and influential spiritual leader, philosopher, and a prominent disciple of the 19th-century Indian mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 27th National Youth Festival at Nashik in Maharashtra on 12 Jan 2024. National Youth Day is celebrated every year to honour the ideals and thoughts of Swami Vivekananda.

Q: Why is National Youth Day celebrated annually?

a. To honor the Prime Minister Narendra Modi
b. To commemorate the birthday of Swami Vivekananda
c. To celebrate the ideals of Swami Dayananda Saraswathi
d. To commemorate the birthday of Bhagat Singh

Ans : b. To commemorate the birthday of Swami Vivekananda

Budget Session of Parliament from 31st January to 9th February 2024

  1. The Budget Session of Parliament begins on the 31st January 2024.
  2. The session will extend until the 9th February 2024.
  3. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Interim Budget on the 1st of February.
  4. The session will commence with an address by President Droupadi Murmu to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.

Q: Who will present the Interim Budget during the session?

a. President Droupadi Murmu
b. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
c. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
d. Speaker of the Lok Sabha Om Birla

Ans : c. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

NASA Postponed Artemis Moon Missions, which aims to send humans to the moon.

  • NASA has postponed its plans for the Artemis program, which aims to send humans to the moon.
  • The Artemis III mission, intended to land four astronauts near the lunar south pole, will be delayed until September 2026.
  • Artemis II, a 10-day mission to send a crew around the moon to test life support systems, will also be pushed back to September 2025.
  • NASA cited development challenges associated with the program as the reason for the delays.
  • The Artemis III mission aims to have astronauts walking on the lunar surface for the first time in half a century.
  • The postponement was announced shortly after a Pittsburgh company abandoned its attempt to land a spacecraft on the moon due to a mission-ending fuel leak.
  • The Astrobotic Technology’s Peregrine lander, launched as part of NASA’s commercial lunar program, was supposed to serve as a scout for astronauts.

Q: What is the primary goal of NASA’s Artemis program?

a. Sending humans to Mars
b. Sending humans back to the moon
c. Exploring asteroids
d. Establishing a space station on Mars

Ans : b. Sending humans to the moon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of the ‘Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 on January 10, 2024, at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar.
  • President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, participated as the Chief Guest, symbolizing deepening ties between India and the UAE.
  • India-UAE partnership was highlighted, particularly in the renewable energy sector, innovative healthcare, and substantial investments in India’s port infrastructure.
  • The theme of this year’s summit is ‘Gateway to the Future,’ focusing on shared efforts for a bright 21st-century future.

Q: Who participated as the Chief Guest in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024?

a. President of the Nepal
b. President of the United States
c. Prime Minister of Israel
d. President of the United Arab Emirates

Ans : President of the United Arab Emirates

World Hindi Day : January 10

  • World Hindi Day (Vishwa Hindi Divas) was observed on January 10, 2024.
  • The day is commemorated annually with the goal of promoting the use of the Hindi language globally.
  • The First World Hindi Conference took place in Nagpur in 2006 on this day, with the aim of promoting the language worldwide.
  • Since the inaugural conference in 2006, January 10th is observed every year as World Hindi Day.
  • The occasion serves as a dedicated effort to encourage the use and appreciation of the Hindi language on an international scale.

Q: Why is World Hindi Day commemorated on 10 January every year?

a. To celebrate Hindi literature
b. To promote Hindi language abroad
c. To honor Hindi poets
d. To recognize Hindi culture

Ans : b. To promote Hindi language abroad

Sheikh Hasina to take the oath as Bangladesh’s prime minister for the fourth consecutive term.

  • Sheikh Hasina, the President of the Awami League, is set to take the oath as Bangladesh’s prime minister for the fourth consecutive term.
  • The oath-taking ceremony will take place at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban in Dhaka on Thursday.
  • President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath not only to the prime minister but also to other members of the upcoming cabinet during the ceremony.
  • The elected members of the 12th parliament are scheduled to take their oath on Wednesday.
  • The Election Commission of Bangladesh published a gazette notification on January 9, providing details of the results of the 12th National Elections.
  • In the elections, which occurred on January 7, the Awami League-led alliance secured a landslide victory, winning 225 seats. The Awami League alone secured 222 seats in the 12th National Elections.

