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Stay Informed: General Awareness Quiz for December 24th

Exams like SSC, Banking, Railways, and state-level tests provide opportunities for securing prominent positions in the public and government sectors. These assessments measure a candidate’s skills in reasoning, quantitative aptitude, general knowledge, and current affairs. Current affairs, in particular, hold great significance as they evaluate an aspirant’s awareness of important domestic and international events and developments. By staying informed on current events, candidates improve their general knowledge and enhance their chances of performing well in the general awareness section, a crucial component for meeting the cutoff.

Q1. Who has been appointed as the Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy?

(a) David Sacks

(b) Sriram Krishnan

(c) Sundar Pichai

(d) Elon Musk

Q2. What is the name of Kuwait’s highest civilian honor awarded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

(a) Order of Al Sabah

(b) Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer

(c) Order of Friendship

(d) Order of Kuwait Excellence

Q3. What is the name of ISRO’s mission set to demonstrate space docking technology in December 2024?

(a) Gaganyaan

(b) SpaDeX

(c) Chandrayaan

(d) Mangalyaan

Q4. What record did Anmolpreet Singh achieve in the Vijay Hazare Trophy?

(a) Scoring the highest List A score

(b) Scoring the fastest fifty in List A cricket

(c) Scoring the most runs in a List A match

(d) Scoring the third-fastest List A century in 35 balls

Q5. When is National Farmers’ Day celebrated annually?

(a) December 25

(b) December 23

(c) November 15

(d) October 12

Q6. Who did India defeat to win the inaugural Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup title?

(a) Pakistan

(b) Sri Lanka

(c) Bangladesh

(d) Nepal

Q7. Which two space agencies signed a landmark agreement to enhance collaboration in human space exploration?

(a) NASA and ISRO

(b) ISRO and ESA

(c) ESA and Roscosmos

(d) ISRO and JAXA

Q8. What is the significance of National Farmers’ Day in India?

(a) It celebrates the contributions of scientists to agriculture

(b) It marks the launch of agricultural reforms

(c) It honors the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh

(d) It is dedicated to the memory of famous farmers

Q9. Who has been appointed to head the high-level committee formed to assess the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) capability development?

(a) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

(b) DRDO Chief Dr. Samir V Kamat

(c) Air Marshal T Singh

(d) Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh

Q10. Who has been appointed as the Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC) by UN Secretary-General António Guterres?

(a) Justice Madan B Lokur

(b) Justice Ranjan Gogoi

(c) Justice Dipak Misra

(d) Justice N.V. Ramana

S1. Ans. (b)

Sol. US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Indian-American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author Sriram Krishnan as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. 

Correct Answer: Sriram Krishnan

Key Points:

  • Role Appointed: Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
  • Primary Task: Shaping and coordinating AI policy across the US government, ensuring continued leadership in AI.
  • Collaborator: Will work closely with David Sacks, the White House AI & Crypto Czar.

S2. Ans. (b)

Sol. The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer is Kuwait’s highest civilian honor, conferred as a gesture of goodwill and friendship.

Correct Answer: Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer

Key Points: 

  • Award: Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer
  • Conferred By: Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah
  • Type of Award: Kuwait’s highest knighthood, given to Heads of State, foreign sovereigns, and royal family members
  • Previous Recipients: Bill Clinton, Prince Charles, George Bush

S3. Ans. (b)

Sol. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) is ISRO’s mission aimed at demonstrating autonomous in-space docking, making India the fourth country to achieve this technology.

Correct Answer: SpaDeX

Key Points: 

  • Mission Name: Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX)
  • Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C60
  • Objective: To demonstrate in-space docking capabilities
  • Developed By: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

S4. Ans. (d)

Sol. Anmolpreet Singh scored the third-fastest List A century in just 35 balls during a Vijay Hazare Trophy match.

Correct Answer: Scoring the third-fastest List A century in 35 balls

Key Points: 

  • Achievement: Third-fastest List A century (35 balls)
  • Record Holders Above Him: Jake Fraser-McGurk (29 balls) and AB de Villiers (31 balls)

S5. Ans. (b)

Sol. National Farmers’ Day is observed every year on December 23.

Correct Answer: December 23

Key Points: 

  • Significance: Honors farmers’ contributions to India’s economy and food security.
  • Historical Context: Commemorates Chaudhary Charan Singh’s birth anniversary and contributions.

