Correct Answer :   Mali

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The United Nations mission in Mali has officially ended a 10-year deployment in the country, its spokesperson said, in a pullout ordered by Mali’s military government.

* The mission, known as the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), lowered the UN flag in its headquarters in the capital Bamako, its spokesperson Fatoumata Kaba told the AFP news agency on Monday (11th Dec 2023).

* The symbolic ceremony marks the official end of the mission, she said, even though some of the elements of it are still there.

* A “liquidation phase” will take place after January 1, involving activities such as handing over any remaining equipment to the authorities.


A decade of MINUSMA :

* In June, Mali’s military government, which seized power in 2020, demanded the departure of the mission, deployed since 2013, despite being in the grip of attacks by armed groups in the Sahel region.

* The withdrawal of MINUSMA troops has ignited fears that fighting will intensify between Malian forces and armed groups for territorial control.

* The mission had maintained about 15,000 soldiers and police in Mali for the past decade. About 180 members have been killed in hostile acts.

* As of Friday, more than 10,500 uniformed and civilian MINUSMA personnel had left Mali, out of a total of about 13,800 staff at the start of the withdrawal, the UN mission said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

* Since being told to leave, MINUSMA has left 13 positions in Mali and has yet to close sites in Gao and Timbuktu in the north.

* Last week, the UN mission handed over the Mopti camp in central Mali, one of the hotbeds of violence that has plagued Sahel for years.

* The Mopti camp most recently housed peacekeepers from Bangladesh and Togo, and in the past, hosted Egyptian, Pakistani, and Senegalese contingents.

* The pullout went smoothly, unlike recent withdrawals in Mali’s volatile north which took place under fears of a military escalation between the army and rebel groups, Kaba told AFP.


An unceremonious exit :

* The UN troops were initially welcomed by Malians who hoped that the foreign soldiers would be able to help the Malian military drive back the rebels who had captured large swaths of land in the north.

* Ten years on, however, the peacekeepers are leaving unceremoniously with the instability far from resolved. Thousands of people have been killed, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced by the violence.

* After seizing power in August 2020 citing mounting insecurity, Mali’s government ditched the alliance with former colonial power France, preferring rapprochement with Moscow and the private army Wagner Group. Another military takeover happened in May 2021..

Source : Aljazeera

Correct Answer :   Myanmar

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United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released its Southeast Asia Opium Survey 2023 12th Dec 2023. The report states that Myanmar is the world's biggest opium producer.

It added, from 2022 to 2023, Myanmar saw an 18 per cent increase to one lakh 16 thousand acres in the amount of land used to grow the illicit crop and a 16 per cent rise in production. The growth can be attributed to multiple factors such as improved plot density, the use of irrigation and fertilisers.

Earlier Afghanistan held the infamous title but since the ascent of Taliban to power in 2021, cultivation of opium poppies has seen a decrease of 95 per cent. The report notes that opium farming in Southeast Asia is closely linked to poverty, lack of government services, challenging macroeconomic environments, instability and insecurity..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Donald Tusk

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Members of the Polish Parliament backed Donald Tusk to become Poland's Prime Minister after current leader Mateusz Morawiecki lost a confidence vote in the country's Parliament yesterday (11th Dec 2023). According to media reports, the vote was 248 in favour and 201 against.

* Tusk came to power after the coalition's victory in the elections held two months ago. 248 parliamentary votes were cast in support of Tusk in the 460-seat lower house of parliament. Poland is a Central European country, its capital is Warsaw.

* Tusk returns nearly two months after a coalition of opposition parties led by him secured victory in the national election held in October this year.

* Tusk is set to present his Cabinet to parliament and lay out his governing program today (12th Dec 2023).

* Following this, members of the Polish Parliament will hold a vote of confidence. The incoming administration will be sworn in at the presidential palace by President Andrzei Duda on Wednesday (13th Dec 2023)..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   December 11th

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UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) Day is now observed annually on December 11 to commemorate the establishment of one of the biggest humanitarian organizations in the world.