Q: Who is elected as Bangladesh’s prime minister for the fourth consecutive term?

a. Mohammed Shahabuddin
b. Sheikh Hasina
c. Nawab Sharif
d. Mohamed Asif

Ans : b. Sheikh Hasina

Gabriel Attal Appointed as France’s New Prime Minister

  • Gabriel Attal is appointed as the next Prime Minister of France as part of Emmanuel Macron’s efforts to revitalize his presidency.
  • Currently serving as the education minister, Attal takes on the role of Prime Minister.
  • At the age of 34, Gabriel Attal becomes the youngest Prime Minister in modern French history.
  • This surpasses the previous record held by Socialist Laurent Fabius, who was 37 when appointed by François Mitterrand in 1984.
  • Gabriel Attal replaces Élisabeth Borne, who resigned from the position after a 20-month tenure.

Q: At what age does Gabriel Attal become the youngest Prime Minister in modern French history?

a. 30
b. 34
c. 37
d. 40

Ans : b. 34

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show on 9 Jan 2024 in Gandhinagar.
  • The event was attended by the President of Mozambique Filipe Nyusi, President of Timor Leste José Ramos-Horta, and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel.
  • PM Modi is set to inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar on 10 Jan 2024.
  • The Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show, covering an area of two lakh square meters, is India’s largest-ever Global Trade Show.
  • 100 countries are participating as visiting countries, and 33 countries are joining as partners in the five-day trade show.
  • Over 1,000 exhibitors from 20 countries, including Australia, South Korea, Singapore, UAE, UK, Germany, and Norway, are present.
  • The trade show focuses on emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, green hydrogen, renewable energy, semiconductors, and cybersecurity.

Q: Presidents from which two countries were present at the inauguration of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show?

a. Mozambique and Maldives
b. Mozambique and Timor Leste
c. Mozambique and UAE
d. Germany and UAE

Ans : b. Mozambique and Timor Leste

India and Maldives controversy : three Maldivian ministers comments about Modi 

India and Maldives have had a long-standing relationship, with India being one of the first countries to recognize Maldives’ independence in 1965 In recent times, there have been some developments in the relationship between the two countries. Here are some of the latest developments:

  • In December 2023, three deputy ministers of the Maldives made disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Lakshadweep, promoting it as a tourist hotspot. This led to a nosedive in India-Maldives relations. The Indian government raised the issue with Maldives, after which the Maldives government suspended the three ministers.
  • In January 2024, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu visited China on an official visit, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a delegation of senior government officials. This visit has deepened the diplomatic shift as India-Maldives ties strain.

Q: What was the cause of the nosedive in India-Maldives relations in December 2023?

a. Trade disputes
b. Disparaging remarks about PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep
c. Military conflicts
d. Economic sanctions

Ans : b. Disparaging remarks about PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep

Indian shooters Varun Tomar and Esha Singh bag Paris Olympic quotas after winning gold medals at Asian Qualifiers in Indonesia

  • Varun Tomar and Esha Singh secured India’s 14th and 15th Olympic quota places in shooting at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Jakarta, Indonesia.
  • Varun Tomar won gold in the men’s 10m air pistol event with a score of 239.6, while Arjun Cheema secured the silver medal.
  • Esha Singh claimed gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event with a score of 243.1, and Talat Kishmala of Pakistan won silver, earning the second quota place.
  • A total of three medals, including a team gold, were won by India on the opening day of the continental event.
  • The 10m air pistol events for men and women at the qualifiers offer a total of four Olympic quota places, with a maximum of three for Indian shooters.
  • A total of 16 quota places for the Paris Olympics are available at the Jakarta event.

