Correct Answer :   Indonesia

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Hundreds of residents near Mount Ibu, an active volcano on Halmahera island in eastern Indonesia, have been evacuated following a significant increase in volcanic activity. Authorities raised the alert status to the highest level after two consecutive days of massive eruptions, prompting precautionary measures to ensure the safety of local communities.

Mount Ibu Alert Raised to Highest Level :

Authorities raised the alert status for Mount Ibu to the highest level in the four-tiered system on Thursday. The volcano, known for its frequent eruptions, unleashed ash and smoke up to 5,000 meters into the sky, signaling heightened volcanic activity. Evacuations were initiated in seven nearby villages as a preventive measure to safeguard residents.

Evacuation Efforts and Exclusive Zone :

Residents within a seven-kilometer radius of Mount Ibu were urged to evacuate to designated shelters as a precautionary measure. Approximately 400 people were evacuated initially, with more arrivals expected. Authorities emphasized the importance of staying out of the designated exclusion zone, spanning four to seven kilometers from the volcano’s summit, to minimize risk to life and property.

Ongoing Volcanic Activity :

Mount Ibu continued to exhibit volcanic activity, with additional eruptions recorded on Friday morning. A towering column of volcanic ash reaching 4,000 meters above the summit was observed, posing further challenges for authorities and residents alike. The country’s geology agency issued advisories, urging residents and tourists to wear face masks to protect against falling ash.

Context and Background :

Indonesia, situated within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences frequent seismic and volcanic events due to its geological characteristics. Mount Ibu is among the country’s most active volcanoes, having erupted over 21,000 times in the previous year alone. The recent volcanic activity adds to Indonesia’s history of managing natural disasters and underscores the importance of preparedness and response measures.

Correct Answer :   16 May

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The International Day of Living Together in Peace is an annual observance held on 16 May every year. Established by the United Nations General Assembly, this day aims to support global efforts in promoting peace, unity, and solidarity among nations and individuals.

The Significance of Living Together in Peace :

The declaration for this day is based on the premise that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a positive and dynamic process that requires an active and participatory role from all. It encourages dialogue and mutual understanding as means of resolving conflicts and fostering cooperation.

The International Day of Living Together in Peace highlights the importance of living and acting together to establish a sustainable world of peace, solidarity, and harmony. It emphasizes the need for countries to work together to promote reconciliation and sustainable development through acts of service, forgiveness, and compassion among individuals.

International Day of Living Together in Peace 2024 Date :

This year, the International Day of Living Together in Peace will be celebrated on Thursday, 16 May 2024.

Theme for 2024 :

The theme for the International Day of Living Together in Peace 2024 is not known yet.

History and Significance :

The United Nations was founded after the Second World War with the aim of protecting future generations from the devastating effects of war. The organization has achieved remarkable success in promoting international cooperation and addressing a wide range of global challenges.

In 1997, the UN General Assembly proclaimed the year 2000 as the International Year for a Culture of Peace. In 1998, it declared the period 2001-2010 as the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children of the World. In 1999, the General Assembly adopted the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, which serves as the universal mandate for the international community, particularly the United Nations system, to promote a culture of peace and non-violence that benefits all of humanity, including future generations.

The United Nations has played a leading role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, the promotion of peace and security, and the protection and promotion of human rights.

This day serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering a culture of peace, understanding, and cooperation among nations and individuals, and encourages everyone to contribute towards building a more peaceful and harmonious world.

Correct Answer :   Sunil Chhetri

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Legendary Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri has announced that he will hang up his boots after one last match in June.

In a video posted on X on Wednesday, he said India’s World Cup qualification match against Kuwait on 6 June would be his last international game.

Chhetri, 39, who plays as a forward, has been India’s football team captain for over a decade. He is often regarded as India’s greatest footballer of all time.

In an almost 10-minute-long video on X, the Indian football icon said his decision wasn’t easy.

“The kid inside will probably keep fighting to play football, but the sensible, mature player and person knows that this is it,” he said.

Chhetri also reflected on his two-decade-long career and what kept him going, and eventually how he decided “this is it”.

