Today in History (September 5^th, 1888)

India celebrates Teachers’ Day annually on September 5, the birth anniversary of former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888-1975). Here is why. India celebrates Teachers’ Day annually on September 5, the birth anniversary of former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888-1975)

Let’s Revise

1) What year was the ‘Navratna’ scheme introduced by the Government of India?

a) 1990     b) 1995     c) 1997     d) 2000

Answer: c)
Explanation: The Navratna scheme was introduced by the Government of India in 1997 to provide more financial and operational freedom to select Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

2) Which of the following is NOT a criterion for a Public Sector Unit (PSU) to be granted Navratna status?

a) It should be a Miniratna-I, Schedule ‘A’ company.
b) It must have obtained an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ MoU rating in three of the last five years.
c) It must report a net profit of more than Rs 10,000 crore for three consecutive years.
d) It must maintain an average annual turnover of Rs 25,000 crore for three years.

Answer: c)
Explanation: The criterion is that a PSU should report a net profit of more than Rs 5,000 crore for three consecutive years, not Rs 10,000 crore.

3) Who grants the Navratna status to a Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) in India?

a) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
b) Ministry of Finance
c) Ministry of Corporate Affairs
d) Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Answer: b)
Explanation: The Ministry of Finance grants Navratna status to eligible Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) based on the criteria set forth.

3) What is the total number of Navratna companies?

a) 15     b) 20     c) 25     d) 30

Answer: c)
Explanation: There are currently 25 companies with Navratna status.

4) How many companies have status of Maharatna?

a) 15     b) 18     c) 13     d) 22

Answer: c)
Explanation: There are total 13 companies have Maharatna status in India.

5) Which award was recently given to Japanese anime director Hayao Miyazaki, often referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize?

a) Academy Award
b) Golden Globe Award
c) Ramon Magsaysay Award
d) Grammy Award

Answer: c)
Explanation: Hayao Miyazaki was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award, which is often referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize, recognizing his significant contributions to the field of animation.

6) What is Hayao Miyazaki known for besides being a Japanese animator?

a) Being a renowned musician
b) Founding Studio Ghibli
c) Writing best-selling novels
d) Leading a major technology company

Answer: b)
Explanation: Hayao Miyazaki is a founder of Studio Ghibli, a highly acclaimed Japanese animation studio known for its influential animated feature films.

7) In what field has Hayao Miyazaki achieved international acclaim?

a) Music composition
b) Japanese animated feature films
c) Computer programming
d) Fashion design

Answer: b)
Explanation: Hayao Miyazaki is internationally acclaimed for his work in creating Japanese animated feature films and is considered a masterful storyteller in the animation industry.

8) Which of the following statements accurately describes Hayao Miyazaki’s reputation in animation?

a) He is regarded as a pioneer in live-action cinema.
b) He is known as one of the most accomplished filmmakers in the history of animation.
c) He is primarily celebrated for his achievements in visual effects for video games.
d) He is recognized for his contributions to documentary filmmaking.

Answer: b)
Explanation: Hayao Miyazaki is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished filmmakers in the history of animation, thanks to his innovative storytelling and creation of influential animated films.

Summary of Today’s News

Lothal dockyard of Harappan Civilisation

Recently a new study by the Indian Institute of Technology-Gandhinagar has found evidence for Lothal dockyard of Harappan Civilization.

• Lothal – It is situated approximately 30 km inland from the Gulf of Khambhat on the western coast of India in Gujarat.
• It served as a bustling port during the Bronze Age Harappan period (2600 BCE to 1900 BCE)
• It was connected to a series of Harappan production and distribution centres along the Gulf of Kachchh and the Rann of Kachchh.
• Significance – Lothal is renowned for its well-preserved brick-walled dockyard and warehouse.

• Study findings – The Lothal dockyard theory is reevaluated using multi-sensor data, cloud computing, and multiple platforms.
• Path of Sabarmati River – Sabarmati river used to flow by Lothal during the Harappan Civilisation.

• Currently, it flows 20 km east of Lothal.
• The lower reaches of the River Sabarmati underwent significant migration during the late Holocene period.
• It was discovered by the satellite images of the old channels of the River Sabarmati.
• Travel Route – There was also a travel route connecting Ahmedabad, through Lothal, the Nal Sarovar wetland, and the Little Rann, to Dholavira.

Indian PM’s visit to Brunei

Overview:

Recently, the Prime Minister of India said he was looking forward to strong ties with Brunei, especially in boosting commercial and cultural linkages, as he visited Bandar Seri Begawan.

Key points about Brunei:

• Location: It is located along the northern coast of Borneo Island in Southeast Asia.
• It is situated both in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres of the Earth.
• Brunei is bordered by the South China Sea in the north and on all other sides by Malaysia.
• Brunei is divided into two non-contiguous parts by a portion of the Malaysian State of Sarawak. Brunei shares its maritime borders with China and Malaysia.
• Capital: Bander Seri Begawan – the capital and largest city of Brunei.
• Mountain: Bukit Pagon is the highest point in the country at 6,069 ft along the border with Malaysia in the eastern mountainous region.
• Rivers: Numerous rivers drain the land, including the Belait, Pandaruan, and Tutong.
• It is also a major oil producer in Southeast Asia.
• Population: Brunei citizens comprise about 76% of the population, with the remaining being permanent or temporary residents. More than 80% of the population is ethnically Malay or Chinese.
• Currently, approximately 14,000 Indians are residing in Brunei. The contribution of Indian doctors and teachers to the growth and development of Brunei’s healthcare and education sectors has been well acknowledged.

Krishna River

The recent surge in the Krishna River has resulted in boats being washed downstream, with some colliding with the gates of the Prakasam Barrage.

• • Origin – Western Ghats just north of Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra)
  • Length – 1400 km
  • State – Maharashtra, Telangana, Karanatka, Andhra Pradesh
  • Also known as Krishnaveni, it serves as a vital irrigation source for Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
  • It ultimately empties into the Bay of Bengal at Hamasaladeevi on the eastern coast of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Due to intense land erosion during the monsoon season, the Krishna River is known for its destructive nature, making it one of the most catastrophic rivers globally.
• Prominent tributaries of the Krishna River include the Koyna River, Venna River, Malaprabha River, Bhima River, Ghataprabha River, Dindi River, Musi River, Paleru River, and Dudhganga Rivers.
  • The Tungabhadra River holds great significance as the primary tributary of the Krishna River.
  • It forms through the union of two rivers, namely, the Tunga River and the Bhadra River. It originates in the Western Ghats Mountain Ranges.