Correct Answer :   134

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India’s ranking on the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) improved by one position in 2022 to 134 out of 193 countries ranked compared to 135 out of 191 countries in 2021.

On the Gender Inequality Index (GII) 2022, India has been ranked at 108 out of 193 countries with a score of 0.437. Its rank was 122 out of 191 countries with a score of 0.490 in the GII-2021.

This shows a significant jump of 14 ranks on the GII-2022 vis-a-vis the GII-2021, the women and child development ministry said.

However, the country also has one of the largest gender gaps in its labour force participation rate — a 47.8 per cent difference between women (28.3 per cent) and men (76.1 per cent).

After a drop in its HDI value in 2021 and following a flat trend over the past few years, India’s HDI value has increased to 0.644 in 2022, placing the country at 134 out of 193 countries and territories in the just released 2023/24 Human Development Report (HDR).

India ranked 135 out of 191 countries in 2021 on the back of a marginal increase in its HDI value to 0.644 compared to 0.633 in 2021.

The data was published in the United Nations Development Programme’s report titled “Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarized World”. It builds on the 2021–2022 Human Development Report findings that saw the global HDI value fall for the first time — two years in a row.

The report revealed that while rich countries attained record human development, half of the poorest remain below their pre-crisis level of progress.

In 2022, India saw improvements across all HDI indicators — life expectancy, education, and gross national income (GNI) per capita and life expectancy rose from 67.2 to 67.7 years, expected years of schooling reached 12.6, mean years of schooling increased to 6.57 and GNI per capita saw an increase from USD 6,542 to USD 6,951.

Moreover, India demonstrated progress in reducing gender inequality. The country’s GII value of 0.437 is better than the global and South Asian averages, according to the report.

“India has shown remarkable progress in human development over the years. Since 1990, life expectancy at birth has risen by 9.1 years, expected years of schooling have increased by 4.6 years and mean years of schooling have grown by 3.8 years. India’s GNI per capita has grown by approximately 287 per cent,” it said.

With an HDI value of 0.644, the latest HDR places India in the medium human development category. Between 1990 and 2022, the country saw its HDI value increase by 48.4 per cent, from 0.434 in 1990 to 0.644 in 2022.

India has also shown progress in reducing gender inequality and ranks 108 out of 166 countries in the GII-2022.

“The GII measures gender inequalities in three key dimensions — reproductive health, empowerment and labour market. The country’s GII value of 0.437 is better than the global average of 0.462 and the South Asian average of 0.478,” the report said.

“India’s performance in reproductive health is better than other countries in the medium human development group or South Asia. India’s adolescent birth rate in 2022 was 16.3 (births per 1,000 women ages 15-19), an improvement from 17.1 in 2021,” it said.

The ministry said that over the last 10 years, India’s rank in the GII has become consistently better, indicating progressive improvement in achieving gender equality in the country. In 2014, this rank was 127, which has now become 108..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   B. Sairam

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Shri B. Sairam is the new Chairman and Managing Director of Northern Coalfields Limited, the Singrauli-based flagship Subsidiary of Coal India Limited. He assumed the charge for the post on Wednesday (13th Mar 2024).

* Shri Sairam brings a vast reservoir of knowledge and experience spanned over 33 years of dedicated service in the coal sector.

* A distinguished graduate mining engineer from NIT Raipur, Shri Sairam has traversed various domains within the coal industry, including mine operations, planning, logistics, and regulatory affairs.

* His commitment to excellence and innovation has been further augmented by his academic pursuits, notably a rigorous 15-month full-time residential PGDM in Energy Management at NTPC School of Business  Delhi. During this program, he underwent a transformative 15-day immersion program at Nanyang Business School, Singapore, enriching his understanding of global energy dynamics.

* Shri Sairam’s unwavering dedication to sustainable energy practices was demonstrated through his involvement in the comprehensive study of the Just Energy Transition efforts in Germany and Poland.

* Before he was appointed as CMD of NCL, he was serving as Director (Technical) in Ranchi-based Central Coalfields Limited where he played pivotal roles in stepping-up company’s organic growth, development of coal logistics like tripling of Tori-Shivpur Line thus augmenting coal dispatch to upcountry power consumers, First Mile Connectivity projects including North Urimiri CHP-Silo, Forest & Environment Clearance, and projectising greenfield and brownfield mines.

