Correct Answer :   July 2nd

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World UFO Day is celebrated every year on July 2 to raise awareness about Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and aims to promote its existence.

The day was first observed in 2001 by a Turkish UFO researcher Haktan Akdogan. Some people used to celebrate the day on June 24 since aviator Kenneth Arnold had said that nine unusual objects flew over Washington in the early 1990s on that day.

However, in order to avoid conflicts with other UFO-related events, the date was later officially changed to July 2.


History of World UFO Day :

The history of the World UFO Day dates back to two separate events - both from the United States. The first event took place on June 24, 1947, when an American pilot Kenneth Arnold said that he saw several UFOs near Mount Rainier, Washington. Meanwhile, the second event took place on July 2, 1952, when radar operators confirmed spotting several UFOs over Washington.

Significance of World UFO Day :

The World UFO Day is significant as it opens up a platform for discussions and debates about the existence of extraterrestrial life and promotes the free exchange of ideas and theories. It also prompts people to contemplate humans' position in the vast cosmos and embrace the exhilarating concept of life beyond Earth..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   Tushar Mehta

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The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved re-appointment of the Tushar Mehta as Solicitor General of India.

Solicitor General is the second most senior law officer after Attorney General.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet also approved the re-appointment of other six law officers Vikramjit Banerjee, KM Nataraj, Balbir Singh, SV Raju, N Venkataraman and Aishwarya Bhati as Additional Solicitor General for the Supreme Court for a period of three years.

Mehta was appointed as Solicitor General for the first time in October 2018 and his period was later extended from time to time.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has also approved the reappointment of the law officers Chetan Sharma and Satya Pal Jain as Additional SGI of the High Court of Delhi, advocate Devang Girish Vyas as Additional SGI for Punjab and Haryana High Court and Krishna Nandan Singh as Additional SGI of High Court of Gujarat..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in Madhya Pradesh's Shahdol on Saturday (1st July 2023).

Aim : To eradicate anaemia by 2047. PM Modi also distributed sickle cell genetic status cards to the beneficiaries at the event.

While addressing the gathering, the prime minister said, "Today, the country is taking a big resolution on the land of Shahdol.

This resolution is to get rid of the disease of sickle cell anaemia. Our government is committed to the welfare of tribal sisters and brothers. The launch of 'Sickle Cell Anemia Mukti Mission' in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh will bring a significant change in their lives."

What is the mission?

* The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, announced in the union budget 2023, aims to address the pressing health challenges posed by sickle cell disease, particularly among the tribal population. The mission aims to eliminate sickle cell disease as a public health problem by 2047.

* The mission will be implemented in 278 districts of 17 states in India, viz., namely Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar, and Uttarakhand.

* The mission entails focus on awareness creation, universal screening of approximately seven crore people in the 0-40 years age group in affected tribal areas and counselling through collaborative efforts of central ministries and state governments..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   July 2nd

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World Sports Journalist Day is celebrated worldwide on July 2nd every year. Sports holds great significance in the overall growth of individuals, serving as both a recreational pursuit and a potential career path.

* Certain individuals possess a deep passion for both sports and journalism, leading them to pursue professions as “Sports Journalists.”

* The day honours the accomplishments of sports media professionals and motivates them to put more effort into spreading knowledge about sports among the general public.

* Many news firms host special events to honour sports journalists on this special day.

World Sports Journalist Day 2023 Theme : There is no particular theme for the celebrations of World Sports Journalist Day this year. The purpose is to recognize the efforts of individuals involved in sports journalism.

World Sports Journalist Day 2023 Significance : World Sports Journalist Day aims to promote and acknowledge the achievements of diverse sports journalists. It serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring individuals who aspire to pursue careers in this field. Numerous media organizations arrange special events to honor their sports journalists on this occasion. One of the primary objectives of celebrating World Sports Journalist Day is to raise global awareness about sports.

World Sports Journalist Day 2023 History : World Sports Journalist Day was instituted in 1994 by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) to mark the establishment of AIPS as an organization on July 2nd, coinciding with the Summer Olympics in Paris. Since its inception, this day has been dedicated to recognizing the contributions and achievements of countless sports media professionals. It serves as a platform to honor their outstanding work in the field of sports journalism.

Correct Answer :   $624.7 Billion

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India’s external debt has witnessed a slight increase, reaching USD 624.7 billion at the end of March 2023, according to data released by the Reserve Bank. However, the debt-to-GDP ratio has declined during the same period. Valuation gains resulting from the appreciation of the US dollar against major currencies, including the Indian rupee, yen, SDR, and euro, amounted to USD 20.6 billion.

