Correct Answer :   16th April 2024

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K.G. Jayan, a towering figure in Carnatic music and Malayalam cinema, passed away on 16th April 2024, at his residence in Thripunitura, Kerala. He was 90 years old. The legendary musician had been battling various age-related ailments.

A Life Dedicated to Music :

Born on November 21, 1934, in Kottayam, Kerala, Jayan’s life was steeped in music from a young age. Along with his twin brother, K.G. Vijayan, they were known as the illustrious “Jaya-Vijaya” duo. The name was bestowed upon them by the legendary Malayalam actor Jose Prakash, who collaborated with them in his plays.

The Jaya-Vijaya Legacy :

Together, Jayan and Vijayan created a musical legacy that spanned over 1,000 compositions. Their talents graced films, plays, and devotional albums, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Kerala. Tragically, Vijayan passed away in 1988. However, Jayan continued his musical journey, pouring his heart into devotional songs and Carnatic concerts.

Early Training and Influences :

Jayan’s dedication to music began at a young age. He had his arangetram, a debut performance for Carnatic vocalists, at the tender age of nine. Raman Bhagavathar served as their first guru, laying the foundation for their musical talents. They further honed their skills under the guidance of Mavelikara Radhakrishna Iyer. Their insatiable thirst for knowledge led them to pursue advanced studies at the prestigious Swathi Thirunal College of Music in Thiruvananthapuram. Here, they excelled in the rigorous “Ganabhooshanam” course.

Seeking Inspiration from the Masters :

The brothers’ quest for musical mastery didn’t stop there. They sought guidance from some of the most revered Carnatic musicians of the time, including the Alathur Brothers, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, and M. Balamuralikrishna. These legendary figures undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping the Jaya-Vijaya style.

Musical Contributions in Cinema :

The brothers’ musical talents extended beyond the realm of Carnatic music. They composed music for several Malayalam films, including Bhoomiyile Malakhamar, Dharmasastha, Nirakudam, Sneham, Theruvugeetham, Padhapooja, Shanmughapriya, and Pappathi. Their film compositions added another dimension to their artistic legacy.

Correct Answer :   Sheetal Devi

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* Asian Para Games gold medal winner Sheetal Devi grabbed a silver in the Khelo India NTPC National Ranking archery meet, finishing second behind Haryana’s Ekta Rani, who is able-bodied and a junior world champion.

* In the competition held at the DDA Yamuna Sports Complex, the 17-year-old Sheetal competed with able-bodied junior archers and lost 138-140 to Ekta in the individual compound event final.

* Sheetal, who was bestowed the Arjuna award earlier this year for her two gold and a silver medal winning performance in the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, was born with a rare condition called phocomelia which makes her the first and the only international para-archery champion without arms.

* Sheetal believes her performance in the Khelo India event will help her prepare for the challenges ahead.

* “This result will help me more going ahead in the international platforms and the Olympics,” Sheetal was quoted as saying in a media release from the Sports Authority of India.

* Her coach Abhilasha said the competition was much-needed for the teenager before the Paralympics.

* “Taking part in the national ranking tournament, alongside able-bodied competitors, is giving training and competition exposure which is much-needed prior to the Olympics,” said the archer’s coach Abhilasha.

* “We have to go abroad for exposure but we are getting the same experience here itself. Domestic-level tournaments like these are helping the cause,” Abhilasha added..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   Maharashtra

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Mahindra Susten, a subsidiary of the Mahindra Group, enters the hybrid renewable energy sector with a ?1,200-Crore project in Maharashtra, combining 101 MW wind and 52 MW solar capacity. The project aims to generate 460 million kWh of clean energy and offset 420,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Project Details :

Timeline and Commitment :

Leadership Statements :

About Mahindra Susten :

Correct Answer :   Kuwait

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Kuwait’s Emir has appointed Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as the new Prime Minister following the resignation of Sheikh Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. Sheikh Ahmad, born in 1952, brings extensive experience in finance and government, having held various ministerial positions.

Background and Career Highlights :

Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, born in 1952, holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Finance from the University of Illinois. He has a notable career history, including roles at Kuwait’s Finance Center and the Central Bank of Kuwait. Additionally, he served as chairman of the board for Burgan Bank before assuming several ministerial positions, such as Minister of Finance, Minister of Communications, Minister of Planning, Minister of State for Administrative Affairs, Minister of Health, and Minister of Oil.

Appointment and Responsibilities :

KUNA reported that Kuwait’s Emir appointed Sheikh Ahmad to form a new government and submit ministerial appointments for approval. This move follows the resignation of Sheikh Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, who stepped down shortly after being tasked with forming a government.

