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1. In which city will Andre Agassi launch India's first Pickleball World Ranking Tournament in January?
Andre Agassi will inaugurate India's first Pickleball World Ranking Tournament in New Delhi in January. This event, organized by the Indian Pickleball Association, will include a PWR 700 tournament and a "Battle of the League: Stage 1." Agassi's involvement highlights the growing interest in pickleball in India, and his presence is expected to elevate the profile of the sport. The tournament aims to introduce pickleball to Indian fans and features significant prize money, marking a significant milestone in India's sports landscape.
2. Which country signed an MoU with India to enhance cooperation in public-sector auditing?
India and Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Riyadh to enhance bilateral cooperation in public sector auditing. The MoU was signed by Girish Chandra Murmu, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and Dr. Hussam Al-Angari, President of the Saudi General Court of Audit. This agreement aims to strengthen ties through joint training programs in financial, performance, and compliance audits, showcasing the growing collaboration between the two nations in the field of governance and public sector management.
3. In which country did Elon Musk's Starlink company face the freezing of assets due to a feud over Twitter?
Elon Musk's Starlink company encountered legal challenges in Brazil, where its assets were frozen by the Brazilian Supreme Court due to an ongoing feud related to Twitter, now rebranded as X. The conflict arose when Judge Alex de Moraes demanded that Starlink appoint a new legal representative in Brazil, with threats to suspend the platform if the order was not complied with. This situation is part of a broader conflict concerning free speech and disinformation, highlighting tensions between Musk and Brazilian authorities. The incident reflects the global debate on content moderation and the balance between curbing disinformation and upholding free speech.
4. Who won the silver medal in the 10m air pistol (SH1) event at the Paris Paralympics 2024?
Manish Narwal, a talented shooter from Haryana, has made India proud by winning the silver medal in the 10m air pistol (SH1) event at the Paris Paralympics 2024. This achievement marks his second Paralympic medal, showcasing his exceptional skill and determination. Despite facing personal and financial challenges, Narwal's passion for shooting has led him to international recognition, earning him a place among the Paralympic greats. His success is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
5. Which country invited India to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Council of Heads of Government meeting?
Pakistan, holding the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), extended an invitation to India to attend the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad. This invitation comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries, yet the SCO serves as an important platform for regional diplomacy and dialogue. The Indian External Affairs Ministry has yet to comment on whether Prime Minister Modi will attend the meeting. This invitation highlights the significance of the SCO as a venue for engaging in diplomatic discussions despite the strained relations.
6. Which state government plans to emulate the Nilgiris cooperative farming model to benefit its farmers?
The Mizoram government is exploring the successful cooperative farming model implemented by the Nilgiris Cooperative Sales Society in Tamil Nadu. A team from Mizoram has been sent to study this model, with the aim of replicating its success in Mizoram's agricultural sector. The Nilgiris model is known for providing fair prices to farmers and eliminating the role of middlemen, thereby ensuring better market stability and farmer welfare. This initiative demonstrates Mizoram's commitment to improving the economic conditions of its farmers by adopting proven agricultural practices from other regions.
7. Where did NTPC commission a 160 MW solar capacity as part of its Bhainsara solar project?
NTPC commissioned a 160 MW solar capacity in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, as part of its Bhainsara solar project. This project is part of NTPC's effort to expand its renewable energy portfolio. The project is managed by NTPC REL, a subsidiary of NTPC Green Energy Ltd. With this addition, NTPC's total installed capacity now stands at 76,294 MW. Jaisalmer, known for its sunny climate, is a strategic location for solar energy projects, making it ideal for NTPC's solar expansion.
8. Who became the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic gold medals?
Avani Lekhara made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic gold medals with her victory in the women's 10m air rifle (SH1) event. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Indian sports, highlighting her exceptional talent and dedication. Alongside her, other Indian athletes like Preethi Pal and Manish Narwal also earned medals, but it was Avani's gold that stood out as a historic accomplishment.
9. Which company has partnered with Indian Railways to enhance package delivery efficiency using the hub-and-spoke model?
Amazon India has partnered with Indian Railways to improve package delivery efficiency across the country by implementing the hub-and-spoke model on a specific route. This collaboration aims to optimize delivery processes by leveraging the extensive railway network, thereby reducing transit times and costs. The MoU signifies a continued commitment to enhancing logistics infrastructure, building on Amazon's previous partnership with Indian Railways in 2019. This initiative not only supports economic growth but also demonstrates Amazon's dedication to improving its logistics capabilities in India.
10. Which Indian state's tourism department won the PATA Gold Award 2024 in Digital Marketing?
Kerala Tourism has been recognized with the prestigious PATA Gold Award 2024 in Digital Marketing for its innovative "Holiday Heist" online contest. This award acknowledges Kerala's efforts in leveraging digital platforms to promote tourism and engage with potential visitors. The contest's success demonstrates Kerala's commitment to embracing digital marketing strategies to enhance its tourism industry, making it a standout destination in India's tourism landscape.
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