Correct Answer : Option (C) - Kyriakos Mitsotakis

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Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the leader of Greece’s center-right New Democracy party, has comfortably won a second four-year term as prime minister.

Mitsotakis is set to return to the prime minister’s office in a stronger position with his party’s resounding victory in Sunday’s elections, which were dominated by financial stability and cost-of-living issues.

“We have high targets that will transform Greece,” a triumphant Mitsotakis said in his victory speech, promising that “major reforms” would soon be under way.

“I will not tolerate any arrogance,” he added.

With nearly 100% of the vote counted, New Democracy had garnered over 40% of the vote. Its main opposition, leftist party Syriza trailed far behind in the preliminary results with over 17%.

A total of eight parties, including centrist PASOK-KINAL and leftist KKE, crossed the 3% threshold to enter the Greek parliament. They included groups on the far-right; the biggest surprise in Sunday’s vote was the entry to parliament of the little known, strongly anti-migrant Spartans party, backed by disgraced former lawmaker Ilias Kasidiaris, who is currently serving a prison sentence of over 13 years for membership in a criminal organization.

He is a former leading member of Golden Dawn, a neo-Nazi party that gained popularity during Greece’s financial crisis.

Other fringe far-right entries to parliament included the nationalist party Greek Solution and the ultra-religious, anti-abortion Niki. The three together have secured for the far right a bloc of more than 30 seats...

Source : CNN

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Infosys

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IT major Infosys has bagged a digital transformation deal from Denmark-based Danske Bank estimated to be around USD 454 million for five years, the company said on Monday (26th Jun 2023).

As part of the strategic collaboration with Danske Bank, Infosys will acquire Danske Bank's IT centre in India, which employs 1400 digitally skilled professionals.

"Danske Bank, a leading Nordic bank, has selected Infosys as Strategic Partner to accelerate the bank's digital transformation initiatives with speed and scale. This collaboration will help Danske Bank achieve its strategic priorities towards better customer experiences, operational excellence, and a modernised technology landscape, powered by next-gen solutions," Infosys said.

Nordics is a strategic market for Infosys and this collaboration further enhances our commitment to the region.

Infosys said that it will acquire a 100 per cent stake in Danske Bank's IT centre in India in an all-cash deal for about Rs 16 crore, according to a regulatory filing.

We expect the transactions to be completed before the second quarter of the financial year 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.

Infosys Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Salil Parekh said the company's rich experience in financial services transformation to work for Danske Bank and help the bank accelerate its strategic growth agenda..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Jalandhar

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Union Information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated newly constructed State-of-the-art BSF Hockey Turf Ground at BSF campus Jalandhar on 26th June 2023.

In his address Shri Anurag Singh Thakur said that the newly constructed stadium received all necessary approvals from the Hockey Federation of India, ensuring compliance with international standards.

He expressed his happiness for the support of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, which has provided necessary financial support for the development of the Hockey Turf Ground, demonstrating the government’s commitment for fostering sports infrastructure and development.

He said that the stadium has been constructed under Khelo India Scheme with total cost of Rs. 5.50 crores. Terming it an asset for sports authority of India, he said that it will herald new era of world class hockey infrastructure in BSF and also for Jalandhar area..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Shankar Mahadevan

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Renowned singer-composer "Shankar Mahadevan" has been granted an honorary doctorate by Birmingham City University (BCU) in England, United Kingdom.

The prestigious recognition is a tribute to his significant contributions to the field of music and the arts. Shankar Mahadevan, 56 years old, is a prominent member of the highly accomplished music composing trio known as Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.

The honorary doctorate was presented to him by Professor Philip Plowden, the Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, during a ceremony held in Birmingham.


About News :

* Following an organized visit by Mahadevan to Birmingham City University’s state-of-the-art campus, which boasts cutting-edge facilities for the creative industry, including the renowned Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC), a doctoral ceremony was conducted.

* This ceremony was a result of the BCU India and West Midlands India Partnership initiative. The university’s campus, valued at GBP 400 million, provided a fitting backdrop for the visit and ceremony.

* Earlier this year, the renowned Bollywood actor visited the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC) alongside fellow musicians, including Zakir Hussain. During the visit, they had the opportunity to engage with students, staff, and partners of the conservatoire.

* The purpose of the visit was to establish connections and explore potential collaborations between the Shankar Mahadevan Academy, based in Bangalore, and the RBC.

* Shankar Mahadevan, who originally pursued a career in engineering before becoming a successful musician, possesses a diverse repertoire that spans across various genres.

* His musical contributions encompass Indipop, film music, folk and spiritual compositions, Indian classical music, jazz, and world music. Recognizing his remarkable achievements in the field of arts, he was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2019.

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Harish Bhat

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* Forbes has ranked Tata Group’s brand custodian Harish Bhat as among the top ten most influential Chief Marketing Officers (CMO) for the second consecutive year.

* Last year (2022), he was in the ninth position.

* William White, CMO of Walmart has topped the Forbes list of most influential CMOs 2023.

* While Ashimita Dubey, chief digital and marketing officer at L'Oreal, is ranked 21 and Infosys chief marketing officer Sumit Virmani is at 41..

Source : TOI

Correct Answer : Option (B) - REC Limited

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REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Union Ministry of Power, has decided to extend financial assistance of Rs. 3,045 crores to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), for establishment and development of Metro Lines under Phase-II project of Bangalore Metro.

The decision to extend the assistance was taken at the board meeting of REC, held in Bengaluru on 24th June, 2023, at which the Board approved the proposal of BMRCL.

