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1. Which city has been declared the world's richest city in terms of sovereign wealth funds?
Abu Dhabi has been crowned the world's richest city due to its substantial sovereign wealth funds, estimated at $1.7 trillion. This significant wealth is primarily attributed to the discovery of oil in the 1950s, making Abu Dhabi one of the world's top energy producers. The city holds 95% of the UAE's oil reserves and 92% of its gas reserves, solidifying its position as a global financial powerhouse. This ranking is based on the city's impressive capital reserves, surpassing other major cities like Oslo, Beijing, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
2. What is the name of the first ship launched under the Indian Navy's Multi-Purpose Vessel project?
The Indian Navy's Multi-Purpose Vessel 'Samarthak' was launched as the first ship under a two-vessel project being constructed by L&T Shipyard. These vessels are designed for a variety of tasks, including towing ships, launching and recovering targets, and operating uncrewed autonomous vehicles. With a length of 106 meters and a width of 16.8 meters, these vessels can reach a maximum speed of 15 knots, enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy for multiple maritime roles.
3. Which Indian state won the 1st prize in the 'Best State' category at the 5th National Water Awards, 2023?
Odisha took the top spot in the 'Best State' category at the 5th National Water Awards, 2023, announced by Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri CR Paatil. Uttar Pradesh secured second place, while Gujarat and Puducherry jointly claimed third. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding efforts in water conservation and management across various categories, including states, districts, villages, and individuals. The National Water Awards aim to promote holistic water resource management and encourage exemplary work in achieving the government's vision of 'Jal Samridh Bharat'.
4. Which company partnered with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship to launch an AI assistant for the Skill India Mission?
The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) partnered with Meta to introduce an AI-powered assistant on the Skill India Digital (SID) Portal. This initiative aims to enhance the learner experience by providing 24/7 course support in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and Hinglish. Built on Meta’s open-source Llama model, the AI assistant is designed to streamline learning experiences and improve skill development outcomes for Indian youth. Additionally, the partnership includes the establishment of five Centres of Excellence in Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) across India, further enhancing technological integration in skill training.
5. Who was awarded the prestigious International Astronautical Federation (IAF) World Space Award for the remarkable success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission?
Dr. S. Somnath, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), received the prestigious IAF World Space Award for leading the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. This historic achievement marked India as the first nation to land near the Moon's South Pole. As ISRO chief, Dr Somnath played a crucial role in India's space exploration endeavours. His contributions have been recognized globally, and this award is a testament to his exceptional leadership and vision in the field of space technology.
6. Who is set to become the next Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of AI Assets Holding Limited?
Amit Kumar, currently serving as Executive Director at Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), is slated to take over as the Chairman & Managing Director of AI Assets Holding Limited. This entity operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, providing unified asset-holding services for the government. Notably, Amit Kumar's new role signifies a significant shift in leadership within the organization. Interestingly, there is another notable figure with the same name, Amit Kumar, a renowned playback singer and actor, son of legendary singer-actor Kishore Kumar.
7. Which two countries recently received a visit from the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron as part of its Long Range Training Deployment in the Persian Gulf?
The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron made a significant visit to Bahrain and the UAE, aiming to enhance naval cooperation and interoperability with the Royal Bahrain Naval Forces and the UAE Navy. Indian Naval Ship Tir and Indian Coast Guard Ship Veera arrived at Port of Manama, Bahrain, while INS Shardul arrived at Port Rashid, Dubai. This strategic move strengthens India's maritime ties with Gulf nations, promoting regional stability and defence collaboration. The visit included professional interactions, joint exercises, and cultural exchanges, highlighting India's commitment to securing maritime interests and fostering diplomatic relationships.
8. From which country has India withdrawn its High Commissioner and senior diplomats in 2023?
India withdrew its High Commissioner and senior diplomats from Canada in response to Canadian allegations linking Indian diplomats to the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan figure. This diplomatic escalation further strained relations between the two countries, with India also expelling six Canadian diplomats. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government made the allegations, which led to a significant diplomatic rift.
9. On what date is World Students’ Day observed to honour Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam?
World Students’ Day is celebrated annually on October 15 to commemorate the life and contributions of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, a revered educator, scientist, and former President of India. This day marks Dr. Kalam’s birthday and pays tribute to his dedication to education, innovation, and the youth of the nation. Established in 2010, World Students’ Day emphasizes the importance of education in achieving personal and societal progress, reflecting Dr. Kalam's belief in hard work, discipline, and passion. The celebration serves to inspire students to pursue their goals while honouring Dr. Kalam's enduring legacy.
10. On which date is World Food Day observed annually?
World Food Day is observed annually on October 16 to raise global awareness about hunger, malnutrition, and food security. This day marks a call to action to ensure everyone's right to adequate nutrition. The theme for World Food Day 2024, "Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future," emphasizes the importance of accessible, diverse, nutritious, and safe food. Established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, World Food Day aims to promote global cooperation and sustainable solutions to eradicate hunger.
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