“There is one day that I never forget and remember it quite often is the first time I played for my country. Man, it was unbelievable,” he said.

“And the moment I told myself first, that yes, this is the game that is going to be my last, is when I started recollecting everything.... Everything came, all the flashes came. So I decided that this is it.”

I'd like to say something... pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV

— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 16, 2024

In a cricket-crazy country like India, football and other sports often get sidelined and athletes suffer from lack of funding and attention to the sport.

But Chhetri’s performance over the last two decades has managed to shine a spotlight on Indian football.

He has led the national team to several crucial victories, including the Nehru Cup in 2007, 2009, 2012, and the SAFF Championship in 2011, 2015, and 2021. Most significantly, his contribution to India’s 2008 AFC Challenge Cup win secured their first AFC Asian Cup appearance in 27 years.

His talent soon took him to international fame with stints at the USA’s Kansas City Wizards and Portugal’s Sporting CP reserves.

In India, he has donned the jerseys of prestigious clubs such as East Bengal, Dempo, Mumbai City FC, and currently, Bengaluru FC.

Chhetri has scored 94 goals for the country, becoming India’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player.

He is only behind Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo in the list of the highest scorers of international goals among active footballers.

Chhetri’s retirement announcement has sparked a discussion over who will lead the team after him, a question that has been plaguing Indian football fans for a long-time..

Source : Sports

Correct Answer :   France

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In a year that spells magic for Bharat at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, with numerous official selections across sections, The Bharat Pavilion was inaugurated 15th May 2024 at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in France.

Hosted each year at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Government of India, Bharat's participation is spearheaded by the National Film Development Corporation as the nodal agency and FICCI as the industry partner. The pavilion marks India’s continued commitment to showcasing its rich cinematic heritage and fostering international collaborations with the global film fraternity.

The grand inauguration ceremony, was led by Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri. Sanjay Jaju along with Shri. Jawed Ashraf, Ambassador of India to France.

The momentous inauguration was also witnessed by esteemed dignitaries, renowned filmmakers, and industry leaders coming together to celebrate the essence of Indian cinema. Guests present included Ms. Tholoana Rose Ncheke, Chairperson, National Film and Video Foundation, South Africa, Mr. Christian Jeune, Director of Films Department, Deputy General Delegate, Cannes Film Festival, and Filmmaker Richie Mehta among others.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Sanjay Jaju said “Heartening to have more Indian projects in the Cannes official selection this year, one each in the competition and in uncertain regard and let me also confess that both these projects have been the beneficiaries of the support from the government in terms of the incentive as well as the official core productions.”

“The Bharat Pavilion here would serve as a hub for networking, collaboration, promotion of Indian Cinema on the global stage.

We would like to foster a greater collaboration between the Indian audio visual

industry and international counterparts, thereby enhancing the visibility and accessibility of Indian Cinema worldwide and serve the national goal of using the power of Cinema to enhance the country's soft touch.” Added the Secretary.

“India is gaining attention worldwide, both geopolitically and economically, due to its philosophical contributions, thoughts, and ideas. Its role in a multipolar world of great uncertainty is significant as we transition from the existing international order into a new one. All these aspects are interconnected, making it increasingly important for us to have a greater presence abroad, particularly in cinema” Said H.E. Jawed Ashraf.

“It’s such a momentous occasion of Indian cinema here. Personally for me, I wouldn’t have a career if not for the film festival community. The festivals have helped me basically unlocking a career. And also one of my missions has been to, as a Canadian Indian, to export the best of Indian storytelling and I'm not talking about from a film standpoint, I'm talking about from the stories, from people on the ground, from the amazing culture that we have to show the world. It’s a real honour to be a part of this inaugural.“ said Richie Mehta.

Many states like Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra among others are present representing India at Cannes Film Market this year, to pitch their exquisite locales for international film shoots and to promote state incentives for filming to producers and production houses. Three films which have been shot in India through partnerships through India's Film Facilitation Office (FFO) of India have been shortlisted in various sections at this year's festival.

