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11. Who passed away at 84 and was the father of Agni missiles and a former Director of ASL?
R N Agarwal, known for his significant contributions to India's missile development and his leadership at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), died at 84. Agarwal, who received the Padma Bhushan, played a crucial role in India's missile development. As the director of ASL, his efforts were instrumental in initiating the Agni missile programme under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMP). His contributions were pivotal to India's missile capabilities, including the Agni series of missiles and the BrahMos missile system.
12. Which club does Manchester City face in their Premier League opener?
Manchester City, under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, commence their Premier League campaign against Chelsea. Guardiola will be absent for star midfielder Rodri, who returned from an injury. Despite this setback, Manchester City remains optimistic about their prospects in the upcoming season, with Guardiola highlighting the team's readiness and expressing satisfaction with the roster.
13. Which country's Davis Cup team is scheduled to play against India in the upcoming World Group I tie?
India's Davis Cup singles and doubles teams are set to face Sweden in an intense World Group I tie. Top player Sumit Nagal has rejoined the team after missing the Pakistan tie, while Ashutosh Singh has taken over as the new coach, following Rohit Rajpal's decision to captain the side. Despite Yuki Bhambri's top ranking as a doubles player, his absence from the squad has been notable. India's team, led by Rohit Rajpal, faces a tough match against Sweden's strong lineup, with the first singles and doubles matches scheduled for August 23 in Stockholm.
14. Where is Vantara, India’s first-of-its-kind animal rescue and rehabilitation centre located?
Vantara, India’s first-of-its-kind animal rescue and rehabilitation centre founded by Anant Ambani and supported by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation, aims to restore balance and preserve biodiversity in India. Located within the Jamnagar Refinery Complex, Vantara spans 3,000 acres, offering state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and research centres. Over 2,000 species, including over 200 elephants, have been rescued, show
15. Which Indian city's Metro system achieved its highest passenger count recently?
The Delhi Metro celebrated a significant milestone on August 13 by recording its highest-ever passenger count, with 72.38 lakh passengers travelling through its extensive network of over 393 km and more than 288 stations. This achievement surpasses previous records set in February and throughout August 2023. The Delhi Metro has become the most visited public transport system globally, underscoring its importance as a vital mode of travel in India's bustling capital city.
16. Which country's sovereign wealth fund has partnered with the CONCACAF to promote football in North America before the 2026 World Cup?
The Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has partnered with CONCACAF to promote football in North America, ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The agreement aims to bolster CONCACAF's football programs and events, with an emphasis on youth development and women's football. The PIF's investments in various sports, including global football, tennis, and golf, underscore its commitment to sports and global partnerships. Despite controversies, such as its involvement in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, the PIF seeks to advance its sports portfolio and expand its influence in international sports.
17. Which company has introduced its first model, the Gold Star 650, in India?
BSA Motorcycles, the UK company, has launched its first model in India, the Classic Legends-owned Gold Star 650. The bike represents a significant milestone for BSA's presence in the Indian motorcycle market. It is available for pre-order with a starting price of Rs 2.99 lakh and a top model at Rs 3.34 lakh. The Gold Star 650 features a 652cc engine, Brembo brakes, Pirelli tyres, and digital-analogue instrumentation, offering a blend of traditional design with modern performance. This launch signifies a major entry for BSA into the Indian motorcycle market, offering a piece of motorcycling history with a modern twist.
18. Who has been appointed as the Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police?
Nalin Prabhat, a 1992 IPS officer, was appointed as Special Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police and will assume his role as Director General after R R Swain's retirement on September 30. Prabhat, known for his decorated career and extensive service, has previously headed the CRPF's Kashmir region deployment and the Andhra Pradesh anti-Naxal force. His tenure as Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG) was curtailed, and he was ordered to be de-cadred to AGMUT, with an inter-cadre deputation from Andhra Pradesh, before assuming his current position.
19. Which city, known as Asia's second-largest tomato market, has been severely impacted by the ongoing Bangladesh crisis?
The Bangladesh crisis has significantly impacted Kolar's tomato farmers, who face steep losses due to the sudden halt in exports to Bangladesh and reduced demand from Indian markets. Kolar, known as Asia's second-largest tomato market, has been forced to sell its high-quality tomatoes locally for much lower prices. Farmers are concerned about their livelihoods as prices have plummeted by 60%.
20. In which city were the 25 individuals arrested for vandalizing the RG Kar Hospital during protests?
The Kolkata Police have arrested 25 individuals for vandalizing the RG Kar Hospital amid protests by women in West Bengal. Investigators have noted the emergency ward, intensive care unit, and other areas were damaged. The police are examining evidence, including the sequence of events captured on camera and the profiles of arrestees, to determine if there was a pre-arranged attack or if the protests evolved spontaneously. The investigation continues to assess if the protests were coordinated or if they evolved spontaneously, with a focus on whether there was a deliberate act of vandalism by the individuals involved.