Correct Answer : Option (D) - 10th May

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On May 10 every year, people around the world celebrate the International Day of Argania. This special day honours the Argan tree (Argania spinosa), an ancient species that has grown in Morocco for about 80 million years. These trees are not just old; they play a crucial role in the local economy and environment. The celebration aims to increase awareness about these unique trees, their benefits, and the challenges they face.

The Argan tree is a native species of the sub-Saharan region of Morocco, growing in arid and semi-arid areas. It’s the defining species of a woodland ecosystem, also known as Arganeraie, which is rich in endemic flora. It is resilient to harsh environments with water scarcity, erosion risk, and poor soils.

The Arganeraie ecosystem is not only important for conservation but also for research and socio-economic development due to its forestry, agricultural, and livestock use. The argan tree woodlands provide forest products, fruits, and fodder. The leaves and fruits are edible and highly appreciated, as is the undergrowth, and constitute a vital fodder reserve for all herds, even in periods of drought. The trees are also used as fuelwood for cooking and heating.

The World-Renowned Argan Oil :

The world-famous argan oil is extracted from the seeds and has multiple applications, especially in traditional and complementary medicine, and in the culinary and cosmetic industries.

The Argan Tree: A Fundamental Pillar for Sustainable Development :

The argan tree is typically a multipurpose tree that supports income generation, increases resilience, and improves climate adaptation, playing a crucial role in achieving the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social, and environmental – at the local level.

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Keki Mistry

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The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) on 7th May 2024 approved the appointment of Keki Mistry as Chairman of HDFC Life. “We now wish to inform that IRDAI on May 7, 2024 has accorded its approval for the appointment of Keki Mistry as Chairman of the Board of the Company,” HDFC Life said in an exchange filing on May 8.

Earlier, the insurer had appointed Mistry as the Chairman of the Board as Deepak Parekh stepped down from the post. “The board has unanimously approved the appointment of Keki M Mistry as the Chairman of the Board with immediate effect subject to approval of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority,” the company said on April 18.

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Sri Lanka

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Thailand and Sri Lanka have extended the visa-free entry facilities for visitors from India. Thailand has announced the extension of visa-free entry till November 11, 2024. The facility, implemented on November 10, 2023, was initially till May 10, 2024.

The Sri Lanka government has announced the extension of the facility till May 31, 2024. The country started visa-free entry as a pilot project in October last year. In both countries, the facility is valid for 30 days for visitors from India.

Tourism Authority of Thailand officials said there had been a sharp increase in the number of tourists from India since the facility was implemented.

The number of visitors to Thailand from India between November 2022 and April 2023 was 7,55,066, the official said. This number went up to 9,68,000 between November 2023 and April 2024.

“There has been a 28.2 per cent increase in the number of visitors from India between November 2023 and April 2024 compared with the previous year. This helped the Thailand government decide to extend the visa-free facility,” said Sirges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol, director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi Office. “India is a very important market for us.”