Correct Answer :   March 15

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World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually on March 15 across the globe. This day aims to raise awareness about the rights and responsibilities of consumers in the marketplace. It emphasizes the importance of protecting consumer rights, ensuring fair and ethical business practices, and holding companies accountable.

Theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2024

This year (2024), the theme chosen by Consumers International for World Consumer Rights Day 2024 is ‘Fair and responsible AI for consumers.’ This theme highlights the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the need to ensure a future where AI respects and upholds consumer rights.

The theme addresses concerns such as privacy violations, misinformation, and discriminatory practices that can arise from AI-driven platforms. It aims to prevent the spread of false information and the perpetuation of biases through AI systems.

Origin and History of World Consumer Rights Day

The roots of World Consumer Rights Day can be traced back to March 15, 1962, when former U.S. President John F. Kennedy addressed consumer rights before the U.S. Congress. This was the first time a world leader spoke about consumer rights on a global platform.

The first World Consumer Rights Day was observed on March 15, 1983, and since then, the United Nations has recognized and endorsed this day worldwide. Various events and campaigns are organized at national and international levels to raise awareness about consumer rights.

Significance of World Consumer Rights Day

World Consumer Rights Day holds significant importance in today’s world. It aims to :

Correct Answer :   Palestine

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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has appointed his longtime economic adviser to be the next prime minister in the face of US pressure to reform the Palestinian Authority as part of Washington’s postwar vision for Gaza.

Mohammad Mustafa, a US-educated economist and a political independent, will head a technocratic government in the Israeli-occupied West Bank that could potentially administer Gaza ahead of eventual statehood. But those plans face major obstacles, including strong opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Israel-Hamas war that is still grinding on with no end in sight.

It’s unclear whether the appointment of a new Cabinet led by a close Abbas ally would be sufficient to meet US demands for reform, as the 88-year-old president would remain in overall control.

“The change that the United States of America and the countries of the region want is not necessarily the change that the Palestinian citizen wants,” said Hani al-Masri, a Palestinian political analyst. “People want a real change in politics, not a change in names... They want elections.”

He said Mustafa is “a respected and educated man” but will struggle to meet public demands to improve conditions in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli restrictions imposed since the start of the war have caused an economic crisis.

In a statement announcing the appointment, Abbas asked Mustafa to put together plans to re-unify administration in the West Bank and Gaza, lead reforms in the government, security services and economy and fight corruption.

Mustafa was born in the West Bank town of Tulkarem in 1954 and earned a doctorate in business administration and economics from George Washington University. He has held senior positions at the World Bank and previously served as deputy prime minister and economy minister. He is currently the chairman of the Palestine Investment Fund.

The previous prime minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, resigned along with his government last month, saying different arrangements were needed because of the “new reality in the Gaza Strip.”

The Palestinian Authority was established in the 1990s through interim peace agreements and was envisioned as a stepping-stone to eventual statehood.

But the peace talks repeatedly collapsed, most recently with Netanayahu’s return to power in 2009. Hamas seized power in Gaza from forces loyal to Abbas in 2007, confining his limited authority to major population centers that account for around 40% of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Abbas is deeply unpopular among Palestinians, many of whom view the PA as little more than a subcontractor of the occupation because it cooperates with Israel on security matters. His mandate ended in 2009, but he has refused to hold elections, blaming Israeli restrictions. Hamas won a landslide victory in the last parliamentary elections, in 2006. Although it is considered a terrorist group by Israel and Western countries, Hamas would likely perform well in any free and fair vote..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   1500

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Amid excavations preceding the construction of a retirement home at Germany's Nuremberg, archaeologists have made a significant discovery and found over 1,500 skeletons of plague victims in mass graves.

This is likely to be the largest mass burial of plague victims ever found in Europe.

Melanie Langbein, from Nuremberg’s Department for Heritage Conservation, said, as quoted by CNN, that around plague pits were identified and each contained several hundred bodies.

Though precise dating is pending, initial details claim that the eight plague pits were established around the first half of the 17th century.

To a surprise, even a few bones show a green tint, maybe because the site was used to dispose of waste from a nearby copper mill.

