Correct Answer :   Yavatmal

---

India is a land of diverse cities, each with its own identity shaped by its history, art, and culture. While every city in the country boasts its own rich heritage, there are unique aspects that set them apart from others. In this article, we delve into one such city, known as the “Cotton City,” to uncover its story and significance.

Which Indian City is Known as “Cotton City”?

Yavatmal, situated in Maharashtra, India, is famously referred to as the “Cotton City.” Renowned for its thriving cotton industry, Yavatmal boasts a rich history and cultural heritage. With its significant contribution to cotton production, the city has earned its distinctive identity as a major hub for cotton cultivation and textile manufacturing in the region.

The Rich Geography of Cotton City

Spanning over an area of 135,782 square kilometers, the district of Yavatmal boasts a diverse landscape characterized by its fertile soil and lush greenery. With a literacy rate of 57.96%, the region is home to 16 blocks and 31 police stations, fostering a sense of security and community. Additionally, Yavatmal is a melting pot of cultures, with four languages spoken within its boundaries.

Why is Yavatmal Known as “Cotton City”?

Yavatmal earns its moniker of the “Cotton City” due to its prominence in cotton production. Renowned for its textile mills and cotton ginning factories, the city stands as a testament to India’s thriving textile industry. The district administration’s website highlights the presence of historical Raymond mills, which have played a significant role in shaping Yavatmal’s identity as a center for cotton and textile manufacturing.

Correct Answer :   Hitachi

---

Hitachi Payment Services has unveiled new upgradable ATMs in India, allowing banks to adapt their machines into Cash Recycling Machines (CRMs) as per evolving needs. Manufactured under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, these ATMs offer flexibility and efficiency to banks, potentially revolutionizing the Indian ATM industry.

Upgradable ATM Features :

These upgradable ATMs enable banks to safeguard their investments and expand services, including cash deposit facilities, based on business needs and market conditions. They eliminate the need for expensive replacements and lengthy installations, ensuring banks are future-ready for changing market requirements.

Support for UPI Integration :

In response to recent Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announcements enabling UPI for cash deposit, these ATMs are designed to support UPI-based cash withdrawal and deposit services. This innovation aligns with Hitachi Payment Services’ commitment to advancing banking automation and promoting financial inclusion.

Future Prospects :

Hitachi Payment Services anticipates significant growth in the upgradable ATM market, estimating a potential of around 100,000 units over the next eight years. By providing efficient upgrade paths and innovative solutions like UPI-enabled ATMs, the company aims to enhance banking accessibility and drive financial inclusion across regions with low banking penetration.

Previous Innovations :

In addition to upgradable ATMs, Hitachi Payment Services previously introduced the first-of-its-kind UPI ATM on the Android platform for card-less cash withdrawals in September 2023.

Correct Answer :   April 28th

---

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international campaign observed on April 28th to promote safe and healthy working conditions for all workers. This day aims to raise awareness of the importance of occupational safety and health and to honour those who have suffered injuries, illnesses, or lost their lives due to work-related accidents or diseases.

History and Significance :

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work was first celebrated in 2003 by the International Labour Organization (ILO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. The ILO recognized the need for a global initiative to address the growing concerns over occupational hazards and the alarming number of work-related accidents and illnesses.

This day is an integral part of the Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health adopted by the ILO in 2003, which emphasizes the importance of tripartism (cooperation between governments, employers, and workers) and social dialogue in creating safe and healthy workplaces.

Objectives :

The main objectives of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work are :

Significance and Celebrations :

On this day, various awareness campaigns, workshops, seminars, and training programs are organized by governments, organizations, and trade unions worldwide. These events aim to educate workers, employers, and the general public about the importance of workplace safety and health.

The ILO also publishes reports, guidelines, and promotional materials to disseminate information and best practices related to occupational safety and health. Many countries also observe Workers’ Memorial Day on April 28th to honor those who have lost their lives or suffered injuries due to work-related incidents.

