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Daily G.K. - Top Stories

13 Feb 2024

DAILY G.K. TEST

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ENVIRONMENT

Gupteswar Forest in Odisha Declared Biodiversity-Heritage Site

  • The pristine Gupteswar Forest, adjacent to Gupteswar Shiva temple in Odisha's Koraput district was declared as the fourth Biodiversity-Heritage Site (BHS) of the state.
  • The site is spread over 350 hectares of demarcated area. Along with its sacred grooves traditionally worshipped by the local community, the site is bestowed with a wide range of flora and fauna.
  • The biodiversity inventory and survey conducted by the Odisha Biodiversity Board shows the presence of at least 608 faunal species including 28 species of mammals, 188 species of birds, 18 species of amphibia, 48 species of reptiles, 45 species of pisces, 141 species of butterflies, 43 species of moths, 41 species of odonates, 30 species of spiders, six species of scorpion, and 20 species of lower invertebrates.
  • The other three are Mandasaru BHS in Kandhamala district, Mahendragiri BHS in Gajpati district, and Gandhamardan BHs in Bargarh and Bolangir districts.
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BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Independent Director Manju Agarwal Quits Paytm Payments Bank Board

  • Paytm's parent One97 Communications (OCL) confirmed that Manju Agarwal, an independent director at Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL), resigned from its board citing 'personal commitments'.
  • There were four independent directors at the payments bank. These include Manju Agarwal, Shinjini Kumar, a seasoned banker, Ramesh Abhishek, a former bureaucrat, and Pankaj Vaish, who is a start-up mentor and former Managing Director of Accenture.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Sundaram AMC Appoints Anand Radhakrishnan Appointed as CEO

  • Sundaram Asset Management appointed Anand Radhakrishnan as CEO. Anand was earlier a part of the company for eight years from 1996 to 2004. He previously served as Managing Director & CIO (Equity) at Franklin Templeton India.
  • Incumbent Managing Director Sunil Subramaniam will retire in June after leading the organisation for 19 years. Radhakrishnan will take over as Managing Director in July 2024.

NASA Launches New Mission to Study Earth's Climate, Ocean, and Atmosphere

  • NASA successfully launched a satellite into space to study the health of the ocean, air quality and the impact of climate change.
  • The Plankton, Aerosol, Climate, ocean Ecosystem satellite, which is also known as PACE, was launched from the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
  • The PACE mission will study microscopic life in water and microscopic particles in the air from hundreds of miles above the Earth to give scientists insights into the how the ocean and atmosphere work together and how climate change affects that.
  • The satellite has a special instrument to study ocean colour which will allow researchers to track the distribution of phytoplankton, which are tiny plant-like organisms found in oceans, lakes, rivers and other large bodies of water, for the first time from space.
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SPORTS

Sumit Nagal Lifts Chennai Open ATP Challenger Trophy

  • India's Sumit Nagal captured the Chennai Open ATP Challenger title with a straight set 6-1,6-4 win over top seed Luca Nardi, of Italy, at the SDAT Stadium, Tamil Nadu.
  • The second-seeded Nagal became the first Indian man since Prajnesh Gunneswaran in 2019 to breach the top-100 barrier.
  • The Chennai Open is the first in a series of ATP Challenger 100 events to be held in India.
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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Sikkim Becomes First North-eastern State to Restore Old Pension System for Government Employees

  • Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang of Sikkim announced the revival of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for state government employees hired on or after April 1, 2006, during the State Level Temporary Employees' Convention. This made Sikkim the first north-eastern state to restore Old Pension System for Government Employees.
  • Under the provisions of the Sikkim Services Pension Rules, 1990, employees appointed on or before March 31, 1990, would benefit from the reinstatement of the OPS.
  • This revival marks a crucial step towards ensuring the financial security of state government employees, particularly in light of the upcoming state assembly elections.
  • As part of broader welfare measures, the government has introduced amendments to policies regarding the regularisation of temporary employees.
  • These amendments aim to enhance inclusivity and job security, particularly for those with benchmark disabilities.
  • The revised policies offer opportunities for regularisation to employees serving continuously for two years or more in specific posts, reflecting the government's commitment to inclusivity and stability.

India to Replace Military Personnel with Technical Staff in Maldives

  • India announced the replacement of military personnel operating aviation platforms in the Maldives with competent Indian technical personnel. This decision came after negotiations between Indian and Maldivian authorities, with the latter expressing a clear demand for the withdrawal of Indian troops.
  • This move aims to maintain operational expertise while addressing the Maldives' request for the withdrawal of Indian troops.