“Those people were not interred in a regular cemetery although we have designated plague cemeteries in Nuremberg".

“This means a large number of dead people who needed to be buried in a short time frame without regard to Christian burial practices," she said.

According to Langbein, Nuremberg suffered plague outbreaks roughly every 10 years from the 14th century onward. Due to this, it is a challenge for them to date the remains.

They used radiocarbon dating to date one mass grave, and found out that the older group of remains probably dates from the 1632-1633 epidemic, said the report. They even presume almost 2,000 people were buried near St. Sebastian Spital – which is the site of the current excavation.

In Terra Veritas is carrying out the excavation and the firm's representative Julian Decker said he was surprised by the discovery.

“There was no indication to assume that there were burials on this field," CNN quoted him as saying, adding, "I personally expect the number to be at 2,000 or even above, making it the biggest mass grave in Europe."

The 1632-1633 epidemic was worse before people came before because of the impact of the Thirty Years War – a series of conflicts fought by various European nations from 1618 to 1648, Langbein told CNN.

“Nuremberg was surrounded by different troops and the population was living in quite dire circumstances," she said.

In the meantime, she said that there will also be collaborations with institutions interested in certain aspects of the findings. “We’re also planning an exhibition, but this will take some time, so fall 2025 would be the earliest we could be ready," said Langbein..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   13%

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Reliance Industries, India’s largest private company, has announced its acquisition of Paramount Global’s entire 13.01% stake in Viacom 18 Media for Rs 4,286 crore ($517 million). This significant transaction underscores Reliance’s strategic positioning in the media industry, further solidifying its presence in the competitive market.

Agreement Details :

* Reliance Industries has entered a binding agreement to purchase Paramount Global’s stake in Viacom 18 Media, held through its subsidiaries.
* The deal amounts to Rs 4,286 crore ($517 million), indicating a substantial investment by Reliance.

Continued Collaboration with Paramount :

* Paramount Global has confirmed its commitment to continue licensing its content to Viacom18, even after the acquisition.
* This agreement ensures the seamless integration of Paramount’s content into Viacom18’s offerings, enhancing the platform’s appeal to consumers.

Impact on TV18 Broadcast and Viacom18 :

* Post-transaction, TV18 Broadcast’s stake in Viacom18 will rise to 70.49%, consolidating its control over the subsidiary.
* Viacom18, known for its diverse portfolio of 40 television channels including Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and MTV, stands to benefit from this strategic alignment.

Future Prospects :

* This transaction is contingent upon the completion of Reliance’s previously announced merger with Walt Disney, focusing on their India TV and streaming media assets.
* The merger is poised to reshape the Indian media landscape, creating synergies that drive innovation and competitiveness in the market.

Correct Answer :   Maharashtra

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The Maharashtra government has taken a historic step by securing approval from the Jammu and Kashmir administration to acquire 2.5 acres of land in Ichgam, near Srinagar airport, for the construction of Maharashtra Bhawan. This initiative symbolizes a proactive approach towards fostering cultural and touristic ties between the two regions.

Land Transfer Agreement :

The Jammu and Kashmir government has sanctioned the transfer of land to Maharashtra at a cost of ?8.16 crore, facilitating the realization of this ambitious project. This agreement underscores the cooperative spirit between the states and reflects a commitment to promoting tourism and cultural exchange.

Legislative Context and Post-Abrogation Dynamics

The initiative assumes particular significance in the context of the abrogation of Article 370, which previously restricted land ownership in Jammu and Kashmir to its permanent residents. With the altered legal landscape, Maharashtra’s investment in the region signals a new era of economic and cultural exchange, transcending previous boundaries.

Tourist Infrastructure Development :

In alignment with the vision of enhancing tourist amenities, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced plans for constructing two Maharashtra Bhawans in Srinagar and Ayodhya. This initiative aims to provide enhanced facilities for tourists and devotees, aligning with the state government’s commitment to bolstering tourism infrastructure.