External Debt Growth and Debt-to-GDP Ratio : The external debt of India rose by USD 5.6 billion compared to the previous year, when it stood at USD 619.1 billion as of March 2022. The Reserve Bank data reveals that the debt-to-GDP ratio decreased from 20 percent in March 2022 to 18.9 percent in March 2023.

Valuation Effects on Debt Calculation : Valuation gains due to the appreciation of the US dollar against major currencies accounted for USD 20.6 billion. If the valuation effect is excluded, the external debt would have increased by USD 26.2 billion instead of USD 5.6 billion from March 2022 to March 2023.

Composition of External Debt : As of March 2023, long-term debt (with an original maturity of over one year) amounted to USD 496.3 billion, registering a decline of USD 1.1 billion compared to March 2022. The share of short-term debt (with an original maturity of up to one year) in total external debt increased from 19.7 percent in March 2022 to 20.6 percent in March 2023.

The ratio of short-term debt (original maturity) to foreign exchange reserves also increased from 20 percent in March 2022 to 22.2 percent in March 2023. The largest component of India’s external debt remained the US dollar-denominated debt, accounting for 54.6 percent, followed by debt denominated in the Indian rupee (29.8 percent), SDR (6.1 percent), yen (5.7 percent), and the euro (3.2 percent).

Components of External Debt : Loans constituted the largest component of India’s external debt, with a share of 32.5 percent, followed by currency and deposits (22.6 percent) and trade credit and advances (19.9 percent). Debt securities also accounted for a portion of the external debt.

Debt Service : Debt service, which includes principal repayments and interest payments, slightly increased to 5.3 percent of current receipts by the end of March 2023, compared to 5.2 percent in March 2022. This reflects higher debt service obligations.

Correct Answer :   July 1

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National Chartered Accountants Day or CA Day is observed every year on July 1 to mark the establishment of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

To commemorate the start of its 75th-year celebrations, ICAI on Friday unveiled a new logo with the tagline: ‘75 Years of Trust’.

ICAI is proud to unveil the Special Logo designed to commemorate the Start of its glorious 75th Year Celebrations on eve of #CADay2023. ICAI will be celebrating the event as #VishwaskaUtsav showcasing ICAI's name as an embodiment of Independence, Integrity & Excellence.#ICAIat75 pic.twitter.com/5Hn9u42nzG

— Institute of Chartered Accountants of India - ICAI (@theicai) June 30, 2023

National Chartered Accountants Day History : Before the formation of ICAI, the British Government kept accounts under the Indian Companies Act. As per reports, later in 1930, it was decided that the Government of India should maintain a register called the Register of Accountants. Under that system, any person whose name was entered in such register was called a Registered Accountant.

However, because of a lack of proper rules and regulations, it was felt that the accountancy profession was largely unregulated. To solve this, in 1948, an expert committee was created to look into the matter. It was this expert committee that recommended that a separate autonomous association of accountants should be formed to regulate the profession. In 1949, the Government of India accepted the recommendation and passed the Chartered Accountants Act.

National Chartered Accountants Day Significance : The day is marked to recognise the contribution of CAs in the country's financial growth. Chartered accountants are engaged in all fields of business and finance, including auditing, taxation, financial and general management..

Source : Hindustantimes

Correct Answer :   July 1st

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National Postal Worker Day is celebrated on July 1 to honour and appreciate the hard work and dedication of postal workers.

* These unsung heroes play an important role in ensuring that the mail reaches its intended destinations, connecting people and communities in the process.

* From delivering letters and packages to providing essential services, postal workers have been an integral part of our society for several decades.

* Let’s delve into the significance, history, and quotes that highlight the importance of National Postal Worker Day.

History of National Postal Worker Day :  In 1997, a postal carrier in US’ Seattle designated July 1 as National Postal Worker Day to show appreciation for fellow postal workers. Since then, this day has been celebrated annually.


Significance of National Postal Worker Day :

* National Postal Worker Day is a special occasion to recognize the exceptional contributions made by postal workers. They brave various weather conditions, gruelling schedules, and challenging circumstances to deliver mail to homes and businesses, keeping the communication channels open and operational.

* Even though technology has become widespread, postal services remain crucial for communication, especially in rural areas and small towns. Postal workers do more than just sell stamps and assist with packages; they also sort mail and ensure it reaches the right addresses..

