Correct Answer : Option (A) - 18 April

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World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, is observed annually on April 18. This year, the special day falls on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The observance of this day aims to raise awareness about the diversity and importance of the world’s cultural heritage, and the need to protect and preserve it for future generations.

Theme: "Disasters & Conflicts Through the Lens of the Venice Charter"

Since 1983, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) has set a theme around which events and activities are centered on World Heritage Day. For 2024, the theme is “Disasters & Conflicts Through the Lens of the Venice Charter”. This theme highlights the challenges and threats that heritage sites and monuments face, ranging from natural disasters to human-induced conflicts, and the importance of the principles and guidelines outlined in the Venice Charter for their protection and conservation.

History and Origins :

The idea of observing World Heritage Day was first proposed by ICOMOS in 1982, and the proposal was approved at UNESCO’s General Conference the following year. Since then, April 18 has been designated as the day to celebrate and raise awareness about the world’s cultural heritage.

The observance of World Heritage Day is a testament to the global recognition of the importance of preserving and protecting our shared cultural legacy. It serves as a reminder that the world’s heritage sites and monuments are not just local or national treasures, but rather, they are part of the common heritage of humanity.

Significance and Importance :

Our cultural heritage is a significant part of our identity as individuals, communities, and nations. It reflects our rich traditions, histories, and the creative expressions of our ancestors. Heritage sites and monuments are not just physical structures; they serve as portals to the past, allowing us to connect with our shared history and traditions.

However, these heritage sites and monuments are often vulnerable to various threats, including natural disasters, human-induced conflicts, and the pressures of urbanization and development. World Heritage Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the need to protect and preserve these invaluable assets for present and future generations.

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Indian Institute of Astrophysics

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The project ‘Surya Tilak’, which produced the illumination of the Ram Lalla idol’s forehead on Ram Navami, was designed by a team of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru. The preliminary project design was implemented with four mirrors and two lenses, and the final design will have four mirrors and four lenses.

Abhay Karandikar, the Department of Science and Technology secretary, said that the ritual would be repeated every year. In an X post, Abhay wrote, “Indian Institute of Astrophysics @IIABengaluru, an autonomous body under @IndiaDST, has played a crucial role in the #SuryaTilak Project at #Ayodhya. Sunlight was directed onto the forehead of Sri Ram Lalla at 12 noon on April 17, 2024, on the occasion of Sri #RamNavami in the Chaitra month, and this ritual will be repeated every year.”

Indian Institute of Astrophysics @IIABengaluru, an autonomous body under @IndiaDST, has played a crucial role in the #SuryaTilak Project at #Ayodhya. Sunlight was directed onto the forehead of Sri Ram Lalla at 12 noon on April 17, 2024, on the occasion of Sri #RamNavami in the… pic.twitter.com/NgwxxVtWOC

— Abhay Karandikar (@karandi65) April 17, 2024

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Abu Dhabi

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The 16th World Future Energy Summit commenced in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday (16th April 2024), positioning itself at the forefront of the global discourse on sustainable energy and climate initiatives.

Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, president and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators, opened the summit by emphasizing the need for substantial financial investments to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. She highlighted the pivotal role of blended finance—merging public and private funds—in marshaling the necessary resources for climate action.

Francesco La Camera, director-general of the International Renewable Energy Agency, pointed out the urgency of increasing renewable energy capacity to at least 11 terawatts by 2030. Despite recording the largest increase in renewable power generation in 2023, La Camera noted that the progress still falls short of the needed annual addition of 1,100 gigawatts, with the Global South being particularly impacted.

Organized by Masdar, the state-owned Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, the summit serves as a vital platform for discussing energy and water security, climate change, and sustainable development in the Middle East. Leen Alsebai, head of the summit, described the event as a hub for actionable climate strategies..

Source : Themedialine