Budget Allocation and Financial Implications :

The Maharashtra government has allocated ?77 crore for the construction of the two Bhawans, underscoring its commitment to promoting tourism and fostering interstate cooperation. This financial commitment reflects the prioritization of tourism development as a catalyst for economic growth and cultural exchange.

Advancing Interstate Relations for Tourism and Development :

Maharashtra’s endeavor to establish a tourist facility in Jammu and Kashmir signifies a paradigm shift in interstate relations, with far-reaching implications for tourism, cultural exchange, and economic development. This collaborative effort exemplifies the spirit of unity and cooperation, transcending geographical boundaries to forge enduring partnerships for mutual benefit and progress.

Correct Answer :   March 14

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Every year, Pi Day is observed on March 14 to commemorate the constant value of Pi and its significance in simplifying calculations across various disciplines.

What is Pi?

Pi (π) is an important symbol in Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics. It represents the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. This ratio is a constant value of approximately 3.14.

The Significance of Pi :

Pi plays a crucial role in numerous calculations within and beyond the realms of science. It is one of the most widely known mathematical constants and is applied in various calculations, from basic geometry to complex physics equations.

A Day to Honor Pi :

Every year, Pi Day is observed on March 14 to commemorate the constant value of Pi and its significance in simplifying calculations across various disciplines. This year (2024), the special day falls on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

History and Origins

The constant value of Pi was first calculated by the renowned Mathematician Archimedes of Syracuse. In 1737, Leonhard Euler introduced the symbol of Pi, which gained widespread acceptance in the scientific community. The first Pi Day was celebrated in 1988 by American physicist Larry Shaw.

Interestingly, Pi Day coincides with the birth anniversary of the renowned Physicist Albert Einstein.

Celebrating Pi Day :

On Pi Day, mathematics enthusiasts and educators around the world engage in various activities to celebrate the constant value of Pi. These include:

Pi Recital Competitions : Participants attempt to recite as many digits of Pi as possible from memory.

Pi-themed Workouts : Fitness enthusiasts incorporate the number Pi into their exercise routines, such as performing 3.14 sets or rounds.

Eating Pie : As a playful nod to the homonym, people indulge in eating different varieties of pies to commemorate the occasion.

The Significance of Pi :

Pi holds a special place in human history and has captivated mathematicians and scientists for over 4,000 years. Ancient Egyptians believed that the pyramids of Giza were built adhering to the principles of Pi.

Famous mathematicians like Fibonacci, Newton, Leibniz, and Gauss have dedicated their efforts to studying the value of Pi, calculating its digits, and applying it in numerous calculations.

Correct Answer :   IIT Delhi

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The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) collaborated (14th Mar 2024) with the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for applied research. According to an official statement released by IIT Delhi, the IAI-IIT CSR agreement demonstrates IAI’s commitment to its corporate social responsibility in India. The cooperation includes collaborative projects, training and research consultancy.

This alliance between IAI and IIT-Delhi, the official statement added, will demonstrate a shared vision leveraging research to drive progress and technological excellence, shaping together the future of technology in India.

IAI’s President and CEO, Boaz Levy commented on the collaboration and said, “We are proud to come together with IIT Delhi, which is renowned for its engineering and technology programmes. This CSR agreement represents IAI’s commitment to further invest in technology and innovation in India.

We look forward to many more years of fruitful collaboration on applied research and view our pioneering cooperation with IIT as a natural step in our shared vision to promote innovation and technology for both countries.”

“This collaboration aligns with IIT Delhi’s commitment to cutting-edge research and technological advancements. Together with IAI, we aim to contribute significantly to the future of technology in India,” Preeti Ranjan Panda, Dean Corporate Relations, IIT-Delhi said..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   $23 Million

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The Union Government of India, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has finalized a $23 million loan agreement aimed at bolstering the fintech landscape within the country. The agreement targets the enhancement of access to quality fintech education and innovation, particularly within the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT-City).

Loan Agreement Details :

The Central Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) officially sealed the $23 million loan agreement at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City. The primary objective of this agreement is to fortify the fintech ecosystem across India.