* Shri Sairam has been instrumental in community development projects and aligning Coal India’s sustainability vision with UN sustainability goals during his stint as Executive Director at CIL.

* He has also spearheaded key divisions such as Employee Welfare, Public Relations, and Legal.

* Northern Coalfields Limited, Singrauli is a pioneering coal company operating with its 10 highly mechanized mines in Singrauli and Sonebhadra Districts of MP and UP respectively, and eyeing over 135 Million Tonnes of Coal production and Dispatch in FY 2023-24..

Source : Indian PSU

Correct Answer :   March 15

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World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually on March 15 across the globe. This day aims to raise awareness about the rights and responsibilities of consumers in the marketplace. It emphasizes the importance of protecting consumer rights, ensuring fair and ethical business practices, and holding companies accountable.

Theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2024

This year (2024), the theme chosen by Consumers International for World Consumer Rights Day 2024 is ‘Fair and responsible AI for consumers.’ This theme highlights the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the need to ensure a future where AI respects and upholds consumer rights.

The theme addresses concerns such as privacy violations, misinformation, and discriminatory practices that can arise from AI-driven platforms. It aims to prevent the spread of false information and the perpetuation of biases through AI systems.

Origin and History of World Consumer Rights Day

The roots of World Consumer Rights Day can be traced back to March 15, 1962, when former U.S. President John F. Kennedy addressed consumer rights before the U.S. Congress. This was the first time a world leader spoke about consumer rights on a global platform.

The first World Consumer Rights Day was observed on March 15, 1983, and since then, the United Nations has recognized and endorsed this day worldwide. Various events and campaigns are organized at national and international levels to raise awareness about consumer rights.

Significance of World Consumer Rights Day

World Consumer Rights Day holds significant importance in today’s world. It aims to :

Correct Answer :   Palestine

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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has appointed his longtime economic adviser to be the next prime minister in the face of US pressure to reform the Palestinian Authority as part of Washington’s postwar vision for Gaza.

Mohammad Mustafa, a US-educated economist and a political independent, will head a technocratic government in the Israeli-occupied West Bank that could potentially administer Gaza ahead of eventual statehood. But those plans face major obstacles, including strong opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Israel-Hamas war that is still grinding on with no end in sight.

It’s unclear whether the appointment of a new Cabinet led by a close Abbas ally would be sufficient to meet US demands for reform, as the 88-year-old president would remain in overall control.

“The change that the United States of America and the countries of the region want is not necessarily the change that the Palestinian citizen wants,” said Hani al-Masri, a Palestinian political analyst. “People want a real change in politics, not a change in names... They want elections.”

He said Mustafa is “a respected and educated man” but will struggle to meet public demands to improve conditions in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli restrictions imposed since the start of the war have caused an economic crisis.

In a statement announcing the appointment, Abbas asked Mustafa to put together plans to re-unify administration in the West Bank and Gaza, lead reforms in the government, security services and economy and fight corruption.

Mustafa was born in the West Bank town of Tulkarem in 1954 and earned a doctorate in business administration and economics from George Washington University. He has held senior positions at the World Bank and previously served as deputy prime minister and economy minister. He is currently the chairman of the Palestine Investment Fund.

The previous prime minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, resigned along with his government last month, saying different arrangements were needed because of the “new reality in the Gaza Strip.”

The Palestinian Authority was established in the 1990s through interim peace agreements and was envisioned as a stepping-stone to eventual statehood.

But the peace talks repeatedly collapsed, most recently with Netanayahu’s return to power in 2009. Hamas seized power in Gaza from forces loyal to Abbas in 2007, confining his limited authority to major population centers that account for around 40% of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Abbas is deeply unpopular among Palestinians, many of whom view the PA as little more than a subcontractor of the occupation because it cooperates with Israel on security matters. His mandate ended in 2009, but he has refused to hold elections, blaming Israeli restrictions. Hamas won a landslide victory in the last parliamentary elections, in 2006. Although it is considered a terrorist group by Israel and Western countries, Hamas would likely perform well in any free and fair vote..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   1500

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Amid excavations preceding the construction of a retirement home at Germany's Nuremberg, archaeologists have made a significant discovery and found over 1,500 skeletons of plague victims in mass graves.

This is likely to be the largest mass burial of plague victims ever found in Europe.

