Current Affairs Quiz 8th January 2024 Quiz

Exp. Amit Shah inaugurates 58th DGsP/IGsP conference 2023 in Jaipur

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has inaugurated the 58th DGsP/IGsP Conference 2023 at Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur.

The three-day Conference was held in hybrid mode with DGsP/IGsP and Chiefs of Central Police Organisations attending physically from Jaipur and over 500 Police officers of various ranks participating through video conferencing from across the country.

The Union Home Minister distributed Police Medals for Meritorious Service to IB officers and awarded trophies for the three best Police Stations.

Exp. Cabinet Approves India-USAID MoU For Railways’ Net-Zero Emission Goal

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the signing of MoU between India and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID/India) to support Indian Railways in achieving ‘net zero carbon emission’ by 2030.

The MoU provides a platform for Indian Railways to interact and share the latest developments and knowledge in the railway sector.

The MoU facilitates utility modernization, advanced energy solutions and systems, regional energy and market integration and private sector participation and engagement, training and seminars/workshops focusing on specific technology areas like Renewable Energy, energy efficiency and other interactions for knowledge sharing.

Earlier, USAID/India had also worked with IR focused on deployment of rooftop solar across railway platforms.

Exp. Ayodhya Airport Renamed As ‘Maharishi Valmiki International Airport’

The Union Cabinet recently gave its approval to declare Ayodhya Airport as an international airport.

The airport will be named “Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham,” reflecting the historical and cultural significance of the region.

The airport is paramount for realizing Ayodhya’s economic potential and its significance as a global pilgrimage site, opening doors to foreign pilgrims and tourists.

The first phase of the airport is developed at a cost of more than Rs 1,450 crore. The airport’s terminal building will have an area of 6500 sqm, equipped to serve about 10 lakh passengers annually.

The facade of the terminal building depicts the temple architecture of the upcoming Ram Temple of Ayodhya.

About Uttar Pradesh

• Capital – Lucknow
• Chief Minister – Yogi Adityanath
• Governor – Anandiben Patel

Exp. Sarbananda Sonowal chair first Inland Waterways Development Council Meeting in Kolkata

Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has chaired the first Inland Waterways Development Council Meeting in Kolkata.

During the meeting, Mr Sonowal unveiled groundbreaking initiatives, including Harit Nauka – Guidelines for Green Transition of Inland Vessels and the River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047.

The Ministry has set a target to elevate the modal share of Inland Water Transportation from the current two percent to five percent, aligning with the goals outlined in the Maritime India Vision 2030.

The establishment of the Inland Waterways Development Council in October last year underscores the government’s commitment to the comprehensive development of inland waterways and the associated Inland Water Transport ecosystem for improved cargo efficiency, passengers.

Sarbananda Sonowal in News

• Sarbananda Sonowal launches Port Health Organization under Sagar Setu
• Sarbananda Sonowal launches 3rd edition of Global India Maritime Summit
• Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates DGNSS “SAGAR SAMPARK
• Sarbananda Sonowal launches ‘SAGAR SAMRIDDHI’
• Sarbananda Sonowal flags off India’s 1st International Cruise Vessel from Chennai to Sri Lanka
• Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated “PCIM&H e-Office Portal” and an online portal.

Exp. Amit Shah chairs ‘National PACS Mega Conclave’ in New Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah has chaired the ‘National PACS Mega Conclave’ on ‘Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra’ at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

The Mega Conclave is being organized by the Ministry of Cooperation in collaboration with the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) provide quality generic medicines to the general public, which cost 50-90 percent less than the branded medicines available in the open market.

More than 2000 types of generic medicines and around 300 surgical items are made available through these Kendras to common citizens at affordable prices.

This initiative will provide new opportunities to PACS for diversification and expansion of their economic activities, thus leading to an increase in the incomes of millions of small and marginal farmers associated with them. It will also help in creating new employment opportunities in rural areas.

Amit Shah in News

• Amit Shah launched logo, website and brochure of National Cooperative for Exports Limited (NCEL)
• Amit Shah inaugurated India’s first nano DAP plant in Gandhinagar, Gujarat
• Amit Shah chairs review meeting on Left Wing Extremism in New Delhi]
• Amit Shah chaired Northern Zonal Council at Amritsar
• Amit Shah ch aired Northern Zonal Council at Amritsar
• Amit Shah launches “Amrit Kalash Yatra” under ‘Meri Maati-Mera Desh’ campaign in New Delhi.

