Correct Answer :   Jayant Murthy

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Professor Jayant Murthy, an esteemed Indian astrophysicist, was honoured by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) with an asteroid named after him, (215884) Jayantmurthy.

This recognition reflects his significant contributions to the field of astrophysics and space exploration.

Correct Answer :   Uttarakhand

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The Chipko Movement began in Uttarakhand in 1973 as a grassroots environmental movement.

It was inspired by the need to protect trees from commercial logging and the adverse effects of deforestation, particularly after the 1963 China border conflict led to increased development and logging activities in the region.

The movement gained momentum due to concerns about floods, landslides, and the loss of natural resources affecting local communities.

Correct Answer :   6.8%

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S&P Global released its Economic Outlook Asia-Pacific Q2 2024 report, offering insights into the region’s economic landscape. The report focuses on GDP growth forecasts for various economies, factors influencing growth trajectories, and expectations regarding monetary policy adjustments.

India’s GDP Growth Projections :

* S&P Global raises India’s GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 6.8%, a 40 basis points increase, contrasting with the government and central bank’s projection of 7%.
* Anticipates India to achieve a growth rate of 7.6% in FY24, positioning it among the top growth performers in the region.
* Retains GDP growth predictions for FY26 and FY27 at 7%, showcasing sustained growth momentum.

Factors Impacting India’s Growth :

* In domestic demand-led economies like India, Japan, and Australia, high interest rates and inflation have subdued household spending, impacting sequential GDP growth in the latter half of FY24.

Expected Monetary Policy Adjustments in India :

* Forecasts rate cuts of up to 75 basis points in India during 2024, driven by factors such as slowing inflation, reduced fiscal deficit, and lower US policy rates.
* Expects the Reserve Bank of India to initiate rate cuts, likely commencing from June 2024 or later, contingent on further clarity on the path of disinflation.
* Anticipates rate adjustments in line with projections for US policy rates, with significant moves expected in the latter half of the year.

China’s GDP Growth Outlook :

* Forecasts a slowdown in China’s GDP growth to 4.6% in FY25 from 5.2% in FY24, considering ongoing property weaknesses and modest macro policy support.
* Identifies deflation as a potential risk, contingent upon sustained weakness in consumption and corresponding government interventions to stimulate manufacturing investment.

Developed Economies in Asia-Pacific :

* Expects growth to accelerate in trade-dependent economies like South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore.
* Forecasts a decline in relatively domestic demand-led economies such as Japan and Australia.

Correct Answer :   $400 million

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PepsiCo, the U.S. food and beverage giant, has committed to investing an additional $400 million in Vietnam. This decision was made public during a visit by delegations from over 60 U.S. enterprises, including Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverage, to Vietnam last week.

Investment Details :

* Location : The investment will go towards building two new plants.
* Renewable Energy : Both plants will be powered by renewable energy sources, aligning with PepsiCo’s sustainability goals.
* Southern Plant : One plant will be located in southern Long An Province, with an estimated cost exceeding $300 million.
* Northern Plant : The second plant, focusing on food processing, will be situated in northern Ha Nam Province, requiring an investment of $90 million.

Project Timeline :

* No specific details regarding the commissioning time of the two factories were provided in the report.
* However, it was mentioned that the Ha Nam factory was granted an investment certificate late last year and was scheduled to commence operations in the third quarter of 2025.

PepsiCo’s Presence in Vietnam :

* PepsiCo has been operating in Vietnam since 1994 and currently runs five factories across the country.

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay jointly inaugurated (23rd Mar 2024) a modern hospital in the Bhutanese capital, Thimphu. The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuk Mother and Child Hospital is a shining example of the strong development cooperation between India and Bhutan.

A World-Class Medical Center :

The hospital is a state-of-the-art 150-bedded facility that has been built with Indian assistance. The construction was carried out in two phases, with the first phase costing ?22 crore and becoming operational in 2019. The second phase, completed recently, was undertaken as part of Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan at a cost of ?119 crore.

Strengthening Ties during PM Modi’s Visit :

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bhutan on Friday and Saturday aimed to further cement the unique and long-standing friendship between the two nations. During his stay, PM Modi met with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and held talks with Prime Minister Tobgay.

