Correct Answer :   Ministry of Culture

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On the eve of the G20 leadership summit, the culture ministry on Friday (8th September 2023) launched a portal of the mega exhibition—‘Bharat: The Mother of Democracy’—to be held at Bharat Mandapam for global leaders attending the conference.

The content on the history of democracy in India showcasing 7,000 years of democratic ethos starting from the Sindhu-Saraswati civilisation to 2019 is available in 16 languages including German, French, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Italian, Turkish, and Russian besides English and Hindi.

The portal is divided into five sections and 22 sub-sections starting from Sindhu-Saraswati Civilisation (6000-2000BCE), Mahajanapada and Gantantra (7-8 BCE), Vijaynagar Empire (14-16 century), and Mughal emperor Akbar reign (1556-1605) to Constitution of India (1947) and Elections in Modern India (1952 onwards). Each section has a brief with images.    

The visitors can also download a brochure in the language of their choice. The catalogue also has the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The website-- www.motherofdemocracyg20.com-- is curated by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), which is a centre for research, academic pursuit and dissemination in the field of the arts under the ministry.

“In Bharat that is India, the view or the will of the people in governance has been the central part of life since earliest recorded history…According to the Indian ethos, democracy comprises the values of harmony, freedom of choice, freedom to hold multiple ideas, acceptability, equality, governance for the welfare of the people, and inclusivity in society. All of these allow its common citizens to lead a dignified life,” states the introduction of the portal..

Source : New Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Indore

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Indore, Amravati and Parwanoo have the cleanest air in India while Madurai, Jammu and Kohima have the worst, according to the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 (Clean Air Survey) report released in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on Thursday by Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav.

The survey was conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board.

According to the report, in cities with over one million population, Indore secured the first rank followed by Agra and Thane. Madurai, Howah and Jamshedpur ranked 46, 45 and 44, respectively. Bhopal stood fifth while Delhi took the ninth spot.

Speaking on the occasion, Yadav said, “This year (2023), the 4th International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (Swachh Vayu Diwas 2023) is to create stronger partnerships, increase investment, and share responsibility to overcome air pollution, with the global theme “Together for Clean Air.”

In the second category, with a population between 300,000 to one million, Amravati secured the first rank followed by Moradabad and Guntur. Jammu, Guwahati and Jalandhar ranked 38, 37 and 36, respectively.

Similarly, for the third category, with a population of less than 300,000, Parwanoo in Himachal Pradesh secured the first rank followed by Kala Amb and Angul, while Kohima was ranked last - 39, the report added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the intent and plan to improve the air quality in more than 100 cities through a holistic approach.

Following the PM’s announcement, the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEF&CC) has been implementing a National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as a national-level strategy outlining the actions for reducing the levels of air pollution at city and regional scales in India since 2019.

Under the programme, as many as 131 cities have been identified for the implementation of city-specific action plans to achieve improvement in air quality.

Yadav said that the NCAP, the government has also launched “PRANA”– a portal for monitoring the implementation of NCAP. The best practices adopted by cities are shared on the PRANA portal for adopting these practices by other cities, he said.

On the occasion, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged ‘Mission Life’. Madhya Pradesh is working to implement all these concepts on the ground.”

“Indore has developed a habit of coming first in all competitions. I congratulate the cities that have received awards here. There is love for nature in the soil of India”..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   September 9

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The International Day to Protect Education from Attack is an international observance established by the United Nations General Assembly on September 9 every year.

* It was established in response to the growing number of attacks on schools and educational institutions around the world. These attacks can take many forms, including shelling, bombing, and occupation. They can also include the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.


Significance of International Day to Protect Education from Attack :

* The International Day to Protect Education from Attack is an important day to raise awareness of the issue of attacks on education and to call for action to protect the right to education for all children.

* It is a reminder that education is a fundamental human right. The right to education is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international treaties. However, this right is often violated in armed conflict.

* It is a call to action to protect schools and educational institutions from attack. Attacks on education can have a devastating impact on children’s lives. They can disrupt education, leading to learning loss and increased dropout rates. They can also lead to physical and psychological harm and even death.

* It is an opportunity to celebrate the resilience of children and educators who continue to learn and teach in the face of danger. Despite the risks, many children and educators continue to go to school, even in the midst of armed conflict. They are a testament to the power of education and the human spirit.


History of International Day to Protect Education from Attack :

* On May 28, 2020, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 74/275, establishing September 9 as the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. Recognizing the importance of raising awareness of the dire need to preserve education and protect it from attack, the Resolution designates UNESCO and UNICEF to serve as co-facilitators for the yearly observance of this Day and calls upon stakeholders to keep this issue at the top of the international agenda and duly act to alleviate the plight of students affected by armed conflicts.

