Correct Answer :   Maharashtra

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Mahindra Susten, a subsidiary of the Mahindra Group, enters the hybrid renewable energy sector with a ?1,200-Crore project in Maharashtra, combining 101 MW wind and 52 MW solar capacity. The project aims to generate 460 million kWh of clean energy and offset 420,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Project Details :

Timeline and Commitment :

Leadership Statements :

About Mahindra Susten :

Correct Answer :   Kuwait

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Kuwait’s Emir has appointed Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as the new Prime Minister following the resignation of Sheikh Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. Sheikh Ahmad, born in 1952, brings extensive experience in finance and government, having held various ministerial positions.

Background and Career Highlights :

Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, born in 1952, holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Finance from the University of Illinois. He has a notable career history, including roles at Kuwait’s Finance Center and the Central Bank of Kuwait. Additionally, he served as chairman of the board for Burgan Bank before assuming several ministerial positions, such as Minister of Finance, Minister of Communications, Minister of Planning, Minister of State for Administrative Affairs, Minister of Health, and Minister of Oil.

Appointment and Responsibilities :

KUNA reported that Kuwait’s Emir appointed Sheikh Ahmad to form a new government and submit ministerial appointments for approval. This move follows the resignation of Sheikh Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, who stepped down shortly after being tasked with forming a government.

Political Landscape and Challenges :

Kuwait operates under a political system devoid of political parties, with the Emir holding ultimate authority. Despite the significant influence of the legislature, political deadlock and frequent elections have resulted in administrative challenges, including cabinet reshuffles and parliament dissolutions. Candidates in Kuwait’s elections run as individuals, contributing to the complexity of the political landscape.

Geopolitical Significance :

Kuwait, with a population of around 4.2 million, boasts the world’s sixth-largest oil reserves, positioning it as a key player in the global energy market. Its strategic alliance with the United States, dating back to the 1991 Gulf War, remains steadfast. Currently, Kuwait hosts approximately 13,500 American troops and serves as the forward headquarters of the U.S. Army in the Middle East.

Correct Answer :   Painting

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The death anniversary of Nandalal Bose, a pioneer of modern art in India and a famous painter, was celebrated on 16 April. Nandlal Bose died on April 16, 1966.

He was born on 3 December 1882 in a middle-class Bengali family. He was awarded India's second highest civilian honour, Padma Vibhushan, in the year 1954.

Correct Answer :   Arunachal Pradesh

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The Longte festival celebrated by the Nyishi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh is notable for its cultural importance and unique customs.

Unlike many other tribal festivals that involve animal sacrifices, the Longte festival prohibits such practices. Instead, the festival is characterized by symbolic decorations using white feathers and bamboo, highlighting the tribe's reverence for nature and their cultural heritage. This emphasis on non-violence and symbolic rituals sets the Longte festival apart and reflects the Nyishi tribe's values and traditions.

Correct Answer :   Uttar Pradesh

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The enchanting Tulsi (Shabari) waterfall in Chitrakoot is now home to the first glass skywalk bridge in Uttar Pradesh. The awe-inspiring bridge, fashioned to resemble Lord Rama's bow and arrow, was constructed in the Kodand forest area at a cost of Rs 3.70 crore.

Other Skywalks of India

Glass Bridge In Rajgir, Bihar :
Wayanad Glass Bridge In Thollayiram Kandi, Kerala :
* The Wayanad Glass Bridge, located in Thollayiram Kandi, is a scenic walkway that is 100 feet above ground level. It is made of unbreakable fibreglass that has been imported from Italy. The glass bridge is owned by a private resort and can be reached either by a jeep ride or a nature trek

Correct Answer :   Italy

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Mount Etna is an active stratovolcano located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. It is Europe's most active volcano and one of the largest globally, with a recorded history of volcanic activity dating back to 1500 B.C.

About Mount Etna :

* Mount Etna is located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy.
* It is an active stratovolcano, characterized by its conical shape formed by layers of hardened lava, ash, and volcanic rocks.
* It is Europe’s tallest active volcano, standing at approximately 3,329 meters (10,922 feet) above sea level.
* It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and has been erupting for thousands of years, with the first recorded eruption dating back to around 1500 BCE.
* Mount Etna and its surrounding area have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013, recognizing its geological significance and natural beauty.
* It boasts five craters responsible for eruptions, alongside numerous vents along its slopes.

What are Volcanic Vortex Rings?

* Volcanic vortex rings are a rare phenomenon observed when gas, primarily water vapor, is rapidly released through a vent in the volcano’s crater, forming circular rings of smoke above the mountain.
* This phenomenon, similar to smoke rings blown by cigarette smokers, occurs when gas is expelled through a nearly perfect circular vent in the crater.
* These rings can rise in the air for up to 10 minutes but may disintegrate quickly under windy conditions.

Correct Answer :   IIT Mandi

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Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has signed a MoU with IIT Mandi Himachal Pradesh for collaboration in research in the areas of semiconductors, quantum technologies and drones. BEL is an Indian Government-owned aerospace and defence electronics company.

BEL signs MoU with IIT Mandi for co-operation in Research and Technology/Product Development — in the areas of Semiconductors, Quantum Technologies and Drones. MoU to support #indigenisation and #MakeinIndia. @DefProdnIndia @DefenceMinIndia @writetake

— Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) (@BEL_CorpCom) April 15, 2024

Correct Answer :   10th

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More and more people are flying after the pandemic, making airports busier than ever. A report by the Airports Council International shows that in 2023, 8.5 billion passengers took to the skies worldwide – a huge jump of 27.2% from the previous year.