Correct Answer :   Last Saturday of April

---

The World Veterinary Day (WVD) is an annual global celebration that honours the invaluable contributions of veterinarians to society. Observed on the Last Saturday of April, this day aims to raise awareness about the crucial role veterinarians play in maintaining the health and welfare of animals and humans alike.

Date and Theme :

This year, World Veterinary Day will be celebrated on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The theme for 2024 is “Veterinarians are Essential Health Workers,” highlighting the vital role veterinarians play in safeguarding public health and promoting the well-being of animals and the environment.

History and Significance :

The World Veterinary Association (WVA) established World Veterinary Day in 2000, and it was first celebrated on April 29 of that year. Since then, this annual event has gained global recognition, emphasizing the significance of the veterinary profession and its multifaceted contributions.

World Veterinary Day serves as a platform to recognize the tireless efforts of veterinarians in various areas, including :

Correct Answer :   Netherlands

---

A Ministerial Round Table Conference convened on April 24, 2024, Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) participated in the 26th edition of the World Energy Congress held in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He also said that India ranks fourth globally in renewable energy installed capacity.

Correct Answer :   Ministry of Culture

---

The Indian Historical Records Commission (IHRC), an apex advisory body on archival matters, acts as an all-India forum of creators, custodians and users of records to advise the Government of India on the management of records and their use for historical research. Established in 1919, the IHRC is headed by the Union Minister of Culture.

In order to visually communicate the unique identity of IHRC and the ethos that it represents, an online competition was launched in 2023 on MyGov portal to invite the designs for logo and motto, and in response a total 436 entries were received.

The following entry for logo and motto submitted by Shri Shaurya Pratap Singh (Delhi) was selected for the logo as well as the motto of the IHRC :

The logo signifies the theme and uniqueness of IHRC entirely. The pages in the shape of lotus petals represent IHRC as the resilient nodal institution for maintaining historical records. The Sarnath pillar in the middle represents India's glorious past. Brown as the colour theme reinforces the organization's mission of preserving, studying and honouring India's historical records.

The motto translates as "Where history is preserved for the future." The motto holds great significance for the IHRC and its work. The IHRC plays a vital role in identifying, collecting, cataloguing and maintaining historical documents, manuscripts other sources of historical information. By doing so the Commission ensures that valuable historical knowledge is conserved for future generations. The motto, therefore, reflects the Commission's commitment to ensuring the safeguarding of historical documents and making these accessible for the benefit of present and future generations.

The following entries, four each for logo and for motto, were awarded consolation prizes:

Logo :

 

Moto :
 

The winning entry will be awarded a prize money of Rs. 50,000/- while consolation prizes of Rs. 5,000/- each will be given to all four shortlisted entries for logo and moto respectively..


Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   April 26th

---

Every year, on April 26th, we observe the International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day. This day is dedicated to remembering the victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and raising awareness about this catastrophic event.

The Chernobyl Disaster: A Tragic Event :

On April 26, 1986, the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine (formerly part of the Soviet Union) exploded, releasing a massive radioactive cloud into the atmosphere. This disaster exposed approximately 8.4 million people to harmful nuclear radiation.

The radioactive contamination devastated the surrounding areas, causing extensive damage to crops, plants, and infrastructure. The affected regions in Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia were heavily contaminated, posing a serious threat to human health and the environment.

Establishment of the International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day :

In 1990, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for international cooperation to address and mitigate the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster. This marked the beginning of the United Nations’ involvement in the recovery efforts.

In 2016, the United Nations officially established the International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day to recognize the persistent long-term consequences of the disaster and support the affected communities and territories in their efforts to achieve sustainable development.

Significance of the Day :

The International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day holds great significance as it :

Observing the Day

The International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is observed through various events and activities, including :


It is a day to reflect on the lessons of the disaster and identify measures to mitigate the risks of future emergencies.

By observing this day, we remember the tragic events of Chernobyl and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the safety of all people living in areas affected by radiation.

Correct Answer :   Himachal Pradesh

---

SJVN Limited has achieved a significant milestone with the inauguration of India's first Multi-purpose (Combined Heat & Power) Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at SJVN’s 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS) in Jhakri, Himachal Pradesh.