S6. Ans. (c)

Sol. India won the Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup title by defeating Bangladesh by 41 runs in the final.

Correct Answer: Bangladesh

Key Points: 

  • Edition: Inaugural Edition
  • Date and Venue: December 22, 2024, Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Winner: India
  • Runner-Up: Bangladesh

S7. Ans. (b)

Sol. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) signed an agreement to strengthen their collaboration in human space exploration.

Correct Answer: ISRO and ESA

Key Points: 

  • Agreement Between: ISRO (India) and ESA (Europe)
  • Key Focus Areas: Astronaut training, experiment development, ISS facility usage, human and biomedical research, joint outreach
  • Axiom-4 Mission: Collaboration includes Gaganyatri astronaut and ESA astronaut, with experiments proposed by Indian researchers
  • Use of ISS: ESA facilities to support ISRO’s experiments and research activities
  • Chairman ISRO: S Somnath
  • Director General of ESA: Dr Josef Aschbacher 

S8. Ans. (c)

Sol. National Farmers’ Day, celebrated on December 23, honors the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, a champion of farmers’ welfare and rural development.

Correct Answer: It honors the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh

Key Points: 

  • 2024 Theme: “Empowering ‘Annadatas’ for a Prosperous Nation.”
  • Focus Areas: Fair pricing, climate resilience, sustainable farming, and modern technology.

S9. Ans. (d)

Sol. The Indian Government has formed a high-level committee under Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to assess the Indian Air Force’s capability development.

Correct Answer: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh

Key Points: 

  • Committee’s purpose: Assess IAF’s need for fighter aircraft, missile systems, and long-term upgrades.
  • Evaluate plans to address fighter aircraft shortage and technological gaps.
  • Key members of the committee: Rajesh Kumar Singh (Defence Secretary)
  • Sanjeev Kumar (Secretary, Defence Production)
  • Dr. Samir V Kamat (DRDO Chief)
  • Air Marshal T Singh (Deputy Chief of Air Staff)

S10. Ans. (a)

Sol. Justice Madan B Lokur, former Supreme Court Judge of India, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC) by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Correct Answer: Justice Madan B Lokur

Key Points: 

  • Justice Madan Lokur appointed as Chairperson of UN Internal Justice Council
  • Term of Appointment: Till November 12, 2028.
  • Other Members of the IJC: Carmen Artigas (Uruguay), Rosalie Balkin (Australia), Stefan Brezina (Austria), Jay Pozenal (USA).
  • Council Role: Advisory body overseeing the UN’s internal justice system.
  • Significance: Justice Lokur’s global legal recognition.
  • Previous Position: Retired Supreme Court Judge of India.

GK Quiz on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Questions and Answers

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, also known as the “Father of the Indian Constitution,” was a great leader, social reformer and scholar. He worked tirelessly for the rights of Dalits and other marginalized communities. Below is a quiz to test your knowledge about this iconic personality.

Who was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was a renowned Indian economist, lawyer, social reformer and political leader. He chaired the committee that drafted the Indian Constitution and served as the first Law and Justice Minister of India. A champion of Dalit rights, Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in 1956, inspiring many others to follow. He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990, and is affectionately called “Babasaheb.”

GK Quiz on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was a visionary leader who played a key role in shaping India’s Constitution and advocating for the rights of Dalits. This GK quiz on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar will test your knowledge about his life, achievements and contributions to society.

Q1. In which year was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar born?

(a) 1890

(b) 1891

(c) 1892

(d) 1893

S1. Ans.  (b)

 

Q2. Where was Dr. Ambedkar born?

(a) Satara

(b) Mhow, Madhya Pradesh

(c) Bombay

(d) Nagpur

S2. Ans. (b)

 

Q3. In which year was Dr. Ambedkar appointed the chairman of the drafting committee for the Indian Constitution?

(a) 1947

(b) 1948

(c) 1949

(d) 1950

S3. Ans. (a) 

 

Q4. What is the title of Dr. Ambedkar’s book criticizing caste-based discrimination?

(a) Who were the Shudras?

(b) The Caste Divide

(c) Annihilation of Caste

(d) Untouchability Unveiled

S4. Ans. (c)

 

Q5. Which religion did Dr. Ambedkar covert to 1956?

