Correct Answer :   February 27th

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Every year on February 27th, we celebrate World NGO Day to honour and appreciate the important work done by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). These groups aren't part of the government and work to help people and improve society. They tackle problems like helping the environment, supporting communities, and providing aid during disasters.

World NGO Day reminds us to recognise and support the efforts of these organisations. It's a chance to learn more about their history and why they're crucial for improving the world.

A LOOK BACK: THE HISTORY OF WORLD NGO DAY :

The concept of World NGO Day originated in 2010, proposed by the Baltic Sea NGO Forum. Initially, it was celebrated only in the forum's member countries, including Denmark, Estonia, and Finland. However, after gaining widespread support from organisations like the United Nations and the European Union, it transformed into a globally recognised event in 2014.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WORLD NGO DAY :

NGOs play a crucial role in shaping our world. These independent, non-profit organisations address diverse social issues, ranging from poverty alleviation and education to environmental protection and human rights advocacy. They work tirelessly to empower communities, promote positive change, and create a more just and equitable society..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Spain

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The MWC 2024 is being hosted by GSMA. It will be organised at Barcelona, Spain. And while MWC 2024 unfolds, India Today Tech team will be at the venue to bring you latest from the world of mobiles and wireless technologies.

From some key speakers addressing various topics to startup founders talking about their journeys, the MCW 2024 seems to be all set to take the stage in February. Read on to know what you can expect from this year’s biggest mobile show.

MWC 2024: Microsoft VP and others to speak at the event :

* Several keynote speakers will be attending the event and share their insights with the world. Among these are Microsoft’s Vice President and Chairman Brad Smith, and Xtend’s Co-Founder and CEO Aviv Shapira, who will be showcasing the role of 5G in robotics.

* On the other hand, Alef Aeronautics CEO Jim Dukhovny will talk about designing flying cars and Dell Technologies Founder, Chairman, and CEO Michael Dell, will focus on Dell's partnership value for telcos.

* In addition to this, Ethiopia Telecom’s CEO Frehiwot Tamiru will also be seen talking about technology visions for African telcos while Oxford Quantum Circuit’s CEO Ilana Wisby will be delving into Quantum-as-a-Service.

MWC 2024: What will the discussions be about?

Most of MWC Barcelona's discussions will revolve around the theme "Future First," and will focus on the need to unite industries, continents, technologies, and communities to realise their future potential. There are also six sub-themes: Humanising AI, 5G and Beyond, Connecting Everything, Manufacturing DX, Game Changers, and Our Digital DNA.

The event will also mark the 10th edition of 4YFN, the global digital and tech startup event collaborating with MWC. Halls 8.0 and 8.1 will host 4YFN, featuring names like Sir Martin Sorrell and Nigel Toon. The speakers, at the 4YFN, will address various topics around the Age of AI, Growth, Startup Funding, Corporate Innovation, Art of Innovation, and Decentralisation and Beyond.

MWC 2024: Showcasing innovations and more :

Over the years, MWC Barcelona has expanded beyond showcasing mobile industry transformation to impact vertical business sectors. More than half of the attendees come from diverse industries, making it a pivotal moment in business calendars. Hall 6 of the event will act as hub for leaders to come together and connect with one another. There will also be auditoriums and a VIP lounge, encouraging collaboration and conversations..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   4

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (27th Feb 2024) revealed the name of four astronauts who have been selected for the Gaganyaan Mission. The astronauts are undergoing training for the country's maiden human space flight mission.

The four astronauts are - Prashanth Nair, Angad Prathap, Ajit Krishnan, and Shubhanshu Shukla.

The Gaganyaan Mission is India's first human space flight program for which extensive preparations are underway at various ISRO centres.

The Gaganyaan project envisages a demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching crew members into an orbit of 400 km for a three-day mission and bringing them back safely to earth by landing in Indian sea waters.

ISRO successfully completed the acceptance tests of the flight engine identified for the first unmanned Gaganyaan (G1) mission, tentatively scheduled for Q2 of 2024. This engine will power the upper stage of the human-rated LVM3 vehicle and has a thrust capability of 19 to 22 tonnes with a specific impulse of 442.5 seconds.

In a stellar display of prowess, India soared to new heights in 2023 with the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the South Pole of the Moon and the launch of Aditya-L1, India's first solar mission.

