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Assam Current Affairs – August 01-03, 2024

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – August 01-03, 2024

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for August 01-03, 2024)

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Current Affairs Assamexam

August 01-03, 2024 

World Wide Web Day

World Wide Web Day is celebrated annually on 1st August. It is a global celebration that commemorates the creation of the World Wide Web (WWW) and its profound impact on human connectivity. 

This day serves as a tribute to the immense impact of the Web on modern society and a reminder of its role in fostering global connectivity and innovation.

This day honours the groundbreaking invention of Tim Berners-Lee, an English scientist who conceptualized and developed the WWW in 1989 while working at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN).

Significance Celebration of World Wide Web Day 2024 

  • This day highlights the web’s transformative effects on communication, education, healthcare, research, and entertainment. 
  • This day aises awareness about the importance of online security and protecting user data. 
  • Emphasizes the need for a more inclusive web that supports diverse communities and perspectives and encourages continued development and ethical use of web technologies to drive future advancements.

India Ranks 39th in Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024

India is ranked 39th among 119 countries, according to the Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024 report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

As per the TTDI report, out of the TTDI pillars mentioned, India’s scores have improved in three areas: Prioritization of Travel & Tourism, Safety & Security, and Health & Hygiene. As per UNWTO barometer for May 2024, there were 975 million International Tourist arrivals around the world in 2022, wherein India recorded 14.3 million International Tourist Arrivals that represented 1.47% of the international inbound tourism market share. The share of India’s International Tourist Arrivals in Asia & Pacific is 15.66% in 2022.

Travel and  Tourism Development Index 

  • The Travel and Tourism Development Index is a biennial report released by the World Economic Forum (WEF). 
  • The 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index was prepared in collaboration with the University of Surrey, England. This year, 119 countries have been ranked on the Index. 
  • The Travel and Tourism Development Index benchmarks and measures the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable and resilient development of the Travel and tourism sector, which plays a role in a country’s development. 

Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill, 2024

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill, is a proposed legislation introduced to replace the outdated Aircraft Act of 1934.

Need to Replace the Aircraft Act 1943: 

  • The Act has been amended multiple times to enhance safety, and oversight, and align with international conventions, creating ambiguities and confusion for stakeholders. 
  • To eliminate outdated provisions. 
  • Improve ease of doing business and streamline processes. Address design, manufacture, and maintenance of aircraft and related equipment.

Objective 

  • The primary objective of the Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024 is to reform and streamline the processes and protocols associated with air traffic management in India. 
  • It aims to integrate advanced technologies and international best practices to ensure the safe and efficient movement of air traffic within the Indian airspace.

Important Provisions: 

  • Empowerment for Rule-Making: The Central Government is empowered to make rules to implement international civil aviation conventions. Examples include the Chicago Convention (1944) and the International Telecommunication Convention (1932). 
  • Enhanced Powers for Aviation Authorities: Increased powers for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Enhanced authority for the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). Greater powers for the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). 
  • Emergency Powers: The Central Government is empowered to issue orders in emergencies for public safety, such as detaining aircraft. 
  • License and Certification Management: Central Government can suspend, cancel, or restrict licenses or certifications with a hearing opportunity for affected parties. 
  • Appeal Process: Introduction of a second appeal between the initial appeal and final appeal to the Secretary, MoCA. 

Significance of the Bill: 

  • The Bill aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by regulating aircraft design and manufacturing. 
  • It expands coverage to include drones, UAVs, flying taxis, and electronic gliders. 
  • This move addresses the needs of a rapidly growing aviation market, with ICRA forecasting an 8–13% growth in domestic air passenger traffic for FY2024.

Exercise Tarang Shakti

India will host its first multinational air exercise, ‘Tarang Shakti 2024’, in two phases, taking place in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan.

It aims to showcase India’s defence capabilities and enhance cooperation among the participating militaries. 

Key Points

  • This exercise will enhance relationships with international community members and will help to improve mutual understanding of air operations through complex missions. 
  • It aims to boost military cooperation and highlight India’s defence industry, supporting the country’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Phase one of the exercise will be conducted at Sulur in Tamil Nadu from August 6 to August 14 and four countries including France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom will participate with their assets. 
  • Phase two will be held at Jodhpur in Rajasthan from September 1 to 14 and it will see participation from Australia, Bangladesh, Greece, Singapore, UAE and the USA with their assets.

Swapnil Kusale earns third bronze medal for India in shooting

Swapnil Kusale has become the first Indian shooter to secure a medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Position (3P) event at the Paris Olympics. He finished his match with 451.4 to settle for a bronze medal. 

The gold medal was won by the world record holder Liu Yukun of China with 463.6 points, while the silver was won by Ukraine’s Serhiy Kulish with 461.3 points.

Achievements: 

Swapnil Kusale’s journey to this historic Olympic medal has been decorated with numerous achievements: 

  • World Championship, Cairo (2022): Finished 4th, winning an Olympic quota place for India. 
  • Asian Games 2022: Gold medal in the Team event. 
  • World Cup, Baku (2023): Gold in mixed team event and two silver medals in individual & team events. 
  • World Championship, Cairo (2022): Bronze medal in the team event. 
  • World Cup, New Delhi (2021): Gold medal in the team event.

Two Indian Astronauts Selected for Axiom-4 Mission

India has announced the selection of two astronauts, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Key Features

  • Indian astronauts will receive training from NASA, international partners, and SpaceX, focusing on spacecraft systems and emergency preparedness, as part of India-US space cooperation goals.
  • The crew will consist of professional astronauts and private individuals, including researchers and potentially tourists, who have undergone rigorous training for the mission.
  • Axiom-4 is expected to be a short-duration mission, lasting approximately 14 days. 
  • During their time aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the crew will conduct scientific experiments, perform technology demonstrations, and engage in educational outreach.

About Axiom-4 Mission 

  • Axiom Mission 4 (or Ax-4) is a private spaceflight to the International Space Station. 
  • It is operated by Axiom Space and uses a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. 
  • The flight is in collaboration with NASA and will be the fourth flight of Axiom Space after Axiom Mission 1, Axiom Mission 2 and Axiom Mission 3. 
  • Scheduled to launch in 2024, Axiom-4 will continue the company’s pioneering efforts to establish a sustainable human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

mRNA vaccine development against human avian influenza (H5N1)

A new initiative to develop and distribute mRNA vaccines for human avian influenza (H5N1) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP).

The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to improve the sharing of influenza viruses and vaccine access under the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework.

About mRNA Vaccine technology 

  • mRNA vaccines work by introducing a piece of mRNA that corresponds to a viral protein, usually a small piece of a protein found on the virus’s outer membrane. 
  • mRNA is a genetic molecule that contains instructions or recipe that directs cells to make a protein using its natural machinery. This mRNA prompts cells to create viral proteins, triggering the immune system to produce antibodies and boost the immune system. 
  • The mRNA Technology Transfer Programme has already developed a platform for COVID-19 vaccine candidates, which is now being adapted for other diseases, enhancing global vaccine equity.

India Elected as Vice-Chair of IPEF’s Supply Chain Council

India has been elected as the vice-chair of the Supply Chain Council (SCC) under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). 

India and 13 other Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) partners have established three supply chain bodies under the landmark Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Agreement relating to Supply Chain Resilience.

The IPEF has created three councils to deal with different supply chain issues:

Supply Chain Council: To pursue targeted, action-oriented work to strengthen the supply chains for those sectors and goods most critical to national security, public health, and economic well-being. 

Crisis Response Network: To provide a forum for a collective emergency response to exigent or imminent disruptions. Labour

Rights Advisory Board: Brings together workers, employers, and governments at the same table to strengthen labour rights and workforce development across regional supply chains.

Recent Appointments: 

During the meetings, each of the three supply chain bodies elected a Chair and Vice Chair, who will serve for a term of two years. The elected chairs and vice chairs are: 

Supply Chain Council: USA (Chair) and India (Vice Chair)

Crisis Response Network: Republic of Korea (Chair) and Japan (Vice Chair) 

Labour Rights Advisory Board: USA (Chair) and Fiji (Vice Chair)

Nano-MIND Technology

Researchers from the Center for Nanomedicine at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and Yonsei University in South Korea have successfully demonstrated the ability to control specific brain regions in mice using magnetic fields.

About Nano-MIND Technology

  • Nano-MIND technology utilizes magnetic fields and magnetized nanoparticles to wirelessly and remotely modulate specific deep brain neural circuits. 
  • This innovative approach enables precise activation or inhibition of targeted neurons, providing a powerful tool for researchers to study and influence brain activity without invasive procedures. 
  • By harnessing magnetism, Nano-MIND offers a new level of control over brain function that surpasses traditional methods, which often involve electrical stimulation or pharmacological interventions.

Highlights of the research 

  • The research team demonstrated the technology’s capabilities by activating specific neurons in different brain regions of mice. 
  • One notable achievement was the activation of inhibitory GABA receptors in the medial preoptic area (MPOA), which is responsible for maternal behaviours. 
  • When these neurons were stimulated in non-maternal female mice, the animals exhibited significantly increased nurturing behaviours, mimicking those of maternal mice. 
  • The researchers also successfully regulated feeding behaviours by targeting motivation circuits in the lateral hypothalamus.