Political Landscape and Challenges :

Kuwait operates under a political system devoid of political parties, with the Emir holding ultimate authority. Despite the significant influence of the legislature, political deadlock and frequent elections have resulted in administrative challenges, including cabinet reshuffles and parliament dissolutions. Candidates in Kuwait’s elections run as individuals, contributing to the complexity of the political landscape.

Geopolitical Significance :

Kuwait, with a population of around 4.2 million, boasts the world’s sixth-largest oil reserves, positioning it as a key player in the global energy market. Its strategic alliance with the United States, dating back to the 1991 Gulf War, remains steadfast. Currently, Kuwait hosts approximately 13,500 American troops and serves as the forward headquarters of the U.S. Army in the Middle East.

Correct Answer :   Painting

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The death anniversary of Nandalal Bose, a pioneer of modern art in India and a famous painter, was celebrated on 16 April. Nandlal Bose died on April 16, 1966.

He was born on 3 December 1882 in a middle-class Bengali family. He was awarded India's second highest civilian honour, Padma Vibhushan, in the year 1954.

Correct Answer :   Arunachal Pradesh

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The Longte festival celebrated by the Nyishi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh is notable for its cultural importance and unique customs.

Unlike many other tribal festivals that involve animal sacrifices, the Longte festival prohibits such practices. Instead, the festival is characterized by symbolic decorations using white feathers and bamboo, highlighting the tribe's reverence for nature and their cultural heritage. This emphasis on non-violence and symbolic rituals sets the Longte festival apart and reflects the Nyishi tribe's values and traditions.

Correct Answer :   Uttar Pradesh

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The enchanting Tulsi (Shabari) waterfall in Chitrakoot is now home to the first glass skywalk bridge in Uttar Pradesh. The awe-inspiring bridge, fashioned to resemble Lord Rama's bow and arrow, was constructed in the Kodand forest area at a cost of Rs 3.70 crore.

Other Skywalks of India

Glass Bridge In Rajgir, Bihar :
Wayanad Glass Bridge In Thollayiram Kandi, Kerala :
* The Wayanad Glass Bridge, located in Thollayiram Kandi, is a scenic walkway that is 100 feet above ground level. It is made of unbreakable fibreglass that has been imported from Italy. The glass bridge is owned by a private resort and can be reached either by a jeep ride or a nature trek

Correct Answer :   Italy

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Mount Etna is an active stratovolcano located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. It is Europe's most active volcano and one of the largest globally, with a recorded history of volcanic activity dating back to 1500 B.C.

About Mount Etna :

* Mount Etna is located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy.
* It is an active stratovolcano, characterized by its conical shape formed by layers of hardened lava, ash, and volcanic rocks.
* It is Europe’s tallest active volcano, standing at approximately 3,329 meters (10,922 feet) above sea level.
* It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and has been erupting for thousands of years, with the first recorded eruption dating back to around 1500 BCE.
* Mount Etna and its surrounding area have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013, recognizing its geological significance and natural beauty.
* It boasts five craters responsible for eruptions, alongside numerous vents along its slopes.

What are Volcanic Vortex Rings?

* Volcanic vortex rings are a rare phenomenon observed when gas, primarily water vapor, is rapidly released through a vent in the volcano’s crater, forming circular rings of smoke above the mountain.
* This phenomenon, similar to smoke rings blown by cigarette smokers, occurs when gas is expelled through a nearly perfect circular vent in the crater.
* These rings can rise in the air for up to 10 minutes but may disintegrate quickly under windy conditions.

Correct Answer :   IIT Mandi

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Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has signed a MoU with IIT Mandi Himachal Pradesh for collaboration in research in the areas of semiconductors, quantum technologies and drones. BEL is an Indian Government-owned aerospace and defence electronics company.

BEL signs MoU with IIT Mandi for co-operation in Research and Technology/Product Development — in the areas of Semiconductors, Quantum Technologies and Drones. MoU to support #indigenisation and #MakeinIndia. @DefProdnIndia @DefenceMinIndia @writetake

— Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) (@BEL_CorpCom) April 15, 2024

Correct Answer :   10th

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More and more people are flying after the pandemic, making airports busier than ever. A report by the Airports Council International shows that in 2023, 8.5 billion passengers took to the skies worldwide – a huge jump of 27.2% from the previous year.

This surge in numbers means the world is almost back to pre-pandemic travel levels, with a recovery rate of 93.8% from 2019. The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has secured 10th position, with a passenger traffic of 72.2 million flyers in 2023.

Top 10 busiest Airports in the World 2023 :

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport :

2. Dubai International Airport :

3. Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport :

4. London's Heathrow Airport :

5. Tokyo Haneda International Airport :

6. Denver International Airport :

7. Istanbul Airport :

8 Los Angeles International Airport :

9. Chicago O'Hare International Airport :

10. Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi :

Source : NDTV