Notably, this is the first time ever that the UT of J&K is participating in the Cannes Film Market and reaching out to global film production companies to shoot in what is popularly known as 'Heaven on Earth.' The film incentive policy of J&K is less than a year old and on the very first day the response received through buisness meetings with several stakeholders has been more than encouraging, the officials at the J&K booth said.

The Bharat Pavilion serves as a dynamic platform, providing a gateway to the diverse landscape of Indian films, talent, and industry opportunities and is set to host a series of scintillating panel discussions and networking sessions during the course of the 77th Cannes Film Festival..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   AITMC Ventures Limited

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Gurugram-headquartered integrated agri-drone company AITMC Ventures (AVPL International), has announced that its Agriculture Drone VIRAJ has received type certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This significant milestone enhances the company's credibility and opens new opportunities in the burgeoning drone market in India.

Himanshu Sharma, CEO of AITMC Ventures Ltd. (AVPL International), acknowledges the AVPL's first type certificate of VIRAJ UAS (Agriculture Drone), under a small class hexacopter RPAS UAS with a "proper design, material, specification, construction, and performance for safe operation." The drone market in India is poised for significant growth, with estimates indicating that it could reach nearly 2.5 trillion Indian rupees by 2030. As a well-established player in this burgeoning market, AITMC Ventures Ltd. is strategically positioned to become one of the industry leaders. According to him, The VIRAJ Drone has all the latest features like endurance, stability & performance.

* Deep Sihag Sisai, Founder and Managing Director of AITMC Ventures Ltd. (AVPL International), expressed his delight at this achievement, "Receiving this certification is a testament to our commitment to safety and quality. It will undoubtedly boost our scalability and penetration in the market. This certification is not just a recognition of our product's quality, but it also serves as a stepping stone towards achieving our ambitious sales target of 5,000 drones in the fiscal year 2024-25. We believe that with this certification, we are well-positioned to become a leader in the drone market in India."

* The company plans to achieve this target through cross channel sales of their existing network across 12 states and 70+ Training institutes across India. We have inaugurated 20 COE,s for Drones with Foundation of 46 centres in December 2023. Mr. Deep added that, "We are delighted to share till 15th May 35 locations in total got operational with Drone Servicing ,Agriculture & Drone training facilities and rest 31 Locations will be operationalised before 30th September 2024. In futures these Drone Center of excellences will be known as World Skill and Incubation Hubs (WISH) and Global Skill and Incubation Hub (GSIH)."

* Preet Sandhu, Co-founder and Executive Director, AITMC Ventures Ltd. (AVPL International), spoke about the company's Drone Entrepreneur Programmes. "Our Drone Entrepreneur Programmes are designed to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge to operate our drones effectively. We believe this initiative will significantly contribute to our sales target."

* VIRAJ UAS drones are designed for various applications, including seed broadcasting, agrochemical spraying, and remote pilot training. These applications demonstrate the versatility of the company's drones and their potential to revolutionise various sectors, particularly agriculture.

* Preet Sandhuu also shared that their Drone Production unit in Gurgaon will be inaugurated within week with Type certification submission of next version of VIRAJ 2.0 Medium category Agriculture Drone with Co Axial feature First time in india.

* Himanshu Sharma, CEO of AITMC Ventures Ltd., shared his thoughts on the company's growth strategy, "Our presence in 12 states not only allows us to reach a wider audience but also provides an opportunity for customers to learn about our diverse course offerings. From Remote Pilot Certification Course to Agriculture Drone Spraying Course, we offer a range of courses that equip our customers with the necessary skills to operate our drones effectively."He shared that we already have Submitted Type certification for our training and Photographic drone as well,soon all of our training centres will be equipped with our own training drones."

* AITMC Ventures Ltd. is an India-based company that prides itself on its cutting-edge drone manufacturing and expert training programs. The company's mission is to ensure customers "soar confidently into the world of unmanned aerial excellence." With its ambitious sales target and strategic initiatives, AITMC Ventures Ltd. is poised to make a significant impact in the drone industry.