The green hydrogen produced from the project will be utilized for High Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) Coating Facility of NJHPS for meeting its combustion fuel requirements. In addition, it will also generate electricity through its fuel cell of 25 kW capacity.

The first Multi-purpose (Combined Heat & Power) Green Hydrogen Generation Plant of the nation has been inaugurated by Chairperson and Managing Director, Smt. Geeta Kapur on April 24, 2024. Speaking about the project, the Chairperson said: “Aligned with National Green Hydrogen Mission of Government of India, SJVN's Green Hydrogen Pilot Project is poised to accelerate the development of green hydrogen production infrastructure in the power sector, thus establishing green hydrogen as a clean energy source.”

The state-of-the-art Green Hydrogen Pilot Project is set to produce 14 kilograms of Green Hydrogen daily during 8 hours of operation. The hydrogen produced will be stored at a pressure of 30 bars, in six storage tanks, with a total storage capacity of 12 m3. The project will produce hydrogen using alkaline electrolyzer of 20 Nm3/hour capacity, which would be powered by renewable energy supplied from 1.31 MW Solar Power Plant of SJVN in Wadhal, Shimla.

Besides generating power, the green hydrogen will also be used for High Velocity Oxygen Fuel Coating of turbine underwater parts.

During her visit, the SJVN Chairperson also inaugurated first-of-its-kind Centralized Operation of the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS) and 412 MW Rampur Hydro Power Station (Rampur HPS), by remotely operating Unit-2 of Rampur HPS from NJHPS Control Room at Jhakri, Himachal Pradesh. Rampur HPS is being successfully operated on Tandem Operating System with NJHPS.

Smt. Kapur commended the dedicated efforts of the teams at NJHPS, Rampur HPS and at Electrical Design Team at SJVN Corporate Headquarters for this achievement. She urged the employees to continue working diligently to realize the aim of being able to operate the entire Rampur HPS from NJHPS at the earliest.

Head of Project (NJHPS), Shri Manoj Kumar; Head of Project (Rampur HPS), Shri Vikas Marwah; Head of Department (Electrical Design), Shri Harish Kumar Sharma; and senior officials of NJHPS, Rampur HPS and Corporate Headquarters were also present for the above events..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Yakshagana

---

Famous Yakshagana singer Subrahmanya Dhareshwar passed away at the age of 67. He was famous as 'Bhagavad Shrestha' for his wonderful voice.

Subrahmanya Dhareshwar had served in the field of Yakshagana for 46 years.

Yakshagana is a traditional folk dance form famous in the coastal districts of Karnataka. This folk dance is similar to the Theyyam art form of the neighbouring state of Kerala.

Correct Answer :   April 26th

---

World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated annually on April 26th by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This day is dedicated to promoting the role of intellectual property (IP) in stimulating innovation and creativity.

World Intellectual Property Day- Theme for 2024

The official theme for World Intellectual Property Day 2024 is ‘IP and the SDGs: Building Our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity‘. The theme highlights the importance of IP in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and creating a better future for all.

Significance of the World Intellectual Property Day

Celebrating World Intellectual Property Day holds great significance as it :

History and Origins of World Intellectual Property Day :

The origins of WIPO can be traced back to 1883 when the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property was signed. This convention established IP protections for inventions, trademarks, and industrial designs.

In 1970, the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization entered into force, formally creating WIPO. WIPO became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1974.

WIPO’s Role :

WIPO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that works to promote the protection and advancement of intellectual property worldwide. It provides a framework for cooperation among member states in areas such as :

WIPO also offers various services and resources to promote IP awareness and the benefits of IP protection, including registration, dispute resolution, and the development of uniform standards and infrastructure.

On World Intellectual Property Day, various events and activities are organized to celebrate the role of IP in driving innovation, creativity, and sustainable development. It is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of inventors, creators, and innovators, and to encourage continued progress in the field of intellectual property.