Q: In which event did Varun Tomar win a gold medal to secure an Olympic quota place?

a. Men’s 10m Air Rifle
b. Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol
c. Men’s 50m Pistol
d. Men’s 10m Air Pistol

Answer: d. Men’s 10m Air Pistol

Q: In which event did Esha Singh win a gold medal to secure an Olympic quota place?

a. Women’s 10m Air Rifle
b. Women’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol
c. Women’s 50m Pistol
d. Women’s 10m Air Pistol

Answer: d. Women’s 10m Air Pistol

ONGC starts oil production from its Cluster-2 project in Krishna Godavari basin in Bay of Bengal

  1. The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has initiated oil production from its Cluster-2 project in the Krishna Godavari basin in the Bay of Bengal.
  2. The project is situated in the KG-DWN-98/2 block, characterized as a complex and challenging block.
  3. Initial production is expected to be 45 thousand barrels per day and over 10 million standard cubic metres per day of gas.
  4. The project, located offshore the Godavari river delta, is positioned 35 kilometres off the coast of Andhra Pradesh.
  5. Water depths in the project area range from 300 to 3,200 metres.
  6. The discoveries in the KG-DWN-98/2 block are divided into three clusters, with Cluster-2 being the first to be put into production.
  7. The anticipated impact of the project includes adding 7 percent to the current national oil production and 7 percent to national natural gas production.

Q: Where is the KG-DWN-98/2 block located, where the ONGC starts oil production from Cluster-2 project in January 2024 ?

a) Arabian Sea
b) Bay of Bengal
c) Indian Ocean
d) Andaman Sea

Answer: b) Bay of Bengal

ISRO’s Aditya-L1 successfully placed in a halo orbit around L1 point  

  • ISRO successfully placed the Aditya L1 satellite into its final orbit around the Lagrangian point on January 6, 2024.
  • The Halo orbit around the L1 point is considered a challenging task, and ISRO used a meticulous approach, employing the motor and thrusters from the Ground Command Centre, located approximately 1.5 million km away.
  • The propulsion system of Aditya L1 includes a 440 Newton Liquid Apogee Motor, eight 22 Newton thrusters, and four 10 Newton thrusters, which were intermittently fired to position the spacecraft at the L1 point.
  • Aditya L1 is India’s first solar mission designed to observe and study the Sun’s Corona, exploring its extreme heat and its impact on Earth.
  • The Lagrangian Point (L1) is where gravitational forces between the Earth and the Sun achieve equilibrium, allowing observation of the Sun without the hindrance of an eclipse.
  • Aditya L1, launched from Sriharikota, underwent four Earth-bound maneuvers and a Trans Lagrangian Point Insertion maneuver as part of its mission.

Q: What is the Lagrangian Point (L1) ?

a. A point where two spacecraft collide
b. A point where gravitational forces reach equilibrium between Earth and the Moon
c. A point where gravitational forces reach equilibrium between Earth and the Sun
d. A point in space where there is no gravitational force

Ans : c. A point where gravitational forces reach equilibrium between Earth and the Sun

Suchetha Satish sets new world record for singing in most languages during single concert

  • Suchetha Satish, from Kerala, has set a new world record for singing in the most languages during a single concert at the Indian Consulate Auditorium in Dubai..
  • The achievement is officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.
  • Suchetha’s performance was part of the Concert for Climate, an initiative focused on raising awareness about climate change.
  • She sang in an unprecedented 140 languages during the concert.

Q: How many languages did Suchetha Satish sing in during the record-setting concert in Dubai?

a. 100 languages
b. 120 languages
c. 140 languages
d. 160 languages

Ans : c. 140 languages

Country’s first smart lab starts in OPD block of AIIMS New Delhi to provide test facilities under one roof

  • AIIMS New Delhi has established the country’s first smart lab in its OPD block.
  • The smart lab offers comprehensive laboratory testing services, covering hematology, biochemistry, coagulation, serology, endocrinology, and various immunoassays.
  • Dr. Sudip Kumar Datta, Additional Professor of Laboratory Medicine at AIIMS Delhi, mentioned that the smart lab provides test reports for 90 percent of samples on the same day they are received.
  • The initiative is a technological advancement, operating as a completely paperless facility.
  • The integration of various testing services under one roof is a notable feature of the smart lab.