* AVPL International is a leading force in the drone ecosystem with Type certification for our agriculture drones and Multiple RPTO,s Across India. We have a presence across 12 states, featuring 50 Global Skill and Incubation Hubs and 20 World Skill and Incubation Hubs dedicated exclusively to the Drone and Agriculture sectors. We offer Drone and Skill Training, Drone as a Service (DaaS), and Drone Manufacturing, along with a chain of agri-input retail outlets across India..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Sri Lanka

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At the arrival of Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, Indian tourists can be spotted in large groups making their way into the city. After facing its worst economic crisis two years ago, business seems to be picking up in Sri Lanka.

The country has also become a new hotspot for Indian travellers and has emerged as an alternative to Maldives post the political standoff. Indian digital payments company PhonePe is primed to make the most of the ramped-up footfall.

On 15th May 2024, PhonePe announced that it has enabled UPI payment acceptance in collaboration with LankaPay, Sri Lanka’s national payment network. Indians travelling to Sri Lanka can now make payments using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) by scanning the LankaQR code, enabling quick payments without carrying cash or calculating currency conversions. Their account will be debited in INR, showing the currency exchange rate. This alliance for PhonePe is facilitated through LankaPay’s partnership with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL).

This means any UPI or PhonePe app user in Sri Lanka can scan any LankaQR code kept at a merchant location for the transaction to go through. The merchant will get the settlement in Lankan rupees, whereas in the issuer app, the bank account that is being used, will get debited in INR. The currency conversion is something that NPCI manages in between, explains Ritesh Pai, CEO of international payments at PhonePe.

“The merchants are the ones who are charged the merchant discount rate (MDR), and a certain fee out of that MDR is passed on to the issuer. And this being a cross-border transaction, because there is a currency conversion involved, there could be a slight markup on that particular transaction from Lankan rupee to Indian rupee when the debit happens, just to take care of the exchange fluctuations,” he adds.

This move comes after UPI services were rolled out on February 12 in Sri Lanka and Mauritius. Still under development, other countries accepting UPI include Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, the UAE, and France. Ever since its launch in 2016, digital payments in India have grown manifold. From 92 crore transactions in 2017-18, the volume has increased to 8,375 crore transactions in 2022–23. In value terms, it has surged from Rs 1 lakh crore in 2017-18 to Rs 139 lakh crore in 2022–23..

Source : Forbes India

Correct Answer :   Balrampur

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Balrampur district in Uttar Pradesh is renowned as the "City of Pulses." Its designation stems from its significant role in the pulse processing industry.

Uttar Pradesh, the fourth largest state in India, spanning across 240,928 square kilometers, contributes to 7.33% of India’s landmass and 2.4% of the world’s total. Known for its rich cultural diversity and varied landscapes, each district in Uttar Pradesh holds its unique identity, contributing to the state’s vibrant tapestry.

Distinctive Features of Uttar Pradesh

From geographical peculiarities to local products, Uttar Pradesh’s identity is multi-faceted. With 75 districts, organized into 18 divisions, Uttar Pradesh boasts 822 community development blocks, 351 tehsils, and 17 municipal corporations. The easternmost district is Ballia, while Saharanpur marks the northern boundary, Sonbhadra the southern, and Shamli the western.

Which District of Uttar Pradesh is Known as “City of Pulses”?

Balrampur district in Uttar Pradesh is renowned as the “City of Pulses.” Its designation stems from its significant role in the pulse processing industry. Balrampur is recognized for cultivating five types of pulses, which are then distributed to various states across India, including Assam and West Bengal. This title highlights Balrampur’s crucial contribution to the agricultural landscape and its importance in the pulse trade.

Why is Balrampur Known as the “City of Pulses”?

Balrampur’s distinction as “The Pulse City” stems from its significance in the pulse processing industry. According to the District One Product initiative in Uttar Pradesh, Balrampur is synonymous with pulse processing. Here, five types of pulses are cultivated, which are then sent to various states, including Assam and West Bengal. Recognizing its pivotal role, the state government has included pulses as the district’s designated product.