Melanie Langbein, from Nuremberg’s Department for Heritage Conservation, said, as quoted by CNN, that around plague pits were identified and each contained several hundred bodies.

Though precise dating is pending, initial details claim that the eight plague pits were established around the first half of the 17th century.

To a surprise, even a few bones show a green tint, maybe because the site was used to dispose of waste from a nearby copper mill.

“Those people were not interred in a regular cemetery although we have designated plague cemeteries in Nuremberg".

“This means a large number of dead people who needed to be buried in a short time frame without regard to Christian burial practices," she said.

According to Langbein, Nuremberg suffered plague outbreaks roughly every 10 years from the 14th century onward. Due to this, it is a challenge for them to date the remains.

They used radiocarbon dating to date one mass grave, and found out that the older group of remains probably dates from the 1632-1633 epidemic, said the report. They even presume almost 2,000 people were buried near St. Sebastian Spital – which is the site of the current excavation.

In Terra Veritas is carrying out the excavation and the firm's representative Julian Decker said he was surprised by the discovery.

“There was no indication to assume that there were burials on this field," CNN quoted him as saying, adding, "I personally expect the number to be at 2,000 or even above, making it the biggest mass grave in Europe."

The 1632-1633 epidemic was worse before people came before because of the impact of the Thirty Years War – a series of conflicts fought by various European nations from 1618 to 1648, Langbein told CNN.

“Nuremberg was surrounded by different troops and the population was living in quite dire circumstances," she said.

In the meantime, she said that there will also be collaborations with institutions interested in certain aspects of the findings. “We’re also planning an exhibition, but this will take some time, so fall 2025 would be the earliest we could be ready," said Langbein..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   13%

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Reliance Industries, India’s largest private company, has announced its acquisition of Paramount Global’s entire 13.01% stake in Viacom 18 Media for Rs 4,286 crore ($517 million). This significant transaction underscores Reliance’s strategic positioning in the media industry, further solidifying its presence in the competitive market.

Agreement Details :

* Reliance Industries has entered a binding agreement to purchase Paramount Global’s stake in Viacom 18 Media, held through its subsidiaries.
* The deal amounts to Rs 4,286 crore ($517 million), indicating a substantial investment by Reliance.

Continued Collaboration with Paramount :

* Paramount Global has confirmed its commitment to continue licensing its content to Viacom18, even after the acquisition.
* This agreement ensures the seamless integration of Paramount’s content into Viacom18’s offerings, enhancing the platform’s appeal to consumers.

Impact on TV18 Broadcast and Viacom18 :

* Post-transaction, TV18 Broadcast’s stake in Viacom18 will rise to 70.49%, consolidating its control over the subsidiary.
* Viacom18, known for its diverse portfolio of 40 television channels including Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and MTV, stands to benefit from this strategic alignment.

Future Prospects :

* This transaction is contingent upon the completion of Reliance’s previously announced merger with Walt Disney, focusing on their India TV and streaming media assets.
* The merger is poised to reshape the Indian media landscape, creating synergies that drive innovation and competitiveness in the market.

Correct Answer :   Maharashtra

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The Maharashtra government has taken a historic step by securing approval from the Jammu and Kashmir administration to acquire 2.5 acres of land in Ichgam, near Srinagar airport, for the construction of Maharashtra Bhawan. This initiative symbolizes a proactive approach towards fostering cultural and touristic ties between the two regions.

Land Transfer Agreement :

The Jammu and Kashmir government has sanctioned the transfer of land to Maharashtra at a cost of ?8.16 crore, facilitating the realization of this ambitious project. This agreement underscores the cooperative spirit between the states and reflects a commitment to promoting tourism and cultural exchange.

Legislative Context and Post-Abrogation Dynamics

The initiative assumes particular significance in the context of the abrogation of Article 370, which previously restricted land ownership in Jammu and Kashmir to its permanent residents. With the altered legal landscape, Maharashtra’s investment in the region signals a new era of economic and cultural exchange, transcending previous boundaries.

Tourist Infrastructure Development :

In alignment with the vision of enhancing tourist amenities, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced plans for constructing two Maharashtra Bhawans in Srinagar and Ayodhya. This initiative aims to provide enhanced facilities for tourists and devotees, aligning with the state government’s commitment to bolstering tourism infrastructure.

