Correct Answer :   NTPC

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NTPC Limited, India's largest power company, is unveiling a new version of its Girl Child Empowerment Mission (GEM), aligning with the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign to promote gender equality and provide opportunities for young girls' development.

Correct Answer :   Kazakhstan

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In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Moscow, believed to be perpetrated by extremists from Central Asia potentially influenced by Pakistani seminaries, India and Kazakhstan convened in Astana to bolster their collaboration against terrorism.

Key Discussion Points :

* Regional Terrorist Threats: Both nations engaged in discussions regarding the terrorist landscape within their respective regions. This included addressing state-sponsored terrorism and cross-border terrorist activities, particularly prevalent in South Asia.

* Afghanistan-Pakistan Region: The meeting also delved into the specific challenges posed by terrorism in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. Strategies were explored to combat the growing menace in this area, which often spills over into neighboring countries.

Key Points about Kazakhstan :

* Geographical Location : Kazakhstan is the world’s largest landlocked country, located in Central Asia, bordered by Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west.

* Capital and Major Cities : The capital city of Kazakhstan is Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana), while other major cities include Almaty, Shymkent, and Karaganda.

* Rich Cultural Heritage : Kazakhstan boasts a diverse cultural heritage influenced by its nomadic history and the convergence of various ethnic groups. Kazakh, Russian, and other ethnic groups contribute to the country’s multicultural society.

* Economy : Kazakhstan has a robust economy driven primarily by its vast reserves of natural resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, and minerals. The country has been focusing on economic diversification and modernization efforts to reduce its reliance on resource extraction.

* Political System : Kazakhstan is a presidential republic, with Nursultan Nazarbayev serving as the country’s first president from independence in 1991 until his resignation in 2019. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev succeeded Nazarbayev as president.

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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Inaugurating the Scientific Convention on World Homoeopathy Day 2024 (10th April 2024) at Yashobhoomi Conventional Centre Dwarka New Delhi, President Smt Droupadi Murmu said, “Many individuals who had become disillusioned with various methods of treatment have benefited from the miracles of Homeopathy. However, within the scientific community, such experiences can only be acknowledged when presented with a sufficient number of experiences backed by facts and analysis. Encouraging scientific rigor will increase confidence in this method of treatment among people.”

She added in her address “Scientific validity forms the basis of authenticity and both acceptance and popularity will increase with authenticity. Your efforts to empower research and enhance proficiency will be beneficial in promoting homeopathy. This will benefit everyone involved in Homeopathy, including doctors, patients, drug manufacturers, and researchers.”

The President further said that the continuous improvement in the education system of homeopathy will make this method more attractive to young students. The involvement of a large number of young people is essential for the bright future of homeopathy. President congratulated the Ayush ministry for organisating this mega event and promoting homeopathy along with other Ayush systems of medicine.

President graced this two-day Scientific Convention on the theme of “Empowering Research, Enhancing Proficiency” organized by Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), an autonomous apex research organization under Ministry of Ayush to celebrate the occasion of the World Homoeopathy Day 10th April 2024.

On this occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said “in homeopathy, there are immense possibilities for integration between other medical systems and traditional medicine. Efforts to integrate these systems, where appropriate, will benefit patients who demand a comprehensive approach to healthcare. Strong research and clinical testing are crucial for establishing a robust scientific foundation for homeopathy.

The government is committed to quality control and patient safety by working collaboratively with the homeopathic community. To increase public access to homeopathy and expand its reach, we are actively promoting its integration into primary healthcare systems. We are actively encouraging research in homeopathy through facilities like the CCRH and other collaborators and allocating resources for clinical trials and evidence-based studies.”

Dr. Subhash Kaushik, DG, CCRH, Ministry of Ayush, in his welcome address, emphasized on the need of evidence-based research in today’s era, for which it is important that the scientists of various fields and specialties come together. He thanked eminent scientists and doctors from various organisations like AIIMS, ICMR, Apollo Cancer Hospital, Chennai, Janakpuri Superspecialty Hospital, Delhi, etc. for showing their support for Homoeopathy by attending the symposium..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   April 11th

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National Safe Motherhood Day, observed annually on April 11th, is a crucial occasion to highlight the importance of maternal health and well-being. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the need to prioritize the care and support for mothers, ensuring a safe and healthy journey through pregnancy and childbirth.

Potential Themes for 2024

* The official theme for National Safe Motherhood Day 2024 has not yet been announced. However, there are several promising possibilities based on recent trends and global priorities:

* Equity in Maternal Healthcare: Leaving No Mother Behind: This theme would focus on ensuring that all mothers, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location, have access to quality healthcare services.

* Investing in Maternal Health for a Sustainable Future: This theme would emphasize the importance of long-term investments in maternal healthcare infrastructure, research, and education to create a brighter future for mothers and their children.

* Empowering Families, Strengthening Communities for Optimal Maternal Health: This theme would highlight the crucial role that families and communities play in supporting mothers throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey.

