Correct Answer :   April 2

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World Autism day is observed annually on April 2 to promote awareness and advocacy for the rights of people with autism.

* This year (2023) marks the 16th anniversary of the day.

* World Autism day Theme 2023 : This year the theme is “Contribution of Autistic Individuals at Home, at Work, in the Arts, and Policymaking.”

* In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day, following a proposal put forward by the State of Qatar...

Source : UN

Correct Answer :   2nd April 2023

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Salim Durani, the debonair India cricketer of the 1960s with a movie star looks, a puckish sense of humour, and a penchant for hitting monstrous sixes on demand, died on Sunday (2nd April 2023). He was 88.

* His death was confirmed by sources close to the family. He had been living with his younger brother, Jahangir Durani, in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

* Durani had undergone a proximal femoral nail surgery after he broke his thigh bone in a fall in January this year.

* The Kabul-born Durani, who packed a punch with his bat and was also a handy left-arm orthodox bowler, played 29 Tests and was instrumental in India defeating England 2-0 in the historic five-match Test series in 1961-62, picking up eight and 10 wickets in the team's victories at Calcutta and Madras.

* In the era of 1960-1973, Durani marked his presence with his pure ability to send the ball flying into the stands. He was an allrounder and had a unique ability to finish off the game either with the bat or with the ball. He was a part of India's successful victory against England in 1961-62.

* Durani capped off an impressive display by picking up eight wickets against the English team.

* In his illustrious career, Durani also picked up the wickets of one of the best cricketers like Clive Lloyd and Gary Sobers.

* With his slow left-arm orthodox bowling style Durani certainly knew how to increase the intensity in a game and add a touch of entertainment for the fans as well.

* The former Indian cricketer featured in 29 Test matches for team India and scored 1,202 runs with an average of 25.04. He also had a century and seven half-centuries in his career.

* With the ball, Durani picked up 75 wickets and 6/73 remained his best bowling figure in an inning. Once, when he was dropped for a test series, fans chanted slogans like "No Durrani, no Test."

* Durani, known for his fine dressing style and swagger, scored just one century though he had seven fifties in the 50 innings he played for the country, scoring 1,202 runs.

Born : 11 December 1934

Died : 2 April 2023.

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   1st April 2023

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (1st April 2023) flagged off the Bhopal-Delhi Vande Bharat Express train in Madhya Pradesh capital.

* The Vande Bharat Express train service between Rani Kamlapati Railway Station in Madhya Pradesh and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi.

* The train will cover a distance of 701 kilometres in 7 hours and 30 minutes and will operate on all days except Saturday (1st April 2023).

* It will stop at Veerangana Laxmibai Jhansi, Gwalior, and Agra.

* It is the country’s first semi-high speed train service, with a maximum speed of 160 km/h.

* The train was designed and manufactured in India, with 80% of its components being indigenous.

* It offers several amenities to passengers, such as Wi-Fi, automatic doors, bio-vacuum toilets, GPS-based passenger information systems, and more.
The train is also eco-friendly, as it uses regenerative braking systems to conserve energy.

* The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express is a significant step towards the modernization and improvement of the country’s railway infrastructure.

Correct Answer :   Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh

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Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh took charge as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff on Saturday (1st April 2023).

After assuming charge, Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh paid homage to the bravehearts at the National War Memorial and reviewed the Guard of Honour at South Block in New Delhi on Sunday (2nd April 2023).

Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh graduated from the National Defence Academy, Pune, and was commissioned in 1986 in the executive branch of the Indian Navy.

About Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh :

In his career spanning 37 years, he has served on most class of ships of the Indian Navy and has held a range of command, training and staff appointments, including Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (CSNCO), flag officer sea training, flag officer Commanding Western Fleet, Commandant Naval War College, and Controller Personnel Services. Prior to taking over as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff, he was Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).

He holds MSc and MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies from Madras University, MA in Defence Studies from Kings College, London, and MA (History), MPhil (Pol) and PhD (Arts) from Mumbai University.

In recognition of his distinguished service, the flag officer was awarded the Nao Sena Medal in 2009, and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2020...

Source : I T

Correct Answer :   1st April

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was established on April 1, 1935, in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.