Among other feats India now aims for are the Gaganyaan Mission in 2024-2025, setting up 'Bharatiya Antariksha Station' by 2035, and sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   Madhya Pradesh

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The world's first Vedic clock- which will display time according to ancient Indian traditional panchang- has been prepared and installed in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district and will be unveiled on March 1, 2024.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the Vedic clock installed on an 85-foot high tower constructed at Jantar Mantar in the city on March 1, 2024. It is located near Government Jiwaji Observatory in the district.

The clock will display information about Vedic Hindu Panchang, planetary positions, Muhurat, astrological calculation, predictions, etc and it will also show time the Indian Standard Time (IST) and the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The clock will calculate the time based on from one sunrise to another.

Member of Vedic clock developing team, Shishir Gupta told ANI "The world's first Vedic clock is installed at an 85-foot high tower constructed here in Ujjain. The clock will calculate time from one sunrise to another. The time period between the two sunrises will be divided into 30 parts whose one hour consist of 48 minutes according to ISD. The reading will start from 0:00 with the sunrise functions for 30 hours (an hour of 48 minutes)."

The clock will display 30 Muhurats, tithi and all other time calculations of Vedic Hindu panchang, he added.

Director of Maharaja Vikramaditya Research Institute, Shree Ram Tiwari said, "It will be the world's first clock in which Indian time calculation will be displayed. The Vedic Clock is installed here as Ujjain has been considered the centre of time calculation. The Tropic of Cancer passes through Ujjain."

Experts say that 300 years ago, the standard time of the world was determined from Ujjain only. A machine is present in Ujjain to find out the time.

The then Higher Education Minister and now state Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had laid the foundation stone of the Vedic clock on November 6, 2022..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   Chandigarh

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Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shri Anurag Singh Thakur 25th Feb 2024 announced the setting up of a regional facilitation office of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Chandigarh, with the objective of promoting ease of doing business for filmmakers of the region.

Making this announcement at the closing ceremony of the Chitra Bharati Film Festival in Chandigarh today, Shri Thakur said filmmakers of the region can can get the facility of screening of their films and submission of cuts/modifications, without having to go to either  Delhi or Mumbai to get CBFC Certificate for their films. He said, this move will further strengthen the Punjabi film industry.

The Minister further said  "today, India is being viewed as a content hub and we are becoming the preferred country for both shooting and post production for international films. Parallely our own content is getting a lot of praise across the world".

Stating that every year, more than half of the 2500 films made in the world are made on Indian soil the Minister said " from feature films to documentaries and short films to serials, Indian cinema today is capturing every colour of life on its canvas and making local stories global. It therefore does not matter what language a film is being made in, as long as the content is interesting, it will always have takers".

"I have great faith that the films that are made in the Punjab region also have great potential. Therefore, the Government has decided to set up a CBFC facilitation office in Chandigarh so that the process of getting certification becomes easier and the process of film completion becomes faster" Shri Thakur added.

The Minister also spoke about the initiative being taken by the government to make film halls more accessible for specially- abled film fans. The government has already invited comments from stakeholders to firm up a new guideline in this regard so that people with hearing and visual impairment have the opportunity to enjoy a film, like everyone else. "It has been the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi  to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens of this country. He is the first person to call them Divyang, instead of Viklang. It is with his express interest that the Government has taken it upon itself to release a version of every film which will be suited for those who are differently-abled.

Speaking on the menace of piracy, Shri. Thakur added, "We have recently made very meaningful changes in the Cinematograph Act to prevent film piracy. Today, special nodal officers are being appointed at all our CBFC centres to curb piracy. 12 nodal officers across the country will receive complaints against piracy and give instructions to remove pirated content on digital platforms. Action will be taken within 48 hours of receiving the complaint. Piracy is a big threat not only to the film industry but to the entire world."

According to reports, the film industry is incurring a loss of Rs 20,000 crore every year due to piracy.

Congratulating the organisers of the Chitra Bharati Film Festival, Shri Thakur said, "The efforts being made to promote young talent and to motivate them to make meaningful films that reflect the rich culture and heritage of our country is indeed commendable. I look forward to seeing many of these films in leading film festivals across the world in the near future."..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   25th February 2024

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Raja Venkatappa Naik, a revered figure in Surapur’s political landscape in Karnataka and a dedicated Congress MLA, bid farewell on 25th February 2024 (around 1:50 pm), leaving behind a rich political legacy. His demise, at the age of 66, marked a poignant moment for Surapur and Karnataka’s political fraternity.

A Tragic Loss at Manipal Hospital :

Naik, who had been undergoing treatment at Manipal Hospital, succumbed to his illness, prompting an outpouring of grief and condolences from across the political spectrum. His passing, confirmed by hospital authorities, cast a pall over Surapur and beyond, as colleagues and constituents mourned the loss of a stalwart leader.