The United Nations Children's Fund is a humanitarian organization under the aegis of the United Nations which aims to protect the rights of every child across the world. Hence, UNICEF was initially established as the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund to address the needs of children impacted by World War II on December 11, 1946.


Theme 2023 :

* This year, the theme for UNICEF Day is “For every child, every right."


UNICEF Day History :

* UNICEF continued to use its original acronym UNICEF even after its full name was changed to United Nations Children's Fund in 1953. UNICEF Day is now observed annually on December 11 to commemorate the establishment of one of the biggest humanitarian organizations in the world.

* It has established its presence in 192 countries and territories worldwide in the 76 years since its founding. It has a reputation for working in underdeveloped and conflict zones on issues like immunizing children against disease, boosting education, offering emergency relief, stopping child abuse, and enhancing maternal health.

* Government funding and individual donations support UNICEF. It is the biggest supplier of vaccines globally. UNICEF raised $7.4 billion in goods and services for children in 162 countries in 2022 alone.


UNICEF Day Significance :

* The UNICEF Day plays a significant role in spreading awareness about helping children in need throughout the world. Assistance is provided in the form of free food, clean water, health care, and education..

Correct Answer :   Nirmala Sitharaman

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Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam,10th Dec 2023, at TummalapalliKalakshetram, Vijayawada in the presence of Smt R K Roja, Minister for Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Shri BugganaRajendranath, Minister for Finance, Government of Andhra PradeshSmt V Vidyavathi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs recalled the glorious legacy of Telugu culture and notable contributions of Telugu language to classical traditions in creating a remarkable repertoire of timeless compositions.

Expressing her appreciation for the remarkable efforts taken to organize the first of its kind grand music festival in Andhra Pradesh, she remarked, “I started to learn and understand the beauty of Telugu on listening to Tyagaraja and Shyama SastriKritis. The beauty of Telugu language is something which is to be cherished. The towns and samsthanams of the region have immensely contributed to classical music. It is time that we bring those glorious traditions alive and to the younger generation.” She suggested that this should become an annual feature and also held in other prominent towns like Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam etc.

Smt R K Roja, Minister for Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Culture, Government of India for bringing the inaugural edition of Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam to Vijayawada and Andhra Pradesh and stressed on importance of music and urged the youth to pursue classical music. She also highlighted the contribution of Andhra Pradesh and Telugu language towards promotion of carnatic music.

Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in her welcome address remarked that the event endeavours to commemorate the contributions of Telugu language in promoting classical music and emphasized that the festival aims to establish a cultural identity for the region by showcasing the local traditions and promoting local artisans, crafts and cuisine.

This three-day classical music extravaganza will host a variety of activities, including classical music performances by renowned musicians of the country and an exhibition and sale of regional cuisine, local handicrafts and handlooms.

The event provides an enchanting glimpse into the glorious Indian classical music heritage and featured a diverse array of performances by accomplished musicians. On the first day, during the morning session, the audience was enlightened by soul-stirring melodies of Nagaswaram by Gonuguntala Brothers, Shri G Nagaraju and Shri Saibabu hailing from Andhra Pradesh, a soulful rendition of Veda Parayanam by the renowned duo of Andhra Pradesh, DendukuriSadasivaGhanapati and Dendukuri Kasi Vishwanatha Sharma followed by a captivating Taal Vaadya Kacheri by Shri Umayalpuram K Sivaraman from Tamil Nadu and captivating carnatic vocal music performance by Shri N Vijay Siva from Tamil Nadu..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   8th December 2023

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Veteran Kannada actor Leelavathi died on 8th December 2023 due to age-related ailments. She was 85. She has acted in over 600 films with Dr Rajkumar as her co-star in several films. Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, paid tribute on X (formerly Twitter).


LEELAVATHI NO MORE :

Veteran Kannada actor Leelavathi died on Friday (8th Dec 2023) due to age-related ailments. Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister, D K Shivakumar, will pay their last respects at 11 am on December 9, 2023.

After making her film debut in the late 50s, she worked in over 600 films throughout her film journey. Many of her films were with Dr Rajkumar.

