Correct Answer :   Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan

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Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assumed charge as Controller of Personnel Services on 17 Apr 23. The Flag Officer was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 Jul 87 and is a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare.

* He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla; the Joint Services Command and Staff College, Shrivenham, United Kingdom; the College of Naval Warfare, Karanja; and the United States Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, USA.

* A recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal, the Admiral has held several key operational, staff and training appointments in his naval career including the command of missile vessels INS Vidyut and INS Vinash; the missile corvette INS Kulish; the guided missile destroyer INS Mysore; and the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.

* On promotion to the Flag rank, he served as the Chief Staff Officer (Training) at Headquarters Southern Naval Command, Kochi and played a key role in the conduct of all training in the Indian Navy.

* He was also instrumental in raising the Indian Navy Safety Team that oversees operational safety across all verticals of the Navy. He then went on to head the work up organisation of the Navy as the Flag Officer Sea Training, after which he was privileged to be chosen for the extremely prestigious appointment of Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet.

* After commanding the Sword Arm, he tenanted the appointment of Flag Officer Offshore Defence Advisory Group and Advisor Offshore Security and Defence to the Government of India. He was later appointed as Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command, a position he held till assuming his current assignment.

* Admiral Swaminathan's educational qualifications : Include a BSc degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; MSc in Telecommunications from Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi; MA in Defence Studies from King's College, London; MPhil in Strategic Studies from Mumbai University; and PhD in International Studies from Mumbai University...

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Jyotiraditya M. Scindia

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* The Union Ministry of Steel, in association with the Department of Commerce, Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and industry chamber FICCI is organising India Steel 2023, a conference and International Exhibition on the steel industry, from April 19-21, 2023, at the Mumbai Exhibition Centre in Goregaon, Mumbai.

* The event aims to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in the steel industry.

* The inaugural session of India Steel 2023 on April 19th 2023 will be addressed by Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Government of India, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, Minister of State for Steel & Rural Development, Government of India, Shri Nagendra Nath Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, senior Government officials and distinguished speakers including, Mr Subhrakant Panda (President, FICCI), and Ms Soma Mondal (Chairperson, SAIL and Chair, FICCI Steel Committee), among others.

* During the event, an exhibition showcasing the latest products and innovations in the steel sector will also be held concurrently.

* Over the course of the three days, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a series of informative sessions covering various topics. During, India Steel 2023 important sessions will be organized, covering topics such as "Augmentation of Enabling Logistics Infrastructure," "Demand Dynamics for Indian Steel Industry," "Sustainability Goals via Green Steel: Challenges and Way Forward," "Conducive Policy Framework & Key Enablers for Indian Steel," and "Technology Solutions for Enhancing Productivity & Efficiency”.

* Each session will facilitate in-depth discussions among industry leaders, government officials, and experts, aiming to address the challenges and opportunities within the Indian steel sector...

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Mumbai

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* Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook has launched 18th April 2023, the company's first retail store in India in the financial capital Mumbai.

* This retail outlet of Apple (Apple BKC) is located on the ground floor of Reliance Jio World Drive Mall in Bandra Kurla Complex.

* After Mumbai, the company is going to open its retail outlet in Saket, Delhi as well. This store will be opened on 20th April 2023.

* The first Apple Stores opened in 2001 at Tyson's Corner in McLean, Virginia and the Glendale Galleria in California.

Correct Answer :   April 18

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World Heritage Day is celebrated on April 18. It is marked to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and the need to preserve it for future generations.

The day was established by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and was approved by the UNESCO General Conference in 1983.

World Heritage Day 2023 Theme : Every year, ICOMOS suggests a subject for its members, partners, and anyone interested in commemorating World Heritage Day to organize activities around. The theme for this year 2023 is "Heritage Changes".

The official website stated, “In keeping with the spirit of open, innovative, constructive intergenerational dialogue, and the strategic focus of ICOMOS Triennial Scientific Plan 2021-2024, as well as the 2020 ICOMOS resolution on Approaches to Cultural Heritage. the IDMS 2023 features the following theme: HERITAGE CHANGES.”


World Heritage Day History : Before the late 19th century, the protection of historic buildings was solely a national concern, and laws related to this matter in Europe were established during this time. Although various associations existed in each country, they were limited to national boundaries.

Cultural internationalism, as we know it today, emerged after the First World War, with the establishment of the League of Nations, and particularly after the Second World War, with the creation of the United Nations and UNESCO.

The Athens Conference, which was held in 1931 and organized by the International Museums Office, along with the Athens Charter, drafted by Le Corbusier during the fourth Assembly of the International Congresses on Modern Architecture in 1933, and later published anonymously in Paris in 1941, are major stepping stones in the development of ideas.

ICOMOS marks the “International Day for Monuments and Sites" annually on April 18, which was officially recognized by the 22nd UNESCO General Conference in 1983.

World Heritage Day Significance : The aim of this day is to increase awareness of the value of cultural assets, the vulnerability of sites and monuments, and the measures necessary to protect and conserve them. The event highlights culture’s significance while acknowledging the numerous obstacles to achieving this goal. It encourages us to honor and appreciate the diverse cultural expressions around the world. It also seeks to promote the preservation of these cultural expressions.

Finally, World Heritage Day is observed to stay in touch with our cultural heritage and its traditions which have always reflected and shaped values, beliefs, and aspirations, and as such, define a people’s identity. Preserving our cultural history is crucial in maintaining our cultural identity as a people...

Source : News18

Correct Answer :   Himachal Pradesh

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Himachal Pradesh has become the "first state" to create a DNA database of unidentified bodies, an official said Monday (17th April 2023).

* The process was started in April last year (2022) and so far records of 150 DNA samples of unidentified bodies have been stored in the database, he said.

