Correct Answer :   Both (B) and (C)

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The prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for the year 2022 was jointly awarded to the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Trained Nurses Association of India.

The award ceremony took place on November 19, where former Vice-President Hamid Ansari presented the honor to Dr. Sharad Kumar Agarwal, President of the IMA and Professor (Dr.) Roy K. George, President of the Trained Nurses Association of India.


Recognition of COVID-19 Warriors :

The award symbolizes a tribute to the relentless efforts of the COVID-19 warriors in India. Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, who heads the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, emphasized that the recognition extends to every doctor, nurse, paramedic and support staff for their selfless service, dedication and perseverance in the face of the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic.

Sonia Gandhi’s Remarks :

Sonia Gandhi, in her capacity as the chairperson of the trust, highlighted the significance of the award named after one of the most remarkable leaders of the 20th century. She expressed that the Indira Gandhi prize aims to honor individuals and institutions that have demonstrated exemplary work in the service of humanity and the planet. Gandhi acknowledged the outstanding contributions of these COVID-19 warriors and their dedication to the principles Indira Gandhi championed throughout her illustrious career.


Indira Gandhi’s Legacy :

Reflecting on the life of Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi underscored the former prime minister’s ability to overcome challenges. From challenging orthodoxy in politics to introducing pro-poor policies and fighting hunger on the international stage, Gandhi highlighted India’s role as a valiant crusader of people’s causes. She also credited Indira Gandhi for her leadership in the enactment and implementation of the National Health Policy in 1983, laying the foundations for a more comprehensive and accessible health system in India.

The Impact of COVID-19 :

Sonia Gandhi acknowledged the COVID-19 pandemic as the most devastating event of the century, affecting countries, communities and families worldwide. She praised the dedication and sacrifices made by the medical community in battling the pandemic. The COVID-19 warriors, including doctors, nurses, paramedics and volunteers, were recognized as the frontline defenders against the virus, standing between the contagion and the people..


Source : Economic Times

Correct Answer :   Third

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India ranks third with 72 unicorn companies, with a total valuation of $195.75 billion. The country’s unicorns make a substantial 5 per cent contribution to the total global unicorn valuation, according to research by Journalistic Org.

The first Indian company to make an appearance in global rankings is BYJU’s, which stands at 36th place with a valuation of $11.50 billion.

Despite a lower average valuation per unicorn at $2.72 billion compared to some counterparts, India’s unicorns make a substantial 5 per cent contribution to the total global unicorn valuation.

This places India in league with the UK, emphasising its significance in the international start-up arena. China has the second-highest number of unicorn companies, with a combined valuation of $641.67 billion, accounting for 17 per cent of the total valuation of all unicorn companies in China. ByteDance - the parent company of TikTok - is the highest-valued company in China, and is valued at over $225 billion.

The US has the highest number of unicorn companies worldwide with an impressive 668 - over three times more than China in second place (172). Unicorn companies in the US have a combined valuation of over $2 trillion, accounting for over half (54 per cent) of the total valuation of unicorn companies, the report notes.


Leading sectors :

The research commissioned by FOREX.com also reveals that the enterprise tech industry dominates unicorn companies, boasting a total of 377 with a combined valuation of just over $1 trillion. Enterprise tech is projected to remain in its position as a leading industry, surpassing growth and total valuation projections by 2027.

Within the financial services sector, 216 companies boast a combined valuation of $706 billion. Despite having the same number of unicorn companies, those in the financial services industry have a 10 per cent higher total valuation than the consumer and retail industry. The consumer and retail industry ranks third (216), with a  collective valuation of over $631 billion, according to the report...


Source : The Hindu Businessline

Correct Answer :   Japan and India

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Japan and India are the most favoured markets in the Asia Pacific region, reveals the fund manager survey (FMS) conducted by Bank of America (BofA).

“Japan (net 45 per cent overweight) cements its place at the top of the preference stack, followed by India (25 per cent), while Thailand (net 13 per cent underweight), China, and Australia (net 9 per cent underweight, each) remain unloved,” said BofA equity strategist led by Ritesh Samadhiya, in a note.

The net overweight figure is the per cent of fund managers saying overweight minus the per cent saying underweight.

The global FMS also showed while investors remained cautious on macro, they have turned bullish on interest rates. Many said the investor playbook for 2024 revolves around soft landing, lower rates, weaker US dollar, and large cap technology stocks.

Many said they would average China and then leverage. FMS showed investors have cut cash from 5.3 per cent to 4.7 per cent, lowest in two years. Also, the survey also showed fund managers moved to the biggest bond overweight since March 2009.

The latest survey showed global central banks may be past their peak hawkishness but the overhang of synchronised monetary tightening is still very much in action.

“The Global FMS reiterates a gloomy outlook for the world as 57 per cent of participants brace for a weaker economy in the next 12 months.

The Asia FMS is more optimistic – net 24 per cent anticipate a strengthening of the Asia Pacific ex-Japan economy in the next 12 months, with return expectations clawing back above long-term averages as weak data potentially pulls forward the easing cycle,” the BofA note said.