* The observance of this International Day serves as an annual platform to amplify advocacy and galvanize action for the protection of education and sustainable peace for all.

Correct Answer :   P.S. Sreedharan Pillai

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Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai on Friday (8th Sep 2023) launched ‘Mashaal’ for the 37th National Games at a program held in Durbar Hall Raj Bhavan, Donapaula.

The 37th National Games will be held in Goa from October 25 to November 9, 2023.

The Governor also released the anthem (theme song) of the national games for which actor Amitabh Bachchan has given his voice.

“This is a rare opportunity in the history of Goa to host the National Games.  Goa is the ‘Devbhoomi’ of Bharat. Our country is always committed towards unity and integrity.

“People from all over the nation will be here in Goa for this national event, and we have to be ready for it. The success of this national event will also give a boost to the tourism sector of our state,” the Governor said.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that Goa is ready to host the National Games and the ‘Mashaal’ will travel all over Goa so that the people from rural areas also celebrate this event.

“We have to participate in the games to earn a medal for our state. It is a great honour for Goans to host such a big event. Let us together be a part of it, in some or the other way, and make this event a grand success. This should be a memorable event in the years to come. Get set Goa,” he said..

Source : DT Next

Correct Answer :   Anushka Sharma

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India's leading women’s fashion brand - W, on-boarded famous Bollywood actor and entrepreneur Anushka Sharma as its brand ambassador.

With this partnership the brand prepares to launch its high-decibel festive campaign that beautifully merges the warmth of festivities with the spirit of modernity.

The campaign talks about every festival having a story that is synonymous to the story of women. It captures the essence of women being the centre of every celebration, thereby urging women to cherish their individuality and 'Celebrate your story'.

Anant Daga, Managing Director - TCNS Clothing Co. Ltd., said, "Anushka’s vibrant persona and strong individuality perfectly complements the essence of the brand. Anushka epitomises the inspiring and accomplished modern woman, seamlessly transitioning through diverse roles, embodying the true spirit of the W woman. Our festive range, unveiled alongside this campaign, takes on a fresh identity-an all-new avatar. We are excited to have Anushka on board as the W woman."

The specially curated Festive Collection by W includes its widest range of Anarkalis, Festive sets, dresses and lots more. It boasts of an exquisite array of fabrics, carefully selected to enhance the festive experience. From cotton lurex sets adorned with metallic gota trims to velvety textures with matte sequins, the collection offers a tactile journey through the opulence of the festive season. The incorporation of coloured zari weaves, mirror work, and intricate dori work with sequin highlights bring a rich and diverse palette of textures and embellishments.

About W :

W for Woman is a mirror for the new-age Indian women who are rooted at home and taking on the world with panache, playing myriad of roles with élan and taking on the challenges in her stride. With a unique design sensibility, the Indian Salwar - Kameez was transformed into its chic & urban yet comfortable form. It is a brand that provides contemporary Indian wear for working women and home makers and believes in delivering design functionality with mix and match combinations..

Source : Deccan Herald

Correct Answer :   African Union

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During the opening session of the two-day G20 Summit, the African Union (AU) received an official invitation to join the Group of 20 largest economies (G20) as a permanent member. This momentous declaration was made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant stride towards a more inclusive and equitable global economic landscape.


The Vision of Inclusivity :

Prime Minister Modi, in his opening remarks at the G20 Summit, underlined the importance of inclusivity, expressing India’s proposal to grant permanent membership to the African Union within the G20. He emphasized the principle of “sabka saath” demonstrating India’s commitment to ensuring that the voices of all nations, especially those in the Global South, are heard and considered on the global stage.

The AU Takes Its Seat :

Following Prime Minister Modi’s announcement, Union of Comoros President and AU Chairperson Azali Assoumani assumed his seat as a full member of the G20. This marked a moment of pride and triumph for the African Union, as it secured its place among the world’s most influential economies.


India’s Persistent Advocacy :

India’s role in championing the AU’s membership in the G20 cannot be understated. Prime Minister Modi has consistently advocated for the AU’s inclusion in the group, positioning India as a leading voice for the concerns, challenges, and aspirations of the Global South, particularly the African continent. This diplomatic effort culminated in Modi’s formal proposal to G20 leaders in June, which found its way into the draft communique for the G20 Summit following the third G20 Sherpas meeting in July.

The Significance of the African Union :

The African Union, comprising 55 member states from across the African continent, wields substantial influence in regional and global affairs. Its permanent membership in the G20 reflects the increasing recognition of Africa’s economic and geopolitical importance. Prime Minister Modi, in an exclusive interview, emphasized that Africa remains a top priority for India, highlighting India’s commitment to the inclusion of voices that have historically been underrepresented in global decision-making.


