10 PM Current Affairs Quiz : March 23, 2019

IATA is a trade association for the world’s airlines. It was established in April 1945.It represents some 290 airlines which accounts for 82% of total air traffic. It is headquartered in Montreal,  Quebec, Canada. It is successor to International Air Traffic Association established in 1919.

IATA aims to improve understanding of the air transport industry among decision makers and increase awareness of the benefits that aviation brings to national and global economies. It also helps airlines to operate safely, securely, efficiently and economically under clearly defined rules.

SpiceJet has joined global airlines grouping International Air Transport Association (IATA) as a member. It became the first Indian low-cost carrier to join the IATA.

A REIT is a company that owns, operates or finances income-producing real estate. Modeled after mutual funds, REITs provide all investors the chance to own valuable real estate, present the opportunity to access dividend-based income and total returns, and help communities grow, thrive and revitalize.

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) mandated that all REITS be listed on exchanges and make an initial public offer to raise money.

The World Happiness Report is a measure of happiness published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The happiness study ranks the countries of the world on the basis of questions from the Gallup World Poll.

Finland topped the list for the second consecutive year, followed by Denmark and Norway. South Sudan was ranked at the bottom of the index.

India has been ranked at 140th on the United Nations World Happiness Report 2019 that ranked 156 countries. It is a decline of seven spots from 133rd in the last year’s report.

SVEEP is a programme of multiple interventions through different modes and media. It is designed to educate citizens, electors and voters about the electoral process in order to increase their awareness and participation in the electoral processes.

It also includes awareness on the new initiatives launched by the Election Commission.

Golan Heights is located in the southwest tip of Syria. It shares a border with Lebanon, Jordan and Israel. The area is not densely populated. Today more than 40,000 people live in the Golan. Majority of the members are from Druze faith who are mostly citizens of Syria. The other half are Jewish settlers who have moved in since Israel captured the territory.

Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in a 1967 war. United States President has declared that US will recognize Israel’s Sovereignty over the disputed Golan Heights. This move will be a major shift in US policy towards the Israeli-occupied territory.

The CPSE ETF is managed by Reliance Nippon Life Mutual Fund. It comprises shares of the 11 public sector undertaking companies which are (a)ONGC (b)Coal India (c)IOC (d)Oil India (e)PFC (f)REC (g)Bharat Electronics (h)NTPC (I)SJVN (j)NLC and (k)NBCC.

The ETFs trading value is based on the net asset value of the underlying stocks that it represents. The ETF is aimed at helping speed up the government’s disinvestment programme.