Source : News18

Correct Answer :   30th June 2023

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Former deputy speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha and two-time Congress MLA Bir Devinder Singh passed away at PGI Chandigarh Friday (30th June 2023). He was 73.

* A family friend of Singh said the senior politician was diagnosed with cancer in his food pipe (esophagus) around 10 to 15 days ago. “Though it was the first stage of cancer, his health deteriorated after he underwent chemotherapy and he breathed his last at the PGI.

* Known to be a politician who called a spade a spade without caring for political repercussions, Bir Devinder Singh started out as a leader of the All India Students’ Federation (AISSF). During his political career, he was associated with the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), People’s Party of Punjab, SAD (Taksali) and SAD (Sanyukt).

* Bir Devinder was declared the best legislator of the state Assembly between 2002 and 2007 when the Congress was in power. He was the Congress MLA from Kharar constituency. Earlier, he represented Sirhind constituency in 1980..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Gujarat

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Under the Sagarmala programme, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is developing a National Maritime Heritage Complex, a world-class facility at Lothal, Gujarat.

* NMHC would be developed as an international tourist destination, where the maritime heritage of India from ancient to modern times would be showcased and an edutainment approach using the latest technology would be adopted to spread awareness about India’s maritime heritage.

* In this line, an onsite project progress review meeting will be held on 2nd July 2023 at Lothal, Gujarat.

* The project will be reviewed by Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, the Chief Minister, of Gujarat;

* Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH;

* Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers;

* Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Tourism;

* Shri Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

The maritime complex will include world’s highest light house museum, world’s largest open aquatic gallery, India’s grandest naval museum and is envisaged to be one of the biggest international tourist destinations in the world.

* The boost to the tourism potential through this project will also augment the economic development of the region.

* The complex, work which started in March 2022, is being developed at a cost of around Rs 4500 crores.

* It will have several innovative and unique features such as Lothal mini recreation to recreate Harappan architecture and lifestyle;

* four theme parks - Memorial theme park, Maritime and Navy theme park, Climate theme park and Adventure and Amusement theme park;

* fourteen galleries highlighting India’s maritime heritage starting from the Harappan times till now;

* Coastal states pavilion displaying diverse maritime heritage of states and UTs; among others..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Odisha

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During the exploration of coal in Kenduadihi block in Odisha’s Sundargarh district, a team of the Geological Survey of India have discovered an important geographical formation. It is a natural arch that has been identified by the team during their survey of the area.

As per the GSI scientists the formation dates back to about 184 to 160 million years in the lower to middle Jurassic age.

The Geological Survey of India’s (GSI) state unit has discovered a magnificent “Natural Arch” located in the Kanika range of Sundargarh forest division. This geological marvel is believed to have originated during the Jurassic period. GSI has also proposed  Geo Heritage tag for “Natural Arch”. If it is done, it will become the biggest natural arch of the country to have the Geo Heritage tag. This oval-shaped arch has a length of 30 metres at the base and is 12 metre high. The alcove of the natural arch, has maximum height and width of 7 metres and 15 metres respectively.

Significance and Geological Characteristics : Apart from its remarkable size, the natural arch and its surrounding area are a treasure trove of primary sedimentary structures, including planner and cross-bedding, along with occasional current ripples. These features indicate a high-energy fluvial environment during the sedimentation process. The formation of this natural arch can be attributed to fault activities and the unique nature of the lithotype, which have facilitated sub-aerial weathering over an extended period.

Brahmani “Natural Arch” Near Hemgir,Sundargarh,Odisha has been declared as #Geoheritagesite of India by #GSI(Geological Survey of India)#GeologicalHeritage#NaturalHistory #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav @susantananda3 @NatGeo @GeologyIndia @odisha_tourism pic.twitter.com/P1KTdkMMqL

— Lalit Patra IFS (@Lalit_ifs) June 7, 2023

Protecting Geo Heritage Sites : Geo Heritage Sites, such as the Sundargarh Natural Arch, require special attention and protection to ensure their preservation for future generations. The GSI takes the initiative to declare and safeguard these sites, designating them as national geological monuments. Collaborating with the respective State governments, the GSI implements necessary measures to protect and maintain these sites.

About Geo Heritage Sites : Geo Heritage Sites (GHSs) are remarkable locations that possess rare and exceptional geological, geomorphological, mineralogical, petrological, and paleontological features. These sites often include natural rock formations, caves, and other geological formations of national and international significance. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) plays a crucial role in identifying, declaring, and protecting these sites, in collaboration with the respective State governments.