APSC Mains 2023-24 General Studies (GS-5) Paper V (Assam Paper)

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APSC Mains 2023-24 General Studies (GS-5) Paper-5

General Studies-V (History, Culture, Geography, Polity, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment of Assam)

 
 
 
 
Full Marks: 250                                                                                                        Time: 3 hours
  1. “The Gaon Pradhan are the eyes and ears of the district administration of Assam.” Put forward any four arguments in support of this statement. (Answer in 150 words) 10

“গাঁওপ্রধানসকলক অসমৰ জিলা প্ৰশাসনৰ ‘চকু’ আৰু ‘কাণ’ বুলি ক’ব পাৰি।” এই মন্তবাৰ সমর্থনত যি কোনো চাবিটা যুক্তি আগবঢ়াওক। (১৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. What is the “Vistarita Kanaklata Mahila Sabalikaran Yojana’ aimed at? Discuss the benefits available to Self Help Groups (SHGs) of Assam under this scheme. (Answer in 150 words) 10

‘বিস্তাৰিত কনকলতা মহিলা সবলীকৰণ যোজনা’ৰ লক্ষ্য কি? এই আঁচনিৰ অধীনত আত্মসহায়ক গোটবোৰৰ বাবে উপলব্ধ সুবিধাসমূহ আলোচনা কৰক। (১৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. Describe the course of the Brahmaputra river from its source to mouth. (Answer in 150 words) 10 

ব্রহ্মপুত্র নদীৰ উৎসৰ পৰা মোহনালৈ গতিপথৰ বৰ্ণনা দিয়ক। (১৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. Suggest steps for qualitative improvement in agriculture in Assam through cropping diversification. (Answer in 150 words) 10

শস্যৰ বিবিধীকৰণৰ জৰিয়তে অসমৰ কৃষিত গুণগত মান উন্নয়ন অনাৰ বাবে পৰামর্শ আগবঢ়াওক।  (১৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. In your opinion, what should be the primary considerations while formulating an economic welfare scheme for the rural population in Assam? (Answer in 150 words) 10

আপোনাৰ মতে, অসমৰ গ্ৰামাঞ্চলৰ বাসিন্দাসকলৰ বাবে এখন অর্থনৈতিক কল্যাণ আঁচনি প্রস্তুত কৰিবলৈ কোনবোৰ প্ৰাথমিক বিষয়ত গুৰুত্ব দিব লাগিব? (১৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. How does the granting of a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag to Majuli Masks and Majuli Manuscripts impact the cultural preservation and artisan empowerment within the region? (Answer in 150 words) 10

মাজুলীৰ মুখাশিল্প আৰু পুথিচিত্রলৈ ভৌগোলিক সূচক (GI) ‘টেগ’ প্রদানে অঞ্চলটোৰ সাংস্কৃতিক সংৰক্ষণ আৰু শিল্পীসকলৰ সবলীকৰণৰ ক্ষেত্ৰত কিদৰে প্ৰভাৱিত কৰিব? (১৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. Discuss the social and economic impacts of the Brahmaputra river erosion in Assam. (Answer in 150 words) 10 

  1. What is “People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR)”? How does it empower rural people? What process is followed in preparing a PBR? (Answer in 150 words) 10

“ৰাজহুৱা জৈৱ বৈচিত্র্য পঞ্জীয়ন (People’s Biodiversity Register)” কি? ই গ্রামাঞ্চলৰ লোকসকলক কেনেদৰে সবলীকৰণ কৰে? এই পঞ্জীয়ন প্রস্তুতিৰ বাবে আগবঢ়াৰ প্রক্রিয়াটো কি? (১৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. “The mega Bihu dance performance by more than 11000 dancers and artists at Sarusajai Stadium, Guwahati on 13th April, 2023 not only created a Guinness World Record but also catapulted the cultural identity of Assam into the world stage.” Examine the statement. (Answer in 150 words) 10

“২০২৩ চনৰ ১৩ এপ্রিল তাৰিখে গুৱাহাটীৰ সৰুসজাই ষ্টেডিয়ামত ১১০০০তকৈও অধিক নৃত্যশিল্পী আৰু কলাকাৰৰ দ্বাৰা পৰিৱেশিত বিশাল (mega) বিহুনৃত্য পৰিবেশনে কেৱল গীনিজ বিশ্ব ৰেকৰ্ড সৃষ্টি কৰাই নহয়, ই অসমৰ সাংস্কৃতিক পৰিচয়কো বিশ্বৰ মঞ্চত প্রতিষ্ঠিত কৰিলে।” কথাফাঁকি বিচাৰ কৰক। (১৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. Describe how cultural exchange programmes in border areas can be helpful in maintaining peace and development in the border areas of North-Eastern Region. (Answer in 150 words) 10

উত্তৰ-পূৰ্বাঞ্চলৰ সীমান্তৱতী এলেকাসমূহৰ শান্তি স্থাপন আক উন্নয়নৰ বাবে সাংস্কৃতিক আদান-প্রদানৰ কাৰ্যসূচীবোৰে কেনেদৰে সহায় কৰিব পাৰে, বর্ণনা কৰক। (১৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)


  1. Discuss the major factors responsible for migration of population into Assam and state its probable socio-economic consequences. (Answer in 250 words)

 

  1. “Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages.” Examine this statement in the context of Assam. (Answer in 250 words) 15

‘স্মার্ট গাঁও’ অবিহনে ‘স্মার্ট চিটি’ বর্তি থাকিব নোৱাৰে।” অসমৰ প্ৰেক্ষাপটত এই কথাফাঁকি বিচাৰ কৰক। (২৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. “Employment prospect of Assamese youth at national level is very limited without adequate knowledge of English language. Critically analyse the statement. (Answer in 250 words)

“ইংৰাজী ভাষাৰ পর্যাপ্ত জ্ঞান অবিহনে সৰ্বভাৰতীয় পৰ্যায়ত অসমীয়া যুবক-যুৱতীৰ কৰ্ম-সংস্থাপনৰ সম্ভাবনা খুবেই সীমিত।” কথাফাঁকি সমালোচনাত্মকভাবে বিশ্লেষণ কৰক। (২৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. Is climate change a disaster risk? How is disaster risk magnified by climate Discuss with reference to disasters in Assam. (Answer in 250 words) 15

  1. Discuss the events leading to the signing of the Yandabo Treaty on 24th February, 1826.    (Answer in 250 words) 15

১৮২৬ চনৰ ২৪ ফেব্রুৱাৰীত কোনবোৰ ঘটনাপ্রবাহৰ পৰিপ্ৰেক্ষিতত ইয়াণ্ডাবু সন্ধি স্বাক্ষৰিত হৈছিল, আলোচনা কৰক। (২৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. What do you mean by extreme weather events? Have you observed any such event in recent years in Assam? What could be the impacts of such events? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words) 15

বতৰৰ চৰম পৰিস্থিতি বুলিলে আপুনি কি বুজে? সাম্প্রতিক বর্ষবোৰত অসমত এনে কোনো পৰিস্থিতিৰ সম্মুখীন হোৱাটো আপুনি লক্ষ্য কৰিছেনে? এনেকুৱা পৰিস্থিতিৰ কি’ প্রভাৱ হ’ব পাৰে? উদাহৰণসহ আলোচনা কৰক। (২৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. Give your comments on the need of fusion in Assamese music for the sake of wider acceptability. (Answer in 250 words) 15

বহলভিত্তিক গ্রহণযোগ্যতাৰ বাবে অসমীয়া সংগীতত সংমিশ্রণ (fusion)ৰ প্ৰয়োজনীয়তা সম্বন্ধে আপোনাৰ মতামত দিয়ক। (২৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. “Assam has the potential to accelerate development of tourism through innovative presentation of various indigenous festivals, cuisine and music of the State.” Substantiate the statement with reasons. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  1. Illustrate with suitable examples how the Government of Assam has encouraged young generation to opt for a career in sports. (Answer in 250 words)

খেলা-ধূলাক এক বৃত্তিৰূপে চয়ন কৰিবলৈ অসম চৰকাৰে যুৱ-প্ৰজন্মক কেনেদৰে উৎসাহিত কৰিছে, উপযুক্ত উদাহৰণসহ বুজাই লিখক। (২৫০টা শব্দৰ ভিতৰত উত্তৰ দিয়ক)

  1. “Rural life of Assam is beautifully depicted in Assamese films.” Analyze the statement with examples. How is Assamese rural life reflected in the movies of Jahnu Barua or Rima Das? (Answer in 250 words).

Assam Current Affairs – January 28-31, 2024

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – January 28-31, 2024

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for January 28-31, 2024)

Go To Assam Current Affairs                      Go To Assam Current Affairs Quiz

Current Affairs Assamexam

January 28-31, 2024 

Ministry of Education releases All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-2022

The Ministry of Education, Government of India releases All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-2022. The Ministry has been conducting AISHE since 2011, covering all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in the country registered with AISHE collecting detailed information on different parameters such as student enrollment, teachers, infrastructural information, etc.

Key findings of the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22

  • Total enrollment in higher education increased from approximately 4.14 crore in the previous session to nearly 4.33 crore in 2021-22, marking an increase of around 19 lakh students. 
  • Female enrollment increased from 2.01 crore in 2020-21 to 2.07 crore in 2021-22. The increase in female enrollment from 2014-15 (1.57 crore) to 2021-22 (2.07 crore) accounts for around 50 lakh students. 
  • In 2021-22, 57.2 lakh students were enrolled in the science stream, with female students outnumbering male students (29.8 lakh versus 27.4 lakh). 
  • Female Ph.D. enrollment doubled from 0.48 lakh in 2014-15 to 0.99 lakh in 2021-22. The annual increase in female Ph.D. enrollment for the period 2014-15 to 2021-22 is 10.4%. 
  • The enrollment of Scheduled Tribe (ST) students increased from 16.41 lakh in 2014-15 to 27.1 lakh in 2021-22, marking a 65.2% increase.
  • Total student enrollment in North East States increased from 9.36 lakh in 2014-15 to 12.02 lakh in 2021-22. Female enrollment in North East States (6.07 lakh) surpassed male enrollment (5.95 lakh) in 2021-22. 
  • OBC student enrollment increased by 45% in 2021-22 (1.63 crore) compared to 2014-15 (1.13 crore). Minority student enrollment increased from 21.8 lakh in 2014-15 to 30.1 lakh in 2021-22, with female minority enrollment witnessing a 42.3% increase
  • The total number of Universities / University level institutions registered is 1,168, Colleges 45,473 and Standalone Institutions 12,002. 
  • In all, 341 Universities/University level institutions have been established since 2014-15. 17 Universities (of which 14 are State Public Universities) and 4,470 Colleges are exclusively for women.