Condolences from Key Figures :

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge led the tributes, expressing heartfelt condolences to Naik’s family and supporters. Their poignant messages echoed the sentiments of a grieving community, acknowledging Naik’s profound impact on state politics and his unwavering commitment to public service.

A Legacy of Service and Dedication :

Naik’s tenure as a four-time MLA and recent appointment as Chairman of Karnataka State Warehousing Corporation underscored his enduring commitment to the people of Surapur. His political journey, marked by electoral triumphs and advocacy for his constituents, served as a testament to his unwavering dedication and leadership.

Reflecting on Naik’s Political Journey :

From his early victories in the 1990s to his latest role in shaping state policies, Naik’s political journey reflected a lifetime of service and dedication. His victories in Surapur resonated with the electorate, who entrusted him with their hopes and aspirations, forging a bond that transcended partisan lines.

End of an Era in Surapur :

Raja Venkatappa Naik’s passing marked the end of an era in Surapur’s political landscape, leaving behind a void that would be challenging to fill. As the community mourned his loss, they found comfort in the enduring legacy of a leader who dedicated his life to serving others. Naik’s memory would live on in the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege of knowing him, a testament to the enduring impact of his remarkable life and career.

Correct Answer :   Pakistan

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In Pakistan, Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of three-time Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, became the first woman Chief Minister of West Punjab on Monday (26th February 2024).

Speaking after taking the oath, Maryam said,  it is the victory of every woman, every mother and every sister. She added that it is not easy to take over the legacy of her father but she will try to perform over and above the expectations. Ms. Maryam said that from today, she would not just be the representative of a particular political party but a Wazir-e-Ala of the entire Punjab.

In the recently concluded elections,  PML-N won 137 seats in the Punjab Assembly while independents backed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won 113 seats..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Adani Group

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Adani Defence and Aerospace, a part of Gautam Adani-led Adani group, on Monday (26th Feb 2024) launched two mega facilities to manufacture ammunition and missiles in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Spread over 500 acres, the facility is going to be one of the largest integrated ammunition manufacturing complexes in South Asia.

The Adani group company plans to invest over ?3,000 crore in the facilities, which are expected to create around 4,000 jobs, with five times the multiplier effect on MSMEs and the local ecosystem benefiting from it indirectly, it says in a release.

The facilities will produce high-quality small, medium and large calibre ammunition for the armed forces, paramilitary forces and police. The facility has started rolling out small calibre ammunition, starting with 150 million rounds estimated at 25% of India’s annual requirement, the release notes.

“These cutting-edge facilities, which are first of their kind in the private sector in India, will provide a significant impetus to the nation’s self-reliance and technological advancement in defence,” Adani Defence says in the release.

The facilities were inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the presence of senior dignitaries from Ministry of Defence and the state government. The unveiling of the facilities coincided with the fifth anniversary of the Balakot airstrike ‘Operation Bandar’, a historic operation by the Indian Air Force that was a testimony to India’s strategic assertiveness over external threats.

“The facility is a testimony to Uttar Pradesh’s transformation into an industrial powerhouse and our commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Adani Defence & Aerospace has made the largest investment in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor, which will play a crucial role in developing a vibrant defence ecosystem,” says UP CM.

“It is encouraging to see the commencement of operations within 18 months of allocating land. It will be a proud moment when ammunition and missiles produced in these facilities will help in securing the nation,” adds Yogi Adityanath.

Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace, says the establishment of these ammunition and missiles complexes represents a leap forward in the company’s quest for self reliance. “With a planned investment of over ?3,000 crore, its impact extends far beyond the defence sector. It will create over 4,000 jobs, with five times the multiplier effect on MSMEs and the local ecosystem benefiting from it indirectly. We are committed to ensuring that our efforts are inclusive and sustainable, fostering growth while preserving the environment for generations to come,” states Rajvanshi.

As per the company, the ammunition complex started operations in less than two years of its announcement by the Adani Group during the Uttar Pradesh Investors’ Summit in 2022. In 2022, Uttar Pradesh Industrial Development Authority (UPIDA) had signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Adani Aerospace and Defence and other companies to develop Kanpur as South Asia's largest manufacturing facility for arms and ammunition.

“An industry 4.0 facility, it has state of the art automation ensuring highest standards in quality, safety and reliability using artificial intelligence and data analytics. Further, being a PESO certified complex, it will also house explosive handling facilities for missiles and precision-guided munitions,” the release highlights.