(a) Christianity

(b) Islam

(c) Sikhism

(d) Buddhism

S5. Ans. (d)

 

Q6. Dr. Ambedkar’s autobiography is titled_______.

(a) My Life and Struggle

(b) Waiting for a Visa

(c) My Journey

(d) From Dalit to Leader

S6. Ans. (b)

 

Q7. Which social organization did Dr. Ambedkar establish to uplift Dalits?

(a) Harijan Sabha

(b) Dalit Sangh

(c) Bahishkrit Hitakarni Sabha

(d) Depressed Classes Mission

S7. Ans. (d)

 

Q8. In which year did Dr. Ambedkar pass away?

(a) 1954

(b) 1955

(c) 1956

(d) 1957

S8. Ans. (c)

 

Q9. Dr. Ambedkar served as the first law minister of India under whose prime ministership?

(a) Jawaharlal Nehru

(b) Sardar Patel

(c) Rajendra Prasad

(d) Lal Bahadur Shastri

S9. Ans.  (a)

 

Q10. What is Dr. Ambedkar popularly known as?

(a) Father of the Nation

(b) Architect of the Indian Constitution

(c) Liberator of Dalits

(d) Champion of Social Justice

S10. Ans.  (b)

List of RBI Governors of India 1935 to 2024

The RBI Governor is the Chief Executive Officer of the Central Bank of India and the Ex-officio Chairman of its Central Board of Directors. The RBI Governor is appointed by the government of India and is not generally elected. The signature of the RBI Governor is present on the Indian currency notes. The list of RBI governors is an important segment to learn for the candidates preparing for competitive exams.

Latest News

Sanjay Malhotra, a seasoned bureaucrat and Revenue Secretary, has been appointed as the 26th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). A 1990-batch IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre, he succeeds Shaktikanta Das, whose tenure ends on 10th December 2024. Malhotra brings over three decades of diverse experience spanning finance, taxation, power, IT, and mining.

List of RBI Governor of India

In the list of RBI Governor of India, the first governor of India is Sir Osborne Smith. He served as the Governor from 1st April 1935 to 30th June 1937. The list of RBI governors from 1935 to 2024 is given below.

RBI Governor Duration from 1935-2021
From To
Sir Osborne Smith April 1, 1935 June 30, 1937
Sir James Braid Taylor July 1, 1937 February 17, 1943
Sir C.D. Deshmukh August 11, 1943 June 30, 1949
Sir Bengal Rama Rau July 1, 1949 January 14, 1957
K.G. Ambegaonkar January 14, 1957 February 28, 1957
H.V.R. Lyengar March 1, 1957 February 28, 1962
P.C. Bhattacharya March 1, 1962 June 30, 1967
L.K. Jha July 1, 1967 May 3, 1970
B.N. Adarkar May 4, 1970 June 15, 1970
S. Jagannathan June 16, 1970 May 19, 1975
N.C. Sen Gupta May 19, 1975 August 19, 1975
K.R. Puri August 20, 1975 May 2, 1977
M. Narasimham May 3, 1977 November 30, 1977
I.G. Patel December 1, 1977 September 15, 1982
Manmohan Singh September 16, 1982 January 14, 1985
Amitav Gosh January 15, 1985 September 4, 1985
R. N. Malhotra February 4, 1985 December 22, 1990
S. Vpnldraramanan December 22, 1990 December 21, 1992
C. Rangaerajan December 22, 1992 November 21, 1997
Bimal Jalan November 22, 1997 September 6, 2003
Y.V. Reddy September 6, 2003 – September 5, 2008
D. Subbarao September 5, 2008 – September 4, 2013
Raghuram G. Raj an September 4, 2013 – September 4, 2016
Urjit Ravindra Patel September 4, 2016 – December 10, 2018
Shaktikanta Das December 12, 2018 December 10, 2024
Sanjay Malhotra December 11, 2024 Till Date

Who is Sanjay Malhotra?

Sanjay Malhotra has been appointed as the 26th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), effective December 11, 2024, succeeding Shaktikanta Das. A 1990-batch IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre, Malhotra brings a wealth of experience spanning over three decades across finance, taxation, power, and information technology. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering from IIT Kanpur and a Master’s in Public Policy from Princeton University. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Secretary of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance and held roles such as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC). As the RBI Governor, Malhotra will face critical challenges, including reviving economic growth amidst a slowdown and addressing inflation concerns. His first significant task will be chairing the monetary policy committee meeting in February 2025, where key decisions on interest rates are anticipated.