* The database would help in identification of bodies which would turn out to be a big relief for the families searching for their loved ones and running from pillar to post with photographs and other details, Assistant Director (DNA), Directorate of Forensics Services, Junga, Vivek Sahajpal told PTI.

* The DNA samples of the relatives would be matched with the data/samples stored in DNA profiling database and accurate details would be available within seconds, he said, adding that besides identification of bodies, the DNA database would go a long way in criminal investigation of heinous crimes, identification of disaster victims, missing persons and repeated offenders.

* According to the police record, more than 100 bodies are recovered in different parts of the state every year which remain unidentified for lack of documents or identifiable articles found with them.

* The identification of bodies would not only help the family members in performing the last rites of the deceased but would also help in nabbing the criminal in cases where crime led to death, officials...

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Giriraj Singh

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Rural Development Minister "Giriraj Singh" 18 April 2023 launched ‘Sangathan Se Samriddhi’ campaign. It will empower marginalized rural households by bringing all eligible rural women into the fold of Self Help Groups (SHGs).

* Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the government is targeting to bring 10 crore women under the purview of SHGs from the existing nine crore.
 
* Mr. Singh expressed happiness that the number of members, which was just 2.35 crore in May 2014, has now crossed nine crore. He stated that government has set a target that every woman associated with SHGs should be able to earn one lakh rupees per annum. He urged women to produce millets...

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan

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Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan was on Tuesday (18th April 2023) appointed as the acting Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court as the incumbent acting Chief Justice demits office on April 19, 2023.

* Justice Sabina was appointed as the acting Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in January.

* In February, the Supreme Court Collegium had recommended that she be appointed as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

* Apparently, her appointment has not come through as Justice Chauhan has been made acting Chief Justice of that high court.

* As per the provisions under the Constitution of India, Hon'ble President has appointed Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, senior-most puisne Judge of Himachal Pradesh High Court as the acting Chief Justice of the same High Court with effect from April 20, 2023.

* Born in April 20, 1961, Justice Sabina demits office on Wednesday evening on attaining the age of 62.

* While Supreme Court judges retire at the age of 65, HC judges retire at 62.

* Justice Sabina was in news recently with her daughter Kalyani Singh being as an accused in the murder of national-level shooter and lawyer Sukhmanpreet Singh in Chandigarh in September 2015. .

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   Jitendra Singh

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Science and Technology Minister "Dr. Jitendra Singh" 17th April 2023 launched - YUVA PORTAL in New Delhi, which will help in connecting and identifying potential young Start-Ups. Dr Singh also launched the One Week - One Lab programme.
 
* Speaking on the occasion, he underlined that unless the stakeholders' participation is broad-based, particularly in the Industry, the StartUps may not remain sustainable for want of proper industry mapping and the right aptitude.

* Highlighting India's global excellence in technology, innovation and Start-Ups, Dr Jitendra Singh said, each of the 37 CSIR Labs is dedicated to a different exclusive area of work.

* The Minister said, the One Week - One Lab programme will offer the opportunity to the CSIR labs to showcase the work being done by them so that others can avail of it...

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Bengaluru

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Bengaluru has topped the list of Indian cities in terms of highest digital transactions in the year 2022, a report by French payment and transactional services firm has stated.

* The city recorded 29 million transaction worth ₹6500 crore in 2022.

* Second on the list is Delhi which amounted 19.6 million transaction worth ₹5000 crore followed by Mumbai with 18.7 million transactions worth ₹4950 crore.

* On number 4 is Pune with 15 million digital transactions worth ₹3280 crore and Chennai with 14.3 million transactions worth ₹3,550 crore, the report has stated.

* In the report titled ‘India Digital Payments Annual Report,’ payment modes like UPI, Debit and Credit cards, Prepaid Payment Instruments – Mobile and Prepaid cards processed 87.92 billion transactions worth ₹149.5 trillion.

* As per the report, UPI clocked over 74.05 billion transactions in volume and ₹126 trillion in terms of value. Its transactions volume and value almost doubled since last year as it recorded 91 percent increase in volume and over 76 percent increase in value in Year 2022 as compared to Year 2021..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   USD 230 Million

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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide a loan of USD 230 million to Bangladesh to help the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the northeastern part of the country affected by devastating floods in May–June 2022.

* The agreement between ADB and the government of Bangladesh was signed in Dhaka on Monday (17th April 2023).

* Record rainfall in northeastern Bangladesh in May–June 2022 caused massive flooding, especially in the low-lying Haor region, affecting 7.2 million people.

* The assistance under the Flood Reconstruction Emergency Assistance Project will help in the reconstruction, improvement of resilience, and economic recovery of northeastern districts of Brahmanbaria, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, Moulvibazar, Mymensingh, Netrokona, Sherpur, Sunamganj, and Sylhet.

* The project will address the climate change impacts by developing innovative climate-resilient infrastructure under the build-back-better principles in line with the government’s national adaptation plan, said ADB Country Director Edimon Ginting.

* The project will also help improve living conditions, livelihoods, and climate resilience in the flood-affected northeast region of Bangladesh by reducing flood risk, and improving climate-resilient irrigation infrastructure and water delivery services. The loan will also help in rehabilitating rural roads, rail track,s and river embankments.

* In partnership with reputable national and international research institutes, the project will support climate-smart agriculture technologies and livelihood support to the flood-affected people. The improvement in agriculture value chains will enhance food security, nutrition, employment, poverty reduction, and rural livelihoods, said the ADB.

* The project will also support water management through alternative wetting and drying technology, direct seeded rice, and the use of solar irrigation for climate adaptation and mitigation...

Source : AIR