The Central Office of the RBI, initially set up in Kolkata, was permanently moved to Mumbai in 1937.

Sir Osborne Smith the first Governor of the Bank. The Bank was constituted as a shareholders’ bank. The RBI is the central bank of India and is responsible for regulating the country’s monetary and credit system.

It is also responsible for issuing currency and managing the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

The RBI works closely with the government of India to formulate and implement monetary and fiscal policies that promote economic growth and stability. It was set up as a private shareholder’s bank with a capital of Rs. 5 crores.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) performs various functions, some of which are as follows :

Formulating and implementing monetary policy : The RBI is responsible for formulating and implementing monetary policy in India, with the aim of maintaining price stability while ensuring adequate credit flow to the productive sectors of the economy.

Regulating and supervising banks and financial institutions : The RBI regulates and supervises banks and financial institutions in India to ensure their stability and soundness.

Conducting research and analysis : The RBI conducts research and analysis on various aspects of the economy, including banking and financial systems, monetary policy, and economic development.

Developing and regulating payment and settlement systems : The RBI develops and regulates payment and settlement systems in India, including electronic fund transfer systems, cheque clearing systems, and other payment mechanisms.

Promoting financial inclusion : The RBI works to promote financial inclusion and ensure that banking and financial services are accessible to all sections of society.

Issuing and managing currency : The RBI is responsible for the issuance and management of currency in India.

Managing foreign exchange reserves : The RBI manages India’s foreign exchange reserves and intervenes in the foreign exchange market to maintain stability in the value of the rupee.

Acting as a banker to the government : The RBI acts as a banker and advisor to the central and state governments in India, managing their accounts and providing them with credit and other banking services.

Correct Answer :   Rajib K Mishra

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Power trading company PTC India (Power Trading Corporation of India Limited) on Wednesday (29th March 2023) said it has appointed Rajib Kumar Mishra as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD).

Mishra was holding the additional charge of CMD of the company. He joined the PTC Board in February 2015 as Director (Marketing and Business Development). He has been appointed CMD with effect from 29th March 2023, the company said in a statement.

Prior to this, Mishra worked as Executive Director of PTC since October 2011 and was responsible for Operations, Business Development, Retail & Advisory Services.

He has 38 years of professional experience and has served at state-run NTPC and Power Grid in various capacities. He has authored four published books and twenty-four technical and management papers.

About the Power Trading Corporation of India Limited (PTC) :

* Power Trading Corporation of India Limited (PTC) is a public sector undertaking established in 1999 under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. Its primary business is to trade electricity across different regions of India.

* PTC initially started its operations as a power trading company in India, but over the years, it has diversified into other areas such as power generation, transmission, distribution, and consulting services.

* PTC has played a significant role in the development of the Indian power sector by promoting competition and transparency in the market. The company has also been involved in several international projects in countries such as Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Source : The Hindu Businessline

Correct Answer :   Himachal Pradesh

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The European Commission (EC) has granted protected geographical indication (PGI) for India’s unique Kangra tea, which is grown in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district.

* The EC notified granting PGI on March 22 and this will come into effect from April 11, 2023.

* The granting of PGI for Kangra tea comes at a time when the EC has been dragging its feet on granting a similar status to Basmati rice. India had filed for the GI tag in 2018 but the European Union (EU) wants India and Pakistan to hold talks so that the latter’s Basmati rice also gets due recognition.

* This is a significant achievement for Kangra tea, as it joins the list of other Indian products such as Darjeeling tea, Basmati rice and Pashmina shawls, which have been accorded the same status in the European Union.

About Kangra Tea :

* It was first introduced in the mid-19th century by Dr. Jameson, a British civil surgeon who sowed tea seeds in the Kangra Valley.

* In 1882, the Kangra tea garden won a gold medal at the Calcutta Exhibition, further enhancing its prestige.

* A disease known as "orange rust" destroyed many tea gardens in the early 20th century, leading to a decline in the industry.

About the European Commission (EC) :

* It is the executive branch of the European Union (EU) and serves as its administrative body.

* The President of the Commission is elected by the European Parliament and appointed by the European Council.

* The Commission is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium and has a staff of approximately 32,000 employees.

