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1. In which year was the Quit India Movement launched, marking a significant moment in India's struggle for independence?
The Quit India Movement was launched on August 8, 1942, during the All India Congress Committee session in Bombay (now Mumbai). This event was pivotal in India's fight for independence from British rule. The movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, demanded the immediate withdrawal of British forces from India and was marked by Gandhi's famous "Do or Die" speech. The date and year of this launch are significant, as they marked the beginning of a large-scale civil disobedience movement against British colonialism.
2. Which Indian wrestler announced her retirement following a disqualification at the Paris Olympics 2024?
Vinesh Phogat, a highly regarded Indian wrestler, announced her retirement from wrestling after a disqualification incident at the Paris Olympics 2024. She was disqualified from the 50 kg gold medal bout due to being overweight by 100 grams. This came after a semi-final victory that had set her up for a highly anticipated final match. Despite efforts by the medical team to help her manage her weight, she could not meet the required limit, leading to her disqualification and subsequent retirement announcement.
3. What was the repo rate decided by the RBI during the August 2024 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to maintain the repo rate at 6.5% during its August 2024 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. This decision marked the ninth consecutive instance of keeping the rate unchanged, reflecting the RBI's cautious stance amid economic uncertainties. The 6.5% rate has been steady since February 2023, demonstrating the central bank's focus on maintaining economic stability. The decision was made by a 4:2 majority within the committee, underscoring the challenges in navigating the current economic environment.
4. What is the new upper limit set by the RBI for tax payments via UPI per transaction?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the UPI limit for tax payments to Rs 5 lakh per transaction, up from the previous limit of Rs 1 lakh. This adjustment is designed to facilitate larger transactions and enhance convenience for taxpayers handling high-value payments. By raising the limit, the RBI aims to boost digital payment adoption and reduce dependence on cash, aligning with its broader goal of promoting efficient and secure digital transactions.
5. Which organization is responsible for the launch of Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8)?
The Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8) is set to be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3. The mission includes the development of a microsatellite equipped with advanced payloads for various applications such as environmental monitoring and disaster response. ISRO's efforts in this launch are part of its broader commitment to enhancing satellite technology and space exploration capabilities, highlighting its role as India's leading space agency.
6. Who has been appointed as the additional secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) during the recent reshuffle of senior bureaucrats by the Centre?
Amit Singh Negi, a 1999-batch IAS officer of the Uttarakhand cadre, has been appointed as the additional secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) during a significant reshuffle of senior bureaucrats by the Centre. Prior to this appointment, he was serving as the joint secretary in the Department of Expenditure under the Union Ministry of Finance. His new role in the PMO places him in a crucial position within the government's administrative framework.
7. Which city hosted the first in-house cadaver organ retrieval by ESIC Super Specialty Hospital?
The first in-house cadaver organ retrieval by ESIC Super Specialty Hospital took place in Hyderabad. This event marked a significant advancement in the field of organ transplantation. During this procedure, a 45-year-old brain-dead male donor's organs were retrieved and successfully used to save three lives. The organs were allocated by Jeevandhan and distributed to ESIC and Osmania General Hospital. The success of this operation highlighted the effective coordination among the neurosurgery, anaesthesia, and transplant teams involved.
8. Which state government decided to scrap the two-child norm for contesting local body elections due to a declining fertility rate?
The Andhra Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, decided to scrap the two-child norm for contesting local body elections due to the state's declining fertility rate. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on August 7, and it repeals amendments made in 1994 to the Andhra Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act 1955 and the Andhra Pradesh Municipalities Act 1965. This move reflects the state's efforts to adapt its policies to current demographic trends and ensure broader participation in local governance.
9. In which region did the Indian Army conduct the ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise focusing on high-altitude warfare?
The Indian Army conducted the ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise in Ladakh, a region of strategic importance due to its proximity to the India-China border. This exercise focused on high-altitude warfare, simulating combat scenarios in rugged mountainous terrains. Involving various military units and advanced equipment, the drill aimed to enhance the Army's readiness and effectiveness in this sensitive area, especially in light of ongoing tensions with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
10. Which country is launching the “Thousand Sails” satellite constellation to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink?
China is launching the “Thousand Sails” satellite constellation as a direct competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink network. This new initiative aims to establish a global low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite Internet network similar to Starlink. The first 18 satellites have already been deployed, with plans to expand the constellation to 648 satellites by next year and 15,000 by the end of the decade. This ambitious project, managed by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), seeks to provide global network coverage and rival the extensive broadband capabilities of SpaceX’s constellation.
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