Correct Answer :   Indonesia

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Indonesia’s electoral commission has formally declared Prabowo Subianto president-elect in a ceremony, after the country’s highest court rejected challenges to his win by rival candidates.

Prabowo, 72, a former general dogged by allegations of human rights abuses, won a landslide victory in February’s elections, but his two opponents claimed that the vote had been undermined by state interference and unfair rule changes.

“The race has finished … the tough contest, with sometimes heated debates, is over,” Prabowo said during Wednesday’s ceremony, days after the legal challenges were rejected. “And now our people demand that political leaders must work together and collaborate for the people’s welfare and to eliminate poverty and corruption in Indonesia,” he said.

Prabowo won 58.6% of the vote in February’s election, but is a controversial figure. A former son-in-law of Suharto and a special commander under his 32-year regime, he has been accused of involvement in past rights abuses, including enforced disappearances of student activists and torture during the Suharto era. Prabowo was discharged from the military over the allegations and banned from entering the US for two decades.

Prabowo admitted in a 2014 interview with Al Jazeera that he had been involved in kidnappings, but said he was under orders and that his actions were legal.

Over recent years, he has sought to soften his public image, rebranding himself as a cuddly grandpa-like figure, and his campaign was boosted by his partnership with vice-presidential candidate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, son of the popular outgoing president Joko Widodo, who is known as Jokowi.

Jokowi has been accused of interfering in the election in order to protect his legacy, which he denies.

Prabowo’s rivals – former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan and former Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo – both filed cases challenging Prabowo’s win.

Separately, they alleged that state interference – such as the distribution of social aid handouts in key battleground areas – had unfairly benefited the campaign of Prabowo.

They also complained that it was not fair that Jokowi’s son Gibran, 37, had been allowed to run as a vice-presidential candidate. His candidacy was possible only after a court, headed by Jokowi’s brother-in-law, created a controversial exception allowing candidates under the required age of 40 to seek the presidency or vice-presidency provided they have previously held elected regional office – a criteria Gibran met.

The constitutional court rejected their arguments on Monday. Both Anies and Ganjar said they will respect its decision. Prabowo will take office in October..

Source : The Guardian

Correct Answer :   NASA

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NASA recently launched a groundbreaking space mission from New Zealand, deploying the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System spacecraft aboard Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket. This innovative spacecraft utilizes solar energy for propulsion, marking a significant leap in space exploration technology.

Mission Overview :

The spacecraft, equipped with a solar sail, was launched from New Zealand at 3:30 am IST and is set to orbit 1,000 kilometers above Earth. Upon deployment, the sail will measure approximately 80 square meters, harnessing sunlight to navigate through space.

Key Objectives :

The primary objective of the mission is to demonstrate the effectiveness of solar sail propulsion, paving the way for future missions with reduced reliance on heavy propulsion systems. Through a series of pointing maneuvers, the mission aims to showcase the orbit-raising and lowering capabilities solely using the pressure of sunlight on the sail.

Significance of Solar Sail Technology :

The success of this mission holds immense importance as it signifies a shift towards more cost-effective and sustainable space exploration. By harnessing the abundant energy of the sun for propulsion, future missions can utilize larger sails instead of relying on traditional fuel tanks, enabling longer-duration missions at a lower cost.

Insight from NASA’s Lead Systems Engineer :

Alan Rhodes, the lead systems engineer at NASA’s Ames Research Center, emphasized the significance of solar sail technology, stating that it provides a limitless source of propulsion. By capitalizing on the sun’s energy, future missions can maximize efficiency and minimize the need for heavy fuel payloads, revolutionizing the future of space exploration.

Correct Answer :   Reliance Jio

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Reliance Jio, the telecom leader in India, has outpaced China Mobile to become the world’s largest mobile operator by data traffic consumption. With a subscriber base of 481.8 million, including 108 million on its True5G Standalone network, Jio’s dominance underscores its position in the global telecom market.

Staggering Growth and Milestones :

In its quarterly results announced on Monday (22nd April 2024), Jio revealed remarkable achievements, including reaching a total data traffic of 40.9 Exabytes in the January-March quarter, representing a 35.2% year-on-year increase. A significant portion of this traffic, 28%, originates from its 5G subscribers, indicating a swift adoption of next-generation connectivity.

Unprecedented Subscriber Base and 5G Penetration :

Jio’s subscriber base stands at 481.8 million, a figure that reinforces its stronghold in the Indian telecom landscape. Notably, the company boasts the world’s second-largest 5G subscriber base, with 108 million users on its network. This substantial 5G penetration underscores Jio’s preparedness for the future of telecommunications.

Impact of Pandemic and Technological Shifts :

The surge in data traffic, particularly attributed to 5G and home services, reflects not only Jio’s market dominance but also the changing dynamics of consumer behavior amidst the pandemic. The company’s fixed wireless access (FWA) services have played a pivotal role in driving data consumption, resulting in a 2.4x increase since the onset of the global health crisis.