RBI Governors of India: Roles & Functions

  • The RBI Governor holds the highest position in the financial institutions, the RBI Governor is responsible for the maintenance of the monetary stability in an economy.
  • RBI Governor of India heads responsible for issuing licenses to open new foreign and private banks.
  • The financial system of the nation is regulated by the RBI Governor who also has the responsibility to set parameters within which the whole financial system functions.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sets board guidelines for banking activities under which the nation’s banking and financial system operates.
  • The governor manages India’s foreign exchange reserves and oversees the preservation of the rupee’s external value.
  • RBI also carries out tasks to assist national goals for financing agriculture and rural areas.

Chaudhary Charan Singh Biography- Age, Political Career, Contributions and Awards

Chaudhary Charan Singh (23 December 1902 – 29 May 1987) was a prominent Indian politician and freedom fighter who left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. His legacy, deeply rooted in the struggles of India’s peasantry, earned him the moniker “Champion of India’s Peasants.” Let’s explore the life and contributions of this influential leader through our article.

Chaudhary Charan Singh Biography

Date of Birth: 23rd December 1902
Birth Place: Noorpur, United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, British India
Political Party: Lokdal
Spouse: Gaytri Devi
Children: 6
Awards: Bharat Ratna (2024)
Death: 29th May 1987
Death Place: New Delhi, India

Chaudhary Charan Singh Age

Chaudhary Charan Singh, born on December 23, 1902, was India’s fifth Prime Minister. He passed away on May 29, 1987, at the age of 84 years.

Chaudhary Charna Singh Political Career

Entering politics as a member of the Indian National Congress, Charan Singh quickly rose to prominence for his advocacy of land reforms and his unwavering commitment to the rights of India’s rural population. He served as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and later as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister in the Janata government.

Charan Singh’s Advocacy Contributions

Throughout his political career, Charan Singh championed the cause of India’s peasants, advocating for their rights and welfare. His landmark land reform laws in Uttar Pradesh were hailed as revolutionary and served as a model for other states. He vehemently opposed Nehruvian economic policies, advocating instead for peasant proprietorship and the preservation of traditional farming practices.

Chaudhary Charan Singh Awards

Chaudhary Charan Singh, recipient of the Bharat Ratna in 2024, is celebrated as a beacon for India’s farmers. As Prime Minister, his policies prioritized farmer welfare, agricultural productivity, and fair crop pricing. Singh’s enduring legacy underscores his unwavering dedication to rural development and his pivotal role in shaping India’s agrarian landscape.

 

What is the Old Name of Rajasthan?

Rajasthan is a state in north-western India, known for its rich history, beautiful palaces, forts and vast deserts. It is famous for its vibrant culture, traditional music, dance and beautiful landscapes, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. In this article, we will know about the old name of Rajasthan.

An Overview of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a large state in northwestern India, covering 342,239 square kilometers, making it the biggest state by area. It accounts for 10.4% of India’s total land area. Located in the north-west, it is home to most of the Thar Desert. Rajasthan shares borders with Pakistan’s Punjab and Sindh provinces, along the Sutlej-Indus River Valley. It is the seventh-largest state in India by population.

Old Name of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a beautiful state in India with a rich history. But before it was called Rajasthan, it had another name – Rajputana. Let’s explore its meaning, history and how the name changed.

Meaning of Rajputana

The name “Rajputana” means “The Country of the Rajputs” or “Land of the Rajputs.” The Rajputs were a group of warrior kings who ruled over large parts of Rajasthan and other regions. The name reflects the rich heritage and influence of these kings in the area.

History of Rajputana

The name Rajputana first appeared in the early Medieval Period, referring to the main settlements west of the Aravalli Hills. These areas were ruled by Rajput Kings. During British rule, the East India Company used the name Rajputana for the entire region, which included not just Rajasthan, but parts of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and some areas in Pakistan’s Sindh province.

Statehood and the Name Change

In 1949, after India gained independence, Rajputana was merged with the Indian Union. The regions that were part of Rajputana became one united state. The name “Rajasthan,” meaning “Land of Kings,” was officially adopted in the 1949 constitution to reflect the state’s royal history and unity.

