The Ministry of Culture has launched Project PARI (Public Art of India) in conjunction with the 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting in New Delhi from July 21-31, 2024.
Executed by Lalit Kala Akademi and National Gallery of Modern Art, this initiative aims to blend India’s rich artistic heritage with modern themes.
Over 150 artists will create public artworks, democratizing art and enhancing cultural engagement nationwide.
International Affairs
2. NATO Summit – 2024 is being organized in which country? – United States of America
The U.S. military is developing the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with Northrop Grumman and Air Force Global Strike Command.
This new ICBM will replace the 400 LGM-30 Minuteman III missiles, in service since the 1970s.
The Sentinel features digital engineering, modular architecture, and a W87-1 thermonuclear warhead.
With a range exceeding 5,500km, it can hit any target globally within 30 minutes.
5. What is the primary function of ‘Regenerative Braking’, recently mentioned in news? – To convert kinetic energy into electrical power
Regenerative braking, found in hybrid and full-electric vehicles, converts kinetic energy from braking into electrical power to charge the vehicle’s high-voltage battery.
Also known as a kinetic energy recovery system, it uses electric motors in reverse to act as generators.
This system slows the car, aiding traditional brakes, improves fuel consumption, and reduces wear on brake pads by decreasing the overall braking load.
Sports
6. Recently, who won the 2024 Asian Billiards Championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia? – Dhruv Sitwala
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat won the gold medal in the 50 kg weight category at the Spain Grand Prix competition.
In the final, Vinesh Phogat defeated Russia’s Maria Tiumerekova 10-5.
State Current Affairs
9. Recently, which state has been honored with the Best Agriculture State Award for 2024 by the 15th Agriculture Leadership Awards Committee? – Maharashtra
The 15th Agriculture Leadership Awards Committee, chaired by Justice P Sathasivam, has named Maharashtra the Best Agriculture State for 2024.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde will receive the award in New Delhi on July 10.
Recognized for its innovative agricultural policies and programs, Maharashtra’s initiatives include the largest bamboo mission, extensive irrigation projects, and nano-technology fertilizer distribution.
The award highlights significant contributions to agricultural advancement and rural prosperity.
10. Vizhinjam International Seaport, recently seen in news, is located in which state? – Kerala
The first phase of Adani Group’s Vizhinjam Port, India’s first exclusive trans-shipment port near Kovalam beach, Kerala, is complete.
It will receive its first mothership on July 12, marking a major milestone.
The port, managed by Divya S. Iyer, is expected to commence full commercial operations by year-end.
It will also be India’s first semi-automated container terminal and a global bunkering hub for green fuels like hydrogen and ammonia.
With an 18-meter natural draft, it can accommodate large container ships and is strategically located 10 nautical miles from the international shipping route connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East.
The project is developed in a public-private partnership by Adani Vizhinjam Ports Private Ltd.
11. Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve (BRT), recently seen in news, is located in which state? – Karnataka
A 35-year-old female elephant was found dead at Mavathuru in the Bailuru wildlife range of Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve (BRT), Hanur taluk.
BRT, located in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district, bridges the Western and Eastern Ghats.
Named after the white rocky cliff with a temple of Lord Vishnu, it became a tiger reserve in 2011, covering 574.82 sq.km.
The forest includes diverse vegetation types.
12. Recently, which state government has announced the establishment of ‘Mitra Van’ under Vriksharopan Jan Abhiyan-2024? – Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh government has launched ‘Mitra Van’ under Vriksharopan Jan Abhiyan-2024, aiming to plant 35 crore saplings along the Uttar Pradesh-Nepal border.
Coordinated by the Forest Department, the campaign will involve 35 forest divisions and neighboring state dignitaries.
Key districts include Saharanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Maharajganj.
Additional initiatives like ‘Shakti Van’ and ‘Yuva Van’ will also be established.
The campaign starts on July 20.
13. In which state is Ashadhi Bij celebrated as New Year? – Gujarat
14. Under whose chairmanship has the judicial commission been constituted to investigate the Hathras case? – Brijesh Kumar Srivastava
Miscellaneous
15. Panchganga River, recently seen in news, is a tributary of which river? – Krishna
The Panchaganga river in Kolhapur is rising and may soon cross the 39-feet warning level. This ancient river, a tributary of the Krishna River, originates from the Sahyadri mountains in Maharashtra at Prayag Sangam in Chikhlee Taluka.
It is formed by the confluence of five rivers: Kasari, Kumbhi, Tulsi, Bhogawati, and Saraswati.
The river, which joins the Krishna at Kurundvad, supports fertile valleys but faces increasing pollution from untreated sewage in Kolhapur.