* Leveraging Technology for Better Maternal Health Outcomes: This theme would explore how advancements in technology, such as digital healthcare solutions and telemedicine, can improve access to maternal healthcare services and enhance the quality of care.

* Regardless of the chosen theme, the goal of National Safe Motherhood Day 2024 will be to raise awareness about the importance of maternal health and inspire action towards a future where every mother has the opportunity for a safe and healthy pregnancy.

The History and Significance of National Safe Motherhood Day

* National Safe Motherhood Day has a rich history, reflecting a dedication to improving the lives of mothers and newborns. The concept of a dedicated day for maternal health emerged in the 1980s, driven by growing concerns about high maternal mortality rates in India.

* In 1991, the White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI), a network of non-governmental organizations, actively campaigned for a national day to raise awareness and advocate for better maternal healthcare. Finally, in 2003, the Indian government officially recognized April 11th as National Safe Motherhood Day, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi, a champion of women’s empowerment.

The significance of National Safe Motherhood Day lies in its ability to :

* Raise Awareness : The day draws attention to the challenges faced by mothers, such as pregnancy complications, childbirth risks, and lack of access to quality healthcare.

* Advocate for Better Maternal Healthcare Services : It encourages governments, healthcare providers, and communities to improve access to prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and postpartum support.

* Promote Healthy Pregnancy Practices : The day emphasizes the importance of good nutrition, regular checkups, and access to essential information for pregnant women.

* Celebrate Motherhood : It provides an opportunity to appreciate and honor mothers for their immense contribution to society.

Over the years, National Safe Motherhood Day has evolved, shifting from awareness campaigns to advocacy and targeting specific challenges, such as anemia in pregnant women, institutional delivery, and access to postpartum care. The day has influenced government policies and programs, leading to increased funding for maternal healthcare, expansion of maternity leave, and promotion of institutional deliveries.

Correct Answer :   Bjarni Benediktsson

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Bjarni Benediktsson said on Tuesday (9th April 2024) he will become the country's next prime minister, replacing Katrin Jakobsdottir who last week announced she would resign and run for president.

Benediktsson, head of the pro-business, right-wing Independence Party, now serves as foreign minister in a broad three-party coalition and was previously prime minister in a short-lived government from January to November of 2017.

He takes the helm at a time of uncertainty in Iceland after recent volcanic eruptions triggered the indefinite evacuation of thousands of people, adding to pressures on an economy already facing high inflation and soaring interest rates.

"The parties had very good discussions in the past few days ... the government wants to stand for political stability," the Independence Party said in a statement, adding it would continue its work to bring down inflation among other things..

Source : Reuters

Correct Answer :   Simon Harris

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Simon Harris became Ireland's youngest ever prime minister on Tuesday (9th April 2024), pledging to bring new ideas and energy to the less than 12 months he has boost the coalition government's bid to halt a first electoral victory by left-wing Sinn Fein.

The 37-year-old former health and higher education minister, best known for helping steer the initial response to COVID-19, was elected unopposed as leader of Fine Gael last month, all but assuring he would succeed Leo Varadkar as the 16th person to lead the country following his predecessor's shock exit.

"As Taoiseach (prime minister), I want to bring new ideas, a new energy, and a new empathy to public life," Harris told lawmakers following a parliamentary vote, wiping a tear from his eye before he spoke.

"Now is an opportune time to build a new social contract – one which renews our promise as a Republic. To create equality of opportunity. To support those who need the state the most. To protect our hard-earned economic success. To use its benefits to deliver tangible outcomes to society."

Harris will face the same deep-rooted problems, most notably a severe shortage of affordable housing and unease at record numbers of asylum seekers, that led to Fine Gael's stagnation under Varadkar, and inherits a coalition agreement that leaves little room for major new policy initiatives.

He made two promotions to cabinet - the bare minimum after Varadkar and former Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney stepped down. Fine Gael has seven of the 18 seats ministerial posts, which limited his options..

Source : Reuters

Correct Answer :   Manoj Panda

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The Centre has notified the appointment of economist Manoj Panda as a full-time member of the Sixteenth Finance Commission, tasked with formulating recommendations on the revenue sharing formula between the Centre and States for the five-year period beginning April 2026.

The Government had constituted the Commission on December 31, and named former Niti Aayog vice chairman and Columbia University professor Arvind Panagariya as its chairman. Other members of the Commission — Ajay Narayan Jha, Annie George Mathew, Niranjan Rajadhyaksha and Soumya Kanti Ghosh — were notified a month later.

While the Commission had held its first meeting on February 14, the Finance Ministry had informed a few days later that it will appoint a new member to the Constitutional body as Dr. Rajadhyaksha, noted economist and executive director of Artha Global, had expressed his inability to take up this responsibility due to unforeseen personal circumstances.