Budget Allocation and Financial Implications :

The Maharashtra government has allocated ?77 crore for the construction of the two Bhawans, underscoring its commitment to promoting tourism and fostering interstate cooperation. This financial commitment reflects the prioritization of tourism development as a catalyst for economic growth and cultural exchange.

Advancing Interstate Relations for Tourism and Development :

Maharashtra’s endeavor to establish a tourist facility in Jammu and Kashmir signifies a paradigm shift in interstate relations, with far-reaching implications for tourism, cultural exchange, and economic development. This collaborative effort exemplifies the spirit of unity and cooperation, transcending geographical boundaries to forge enduring partnerships for mutual benefit and progress.

Correct Answer :   March 14

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Every year, Pi Day is observed on March 14 to commemorate the constant value of Pi and its significance in simplifying calculations across various disciplines.

What is Pi?

Pi (π) is an important symbol in Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics. It represents the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. This ratio is a constant value of approximately 3.14.

The Significance of Pi :

Pi plays a crucial role in numerous calculations within and beyond the realms of science. It is one of the most widely known mathematical constants and is applied in various calculations, from basic geometry to complex physics equations.

A Day to Honor Pi :

Every year, Pi Day is observed on March 14 to commemorate the constant value of Pi and its significance in simplifying calculations across various disciplines. This year (2024), the special day falls on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

History and Origins

The constant value of Pi was first calculated by the renowned Mathematician Archimedes of Syracuse. In 1737, Leonhard Euler introduced the symbol of Pi, which gained widespread acceptance in the scientific community. The first Pi Day was celebrated in 1988 by American physicist Larry Shaw.

Interestingly, Pi Day coincides with the birth anniversary of the renowned Physicist Albert Einstein.

Celebrating Pi Day :

On Pi Day, mathematics enthusiasts and educators around the world engage in various activities to celebrate the constant value of Pi. These include:

Pi Recital Competitions : Participants attempt to recite as many digits of Pi as possible from memory.

Pi-themed Workouts : Fitness enthusiasts incorporate the number Pi into their exercise routines, such as performing 3.14 sets or rounds.

Eating Pie : As a playful nod to the homonym, people indulge in eating different varieties of pies to commemorate the occasion.

The Significance of Pi :

Pi holds a special place in human history and has captivated mathematicians and scientists for over 4,000 years. Ancient Egyptians believed that the pyramids of Giza were built adhering to the principles of Pi.

Famous mathematicians like Fibonacci, Newton, Leibniz, and Gauss have dedicated their efforts to studying the value of Pi, calculating its digits, and applying it in numerous calculations.

Correct Answer :   IIT Delhi

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The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) collaborated (14th Mar 2024) with the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for applied research. According to an official statement released by IIT Delhi, the IAI-IIT CSR agreement demonstrates IAI’s commitment to its corporate social responsibility in India. The cooperation includes collaborative projects, training and research consultancy.

This alliance between IAI and IIT-Delhi, the official statement added, will demonstrate a shared vision leveraging research to drive progress and technological excellence, shaping together the future of technology in India.

IAI’s President and CEO, Boaz Levy commented on the collaboration and said, “We are proud to come together with IIT Delhi, which is renowned for its engineering and technology programmes. This CSR agreement represents IAI’s commitment to further invest in technology and innovation in India.

We look forward to many more years of fruitful collaboration on applied research and view our pioneering cooperation with IIT as a natural step in our shared vision to promote innovation and technology for both countries.”

“This collaboration aligns with IIT Delhi’s commitment to cutting-edge research and technological advancements. Together with IAI, we aim to contribute significantly to the future of technology in India,” Preeti Ranjan Panda, Dean Corporate Relations, IIT-Delhi said..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   $23 Million

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The Union Government of India, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has finalized a $23 million loan agreement aimed at bolstering the fintech landscape within the country. The agreement targets the enhancement of access to quality fintech education and innovation, particularly within the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT-City).

Loan Agreement Details :

The Central Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) officially sealed the $23 million loan agreement at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City. The primary objective of this agreement is to fortify the fintech ecosystem across India.

Project Overview :

Under this agreement, the Ministry of Finance will spearhead the establishment of an International Fintech Institute (IFI). The IFI’s core focus will be on strengthening fintech education, amplifying start-up success rates, and fostering fintech research and innovation. These initiatives are anticipated to catalyze employment opportunities, enhance workforce competitiveness, and drive productivity in new and green technologies.