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1. Which countries recently signed NASA's Artemis Accords for peaceful moon exploration?
Peru and Slovakia signed NASA's Artemis Accords, becoming the 41st and 42nd countries respectively to join the U.S.-led agreement on the safe exploration of space. The Artemis Accords, initiated by NASA and seven other nations in 2020, aim to establish principles guiding the conduct of civil space exploration, including the sustainable human presence on the Moon and eventually Mars. These accords signify a commitment to the peaceful use of space and are part of U.S.-led diplomatic efforts in space governance.
2. When is World Accreditation Day observed globally?
World Accreditation Day is observed globally on June 09 each year. This annual event, established by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), aims to raise awareness about the importance of accreditation in various aspects of our lives, including consumer protection, societal well-being, business operations, and government regulations. The theme for World Accreditation Day 2024 is "Accreditation: Empowering Tomorrow and Shaping the Future," highlighting the role of accreditation in the evolving landscape of digitalization, new technologies, and sustainability concerns.
3. Which country space agency is collaborating with ISRO on the TRISHNA mission?
The Thermal Infra-Red (TIR) payload for the TRISHNA mission is provided by the French space agency CNES. This payload, along with another payload developed by ISRO, will contribute to the study of surface temperature and heat radiation, enhancing our understanding of natural resource assessment and climate impacts on Earth.
4. Which institution has collaborated with the Centre of Excellence for UAVs and DFI to launch the UDAAN initiative?
IIT Kanpur has partnered with the Centre of Excellence for UAVs and DFI to introduce the UDAAN initiative, a drone startup acceleration program. This collaborative effort aims to support emerging drone ventures by providing them with access to resources such as state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship, financial assistance, and tailored business development guidance, fostering rapid growth in the drone industry.
5. Who emerged victorious in the men's singles final at the French Open 2024?
Carlos Alcaraz won the men's singles final, defeating Alexander Zverev in a thrilling five-set battle. In the women's singles final, Iga Swiatek emerged victorious, defeating Jasmine Paolini with a resounding scoreline of 6-2, 6-1. Alcaraz's victory marks his remarkable achievement as the youngest man in the Open era to win Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces, while Swiatek's win solidifies her status as a clay-court maestro and adds to her impressive record at Roland Garros.
6. Which organization was honoured with the 'Best Conduct of Business Regulator' award in the Asia-Pacific region by The Asian Banker?
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) received the 'Best Conduct of Business Regulator' award in the Asia-Pacific region from The Asian Banker. SEBI's notable achievements include the implementation of the T+1 settlement cycle, which has enhanced market liquidity and efficiency, demonstrating its commitment to regulatory excellence and elevating business conduct standards in India's financial markets.
7. Which country has been excluded by the European Commission from a conservation grant under its NaturAfrica initiative?
Tanzania has been excluded by the European Commission (EC) from a conservation grant under its NaturAfrica initiative due to documented human rights abuses associated with the forced eviction of Maasai communities from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Loliondo. This decision has implications for conservation efforts in East Africa, particularly concerning the Eastern Rift Savannahs and Watersheds (ERiSaWa) component of the initiative.
8. What is the revised threshold for bulk fixed deposits set by the Reserve Bank of India?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the threshold for bulk fixed deposits from Rs 2 crore to Rs 3 crore. This adjustment aims to refine liquidity management and align deposit classifications with current economic needs. Bulk fixed deposits typically offer higher interest rates compared to retail term deposits and play a crucial role in banks' liquidity management practices.
9. Who has plans to release a memoir titled "Source Code: My Beginnings"?
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has announced his intention to release his memoir titled "Source Code: My Beginnings" on February 4, 2025. This memoir aims to provide insights into Gates' life journey, from his formative years to his role as a tech pioneer and philanthropist, offering readers a glimpse into the experiences that shaped his remarkable career.
10. Who claimed his title at the prestigious Norway Chess Tournament?
Magnus Carlsen, the reigning World No. 1 in chess, secured his sixth title at the Norway Chess Tournament. In a thrilling final round, Carlsen defeated Fabiano Caruana in an intense Armageddon match, showcasing his dominance in the world of chess and etching his name further into chess history. In the Women’s Norway Chess Tournament, Ju Wenjun emerged victorious, adding to the tournament's excitement and highlighting her prowess in the game.
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