PV Sindhu Biography- Age, Marriage, Career, Records and Net Worth

PV Sindhu is one of India’s most celebrated badminton players, known for her exceptional skills, perseverance, and determination. Born on July 5, 1995, in Hyderabad, Telangana, Sindhu has become an icon in Indian sports, inspiring countless youngsters to pursue badminton as a career. With her consistent performances on the international stage, she has earned numerous accolades, including an Olympic silver medal and a World Championship gold medal.

PV Sindhu Biography

PV Sindhu was born into a family with a strong sports background. Her parents, PV Ramana and P. Vijaya, were professional volleyball players, with her father being a recipient of the Arjuna Award for his contributions to the sport. Inspired by her parents’ dedication to sports, Sindhu developed an interest in badminton at the tender age of eight.

She started training under the guidance of Mehboob Ali and later joined the prestigious Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, where she honed her skills and emerged as a formidable player.

PV Sindhu Age

As of 2024, PV Sindhu is 29 years old. Despite being relatively young, she has achieved incredible success in her career. Her dedication to fitness and training has allowed her to maintain peak performance over the years, making her one of the top players in the world.

PV Sindhu Career

Rise to Fame

PV Sindhu’s career began to gain momentum in 2012 when she broke into the international badminton circuit. Her notable achievements during this period include:

  • Winning the Asian Youth Under-19 Championship in 2012.
  • Defeating Olympic champion Li Xuerui at the China Masters in 2012.

Major Achievements

Sindhu’s career is marked by her remarkable consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Some of her most significant achievements include:

Olympic Glory

  • Sindhu won the silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat in badminton.
  • She followed it up with a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest players in the sport.

World Championships

  • PV Sindhu made history in 2019 by becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal at the BWF World Championships.
  • She has also secured multiple medals at the event, including two silvers and two bronzes.

Other Titles

  • Sindhu has won prestigious tournaments like the India Open, Korea Open, and the Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2022.

PV Sindhu Marriage

Badminton champion PV Sindhu tied the knot with Venkata Datta Sai in a traditional Telugu ceremony held in Udaipur The groom, Venkata Datta Sai, is a Hyderabad-based entrepreneur and serves as the Executive Director of Posidex Technologies. Known for his reserved nature, Datta Sai has remained largely out of the public eye but has gained attention following the wedding announcement.

PV Sindhu’s Net Worth

PV Sindhu’s net worth is estimated to be around ₹60 crore as of 2024. Her earnings come from:

  • Tournament winnings: Sindhu has earned significant prize money from her victories in international competitions.
  • Endorsements: She is one of the most marketable athletes in India, endorsing brands like Li-Ning, Bank of Baroda, Bridgestone, and Gatorade.
  • Awards and Recognition: Sindhu has received financial incentives and awards from various state governments and organizations for her achievements.

PV Sindhu Records

PV Sindhu holds several records in the world of badminton, including:

  • Youngest Indian woman to win an Olympic silver medal.
  • First Indian to win a World Championship gold medal in badminton.
  • One of the few players to have defeated world champions like Carolina Marin and Tai Tzu Ying multiple times.
  • Multiple-time winner of the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (now Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna).

Top-10 Most Expensive Woods in the World, Check the List

Wood is a natural material used in furniture, tools and decoration. It comes from trees and has been important for humans for centuries. Some woods are common and affordable, while others are rare and expensive due to their beauty, durability or unique features, making them valuable for luxury items and special projects. In this article, we will know about the top-10 most expensive woods in the world.

What makes Some Woods Expensive than Others?

The value of wood depends on its features, usefulness, demand and availability. Some woods are expensive due to their beauty, strength or durability. Rare woods are costlier, especially if they are hard to find. Demand and scarcity also raise prices. Hardwoods, like oak, are usually pricier than softwoods because they grow slower and are more durable. Versatile woods like pine are affordable due to their easy availability. Deforestation has made woods rare and expensive.

World’s Most Expensive Wood 2024

African Blackwood, or Mpingo, is a highly prized wood known for its deep, rich color, fine grain and exceptional durability. Found in Central and Southern Africa, it is used in luxury furniture and musical instruments. Price around $10,000 per cubic meter, it is an endangered species that takes up to 60 years to mature, making it a rare gem in woodworking.