Project Overview :

Under this agreement, the Ministry of Finance will spearhead the establishment of an International Fintech Institute (IFI). The IFI’s core focus will be on strengthening fintech education, amplifying start-up success rates, and fostering fintech research and innovation. These initiatives are anticipated to catalyze employment opportunities, enhance workforce competitiveness, and drive productivity in new and green technologies.

Correct Answer :   Ram Nath Kovind

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The High-Level Committee (HLC) appointed by the Central Government has submitted its report on "one nation, one election," advocating for simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and local bodies. Headed by former President "Ram Nath Kovind", the committee submitted its extensive 18,626-page report to President Droupadi Murmu.

Established in September of the previous year, the committee was tasked with examining the concept of 'one nation, one election.' Among its terms of reference was the examination and recommendation for holding simultaneous elections to the House of the People (Lok Sabha), State Legislative Assemblies, Municipalities, and Panchayats. The committee was to propose specific amendments to the Constitution of India, the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and other related laws.

The committee recommended holding simultaneous elections, citing the burden on various stakeholders such as the Government, businesses, workers, Courts, political parties, candidates, and civil society. To manage the complexities, the committee suggested two steps. Firstly, it recommended holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Secondly, it proposed synchronizing the elections for Municipalities and Panchayats with those of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, ensuring that the former are conducted within a hundred days of the latter.

How Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are proposed to be synchronised?

* The Committee has proposed the insertion of Article 82A to the Constitution to synchronise the terms of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

* All the State Assemblies which are constituted in general elections held after this Article is brought into effect ("Appointed Date") will come to end along with the expiry of the full term of the Lok Sabha. For example, if the Article is given effect to in June 2024, all the State Assemblies which are formed after this notification will have a term only till 2029. So, if a State election is held in 2027, the Assembly's term will end in 2029 along with the Lok Sabha.

* “For the purpose of synchronisation of elections to the House of the People and State Legislative Assemblies, the Committee recommends that the President of India may, by notification, issued on the date of the first sitting of the House of the People after a General election, bring into force the provision of this Article (Article 82A), and that date of the notification shall be called the Appointed date.

* And the tenure of all State Legislative Assemblies, constituted by elections to the State Legislative Assemblies after the Appointed date and before the expiry of the full term of the House of the People, shall be only for the period ending up to the subsequent General elections to the House of the People.

* Thereafter, all General elections to the House of the People and all State Legislative Assemblies shall be held together simultaneously.,” the report added.

* To ease the process, an Implementation Group has been recommended to look into the execution of Committee's recommendations.

* Imperatively, as per Article 82A (4), if the Election Commission opines that the elections to any Legislative Assembly cannot be conducted at the time of the General Election, it may recommend to the President to declare by an Order that the election to that Legislative Assembly may be conducted at a later date.,

Source : Livelaw

Correct Answer :   Second Thursday of March

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World Kidney Day is an annual global health awareness campaign that aims to raise awareness about the importance of kidney health and the increasing burden of kidney diseases worldwide. It is observed on the second Thursday of March every year. This year (2024) World Kidney Day is observed on 14th March.

The theme for World Kidney Day 2024 :

* The 2024 World Kidney Day campaign theme is Kidney Health for All – Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice. The campaign aims to improve access to kidney treatment around the world.

History of World Kidney Day :

* World Kidney Day was first observed in 2006 with the slogan ‘Are Your Kidneys ok?’. The campaign was established by the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF) to highlight the need for education about the significance of kidney health and reduce the burden of kidney disease and other related health issues.

Importance of World Kidney Day :

* World Kidney Day plays a crucial role in highlighting the growing number of kidney diseases and the need for early identification and treatment. By raising awareness about the importance of kidney health, the day aims to promote equitable access to kidney healthcare and foster initiatives that enable early detection and prevention of kidney disease.

* The main objective of World Kidney Day is to educate people about the risk factors and benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease.

Celebrating World Kidney Day :

* To mark World Kidney Day, various events and activities are organized worldwide. These events include free health screenings, educational seminars, awareness campaigns, and fundraisers. People can participate in the day by attending these events, learning more about kidney health, and taking steps to protect their kidney health.