Mourning the veteran actor's loss, Siddaramaiah wrote on X, "The news of the passing away of veteran Kannada actress Leelavathi is painful. Just last week, after hearing about his illness, I visited her home, enquired about her health and spoke to her son, Vinod Raj. My belief that Leelavathi, who entertained the audience with her mesmerising performances for many decades, will recover and stay with us for more time is false. I pray that the soul of the deceased may rest in peace and her family may find strength to bear this grief (loosely translated in English)."

ಕನ್ನಡ ಚಿತ್ರರಂಗದ ಹಿರಿಯ ನಟಿ ಲೀಲಾವತಿ ಅವರ ಅಗಲಿಕೆಯ ಸುದ್ದಿ ನೋವುಂಟುಮಾಡಿದೆ. ಕಳೆದ ವಾರವಷ್ಟೇ ಅವರು ಅನಾರೋಗ್ಯಕ್ಕೀಡಾದ ವಿಚಾರ ತಿಳಿದು ಅವರ ಮನೆಗೆ ಭೇಟಿನೀಡಿ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ವಿಚಾರಿಸಿ ಪುತ್ರ ವಿನೋದ್ ರಾಜ್ ಅವರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ್ದೆ.

ಹಲವು ದಶಕಗಳ ಕಾಲ ತಮ್ಮ‌ ಮನೋಜ್ಞ ಅಭಿನಯದ ಮೂಲಕ ಪ್ರೇಕ್ಷಕರನ್ನು ರಂಜಿಸಿದ್ದ ಲೀಲಾವತಿ ಅವರು ಗುಣಮುಖರಾಗಿ… pic.twitter.com/5D9orugWet

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) December 8, 2023

A few days back, Arjun Sarja visited an ailing Leelavathi at her house.


LEELAVATHI'S GLORIOUS FILM LEGACY :

Leelavathi was a renowned actress in the Kannada film industry. Her career spanned several decades, marking her as an iconic figure in the world of South Indian cinema. She made her debut in the late 1950s and quickly rose to prominence due to her exceptional acting skills and versatility.

She was celebrated for her ability to portray a wide range of characters, from strong-willed heroines to compassionate motherly figures. Throughout her illustrious career, she starred in numerous successful Kannada films such as 'Kulavadhu', 'Valmiki', 'Karuneye Kutumbada Kannu', 'Tumbida Koda', 'Premamayi', 'Santha Tukaram Bhagyadevathe', 'Bhakta Kumabara', and many others.

Leelavathi shared the screen with many leading actors of her time. Her contributions to the industry not only showcased her talent but also left an indelible mark on Kannada cinema. Her dedication, talent, and memorable performances will continue to be cherished by fans and her legacy will always remain an integral part of the rich history of Kannada cinema..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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Invest India, the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of the Government of India, and the current President of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), under the aegis of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), is set to host the 27th World Investment Conference (WIC) from December 11-14, 2023, at the India International Convention & Expo Centre - Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.

* This year (2023) conference is themed "Empowering Investors: IPAs Pioneering Future Growth".

* Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal on the main day of the conference on December 13, 2023, will deliver the keynote address on the Role of Trade and Investment in the Decade of Action. The Minister will also chair a closed-room roundtable of Private Equity.

* Shri Goyal will also launch the Experience India Centre (EIC), showcasing the best of India’s offerings across services, technology, and products through a variety of technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, interactive touch screens, and projection mapping.

* EIC will provide delegates and participants from around the world an opportunity to engage and interact with some of India’s leading startups, and learn about India's rich products, services and tourism offerings, experience its vibrant culture through an immersive experience like Touch/Feel, Taste, Smell, Vision, Sound, and other self-exploratory means. The startups represent India’s emerging indigenous capabilities and its emerging global leadership. The wall Bharat Today and the Living Traditions will exhibit traditions like Madhubani, Katha, Warli, Mata ni pachedi etc.