This surge in numbers means the world is almost back to pre-pandemic travel levels, with a recovery rate of 93.8% from 2019. The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has secured 10th position, with a passenger traffic of 72.2 million flyers in 2023.

Top 10 busiest Airports in the World 2023 :

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport :

2. Dubai International Airport :

3. Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport :

4. London's Heathrow Airport :

5. Tokyo Haneda International Airport :

6. Denver International Airport :

7. Istanbul Airport :

8 Los Angeles International Airport :

9. Chicago O'Hare International Airport :

10. Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi :

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   Dharamshala

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UK-based sports surface specialist SIS Pitches has fitted hybrid cricket pitches at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala, marking the first such installation in India.

* The installation of the company’s SISGrass product was completed in partnership with Indian fine turf specialist Greater Ten. The project marks the first in what is expected to be a series of major installations across India in 2024 and beyond.

* SISGrass’ investment in India follows a decision by the International Cricket Council to permit the use of hybrid surfaces for T20 and 50-over competitions. The SIS team has chosen India as its next region of development after widespread success installing hybrids across English cricket grounds.

* The Universal machine used in Dharamshala to install the hybrid surface was first developed by SISGrass in 2017. The machine injects a small percentage of polymer fibre with the natural turf found inside cricket stadiums, and the composition is said to be more resilient to stresses created during play.

* The system is also designed to prolong the life of pitches, guarantee an even bounce and ease pressure on groundspeople. Completed installations are predominantly natural grass, with only 5% of polymer fibre used.

* HPCA Stadium has a capacity of 23,000. Located on the edge of the Himalayas, it is regarded as one of the most picturesque stadiums in cricket.

* Paul Taylor, a former England international and SIS’s international cricket director, said: “India is home to millions of cricket fans, players and professionals who play almost all year round. This huge demand puts pressure on facilities, which can make it difficult for people to access good quality pitches in their local area. Our hybrid system will create far more opportunities for people to participate in the sport, guaranteeing a higher quality of play at every level of competition.”

* R.P. Singh, president of the HPCA, said: “The HPCA has consistently embraced the latest advances in cricket, and we believe SISGrass’s technology will be game-changing. Maintaining top-notch practice pitches is crucial for player development, as traditional surfaces struggle under the demands of rigorous training schedules. SISGrass’s integration of natural grass with synthetic fibres creates a robust and durable playing surface, ensuring players are prepared for competitive play. We are confident the installation will pave the way for a brighter future for Indian cricket, not just in Himachal Pradesh but across the nation.”

* Hybrid pitches have already been sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for T20 and 50-over competitions, and this year they will be used in four-day County Championship matches for the first time.

* The Universal machine has already been used to install SISGrass at almost every major county ground in England, including Lord’s, the Kia Oval, Edgbaston, Emirates Old Trafford and Trent Bridge.

* The machine will now travel to Ahmedabad and Mumbai, where it will stitch more pitches for practice and match play. The machine will remain in India after the first three installations are complete, making it immediately available to other grounds and facilities as projects are approved..

Source : The Stadium Business

Correct Answer :   Kristalina Georgieva

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The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) 12th April 2024 selected Kristalina Georgieva to serve as IMF Managing Director for a second five-year term starting on October 1, 2024. The Board’s decision was taken by consensus.

In line with the selection process it had established on March 13, 2024 (See Press Release No. 24/86), the Board held several discussions, including with Ms. Georgieva, the sole candidate nominated for the position, before making its decision today. Following today’s meeting, the Coordinators of the Executive Board, Mr. Afonso S. Bevilaqua and Mr. Abdullah F. BinZarah, made the following statement:

“In taking this decision, the Board commended Ms. Georgieva’s strong and agile leadership during her term, navigating a series of major global shocks. Ms. Georgieva led the IMF’s unprecedented response to these shocks, including the approval of more than $360 billion in new financing since the start of the pandemic for 97 countries, debt service relief to the Fund’s poorest, most vulnerable members, and a historic Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocation equivalent to $650 billion. Under her leadership, the Fund introduced innovative new financing facilities, including the Resilience and Sustainability Facility and the Food Shock Window. It replenished the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust, with the capacity to mobilize concessional loans to its poorest members, and co-created the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable. It also secured a 50 percent quota increase to bolster the Fund’s permanent resources and agreed to add a third Sub-Saharan African chair to the IMF Board.

“Looking ahead, the Board welcomes Ms. Georgieva’s ongoing emphasis on issues of macroeconomic and financial stability, while also ensuring that the Fund continues to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of its entire membership. It recognizes her focus on strengthening the Fund’s support to its members through effective policy advice, capacity development and financing. The Board looks forward to continuing to work closely with the Managing Director.”

Background :

Ms. Georgieva has served as Managing Director since October 1, 2019 (See Press Release No. 19/351). The Managing Director is the chief of the IMF’s operating staff and Chair of the Executive Board. The Managing Director is assisted by four Deputy Managing Directors in overseeing the Fund’s operations, which serve its membership through about 3,100 staff.

Ms. Georgieva, a national of Bulgaria, has been the IMF’s Managing Director since 2019. Previously she served as Chief Executive Officer of the World Bank from  January 2017. From February 1, 2019, to April 8, 2019, she was the Interim President for the World Bank Group. She previously served at the European Commission as Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, and as Vice President for Budget and Human Resources. Ms. Georgieva has a Ph.D. in Economic Science and a M.A. in Political Economy and Sociology from the University of National and World Economy in Bulgaria, where she also taught from 1977 to 1991..

Source : IMF