Correct Answer :   April 23

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Every year on April 23rd, World English Day is observed as a way to honor the language that has become the most commonly spoken in the world.

This year also World English Day 2023 is celebrated on 23rd April. This occasion acknowledges the significance and influence of the English language, and its role in promoting international communication and comprehension.

World English Day 2023 Theme : The theme for World English Day 2023 is “English as a global language: bridging cultures, connecting the world.”

The theme reflects the language’s role in bringing people from different cultures and backgrounds together, promoting mutual understanding and communication. The theme also recognizes the importance of English as a means of communication in today’s globalized world and its significance in fostering international relationships.

World English Day 2023 Celebration : World English Day 2023 is a significant occasion that is celebrated globally to commemorate the widespread usage of the English language. It is observed on April 23rd every year, and the year 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the event. English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and it is estimated that over 1.5 billion people speak it as their first, second or foreign language. The day is celebrated to promote awareness of the language and its importance in connecting people across borders.

World English Day History : The history of World English Day dates back to 23rd April 2010 when it was first celebrated by the English Language Teachers’ Association of India (ELTAI) on the occasion of William Shakespeare’s birth anniversary. The idea was to celebrate the language and its vast literary heritage, and it quickly gained popularity among language enthusiasts worldwide. Since then, the day has been observed every year to highlight the significance of the English language in today’s world.

World English Day Signifiacnce :

* The celebration of World English Day 2023 holds immense significance as it serves as a platform to highlight the role of the English language in connecting people and cultures worldwide.

* English is the primary language of international communication, and it is widely used in various fields such as education, business, diplomacy, and entertainment.

* Celebrating the language promotes the value of multilingualism and cross-cultural understanding, and it encourages individuals to learn the language and explore its vast literary and cultural heritage.

* Moreover, World English Day 2023 is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of English language teachers and learners worldwide.

* Teachers play a vital role in shaping students’ language skills, and their efforts help in promoting the language’s usage and importance.

* Similarly, learners who pursue English language studies demonstrate a commitment to learning and expanding their linguistic horizons..

Source : India Times

Correct Answer :   Kerala

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After successfully completing a trial run, Kerala’s first Vande Bharat Express is set to be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (25th April 2023).

* Kerala’s train will travel between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod. Initially, the train was planned to run between Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur but was extended later.

* The train will cover eleven districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod.

* The train’s operations to the public will start on 26 April 2023 on the Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram route and on 28 April 2023 on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod way.

* The Vande Bharat will complete the journey from Trivandrum Central to Kasaragod in 8.05 hours, which will cost Rs 2,880 in executive class.

* The train’s base fare is Rs 2,194 to which Rs 434 catering charges are added, as per the cost breakup.

* If a passenger does not opt for food, the ticket for Vande Bharat will cost Rs 2,465 in executive class.

* From Kasaragod, the Vande Bharat train will depart at 2.30 pm and reach Trivandrum Central at 10.35 pm. The complete journey will cost Rs 2,815 for the executive class.


* The train will depart from Thiruvananthapuram at 5.20 am and reach Kasaragod at 1.25 pm and has nine station stops.

* The train will depart from Kasaragod at 2.30 pm and reach Thiruvananthapuram at 10:30 pm and has nine station stops.

Source : News18

Correct Answer :   25th April

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World Malaria Day (WMD) is observed on April 25 every year. Taking action to control the deadly disease is the goal of the day. Bites from infected mosquitoes cause malaria, a potentially deadly disease.

It is the Female Anopheles mosquitoes that spread the Plasmodium parasite through their saliva, which causes malaria.

Nevertheless, it is a treatable and preventable infectious disease. Many countries in the world are already working towards it. Millions of lives have been saved from malaria since 2000 when the number of malaria-related deaths fell by 40% worldwide.

World Malaria Day (WMD) 2023 Theme : World Malaria Day 2023 will be marked under the theme “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”.

Among other things, WHO will focus on the third "i" - implement - and how to maximize the impact of the tools and strategies currently available to reach out to marginalised populations.

World Malaria Day (WMD) History : The idea of World Malaria Day was developed from Africa Malaria Day. Africa Malaria Day is basically an event that has been observed by African governments since 2001, first held in 2008.

In 2007, at the 60th session of the World Health Assembly, a meeting sponsored by the World Health Organisation (WHO) proposed that Africa Malaria Day be changed to World Malaria Day.

It will help to identify the existence of malaria in countries worldwide and will also help to bring awareness among people globally to fight against malaria...