Future Prospects and Monetization Strategies :

Analysts project Jio’s continued market expansion, forecasting a subscriber base of 490-500 million by FY25. With the completion of 5G rollout, attention is now turning towards monetization strategies in the 5G era. Jio’s leadership in data traffic reaffirms its position as a formidable force in the global telecommunications industry, poised for further growth and innovation.

Correct Answer :   Switzerland

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Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Central Europe lies a country often dubbed as the "Playground of Europe". With its stunning alpine scenery, charming medieval towns, and vibrant cultural heritage, this nation beckons travelers from around the globe to indulge in its myriad of delights. But which country holds this coveted title? Let’s embark on a journey to discover the enchanting land that has earned this moniker.

Which Country is Known as "Playground of Europe"?

Switzerland stands out as the quintessential Playground of Europe, boasting a combination of geographical diversity, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities that capture the imagination of visitors worldwide. With its plains, rolling hills, expansive lakes, and towering peaks of the Alps, Switzerland offers a playground for every type of traveler, whether seeking outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, or simply basking in natural splendor.

Exploring Switzerland: A Land of Contrasts and Wonders

Switzerland’s landscape is a study in contrasts, from the serene beauty of its lakes and valleys to the rugged grandeur of its mountain peaks. Picturesque villages dot the countryside, each with its own unique charm and character, while vibrant cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern blend medieval architecture with modern sophistication.

Why is Switzerland known as “Playground of Europe”?

Here are the reasons why Switzerland earned the title of “Playground of Europe” :

Correct Answer :   April 24

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National Panchayati Raj Day is observed on April 24th every year to commemorate the establishment of the Panchayati Raj system in India.

This system, introduced through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1993, empowers local self-governing bodies at the village level, known as Gram Panchayats, promoting participatory democracy and inclusive development.

Correct Answer :   Papua New Guinea

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Papua New Guinea appointed Col Edison Napyo as its first Defence Advisor to India, marking a significant development in bilateral relations between the two countries.

The appointment underscores the warm and friendly relations enjoyed by India and Papua New Guinea, which formalized diplomatic ties in 1976.

Port Moresby serves as the capital of Papua New Guinea, and the currency used is the Papua New Guinean Kina.

Correct Answer :   Naima Khatoon

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Professor Naima Khatoon has been appointed as the first woman Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), breaking a century-old glass ceiling.

This historic appointment is significant, representing a step towards inclusive leadership and showcasing the government's commitment to empowering women in leadership roles.

Correct Answer :   April 24th

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The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is observed annually on April 24th to reaffirm principles outlined in the United Nations Charter, emphasizing peaceful dispute resolution among nations.

Multilateralism fosters cooperation based on shared norms and values, while diplomacy plays a vital role in maintaining international peace and security, preventing conflicts, and facilitating peaceful dispute settlement.

Correct Answer :   All Nippon Airways

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Air India on 23 April 2024 announced a new codeshare agreement with All Nippon Airways (ANA) in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). This partnership is expected to be a step forward in enhancing connectivity between India and Japan, promising to improve travel options for passengers journeying between the two nations.

The collaboration extends premium services to Air India’s Flying Returns Gold and Platinum members, across both airlines. This initiative is designed to reward loyal customers by enriching their travel experience, providing additional value and enhanced customer service during their journeys.

“Delighted to announce our newest codeshare partner, @FlyANA_official. With this, we offer you even more convenient connectivity between India and Japan. If you are a Flying Returns Gold or Platinum member, this also lets you enjoy premium services on both airlines," Air India said on X.

How will it impact India and Japan?

Furthermore, this alliance might boost passenger traffic for both Air India and ANA, fostering growth in their passenger businesses. It is set to strengthen aviation ties between India and Japan by offering increased flexibility and convenience to travelers, thereby enhancing the overall flying experience between these two countries.

With the codeshare, effective for travel from May 23, Air India and All Nippon Airways passengers can fly to their desired destination by combining those flights between India and Japan with a single ticket.

Air India will add its 'AI' designator code on ANA's flights between Tokyo Haneda and Delhi as well as Tokyo Narita and Mumbai.

ANA will add its 'NH' designator code on Air India's flight between Tokyo Narita and Delhi, a release said on Tuesday (23rd April 2024).

Both airlines are considering further expanding their cooperation on additional routes. Now, Tata Group-owned Air India, which is expanding its presence, has codeshare partnerships with 15 airlines, including ANA...

Source : Live Mint

Correct Answer :   IFFCO

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IFFCO, the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited, is preparing to commence production of Nano Urea Plus, a new version of nano urea designed to meet crop nitrogen requirements during critical growth phases.

This innovative fertilizer, with 16 per cent nitrogen content, serves as a chlorophyll charger and yield booster, promoting climate-smart farming practices.

IFFCO had previously launched the world's first 'Nano Liquid Urea' fertilizer in June 2021, highlighting its commitment to advancing agricultural technologies and sustainability.