Correct Answer : Option (C) - May 18th

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International Museum Day, celebrated annually on May 18th in the world to raise public awareness of the invaluable role museums play in preserving artistic, cultural, and historical artifacts. This day highlights the educational and cultural contributions of museums, showcasing their importance as repositories of knowledge and history. Let’s delve into the details of International Museum Day 2024, exploring its date, history, theme, significance, and celebrations.

International Museum Day 2024 – Date :

International Museum Day is celebrated every year on May 18. In 2024, the event falls on a Saturday, providing an excellent opportunity for people to visit museums and participate in various activities and events organized to mark the occasion.

International Museum Day 2024 – Theme :

Each year, International Museum Day focuses on a specific theme that addresses relevant topics or challenges faced by museums globally. The theme for International Museum Day 2024 is “Museums for Education and Research.” This theme underscores the essential role of museums as cultural institutions that provide comprehensive educational experiences and support research initiatives. It highlights how museums contribute to lifelong learning and the advancement of knowledge.

History of International Museum Day :

The first International Museum Day was organized in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). This initiative was born from a resolution aimed at creating an annual event to unite the creative efforts of museums worldwide and raise global awareness about their activities. Since its inception, museums across the globe have been invited to participate in this celebration each year. In 1992, ICOM began the tradition of adopting an annual theme, and in 1997, an international poster was introduced, embraced by 28 countries.

Correct Answer : Option (B) - May 18th

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World AIDS Vaccine Day, also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, is observed annually on May 18th. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the urgent need for AIDS vaccines and acknowledging the efforts of individuals, including doctors, scientists, and community members, who are committed to developing vaccines to combat HIV/AIDS.

Understanding AIDS :

AIDS, which stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The disease was first reported in 1981 in the United States. HIV attacks the body’s immune system, gradually weakening it over time. If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS, wherein the immune system is severely compromised, making the body vulnerable to various infections and diseases.

History of World AIDS Vaccine Day :

World AIDS Vaccine Day traces its origins to a speech delivered by then-President Bill Clinton at Morgan State University on May 18, 1997. In his address, President Clinton emphasized the critical importance of developing a vaccine to halt the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Since then, May 18th has been globally recognized as a day to promote awareness about HIV/AIDS and the imperative need for a vaccine.

Theme for World’s AIDS Vaccine Day 2024 :

While the theme for World AIDS Vaccine Day 2024 has not yet been announced, the overarching focus remains on innovative research, accelerated vaccine development, and protective measures to realize the goal of an AIDS-free world. In 2023, the theme, ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer,’ highlighted the importance of raising awareness and taking appropriate measures for disease prevention.

Correct Answer : Option (D) - India and Britain

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* India and Britain have reaffirmed their commitment to conclude a mutually beneficial free trade agreement (FTA) at the annual U.K.-India Strategic Dialogue in London, as the two sides reflected the "good progress" on the 2030 Roadmap since the last review.

* Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, who is on a visit to the U.K., held discussions with his counterpart, Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Friday (17th May 2024).

* After their meeting, the FCDO said the two leaders reviewed the progress made on the U.K.-India 2030 Roadmap since the last strategic dialogue in January last year and looked ahead to the next phase of bilateral cooperation.

* “The two reflected on good progress on the 2030 Roadmap since the last review, noting key areas where the UK and India have worked together to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges,” the FCDO said in a statement.

* “This included collaborating on the world’s first malaria vaccine, working closely on India’s successful G20 Presidency and increasing opportunities for students and entrepreneurs under the Migration and Mobility Partnership," the statement said.