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The correct answer is ​Off the coast of Goa.

Key Points

• Sunchi Reef, Amee Shoals, and Grande Island are all located in the coastal waters of the Indian state of Goa.
• These locations are popular for shipwreck tourism and diving due to the presence of shipwrecks and the diverse marine life in the area.
• Shipwreck tourism involves visiting and exploring shipwrecks, often for recreational diving and historical interest.
• In the case of these Indian locations, shipwreck enthusiasts and divers are attracted to the underwater artifacts and the unique underwater ecosystems that have developed around these shipwrecks.

Additional Information

 Sunchi Reef:

• The earliest shipwreck in Indian waters, known only as the 'Sunchi Reef wreck' for the treacherous rocks off Goa's coast where its remains still lie, may soon get a back-story.
• Relics from the unidentified 17^th-century Portuguese ship take up an entire showcase at the National Institute of Oceanography's patio displa, its 200-tonne granite ballasts preserved on campus, but little else is known -until now.

Amee Shoals:

• Amee Shoals lies on the south of Sunchi Reef, close to the Marmagao bayand has a wider extension with varying depths.
• A steam engine shipwreck has been explored in 9 m water depth off Amee Shoals in Goa waters.
• The exploration has brought to light boilers, boiler bricks (furnace bricks), flanges, water tanks, hawser, hatch doors, broken copper pipes, tubes, etc.
• During the Portuguese regime in Goa, Portuguese had leased the job of laying the railway line from Marmagao to Castle Rock in 1887 to a British Company.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• The G20 comprises nineteen countries and two regional unions. The African Union became the G20's 21^st member in 2023.
• These countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.
• In addition to the member countries, each year, the G20 president invites guest countries to participate in the G20 meetings and the Summit.
• This year, India has invited Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and the UAE as guest countries during its G20 presidency.
• As per figures released by the Ministry of External Affairs, these countries cumulatively account for 85 per cent of global gross domestic product, over 75 per cent of global trade and two-thirds of the globe’s entire population. Hence option 1 and 3 are correct.

Additional Information 85% of global GDP:

• The G20 forum, which puts international economic cooperation at the forefront of its agenda, also represents around 85 per cent of global GDP.
• Additionally, India’s average GDP growth rate for the years 2023 to 2026 stands the highest at 6.1 per cent, followed by China at 4.4 per cent and Turkey at 3 per cent, making it the fastest growing economy among the G20 nations, according to the ANI news agency.

More than 70% of global trade

• Further, as per the ANI report, India’s bilateral trade with G20 countries during the financial year 2022-23 demonstrate that the US is India’s largest trade partner among the G20 countries, with $129 billion in merchandise trade and a trade surplus of$27.7 billion.
• India’s second largest trade partner is China (total merchandise trade of $113.8 billion), Saudi Arabia ($49.9 billion) and Russia ($49.4 billion).
• The only regional group in the G20, the EU, is an important trade partner of India with a total merchandise trade of $135.9 billion, leaving a trade surplus of$13.8 billion.

Over 60% of world’s population:

• The G20 member states are home to over 4.9 billion people with an average life expectancy of 78 years and a current median age of 39, against a global average of 30.
• As per figures by the World Population Review, India (17. 85 per cent) and China (17.81 per cent) together account for over 35 per cent of the world population. The United States, also a member, comes third accounting for only 4.25 per cent of the global population, followed by Indonesia at 3.47 per cent.$

The correct answer is Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Key Points

• Prigozhin is also linked to the Wagner Group, a private military company that has been involved in conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and other regions.
• The Wagner Group is often described as a "Putin-linked paramilitary organization.
• Yevgeny Prigozhin was born on February 1, 1961, in Leningrad, Soviet Union (now known as Saint Petersburg, Russia).
• Prigozhin is known for his close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• It is widely believed that he has acted as a key intermediary between the Kremlin and various initiatives, including private military companies.
• Prigozhin has been associated with various media projects and internet-related enterprises that support the Russian government's propaganda efforts and disinformation campaigns.
• It's important to note that Prigozhin is a controversial figure with many aspects of his life and activities clouded in secrecy.
• His relationship with the Russian government and his alleged involvement in various activities have drawn significant international attention and scrutiny.

The correct answer is the World Economic Forum.

