Correct Answer : Option (A) - India Post Payments Bank

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India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has implemented service charges for Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) transactions, effective from June 15, 2022. AePS is a bank-led model allowing online financial transactions at Point of Sale (PoS) terminals through Aadhaar authentication, enabling various banking services.

IPPB AePS Service Charges :

* The first three AePS issuer transactions per month, including cash withdrawal, cash deposit, and mini statement, will be free.
* Transactions exceeding the free limit will incur charges: ?20 plus GST per transaction for cash withdrawals and deposits, and ?5 plus GST per transaction for mini statements.

Services Provided by AePS :

Banking Services :

Other Services :

IPPB NEFT/RTGS Transactions :

* IPPB has signed a sub-membership agreement with the Department of Post to facilitate NEFT/RTGS transactions for their customers.
* A dedicated IFS code, “IPOS0000DOP,” has been created exclusively for transactions in DoP Customer accounts.
* For inward transactions to IPPB accounts, the IFS code “IPOS0000001” should be used, while for Post Office Savings Account (POSA) accounts in DoP, “IPOS0000DOP” is to be used.
* Customers are advised to ensure accurate beneficiary account numbers to facilitate proper credit, as IPPB account numbers and POSA account numbers may share similar structures in some branches.

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Avantika Vandanapu

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Indian-American actress Avantika Vandanapu, best known for her role as Karen Shetty in the 2024 musical comedy “Mean Girls,” has been honored with the prestigious “South Asian Person of the Year” award by Harvard University.

This accolade recognizes Vandanapu’s outstanding contributions to the arts and her role in promoting South Asian representation in global media.

A Multifaceted Talent :

* At just 19 years old, Avantika Vandanapu has already made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. Beyond her standout performance in the “Mean Girls” adaptation, the actress has also made her OTT debut in the Indian series “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” showcasing her versatility and range as a performer.

* Vandanapu’s journey to recognition has been marked by a deep passion for the arts, which she cultivated from a young age. Born to a Telugu-speaking Indian family in California, the actress began her training in drama at the renowned American Conservatory Theater, honing her craft and preparing for the exciting opportunities that lay ahead.

Early Achievements and Breakthrough Roles :

* Vandanapu’s talent and dedication were evident from an early age. In 2014, she captured the attention of audiences by winning second place in the “Dance India Dance L’il Masters (North America Edition)” competition, demonstrating her exceptional skills in the realm of dance as well.

* The following year, Vandanapu made her official debut in the Telugu film industry, starring in the movie “Brahmotsavam” alongside established Bollywood stars such as Mahesh Babu, Kajal Aggarwal, Samantha, and Pranitha Subhash. This early foray into the Indian film industry paved the way for her subsequent success.

Breakthrough on the Global Stage :

* Vandanapu’s big break came in 2021 when she landed the lead role of Rhea Kumar in the Disney film “Spin.” Sharing the screen with renowned actors like Meera Syal and Abhay Deol, Vandanapu showcased her acting prowess and ability to captivate audiences on an international stage.

* The success of “Spin” and Vandanapu’s acclaimed performance in the film set the stage for her latest and most notable role in the 2024 adaptation of “Mean Girls.” As Karen Shetty, Vandanapu has not only demonstrated her exceptional acting skills but has also played a pivotal role in enhancing South Asian representation in mainstream Hollywood productions.

The Significance of the “South Asian Person of the Year” Award :

* Vandanapu’s recognition as the “South Asian Person of the Year” by Harvard University is a testament to the impact she has made in the entertainment industry and beyond. This prestigious award not only celebrates her individual achievements but also highlights the importance of diverse representation and the power of storytelling that transcends cultural boundaries.

* In her acceptance speech, Vandanapu expressed her gratitude and the profound significance of this honor, stating, “Receiving this award from an institution as esteemed as Harvard University is incredibly humbling and beyond inspiring. This award is not just a recognition of my work, but it shines a light on the importance of storytelling that crosses borders and the vital role of Indian representation in global media.”

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Rashmi Kumari

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Rashmi Kumari has etched her name deeper into the annals of Indian carrom history by claiming her 12th National Carrom Championship title. The three-time World Champion overcame a tough challenge from K Nagajothi in the women’s final, emerging victorious with a scoreline of 25-8, 14-20, 25-20.

* Rashmi’s remarkable achievement is a testament to her unwavering dedication and the relentless pursuit of excellence that has defined her illustrious career. As the Chief Manager at the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Rashmi has seamlessly balanced her professional responsibilities with her passion for the sport, cementing her status as one of the most decorated carrom players in the country.

A Clash of Titans: The Women’s Final

* The highly anticipated women’s final witnessed a thrilling battle between two of the sport’s most formidable talents. Rashmi Kumari, the seasoned veteran, faced off against the up-and-coming K Nagajothi, setting the stage for a captivating showdown.