About All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE): 

  • The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) is an annual statistical exercise conducted by the Ministry of Education (formerly known as the Ministry of Human Resource Development) in India.
  • It has been published since 2011 with the objective to portray the status of higher education in the country. 
  • The survey covers all institutions providing higher education in the country. 
  • Data is being collected on multiple parameters, such as teachers, student enrollment , programmes, examination results, education finance and infrastructure. 
  • Indicators of educational development such as institution density, gross enrollment ratio, student-teacher ratio, gender parity index, per student expenditure will also be calculated from the data collected through AISHE.

Laughing Gull Spotted for the First Time in India

The laughing gull, a migratory bird originating from North America, has been observed for the first time in the country at the Chittari estuary in Kasaragod district of Kerala.

About Laughing gull

  • The laughing gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) is a species of bird belonging to the family Laridae.
  • It is a medium-sized gull with a distinctive appearance characterized by its black head, black legs, long drooping bill white body, and long wings.
  • The bird is known for its unique laughter-like calls which resemble human laughter. 
  • These birds are most commonly found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, as well as the Caribbean and parts of Central America.
  • They are known for their adaptability and opportunistic feeding habits.They eat mainly fish, shellfish, crabs, molluscs, insects, bird eggs, and young birds. 

E-Ink displays

An E-ink display is a screen that aims to replicate the experience of reading and writing on paper. They are used in e-readers like the Amazon Kindle. 

About E Ink displays

  • The technology was originally developed in the 1990s at MIT and is now owned by E Ink Corporation.
  • The screens work by manipulating microcapsules filled with positively and negatively charged particles, creating text and images without the need for backlighting. 
  • This makes them ideal for prolonged reading, as they reflect light like paper and consume minimal power.
  • They are being used at bus stop displays, walking direction signs, and some restaurants’ menu boards.

Pros and Cons 

Advantages: E Ink displays excel in low power consumption, making them suitable for devices requiring extended battery life. They also minimize eye strain due to their paper-like visual experience, matte surface, and outdoor readability. 

Disadvantages: E Ink displays have slower refresh rates compared to LCD and OLED screens, rendering them unsuitable for video or animation. They also have limitations regarding color and resolution and remain relatively expensive for larger sizes.

The PM inaugurates the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Supreme Court of India

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Supreme Court of India at the Supreme Court auditorium in Delhi. He also launched citizen-centric information and technology initiatives that include Digital Supreme Court Reports (Digi SCR), Digital Courts 2.0 and a new website of the Supreme Court.

About the Supreme Court of India

  • The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial body under the Constitution of India. 
  • Article 124 of the Constitution states that “There shall be a Supreme Court of India.” 
  • The Supreme Court came into existence on January 26, 1950, with the coming into force of the Constitution.
  • The Supreme Court has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction. 
  • It serves both as the final court of appeals and the final interpreter of the Constitution. 
  • Its exclusive original jurisdiction extends to any dispute between the Government of India and one or more States or between the Government of India and any State or States on one side and one or more States on the other, or between two or more States, if and insofar as the dispute involves any question (whether of law or fact)on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends.
  • Article 32 of the Constitution gives extensive original jurisdiction to the Supreme Court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.

Status Report of Snow Leopards in India

The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released the report on the Status of Snow Leopards in India during the National Board for Wildlife meeting held in New Delhi. 

The report was released as part of the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program, which is the first-ever scientific exercise that reports Snow leopard population of 718 individuals in India. 

About Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program

  • The SPAI systematically covered over 70% of the potential snow leopard habitat across the trans-Himalayan region, including UTs of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, and states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is the National Coordinator for this exercise that was carried out with the support of all snow leopard range states and two conservation partners, the Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysuru and WWF-India. 
  • The assessment was conducted from 2019 to 2023 using a meticulous two-step framework, including evaluating snow leopard spatial distribution and estimating snow leopard abundance using camera traps.
  • The first step involved evaluating Snow leopard spatial distribution, through an occupancy-based sampling approach in the potential distribution range. In the second step, Snow leopard abundance was estimated using camera traps in each identified stratified region.

Recommendations of the SPAI Program

  • The report emphasises the need for establishing a dedicated Snow Leopard Cell at WII under the MoEFCC to focus on long-term population monitoring. 
  • Consistent monitoring through periodic population estimation is proposed to ensure the long-term survival of snow leopards and to identify challenges, address threats, and formulate effective conservation strategies.

India Nominates ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ for UNESCO World Heritage List 2024-25

The “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” will be India’s nomination for recognition as the UNESCO World Heritage List for the year 2024-25.

This nomination comprises 12 components, each holding a unique place in history and culture. The twelve component parts of this nomination are, Salher fort, Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Khanderi fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay durg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. These components, distributed across diverse geographical and physiographic regions, showcase the strategic military powers of the Maratha rule.

About Maratha Military Landscapes

  • The Maratha Military Landscapes of India, which developed between the 17th and 19th centuries, represent an extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers. This extraordinary network of forts, varying in hierarchies, scales and typological features, is a result of integrating the landscape, terrain and physiographic characteristics distinctive to the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the Konkan Coast, Deccan Plateau and the Eastern Ghats in the Indian Peninsula.
  • There are more than 390 forts in Maharashtra out of which only 12 forts are selected under the Maratha Military Landscapes of India, of these eight forts are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. 
  • These are Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala fort, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg and Gingee fort whereas Salher fort, Rajgad, Khanderi fort and Pratapgarh are protected by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra. 
  • In the Maratha Military Landscapes of India Salher fort, Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad and Gingee fort are hill forts, Pratapgad is hill-forest fort, Panhala is hill-plateau fort, Vijaydurg is coastal fort whereas Khanderi fort, Suvarnadurg and Sindhudurg are island forts.

Maratha Military Ideology 

  • The origins of Maratha Military ideology can be traced back to the 17th century during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (circa 1670 CE). 
  • This enduring legacy continued through subsequent rules, including the Peshwa rule until 1818 CE. 

Nomination and Criteria

  • There are two categories of nomination- cultural and natural criteria, the Maratha Military landscapes is nominated in the category of cultural criteria. 
  • There are six criteria (i to vi) for cultural sites and four criteria (vii to x) for natural sites for inclusion in the World Heritage List.
  • The Maratha Military Landscapes of India is nominated under criterion (iii): To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization that in living or which has disappeared, 
  • criterion (iv): to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble, or landscape that illustrates significant stage(s) in human history and 
  • Criterion (vi): To be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.

India’s UNESCO Heritage

  • At present in India there are 42 World Heritage sites, out of which 34 are cultural sites, seven are natural sites whereas one is mixed site.
  • In Maharashtra there are six World Heritage Sites, five cultural and one natural these are, Ajanta Caves (1983), Ellora Caves (1983), Elephanta Caves (1987), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004), Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018) and western Ghats of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala is serial property in natural category (2012). 
  • The Maratha Military Landscapes of India included in the Tentative List of World Heritage sites in 2021 is the sixth cultural property nominated for inclusion in the World Heritage List from Maharashtra.

India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’

 

The inaugural edition of India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’ commenced at Mahajan, Rajasthan. The Exercise is conducted from 29th January to 10th February 2024. 

 

Participation and Representation: 

  • The Saudi Arabian contingent comprising 45 personnel is being represented by Royal Saudi Land Forces. 
  • The Indian Army contingent also comprising 45 personnel is being represented by a Battalion from the Brigade of the Guards (Mechanised Infantry). 

 

Objectives

  • Aim of the Exercise is to train troops of both sides for Joint Operations in Semi Desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. 

 

About Exercise Sada Tanseeq

  • The Exercise will enable both the sides to share their best practices in the tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting operations in sub-conventional domain. 
  • It will facilitate developing interoperability, bonhomie and camaraderie between troops from both the sides. 
  • The Exercise will involve Establishment of Mobile Vehicle Check Post, Cordon & Search Operation, House Intervention Drill, Reflex Shooting, Slithering and Sniper Firing. 
  • The Exercise will provide an opportunity to both the contingents to strengthen their bond.
  •  It will act as a platform to achieve shared security objectives, enhance the level of defence cooperation and foster bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.

Assam Current Affairs – January 25-27, 2024

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – January 25-27, 2024

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Current Affairs Assamexam

January 25-27, 2024 

PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme (PM YASASVI)

PM YASASVI is a Scholarship scheme for Other Backward Class (OBCs), Economically Backward Class (EBC) and Denotified Nomadic Tribes (DNT) Students. 

The scheme aims to provide scholarships to students from various impoverished classes. The Scheme provides these students with the resources they need to become financially independent and continue their studies.

A total of ₹32.44 Crore has been released for Pre-matric Scholarships and ₹387.27 Crore for Post-Matric Scholarships to States/Union Territories (UTs) under the PM YASASVI scheme.

About PM YASASVI 

  • Under this Scheme students can avail Pre-Matric Scholarship from Class 9 to 10 and Post Matric Scholarship for their higher studies at post-matriculation or post-secondary stage. 
  • Students who excel in their studies also get an opportunity of Scholarship to study in Top Class Schools and Colleges under the Scheme of ‘Top Class School Education’ and ‘Top Class College Education’. 
  • Additionally, hostel facilities are provided for OBC students through a construction scheme. 

Eligibility: 

  • Other Backward Class (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT) 
  • Parents or guardians annual income is not more than Rs. 2.50 Lakhs. 
  • Studying in a Top Class School in Class 9 or 11.

There are five sub-Schemes under the Scheme. 

