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1. Which Indian state won the first prize in the state category at the 5th National Water Awards 2023?
Odisha took top honours in the state category at the 5th National Water Awards 2023, conferred by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi. The awards recognized excellence in nine categories, including Best State, Best District, and Best Civil Society. Odisha's first-place finish was followed by Uttar Pradesh in second and Gujarat and Puducherry in third place. This prestigious award acknowledges Odisha's outstanding efforts in water conservation and management, which have contributed to the government's vision of 'Jal Samridh Bharat'.
2. Which Indian state has become the first to implement sub-quotas for Dalits?
Haryana has pioneered the implementation of sub-quotas for Dalits, introducing a subclassification within the Scheduled Caste (SC) category. The state will divide the 20% SC quota into two equal parts: Deprived Scheduled Castes (DSC) and Other Scheduled Castes (OSC). This move aims to address disparities in employment opportunities and the under representation of DSC in government jobs, as highlighted by empirical data. The decision aligns with a Supreme Court ruling and demonstrates Haryana's commitment to promoting social equity and inclusive governance. This initiative may set a precedent for other states to follow.
3. What is the name of the hurricane approaching Cuba after making landfall in the Bahamas?
Hurricane Oscar, upgraded from a tropical storm, is forecasted to make a second landfall in Cuba, specifically affecting the north coast provinces of Holguin and Guantanamo to Punta Maisi. The storm's trajectory poses significant challenges for Cuba's 10 million residents, who are preparing for potential damage and disruptions. As a hurricane, Oscar's impact is expected to be substantial, with authorities issuing warnings and taking precautions to ensure public safety. Effective preparedness and response measures are crucial to mitigate the effects of this powerful storm.
4. What is the name of the severe cyclonic storm expected to make landfall in Odisha?
Cyclonic storm 'Dana' is forecasted to hit Odisha's coast, prompting evacuation preparations for residents in vulnerable low-lying areas. With predicted wind speeds of 120 km/h, 'Dana' poses a significant threat. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) tracks its progression, anticipating intensification from a low-pressure area to a cyclonic storm. Effective evacuation plans are crucial to minimize damage and ensure public safety. Authorities closely monitor 'Dana's' movement, warning citizens of potential risks and necessary precautions.
5. In which city was the National Para-Swimming Championship 2024 held?
The National Para-Swimming Championship 2024 took place in Panaji, where athletes from various states competed in different categories. Among the winners, Lakhan Singh from Rajasthan secured gold in the S4 100m freestyle event, while swimmers from Odisha, Haryana, and Maharashtra also achieved top spots in their respective events. Panaji served as the host city for this prestigious para-sports event, highlighting the growing prominence of para-swimming in India.
6. In which district were 16th-century copper plate inscriptions from the Vijayanagara Kingdom discovered?
The significant archaeological find of 16th-century copper plate inscriptions was made at the Sri Singeeswarar temple in Mappedu village, Tiruvallur district. These inscriptions, dating back to 1513 CE, provide valuable insights into the Vijayanagara Kingdom's history and reign of King Krishandevaraya. The copper plates feature the kingdom's seal and are written in Sanskrit and Nandinagari script. This discovery sheds light on the cultural and historical significance of the region, highlighting the importance of preserving ancient artefacts for future generations. Tiruvallur's rich history is further underscored by this remarkable find.
7. In which city was the eShram – One Stop Solution for unorganised workers launched?
The Government of India launched the eShram – One Stop Solution in New Delhi to enhance access to social security schemes for unorganised workers. This innovative platform aims to streamline data from various government ministries and integrate important welfare schemes, including the One Nation One Ration Card and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). By centralizing this information, the initiative seeks to improve the welfare and support provided to unorganised workers, making it easier for them to access essential services and benefits.
8. In which Indian state has the first Inland Container Depot (ICD) been inaugurated?
Bihar has taken a significant step in boosting its logistics infrastructure with the inauguration of its first Dry Port and Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Bihta, near Patna. This facility will provide efficient warehousing, customs clearance, and multi-modal transport services, streamlining import and export operations for businesses in Bihar. Strategically located, the ICD is well-connected by rail to major ports such as Kolkata, Haldia, Visakhapatnam, and Mundra. This development is expected to enhance trade facilitation, reduce transportation costs, and promote economic growth in the region. Bihar's logistics landscape is poised for significant transformation.
9. Which space organization is launching the Moonlight program to establish lunar communication and navigation?
The European Space Agency (ESA) is pioneering the Moonlight program, a groundbreaking initiative to create a dedicated satellite constellation for communication and navigation on the Moon. This ambitious project involves launching five satellites, including one for high-data-rate communications and four for navigation. The Lunar Pathfinder, the first satellite, is scheduled to launch in 2026, with full deployment expected by 2030. Moonlight will enable seamless connectivity between the Moon and Earth, facilitating future lunar missions and research. ESA's innovative approach will significantly enhance lunar exploration capabilities.
10. In which year was the UDAN scheme launched to boost regional air connectivity?
The UDAN scheme, which stands for "Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik," was launched in 2016 to enhance regional air connectivity across India. It aims to make air travel more accessible by operationalizing new routes, airports, and aerodromes. Since its inception, 601 routes and 71 airports have been activated, significantly increasing air travel infrastructure. This initiative is a part of India's larger plan to further expand airport capacity, aiming for 350-400 operational airports by 2047.
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