Q: Which institute has initiated the country’s first smart lab in its OPD block?

a. PGI Chandigarh
b. AIIMS New Delhi
c. Apollo Hospitals
d. Fortis Healthcare

Ans : b. AIIMS New Delhi

Indra Mani Pandey, assumed the position of Secretary General of the BIMSTEC

  • Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, a senior diplomat of India, assumed the position of secretary general of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) on 4 January 2024 at Dhaka.
  • He is the 4th secretary general of BIMSTEC and will perform this duty for a period of the next three years. He has succeeded Tenzin Lekphell of Bhutan, said a media statement.
  • On his arrival in Dhaka, Pandey was warmly received by Abdul Motaleb Sarker, director general (Saarc & BIMSTEC) and directors of the BIMSTEC secretariat.

What is BIMSTEC ?

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization comprising of seven South Asian and Southeast Asian nations, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The organization was established in 1997 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration. The primary objective of BIMSTEC is to promote technical and economic cooperation among its member countries in various sectors such as trade, investment, tourism, health, education, and environment.

Q: Who assumed the position of Secretary General of BIMSTEC in January 2024?

a. Mani Sankar Ayer
b. Indra Mani Pandey
c. Lal Mani Tripathi
d. Mukesh Yadav

Ans : b. Indra Mani Pandey

ICC announced the groups for the 2024 T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the groups for the 2024 T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup. The tournament will be held from June 1 to June 29, 2024, in the West Indies and the United States. It features 20 teams, an expansion from 16 teams in the 2022 tournament. The top eight teams from the 2022 tournament and the two hosts qualified automatically. The remaining eight teams were decided via a regional qualification process.

The 20 teams will be divided into five groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super 8 round. In the Super 8, the teams will be divided into two groups of four, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the knockout stage, consisting of two semi-finals and a final.

Defending champions England have been placed in Group A alongside Australia and Scotland. Ireland has been grouped alongside India and Pakistan. Nepal and Uganda are the two new entrants in the tournament, playing in Group D and Group E, respectively.

Q: When will the 2024 T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup be held in the West Indies and the United States?

a. June 1 to June 15, 2024
b. June 1 to June 29, 2024
c. July 1 to July 15, 2024
d. July 1 to July 29, 2024

Ans : b. June 1 to June 29, 2024

Hijacked Cargo ship ‘MV Lila Norfolk’, rescued by Indian Navy

  1. Cargo ship ‘MV Lila Norfolk’ was hijacked near the coast of Somalia on 4th Jan Night.
  2. All 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, have been rescued and are safe.
  3. MARCOS, elite commandos, of Indian Navy conducted the operation to sanitize the cargo ship.
  4. The hijacking was reported by UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
  5. INS Chennai, a navy destroyer, was diverted from anti-piracy patrol to rescue the crew.
  6. The naval warship launched a helicopter and issued a warning to pirates to abandon the hijacked vessel.

Q: Which elite commando unit conducted the operation to rescue the hijacked cargo ship near the coast of Somalia?

a. Navy Seals
b. MARCOS
c. SAS (Special Air Service)
d. GIGN (National Gendarmerie Intervention Group)

Ans : b. MARCOS

Govt launched PRERANA, an experiential learning programme for developing leadership qualities in students

Ministry of Education, Govt of India has introduced PRERANA, an experiential learning program focused on cultivating leadership qualities in students.

  1. PRERANA is aligned with the principles of the Indian education system and the philosophy of value-based education, as outlined in the National Education Policy 2020.
  2. It is a week-long residential program designed for students in classes 9th to 12th, aiming to provide an immersive learning experience.
  3. Each week, a batch of 20 selected students (10 boys and 10 girls) from different parts of the country will participate in the program.
  4. The program takes place at a Vernacular School established in 1888 in Vadnagar, Gujarat.
  5. The curriculum for PRERANA School was developed by IIT Gandhi Nagar and revolves around nine value-based themes.
  6. These themes include Swabhiman and Vinay, Shaurya and Sahas, Parishram and Samarpan, Karuna and Sewa, Vividhta and Ekta, Satyanishtha and Shuchita, Navachar and Jigyasa, Shraddha aur Vishwas, and Swatantrata and Kartavya.
  7. The primary goal of the program is to inspire youth, instill respect for India’s unity in diversity, and embody the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
  1. What is PRERANA, recently launched by the Government?
    a. A new sports activity program
    b. An experiential learning program
    c. A scholarship initiative
    d. A government employment scheme
  2. What is the main focus of PRERANA?
    a. Academic research
    b. Developing leadership qualities in students
    c. Sports training for students
    d. Providing financial aid to students

Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2023 : OMCL and Jain University received awards

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2023 on January 4, 2024.