  1. Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students: For students studying in class IX and X on a full-time basis in Government Schools only. Benefit-The students shall be given a consolidated academic allowance of Rs. 4000/- per annum 
  2. Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students. : For students studying at post-matriculation or post-secondary stage to enable them to complete their education. Benefits-allowance from Rs.5000 to Rs.20000 is awarded to students as per category of course. 
  3. Top Class School Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students: For meritorious students belonging to OBC, EBC and DNT categories from Class 9 onwards till they complete Class 12. Benefits-Scholarship is awarded for tuition fee, hostel fee and other charges  subject to a maximum of Rs. 75,000/- per annum per student of class 9 and 10 and Rs. 1,25,000/- per annum per student of class 11 and 12. 
  4. Top Class College Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students: For students belonging to OBC, EBC and DNT categories. Benefits-by providing full financial support that include tuition fee,living expenses,books and stationaries etcs. 
  5. Construction of Hostel for OBC Boys and Girls -To provide hostel facilities to students belonging to socially and educationally backward classes, especially from rural areas, to enable them to pursue secondary and higher education in the Govt. schools, universities, institutions and institutes located at a reasonable distance.

Arvind Panagariya Appointed Head Of Sixteenth Finance Commission 

The Government of India has appointed Arvind Panagariya, a renowned trade economist and former Niti Aayog vice chairman, as the chairman of the Sixteenth Finance Commission.

Major Terms of Reference for the 16th Finance Commission: 

  • Division of Tax Proceeds: Recommending the distribution of taxes between the Union Government and the States under Chapter I, Part XII of the Constitution. Includes the allocation of shares among the States from these tax proceeds. 
  • Principles for Grants-in-Aid: Establishing principles governing grants-in-aid to the States from the Consolidated Fund of India. Determines amounts to be provided to the States as grants-in-aid under Article 275 of the Constitution. 
  • Enhancing State Funds for Local Bodies: Identifying measures to enhance the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement resources available to Panchayats and Municipalities. Based on recommendations made by the State’s own Finance Commission. 
  • Evaluation of Disaster Management Financing: The Commission may review current financing structures related to Disaster Management initiatives. Examines funds created under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and presents suitable recommendations for improvements or alterations. 

About Finance Commission 

  • The Finance Commission (FC) of India was established by the President in 1951 under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution. 

Functions

  • Its primary role is to define and regulate the financial relations between the central government and the individual state governments. 
  • The Finance Commission (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1951, further outlines the qualifications, appointment, disqualification, term, eligibility, and powers of the Finance Commission. 
  • The Fifteenth Finance Commission, made recommendations covering the period of six years commencing on April 1, 2020.

Composition: 

  • Appointed every five years, the FC comprises a chairman and four other members. 
  • The chairman of the commission is selected from among persons who have had experience in public affairs. 
  • Four other members are selected from among persons who: 
  1. are, or have been, or are qualified to be appointed as Judges of a High Court; 
  2. or have special knowledge of the finances and accounts of Government; 
  3. or have had wide experience in financial matters and in administration; 
  4. or have special knowledge of economics

Padma Awards 2024

The President has approved conferment of 132 Padma Awards including 2 duo cases (counted as one) for the year 2024.

Padma Awards 2024 List

The list comprises 5 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 110 Padma Shri Awards. 30 of the awardees are women and the list also includes 8 persons from the category of Foreigners / NRI / PIO / OCI and 9 Posthumous awardees.

About Padma Awards 

  • The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours of India. They are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March / April every year.
  • The Awards are given in various disciplines / fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. 
  • The Padma Awards are provided in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. 
  • The ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is given to people who have done outstanding and remarkable service. 
  • The ‘Padma Bhushan’ is awarded for excellent service of a high order. 
  • The ‘Padma Shri’ is given to those who have shown great service in different fields. 
  • The award contain a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President, medallion and a small replica of the medallion, awardee names are also published in the Gazette of India on the ceremonial day.
  • The award does not amount to title and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix to the awardees’ name.

Padma Vibhushan 2024 

Name                                   Field                State/ Region 

  1. Ms. Vyjayantimala Bali           Art                      Tamil Nadu 
  2. Shri Konidela Chiranjeevi      Art                      Andhra Pradesh 
  3. Shri M Venkaiah Naidu      Public Affairs     Andhra Pradesh
  4. Shri Bindeshwar Pathak    Social Work           Bihar

(Posthumous)  

  1. Ms. Padma Subrahmanyam    Art                 Tamil Nadu

Padma Bhushan Awardees 2024 

Name                                   Field           State/Country 

  1. Ms. M Fathima Beevi   Public Affairs       Kerala 
  2. Shri Hormusji N Cama Literature & Education Maharashtra
  3. Shri Mithun Chakraborty Art West Bengal 
  4. Shri Sitaram Jindal Trade & Industry Karnataka 
  5. Shri Young Liu Trade & Industry Taiwan 
  6. Shri Ashwin Balachand Mehta Medicine Maharashtra 
  7. Shri Satyabrata Mookherjee Public Affairs West Bengal 8. Shri Ram Naik Public Affairs Maharashtra 
  8. Shri Tejas Madhusudan Patel Medicine Gujarat 
  9. Shri Olanchery Rajagopal Public Affairs Kerala 
  10. Shri Dattatray Ambadas Mayaloo alias Rajdutt Art Maharashtra 
  11. Shri Togdan Rinpoche Others – Spiritualism Ladakh 13. Shri Pyarelal Sharma Art Maharashtra 
  12. Shri Chandreshwar Prasad Thakur Medicine Bihar 
  13. Ms. Usha Uthup Art West Bengal 
  14. Shri Vijaykanth Art Tamil Nadu 
  15. Shri Kundan Vyas Literature & Education – Journalism Maharashtra

Padma Awards 2024

The Padma Shri Awards 2024 have been announced, honouring 110 distinguished individuals across various fields for their exceptional service. 

Individual/s has been awarded with the Padma Shri Awards 2024 from Assam

  1. Assam’s first female elephant mahout, Parbati Baruah, is recognized for her commitment to mitigating human-elephant conflict.
  2. Sarbeswar Basumatary  also known as “Chirang ke Krishi Chiraag,” is a farmer whose innovative approach to farming, incorporating various technologies, has not only transformed his own agricultural practices but has also garnered attention at the national level.
  3. Folk artiste from Assam Drona Bhuyan, an exponent of Ojapali and Deodhani dancer

Sapinda Marriage

Delhi High Court recently rejected a challenge to the constitutionality of Section 5(v) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (HMA), which prohibits marriage between Hindus if they are “sapindas” of each other.

About Sapinda Marriage

  • A sapinda marriage is one between individuals who are related to each other within a certain degree of closeness. 
  • Sapinda relationships for the purposes of the HMA are defined in Section 3 of the Hindu Marriage Act. 
  • Under section 3(f)(ii) of the act, two persons are said to be sapindas of each other if one is a lineal ascendant of the other within the limits of sapinda relationship, or if they have a common lineal ascendant who is within the limits of sapinda relationship with reference to each of them. 
  • Under the provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act, on the mother’s side, a Hindu individual cannot marry anyone who is within three generations of them in the line of ascent.
  • On the father’s side, the same prohibition applies to anyone within five generations of the individual.

Exceptions to the Prohibitions Against Sapinda Marriages

  • The Hindu Marriage Act (HMA) provides an exception to the prohibition against sapinda marriages.
  • This exception applies when the customs of each individual involved permit such marriages.
  • According to Section 3(a) of the HMA, a custom must be continuously and uniformly observed for an extended period to gain legitimacy.
  • For a custom to be valid, it must be certain, not unreasonable, and in line with public policy. Additionally, if the custom applies only to a specific family, it should not have been discontinued by that family.

Cabinet approves the scheme for promotion of Coal/Lignite

Union Cabinet approved the scheme for promotion of Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects of Government PSUs and Private Sector with an outlay of Rs.8,500 crore towards incentive for coal gasification projects under three categories.

The cabinet has approved the scheme as follows: 

Total outlay of Rs.8,500 crore will be provided as financial assistance for coal gasification projects under three categories. 

Finance under 3 categories

  • In category I, Rs.4,050 crore provisioned for Government PSUs in which upto 3 projects will be supported by providing lump-sum grant of Rs.1,350 crore or 15% of capex, whichever is lower.
  • In category II, Rs.3,850 crore provisioned for private sector as well as Government PSUs in which lump-sum grant of Rs.1,000 crore or 15% of capex, whichever is lower provided for each project. At least one project will be bid out on tariff-based bidding process and its criteria will be designed in consultation with NITI Aayog. 
  • In category III, Rs.600 crore provisioned for demonstration Projects (indigenous technology) and/or small-scale product-based Gasification Plants under which lump-sum grant of Rs.100 crore or 15% of capex, whichever is lower, will be given to the selected entity who will have a minimum Capex of Rs. 100 Crore and minimum production of 1500 Nm3/hr Syn gas.

Project Veer Gatha

The third edition of Project ‘Veer Gatha’, a joint initiative of Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education as part of Republic Day celebrations, has witnessed an overwhelming pan India response.

About Project Veer Gatha

  • Project Veer Gatha was initiated under the Gallantry Awards Portal (GAP) in 2021 with the primary goal of raising awareness about the brave actions of Gallantry Awardees and sharing their life stories with students.
  • It aims to inspire patriotism and civic values among the youth.
  • It aims to disseminate the details of acts of bravery of the Gallantry Awardees and the life stories of these brave hearts among the students. 
  • The order of precedence for Gallantry awards – Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra.

Assam Current Affairs – January 22-24, 2024

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – January 22-24, 2024

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Current Affairs Assamexam

January 22-24, 2024 

Amit Shah unvelis book ‘Assam’s Braveheart Lachit Barphukan’ 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently launched a book titled ‘Assam’s Braveheart Lachit Barphukan‘.  