The G20: A Brief Overview :

The G20, established in 1999 in response to various world economic crises, is a forum that brings together the world’s leading economies to discuss and address global economic challenges. The G20 member countries collectively represent approximately 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of global trade, and around two-thirds of the world’s population. The inclusion of the African Union strengthens the G20’s role as a platform for addressing global economic issues comprehensively.

Correct Answer :   Nataraja Statue

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World leaders attending the G20 Summit were welcomed by a stunning 27-foot-tall statue of Nataraja, portraying Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance. This impressive sculpture, crafted from ashtadhatu, an eight-metal alloy, boasts an astonishing weight of 18 tonnes, necessitating a transportation trailer equipped with 36 tires for its journey to Delhi. Skilled artisans from Swamimalai in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district meticulously crafted this masterpiece, skillfully blending traditional and contemporary elements while drawing inspiration from ancient Nataraja idols.


Master Sculptors from Swamimalai :

* The Nataraja statue was meticulously crafted by a team of artisans hailing from Swamimalai, a town renowned for its traditional metalwork.
* The primary sculptors behind this masterpiece are 61-year-old Srikanda Sthapathy, along with his brothers Radhakrishna Sthapathy and Swaminatha Sthapathy.
* The Sthapathy family’s lineage in sculpture spans an impressive 34 generations, with their craft rooted in the Chola era, notably the construction of the Big (Brihadeeshwara) Temple.

Gurukul Training and Heritage :

* The Sthapathy family received their training in the ancient gurukul system, which has been passed down through generations.
* They were entrusted with the Nataraja project after meeting stringent criteria outlined in a tender by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Ministry of Culture.
* This project draws inspiration from three revered Nataraja idols: Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, Uma Maheswarar Temple in Konerirajapuram, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brihadeeshwara Temple in Thanjavur.


Traditional ‘Lost-Wax’ Casting Method :

* The crafting process employed for this statue was the traditional ‘lost-wax’ casting method, a technique indigenous to the Chola era.
* The process began with the creation of a highly detailed wax model adorned with intricate ornaments.
* A unique alluvial soil paste, found exclusively in Swamimalai, was used to cover the entire mold. Notably, the Cauvery clay from a specific part of the river in Swamimalai played a vital role in this method.

Transition to Ashtadhatu :

* Initially intended to be made from panja loha, the statue eventually transitioned to being crafted from ashtadhatu.
* A delegation provided feedback on the wax model during the creative process, leading to minor adjustments in the statue’s limbs.
* The collaborative efforts of Srikanda and his two brothers in creating the base wax model resulted in a seven-month-long project.


The Cost :

* The creation of this remarkable Nataraja statue came at a cost of Rs 10 crore, inclusive of GST.

Correct Answer :   8th September

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World Physiotherapy Day (World PT Day) is a global healthcare event celebrated on the 8th of September every year since 1996, commemorating the date of the World Physiotherapy foundation in 1951.

This day serves as a homage to all the physiotherapists and the services they render, achieving the ultimate goal of a symptom-free movement at basic to complex physical activities in patients and the healthy alike.


Significance of World Physiotherapy Day :

Everyone values the ability to function as independently as possible during everyday life. Patients and fitness enthusiasts typically seek out physical therapy services for physical impairments associated with movement disorders caused by injury, disease, or health-related conditions that interfere with their ability to perform or pursue any number of activities that are necessary or important to them.

Of the many procedures employed by healthcare, therapeutic exercise takes its place as one of the key elements that lies at the centre of programs designed to improve or restore an individual’s function or to prevent dysfunction.

The multidimensional aspects of physical function encompass the diverse yet interrelated areas of performance, such as

* Improving balance
* Cardiopulmonary endurance
* Developing coordination
* Progressing flexibility
* Improving mobility
* Muscle performance
* Neuromuscular control
* Postural control
* Postural stability and
* Equilibrium  

World Physiotherapy Day 2023 Theme :

This year, 2023, the World Physiotherapy Day Theme is "Prevention and Management of Osteoarthritis". Every year, the World Physiotherapy puts up a specific theme on debilitating health issues concerned with movement. Although this year's theme is a continuation of yesteryear's theme, the present year's theme focuses on inflammatory arthritis, including axial spondylarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

With informational toolkits combined with guidelines intended for the public, various physiotherapy-related health campaigns are organised each year with an aim to deliver awareness information across the world, appealing to local and global decision-makers for the providence of better facilities and support to tackle the same.


