The 2nd Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting, led by Brazil, convened in Brasilia with India’s participation.
Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary of Labour & Employment, India, co-chairs alongside Brazil and South Africa.
The meeting’s focus includes quality employment, just transition amidst digital transformations, technology’s role in enhancing life quality, and gender equity in workplaces.
The Indian delegation emphasized inclusivity, advocating for equal representation and empowerment irrespective of demographics.
2. Recently, where was the first Nuclear Energy Summit held? – Brussels
Leaders from 34 countries convened in Brussels for the Nuclear Energy Summit on March 21.
Organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Belgium, the summit aimed to explore strategies for leveraging nuclear power in achieving net-zero emissions and sustainable development goals.
Following COP28, where over 20 countries pledged to increase nuclear energy use, the summit emphasized practical steps for deployment and financing.
Technical panels delved into maximizing nuclear energy’s potential.
3. In which country is the Popocatepetl volcano, which was in discussion recently, located? – Mexico
Recently, a major accident occurred in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, USA, when a big cargo ship from Singapore collided with the ‘Francis Scott Key Bridge’ and the bridge broke and fell into the water.
This bridge was built in the year 1977 on the Patapsco River in Baltimore city.
5. Basirou Diomaye Faye has been elected as the President of which African country? – Senegal
Bassirou Diomaye Faye has won the presidential election of the West African country Senegal Basirou Diomaye Faye defeated former Prime Minister Amadouba in the presidential election.
Economic Affairs
6.Mushk Budiji, recently seen in the news, is an indigenous variety of which crop? – Rice
A recent study unveils the secrets behind the unique aroma of Mushk Budiji, a native rice variety from the Kashmir Himalaya.
Initially threatened by extinction due to low yield and rice blast disease, a revival initiative by SKUAST scientists since 2007 has led to its slow resurgence.
In August 2023, Mushk Budiji was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
This niche crop thrives under specific climatic conditions, securing its place in Kashmir’s agricultural heritage.
Sports
7. Who has Rajasthan Royals included in the team as a replacement for Prasidh Krishna? – Keshav Maharaj
Rajasthan Royals have included South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj in the team as a replacement for the famous Krishna.
At the same time, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has also included Afghanistan’s young off-spinner Allah Ghazanfar in the team as a replacement for injured Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
8. Who is the first umpire from Bangladesh to be included in the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires? – Sharafuddaulah Ibne Shahid
India recently applied to the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) for rights to explore the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount (AN Seamount) in the Indian Ocean.
AN Seamount is a 400 km-long and 150 km-wide feature rich in cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper.
It lies 3,000 km from India’s coast, rising 1200 m above the ocean floor.
Seamounts, formed through volcanic activity near mid-ocean ridges, are hotspots for marine life, with potential for active resource extraction.
Appointments
11. Who has been appointed by Microsoft as the new head of both Windows and Surface? – Pawan Davuluri
Microsoft has appointed Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) graduate Pavan Davuluri as the new head of both Windows and Surface. Davuluri replaces previous Windows chief Mikhail Parakhin.
12. Which Indian has been appointed by the UN Secretary General as his Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction? – Kamal Kishore
Kamal Kishore, a top official of India’s National Disaster Management Authority, has been appointed by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as his Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The 55-year-old Kishor will serve as the Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
13. Who has been appointed as the Director General of Police Research and Development Bureau? – Rajiv Kumar Sharma