* In the opening game, Rashmi showcased her dominance, cruising to a decisive 25-8 victory. However, Nagajothi refused to be deterred, rallying back in the second game to level the proceedings with a 20-14 triumph. Unfazed, Rashmi drew upon her extensive experience and unparalleled composure to regain control in the decisive third game, emerging victorious with a 25-20 score.

The Men’s Final: Srinivas Dominates with Fourth National Title :

* While Rashmi Kumari’s historic victory captivated the headlines, the men’s final also witnessed a remarkable display of carrom prowess. K Srinivas, the reigning champion, faced off against S Aditya in a one-sided encounter that showcased the former’s mastery of the game. Srinivas, who was in scintillating form throughout the tournament, steamrolled his opponent with a commanding 25-0 victory in the opening game and a 19-6 triumph in the second game to clinch his fourth national men’s singles title.

A Tournament of Excellence and Sportsmanship

* The 51st National Carrom Championship, sponsored by the Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) and SYNCO carrom company, attracted a strong field of 237 men and 174 women participants from across the country. The tournament showcased the depth and diversity of talent in the sport, with the semifinals and quarterfinals providing a glimpse into the future of Indian carrom.

* Rashmi Kumari’s 12th national title is a testament to her unwavering dedication and the respect she has earned within the carrom community. As a role model and inspiration to aspiring players, her success serves to motivate the next generation of carrom champions to strive for greatness and uphold the rich traditions of the sport.

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni

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The American President’s Volunteer Service Award was established in 2003 during George Bush’s presidency. The award is given to individuals who have provided at least 500 hours of voluntary service in the United States and whose work has positively impacted communities and inspired those around them.

Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni has become the first Indian monk to be honoured with the American President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award. The award recognizes Acharya Lokesh Muni’s contribution to the public good and humanity.

The Award Ceremony :

* The award ceremony was held in Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
* U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman read the certificate and citation issued by American President Joe Biden.
* President Joe Biden congratulated Acharya Lokesh Muni and appreciated his humanitarian work and service to humanity.

Acharya Lokesh Muni’s Acceptance Speech :

* In his award acceptance speech, Acharya Lokesh Muni expressed his pride in being honored with the American Presidential Award.
* He stated that the honor is a recognition of Indian culture, spiritual values, and the Jain principles of Lord Mahavir.

About Acharya Lokesh Muni

* Acharya Lokesh Muni is a follower of the Jain religion founded by Lord Mahavira.
* He is a thinker, writer, poet, and social reformer who has been continuously working to build national character, develop human values, and establish non-violence, peace, and mutual cooperation in society.

Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati :

* Acharya Lokesh Muni founded the Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati in Gurugram, Haryana.
* The Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati focuses on the four global pillars of non-violence, peace, harmony, and brotherhood in line with Lord Mahavira’s teachings and Indian cultural norms.

The Significance of Capitol Hill and the White House :

* Capitol Hill is the home of the legislative branch of the United States federal government, including the Senate and the House of Representatives.
* It is often referred to as the symbol of U.S. democracy and houses the Library of Congress.
* The White House, on the other hand, is the office and residence of the U.S. President, distinct from Capitol Hill.

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Russia

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Russia successfully tested its Angara-A5 space rocket for the first time on April 11, 2024. The test launch was conducted from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Far East of Russia. In fact, rocket test launches on April 9 and 10 were cancelled due to a malfunction in the pressurization system and a problem with the engine launch-control system.

Previous Launch Attempts and Cancellations

* Two previous launch attempts on April 9 and 10 were canceled due to technical issues.
* The April 9 launch was canceled due to a malfunction in the pressurization system, while the April 10 launch was canceled because of a problem with the engine launch-control system.

Third Test Launch a Success :

* The April 11 launch was Russia’s third test of the Angara-A5 rocket, and it was successful.
* The launch coincided with Cosmonaut Day, which commemorates Yuri Gagarin’s historic spaceflight 63 years ago.

Rocket Performance and Specifications :

* The Angara-A5 rocket reached an altitude of more than 25,000 kilometers (15,500 miles) per hour within minutes of launch.
* The Angara-A5 is a three-stage rocket that stands 54.5 meters (178.81 feet) tall and weighs about 773 tons, with a payload capacity of 24.5 tons.

The Angara Project

* Russia launched the Angara project in 1991, shortly after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, to develop a domestically produced launch vehicle.
* The first Angara-A5 test flight took place in 2014, and a second test was conducted in 2020 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia.
* A partial test of the Angara project in 2021 was unsuccessful.

Significance of the Angara Rocket

* The Angara-A5 is designed to replace Russia’s Proton launcher and maintain Russia’s access to space after the expiration of the lease on the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in 2050.
* President Vladimir Putin has touted the Angara’s role in national security, although the project has faced significant delays and technical setbacks.
* Russia hopes to use the Angara’s cargo capabilities to deliver modules to a rival space station that it plans to build in the coming years.