The book was released at the Srimanta Sankardev International Auditorium in Guwahati in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The book, authored by Arup Kumar Dutta, delves into the life of the legendary 17th-century Ahom warrior Lachit Barphukan. 

The book highlights Lachit Barphukan’s significant role in defending Assam against the Mughal army, chronicling historical events and the enduring influence of Barphukan’s legacy​​​​.

The book has been published in English language by the state government and translated into 24 scheduled Indian languages.

India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise CYCLONE

The 2nd edition of Exercise CYCLONE, a joint special forces drill between India and Egypt, is taking place in Anshas, Egypt, from January 22 to February 1, 2024. The exercise is designed to develop bilateral military cooperation and strengthen bond between two armies through conduct of discussions and rehearsal of tactical military drills.

About Exercise Cyclone

  • The Indian contingent is being represented by troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and an Egyptian contingent comprising 25 personnel is being represented by Egyptian Commando Squadron and Egyptian Airborne Platoon.
  • Aim of the Exercise is to acquaint both the sides with each other’s operating procedures in the backdrop of Special Operations in desert/ semi desert terrain under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter.  
  • The Exercise will involve planning and execution of special operations in sub conventional domain and conducted in three phases. 
  • While the first phase will include Military Exhibitions and Tactical Interactions, second phase will focus on training on Improvised Explosive Device (IED), counter IED and Combat First Aid. The third and final phase will encompass Joint Tactical Exercise based on Fighting in Built-up Area and Hostage Rescue Scenarios. 
  • The Exercise will provide an opportunity to both the contingents to strengthen their bond and share best practices. It will also act as a platform to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.
  • The first edition of the exercise was conducted last year in India.

Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana

The PM announced Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana, a pioneering government initiative aimed at installing rooftop solar power systems in one crore households across the nation.

About Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana 

  • This scheme is a new attempt to help reach the target of 40 GW rooftop solar capacity.
  • It will involve installing solar power systems at rooftops for residential consumers. 
  • The scheme would help not only reduce electricity bills of the poor and middle class, but also push India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in the energy sector.

Current Solar Capacity in India

  • According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, solar power installed capacity in India has reached around 73.31 GW as of December 2023. 
  • Meanwhile, rooftop solar installed capacity is around 11.08 GW as of December 2023. Overall, solar power has a major share in the country’s current renewable energy capacity, which stands at around 180 GW. 
  • High performing states In terms of total solar capacity, Rajasthan is at the top with 18.7 GW. Gujarat is at the second position with 10.5 GW. 
  • When it comes to rooftop solar capacity, Gujarat tops the list with 2.8 GW, followed by Maharashtra by 1.7 GW.

Previous schemes to promote rooftop solar system 

In 2014, the government launched the Rooftop Solar Programme. This had aimed to achieve a cumulative installed capacity of 40,000 megawatts (MW) or 40 gigawatts (GW) by 2022.

‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman campaign’

The Vice-President of India had inaugurated ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ to commemorate the 75th Year of India as a Republic. The campaign, led by the Ministry of Law and Justice, aims to reaffirm commitment to the Constitution, celebrating shared values.

This nationwide initiative envisage to instill a sense of pride and responsibility to uphold the ideals outlined in the constitutional framework. It will also give opportunity to every citizen to participate in various ways, empower them to contribute in a meaningful way in our democratic journey.

Some of the themes to be covered during the Campaign include:-

  • Sabko Nyay Har Ghar Nyaya – Connecting the villagers and spreading awareness of legal services. The citizens would also get the opportunity to showcase their talents and to test their knowledge on the Constitution. 
  • Vidhi Jagriti Abhiyan – Involving the students to carry the message Panch Pran in the villages adopted by the Law colleges, under the Pro Bono Club scheme. 
  • Nyaya Setu – Expanding the legal services till the last mile. The event also released the achievement booklet of the Scheme on Access to Justice ‘Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice’ (DISHA).
  • Partnership with IGNOU – To allow Paralegals to acquire certifications in diverse field of laws to increase their employability. Partnership with Bhashini – To break the barriers of language in accessibility to justice.

The 9th India International Science Festival (IISF)

The 9th edition of India International Science Festival, (IISF-2023) held from 17 to 20 January at Faridabad, Haryana.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India is organizing the 9th edition of IISF and its autonomous organization National Innovation Foundation-India is the coordination and implementation body of IISF 2023. 

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) institutes Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) – Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) located in Faridabad (Haryana) is the host institute of the grand event

Objectives

  • The aim of this science festival is to celebrate the achievements of India in the frontier areas of science and technology. 
  • The festival also aims to acknowledge the achievements of science enthusiasts and inculcate scientific temper among young students and spread the same among the Indian citizens. 

Theme

The central theme of IISF 2023 is “Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal”. 

This time, 22 countries are also participating at IISF 2023. These include Argentine Republic, Republic of Armenia, Commonwealth of Australia, Kingdom of Cambodia, French Republic, Federal Republic of Germany, Republic of Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Kenya, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia,  Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Republic of Namibia, Republic of the Philippines, Republic of Rwanda, Republic of Singapore, Republic of South Africa, Kingdom of Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and Republic of Zimbabwe.

19th NAM Summit held in Uganda

The 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit was held in Kampala, Uganda. Uganda has taken over as chair from Azerbaijan, to run until 2027.

Theme: ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.’

Key discussions 

    • Israel-Hamas war: The leaders of NAM countries have denounced Israel’s offensive in Gaza and demanded an immediate ceasefire during the summit. 
    • India’s “Vishwa Mitra” initiative: India  emphasized its role as a friend to the world, or “Vishwa Mitra” to global solidarity and cooperation in his address.
    • A call for multipolar world

 

About Non-Aligned Movement

  • The NAM was established in 1961 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, through the initiative of five leaders of newly independent countries: Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Sukarno of Indonesia, and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana.
  • It was formed during the Cold War as an organisation of States that did not seek to formally align themselves with either the United States or the Soviet Union but sought to remain independent or neutral. 
  • Currently it has 120 Member States, 17 Observer Countries and 10 Observer organizations. 
  • NAM does not have a permanent secretariat or a formal founding charter, act, or treaty. 
  • The summit usually takes place every three years.

Assam Current Affairs – January 19-21, 2024

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – January 19-21, 2024

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for January 19-21, 2024)

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Current Affairs Assamexam

January 19-21, 2024 

Arunachal Pradesh celebrated the 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival

The 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the region’s commitment to wildlife conservation, with a special focus on hornbills. 

The festival took place at Seijosa in the Pakke Kessang district from January 18-20, 2024. 

About Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival

  • The first-ever Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival was held in 2015. 
  • It aims to recognise the role played by the Nyishi tribal group in conserving hornbills in Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR). 
  • The festival also aims to establish alternative income sources, steering away from harmful practices like hunting and logging. 
  • It serves as a platform for creating national awareness about the natural wonders of the Pakke Tiger Reserve and its surroundings.
  • The festival brings together diverse communities to unite in their efforts to protect these iconic birds and promote environmental awareness.
  • This year, the festival’s theme is Domutoh Domutoh, Paga hum Domutoh. It translates to ‘Let Our Hornbills Remain’ in the Nyishi language. 
  • This year’s festival aims to underscore the critical need for preserving these iconic birds.

India Inc lauds establishment of gender equity Alliance at WEF meet 2024

Indian industry lauded the government for establishing the ‘Alliance for Global Good- Gender Equity and Equality’ announced on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting 2024.

Highlights of the Alliance for Global Good- Gender Equity and Equality

  • It seeks to build on the initiatives of the Engagement Group and frameworks like Business 20, Women 20, and G20 EMPOWER. 
  • The idea of this alliance emerged from the G20 Leaders’ Declaration and India’s abiding commitment to the cause of women-led development as propounded by Prime Minister  Shri Narendra Modi.
  • The primary and stated objective of this new Alliance is to bring together global best practices, knowledge sharing and investments in the identified areas  of women’s health, education, and enterprise.
  • Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the alliance will be housed and anchored by the CII Centre for Women Leadership. 
  • The alliance aims to champion women-led development, leveraging India’s spectacular inclusive growth story and its philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Prayas” (Together with all, Development for all and Effort for all).

Union Ayush Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal lays foundation stone for State-of-the-Art ‘Ayush Diksha’ centre at Bhubaneswar

The Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone for ‘Ayush Diksha’,a groundbreaking center at the Central Ayurveda Research Institute in Bhubaneswar.

Key Points

  • The ‘Ayush Diksha’ center is set to become a hub for the advancement of human resources in Ayush, with a primary focus on Ayurveda professionals. 
  • The institution aims to foster collaboration with prominent national institutes to enhance capacity, strengthen human resources, facilitate research and development, and achieve self-sustainability for revenue generation.
  • The institution will offer training programmes for Ayush professionals, especially those from Ayurveda, as it aims to collaborate with national institutes of prominence for capacity development, strengthening human resources, facilitate research and development, achieve self-sustainability with an objective to generate revenue. 
  • The Ayush Diksha centre is being built with a budget of ₹30 crores. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including two auditoriums, 40 modern rooms with all amenities, suites for VIPs, dedicated space for a natural library, discussion rooms, modular kitchen, dining lounge, among other amenities. 
  • The CARI, Bhubaneswar is a unit under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. This ground breaking initiative marks a significant step towards promoting and advancing research in Ayurveda on scientific lines.

WHO Releases Guidelines for Multi-Modal Generative AI in Healthcare

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released comprehensive guidance on the ethical use and governance of large multi-modal models (LMM) in healthcare.