Key PointsThe Global Gender Gap Report:

• The Global Gender Gap Report is released by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
• The report assesses and ranks countries based on gender equality in various areas, including economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.
• It is typically published annually and provides valuable insights into the state of gender equality around the world.
• The Global Gender Gap Report is an annual report created by the World Economic Forum that measures gender equality across four dimensions:
• Economic Participation and Opportunity
• Educational Attainment
• Health and Survival
• Political Empowerment
• The Global Gender Gap Index is scored on a scale of 0 to 1, with 1 representing perfect gender equality. The index is updated annually, and the most recent report was published in June 2023.
• The Global Gender Gap Report is a valuable tool for tracking progress toward gender equality. It can help governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to identify areas where more work needs to be done to close the gender gap.
• The global gender gap score for this year is 68.4%, reflecting a slight improvement of 0.3% compared to the previous year.
• However, the report highlights that at the current pace of progress, it would still take 131 years to achieve full gender parity.
• This indicates a notable slowdown in the overall rate of change toward gender equality.
• Iceland has continued to hold its position as the top-ranked country in terms of gender equality for the 14^th year in a row, with an impressive gender gap score of 91.2%.
• India has shown notable improvement in gender equality, moving up from the 135^th position in the previous year to the 127^th position out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023.
• Compared to its neighboring countries, India’s ranking surpasses Pakistan (142^nd), Bangladesh (59^th), China (107^th), Nepal (116^th), Sri Lanka (115^th), and Bhutan (103^rd).
• India has witnessed an increase of 1.4 percentage points and has climbed 8 positions since the last edition of the report.
• This advancement signifies a partial recovery towards achieving gender parity levels similar to those observed in 2020.

The correct answer is She reigned for 70 years and died at the age of 96 years.

Key Points

• Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, has passed away after reigning for 70 years.
• She was 96. She breathed her last at her Scottish estate Balmoral.
• The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.
• Her son King Charles III said the death of his beloved mother was a "moment of great sadness" for him and his family and that her loss would be "deeply felt" around the world.
• Queen Elizabeth II's tenure as head of state spanned post-war austerity, the transition from empire to Commonwealth, the end of the Cold War and the UK's entry into - and withdrawal from - the European Union.

 Additional Information

• She was witness to some of the most eventful moments in modern history, from the assassination of US President John F Kennedy to the moon landing, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the COVID pandemic.
• She saw 14 Prime Ministers of the UK during her reign, from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss.
• At first, she appointed Liz Truss in Balmoral in Scotland as she was too ill to return to London.
• Her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, died in April 2021, just weeks short of his 100^th birthday.

The correct answer is ​Path to Pride.

Key Points DefExpo 2022:

• In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said that the theme of the five-day event is ‘Path to Pride’ invoking nationalistic pride and encouraging citizens to partake in nation-building through establishing a capable indigenous Defence industry.
• It was held in a three-venue format in Gandhinagar Gujarat, from October 1822.
• The theme of the event is ‘Path to Pride’ invoking nationalistic pride and encouraging citizens to partake in nation-building through establishing a capable indigenous Defence industry.
• The participants will get an opportunity to showcase their equipment and platforms and also be able to explore the strengths and capabilities of the expanse of the Indian Defence industry for forging Business partnerships.
• It will help boost investment, expand manufacturing capacities and capabilities, and discover avenues for technology absorption,
• The exhibitor booking would be available for Indian companies which included Indian subsidiaries of Foreign OEMs, Joint Ventures between Indian and Foreign companies, Defence Public Sector Undertakings, State Pavilions, DRDO and Indian companies.
• DefExpo 2022 also commemorates one year since the creation of the seven new Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), which were created by the former Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). The 7 DPSUs are:
• Munitions India Limited (MIL)
• Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVANI)
• Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWE India)
• Troop Comforts Limited (TCL)
• India Optel Limited (IOL)
• Yantra India Limited (YIL)
• Gliders India Limited (GIL)
• The event is the first one to invite States and Union Territories (UTs) to install pavilions.
• At the India Pavilion of DefExpo-2022, PM Narendra Modi unveiled HTT-40, an indigenous trainer aircraft designed and developed by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The correct answer is Myanmar.