Correct Answer : Option (B) - India-Uzbekistan

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The fifth edition of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK is set to commence on April 15, 2024, in Termez District, Uzbekistan. This exercise marks another milestone in the strategic partnership between the two nations, fostering mutual cooperation and enhancing military capabilities.

Overview of Exercise DUSTLIK 2024 :

Participating contingents from the Indian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan will undergo joint training sessions during the two-week-long exercise. The focus will be on sharing best practices in subconventional operations under UN mandates, aiming to bolster operational effectiveness and coordination between the two armies.

Previous Editions and Objectives :

The fourth edition of the joint military exercise took place on February 20 last year at the Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand. It emphasized the exchange of expertise and experiences, particularly in areas relevant to peacekeeping operations. With 45 soldiers from each side participating, the exercise aimed at promoting positive relations and camaraderie between the Indian Army and the Uzbekistan Army.

Composition and Participation :

The Indian Army contingent comprises troops from an infantry battalion from the Garhwal Rifles Regiment, showcasing India’s commitment to the exercise and the partnership with Uzbekistan. Since its inception in November 2019, the DUSTLIK exercise has evolved as a platform for fostering military-to-military ties and enhancing interoperability between the two nations.

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Dr. Gagandeep Kang

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Dr. Gagandeep Kang, an Indian researcher, has been awarded the 2024 John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award for her achievements in global health research.

Gairdner Foundation’s 2024 Awardees :

The Gairdner Foundation announced its 2024 Canada Gairdner Award winners, recognizing some of the world’s most significant biomedical and global health research and discoveries.

Dr. Kang’s Contributions and Impact :

* The Foundation awarded Dr. Kang “for extensive cohort-based epidemiological, environmental and clinical trial research on enteric diseases in children and their effects on life course, with significant impact on vaccine development and health policy in India and internationally.”

* Dr. Kang’s research group has established substantial community-based birth cohort studies addressing childhood enteric infections, growth, and development for over 20 years.

* Her work has generated extensive information on the complex interactions between the environment and infections in children, and the influence of prior infections on subsequent responses to vaccination.

* Kang conducted the largest single birth cohort study on rotaviral infections in the world, demonstrating that protection after a natural infection is lower in India than in developed countries, which has important implications for disease control through vaccination.

* She has led studies that contributed to the development and introduction of two Indian rotavirus vaccines into the national immunization program.

Other 2024 Canada Gairdner Award Laureates

* The other 2024 Canada Gairdner International Award laureates were recognized for their work in areas such as CAR T cell therapy for cancer, DNA sequencing technology, and understanding the impact of human breast milk on the infant microbiome.

* The 2024 Canada Gairdner Momentum Award went to mid-career investigators, including Meghan Azad and Christian Landry, for their exceptional scientific research contributions with continued potential for impact on human health.

Correct Answer : Option (A) - 6.1%

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Moody’s Analytics projects a modest uptick in India’s economic growth for 2024, estimating a 6.1% expansion, slightly higher than the 6% projected earlier in March. Despite the growth, it remains lower than the 7.7% recorded in 2023. The report highlights concerns regarding inflation, citing India’s recent consumer price inflation hovering around 5% with no clear evidence of abating pressure.

Inflation Dynamics and RBI’s Outlook :

Moody’s Analytics underscores the persistent challenge of inflation across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, with uncertain trends. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintains a cautious stance, particularly regarding food prices, and projects a retail inflation rate of 4.5% for the fiscal year 2024-25. Geopolitical tensions further complicate the inflation outlook, with risks to commodity prices and supply chains.

Economic Performance and Post-Pandemic Rebound :

The report assesses the economic landscapes of major APAC economies, noting a divergence in domestic demand dynamics. While China and Japan face hurdles due to weak internal demand, India and ASEAN economies benefit from a delayed but improving post-pandemic rebound. However, the output in India remains below pre-pandemic levels by 4%, indicating ongoing recovery challenges from various disruptions, including supply chain issues and geopolitical conflicts.

Regional Comparisons and Recovery Trajectories :

Moody’s Analytics places the recovery of India and Southeast Asia in the context of broader regional and global trends. Despite significant output losses compared to pre-pandemic trajectories, the Asia-Pacific region demonstrates resilience, with a forecasted growth of 3.8% in 2024, outpacing the global economy’s projected 2.5% growth.

Correct Answer : Option (B) - 2040

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ISRO Chief S Somanath announced that India aims to land an astronaut on the moon by 2040, as part of the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 mission, highlighting India's ambitious lunar exploration goals and the progress in ISRO's space projects.

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Sikkim

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Army conducted an Anti-Tank Guided Missile training exercise in Sikkim, showcasing their capability to neutralize armoured threats at high altitudes.

This exercise highlights the strategic importance of Sikkim in military training, particularly in challenging terrains like treacherous mountains.