Correct Answer :   Agra

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The Indian Air Force recently conducted a test in Agra for the BHISHM portable hospital, a crucial component of “Project BHISHM” aimed at providing rapid and comprehensive medical assistance during emergencies. These portable cubes, part of a broader initiative, can cater to up to 200 casualties, emphasizing swift response and extensive care.

Project BHISHM: Revolutionizing Emergency Healthcare

Features of BHISHM Portable Hospital :

The BHISHM portable hospital incorporates modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics, facilitating efficient medical management on-site. With 72 easily transportable components, including those compatible with hand, bicycle, or potentially drone transport, it offers adaptability across diverse scenarios.

Deployment Mechanism :

Designed for airdrop, these hospitals are durable, waterproof, and lightweight, ensuring quick setup, approximately in 12 minutes, vital during large-scale accidents or disasters.

Past Success and Future Prospects :

Previously deployed during a significant event in Ayodhya, where they demonstrated swift setup and effective functionality, these portable hospitals signify a significant advancement in India’s emergency response capabilities. The recent tests and forthcoming deployments underscore their potential in enhancing disaster and emergency response, ensuring prompt medical assistance wherever needed.

Correct Answer :   May 15, 2024

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The Indian political landscape mourns the loss of a pioneering figure, Kamla Beniwal, who breathed her last on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the age of 97. Beniwal, a veteran Congress leader and former governor of Gujarat, Tripura, and Mizoram, left an indelible mark on the nation’s political arena with her unwavering commitment and decades-long service.

Born on January 12, 1927, in Gorir, Jhunjhunu district, Rajputana Agency, British India, Beniwal’s journey was deeply rooted in the Indian independence movement. At the tender age of 15, she joined the Indian National Congress and actively participated in the Quit India Movement, showcasing her unwavering dedication to the cause of freedom.

A Trailblazer in Politics :

Beniwal’s political career began in 1954 when she won the Legislative Assembly election at the age of 27, becoming the first woman minister in Rajasthan. This milestone paved the way for her to hold various influential portfolios, including home, medical and health, education, and agriculture, over the course of her illustrious career.

Throughout her tenure as a minister in successive Congress governments in Rajasthan, Beniwal’s contributions were truly remarkable. From 1980 to 1990, she served as a cabinet minister, overseeing a diverse range of portfolios such as agriculture, animal husbandry, irrigation, labor and employment, education, art and culture, tourism, and integrated rural development.

Beniwal’s dedication to public service extended beyond her ministerial roles. She was closely associated with the functioning of the state Congress party and held significant positions within the organization, including membership in the All India Congress Committee, joint secretary of the Pradesh Congress Committee, and president of the Rajasthan Mahila Congress.

A Remarkable Legacy :

In recognition of her contributions to the freedom struggle, Beniwal was honored with the Tamra Patra Award by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Her appointment as the governor of Tripura in October 2009 marked a significant milestone, as she became the first female governor of any state in Northeast India.

Beniwal’s gubernatorial journey continued when she was appointed as the Governor of Gujarat in November 2009, serving for over four years. In July 2014, she was transferred to the post of Governor of Mizoram, further solidifying her position as a trailblazer in Indian politics.

Throughout her remarkable career spanning nearly 50 years, Kamla Beniwal remained a steadfast advocate for democratic values and social progress. Her unwavering commitment to public service and her dedication to the principles of the Indian National Congress have left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape.

As the nation mourns the loss of this iconic figure, Kamla Beniwal’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of leaders and serve as a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the greater good.

Correct Answer :   6.7%

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The 22nd Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) revealed that the unemployment rate among individuals aged 15 years and above in urban areas of India decreased to 6.7% in the January-March 2024 period. The survey offers insights into various labor force indicators, including unemployment rate, worker population ratio (WPR), and labor force participation rate (LFPR) based on the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach.

Unemployment Rate Trends

Labour Force Participation Rate

Methodology and Definitions :

By offering a comprehensive understanding of urban unemployment dynamics, the PLFS aids policymakers in formulating targeted strategies to address labor market challenges in India.