* The Commission ensures that EU laws and policies are implemented correctly and that Member States follow EU rules.

* The Commission cooperates with other EU institutions, such as the European Council and the European Parliament, to shape EU policies and legislation.

* The Commission's decisions are subject to oversight by the European Court of Justice, which interprets and applies EU law...

Source : The Hindu Businessline

Correct Answer :   31st March 2023

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Noted short story writer and novelist Sarah Thomas passed away on Friday (31st March 2023). She was 89. She breathed her last at her daughter's residence near Nandavanam.

* She has written 17 novels and more than 100 short stories. She has won many awards, including the Kerala Sahitya Academy award.

* The first novel was 'Jeevitham Enna Nathi'. Sarah Thomas's novel 'Muripadukal' was made into a movie by PA Bakker called 'Manimuzhakkam'. Her novels Asthamayam, Pavizhamuthu, and Archana have also been adapted into films.

* Sarah Thomas's notable works are Narmadipudava, Daivamakkal, Agnishuddhi, Chinnammu, Valakkar, Neelakurinjikal Chuvakum Neram, Grahanam, Thanneerpanthal, Yatra and Kaveri. She won the Kerala Sahitya Academy award for her novel Narmadipudava. The funeral will be held at Pattoor Marthoma Church Cemetery on Saturday (1st April 2023).

* Sarah Thomas came to the forefront of Malayalam literature with "Narmadipudava", which portrayed the life conditions of Tamil Brahmins. She had also brought the life condition of Dalits to light through ' Daivamakkal'. She also portrayed the lives of fishermen through Valakkar and Namboothiri widows in the book ' Unnimayayude Kadha'...

Source : New Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Finland

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Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has announced that Finland has become the 31st member of the alliance, thanks to Turkey’s unanimous vote.

* Despite Russia’s opposition to Finland’s membership, Turkey’s approval has allowed the extension of NATO.

* Finland shares a long border of over 1,300 kilometers with Russia, and its decision to join NATO was prompted by security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, Sweden’s application to join NATO has been declined by Turkey and Hungary.

* Finland’s membership in NATO has been a topic of discussion for many years, with some arguing that it would help to strengthen Finland’s defense capabilities, while others have expressed concerns about potential tensions with neighboring Russia. With Finland’s membership, NATO now includes most of the countries in Europe and North America.

What is NATO and its History?

* NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is an intergovernmental military alliance established in 1949. It was formed as a collective defense pact between North American and European nations to deter Soviet expansion and protect member states from potential Soviet aggression during the Cold War.

* The founding members of NATO were the United States, Canada, and ten European nations including Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. Since then, the alliance has expanded to include 31 member countries.

* The organization operates on the principle of collective defense, with members agreeing to mutual defense in response to an attack by an external party. NATO also engages in crisis management, conflict prevention, and peacekeeping operations around the world.

To become a member of NATO, a country must meet the following criteria :

* Political and economic stability : The country must have a stable democratic government, a functioning market economy, and a proven record of respecting human rights and the rule of law.

* Military readiness : The country must have a capable and well-trained military that can contribute to the collective defense of the alliance. This includes a commitment to investing in defense and maintaining modern equipment.

* Commitment to collective defense : The country must be willing and able to contribute to the collective defense of the alliance, including by supporting other member countries in times of need.

* Compatibility with NATO values : The country must share the values of the alliance, including a commitment to democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law.

* Geographic proximity : While not an official requirement, NATO tends to give preference to countries that are in close geographic proximity to existing members, as this makes it easier to coordinate and deploy forces in times of crisis...

Source : BBC

Correct Answer :   7.8%

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* According to the data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), India's unemployment rate increased to 7.8% in March 2023.

* The unemployment rate in the country surged in December 2022 to 8.30% but declined in January to 7.14%.

* It edged up again in February 2023 to 7.45%.

* In March 2023, the unemployment rate in urban areas of India reached 8.4%, while in rural areas it stood at 7.5%.

* In March 2023, unemployment was the highest in Haryana at 26.8%. It was closely followed by Rajasthan at 26.4%, Jammu and Kashmir at 23.1%, Sikkim 20.7%, Bihar 17.6% and Jharkhand 17.5%...

Source : Mint