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

In a historic and awe-inspiring event, Suchetha Satish (from Kerala) has etched her name in the annals of music history by setting a new world record for singing in the most languages during a single concert in the UAE.

The Guinness Book of World Records officially attested to this feat earlier this week.

Suchetha’s groundbreaking performance was part of a Concert for Climate, a unique initiative aimed at raising awareness about the critical issue of climate change.

The talented artist delivered an astounding rendition of songs in an unprecedented 140 languages, captivating the audience with her musical prowess and a powerful message.

Exp. Vikas Sheel appointed as ED of Asian Development Bank

India has appointed seven accomplished civil servants to crucial positions abroad, showcasing the country’s global engagement.

Senior bureaucrat Vikas Sheel has been appointed as Executive Director of Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Sheel, a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Chhattisgarh cadre, is currently Additional Secretary and Mission Director, Jal Jeevan Mission under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

He has been appointed as ED, Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a period of three years from the date of assumption of the charge.

While, Smita Sarangi has been appointed to the post of Adviser to the Executive Director, ADB, Manila, Philippines for a period of three years from the date of assumption of charge.

Senior bureaucrat Kalyan Revella will be Counsellor (Economic) in the Embassy of India, Beijing for 3 years.

Senthil Pandian C, a 2002-batch IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed to the post of Ambassador/Permanent Representative (PR), Permanent Mission of India (PMI) to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Geneva.

M Balaji has been appointed to the post of Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Brussels. He is a 2005-batch IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre.

Parveen Kumar, a 2004 batch Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) officer will be Adviser to the Executive Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Washington DC, USA.

He was appointed, in place of Simanchala Dash, for a period of three years.

Tanu Singh, an Indian Trade Service (2012 batch) officer, has been named as First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (PMI), World Trade Organization (WTO), Geneva for a period of three years.

Recent Appointment in Foreign

• India’s Permanent Representative to UN – Arindam Bagchi
• President of European Investment Bank – Nadia Calviño (replace Werner Hoyer)
• Defense Minister of China – Dong Jun (replace Li Shangfu)
• Deputy Executive Director (Management) of UNFPA – Andrew Paul Saberton, UK (replace Ib Petersen, Denmark)

About Asian Development Bank (ADB)

• Founded – 19 December 1966
• Headquarters – Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
• President – Masatsugu Asakawa
• Vice President – Ashok Lavasa
• Director of ADB for India – Takeo Konishi
• Executive Director – Vikas Sheel
• Adviser to the Executive Director – Smita Sarangi
• Member Countries – 68 (Niue)

Exp. Rajiv Shah named as ‘Class C’ director on Board of Directors of Federal Reserve Bank of New York

In the US, Dr. Rajiv Shah, current president of ‘the Rockefeller Foundation’ and former head of USAID, has been named as a ‘Class C’ director on the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

He has been appointed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for a three-year term ending the 31st of December, 2026.

Shah has been leading the prominent philanthropic organization ‘the Rockefeller Foundation’ since 2017.

Recent Appointment

• CEO of Indian Olympic Association – Raghuram Iyer
• MD & CEO of National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIFFL) – Sanjiv Aggarwal (replace Rajiv Dhar)
• President of All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) – Shashi Singh (Ramesh Kejriwal)

• Senior VP of AIRIA – Zafar Ahmed
• Vice president of AIRIA -Indra Parekh

• Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs – Randhir Jaiswal (replace Arindam Bagchi)

Exp. Indra Mani Pandey assumes charge of BIMSTEC Secretary General

Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, a senior diplomat of India, assumed the position of Secretary General (SG) of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in Dhaka.

Pandey, who succeeded Tenzin Lekphell of Bhutan, is the 4th SG of BIMSTEC and will remain in office for a period of three years.

The new SG reiterated his commitment to work earnestly and with a new vigour to translate into reality the grand vision of BIMSTEC member states.

A career diplomat, Ambassador Pandey joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1990.

Prior to taking over as SG, he served as the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva.

About Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)

• Founded – 6 June 1997
• Headquarters – Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Membership – 7 (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka &Thailand)
• Secretary General – Indra Mani Pandey (India)

Exp. Ashwani Gupta appointed as CEO of Adani Ports

Ashwani Gupta has been appointed as CEO of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone.