 The survey further showed that investors are once again pinning hopes on double-digit returns “with the upside premised largely on fundamentals.”..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Sheynis Palacios

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Sheynis Palacios, representing Nicaragua, won the Miss Universe 2023 crown at the 72nd edition of the fashion pageant. The show took place in San Salvador, El Salvador at Jose Adolfo Pineda Arena on November 19, 2023.

* Sheynis was also crowned as Miss Nicaragua 2023 earlier this year and has a strong social media presence. All her social media posts are filled with comments from her fans, wishing her love and luck for MU 2023.

* For the finale of Miss Universe 2023, Sheynin was seen wearing a stunning embellished body-hugging gown. The sweetheart neckline looked stellar on her and the sheer factor of the gown made it look truly magnificent and the waist-line cut-out looked impeccable on her crafting a marvellous silhouette.

* From her hair to her make-up, everything looked absolutely brilliant and her grace and charm were add-on accessories.

* The top 3 finalists of the show this year were Nicaragua, Thailand and Australia out of of which Nicaragua represented by Sheynin was hailed as the winner.

* This is the 72nd year of the much-celebrated pageant, and this time, contestants from around 84 countries and territories took part in it. Popular television personality Jeannie Mai and Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo took on the show as hosts making it the first-ever female-hosted Miss Universe event..

Source : News18

Correct Answer :   November 17

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Every year, World Prematurity Day is observed on November 17.

Premature birth is a significant global health concern, often leading to infant deaths and various health complications. Recognizing the gravity of this issue, World Prematurity Day is observed annually to raise awareness about the challenges faced by premature babies and their families.


The Birth of World Prematurity Day and Its Impact :

* In 2008, European Parent organizations united to establish this international awareness day for preterm birth (A preterm birth is characterized by babies being born alive before the completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy).
* Since 2011, it has been celebrated globally as World Prematurity Day, a term coined by March of Dimes. This year, the special day falls on a Friday, providing an opportunity for communities worldwide to come together and make a collective impact.


Global Theme for 2023: “Small Actions, Big Impact” :

* The global theme for this year’s World Prematurity Day is “Small actions, big impact: Immediate skin-to-skin care for every baby everywhere,” which underscores the significance of simple yet powerful actions that can make a substantial difference in the lives of premature babies.
* The emphasis on immediate skin-to-skin care highlights a practical approach to improving outcomes for preterm infants globally.

The Significance of World Prematurity Day :

* World Prematurity Day is a vital initiative that aims to bring attention to the impact of premature births on both infants and their families.
* Babies born prematurely may face developmental challenges and are more susceptible to severe infections. The observance of this day emphasizes the need to understand, support, and address the concerns associated with preterm birth.


The Symbolic Color: Purple :

* Purple is the chosen color for World Prematurity Day, symbolizing solidarity and support for premature babies and their families.
* Those observing the day are encouraged to wear purple as a visible display of their commitment to raising awareness and fostering a sense of community around this critical issue.


Fostering Conversations and Solutions :

* The day serves as a platform to initiate conversations about the challenges of preterm birth and the profound impact it can have on both the baby and the family.
* These discussions aim to reinforce preventive measures that can help protect premature babies from deadly infections and other health risks.


Encouraging Research and Innovative Approaches :

* World Prematurity Day encourages and supports research initiatives focused on understanding and addressing the concerns of preterm birth.
* The goal is to explore innovative approaches that can lead to improved healthcare practices and outcomes for premature infants.
* This emphasis on research contributes to ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of care provided to preterm babies.

Correct Answer :   Virat Kohli

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A statue of star cricketer Virat Kohli will be installed in the Wax Museum at Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur.

This decision was taken after India’s victory in the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup and Virat Kohli completing 50 centuries in one-day cricket.

Anup Srivastava, Founder Director of Jaipur Wax Museum, said that tourists were demanding the wax statue of Virat Kohli for a long time. What can be a better opportunity than now, when Kohli has reached the highest level in world cricket. Also, India is again very close to the World Cup champions trophy.

The first look of the wax statue, i.e., the clay model is ready and in the next one month, the complete statue will be made and installed in the museum. Virat Kohli’s image is that of an aggressive cricketer, hence the aggressive look has been chosen for the statue also, said Srivastava.

He said, “Virat’s statue will be installed along with the statue of Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, whom Virat considers as his idol and his god and whose record of 49 centuries has been smashed by Virat. The wax figure is being prepared by the duo sculptor Ganesh and Lakshminarayan under the creative direction of Anoop Srivastava. While the costumes are being made by Bollywood designer Bodh Singh.”

A wax statue of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, known as the ‘Captain Cool’ of cricket, is also installed at the Jaipur Wax Museum.

Srivastava said, “We have always had a clear decision regarding statue selection that more than celebrities, those great personalities should be given a place in the museum who can inspire our future generations. All such statues have been installed in the museum. Recently, a wax statue of Swami Vivekananda was installed. A total of 43 wax statues have been installed in the museum so far.