About the Guidelines

  • The guiding document identified five broad applications of LMMs in healthcare: Diagnosis and clinical care, such as responding to patients’ written queries; patient-guided use for investigating symptoms and treatments; clerical and administrative tasks in electronic health records; medical and nursing education with simulated patient encounters; and scientific research and drug development. 
  • It also recommends designing LMMs for well-defined tasks with the necessary accuracy and understanding of potential secondary outcomes. 
  • It offers a roadmap for harnessing the power of LMMs in healthcare while navigating their complexities and ethical considerations. 
  • This initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring that AI technologies serve the public interest, particularly in the health sector
  • WHO’s six core principles for AI in health: protect autonomy, promote well-being, ensure transparency, foster responsibility, ensure inclusiveness, and promote sustainability.

Risks Associated with LMMs in Healthcare Generation of False or Biased Information: 

  • LMMs may produce inaccurate or biased information due to biases present in the training data, potentially leading to misguided health decisions. 
  • LMMs might perpetuate healthcare disparities based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, and age, reflecting the biases present in their training data. 
  • There is a risk of automation bias, where healthcare professionals and patients may overly trust the output of LMMs, leading to the oversight of potential errors. 
  • As LMMs rely on trustworthy algorithms, any compromise in these algorithms could result in the release of sensitive patient information, posing cybersecurity risks.

The WHO Recommendations for Mitigating Risks 

  • Encourages investment in public infrastructure, such as computing power and datasets, adhering to ethical principles. 
  • Stressed on the need for global cooperative leadership to regulate AI technologies effectively. 
  • Governments from all countries must cooperatively lead efforts to effectively regulate the development and use of AI technologies, such as LMMs.
  • Calls for the implementation of mandatory post-release audits and impact assessments.
  • Advises developers to engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including potential users and healthcare professionals, from the early stages of AI development. 
  • Emphasizes designing LMMs for well-defined tasks with the necessary accuracy while understanding potential secondary outcomes.

President Droupadi Murmu confers Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu conferred the “Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar” instituted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India to 19 children at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

This year’s awardees include one child each in the categories of Bravery, Science & Technology and Innovation, four in the category of Social Service, five in the category of Sports, and seven in the category of Art & Culture. 

Every year, the Government of India acknowledges the exceptional achievements of children in the age group of 5 to 18 years by conferring the ‘Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) upon them. Each awardee received a medal and a certificate from the President.

Saiyam Mazumdar from Assam has been awarded Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Award, 2024 in the field of social service. 

He is a wildlife conservationist who started off by saving and taking care of stray animals, exhibiting incredible compassion. 

He bravely saved snakes and informed others about their ecological significance. 

President of India inaugurates the 5th edition of the Meghalaya Games

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 5th Edition of the Meghalaya Games in Tura, Meghalaya on January 15, 2024. 

The President said that the North East region has a tremendous potential for the development of sports and sportspersons

She emphasized the need to support the talent from the tribal areas and groom them to become professional sportspersons. 

With Government’s new initiatives and encouragement to the athletes, Indian sportspersons are now winning more medals than ever in global events. 

Programmes such as Khelo India are helping in identifying and nurturing future sports champions.

Assam Current Affairs & GK Quiz for APSC 2024 – Set 353: January 2024, Week 5

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Assam Current Affairs & GK Quiz for APSC 2024 – Set 353: January 2024, Week 5

(Daily and Monthly Assam Current Affairs & GK Quiz & MCQ for APSC Exams and various Assam exams)

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Current Affairs Assam Quiz - Assam exam

Q1. Which of the following traditional sports was organised for the first time under government guidance in Assam?

  1. Cock Fight
  2. Horse Fight
  3. Elephant Fight
  4. Buffalo fight

Buffalo fight

 

Q2.Who individual/s has been awarded witth the Padma Shri Awards 2024 from Assam?

  1. Ms. Parbati Baruah 
  2. Shri Sarbeswar Basumatary 
  3. Shri Drona Bhuyan
  4. All of the above

All of the above 

Assam’s first female elephant mahout, Parbati Baruah, is recognized for her commitment to mitigating human-elephant conflict.

Sarbeswar Basumatary  also known as “Chirang ke Krishi Chiraag,” is a farmer whose innovative approach to farming, incorporating various technologies, has not only transformed his own agricultural practices but has also garnered attention at the national level.

Folk artiste from Assam Drona Bhuyan, an exponent of Ojapali and Deodhani dancer.

Q3. Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan is launched to 

  1. Promote the development of rural women who are part of self-help groups.
  2. Promote the health sector in the state.
  3. Provide free lunch to school-children.
  4. Improve school education in six states covering 10 million teachers.

Promote the development of rural women who are part of self-help groups.

Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan scheme is designed to promote the development of rural women who are part of self-help groups. 

It aims to transform them into “Rural Micro Entrepreneurs” with an annual income target of ₹1 lakh per member.

 

Q4. Which teacher from Assam has received the National Teachers’ Award 2023 during the Teachers Day celebration?

  1. Madhav Singh
  2. Bhupinder Gogia
  3. Kumud Kalita
  4. Netai Chandra Dey

Kumud Kalita

Q5. Who among the  following has been awarded with Sahitya Academy Award for the short stories category for his book titled ‘Sreshtha Galpa.’

  1. Dhirendra Nath Chakraborty
  2. Pranavjyoti Deka
  3. Joysurya Bora
  4. Kunal Saikia

Pranavjyoti Deka 

Q6. What is the objective of ‘Amrit Brikshya Andolan’ initiated in Assam?

  1. It is an initiative aimed at planting a total of 1 crore commercially-viable saplings across the State by individuals.
  2. It aims to stimulate the tree-based economy within the state, generating sustainable livelihoods and income opportunities. 
  3. It aims to increase Assam’s forest cover as a measure to combat climate change and promote environmental conservation.
  4. All of the above

All of the above

The Assam Amrit Brikshya Andolan is a massive tree planting initiative launched by the Assam government in 2023. 

The initiative aimed at increasing the state’s green cover by planting saplings, primarily of commercial trees. 

The initiative aims to increase Assam’s forest cover as a measure to combat climate change and promote environmental conservation. 

The Andolan aims to stimulate the tree-based economy within the state, generating sustainable livelihoods and income opportunities. 

The primary objective of the campaign was to plant 1 crore saplings across Assam, involving thousands of people from various regions of the state.

Q7. Which place of Assam has been selected as the best tourism village of India 2023?

  1. Dhordo village
  2. Biswanath Ghat 
  3. Ranthali
  4. Sualkuchi

Biswanath Ghat 

Q8. The government of Assam conferred the Artists Award (Silpi Bota) for the year 2024 to

  1. Chetana Das
  2. Dr. Pradipjyoti Mahanta
  3. Manisha Hazarika
  4. Jagadish Barman
Manisha Hazarika

 

The Artists Award (Silpi Bota) for the year 2024 was bestowed upon distinguished artist Manisha Hazarika, along with seven other notable individuals recognized for their substantial contributions to the Assamese socio-cultural and literary spheres.

Q9. Who among the following has won the Sukapha Award 2023?

  1. Kuladhar Saikia
  2. Rajendra Prasad Basumatari
  3. Kashinath Barua
  4. Dhirendra Nath Bezbaruah 
Dhirendra Nath Bezbaruah  

Q10. As per the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), what penalty is prescribed under the new hit-and-run law?

  1. 10 years in jail and a fine of Rs 7 lakh
  2. 10 years in jail and a fine of Rs 5 lakh
  3. 5 years in jail and a fine of Rs 8 lakh
  4. 15 years in jail and a fine of Rs 10 lakh
10 years in jail and a fine of Rs 7 lakh

  • As per the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which is a replacement for the British-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), if a driver causes a serious road accident due to careless driving and then leaves without informing the police or any official, they could be punished with up to 10 years in jail and a fine of Rs 7 lakh.

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Assam Current Affairs & GK Quiz for APSC 2024 – Set 352: January 2024, Week 4

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Assam Current Affairs & GK Quiz for APSC 2024 – Set 352: January 2024, Week 4

(Daily and Monthly Assam Current Affairs & GK Quiz & MCQ for APSC Exams and various Assam exams)

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Current Affairs Assam Quiz - Assam exam

Q1. India’s first Girls’ Military School inaugurated in

  1. Vrindaban
  2. Bhopal
  3. Guwahati 
  4. Shillong

Vrindaban

India’s first Girls’ Military School inaugurated in Vrindavan, Mathura. The Samvid Gurukulam Girls Military School, located within the Vatsalya Gram campus and established by Sadhvi Ritambhara, aims to provide education and training to female students. 

This initiative marks a significant step in extending military education traditionally reserved for male students in India to female students as well.

 

Q2. Vijay Raghavan Committee, recently seen in news is related to

  1. To provide free electricity to 1 lakh households.
  2. To make provisions for rural panchayats.
  3. To review the functioning of the Defence Research and Development Organisation
  4. Frame guidelines to tackle the sensitive and far-reaching problems of cybercrimes

To review the functioning of the Defence Research and Development Organisation

Q3. Exercise Cyclone was held between the Indian special forces and which of the following countries?

  1. Myanmar
  2. Sri Lanka
  3. Egypt
  4. Indonesia

Egypt

The 2nd edition of Exercise CYCLONE, a joint special forces drill between India and Egypt, is taking place in Anshas, Egypt. 

Indian Army contingent, consisting of 25 personnel from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) with the Egyptian contingent represented by the Egyptian Commando Squadron and Egyptian Airborne Platoon.

The exercise focuses on enhancing bilateral military cooperation and understanding operating procedures in desert terrain under UN Charter Chapter VII. It involves three phases, including Military Exhibitions, IED training, and Joint Tactical Exercises, fostering stronger ties between the two friendly nations.

 

Q4.The ‘Operation Sarvashakti’, recently seen in news is related to

  1. Operation by the IAF to evacuate Indian citizens from Ukraine.
  2. An initiative of the Indian army to neutralise terrorist threats in Pir Panjal range
  3. Operation by the Indian Navy to evacuate Indian citizens and foreign nationals from Sudan during the 2023 Sudan conflict.
  4. Repatriate Indian citizens from overseas during the COVID-19 pandemic

An initiative of the Indian army to neutralise terrorist threats in Pir Panjal range

Q5. ‘Hatti community has been granted Scheduled Tribe status by which state government recently?