He was the former global Chief Operating Officer at Nissan Motors.

This appointment is part of Adani Port’s internal restructuring that also elevated Karan Adani to the role of Managing Director and Gautam Adani has been re-designated as ‘Executive Chairman’ of APSEZ.

Gupta, an automotive market veteran was appointed Nissan COO in December 2019 and has a notable track record in fostering key partnerships worldwide, and brings nearly three decades of experience across the automotive, retail and manufacturing sectors. He has played key role in the Renault Nissan Alliance as well.

Exp. Indian economy to grow at 7.3 percent in current financial year; NSO

According to the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the Indian economy will grow by a robust 7.3 percent in the Financial Year 2023-24 over and above the provisional growth rate of 7.2 percent during the last financial year.

NSO in its report based on First Advance Estimates (FAE) of National Income for the financial year 2023-24, said that the construction sector has been estimated to have double-digit growth of 10.7 percent.

It highlighted that all the economic sectors have fared well by witnessing more than six percent, except for the Agriculture and Allied sectors, for which the estimated growth is 1.8 percent.

The Advance Estimates of National Income are indicator-based and are compiled using the benchmark-indicator method.

This report has been prepared based on data inputs collected from various Ministries, Departments, and Private Agencies.

Exp. Google DeepMind Introduces Mobile ALOHA Humanoid Technology

Researchers at Google DeepMind and Stanford University has introduced Mobile ALOHA, a low-cost open-source hardware system for bimanual teleoperation.

It is a humanoid robot that can be remote operated by a user and perform autonomously by imitation learning.

ALOHA can autonomously cook and serve shrimps, call and take the elevator, and store a 3lbs pot in a cabinet – tasks it learned through imitation of 50 demos.

Further, through user-controlled teleoperations, it can do laundry, self-charge, use a vacuum cleaner, water plants, load and unload a dishwasher, use a coffee machine and much more.

ALOHA is a lightweight robot walking at a human speed of 1.42 metre a second and can carry up to 100-kilogramme weight.

Both the hardware and machine-learning algorithm of ALOHA are open-sourced.

The whole system costs less than $20,000 with off-the-shelf robots and 3D-printed components, according to Trossen Robotics website where buyers can place an order for ALOHA.

Other humanoid robots

Optimus by Tesla

• Optimus, the robotics arm of Elon Musk’s auto behemoth Tesla, released its first version of humanoid robot Bumblebee in September 2022, followed by Optimus Gen-1 and Optimus Gen-2 last year.

Sophia by Hanson Robotics

• Sophia by far is the oldest and most loved humanoid robot which shot to fame in 2017 when Saudi Arabia granted her citizenship, making her the world’s first robot to become a legal person in any country.

Exp. 8 January – Earth’s Rotation Day

Earth’s Rotation Day is celebrated every year on January 8.

It’s a day dedicated to recognizing the pivotal discovery of Earth’s rotation on its axis.

In 470 BC, the Greeks claimed that the earth rotated on its own back. In 1851, French Physicist Leon Foucault showed the world’s rotation with the assistance of a pendulum.

This was additionally used to exhibit the experimentation and was subsequently shown at the Pantheon in Greece and the Paris Observatory.

Earth’s Rotation Day is celebrated to mark the experiment by Leon Foucault to demonstrate the rotation of earth, and this is given importance over other different experiments that were conducted to prove the earth’s rotation around its axis.

Significant Facts

• The Earth’s diameter is 12,714 kilometres (7,900 miles) from the North toward the South Poles and 12,756 kilometres (12,756 miles) via the equator (7,926 miles).
• There has been a cyclical connection between the continents of Earth for millions of years.
• 70% of Earth’s surface is covered by water. Just 3% of that is freshwater, with 97% being saltwater.  

Exp. 8 January – South African Native National Congress (SANNC) Day

African National Congress (ANC) was formed on 8 January 1912. Its primary goal was to unite African people and defend their rights and freedoms.

South Africa’s governing party is the African National Congress and has been in power since the transition to democracy in April 1994.

Initially, the organization was founded as the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) on 8 January 1912 in Bloemfontein.

It aimed to fight for the rights of black South Africans, to bring all Africans together as one people, and to defend their rights and freedoms.