Year by year, the themes for World Physiotherapy Day (World PT Day) are :

* World PT Day 2022 Theme: Prevention and Management of Osteoarthritis
* World PT Day 2021 Theme: Rehabilitation and Long COVID.
* World PT Day 2020 Theme: Rehabilitation and Long COVID.
* World PT Day 2019 Theme: Chronic pain and the role of the physiotherapist.
* World PT Day 2018 Theme: Physical Therapy and Mental Health

History of World Physiotherapy Day :

The 8th of September was declared as the World Physiotherapy Day in 1996 by the global organisation, World Physiotherapy. Established on the 8th of September 1951 in the United Kingdom, World Physiotherapy is a non-profit organisation currently representing more than 6,00,000 physiotherapists globally, encompassing 127 member organisations.

This non-profit organisation advocates safe working procedures for physiotherapists in promoting evidence-based physiotherapy practice for delivering affordable health care.

There are various Indian physiotherapy associations and physiotherapists that have been represented in World Physiotherapy since 1967.

Correct Answer :   8th September

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The world observes International Literacy Day every year on September 8. The day reminds us of the importance of personal development, literacy, and progress of society.

The day was first time observed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The day is a stark reminder of the fact that literacy is not luxury but a fundamental right important for a person's dignity.

The day is observed across the world to propagate the agenda of literacy across the world. The UNESCO data says that around 76 crore young people and adults globally lacked basic literacy skills in 2020. Know about the significance and history of the day.


International Literacy Day Theme 2023 : Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies.'

International Literacy Day History :

* The idea of International Literacy day was first mentioned at the World Conference of Minjsters of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy. The conference was held in Tehran, Iran in 1965. The conference served as a fertile ground for the germination of an idea of a special day dedicated to promoting literacy on a global scale.

* Later, UNESCO officially declared September 8 as International Literacy Day. The day was announced during 14th UNESCO General Conference in 1966. A year later, the world celebrated its first International Literacy Day on September 8, 1966.

International Literacy Day Significance :

* As per the data shared by UNESCO, around 775 million people around the world are deprived of basic literacy skills. The data says that one in five adults remain illiterate. The data also reflects vast gender gap between males and females.

* COVID pandemic further aggravated the situatiion where children were absent from school or attended their classes irregularly.

* Impact of COVID-19 pandemic was severe on education facility. Unfortunately, many children who left school because of pandemic never returned to school for education.

* International Literacy Day serves as an opportunity for international organisations and governments to work for and promote literacy..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Tamil Nadu

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Salem district in the state of Tamil Nadu has gained acclaim for its sago production, which is widely recognized as Sabudana. Salem Sago, locally known as Javvarisi, is derived from the wet starch powder extracted from tapioca roots. Indian tapioca roots are known to contain approximately 30-35% starch content.

Sago production has been a cornerstone of Salem’s economic development since 1967. Currently, over 80% of sago in India is produced in the Salem region, with a significant portion marketed through Sagoserve.


GI Tag Application for Salem Sago by Sagoserve :

The request for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Salem Sago (Javvarisi) was filed by the Salem Starch and Sago Manufacturers Service Industrial Co-operative Society Limited, commonly known as Sagoserve.

The GI tag can significantly boost business for farmers in the Salem region and the over-400 sago and starch units in areas like Salem, Erode, Nammakal, and Dharmapuri. These regions have a long-standing tradition of sago production.

Salem: The Tapioca Heartland and the Land of Sago

Salem district utilizes nearly 35,000 hectares of land for tapioca cultivation, with yields averaging between 25-30 tonnes per hectare. Sago has a low calorific value (310 kcal/100g) and ranges in size from 2 to 4.5 mm. Remarkably, one kilogram of tapioca sago can be produced from five kilograms of tapioca tubers.

The district’s advantages, such as abundant raw materials, cost-effective labor, and extended sunlight hours, make it an ideal hub for tapioca-based products like sago and starch. This has earned Salem the reputation of being the ‘Land of Sago,’ even on international platforms.


Sago: A Multi-Industry Player with Remarkable Economic Value

Sago finds applications in diverse industries, including food, paper, construction, textiles, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, mining, and alcohol, underscoring its economic significance.

Benefits of GI Tags :

The registration of a Geographical Indication offers several advantages:

* Legal Protection: It provides legal safeguards to protect GI-tagged products from unauthorized use.
* Prevention of Unlawful Use: GI tags prevent others from using the prestigious product name without authorization.
* Quality Assurance: Consumers can be confident in the quality and authenticity of GI-tagged products.
* Economic Prosperity: The demand for GI-tagged goods in national and international markets is enhanced, thereby promoting economic prosperity for the producers.


Significance of GI Tags :

A GI tag grants certain rights to those authorized to use it, allowing them to prohibit its usage by third parties whose products do not meet the specified standards. However, it’s important to note that a protected GI does not restrict someone from producing a similar product using the same methods outlined in the standards for that.