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Operation Kaveri

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India launched a rescue operation– Operation Kaveri – to evacuate its stranded citizens from Sudan. The rescue operation is currently underway and around 500 Indians have reached Port Sudan as of Monday (24th April 2023), according to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

The evacuation operation was launched a day after the External Affairs Ministry said two C-130s aircraft and the navy ship INS Sumedha are on standby to evacuate Indians from the violence-hit African nation. Around 4,000 Indians are stuck in Sudan, as per official data.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while addressing the Yuvam Conclave in Kochi : "Due to the civil war in Sudan, many of our people are stuck there. Therefore, we have started Operation Kaveri to bring them safely. It is being overseen by the son of Kerala and the Minister of our government, Muraleedharan".


Why the name Operation Kaveri?

* The name for rescue operations in Sudan has been kept Operation Kaveri for the same purpose that Prime Minister Modi chose to name rescue ops in Ukraine as Operation Ganga.

* Kaveri is one of the major Indian rivers flowing through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. People in the region also worship the river as Goddess Kaveriamma.

* Commenting on the naming of this operation by the Central government, a top source said: “Rivers reach their destination irrespective of barriers. It’s like a mother who will ensure she will bring her children back to safety”.


What is happening in Sudan?

* Sudan has been facing a conflict between the country’s army and a paramilitary group for the last 10 days, which claimed more than 427 lives including at least 273 civilians and over 3,700 have been wounded.

* The warring factions have agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire beginning from today as Western, Arab and Asian nations race to evacuate their nationals from the country. Scores of people including Sudanese and people from neighbouring countries have fled the country in the past few days to Egypt, Chad, and South Sudan...

Source : Business Today

Correct Answer :   25th April

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Every year on April 25th, International Delegate’s Day is observed to pay tribute to the delegates who are an integral part of the United Nations (UN) and play a significant role in its functioning.

These delegates represent their respective governments and are dedicated to working together under the framework of the UN to address global challenges and achieve multilateral cooperation.

Without the efforts and contributions of these delegates, the UN would not be able to function effectively. They work towards the resolution of global issues and ensure that the voice of their governments is heard on an international level. The observance of this day is a recognition of their dedication and commitment to promoting peace, security, and prosperity worldwide.

International Delegate’s Day History :

International Delegate’s Day marks the anniversary of the first day of the San Francisco Conference, also known as the United Nations Conference on International Organization.

On 25 April 1945, delegates from fifty countries came together for the first time in San Francisco. Coming together after the devastation of the second world war, their aim was to set up an organization that would restore world peace and impose rules on the post-war world order.

850 delegates took part in this conference, which lasted for two months. They represented over eighty per cent of the world’s population, people of every world religion and continent; all determined to set up an organization, which would preserve peace and help build a better world.

Two months after the first meeting, on 26 June 1945, the Charter of the United Nations was signed by representatives of the 50 countries that attended the conference. The agreement resulted in the creation of the United Nations, an organization that now comprises 193 Member States and serves as the main international venue for collective dialogue between the delegates of its Member States. Poland, which did not have a government at the time of the conference, signed the charter later, hence bringing up the number of the Founding Member States to 51.

In its resolution 73/286 from 2 April 2019, the General Assembly recalls the achievement of the San Francisco Conference and proclaims 25 April as International Delegate’s Day...

Source : UN

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (25th April 2023) inaugurated India’s first Water Metro that connects 10 islands around Kochi through battery-operated electric hybrid boats for seamless connectivity with the city.

* Kochi Water Metro, one of its kind project in the world connecting Kochi’s islands to the mainland is ready to start the service. The country’s first Water Metro service will provide safe, affordable and pocket-friendly travel for people in and around Kochi and also tourists from across the world.

* “It’s a different boat. Being an electric boat for the first time in India, we have many challenges. But we have received training at Indian Maritime University. So no problem.

* 12 trips per boat during peak time. It takes 20 minutes from one terminal to another. We can carry 96 passengers and 4 crew members so that 100 people,” Jayes, Boat master said.

* Initially, Water Metro will start sailing with 8 electric-hybrid boats in two routes that are, Highcourt- Vypin and Vyttila- Kakkanad stretches.

* The single journey ticket fare for the High Court – Vypin route will be Rs 20. The fare for Vyttila- Kakkanad route will be Rs 30.

* Other than the single-journey tickets, Kochi Water Metro will also have weekly, monthly and quarterly passes. As an inaugural offer, commuters can enjoy discounts for their purchase of various trip passes.

* A weekly trip passes with 12 trips is priced at Rs 180 while the monthly trip passes are valid for 30 days having 50 trips would cost Rs 600.

* The quarterly pass is priced at Rs 1500 and passengers would be able to avail of 150 trips within a period of 90 days.

* People would also be able to use Kochi One Card for travelling in Kochi Water Metro. Mobile QR tickets could be booked through Kochi One app...

Source : The States Man

Correct Answer :   24th April 2023

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Renowned Pakistan-born Canadian columnist and famous television personality Tarek Fatah died on Monday (24th April 2023) at the age of 73.