  1. Madhya Pradesh
  2. Haryana
  3. Manipur
  4. Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh

The Hattis are a close-knit community that got their name from their tradition of selling homegrown vegetables, crops, meat, wool, etc. at small markets called ‘haat’ in towns. They follow a Rigid Caste System. 

The Hattis are governed by a traditional council called Khumbli, which like the Khaps of Haryana, decide community matters. 

The Khumbli’s power has remained unchallenged despite the establishment of the Panchayati Raj System. 

Q6. What is the name of India’s first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine?

  1. Havisure
  2. Rotavac
  3. Comvac
  4. Indirab

Havisure

  • Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL), has launched India’s first domestically developed Hepatitis A vaccine, named ‘Havisure.’
  • It is a two-dose vaccine.The first dose given to those above 12 months of age and the second dose is administered at least six months later. 
  • The vaccine is advised for routine immunization in children and individuals at risk due to exposure or travel to regions with high hepatitis A prevalence. 
  • Individuals with occupational infection risks and those suffering from chronic liver diseases can also receive Hepatitis A vaccination.

Q7. Which among the following institutions has been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Disaster Management Award-2024 in the ‘Institutional Category’?

  1. Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management (GIDM)
  2. 60 Parachute Field Hospital, Uttar Pradesh
  3. Disaster Mitigation & Management Centre, Uttarakhand
  4. Lunglei Fire Station (LFS), Mizoram

60 Parachute Field Hospital, Uttar Pradesh

    • 60 Parachute Field Hospitals of Uttar Pradesh have been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Disaster Management Award for the year 2024 for their excellent work in the field of disaster management. 
    • Under this award, the winning organization in the institutional category is awarded a cash prize of Rs 51 lakh and a certificate. In case of an individual, Rs 5 lakh in cash and a certificate is provided.

Q8. Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana is related to

  1. Rooftop solar panels
  2. Cultivation of Honey
  3. Child Health
  4. Cultivation of Sunflower

Rooftop solar panels

  • Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana is a centrally sponsored scheme, under which rooftop solar panels will be installed on more than 1 crore houses, with the help of which people will get a clean source of energy. 
  • The objective of this scheme is to include poor and middle class persons under the rooftop solar program and also to bring self-reliance in the energy sector.

Q9. Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’, is conducted between which two countries?

  1. India and Turkey
  2. India and Indonesia
  3. India and Saudi Arabia
  4. India and Kazakhstan

India and Saudi Arabia

  • The first joint military exercise between India and Saudi Arabia, “SADA TANSEEQ”, took place from January 29 to February 10, 2024. 
  • The exercise was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. 
  • The exercise aims to improve synergy, interoperability by sharing best practices between the two countries’ armies.
  • The Exercise will enable both the sides to share their best practices in the tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting operations in sub-conventional domain. 
  • It will facilitate developing interoperability, bonhomie and camaraderie between troops from both sides.

Q10. Which state’s products Adi Kekir and Wancho wooden craft have recently received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag status?

  1. Assam
  2. Himachal Pradesh
  3. Goa
  4. Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

  • Recently, three items of Arunachal Pradesh have received the prestigious Geographical Indication tag, officials said on Wednesday. These are Adi kekir (ginger), Handmade carpets by Tibetan settlers and Wooden items made by the Wancho community.

Q11. Who was the President of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly?

  1. Judge Nawaf Salam
  2. H.E. Dennis Francis
  3. Mr. Peter Thomson
  4. Ajay Banga

H.E. Dennis Francis

Q12. International Purple Fest 2024 was organised in 

  1. Punjab
  2. Assam 
  3. Goa
  4. Uttarakhand

Goa

International Purple Fest 2024 was organised in Goa. The objective of this festival is to showcase the talents of persons with disabilities through attractive performances in music, dance and entertainment. 

An extraordinary moment of the inauguration ceremony was the presentation of Purple named ‘Dhumal’. In this, performances will be given by disabled people from different areas of Goa as well as respected composers of the Indian music industry. Thus, events are primarily a symbol of inclusivity and unity. 

Q13. A book named “Gandhi A Life in Three Campaigns” is authored by

  1. Chetan Bhagat
  2. Aravind Adiga
  3. M.J. Akbar
  4. Vivek Singh

M.J. Akbar

Q14. Which country has been selected to host the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee?

  1. Japan
  2. India
  3. Russia
  4. Kazakistan 
India

India is set to chair the UNESCO World Heritage Committee and host its 46th session in New Delhi from July 21 to 31, 2024.

Q15.  ‘Polygonum Chaturbhunjam’ recently seen in the news, belongs to which of the following species?

  1. Fungi
  2. Plants
  3. Fishes 
  4. Reptile
Plants

A new plant species named Polygonum Chaturbhujanum has been discovered at Gol Pahadi island in the Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra. It is an herb.

Additionally, the survey revealed the presence of six plant species endemic to India within the Pench Tiger Reserve, namely Aegineta indica, Boerhavia crispa, Habenaria gibsonii var foetida, Iphigenia pallida, Petalidium barlerioides, and Barleria gibsonii.

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Assam Current Affairs & GK Quiz for APSC 2024 – Set 351: January 2024, Week 3

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Assam Current Affairs & GK Quiz for APSC 2024 – Set 351: January 2024, Week 3

(Daily and Monthly Assam Current Affairs & GK Quiz & MCQ for APSC Exams and various Assam exams)

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Current Affairs Assam Quiz - Assam exam

Q1. Which among the following Tiger Reserve has got the title of India’s first ‘Dark Sky Park’?

  1. Pench Tiger Reserve
  2. Manas Tiger Reserve
  3. Pakke Tiger Reserve
  4. Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

Pench Tiger Reserve

The Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra has been marked as India’s first Dark Sky Park and the fifth Dark Sky Park in Asia for protecting the night sky and preventing light pollution.

The reserve’s certification recognizes its commitment to protecting the night sky, reducing light pollution, and creating an ideal environment for astronomy enthusiasts and stargazers.

 

Q2. Which bank signed a MoU with the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) to provide loans to rural Self-Help Groups (SHGs)?

  1. Canara Bank
  2. Punjab National Bank
  3. State Bank of India
  4. Union Bank of India

State Bank of India

State Bank of India introduced a specialized financial product, “Svyam Siddha”, exclusively tailored for SHG women entrepreneurs seeking loans up to Rs. 5 lakhs. 

This initiative is uniquely designed to alleviate the challenges associated with extensive documentation requirements for bank loan applications and reduce the Turn Around Time (TAT).

 

Q3. Which state government has launched the MukhyaMantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan aimed at empowering rural women entrepreneurs?

  1. Gujarat
  2. Uttar Pradesh
  3. Bihar
  4. Assam

Assam

The Assam government launched the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA) to empower rural women entrepreneurs. 

This financial assistance scheme targets women beyond Self-Help Groups, emphasizing family planning for eligibility. The goal is to transform participants into “Rural Micro Entrepreneurs” with a ₹1 lakh annual income target.

 

Q4. India and which country has partnered to launch Green Fuels Alliance India (GFAI)?

  1. USA
  2. Denmark
  3. UAE
  4. Germany

Denmark

  • Green Fuels Alliance India (GFAI) is an alliance between Denmark and India to boost collaborative efforts in the sustainable energy solutions sector.
  • It aims to advance the green fuels sector, including green hydrogen, through innovation and partnerships.
  • The new alliance is a strategic initiative led by the Danish Embassy and Consulate General of Denmark in India.

 

Q5. ‘Sinomicrurus Gorei’ a new species of coral snake was discovered in

  1. Arunachal Pradesh
  2. Mizoram
  3. Madhya Pradesh
  4. West Bengal

Mizoram

Researchers from Mizoram University’s zoology department have discovered a new species of coral snake in the state.  It has been named Sinomicrurus Gorei after British India doctor Gore.

The reptile is locally known as ‘Rulṭhihna’ due to its striking resemblance to a Mizo traditional amber necklace called ‘Ṭhihna’.

 

Q6. “Panchayats Free From Gender-Based Violence – A Handbook for Elected Representatives” is released by

  1. Narendra Modi
  2. Amit Shah Shri
  3. Giriraj Singh
  4. Dharmendra Pradhan

Giriraj Singh

 

Q7. Who among the following has become France’s youngest prime minister

  1. Gabriel Attal
  2. Hassanal Bolkiah
  3. Robert Fico
  4. Srettha Thavisin

Gabriel Attal

 

Q8. The Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone for ‘Ayush Diksha’, centre in 

  1. Guwahati
  2. Prayagraj
  3. Bhubaneswar
  4. Agra

Bhubaneswar

  • Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated ‘Ayush Diksha,’ a groundbreaking center at the Central Ayurveda Research Institute in Bhubaneswar.
  • The ‘Ayush Diksha’ center is set to become a hub for the advancement of human resources in Ayush, with a primary focus on Ayurveda professionals. 
  • The institution aims to foster collaboration with prominent national institutes to enhance capacity, strengthen human resources, facilitate research and development, and achieve self-sustainability for revenue generation.

 

Q9. Lanjia Saura paintings, which recently got GI tag, belong to which state?

  1. Assam
  2. Gujarat
  3. Maharashtra
  4. Odisha

Odisha

Lanjia Saura paintings, also known as ekons or iditals, are a unique style of wall mural art from Odisha. The art form belongs to the Lanjia Saura community, a PVTG largely residing in the Rayagada district. These paintings are in the form of exterior murals painted on the mud walls of homes.

Q10. Who has become the second Indian to win a gold medal in the Asian Marathon Championship?

