Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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The fourth edition of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Startup Forum was organized on 19th March 2024 in New Delhi. The initiative focused on broadening startup interactions among the SCO Member States, fostering an environment conducive to innovation, promoting job creation, and inspiring young talent to develop innovative solutions.

The plenary session of the forum witnessed physical participation from SCO Member States including a delegation of SCO startups, nodal agencies for startups at the Member States, senior government officials and diplomats. Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh delivered the keynote address highlighting the role of the Startup ecosystem in boosting the economy of a nation. Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Sanjiv addressed the delegation about India’s startup journey and initiatives for promoting startups by the Government of India.

A showcase opportunity at the SCO Pavilion was provided where over 15 SCO startups showed their products and services. The showcase provided networking opportunities designed to inspire, educate, and empower these entrepreneurs. In addition, the delegates also attended a workshop conducted by Startup India on ‘Establishing a Seed Fund: A Strategic Approach to Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship’. The workshop included an interactive session to understand various models of setting up seed funds to support early-stage startups. The workshop provided participants with comprehensive insights into the strategic planning and execution involved in setting up a seed fund..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Hong Kong

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Hong Kong recently passed Article 23 legislation, which grants authorities increased powers to curb dissent, impose severe penalties for various offences, and detain suspects without charge, raising concerns about civil liberties and freedom of expression in the region.

Correct Answer :   March 20

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World Sparrow Day is celebrated every year on March 20. This year, it falls on a Wednesday, so get ready to show some love for sparrows!

WHAT'S THE THEME FOR 2024?

* The official theme for World Sparrow Day 2024 is "I Love Sparrows". This theme highlights the special connection between humans and sparrows. We've shared our environment with these birds for thousands of years, and it's important to protect them.

A LITTLE HISTORY OF WORLD SPARROW DAY

* The Nature Forever Society of India, along with other organisations around the world, started World Sparrow Day in 2010. They realised that sparrows were disappearing from many places, and they wanted to do something about it.

* Sparrows are more than just cute little birds. They play a vital role in our ecosystem. They help control pest insects, and they spread seeds that help plants grow.

* World Sparrow Day reminds us that even small actions can make a big difference. By protecting sparrows, we're helping to protect the environment we all share.

Correct Answer :   $3.47 billion

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In February 2024, India's outward foreign direct investment (FDI) reached $3.47 billion, marking a notable rise from the previous year.

This increase, reported by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), indicates a growing trend of higher financial commitments by Indian entities in foreign markets, encompassing equity, debt, and guarantees.

Correct Answer :   South Korea

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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol highlighted AI-based fake news as a threat to democracy during the summit addressing digital threats and technology's role in promoting democracy.

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Start-up Mahakumbh at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

On this occasion, he also visited the exhibition displayed. On this occasion, PM Modi said that India has the third largest startup ecosystem with 1.25 lakh startups, which includes 12 lakh youth.

Correct Answer :   Kiran Rijiju

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After the resignation of Pashupati Kumar Paras from the Union Council of Ministers, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has been given the additional charge of the Ministry of Food and Processing Industries.

President Draupadi Murmu has given Rijiju the charge of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, in addition to his existing portfolio of Ministry of Earth and Science.

Correct Answer :   CP Radhakrishnan

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Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan has been given additional responsibility as the in-charge Governor of Telangana in place of Tamilisai Soundararajan.

Earlier, Soundararajan had resigned from his post. He will also hold the additional responsibilities of Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.

Correct Answer :   Finland

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According to the World Happiness Report 2024, the European country Finland is the happiest country in the world.

Finland remains the happiest country in the world for the seventh consecutive year. Like last year, India remains at 126th position in the World Happiness Index.

Whereas India's neighboring country Pakistan is at 108th place and Sri Lanka is at 128th place. America is at 23rd place. 

Correct Answer :   Vinay Kumar

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The Ministry of External Affairs has appointed the country's senior diplomat Vinay Kumar as the next Ambassador of India to Russia.

Vinay Kumar is currently serving as the Ambassador of India to Myanmar. Vinay Kumar is a 1992 batch IFS officer.

India has long-term and extensive cooperation with Russia in the field of defence. India imports most of the weapons from Russia.