Nitish Kumar Wins Trust Vote for NDA Government

  • Two weeks after rejoining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's government won the trust vote in a floor test (129-0) in the Bihar Assembly. Earlier during the Assembly proceedings, the Speaker of the House and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Awadh Bihari Choudhary was voted out by a 125 to 112 vote share.
  • Last month (January 2024), Nitish took the oath as Bihar's chief minister for the ninth time after dumping the Mahagathbandhan and the INDIA bloc to create a new government with the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) support.
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DEFENCE

Underwater Harbour Defence and Surveillance System Inaugurated in Andaman and Nicobar Command

  • In a significant move to bolster India's maritime security and operational capabilities, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral R. Hari Kumar concluded a pivotal visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India's only operational triservice command. His visit underscored the Indian Navy's commitment to enhancing its strategic posture and surveillance capabilities in the crucial maritime region.
  • A highlight of Admiral Kumar's visit was the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Precision Approach Radar (PAR) at INS Utkrosh. This advanced radar system is a game-changer for naval aviation, providing highly accurate horizontal and vertical guidance to aircraft, particularly under low visibility conditions such as heavy rain and fog. The deployment of the PAR is a testament to the Indian Navy's efforts to ensure the safety and efficiency of its aviation operations in challenging weather conditions.
  • Another significant milestone achieved during Admiral Kumar's visit was the inauguration of the Integrated Underwater Harbour Defence and Surveillance System (IUHDSS) at the Naval Jetty in Port Blair. The IUHDSS is a cutting-edge technology capable of detecting, identifying, and tracking both surface and underwater threats in the vicinity of the naval jetty. This system significantly enhances the security of Port Blair harbour, safeguarding it against potential maritime threats and ensuring the safety of vital naval assets.
  • Admiral Kumar also marked the inauguration of Naval Communication Network (NCN) Centres at INS Kohassa, INS Baaz, and INS Kardip. These centres are strategically designed to augment the communication and operational capabilities of the ANC. The introduction of the new NCN will facilitate enhanced real-time situational awareness and foster greater jointness in communication across the naval command.

Singapore Air Show 2024

  • A team of 71 personnel of Indian Air Force's (IAF) Sarang Helicopter Display Team landed at the Paya Lebar Air Base of Singapore to participate in the Singapore Air Show 2024. The world renowned Sarang Helicopter Display Team will be showcasing its spectacular aerobatics manoeuvres at this event with five Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) also known as 'Dhruv'.
  • The biennial Singapore Air Show will be held from February 20 to 24. The show features various aerial displays from participants from all over the globe.
  • The Sarang Helicopter Display Team was formed in 2003 and it is noteworthy that their very first International public performance was in 2004, at Asian Aerospace Show Singapore itself. Initially formed and raised as a three helicopter formation, the Sarang team now boasts of a thrilling five-helicopter display and has performed over 1200 displays at more than 385 venues all around the globe.
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PERSONS IN NEWS

Katrina Kaif Joins Chennai Super Kings as Brand Ambassador for IPL 2024

  • Chennai Super Kings (CSK) officially announced the appointment of Katrina Kaif as their brand ambassador for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. This partnership marks a significant milestone for the five-time IPL champions, signalling a new chapter in their illustrious journey.
  • The announcement of Katrina Kaif as the brand ambassador came on the heels of CSK's newly inked sponsorship deal with Etihad Airways. This strategic partnership aligns with the team's vision of expanding its global reach and enhancing its brand image. Notably, Katrina Kaif also serves as the brand ambassador for Etihad Airways, making this collaboration a seamless fit for all parties involved.