Adani Defence and Aerospace is the flagship defence company of the Adani Group. It is also focused on developing and offering unique capabilities across the unmanned segment, counter drones, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technologies and cyber defence.

Last month, Adani Defence launched its indigenously manufactured Drishti 10 Starliner Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to the Indian Navy. Drishti 10 Starliner is an advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform with 36 hours endurance and 450 kg payload capacity..

Source : Fortune India

Correct Answer :   Vietnam

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Vietnam has approved a new national hydrogen strategy that aims to produce 100,000-500,000 tonnes of clean H2 annually by 2030, rising to 10-20 million tonnes by 2050.

As part of the strategy, the government is seeking foreign investors to help produce green and blue hydrogen in the country, which will either be exported or used domestically for transport, heavy industry and power generation, meeting about 10% of the nation’s final energy demand by 2050.

“The overall goal of the strategy is to develop Vietnam’s hydrogen energy ecosystem based on renewable energy, including production, storage, transportation, distribution, domestic use and export to downstream countries,” the Ministry of Industry and Trade said in a statement.

It added that the production of hydrogen “from other energy sources (such as coal, oil and gas)... that capture carbon” would also contribute to the targets.

In the run-up to 2030, Vietnam wants to “gradually develop the hydrogen energy market in accordance with, and in sync with, the fuel conversion roadmap in energy-using sectors of the economy including electricity production, transportation (road, rail, waterway, air), industry (steel, cement, chemical, oil refining, other industrial), commercial and residential”.

The ministry added that it will seek to deploy pilot projects that “take advantage of existing infrastructure”, while also creating a “mechanism and legal corridor for businesses that produce and use fossil energy to actively convert to producing and using hydrogen energy… [including] regulations to decide investment policies for offshore wind power projects, hydrogen/ammonia production and export projects using renewable energy (solar power, offshore wind power…)”.

Preferential mechanisms and policies on taxes, fees and land rights will also be developed to attract investment into the sector.

Yesterday (Thursday), industry and trade minister Nguyen Hong Dien chaired an in-person and online conference to discuss the new hydrogen strategy with other ministries, local authorities, Communist Party branches, trade associations, corporations, state energy enterprises and international development agencies, including USAID and Germany’s GIZ.

The Communist government, which is aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2050, has assigned tasks to “ministries, branches and localities” to deploy the hydrogen strategy, including adjusting provincial plans, proposing policies to encourage the use of H2 fuel for vehicles, and increasing the “mobilisation of domestic and foreign capital sources”..

Source : Hydrogen Insight

Correct Answer :   Droupadi Murmu

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After the success of the ‘International Purple Fest, 2024’ held in Goa from 8th to 13th January, 2024, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is set to host a day-long celebration of inclusivity at Amrit Udyaan in the Rashtrapati Bhawan on 26th February, 2024.

Inauguration by the Honorable President :

* The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, will inaugurate the Purple Fest event, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
* Accompanied by the Ministers of Social Justice & Empowerment and the Secretary of DEPwD, the inauguration sets a powerful tone for the day’s festivities.

A Gathering of Empowerment :

* More than 10 thousand Divyangjan, along with their companions, will gather at this illustrious venue, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and empowerment.
* The Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities spearheads the organization of this monumental event, underscoring its significance in promoting disability rights and inclusion.

Celebrating Inclusivity: Key Activities

The ‘Purple Fest’ promises a plethora of fully inclusive and interactive stalls featuring organizations dedicated to accessibility, inclusion, and disability rights. Attendees can immerse themselves in various activities, including:

* Amrit Udyaan Visit : Explore the serene beauty of Amrit Udyaan, soaking in the tranquil ambiance of nature.
* Know Your Disabilities : An educational initiative aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of different disabilities.
* Purple Cafe : A corner offering refreshments and fostering conversations.
* Purple Kaleidoscope : An artistic showcase celebrating the diverse talents and creativity within the disability community.
* Purple Live Experience Zone : An immersive experience allowing participants to step into the shoes of individuals with disabilities, promoting empathy and understanding.
* Purple Sports : Engage in competitions and activities, showcasing the prowess and athleticism of individuals with disabilities.

Promoting Awareness and Understanding

* The ‘Purple Fest’ serves as a platform for individuals to showcase their ideas and insights, fostering dialogue and collaboration towards creating a more inclusive and accessible society.
* By raising awareness about different disabilities and challenging misconceptions, prejudices, stigma, and stereotypes, the fest aims to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of persons with disabilities within society.