Top-10 Most Expensive Woods in the World as of 2024

Some woods are extremely rare and valuable due to their beauty, strength and limited availability. In 2024, these are the top-10 most expensive woods prized worldwide for their unique qualities.

Rank  Wood Name Price 
1. African Blackwood $10,000 per cubic meter
2. Pink Ivory $8,000 per cubic meter
3. Agarwood Up to $100,000 per kilogram
4. Sandalwood $25,000 per ton
5. Ebony $10,000 per cubic meter
6. Lignum Vitae Starting $5,000 per cubic meter
7. Brazilian Rosewood Up to $17,000 per cubic meter
8. Purpleheart Starting $1,200 per cubic meter
9. Snakewood Exceeding $2,500 per cubic meter
10. Bubinga $1,800 per cubic meter

 

India’s First Bio-Bitumen Stretch Inaugurated by Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated India’s first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch on NH-44 in Mansar, Nagpur, Maharashtra. This stretch is a milestone in India’s road development sector, being the first to employ lignin-based bio-bitumen technology. The technology, developed by Praj Industries, in collaboration with CSIR – Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and Oriental, represents a significant step forward in India’s sustainability and self-reliance goals.

Key Points From Inauguration of Event

Bio-Bitumen Technology

  • The stretch on NH-44 is developed using lignin-based bio-bitumen technology, which is a breakthrough in flexible pavement construction.
  • Praj Industries and CSIR-CRRI collaborated on this innovation, marking a significant leap in road construction technology.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

  • Lignin, a by-product of plant biomass, is used as a sustainable binder for road construction.
  • This innovation can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% when compared to fossil-based bitumen.
  • By utilizing lignocellulosic biomass, the technology addresses issues such as bitumen scarcity and import dependency (currently, India imports 50% of its bitumen).
  • The development generates additional revenue for bio-refineries and mitigates the environmental problem of stubble burning.

Economic and Agricultural Benefits

  • The use of agricultural waste like rice straw (parali) in producing bio-bitumen can help alleviate the pollution caused by stubble burning, especially in Punjab and Haryana.
  • In turn, this creates value for farmers, turning them into ‘bitumendata’ (producers of bio-bitumen) in addition to their traditional role as ‘annadata’ (food producers) and ‘urjadata’ (energy producers).

Vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat

  • Nitin Gadkari emphasized that this initiative fits with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
  • The technology will support large-scale domestic production of bio-bitumen, promoting industrial sustainability and reducing India’s dependence on imports.

CNG From Biomass Products

  • Gadkari mentioned that there are currently 400 projects in the country aiming to produce CNG from biomass, which is cheaper and cleaner than petrol.
  • 60 lakh tonnes of parali have already been used in these projects, helping reduce pollution and benefiting farmers.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? India’s First Bio-Bitumen Stretch Inaugurated by Nitin Gadkari
Location Mansar, Nagpur, Maharashtra, on NH-44
Key Technology Lignin-based bio-bitumen developed by Praj Industries in collaboration with CSIR-CRRI.
Environmental Benefits Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 70% compared to fossil-based bitumen.
Economic Impact Reduces India’s import dependency on bitumen (currently 50%).
Agricultural Impact Helps reduce stubble burning and provides additional revenue for farmers.
Sustainability Goals Aligns with India’s vision for sustainable industrial growth and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
CNG from Biomass Projects 400 projects in process, 60 lakh tonnes of parali used in CNG production, reducing pollution.
Social Impact Farmers will benefit from the use of agricultural waste in bio-bitumen production.

In Which District of Uttar Pradesh is the Tomb of Bahu Begum Located?

The Tomb of Bahu Begum is a historical monument located in Uttar Pradesh. It was built in memory of Bahu Begum, the wife of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula. The tomb showcases beautiful Mughal architecture with intricate carvings, arches and a grand dome. It is a significant symbol of love, respect, and the Mughal influence in the region.

An Overview of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India, with over 241 million people, making it the most populated state in India and the fifth most populous region in the world. It borders Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Nepal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. The state covers an area of 243,286 square kilometers and has Lucknow as its capital, with Prayagraj serving as the judicial capital.

Number of Districts in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh has 75 districts and 1 temporary district. These districts, each with a population of over 12 lakhs, are organized into 18 divisions for better administration and management.