* WIC, an annual flagship event of WAIPA, serves as a platform for global investment promotion and innovation stakeholders. This year, the conference brings together Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), international organisations, academia, and the private sector, including startups, to discuss investment policies and trends, providing a unique opportunity for collaboration, trade, investments and knowledge sharing..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Nikhil Dey

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Nikhil Dey, an Indian social activist, has been named as the International Anti-Corruption Champion by the US State Department. He has been acknowledged for his noteworthy support of social movements that oppose corruption in government welfare programs in India by encouraging transparency and accountability, public audits, and participatory democracy.

Dey's efforts as a co-founder of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) contributed to anti-corruption and transparency reforms in India, assisting the state of Rajasthan in establishing public policies that promote accountability and transparency. US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti congratulated Dey by posting on X, formerly known as Twitter. Garcetti said, the United States stands with champions like Dey who work for transparency, rule of law, and justice.


Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Vishnu Deo Sai

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Vishnu Deo Sai – tribal leader and former Union Minister – is the BJP's pick as the next Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh in the run-up to 2024 general election. This afternoon, he was elected as leader of the BJP's legislature party at the meeting of the 54 newly-elected MLAs.

The selection – made after a week of deliberations -- is along the lines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's idea of having a tribal leader as the Chief Minister of the state, where tribals form 32 per cent of the population. They are the largest population group in the state after the Other Backward Classes -- a situation that had initially left the BJP torn between picking a tribal and an OBC member. .

The decision, however, went in favour of tribals in view of the party's unprecedented performance in the states' tribal areas. The BJP, never on top of tribals' list of favourites, had managed to turn around the mood and corner all 14 assembly seats in the tribal-dominated Surguja region and eight of the 12 seats in Bastar.

Mr Sai, 59, is also known to be favoured by the party's ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Additionally, he is close to former Chief Minister Raman Singh, who has been the party's tallest leader in the state.

प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi के नेतृत्व में सबका साथ-सबका विकास-सबका विश्वास-सबका प्रयास के मंत्र को आत्मसात करते हुए जनजातीय समाज को सर्वोच्च नेतृत्व देने की दिशा में एक और ऐतिहासिक कदम।@BJP4CGState विधायक दल की बैठक में श्री @vishnudsai को राज्य का मुख्यमंत्री मनोनीत किए… pic.twitter.com/M1HqIrmRro

— BJP (@BJP4India) December 10, 2023

The four-term MP -- who has been the president of the Chhattisgarh unit of the party from 2020 to 2022 -- is known for his organisational capability and has a non-controversial image.

Previously, he has been a member of the BJP National Working Committee. When the Narendra Modi government came to power in 2014, he was named as the junior minister for steel.

Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J P Nadda and other party leaders, Mt Sai said, "As the Chief Minister, I will try to fulfil PM Modi's guarantees through the government". Sanctioning 18 lakh houses to beneficiaries of a housing scheme will be his government's first work, he said.

That Mr Sai could be picked for a larger role was indicated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who while addressing a poll rally in the Kunkuri last month, had asked the voters to elect him. Mr Sai would be made a "big man" if the party comes to power in the state, Mr Shah had said, .

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   Anurag Singh Thakur

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Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports  Anurag Singh Thakur 11th Dec 2023 formally declared the Khelo India Para Games 2023 open in a dazzling ceremony at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall in New Delhi.
 
Over 1450 participants from 32 states and Union Territories and Services Sports Board are participating in the Games till the 17th of this month.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Thakur said that this is a historic moment for Indian sports as the first-ever Khelo India Para Games is being held in the national Capital setting the ball rolling for a new movement in the sports ecosystem of the country. 

He said, this initiative is a significant step towards providing equal opportunities for all athletes, regardless of their abilities. He added that the Khelo India Para Games signifies the New India. The central government's aim behind organizing the Khelo India Para Games is to empower all para-athletes and it has initiated several key projects for the welfare of the differently-abled.
 

The  Khelo India Para Games is being organised at three venues - Indira Gandhi Stadium, Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium and Karni Singh Shooting Range in the national capital. The Competition will be held in seven para-sports which include athletics, shooting, archery, football, badminton, table tennis and weightlifting. Some of India’s top international para stars like Sheetal Devi, Bhavina Patel, Ashok and others will also participate.
   
Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik was also present on the occasion..


Source : AIR