Veteran Artist A. Ramachandran Passes Away

  • Renowned artist A. Ramachandran died from prolonged illness. He was 89.
  • Born in 1935 in Attingal, Kerala, Ramachandran was known for his monumental canvases, colourful oil and watercolour paintings.
  • In 2002, he was elected a Fellow of the Lalit Kala Akademi and received the Padma Bhushan for outstanding service to the nation in 2005. He was also conferred with an honorary doctorate by Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala in 2013. He is famous for his extensive research on Kerala temple murals.
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DAYS AND EVENTS

World Radio Day

  • World Radio Day is celebrated on February 13 each year.
  • In 2011, the member states of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared February 13 World Radio Day. It was then adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 as an international event.
  • The theme for World Radio Day 2024 is 'Radio: A Century Informing, Entertaining and Educating.'
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AWARDS AND HONOURS

K.P.P. Nambiar Award for ISRO Chairman S. Somanath

  • The field of space exploration and technology in India witnessed a momentous occasion as the IEEE Kerala Section announced the recipient of the prestigious K.P.P. Nambiar Award. This year (2024), the accolade was bestowed upon ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, a figure synonymous with innovation and leadership in space technology.
  • Named after the doyen of the electronic industry and the founder chair of the IEEE Kerala section, K.P.P. Nambiar, the award stands as a beacon of excellence in technology. It honours individuals or groups within the State who have demonstrated significant contributions towards the IEEE vision of advancing technology for humanity. The award not only commemorates the legacy of K.P.P. Nambiar but also encourages the pursuit of technological innovation and its application for the greater good.
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GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION

IREDA and IIT Bhubaneswar Sign MoU to Drive Clean Energy Innovation

  • In a bid to catalyse innovation and research within the renewable energy domain, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement is poised to bolster collaborative endeavours in innovation and research, facilitate technology transfer, and cultivate a thriving start-up ecosystem.
  • The partnership between IREDA and IIT Bhubaneswar will facilitate joint research ventures and technology exchange, and offer comprehensive support to budding start-ups. Additionally, it will encompass capacity-building initiatives such as training programs, seminars, and workshops to enhance the skills of IREDA personnel.

CUET UG 2024 to be in Hybrid Mode

  • The Common University Entrance Test-Undergraduate (CUET UG) is set to undergo significant changes this year (2024), as it transitions from an online format to a hybrid mode, as per media reports.
  • UGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar stated that the CUET UG 2024 examinations, conducted nationwide, will adopt a hybrid approach. This format will include the traditional pen-and-paper test using OMR sheets alongside the Computer Based Test (CBT).
  • As per reports, officials from the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) said that several modifications are in store for this edition of the exam, including alterations to the format, subject choices, and difficulty level.

ICAI Elects New President, Vice President

  • The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) elected Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal as its new President. The baton was passed from Aniket S. Talati to CA Ranjeet. He assumed charge as the 72nd President of ICAI.
  • A graduate of Calcutta University, Agarwal is a practicing Chartered Accountant since last 24 years. He is also a Company Secretary and DISA from ICAI. He was elected to the 23rd, 24th and 25th Central Council of ICAI three times in a row.
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ART AND CULTURE

PM Modi Inaugurates First Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi

  • Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Hindu temple 'Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha' (BAPS) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
  • Spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj, oversaw the temple's inauguration.

Chief Secretary Dulloo Inaugurates 2nd Edition of the SARAS Aajeevika Mela

  • Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo inaugurated the 2nd edition of the SARAS Aajeevika Mela, organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM). Accompanied by dignitaries including Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary and Indu Kanwal Chib, Dulloo emphasised the event's role in showcasing the resilience and creativity of rural women entrepreneurs.
  • Featuring over 220 rural women from 15 states, the Mela offered a platform for self-help group artisans to exhibit their craftsmanship. With 60 stalls, including 40 from outside Jammu and Kashmir, the event boasts a diverse array of handloom and handicraft products.
  • The primary objective of SARAS Aajeevika Mela was to empower rural women by providing a direct market for their products, enhancing their marketing skills, and fostering cultural exchange. Through exhibitions, sales, and cultural programs, the Mela aimed to promote economic empowerment and preserve cultural heritage.
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BOOKS AND AUTHORS

Former Supreme Court Judge V. Gopala Gowda Unveils Book Titled 'Maha Swaapnikudu'

  • Former Supreme Court judge V. Gopala Gowda released a book on former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, titled 'Maha Swaapnikudu' (A Great Visionary).
  • It was published by Koduri Venkat, an NRI, and authored by journalist P. Vikram.
  • Naidu's political saga began in the late 1970s as a leader in the Youth Congress, eventually making a monumental shift to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), founded by his father-in-law and former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao. This book narrates Naidu's transformation from a budding politician to a pivotal figure in Indian politics, highlighting his significant contributions and visionary leadership.
  • One of the focal points of 'Maha Swaapnikudu' is Naidu's instrumental role in the elevation of Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee, H.D. Deve Gowda, and I.K. Gujral.
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