Correct Answer :   17th Nov 2023

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Indian art historian and a world authority on miniature paintings, Brijinder Nath Goswamy passed away on Friday (17th Nov 2023) morning in Chandigarh due to prolonged ill health. He was 90.

Born in August 1933, the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee BNG, as he was lovingly known in art circles, often called himself an “accidental art historian”. Best known for his path-breaking work on the Pahari style of paintings, Prof Goswamy is the author of more than 26 books.

In 1958, he quit the prestigious civil services after less than three years to pursue a career in academics and research, a decision that caused a stir in his family. It was a book on Kangra Valley paintings by M S Randhawa that his friends gifted him when he was leaving the civil services that set his onward journey in the field of Indian miniature paintings.

Academic Achievements and Fellowships :

Upon concluding his academic career, Punjab University bestowed upon Goswamy the title of Emeritus Professor. During different periods, he held prestigious fellowships, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship from 1969 to 1970 and the Sarabhai Fellowship in 1994. Additionally, he served as a Mellon Senior Fellow at the National Humanities Center in North Carolina.


Government Honors and Civilian Awards :

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, the Government of India honored him with the civilian Padma Shri award in 1998. Furthermore, in 2008, Goswamy received another notable accolade as he was once again featured in the Republic Day Honours list, this time for the esteemed Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honor..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   16 November 2023

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Acclaimed British novelist Antonia Susan Byatt, widely known as A.S. Byatt, passed away (16th Nov 2023) at the age of 87. With a literary career spanning almost six decades, Byatt left an indelible mark on the literary world.

Her notable work, “Possession: A Romance,” earned her the prestigious Booker Prize in 1990. Byatt, the sister of novelist Margaret Drabble, drew parallels with the Brontes, establishing herself as one of the most significant writers and critics of her time.


Early Life and Education :

Born on August 24, 1936, in Sheffield, England, Byatt received her education at a Quaker school in York. She pursued further studies at Cambridge and Oxford, eventually venturing into teaching English and American Literature in London from 1972.

Literary Career Takes Flight :

Byatt’s literary journey commenced with the publication of her first novel, “Shadow of a Sun,” in 1964. This work delved into the narrative of a young girl navigating life under the shadow of a dominating father. Despite more works following suit, it wasn’t until 1983 that Byatt made the pivotal decision to relinquish teaching and dedicate herself entirely to writing.

In 1990, A.S. Byatt achieved a breakthrough with “Possession: A Romance,” a novel that swiftly became a bestseller and clinched the coveted Booker Prize for Fiction the same year. The academic treasure hunt storyline, pitting a cunning U.S. biographer against a beleaguered English scholar, marked a departure from Byatt’s earlier style, embracing a more commercially oriented approach.


Literary Accolades and Adaptations :

Byatt’s contributions to literature garnered numerous awards and titles, including a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) and DBE (Dame of the British Empire). Her literary prowess extended to the silver screen with the adaptation of “Possession” into a feature film starring Gwyneth Paltrow. Another of her works, “Angels and Insects,” also made its way to cinematic adaptation.

Born : 24 August 1936, Sheffield, United Kingdom

Died : 16 November 2023, London, United Kingdom.

Correct Answer :   Alok Sharma

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Senior IPS officer Alok Sharma was on Friday (18th Nov 2023) appointed the director of the Special Protection Group (SPG), which is entrusted with the task of providing security to the prime minister.

Sharma, a 1991-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, is currently an additional director general in the SPG.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved his appointment as the SPG's director from the date of assumption of charge of the post and until further orders, an order issued by the personnel ministry said..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Kotak Mahindra Bank

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The Board of Directors of Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. made a significant announcement on Friday (17th Nov 2023 ), appointing Ashok Vaswani as Managing Director & CEO, and a key managerial personnel of the bank.

This appointment is set for a three-year term, commencing from January 1, 2024.


A Seasoned Professional with a Storied Career

* At 62, Ashok Vaswani brings with him an impressive track record spanning over three-and-a-half decades.
* His journey began at Citigroup, where he laid the foundation for his expertise. Further he contributed significantly during his tenure at Barclays.
* His professional trajectory has been defined by his ability to build and grow global businesses at scale.

Educational Background :

* Ashok Vaswani’s qualifications in finance and commerce provide a solid foundation for his role as the CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank.
* He is a chartered accountant and holds a degree in commerce from the renowned Sydenham College of Commerce.
* His academic background, combined with his extensive professional experience, positions him as a leader with a deep understanding of the financial sector.


RBI’s Approval: A Stamp of Authority :

* Prior to this appointment, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had given its nod to Ashok Vaswani’s name as the MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank.
* The regulatory approval underscores Vaswani’s competence and suitability for the crucial leadership role in one of India’s prominent banking institutions.


Taking Charge on January 1, 2024 :

* Ashok Vaswani is poised to take charge on January 1, marking the beginning of his three-year term.
* The transition from Dipak Gupta, who has served as the MD & CEO until December 31, adds to the anticipation surrounding the strategic direction the bank will take under Vaswani’s leadership.