Key Points

• The Thadingyut Festival is also called the Lighting Festival of Myanmar.
• People in Myanmar celebrate this festival every year on the full moon day of the Burmese lunar month of Thadingyut.
• It is celebrated at the end of the Buddhist sabbath, mainly by Buddhist communities in Southeast Asia during the 3-month long monsoon period that usually starts in July and ends in October.
• Thadingyut Festival is the second most popular festival in Myanmar after the Thingyan Festival (New Year Water Festival).
• It is believed that Buddha’s mother, Maya, passed away just a week after his birth. She was reborn as a god named Santusita in the ‘Trayastrimsa Heaven’. Buddha’s ascension to heaven to visit his mother is celebrated as Dhammasetkya Day, which falls on Waso Month.
• Dhammasetkya Day marks the start of the 3 months of Buddhist Lent (Vassa) when monks retreat to their monasteries and dedicate themselves to meditation and study.
• Buddha visited his mother in the Trayastrimsa Heaven and spent three months there to deliver sermons based on Abhidhamma teachings.
• Thadingyut Festival is celebrated to welcome Buddha’s return to Earth from Trayastrimsa Heaven.
• The celebrations last for three days – the day before the full moon, the full moon day, and the day after the full moon.
• It is believed that Buddha returned to Earth on the full moon night of Thadingyut.
• This day marks the conclusion of the Buddhist Lent.

The correct answer is Option 4.

Key Points

• The address of the White House is actually 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20500, USA.
• It is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States.
• On November 1, 1800, President John Adams, in the last year of his only term as president, moved into the newly constructed President’s House, the original name for what is known today as the White House.
• The White House, located in Washington D.C., stands as a powerful symbol of the United States’ democracy, history, and leadership.
• As the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, it holds a central position in American politics and culture.

Additional Information

• The history of the White House dates back to the late 18^th century when President George Washington selected the site for the President’s House.
• Construction began in 1792 and was completed in 1800, making it one of the oldest public buildings in Washington D.C.
• During the War of 1812, the White House was set ablaze by British troops.
• The subsequent rebuilding and restoration efforts led to the addition of the South Portico and the iconic North Portico, which faces Pennsylvania Avenue.
• The White House showcases a neoclassical architectural style, inspired by the designs of European palaces and public buildings.
• The main building is constructed of white-painted Aquia sandstone, giving it a distinctive appearance.
• The structure comprises three main sections: the main residence, the West Wing, and the East Wing.
• The White House holds immense significance as the official residence of the President and the symbol of American democracy. It represents the executive branch of the government and serves as a powerful image both nationally and internationally. The decisions made within its walls have shaped American history and influenced global affairs.

The correct answer is a billing mechanism for solar energy used by consumers for the electricity they add to the grid.

Key Points Net Metering:

• Net metering is often seen in the news in the context of promoting renewable energy and solar power adoption.
• It is a billing arrangement or incentive program that allows individuals, businesses, and other entities that generate their own electricity from renewable sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to connect to the grid and sell excess electricity back to the utility company.
• Net metering promotes renewable energy adoption by making it economically attractive for individuals and businesses to invest in solar panels and other renewable energy systems.
• It allows them to save on electricity costs and even earn money by selling excess energy.
• Additionally, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, contributing to a more sustainable energy future.
• However, net metering policies and regulations can vary from place to place, and they are sometimes a subject of debate.
• Some utilities and policymakers argue that the credits provided to net metering customers do not fully account for the costs of maintaining the grid and providing backup power when the renewable energy source is not producing electricity.

Working of Net Metering:

• Generation: When a solar panel system or other renewable energy source generates more electricity than the owner consumes, the excess electricity is sent to the grid.
• Bi-Directional Meter: A bi-directional meter records both the electricity consumed from the grid and the electricity sent back to the grid. When the system generates more electricity than is being used, the meter spins backward, effectively crediting the account of the system owner.
• Credits: The electricity generated and sent to the grid generates credits on the system owner's electricity bill. These credits can be used to offset future electricity consumption when the renewable energy source isn't generating enough power (e.g., at night or on cloudy days).

The correct answer is a - 2, b - 3, c - 4, d - 1.

Key Points

Magenta:

• Magenta is a colour that results from the combination of blue and red. It is a bright, vivid shade that falls in the purple spectrum of colours.
• Magenta is often used in art, design, and various other creative applications to add a bold and eye-catching element to visuals.

Teal:

• Teal is a colour that is often described as a combination of blue and green. It typically falls in the spectrum between blue and green, with a balance of both colours.
• The exact shade of teal can vary, ranging from more blue-leaning teal to more green-leaning teal.

Mauve:

• Mauve is a pale purple colour that is often described as a combination of blue and red.
• It's a tertiary colour, which means it is created by mixing a primary colour (blue) with a secondary colour (red) and White Colour.

Cyan:

• Cyan is the mixture of colour Green and Blue.