The Phase-II project of Namma Metro comprises extension of existing two corridors of Phase-I, namely East–West Corridor and North–South Corridor; and 2 new lines, namely one from R.V. Road to Bommasandra and another from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara. These lines will traverse some of the densest and high-traffic areas of the city.

Phase-II of the project will enhance connectivity and ease traffic in the densely populated city of Bengaluru. With completion of Phase-II (72.09 km), the combined network of Namma Metro shall stand at a line length of 114.39 km, with 101 stations.

REC Limited is an NBFC focusing on Power Sector Financing and Development across India.

The financial assistance to BMRCL forms part of REC’s foray into funding infrastructure development. Established in 1969, REC Limited has completed over fifty years of operations.

It provides financial assistance to the complete power sector value chain; for various types of projects including Generation, Transmission, Distribution and Renewable Energy. REC’s funding illuminates every fourth bulb in India..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer : Option (C) - $255.5 Million

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The World Bank has granted its approval for a USD 255.5 million loan aimed at enhancing the quality of technical education in government-run institutions across India.

This funding will support approximately 275 selected government-run technical institutions over the course of the next five years, benefiting more than 350,000 students annually.

The Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education Project will focus on improving student skills and employability through various measures.

The project will emphasise enhanced research capabilities, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Additionally, it aims to improve the governance of technical institutions.

Under this initiative, students will gain access to upgraded curricula that include emerging technologies in communication and climate resilience.

The project will also facilitate improved internship and placement services, providing students with networking opportunities within professional associations.

Statement from the World Bank :

According to a statement released by the World Bank, "World Bank's Board of Executive Directors have approved a USD 255.5 million loan to help India improve the quality of its technical education and provide more career opportunities to students."

This investment underscores the World Bank's commitment to supporting educational development in India..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Egypt

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Sunday (25th June 2023) held bilateral talks in Cairo, focussing on trade & investment, defence & security, renewable energy, cultural and people to people ties.

Three MoUs in the fields of Agriculture, Archaeology & Antiquities and Competition Law were also signed.

Modi, the second Indian prime minister on a state visit to Egypt in 26 years, was conferred with the African country's highest state honour ‘Order of the Nile’ by the Egyptian president Sisi.

It is the 13th international award to be bestowed on the prime minister since he assumed office in 2014.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited the 11th century Al-Hakim mosque which has been restored by India's Dawoodi Bohra community. “Honored to visit the historic Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo. It's a profound testament to Egypt's rich heritage and culture”, Modi tweeted.

Later, Modi visited the Heliopolis Commonwealth War Cemetry and offered tributes to the Indian soldiers who bravely fought and laid down their lives in Egypt and Palestine during the First World War...

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer : Option (A) - IIT Kanpur

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The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has successfully conducted a test flight for cloud seeding. The project was initiated at IIT Kanpur a few years ago and is headed by Prof. Manindra Agrawal from the Computer Science and Engineering Department.

* The experiment was conducted with due approval from the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation).
 
* The test flight went up to an approximate height of 5000 ft. The short flight took off and came back to the IIT Kanpur Flight Lab airstrip, after successfully completing the test ride.
 
* Cloud seeding involves the utilization of various chemical agents such as silver iodide, dry ice, common salt, and other elements with the aim of enhancing the probability of precipitation.

* In the experiment undertaken by IIT Kanpur, a Cessna aircraft was flown from the Flight Laboratory of IIT Kanpur with cloud seeding attachments.

* These attachments were procured from a manufacturer in the US and the modifications in the aircraft were approved both by the manufacturers of Cessna and DGCA. The test flight spread the agents using a flare as is standard practice.
 
* Prof. Manindra Agrawal said that they did not fire the flares into the clouds, it was a trial for the equipment only. The successful test flight implies that we’re now prepared to run a cloud seeding in later stages and make it a success.

* He said that IIT Kanpur has been working on this project for a few years now. There was a delay in the procurement processes due to Covid. But now, after the approval from DGCA and the successful completion of the first trial, we are close to completing the setup...

Source : AIR

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Dr Vanessa Kerry

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WHO (World Health Organization) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Vanessa Kerry as the first-ever Director-General Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health.



Dr Kerry, a renowned global health expert and medical doctor and CEO of Seed Global Health, will play a pivotal role in amplifying WHO's climate and health messaging and undertake high-level advocacy.

"We are delighted to have Dr Vanessa Kerry join WHO as our Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health. Her extensive experience and dedication to public health make her an invaluable asset in addressing the health consequences of climate change. Together, we will work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for all," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, WHO.

Climate change is emerging as the greatest health challenge of the 21st century, impacting various aspects of human well-being. Extreme weather events, noncommunicable and infectious diseases, as well as health infrastructure and workforce capacity, are all being significantly affected.

Dr Kerry will bring her invaluable expertise and leadership to the forefront in supporting WHO. As the Director-General Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health.

Dr Kerry will undertake key responsibilities :

* Amplifying WHO's climate and health messaging, disseminating WHO's crucial messages on the significance of climate change and health, influential figures, and policymakers to ignite a widespread understanding and sense of urgency;

* Undertaking high-level advocacy for global impact;

* Supporting WHO’s work and engaging in the work of global and regional organizations and national governments, in line with WHO's expert guidance;

* Fostering the adoption and adaptation of WHO's recommendations, while considering the unique contexts of local, national, and regional circumstances;

* Providing strategic advice to the Director-General and decision-makers, strengthening WHO's position as a trusted and authoritative source of information and support, aligning with WHO's own guidance;

* Help mobilize resources to advance the work of WHO, seeking out new partners and influential figures, including prominent personalities, recognizing their potential to lend their expertise and resources to amplify WHO's initiatives..

Source : WHO