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1. Which village in Jammu's Poonch district has seen significant development after being adopted by the Indian Army?
Topa Pir, a remote village in Jammu's Poonch district, has undergone a remarkable transformation after being adopted by the Indian Army. Over the last nine months, the village has seen the development of crucial infrastructure such as roads, healthcare facilities, and educational services. This initiative has brought significant improvements to the quality of life in the village, enabling better access to essential services and fostering a sense of community engagement and optimism about future development.
2. From which country has India recently experienced a sharp rise in ammonium nitrate (AN) imports, causing concerns for its domestic fertiliser industry?
India has seen a significant increase in ammonium nitrate (AN) imports from Russia, leading to concerns within its domestic fertiliser industry. Ammonium nitrate is crucial for both agriculture and industries like mining. Cheaper imports from Russia create competitive pressure on Indian companies, which are investing heavily to expand their production capacity. As India relies on imports to meet a substantial portion of its fertiliser needs, including potash, disruptions or shifts in trade patterns can significantly impact domestic markets.
3. By how many basis points did the United States Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rates in its first significant reduction since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic?
The US Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points marks a strategic shift to balance inflation control with economic growth promotion. This rate cut is the first significant reduction since the Covid-19 pandemic began. By lowering interest rates, the Fed aims to combat inflation while stimulating job creation, as unemployment rose to 4.2% in August 2024. This move is expected to make loans cheaper for individuals and businesses, potentially boosting hiring and economic expansion. The Fed targets a 2% inflation rate, seeking a "soft landing" for the economy.
4. Which country won historic gold medals at the Chess Olympiad 2024?
India made history by winning gold medals in both the men's and women's categories at the 2024 Chess Olympiad, a feat achieved after nearly a century. Led by talented players like D Gukesh, Erigaisi, and Praggnanandhaa R, the Indian men's team secured an impressive 21 points out of 22, while the women's team triumphed over Azerbaijan to claim the top spot. This remarkable achievement was praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting India's growing influence in the global chess arena.
5. What is the designation of the asteroid predicted to become a temporary mini-moon of Earth in late September 2024?
Asteroid 2024 PT5, detected by NASA, is anticipated to become a temporary mini-moon of Earth in late September 2024. This capture presents a unique opportunity for scientists to study near-Earth asteroids and enhance our understanding of their behaviour. By observing 2024 PT5's temporary capture and orbit, researchers can refine models of asteroid dynamics, improve detection methods for future mini-moons, and contribute valuable insights to planetary defence strategies. The study of this asteroid will significantly advance our knowledge of near-Earth objects and their interactions with our planet.
6. Which article of the Indian Constitution grants the Election Commission of India the power of superintendence, direction, and control over the electoral process?
Article 324 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Election Commission of India to oversee, direct, and control the electoral process. This provision ensures that elections are conducted efficiently and are completed before the term of the existing assembly expires. Article 324 plays a critical role in upholding the democratic process by giving the Election Commission the authority to ensure free and fair elections.
7. Which country, alongside India, is part of the Bharat Gaurav luxury tourist train route launched to promote cultural and spiritual tourism?
The Bharat Gaurav luxury tourist train was launched to promote cultural and spiritual tourism between India and Nepal. The train, part of the Bharat Nepal Maitri Yatra, covers important religious and cultural sites in both countries, including Ayodhya and Varanasi in India and Janakpur and Kathmandu in Nepal. This initiative, by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), aims to strengthen cultural ties and enhance the spiritual tourism experience between the two neighbouring countries.
8. Where will the SKA-Low component of the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) radio telescope be located?
The Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project involves constructing the world's largest radio telescope, with two main components: SKA-Low and SKA-Mid. SKA-Low will be located in Australia and will operate at low frequencies, ranging from 50 to 350 MHz. This component comprises a network of 131,072 antennas, forming a highly sensitive radio array. The location in Australia was chosen for its remote and radio-quiet environment, ideal for sensitive astronomical observations. This will enable scientists to study the universe in unprecedented detail, addressing fundamental questions about its origins, evolution, and mysteries.
9. Which country is collaborating with India to establish its first national security semiconductor fabrication plant?
India and the United States have announced a strategic partnership to establish India's first national security semiconductor fabrication plant. This collaboration focuses on the advanced manufacturing of critical semiconductors, such as infrared, gallium nitride, and silicon carbide, to strengthen both countries' defence and telecommunications capabilities. The project represents a significant step in the growing technological and defence relationship between India and the US, involving key partners like Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force.
10. In which country was a rare polar bear killed after being deemed a threat to humans for the first time since 2016?
A rare polar bear was shot in Iceland after being considered a threat to local residents. Polar bears are not native to Iceland, but they are occasionally sighted. This was the first time since 2016 that such an action was taken. The bear had posed a danger to a resident, leading authorities to decide against relocation and opt for lethal measures instead. The bear will now be studied and preserved by the Icelandic Institute of Natural History.
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