Location of Tomb of Bahu Begum

The Tomb of Bahu Begum is a famous monument located in the Faizabad district (now Ayodhya) of Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its stunning architecture and rich history, making it a popular tourist destination. Let’s explore more about this beautiful structure.

Significance of Tomb of Bahu Begum

The Tomb of Bahu Begum is situated on Maqbara Road, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh. It holds cultural and historical importance as a symbol of the Ganga-Yamuna culture, representing the blend of different traditions and histories. The tomb is dedicated to Bahu Begum, the wife of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, and is a prominent landmark in the regino.

Architecture of the Tomb

The tomb showcases Awadhi architecture, a style known for its intricate designs and beautiful craftsmanship. It features three domes, detailed interiors, and well-designed walls and ceilings. The monument’s grandeur and beauty make it a standout example of Mughal and Awadhi styles of architecture.

History and Construction of Tomb of Bahu Begum

The Tomb of Bahu Begum was built in 1816 by Darab Ali Khan, the son of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula. It stands out as a memorial to Unmatuzzohra Bano, the queen of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula. The tomb is often referred to as the “Taj Mahal of the East” due to its majestic appearance and historical significance.

Height and Recognition of the Tomb

At a height of 335 feet (102 meters), the Tomb of Bahu Begum is the tallest monument in Faizabad. It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), ensuring its preservation for future generations.

List of International Recognition Awards to PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has earned numerous international awards over the years, reflecting his diplomatic leadership and India’s growing global influence. His recent award, the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer from Kuwait, marks his 20th prestigious international honor. These recognitions acknowledge his contributions to diplomacy, global peace, cultural ties, and strategic relations across different regions. The honors further elevate India’s global stature under his leadership.

International Awards by PM Modi in 2024

In 2024, Prime Minister of India Awarded with different countries highest award for various decisions. The list of awards won by PM in 2024 are mentioned below.

Name of the Award Country Name (Purpose/Info.)
Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Kuwait (For symbolizing his contributions to fostering global partnerships and India’s growing influence on the world stage.)
Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados Barbados (Awarded for fostering global partnerships and strengthening India-Barbados ties.)
Order of Excellence Guyana (Recognized for contributions during the pandemic and strengthening ties with Caribbean countries.)
Dominica Award of Honour Dominica (Recognized for advancing diplomatic relations with Dominica and global outreach.)
Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger Nigeria (Awarded for bolstering India-Nigeria relations and bilateral cooperation.)
Order of St. Andrew the Apostle Russia (Conferred for enhancing the strategic partnership between India and Russia.)
Order of the Druk Gyalpo Bhutan (Bhutan’s highest award, recognizing PM Modi’s role in strengthening India-Bhutan relations.)

Awards of PM Modi Earlier

Name of the Award Country Name and Year (Purpose)
Grand Cross of the Order of Honour Greece-2023 (Recognized for achievements in diplomacy and strengthening India-Greece relations.)
Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour France-2023 (France’s highest honor awarded for efforts to deepen Indo-French relations.)
Order of the Nile Egypt-2023 (Egypt’s highest civilian honor for promoting global peace and bilateral cooperation.)
Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu Papua New Guinea-2023 (Recognized for strengthening India’s ties with Pacific nations and the Indo-Pacific region.)
Legion of Merit United States of America-2020 (Awarded for elevating India-US strategic cooperation to new heights.)
King Hamad Order of the Renaissance Bahrain-2019 (Presented for strengthening India-Bahrain relations, particularly in commerce and culture.)
Order of Zayed UAE-2019 (UAE’s highest civilian honor recognizing PM Modi’s contributions to India-UAE relations.)
Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen Maldives-2019 (Awarded for strengthening India-Maldives relations and maritime cooperation.)
Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Palestine-2018 (Honored for bolstering India-Palestine relations and supporting Palestine’s aspirations.)
Amir Amanullah Khan Award Afghanistan-2016 (Afghanistan’s top civilian honor for contributions to India-Afghanistan developmental partnerships.)
King Abdulaziz Sash Saudi Arabia-2016 (Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honor awarded for strengthening ties with the Kingdom.)

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Welcome to the Current Affairs Section of Adda247. If you are preparing for Government Job Exams, then it is very important for you to read the Daily Current Affairs. All the important updates based on current affairs are included in this Daily Current Affairs 2024 article.

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