* The author, based in Canada, died after a long-drawn battle with cancer.

* Tarek Fatah was born on November 20, 1949, in Karachi, Pakistan.

* He migrated to Canada in the early 1980s and worked as a political activist, journalist, and television host. He also authored several books including, 'Chasing a Mirage: The Tragic Illusion of an Islamic State' and 'The Jew is Not My Enemy: Unveiling the Myths that Fuel Muslim Anti-Smitism.'

* Mr. Fatah was known for his progressive views on Islam and his fiery stance on Pakistan. He called himself an 'Indian born in Pakistan' and a 'Punjabi born into Islam'.

* Soon after his death, tributes poured in on social media. One user wrote, ''Too hard to process, Tarek Fatah is gone. Rest in power, my friend, guide and family. We shall meet again! Om Shanti"

* Actor Ranvir Shorey commented, "Deeply saddened to know this. He was one of the bravest & wisest people I have known. May his noble soul rest with the Almighty in heaven. He did more than his share of good in this world. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family, and his countless admirers across the world."..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   20

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Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has declared the last week of April as “Swagat Saptah” in commemoration of the completion of 20 years of the “State Wide Attention on Grievances by Application of Technology” (SWAGAT) initiative, which was launched by Narendra Modi during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat on 24th April 2003.

As part of this initiative, a technology-based system was developed to address grievances, and on the last Thursday of each month, the Chief Minister personally listens to the complaints of citizens in the presence of relevant officials.

To mark the occasion, the Chief Minister’s office trained village panchayat sarpanches, talatis, newly-appointed mamlatdars, and taluka development officers. On April 27, the last day of the celebration, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will conduct an online Swagat event, which will be attended by Narendra Modi virtually.

Significance of the Swagat initiative :
Over the past twenty years, the Swagat initiative has successfully resolved the grievances of numerous citizens in Gujarat and has received recognition at both national and international levels. Notably, it was honored with the United Nations’ Public Service Award in 2010...

Source : India Times

Correct Answer :   Bengaluru

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On Tuesday, April 25, Bengaluru, India’s technological hub, is poised to witness a unique celestial event known as “Zero Shadow Day,” according to the Astronomical Society of India (ASI).

During this event, any vertical objects in the city will not cast any shadows, due to the sun’s position directly overhead. The phenomenon is expected to occur at around 12:17 PM and will last for a brief period.

The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Koramangala, Bengaluru, has made arrangements to observe the event, while citizens across the city are also geared up to witness it.


What is Zero Shadow Day :

Zero Shadow Day is a rare and unique phenomenon that occurs at different times in different locations on Earth. During this brief period, the sun is precisely overhead at noon without any tilt. Normally, the sun’s position is slightly tilted to the north or south and not directly overhead.

The Astronomical Society of India (ASI) explains that on Zero Shadow Day, “the Sun’s declination will be equal to the latitude twice – once during Uttarayan and once during Dakshinayan. On these two days, the Sun will be exactly overhead at noon and will not cast a shadow of an object on the ground.”

Zero Shadow Day occurs twice a year in locations between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, such as Bengaluru. In Bengaluru, it will take place on April 25th and August 18th.

Correct Answer :   April 24

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India celebrates National Panchayati Raj Day every year on April 24 to commemorate the constitutional change that established the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

PRIs are considered the third tier of the government. It manages the local-level administration in rural areas. The first Panchayati Raj system was initiated in the year 1993 on this day.

National Panchayati Raj Day History : In India, the Panchayati Raj system has existed since the ancient era. The Sanskrit term "panch" means five and "ayat" means assembly. In India, the panchayat system was widely used throughout the Mauryan era, which began in approximately 300 BCE. Local self-government was the standard practice and the administration was decentralised throughout that time.

The Panchayati Raj system was initially implemented in contemporary India in 1959 under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru. The 73rd Amendment Act of the Indian Constitution provided constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj system. The three-tiered PRI system includes villages, blocks, and districts.

National Panchayati Raj Day Significance : The significance of National Panchayati Raj Day lies in the value of local democracy and self-government in India. The PRIs are in charge of carrying out government policies and projects at a local level to ensure rural development. They play a crucial role in securing women and other marginalised groups to help them participate in various decision-making processes in society.

The day serves as an opportunity to recognise the role that Panchayati Raj institutions in the advancement of rural communities. It offers a chance to evaluate the Panchayati Raj system's implementation status and pinpoint areas that need improvement.

National Panchayati Raj Day 2023 Theme : "Sustainable Panchayat: Building Healthy, Water Sufficient, Clean & Green Villages" is the theme for National Panchayati Raj Day in 2023.

Observing this day guarantees the availability of clean water, encourages healthy lifestyle choices, and fosters a clean and green environment. It also throws light on supporting sustainable development in rural regions..

Source : India Today