  1. Odisha Mining Corporate Limited received an award in the category of Encouragement to Sports through Corporate Social Responsibility.
  2. Jain Deemed to be University in Bengaluru was honored for the identification and nurturing of budding and young talent.
  3. The awards will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in a specially organized function on the 9th of this month.
  4. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar is bestowed upon corporate entities, Sports Control Boards, NGOs, and sports bodies at the State and National level.

MCQs

  1. Which company received the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar for Encouragement to Sports through Corporate Social Responsibility?
    a. Indian Railway
    b. Odisha Mining Corporate Limited
    c. Sports Control Boards
    d. Power Grid India Ltd
  2. What is Jain Deemed to be University in Bengaluru awarded for in the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2023?
    a. Encouragement to Sports through CSR
    b. Nurturing budding and young talent
    c. Promotion of sports at the State level
    d. Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives

India International Jewellery Trade Show -IIJS 2024 in Mumbai

  1. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the India International Jewellery Trade Show – IIJS 2024 in Mumbai on January 4, 2024.
  2. Mr. Goyal emphasized that the combination of fashion and jewelry can position India as a sought-after wedding destination worldwide.
  3. Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, Mr. Vipul Shah, predicted the growth of India’s domestic gem and jewelry market from $44 billion to $134 billion by 2030.
  4. Nirav Bhansali, Convener-National Exhibitions, GJEPC, highlighted the integration of IIJS Signature 2024 Exhibition into the MSME Ministry’s ‘Procurement and Marketing Support’ initiative, providing a significant boost to micro and small enterprises in the industry.
  5. The 16th edition of the India International Jewellery Trade Show features 1,500 exhibitors, 3,000 stalls, and covers a vast 1.25 lakh square meters of exhibition area.
  6. The exhibition is held at JIO World Convention Centre, BKC from January 4th to 7th and at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon from January 5th to 8th.
  7. Over 32 thousand visitors are expected from 800 Indian cities and 60 countries during the event.

Q: Where is the 16th edition of the India International Jewellery Trade Show taking place?
a. Chennai
b. Pune
c. Mumbai
d. New Delhi

Ans : c. Mumbai

Band comprising 45 girls from North East to participate in NCC Republic Day Camp 2024

  1. 45 girls from the North East are participating in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp 2024.
  2. The girls, aged 13 to 15, will showcase the rich cultural heritage of the North East.
  3. This marks the first time a band of girls from the North East is participating in the camp.
  4. The NCC Republic Day Camp has a total of 2,274 cadets, including 907 girls, from across the country.
  5. The month-long camp aims to expose cadets to the rich traditions of the nation and strengthen their value system.
  6. There are 122 cadets from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, as well as 177 from the North East.
  7. Cadets and officers from 25 friendly countries under the Youth Exchange Programme (YEP) are also participating.
  8. The Director General of NCC, Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, highlighted the camp’s goal of promoting national integration and unity in diversity through cultural exchange programs.

Q: What is the full form of NCC?

a. National Cadet Council
b. National Cadet Corps
c. North Cultural Convention
d. National Cadre Committee

Ans : b. National Cadet Corps

World Braille Day : January 4th

  1. World Braille Day is celebrated annually on January 4th.
  2. The day aims to raise awareness about the significance of Braille as a communication method for the blind and visually impaired.
  3. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed World Braille Day in November 2018, and it was first celebrated in 2019.
  4. The chosen date coincides with the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, the creator of the Braille writing system.
  5. Braille uses six dots to represent each letter, number, and various symbols, making it a tactile representation.
  6. It enables blind and partially sighted individuals to read books and periodicals in the same way as those printed in a visual font.

MCQs

Q: When is World Braille Day celebrated annually?

a. January 1st
b. January 4th
c. February 4th
d. March 4th

Ans : b. January 4th

Question: What is Braille?

a. A form of sign language
b. A tactile writing system for the blind and visually impaired
c. A system of spoken language for the hearing impaired
d. A type of visual font used in print media

Ans : b. A tactile writing system for the blind and visually impaired

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