Correct Answer : Option (A) - 15 May 2024

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Noted storyteller and Padma Shri awardee Malti Joshi passed away at the age of 90 years at her residence in New Delhi on 15 May 2024. She was suffering from oesophagus cancer. Malti Joshi was known for her work in Hindi and Marathi language. She was awarded Padam Shri in 2018.

Malti Joshi as a Hindi and Marathi story writer :

* Malti Joshi was born on June 4, 1934, in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Malti Joshi was brought up in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. She did her schooling at Malav Kanya Vidyalaya in the city. She completed her graduation from the Holkar College of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Indore. He also did her Master's from the same university in Hindi literature in 1956.

* She was a prolific writer who wrote in Hindi and Marathi. However, she is best known for her Hindi literature works.

* In the early stages of her writing, Malti Joshi wrote poems, and in college she was famous as  Meera of Malwa.

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Iran

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India has signed a 10-year agreement to develop and operate Iran’s strategic Chabahar Port to strengthen trade ties with Central Asia and Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan. However, this deal faces potential US sanctions, complicating New Delhi’s strategic objectives.

Strategic Importance of Chabahar Port :

The Chabahar Port, located in southeastern Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, is crucial for India’s trade ambitions. By operating a terminal in the Shahid Beheshti section, India aims to establish a direct trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, circumventing its rival Pakistan. Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the port’s role as a vital trade artery for India.

Details of the Agreement :

India Port Global Limited (IPGL) and Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) signed the deal, committing India to invest $120 million into the port’s terminal over ten years, with an additional $250 million loan facility, bringing the total contract value to $370 million. This agreement, revived post-2015 Iran nuclear deal sanctions relief, aims to solidify the infrastructure and operational capabilities of the port.

Correct Answer : Option (C) - 7 Million

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The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a digital infrastructure initiative launched in 2021, has witnessed remarkable growth, with transactions crossing 70 lakh in April this year (2024). Led by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), ONDC aims to democratize digital commerce and create a level playing field for businesses of all sizes. Let’s explore the key highlights and significance of ONDC through subheadings.

Facilitating Digital Commerce :

ONDC serves as a pioneering digital infrastructure that aims to democratize digital commerce in India. By providing a platform that lowers entry barriers and fosters competition, ONDC opens up new opportunities for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to participate in the digital economy.

Impressive Milestones :

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) announced that over 5 lakh sellers have been onboarded on the ONDC platform, with more than 70% of them being small or medium-sized sellers. Additionally, over 125 ecosystem stakeholders, including startups, unicorns, and businesses, have signed Letters of Intent (LoI) to join ONDC, reflecting the platform’s growing influence and appeal.