  1. Balraj Kaushik
  2. Gaurav Karjee
  3. Man Singh
  4. Dheeraj Singha

Man Singh

  • Man Singh has become only the second Indian male athlete to win a gold medal in the Asian Marathon Championships. 
  • He won the gold medal by timing 2 hours, 14 minutes and 19 seconds. 
  • Gopi Thonakal was the first Indian male athlete to win the Asian Marathon Championship title in the year 2017.

 

Q11. Who among the following is the Chief architect of the Ram Temple?

  1. Chandrakant Bhai Sompura
  2. Ashok Singhal
  3. Arun Yogiraj
  4. Ashok Bhushan

Chandrakant Bhai Sompura

Chandrakant Sompura, the chief architect of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, hails from a distinguished lineage of temple architects based in Ahmedabad.

Notable among their creations are iconic structures like the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, the Swaminarayan temple in Mumbai, the Akshardham temple complex in Gujarat, and the Birla Temple in Kolkata.

 

Q12. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) inaugurated the India Innovation Centre for Graphene (IICG) and a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Intelligent Internet of Things (IIoT) Sensors in

  1. Maharashtra
  2. Kerala
  3. Arunachal Pradesh
  4. Rajasthan

Kerala

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), launched two flagship programs – “Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Intelligent Internet of Things (IIoT) Sensors” and India’s first Graphene Centre “India Innovation Centre for Graphene (IICG)” today at Maker Village, Kochi, Kerala.

 

Q13. Which airport was the venue for the Wings India 2024 event?

  1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
  2. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
  3. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
  4. Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad

Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad

  • Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia inaugurated Wings India 2024, Asia’s largest aviation expo, at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad.
  • The Airports Authority of India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and FICCI, is organizing the biennial (after every two years) event. 
  • Wings India 2024 showcases a collection of new-generation aircraft displays, allied aviation services, auxiliary unit industries, and advancements in the tourism sector. 
  • The theme of Wings India 2024 is “Connecting India to the World in Amrit Kaal: Setting the Stage for India Civil Aviation @2047”.

 

Q14. Which state government has the Yuva Nidhi Scheme for Unemployed Youth?

  1. Uttar Pradesh
  2. Assam
  3. Karnataka
  4. West Bengal

Karnataka

  • Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated Yuva Nidhi, a scheme providing financial aid to unemployed graduates and diploma holders for two years.
  • Under the scheme, the government has committed to providing Rs 3,000 per month to degree holders and Rs 1,500 per month to diploma holders who have been unable to secure employment in the last six months and are not pursuing higher studies.

 

Q15. Who has been selected for Assam’s highest civilian award ‘Assam Vaibhav’ for 2023?

  1. Ranjan Gogoi
  2. Pranabjyoti Deka
  3. Pranjal Saikia
  4. Ratan Tata

Ranjan Gogoi

Former Chief Justice of India and current Rajya Sabha MP, Ranjan Gogoi, is set to be honored with the prestigious ‘Assam Baibhav’ award, the highest civilian award in Assam.

Ranjan Gogoi, the 46th Chief Justice of India and a Rajya Sabha MP, is the first from Northeast India to hold the CJI post. 

The Chief Minister also credited Ranjan Gogoi for his role in the establishment of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, emphasizing the significant impact of Gogoi’s Assamese roots on this historic development.

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Assam Current Affairs – January 01-03, 2024

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – January 01-03, 2024

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the January 01-03, 2024)

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Current Affairs Assamexam

January 01-03, 2024 

MoU signed between the Government of India, Assam, and representatives of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA)

Memorandum of Settlement signed between the Government of India, Government of Assam and representatives of United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), in New Delhi to end insurgency in the NorthEast region. 

Key Points

  • The tripartite agreement is very important for peace in Assam and the entire Northeast. Under this agreement, ULFA representatives have agreed to abjure a path of violence, lay down all their arms and ammunition and disband their armed organisation. 
  • Apart from this, ULFA has also agreed to vacate all camps occupied by its armed cadres, engage in the peaceful democratic process established by law and maintain the integrity of the country.
  • The Union Home Minister said that the Modi government has signed the NLFT agreement in 2019, Bru and Bodo in 2020, Karbi in 2021, Adivasi agreement in 2022, Assam-Meghalaya border agreement, Assam-Arunachal border agreement and agreement with UNLF in 2023. 
  • Shri Amit Shah also said that a time-bound program will be made by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to fulfill the demands of ULFA and a committee will also be formed for its monitoring.

Uttar Pradesh Plans to Develop India’s First AI City in Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh plans to establish the country’s first AI city in Lucknow. This initiative aims to create a thriving hub for artificial intelligence, integrating cutting-edge technology, research centers, and educational institutions to foster innovation and nurture the workforce of the future.

Key Points

  • The AI city is proposed to be located in the city of Lucknow, according to an Expression of Interest issued by UP Electronics Corporation Ltd. 
  • The city already features Centers of Excellence in areas such as AI and MedTech, thereby forming a sound base for the establishment of the AI city. 
  • The city is expected to become a hub for nurturing a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship among AI/ML startups. 
  • Lucknow’s AI city represents an advanced step in implementing artificial intelligence at a large scale and nurturing the workforce of the future.

Assam CM Launches 200 Eco-Buses In Guwahati To Combat Pollution

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma flagged off 200 electric buses from Guwahati. The government has taken this decision to create a pollution-free environment in Assam.

Key Points

  • Unlike CNG-powered buses, these buses will ply on a total of 13 routes in Guwahati. Furthermore, charging stations have been set up at several places, including Mirza and Jagiroad. 
  • The new initiative aims to establish Guwahati as the country’s first city powered by a 100% green public transportation system by the year 2025.
  • Additionaly, CM Sarma ceremonially launched the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) in Guwahati. The NCMC serves as a versatile transport card designed to simplify various transactions related to travel, toll taxes, and retail purchases, and allows cash withdrawals. 
  • Operating via the RuPay card system, the NCMC can be obtained as a prepaid, debit, or credit card from associated banks.

NEHHDC Establishes Ashtlaxmi Haat for Northeast Arts and Crafts

The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) establishing Ashtlaxmi Haat & Experience Centre at Guwahati with a project cost of ₹ 7.6 crore.

Key Points

  • The initiative attempts to develop and promote the indigenous crafts of the region by connecting craftsmen to prospective markets and consumers and generating economic, cultural, and social opportunities for creators while adding cultural value for consumers.  
  • The Haat will have 24 permanent stalls, which will provide market access to artisans of all Northeast states & will have an artisan residency to provide accommodation to artisans from outstation.
  • It provides the artisans a direct city outlet bridging them to contemporary consumers seeking authentic ethnic wares. 
  • The residency component lets craftspeople from remote hills and villages stay during sales exhibitions.
  • The organization procures handicrafts and handlooms from artisans and weavers across the region and retails the same. Moreover, it promotes the products at various National and International Markets through exhibitions and trade fairs. 

Jammu And Kashmir Becomes First UT To Implement PM Vishwakarma Yojana

Jammu & Kashmir has become the first Union Territory to implement the PM Vishwakarma Yojana (PMBY) skill training program for craftsmen and artisans. 

The initiative aims to empower and enhance the skills of the craftsmen community in the country. 

The start of training for the first batch of 30 trainees in Darzi craft at the Industrial Training Institute in Shopian. 

This initiative, launched by the Central government in September 2023, aims to uplift and recognize the crucial role these skilled individuals play in preserving and enriching India’s cultural heritage.

Gujarat Sets Guinness Record In Mass Surya Namaskar

Gujarat sets Guinness record for performing mass Surya Namaskar simultaneously in the state on the first day of the new year.

Over 4,000 participants across 108 locations and 51 different categories performed Surya Namaskar, solidifying the state’s commitment to wellness and cultural heritage. 

The record-breaking event was held at the majestic Modhera Sun Temple. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from diverse groups, including families, students, yoga enthusiasts, and even senior citizens.

India, UAE Launch Maiden Military Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone’

The collaborative military exercise ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’ involving India and the UAE is scheduled to take place in Rajasthan from January 2 to January 15. 

Key Points

  • The UAE contingent is being represented by troops from the Zayed First Brigade.  The Indian Army contingent comprising 45 personnel is being represented mainly by a Battalion from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment. 
  • The aim of this Exercise is to enhance interoperability in Sub-conventional Operations including Fighting in Built-Up Area (FIBUA) in desert/ semi desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peacekeeping Operations. 
  • The Exercise will enhance cooperation and interoperability between both the sides during Peace Keeping Operations. 
  • Drills planned to be rehearsed during Exercise ‘DESERT CYCLONE’ include Establishment of a Joint Surveillance Centre, Cordon and Search Operation, Domination of Built-Up Area and Heliborne Operations. 
  • The Exercise will also foster collaborative partnership and help in sharing best practices between the two sides. 
  • Exercise ‘DESERT CYCLONE’ signifies further strengthening of bonds of friendship and trust between India and the UAE. 
  • The Exercise aims to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.

India, Pakistan Exchange List of Nuclear Installations

India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad. 

About Non-Nuclear Aggression Agreement

  • The Non-nuclear aggression agreement is a bilateral and nuclear weapons control treaty between India and Pakistan, on the reduction (or limitation) of nuclear arms.
  • It is also known as the India-Pakistan Non-Attack Agreement, that was signed on 31 December 1988 and entered into force on 27 January 1991.
  • It provides that India and Pakistan inform each other of the nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the Agreement on the first of January of every calendar year. 
  • Each party shall refrain from undertaking, encouraging or participating in, directly or indirectly, any action aimed at causing the destruction of, or damage to, any nuclear installation or facility in the other country.

Importance of this agreement

  • Both the countries reaffirm their commitment to durable peace and the development of friendly and harmonious bilateral relations. 
  • They are conscious of the role of confidence building measures in promoting such bilateral relations based on mutual trust and goodwill.