ALL EXAM QUIZ 17.01.2025

Explanation:

• An agreement signed between C-DOT and IIT Mandi for “Developing Semiconductor Chip of Wideband Spectrum Sensor for Dynamic Spectrum Access.”
• An agreement has been signed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) with the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Jammu (IIT Jammu).
• This agreement focuses on the development of a "Wideband Spectrum-Sensor ASIC-Chip for Enhancing the Spectrum Utilization," marking a significant step towards creating indigenous next-generation telecommunications technology.
• This has been signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the Department of Telecommunications.
• This scheme is designed to provide financial support to Indian startups, academia and R&D institutions to design, develop and commercialize telecom equipment and its solutions.
• Its objective is to make broadband and mobile services affordable thereby bridging the digital divide across India.

Explanation:

• The third-generation anti-tank missile ‘Nag Mk-2’ successfully tested by India.
• On 14 January, the field test of the indigenously developed third-generation anti-tank guided missile ‘Nag Mark 2’ (Nag Mk 2) was successfully conducted by India.
• According to the Defence Ministry, it is a third generation 'anti-tank fire-and-forget guided missile'.
• The trials were carried out at the Pokhran Field Range by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in the presence of senior officers of the Indian Army.
• The missile demonstrated its precision during the trials by accurately destroying targets at maximum and minimum ranges, validating its firing capabilities.
• During the trials, the 'Nag Missile Carrier' (Version 2) was also evaluated.
• With these successful trials, the entire weapon system is now ready to be inducted into the Indian Army.
• The Nag Mark 2 missile developed by DRDO is specially designed to counter modern armoured threats.
• Its fire-and-forget technology allows operators to lock on to targets before launch, ensuring precision strikes even in complex battlefields.
• In 2024, India successfully had also launched Agni 4, a medium-range ballistic missile.

Explanation:

• Every year on 15 January, Indian Army Day is celebrated to remember the sacrifice of our soldiers to protect India and its citizens.
• The day is also celebrated to commemorate the moment when Lieutenant General KM Cariappa took over from Francis Butcher as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on 15 January 1949.
• Francis Butcher was the last British Commander-in-Chief of India.
• This year, the 77th Army Day celebration organized in Maharashtra's Pune.
• Pune, renowned for its rich military heritage, hosted the prestigious Army Day Parade for the first time on 15 January 2025.

Explanation:

• Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned the formation of two new battalions as part of efforts to bolster the CISF.
• The expansion seeks to enhance the CISF’s ability to fulfill growing security demands and strengthen internal security throughout critical infrastructure and key installations.
• The total number of CISF battalions will rise from 13 to 15. Each of the newly sanctioned battalions will consist of 1,025 personnel.
• Officers of senior commandant rank will lead the new battalions.
• The expansion also includes the Mahila Battalion, which was approved recently.
• With this expansion, the CISF’s total strength will rise to nearly two lakh personnel.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

• It was formed on 10 March 1969 under the act of the Parliament. It works under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• The CISF provides security to India’s most critical infrastructure facilities like nuclear installations, space establishments, airports, seaports, power plants etc.
• Its headquarters is in New Delhi. Rajwinder Singh Bhatti is its Current Director-General of CISF. The motto of CISF is “Protection and Security”.

Explanation:

• 10th Ajanta Verul International film festival started in Maharashtra.
• The festival celebrates global cinema and offers a platform for film enthusiasts in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra.
• Secretary, of Information and Broadcasting, Sanjay Jaju inaugurated the festival.
• He conferred the Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award on Padma Bhushan Sai Paranjape.
• Paranjape has been awarded in recognition of her exceptional contributions to Indian cinema.
• The opening film “Little Jaffna” was screened. It is a highly acclaimed French and Tamil language film.

Explanation:

• Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched the National Turmeric Board.
• Shri Palle Ganga Reddy became the first chairperson of the National Turmeric Board.
• Nizamabad has been established as the headquarters of the Board.
• Turmeric is also known as ‘Golden Spice’ and is grown by farmers spread across 20 states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, etc.
• The formation of the Turmeric Board will help increase the income of turmeric producers in the country.
• The new Board will promote research and development of new turmeric products.
• The board will also help add value to turmeric-related products for marketing abroad.
• In 2023-24, 3.05 lakh hectares were under turmeric cultivation in India.
• India with 10.74 lakh tonnes produces 70% of global turmeric production.
• India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world.

Explanation:

• Faiz Ahmed Kidwai has been appointed the new director general of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
• He is currently working as an additional secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• His appointment has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
• Ashutosh Agnihotri has been appointed as chairman and managing director of the Food Corporation of India.
• Kamal Kishore Soan has been appointed as additional secretary and mission director of Jal Jeevan Misson in the Department of drinking water and Sanitation.

Explanation:

• C-DOT and IIT Delhi inked an agreement for “Building Blocks for THz Communication Front Ends” for 6G.
• For the development of "Building Blocks for THz Communication Front Ends" for 6G, C-DOT and IIT Delhi have signed an agreement.
• The agreement has been signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) 6G Call for proposal of the Department of Telecommunications.
• As part of the Bharat 6G vision, this agreement will accelerate research on developing a 6G Eco-system.
• The aim of this project is the development of basic devices and components which are essential for THz systems envisaged for 6G communications.
• This will seamlessly lead to the fabrication of THz components at the production level.
• C-DOT is the implementing agency for this project.

Explanation:

• First edition of the Kho Kho World Cup was officially inaugurated at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.
• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Indian Olympic Association President P. T. Usha and Kho Kho Federation of India President Sudhanshu Mittal, lit the ceremonial torch of World Cup.
• Teams from 20 countries are participating in the Kho Kho World Cup 2025.
• Kho Kho World Cup 2025 features 20 men's and 19 women's teams.
• 15-member squads for both the men’s and women’s categories have been selected by the Kho-Kho Federation of India.
• Prateek Waikar is captain of the men’s team. Priyanka Ingle will lead the women’s team.
• Quarterfinals will be held on January 17. The semifinals will be held on January 18, and the finals on January 19.
• The Indian men’s team and women’s team have been placed in Group A.

Explanation:

• The ICC Player of the Month award for December 2024 has been announced.
• This time the Player of the Month award in the men's category was given to India's fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, while Australia's Annabel Sutherland received the ICC Women's Player of the Month honor.