In a significant gesture, the King of Bhutan conferred the prestigious ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ on PM Modi, making him the first foreign Head of Government to receive this honor. The award recognizes PM Modi’s contribution to strengthening the India-Bhutan friendship and his people-centric leadership.

Enduring Partnership and Support :

India and Bhutan established diplomatic relations in 1968, and their relationship is guided by the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 and revised in 2007. During his visit, PM Modi announced that India will provide ?10,000 crore in support to Bhutan over the next five years, further solidifying the enduring partnership between the two nations.

The inauguration of the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuk Mother and Child Hospital stands as a testament to the deep-rooted ties between India and Bhutan. This world-class medical facility will not only serve the people of Bhutan but also serve as a symbol of the unwavering commitment to each other’s development and prosperity.

Correct Answer :   Chandigarh

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The five-day Cinevistar International Film Festival (CIFF) will be organized in Chandigarh from March 27 to 31, 2024.

Actor Boman Irani will inaugurate the event and Cannes-winning French film The Taste of Things will be screened as the first film.

Correct Answer :   1997

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Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released its recommendations on 'Use of Embedded SIM for Machine-to-Machine (M-to-M) communications'.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is a regulatory body established by the Government of India under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.

Correct Answer :   Haryana

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* Haryana clinched the team titles in both the boys and girls categories with an impressive combined haul of 19 medals at the boxing Sub Junior National Championship.

* Haryana, the reigning champion in the girls section, successfully defended its title after finishing on top of the table with 64 points. It won 10 medals including seven gold, one silver and two bronze.

* Haryana boxers stamped their authority with a dominating display as six out of seven boxers won comfortably with unanimous 5-0 decisions.

* Diya (61kg) continued her phenomenal form with a convincing 5-0 win over Delhi’s Yashika. She was also adjudged the best boxer.

* The other gold medallists for Haryana in the girls category were Bhoomi (35kg), Nischal Sharma (37kg), Rakhi (43kg), Naitik (52kg), Navya (55kg) and Sukhreet (64kg).

* Delhi and Maharashtra finished second and third with 34 and 31 points, respectively. Boxers from Delhi won one gold, three silver and four bronze medals while Maharashtra ended its campaign with a gold, three silver and two bronze medals.

* Bronze medallist Hillang (37kg) of Arunachal Pradesh secured the most promising boxer award in the girls category.

* Haryana boxers showcased their might in the boys category as well, winning nine medals which included six gold, two silver and one bronze to secure the first position with 62 points.

* Uday Singh led Haryana’s domination with a 5-0 victory in 37kg against S. Sujith of Tamil Nadu. Nitin (40kg), Ravi Sihag (49kg), Lakshay (52kg), Naman (58kg) and Anmol Dahiya (64kg) also won their respective finals to give Haryana a perfect end to its impressive campaign.

* Uttarakhand finished second with 34 points (three gold and three silver medals) followed by UP (one gold, three silver, one bronze medal).

* The tournament witnessed the participation of 612 boxers, including 337 boys and 275 girls..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   Bhushan Gagrani

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Following the directives from the Election Commission of India, Bhushan Gagrani, a 1990 batch IAS officer, has been appointed as Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). He has replaced Iqbal Singh Chahal from the 1989 batch IAS, who held the position for over four years.

Additionally, several other officers have been transferred from their roles at BMC :

* P Velrasu (2002 batch IAS), responsible for project oversight, has been replaced by Abhijit Bangar (2008 batch IAS).

* Ashwini Bhide (1995 batch IAS), overseeing the eastern suburbs and various departments, has been replaced by Amit Saini (2007 batch IAS).

* Saurabh Rao (2003 batch IAS) has been appointed as the chief of the Thane Municipal Corporation..

Source : Eletsonline

Correct Answer :   Rs 53,900 Crore

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The insurance sector in India has attracted a massive Rs 53,900 crore as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the last 9 years, according to Financial Services Secretary Vivek Joshi.

This substantial FDI influx reflects investor confidence and interest in the Indian insurance market.