With the appointment of Mr. Panda, a former director at the Institute of Economic Growth, the Commission is now back to full strength and can get to work to meet its deadline of October 31, 2025..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   Chandrayaan-3 mission

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s Chandrayaan-3 mission team has been awarded the 2024 John L. “Jack” Swigert, Jr. Award for Space Exploration by the US-based Space Foundation. This prestigious award is given to recognize the remarkable achievements of a space agency, company, or consortium in the realm of space exploration and discovery.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission: India’s Remarkable Lunar Feat :

The Chandrayaan-3 mission, launched by ISRO on July 14, 2023, was a groundbreaking achievement for India. The mission consisted of a lander named Vikram and a rover named Pragyan, and it successfully landed at the unexplored south pole of the moon on August 23, 2023. This made India the first country in the world to land a lunar module at the south pole of the moon.

Honoring ISRO’s Ingenuity and Leadership :

The Space Foundation, in presenting the John L. “Jack” Swigert, Jr. Award for Space Exploration to the Chandrayaan-3 team, recognized the exceptional technical and engineering achievements of the mission. The Foundation highlighted the unquestioned leadership and ingenuity of the people of India in the global space ecosystem, showcasing their remarkable contribution to space exploration.

The Legacy of John L. “Jack” Swigert, Jr. :

The John L. “Jack” Swigert, Jr. Award for Space Exploration was instituted by the Space Foundation in 2004, in memory of John L. “Jack” Swigert, Jr., who was part of NASA’s Apollo 13 mission to the moon. The mission was aborted due to a leakage in the spacecraft’s oxygen tank, but Swigert’s quick thinking and problem-solving skills helped the crew safely return to Earth.

The Space Foundation and its Commitment to Space Exploration :

The Space Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1983, dedicated to the global space ecosystem. It offers collaboration, information sharing, and education to further the advancement of space exploration and discovery. The annual Space Symposium, organized by the Foundation, brings together the leaders of the global space community.

ISRO: India’s Premier Space Agency :

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was set up by the Government of India on August 15, 1969, as the country’s premier space agency. ISRO was previously known as the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), established in 1962. Under the leadership of its first chairman, Vikram Sarabhai, ISRO has grown to become a world-renowned space agency, with a focus on science, engineering, and technology to harness the benefits of outer space for India and mankind.

Correct Answer :   April 10th

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World Homeopathy Day is observed on April 10th every year. The theme for World Homeopathy Day 2024 is “Homeoparivar: One Health, One Family.” Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine that believes in the power of tiny homeopathic substances to cure the symptoms of a condition.

* The word “homeopathy” comes from the Greek words “homeo,” meaning “similar,” and “pathos,” meaning “suffering or disease.”

The History of Homeopathy :

* Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of modern homeopathy, was born in 1755. Hahnemann, a German physician and chemist, believed that homeopathic remedies could provide a better and more effective way to treat diseases. He conducted extensive research on the use of homeopathic remedies for the treatment of malaria, smallpox, and other conditions. Hahnemann found that by taking small doses of homeopathic substances, he could cure the symptoms of malaria without the use of conventional medicine.

* The Hahnemann system of homeopathy is now used by thousands of practitioners around the world. It is considered a valid and effective treatment option for a wide range of conditions. However, identifying and applying the correct homeopathic remedies for a particular condition can be challenging.

The Significance of World Homeopathy Day :

* The significance of World Homeopathy Day lies in raising awareness about the benefits of homeopathy and its potential as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) option. It provides an opportunity to showcase the effectiveness of homeopathy in treating various health conditions and highlights the need for further research and development in the field.

* Furthermore, World Homeopathy Day serves as a platform to promote collaboration among homeopathic practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to advance homeopathy as a safe and effective treatment option for patients worldwide. It is hoped that future research will lead to further advancements in the development of homeopathic therapies, making them more widely available to those seeking alternative treatment options.

Correct Answer :   Cuba

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Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba, is revered as the "Sugar Bowl of the World" due to its historical legacy, dominant export status, and advanced sugar production infrastructure.

When it comes to sugar production on a global scale, one country stands out above the rest, earning itself the prestigious title of the “Sugar Bowl of the World.” Cuba, officially known as the Republic of Cuba, has long been synonymous with sugar production, boasting a rich history, dominant export position, and advanced infrastructure in the industry.

Which Country is Known as “Sugar Bowl of the World”?

Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba, is revered as the “Sugar Bowl of the World” due to its historical legacy, dominant export status, and advanced sugar production infrastructure. With optimal growing conditions and efficient processing facilities, Cuba consistently ranks among the largest exporters of sugar globally. This recognition underscores its pivotal role in meeting international sugar demands and shaping the dynamics of the global market.

Understanding the Term “Sugar Bowl of the World”

The term “Sugar Bowl of the World” refers to a country or region recognized for its paramount role in global sugar production and trade. This designation acknowledges the significant contribution of the specified area to meeting worldwide sugar demand. It typically signifies a combination of abundant sugarcane cultivation, advanced production infrastructure, and substantial export capabilities.

Why is Cuba Known as “Sugar Bowl of the World”?

Here are the few reasons for which Cuba earned the title of “Sugar Bowl of the World”: