THE-CLAT POST-May 2023.5197367

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Bhopal 7676564400 | Indore 9109108422 | Jabalpur 9109108423 | Jodhpur 9109108419 | Raipur 9109108417 | Bilaspur 9109108416 | Ranchi 9109108418
Delhi 9891906520 | Gurugram 09717289708 | Kanpur 8576066660 | Prayagraj 6306330553 | w 6390573333
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S. No. Contents
1. United Nations Population Fund 4
2. Delhi Government Vs. Delhi Lg 5
3. Shiv Sena Judgment 7
4. Manipur Violence 9
5. India’s First National Water-Body Census 11
6.
7.
National Manufacturing Innovation Survey (Nmis)
Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers Bill 2023
c o m 12
14
8.
9.
Wef: “Future Of Jobs” Report
Sexual Harassment In Sports
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10.
11.
World Press Freedom Index 2023
India-Uae Cepa
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12.
13.
Cyclones
Eu’s Carbon Border Tax
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15.
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Law To Recall Bad Drugs
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Government Implements Rpwd Act 2016
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17. National
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Current Affairs Practice Sheet 30
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18. International 74
19. Science & Technology 77

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Appointmens & Resignations 78
21. Awards & Recognition 84
22. Books & Author 86
23. Important Days 87

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24. Obitury 95
25. Sports 97
26. Summit's & MoU's 102
27. Banking And Economy 106
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28. 110
29. Irretrievably Broken Down Marriage Can Be Dissolved On Ground Of Cruelty: Supreme 113
Court
30. Hate Speech: Supreme Court Directs That Its Order To Police For Suo Motu Action 114
Irrespective Of Religion Is Applicable To All States, Uts
31. Not Prudent For Courts To Confer Fundamental Right To Life Under Article 21 On Bulls: 115
Supreme Court In Jallikattu Verdict
32. What Is Article 239aa, And How The Supreme Court Interpreted It In Its Delhi Services 116
Verdict
33. 119
34. 119
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May, 2023
UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND

About
 The United Nations Agency for Sexual and reproductive health is known as UNFPA.
 It started operating in 1969 after being created as a trust fund in 1967.
 The United Nations Population Fund became the organization's official name in 1987.
 It has been established under the aegis of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and serves
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as a subsidiary organ of the UNGA.
 It is supported entirely by voluntary contributions and aims to directly tackle SDGs 3,4 and 5.
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Why in News?
 The UNFPA has recently released the State of World Population report 2023.
of 2023.
Key Highlights of the Report
a k
 This report states that India will overtake China to become the most populous country in the world by the middle
n
bracket.
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 25% of the country’s population is in the age bracket of 0-14 years, whereas 68% percent lies in the 15-64 years
 India will surpass China roughly by a population of 29 lakhs in number.

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To
making up more than one-third of the projected world population, both China and India have experienced
a slowdown in population growth.
 India’s Total Fertility Rate has been around 2 as against the global average of 2.3.
 India’s average male population is estimated to have a life expectancy of 71 while the female counterpart has the
same as 74.
 A unique feature of this report has been that it has projected eight countries which will be responsible for more
than half of the projected increase in population.
 These countries are - the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the
Philippines and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Recommendations for India 6R7O

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 India can be a source of innovation, as it brings together different perspectives, ideas, and approaches.
 India can go further to claim Permanent Membership in the UNSC.
 India can also strive to attain leadership of the global south which comes in furtherance of her assuming the G20
leadership in 2022.
 India has a sizable proportion of the world's poor, which can make problems like inequality, crime, and social unrest
worse. 7D 6H
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Focus on Demographic Dividend
 In India, 62.5% of the population is between the ages of 15 and 59. This percentage is steadily rising and will reach
its peak in 2036, when it would be around 65%.
 These demographic indicators point to an ongoing demographic dividend in India, which began in 2005–06 and
will continue until 2055–56.
 The pinnacle of India's demographic dividend, as predicted by the Economic Survey 2018–19, will occur around 2041,
when 59% of the population will be of working age, or 20–59 years old.
 India should focus on benefitting from this demographic dividend.
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1. In which year did the UNFPA start operating?
(a) 1956 (b) 1967 (c) 1969 (d) 1971
2. Which of the following is not one of the SDGs which the UNFPA focuses on?
(a) SDG 2 (b) SDG 3 (c) SDG 4 (d) SDG 5
3. What fraction of the country’s population lies in the age bracket of 0 – 14 years?
(a) 1/4th (b) 1/5th (c) 1/6th (d) 1/8th
4. Which of the following is not one of the eight countries that will be responsible for more than half of the growth in
world population as according to the UNFPA?
(a) Egypt (b) Ethiopia (c) Philippines (d) Indonesia
5. In which of the following years will India’s population in the age bracket of 15 – 59 years reach its peak?
(a) 2023 (b) 2026 (c) 2036
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

(d) 2040
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1. (c) The United Nations Agency for Sexual and
reproductive health is known as UNFPA. It
4.
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(d) A unique feature of this report has been that it
has projected eight countries which will be
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started operating in 1969 after being created as a responsible for more than half of the projected
trust fund in 1967. increase in population. These countries are - the
2. (a) It has been established under the aegis of the
United Nations Economic and Social Council
(ECOSOC) and serves as a subsidiary organ of
an k Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt,

Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the
Philippines and the United Republic of
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the UNGA. It is supported entirely by voluntary Tanzania.
contributions and aims to directly tackle SDGs 5. (c) In India, 62.5% of the population is between the
3.
3,4 and 5.
(a) 25% 7O
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of the country’s population is in the age
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p ages of 15 and 59. This percentage is steadily
rising and will reach its peak in 2036, when it
would be around 65%.
in the 15-64 years bracket.
Why in News?
T DELHI GOVERNMENT VS. DELHI LG
 The issue between the Union government and the Government of the NCT of Delhi will be decided by the Supreme
Court's Constitution Bench.
 The bench will start by analysing a few passages from Article 239AA, which grants Delhi a special status.
 The Constitution Bench of tr-
five judges
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in 2018.
Context
 The Union Territory of Delhi was given a special status via the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1991, and it
was renamed the National Capital Territory of Delhi, with the Lieutenant Governor serving as the territory's
administrator. 1D9C7H3J6H7D
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 Through the 69th constitutional amendment passed by the Parliament in 1991, Article 239AA of the Indian
Constitution conferred Delhi Special Status among Union Territories (UTs), creating a Legislative Assembly and a
Council of Ministers.
 According to Article 239AA, the Central Government, which has the authority to enact laws on these issues, has
jurisdiction over Public Order, Police, and Land in the NCT of Delhi.
 The Legislative Assembly shall have the authority to enact laws for the NCT of Delhi regarding the other items on
the State List or Concurrent List, to the extent that any such item applies to UTs.
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Activities till now
 The conflict erupted over the choice of officials by the then-L-G Najeeb Jung to serve as interim chief secretary.
 CM Kejriwal denounced the action as unconstitutional and rejected it.
 The Department of Services, which has the authority to transfer and post Delhi government employees, was then
brought under the control of the Centre through the L-G, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home
Affairs in May 2015.
 The Delhi High Court rejected the Delhi government's appeal of this decision. The state subsequently appealed to
the Supreme Court, which decided that the L-G was obligated to follow the counsel and recommendations of the
ministerial cabinet.
 However, the services dispute persisted, and in 2019 a two-judge court of the Supreme Court issued a split decision.
 The case was then referred to a five-judge court in 2022 by a three-judge bench.
Government of NCT of Delhi vs Union of India Case 2018:

 Except for matters involving land, public order, and police, L-G is obligated to abide by the counsel and opinion of
the council of ministers.
 The Lieutenant General is not required to agree with executive choices. The court further ruled that the L-G lacks
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the authority to reject the judgements of the elected government.
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 In accordance with Article 239AA(4), the president must be consulted about the difference of opinion.
 The lieutenant governor cannot make decisions automatically and defer to the president for each one.
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 Only legitimate matters of general interest may be brought before the President.
 The L-G must take into account factors including objectivity, collaborative federalism, and constitutional
government before sending a bill to the President.
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 The NCT of Delhi's council of ministers has executive authority. With regard to the executive powers, the union
government has no veto power.
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Final Word
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• The Supreme Court decided in a unanimous decision that the Delhi government has both legislative and executive
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• An elected government must have control over the executive branch, according to a constitution bench led by Chief
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power.
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Justice DY Chandrachud after hearing arguments from the Centre and the Delhi government about the division of
In which year was the last constitutional bench set up on the same issue?
(a) 2014 (b) 2016 (c) 2017 (d) 2018
7. Which Article of the Constitution of India conferred a Special Status on Delhi by providing for a Legislative assembly
and Council of Ministers?
(a) Article 239 (b) Article 239 A (c) Article 239AA (d) Article 239B
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8. The above act came following which constitutional amendment?
(a) 52nd (b) 58th (c) 63rd (d) 69th
9. According to the Judgment in the 2018 case the LG laws on certain portfolios without the interference of the elected
government. Which of the following does not fall within those portfolios?
(a) Water and Sanitation 6H7D (b) Land
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(c) Public Order (d) Police
10. Who was the LG when the conflict first arose?

(a) Vinai Kumar Saxena (b) Najeeb Jung
(c) Jagmohan Malhotra (d) Markandey Singh
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6. (d) The Constitution Bench of five judges made an of the Indian Constitution conferred Delhi
authoritative ruling on a number of issues Special Status among Union Territories (UTs),
related to Article 239AA in 2018. creating a Legislative Assembly and a Council of
7. (c) Through the 69th constitutional amendment Ministers.
passed by the Parliament in 1991, Article 239AA 9. (a) Except for matters involving land, public order,
of the Indian Constitution conferred Delhi and police, L-G is obligated to abide by the
Special Status among Union Territories (UTs), counsel and opinion of the council of ministers.
creating a Legislative Assembly and a Council of 10. (b) The conflict erupted over the choice of officials
Ministers. by the then-L-G Najeeb Jung to serve as interim
8. (d) Through the 69th constitutional amendment chief secretary.
passed by the Parliament in 1991, Article 239AA
Why in News?
SHIV SENA JUDGMENT
c
The Supreme Court (SC) recently ruled that the (previous) (Bhagat Singh Koshyari) Governor of Maharashtra's decision
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However, because he failed the floor test, the SC cannot reinstate his government.
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to order a Floor Test, which required the Chief Minister to demonstrate his majority in the house, was unjustified.
What is Floor Test?
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 It is a phrase that refers to the majority test. The Chief Minister (CM) of a State may be required to demonstrate
the majority in the House if there are any questions against them.
administration.
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 The CM might be requested to initiate a vote of confidence and secure a majority in the case of a coalition
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 The Governor may summon a special session to determine who has the majority to form the government if there
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isn't a clear majority or when more people are interested in doing so than just one person.
 Some lawmakers might decide not to vote or be absent. Then, only those MLAs who were present for the vote are
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Constitution.
To
 The Governor is given the power to call, adjourn, and dissolve the state legislative assembly under Article 174 of the
 The Governor may convene the House and order a floor test under Article 175(2) to determine if the government
has the necessary number of members.
 The Constitution's Article 163 states that the Governor must act with the support and counsel of the Council of
Ministers, which is presided over by the Chief Minister (when the assembly is not in session), in order to execute
the aforementioned powers.
 The Speaker of the Assembly, however, has the authority to declare a floor test when the House is in session.
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 The Shiv Sena faction assumed power in 2022 after the Uddhav Thackeray-led administration was overthrown.
Eknath Shinde, the rebel Sena faction's leader, was appointed Maharashtra's next chief minister.
 The Thackeray group then filed cases contesting the then-Governor of Maharashtra's choice to call for a trust vote
prior to resigning.
Supreme Court on the Issue

 Conflicts inside a 9C
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political party should be settled in accordance with the party's charter or through other means
rather than using the floor test.
 In accordance with the terms of the party constitution, the Speaker is only required to recognize the Whip who has
been properly authorized by the political party. Only the political party, not the legislative party, shall appoint the
whip and the leader of the party in the House.
 Under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution, the Speaker has the power to decide whether or not to grant
disqualification petitions.
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 Ordinarily, petitions for disqualification under the 10th Schedule are not subject to decision by the Court. The
Maharashtra Assembly's then-Deputy Speaker sent notices under the 10th Schedule, which deals with
disqualification for defection, to 40 rebel MLAs.
10th Schedule of the Constitution

 The 52nd Amendment Act of 1985 added the 10th schedule, usually referred to as the "Anti-Defection Law," to the
Indian Constitution.
 It lays forth the guidelines for the grounds for disqualifying state legislatures and MPs from office due to defection.
 By forbidding elected officials from switching political parties after they are elected, it aims to promote political
stability and discipline within political parties.
 It states that a member of Parliament or a state legislature is ineligible if they voluntarily renounce their affiliation
with the political party on whose platform they were elected, or if they vote or choose to abstain from voting in the
House against the party's rules.
 If two or more political parties merge, or if the party itself merges with another party, a member is not automatically
disqualified.
 A "defection" by a third of the elected members of a political party was regarded as a "merger" under the 52nd
Amendment.
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be considered legal, at least 2/3 of the members of a party must be in favour of it.
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 However, this was altered by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003, and today, in order for a "merger" to
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11. Who was the governor of Maharashtra who ordered the floor test?
(a) Bhagat Singh Koshyari (b) Uddhav Thackrey
12.
(c) Ramesh Bais (d) Hemant Soren
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The Governor is given the power to call, adjourn, and dissolve the state legislative assembly under which Article of the
Constitution?
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(a) Article 168 (b) Article 174
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(c) Article 178
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(d) Article 183
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13. Who was appointed the Chief Minister after the power change in Maharashtra?
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(c) Raj Thackrey (d) Sharad Pawar
14. Who presides over the Council of Minister?

(a) Chief Miinister (b) Governor (c) Speaker (d) None of the above
15. In which year was the 91st CAA enacted?

(a) 1999 (b) 2000 (c) 2002 (d) 2003

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11. (a) The Supreme Court (SC) recently ruled that the 14. (a) The Constitution's Article 163 states that the
(previous) (Bhagat Singh Koshyari) Governor of Governor must act with the support and counsel
Maharashtra's decision to order a Floor Test, of the Council of Ministers, which is presided
which required the Chief Minister to over by the Chief Minister (when the assembly
demonstrate his majority in the house, was is not in session), in order to execute the
unjustified. tr-5B1D9C7H3J6H7D aforementioned powers.
12. (b) The Governor is given the power to call, adjourn, 15. (d) However, this was altered by the 91st
and dissolve the state legislative assembly under Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003, and
Article 174 of the Constitution. today, in order for a "merger" to be considered
13. (b) The Shiv Sena faction assumed power in 2022 legal, at least 2/3 of the members of a party must
after the Uddhav Thackeray-led administration be in favour of it.
was overthrown. Eknath Shinde, the rebel Sena
faction's leader, was appointed Maharashtra's
next chief minister.
9
MANIPUR VIOLENCE
Why in news?
 Because the State was ordered by the Manipur High Court to follow a 10-year-old recommendation to give the non-
tribal Meitei community Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, there have been violent intercommunal confrontations in
Manipur.
 The All-Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) called for a "tribal solidarity rally" to protest the claimed inclusion
of the Meiteis on the ST list, which sparked a rise in violence.
Manipur’s Ethnic Composition

 The Imphal Valley serves as the playfield in the middle of the state, and the surrounding hills serve as the galleries.
The non-tribal Meitei, who make up more than 64% of the State's population and produce 40 of the State's 60
MLAs, are the dominant ethnic group in the valley, which makes up roughly 10% of Manipur's landmass.
 Moreover 35% of identified tribes live in the hills, which make up 90% of the area's landmass, although they only
send 20 MLAs to the Assembly.
 While the majority of Meiteis are Hindus, followed by Muslims, the bulk of the 33 acknowledged tribes—generally
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categorised as "Any Naga tribes" and "Any Kuki tribes"—are Christians.
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Scheduled Tribes inclusion under Article 342
 State governments begin recommending that tribes be added to the ST list.
the Registrar General of India under the Home Ministry.
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 The Tribal Affairs Ministry considers the state government's recommendations and forwards them for approval to
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 It is sent to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes for approval, followed by the Cabinet, which will make
the final decision.
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 After the cabinet approves it, a bill to change the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, and the Constitution
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(Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, is subsequently introduced in parliament.
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 According to Articles 341 and 342 of the Constitution, the President's office makes the final judgement once the
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amendment
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bill has been approved by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
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Geography of Manipur
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 Manipur has 16 districts, however "valley" and "hill" districts are how most people conceptualise the state's division.
The present-day valley districts of Thoubal, Bishnupur, Imphal East, and Kakching were formerly a part of the
kingdom of Kangleipak, which was ruled by the Ningthouja dynasty.
 The Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi group, which consists of the Kuki, Thadou, Hmar, Paite, Vaiphei, and Zou peoples, and
15 Naga tribes live in the Manipur valley, which is surrounded by low hills (hill lands make up the majority of
Manipur's geographical area).
 Naga tribes that descended from the northern hills frequently raided the Kangleipak kingdom, which was then a
protectorate of the British.
 The Kuki-Zomi were transported from6Rthe
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order to serve as a barrier between the Meiteis and the Nagas and defend the valley from looting.
 The Maharaja granted the vicious headhunting Kukis territory along the ridges so they could serve as a shield for
the Imphal valley below. The Kukis were similar to the Nagas in that they were fierce warriors.
 The Kuki-Meitei split Since the time of the monarchy, there have been ethnic hostilities between the Meiteis and
the hill communities (Naga & Kuki). Insurgencies among the Meiteis and Kuki-Zomi were brought on by the 1950s
Naga independence7H movement.
6H7D In order to demand a state within India named "Kukiland," the Kuki-Zomi groups
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turned militarised in the 1990s. They were no longer friendly with the Meiteis, who they had earlier supported.
 Hindu Meiteis and Pangals (Muslims) clashed in 1993, and there was also horrifying violence between the tribal
Nagas and Kukis, which resulted in the death of over 100 Kukis in a single day by Nagas and the eviction of thousands
from their homes.
 The majority of people of Churachandpur's Kuki-Zomi-dominated district, which borders Myanmar, are Christians.
According to the Panchayati Raj Ministry in 2006, it is still the poorest district in the entire nation.
 2015 saw equally ferocious protests in Churachandpur against the demand and the passing of legislation while the
Meiteis of the valley demonstrated in Imphal city in support of ILP.
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Reasons for the recent clashes
 While the recent forest eviction and the demand for ST status for Meiteis have been the most notable catalysts, the
gap between the Meiteis and tribals has grown over the previous ten years on a number of different issues.
 Problems with the delimitation process The Meitei group claimed that the Census data utilised in the procedure
did not adequately reflect the population breakdown in 2020, when the Centre started the first delimitation process
in the state since 1973.
 On the other side, tribal groups (Kuki and Nagas) claimed they were underrepresented in the Assembly while
making up 40% of the state's population.
 Migration from the Surrounding Area: The February 2021 coup in Myanmar has caused a refugee crisis in north-
eastern India. Meitei leaders have alleged that there has been a sudden mushrooming of villages in Churachandpur
district.
 The Drug Problem: Some tribal organisations with strong agendas are attempting to undermine the government's
campaign against drugs.
 Poppy fields were destroyed to launch the anti-drug campaign. The Kuki-Zomi of Manipur were "illegal settlers"
who grew narcotics on cleared land.
Recent Unrest: The eviction of a Kuki village's occupants sparked the first violent protest.
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 38 villages in the Churachandpur-Khoupum Protected Forest area (in the Churachandpur and Noney districts) are
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"illegal settlements" and their occupants are "encroachers (encroaching reserved and protected forests and wildlife
sanctuaries for poppy plantation and drugs business").
 Since kukis live in the Hill Area, kuki groups have argued that the survey and expulsion violate Article 371C.
committee, which shall be composed of members elected from the state's Hill Areas.
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 In accordance with Article 371C, the Governor of Manipur must be responsible for the smooth operation of the
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 Under the Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) order, 1972, the Hill Area Committee was
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established at the State level. All state legislators chosen from the state's hill regions make up the Hill Areas
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Committee.
 The two Kuki extremist groups accused of inciting the protests were subject to agreements with the state
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government that called for the suspension of activity.
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tr-5P1RWhich of the following is a Hindu majority tribe in Manipur?
16.
17.
18.
(a) Kuki
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(b) Meitei (c) Naga
Scheduled Tribes are included and listed under which article of the Constitution of India?
(a) Article 341 (b) Article 342
Manipur consists of how many districts?

(c) Article 343 (d) Article 344
(d) Santhal
(a) 13 (b) 14 (c) 15 (d) 16
19. Coup in which of the following countries led to a refugee crisis in North east India?
(a) China (b) Myanmar
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20. When did the first delimitation process start in the state?
(a) 1970 (b) 1971 (c) 1972 (d) 1973
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6H 7D ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
16. (b) While the majority of Meiteis are Hindus, 1950, is subsequently introduced in parliament.
followed by Muslims, the bulk of the 33 According to Articles 341 and 342 of the
acknowledged tribes—generally categorised as Constitution, the President's office makes the
"Any Naga tribes" and "Any Kuki tribes"—are final judgement once the amendment bill has
Christians. been approved by both the Lok Sabha and the
17. (b) After the cabinet approves it, a bill to change the Rajya Sabha.
Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, 18. (d) Manipur has 16 districts, however "valley" and
and the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, "hill" districts are how most people
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conceptualise the state's division. The present- 20. (d) The Meitei group claimed that the Census data
day valley districts of Thoubal, Bishnupur, utilised in the procedure did not adequately
Imphal East, and Kakching were formerly a part reflect the population breakdown in 2020, when
of the kingdom of Kangleipak, which was ruled the Centre started the first delimitation process
by the Ningthouja dynasty. in the state since 1973.
19. (b) The February 2021 coup in Myanmar has caused
a refugee crisis in north-eastern India.
INDIA’S FIRST NATIONAL WATER-BODY CENSUS

Why in News?
The Ministry of Jal Shakti headed by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has recently released the report of India’s first water
bodies census.
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About the Census
 A comprehensive database of the nation's ponds, tanks, lakes, and reservoirs may be found in India's first census of
water bodies.
 More than 2.4 million water bodies were counted during the 2018–19 census, which covered all states and union
territories.
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Background
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 Previously, the Centre kept a database of the water bodies that were receiving federal funding through the Repair,
Renovation, and Restoration (RRR) of Waterbodies programme.
 Advising against the census:
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 A Standing Committee of Parliament raised the issue of conducting a separate water body census in 2016.
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 The first water body census and the sixth Minor Irrigation (MI) census were both ordered by the government in
2018–19.
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 The purpose of the census was to gather data "on all important aspects of the subject, including their size, condition,
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Highlights of the Census p
status of encroachments, use, storage capacity, status of filling up of storage, etc."
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 According to the research, South 24 Pargana in West Bengal has been identified as the district with the most (3.55
lakh) number of water bodies nationwide.
 Ananthapur (50,537) in Andhra Pradesh and Howrah (37,301) in West Bengal are the next largest cities after the
district.
 According to the census, 38,496 out of 24,24,540 water bodies had been encroached upon, or 1.6% of the total.
 Since more than 97% of the water bodies included in the census were in rural areas, it makes sense that more than
95% of these were as well. Less than a quarter of the encroached water bodies (almost 63%) had encroachment;
 More than 75% of the area of around 12% of water bodies was encroached upon.
 Nearly 40% (15,301) of the water bodies6R that had been encroached upon were located in Uttar Pradesh, followed by
tr-5P1R9U 7L3T 7O
Tamil Nadu (8,366) and Andhra Pradesh (3,920).
 West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh did not record any encroachment.
Threats faced by water bodies in India:

 India is seeing weather similar to that of 2021, when several regions of the country had temperatures as high as 40
degrees Celsius as early as February.
 Impacts of climate 7H3J6H7D
tr-5B1D9Cchange include rising and sweltering temperatures as well as unpredictable and heavy rain. The
water cycle is directly related to both.
 The triple dip La Nia phenomenon, which is caused by Pacific sea currents that are known to bring about colder
temperatures all around the world, occurred recently.
 But the cooling influence of La Nia has been countered by global warming.
 Under El Nino circumstances, things will inevitably get worse.
 India will see fewer rainy days overall, but there will be more really rainy days.
 The plans for water management in India will be significantly impacted by this.
12
Significance of Water Security
 To address Growing Demand: With India's total water demand projected to increase by over 70% by 2025, a
significant gap between supply and demand is anticipated in the upcoming years.
 Keeping Healthy: Other significant factors contributing to disease and poor health include poor water quality and
inadequate access to sanitization. Health problems and medical costs will be kept to a minimum with proper access
to potable water.
 Supporting the Economy: Because it will lower the cost of water infrastructure, adequate water security will
potentially have a large positive impact on economic growth.
21. Who is the current head of Ministry of Jal Shakti?

(a) Prahlad Singh Patel (b) Nitin Gadkari
(c) Rakesh Singh (d) Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
22. Which of the following is not a component of the RRR programme by the Ministry of Jal Shakti?
(a) Rejuvenation (b) Repair (c) Renovation (d) Restoration
c o m
.
23. Which district has been identified as the one with maximum number of water bodies in the country?
rs
(a) Ananthpur (b) Howrah (c) South 24 Paragana (d) None of the above
24. Which of the following states has the most number of water bodies under encroachment in India?
(a) Uttar Pradesh (b) West Bengal (c) Tamil Nadu (d) Orrisa
k e
n
25. By which year is India’s water demand projected to increase by 70%?
(a) 2020 (b) 2023 (c) 2025 (d) 2030
p r a
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
21.
22.
6R7O
o
(d) The Ministry of Jal Shakti headed by Gajendra
T
Singh Shekhawat has recently released the
report of India’s first water bodies census.
(a) Previously, the Centre kept a database of the
water bodies that were receiving federal funding
24.
with the most (3.55 lakh) number of water
bodies nationwide.
(a) Nearly 40% (15,301) of the water bodies that had
been encroached upon were located in Uttar
Pradesh, followed by Tamil Nadu (8,366) and
through the Repair, Renovation, and Andhra Pradesh (3,920).
Restoration (RRR) of Waterbodies programme. 25. (c) To address Growing Demand: With India's total
23. (c) According to the research, South 24 Pargana in water demand projected to increase by over 70%
West Bengal has been identified as the district by 2025, a significant gap between supply and
demand is anticipated in the upcoming years.
6R 7O
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
NATIONAL MANUFACTURING INNOVATION SURVEY (NMIS)
2021-22
Why in News?
According to the National Manufacturing Innovation Survey (NMIS) 2021–2022, which was carried out jointly by the
Department of Science and 6H
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
Technology
7D and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, Karnataka has
emerged as India's most innovative state. According to the survey, the states of Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand had the
lowest percentage of innovative enterprises, while Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu had the greatest percentage.
The survey looked at the barriers, outcomes, and processes of innovation in manufacturing companies. It also looked
at the ecosystem of innovation that influences innovation outcomes in these businesses. According to the study,
between the financial years 2017 and 2020, less than three-fourths of the companies examined did not develop any novel
products or business procedures.
13
About the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation
UNIDO is a specialized UN organization that supports industrial development for environmental sustainability,
inclusive globalization, and poverty reduction.
Our mission is to encourage and hasten inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in the member states.
As of April 2019, there are 170 member states of UNIDO.
According to the Lima Declaration, the UNIDO mission was established in 2013 during the 15th UNIDO General
Conference.
The International Centre for Inclusive & Sustainable Industrial Development (ICISID) in Delhi has replaced the UNIDO
centers that were formerly located in India.
The focal point organization for all UNIDO-related activities in India is the Department for Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade (DPIIT), formerly known as the DIPP.
UNIDO programs in India:

A skill development initiative was started by UNIDO and the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) with the goal of
assisting the solar thermal energy industry on various levels.
NISE, the National Institute of Solar Energy
c o m
.
The Indian government designated the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), formerly the Solar Energy Centre
(SEC) run by the Ministry of New Renewable Energy (MNRE), as an autonomous agency in 2013.
rs
The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) is a leading organization for national research and development in the
area of solar energy.
 The National Solar Mission is carried out with help from the NISE by the MNRE.
 It works in tandem with other projects, technologies, and research.
 It is situated in Haryana's Gurugram.
k e
MNRE-GEF-UNIDO
r an
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) – Global Environment Facility (GEF) – UNIDO Project is designed
p
to complement MNRE’s support programmes by helping to remove barriers associated with Concentrating Solar
Thermal Energy (CST) Technology, its awareness, capacity building, market, and financial barriers.
tr-5P1RThe
9U7LUNIDO
To
3T6R7O – NISE agreement is part of this project which aims to support capacity building and skill development of
technical manpower in the Concentrated Solar Thermal Energy Technologies (CST) which are being used to replace
conventional fossil fuels and reduce the carbon emissions and other environmental impacts that result from them.
The duration of the project is from January 2015 to December 2019.
Also to read – Global Innovation Index 2022

 India was placed 40th out of 132 countries in the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) 2022 Global
Innovation Index (GII) rankings.
 For the 12th year in a row, Switzerland has the most creative economy in the world in 2022, followed by the US,
Sweden, the UK, and the Netherlands.
 While India and Turkey make their debut appearances in the top 40, China is getting close to the top 10.
6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
 India is the top innovator among countries with lower middle incomes.
 In addition to maintaining its top positions in other metrics such as venture capital receiving value, financing for
startups and scaleups, graduates in science and engineering, labor productivity growth, and domestic sector
diversification, it continues to dominate the globe in exports of ICT services.
 The theme of the Index was: “What is the future of innovation-driven growth?
3J
5B1D9C7Has 6H7D
26. Which state hastr-emerged the most innovative state according to the NMIS 2021 – 22?
(a) Maharashtra (b) Kerala (c) Karnataka (d) Tamil Nadu
27. Which of the following is not one of the states to perform lowest in the survey?
(a) Uttar Pradesh (b) Bihar (c) Odisha (d) Jharkhand
28. When did the Solar Energy Agency start its operation in India?
(a) 2010 (b) 2011 (c) 2012 (d) 2013
14
29. The Headquarters of the National Institute of solar Energy is located in which of the following cities?
(a) Mumbai (b) Bangalore (c) New Delhi (d) Gurugram
30. Which of the following countries scored the first rank in the Global Innovation Survey 2022?
(a) U.S (b) Switzerland (c) China (d) Netherlands
26. (c) According to the National Manufacturing 28. (d) The Indian government designated the National
Innovation Survey (NMIS) 2021–2022, which was Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), formerly the
carried out jointly by the Department of Science Solar Energy Centre (SEC) run by the Ministry of
and Technology and the United Nations New Renewable Energy (MNRE), as an
Industrial Development Organisation, autonomous agency in 2013.
27.
Karnataka has emerged as India's most
innovative state.
(a) According to the survey, the states of Odisha,
29.
30.
m
(d) It is situated in Haryana's Gurugram.
o
(b) For the 12th year in a row, Switzerland has the
c
most creative economy in the world in 2022,
.
Bihar, and Jharkhand had the lowest percentage followed by the US, Sweden, the UK, and the
rs
of innovative enterprises, while Telangana, Netherlands.
Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu had the greatest
e
percentage.
n
RAJASTHAN PLATFORM-BASED GIG WORKERS BILL 2023
a k
Why in News?
p r
The Platform-based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023, which has strict prohibitions against bad
aggregators, including prohibiting them from operating in the State, is scheduled to be introduced by the Rajasthan
Government.
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
6R7O
Features of the Bill
To
 Platform-based Gig Workers Welfare Board in Rajasthan: It will create welfare policies and listen to worker
complaints who were employed on a piece rate basis. The Bill grants the board authority to determine the amount
of cess that each aggregator will be required to contribute to this social welfare corpus. This cess will represent a
portion of each transaction made on the site.
 Special ID: Regardless of the length of their involvement with the platform, all platform-based gig workers who
register with any platform will also be immediately registered with the board. Every platform-based gig worker
registered with one or more aggregators in the State must have a special ID created by the board. This particular ID
is only good for three years.
 Penalty: For the first infraction
tr-5P1R 9U7L3T6R7O
disclosing the data of the gig workers engaged by the board and of every transaction
that occurs on their platform may result in fines of up to Rs. 10 lakh each and up to one crore for subsequent ones.
 The Bill also gives the board the authority to suggest that the errant aggregator's operations be temporarily or
permanently suspended in the State.
 The draught bill, which is currently with the Law department, will be made available to the public soon and will be
welcoming feedback.
6H 7D
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
GIG Workers: Who are they?
 Non-standard labor, sometimes known as gig work, refers to activities that earn money but are not part of regular,
ongoing employer-employee interactions.
 A gig economy is one in which independent contractors and freelancers, as opposed to full-time, permanent
workers, predominately occupy temporary and part-time positions.
 The phrase is taken from the music industry, where performers schedule "gigs," which are one-time or temporary
engagements at different places.
15
 Digital platforms are used in the gig economy to match independent contractors with clients who need temporary
services or asset sharing.
 Examples include apps for ride-hailing, food delivery, and vacation rentals.
Factors motivating the rise in Gig Economy:

 Post-Pandemic: During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the tendency increased, the gig economy saw substantial
growth as gig workers provided needs to consumers who were confined to their homes, and those whose jobs had
been abolished turned to part-time and contract labour for cash.
 Work from anywhere: These jobs enable independent contracting because many of them don't call for a freelancer
to report to an office.
 greater Selection of Applicants: Because they are not required to recruit someone based on location, employers now
have a greater selection of candidates to pick from.
 Growth of technology and the internet: Smartphones and fast internet have made it simpler to work remotely.
 Convenient for Small Businesses: Employers who cannot afford to hire full-time workers to handle all of the work
frequently use temporary or part-time workers to handle peak periods of activity or specific projects.
 More money with more work: People frequently discover they must relocate or hold numerous jobs in order to
c o m
support the lifestyle they desire. The gig economy might be seen as a large-scale reflection of the fact that changing
.
occupations frequently throughout a lifetime is also prevalent.
rs
 Employer Benefits: Paying employees simply for work performed on a unit basis gives employers a better alternative
because they are not required to offer benefits like medical insurance, provident funds, and year-end bonuses.
Gig Economy in India:

 7.7 million workers participated in the gig economy in 2020.
k e
n
 By 2029–2030, there will be 23.5 million workers in the gig economy.
 Currently, medium-skilled jobs make up about 47% of gig labour, high-skilled jobs around 22%, and low-skilled
employment about 31%.
r a
 The trend indicates that the concentration of workers with medium skills is gradually decreasing while it is rising
for those with low and high skills.
p
o
 7LWhile
6R7Othe dominance of medium skills is predicted to last until 2030, gig employment with various abilities is
tr-5P1R9U 3T
predicted to develop.
Steps taken by Government:
T
 Code of Social Security, 2020:
The Government has developed the Code on Social Security, 2020, which calls for the creation of appropriate social
security programmes for gig and platform workers with regard to things like life and disability insurance, accident
insurance, health and maternity benefits, old age protection, etc. These provisions of the Code have not yet taken
effect, though.
Platform employees are those whose jobs rely on digital platforms or online software tools. Non-platform gig
workers typically work part- or1Rfull-time
tr-5P 9U7L3T6Rin
7O the traditional sectors as own-account and casual wage workers.
 E – Shram Portal:
A comprehensive national database of unorganised workers, including gig and platform workers, will be created
using the e-Shram portal, which the government also launched in 2021. It enables an individual to self-declare their
registration on the portal, which covers about 400 different occupations.
7D
tr- 5B1D9C7H3J6H
31. Which of the following Indian states have introduced a Bill drafted exclusively for gig workers?
(a) Gujarat (b) Haryana (c) Rajasthan (d) Himachal Pradesh
32. The validity of Unique IDs issued for platform-based gig-workers will be in place for how many years?
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 7 (d) 11
33. What amount of penalty has been stipulated for disclosing the details of gig workers for the first instance?
(a) 10,000 (b) 8,00,000 (c) 9,00,000 (d) 10,00,000
16
34. What number of gig workers participated in the Indian economy in the year 2020?
(a) 7.7 (b) 7.5 (c) 7.3 (d) 7.1
35. For how many different occupations can an individual register himself under the e-shram portal?
(a) 200 (b) 400 (c) 20 (d) 40

transaction that occurs on their platform may
31. (c) The Platform-based Gig Workers (Registration result in fines of up to Rs. 10 lakh each and up to
and Welfare) Bill, 2023, which has strict one crore for subsequent ones.
prohibitions against bad aggregators, including 34. (a) 7.7 million workers participated in the gig
prohibiting them from operating in the State, is economy in 2020.
scheduled to be introduced by the Rajasthan 35. (b) A comprehensive national database of
Government. unorganised workers, including gig and
32. (b) Every platform-based gig worker registered with
one or more aggregators in the State must have
a special ID created by the board. This particular m
platform workers, will be created using the e-
o
Shram portal, which the government also
c
launched in 2021. It enables an individual to self-
33.
ID is only good for three years.
(d) For the first infraction disclosing the data of the
gig workers engaged by the board and of every
.
declare their registration on the portal, which
rs
covers about 400 different occupations.
WEF: “FUTURE OF JOBS” REPORT
k e
Why in News?
an
The fourth edition of the employment and skills report from the World Economic Forum (WEF), which explores how
r
skills and vocations will change between 2023 and 2027, has just been released.
Future of Jobs Report

tr-5P1R9U7LThe
7O
3T6RWorld
o p
Economic Forum publishes The Future of Jobs Report every two years.
 While tracking the rate of change, it illustrates potential careers and skill sets.
T
 The report's first edition appeared in 2016, and this is its fourth.
 It aims to investigate how predicted changes in macro trends and technological uptake will affect the demand for
jobs and skills between 2023 and 2027 and redefine labour markets.
Key Highlights
 According to the Future of Jobs Report 2023, due to 10.2% growth and a 12.3% fall, over a quarter of jobs, 23%, are
projected to change over the course of the next five years.
 The most important cognitive abilities for workers in the Indian labour market in 2023 have been identified as
analytical and creative thinking. 7L3T6R7O
5P1R9U
 A disruption of 23% of jobstr-is expected, with some being lost and others being created.
 The WEF predicts that there would be 14 million fewer jobs overall in five years, with only 69 million new positions
expected to be created.
 The experts anticipate a 10% increase in employment in the education sector.
 Aside from positions in education, experts in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and cybersecurity are
predicted to experience average growth of 30% by 2027.
9C7H3J6H7D
 According to tr-5B
the1Dstudy, six out of ten employments will require training by 2027.
World Economic Forum

 The World Economic Forum (WEF) was founded in 1971 and is a non-profit organization with headquarters in
Geneva.
 It is recognized as the international organization for public-private partnership by Swiss authorities.
 The organization's mission is to impact the agendas of nations, regions, and industries by collaborating with leaders
in business, politics, academia, and other spheres of society.
 Klaus Schwab is the founder and executive chairman.
17
 The following are some of the key WEF reports:
o Energy Transition Index.
o Global Competitiveness Report.
o Global IT Report: WEF along with INSEAD, and Cornell University publishes this report.
o Global Gender Gap Report.
o Global Travel and Tourism Report
36. Which edition of the WEF’s Future of Jobs report has been released in the year 2023?
(a) 2nd (b) 4th (c) 8th (d) 10th
37. In which year was the first edition of the report released?
(a) 2016 (b) 2019 (c) 2021 (d) 2022
38. What percentage of disruption of jobs in the Indian market is expected?
39.
(a) 13% (b) 19% (c) 21%
By what year 60 percent of employments will require training as per the Future of Jobs report 2023?
m
(d) 23%
c o
.
(a) 2025 (b) 2027 (c) 2030 (d) 2050
rs
40. Which of the following is not one of the reports of the World Economic Forum?
(a) Energy Transition Index
(b) Global Competitiveness Index
(c) Global Gender Gap Report
(d) World Press Freedom Index
k e
an
r
36. (a) The fourth edition of the employment and skills
o
report from the World Economic Forum (WEF),
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7Lwhich explores how skills and vocations will
p 38. (d) According to the Future of Jobs Report 2023, due
to 10.2% growth and a 12.3% fall, over a quarter
of jobs, 23%, are projected to change over the
T
change between 2023 and 2027, has just been course of the next five years.
released. 39. (b) According to the study, six out of ten
37. (a) The report's first edition appeared in 2016, and employments will require training by 2027.
this is its fourth. 40. (d) self-explanatory.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN SPORTS

Why in News?
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, head of the WFI (Wrestling Federation of India), has recently been accused of sexual
harassment by some athletes. 5P1R9U7L3T6R7O
tr-
If WFI does not respond to the Sports Ministry's request for an explanation within 72 hours, the Ministry will move to
take action against the Federation in accordance with the 2011 National Sports Development Code's provisions.
Background
Between 2010 and 2020, the SAI (Sports Authority of India) received 45 complaints of sexual harassment, 29 of which
were against coaches, according 7D
to RTI (Right to Information) Data.
tr-5B
In several of these 1D9C7H3J6H
incidents that were disclosed, the defendants received light sentences that included reassignment to
a pitiful reduction in salary or pension.
Many of the cases have dragged on for years with no apparent resolution, and some have yet to see light at the end of
the tunnel.
Germany's polls in 2021 raised the issue of sports violence. In May 2021, the Federal Parliament's Sports Committee held
a public hearing on sexualized, physical, and emotional violence in sports.
18
Safeguard measures currently in place
 The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
 Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013.
 Sexual Harassment electronic Box (SHe-Box).
 National Commission for Women (NCW).
 The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO), 2012
According to an inquiry, up to 16 of India's 30 national sports federations do not adhere to the Prevention of Sexual
Harassment (PoSH) Act, which requires an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to provide a workplace free of sexual
harassment for women.
Internal Complaints Committee

The ICC is the first point of contact for any complaints made under the PoSH Act, and it requires a minimum of four
members, at least half of whom must be women, as well as one external member, preferably from an NGO or association
that works to empower women or someone knowledgeable about sexual harassment issues, such as a lawyer.
What Constitutes Sexual Harassment
c o m
Sexual harassment is any unwanted sexual behaviour or sexually explicit verbal or physical action that interferes with a
.
person's everyday employment or puts them in a position of fear and intimidation at work. 'Psychological rape' is
rs
another term frequently used to describe sexual assault.
Sexual harassment may take the form of the following behaviours:
 making contact physically.
 demanding sexual favours.
 expressing sexist remarks.
k e
n
 displaying pornographic or offensive imagery.
 Unwanted behavior—physical, verbal, and nonverbal
Constitutional Provisions
p r a
 Men and women have equal legal rights under Article 14 of the Constitution.
o
 Article
6R7O 15 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, caste, gender, place of birth, and other factors.
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
 All citizens have the freedom to choose any right under Article 19(1).
T
 The right to live a free life is guaranteed by Article 21.
On similar lines – Vishakha Case

Employers should not be permitted to infringe on the fundamental rights of women at work, according to the Vishaka
rules, which were established by the Supreme Court of India in 1997.
A seminal decision is the Vishakha case, or Vishakha and Others v. State of Rajasthan and Others (1997). The subject of
sexual harassment at work has been covered. According to the court, sexual harassment makes victims' minds depraved.
It further said that Articles 14, 19, and 21 are gravely violated by sexual harassment in the workplace. To combat sexual
harassment at work, the court has issued a set of rules known as the Vishakha Guidelines.
6R 7O
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
 The non-governmental organisation (NGO) called Vishakha inspired the name of the Vishakha lawsuit. In
Rajasthan, the NGO advocates for women's rights.
 As a volunteer in the community, Bhanwari Devi promoted the advancement of women.
 She formerly promoted anti-dowry and anti-child marriage movements.
 After she prevented a child marriage in a Gujjar family in 1992, she was gang-raped by powerful villagers in
Rajasthan. 6H7D
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
 The local court first found the accused not guilty owing to a lack of evidence.
 Under the Vishakha platform, Bhanwari Devi and others submitted a writ petition to the Supreme Court of India.
 In the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that was brought, the problem of sexual harassment of women at work was
addressed.
 Subsequently, the Supreme Court of India framed the Vishakha Guidelines in the year
41. What is the name of the head of the WFI head who has been alleged of sexual harassment?
(a) Bhairav Singh (b) Bhushan Singh (c) Brij Bhushan Singh (d) Vijay Singh
19
42. Violence in sport was a poll issue in which of the following countries?
(a) Germany (b) Sweden (c) Canada (d) Turkey
43. Which of the following act provides for an Internal Complaints Committee?
(a) Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013.
(b) Sexual Harassment electronic Box (SHe-Box).
(c) National Commission for Women (NCW).
(d) The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO), 2012
44. What was the name of the victim in the Vishakha case who volunteered to speak for the advancement of women but
was brutally gang-raped?
(a) Leela Devi (b) Vishakha Devi (c) Padma Devi (d) Bhanwari Devi
45. As per records what is the number of sports federations in India which do not adhere to PoSH Act?
(a) 12 (b) 14 (c) 16

(d) 18
c o m
41. (c) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, head of the WFI
(Wrestling Federation of India), has recently
rs .
external member, preferably from an NGO or
association that works to empower women or
e
been accused of sexual harassment by some someone knowledgeable about sexual
athletes. harassment issues, such as a lawyer.
42. (a) Germany's polls in 2021 raised the issue of sports
violence. In May 2021, the Federal Parliament's
Sports Committee held a public hearing on
sexualized, physical, and emotional violence in
an k
44.
45.
(d) As a volunteer in the community, Bhanwari Devi
promoted the advancement of women.
(c) According to an inquiry, up to 16 of India's 30
national sports federations do not adhere to the
sports.
43. (a) The ICC is the first point of contact for any
p r Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act,

which requires an Internal Complaints
o
complaints made under the PoSH Act, and it Committee (ICC) to provide a workplace free of
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7Lrequires a minimum of four members, at least sexual harassment for women.
T
half of whom must be women, as well as one
WORLD PRESS FREEDOM INDEX 2023

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released the World Press Freedom Index 2023 on May 3, which is designated as World
Press Freedom Day (WPFD).
India received a score of 36.62, placing it 161st out of 180 nations. India was ranked 150 in 2022.
World Press Freedom Day – 3 May

7O
 The UNESCO General Conference's 3T6Rsuggestion
tr-5P1R9U7L1991 for the day was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1993.
 The 1991 Windhoek Declaration (approved by UNESCO) is also commemorated on this day to educate the public
on the value of press freedom, the need to defend the rights of journalists, and the necessity of supporting
independent, free media.
 "Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human Rights" is the theme for 2023.
Highlights of the
tr-5BIndex:
1D9C7H3J6H7D
 Denmark, Norway, and Ireland held the top three spots.
 The bottom three countries on the list were North Korea, China, and Vietnam.
 Sri Lanka also significantly improved on the rating, moving up from 146th place in 2022 to 135th place this year.
 Pakistan 150th position on the list.
 In three other nations, Tajikistan (down 1 at 153rd), India (down 11 at 161st), and Turkey (down 16 at 165th), the
situation has deteriorated from "problematic" to "very bad."
20
India’s Performance:
 Since 2016, when it was rated 133, India's standing in the index has been steadily declining.
 The rise in violence against journalists and a politically polarised media are to blame for the ranking's decline.
 The purchase of media outlets by oligarchs with strong ties to political figures is another phenomena that
dangerously hinders the free flow of information.
 According to the NGO, there is intense pressure on many Indian journalists who push them to self-censor.
About the Index:

 Since 2002, Reporters Without Borders, also known as Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF), has released it annually.
 RSF is a Paris-based independent NGO that holds consultative status with the Council of Europe, the International
Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF), UNESCO, and the United Nations.
 OIF is a union of 54 French-speaking countries.
 The study rates 180 nations according to how free their press is, taking into account things like censorship, media
independence, and the security of journalists. It does not, however, reflect the calibre of journalism.
Reporters without borders:

 A yearly report on press freedom in various nations is released by Reporters Without Borders, also known as
c o m
a trade union nor a representative of media companies."
rs .
Reporters Sans Frontières (in French). Its headquarters are in Paris, France. On its website, it states, "We are neither
 Established in 1985... RSF is a leader in the defending and promotion of information freedom. RSF has consultative
e
status with the international group of Francophonie (OIF), the Council of Europe, the United Nations, and
UNESCO. RSF has been recognised as a public interest group in France since 1995.
k
 With 134 correspondents worldwide, RSF also provides daily information on journalists who are imprisoned, cases
n
of press suppression, etc. "We provide helmets and bulletproof jackets as well as insurance for journalists travelling
a
in dangerous regions. When they are the targets of abuse, we help them take legal action, and when they are forced
r
to flee, we help them apply for asylum, it says. The World Press Freedom Index is possibly one of its most well-
known programmes.
How does
3T6R7O
it measure
tr-5P1R9U7LAccording to RSF,
o
press freedom:
p
"Press freedom is defined as the ability of journalists as individuals and collectives to select,

T
produce, and disseminate news in the public interest independent of political, economic, legal, and social
interference and in the absence of threats to their physical and mental safety." This definition is found in the
Methodology section of the organization's website. Based on this criterion, the index then analyses degrees of press
freedom around the world.
It creates a score that ranges from 0 (for the absolute worst performance in terms of protecting press freedom) to
100 (for the absolute best performance). Norway took first place this year with a score of 95.18, followed by North
Korea at 21.72, and India with a score of 36.62. A score of less than 70 qualifies as "problematic."
46. What was India’s rank in the recently released World Press Freedom Index?
(a) 139th (b) 141st
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
6R7O (c) 150th (d) 161st
47. Which declaration is commemorated to educate the public on the value of press freedom, the need to defend the rights
of journalists, and the necessity of supporting independent, free media on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day?
(a) Budapest Declaration (b) Hague Declaration
(c) Windhoek Declaration (d) Paris Declaration
9C7H3J6H7D
tr-5B1D is not one of the countries in the top 3 of the Index?
48. Which of the following
(a) Denmark (b) Norway (c) Ireland (d) Switzerland
49. India’s position in the Index has been declining continuously since which of the following years?
(a) 2013 (b) 2016 (c) 2019 (d) 2020
50. When was the Reporters without borders or RSF established?

(a) 1985 (b) 1987 (c) 1993 (d) 2001
21
46. (d) India received a score of 36.62, placing it 161st 49. (b) Since 2016, when it was rated 133, India's
out of 180 nations. India was ranked 150 in 2022. standing in the index has been steadily
47. (c) The 1991 Windhoek Declaration (approved by declining.
UNESCO) is also commemorated on this day to 50. (a) Established in 1985... RSF is a leader in the
educate the public on the value of press defending and promotion of information
freedom, the need to defend the rights of freedom. RSF has consultative status with the
journalists, and the necessity of supporting international group of Francophonie (OIF), the
independent, free media. Council of Europe, the United Nations, and
48. (d) Denmark, Norway, and Ireland held the top UNESCO.
three spots.
INDIA-UAE CEPA
Why in News?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
c o m
During the India-UAE Virtual Summit on February 18, 2022, the CEPA between the two countries was signed. On May
rs .
1, 2022, the Agreement is anticipated to go into effect. A formal framework for promoting and enhancing trade between
the two nations is provided by CEPA.
had a substantial impact on bilateral trade between the two nations.
k e
Since its implementation in May 2022, the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has
Within five years, it is anticipated that the value of bilateral trade in products will surpass $100 billion and that of trade
in services will surpass $15 billion.
What is CEPA?
r an
 It is a form of free trade agreement that includes discussions about investment, trade in services, and other aspects
of economic cooperation.
o p
tr-5P1R9U7LIt3Tmight even take into account negotiating in areas like IPR, competition, and customs cooperation for commerce.
6R7O
 More extensive than free trade agreements are partnership or collaboration agreements.
India UAE Trade Relations:

T
 The CEPA includes a regulatory problems agreement that examines the regulatory component of trade.
 India has CEPAs with Japan and South Korea.
Excellent bilateral connections between India and the UAE are supported and nourished by shared cultural and
civilizational affinities, frequent high-level political exchanges, and strong people-to-people ties. These links are
historical and deeply founded.
 The comprehensive strategic alliance between India and the UAE was established during the 2015 visit of the Indian
Prime Minister to the UAE.
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7Lbeen
 India and the UAE have historically each other's top trading partners.
 Trade: The UAE is now India's third-largest commercial partner, having grown steadily from USD 180 million in
annual trade in the 1970s to USD 60 billion in FY 2019–20.
 Exports: India's second-largest export market is the United Arab Emirates.
 Investments: With an estimated 18 billion USD in investments, the UAE is also the seventh largest investor in India.
 Additionally, the UAE and India recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in which the UAE
6H7D
7H3J75
tr-5B1D9C
pledged to invest USD billion in India's infrastructure development.
UAE's Economic Importance India's energy needs are largely met by the UAE, which is also a significant partner in the
country's efforts to develop its upstream and downstream oil industries as well as its strategic petroleum reserves.
Other Trade Agreements

Free Trade Agreements (FTA)
 It is an agreement wherein two or more nations concur to grant the partner nation favourable trade conditions,
tariff concessions, etc.
22
 Numerous nations, like Sri Lanka, and trade groups, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN),
have negotiated free trade agreements (FTA) with India.
 The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is an existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) involving
the 10 ASEAN member states and Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, India, and New Zealand.
Preferential Trade Agreements (PTA)

 In this kind of arrangement, two or more partners grant specific products preferred entrance. This is accomplished
by lowering taxes on a predetermined number of tariff lines.
 In a PTA, some products' tariffs could potentially be eliminated. Afghanistan and India have a PTA.
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)

 Only TRQ (Tariff Rate Quotas) rates and trade tariffs are typically covered under CECA. It falls short of CEPA's
breadth. India has signed CECA with Malaysia.
Bilateral Investment Treaty (BTI)
o
 It is a bilateral agreement when two nations get down to determine the terms for private investments by individuals
c m
.
and businesses from the two nations.
rs
Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA)
 It is an agreement between two or more nations that creates a framework for increasing trade and settling
unresolved international conflicts.
k e
n
51. When did the India-UAE CEPA come into effect?
(a) January 1, 2022 (b) May 1, 2022 (c) January 1, 2023 (d) May 1, 2023
52.
(a) UAE (b) Russia
p r a
Which of the following is not one of the countries with whom India has signed a CEPA?
(c) Japan (d) South Korea
54.
9U7L
tr-5P1RAt
53. 3T
what
(a) 7th
6R7O
(b) 9th
o
number does the UAE stand in terms of being the largest investor in India?
T
How many Asea countries does the RCEP include?
(a) 8 (b) 9
(c) 11th
(c) 10
(d) 12th
(d) 11
55. Which of the following is a trade agreement that India has signed with Malaysia?
(a) TIFA (b) BTI (c) CECA (d) FTA

6R 7O
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
51. (b) During the India-UAE Virtual Summit on 54. (c) The Regional Comprehensive Economic
February 18, 2022, the CEPA between the two Partnership (RCEP) is an existing Free Trade
countries was signed. On May 1, 2022, the Agreement (FTA) involving the 10 ASEAN
Agreement is anticipated to go into effect. A member states and Australia, China, Japan,
formal framework for promoting and enhancing South Korea, India, and New Zealand.
trade between the two 6H nations
7D is provided by 55. (c) Only TRQ (Tariff Rate Quotas) rates and trade
CEPA. tr-5B1D9C7H3J tariffs are typically covered under CECA. It falls
52. (b) India has CEPAs with Japan and South Korea. short of CEPA's breadth. India has signed CECA
53. (a) With an estimated 18 billion USD in with Malaysia.
investments, the UAE is also the seventh largest
investor in India.
23
CYCLONES
Why in news?
The Bay of Bengal is home to a cyclonic/low-pressure area that may develop into a cyclonic storm, according to the
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
Yemen suggested the name Cyclone Mocha (pronounced "Mokha") after the Red Sea port city that is credited with
introducing coffee to the world more than 500 years ago.
World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)

 192 Member States and Territories make up the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), an intergovernmental
organisation.
 India is a WMO member.
 The International Meteorological Organisation (IMO), which was founded following the Vienna International
Meteorological Congress in 1873, is where it got its start.
 On March 23, 1950, the WMO Convention was ratified, establishing WMO as the UN's specialised agency for
c o m
meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology, and associated geophysical sciences.
 The WMO's main office is in Geneva, Switzerland.
rs .
How are they named?
e
 They are given names by the Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs) and regional specialised meteorological
centres (RSMCs).
k
 There are six RSMCs worldwide.
an
 The Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea are included in the north Indian Ocean cyclones that the IMD names being
an RSMC.
r
p
 Additionally, the IMD is required to inform 12 additional nations in the region about the development of cyclones
and storms.
tr-5P1R9U7LWorld
To
3T6R7OMeteorological Organization/Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (WMO/ESCAP):
 The group, which consists of Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand,
made the decision to begin naming cyclones in the area in 2000.
 The list was finalised by the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC) after each nation submitted proposals.
Worldwide nomenclature:
They go by a variety of names in different parts of the world, such as typhoons in the Pacific Ocean and the China Sea,
hurricanes in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, tornadoes in the southern United States and the Guinea
lands, willy-willies in north-western Australia, and tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean.
What are cyclones?

9U7L3T6R7O
 A low-pressure area surrounded
tr-5P1Rby swift inward air circulation, is known as a cyclone. In the Northern and Southern
hemispheres, respectively, the air moves clockwise and anticlockwise.
 Storms and unfavorable weather are frequently present during cyclones.
 The name "cyclone" comes from the Greek word "cyclos," which means a snake's coils. Henry Peddington came up
with the term because tropical storms in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal resemble coiled sea serpents.
 Tropical cyclones and Extra Tropical cyclones (also known as Temperate cyclones, intermediate latitude cyclones,
Frontal cyclones, 9C7H
tr-5B1Dor 3J6H7D
Wave Cyclones) are the two main categories of cyclones.
 The World Meteorological Organisation refers to weather systems with winds greater than "Gale Force" (a
minimum of 63 kilometres per hour) as "Tropical Cyclones."
 Between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer, tropical cyclones form. They are massive weather systems that form
over tropical or subtropical oceans and coalesce into surface wind circulation.
 Extratropical cyclones are known to originate in the Polar Regions, however they also occur in temperate zones and
high-latitude regions.
24
Anticyclones
 In contrast to a cyclone, an anticyclone has an air circulation that spirals outward around a region of high pressure.
 In the Northern Hemisphere, an anticyclone's winds revolve clockwise around a high pressure centre.
 Air enters anticyclones from above and descends to the earth. In general, high pressure areas get pleasant weather.
Western Disturbances
 In India, Western Disturbance is a typical weather occurrence. An extratropical storm known as a "western
disturbance" that forms in the Mediterranean and moves westward brings abrupt winter rain to the Indian
subcontinent.
 The majority of the winter and pre-monsoon rains in North-West India (including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and
western Uttar Pradesh) are a result of them. Typically, this phenomena is accompanied by a cloudy sky, warmer
nighttime temperatures, and unexpected rain.
 This wintertime precipitation is very significant for agriculture, especially for rabi crops like wheat. India receives
close to 5–10% of its annual total rainfall from western disturbances, according to estimates.
Cyclone Amphan
c o m
.
 The Bay of Bengal is home to Cyclone Amphan, a tropical cyclone that has intensified and is on track to become a
rs
"super cyclonic storm" with winds up to 120 knots.
 It will make landfall as a very strong storm between the Hatiya islands of Bangladesh and the Sagar islands of West
e
Bengal, according to the India Meteorological Department's forecast.
 Thailand gave it that name.
 West Bengal, Odisha, and Bangladesh are the affected regions.
n k
 The pre-monsoon cyclone Amphan is the second to develop in the Bay of Bengal in the past two years. Cyclone Fani
was the first.
a
56.
(a) India (b) Yemen
r
Which country has suggested the name of cyclone as Mocha?
p
(c) Malaysia (d) Singapore
58.
9U7L3T6R7O
(a) Gland, Switzerland

(c) Paris, France o
tr-5P1RWhere is the World Meteorological Organisation headquartered?
57.
T (b) Vienna, Austria

(d) Geneva, Switzerland
How many regional specialised meteorological centres (RSMCs) are there worldwide?
(a) Eight (b) Six (c) Four (d) Two
59. What are cyclones known as in the Caribbean Sean and Atlantic Ocean?
(a) Hurricanes (b) Typhoons (c) Tornadoes (d) Willy-willies
60. Which country was responsible for1R

the naming
6R7O of cyclone Amphan?
tr-5P 9U7L3T
(a) Myanmar (b) Thailand (c) Yemen (d) None of the above.
56. (b) Yemen suggested the name Cyclone Mocha Ocean and the China Sea, hurricanes in the
(pronounced "Mokha") 6H
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
after
7D the Red Sea port Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean,
city that is credited with introducing coffee to tornadoes in the southern United States and the
the world more than 500 years ago. Guinea lands, willy-willies in north-western
57. (d) The WMO's main office is in Geneva, Australia, and tropical cyclones in the Indian
Switzerland. Ocean.
58. (b) There are six RSMCs worldwide. 60. (b) Thailand gave it that name.
59. (a) They go by a variety of names in different parts
of the world, such as typhoons in the Pacific
25
EU’S CARBON BORDER TAX
Why in news?
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which would impose a carbon tax on imports of goods created
using non-green or environmentally unsustainable technologies, will be implemented by the European Union (EU)
starting in October 2023.
Starting on January 1st 2026, CBAM will be translated into a 20–35% tax on a limited number of goods into the EU.
What is CBAM?
 CBAM is a component of the "Fit for 55 in 2030 package," which is the EU's strategy to comply with the European
Climate Law by cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
 By ensuring that imported commodities bear the same carbon costs as items made in the EU, the CBAM is a policy
m
measure intended to lower carbon emissions.
 The CBAM will be put into effect by mandating that importers annually declare the volume of commodities they
import into the EU and their inherent Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
c
 Importers will have to give up a similar number of CBAM certificates, the cost of which will be determined by the
.
weekly average auction price of EU Emission Trading System (ETS) allowances in euros per tonne of CO2 emitted,
o
rs
in order to offset these emissions.
 In addition to promoting cleaner production elsewhere in the world, CBAM will make sure its climate objectives
are not jeopardised by carbon-intensive imports.
e
 It might persuade non-EU nations to enact stricter environmental laws, which would cut down on global carbon
emissions.
k
n
 By deterring businesses from moving to nations with laxer environmental standards, it can stop carbon leakage.
a
 The money made through CBAM will be used to fund EU climate initiatives, which other nations can use to promote
green energy.
r
Impact on India?
tr-5P1R9U7LDue
o p
7O the mechanism's increased scrutiny, it will have a negative effect on India's exports of metals like iron, steel,
3T6Rto
T
and aluminium goods to the EU.
 The carbon taxes, which range from 19.8% to 52.7%, pose a serious threat to India's primary exports to the EU,
including steel and iron ore.
 The EU will begin collecting the carbon tax on each shipment of steel, aluminium, cement, fertiliser, hydrogen, and
power on January 1, 2026.
 Because coal makes up the majority of the country's total energy consumption, Indian products have a substantially
greater carbon intensity than those from the EU and many other nations.
 Nearly 75% of India's electricity is generated from coal, which is substantially greater than the EU (15%) and the
global average (36%).
 Because increasing emissions would result in higher carbon tariffs to be paid to the EU, direct and indirect emissions
9U7L3T6R7O
tr-5P1Rare
from iron, steel, and aluminium a key worry for India.
India’s Stand:
 India could use its position as the G-20's 2023 head to promote other nations and persuade them to oppose the EU's
carbon price system.
 India should think about the detrimental effects that the CBAM will have on poorer nations that significantly rely
3J6H 7D
tr-5B1D9C7Hin
on mineral resources addition to its own interests.
About the European Union

 27 nations make up the European Union, which functions as a unified economic and political organisation.
 The official currency of 19 of these nations is the euro. Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary,
Poland, Romania, and Sweden are the eight EU nations that do not utilise the euro.
 In order to put an end to decades of conflict between European nations, which culminated in World War II and
devastated much of the continent, the EU was born out of the ambition to create a single political body for all of
Europe.
26
 Through a standardised set of regulations that are applicable in all member states when all members have chosen
to function as one, the EU has created an internal single market.
Formation of EU:
 European integration was viewed as a remedy for the extreme nationalism that had ravaged the continent after
World War II.
 Winston Churchill went further and pushed for the creation of a United States of Europe in 1946 at the University
of Zurich in Switzerland.
 Under the terms of the Treaty of Paris (1951), six nations known as the Six (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy,
Luxembourg, and the Netherlands) established the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1952 in order to
cede some of their sovereignty by integrating their coal and steel production into a single market.
 The European Court of Justice was also founded in 1952 as part of the Paris Treaty (referred to until 2009 as the
"Court of Justice of the European Communities").
 The European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC or Euratom) is an international organisation founded by the
Euratom Treaty (1957) with the initial goal of developing nuclear energy, distributing it to its member states, and
selling the surplus to non-member states in order to create a specialised market for nuclear power in Europe.
 The Treaty of Rome (1957) established the European Economic Community (EEC). The main goal of the
c o m
.
Community was to create economic cooperation among its founding members, including a common market and
rs
customs union (Six).
 The European Communities (ECs) were established as a result of the Merger Treaty (1965, Brussels), which
e
stipulated the union of the three communities (ECSC, EAEC, and EEC) under a single set of institutions.
 When Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom joined, the ECs first began to grow. Portugal and Spain joined
in 1986 after Greece did so in 1981.
n k
 The Schengen Agreement (1985) made it possible for most member states to have open borders without passport
checks. It went into effect in 1995.
a
 The Single European Act (1986), passed by the European Community, set a timeline for the economic integration
policy.
p r
of its member nations, the creation of a single European currency, and the adoption of unified foreign and domestic
o
 To advance European integration, the members of the European Community signed the Maastricht Treaty-1992
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7L(also known as the Treaty on European Union) on February 7, 1992, in Maastricht, the Netherlands. With the
T
conclusion of the Cold War, it gained significant momentum.
 Treaty of Lisbon: European Community (currently solely made up of EEC, EAEC, while ECSC previously ended
operations in 2002) was disbanded and its operations were merged into EU. Although it shares the same
membership as the EU and is controlled by several of its institutions, the EAEC is the last remaining community
organisation that is legally separate from the EU.
 Since the collapse of the world financial markets in 2008, the EU and the European Central Bank (ECB) have
struggled with high sovereign debt and declining growth in Portugal, Ireland, Greece, and Spain. In 2009, the
international community provided financial bailouts to Greece and Ireland along with austerity measures. Portugal
and a second Greek bailout came next in 2011.
 Brexit: The U.K. government tr-5Pstaged a referendum
1R9U7L3T 6R7O in 2016 during which the country decided to leave the EU.
61. When is the CBAM scheduled to start?

(a) January 1, 2025 (b) January 1, 2026 (c) May 1, 2026 (d) May 1, 2027
62. What is the tax slab under the CBAM?

(a) 15 – 20% (b) 25 – 30%
3J6H7D
(c) 20 – 35% (d) 30 – 35%
tr-5B1D9C7H
63. What percentage India’s electricity is generated by coal?

(a) 50% (b) 75% (c) 60% (d) 25%
64. Which of the following treaties led to the formation of European Economic Community?
(a) Treaty of Paris 1951 (b) Treaty of Lisbon
(c) Maastricht Treaty 1992 (d) Treaty of Rome 1957
27
65. Which government staged a referendum in 2016 during which it decided to leave the EU?
(a) Switzerland (b) UK (c) Germany (d) Italy
61. (b) Starting on January 1st 2026, CBAM will be 64. (d) The Treaty of Rome (1957) established the
translated into a 20–35% tax on a limited European Economic Community (EEC). The
number of goods into the EU. main goal of the Community was to create
62. (c) Starting on January 1st 2026, CBAM will be economic cooperation among its founding
translated into a 20–35% tax on a limited members, including a common market and
number of goods into the EU. customs union (Six).
63. (b) Nearly 75% of India's electricity is generated 65. (b) The U.K. government staged a referendum in
from coal, which is substantially greater than 2016 during which the country decided to leave
the EU (15%) and the global average (36%). the EU.
LAW TO RECALL BAD DRUGS:
c o m
Why in News?
Recently, a pharmaceutical business unintentionally let a batch of mislabeled pharmaceuticals onto the market,
highlighting the problem of unapproved drugs being sold and the requirement for a drug recall law in India.
rs .
What is Drug Recall?
k e
While such recalls are common in the U.S., including those by Indian corporations, they are not seen here.
unfavourable side effects.
r n
 A medicine recall happens when a prescription or over-the-counter medication is pulled off the shelves due to
a
 Recalling a drug product involves taking it off the market or making it compliant with the rules and laws controlling
p
its safety, effectiveness, or quality.
 When a product is discovered to be flawed, contaminated, mislabeled, or poses a risk to the health and safety of
tr-5P1R9U7Lpatients,
Need for Drug Recall Law To

3T6R7O a drug recall is often issued.
 A medicine recall aims to safeguard the public from harm by withdrawing the problematic product from the market
and to offer consumers who have already purchased the product a solution or refund.
 Most state drug authorities have the power to force the removal of a specific batch from their jurisdiction, but
because India is a shared market, it is possible that the same batch is distributed among several states.
 In such a situation, a central drug regulator who can carry out and organise a national recall is required.
 India currently lacks a national law on drug recalls in spite of identifying this as a significant concern in 1976.
 Because of this, there is no system in place to actually remove batches of pharmaceuticals from India after
government analysts certify some drugs to be NSQ.
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7L
Laws for Regulation of Drugs in India
 The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945 have given federal and state regulators a number of duties
related to the regulation of medications and cosmetics. It offers the legal requirements for granting permits to
produce Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medicines.
3J6H 7D
 The Central 1D9C7H
Drugs
tr-5B Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) establishes standards and methods to guarantee
the country's supply of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, diagnostics, and devices is safe, effective, and of high quality. It
controls the requirements for clinical trials and the approval of new pharmaceuticals for the market.
 Drugs Controller General of India: The Government of India's CDSCO is led by the DCGI, which is in charge of
approving licences for specific classes of pharmaceuticals such blood and blood products, IV fluids, vaccines, and
sera. Additionally, DCGI establishes requirements for medication production, distribution, sales, and import in
India.
28
o The government on 1st February 2023 appointed Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi as Drug Controller General of India.
o The government earlier on 14 August 2019 appointed Dr. VG Somani as Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).
Ministry of AYUSH
 Traditional and unconventional medical systems, such as Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, unani, siddha, sowa-rigpa,
and homoeopathy, among others.
 The positive aspects of Indian medical systems, such as their diversity and adaptability, accessibility, affordability,
wide public acceptance, comparably lower cost, and growing economic value, have a great deal of potential to make
them healthcare providers for the majority of our population.
 Launched in September 2014 by the Department of AYUSH under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, during
the 12th Plan for implementation through States/UTs.
 Now, it is implemented by the Ministry of Ayush.
66. In which year did India recognise laws on drug recall as a significant issue?
67.
(a) 1950
Who is the current DCGI?

(b) 1968 (c) 1976 (d) 1984
c o m
.
(a) VG Somani (b) Amitabh Kant
rs
(c) Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi (d) None of the above.
68. Which act offers the legal requirements for granting permits to produce Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medicines in
India?
(a) The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
k e
n
(b) The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
(c) Both a&b
69.
(d) None of the above.
p r
Who is the current Union Minister for the AYUSH ministry?
(a) Shri Sarbanda Sonowal
a
70.
3T6R
9U7LDr.
tr-5P1R(b)
7O
Harshvardhan
(c) Mansukh Mandaviya
(d) Dharmendra Pradhan
To
When did the Department for AYUSH come into being?
(a) 2009 (b) 2012 (c) 2013 (d) 2014
66. (c) India currently lacks a national law on drug medications and cosmetics. It offers the legal
recalls in spite of identifying this as a significant
6R7O requirements for granting permits to produce
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
concern in 1976. Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medicines.
67. (c) The government on 1st February 2023 appointed 69. (a) self-explanatory
Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi as Drug 70. (d) Launched in September 2014 by the Department
Controller General of India. of AYUSH under the Ministry of Health and
68. (a) The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, Family Welfare, during the 12th Plan for
1945 have given federal and state regulators a implementation through States/UTs.
7H3J6H7D
5B1D9Crelated
number of tr-duties to the regulation of
GOVERNMENT IMPLEMENTS RPWD ACT 2016

Why in news?
For the Civil Services Exam (CSE) 2023, the Delhi High Court has ordered the DoPT to submit an affidavit detailing the
total number of vacancies announced and accommodations made in line with the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act.
The Act places responsibility for ensuring PWDs have equal rights on the relevant governments.
29
The number of disability categories has grown from 7 to 21. More disability categories may be added at the discretion of
the central government.
There are about 2.68 crore (2.21% of the population) people with disabilities in India according to the 2011 census of
India.
In accordance with its economic capability and level of development, the State is required under Article 41 of the
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) to establish appropriate provisions for safeguarding the right to labour, to
education, and to public assistance in circumstances of unemployment, old age, illness, and disability.
In the state list of the seventh schedule of the constitution, the topic of "relief of the disabled and unemployable" is
mentioned.
Highlights of the Act

 The definition of disability is based on a dynamic and developing idea.
 The number of disability categories has grown from 7 to 21. The act added a number of disabilities, such as deaf
blindness, acid attack victims, Parkinson's disease, mental illness, autism, spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy,
muscular dystrophy, chronic neurological conditions, speech and language disability, thalassemia, haemophilia,
o
and sickle cell disease, which were largely ignored in the previous act. The Government is also permitted to notify
c m
.
any other category of a particular handicap.
 It raises the percentage of reservations for people with disabilities from 3% to 4% in positions with the government
rs
and from 3% to 5% in institutions of higher learning.
 Between the ages of 6 and 18, every kid with a baseline disability is entitled to a free education. Both institutions
k e
that are recognised by the government and those that are supported by it must offer inclusive education.
 Along with the Accessible India Campaign, emphasis has been placed on ensuring accessibility in public buildings
n
within a specified time range.
 The State Commissioners and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities will serve as grievance redressal
r a
organisations and regulatory organisations, respectively, overseeing the Act's execution.
 To give financial assistance to people with disabilities, separate national and state funds should be established.
p
o
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7LThe General Assembly approved the Convention in December 2006, and it went into effect in May 2008.
T
 In addition to eradicating laws, rules, customs, and practises that constitute discrimination, the convention aims to
involve member nations in the development and implementation of policies, legislation, and administrative
measures for safeguarding the rights recognised in the Convention.
 In order to ensure that people with disabilities can access their surroundings, transportation, public facilities and
services, and information and communications technologies, countries must identify and remove obstacles and
barriers.
 It calls on the signatory nations to acknowledge the right to an appropriate quality of life and social protection,
which includes public housing, services, and aid for needs connected to disabilities as well as aid for costs associated
to disabilities in cases of poverty.
6R 7O
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
Accessible India Campaign
 The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment, has launched its national flagship campaign, Accessible India Campaign (AIC), across the country.
 The Campaign's goal is to create a welcoming and barrier-free environment for Divyangjans across the nation.
 On December 3, 2015, the International Day of People with Disabilities, it was introduced.
9C7H3J6H7D
tr-5B1D categories has been increased to what number according to the RPwD Act, 2016?
71. The number of disabled
(a) 7 (b) 13 (c) 19 (d) 21
72. Which Article of the DPSPs talks about public assistance in matters of disability?
(a) 39 (b) 41 (c) 42 (d) 44
73. When did the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) come into effect?
(a) 2006 (b) 2008 (c) 2009 (d) 2018
30
74. Who is the current Union Minister for Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment?
(a) Bhupender Yadav (b) Prahlad Joshi
(c) Virendra Kumar (d) Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
75. When is the International Day for People with disabilities observed?
(a) 3 December (b) 22 March (c) 7 August (d) 10 December
71. (d) The number of disability categories has grown to education, and to public assistance in
from 7 to 21. More disability categories may be circumstances of unemployment, old age,
added at the discretion of the central illness, and disability.
government. 73. (b) The General Assembly approved the Convention
72. (b) In accordance with its economic capability and in December 2006, and it went into effect in May
level of development, the State is required under
Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State
Policy (DPSP) to establish appropriate
74.
75.
2008.
o m
(c) self-explanatory
c
(a) On December 3, 2015, the International Day of
.
provisions for safeguarding the right to labour, People with Disabilities, it was introduced.
rs
Passage (Q.76-Q.80): Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi’ Campaign
e
The Ministry of Women and Child Development organised a national event on key initiatives for strengthening Early
Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) which is an important component of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan
for Women and Child Development (WCD) and Minority Affairs.
a k
2.0 (Mission Poshan 2.0) and envisaged under the National Education Policy. The event, to be chaired by Union Minister
n
The main objective of the event is to highlight the criticality of focusing on early childhood care and education. The
p r
Ministry of Women and Child Development is launching “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, a pathbreaking ECCE program to
ensure that India has the world’s largest, universal, high-quality pre-school network, as suggested by the National
o
Education Policy.
6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
T
Through the changes introduced by the “Poshan bhi, Padhai bhi” ECCE policy, every child would be provided with at
least two hours of high-quality pre-school instruction on a daily basis. As stated in the NEP, Anganwadi Centres will be
strengthened with high-quality infrastructure, play equipment, and well-trained Anganwadi workers/teachers
Poshan bhi Padhai bhi will focus on promoting holistic and quality early stimulation and pre-primary education for
children, ensuring the use of developmentally appropriate pedagogies and emphasizing the links with primary
education as well as early childhood health and nutrition services. Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi program will provide for
mother tongue as primary teacher instruction medium, different types of teaching-learning material (visual aids, audio
aids, audio-visual and bodily-kinesthetic aids) to Anganwadi Sewikas, and help build a Jan Andolan, to involve
communities in strengthening the foundations 6R7Oof the country’s future generations.
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1922874
76. Who is present Union Minister for Women and Child Development (WCD) and Minority Affairs ?
(a) Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman (b) Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti
(c) Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani (d) Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi
77. Who chaired thetr-drafting 3J6H7D

5B1D9C7Hcommitted proposed for the National Education Policy?
(a) Vasudha Kamat (b) Manjul Bhargava
(c) Krishna Mohan Tripathy (d) K. Kasturirangan
78. Provision for early childhood care and education to children below the age of six years is
(a) Fundamental Right (b) Directive Principle of State Policy
(c) Fundamental Duties (d) None of the above
31
79. Right to education is a fundamental right under which article of the Indian Constitution?
(a) Article 14 (b) Article 19 (c) Article 21A (d) Article 45
80. Which scheme has been renamed as POSHAN Scheme?

(a) Beti bachao Beti Padhao
(b) Bachpan Bachao Aandolan
(c) Mid day meal scheme
(d) None of the above
76. (c) Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani is currently serving as India. The policy aims to transform India's
the Union Minister for Women & Child education system by 2030. It was drafted by a
Development and Minister for Minority Affairs. committee chaired by K Kasturirangan.
She has previously served as the Union Minister
for Education (formerly known as Human
Resource Development) from May 2014 to July
78.
m
(b) Article 45 provides for Provision for early
o
childhood care and education to children below
c
the age of six years. It is DPSP. DPSP are
.
2016, Minister for Information & Broadcasting provided under Article 36 to 51 of Indian
rs
from July 2017 to May 2018 and Minister for Constitution.
Textiles from July 2016 to July 2021. She is India’s 79. (c) Article 21A provides for the Fundamental Right
e
youngest Union Cabinet Minister in the of Right to Education. It was added by way of
Government and the first woman to hold office 86th Constitutional Amendment.
77.
as Minister for Education and as Minister of
Textiles.
(d) NEP is a comprehensive framework for
elementary education to higher as well as
an k
80. (c) The Mid Day Meal Scheme is a school meal
programme in India designed to better the
nutritional standing of school-age children
nationwide. The scheme has been renamed as
vocational training in both rural and urban
p r POSHAN Scheme.
o
Passage (Q.81-Q.85): AIME 2023
3T6R7O
9U7Lopening
tr-5P1RThe ceremony of the inaugural AIME-23 was held at Changi Naval Base, Singapore on 02 May 2023. The
T
ceremony was jointly inaugurated by Admiral R Hari Kumar, the CNS, Indian Navy and Rear Admiral Sean Wat, Chief
of Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy in the presence of senior dignitaries from other ASEAN nations. This inaugural
edition of AIME is being co-hosted by the Republic of Singapore Navy and Indian Navy; and will witness participation
of ships and personnel from other ASEAN countries.
AIME-23 scheduled from 02 to 08 May 2023 is aimed at promoting Maritime Cooperation and enhancing trust,
friendship and confidence amongst ASEAN and Indian Navies. The exercise will be conducted in two phases. The
Harbour Phase at Singapore from 02 to 04 May 2023 will witness a range of professional and social interactions between
the participating navies which includes cross deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges and planning meetings, etc.
Later on, the Sea Phase scheduled from 07 to7O
08 May 2023 in the South China Sea will provide an opportunity for the
5P1R9U7L3T6R
participating navies to developtr-closer links in the coordination and execution of operations in the maritime domain.
AIME 2023 will provide an opportunity for Indian Navy and ASEAN navies to work together closely and conduct
seamless operations in the maritime domain.
ASEAN is at the core of India's Indo-Pacific Policy as was enunciated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri
Narendra Modi in his speech at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore in 2018. AIME reinforces this belief and India's
7D
6Hits
9C7H3Jin
commitment totr-'Act
5B1DEast' endeavour to ensure 'Security and Growth for all in the Region SAGAR India's first
indigenously-built destroyer, INS Delhi and INS Satpura, an Indigenously-built guided missile stealth frigate along with
a P81 Maritime Patrol aircraft will participate in the Inaugural ASEAN India Maritime Exercise. The participating ships
form a part of Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam and operate under the command of Rear Admiral
Gurcharan Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.
Source: https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/asean-india-maritime-exercise-2023-begins-singapore
32
81. What is the Full form of AIME?
(a) ASEAN India Maritime Exercise
(b) Australia India Maritime Exercise
(c) Asia India Maritime Exercise
(d) America India Maritime Exercise
82. Where is the Headquarter of ASEAN?

(a) Singapore (b) Malaysia (c) China (d) Indonesia
83. Choose the correct option:

Statement 1: Motto of ASEAN is One Vision, One Identity, One Community.
Statement 2: The Name “ASEAN” refers to the “Association of Southeast Asian Nations”.
(a) Both statement 1 and Statement 2 are true
(b) Both statement 1 and Statement 2 are false
(c) statement 1 is true and Statement 2 is false
(d) statement 1 is false and Statement 2 is true
c o m
84. Which INS was the first aircraft carrier of India?
(a) INS Vikrant (b) INS Viraat (c) INS Delhi
rs .
(d) INS Satpura
85. The ships INS Delhi and INS Satpura, will also participate in
(a) International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX-23)
(b) International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC)
k e
(c) Both of the above
r an
3T
9U7LAIME
tr-5P1R(a)
81.
6R7O
o
stands for ASEAN India Maritime
p
84. (a) INS Vikrant was a Majestic-class aircraft carrier
T
Exercise. AIME 2023 will provide an opportunity of the Indian Navy. The ship was laid down as
for Indian Navy and ASEAN navies to work HMS Hercules for the British Royal Navy during
together closely and conduct seamless World War II, but was put on hold when the war
operations in the maritime domain. ended. India purchased the incomplete carrier
82. (d) ASEAN was founded on 8 August 1967 with five in 1957, and construction was completed in 1961.
members: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vikrant was commissioned as the first aircraft
Singapore, and Thailand. It is headquartered in carrier of the Indian Navy and played a key role
Jakarta, Indonesia. in enforcing the naval blockade of East Pakistan
83. (a) The motto of the ASEAN is “One Vision, One during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
Identity, One Community” highlighted under
6R 7O its 85. (c) The ships INS Delhi and INS Satpura, during
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
charter. The Name “ASEAN” refers to the their port call at Singapore, will also participate
“Association of Southeast Asian Nations”. The in International Maritime Defence Exhibition
name “ASEAN” is protected under Article 6ter of (IMDEX-23) and International Maritime
the Paris Convention for the Protection of Security Conference (IMSC) being hosted by
Industrial Property, adopted in 1883 and revised Singapore.
in Stockholm in 1967.
6H 7D
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
Passage (Q.81-Q.85): ODF Plus Status
Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G) achieved a new landmark with nearly 101462 villages that have declared
themselves as ODF (open defecation free) Plus. These villages have maintained their ODF status and they also have
systems for managing solid and/or liquid waste. Recently The Union Government has launched Revised Swachh
Certification Protocols under Swachh Bharat Mission to sustain Open Defecation Free Status. The main objective of the
initiative is to set guidelines for ODF, ODF+, ODF++, and Water+ certifications. Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is a
country-wide campaign initiated by the Government of India. It is a restructured version of the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan
launched in 2009. Phase 1 of the Swachh Bharat Mission lasted till October 2019. Phase 2 is being implemented between
33
2020–21 and 2024–25. The objectives of the first phase of the mission: Eradication of manual scavenging. Generating
awareness and bringing about behaviour change regarding sanitation practices. Building capacity at the local level. The
second phase of the mission aims to sustain the open defecation-free status and improve the management of solid and
liquid waste, while also working to improve the lives of sanitation workers. Under the scheme, the Government provides
subsidies for constructing toilets, waste management structures, and awareness campaigns to bring behaviour change.
The campaign is financed by the Government of India and state governments. According to the dashboards maintained
by ministries, more than 100 million individual household level toilets have been constructed in rural areas and 6 million
household toilets in urban areas. Nearly 6 million community and public toilets have also been constructed in the urban
areas. Nearly 11 crores of online Integrated Management Information systems (IMIS) have been constructed in the
country. Nearly 2 lakh Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs) have been constructed under the programme. More than
4,200 cities and more than 600,000 villages across the country have declared themselves open defecation-free (ODF).
More than 87 thousand wards in urban areas now have 100% door-to-door collection of solid waste and nearly 65
thousand words practice 100% segregation of waste at source. According to UNICEF, the number of people without a
toilet has been reduced from 550 million to 50 million. The World Bank reports that 96% of Indians who have a toilet
86.
use it.
Swachh Bharat Mission was launched by India to make ODF free by which year?
c o m
.
(a) 2019 (b) 2020 (c) 2021 (d) 2022
rs
87. What is the meaning of ODF+ status?
(a) Not a single person is found defecating in open
(b) No one defecating in open and well maintained community and public toilets
(c) All conditions of ODF and toilets with sludge and seepage management
(d) All waste matter is being treated as per CPCB norms
k e
88.
(a) 2013 (b) 2014 (c) 2015
r an
When was Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G) Phase I launched?
(d) 2016
89. Which states have achieved ODF+ Status in India?

tr-5P1R(a) 3T6R7O
9U7LTelengana
o p
(b) Uttar Pradesh
T
(c) Himachal Pradesh (d) All of the above
90. In rural areas "SBM - Gramin" is financed and monitored through which Ministry?
(a) Ministry of Jal Shakti
(b) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
(c) Both 1 and 2

7O
5P 1R9U7L3T6R
86. (a) India’s Ministry of Jal Shaktitr-has announced that tanks and sewers. Safe collection & treatment of
over half of the nation’s villages have achieved used water as well as safe management of faecal
ODF Plus status under the Swachh Bharat sludge. Water+ - The focus is on the collection,
Mission Gramin (SBM-G) Phase II. The main transportation, treatment, and reuse of both
objective of the initiative is to set guidelines for used water and faecal sludge to prevent
ODF, ODF+, ODF++, and Water+ certifications. environmental pollution. Swachh Bharat
ODF - Areatr-once 9C7H3J6H7D
5B1Dcertified as ODF, they became Mission (SBM) is a country-wide campaign
eligible to be declared as SBM-ODF+ & SBM- initiated by the Government of India in 2014 to
ODF++. ODF+ - Area could be declared as ODF+ eliminate open defecation and improve solid
if, “at any point of the day, not a single person is waste management. It is a restructured version
found defecating and/or urinating in the open, of the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan launched in 2009.
and all community and public toilets are Phase 1 of the Swachh Bharat Mission lasted till
functional and well-maintained.” ODF++ - The October 2019. Phase 2 is being implemented
ODF++ status adds an extra condition that between 2020–21 and 2024–25.Telangana,
emphasizes on mechanized cleaning of septic Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh are
34
among the top-performing states, while Goa and 21 to 2024-25, focuses on sustainability of ODF
Sikkim lead among smaller states. Over 1 lakh status. It also includes: Solid and Liquid Waste
gram panchayats have also passed resolutions Management (SLWM) Plastic Waste
banning Single Use Plastic. The Swachh Bharat Management (PWM) Faecal Sludge
Mission Gramin (SBM-G) Phase I was launched Management (FSM) GOBARdhan Information
in 2014 to eliminate open defecation in rural Education and Communication Behaviour
areas by 2019. Phase II, implemented from 2020- Change Communication Capacity Building.
21 to 2024-25, focuses on sustainability of ODF Source:
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Source:
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.
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over half of the nation’s villages have achieved ODF++. ODF+ - Area could be declared as ODF+
ODF Plus status under the Swachh Bharat
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found defecating and/or urinating in the open,
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initiated by the Government of India in 2014 to
used water as well as safe management of faecal eliminate open defecation and improve solid
sludge. Water+ - The focus is on the collection, waste management. It is a restructured version
transportation, treatment, and reuse of both of the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan launched in 2009.
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environmental pollution. Swachh Bharat October 2019. Phase 2 is being implemented
6R7O
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initiated by the Government of India in 2014 to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh are
eliminate open defecation and improve solid among the top-performing states, while Goa and
waste management. It is a restructured version Sikkim lead among smaller states. Over 1 lakh
of the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan launched in 2009. gram panchayats have also passed resolutions
Phase 1 of the Swachh Bharat Mission lasted till banning Single Use Plastic. The Swachh Bharat
October 2019. Phase 26His7Dbeing implemented
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
Mission Gramin (SBM-G) Phase I was launched
between 2020–21 and 2024–25.Telangana, in 2014 to eliminate open defecation in rural
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh are areas by 2019. Phase II, implemented from 2020-
among the top-performing states, while Goa and 21 to 2024-25, focuses on sustainability of ODF
Sikkim lead among smaller states. Over 1 lakh status. It also includes: Solid and Liquid Waste
gram panchayats have also passed resolutions Management (SLWM) Plastic Waste
banning Single Use Plastic. The Swachh Bharat Management (PWM) Faecal Sludge
Mission Gramin (SBM-G) Phase I was launched Management (FSM) GOBARdhan Information
in 2014 to eliminate open defecation in rural Education and Communication Behaviour
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35
Source: areas by 2019. Phase II, implemented from 2020-
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over half of the nation’s villages have achieved Education and Communication Behaviour
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if, “at any point of the day, not a single person is
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o
the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma
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c
.
functional and well-maintained.” ODF++ - The objectives of the first phase of the mission:
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rs
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mission aims to sustain the open defecation-free
status and improve the management of solid
used water and faecal sludge to prevent
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r an and liquid waste, while also working to improve

the lives of sanitation workers. Under the
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initiated by the Government of India in 2014 to constructing toilets, waste management
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behaviour change. The campaign is financed by
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monitored through the Ministry of Jal Shakti. In
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Sikkim lead among smaller states. Over 1 lakh Source:
gram panchayats have also passed resolutions https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx
banning Single Use Plastic. The Swachh Bharat ?PRID=1923036#:~:text=The%20country%20has
Mission Gramin (SBM-G) Phase I was launched %20achieved%20yet,phase%20II%20of%20the
7O
5P1R9U7L3T6R
in 2014 to eliminate opentr-defecation in rural %20Mission.
Passage (Q.91-Q.95): Global Report on Internal Displacement 2023 (GRID-2023)

Recently, the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre has released a report titled- The Global Report on Internal
Displacement 2023 (GRID-2023), which cites that the number of people displaced by disasters rose by 40% in 2022
rather than 2021. The IDMC is the world's leading source of data and analysis on internal displacement. It provides high-
quality data, analysis and expertise
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
6H7D on Internal Displacement with the aim of informing policy and operational decisions
that can reduce the risk of future displacement. Disasters displaced 8.7 million people internally in 88 countries and
territories as of December 2022. In 2022, the number of people displaced by the Russia-Ukraine war increased. The
conflict caused a displacement of 16.9 million — “the highest figure ever recorded for any country.” The number of
displacements associated with conflict and violence nearly doubled to 28.3 million. Entrenched conflict, disasters and
displacement aggravated Global Food Security in 2022, which was already a concern as a result of the slow and uneven
recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Low-income countries, many of which are dealing with internal displacement,
were most affected, in part given their reliance on food and fertilizer imports and international humanitarian aid. 75%
of the countries assessed as facing crisis levels of food security have IDPs. India recorded thousand numbers of internal
displacement and 631,000 internally displaced people due to conflict and violence and 2.5 million due to disaster in
36
2022. India and Bangladesh started to experience flooding even before the official start of the monsoon season, which
normally runs between mid-July and September. India’s north-eastern state of Assam was affected by early floods in
May 2022 and the same areas were once again flooded in June. Nearly five million people were affected across the state.
Some parts of India reported their lowest July 2022 rainfall in 122 years. By the end of the monsoon, 2.1 million
displacements had been recorded across India, a significant decrease from the five million that occurred during the 2021
season. Conflict resolution, peacebuilding, disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, food security and poverty
reduction must all be strengthened. There is an increasing need for durable solutions to meet the scale of the challenges
facing displaced people. This spans the expansion of cash assistance and livelihood programmes that improve IDPs’
(Internally Displaced People) economic security, through investments in risk reduction measures that strengthen their
communities’ resilience. Beyond immediate humanitarian assistance, investments are needed in anticipatory action and
risk reduction measures that strengthen displaced communites' resilience. Developing IDP's livelihoods and skills
would help to facilitate durable solutions by increasing their food security and their communities’ and countries’ self-
reliance at the same time.
91. Which country had the highest number of disaster displacements in the world in 2022?
(a) Pakistan (b) Turkey (c) Ukraine (d) Phillipines
c o m
.
92. Choose the correct Statement:
Statement 1: The increase in disasters, particularly weather-related, is largely the result of the effects of La Niña which
rs
continued for a third consecutive year.
Statement 2; The “triple-dip” La Niña caused widespread disasters across the world.
93.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c) Both 1 and 2
Where is Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre located?

e
k
94.
(a) USA (b) Netherlands
r an
(c) Switzerland (d) Brazil
The number of people living in internal displacement reached a record high of __________people across 110 countries
p
and territories.
(a) 71.1 million (b) 72.1 million (c) 73.1 million (d) 74.1 million
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
95.
6R7O
To
Which of the following are factors of displacement?
(a) Conflict
(c) development projects
(b) Violence
(d) All of the above
91. (a) Recently, the Internal Displacement Monitoring recorded the fourth largest disaster
Centre has released a report titled- The Global displacement, with 2.5 million displacements
Report on Internal Displacement 2023 (GRID- and Nigeria at fifth rank with 2.4 million. The
2023), which cites that the number3Tof people
6R7O increase in disasters, particularly weather-
tr-5P1R9U7L
displaced by disasters rose by 40% in 2022 rather related, is largely the result of the effects of La
than 2021. The IDMC is the world's leading Niña which continued for a third consecutive
source of data and analysis on internal year. The “triple-dip” La Niña caused
displacement. It provides high-quality data, widespread disasters across the world. Millions
analysis and expertise on Internal Displacement of people are uprooted from their homes or
with the aim of informing policy and operational places of habitual residence each year in the
decisions that 9C7H
can
tr-5B1D 3J6H7D the risk of future
reduce context of conflict, violence, development
displacement. The number of people living in projects, disasters and climate change and
internal displacement reached a record high of remain displaced within their countries’
71.1 million people across 110 countries and borders.
territories. Pakistan had the highest number of Source: https://www.internal-
disaster displacements in the world in 2022, at displacement.org/global-report/grid2023/
8.16 million. The Philippines was at second rank 92. (c) Recently, the Internal Displacement Monitoring
and reported 5.44 million displacements and Centre has released a report titled- The Global
China at third rank with 3.63 million. India Report on Internal Displacement 2023 (GRID-
37
2023), which cites that the number of people source of data and analysis on internal
displaced by disasters rose by 40% in 2022 rather displacement. It provides high-quality data,
than 2021. The IDMC is the world's leading analysis and expertise on Internal Displacement
source of data and analysis on internal with the aim of informing policy and operational
displacement. It provides high-quality data, decisions that can reduce the risk of future
analysis and expertise on Internal Displacement displacement. The number of people living in
with the aim of informing policy and operational internal displacement reached a record high of
decisions that can reduce the risk of future 71.1 million people across 110 countries and
displacement. The number of people living in territories. Pakistan had the highest number of
internal displacement reached a record high of disaster displacements in the world in 2022, at
71.1 million people across 110 countries and 8.16 million. The Philippines was at second rank
territories. Pakistan had the highest number of and reported 5.44 million displacements and
disaster displacements in the world in 2022, at China at third rank with 3.63 million. India
8.16 million. The Philippines was at second rank recorded the fourth largest disaster
and reported 5.44 million displacements and
China at third rank with 3.63 million. India
recorded the fourth largest disaster
o m
displacement, with 2.5 million displacements
and Nigeria at fifth rank with 2.4 million. The
increase in disasters, particularly weather-
c
.
displacement, with 2.5 million displacements related, is largely the result of the effects of La
and Nigeria at fifth rank with 2.4 million. The Niña which continued for a third consecutive
rs
increase in disasters, particularly weather- year. The “triple-dip” La Niña caused
related, is largely the result of the effects of La widespread disasters across the world. Millions
Niña which continued for a third consecutive
year. The “triple-dip” La Niña caused
widespread disasters across the world. Millions
k e of people are uprooted from their homes or

places of habitual residence each year in the
context of conflict, violence, development
of people are uprooted from their homes or
places of habitual residence each year in the
context of conflict, violence, development
r an projects, disasters and climate change and

remain displaced within their countries’
borders.
p
projects, disasters and climate change and Source:https://www.internal-
remain displaced within their countries’ displacement.org/global-report/grid2023/
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7Lborders.
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Source:https://www.internal-
o
displacement.org/global-report/grid2023/
93. (c) The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre
(IDMC) is the world's authoritative source of
data and analysis on internal displacement. We
95. (d) Recently, the Internal Displacement Monitoring
Centre has released a report titled- The Global
Report on Internal Displacement 2023 (GRID-
2023), which cites that the number of people
displaced by disasters rose by 40% in 2022 rather
than 2021. The IDMC is the world's leading
are located in Geneva, Switzerland and is a part source of data and analysis on internal
of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). displacement. It provides high-quality data,
IDMC is the data controller for the collection analysis and expertise on Internal Displacement
and use of personal data. We are committed to with the aim of informing policy and operational
safeguarding the personal data of our users and decisions that can reduce the risk of future
5P1R9U7L3T 6R7O
supporters. We will processtr-personal data in line displacement. The number of people living in
with the basic principles of data processing as internal displacement reached a record high of
regulated in Swiss Federal Act on Data 71.1 million people across 110 countries and
Protection and the EU General Data Protection territories. Pakistan had the highest number of
Regulation (GDPR). disaster displacements in the world in 2022, at
Source:https://www.internal- 8.16 million. The Philippines was at second rank
displacement.org/privacy-policy-
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
6H7D and reported 5.44 million displacements and
website#:~:text=The%20Internal%20Displacem China at third rank with 3.63 million. India
ent%20Monitoring%20Centre,Norwegian%20R recorded the fourth largest disaster
efugee%20Council%20(NRC). displacement, with 2.5 million displacements
94. (a) Recently, the Internal Displacement Monitoring and Nigeria at fifth rank with 2.4 million. The
Centre has released a report titled- The Global increase in disasters, particularly weather-
Report on Internal Displacement 2023 (GRID- related, is largely the result of the effects of La
2023), which cites that the number of people Niña which continued for a third consecutive
displaced by disasters rose by 40% in 2022 rather year. The “triple-dip” La Niña caused
than 2021. The IDMC is the world's leading widespread disasters across the world. Millions
38
of people are uprooted from their homes or remain displaced within their countries’
places of habitual residence each year in the borders.
context of conflict, violence, development Source:https://www.internal-
projects, disasters and climate change and displacement.org/global-report/grid2023/
Passage (Q.96-Q.100): ‘Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar’ Program

The Centre is to undertake the country’s first ever cultural survey of India’s villages under as ‘Mera Gaon, Meri
Dharohar’ through a mobile application. The survey, titled ‘Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar’, will document the cultural
identity at the village level by involving citizens to share what makes their village, block or district unique. India has a
unique cultural identity rooted in its villages. This survey builds upon a successful track record of CSCs engaging on
official enumerations like the 7th Economic Census and some other surveys done for the state governments. The entire
exercise is expected to be completed by mid-2022. As per the agreement signed between the two entities, CSC will
develop a mobile application and train the village level entrepreneurs (VLEs) in conducting the survey. Over 4 lakh
VLEs, managing the CSCs across the country, will conduct the survey in 6.38 lakh villages. In a bid to harness the unique
cultural heritage of rural India, the government has identified and documented distinctive features of more than one
lakh villages across the country. The entire exercise has been carried out under the ‘ Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar‘ (My
Village My Heritage) programme of the National Mission for Cultural Mapping (NMCM). The National Mission for
c o m
.
Cultural Mapping (NMCM) aims to develop a comprehensive database of art forms, artists and other resources across
the country. The IGNCA plans to cover all the 6.5 lakh villages in the country. As of today, short films have been made
rs
on 750 clusters villages. The films, which give a 360 degree view of the village, have been shot using drones. The program
seeks to document the cultural identity at the village level by involving citizens to share what makes their village, block,
k e
or district unique. In this cultural asset mapping, villages have been broadly divided into seven-eight categories based
on whether they are important ecologically, developmentally and scholastically, if they produce a famous textile or
product, and if they are connected to some historical or mythological events such as the Independence struggle or epics
n
like the Mahabharata. The mapping aims to develop a comprehensive database of art forms, artists, and other resources
a
across the country. The survey process involves a CSC Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE) conducting meetings with locals
r
and then uploading interesting facts about their village, its places of interest, customs and traditions, famous
p
personalities, festivals and beliefs, art and culture, etc., on to a special application. Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav’ is an
initiative of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The scheme envisages scientists to select villages as per
tr-5P1Rtheir
96.
6R7O
convenience
9U7L3T
o
and remain in touch with the selected villages and provide information to the farmers on technical
T
and other related aspects of agriculture through personal visits or on telephone.
Which village in Gujarat is the first solar-powered village in India?

(a) Dahod (b) Khavda (c) Modhera (d) Halvad
97. In which categories villages have been divided under this mission?
(a) Historical villages (b) Ecological Category
(c) Developmental Importance (d) All of the above
98. Choose the correct statement.

tr-5P1R
Statement 1: The National Mission for 7L3T6R7O Mapping was launched by the Ministry of Culture in 2017 to develop a
9UCultural
comprehensive database of art forms, artists, and other resources across the country.
Statement 2: The programme got off to a slow start and was handed over to the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts
(IGNCA) in 2021.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
99. The above mentioned survey6His7Dconducted by?

tr-5B1D9C7H3J
(a) Ministry of Culture (b) Ministry of Electronics and IT
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
100. How many villages have been documented under the survey till now?
(a) More than 50 thousand
(b) More than 1 lakh
(c) More than 1 lakh 50 thousand
(d) More than 2 lakhs
39
96. (c) Modhera is located 35 km away from Mehsana relevance and is to be noted during the cultural
district headquarters of Gujarat. It is famous for mapping. The NMCM was launched by the
its Sun temple, a protected ancient site, which is Ministry of Culture in 2017 to develop a
situated on the river Pushpavati. It was comprehensive database of art forms, artists,
constructed in 1026–1027 by Chalukya dynasty and other resources across the country. The
King Bhima–I. The temple was constructed in programme got off to a slow start and was
the Chaulukya (Maru-Gurjara) architectural handed over to the Indira Gandhi National
style. It also hosts a solar-powered 3D projection Centre for Arts (IGNCA) in 2021.
facility installed at its premises to give visitors Source:
information about the village's history. The https://www.culturemap.in/mgmds.html
temple has also the Heritage Lighting, making it 99. (c) The Ministry of Culture has partnered with the
the first heritage site in India to run only on Common Services Centres (CSC), under the
solar power. Modhera in Gujarat state is India’s
first village to be powered by solar all day, every
day. It has cost $9.7 million and been paid for by
m
Ministry of Electronics & IT (MEITY). The
o
survey seeks to document the cultural identity
c
at the village level by involving citizens to share
.
the central government and the government of what makes their village, block, or district
rs
Gujarat state. The solar project not only helps unique. The entire exercise is expected to be
reduce the villagers’ energy bills, but is also completed by mid-2022. Under the survey, a
e
becoming a source of income, as any surplus CSC Village Level Entrepreneur called VLEs will
power they generate can be sold back to the grid. conduct meetings with citizens at the villages
It’s also making the village healthier.
Source:
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/10/indi
a-first-solar-powered-village-pays-residents-
an k and then upload interesting facts about their

village, its places of interest, customs and
traditions, famous personalities, festivals and
beliefs, art and culture, etc., on to the
electric-bills/
97. (d) Villages have been categorized into seven to
p r application. VLEs will also upload photos and

videos regarding these aspects of the
o
eight categories based on ecological, application. Village level Cultural asset mapping
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7Ldevelopmental, and historical significance, as shall be undertaken through Field Surveys
T
well as cultural aspects such as famous textiles involving Respondents. CSC Village level
or products or connected to some historical or Entrepreneurs (VLE) shall be deployed for the
mythological events such as the Independence same across all villages in the country.
struggle or epics like the Mahabharata. Source:
Ecological Category: Bishnoi village in Rajasthan https://www.culturemap.in/mgmds.html
is a case study for living in harmony with nature. 100. (b) The Ministry of Culture has partnered with the
Raini village, which is famous for the Chipko Common Services Centres (CSC), under the
movement. Developmental Importance: Ministry of Electronics & IT (MEITY). The
Modhera in Gujarat is the first solar-powered survey seeks to document the cultural identity
village in India. Historical Villages:3TKandel
7O in at the village level by involving citizens to share
5P1R9U7L 6R
Madhya Pradesh, the sitetr-of the famous "Jal what makes their village, block, or district
Satyagraha". Hanol in Uttarakhand and unique. The entire exercise is expected to be
Vidurashwathar of Karnataka, which are linked completed by mid-2022. Under the survey, a
to the Mahabharata. Suketi in Himachal CSC Village Level Entrepreneur called VLEs will
Pradesh, Asia's oldest fossil park. Pandrethan in conduct meetings with citizens at the villages
Kashmir, the village of Shaivite mystic Lal Ded and then upload interesting facts about their
6H7D
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
Source: https://mgmd.gov.in/ village, its places of interest, customs and
98. (c) Cultural Mapping is the process involves traditions, famous personalities, festivals and
identification and mapping the cultural assets beliefs, art and culture, etc., on to the
and art repositories of the nation i.e., art application. VLEs will also upload photos and
expressions, crafts and skills, wisdom tradition videos regarding these aspects of the
and other cultural practices whether oral, aural, application. Village level Cultural asset mapping
visual or kinetic. Information about the ritual, shall be undertaken through Field Surveys
social and economic status of artists and involving Respondents. CSC Village level
craftsmen within the community is also of Entrepreneurs (VLE) shall be deployed for the
40
same across all villages in the country. More Source:
than 1 lakh villages have been documented https://www.culturemap.in/mgmds.html
under the survey till now.
Passage (Q.101-Q.105): Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a stay on the Great Nicobar Island project worth ₹72,000 crore and
created a committee to review the environmental clearance granted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change. As per the NITI Aayog report, the proposed port will allow Great Nicobar to participate in the regional and
global maritime economy by becoming a major player in cargo transshipment. It is equidistant from Colombo to the
southwest and Port Klang (Malaysia) and Singapore to the southeast, and positioned close to the East-West
international shipping corridor, through which a very large part of the world’s shipping trade passes. The proposal to
develop Great Nicobar was first floated in the 1970s, and its importance for national security and consolidation of the
Indian Ocean Region has been repeatedly underlined. Increasing Chinese assertion in the Indian Ocean has added great
urgency to this imperative in recent years. Environmentalists have also flagged the loss of tree cover and mangroves on
m
the island as a result of the development project. The loss of tree cover will not only affect the flora and fauna on the
o
island, it will also lead to increased runoff and sediment deposits in the ocean, impacting the coral reefs in the area.
Critics claimed that only one season data has been taken, as opposed to the requirement of taking data for three seasons
c
.
for comprehensive impact assessment, environmental impact assessment reports were not conducted as per Terms of
Reference (ToR). Critics argue that while Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are accorded the highest level
rs
of protection by local administration, they still face numerous challenges due to encroachment into their areas in the
name of development. The NGT's order to stay the Great Nicobar Island project and constitute a committee to review
and tribal rights.
k e
the environmental clearance aims to ensure that the project is compliant with the Island Coastal Regulation Zone 2019
101.
(a) Western end (b) Eastern end
r n
The Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project is a mega project to be implemented at the ___________of the Andaman and
Nicobar islands.
a
(c) Northern end (d) Southern end
102. What is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

tr-5P1R(a) 3T6R7O
9U7LKavratti
o
(b) Great Nicobar
p
(c) Port blair (d) Imphal
103. Choose the correct statement:
T
Statement 1: The project has faced several criticism citing concerns regarding its adverse impact on the rich biodiversity
of the area and damage to the habitats of endangered species.
Statement 2: The project area is part of Coastal Regulation Zones-IA and IB, and the Galathea bay which is a nesting
ground for birds.
104. What does Great Nicobar Island Project includes?

(a) International container transshipment terminal
6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
(b) A greenfield international airport
(c) Township development
105. In how many zones does National Green tribunal has presence?
(a) Six (b) Five (c) Four (d) Three
6H7D
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
41
101. (d) The Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project is a for birds. Also, turtle nesting sites, dolphins and
mega project to be implemented at the southern other species will be harmed by dredging.
end of the Andaman and Nicobar islands. The Source:
project includes an international container https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/grea
transshipment terminal, a greenfield t-nicobar-project-plan-for-the-
international airport, township development, paradise/article66689288.ece
and a 450 MVA gas and solar based power plant 104. (d) The Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project is a
over an extent of 16,610 hectares in the island. mega project to be implemented at the southern
The project has faced several criticism citing end of the Andaman and Nicobar islands. The
concerns regarding its adverse impact on the project includes an international container
rich biodiversity of the area and damage to the transshipment terminal, a greenfield
habitats of endangered species. The project area international airport, township development,
is part of Coastal Regulation Zones-IA and IB,
and the Galathea bay which is a nesting ground
for birds. Also, turtle nesting sites, dolphins and
m
and a 450 MVA gas and solar based power plant
o
over an extent of 16,610 hectares in the island.
c
The project has faced several criticism citing
.
other species will be harmed by dredging. concerns regarding its adverse impact on the
rs
Source: rich biodiversity of the area and damage to the
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/grea habitats of endangered species. The project area
t-nicobar-project-plan-for-the- is part of Coastal Regulation Zones-IA and IB,
paradise/article66689288.ece
102. (c) Port Blair is the capital of the Union Territory of
k e and the Galathea bay which is a nesting ground

for birds. Also, turtle nesting sites, dolphins and
n
Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It is located on the other species will be harmed by dredging.
east coast of the South Andaman Island. Port Source:https://www.thehindu.com/news/natio
Blair is the gateway to the pristine islands. Port
Blair is also an Island town offering water based
activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, sea-
p r a 105.
nal/great-nicobar-project-plan-for-the-
paradise/article66689288.ece
(b) The National Green Tribunal, established in
o
cruises, and glimpses of the history and culture 2010, as per the National Green Tribunal Act is a
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7Lof the region. The Aberdeen Bazaar forms the specialised judicial body equipped with
T
centre of the town. Most of the restaurants and expertise solely for the purpose of adjudicating
hotels are around this area. The main bus station environmental cases in the country. Recognising
is just west of the bazaar and the Airport 4 Kms. that most environment cases involve multi-
to the south west. The main passenger dock for disciplinary issues which are better addressed in
ferries-the Phoenix Bay Jetty is 1 Km. to the a specialised forum, the Tribunal was setup as
North West. per recommendations of the Supreme Court,
Source: Law Commission and India’s international law
https://www.andamantourism.gov.in/capital.p obligations to develop national laws on
hp#:~:text=Port%20Blair%20is%20the%20capit environment and implement them effectively.
al,Territory%20of%20Andaman%20%26%20Nic 6R7O The Tribunal has a presence in five zones-
obar%20Islands. tr-5P1R9U7L3T North, Central, East, South and West. The
103. (c) The Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project is a Principal Bench is situated in the North Zone,
mega project to be implemented at the southern headquartered in Delhi. The Central zone bench
end of the Andaman and Nicobar islands. The is situated in Bhopal, East zone in Kolkata,
project includes an international container South zone in Chennai and West zone in Pune.
transshipment terminal, a greenfield The Tribunal is headed by the Chairperson who
international airport, 6H7D
1D9C7H3Jtownship development, sits in the Principal Bench and has at least ten
tr-5B
and a 450 MVA gas and solar based power plant but not more than twenty judicial members and
over an extent of 16,610 hectares in the island. at least ten but not more than twenty expert
The project has faced several criticism citing members.
concerns regarding its adverse impact on the Source:
rich biodiversity of the area and damage to the https://www.greentribunal.gov.in/faqs#:~:text=
habitats of endangered species. The project area The%20Tribunal%20has%20a%20presence,and
is part of Coastal Regulation Zones-IA and IB, %20West%20zone%20in%20Pune.
and the Galathea bay which is a nesting ground
42
Passage (Q.106-Q.110): Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)
An Inter-Ministerial delegation from India led by Department of Commerce participated in the second Indo-Pacific
Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) negotiating round in Bali, Indonesia. Indo-Pacific Economic Framework
(IPEF) s a US-led initiative that aims to strengthen economic partnership among participating countries to enhance
resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. The
IPEF was launched in 2021 with a dozen initial partners who together represent 40% of the world GDP. The IPEF is not
a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) but allows members to negotiate the parts they want to. The negotiations will be along
four main “pillars”. While some countries had expressed interest in joining negotiations, India did not declare a
definitive position for some time because it will be watching what benefits member countries will derive and whether
any conditionalities on aspects like environment may discriminate against developing countries. Some areas proposed
in the IPEF do not appear to serve India’s interests. For example, the IPEF talks about digital governance but the IPEF
formulation contains issues that directly conflict with India’s stated position. India is in the process of firming up its
own digital framework and laws, particularly regarding privacy and data, and it would wait for more information. In
August 2022, the Indian government withdrew the Personal Data Protection Bill from Parliament, saying it would
consider “comprehensive legal framework” to regulate the overall Internet ecosystem, cybersecurity, etc. The US has
earlier expressed concerns about the possibility of the Indian side demanding data localisation or the storage and
c o m
.
processing of Indian users’ data in servers located in India and not the US, even in the case of data of US-based
companies. A US report expressed that India’s policy will serve as significant barriers to digital trade and act as market
rs
access barriers, especially for smaller firms. India’s trade in this region is growing rapidly, with overseas investments
being directed towards the East, e.g., the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with Japan, South Korea,
k e
and Singapore, and the Free Trade Agreements with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and Thailand.
India has been active in championing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. The US, Australia, and the members of the ASEAN
have all expressed a common view that India plays a greater role in the region. India, along with its Quad partners, is
n
improving its game in the Indo-Pacific. India’s view is to work with other like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific
a
region to cooperatively manage a rules-based multipolar regional order and prevent any single power from dominating
the region or its waterways.
r
106.
tr-5P1R(a) 3T6R7O chains
9U7LSupply
p
To which of the following pillars did India did not agree to?
o (b) Fair & resilient trade
T
(c) Clean Energy (d) Tax and Anti Corruption
107. Currently, how many members are there of IPEF?

(a) 14 (b) 15 (c) 16 (d) 17
108. Choose the correct statement :

Statement 1: The IPEF is not exactly a trade pact and the provision of multiple pillars does entail an option for
participants to choose what they want to be a part of.
Statement 2: Since the IPEF is not a regular trade pact, the members so far are not obligated by all the four pillars despite
being signatories.
6R7O
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 9U7L3T
tr-5P1R (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
109. Where was First IPEF Round held?

(a) Washington DC, USA (b) Tokyo, Japan
(c) Brisbane, Australia (d) Suva , Fiji
110. What does IPEFtr-aims at 7H

5B1D9C ? 3J6H7D
(a) Connected Economy (b) Resilient Economy
(c) Clean Economy (d) All of the above
43
106. (b) Recently, the Minister of Commerce & Industry 108. (c) Recently, the Minister of Commerce & Industry
addressed the Indo-Pacific Economic addressed the Indo-Pacific Economic
Framework (IPEF) Ministerial meeting in the Framework (IPEF) Ministerial meeting in the
US, where India decided to stay away from the US, where India decided to stay away from the
Fair & resilient trade Pillar. India agreed to three Fair & resilient trade Pillar. India agreed to three
out of four pillars, which are Supply Chains, Tax out of four pillars, which are Supply Chains, Tax
& Anti-Corruption and Clean Energy. The IPEF & Anti-Corruption and Clean Energy. The IPEF
is not exactly a trade pact and the provision of is not exactly a trade pact and the provision of
multiple pillars does entail an option for multiple pillars does entail an option for
participants to choose what they want to be a participants to choose what they want to be a
part of. It’s not a take-it-or-leave-it part of. It’s not a take-it-or-leave-it
arrangement, like most multilateral trade deals arrangement, like most multilateral trade deals
are. Since the IPEF is not a regular trade pact,
the members so far are not obligated by all the
four pillars despite being signatories. So, while
m
are. Since the IPEF is not a regular trade pact,
o
the members so far are not obligated by all the
c
four pillars despite being signatories. So, while
.
staying off the trade part of the arrangement, staying off the trade part of the arrangement,
rs
India has joined the other three pillars of the India has joined the other three pillars of the
multilateral arrangement – supply chains, tax multilateral arrangement – supply chains, tax
and anti-corruption and clean energy. and anti-corruption and clean energy.
Source:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID
k e Source:
n
=1909680#:~:text=Building%20on%20the%20di =1909680#:~:text=Building%20on%20the%20di
scussions%20that,discussions%20and%20cond scussions%20that,discussions%20and%20cond
ucted%20follow%2Dup
107. (a) The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for
Prosperity (IPEF) is an economic initiative
p r a 109.
ucted%20follow%2Dupv
(c) The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for
Prosperity (IPEF) is an economic initiative
o
launched by President of the United States Joe launched by President of the United States Joe
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7LBiden on May 23, 2022. The framework launched Biden on May 23, 2022. The framework launched
T
with a total of fourteen participating founding with a total of fourteen participating founding
member nations in the Indo-Pacific region with member nations in the Indo-Pacific region with
an open invitation for other countries to join. an open invitation for other countries to join.
Summit-level meeting on the launch of the Summit-level meeting on the launch of the
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, 23 May 2022 Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, 23 May 2022
Analysts have compared it to the Trans-Pacific Analysts have compared it to the Trans-Pacific
Partnership (TPP), which the United States Partnership (TPP), which the United States
withdrew from in 2017. However, the initiative is withdrew from in 2017. However, the initiative is
intended to be a precursor for later negotiations, intended to be a precursor for later negotiations,
as it does not include a uniform lowering 7O of as it does not include a uniform lowering of
5P1R9U7L3T6R
tariffs. Biden described thetr-initiative as "writing tariffs. Biden described the initiative as "writing
the new rules for the 21st century economy", the new rules for the 21st century economy",
stating that the agreement would make the stating that the agreement would make the
participant's economies "grow faster and fairer". participant's economies "grow faster and fairer".
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo argued Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo argued
that the framework constituted "the most that the framework constituted "the most
6H7D
tr-5B1D9C7H3J economic engagement
significant international significant international economic engagement
that the United States has ever had in this that the United States has ever had in this
region" First IPEF Round held in Brisbane, region" First IPEF Round held in Brisbane,
Australia, in December 10-15, 2022 Australia, in December 10-15, 2022
Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo- Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-
Pacific_Economic_Framework#:~:text=The%20 Pacific_Economic_Framework#:~:text=The%20
Indo%2DPacific%20Economic%20Framework, Indo%2DPacific%20Economic%20Framework,
Biden%20on%20May%2023%2C%202022. Biden%20on%20May%2023%2C%202022.
44
110. (d) In May 2022, the United States launched the within the region. This framework will offer
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for tangible benefits that fuel economic activity and
Prosperity (IPEF) with Australia, Brunei investment, promote sustainable and inclusive
Darussalam, Fiji India, Indonesia, Japan, the economic growth, and benefit workers and
Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, consumers across the region. The 14 IPEF
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. partners represent 40 percent of global GDP and
This framework will advance resilience, 28 percent of global goods and services trade.
sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, Source https://ustr.gov/trade-
fairness, and competitiveness for our agreements/agreements-under-
economies. Through this initiative, the IPEF negotiation/indo-pacific-economic-framework-
partners aim to contribute to cooperation, prosperity-ipef
stability, prosperity, development, and peace
Passage (Q.111-Q.115): Model Prisons Act 2023

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has prepared the ‘Model Prisons Act 2023’ that will replace a British-era law, to
o
overhaul the prison administration that will focus on the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates. There are “several
m
lacunae” in the old pre-Independence act, and there was “conspicuous omission” of the correctional focus in the existing
c
.
Act. The British law mainly focuses on keeping the criminals in custody and enforcement of discipline and order in
Prisons. There is no provision for reform and rehabilitation of prisoners in this Act. The Prisoners Act of 1900 and the
rs
Transfer of Prisoners Act, 1950 are also decades-old and relevant provisions of these Acts have been assimilated in the
Model Prisons Act, 2023, expecteting to bring much-needed reforms to the Indian prison system and align it with
k e
international standards. Overcrowding has been one of the grave issues of the prison system in India. As to a report by
the National Crimes Record Bureau that the occupancy rate of jails is 118.5% of the prison capacity. It was observed that
there were about 4,78,600 prisoners in different prisons, but the capacity of the prisons was just 4,03,700. Overcrowding
n
leads to poor living conditions. It also leads to the transmission of many communicable diseases. A lot of jails do not
a
have proper medical facilities. This creates neglect towards the prisoners and most of them remain untreated. Hygiene
r
is also not proper among the prisoners. Custodial tortures among prisoners are quite prevalent. Though third-degree
p
torture by police is not allowed after the landmark judgment in D.K Basu's case 1986, there is still a prevalence of brutal
violence inside the prisons. Women criminals are relatively low in number. They face both physical and mental
9U7L3T6R7O
tr-5P1Rproblems
o
including lack of sanitation facilities, lack of care during pregnancy, lack of educational training. Children are
T
mostly kept in correctional homes rather than jails so that they can reform themselves and go back to their normal life.
However, they also face a lot of abuse and undergo psychological traumas. The Supreme Court has set up a committee
in 2018 headed by its retired judge Justice Amitava Roy on Prison Reforms. Some recommendations were made to
overcome the problem of overcrowding i.e. speedy trials, increasing lawyer to prisoners ratio, the introduction of special
courts, avoiding adjournment. They also recommended a free phone call for every new prisoner in his/her first week of
jail. The committee also recommended modern kitchen facilities. Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code states the
punishment for custodial deaths. Section 30 of the Protection of Human Rights Act states about the issuance of CCTV's
inside the jails.
111. Model Prisons Act 2023 will replace which of the following Acts?
6R7O
(a) The Prisons Act of 1894 tr-5P1R9U7L3T (b) The Prisons Act of 1895
(c) The Prisons Act of 1896 (d) The Prisons Act of 1900
112. In India, prisons and the ‘persons detained therein’ fall under which list ?
(a) Union list (b) State list (c) Concurrent list (d) Residuary powers
113. In which case did the Supreme

tr-5B1D9C7H3J
Court recognize the right to speedy trial of the prisoners?
6H7D
(a) Dk Basu v. State of West Bengal
(b) Sheela Barse v. Union of India
(c) Hussainara Khatoon v. Home Secretary
(d) Both 1 and 2
114. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs which state has highest number of custodial death cases?
(a) Gujrat (b) Uttar Pradesh (c) Bihar (d) Punjab
45
115. Choose the correct statement relating Salient Features of the New Act:
Statement 1: Provisions for protecting society from the criminal activities of hardened criminals and habitual offenders.
Statement 2: Provisions of punishment for prisoners and jail staff for use of prohibited items such as mobile phones in
jails.
111. (a) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has management of high security jails, open jail
prepared the ‘Model Prisons Act 2023’ that will (open and semi-open). In India, prisons and the
replace a British-era law, (the Prisons Act of ‘persons detained therein’ are a State subject.
1894), to overhaul the prison administration The Model Prisons Act, 2023 may serve as a
that will focus on the reformation and guiding document for states for adoption in
rehabilitation of inmates. Salient Features of the
New Act: Provisions of punishment for prisoners
and jail staff for use of prohibited items such as
m
their jurisdiction. The Prisoners Act of 1900 and
o
the Transfer of Prisoners Act, 1950 are also
c
decades-old and relevant provisions of these
.
mobile phones in jails. Establishment and Acts have been assimilated in the Model Prisons
rs
management of high security jails, open jail Act, 2023, expecting to bring much-needed
(open and semi-open). In India, prisons and the reforms to the Indian prison system and align it
e
‘persons detained therein’ are a State subject. with international standards. A lot of cases are
The Model Prisons Act, 2023 may serve as a pending for many years. This leads to a
guiding document for states for adoption in
decades-old and relevant provisions of these
an k disruption in the prison administration system.

However, the Supreme Court, in Hussainara
Khatoon v. Home Secretary 1979 recognized the
right to speedy trial of the prisoners. According
Acts have been assimilated in the Model Prisons
Act, 2023, expecteting to bring much-needed
p r to the Ministry of Home Affairs, a total of 146

cases of death in police custody were reported
o
reforms to the Indian prison system and align it during 2017-2018, in the last five years, the
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7Lwith international standards. A lot of cases are highest number of custodial deaths (80) has
T
pending for many years. This leads to a been reported in Gujarat, followed by
disruption in the prison administration system. Maharashtra (76), Uttar Pradesh (41).
However, the Supreme Court, in Hussainara Source:
Khatoon v. Home Secretary 1979 recognized the https://www.livemint.com/news/india/centre-
right to speedy trial of the prisoners. According finalises-model-prisons-act-2023-new-law-to-
to the Ministry of Home Affairs, a total of 146 allow-reform-and-rehabilitation-of-prisoners-
cases of death in police custody were reported 11683909898840.html
during 2017-2018, in the last five years, the 113. (c) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has
highest number of custodial deaths (80) has prepared the ‘Model Prisons Act 2023’ that will
been reported in Gujarat, followed 6R7O by replace a British-era law, (the Prisons Act of
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
Maharashtra (76), Uttar Pradesh (41). 1894), to overhaul the prison administration
Source : that will focus on the reformation and
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/centre- rehabilitation of inmates. Salient Features of the
finalises-model-prisons-act-2023-new-law-to- New Act: Provisions of punishment for prisoners
allow-reform-and-rehabilitation-of-prisoners- and jail staff for use of prohibited items such as
11683909898840.html mobile phones in jails. Establishment and
112. (b) The Ministry 7H3J6H7DAffairs (MHA) has
of9CHome
tr-5B1D management of high security jails, open jail
prepared the ‘Model Prisons Act 2023’ that will (open and semi-open). In India, prisons and the
replace a British-era law, (the Prisons Act of ‘persons detained therein’ are a State subject.
1894), to overhaul the prison administration The Model Prisons Act, 2023 may serve as a
that will focus on the reformation and guiding document for states for adoption in
rehabilitation of inmates. Salient Features of the their jurisdiction. The Prisoners Act of 1900 and
New Act: Provisions of punishment for prisoners the Transfer of Prisoners Act, 1950 are also
and jail staff for use of prohibited items such as decades-old and relevant provisions of these
mobile phones in jails. Establishment and Acts have been assimilated in the Model Prisons
46
Act, 2023, expecteting to bring much-needed highest number of custodial deaths (80) has
reforms to the Indian prison system and align it been reported in Gujarat, followed by
with international standards. A lot of cases are Maharashtra (76), Uttar Pradesh (41).
pending for many years. This leads to a Source
disruption in the prison administration system. https://www.livemint.com/news/india/centre-
However, the Supreme Court, in Hussainara finalises-model-prisons-act-2023-new-law-to-
Khatoon v. Home Secretary 1979 recognized the allow-reform-and-rehabilitation-of-prisoners-
right to speedy trial of the prisoners. According 11683909898840.html
to the Ministry of Home Affairs, a total of 146 115. (c) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has
cases of death in police custody were reported prepared the ‘Model Prisons Act 2023’ that will
during 2017-2018, in the last five years, the replace a British-era law, (the Prisons Act of
highest number of custodial deaths (80) has 1894), to overhaul the prison administration
been reported in Gujarat, followed by that will focus on the reformation and
Maharashtra (76), Uttar Pradesh (41). rehabilitation of inmates. Salient Features of the
Source:
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/centre-
finalises-model-prisons-act-2023-new-law-to-
m
o
mobile phones in jails. Establishment and
c
.
allow-reform-and-rehabilitation-of-prisoners- management of high security jails, open jail
11683909898840.html (open and semi-open). Provisions for protecting
rs
114. (a) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has society from the criminal activities of hardened
prepared the ‘Model Prisons Act 2023’ that will criminals and habitual offenders. In India,
replace a British-era law, (the Prisons Act of
1894), to overhaul the prison administration
that will focus on the reformation and
k e prisons and the ‘persons detained therein’ are a

State subject. The Model Prisons Act, 2023 may
serve as a guiding document for states for
rehabilitation of inmates. Salient Features of the
r an adoption in their jurisdiction. The Prisoners Act

of 1900 and the Transfer of Prisoners Act, 1950
are also decades-old and relevant provisions of
p
mobile phones in jails. Establishment and these Acts have been assimilated in the Model
management of high security jails, open jail Prisons Act, 2023, expecteting to bring much-
To
3T6R7Oand semi-open). In India, prisons and the
tr-5P1R9U7L(open
‘persons detained therein’ are a State subject.
The Model Prisons Act, 2023 may serve as a
guiding document for states for adoption in
needed reforms to the Indian prison system and
align it with international standards. A lot of
cases are pending for many years. This leads to a
disruption in the prison administration system.
However, the Supreme Court, in Hussainara
Khatoon v. Home Secretary 1979 recognized the
decades-old and relevant provisions of these right to speedy trial of the prisoners. According
Acts have been assimilated in the Model Prisons to the Ministry of Home Affairs, a total of 146
Act, 2023, expecteting to bring much-needed cases of death in police custody were reported
reforms to the Indian prison system and align it during 2017-2018, in the last five years, the
with international standards. A lot of cases are highest number of custodial deaths (80) has
3T6R7O
1R9U7Lleads
pending for many years. tr-5PThis to a been reported in Gujarat, followed by
disruption in the prison administration system. Maharashtra (76), Uttar Pradesh (41).
However, the Supreme Court, in Hussainara Source:
Khatoon v. Home Secretary 1979 recognized the https://www.livemint.com/news/india/centre-
right to speedy trial of the prisoners. According finalises-model-prisons-act-2023-new-law-to-
to the Ministry of Home Affairs, a total of 146 allow-reform-and-rehabilitation-of-prisoners-
cases of death in police6Hcustody
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
7D were reported 11683909898840.html
during 2017-2018, in the last five years, the
Passage (Q.116-Q.120): SAKSHAM Learning Management Information System

Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary launched the SAKSHAM a Learning Management Information System
(LMIS) of MoHFW. SAKSHAM is a dedicated and unified platform for providing online training and medical education
to all health professionals in the country. SAKSHAM is an integrated and specialized online learning platform aimed at
providing medical education and training to all healthcare professionals in India. This digital system will guarantee
comprehensive development of healthcare professionals, including those working in rural and remote areas at primary
health centres, as well as those employed in tertiary care and corporate hospitals located in metropolitan cities. This
47
digital learning platform will ensure inclusive capacity building of health professionals from primary health centres
located in rural and remote areas all the way up to tertiary care and corporate hospitals in metropolitan cities. Currently
SAKSHAM: LMIS is hosting more than 200 public health and 100 clinical courses through online mode.
116. SAKSHAM which is a comprehensive digital learning platform is developed by which Ministry?
(a) Ministry of Education
(b) Ministry of Health
(c) National Institute of Health & Family Welfare (NIHFW)
(d) Both 2 and 3
117. Full form of SAKSHAM

(a) Stimulating Advanced Knowledge for Sustainable Health Management
(b) Stimulating Advanced Knowledge Of Sustainable Health Management
(c) Simulating Advanced Knowledge for Sustainable Health Management
118.
(d) Stimulating Advanced Knowledge of Sustainable Healthy Management
When was National Institute of Health & Family Welfare established?
c o m
.
(a) 1976 (b) 1977 (c) 1978 (d) 1979
rs
119. Choose the correct statement:
Statement 1: Saksham will be developed as a centralized resource repository for training and teaching material.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c) Both 1 and 2

e
Statement 2: It will also act as a central database of trained healthcare professionals in the country.
k
120. Which are Other programs with the name ‘SAKSHAM’?

(a) Saksham Anganwadi
(c) SAKSHAM awareness campaign
an
(b) Project Saksham
r
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
6R7O
o p
T
116. (d) The Learning Management Information System Welfare (MoHFW) called SAKSHAM
(LMIS) of the Ministry of Health and Family (Stimulating Advanced Knowledge for
Welfare (MoHFW) called SAKSHAM Sustainable Health Management) was launched
(Stimulating Advanced Knowledge for by the Union Health Secretary. The digital
Sustainable Health Management) was launched platform was created by the National Institute of
by the Union Health Secretary. The digital Health & Family Welfare (NIHFW) in New
platform was created by the National Institute of Delhi. The National Institute of Health and
Health & Family Welfare (NIHFW) in New Family Welfare (NIHFW), was established on
Delhi. The National Institute of Health and 9th March, 1977 by the merger of two national
Family Welfare (NIHFW), was established 6R7O on level institutions, viz. the National Institute of
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
9th March, 1977 by the merger of two national Health Administration and Education (NIHAE)
level institutions, viz. the National Institute of and the National Institute of Family Planning
Health Administration and Education (NIHAE) (NIFP). The NIHFW, an autonomous
and the National Institute of Family Planning organization, under the Ministry of Health and
(NIFP). The NIHFW, an autonomous Family Welfare, Government of India, acts as an
organization, under the Ministry of Health and ‘apex technical institute’ as well as a ‘think tank’
Family Welfare, 9C7H3J6H7D of India, acts as an
Government
tr-5B1D for the promotion of health and family welfare
‘apex technical institute’ as well as a ‘think tank’ programmes in the country.
for the promotion of health and family welfare Source
programmes in the country. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx
Source ?PRID=1922983
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx 118. (b) The Learning Management Information System
?PRID=1922983 (LMIS) of the Ministry of Health and Family
117. (a) The Learning Management Information System Welfare (MoHFW) called SAKSHAM
(LMIS) of the Ministry of Health and Family (Stimulating Advanced Knowledge for
48
Sustainable Health Management) was launched by the Union Health Secretary. The digital
by the Union Health Secretary. The digital platform was created by the National Institute of
platform was created by the National Institute of Health & Family Welfare (NIHFW) in New
Health & Family Welfare (NIHFW) in New Delhi. Saksham will be developed as a
Delhi. Saksham will be developed as a centralized resource repository for training and
centralized resource repository for training and teaching material. It will also act as a central
teaching material. It will also act as a central database of trained healthcare professionals in
database of trained healthcare professionals in the country.The National Institute of Health
the country.The National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW), was established
and Family Welfare (NIHFW), was established on 9th March, 1977 by the merger of two
on 9th March, 1977 by the merger of two national level institutions, viz. the National
national level institutions, viz. the National Institute of Health Administration and
Institute of Health Administration and Education (NIHAE) and the National Institute
Education (NIHAE) and the National Institute of Family Planning (NIFP). The NIHFW, an
of Family Planning (NIFP). The NIHFW, an
autonomous organization, under the Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare, Government of
m
autonomous organization, under the Ministry of
o
Health and Family Welfare, Government of
India, acts as an ‘apex technical institute’ as well
c
.
India, acts as an ‘apex technical institute’ as well as a ‘think tank’ for the promotion of health and
as a ‘think tank’ for the promotion of health and family welfare programmes in the country.
rs
family welfare programmes in the country. Source:
Sourcehttp://www.nihfw.org/#:~:text=Welcom https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx
e%20to%20NIHFW-
,The%20National%20Institute%20of%20Health
%20and%20Family%20Welfare%20(NIHFW)%
k e
120.
?PRID=1922983
(d) Saksham Anganwadi (Ministry of Women and
Child Development); Project Saksham (Indian
2C,of%20Family%20Planning%20(NIFP).
119. (c) The Learning Management Information System
(LMIS) of the Ministry of Health and Family
r an Railways- for increasing the productivity and

efficiency of its employees); SAKSHAM
awareness campaign (Ministry of Petroleum and
p
Welfare (MoHFW) called SAKSHAM Natural Gas) to spread awareness about green
(Stimulating Advanced Knowledge for energy.
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7LSustainable
To
Health Management) was launched
Passage (Q.121-Q.125): Project-SMART

Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR), or Mumbai–Ahmedabad HSR, is an under-construction
high-speed rail line, which will connect India's economic and financial hub, Mumbai, with the largest city of the state
of Gujarat, Ahmedabad. When completed, it will be India's first high-speed rail line. Construction was expected to begin
by April 2020, and the project was expected to be completed by December 2023. Due to delays acquiring land in
Maharashtra, a completion date for the whole corridor is uncertain, though the 352 km section through Gujarat will
fully open in 2027, after opening the section's 50 km (31 mi) stretch, from Surat to Bilimora, in August 2026. Indian
Railways is working on a mission mode to develop the surrounding areas of Mumbai – Ahmedabad High Speed Railway
(MAHSR) stations. In this context, the Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7L(MoU).
inked a memorandum of understanding The Project-SMART aims to enhance accessibility and convenience of
commuters and other stakeholders as well as to promote economic activities in the vicinity of station areas. The project
would facilitate the institutional capacity of state governments, Municipal Corporations and Urban Development
Authorities to plan, develop and manage surrounding areas of MAHSR stations. The MoU has been signed for four high
speed rail stations. Last week, the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) started the training of
Indian engineers for the High-Speed Rail Track system of MAHSR corridor’s T-2 Package. The T-2 package covers a
distance of 237 km between 6H
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
Vapi
7D and Vadodara. The move aims to ‘Transfer of Technology’ of the Japanese HSR track
system. The ballastless Slab Track system will be used in the country’s first HSR project. It is also known as the J Slab
track system. This is commonly used in Japanese Shinkansen High Speed Rail. The training will be imparted by JARTS,
a non-profit organisation in Japan. About 1,000 engineers/work leaders/technicians will be trained to work at the site
for track construction works. The track system in Japan is unique in the world. It requires a very high skill of knowledge
to lay it. The track is one of the most important components of the High Speed Rail system and it needs to be laid to a
very high degree of accuracy.
121. Under the MoU,which one of the following is not four high-speed rail stations?
(a) Sabarmati (b) Surat (c) Virar (d) Bombay
49
122. Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has signed MOU with which agency?
(a) Japan International Cooperation Agency
(b) China International Cooperation Agency
(c) Russia International Cooperation Agency
(d) USA International Cooperation Agency
123. Choose the correct statement relating Aim of the project

Statement 1: To develop the areas surrounding the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Railway (MAHSR) stations
Staement 2: To improve the accessibility and convenience of commuters and promote economic activities in the vicinity
of station areas.
124. When was the SMART project inaugurated?
125.
(a) 2017 (b) 2018
What is the distance to be covered by the rail project?

(c) 2019
m
(d) 2020
c o
.
(a) 506 kms (b) 507 kms (c) 508 kms (d) 509 kms
rs
121. (d) The “Station Area Development along Mumbai-

Ahmedabad High Speed Rail” project has been
k e economic activities and improve accessibility

and convenience for commuters and other
n
approved by the Ministry of Housing & Urban stakeholders. Under the MoU, four high-speed
Affairs (MoHUA), and a Memorandum of rail stations – Sabarmati, Surat, Virar, and Thane
Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
and the Ministry of Railways. The project aims
p r a – out of the twelve stations in the route will be

developed. Sabarmati is a brownfield
development, while Surat, Virar, and Thane are
o
to develop the areas surrounding the high-speed greenfield developments. This means that
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7Lrailway stations along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Sabarmati has existing infrastructure that needs
T
High Speed Railway (MAHSR) route to promote to be improved, while Surat, Virar, and Thane
economic activities and improve accessibility will have to be built from scratch. Aim of the
and convenience for commuters and other project is to To develop the areas surrounding
stakeholders. Under the MoU, four high-speed the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Railway
rail stations – Sabarmati, Surat, Virar, and Thane (MAHSR) stations and improve the accessibility
– out of the twelve stations in the route will be and convenience of commuters and promote
developed. Sabarmati is a brownfield economic activities in the vicinity of station
development, while Surat, Virar, and Thane are areas. Project was inaugurated in 2017 and will
greenfield developments. This means that cover a distance of 508kms.
Sabarmati has existing infrastructure3T that needs
6R7O Source:
tr-5P1R9U7L
to be improved, while Surat, Virar, and Thane https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID
will have to be built from scratch. =1922525
Source: 123. (c) The “Station Area Development along Mumbai-
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID Ahmedabad High Speed Rail” project has been
=1922525 approved by the Ministry of Housing & Urban
122. (a) The “Station Area Development along Mumbai- Affairs (MoHUA), and a Memorandum of
7D
7H3J6HRail”
Ahmedabadtr-High Speed
5B1D9C project has been Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the
approved by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Affairs (MoHUA), and a Memorandum of and the Ministry of Railways. The project aims
Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the to develop the areas surrounding the high-speed
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) railway stations along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad
and the Ministry of Railways. The project aims High Speed Railway (MAHSR) route to promote
to develop the areas surrounding the high-speed economic activities and improve accessibility
railway stations along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad and convenience for commuters and other
High Speed Railway (MAHSR) route to promote stakeholders. Under the MoU, four high-speed
50
rail stations – Sabarmati, Surat, Virar, and Thane the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Railway
– out of the twelve stations in the route will be (MAHSR) stations and improve the accessibility
developed. Sabarmati is a brownfield and convenience of commuters and promote
development, while Surat, Virar, and Thane are economic activities in the vicinity of station
greenfield developments. This means that areas. Project was inaugurated in 2017 and will
Sabarmati has existing infrastructure that needs cover a distance of 508kms.
to be improved, while Surat, Virar, and Thane Source:
will have to be built from scratch. Aim of the https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID
project is to To develop the areas surrounding =1922525
the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Railway 125. (c) The “Station Area Development along Mumbai-
(MAHSR) stations and improve the accessibility Ahmedabad High Speed Rail” project has been
and convenience of commuters and promote approved by the Ministry of Housing & Urban
economic activities in the vicinity of station Affairs (MoHUA), and a Memorandum of
areas. Project was inaugurated in 2017 and will Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the
cover a distance of 508kms.
Source:
m
o
to develop the areas surrounding the high-speed
c
.
=1922525 railway stations along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad
124. (a) The “Station Area Development along Mumbai- High Speed Railway (MAHSR) route to promote
rs
Ahmedabad High Speed Rail” project has been economic activities and improve accessibility
approved by the Ministry of Housing & Urban and convenience for commuters and other
Affairs (MoHUA), and a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the
k e stakeholders. Under the MoU, four high-speed

rail stations – Sabarmati, Surat, Virar, and Thane
– out of the twelve stations in the route will be
to develop the areas surrounding the high-speed
railway stations along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad
r an developed. Sabarmati is a brownfield

greenfield developments. This means that
p
High Speed Railway (MAHSR) route to promote Sabarmati has existing infrastructure that needs
economic activities and improve accessibility to be improved, while Surat, Virar, and Thane
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7Land
To
convenience for commuters and other
stakeholders. Under the MoU, four high-speed
rail stations – Sabarmati, Surat, Virar, and Thane
– out of the twelve stations in the route will be
developed. Sabarmati is a brownfield
will have to be built from scratch. Aim of the
project is to To develop the areas surrounding
the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Railway
(MAHSR) stations and improve the accessibility
and convenience of commuters and promote
economic activities in the vicinity of station
greenfield developments. This means that areas. Project was inaugurated in 2017 and will
Sabarmati has existing infrastructure that needs cover a distance of 508kms.
to be improved, while Surat, Virar, and Thane Source:
will have to be built from scratch. Aim of the https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID
project is to To develop the areas surrounding =1922525
6R 7O
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
Passage (Q.126-Q.130): Jallikattu, Kambala Can Go On In Tamil Nadu And Karnataka
On May 18, the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court upheld state amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals Act (PCA Act), 1960, introduced to regulate the conduct of Jallikattu, Kambala and Bullock Cart Race. The
five-judge bench overruled the two-judge bench’s decision in the Animal Welfare Board of India v A. Nagaraja (2014)
case, wherein the Division Bench of the Supreme Court held that Jallikattu was not a part of Tamil Nadu’s cultural
heritage, notingtr-that the
5B1D9C 7HDivision
3J6H7D Bench arrived at the conclusion based on insufficient evidence. The Constitution
Bench further acknowledged that the bovine sport was going on for “at least last few centuries,” and said, “When
legislature has declared that jallikettu is part of cultural heritage of TN state, judiciary cannot take a different view.
Legislature is best suited to decide that.” The court further said, “We will not disrupt the view of the legislature that it
is part of the cultural heritage of the state,” noting that that preamble of Tamil Nadu’s amendment refers to Jallikattu
as a part of state’s cultural heritage.” The Constitution Bench was hearing a petition challenging the three state
amendments regulating the conduct of bovine sports which are a part of these state’s cultural heritage. The petitioners
contended that the impugned amendments contravene the Division Bench’s verdict in the A. Nagaraja case as they do
not cure the ‘defects’ brought out in the judgement. The petitioners further argued that the amendments were
‘colourable legislations’ introduced to override the judicial verdict. However, the Constitution Bench rejected the
51
petitioner’s contentions and observed that there is a substantial change in the manner Jallikattu and other bovine sports
are performed after the state amendments were enacted. The court further observed that the ruling in the A. Nagaraja
case was based on factual circumstances, it cannot be said that the ruling is applicable to the present situation, as the
nature and manner in which the bovine sports were performed have been altered.
Source: https://organiser.org/2023/05/24/175377/bharat/jallikattu-verdict-a-win-for-tamil-cultural-heritage-after-17-
year-long-battle/
126. The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld amendments made by states, to allow the traditional bull-taming sports of
Jallikattu. Which of the following is not one of the states?
(a) Tamil Nadu (b) Kerala (c) Karnataka (d) Maharashtra
127. The court said the Amendments were also not “relatable” to Article (x) of the Constitution which deals with the duty of
the State to “organise agriculture and animal husbandry”. Replace (x) with appropriate option:
(a) Article 48 (b) Article 49 (c) Article 51A(g) (d) Article 50
128. Which of the following statement about Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 is incorrect?
(a) The legislative intent of the Act is to “prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals”.
c o m
.
(b) The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) was established in 1962
(c) This Act provides for punishment for causing unnecessary cruelty and suffering to animals. The Act defines animals
rs
and different forms of animals.
(d) This Act provides for the limitation period of 2 months beyond which no prosecution shall lie for any offences under
129.
this Act.
Consider the following statements about Jallikattu and Kambala and mark the correct option:
k e
Karnataka.
r n
1) Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport practised in Tamil Nadu, while Kambala is a buffalo race held in
a
2) Jallikattu and Kambala are both ancient rituals that involve sacrificing animals to appease the gods.
p
3) Jallikattu and Kambala are both cultural expressions that have been recognized by UNESCO as intangible heritage.
Which of the above statements is/are correct
tr-5P1R(a)
130.
9U7L13T 6R7O
only
(a) Ballabhgarh, Haryana

(c) Pune, Maharashtra
To
(b) 2 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 2 and 3 only
Government of India has shifted the headquarters of Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) from Chennai, Tamil Nadu
to?
(b) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
(d) Amritsar, Punjab
126. (b) The correct answer is option B. Recently, 7O the May 2014 in the Animal Welfare Board of India
5P1R9U7L3T6R
Supreme Court (SC) has tr- upheld amendments vs A. Nagaraja case on the grounds of cruelty to
made by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and animals. The court said the Act was also not
Maharashtra to the Prevention of Cruelty to “relatable” to Article 48 of the Constitution
Animals Act, 1960, to allow the traditional bull- which deals with the duty of the State to
taming sports of Jallikattu, Kambala (Karnataka) “organise agriculture and animal husbandry”.
and bullock-cart racing. The case involves a Jallikattu, also known as eruthazhuvuthal, is a
challenge to the9C7H
tr-5B1D 3J6H7D Nadu amendment
Tamil bull-taming sport traditionally played in Tamil
allowing jallikattu, based on the argument that Nadu as part of the Pongal harvest festival.
it goes against the central law prohibiting 128. (d) The correct answer is option D. The Act
cruelty to animals. The Bench was tasked with enshrines the provisions relating to the
deciding whether Jallikattu could be preserved exhibition of the performing animals, and
as the cultural right of TN under Article 29(1) of offences committed against the performing
the Constitution. animals. This Act provides for the limitation
127. (a) The correct answer is option A. The Supreme period of 3 months beyond which no
Court banned Jallikattu through a judgment in
52
prosecution shall lie for any offences under this India (AWBI) has been shifted from Chennai to
Act. Ballabhgarh in Faridabad District of Haryana for
129. (a) The correct answer is option A. Statement 2 is better coordination between the environment
incorrect: Jallikattu and Kambala are both ministry and the AWBI for carrying out the
traditional sports that have been practised for animal welfare activities. It was informed by
centuries in different parts of India. They are Mahesh Sharma, the Union Minister of State for
considered symbols of bravery, valour, and rural Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in a
identity by their respective communities. written reply to Rajya Sabha. According to Rule
Statement 3 is incorrect: UNESCO has not 3 of the Animal Welfare Board (Administrative)
recognized either Jallikattu or Kambala as Rules (1962), the headquarter of the AWBI shall
intangible heritage, although some other forms be at New Delhi or at such other place as the
of bull-related sports have been included in its central government, may, after consultation
list. with the Board direct.
130. (a) The correct answer is option A. The
headquarters of the Animal Welfare Board of
Passage (Q.131-Q.135): RBI Withdrawn Rs 2,000 Notes

RBI's announcement of the withdrawal of ₹2,000 notes by September 30 has understandably led to deja vu of the 2016
c o m
rs .
demonetisation kind. However, this time around, the effects are likely to be milder, with negligible effects on inflation,
and should provide a short-term boost to banking liquidity and deposits. This is nothing like 2016 because, for starters,
₹2,000 notes are still legal tender. They also make up just (x) percentage of the notes in circulation, versus 85% of the
k e
currency in circulation (CIC) withdrawn in 2016. The exchange period has been staggered until September, and the
digital wallets in millions of cellphones should now make it much easier for the public to continue with their
transactions. Indeed, RBI stopped printing ₹2,000 notes back in 2019. Instead, the current episode bears closer
n
resemblance to 2014, when all notes issued before 2005 were similarly withdrawn from circulation. In 2014, while RBI
a
did not disclose the total pre-2005 notes that were finally returned, the outstanding currency in circulation at end-2004
r
was estimated to be about 27% of the outstanding CIC during end- 2013. This suggests greater parallels with today. So,
p
how will this impact the 'real' economy? We have not changed our growth-inflation forecasts on the back of the note
withdrawal announcement. To be sure, sudden note withdrawals can lead to economic friction. Back in 2016, the sudden
tr-5P1Rshock
9U7L3Tled
To
6R7Oto a fall in GDP growth and consumer price index (CPI) inflation. But the disruptions should be far less
noticeable this time due to the ample availability of lower-denomination notes and the rise in digital transactions. At
the margin, though, there could be some adverse impact on smaller cash-centric businesses, as well as a boost, since
people could look to extinguish their hoard of notes by purchasing gold or consumer durables.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/rbis-announcement-to-withdraw-rs-2000-
currency-notes-triggers-meme-fest-on-twitter/articleshow/100370895.cms
131. The RBI has provided a generous timeframe, allowing individuals to deposit or exchange the notes by what date?
(a) 30th September (b) 1st October
(c) 31st October (d) 1st November
7L3T
1R9Urecently 6R7O
132. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
tr-5Phas taken a significant step by withdrawing the Rs 2000 banknotes from
circulation. What percentage of overall notes in circulation were in form of Rs 2000 notes as of march 2023?
(a) 10.4 % (b) 10.8 % (c) 11.04 % (d) 12.05 %
133. Consider the following statement about RBI’s Clean Note Policy and mark the correct option:
1) The Clean Note Policy focuses on providing the public with currency notes and coins that have enhanced security
features while withdrawing
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
6H7Dsoiled or old notes from circulation.
2) A ‘soiled note’ means a note which has become dirty due to normal wear and tear and also includes a two-piece
note pasted together wherein both the pieces presented belong to the same note and form the entire note with no
essential feature missing.
3) The RBI had withdrawn all banknotes issued before 2005 due to their fewer security features as compared to
banknotes printed after 2005. However, these older notes are still legal tender and have been withdrawn to align
with international practices.
Which of the following statements is/are incorrect?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) None of the above
53
134. Which of the following statement about demonetization and clean note policy is/are incorrect?
(a) The legal basis for demonetization in India is Section 26(2) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, which empowers
the central government to declare any series of banknotes as ceasing to be legal tender
(b) The clean note policy was introduced in 1990 by the then RBI Governor Bimal Jalan.
(c) A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court upheld the demonetization by a 4:1.
(d) The bench held that the statutory procedure under Section 26(2) of the RBI Act was not violated merely because
the Centre had taken the initiative to “advice” the Central Board to consider recommending demonetisation.
135. Who was the first Indian Governor of the Reserve Bank of India?
(a) C.D. Deshmukh (b) S. Mukherjee
(c) Sachindra Roy (d) Dr. Vishwanath
131. (a) The correct answer is option A. On May 19, 2023,

the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that
133.
o m
(d) The correct answer is option D. The exchange
c
limit for Rs 2000 banknotes is set at Rs 20,000 at
.
it will withdraw the Rs 2000 denomination a time. Non-account holders can also exchange
rs
banknotes from circulation. While the existing these banknotes at any bank branch.
notes will remain legal tender. The RBI has 134. (b) The correct answer is option B. Clean Note
e
provided a generous timeframe, allowing Policy was introduced in 1999 by the then RBI
individuals to deposit or exchange the notes Governor: Bimal Jalan. It seeks to give the public
until September 30, 2023. This move is part of
the RBI's Clean Note Policy, which aims to
provide the public with high-quality currency
notes and coins with improved security features.
an k good-quality currency notes and coins with

better security features, while soiled notes are
withdrawn out of circulation. Under the policy,
the RBI had earlier decided to withdraw from
132. (b) The correct answer is option B. The Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) has recently taken a
p r circulation all banknotes issued prior to 2005 as

they have fewer security features.
o
significant step by withdrawing the Rs 2000 135. (a) The correct answer is option A. The first Indian
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7Lbanknotes from circulation. The Clean Note Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was
T
Policy is an important aspect of the RBI’s C D Deshmukh in 1943 appointed by Britishers.
initiatives to provide the public with good- The executive board of RBI consists of 1
quality currency notes and coins that governor, 4 deputy governors and other
incorporate enhanced security features. It aims executive officers. Shaktikanta Das is the 25th
to ensure that soiled notes are withdrawn from and present governor of RBI. Rabi Sankar,
circulation. Additionally, older banknotes Mahesh Kumar Jain, Michael Patra and
issued before 2005, which have fewer security Rajeshwar Rao are deputy governors of the
features compared to those printed afterward, central bank. RBI was established in April 1935
have been phased out in line with international with a share capital of Rs. 5 crores on the basis
practices. As of March 31, 2023, the total6Rvalue
7O of of the recommendations of Hilton Young
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
Rs 2000 notes in circulation stands at Rs 3.62 Commission. The central office of RBI was
lakh crore, constituting 10.8% of the overall initially established in Calcutta but was
notes in circulation. permanently moved to Mumbai in 1937.It is fully
owned by Government of India.
Passage (Q.136-Q.140): Bluewashing

New research has 1D9C7H3J6H7D
tr-5Bhighlighted how corporate capture of global food governance is increasingly taking place in more
visible ways. There has been a growing presence of firms in governance and spaces, staking claims to be legitimate
actors, for example, through public-private partnerships and multi-stakeholder roundtables. When corporations are
involved in public governance, they can also justify involvement by reframing the concept of public interest in terms
that benefit corporations and large private businesses rather than people and the environment, noted Who’s tipping
the scales report, released on April 25, 2023. The Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and
food inflation, aggravated the issue of corporate involvement. Following these crises, governments and multilateral
agencies have been facing fund crunches. Over recent decades, corporations have succeeded in convincing
governments that they must be central in any discussion on the future of food systems, the document read. “Public-
54
private partnerships and ‘multi-stakeholder’ roundtables have normalised a prominent role for corporations and given
them an inside track to decision-making. Public governance initiatives have also become reliant on private funding,”
added the report. The experts called the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) a watershed moment in drawing
attention to corporate influence over public food governance. The embrace of corporate participation by the UNFSS
leadership enabled agribusiness firms to claim that they had a rightful place in public-interest-based decision-making,
it noted. They control the system “through lobbying behind the scenes, political and institutional donations, market
power, shaping trade and investment rules, shaping research and innovation, as well as influencing other structural
aspects of global food systems.”
Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/agriculture/bluewashing-report-flags-how-corporates-have-wormed-
their-way-into-global-food-governance-89004
136. Bluewashing has been recently in news. What is bluewashing?

(a) Bluewashing is using misinformation to deceive consumers into thinking that a company is more digitally ethical
and secure than it really is.
(b) Bluewashing is the practice of utilizing subtle messaging and strategic ambiguity to create the impression that a
company is environmentally conscious and sustainable.
(c) Bluewashing refers to the deliberate use of color-coded branding and visual cues to mislead consumers into
c o m
.
believing that a company's products or services are more technologically advanced and innovative.
(d) Bluewashing refers to the application of glossy marketing and PR techniques to conceal a company's problematic
rs
labor practices and unethical supply chain.
137.
Bluewashing?
(a) International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems
k e
Which organization has recently released a report titled “Who’s tipping the scales” regarding concerns over
(b) Sustainable Food Experts Alliance

(c) International PlanetSustain Initiative
(d) Global Nourishment Syndicate Institution
r an
138.
tr-5P1Rraising
7O
concerns
9U7L3T6R
p
Highlights how corporate capture of global Food Governance is increasingly taking place in more visible ways and
o
over Bluewashing. What is the India’s ranking at Global Hunger Index 2022?
T
(a) 104 (b) 106 (c) 107 (d) 110
139. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has a history of seeking collaboration with the corporate sector through
industry partnerships. Where are the headquarters of FAO located?
(a) Geneva, Switzerland (b) Rome, Italy
(c) New-York, USA (d) Paris, France
140. Who is the current minister of state of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution?
(a) C. R. Chaudhary (b) Piyush Goyal
(c) Nitin Gadkari (d) Narendra Singh Tomar
6R 7O
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
136. (a) The correct answer is option A. Bluewashing is 137. (a) The correct answer is option A. Recently, a
using misinformation to deceive consumers into report has been released by the International
thinking that a company is more digitally ethical Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems
5B1D9Cit7H3J
and securetr-than 6H7D is. It is just like
really (IPES) titled “Who’s tipping the scales”,
greenwashing but focused more on social and highlights how corporate capture of global Food
economic responsibility rather than the Governance is increasingly taking place in more
environment. Greenwashing is a form of visible ways and raising concerns over
deceptive marketing in which a company falsely Bluewashing.
claims that its products, policies, or programs 138. (c) The correct answer is option C. India has
are environmentally friendly or beneficial, while experienced remarkable economic growth in
doing little or nothing to actually assist the recent years and remains one of the fastest
environment in practice. growing economies in the world. However,
55
hunger and malnutrition are still areas of that leads international efforts to defeat hunger
concern in spite of many strides. While the food and improve nutrition and food security. Its
security situation is progressively improving, Latin motto, fiat panis, translates to "let there be
access to nutritional and balanced food is bread". It was founded on 16 October 1945.
problematic for the vulnerable population. India 140. (a) The correct answer is option A. Chhotu Ram "C.
has slipped 6 places and ranked 107, out of 121 R." Chaudhary is a member of the Bharatiya
countries, in Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2022. Janata Party and won the 2014 Indian general
In response the Indian government has raised elections from the Nagaur Constituency in
methodological concerns. Rajasthan. He was named Minister of State of
139. (b) The correct answer is option B. The Food and the Department of Consumer Affairs, Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Public Distribution.
is a specialized agency of the United Nations
Passage (Q.141-Q.145): PoSH Act

Ten years after the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, (PoSH)
came into force, the Supreme Court Bench of India has said there are “serious lapses” and “uncertainty” regarding its
implementation, issuing directions to the Union, States, and Union Territories to verify if all government bodies had
c o m
.
formed Internal Complaint Committees and to ensure that the composition of such panels is in strict adherence with
the Act. In 1992, Bhanwari Devi, a social worker with the Women’s Development Project of the Rajasthan government
rs
was gang-raped by five men after she tried to prevent the marriage of a one-year-old girl. While hearing pleas filed by
activist groups against the crime, the SC, noting the absence of any law “enacted to provide for effective enforcement of
k e
the basic human right of gender equality” guarantee against “sexual harassment at workplaces”, laid down a set of
guidelines in 1997, christened the Vishakha Guidelines, to fill the statutory vacuum till a law could be enacted. These
were to be “strictly observed in all workplaces” and were binding and enforceable in law. The Court drew its strength
n
from several provisions of the Constitution including Article 15 (against discrimination on grounds only of religion, race,
a
caste, sex, and place of birth), also drawing from relevant International Conventions and norms such as the General
r
Recommendations of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW),
p
which India ratified. Notably, the recent flagging of lapses in the Act by the apex court is not the first time it has had to
issue directions for robust implementation, it had to intervene and issue follow-up directions for the implementation
tr-5P1Rof
141.
9Uthe 6R7O
7L3TVishakha
workplace/article66854968.ece
To
Guidelines multiple times after 1997. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women submitted drafts
of a Code of Conduct for the Workplace in 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2010.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/explained-the-indian-law-on-sexual-harassment-in-the-
Half of India's national sports federations don't have a sexual harassment panel, as required by the Sexual Harassment
of Women at Workplace. Who is the present president of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) who has been accused
of sexual harassment by Indian wrestlers?
(a) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh (b) Prateek Bhushan Singh
(c) Kirti Vardhan Singh (d) Lallu Singh
6R7O
9U7L3TProtection of Women from Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act and mark the
142. tr-5P1Rabout
Consider the following statements
correct option:
1) The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act was passed in 2013,
defining sexual harassment, laying down the procedures for a complaint and inquiry, and the action to be taken.
2) The Act defines sexual harassment at the workplace and creates a mechanism for redressal of complaints. Every
employer is required to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee at each office or branch with 15 or more
employees. tr-5B1D9C7H3J6H7D
3) The Complaints Committees have the powers of criminal courts for gathering evidence.
4) The Complaints Committees are required to provide for conciliation before initiating an inquiry if requested by the
complainant.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 4 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 4 only
56
143. The Ministry of Women & Child Development has launched Sexual Harassment electronic Box to facilitate the
registration of complaint related to sexual harassment. What is the name of the box?
(a) Fem-Box (b) FEm-Box
(c) Power-Box (d) SHe-Box
144. What is the name of the committee that recommended to provide for quicker trial and enhanced punishment for
criminals accused of committing sexual assault against women?
(a) J.S. Verma Committee (b) P.S Verma Committee
(c) S.R. Verma Committee (d) P.S. Sharma Committee
145. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) (“Convention”), was
implemented in the year 1979 by the UN General Assembly. In which year India ratified the convention?
(a) 1993 (b) 1994 (c) 1995 (d) 1996
141. (a) The correct answer is option A. Women are

c o m
harassment. Any woman facing sexual
.
made to face the barrels of buoyant sexism on a harassment at the workplace can register their
rs
daily basis, be it at work or even at home. complaint through this portal. Once a
Recently, Indian women wrestlers, Vinesh complaint is submitted to the ‘SHe-Box’, it will
e
Phogat and Sakshi Malik accused BJP MP and be directly sent to the concerned authority
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president having jurisdiction to take action into the
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual
harassment.
142. (a) The correct answer is option A. The Sexual
Harassment of Women at Workplace
an k
144.
matter.
(a) The correct answer is option A. Justice Verma
Committee was constituted to recommend
amendments to the Criminal Law so as to
(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act was
passed in 2013, defining sexual harassment,
p r provide for quicker trial and enhanced

punishment for criminals accused of
o
laying down the procedures for a complaint and committing sexual assault against women. The
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7Linquiry, and the action to be taken. The Act Committee submitted its report on January 23,
T
defines sexual harassment at the workplace and 2013. The Vishaka Guidelines defined sexual
creates a mechanism for redressal of complaints. harassment and imposed on institutions three
Every employer is required to constitute an key obligations: prohibition, prevention, and
Internal Complaints Committee at each office or reparation.
branch with 10 or more employees. The 145. (a) The correct answer is option A. The Convention
Complaints Committees have the powers of civil is the only human rights treaty that affirms the
courts for gathering evidence. The Complaints reproductive rights of women and targets
Committees are required to provide for culture and tradition as influential forces
conciliation before initiating an inquiry if shaping gender roles and family relations. It
requested by the complainant. 6R7O affirms women’s rights to acquire, change or
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
143. (d) The correct answer is option D. The Ministry of retain their nationality and the nationality of
Women & Child Development has launched their children. It is imperative to note that the
Sexual Harassment electronic Box (SHe-Box). It Countries that have acceded to the Convention
is an effort to provide a single window access to are legally bound to set its provisions into
every woman, irrespective of her work status, practice. In 1993, India ratified the Convention
whether working in organised or unorganised, of the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination
private or tr-public 3J6H7D to facilitate the
5B1D9C7Hsector, Against Women (CEDAW) treaty.
registration of complaint related to sexual
57
Passage (Q.146-Q.150): SHRI Scheme
A total of 6,448 schools from 28 states and Union territories have been selected for upgradation under the PM-SHRI
scheme, with maximum institutions being from Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra, officials
familiar with the development. In September last year, the Union Cabinet approved the ₹27,360-crore scheme for
upgradation of 14,500 schools across the country over the next five years. The scheme is expected to benefit 1.8 million
students and ensure that schools serve as model institutes and encapsulate the spirit of the National Education Policy
(NEP), 2020. More than 200,000 eligible schools from across the country had applied for the first round of upgradation
under the scheme through an online portal launched by the Union education ministry last November. Officials at the
ministry said the selection process for the first round of PM-SHRI schools was completed during a meeting of the expert
committee for selection held last month. “The 6,448 schools have been selected based on the challenge method for
fulfilling certain criteria for the first round. Only the schools from the above benchmark schools fulfilled the conditions,”
one of the officials said, requesting anonymity. “Schools of urban areas needed to score a minimum of 70%, whereas
schools of rural areas needed to score a minimum 60% to be selected as PM-SHRI schools.” The selection process was
divided into three stages. In the first stage, states and UTs had to sign MoUs agreeing to implement NEP in entirety,
with the Centre laying down the commitments for supporting these schools for achieving specified quality assurance as
PM-SHRI schools. In the second stage, schools eligible to be selected under the scheme were identified based on a
prescribed minimum benchmark through the ministry’s Unified District Information System for Education Plus
c o m
.
(UDISE+) data from the respective states. In the third stage, the selected schools had to compete for the PM-SHRI
status.
rs
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/6448-schools-across-28-states-selected-for-upgradation-under-
pm-shri-scheme-uttar-pradesh-andhra-pradesh-telangana-and-maharashtra-have-maximum-institutions-
146.
101682449827639.html
k e
Teachers’ Day is celebrated every year, since which year, on September 5, to recognise and celebrate the works of
(a) 1959 (b) 1960 (c) 1962
r an
educators including teachers, researchers and professors in India?
(d) 1969
p
147. Which of the following statement about PM SHRI is incorrect?
(a) PM SHRI Schools was launched in 2022 and it stands for PM ScHools for Rising India.
tr-5P1R(b)
6Ra7O
9U7LIt3Tis
To
state sponsored scheme for upgradation and development of more than 14500 Schools across the country.
(c) It aims at strengthening the selected existing schools from amongst schools managed by Central Government/
State/ UT Government/ local bodies.
(d) It will showcase all components of the National Education Policy 2020 and act as exemplar schools and also offer
mentorship to other schools in their vicinity.
148. Which state has highest number of schools, selected under PM SHRI scheme?
(a) Maharashtra (b) Gujarat (c) Madhya Pradesh (d) Uttar Pradesh
149. Consider the following statement about the National Education Policy and mark the correct option:
1) The NEP was based on the recommendation of Dr. K. Kasturirangan committee.
6R7O
2) In NEP, the current 10+2 systemtr-5P1Rto be3Treplaced by a new 5+3+3+4 curricular structure corresponding to ages 3-8, 8-
9U7L
11, 11-14, and 14-18 years respectively.
3) National Education Policy 2020 aims to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education to 35 % by 2035.
4) NEP aims that, teaching up to at least Grade 6 to be in mother tongue/ regional language. No language will be
imposed on any student.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
(a) 1 and 2 onlytr-5B1D9C7H3J6H7D (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only
150. On which day National Education Day is observed?

(a) 11th October (b) 11th November
(c) 12th October (d) 12th November
58
146. (c) The correct answer is option C. Teachers’ Day is country applied for the scheme's first round of
celebrated every year, since 1962, on September upgradation via an online portal launched by the
5, to recognise and celebrate the works of Union education ministry. Uttar Pradesh has the
educators including teachers, researchers and most selected schools (928), followed by Andhra
professors in India. After Dr Sarvepalli Pradesh (662), Telangana (543), Maharashtra
Radhakrishnan took charge as the President of (516), Madhya Pradesh (416), and Rajasthan
India in 1962, some students sought permission (402).
from him to celebrate his birthday. Dr 149. (c) The correct answer is option C. National
Radhakrishnan, however, did not approve any Education Policy 2020 aims to increase the
fancy celebration but rather requested that the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education to 50
day be observed as Teachers' Day. % by 2035. NEP aims that, teaching up to at least
147. (b) The correct answer is option B. On the occasion Grade 5 to be in mother tongue/ regional
of Teacher’s Day 2022, the Prime Minister of
India announced a new initiative - PM SHRI
Schools (PM ScHools for Rising India). It will be 150.
student.
c m
language. No language will be imposed on any
o
(b) The correct answer is option B. National
.
a laboratory for the new National Education Education Day of India is celebrated on 11
rs
Policy (NEP) and under the first phase, 14,500 November every year since 2008 to celebrate the
schools will be upgraded. birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad,
148. (d) The correct answer is option D. More than the first education minister of independent
200,000 qualified schools from around the
k e India (15 August 1947 to 2 February 1958).
r an
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
6R7O
o p
T
6R 7O
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
6H 7D
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
59
NATIONAL
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates 91 new 100W FM Transmitters of AIR
 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today commissioned Low Power FM Transmitters of capacity of 100 Watt at 91
locations. These transmitters of have been installed in 84 districts of 20 states. With this the network of transmitters
with All India Radio has increased from 524 to 615. The addition will further boost the coverage of AIR to 73.5% of
the population of the country.
 Clear sound quality and easy availability of FM receiver equipped mobile phones has increased the demand of FM
radio service in the country. In another major step towards meeting this demand and capacity building of the
m
organisation, Government has further approved installation of 63 more FM transmitters in the country.
 The Prime Minister congratulated All India Radio on this momentous occasion. Speaking about the significance of
Radio in the direction of becoming All India FM. He underlined that the beginning of 91 FM transmitters by All
India Radio is like a present for 85 districts and 2 crore people of the nation.
. o
the addition, the Prime Minister said that today marks a significant step in the expansion of FM services by All India
c
rs
 ITC becomes India’s 6th valuable company, overtakes Infosys
 FMCG giant ITC has now overtaken the market capitalisation of Infosys to become India’s sixth most valuable
company on the stock exchanges.
e
 ITC’s market cap stands at Rs. 5.111 Lakh crore ( As of April 24 2023 ) while the market cap of Infosys ( 7th place )
stands at Rs. 5.08 Lakh crore ,
k
n
 To become the country’s 5th most valuable company, ITC will need some gas as rival FMCG firm Hindustan Unilever
a
(HUL) currently commands an m-cap of Rs 5.88 lakh crore.
r
 ITC’s market capitalisation ranking improved two spots in three sessions as the share price hit a high of Rs 413.45
p
on Monday before closing the session at Rs 411.35. At the end of Monday’s trade, ITC’s m-cap stood at Rs 5.11 lakh
crore while Infosys’ valuation stood at Rs 5.08 lakh crore.
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
6R7O
To
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates 91 new 100W FM Transmitters of AIR
 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today commissioned Low Power FM Transmitters of capacity of 100 Watt at 91
locations. These transmitters of have been installed in 84 districts of 20 states. With this the network of transmitters
with All India Radio has increased from 524 to 615. The addition will further boost the coverage of AIR to 73.5% of
the population of the country.
 Clear sound quality and easy availability of FM receiver equipped mobile phones has increased the demand of FM
radio service in the country. In another major step towards meeting this demand and capacity building of the
organisation, Government has further approved installation of 63 more FM transmitters in the country.
 The Prime Minister congratulated All India Radio on this momentous occasion. Speaking about the significance of
the addition, the Prime Minister said that today marks a significant step in the expansion of FM services by All India
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7LAll
Radio in the direction of becoming India FM. He underlined that the beginning of 91 FM transmitters by All
India Radio is like a present for 85 districts and 2 crore people of the nation.
 ITC becomes India’s 6th valuable company, overtakes Infosys
 FMCG giant ITC has now overtaken the market capitalisation of Infosys to become India’s sixth most valuable
company on the stock exchanges.
 ITC’s market cap stands at Rs. 5.111 Lakh crore ( As of April 24 2023 ) while the market cap of Infosys ( 7th place )
5B1D9C 6H7D
7H3Jcrore
stands at Rs.tr-5.08 Lakh ,
 To become the country’s 5th most valuable company, ITC will need some gas as rival FMCG firm Hindustan Unilever
(HUL) currently commands an m-cap of Rs 5.88 lakh crore.
 ITC’s market capitalisation ranking improved two spots in three sessions as the share price hit a high of Rs 413.45
on Monday before closing the session at Rs 411.35. At the end of Monday’s trade, ITC’s m-cap stood at Rs 5.11 lakh
crore while Infosys’ valuation stood at Rs 5.08 lakh crore.
60
DRDO & Indian Navy conduct successful maiden test trial of indigenous Air Droppable Container
 Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy conducted the successful maiden test
trial of ‘ADC-150’ from IL 38SD aircraft off the coast of Goa. ‘ADC-150’ is an indigenously designed and developed
Air Droppable Container with 150 kg payload capacity. The trial was conducted to enhance the naval operational
logistics capabilities by providing quick response to meet the requirement of critical engineering stores to ships
(under distress), which are deployed more than 2,000 kms from the coast. It reduces the requirement of ships to
come close to the coast to collect spares and stores.
 Three DRDO laboratories - Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam; Aerial Delivery
Research & Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra and Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE),
Bengaluru - have been involved in the development of ADC-150 container. The crucial flight clearance certification
was given by Regional Center for Military Airworthiness (RCMA), Kanpur headed by Centre for Military
Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC), Bengaluru.
 ASEAN India Maritime Exercise, AIME-2023
 Indian Naval Ships Satpura and Delhi with RAdm Gurcharan Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet
embarked onboard arrived at Singapore on 01 May 2023 to participate in the Inaugural ASEAN India Maritime
Exercise (AIME-2023) scheduled from 02 to 08 May 2023.
c o m
.
 The Harbour Phase of the exercise is scheduled to be held at Changi Naval Base from 02 to 04 May 2023 and the Sea
rs
Phase will be conducted from 07 to 08 May 2023 in the South China Sea. AIME 2023 will provide an opportunity for
Indian Navy and ASEAN navies to work together closely and conduct seamless operations in the maritime domain.
 INS Delhi, India's first indigenously-built guided missile destroyer and INS Satpura, an indigenously-built guided
k e
missile stealth frigate are a part of Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam and function under the
operational command of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. These ships are fitted
n
with state-of-the art weapons and sensors. The ships, during their port call at Singapore, will also participate in
International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX-23) and International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC)
being hosted by Singapore.
p r a
Yoga Mahotsav to mark 50 days countdown to International Day of Yoga begins in Jaipur
o
 In Rajasthan,
6R7O a 50-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga began at Shri Bhawani Niketan College in Jaipur.
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
The program was organized by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga. Addressing the program, the Governor
T
of Rajasthan Kalraj Mishra said that the basic foundation of Indian culture is yoga which is the biggest medium of
self-development. More than 15,000 people take part in event
 Union AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that to make life successful, one should move forward with yoga.
He said that the whole world is adopting Yoga as a method of science. Mr. Sonowal said that this year’s IDY will
also witness many firsts, foremost being the demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol in the Arctic and
Antarctic region.
Karnataka ranked the most ‘innovative’ State by the National Manufacturing Innovation Survey
 Recently, the National Manufacturing Innovation Survey 2021-22 was released by the Department of Science and
Technology (DST). The survey found 6R7O
that
9U7L3T Karnataka, overall, is the most “innovative” State, followed by Dadra and
tr-5P1R
Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu (DNH&DD), Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
 Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu had the highest share of innovative firms at 46.18% ,39.10% and 31.90%,
respectively, with Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand reporting the lowest share of such firms at 12.78%, 13.47% and
13.71%, respectively.
 The National Manufacturing Innovation Survey 2021-22 was conducted jointly by the Department of Science and
Technology (DST) and 6H
the
7DUnited Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in India in order to
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
evaluate the innovation performance of manufacturing firms.
World’s highest Chenab rail bridge is ready clearing all tests

 Indian Railways has created history by building the world’s highest Chenab Railway Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir.
This bridge has been built between Bakkal and Kauri in Jammu and Kashmir, some 42 km from Reasi district, and
on the middle line of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Banihal. The bridge has passed all the mandatory tests.
 This bridge is higher than the Eiffel Tower. The height of Eiffel Tower is 324 meters, however the height of this
bridge is 359 meters. Its length is 1,315 meters. This bridge will be able to withstand wind with a speed of 260
61
kilometers per hour and is capable of withstanding an earthquake of magnitude 8 on the Richter scale. Presently
single track has been laid on it.
 The arch bridge between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu, is 1,178 feet above the riverbed, forming
a crucial link from Katra to Banihal. It is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), a dream
project worth Rs 35000 crore.
Buland Bharat: Army's surveillance, firepower training conducted in Arunachal
 An integrated surveillance and firepower training exercise 'Buland Bharat' was conducted in the recently
operationalised longest high-altitude Artillery Ranges of the eastern theatre.
 The exercise involved the synergised application of surveillance and firepower capabilities of the Artillery and the
Infantry in close coordination with Special Forces, Aviation and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed in
West Kameng and Tawang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
 The exercise validated plans for bringing down integrated firepower by orchestrating synchronised firing by artillery
guns and fire support components of infantry, aimed toward the destruction of designated targets.
Andhra Pradesh CM lays foundation stone of Vizag Tech Park

 Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy laid the foundation stone for Rs 21,844 crore Vizag Tech Park in
Visakhapatnam, a subsidiary of Adani Group company which will house 300 mega watt (MW) data centres. Adani
c o m
.
Group managing director Rajesh Adani and Karan Adani among others were present at the venue.
rs
 Coming up on a 190-acre parcel of land, the IT park will house 200 MW integrated data centre at Madhurwada and
another 100 MW one at Kapuluppada at an outlay of ₹ 14,634 crore and ₹ 7,210 crore respectively.
 According to the Chief Minister, the tech park would provide direct employment to 39,815 people in a phased
manner over seven years and indirect employment to 10,610 more.
k e
 IT business parks, skill development centres and recreation facilities will be part of the tech park, which will bolster
n
internet speeds and improve connectivity, said Mr Reddy and added that it will contribute to the overall
development of the area.
renewable sources of energy to power it up.
p r a
 Further, the Chief Minister noted that the tech park will propel Vizag into a tier-1 city, which will also deploy
o
Logo, mascot of Khelo India University Games 2022 launched in Lucknow
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7LUnion Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
T
launched the Logo, jersey, mascot, torch and anthem of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2022 in Lucknow
today. The 3rd edition of the Khelo India University Games will take place from May 23 to June 3. The opening
ceremony is scheduled for May 25 at the Babu Banarasi Das University in Lucknow.
 Speaking on the occasion, Anurag Singh Thakur said that Uttar Pradesh is moving forward in every field today. He
said, Prime Minister’s idea of making India a sports superpower will be fulfilled and Uttar Pradesh will play major
role in this.
 UP is organising the biggest Khelo India University games from May 23 to June 3. More than 4700 athletes from 200
universities across the country will participate in 21 sports disciplines in this event.
 Mr,Yogi Adityanath said that Uttar Pradesh government is developing one stadium in every district and one mini
stadium at block level. Work of developing
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
6R7O sports ground and open gym in every ward and gram panchayat is also
going on in the state.
Nityanand Rai inaugurates Dawki land port in Meghalaya

 Union Minister Nityanand Rai inaugurated the Dawki Land Port in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills district to
promote trade and commerce between India and Bangladesh.
 The Dawki Land Port is located
7D in West Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, 55 km from the district headquarters, Jowai, and
5B1D9C7H3J6H
about 84 kmtr-from Meghalaya’s capital Shillong. The corresponding Land Port in Bangladesh is Tamabil, located in
the Sylhet district.
 The Dawki Land port will serve as a vital trade and transportation hub between India and Bangladesh and will
facilitate the movement of goods, people, and vehicles across the border. It will also facilitate passenger movement
across the border.
 The Union Minister of State also visited the Meghalaya Frontier of BSF and interacted with field commanders and
troops on the ground.
62
 BSG Inspector General Pradip Kumar briefed the minister about the area of responsibility of the Meghalaya frontier
and discussed the various challenges on the Indo-Bangladesh international border and measures being taken to
control trans-border crime.
BharatPe launches PAYBACK India in a new avatar, Rebrands it as 'Zillion'

 BharatPe Group, one of India’s leading names in the fintech industry, announced that it will be rebranding
PAYBACK India, the multi-brand loyalty program to 'Zillion'. This new brand identity is in line with the company’s
vision to make Zillion ubiquitous to loyalty and rewards across the country.
 Customers will have a variety of alternatives from Zillion to earn and redeem points at a variety of partners across
the country, For their regular purchases, through the network of offline and online partners, including those in the
grocery, fuel, entertainment, travel, clothing, and other industries customers will be able to collect "Zillion coins,"
which will provide them more joy in the moment. This is included into the Zillion logo, which stands for having
moments of inspiration and discovering 'aha' moments everywhere.
BMC to set up Asia's largest bio-gas plant in Mumbai, to treat 1,000 tonnes of wet waste daily
 The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) are joining hands to set
up Asia's largest bio-gas plant in Mumbai. The upcoming plant will have the capacity to treat 1,000 tonnes of wet
c o m
.
waste every day
 the proposed plant will recycle damp, organic, and degradable waste, which accounts for 3,500 tonnes of the 6,000
rs
tonnes of solid waste generated daily in Mumbai. The plant will be able to treat nearly one-third of the daily wet
waste generated in the city. It is intended to repurpose the waste for a useful purpose.
k e
 The BMC will supply the segregated wet waste to the plant, which MGL will treat to produce gas and supply it back
to the city. At present, the solid waste management (SWM) department of the BMC is operating five vehicles in
n
each municipal ward to transport wet waste to scientific treatment centres.
r a
Shantanu Thakur flags off vessel ‘M.V. MSS Galena’ from V.O. Chidambaranar Port
 Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur flagged off the vessel ‘M.V. MSS Galena’
p
from V.O. Chidambaranar Port, as the Direct Shipping Service between Tuticorin to Maldives.
o
 During visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Maldives in June 2019, Prime Minister of India & President of
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7LMaldives dwelt on need to improve connectivity between India & Maldives through establishment of enabling
T
infrastructure, which shall also give impetus to bilateral trade between two countries. To take this forward and to
reaffirm the mutual understanding between the two Nations this service is being operated as a culmination of the
Memorandum of Understanding signed for Establishment of Passenger and Cargo Services by Sea between Ministry
of Port, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India, and Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, Government of
Maldives on 08.06.2019, during the State Visit of Prime Minister of India to Maldives. This is also in line with
‘Neighbourhood-First Policy’ and the vision of Security and Growth for all in the Region.
 About: M.V. MSS Galena - The vessel ‘M.V. MSS Galena’, a vessel with carrying capacity of 421 TEUs of containers
& provision to carry bulk cargo, deployed by Shipping Corporation of India, arrived at PSA SICAL Container
Terminal on 04.05.2023. It was loaded with 270 TEUs of containers at PSA SICAL Container Terminal. ‘M.V. MSS
Galena’ will sail from Tuticorin to Male6Ron
7O05.05.2023. It is scheduled to reach Male on 07.05.2023. The rotation of
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
this shipping service is Tuticorin – Male – Tuticorin, and is scheduled to make 3 calls a month.
Uttar Pradesh to get its first Pharma Park

 The first Pharma Park of the state will be built in Bundelkhand, which is one of the backward areas of Uttar Pradesh.
The state government has given green signal to the project of setting up a Pharma Park in Lalitpur district of
Bundelkhand. For this,6Hthe state government will transfer 1500 hectares of land to the Animal Husbandry
1D9C7H3J 7D
5BLalitpur
Departmenttr-in district. The state government will spend Rs 1560 crore on development works and providing
necessary facilities to the investors in Lalitpur Pharma Park.
 The state government has made necessary amendments in its policy for the establishment of Pharma Park in Uttar
Pradesh and to encourage the industries set up here. According to the revised policy, all the facilities and subsidies
etc. will be given to the entrepreneurs setting up units in Pharma or Medical Device Park. Entrepreneurs setting up
units in Pharma Park will be given 100 per cent exemption in stamp duty on land purchase, along with capital
subsidy, housing construction for workers, employment generation, etc., will be given subsidy by the government
63
Rajnath Singh inaugurates country's first Indian Air Force Heritage Centre in Chandigarh
 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a first-of-its-kind Indian Air Force (IAF) Heritage Centre in
Chandigarh. The minister said it is a testament to the courage and dedication of all those who served in the force
and a reminder of their invaluable contributions in protecting the nation
 The centre has been set up under a memorandum of understanding between the Union Territory of Chandigarh
and the IAF which was signed last year. Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Banwarilal Purohit, The
centre also depicts the role of the Indian Air Force during various wars including 1947, 1948,1965, and 1971 besides
the Kargil Conflict and the Balakot Air Strikes.
 Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, and Member of Parliament from Chandigarh Kirron Kher were present on the
occasion.
 On this occasion, Defence Minister Mr, Singh sat in one of the MiG-21 aircraft on display at the centre. He also sat
in a flying simulator.
 This wonderful initiative will help in preserving the rich heritage of the Indian Air Force and also inspire young
minds to join the armed forces
Telangana CM lays foundation for Hare Krishna Heritage Tower

 Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao laid the foundation for the Hare Krishna Heritage Tower in
c o m
.
Hyderabad. The tower will stand at a towering height of 400 feet (120 meters) and will be constructed on six acres
rs
of land in Narsingi at a cost of Rs 200 crore.
 The tower will house the temples of Sri Sri Radha Krishna and Sri Venkateswara Swamy and will be a cultural
e
landmark for Hyderabad.
 The Telangana government announced Rs 25 crore for the construction of the temple, showing their support for
k
organizations that promote peace and spirituality. The tower will also provide accommodation for 1,500 devotees,
n
and an Annadanam hall will be present where 500 visiting devotees can be served food at one time.
 The temple complex will feature a library, Kalyanai Auditorium, IMAX open-air theaters, lecture halls, Q complex,
a
r
and guest rooms. Advanced laser shows will also be arranged to help educate the youth on Lord Krishna's history
and teachings. The temple structures will incorporate cutting-edge technology with the skill of the Kakatiyas to
9U7L3T6R7O
tr-5P1RUnion Minister G Kishan
p
preserve Telangana's historical and cultural heritage.
o
Reddy inaugurates PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra in Secunderabad


T
Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy has inaugurated a PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra at Warasiguda in
Secunderabad. Mr Reddy said these Jan Aushadhi Kendras provide affordable healthcare and generate self-
employment opportunities for youth. He said the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi scheme has been launched
to make quality generic medicines available to the common man at low cost.
About: PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra Scheme - Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched
by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India in November,
2008. It is a scheme launched by the Government of India to provide affordable and quality generic medicines to
the general public.
 Under this scheme, the government sets up Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which are stores that sell generic medicines at
much lower prices than branded medicines.
6R7O The medicines sold in these stores are approved by the Central Drugs
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and are of the same quality as branded medicines. These stores are run
by individuals, self-help groups, NGOs, or private institutions that are registered under the PMJAK scheme.
PM lays foundation stone and dedicates to nation infrastructure projects worth over Rs. 5500 crores in
Nathdwara, Rajasthan
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation projects
tr-5B1D 9C7H3J6H7D
worth over Rs. 5500 crores in Nathdwara, Rajasthan. The development projects focus on bolstering infrastructure and
connectivity in the region where the railway and road projects will facilitate the movement of goods and services,
thereby boosting trade and commerce and improving the socio-economic conditions of the people in the region
Projects –
1. Lays foundation stone for redevelopment of Udaipur railway station and gauge conversion project
2. Lays foundation stone for road construction projects for upgradation to two-lane in Rajsamand and Udaipur.
3. Inaugurates three national highway projects
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for getting the opportunity to visit the glorious land
of Mewar of Lord Shrinath. The Prime Minister recalled performing darshan and puja at the Shrinathji Temple in
64
Nathdwara earlier in the day and wished for blessings to accomplish the goals of a Viksit Bharat in the Azaadi Ka Amrit
Kaal.
Telangana Robotics Framework: IT Minister KT Rama Rao Launches First-Of-Its-Kind Policy

 IT and Industries Minister K.T. Rama Rao launched Telangana State Robotics Framework with an aim for creating
a sustainable robotics ecosystem promote the robotics ecosystem and establishing the state as a leader in the field
of robotics,
 The framework is a comprehensive roadmap that outlines the state's vision for the development of the robotics
ecosystem in the state and contributing to the growth of the industry in the country,
 About Robotics Framework - The State Robotics Framework is a detailed plan that outlines Telangana’s vision for
advancing the robotics ecosystem and promoting industry growth in India. The framework was created by the
Emerging Technologies Wing of the ITE&C Department of Telangana, in collaboration with the All India Robotics
Association and input from academic, industry experts and stakeholders.
 Punjab becomes first state to implement ‘Right To Walk’
 Punjab has become the first state to implement ‘Right To Walk’ by making it mandatory for all road-owning
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agencies, including the NHAI, to provide footpath and cycle tracks in all future expansion of roads and construction
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of new ones, This has come amid consistent rise in deaths of pedestrians and cyclists, Punjab has taken the lead
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among the states and UTs in India.
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 The state government has issued these directions following two court orders after PILs were filed at Punjab and
Haryana HC and another in the Supreme Court. As per a communication from Punjab chief secretary Vijay Kumar
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Janjua to Punjab government’s traffic adviser, Navdeep Asija, “in future all expansions of existing roads and
construction of new roads, a mandatory provision of cycle tracks and footpaths should be made by all road owning
departments and agencies”.
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PM Modi lay foundation stone, dedicate to nation multiple scientific projects worth over Rs 5,800 cr in New
Delhi
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 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple scientific projects
of over 5 thousand 800 crore rupees on the occasion of National Technology Day
 During a function in New Delhi, Mr. Modi released a commemorative stamp and coin and also inaugurated the
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showcasing scientific and technological advancements made in India in the recent past.
 The projects whose foundation stones were laid by the Prime Minister include Laser Interferometer Gravitational-
Wave Observatory – India (LIGO-India), Hingoli, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Jatni in
Odisha and Platinum Jubilee Block of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
 The LIGO-India will be one of the handful Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave observatories in the world. It
will work in synchronisation with two such observatories operating in the United States.
 During the function, the projects related to Fission Molybdenum-99 Production Facility in Mumbai, Rare Earth
Permanent Magnet Plant and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Visakhapatnam, National
Hadron Beam Therapy Facility and Women and Children Cancer Hospital Building in Navi Mumbai were dedicated
to the nation.
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Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launches ‘Harit Sagar’ the Green Port Guidelines 2023
 To meet the larger vision of achieving Zero Carbon Emission Goal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has
launched ‘Harit Sagar’ the Green Port Guidelines. The guidelines were launched by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union
Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH in the august presence of Shri Shripad Y. Naik, Union
Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Tourism and other senior officials of the Ministry today in
New Delhi. 7D
 Harit Sagar tr-5B1D9C7H3J- 6H
Guidelines 2023 envisages ecosystem dynamics in port development, operation and maintenance while
aligning with ’Working with Nature’ concept and minimizing impact on biotic components of harbor ecosystem. It
lays emphasis on use of Clean / Green energy in Port operation, developing Port capabilities for storage, handling
and bunkering Greener Fuels viz. Green Hydrogen, Green Ammonia, Green Methanol / Ethanol etc.
 These Guidelines provides a framework for the Major Ports for drawing out a comprehensive action plan for
achieving targeted outcomes in terms of quantified reduction in carbon emission over defined timelines, through
focused implementation and close monitoring of Green Initiatives and to achieve Sustainable Developmental Goals
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PM Modi launches development projects worth Rs 4400 crore in Gujarat
 PM Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated several projects to the nation worth around Rs 4400 crores in
Gandhinagar, Gujarat today, 12th May. The projects that were inaugurated included development initiatives worth
Rs. 2450 in Urban Development Department, Water Supply Department, Road and Transport Department and
Mines and Minerals Department. Besides, PMAY projects (both rural and urban) worth Rs. 1950 crores, were also
inaugurated. PM Modi also handed over keys to beneficiaries of the scheme for about 19,000 houses built under the
Gruh Pravesh scheme, and interacted with them via video link.
 Details of the Projects- The inaugurated projects include the expansion of multi-village drinking water supply
schemes in Banaskantha district, the construction of a river overbridge in Ahmedabad, the establishment of a
drainage collection network at Naroda GIDC, and sewage treatment plants in Mehsana and Ahmedabad, as well as
an auditorium in Dahegam, among others.
 The foundation stone will be laid for other projects such as bulk pipeline projects in Junagadh district, augmentation
of water supply schemes in Gandhinagar district, the construction of flyover bridges, a new water distribution
station, and various town planning roads, among others.
Varanasi’s LBSI airport becomes first in country to have a reading Lounge

 The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport here has become the first in India to have a reading lounge. Chief
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Minister Yogi Adityanath’s advisor Awanish Awasthi inaugurated the lounge, This lounge was set up with the help
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of the National Book Trust (NBT) an Indian publishing house and autonomous body under the ministry of
education of the Union government. The NBT will operate this lounge, created near the entrance point of the
airport's main lobby.
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 The Airport Reading Lounge is a reflection of Kashi, for both traditionalists as well as the contemporary visitors and
passengers, and for those who wish to seek further knowledge on the mystical heritage of this ancient city.
 Apart from India's culture, history, traditional knowledge systems, health and wellness, literature in Hindi, French,
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Spanish, English and many other Indian languages, the reading lounge also celebrates literary icons of Varanasi
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through their works, iconic places and unknown facts and connections with the city.
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 The lounge also has a dedicated shelf of the budding authors displaying their recently published books under the
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Prime Minister's Mentorship Scheme for Young Writers (PM-YUVA Scheme).
 The lounge also offers free access to downloaded portions of any book through a QR code. For the technology-
generation, another QR code gives access to select Free Audio books, on the comfort of a mobile, laptop or
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tablet.
Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework Launched by Minister R Bindu

 Kerala Government has launched the Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework, KIRF. The new higher education
framework was launched by the State Minister for Higher Education R Bindu. With KIRF, Kerala becomes the first
state to implement its own ranking system for higher education.
 Created on the lines of the National Institute of Ranking Framework, under KIRF, the government aims to introduce
a more democratic and secular approach to the ranking system in the state.
 The ranking framework has been implemented by the Kerala State Higher Education Council and KSHEC will be
issuing rankings annually. By implementing
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for higher education institutions.
Four-day Shri Anna Mahotsav begins in Dehradun

 The four-day Shri Anna Mahotsav, Millets festival, has begun in Dehradun, Uttrakhand from Saturday. Chief
Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated Shri Anna Mahotsav at Hathibarkala. Thousands of farmers from across
the state are participating 7Din the four-day event.
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 While addressing the gathering on the occasion of Shri Ann Mahotsav the Chief Minister said that such events
would encourage the cultivation of coarse grains. The Chief Minister said that “Shri Anna” is becoming the medium
of all-round development in India and now every citizen of the country is also getting associated with it. More than
100 stalls of coarse grains have been set up in the festival. On this occasion, Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister
Surya Pratap Shahi and many other dignitaries also participated in the program. It may be recalled that along with
organic farming in the state, the implementation of the National Natural Agriculture Mission scheme is being
started in 11 districts of the state from this year itself. For this, the Government of India has also approved the
operation of an agricultural mission program of about 796 lakhs on 6 thousand 400 hectares of land..
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India-Indonesia Bilateral exercise SAMUDRA SHAKTI – 23 from 14-19 May
 INS Kavaratti, indigenously designed & built ASW Corvette, arrived at Batam, Indonesia to participate in the 4th
edition of India-Indonesia Bilateral exercise Samudra Shakti-23 from 14-19 May 23. An Indian Navy Dornier
Maritime Patrol aircraft and Chetak helicopter is also participating. The Indonesian Navy will be represented by
KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda, CN 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and AS565 Panther Helicopter.
 Exercise Samudra Shakti is aimed at enhancing interoperability, jointness and mutual cooperation between both
the navies. The Harbour phase will comprise Cross deck visits, professional Interactions, Subject Matter Expert
Exchanges, and sports fixtures. And During the Sea Phase, weapon firing, Helicopter Operations, Anti-submarine
warfare & air defence exercises and boarding operations are planned. Samudra Shakti -23 will showcase the high
level of interoperability between the two navies and their shared commitment towards peace and stability in the
region.
 Indian Navy successfully test fired a BrahMos supersonic cruise missile
 Using its frontline guided missile destroyer INS Mormugao, the Indian Navy successfully test fired a BrahMos
supersonic cruise missile, The official also lauded INS Mormugao for hitting "bulls eye" with her maiden BrahMos
supersonic cruise missile firing. It is the latest guided-missile destroyer to be used by the Indian Navy.
 BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd is an India-Russian joint venture, responsible for producing supersonic cruise missiles
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that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms, India also exports the BrahMos missiles,
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that fly at a speed of 2.8 Mach or almost three times the speed of sound,
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GMR Hyderabad International Airport becomes world's most punctual airport
 In a recently released report by the aviation analytical firm Cirium, GMR Hyderabad International Airport recorded
90.43 per cent On-Time Performance, for the month of March 2023.
 Hyderabad airport is the only airport in the world to cross the 90 per cent mark.
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 The airport was also ranked 4th in the ‘Large Airports’ category with an OTP of 88.44 per cent, in November 2022.
The airport was selected based on the actual gate departure service which has 80 per cent or better coverage of the
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actual departure time and must serve at least three regions (inclusive of its own).
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 Since its inception, GMR Hyderabad International Airport has ushered in a number of first-of-its-kind technological
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innovations for the airport sector in the country, including the first- ever integrated and centralized Airport
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Operations Control Center (AOCC) and an array of modern passenger information systems and technological
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AIIMS Delhi partners with WHO, Duke-NUS on patient safety and quality control
 The All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi (AIIMS) has collaborated with World Health Organization (WHO-
SEARO) to ensure patient safety and quality control. According to WHO, the current challenge in global public
health is patient harm, which is a leading cause of avoidable mortality and morbidity.
 In this regard, a core committee for Patient Safety and Quality at AIlMS is being constituted for implementation of
advanced patient safety and quality initiatives across various departments. AIIMS will follow the learning
curriculum proposed by WHO in collaboration with the Duke-NUS (Institute of Patient Safety &Quality -IPSQ).
 AIIMS sees footfall of more than 25,000 patients every day for wide range of medical ailments will get from the aid
from this new initiative. The5PWHO will6Rorganize
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required.
In A First, Kerala Launches Welfare Fund For Workers Under Employment Guarantee Scheme
 In a first in the country, the Kerala government launched a welfare fund for Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) workers in the State, 27 lakh people in the State depend on the MGNREGS and the
Left government intends to make use of the scheme for the social development of Kerala. In a Facebook post,
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5B1Dworkers
Vijayan saidtr-the need to pay a nominal monthly amount of Rs 50 as contribution to the fund and the
government will also contribute an equal amount. He said for those who have paid the contributions for ten or
more years, their families will get the benefits in case of beneficiary’s death.
 Launching the initiative, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the workers who have completed the age of 60 will be
entitled for pension under the fund which will also provide financial assistance for medical treatment, education,
marriage, among other benefits.
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Union Minister Narendra Tomar Inaugurates Integrated Biological Control Laboratory in Hyderabad
 The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Government of India, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar
inaugurated the Integrated Biological Control Laboratory at National Institute of Plant Health Management
(NIPHM) Hyderabad, Telangana.
 The new laboratory has state-of-the-art facilities for giving hands-on experience on production methodologies for
biopesticides, biocontrol agents like predators and parasitoids, entomopathogenic fungi, biofertilisers, NPV,
pheromone and botanicals.
 Deploying them will help in reducing the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers, reduce the adverse effects on
the environment and human health and contribute to improved soil and plant health. The laboratory will also have
an insect museum, weed museum, exhibition hall, natural farming cell etc. to showcase the specimens of
agriculturally important insects and weeds in the best preserved or live forms.
CM, Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the National Homoeopathic Convention 'Homocon 2023'
 Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the National Homoeopathic Convention 'Homeocon 2023' at
Doon University, Dehradun and launched a documentary on Homeopathy.
 The commitment of the state government to establish Uttarakhand as a major AYUSH region is due to the economic
and effective nature of homeopathy.
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 Homeopathy has been recognized as the second most practiced system of medicine in the world and its importance
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has been demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 AYUSH - AYUSH is the abbreviation of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathic
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Pharmacopoeia Society and aims to promote education and research in the field of medicine. It is a government
ministry of India established in 2014. responsible for the development, promotion and regulation of traditional
systems of medicine.
Exercise Jal Rahat was conducted by Indian Army, in Assam
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 Gajraj Corps of the Indian Army conducted a Joint Flood Relief ‘Exercise Jal Rahat’ at Hagrama Bridge on Manas
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River, Assam to validate joint drills and coordinate preparedness by multi-agency flood relief columns.
 Apart from Indian Army- SSB, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF),
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District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and police representatives took part. The event included
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tr-5P1R9U7Lcoordination and rehearsals for rescue mission of people from inundated areas by joint efforts of specialist teams
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from Army, NDRF and SDRF.
 Practice on use of innovative expedients by the flood relief columns was also organised in which teams of Army and
SSB demonstrated use of local resources during such calamity.
Government launches Sanchar Saathi Portal: Enables tracking and blocking of stolen / lost mobile phones
 Sanchar Saathi Portal, central government's ground-breaking move in enhancing the safety and security of users in
the digital ecosystem. On May 16, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the Sanchar Saathi Portal and said,
"Various frauds such as identity theft, forged KYC, and banking frauds can take place by misusing mobile phones.
This portal has been developed to prevent such frauds."
 The portal enables mobile users to track
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the mobile connections issued in their names and to get the connections not required by them disconnected.
 Centralised Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) - In case any mobile device is stolen or lost, a user can submit the
IMEI numbers on the portal, Information submitted by the user along with a copy of the police complaint is then
verified, The system is integrated with the Telecom Service Providers and Law Enforcement Agencies, Once the
information is verified, the system blocks the stolen mobile phones from being used on Indian networks, In case
anyone tries to use the 6H stolen device, the system allows Law Enforcement Agencies to trace the device when the
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stolen device is 1D
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Uttar Pradesh Emerges as the Second State in India with a High Number of GI-Tagged Products
 Uttar Pradesh now ranks second in the country in terms of the number of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged
commodities. The state has received GI tags for three more One District One Product (ODOP) crafts, taking the
total number of GI-tagged products in the state to 48,
 Mainpuri tarkashi, Mahoba Gaura stone craft, and Sambhal horn craft are the three new ODOP crafts. The
Geographical Indication (GI) label is a major asset for the state of Uttar Pradesh. It helps to promote the state’s
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traditional crafts and products, and also helps to boost the local economy. The GI tag also helps to create awareness
about the state’s rich cultural heritage.
 Geographical Indication GI tag - A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific
geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In order to function as a GI, a
sign must identify a product as originating in a given place.
Tamil Nadu’s CM M.K. Stalin Inaugurates India’s Biggest Skywalk Bridge

 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated one of India’s biggest Skywalk bridges. The 570-metre long and
4.2-meter wide skywalk bridge connects the Mambalam railway station and T Nagar bus terminus.
 Considered one of the longest skywalks in the country, it is equipped with escalator and lift facilities and also
ensures public safety with CCTV cameras installed, and a connection to the police control room, Additionally, it
offers restrooms and trash cans. To aid the public, lights have been installed throughout the bridge.
 The skywalk, built by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) at a cost of Rs 28.45 crore under the Smart City funds,
aims to decongest the traffic at Ranganathan Street, Madley Road, Market Street. It is expected to be used by around
one lakh people on a daily basis.
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the International Museum Expo 2023 in New Delhi
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 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the International Museum Expo 2023 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi
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today 18th May, The International Museum Expo is being organised as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate
the 47th International Museum Day.
 During the programme, Mr Modi inaugurated a virtual walkthrough of the upcoming National Museum at the
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North and South Blocks. The Museum is a comprehensive effort to highlight and showcase historical events,
personalities, ideas and achievements related to India’s past that has contributed to the making of India’s present.
 The Prime Minister also unveiled the Mascot of the International Museum Expo, the Graphic Novel – A Day at the
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Museum, the Directory of Indian Museums, the Pocket Map of Kartavya Path, and Museum Cards.
PM Modi launches railway projects worth over 8,000 crore rupees in Odisha; Flags off Vande Bharat Express
train between Puri and Howrah
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 Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicate several railway projects worth over 8,000
rupees in Odisha via video conferencing. During the event, Mr. Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express
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between Puri and Howrah.
 The train will cover 500 kms distance and pass through Khordha, Cuttack, Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore districts
in Odisha and Paschim Medinipur, Purba Medinipur districts in West Bengal. The train will provide a faster,
comfortable and convenient travel experience to the rail users, boost tourism and promote economic development
in the region.
 Howrah-Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express - The regular run of the Howrah-Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express
will commence from May 20. The train will run six days a week. The train will depart Howrah at 6.10 am and reach
Puri at 12.35 pm and in the return direction, it will depart Puri at 1.50 pm and arrive at Howrah at 8.30 pm.
 Mr Modi also dedicated 100% electrification of the rail network in Odisha. He also dedicated the doubling of the
Sambalpur-Titlagarh rail line;1Ra9Unew broad
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Manoharpur-Rourkela-Jharsuguda-Jamga and a new broad-gauge line between Bichhupali-Jhartarbha.
Siddaramaiah sworn in as CM of Karnataka, D.K. Shivakumar takes oath as Deputy CM

 Congress Legislative Party leader Siddaramaiah was sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka, along with the
Karnataka Congress president D.K Shivakumar as the Deputy Chief Minister. The Oath of office was administered
by Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot at Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
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 Congress MLAstr-5B1DDr G Parameshwara, KH Muniyappa, KJ George, MB Patil, Satish Jarkiholi, Priyank Kharge,
Ramalinga Reddy and BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan took oath as the ministers in the state cabinet.
India’s Operation Karuna provides humanitarian aid to Cyclone Mocha victims in Myanmar
 In keeping with its tradition of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam, India as the first responder to natural disasters in the
region started Operation Karuna to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) materials for the
people of Myanmar affected by Cyclone Mocha,
 Three ships INS Shivalik, INS Kamorta and INS Savitri brought around 40 tonnes of materials, and The fourth ship
INS Gharial brought additional materials, mostly medicines and medical items,
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 The relief materials carried by the 4 ships have 14 pallets of essential items of use (edible and non-edible) and 16
medical pallets. INS Gharial also contains portable medical container facility with the capacity for 120 bedded
hospital. The medical pallets contain first aid items, antibiotics, anti-histamines, analgesics, intravenous fluids for
commonly spread infections and diseases.
Indian Navy's sixth and final Kalvari Class Submarine, Vaghsheer commences sea trials
 The Indian Navy's sixth and final Kalvari class submarine, Vaghsheer, has begun its sea trials. Vaghsheer is
scheduled for delivery to the Indian Navy in early 2024 after completion of these trial. The submarine was launched
on 20th April 2022 from the Kanhoji Angre Wet Basin of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
 About Submarine Vagsheer - Vagsheer is named after the sand fish, a deep sea predator of the Indian Ocean.
Vagsheer is a diesel attack submarine, designed to perform sea denial as well as access denial warfare against the
adversary. It is enabled with a C303 anti-torpedo countermeasure system. It can carry up to 18 torpedoes or Exocet
anti-ship missiles, or 30 mines in place of torpedoes. Its superior stealth features include advanced acoustic
absorption techniques, low radiated noise levels, hydro-dynamically optimized shape, and it can launch a crippling
attack using precision guided weapons, underwater or on surface.
INS TARKASH and INS SUBHADRA Arrive in Saudi Arabia, Kickstarting AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023 Naval
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Exercise
 Marking a significant milestone in the growing defense cooperation between India and the Kingdom of Saudi
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Arabia, the INS TARKASH, the flagship frigate of the Indian Western Naval Fleet, along with the INS SUBHADRA,
an offshore patrol vessel, arrived at Port Al-Jubail today. The visit of these ships signifies the beginning of the harbor
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phase of the second edition of the naval exercise between the two nations, known as 'AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023.'
This year, the naval exercise also includes the participation of a maritime patrol aircraft. The inaugural edition of
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the exercise was successfully conducted in 2021.
 Commissioned on November 9, 2012, INS TARKASH is a state-of-the-art stealth frigate of the Talwar class. Equipped
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with advanced weapon-sensor technology, the vessel possesses the capability to address threats in all dimensions.
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Its design incorporates stealth technologies and a specialized hull for reduced radar cross-section.
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 Accompanying INS TARKASH is the INS SUBHADRA, a patrol vessel of the Sukanya class. This vessel has served as
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a test bed for the Dhanush ship-launched ballistic missile, as well as associated stabilization and launch platforms.
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Bhupender Yadav Inaugurates Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management in Dehradun
 The Prime Minister of India during the 14th Conference of the Parties (COP-14) of the United Nations Convention
to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) on 9th September 2019, announced the establishment of Centre of Excellence
on Sustainable Land Management (CoE-SLM) at the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education.
 Aim - The CoE-SLM, located at the ICFRE in Dehradun, aims to restore degraded land by providing technical
support, capacity building, and knowledge sharing at the national and sub-national levels. By collaborating with
developing countries that are party to the UNCCD, the CoE-SLM seeks to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality
(LDN) targets, promote south-south cooperation, and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
outlined by international conventions.
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Ministry Of Education And World Bank Host Unique Workshop On School-To-Work Transition For STARS
Program
 Ministry of Education and World Bank organised a one of its kind workshop on School-to-Work Transition under
the STARS Program in Mumbai. The workshop was co-chaired by Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, School Education
and Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The workshop was also attended
by the Secretaries of Education and Skill Department of the six STARS states i.e. Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha,
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Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh along with the State Project Directors of Samagra
Shiksha, respective officers, and representatives from the World Bank.
 One of the key components of STARS program is strengthening of Vocational Education and School-to-Work
Transition. The workshop focused on discussion on a Skill Gap analysis of the six STARS States and Uttar Pradesh
along with convergence of vocational and skill.
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Madhya Pradesh becomes first state to provide free air travel to pilgrims
 Madhya Pradesh has become the first state to provide free air travel facilities to senior citizens for yatra (holy
pilgrimage), as 32 people flew from Bhopal to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. The 32 elderly people, comprising 24 men
and eight women are going as part of the state’s Mukhyamantri Tirth-Darshan Yojana, which was introduced in
2012, and elderly persons were sent on free pilgrimages by special trains. CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan flags off the
first batch to Prayagraj.
 As recently Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that air travel facility will also be included in this
scheme and launched the programme on Sunday morning at Bhopal’s Raja Bhoj Airport.
 Shawls and coconuts were also presented as a token of honour to those pilgrims. It is noteworthy, that both the
lodging and travel expenses for this trip are covered by the state government.
V.P Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurates Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Kerala Legislative Assembly building
 Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar today inaugurated the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Kerala Legislative
Assembly building in Thiruvananthapuram. While addressing the event, the Vice President said that Kerala is
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known for its forward-thinking, and the Legislative Assembly of Kerala has credit for many progressive legislations.
He urged the legislators to protect this legacy by addressing the contemporary needs of society.
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 Mr. Dhankhar also released a souvenir of the Kerala Legislature International Book Festival and laid the foundation
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stone of various developmental projects on the legislative assembly premises. This is Jagdeep Dhankhar’s first visit
to the state as the Vice President of India. The Vice President also visited Kannur to meet his teacher, Ms. Rathna
Nair, at her residence in Thalassery.
Shri Amit Shah inaugurates Janganana Bhavan in New Delhi
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 Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated Janganana Bhavan in New Delhi,
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Shri Amit Shah also launched the web-portal for birth and death registration, the upgraded SRS mobile application
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for geofencing, and the web-portal for online sale of census publications. Many dignitaries including Union
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Ministers of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai and Shri Ajay Kumar Mishra, and Union Home Secretary
were present on the occasion.
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 Census data is helpful in making the basic plan of development and providing basic amenities to the underprivileged
exploited, All-round and all-inclusive development of the country can be done only through data-based
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planning and for such data we have no other means except census.
 Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, will now conduct the census
electronically, in which every person will have the right to fill the data, it will be verified and audited and it will
include more than 35 parameters of socio-economic status.
 The government is going to make such arrangements that as soon as a person turns 18, the Election Commission
will take information from him and make his voter card, in case of death of someone, the census registrar will send
the information to the Election Commission and his name will be removed from the voter’s list
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurates and lay foundation stone of projects worth 2 thousand 50 crores
rupees in Rajasthan 6R7O
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Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of six
National Highway projects and 7 ROBs in Rajasthan. Mr. Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of these
projects in a program held in Omprakash Jyani Stadium at Pakka Saharan in Hanumangarh district. These projects cost
about 2 thousand 50 crores rupees.
 Mr. Gadkari inaugurated Bikaner to Suratgarh, Nagaur to Bikaner, and Fatehpur to Jhunjhunu two-lane paved
shoulder highways. The total length of these highways is 275 kilometers and Rs 987 crore has been spent on them .
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 Union Minister tr-5B1D
also laid the foundation stone of two-lane highway works from Hanumangarh to Kenchia, Fatehpur
Bypass, Mandawa Bypass and Jhunjhunu Bypass, and Rajgarh, Pilani Bypass. Rs 1 thousand 76 crores will be spent
on these projects.
With these projects, access to the international border will be easy which has a strategic importance. Also, travel
between Rajasthan and Punjab will be easy and traffic between Hanumangarh and Bikaner will be smooth. Along with
this, tourism will get a boost in the northwest region of the state.
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Indian Railways hands over 20 Broad Gauge Locomotives to Bangladesh
 In order to further strengthen bilateral relationship, 20 Broad Gauge (BG) locomotives were virtually flagged off to
Bangladesh in a handing over ceremony held at Rail Bhavan New Delhi, by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of
Railways. From the Bangladesh end, Minister of Railway, Md. Nurul Islam Sujan also joined in virtually. The event
was attended by Shri A.K.Lahoti, Chairman & CEO, Railway Board, Board Members, senior officials of Railway Board
and delegates of Bangladesh.
 The handing over of these diesel locomotives, under grant assistance from the Government of India, fulfills an
important commitment made during the visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina to India, in
October, 2019. In keeping with the requirements of Bangladesh Railway, the locomotives have been suitably
modified by the Indian side. These locomotives will help handle the increasing volume of passenger and freight
train operations in Bangladesh.
President Droupadi Murmu inauguratd new building of Jharkhand High Court
 President Droupadi Murmu is on a three-day visit to Jharkhand starting on 2. Inaugurated the new building of the
High Court of Jharkhand at Ranchi, Ranchi is the capital of the Indian state of Jharkhand. And also was the centre
of the Jharkhand movement,
 On 25th May, Thursday, President Murmu will grace a conference of more than 500 Women Self Help Groups
c o m
.
organized by Tribal Affairs Ministry at Khunti.
 She will also preside the 2nd convocation of Indian Institute of Information Technology in Ranchi. The President
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will also attend a civic reception to be hosted in her honour.
UP government inaugurated online education program 'Pahal' for rural children
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 Chief secretary Durga Shankar Mishra inaugurated an online rural education programme ‘Pahal’ at Government UP
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Sainik Inter College, Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow, This programme has been prepared by the department of secondary
education in collaboration with IIT Kanpur
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 The initiative aims to provide educational opportunities to rural children who have limited access to quality
r
education. Pahal' is designed to bridge the education gap between rural and urban areas. Under this program, in
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the initial phase, free online education will be provided in 10 government secondary schools of the state. Through
o
these classes, students of rural areas will be able to get the latest information related to science and mathematics.
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tr-5P1R9U7LThe Chief Secretary said that the online rural education initiative is a new and good beginning.
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 About UP - Uttar Pradesh is a state located in the northern part of India, It is the most populous state in India as
well as the most populous subdivision in the world, The state was officially established in 1950.
P M Narendra Modi flags off Uttarakhand’s first Vande Bharat Express train
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the inaugural run of Vande Bharat Express train from Dehradun to Delhi
through video conferencing. This will be the first Vande Bharat to be introduced in Uttarakhand. The Prime Minster
will also dedicate the newly electrified rail line sections in Uttarakhand. The state will have its entire rail route 100
percent electrified with this. Trains run by electric traction on the electrified sections will result in increase in speed
of trains and enhance haulage capacity.
 The ‘Kavach’ -Automatic Train Protection
6R7O System, an indigenous Indian automatic train protection system, is
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installed in every Vande Bharat train, which boosts the train’s overall security parameter. Further, the trains are
environment friendly in various ways.
Amit Shah lays the foundation stone of Guwahati campus of National Forensic Science University (NFSU) in
Assam
 Union Home Minister3Jand Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of Guwahati campus
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of National tr-5B1D9C7H
Forensic Science University (NFSU) in Assam. Along with this, Shri Amit Shah also launched the web
portal 'Assam Police Seva Setu' to make the services of the Assam Police more accessible and transparent for the
people. A book written by Dr. J.M Vyas on the use of forensic science in judiciary was also released. Several
dignitaries including the Chief Minister of Assam Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma were present on the occasion.
 Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India is establishing a network of
National Forensic Science University across the country, the goal of the country in the direction of criminal justice
is very clear that the conviction rate is to be taken ahead of the rate of developed countries, It is the world's 11th and
the country's 10th NFSU centre, NFSU- Guwahati will benefit North-East India as well as many countries along the
eastern border like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Indonesia.
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Arunachal Pradesh government to set up Institute for Transforming Arunachal with NITI Aayog
 Arunachal Pradesh government will set up Institute for Transforming Arunachal (ITA) with the help of NITI Aayog
to take the development of the state to the next level. This was disclosed by Chief Minister Pema Khandu in a social
media post. Mr Khandu held a meeting in Itanagar yesterday to discuss the formation of the ITA in presence of
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein. Mr Khandu said that the Institute for Transforming Arunachal would act as
transformation leader for the state, provide assistance to various departments to advance their development
strategies and unlock their potential.
 This will further boost the ease of living for the people and will have hassle-free access to various services. He said
that leakages and spillovers will also be checked by bringing in more transparency and accountability in the system
and service delivery mechanism.
MoCA launches UDAN 5.1, designed for helicopter routes

 Following four successful rounds of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN)
and with the version 5.0 of the fifth round underway, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched UDAN 5.1 to
further enhance the connectivity to remote areas of the country and achieve last mile connectivity through
helicopters.
c o m
.
 In a first for RCS-UDAN, this round specifically focuses on helicopter routes, offering new opportunities for
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operators to expand their operations. One notable change is that routes will now be permitted even if only one of
the origin or destination locations is in a priority area, compared to the previous requirement of both points being
in priority areas.
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 To make helicopter travel more affordable, airfare caps have been reduced by up to 25 percent for passengers.
Additionally, Viability Gap Funding (VGF) caps for operators of both single and twin-engine helicopters have been
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significantly increased, aiming to enhance the financial viability of operating the awarded routes.
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CM Pinarayi Vijayan declares Kerala as total e-governance state
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 Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared the state as a total e-governance state. The chief minister made the
p
declaration at an event organised by the Kerala IT Mission held in Thiruvananthapuram. district, Kerala has
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achieved this milestone through a series of policy initiatives aimed at transforming the state into a digitally-
3T6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7Lempowered society. With a focus on a knowledge-based economy and 100% digital literacy, the government has
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digitized the delivery of vital services across various domains, ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and accessibility
for all citizens.
 Under the comprehensive e-governance framework, Kerala has successfully digitized the delivery of all vital
services. Key domains such as health, education, land revenue, documentation of properties, public distribution
system, and social security payouts have been integrated into the digital ecosystem.
 Kerala’s total e-governance initiative emphasizes the inclusion of all sections of society, including the less privileged
and marginalized. By digitizing service delivery, the government has made it easier for citizens, regardless of their
socio-economic background, to access essential services.
Centre signs agreement with 6 states to 6R

start
7O digital crop survey
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 The Center government has signed an agreement with six states of Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha,
Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to start digital crop survey.
 The Digital Crop Survey is part of the government’s Agristack or India Digital Ecosystem for Agriculture (IDEA). It
was launched in 2020. The agreement was signed at a workshop organized by the Union Ministry of Agriculture to
discuss the implementation plan of digital crop survey with the state governments. On the occasion, web portal
and mobile application manual for digital crop survey was unveiled.
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 The workshop tr-5B1D
discussed the implementation plan of Digital Crop Survey, benefits to various stakeholders,
responsibilities of Central Government. The workshop also emphasized on the expectations from the states and
support from the Center for effective and successful implementation of Digital Crop Survey.
Govt to issue special commemorative coin of ₹75 to mark the inauguration of new Parliament building
 The government will issue a commemorative coin with the denomination of ₹75 to mark the opening of the new
Parliament Building. Though commemorative coins are considered legal tender, they are not released for general
circulation. One can source them from the specified agencies.
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 Appearance - The face of the coin will bear the lion capitol of Ashoka Pillar in the centre with the legend ‘Satyamev
Jayate’ inscribed below, flanked on the left periphery with the word ‘Bharat’ in Devnagri script and on the right
periphery with the word ‘India’ in English.
 It shall also bear the Rupee symbol ‘₹’ and denominational value ‘75’ in the international numerals below the lion
capitol. On the reverse face, the coin shall bear the image of Parliament complex.
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates new Parliament building
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Parliament building, seeking blessings from high priests of
various 'adheenams' in Tamil Nadu with the holy sceptre in hand. He also installed the historic Sengol in the Lok
Sabha chamber. Dressed in a traditional attire, Mr. Modi walked into the Parliament premises from its Gate No. 1
and was welcomed by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
 About: The New Parliament building - The new Parliament building, with a seating capacity of 1,272, is not only
more spacious than the existing complex but is also equipped with state-of-the-art measures and cutting-edge
technology.
m
 Some of the high-tech features in the new Parliament building include multimedia display units in front of each
MP’s seat, biometrics for ease of voting, a digital language translation system and programmable microphone.
 About: The Sengol - Made of silver and gold, the five-feet long sceptre was handed over by Lord Mountbatten to
c o
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on August 14, 1947, as a symbol of the transfer of power, according to the government. The
Sengol, a symbol of governance in Tamil kingdoms of yore, was then kept for display in The Allahabad Museum.
.
Indian Navy and ISRO Release Gaganyaan Recovery Training Plan
e
 The Indian Navy and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have released the Gaganyaan Recovery
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Training Plan at INS Garuda in Kochi, The document outlines the training plan for recovery of the crew module of
the Gaganyaan mission.
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 The training document was jointly released by Vice Admiral Atul Anand, Director General of Naval Operations;
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Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, (VSSC) and Umamaheshwaran R, Director, Human
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Space Flight Centre of ISRO, The document defines overall requirements with respect to training of various teams
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participating in recovery operations including divers, MARCOs (marine commandos), medical specialists,
communicators, technicians and naval aviators,
tr-5P1R9U7LThe
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3T6Rrecovery
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training is planned in incremental phases starting from unmanned recovery to manned recovery
training in harbour and open sea conditions. The recovery operations are being led by the Indian Navy in co-
ordination with other government agencies.
PM Modi Flags Off Maiden Vande Bharat For the North East Region in Assam
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, (29 May) virtually flagged off the maiden Vande Bharat Express train
for the northeast in Assam that will run from Guwahati to West Bengal's New Jalpaiguri Station. The latest Vande
Bharat Express will cover the journey in about five-and-a-half hours, while the current fastest train takes around
six-and-a-half hours to cover the same distance.
 Prime Minister also dedicated 182 Route Kms of newly electrified sections. This will help provide pollution free
transportation with trains running at higher speed and reduced running time of trains. It will also open the doors
6R7O
1R9U7L3Tto
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for trains running on electric enter Meghalaya.
 He also inaugurated a newly constructed DEMU/MEMU shed at Lumding in Assam. This new facility will be helpful
for maintaining DEMU rakes operating in this region, leading to better operational feasibility.
Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni arrives in New Delhi on a three-day visit to India
 King of Cambodia, Norodom Sihamoni arrived in New Delhi this afternoon on a three-day visit to India from May
29 – 31. Joined
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a 27-member
1D9C high-level official delegation, the Cambodian King arrived here in New Delhi on a
three-day official visit and was received by MoS MEA Rajkumar Ranjan Singh.
 The King will have bilateral meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi
tomorrow. He will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the morning following which
he will pay floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat.
 Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will call on the King. President
Murmu will host a State Banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary in the evening.
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Sudarshan Shakti Exercise 2023
 Recently, The Sapta Shakti Command of the Indian Army conducted exercise ‘Sudarshan Shakti 2023’ along the
western borders in Rajasthan and Punjab, It aimed at starting the transformation of the forces into a modern, lean,
and agile fighting combination capable of leveraging new-age technologies.
 The exercise was designed to validate operational plans in a network-centric environment with elements of combat
power, combat support and logistic support. These elements were exercised in a synergised application under all
domains of enemy threat including Grey Zone Warfare as part of high tempo operations. This exercise also
facilitated in meeting the stated objectives of five pillars of transformation enunciated by COAS General Manoj
Pande in January 2023.
 Scope and objectives - Integrated use of force multipliers like special forces and niche technologies covering drones,
tethered drones, loiter ammunition as well as key aspects of electronic warfare made it a unique event.
INTERNATIONAL
Emirates Unveils World’s First Robotic Check-In Assistant
o
 Dubai-based airline Emirates has unveiled its latest innovation, the world’s first robotic check-in assistant named
c m
Sara. The system is part of a new City Check-in and Travel Store that is set to launch in Dubai’s financial district.
area.
rs .
Sara will match customers’ faces with scanned passports, check passengers in, and guide them to the luggage drop
 The facility, which opened on Thursday, April 27, allows customers to drop their luggage as early as 24 hours and
e
up to 4 hours before their flight, arriving at the airport at their leisure. Passengers can check-in via self-check-in
kiosks, at dedicated desks with Emirates agents, or with the help of Sara.
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 The robot is equipped with facial recognition technology and can print boarding passes, making the check-in
process more efficient. Sara is also portable and can move around to assist those who need help
a
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World Bank (WB) approves financing of USD 1.25 billion for three new projects in Bangladesh
 The World Bank (WB) has approved a financing of USD 1.25 billion for three new projects in Bangladesh to help
after
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o p
Bangladesh achieve greener and more resilient development and greater inclusion. The financing was approved
the meeting of the Bank to discuss a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Bangladesh (2023-27)
6R7O
 Out of the three projects, USD 500 million Program on Agricultural and Rural Transformation for Nutrition,
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Entrepreneurship, and Resilience (PARTNER) project will help promote diversification, food safety,
entrepreneurship, and climate resilience in the agri-food systems. The USD 500 million First Green and Climate
Resilient Development Credit will help the country’s transition to green and climate-resilient development. The
USD 250 million Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation (SMART) project will help transform
the micro-enterprise sector into a more dynamic, less-polluting, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient growth
sector.
 The CPF will support Bangladesh’s goal to achieve upper-middle-income country status by 2031 by helping the
country address key barriers to higher and sustainable growth. It will help develop a diversified and competitive
private sector to create more and better jobs; promote socio-economic inclusion to expand opportunities for all;
6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7L3T vulnerabilities, said WB
and address climate and environmental
Emirates Unveils World’s First Robotic Check-In Assistant

 Dubai-based airline Emirates has unveiled its latest innovation, the world’s first robotic check-in assistant named
Sara. The system is part of a new City Check-in and Travel Store that is set to launch in Dubai’s financial district.
Sara will match customers’ faces with scanned passports, check passengers in, and guide them to the luggage drop
area. 6H7D
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
 The facility, which opened on Thursday, April 27, allows customers to drop their luggage as early as 24 hours and
up to 4 hours before their flight, arriving at the airport at their leisure. Passengers can check-in via self-check-in
kiosks, at dedicated desks with Emirates agents, or with the help of Sara.
 The robot is equipped with facial recognition technology and can print boarding passes, making the check-in
process more efficient. Sara is also portable and can move around to assist those who need help
75
World Bank (WB) approves financing of USD 1.25 billion for three new projects in Bangladesh
 The World Bank (WB) has approved a financing of USD 1.25 billion for three new projects in Bangladesh to help
Bangladesh achieve greener and more resilient development and greater inclusion. The financing was approved
after the meeting of the Bank to discuss a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Bangladesh (2023-27)
 Out of the three projects, USD 500 million Program on Agricultural and Rural Transformation for Nutrition,
Entrepreneurship, and Resilience (PARTNER) project will help promote diversification, food safety,
entrepreneurship, and climate resilience in the agri-food systems. The USD 500 million First Green and Climate
Resilient Development Credit will help the country’s transition to green and climate-resilient development. The
USD 250 million Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation (SMART) project will help transform
the micro-enterprise sector into a more dynamic, less-polluting, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient growth
sector.
 The CPF will support Bangladesh’s goal to achieve upper-middle-income country status by 2031 by helping the
country address key barriers to higher and sustainable growth. It will help develop a diversified and competitive
private sector to create more and better jobs; promote socio-economic inclusion to expand opportunities for all;
and address climate and environmental vulnerabilities, said WB
Luca Brecel beats Mark Selby to become snooker world champion for the first time
 Luca Brecel has won his first ever world title after beating Mark Selby 18-15 in an enthralling World Championship
c o m
.
finale at the Crucible.
 Brecel, 28, was made to wait for his crowning moment, with Selby staging a superb fightback after his opponent
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moved to within two frames of victory. Selby won the final two frames of the first mini-session, including a century
break adding to the 147 he rattled in on Sunday.
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 He rallied to pull the scores back to 16-15 after the final interval. But the Belgian, who won 11 successive frames to
complete a rousing fightback against Si Jiahu in the semi-finals, finished the job to claim world honours for the first
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time in his career.
 Brecel’s victory has established him as one of the rising stars of the snooker world. His talent, flair and determination
a
have won him many admirers, and he has been tipped to achieve even greater things in the future. His victory at
r
the Crucible is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and he will no doubt be looking to build on this success
in the years to come.
p
tr-5P1RVanessa

Hudson,
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
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Qantas Airways' first female CEO
Australia's flagship carrier, Qantas Airways Ltd, named finance chief Vanessa Hudson as its next chief executive
officer, making her the first woman to lead the century-old airline.
Hudson will in November take over from Alan Joyce, whose 15 years in the job has made him the longest-serving
current CEO of a major Australian company, and a towering figure in the global aviation industry.
Hudson's appointment makes her one of the few female executives leading a major company in Australia, although
rival carrier Virgin Australia also has a woman CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka.
 Qantas Chairman Richard Goyder said Hudson's handling of the finance and treasury portfolio during the COVID
crisis was outstanding, putting her ahead of almost 40 candidates globally that the airline had short-listed for the
job.
AI 'godfather' Geoffrey Hinton 7O
tr-5Pwarns
1R9U7Lof dangers
3T6R as he quits Google
 Geoffrey Hinton, a computer scientist who played a significant role in developing the technology that powers
popular chatbots such as ChatGPT and Bing, resigned from Google to speak up about the potential dangers of
artificial intelligence. Hinton, who is 75 years old, had created the foundational technology for AI in collaboration
with two of his graduate students at the University of Toronto back in 2012. He believes that AI is the next big thing
for the tech industry, but also wants to highlight the risks associated with it.
 About: Geoffrey Hinton - 7D
6H Geoffrey Hinton, also known as the “Godfather of AI,” Geoffrey Hinton was an artificial
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intelligence pioneer. In 2012, Dr. Hinton and two of his graduate students at the University of Toronto created
technology that became the intellectual foundation for the A.I. systems that the tech industry's biggest companies
believe is a key to their future
 NOTE - Geoffrey Hinton, has won the ‘Nobel Prize of computing’ for his work on neural networks
The World’s top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes list 2023 by Forbes
 International soccer stars Cristiano Ronaldo with $136 million, Lionel Messi with $130 million and Kylian Mbappe
with $120 million are the top three highest-paid athletes. Ronaldo tops the list with an estimated pay of $136 million,
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including $46 million from his playing salary and bonuses and $90 million from endorsements, appearances,
licensing income and other business endeavors.
 The world’s ten highest-paid athletes collectively made $1.11 billion before taxes and agents’ fees over the last 12
months, which is the highest total ever.
 Forbes calculates on-field earnings based on prize money, salaries and bonuses, while off-field earnings are an
estimate of sponsorship deals, appearance fees and memorabilia and licensing income. It also includes cash returns
from businesses that are operated by the athlete.
Michael Douglas to be honoured with Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival 2023
 Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas is set to receive the highest honourary award, the Palme d'Or, at this year's
76th Cannes Film Festival. The veteran actor will be felicitated for his contribution to cinema and successful career
that spanned over five decades.
 He is a 78-year-old actor well known for films like Fatal Attraction (1987), Wall Street (1987), Basic Instinct (1992),
etc.
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 In a statement, the organisers said that the festival will pay a special tribute to the 78-year-old during the opening
ceremony, scheduled for May 16. As part of the tribute, a previously unreleased documentary, titled 'Michael
Douglas, The Prodigal Son', will be shown on the festival site for two days - from May 14 to May 16.
Charles III crowned as King of UK at historic ceremony in London
.c o
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 King Charles has been crowned at his Coronation in London on Saturday May 6 . Charles III has taken his oath and
been crowned King in a ceremony witnessed by over two thousand guests and dignitaries in Westminster Abbey.
Abbey. After the King was crowned, his wife Camilla as crowned Queen.
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 The Archbishop of Canterbury placed the St Edward’s Crown on the King’s head during a ceremony at Westminster
 Gun salutes were made at 13 locations across the UK, including in London, Edinburgh and Hillsborough, at the
Prime Minister unveils Mahatma Gandhi Bust in Hiroshima
r an
moment King Charles was crowned, while the bells of Westminster Abbey rang for two minutes.
p
 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima, Japan. The Mahatma
Gandhi bust has been gifted by the Government of India to the city of Hiroshima as a symbol of friendship and
tr-5P1R9U7Lgoodwill
May 2023.
To
3T6R7O between India and Japan, on the occasion of the visit of the Prime Minister for the G-7 summit from 19-21
 The 42 inches tall bronze bust has been sculpted by Padma Bhushan awardee Shri Ram Vanji Sutar. The bust site,
adjacent to the Motoyasu River, is close to iconic A-Bomb Dome that is visited by thousands of people - locals and
tourists alike - every day. The location has been chosen as a mark of solidarity for peace and non-violence. Mahatma
Gandhi dedicated his life to peace and non-violence. The location truly resonates with the principles and life of
Gandhiji, which continue to inspire the world and its leaders.
Bangladesh-US joint naval exercise begins in Chattogram

 The Joint Bangladesh-US Naval drill Exercise ‘Tiger Shark 40’ started at BNS Nirvik in Chattogram, The objective of
the exercise is to increase strategic capabilities of both the countries and to acquire mutual technical and procedural
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knowledge. It is being undertaken improve the existing good relations between the armed forces of the two
countries,
 Special Forces of Bangladesh Army and Navy and US Special Forces participated in this training exercise held under
the management of Commodore Swords Command.
Ireland to label alcoholic drinks with detailed health warnings

 Ireland saystr-it5Bwill
1D9C 7H3J6H7D
become the world’s first country to label alcoholic drinks with comprehensive health warnings,
These health warnings, which include information about risks like cancer, have received support from the World
Health Organization and have been approved by both the European Union and the World Trade Organization. The
new policy, which will be implemented starting from May 22, 2026. This three-year period aims to allow businesses
enough time to adjust to the new public health guidelines.
 Ireland made progress in implementing the health warning labels after overcoming two major obstacles at the
European Union and the World Trade Organization.
 Although the alcohol industry has made significant efforts to hinder the introduction of health warning labels on
alcohol products due to their reluctance to disclose the dangers associated with their products to the public. For
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instance, key members of the European Commissioner for Agriculture’s cabinet met with the alcohol giant Diageo
shortly after the proposal for health warnings was submitted to the EU.
US and Papua New Guinea signed a defense pact

 The United States and Papua New Guinea have signed a new bilateral defense cooperation agreement – a move that
has sparked controversy in the Pacific Island nation and comes as Washington and China jostle for influence in the
region.
 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape signed the pact
and a maritime security agreement during Blinken’s visit to the capital Port Moresby
 Advance text of the agreements were not released by either side, but the new defense cooperation was expected to
expand US access to military and other facilities in PNG, bolstering Washington’s security ties in the South Pacific.
 About: Papua New Guinea - Papua New Guinea is an island country that lies in the south-western Pacific. It includes
the eastern half of New Guinea and many small offshore islands
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

MakeMyTrip collaborates with Microsoft, for voice assisted travel bookings using AI’ technology
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 Digital travel firm MakeMyTrip has collaborated with Microsoft to introduce voice assisted bookings in Indian
languages to make travel planning more inclusive and accessible for its customers.
 As per the company's statement, this new platform is powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI and Azure Cognitive
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Services. The new service will enable user interactions and offer personalised travel recommendations based on
their preferences. it will also help in curating and booking holiday packages based on variable inputs like occasion,
budget, activity preferences, time of travel, hotel reviews, etc.
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 According to the announcement, this partnership will add more than 600 fresh travel itineraries to MakeMyTrip’s
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current collection, which includes nearly 5,000 vacation packages.
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 The new update would elevate the user experience and make the platform more inclusive, accessible, and easy to
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navigate. The corporation aims to increase its franchise presence by more than 50% by 2023, allowing it to expand
its influence into smaller towns and cities throughout India.
 IBM
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 IBM in collaboration with NASA unveiled a new geospatial foundation model designed to convert satellite data into
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high-resolution maps of floods, fires, and other landscape changes to reveal the planet’s past and hint at its future.
 The model watsonx.ai geospatial offering is an artificial intelligence (AI) technology developed by IBM.
 The platform’s potential applications include estimating climate-related risks to agriculture, infrastructure, and
buildings, assessing forests for carbon-offset initiatives, and assisting businesses in developing strategies to address
and adapt to climate change by employing predictive models.
 The goal of the NASA and IBM collaboration is to provide an easier way for researchers to analyse and draw insights
from large NASA datasets related to Earth processes.
 This collaboration is part of NASA’s Open-Source Science Initiative (OSSI), a commitment to building an inclusive,
transparent, and collaborative open science community over the next decade.
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ISRO likely to launch NVS-01 navigation satellite on May 29
 The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is likely to launch NVS-01, a navigation satellite on-board the
Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle or GSLV Mk-II,
 The launch of NVS-01 is scheduled around May 29. This will be a return flight mission for the GSLV launch vehicle,
which will carry the next generation NavIC satellite. This satellite will replace the IRNSS-1G satellite launched in
2016, 6H7D
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 RNSS-1G was the seventh navigation satellite of the seven satellites constituting the IRNSS space segment. Its
predecessors—IRNSS-1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E and 1F—were launched by PSLV-C22, PSLV-C24, PSLV-C26, PSLV-C27,
PSLV-C31 and PSLV-C32 in July 2013, April 2014, October 2014, March 2015, January 2016 and March 2016,
respectively.
AI Supercomputer ‘AIRAWAT’ puts India among top supercomputing league

 The AI Supercomputer ‘AIRAWAT’, installed at C-DAC, Pune has been ranked 75th in the world. It was declared so
in the 61st edition of Top 500 Global Supercomputing List at the International Supercomputing Conference (ISC
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2023) in Germany. It puts India on top of AI Supercomputing nations worldwide. The system is installed under
National Program on AI by Government of India.
 The AIRAWAT PoC of 200 AI Petaflops integrated with PARAM Siddhi – AI of 210 AI Petaflops gives a total peak
compute of 410 AI Petaflops Mixed Precision and sustained compute capacity of 8.5 Petaflops (Rmax) Double
Precision. The peak compute capacity (Double Precision, Rpeak) is 13 Petaflops.”
ISRO successfully launches its next-generation navigational satellite – NVS-01

 ISRO’s GSLV f 12 rocket with NVS – 01 satellite was successfully launched at 10.42 from Sriharikota today – 29 May.
The rocket lifted off from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre and injected NVS -01 satellite in
its geosynchronous orbit.
 The satellite weighing 2232 kilograms is the first of the second-generation satellites envisaged for the Navigation
with Indian Constellation series.
 India will join three other nations in setting up not only a constellation series but also on the operationalisation of
the rubidium clock made indigenously.
orbit-raising manoeuvres will be used for taking the satellite to the destined level in two days.
 The datas from the satellite will be used for individual and strategic purposes. The Chairman, ISRO, Somnath was
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 Scientists gathered at the Centre expressed happiness and satisfaction at the functioning of the satellite so far. The
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jubilant in announcing the launch of Chandrayaan – 3 in July this year. ISRO looks forward to sending some more
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GSLV, PSLV missions and also projects with NASA.
APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Siddhartha Mohanty Appointed As LIC Chairman
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 The government has appointed Siddhartha Mohanty as chairman of Life Insurance Corporation of India till June
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2024, Chairman He will be the managing director and chief executive officer of the insurance behemoth from June
2024 till June 2025.
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 Siddhartha Mohanty had been serving as interim chairman of the corporation from March 14, 2023.
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 Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) recommended Siddhartha Mohanty's name for the post of chairman.
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decision regarding the appointment of Mohanty as the LIC chairman was taken by the Appointments
Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by PM Narendra Modi.
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 About: Siddhartha Mohanty - Siddhartha Mohanty is a postgraduate in political science and also holds a degree in
law. Siddhartha Mohanty also holds a postgraduate degree in business management and is a licentiate from the
Insurance Institute of India. In a career spanning over three decades in the corporation, Mohanty has made his
mark in the areas of Marketing, HR, Investments and Legal.
Jet Airways CEO-designate Sanjiv Kapoor quits

 Sanjiv Kapoor, the CEO-designate of Jet Airways, has left the company just a year after joining the grounded carrier.
Mr Kapoor joined Jet Airways in April last year.
 The consortium that is working to revive the airline said in a statement today it will oversee CEO-designate
responsibilities until a suitable 9U7L3T6R7O is found.
replacement
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 The Jet Airways management committee in January asked Mr Kapoor not to use the title of CEO till the troubled
airline's ownership was completely transferred to a consortium of lenders.
 He continued as CEO-designate till he quit the airline.
 Monday will be his last working day, Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC) said in the statement .
Siddhartha Mohanty 7H3J6H7D

Appointed
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 The government has appointed Siddhartha Mohanty as chairman of Life Insurance Corporation of India till June
2024, Chairman He will be the managing director and chief executive officer of the insurance behemoth from June
2024 till June 2025.
 Siddhartha Mohanty had been serving as interim chairman of the corporation from March 14, 2023.
 Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) recommended Siddhartha Mohanty's name for the post of chairman.
The decision regarding the appointment of Mohanty as the LIC chairman was taken by the Appointments
Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by PM Narendra Modi.
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 About: Siddhartha Mohanty - Siddhartha Mohanty is a postgraduate in political science and also holds a degree in
law. Siddhartha Mohanty also holds a postgraduate degree in business management and is a licentiate from the
Insurance Institute of India. In a career spanning over three decades in the corporation, Mohanty has made his
mark in the areas of Marketing, HR, Investments and Legal.
Jet Airways CEO-designate Sanjiv Kapoor quits

 Sanjiv Kapoor, the CEO-designate of Jet Airways, has left the company just a year after joining the grounded carrier.
Mr Kapoor joined Jet Airways in April last year.
 The consortium that is working to revive the airline said in a statement today it will oversee CEO-designate
responsibilities until a suitable replacement is found.
 The Jet Airways management committee in January asked Mr Kapoor not to use the title of CEO till the troubled
airline's ownership was completely transferred to a consortium of lenders.
 He continued as CEO-designate till he quit the airline.
 Monday will be his last working day, Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC) said in the statement .
Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM new Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command
 Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM has taken over as the 17th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and
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Nicobar Command (CINCAN) on 01 May 2023. The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is the only Joint-
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services Command in India and serves as a model for the country’s planned theaterisation of Army, Navy, and Air
Force capabilities.
 Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan is a distinguished alumnus of the National Defence Academy Khadakwasla, having
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been commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1986. With over 3200 accident-free
fighter flying hours on various variants of MIG-21 and Kiran aircraft, he is an accomplished fighter combat leader.
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The Air Marshal has held various key positions throughout his illustrious career, including CO of a Bison Squadron,
the first Commanding Officer of an AWACS Squadron, and Air Officer Commanding at the prestigious AF Station
Bengaluru.
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at Jodhpur. Before assuming Command of ANC he was the Senior Air Staff Officer at the IAF Training Command at
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Justice TS Sivagnanam Appointed As The Chief Justice Of Calcutta High Court
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tr-5P1R9U7LThe Central Government has notified the appointment of Justice T. S. Sivagnanam, the senior most judge of the
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Calcutta High Court, as the Chief Justice of the High Court. He is currently serving as the Acting Chief Justice of
the High Court,
 The Supreme Court Collegium (SCC) on February 9 recommended Justice Sivagnanam's name for the appointment
as Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court.
 About: Calcutta High Court - The Calcutta High Court is one of the oldest and most prestigious high courts in India.
It was established in 1862, under the Indian High Courts Act, and is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. The Calcutta
High Court has jurisdiction over the state of West Bengal and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Justice S.V. Bhatti appointed acting Chief Justice of Kerala

 The Central government has appointed Justice S.V. Bhatti as the acting Chief Justice of Kerala. Justice Bhatti
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succeeds Justice S. Manikumar who retired on Saturday.
 Justice Bhatti, a native of Madanapalli in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, began his career as a lawyer in
Hyderabad in 1987. He had served as the standing counsel for several public sector companies, including Bharat
Heavy Electricals Limited, Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Hindustan Shipyard and National Maritime
University. He had also served as a special government pleader in the High Court of Andhra Pradesh.
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Indian origin Ajay Banga set to be next President of World Bank
 Indian origin Ajay Banga was confirmed as the next President of the World Bank. The World Bank’s 25-member
executive board last night elected former Mastercard CEO to a five-year term as president.
 The Indian-born finance and development expert was charged with revamping the lender to tackle climate change
and other global crises.
 Banga, 63, was nominated for the post by United States President Joe Biden in late February and was the sole
contender to replace departing World Bank chief David Malpass, an economist and former US Treasury official who
served in the Trump administration. He will start the new job on June 2.
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 Banga’s election came after World Bank board members interviewed him for four hours on Monday. The decision
came in a vote by 24 of the board’s members, with Russia abstaining.
PM Prasad set to become next Coal India CMD

 After getting the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) nod, Polavarapu Mallikharjuna Prasad is set to be
elevated as chairman and managing director of Coal India Limited. Prasad is currently posted as chairman cum
managing director of Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL) based in Ranchi.
 According to the Public Enterprises Selection Board, Prasad was among seven candidates shortlisted and
interviewed for the post. Among the other candidates also included executives from various companies,
 A mining engineer from Osmania university, Prasad took over as the CCL CMD on September 1, 2020, and has more
than three decades of experience in the mining sector. He is credited for the diversion of Nallah at Hingula opencast
area to unlock coal reserve of 26 million tonnes (MT) in FY15 and the commencement of a new railway siding at the
Talcher Coalfields.
 Prasad also took over as the CMD of Bharat Coking Coal (BCCL) in August 2019. Both CCL and BCCL are subsidiaries
of CIL.
 Prasad will take over the baton from serving CMD Pramod Agrawal, whose term ends on June 30, 2023. Agrawal is
a Madhya Pradesh cadre IAS officer, who took over the charge of CMD of the mining behemoth from Anil Kumar
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Jha in January 2020. He is the third officer from the Indian Administrative Service to hold the top post at CIL.
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IAS Vineet Joshi appointed as new Chief Secretary in Manipur
 The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Sunday appointed Vineet Joshi, Additional Secretary,
Manipur cadre IAS officer, replaced Dr Rajesh Kumar as the new Chief Secretary.
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Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education as the new Chief Secretary in Manipur. Vineet Joshi, a 1992
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 Vineet Joshi is currently the Director-General of National Testing Agency, which is responsible for conducting
entrance examinations in India. He also served as the resident commissioner of Manipur Government
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 Earlier in February 2022, IAS Vineet Joshi, Additional Secretary, Department of Higher Education, was appointed
as the new chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
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NIIF appoints Rajiv Dhar as interim CEO
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as interim Managing Director and CEO.
The planned succession follows Sujoy Bose's request to relieve him from his current responsibilities as MD and
CEO, Dhar, executive director and chief operating officer, has been part of NIIF since 2017.
The government had set up the Rs 40,000-crore NIIF in December 2016 as an investment vehicle for funding
commercially viable greenfield, brownfield and stalled projects. It was envisioned as a mother fund with several
sectoral feeder funds.
 The corpus of NIIF is proposed to be Rs 40,000 crore wherein the government intends to invest 49 per cent. It will
raise third-party capital for the remaining Rs 20,000 crore from long-term international investors, such as sovereign
wealth funds, insurance and pension funds, and endowments.
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Linda Yaccarino the new CEO of Twitter
 Elon Musk has confirmed that Linda Yaccarino is the new Twitter CEO who he has appointed. Musk further revealed
that Yaccarino will primarily focus on business operations while Musk will focus more on product design and new
technology. Yaccarino will join as Twitter CEO officially in six weeks time,
 About Linda Yaccarino - Linda Yaccarino is a notable figure in the media industry. Yaccarino has been with
NBCUniversal for more than
6H 7D 20 years and has held a variety of leadership positions. Currently, she is responsible
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for all of NBCUniversal's
 As Musk previously confirmed that the new Twitter CEO will join in 6 weeks from now. It is also worth noting that
Yaccarino is the first female Twitter CEO and also the first to come from a non-tech background. All ex-Twitter
CEOs were from a tech background.
Geeta Rao Gupta appointed US Ambassador for Global Women's Issues

 The US Senate has confirmed the appointment of Indian-American Geeta Rao Gupta as the 'Ambassador at Large'for
global issues related to women at the State Department. According to Geeta Rao Gupta, women across the world
face many inequalities and stigma and this prevents them from participating fully in the economy.
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 Geeta Rao Gupta is a leader on gender, women's issues, She has served as the executive director of the UN
Foundation's 3D Program for Girls and Women. She also advises the UNAIDS Global Coalition on Women and
AIDS and is on the boards of the InterAction and Moria Fund. She has also held the position of Co-Chair of the
United Nations Millennium Project Task Force on Education and Gender Equality.
Karnataka top cop Praveen Sood appointed new CBI Director for a period of 2 years
 Karnataka Director General of Police Praveen Sood has been appointed as the next Central Bureau of Investigation
(CBI) Director for the next two years. The top cop's name was finalised by a high-level committee comprising the
prime minister, Chief Justice of India and the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.
 A 1986-batch IPS officer from the Karnataka cadre, Praveen Sood will take over from current chief Subodh Kumar
Jaiswal after the completion of his tenure. Sood's appoinment comes after the high-level committee shortlisted
three senior IPS officers for the post of CBI Director.
 The CBI Director is selected by a committee comprising the Prime Minister, CJI and the Leader of Opposition in
Lok Sabha for a fixed tenure of two years. The tenure can be extended up to five years.
Manoj Soni takes oath as Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) chairman
 Eminent educationist Manoj Soni took oath as the chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). He
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was administered the oath of office and secrecy as chairman, UPSC by Smita Nagaraj, senior most member in the
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Commission,
 About UPSC - The UPSC was established on 1 October 1926 by the Government of India under the Government of
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India Act, 1919. The Commission is headquartered in New Delhi and has regional offices in Allahabad, Bhopal,
Chandigarh, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Patna. It is India’s premier central
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recruitment agency for recruitment of all the Group ‘A’ officers under Government of India. It is responsible for
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appointments to and examinations for the Group ‘A’ posts of several central government establishments which also
includes the central public sector undertakings and the central autonomous bodies. While Department of Personnel
and Training is the central personnel agency in India.
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Government appoints Ravneet Kaur as CCI chief
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 Ravneet Kaur, a 1988-batch Punjab-cadre IAS officer, has been appointed the new chairperson of the Competition
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of India (CCI) for a period of five years. Kaur is the first woman to head the country’s chief national
competition regulator, which has been operating without a full-time chairperson since October last year.
 The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has chosen Kaur as CCI chairperson for a period of five years
from the date of taking charge, or till the age of 65 years, or until further orders,
 aur (60) is the second woman to serve in an ‘economic regulator’ role after Madhabi Puri Buch, who was appointed
chairperson of the market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) last year.
 With over two decades of experience in government, Kaur has held several key positions including that of chairman
of India Tourism Development Corporation (2017-2019), joint secretary in the Department of Industrial Policy and
Promotion (2015-2017).
 Before she was appointed CCI chairperson, Kaur was serving as special chief secretary (apex scale) in the Punjab
government’s agriculture and cooperation
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Govvernment appoints Anil Kumar Jain as new PNGRB chairman

 The government has appointed seasoned bureaucrat and gas sector expert Anil Kumar Jain as the new chairman of
the oil and gas sector regulatory body, PNGRB,
 The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Jain, who retired as coal secretary
in October last year, as the new chairman of the Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).
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 The ACC has tr-5B
approved the proposal of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, based on the recommendations
of the Search Committee, for the appointment of Anil Kumar Jain.
 Jain has been appointed as the Chairperson PNGRB "for a period of five years from the date assumption of charge
of the post or till attaining the age of 65 years, or until further orders, whichever is the earliest, on a consolidated
pay package of Rs 4.50 lakhs per month (without house and car) or as revised by the Ministry of Finance from time
to time".
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Paytm appoints Bhavesh Gupta as President and COO
 One 97 Communications Ltd – OCL, which owns Paytm, announced the appointment of Bhavesh Gupta as the
president and chief operating officer (COO) of the firm.
 Senior Vice President Bhavesh Gupta, in his new role as the president and COO of the company, “will be responsible
to lead verticals of lending, insurance, payments – online and offline, consumer payments and drive key initiatives
including user growth, operations risk, fraud risk and compliance”. He will be reporting to Vijay Shekhar Sharma,
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Paytm.
 Bhavesh Gupta is a financial services professional with over 25 years experience building businesses grounds up in
payments, technology and analytics platforms, retail loans, digital lending, SME banking, retail banking, etc. Before
joining Paytm in 2020, Gupta worked in multiple leadership roles including CEO of Clix Capital (formerly known
as GE Capital), Head of SME & Business Banking at IDFC Bank and was also associated with ICICI bank in various
roles.
IDBI Bank appoints Jayakumar S. Pillai as Deputy Managing Director

 IDBI Bank approved Jayakumar S. Pillai as Deputy Managing Director on the Board of the bank, The company
announced through an exchange filing. The bank's board of directors approved the appointment for a period of
three years from the date of his taking charge as approved by the RBI.
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 Jayakumar S. Pillai has 32 years and 7 months of experience in Canara Bank. He has headed branches in various
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scales across different geographies and has rich experience in branch banking, mobilization of retail resources,
Credit delivery in sectors like Retail, Agriculture, MSME and Recovery. He has also worked as Chief Executive of
Canara Bank's UK operations for over 4 years and gained experience in International banking.
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 he also worked as Wing Head in the Bank's mid corporate credit department in HO. Worked as Chairman of Bank's
Credit Committee at HO as well as Chairman of General Manager's Credit approval committee-thus gained
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experience in RAM sectors, Corporate Credit, handling of stressed assets. He is presently working as Chief General
Manager and Circle Head in Canara Bank, Mumbai.
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Paytm Payments Bank gets RBI nod to re-appoint Vijay Shekhar as part-time chair for 1 year
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 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given its nod to Paytm Payments Bank for the re-appointment of Paytm CEO
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Vijay Shekhar Sharma as part-time chairman for a year, according to a regulatory filing by the fintech firm to the
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 About: Vijay Shekhar Sharma - Vijay Shekhar Sharma is an Indian technology entrepreneur and multimillionaire
business magnate. He is the founder chairman, managing director of One97 Communications founded in 1997 and
its consumer brand Paytm which he started in 2010
 One97 holds a 49 per cent stake in PPBL and Sharma holds the rest of the stake in the entity. Paytm's consolidated
net loss narrowed to ₹168.4 crore in the fourth quarter of FY23, compared to a loss of ₹761.4 crore in the
corresponding quarter of the previous year.
Justice S Vaidyanathan appointed as acting chief justice of Madras High Court

 President Droupadi Murmu appointed Justice S Vaidyanathan as the Acting Chief Justice of Madras High Court,
with effect from May 25, The appointment 6R7Ocomes after the retirement of present Acting Chief Justice T Raja.
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 S Vaidyanathan is expected to perform the duties of Chief Justice until the Centre decides on Supreme Court
Collegium's recommendation to appoint a Chief Justice for Madras HC. The SC has recommended the appointment
of Bombay High Court’s Additional Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala as the Chief Justice of Madras High Court.
 About: S Vaidyanathan – Justice S Vaidyanathan was born on August 17, 1962 in Coimbatore. He did his schooling
at Singaram Pillai High School in Villivakkam. He received an economics degree from DG Vaishnav College in 1982
and got BL degree from Madras
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Law College (now known as Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College).
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Harsh Jain, founder of start-up Dream11, elected IAMAI chairperson

 Harsh Jain, co-founder, and CEO of Dream Sports, has been elected the chairman of the Internet and Mobile
Association of India (IAMAI) for 2023-25. He replaces Sanjay Gupta, vice president and country manager of Google
India.
 IAMAI has also announced that Rajesh Magow, co-founder and group CEO of MakeMyTrip, and Satyan Ganjwani,
vice chairman of Times Internet, have been elected the vice chairman and the treasurer of the association. The two
will replace Shivnath Thukral, Meta's director and head of India public policy, and Harshil Mathur, CEO and co-
founder Razorpay,
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 The new 24-member Governing Council and the new Executive Council of the IAMAI will take charge from the
present councils at the upcoming Annual General Meeting. The IAMAI Governing Council election is held every
two years. Eighty-three members of the IAMAI contested the elections this year following the end of the two-year
tenure of the previous council.
R Dinesh takes over as CII president for 2023-24

 The National Council of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) elected R Dinesh, executive vice-chairman of TVS
Supply Chain Solutions, as the president of CII for 2023-24. He takes over from Sanjiv Bajaj, chairman and managing
director, Bajaj Finserv Limited. TNS
 Dinesh is a fourth-generation member of the TVS family. He founded TVS Supply Chain Solutions (formerly known
as TVS Logistics) in 1995 and steered the company into a billion-dollar organisation. Under his leadership, the
company also expanded into more 50 countries.
 As per a statement by CII, Sanjiv Puri, the Chairman and Managing Director of ITC Limited, will assume the role of
President-Designate of CII for the year 2023-24.
 Rajiv Memani, Chairman of the India region of Ernst & Young (EY), a global professional services organisation, has
been appointed as the Vice President.
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Mukesh Ambani appointed as member of Advisory committee of COP28
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 Reliance Industries' Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani has been appointed as a member of the
Advisory Committee to the President of the 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United
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Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
 Mukesh Ambani is the only Indian, other than Sunita Narain, Director General, Centre for Science and
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Environment, on the Advisory Committee to the President of COP28. Reliance chief Ambani joined other important
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global leaders on the COP28 Advisory Council such as Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock, Olafur
Grimsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle (Former President of Iceland), Laurent Fabius, President of COP21 / Paris
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Agreement, Former Prime Minister of France, Francesco La Camera, Director General, International Renewable
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Energy Agency (IRENA), Bob Dudley, Chair of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), former CEO of BP.
 The COP28 UAE Advisory Committee brings together the climate expertise of thought leaders from countries across
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six continents.
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tr-5P1R9U7LUAE will host the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 28) to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework
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Convention on Climate Change) from November 30, 2023 to December 12, 2023. It is set to be held at Dubai Expo
City.
 About COP - COP or the Conference of Parties is the apex decision-making body of UNFCCC. UNFCCC was
instituted to deal with the growing threat of climate change. It was signed in 1992 at the United Nations Conference
on Environment and Development also known as Rio Summit or Earth Summit. The Secretariat of UNFCCC is
located in Bonn, Germany.
Karnataka Bank appoints Srikrishnan Hari Hara Sarma as MD & CEO

 The Mangaluru-headquartered private sector Karnataka Bank has appointed Srikrishnan Harihara Sarma as the new
managing director and chief executive officer
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charge, will last for a period of three years,
 Sarma has four decades of experience in commercial, retail and transactional banking, technology and payments.
He has previously held key positions at HDFC Bank Ltd., Yes Bank Ltd. and Jio Payments Bank Ltd.
 With this appointment, there would be 11 directors on the board of the bank, Of which, 8 are independent directors
constituting 73 per cent of the board, including one woman independent director,
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Justice Rameshtr-Devkinandan Dhanuka sworn in as Chief Justice of Bombay HC
 Justice Ramesh Devkinandan Dhanuka sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. Maharashtra
Governor Ramesh Bais administered the oath of office to Justice Dhanuka at a brief swearing-in ceremony held at
Raj Bhavan,
 Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Ambadas Danve, Guardian Minister of Mumbai Deepak
Kesarkar, family members of Justice Dhanuka, judges of the Bombay High Court, Chairman of Maharashtra State
Human Rights Commission Justice (retd) K K Tated, Advocate General Birendra Saraf, Director General of Police
Rajnish Seth and senior government officers were present.
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 About: Justice Ramesh Devkinandan Dhanuka - Born on the 31st of May 1961, Justice Ramesh Dhanuka did his
schooling in Mumbai. He acquired a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Law from the University of Mumbai.
Started practice of Law at Bombay High Court in 1985 in the chamber of Shri. Justice D. R. Dhanuka (Retd.), till his
elevation as High Court Judge of Bombay in 1990. He was on the Senior Counsel Panel of the Municipal Corporation
of Greater Mumbai for the last several years and has appeared in a large number of matters representing the
Municipal Corporation in Bombay High Court.
Praveen Kumar Srivastava sworn in as Central Vigilance Commissioner

 Vigilance Commissioner Praveen Kumar Srivastava was sworn in as the Central Vigilance Commissioner by
President Droupadi Murmu, Mr. Srivastava was working as the acting Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) since
December last year after completion of Suresh N. Patel's tenure as the chief of the probity watchdog. He is a 1988-
batch retired Indian Administrative Service officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Indian-American Neeli Bendapudi receives 2023 Immigrant Achievement Award
 Indian-American Neeli Bendapudi, the president of Penn State University receives the American Immigration
c o m
Council's 2023 Immigrant Achievement Award, The award recognises "individuals or organisations that exhibit a
commitment and dedication to our heritage as a nation of immigrants and to the struggle for fair and humane
immigration policies in the United States
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 About: Neeli Bendapudi - Neeli Bendapudi was raised in India and she moved to the University of Kansas in the
United States for her doctoral studies. She planned to launch her career in academics as an educator. Bendapudi
doctorate in Marketing from University of Kansas.
a k
did her Bachelors in English and her MBA from Andhra University in Visakhapatnam, India. She then did her
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 Bendapudi was appointed the 19th President of Penn State University in 2022. Earlier, she was the President of
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University of Louisville from 2018 to 2021.
 Indian-American
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Indian-American Neeli Bendapudi receives 2023 Immigrant Achievement Award
Neeli Bendapudi, the president of Penn State University receives the American Immigration
Council's 2023 Immigrant Achievement Award, The award recognises "individuals or organisations that exhibit a
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commitment and dedication to our heritage as a nation of immigrants and to the struggle for fair and humane
immigration policies in the United States
 About: Neeli Bendapudi - Neeli Bendapudi was raised in India and she moved to the University of Kansas in the
United States for her doctoral studies. She planned to launch her career in academics as an educator. Bendapudi
did her Bachelors in English and her MBA from Andhra University in Visakhapatnam, India. She then did her
doctorate in Marketing from University of Kansas.
 Bendapudi was appointed the 19th President of Penn State University in 2022. Earlier, she was the President of
University of Louisville from 2018 to 2021.
Pandit Ramkishan, a renowned socialist 7O

9U7L3T6Rleader awarded the "Shatabdi Purush" title
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Pandit Ramkishan, a renowned socialist leader in India, has been awarded the "Shatabdi Purush" (Man of the Century)
title in New Delhi for his contributions to the socialist movement. The event was held during the birth centenary
celebrations of Madhu Limaye, a renowned socialist ideologue and parliamentarian. Ramkishan is considered the most
senior and iconic figure in Indian socialism and has been recognized as the “Socialist Shatabdi Purush”. The award
ceremony was attended by several senior politicians, including former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik,
CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram
6H7D Yechuri, INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala, and JDU leader KC Tyagi.
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About: Pandit Ramkishan -
 Pandit Ramkishan was a well-known socialist leader who played an active role in the movements led by other
socialist leaders such as Jayaprakash Narayan and Lohia.
 He was imprisoned multiple times, including during the Emergency period. Ramkishan also served as a member of
the Lok Sabha once, in 1977, and was elected four times to the Rajasthan Assembly in 1962, 1967, 1974, and 1990.
 Ramkishan was arrested several times while fighting for tribals, Dalits, and the poor.
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UP CM Yogi Adityanath honoured with Bharat Ratna Dr Ambedkar award
 Former president of India Ram Nath Kovind honoured Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on with the Bharat Ratna Dr
Ambedkar Award for creating a fear-free Uttar Pradesh. The award ceremony was organized at Shri
Shanmukhananda Auditorium in Mumbai where member of UP legislative council Dr. Lalji Prasad Nirmal received
the award on behalf of Yogi Adityanath. Buddhanjali Research Foundation organized the award ceremony which
was graced by Ramnath Kovind as the chief guest
 About the Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar Award - The Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar Award is an annual award
presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to society in the areas of education, social welfare,
and economics, in the spirit of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Cochin Port bags Sagar Shreshta award

 Cochin Port has bagged Sagar Shreshta Award of Ministry of Ports Shipping & Waterways for best performance
among all Indian Major Ports for best turnaround time in non-container port category, during the year 2022-23.
 Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has given the award to M. Beena,
Chairperson, Cochin Port Authority at a function held in New Delhi. The award is in recognition of the ‘excellent
performance of the Cochin Port in handling dry bulk and liquid bulk cargo vessels’.
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 The port recorded 48 hours in turning around vessels of an average parcel size of 43,800 MT that arrived at the Port.
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The TRT is a performance parameter which is calculated on the basis of the notice of readiness by the vessel till
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pilot disembark time after operations, of a vessel that arrives at the port. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping
Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal given away the Award to Dr M Beena, Chairperson, Cochin Port Authority.
Arinze Ifeakandu has been awarded with the Dylan Thomas Prize 2023
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 Nigerian writer Arinze Ifeakandu has been awarded one of the world’s largest literary prizes for young writers – the
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Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize 2023 – for his ‘exhilarating’ debut God’s Children Are Little Broken Things,
a stunning short fiction collection, whose nine stories simmer with loneliness and love, and depict what it means
to be gay in contemporary Nigeria
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 About: Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize - The Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize was launched in
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2006 with the aim of celebrating and nurturing international literary excellence. It is named after the Swansea-born
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writer Dylan Thomas and is awarded for the best published literary work in the English language, written by an
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 By winning the prize, Ifeakandu managed to beat the other shortlisted writers Warsan Shite for Bless the Daughter
Raised by a Voice in Her Head, Robbie Arnott for Limberlost, Sara Baume for Seven Steeples, Sheena Patel for I’m
a Fan, and Saba Sams for Send Nudes.
Jayant Narlikar awarded with the Govind Swarup Lifetime Achievement Award
 Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar gets the first Astronomical Society of India Govind Swarup Lifetime Achievement
Award, President of the ASI, Prof. Dipankar Banerjee handed over the award announced earlier to Prof. Narlikar
and felicitated him.
 The most befitting recipient of the very first ASI Govind Swarup Lifetime Achievement award is Prof. Jayant V.
Narlikar, an astronomer par-excellence, the founding director of IUCAA, Pune and also a past President of the ASI.
Though the award was announced earlier
6R7Othis year at the 41st meeting of the ASI held at IIT Indore, Prof. Narlikar
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was unable to travel to receive it.
 Prof. Narlikar was amongst the first to initiate cosmology research in India. He came up with an idea of creating a
dedicated center to nucleate and spread astronomy curriculum and research in the Indian Universities. His dream
was fulfilled with his hard work by the formation of IUCAA. He has been a motivational figure for young aspiring
minds for decades.
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N Chandrasekaran awarded France's highest civilian honour
 Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran was conferred with France's highest civilian honour- "Chevalier de la Légion
d’Honneur"- by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna. The 59-year-old was conferred
with the award for the role played by him in developing and fostering commercial links between India and France.
 About: Ordre national de la Légion d’ - France’s highest civilian award is the National Order of the Legion of Honour
(French: Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur). It was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and is awarded
to French citizens and foreigners for their outstanding service to France in the fields of military, civil, and cultural
affairs. The Legion of Honour is a symbol of France’s national pride and is a testament to the country’s commitment
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to excellence. It is an honor that is bestowed upon those who have made significant contributions to France and to
the world.
PM Modi honoured with the highest civilian award of Fiji and Papua New Guinea
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the highest honours by Fiji and Papua New Guinea. PM
Modi was conferred with the island nations' highest civilian awards during his recent visit to Papua New Guinea to
attend the third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit.
 PM Modi was conferred with the "The Companion of the Order of Fiji" by his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka for
his global leadership, in a rare honour for a non-Fijian.
 PM Modi was also conferred with the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu (GCL). This is the highest civilian
award of PNG - recipients of the award are titled "Chief".
 On the occasion of the visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the highest civilian honours
by several nations, thus also reflecting India’s growing ties with countries around the world.
PM Modi revealed the book - Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamprashastih

BOOKS & AUTHOR
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 During the closing ceremony of ‘Saurashtra Tamil Sangam’, Prime Minister Modi unveiled the book ‘Saurashtra
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Tamil Sangam Prashasti’ written by Somnath Sanskrit University on Wednesday. On this occasion, Modi addressed
through video conference. ‘These programs help in uncovering the ancient relationships between the people of
.
e
different parts of the country. Modi’s vision is to instill the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat in the people through
these programs. That is why Kashi Tamil Sangam was organized first. This Saurashtra Tamil Sangam will take
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forward the culture and heritage between Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Centuries ago, many migrated to Tamil Nadu
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from the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. With this Saurashtra Tamil confluence, the people of Saurashtra in Tamil
a
Nadu have a chance to reconnect with their ancient culture,
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PM Modi revealed the book - Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamprashastih
 During the closing ceremony of ‘Saurashtra Tamil Sangam’, Prime Minister Modi unveiled the book ‘Saurashtra
Tamil
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To
6R7OSangam Prashasti’ written by Somnath Sanskrit University on Wednesday. On this occasion, Modi addressed
through video conference. ‘These programs help in uncovering the ancient relationships between the people of
different parts of the country. Modi’s vision is to instill the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat in the people through
these programs. That is why Kashi Tamil Sangam was organized first. This Saurashtra Tamil Sangam will take
forward the culture and heritage between Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Centuries ago, many migrated to Tamil Nadu
from the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. With this Saurashtra Tamil confluence, the people of Saurashtra in Tamil
Nadu have a chance to reconnect with their ancient culture,
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launches a book ‘Reflections - by banker Narayanan Vaghul
 Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, has launched a book authored by eminent
banker, Narayanan Vaghul, here. The book, titled ‘Reflections’, carries a vivid account of Vaghul’s experiences
spanning decades in India’str-financial
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landscape. Speaking after the launch on Friday, Ms Sitharaman commended
Vaghul for his extensive experience in banking and his leadership qualities.
About: Narayanan Vaghul - Narayanan Vaghul is a Philanthropist and an ex banker professional from India. He was
awarded Padma Bhushan in the Trade and Industry category in 2010 by the Government of India.
Boria Majumdar released a new book titled 'Sachin@50 - Celebrating a Maestro'

 The book has been conceptually
6H7D designed and curated by Majumdar, with a special back cover note penned by
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Gulzar. It was officially released on April 24, 2023, which is Tendulkar's 50th birthday.
 The book traces Tendulkar's journey to success, starting from his teenage debut where he gained global recognition
in 1989 following a bleeding nose incident in Pakistan. It also throws light on how he transcended the boundaries
of the game to become the biggest batting sensation ever.
 The book features original essays and excerpts from several notable personalities, including Tendulkar's wife, Anjali
Tendulkar, his brother Ajit Tendulkar, cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rohit Sharma, and
international cricketer David Warner.
 The book also includes contributions from eminent personalities from other fields such as Abhinav Bindra, Farhan
Akhtar, Prahlad Kakkar and Viswanathan Anand.
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The Golden Years – The Many Joys of Living a Good Long Life, a book by Ruskin Bond
 Ruskin Bond an Indian author, authored a new book Title ‘’The Golden Years – The Many Joys of Living a Good
Long Life’’ published by harper Collins India, which is scheduled to be released on 1 (on the occasion of 89th
Birthday of Ruskin Bond)
 "'The Golden Years'-- that's the name of my latest book. This time it isn't a children's book strictly speaking, nor is
it novel or a collection of short stories with which my readers are familiar. I suppose you can call it a self-help book,"
 Revealing details about the book, Bond further said, "It's called 'The Golden Years' because it is really about the last
20, 30 years of my life; my 60s, 70s and 80s. It is addressed to other people who are growing up and growing old,
and sometimes worried about the future; whether old age will be a pleasant experience. I guess, it isn't always but
it can be and should be. In my case, I think, I would say the 20 years have been the best professionally and personally
in many ways. In this book, in 60 short chapters I have told my friends, my readers, what it's like to be growing old
and the pleasant side of it."
Assam Governor releases book ‘Partitioned Freedom’ authored by Ram Madhav

 Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria released a book titled ‘Partitioned Freedom’ written by Ram Madhav at an
event in Guwahati and said that India has always been looked upon as a land of wealth and wisdom.
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 The book Partitioned Freedom’ offers profound insights into the events that took place during 1905 and the pre -
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independence era, It explores and answers the questions raised because India which defeated the British designs to
partition one province failed when the whole country was being partitioned 4 decades later.
 Ram Madhav is an Indian politician, author and thinker who served as the National General Secretary of the
Bharatiya Janata Party.
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Dr Vijay Darda’s new book ‘RINGSIDE’ to be released by Shashi Tharoor
 “RINGSIDE – Up, Close and Personal on India and Beyond”, a new book written by Chairman of the Editorial Board
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of Lokmat Media Group and former MP Dr Vijay Darda will be released by renowned author and Congress MP Dr
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Shashi Tharoor on May 30. The event will be held at the Speaker Hall of the Constitution Club of India on Rafi Marg
in New Delhi
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 The book is a captivating compilation of Darda’s weekly articles, which were published in the Lokmat Media Group
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and other prominent national and regional dailies of the country between 2011 and 2016. As a follow-
up to his earlier book “Straight Thoughts”, which encompassed articles from 2004 to 2011, this latest work delves
into a diverse range of subjects beyond political developments and happenings,
IMPORTANT DAYS
World Veterinary Day

 World Veterinary Day is celebrated on the last Saturday in April annually, with an aim to raise awareness about
veterinarians and their utmost devotion to animal health, welfare, and public health. This event is observed to
honour and recognise the tireless efforts and perseverance to protect the health and safety of both animals and the
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 This event is celebrated to honour the endeavours of veterinary professionals globally in augmenting animal health
and welfare. World Veterinary Day also brings the global veterinary community together and helps them in getting
the proper assistance. The World Veterinary Day (WVD) was first founded on April 29, 2000, by the initiative of
the World Veterinary Association (WVA). Since then, every year, on the last Saturday of April, WVD is celebrated
with a different theme selected that stresses a distinct aspect of veterinary medicine
 Theme - The theme
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World
3J6H Veterinary Day for 2023 is 'Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness in the
Veterinary Profession'. The well-being of all veterinarians is enhanced when diversity, equity, and inclusion are
promoted and applied.
World Veterinary Day

 World Veterinary Day is celebrated on the last Saturday in April annually, with an aim to raise awareness about
veterinarians and their utmost devotion to animal health, welfare, and public health. This event is observed to
honour and recognise the tireless efforts and perseverance to protect the health and safety of both animals and the
populace.
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 This event is celebrated to honour the endeavours of veterinary professionals globally in augmenting animal health
and welfare. World Veterinary Day also brings the global veterinary community together and helps them in getting
the proper assistance. The World Veterinary Day (WVD) was first founded on April 29, 2000, by the initiative of
the World Veterinary Association (WVA). Since then, every year, on the last Saturday of April, WVD is celebrated
with a different theme selected that stresses a distinct aspect of veterinary medicine
 Theme - The theme of World Veterinary Day for 2023 is 'Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness in the
Veterinary Profession'. The well-being of all veterinarians is enhanced when diversity, equity, and inclusion are
promoted and applied.
World Asthma Day

 World Asthma Day is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma – GINA to improve asthma
awareness and care around the world. World Asthma Day is held on the first Tuesday of May.
 ABOUT: Asthma - Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease due to which a patient is not able to breathe properly,
Nowadays, this disease is prevalent in children also.
 As asthma can not be cured, it is possible to manage asthma to reduce and prevent asthma attacks, which are also
known as episodes or exacerbations.
 ABOUT: Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) - GINA is a World Health Organization collaborative organization
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founded in 1993.
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 THEME - GINA has chosen “Asthma care for All” as the theme for the 2023 World Asthma Day. The majority of the
burden of asthma morbidity and mortality occurs in low and middle income countries. GINA strives to reduce this
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burden by encouraging health care leaders to ensure availability of and access to effective, quality-assured
medications. The ‘Asthma care for All’ message promotes the development and implementation of effective asthma
management programs in all resource countries.
World Press Freedom Day
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 World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3 to raise awareness about the importance of a free and
of freedom of expression.
 The idea
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independent press. This day highlights the need for free and independent journalism and promotes the principles
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of World Press Freedom Day was first proposed in 1991 by the UNESCO General Conference, which
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tr-5P1R9U7Lrecognised the need to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom and to promote its defence. In 1993,
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the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to declare May 3 as World Press Freedom Day.
 Since then, the day has been celebrated every year to raise awareness about the importance of press freedom and
to remind governments of their obligation to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression. It is also a day
to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to support the safety and independence
of journalists who work to bring information to the public.
 THEME - This year's theme, ‘Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human
Rights,’ highlights the crucial role of freedom of expression in ensuring all other human rights are enjoyed and
protected.
 This year, World Press Freedom Day marks its 30th anniversary since the United Nations General Assembly’s
decision proclaiming an international day for press freedom. To commemorate this milestone, UNESCO organised
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a special anniversary event at the UN headquarters in New York. The anniversary edition of World Press Freedom
Day included a full day of activities at the UN Headquarters on May 2.
 According to the 21st edition of the World Press Freedom Index 2023, India acquires 161st rank out of all 180
countries around the world, While Norway topped the index.
Coal Miners Day 7D

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 Coal Minerstr-Day is observed every year on May 4th to recognize and honour the tireless efforts and significant
contribution of coal miners in extracting coal, which is one of the most important fossil fuels used for various
purposes, including power generation and industrial production. Demand for coal is also increasing for its use in
cement and steel manufacturing.
 Coal mining is a hazardous and strenuous task that involves digging, tunnelling, and extracting it from deep within
the earth’s crust, making it one of the most challenging occupations. On Coal Miners Day, all coal miners are
acknowledged and celebrated for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance in extracting coal to fuel the
nation’s progress.
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International Firefighters Day
 International Firefighters' Day is observed on May 4, It is a day to honour the courageous men and women who risk
their lives daily to save others. This day is an opportunity to show appreciation to those who serve their communities
with selflessness and bravery, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect others. Firefighters exemplify bravery,
resilience, and selflessness, rushing into burning buildings and battling wildfires. Every year on May 4, the day
recognises their dedication, sacrifice, their tireless efforts in keeping us safe.
 International Firefighters Day was established in 1999 to honour the sacrifices and bravery of firefighters worldwide.
The tragic loss of five Australian firefighters in a wildfire served as the inspiration for this annual commemoration.
Jason Thomas, Chris Evans, Gary Vredeveldt, Matthew Armstrong, and Stuart Davidson, all brave firefighters, lost
their lives in the line of duty. Despite being sent for assistance, they perished while fighting the fire. As a result of
this unfortunate incident, International Firefighter’s Day was created.
Buddha Purnima
 Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is one of the most important festivals in the Buddhist
calendar. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Vaisakha, The day marks the birth of Lord Gautam
Buddha, who was born as Prince Siddhartha Gautam in Lumbini (now in present-day Nepal) around 563 BC.
 In Bihar, Buddha Purnima is being celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety. The main function has been
organized at Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the pious Bodhi
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tree. Buddhist monks and devotees of different countries including Japan, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia have come to
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Bodhgaya to celebrate Buddha Purnima. A special prayer was organized under the Bodhi tree this morning in which
monks of various countries participated. They prayed for world peace.
World Portuguese Language Day
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 The date of 5 May was officially established in 2009 by the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP) -
an intergovernmental organization that has been in official partnership with UNESCO since 2000, and which brings
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together peoples with the Portuguese language as one of the foundations of their specific identity - to celebrate the
Portuguese language and Lusophone cultures. In 2019, the 40th session of UNESCO's General Conference decided
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to proclaim 5 May of each year as "World Portuguese Language Day".
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 The Portuguese language is not only one of the most widespread languages in the world, with more than 265 million
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speakers spread through all continents, but it is also the most widely spoken language in the southern hemisphere.
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Portuguese remains, today, a major language of international communication and a language with a strong
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 With over 265 million speakers across the globe, the Portuguese language is among the most prevalent languages
in the world. It is the most commonly spoken language in the southern hemisphere.
World Athletics Day

 World Athletics Day is observed on May 7 to encourage sports activities throughout the world. The primary aim of
this day is to inculcate athleticism in youngsters. World Athletics Day was first introduced as a social responsibility
project titled ‘Athletics for a better world’ by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
 The importance of this day cannot be understated as it promotes fitness and health. Many schools and colleges
celebrate World Athletics Day by organising sports competitions. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is the
primary body for organising and 9U managing
6R7Oathletics in India. AFI conducts several major national and international
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sports events and also promotes sports across the country on this day.
 World Athletics Day was established in 1996 by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)
president and Italian sports official Primo Nebiolo. The IAAF was founded in Stockholm, Sweden, on July 17, 1912.
The organization changed its name to World Athletics in 2019
 Theme - The theme for World Athletics Day 2023 is – ‘Athletics for All – A New Beginning.’ This theme focuses on
making athletics more diverse and inclusive.
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tr-5B1D9C7H3J Raising Day: India
Border Roads Organisation
 The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was founded on 7th May 1960 as a leading road construction agency under
the Ministry of Defence with Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam (everything is achievable through hard work) as its motto.
 On 7 May 2023 BRO is celebrating its 64th Raising Day (foundation day). To commemorate the sacrifices and
contribution of its Karmyogis in nation building, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is organising “Ekta Evam
Shradhanjali Abhiyan”, a multi modal expedition as a part of 64th BRO Day Celebrations. Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri
Ajay Bhatt will flag in the Expedition teams at Pune on 07 May 2023.
 About: BRO - The Border Roads Organisation is a statutory body under the ownership of Ministry of Defence,
Government of India. BRO develops and maintains road networks in India's border areas and friendly neighboring
90
countries. Apart from road construction it also executes maintenance works along Northern and Western frontiers
mainly to meet the strategic requirements of the Indian Army. It is responsible for over 53,000 Km of roads. Its work
also involves Formation Cutting, Surfacing, Bridge construction and Resurfacing.
World Laughter Day

 World Laughter Day is an annual event celebrated on the first Sunday of May to raise awareness about laughter and
its many healing benefits. This year, in 2023, the day falls on May 07. An innocent smile or slight giggle can
completely change the mood and atmosphere around you. Laughter has the power to heal and renew.
 World Laughter Day was created by Dr. Madan Kataria, founder of the worldwide Laughter Yoga movement,
Established in 1998 and the first celebration of World Laughter Day was on 10 May 1998, in Mumbai, India, arranged
by Dr. Madan Kataria, himself.
 The celebration of World Laughter Day is a positive manifestation of world peace and is intended to build up a
global consciousness of brotherhood and friendship through laughter.
World Red Cross Day

 World Red Cross Day, is observed on May 8 every year. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant,
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the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize.
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 History - In 1859, Henry Dunant witnessed the suffering of wounded soldiers on the battlefield of Solferino, Italy,
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during the Second Italian War of Independence. Shocked by the lack of medical care and support, he organized
local civilians to provide assistance to the wounded, regardless of their nationality. . In 1863, his efforts led to the
creation of the International Committee for Relief to the Wounded, later known as the International Committee of
the Red Cross (ICRC).
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 The ICRC aimed to provide neutral and impartial humanitarian aid during armed conflicts. The idea of World Red
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Cross Day was proposed during the 1920s and gained momentum in subsequent years. It was officially established
during the 20th International Conference of the Red Cross in Tokyo, Japan, in 1933.
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 The conference designated May 8th as the day to commemorate Henry Dunant's birth and honor the humanitarian
work of the Red Cross movement. Since then, World Red Cross Day has been observed annually on May 8th.
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World Thalassemia Day
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the condition among the local public and policymakers, apart from supporting and strengthening the morale of the
victims who have battled for years with this fatal disease.
 On this day, many local and international organisations, patient associations, public authorities, and healthcare
professionals gather together to promote the importance of prenatal screening, counselling, prevention,
management, or treatment of thalassemia in a patient-centred manner.
 About: Thalassaemia - Thalassaemia is an inherited (genetically transmitted) autosomal recessive disorder acquired
from parents (either or both). It affects the red blood cells due to a genetic mutation, leading to the depletion of
haemoglobin's alpha and/or beta-globin chains. This results in low production of red blood cells and a lack of
oxygenated blood supply to the body parts.
 Theme - This year, 2023, the World Thalassemia
6R7O Day Theme is "Be Aware. Share. Care: Strengthening Education to
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Bridge the Thalassaemia Care Gap". This is a continuation of last year's "Be Aware. Share. Care" initiative.
Rabindra Jayanti
 Rabindra Jayanti 2023 is being celebrated on 9 May, His birth anniversary is on May 7 according to the English
calendar, but Bengalis celebrate it on 'Pochishe Baisakh', which falls on May 9, this year
 Rabindranath Thakur was born on May 7, 1861. He was a leading figure in the Bengali Renaissance and played a
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significant role in the modernization of Bengali art. His poetry, novels, short stories, and essays continue to be
widely read around the world to this day. Various schools, colleges, and universities organise cultural programmes
and events such as poetry recitations, dances, and drama competitions.
 Rabindra Jayanti is observed annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath
Tagore. This year marks the 162nd birth anniversary of Tagore's birth.
 Tagore left us for the heavenly abode on August 7, 1941, gifting us songs, stories and poems to cherish for generations
to come. But, a man named Somanth Bhadra is seen along the streets of Kolkata, still giving passers-by a glimpse of
Tagore. With his curly grey hair and long grey beard, this old man looks nothing less than the great Nobel Laureate
himself.
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Victory Day: Russia
 Russia celebrates the anniversary of its victory in World War II over Nazi Germany viz. Victory Day on 9th May,
amidst the recent drone attacks on the Kremlin citadel. It is organising a parade in Red Square with beefed-up
security as Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to deliver a speech there, where he will be joined by leaders of
several ex-Soviet republics. Victory Day is one of the most important public holidays in Russia. On this day, people
commemorate the sacrifices of the Soviet Union during the 'Great Patriotic War of 1941-45' which resulted in the
deaths of 27 million citizens, reported news agency Reuters.
 With Russia losing thousands of soldiers in the 15-month war with Ukraine, this anniversary becomes even more
important and emotional.
 Putin, his Defence minister, and other senior officials will review the parade at Red Square, which usually includes
tanks, intercontinental missile launchers, and marching troops.
International Day of Argania

 Every year on May 10, the International Day of Argania or International Day of the Argan Tree is observed to
promote awareness and understanding of the argan tree’s environmental importance worldwide. This day was
established by UNESCO. The United Nations will celebrate on 10 May 2023, the third International Day of Argania,
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since its proclamation by General Assembly Resolution A/RES/75/262 in 2021.
 Theme: The theme of the International Day of Argania – 2023 is Socio-economic development & sustainability of
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the Argan ecosystem.
 About: Argania - Argania is a genus of flowering plants containing the sole species Argania spinosa, known as argan,
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a tree endemic to the calcareous semi-desert Sous valley of southwestern Morocco and to the region of Tindouf in
southwestern Algeria. Argan trees grow to 8–10 m high and live up to approximately 200 years.
National Technology Day: India
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 National Technology Day is celebrated every year on May 11. This day commemorates India's successful nuclear
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tests that were conducted on May 11th, 1998, at Pokhran, Rajasthan. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of
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Indian scientists and engineers who have contributed to the development of technology in various fields.
 On this day, different government organisations, institutes, schools, and colleges hold programmes in honour of
scientists and their achievements. India is one of the fastest developing nations in the world, and much of
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the credit goes to technological advancement.
 Theme - Every year, the Technology Development Board (TDB) selects a theme for each year's event. This year the
theme of the National Technology Day 2023 is 'School to Startups-Igniting Young Minds to Innovate.'
 National Technology Day is a reminder of the important role that technology plays in our lives, and the need for
continued investment and innovation in this field to ensure progress and growth.
 Note - This term was coined by former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to recognise the contributions
of Indian scientists.
International Day of Plant Health

 The United Nations designated 12 May6R
the
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how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and
boost economic development.
 Plants provide 98 percent of the oxygen we breathe, 80 percent of food we consume, the fibres for our clothes and
other lifestyle items. They give shelter to countless birds and other living beings. Yet, as per the International Plant
Protection Convention (IPPC), around 40 percent food crops get damaged annually due to diseases and pests.
Climate change is also having an adverse impact on plants. Rural agricultural communities are the most affected by
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this food security issue. Maintaining or ensuring good health of plants is vital for the survival of mankind and other
life.
 Theme - The theme of this year’s celebration of International Day of Plant Health is “Plant Health for Environmental
Protection,” as mentioned on the IPPC website. The IPPC is a 1951 multilateral treaty overseen by the Food and
Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) which formulates action plans to prevent and control the
introduction and spread of pests of plants and plant products.
 International Nurse Day
 The International Council of Nurses has dedicated May 12 as International Nurse Day to honour the contribution
of nurses to society and acknowledge the role they play in the overall healthcare system. Nurses play a crucial role
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in providing medical care and their role during COVID-19 has inspired humankind. The day marks the birthday of
Florence Nightingale.
 Florence Nightingale also known as “The Lady With the Lamp,” was a British nurse, social reformer and statistician
best known as the founder of modern nursing. She was the founder of St. Thomas’s Hospital and the Nightingale
Training School for Nurses in 1860.
 The International Council of Nurses has dedicated May 12 as International Nurse Day to celebrate Florence
Nightingale's birthday. The Council celebrated International Nurses Day for the first time in 1965. Every year, a
different component of nursing or the healthcare system is highlighted through the theme of International Nurses
Day. This year, the theme of International Nurses Day 2023 is "Our Nurses. Our Future."
Mother's Day 2023

 Mother's Day is celebrated every year on the second Sunday of May to honour motherhood and is observed in
different forms throughout the world. This year, the Mother's Day celebration falls on May 14,
 History - The modern Mother's Day was championed by Anna Jarvis, an American social activist. She held
campaigns to establish a national holiday to honor mothers after her own mother's death in 1905. She wanted to
create a day for individuals to express their love, and gratitude to their mothers.
 President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation declaring the second Sunday of every May as ‘Mother’s Day' in
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1914. Since then, Mother's Day has been adopted by various countries around the world.
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 The purpose of Mother's Day is to express love, appreciation, and gratitude towards mothers and mother figures
for their unconditional love, support, and sacrifices.
International Day of Families
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 International Day of Families is celebrated on May 15 to raise awareness of the importance of families and their role
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in society. The day focuses on the important role that families play in our society while also highlighting the issues
faced by them. The International Day of Families is a global observance that is celebrated by countries around the
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world. The occasion is celebrated by conducting various events and activities that bring families together to
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celebrate their diversity and strengthen their unique bond
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 History - The United Nations adopted a resolution in 1994 establishing the International Day of Families to celebrate
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the institution of family and to raise awareness regarding the issues faced by families.
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International Day of Families 2023 is ‘Demographic Trends and Families’. The theme of last year's International Day
of Families was ‘Families and Urbanisation’.
UN Global Road Safety Week 2023: 15-21 May

 Road traffic injures are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with around 1.3 million people killed and
as many as 50 million people injured each year. For people aged 5-29 years, there is no greater threat to their lives.
Globally, 1 of every 4 deaths occur among pedestrians and cyclists.
 UN Global Road Safety Week is an annual event held in May to raise awareness about road safety and the
importance of taking steps to prevent accidents. This year the UN Global Road Safety Week will take place from 15-
21 May 2023 . The week is organized by 6R
the
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and it is supported by a wide range of partners, including governments, NGOs, businesses, and individuals. The
week was first marked in 2007. It was no longer observed until 2013, and it had been recorded every two years since
then until 2019. It is a special global road safety campaign hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) that
aims to raise awareness about road safety and accident prevention.
 Theme - The theme is sustainable transport, and specifically the need for governments to facilitate a shift to walking,
cycling and using public transport.
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Sikkim celebrates its 48th State Day
 Sikkim celebrates its 48th State Day today. It was on 16th May, 1975 that the erstwhile kingdom became part of
India as its 22nd state. The state level celebration will be organised at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok in the presence of
governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and chief minister PS Tamang. The programme will include civilian awards,
launch of a multimedia database management system by the IPR department and a public awareness video on
mobile village clinics; and release of a book titled Skill Gap Assessment Study of Sikkim by the state skill
development department, among other recognitions and initiatives.
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 Sikkim governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and chief minister PS Tamang have wished citizens on the State Day.
Mr Acharya said that Sikkim’s journey since becoming part of the world’s largest democracy has been remarkable
and marked by unprecedented social, economic and cultural development.
International Day of Light

 The International Day of Light is observed on May 16 every year to commemorate Theodore Maiman’s successful
operation of the laser in 1960. This day serves as a reminder to enhance scientific collaboration and leverage its
capacity to promote peace and sustainable progress. The International Day of Light is an annual event that
recognizes the crucial significance of light in science, culture, art, education, and sustainable development.
 History - In 2015, the International Year of Light was followed by the International Day of Light. The day was
proposed by the Russian Federation, Ghana, Mexico, New Zealand, and the Executive Board of UNESCO. In
November 2017, the proposal received approval from the UNESCO General Conference. The International Day of
Light was declared by the Executive Board of UNESCO during its 200th session (200 EX/Decision 27). In Document
39 C/40, the 39th General Conference endorsed this choice.
 Later on May 16, 2018, the anniversary of the day in 1960 when physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman successfully
shot the first laser, UNESCO organised the first International Day of Light event.
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World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
 The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is celebrated annually on 17 May. In order
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to recognise the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) establishment and to spread awareness of the
value of telecommunications and the information society, the UN General Assembly officially declared it in 1969.
instrumental in influencing international telecommunications standards and policy.
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 The International Telecommunication Union, a specialised agency of the UN, was founded in 1865 and has been
 WTISD offers the chance to discuss the potential and problems posed by the developing information society as well
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as to showcase the developments made in the fields of telecommunication and information technology.
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 he significance of WTISD is to close the digital divide and encourage the widespread adoption of inclusive
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information and communication technologies (ICTs). It acknowledges the ability of ICTs to alter industries like
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education, healthcare, business, governance, and interpersonal relationships. The day also provides a forum for
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talks on new technologies, legislative measures, and other programmes that can encourage universal access to the
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Global Accessibility Awareness Day
 Global Accessibility Awareness Day is celebrated on the third Thursday of May, every year. This day brings focus to
designing contents and technologies especially for the persons with diabilities. It is widely considered that in this
age of technology, unless technologies become more inclusive and accessible, the condition of estimatedly more
than one billion people worldwide living with different kinds of disabilities and impairments, can’t be transformed.
 Hence, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) celebrates the Global Accessibility
Awareness Day (GAAD) on 18th May. The effort of the goverment is clearly inspired by the vision to build an
inclusive society in which equal opportunities are provided for the growth and development of Persons with
Disabilities, so that they can also lead productive,
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 International Museum Day
 International Museum Day is observed on May 18 every year since 1977. The day represents a unique moment for
the international museum community. Different events and activities are planned on this day and go on through
the entire week or the weekend. More than 37,000 museums from 158 countries and territories participated in an
event organised last year.
 History - To bring awareness6H7D
about the importance of museums, the International Council of Museums (ICOM)
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created International Museum Day in 1977. The International Council of Museums is a global association of
museums and museum professionals who promote public awareness, conservation, and education.
 Theme - The theme of International Museum Day this year is "Museums, Sustainability and Well-being". Calling
museums a key contributor to the well-being and to the sustainable development of our communities,
World Bee Day

 World Bee Day is an annual observance held on May 20th to raise awareness about the importance of bees and
other pollinators for the environment, agriculture, and human well-being. Pollinators are crucial to the sustainable
development of our planet, and the Day aims to raise awareness about their threat and importance.
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 World Bee Day promotes efforts to protect and conserve bees and highlights their importance. The campaign aims
to educate people about pollinators and the challenges they face, such as habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use,
and disease.
 The United Nations introduced World Bee Day in 2017 to bring focus to the essential role played by bees and other
pollinators in our ecosystems. May 20th was selected as the date to honor the birthday of Anton Janša, a Slovenian
beekeeping pioneer and renowned bee expert
 Theme - The United Nations introduced World Bee Day in 2017 to bring focus to the essential role played by bees
and other pollinators in our ecosystems. May 20th was selected as the date to honor the birthday of Anton Janša, a
Slovenian beekeeping pioneer and renowned bee expert
International Day for Biological Diversity

 The International Day for Biological Diversity, celebrated on May 22, is a global observance that highlights the
importance of biodiversity and its crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. This day serves as a reminder of the
incredible diversity of species, ecosystems, and genetic resources that make our planet unique. It is a time to reflect
on the web of life and recognise the intricate connections between humans and the natural world.
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 History - In 2000, the UN General Assembly officially proclaimed May 22 to be the International Day for Biodiversity
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(IDB). The date was chosen to celebrate the adoption of the initial text of the CBD, on May 22, 1992. Thanks to its
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efforts, the Convention has participants from nearly all countries.
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 Theme - The theme for International Day for Biological Diversity 2023 is “From Agreement to Action: Build Back
Biodiversity.” This theme reflects the urgent need to move beyond commitments and translate them into tangible
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actions to restore and protect biodiversity.
World Turtle Day
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 Every year, World Turtle Day is marked on May 23 to help people understand the importance of turtles and
tortoises. Turtles are vital to the marine environment. They control the population of jellyfish, and sponges, and
maintain the length of the seagrass, which provides oxygen to the ocean. Their eggshells help enrich coastal
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vegetation. Turtle hatchlings are food for raccoons, birds and fish. On the other hand, tortoises live on land. They
have bigger, heavier shells and are not able to swim. Turtle populations around the globe are gradually declining
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due to habitat destruction, artificial lighting, turtle trade, climate change and pollution.
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tr-5P1R9U7LHistory - World Turtle Day was founded by the American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit organization
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dedicated to the protection and welfare of turtles and tortoises. The event was first celebrated in 2000, making 2023
the 24th anniversary of the observance.
 Theme - 2 marks the observance of the 23rd World Turtle Day. The theme of World Turtle Day 2023 is “I Love
Turtles”.
World thyroid day

 World thyroid day is celebrated every year on 25 May and it is an annual event for all countries since thyroid disease
is a global health concern and we all need to stay aware of its consequences on our bodies. It is better to stay aware
and have knowledge about a health concern than neglect the symptoms and put your life in danger.
 25 May was chosen as the date of the 6R
world
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(ETA) was established on this day. ETA was the first to celebrate World Thyroid Day and later the American Thyroid
Association (ATA) declared its support for the day in the year 2010.
 Theme - The theme for this year is 'Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer', to combat
the low awareness rates worldwide.
 About: Thyroid - Thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. It makes hormones that control
the way the body uses energy. These hormones affect nearly every organ in the body and control many of body's
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most important functions.
Jawaharlal Nehru Death Anniversary

 The death anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is observed on 27 May every year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
also paid tributes to the first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his 59th death anniversary.
 Jawaharlal Nehru had a prominent role in India's freedom struggle. He also went on to become India's first Prime
Minister after independence in 1947.
 In order to free India from British rule, Mr Nehru fought against the British and was among the key leaders of the
Indian National Congress (INC). On May 27, 1964, the first Prime Minister of India took his last breath. He was the
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PM from 1947 to 1964 till he died at the age of 74. He had a great fondness for kids, and children use to call him
Chacha Nehru.
 Mr Nehru's birth anniversary on November 14 is also celebrated as Children's Day every year in India.
International Day of UN Peacekeepers

 The General Assembly, in its resolution 57/129, designated 29 May as the International Day of United Nations
Peacekeepers. This is the date when in 1948 the first UN peacekeeping mission named the "United Nations Truce
Supervision Organization", or UNTSO, began operations in Palestine.
 On this day, we pay tribute to the professionalism, dedication and courage of all the men and women serving in UN
peacekeeping operations, and honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.
 UN Peacekeeping operations use the Day to strengthen bonds with the local populations that they have been
deployed to serve. For example by holding sporting events, school and orphanage visits, art and essay competitions,
photo exhibits, neighbourhood clean ups, tree plantings, concerts, and conferences and workshops on peace issues.
 Theme - The 2023 theme, “Peace begins with me”, calls on each of us to join the global movement for peace, while
recognizing the service and sacrifice of peacekeepers past and present, including the over 4200 peacekeepers who
have given their lives under the UN flag.
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Mahatma Gandhi's grandson Arun Gandhi passes away at 89
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 Arun Gandhi, the son of Sushila and Manilal Gandhi and the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, passed away at the age
of 89, His son Tushar, daughter Archana, four grandsons, and five great-grandchildren survive him. The final rites
of Arun Gandhi, who referred to himself as a "Peace Farmer," held in Kolhapur.
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 He penned books like `Kasturba, The Forgotten Woman`, `Grandfather Gandhi, with Bethany Hegedus and
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illustrated by Evan Turk, `The Gift of Anger: And other lessons from my grandfather Mahatma Gandhi`, etc. Born
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on April 14, 1934, in Durban to Manilal Gandhi and Sushila Mashruwala, followed in his grandfather's footsteps as
an activist.
Renowned
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6R7O Bengali author Samaresh Majumdar passes away at 79
 Sahitya Akademi Award Winning Bengali Author who in known for portraying the tumultuous Naxalaite period of
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the 1970s, passes away at a private hospital in Kolkata, he was 79.
 Samaresh Majumdar was suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and was undergoing
treatment at the hospital for over a month.
 Born on March 10, 1944, novelist Majumdar is best known for his ‘Animesh’ series. He was first published in the year
1967- a novel named ‘Dour’ (Run). One of his works was even was adapted into the 2013 film ‘Arjun-Kalimpong E
Sitaharan’.
 Majumdar is also known for ‘Uttoradhikar’, ‘Kaalpurush’, ‘Satkahan’, and ‘Adventures of Detective Arjun’. The
writer-poet has innumerable accolades under his belt, including Sahitya Akademi Award which he won for ‘Kalbela’
in 1984.
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 Apart from this, he has been 1R9U7L3T6R
conferred
tr-5P the Anand Award and Bankim Award. In 2018, the West Bengal government
honoured him with the 'Banga Bibhushan' award.
Famous corporate lawyer Rajiv Luthra passes away at 67

 Veteran corporate lawyer and founder of the law firm Luthra & Luthra, Rajiv Luthra passes away at the age of 67
due to a brief illness , The veteran lawyer is survived by his wife Gayatri and two daughters.
 He started his
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3J6H chartered accountant, pursued Law and was an alumnus of University of Delhi. In the
year 1989, he established his own firm Luthra & Luthra Law offices at the age of 31. After setting up his firm, he
opted for courses at the Harvard Law School for the period of seven years. He studied several spheres of law and it
helped him in developing a niche in practicing acquisitions, mergers, finance with specialization in public private
partnership and in project finance.
 Luthra & Luthra Law Offices has over 350 lawyers and has branches in Mumbai and Bangalore.
Former AIFF vice-president AR Khaleel passes away

 The former All India Football Federation (AIFF) vice-president, treasurer and executive committee member AR
Khaleel passed away after a brief illness. He was 91. Khaleel is survived by his wife and four daughters.
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 AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey condoled the demise of Khaleel, who was also the former president of the Karnataka
State Football Association (KSFA).
 A prominent face in the Indian football administration for nearly six decades, Khaleel was also active at the
continental level, and on occasions was a member of Asian Football Confederation Standing Committees. A
president of the KSFA for 28 years till 2018, Khaleel had worked for the game in various capacities. He was a
footballer, who ran Jawahar Union FC, one of Bengaluru’s traditional clubs, was an administrator par excellence,
and served Karnataka football as an office bearer for many years.
 He also donned managerial roles for the Indian national teams in various age groups. In Karnataka football, Khaleel
will always be remembered for the exemplary work he did in acquiring land and building the Bangalore Football
Stadium, owned by the KSFA.
Eminent singer Kalyani Kazi, passes away at 87
 Eminent singer and the youngest daughter-in-law of poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, Kalyani Kazi passes away at the age of
87, Kazi, 87, breathed her last at SSKM hospital where she was shifted from a nursing home in south Kolkata a few
days back.
 She had been suffering from leukaemia for quite some time and also had renal problems and died after multi-organ
failure Kazi, the widow of Kazi Nazrul Islam's younger son Kazi Aniruddha, is survived by two sons and a daughter
who lives in the US.
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 Kalyani Kazi was a member of Kazi Nazrul Islam Academy's advisory council. The musical maestro was also
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honoured with the Sangeet Mohashomman Award from West Bengal in 2015.
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SP Hinduja, chairman of Hinduja Group, passes away at 87
 Srichand Parmanand Hinduja, the eldest of the four Hinduja brothers and chairman of Hinduja Group, passes away
in London at the age of 87. He was unwell for some time.
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 Srichand Parmanand Hinduja was born in 1935 in Pakistan to a Hindu family. He moved to India with his family in
1947 after the partition of India, After completing his education in 1952, Srichand P Hinduja joined his father PD
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Hinduja, the founder of Hinduja Group, in the family business. SP Hinduja, a British national, is survived by three
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brothers, namely Gopichand, Prakash and Ashok and two daughters, Shanu and Vinoo. SP Hinduja had suffered
from a form of dementia. His wife Madhu died in January 2023.
 The Hinduja
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family patriarch and his brothers, Gopichand and Prakash, were accused of receiving nearly SEK 81
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had however exonerated them.
Actor Sarath Babu passes away at 73 due to multiple organ failure

 Veteran actor Sarath Babu, who was last seen in Pawan Kalyan's Vakeel Saab, passed away at a private hospital in
Hyderabad. Sarath Babu (73) was undergoing treatment for multi-organ failure and was on a ventilator.
 Sarath Babu was unwell for a while and earlier this month his condition worsened and he was taken to the AIG
Hospitals in Hyderabad. Sarath Babu contracted sepsis which impacted his kidneys, lungs, liver, and other organs,
after which the actor was put on a ventilator.
 About: Sarath Babu - Sarath Babu was born in Amadalavalasa, Andhra Pradesh in 1951 and his birth name was
Satyanarayana Dixit. He changed his name
6R7Oto Sarath Babu after stepping into the film industry in 1973. Sarath Babu
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made his acting debut with his first Telugu movie called Rama Rajyam. Subsequently, after a span of four years, in
1977, he marked his entry into Tamil cinema with Pattina Pravesam, a film directed by K Balachander.
TV actor Nitesh Pandey dies due to heart attack at the age of 51

 Television actor Nitesh Pandey, who gained popularity with Starplus show, Anupamaa, died due to a heart attack
today. The 51-year-old actor suffered cardiac arrest in Igatpuri, Maharashtra,
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 In 1990, Nitesh Pandey started acting in plays. Nitesh Pandey has appeared in serials including 'Manzilein Apani
Apani', 'Astitva...Ek Prem Kahani', 'Saaya', 'Justajoo', and Durgesh Nandini. He also worked on the films like 'Om
Shanti Om' and 'Badhaai Do'. The actor, who has been an established name on Indian television for the past 20
years, was most recently seen 'Anupamaa'. He played Dheeraj Kumar, the best friend of Gaurav Khanna, who played
Anuj Kapadia.
 Nitesh was born and raised in Almora, Uttrakhand. He got married to Arpita Pandey, an actress whom he had first
met on the television show Justajoo. In 2003, the couple tied the knot. Nitesh was also previously married to actress
Ashwini Kalsekar.
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Renowned Telugu writer Kethu Viswanatha Reddy passes away
 Noted writer and novelist Kethu Viswanatha Reddy passed away. He was 84. According to reports, he suffered
cardiac arrest on Monday morning and was rushed to a nearby hospital. But doctors couldn't save his life and the
writer breathed his last in the hospital.
 Kethu Viswanatha Reddy hails from Rangasaipuram of Erraguntla mandal of YSR district in Andhra Pradesh was
living in Kadapa for long. Started his career as a journalist, Viswanatha Reddy shifted to teaching profession and
retired as Director of Ambedkar Universal University.
 He has won several awards and honours for his literary works including the Kendra Sahitya Akademi award. His
major works include Anaadivaallu, Kethu Viswanatha Reddy Kathalu, Verlu - Bodhi, Icchagni, Japtu, Drishti,
Deepadaarulu, Parichayam, Patrikeyam, Sangamam and Mana Kodavatiganti
Tina Turner 'Queen of rock 'n' roll' passes away
 Tina Turner, the pioneering rock’n’roll star who became a pop behemoth in the 1980s, passes away at the age of 83,
She died peacefully after a long illness in her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland,
 Turner began her career in the 1950s during the early years of rock 'n' roll and evolved into an MTV phenomenon.
 About: Tina Turner - Tina Turner was an American-born Swiss singer. Known as the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll", she
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rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue before launching a successful career as a solo
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performer. Turner began her career with Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm in 1957. Turner also helded a Guinness World
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Record for the largest paying audience (180,000 in 1988) for a solo performer.
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 Turner won a total of 12 Grammy Awards. These awards include eight competitive Grammy Awards; she shares the
record (with Pat Benatar) for most awards given for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. Three of her recordings,
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“River Deep – Mountain High” (1999), “Proud Mary” (2003), and “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (2012) are in the
Grammy Hall of Fame.
Writer and literary critic G H Nayak passes away
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 Writer and literary critic Govindaray H Nayak (88), popularly known as G H Nayak, passed away due to heart attack
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in Mysuru, He is survived by his wife Meera and daughter Keerthi.
 A native of Surve village near Ankola, Uttara Kannada district of coastal Karnataka, Nayak served the University of
Sanskrit
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
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Chintana in 2014,
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Mysore as a Kannada professor. A writer and critic, Nayak won the Central Sahitya Akademi Award for his work
He is also a recipient of the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award and Pampa Award. After his high school diploma
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from Peoples Multi-purpose High School, Ankola, in 1951, he shifted to Mysuru and did MA in Kannada from the
University of Mysore.
Micky Jagtiani, founder of retail giant Landmark Group, passes away at 70

 Dubai-based billionaire businessman Micky Jagtiani, who founded retail giant Landmark Group, has passed away,
The chairman and owner of the group was 70 years old. With a net worth of $5.2 billion, he was ranked 511 on the
Forbes' 37th annual world billionaires list earlier this year.
 Jagtiani was originally from India and started the business in 1973 with one store in Bahrain. He then expanded the
business across the west Asia, Africa and India. According to Forbes, Jagtiani drove a taxi in London before moving
to Bahrain and starting a baby products
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 Currently, his wife Renuka runs the Landmark Group as chairman and chief executive officer (CEO). His three
children are directors in the group, overseeing different aspects of the business. The Landmark Group also entered
India in 1999 and has a range of retail brands like Lifestyle and Max for clothes and Home Center for furniture and
home furnishings
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6H 7D SPORTS
Fastest women's bowler Shabnim Ismail retires from international cricket

 South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail, who is credited with sending down the quickest delivery in women's
cricket, announced her retirement from the international cricket.
 This is a significant blow to South Africa, who heavily relied on Ismail’s pace and skill in their recent Twenty20
World Cup campaign, where they finished as runners-up. Ismail, who is 34 years old, played in 241 international
matches across all formats, including one-day Internationals, Twenty20s, and tests. Her last appearance was in the
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World Cup final loss to Australia in February at Newlands. During the tournament, Ismail set a new record for the
fastest ball ever recorded in women’s cricket, with a speed of 128 kph (80 mph) in the semi-finals against England.
 Shabnim Ismail has taken 317 wickets during her career. She is the highest wicket-taker for South Africa in both
One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Ismail also holds the second-highest number
of wickets in ODI cricket with a total of 191, behind only India’s Jhulan Goswami who has taken 255 wickets in 204
matches for India.
India’s Bindyarani Devi wins silver at Asian Championships

 Indian weightlifter Bindyarani Devi won the silver medal in the women’s 55kg event at the Asian Championships.
Bindyarani covered up her underwhelming snatch performance by lifting the second highest weight in clean and
jerk to take home the silver in the section. She lifted 80kg and 83kg in her first two snatch attempts with relative
ease but her 85kg try was deemed a no lift.
 The 24-year-old switched back to her original 55kg weight division for this event due to an injury she had sustained
ahead of the selection trials. Bindyarani had moved to the 59kg weight class that features in the Paris Olympics,
during last year's World Championships, where she finished 25th.
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz beats Jan-Lennard Struff to defend title of Madrid Open
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 World number two Carlos Alcaraz continued his good work from the Barcelona Open and successfully defended
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his title at Madrid on Sunday, 7 May. Alcaraz beat lucky loser Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4 3-6 6-3 and win his fourth ATP
Tour trophy of the year and his tenth overall.
 The 20-year-old Spaniard had an injury-plagued start to the season but came back in top form last month to win
the Barcelona Open for the second consecutive year.
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 About Madrid Open - The Madrid Open is a professional tennis tournament that takes place annually in Madrid,
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Spain. The tournament is part of the ATP Tour and the WTA Tour, which are the men’s and women’s professional
tennis circuits, respectively. The Madrid Open is one of the most prestigious tennis events in the world, and it is
ICC Player of the Month d for April 2023
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held at the Caja Magica, which is a multi-purpose stadium with three clay courts.
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 Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman has been honoured with the Men’s Player of the Month title for April 2023 and Naruemol
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tr-5P1R9U7LChaiwai
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from Thailand has been named the Women’s Player of the Month for April 2023. by the International
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Cricket Council (ICC). They have been given this prestigious honour for their achievements and great performances
in the cricket matches.
 Fakhar Zaman is a Pakistani cricketer who plays for the Pakistan national cricket team and for Lahore Qalandars in
the Pakistan Super League. Amd Naruemol Chaiwai is a Thai cricketer. In April 2021, the Cricket Association of
Thailand appointed her as the captain of the Thailand women's team, replacing Sornnarin Tippoch.
Asian Weightlifting Championships 2023: Indian weightlifters finish with three silver medals
 In Weightlifting, Indian weightlifters finished the Asian Weightlifting Championships 2023 in Jinju, South Korea,
with three silver medals. Yesterday, Ajith Narayana and Achinta Sheuli were the only two Indian weightlifters
competing in the men’s 73kg category. 6R7O
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 However, the duo failed to add to India’s medals tally. Ajith Narayana, who was competing in his first international
weightlifting event, topped Group B with a combined lift of 307kg.
 Commonwealth Games 2022 gold medallist Achinta Sheuli, meanwhile, finished second in Group B with a total lift
of 305kg.
 However, after the final standings were announced following the completion of Group A, Ajith Narayana and
Achinta Sheuli could only 7D
rank ninth and tenth, respectively.
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 Bindyarani tr- 5B1Dhad
Devi opened India’s medals account at the Jinju meet with a silver medal in the women’s 55kg
category on Saturday.
 A total of six Indian weightlifters competed at the continental championships, which is second in the series of
qualifying events for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
 The Asian Weightlifting Championships 2023 will run till May 13 but India doesn’t have any representation in any
of the remaining categories.
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Max Verstappen of Red Bull won the F1 Miami Grand Prix 2023
 Dutch-Belgian racing driver Max Verstappen of Red Bull won the F1 Miami Grand Prix 2023 title, Two-time
defending Formula One world champion Max Verstappen is one step closer to a third straight title.
 World champion Max Verstappen powered from ninth on the grid to beat Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez and
win the Miami Grand Prix 2023. The victory extends Verstappen’s lead at the top of the standings and follows his
triumph in the inaugural Miami race last year. Aston Martin’s Spanish veteran Fernando Alonso took third for his
fourth podium in five races this season as he continues to enjoy his late career revival. Charles Leclerc, who crashed
late in qualifying and started seventh on the grid, finished in seventh place with Frenchman Pierre Gasly of Alpine
in eighth.
Lionel Messi and Argentina WIN BIG at Laureus AwardS 2023

 Lionel Messi has been named the Sportsman of the Year at the 2023 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony in
Paris. The Argentine football star won the prestigious award for his remarkable achievements on the pitch in the
past year, which included leading Argentina to victory in the FIFA World Cup. Messi was nominated alongside
other star athletes such as Kylian Mbappe, Rafael Nadal, Stephen Curry, Mondo Duplantis, and Max Verstappen.
 In addition to that, Messi accepted the World Team of the Year award on behalf of the Argentina men’s football
team, who won the championship in Qatar. Messi also became the first athlete to scoop both the World Sportsman
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of the Year Award and the World Team of the Year Award in the same year.
 With the win, the Argentine becomes the only footballer ever to win Laureus Awards twice. Messi previously won
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the Sportsman of the Year award in 2020 in a ceremony that took place in Berlin.
Yashasvi Jaiswal smashes fastest fifty in the history of IPL
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 Rajasthan Royal’s left-handed batter Yashasvi Jaiswal created history by making the fastest 50 in the history of IPL,
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He reached the 50-run mark in just 13 balls to break the record jointly held by KL Rahul and Pat Cummins. Both
had scored half-centuries in 14 balls. With RR chasing a 150-run target against KKR, The opener batsman struck 26
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runs, with three fours and two sixes, in the very first over by KKR captain Nitish Rana. Jaiswal got emotional after
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the match-winning knocks and said that his dream is to play at 3 in ODI for India.
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 About Yashasvi Jaiswal - Yashasvi Bhupendra Kumar Jaiswal is an Indian professional cricketer who plays for
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Mumbai in domestic cricket and Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. He is the youngest cricketer in the
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tr-5P1R9U7Lworld to score a List A double century.
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Yuzvendra Chahal creates history, becomes first Indian to take most wickets in IPL
 Yuzvendra Chahal, the spinner for both India and the Rajasthan Royals cricket team, made history on Sunday as he
became the first Indian bowler to take 300 wickets in T20 cricket. Chahal’s impressive performance against the
Sunrisers Hyderabad saw him take four wickets for just 17 runs in four overs, ultimately leading his team to a 72-
run victory.
 Chahal reached the milestone after dismissing Harry Brook with the last ball of the seventh over. He now has an
impressive record of 303 wickets in 265 matches, having also taken down Mayank Agrawal, Adil Rashid, and
Bhuvneshwar Kumar throughout the match.
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Indian shooters Hriday Hazarika and Nancy Mandhotra bag silver medals in 10-meter air rifle event at ISSF
World Cup 2023
 Indian shooters Hriday Hazarika and Nancy Mandhotra have bagged silver medals in the men’s and women’s 10
meter air rifle events, at the ongoing ISSF World Cup 2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
 It was the first-ever ISSF World Cup medal for 21-year-old Hriday Hazarika as well as 19-year-old Nancy Mandhotra.
Hazarika made it to the men’s 10m air rifle final.
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 The Baku meet is 9C
tr-5B1D the penultimate stage of the ISSF World Cup for rifle and pistol shooters.
 The final stage will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil before the ISSF World Championships in November at Doha.
India have sent a 34-member team to the ISSF World Cup Baku 2023. The event will end today.
Indian pair Divya TS and Sarabjot Singh win gold in 10m air pistol mixed team event at the ISSF World Cup
2023
 In the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup being held at Baku in Azerbaijan, Indian pair
Divya TS and Sarabjot Singh won gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event .
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 The Indian pair defeated the Serbian legends Damir Mikec and Zorana Arunovic in the final match pulling off a
nerve-wracking 16-14 win. It was a second ISSF World Cup gold for Sarabjot who had won the individual air pistol
in Bhopal in March this year. On the other hand, it was the first senior medal for Diya at the international level.
Ismail Keles and Simal Yilmaz of Turkey won bronze.
Telangana’s Prraneeth Vuppala becomes 82nd Grandmaster of India

 Telangana’s Prraneeth Vuppala has become India’s 82nd Grandmaster after he achieved the required 2,500 FIDE
rating points during the Baku Open tournament.
 V. Prraneeth, a 15-year-old chess player from Telangana, achieved the title of Grandmaster, becoming the sixth from
the state and the 82nd in India.
 The State chess player had already achieved three GM norms earlier and needed to cross 2,500 rating points. He got
the required points after defeating GM Hans Niemann of the USA in the penultimate round of the Baku Open.
Prraneeth is now the sixth Grandmaster from the State of Telangana.
 India has produced a total of 81 grandmasters, making it the third-most in the world after Russia and China. The
first Indian grandmaster was Viswanathan Anand, who won the title in 1988. Anand is a five-time world champion
and is considered one of the greatest chess players of all time.
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Barcelona win 27th La Liga title
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 Barcelona secured their 27th La Liga title with a 4-2 triumph over rivals Espanyol, securing their first title since
2019. This win was accomplished with goals from Robert Lewandowski, Alex Balde, and Jules Kounde, and within
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just 53 minutes, Barcelona had taken a commanding 4-0 lead at the RCDE Stadium.
 This was their first league title since Lionel Messi's highlighted exit at Camp Nou. Polish striker Robert Lewandowski
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scored twice to shine in Barcelona's title win at RCDE Stadium in Cornella de Llobregat.
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 About: Barcelona FC - Futbol Club Barcelona, commonly referred to as Barcelona and colloquially known as Barça,
is a professional football club based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, that competes in La Liga, the top flight of Spanish
football.
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Neeraj Chopra creates history, becomes world number 1 in men's javelin throw rankings
 Tokyo
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Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra on 22 May has claimed number one ranking in men's javelin for the
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tr-5P1R9U7Lfirst time, which is a major career milestone for him.
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 Neeraj Chopra has topped the charts with 1455 points, 22 ahead of Grenada's Anderson Peters. On 30 August, 2022,
the Indian javelin throw ace rose to World No. 2, but was stuck behind Peters, the reigning world champion, since
 In 2022, Neeraj won the Diamond League 2022 finals in Zurich in September, which made him the first Indian
athlete to do so, The Indian national record holder in men's javelin throw, competed in the season-opening Doha
Diamond League on May 5 and finished first with a throw of 88.67m. Anderson Peters finished third in Doha with
a distance of 85.88m.
 Neeraj will now compete at the FBK Games 2023 on June 4 in the Netherlands and confirmed his participation at
the Paavo Nurmi Games 2023 in Turku, Finland, on June 13.
 Sania Mirza roped in as Tennis Ambassador
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6R7O for Sony Sports Network
 Sony Sports Network has announced the exclusive onboarding Sania Mirza as the Tennis Ambassador for Sony
Sports Network, who will be seen as an expert panellist on the network. Sony Sports Network is the home to three
out of the four Grand Slams, the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, US Open, along with the Davis Cup, making it
the Home of Tennis in India.
 Sania will now also serve up expert insights off the court on Sony Sports Network’s Extraaa Serve. The Arjuna Award,
Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Padma Bhushan recipient will be seen on the Sony Sports
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Network starting the Roland-Garros on 2.
 Sony Sports Network has launched a special campaign called Home of Tennis. The campaign showcases Sania
Mirza, Sony Sports Network, and the three Grand Slams as a match made in heaven and celebrates her journey as
she dons the hat of an expert after retiring from playing tennis
Adidas named as the new India cricket team kit sponsor

 The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that Adidas will be the new kit sponsor of the Indian
team. Adidas replaced Kewal Kiran Clothing Ltd, maker of Killer Jeans, which came in as interim sponsor after the
then-sponsor Mobile Premier League Sports (MPL Sports) pulled out of the deal midway.
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 About: Adidas - Adidas is a German multinational corporation that designs and manufactures athletic shoes,
apparel, and equipment. The company is headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, and is the largest sportswear
manufacturer in the world. Adidas has been involved in cricket for many years, and is the current kit sponsor for
the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA)
3rd Khelo India University games start in Gautam Budh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh
 Third Khelo India University games started with the Kabaddi event on 2 evening in Gautam Budh Nagar district of
Uttar Pradesh. with over 4,000 athletes and officials from 207 universities across the country participating in 21
disciplines.
 The official inauguration ceremony will be held today, 24th May in Lucknow in which the Prime Minister Narendra
Modi took part virtually.
 Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur and Chief minister Yogi Adityanath also took part in the inaugural
function. Reviewing preparations for the Khelo India University Games, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath yesterday
directed the officials to ensure that the event to be grand and create a unique image of Uttar Pradesh in the field
of sports.
 This edition of KIUG promises an exciting addition with the introduction of water sports. The serene Taal Lake in
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Ramgarh, Gorakhpur, will serve as the venue for a gripping rowing contest. This inclusion reflects the organizers’
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commitment to diversify and expand the range of sporting disciplines, offering athletes unique opportunities to
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showcase their talent and passion.
Sreeshankar wins gold, Jeswin takes silver at International Jumping Meeting in Greece
Meeting, a World Athletics Continental Tour bronze level event, in Kallithea, Greece,
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 Murali Sreeshankar and Jeswin Aldrin made it one-two for India in men’s long jump at the International Jumping
 Sreeshankar grabbed gold with a season-best of 8.18m (wind speed: +0.6m/s) in his final attempt. The 24-year-old,
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who won silver at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last year, started with a jump of 7.94m before
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recording 8.17m, 8.11m, 8.04m and 8.01m in the following attempts. He had won the gold last year aswell with a best
jump of 8.31m.
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 Jeswin finished second and grabbed silver with 7.85m (wind speed: 0.5m/s). The 21-year-old, who is the national
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record-holder, started with 7.81m before achieving his best in the second attempt. His next three jumps read 7.74m,
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 Jeswin set a new national record of 8.42m at the Indian Open Jumps Championships at the Inspire Institute of
Sports, Bellary, early this year in March. With that jump, he also qualified for 2023 World Athletics Championships.
Magnus Carlsen Won 2023 Superbet Rapid and Blitz Poland

 World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen won the 2023 Superbet Rapid & Blitz Poland, the second leg of the Grand
Chess Tour (GCT) at the Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
 GM Magnus Carlsen and GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda fought a memorable and thrilling final round of the Superbet
Poland Rapid & Blitz 2023, where the former held his nerve to hold a draw and win the event with a score of 24
points and pocket the top prize of $40,000 and 13 Grand Chess Tour points. Duda finished second with 23 points
for $30,000 and 10 GCT points, while GM
6R7OWesley So and GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave tied for third and fourth
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places with 21.5 points to pocket $22,500 and 7.5 GCT each.
 Carlsen began the fifth and final day where he left off from the previous day, extending his winning streak to 7/7.
At one point, he even scored a blistering 10.5 points from 11 games between the 14th to 24th rounds. He overtook
the overnight leader Duda by the 20th round and extended his lead to two points by the 23rd round. However, Duda
caught up to just a point below him at the end of the penultimate round, and Carlsen fended off a spirited challenge
from Duda in the final round
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to draw the game and finish a point ahead of the rest of the field.
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CSK win fifth IPL title beat Gujarat Titans by five wickets
 Chennai Super Kings (CSK) claimed a record-equalling fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) crown with a five-wicket
win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in a rain-affected but exciting match in Ahmedabad district of Gujarat.
 After being asked to bat first, Gujarat Titans posted 214 for four. B Sai Sudharsan hit 96 in 47 balls. However, after
rain interrupted play, the target for CSK was reset to 171 in 15 overs.
 IPL Purple Cap Winner 2023 - Mohammed Shami of Gujarat Titans won the Purple Cap in IPL 2023 with 28 wickets
in 16 matches.
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IPL Orange Cap Winner 2023 - Gujarat Titans opener Shubman Gill won the Orange Cap in IPL 2023 with 890 runs in
17 matches.
SUMMIT'S & MOU's

Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs signs MoU with RITES as Technical Support
 The introduction of Used Water Management (UWM) as a newly funded component for towns with less than 1 lakh
population, has led to a paradigm shift in urban sanitation. Focusing on accelerating Solid Waste and Used Water
Management, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with RITES Limited, in the presence of Mr. Manoj Joshi, Secretary, MoHUA, Ms. Roopa Mishra, JS, MoHUA,
Mr. R K Dayal, Executive Director-Urban Infra and Mr. Rahul Mithal, CMD, RITES, for technical assistance for Solid
Waste Management (SWM) & UWM under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0.
 The Technical Support Unit (TSU) of RITES will assist SBM-U for a period of 3 years. Under SWM, the areas of
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engagement will be process standardization and engineering design of waste management facilities, like Material
Recovery Facility, legacy waste etc. Under UWM, RITES will provide technical support for standards & specification
in the field of sewage and faecal sludge management and reuse, engineering design and process of waste water
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treatment units. RITES will further assist with preparation of model tender document and procurement in the field
of sewage, wastewater management and Solid Waste Management.
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India, Israel sign MoU on Industrial Research and Development Cooperation
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 India and Israel has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Industrial Research and Development Cooperation
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with focus on several key technology areas. These are aerospace, Electronics Instrumentation, Civil, Infrastructure
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and Engineering, Environment, Mining, Chemicals, and Petrochemicals and Agriculture. The Multi-Sectoral
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Agreement was signed between Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, CSIR and Directorate of Defense
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Research and Development, Ministry of Defense of Israel in New Delhi.
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 Speaking on the occasion, Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said, this agreement will open a new
phase in India-Israel partnership in areas like Innovation, Technology, and StartUps. He said that 2023 is a very
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important year for the country as India is holding the G20 presidency. and it is also the year when India and Israel
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are celebrating 30 years of successful diplomatic relations.
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IA’s MES inked MOU with IIT Kanpur to convert Army stations into carbon-neutral campuses
 The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) and Military Engineer Services (MES) Jhansi have signed an MOU
to convert Army stations into carbon-neutral campuses. The MoU comes in accordance with the Earth Day 2023
and perceives to contribute towards India’s vision of achieving net zero emissions by 2070. The MOU aims to
establish a demonstrable model through a real-world example of achieving carbon neutrality.
 The MoU was signed between Col. Akhil Singh Charak, Commander Works Engineer (CWE) & IITK alumnus, and
Major Sunny Attri, Garrison Engineer from MES Jhansi, and Prof. A.R. Harish, Dean of R&D, IIT Kanpur. The signing
of the MoU took place in IITK in the presence of Prof. Ashish Garg, Prof. Rajeev Jindal, and Prof. Aakash C. Rai,
from the Sustainable Energy Engineering Department. Under the MoU, five campuses under the MES Jhansi
cantonment have been identified 7L3T6R7O
initially,
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Water, and Net Zero Waste campuses/stations in a phased manner.
Two-day meeting of Foreign Ministers of SCO to begin in Goa

 Goa is all set to welcome the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) grouping for the upcoming Foreign
Ministers’ meeting. The meeting will be held in Goa today 4th May and tomorrow.
 Foreign Ministers of member
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External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar has arrived in Goa to take part in the meeting. He will also hold
bilateral talks with his Russian and Chinese counterparts.
 The Foreign Ministers’ meeting will give India and other member countries a platform to discuss multilateral
cooperation and dispute issues.
 About SOC - The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an eight-member multilateral organization,
established on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai. Member states of SCO are India, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia,
Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
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BEL signed MoU with Emjay for joint manufacture & business development of bollards
 Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has signed an MoU with Emjay Control Systems Pvt Ltd
to jointly manufacture and develop business for state-of-the-art, electro-mechanical bollards for use in various
Defence, Homeland Security, Paramilitary, and export projects.
 The bollards are envisaged to safeguard vital installations by pre-empting unauthorized entry of heavy vehicles.
They are built to withstand the impact of IED-laden vehicles weighing from 24,000-1,50,000 Kgs and coming in at
alarming speeds from 80-100 Kmph. The bollards have been indigenously designed, in keeping with the
Government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat policies.
 About: Emjay Control Systems - Emjay Control Systems Pvt Ltd is a Bengaluru-based company having its
manufacturing centre at Malur in Kolar district. Emjay is a leading manufacturer of Automatic Retractable Bollards
with manual override, having Indian and US patents, with the brand name ISEQ (International Security
Equipment).
 About BEL- Navratna PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) was established in 1954 under the Ministry of Defence,
GoI, with a farsighted vision to make the country self-reliant in Defence electronics. Today, BEL is a multi-product,
multi-technology, multi-unit conglomerate which designs, manufactures and supplies state-of-the-art products and
systems in a wide variety of fields including Radars, Missile Systems, Military Communications, Naval Systems,
Electronic Warfare & Avionics, C4I Systems, Electro Optics, Tank Electronics & Gun/Weapon System Upgrades,
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and Electronic Fuzes in the Defence segment.
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MoHUA and MoR jointly ink MoU with JICA for Project SMART
 The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Ministry of Railways jointly signed an MoU with Japan
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International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for ‘Station Area Development along Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed
Rail’ (Project-SMART). Project-SMART envisages to develop surrounding areas of Mumbai - Ahmedabad High
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Speed Railway (MAHSR) Stations to enhance accessibility and convenience of commuters & other stakeholders and
to promote economic activities in the vicinity of station areas.
a
 The project would facilitate and enhance institutional capacity of State Governments, Municipal Corporations and
r
Urban Development Authorities to plan, develop and manage surrounding areas of MAHSR stations. The MoU was
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inked for four High Speed Rail Stations- Sabarmati, Surat in Gujarat and Virar and Thane in Maharashtra; out of 12
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stations
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in-route. Surat, Virar and Thane are Green field while Sabarmati is a Brown field development.
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Ministry of AYUSH and ICMR sign MoU for integrative health research
 In a significant development a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Ayush and the
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to promote and collaborate on integrative health research. This
cooperation will focus on identified areas of national importance in healthcare for promoting high impact research
to generate evidence utilizing modern scientific methods. This MoU will also strengthen research capacity through
training of Ayush researchers.
 MoU was signed by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, secretary, Ministry of Ayush and Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General, ICMR
& secretary, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
 This MoU will enable both parties to jointly establish Ayush-ICMR Centers for Advanced Research in Integrative
Health at all AIIMS with co-funding. Further,
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initiatives for addressing diseases of national importance and look at possibilities of conducting high-quality clinical
trials jointly on identified areas/disease conditions of national importance with promising therapies of Ayush
system to generate evidence for wider acceptance.
India Semiconductor Mission signs MoU with Purdue University in US1

 The Indian Semiconductor Mission and Purdue University have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for
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the purposes of capacity building, research and development, and industry participation, according to Union
Minister of Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw, who is now in the US.
 About: India Semiconductor Mission - India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) is a specialized and independent
Business Division within the Digital India Corporation that aims to build a vibrant semiconductor and display
ecosystem to enable India’s emergence as a global hub for electronics manufacturing and design. Led by global
experts of the Semiconductor and display ecosystem the mission aims to serve as a focal point for the
comprehensive, coherent, efficient, and smooth deployment of the Program for Development of Semiconductor
and Display Ecosystem in consultation with the Government ministries/departments/agencies, industry, and
academia.
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MoU signed between Telangana government and LSEG to set up tech centre in Hyderabad
 In a major boost to the banking, financial services and insurance sector in Telangana, the London Stock Exchange
Group PLC (LSEG) has announced its decision to set up a Technology Centre of Excellence in Hyderabad, generating
employment for about 1,000 people in a year.
 The announcement was made after IT and Industries Minister KT Rama Rao, who is currently on a tour of the
United Kingdom, met with Anthony McCarthy, Group CIO, LSEG,
 Following the announcement, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Telangana government
and LSEG. The MoU was signed by Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary (IT and Industries) and McCarthy.
 About: LSEG - The London Stock Exchange Group is a leading global financial market infrastructure and data
provider, operating in 70 countries worldwide and serving customers in 190 countries. With over 2,000 issuers across
100 countries and a benchmark of $161 linked to FTSE Russell indexes, LSEG continues to be a major player in the
global financial industry.
 G7 Finance Ministers, Central Bank Governors meet in Japan to tackle global economic challenges
 The G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors met in Niigata, Japan joined by the Heads of the International
Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, and Financial
Stability Board. The meeting took place from 11th-13th May.
c o m
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 During the meeting, many issues of global interest were discussed including the Russia-Ukraine war and debt
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vulnerabilities in developing countries.
 Other issues included strengthening global economic resilience through climate action, global health architecture,
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economic security as well as financial digitalization and pursuing welfare enhancement by upgrading economic
policies
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 The discussions held with Brazil, Comoros, India, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore were given due
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importance in respective issues. G7 members and Finance Ministers of these countries exchanged views on recent
global economic developments and major challenges.
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3rd ETWG under India’s G20 Presidency will begin in Mumbai
 The 3rd Energy Transitions Working Group Meeting (ETWG) under India’s G20 Presidency will begin in Mumbai
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today. Over 100 delegates representing G20 member countries, special invitee countries and International
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deliberate on Priority Areas during the three-day meeting.
 Akashvani Correspondent reports, the six priority areas, outlined under India’s Presidency, include Energy
transition through addressing technology gaps, Low-cost financing for energy transition, Energy security and
diversified supply chains, Energy efficiency, industrial low carbon transitions and responsible consumption, Fuels
for Future and Universal access to clean energy and just, affordable, and inclusive energy transition pathway.
 In the morning session, representatives of International Energy Agency, World Energy Council India, National
Power Training Institute and other eminent organizations are going to present on topics related to the priority
areas.
PM Modi attends G7 Summit in Hiroshima,

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Korea and Vietnam
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan on Saturday20th May. He was
welcomed by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
 On the sidelines of the G7 Summit, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of Japan,
President of South Korea and Prime Minister of Vietnam. During the meeting with Prime Minister of Japan Fumio
Kishida, both the leaders discussed ways to enhance India-Japan friendship across different sectors including trade,
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economy and ways to synergise efforts of their respective G7 and G20 Presidencies, and the need to
highlight the voice of Global South.
 The broad terms of the G7 Summit preferences include nuclear disarmament, economic resilience and security,
regional issues, climate and energy, food and health and development. There are other priorities also like
digitisation and science and technology which will be highlighted during several sessions at the Summit. Japan has
also invited Australia, Brazil, Comoros, Cook Islands, Indonesia, South Korea, and Vietnam and some of the
international organisations including the UN.
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2nd meeting of G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) begins in Mumbai
 The second meeting of the G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) began in Mumbai today. The
meeting aims to mitigate the impact of disasters on vulnerable communities by identifying opportunities and
examining creative financing mechanisms. The three-day meeting will be attended by government officials,
industry experts, private sector representatives, and stakeholders from over twenty countries.
 Akashvani correspondent reports that the National Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with various
knowledge partners has organised a day-long side event titled ‘Financing Disaster Risk Reduction’ at the margins
of the 2nd DRR Working Group meeting. The overall objective of the side event will be to deliberate on cross-
country arrangements related to disaster risk financing, the existing policy and institutional frameworks,
arrangements for alternate risk instruments and public-private partnerships and the role of social protection system
in reducing the impact of disasters on the most vulnerable population groups.
Odisha government signs MoU with Infosys, Nasscom; to boost employability of students
 The Odisha Government’s Higher Education Department has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with
Infosys Limited and Nasscom to enhance the skills and employability of students in Higher Education Institutions
in Odisha. This collaboration aims to provide learning and employment opportunities for students and promote
equal access to education for passionate individuals, equipping them for the future,
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 Infosys, in line with its ESG Vision 2030, has set a goal to enable digital skills on a large scale and empower more
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than 10 million people across India from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds by 2025 through its programme called
Infosys Springboard. As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts,
Tamil Nadu government signs six MoUs with Singapore
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 Tamil Nadu government agencies and various organisations in Singapore signed six memoranda of understanding
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(MoUs) in the presence of Chief Minister M K Stalin and Singapore’s Minister for Transport and Minister in-charge
of Trade Relations, S Iswaran.
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 Guidance Tamil Nadu, the investment promotion agency of the State government, and Singapore Indian Chamber
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of Commerce and Industries have signed an MoU for research and development (R&D) initiatives, collaboration
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between universities, government and private players, as well as assistance in exports from companies in Tamil
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Nadu.
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Nadu and Hi-P International with an investment of Rs 312 crore. The unit will potentially generate employment
opportunities for over 700 persons. Another MoU was signed with the Singapore University of Technology and
Design for technology transfer.
 The State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) signed an MoU with Singapore-India
Partnership Office (SIPO) for cooperation between the two. Another MoU was signed between SIPO and FaMe TN
(Facilitating MSMEs of Tamil Nadu) and Tamil Nadu Startup and Innovation Mission (TANSIM) towards technical
education and start-ups. Further, the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation signed an MoU with ITE
Education Services for technology transfer and skill development.
Goa inks MoU with Uttarakhand to 7L enhance

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 The governments of Goa and Uttarakhand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the
tourism landscape of both the states. The signing of the MoU was held in the presence of Rohan Khaunte, Minister
for Tourism, IT, E&C, Printing and Stationary, Government of Goa, and Pushkar Singh Dhami.
 The MoU is aimed at promoting bilateral cooperation in the travel and tourism sector and facilitating travel between
the states to increase the number of tourists visiting Goa and Uttarakhand respectively. The signing of this MoU
between the officials of the two states marks a significant step towards promoting tourism in Goa and Uttarakhand
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and showcasing India’s cultural diversity to the world, aligned with the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative launched
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
 The initiative aims to encourage people to witness and experience the rich heritage and vivid culture of India.
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BANKING AND ECONOMY
Razorpay joins ONDC to offer payment reconciliation service for buyer, seller apps
 Fintech unicorn Razorpay has said that it will be joining the Open Network for Digital Commerce ecosystem
(ONDC).
 The Bengaluru based company will launch a payment reconciliation service for network participants (NPs) like
buyers, sellers, and logistic partners, thereby streamlining the payment processes on ONDC, and providing them
with an integrated single view of all their transactions.
 Through this solution, Razorpay will facilitate ease of transacting on ONDC by timely routing settlement
information for a given transaction and assisting Network Participants (NPs) with settling funds. This is a foolproof
solution that validates transactions and maintains audit trails to support documentation that will inform any
dispute or discrepancy that may arise.
 With ONDC open network approach, where the buyers and sellers do not need to necessarily be on the same
m
platform to be able to do a business transaction, ONDC will enable SMEs to access a larger buyer universe.
Razorpay joins ONDC to offer payment reconciliation service for buyer, seller apps
 Fintech unicorn Razorpay has said that it will be joining the Open Network for Digital Commerce ecosystem
(ONDC).
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 The Bengaluru based company will launch a payment reconciliation service for network participants (NPs) like
buyers, sellers, and logistic partners, thereby streamlining the payment processes on ONDC, and providing them
with an integrated single view of all their transactions.
e
 Through this solution, Razorpay will facilitate ease of transacting on ONDC by timely routing settlement
k
information for a given transaction and assisting Network Participants (NPs) with settling funds. This is a foolproof
dispute or discrepancy that may arise.
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solution that validates transactions and maintains audit trails to support documentation that will inform any
a
 With ONDC open network approach, where the buyers and sellers do not need to necessarily be on the same
p
platform to be able to do a business transaction, ONDC will enable SMEs to access a larger buyer universe.
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
Payments partners with
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
o YES Bank to offer international payment collection
Cashfree Payments and YES Bank have partnered to offer ‘Global Collections’, an international collection service
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for exporters, who are account holders of YES Bank.
Under this partnership, the bank’s account holders will be able to collect payments in over 30 foreign currencies
using the Global Collections service. The funds so received can then be converted into rupee and settled into their
local bank account in India within one business day.
 In addition to having dedicated facilities in four currencies (USD, GBP, EUR and CAD), the product also enables
global collections in over 30 currencies up to the equivalent of $10,000 in line with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s)
Online Payment Gateway Service Providers (OPGSP) guidelines.
 Exporters will be able to share their payment collection details with their buyers over email, SMS or WhatsApp, and
the buyers will be able to make payments using local rails like Automated Clearing House (ACH), Single Euro
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RBI imposes Rs 1.73 crore penalty on HSBC for incorrect credit information
 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on May 8 imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 1.73 crore on the Hongkong and
Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd for contravention of Credit Information Companies Rules, 2006.
 A notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why the penalty should not be imposed for
contravention 7D
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9C7H of CIC Rules, as stated therein.
 After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, the RBI
came to the conclusion that the charge of contravention of the aforesaid CIC Rules was substantiated and warranted
imposition of monetary penalty, This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended
to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers.
 About: HSBC - HSBC’s origins in India date back to 1853 when the Mercantile Bank of India was established in
Mumbai. The bank has grown steadily and now offers products and services to corporate and commercial banking
clients and retail customers.
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 The Mercantile Bank was bought in 1959 by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited. Founded
in 1865 to serve the needs of the merchants of the China coast and finance the growing trade between China, Europe
and the US, HSBC has been an international bank from its earliest days.
 HSBC in India has been active in the development of the Indian banking industry - even giving India its first ATM
in 1987.
Federal Bank launches e-Bank Guarantees in partnership with NeSL

 Federal Bank has gone live with NeSL for the issuance of electronic Bank Guarantee facility. With this partnership,
customers of Federal Bank can now avail of a complete digital experience while getting a Bank Guarantee. This will,
in due course, replace the traditional paper-based process.
 Electronic Bank Guarantee facilitates the issuance, invocation, amendment, and cancellation of Bank Guarantee in
digital form and removes the need of printing any document/request thereof. It is safe, secure, and fast, facilitating
the trade/business activities
 Individual, Sole Proprietor, Company, Partnership Firm, Govt. Agencies, Association of People, Body of Individuals
Mat 2023
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are eligible to avail of this facility. This is currently available only in states where e-stamping is available. – As on
.
World Bank Approves USD 82 Mln for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in India
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 The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved an $82 million loan towards the adoption of global best
practices for animal health management to prevent, detect, and respond to endemic zoonotic, transboundary, and
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emerging infectious diseases. It will strengthen India’s One Health approach, which recognises that people and
animals are connected with their shared environment.
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 Animal disease outbreaks globally continue to pose risks to public health systems and have enormous economic
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costs. With India having the largest livestock population in the world, these risks are particularly high. For example,
foot and mouth disease alone costs the country more than $3.3 billion annually.
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Kotak Bank’s `privy league’ premium banking customers to get country’s first LED debit cards
 Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL) has launched a premium banking programme, Privy League, aimed at high-
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net-worth individuals. The programme offers lifestyle privileges and bespoke financial solutions. According to a
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designed to celebrate its customers' achievements. One of the features of this account is the Premium Metal Debit
Card, designed by artist Arunanshu Chowdhury for the Privy League black tier, lets customers enjoy luxury deals
and complimentary airport lounge access, among many other benefits. The Signature LED Debit Card, designed for
Privy League Platinum tier, is India's first LED card, which lights.
World Bank approves grant of Rs 51 crore to set up road safety enforcement system in Shimla and Nurpur
 The World Bank has approved a grant of Rs 51 crore to set up an integrated road safety enforcement system in
Shimla and Nurpur police districts and develop the Palampur-Sheela chowk in Kangra as a "safe corridor",
 The project envisages the establishment of a traffic enforcement control room in Shimla and the allocation of funds
for interceptors and patrol vehicles, an6Rintelligent
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and rescue equipment,
 For the first phase of the project, Shimla and Nurpur have been selected and a sum of Rs 42 crore will be spent on
the twin police districts to strengthen their emergency response systems, 120 locations have been identified in
Shimla district for installation of AI-powered cameras. These include Theog, Rampur, Rohru, Kumarsain, Kotkhai,
Nerva, Jubbal, Chopal and Sunni, besides the capital city,
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Zomato launches service in partnership with ICICI Bank
 Zomato, a well-known online food delivery platform, has recently rolled out its own UPI (Unified Payments
Interface) service. This real-time payment system has been launched in collaboration with ICICI Bank, and it will
allow users to make direct payments to both individuals and merchants. With this new payment service, Zomato
aims to offer a more streamlined and convenient payment experience to its users.
 As a result of this development, Zomato users will have the convenience of paying for their purchases from a variety
of merchants as well as sending money to other users in a peer-to-peer fashion. By logging into the Zomato
application, customers can now generate their own UPI IDs, enabling them to make payments directly through the
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app. This feature provides a simplified payment experience for Zomato users, allowing them to handle transactions
seamlessly within the application.
RBI Announces Withdrawal of ₹2000 Banknotes from Circulation

 In a surprise move, the Reserve Bank announced withdrawal of ₹2,000 currency notes from circulation but gave
public time till September 30 to either deposit such notes in accounts or exchange them at banks.
 Unlike the November 2016 shock demonetisation when old ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes were invalidated overnight, the
₹2,000 notes will continue to be a legal tender till September 30.
 Why are ₹2,000 denomination banknotes being withdrawn - The ₹2,000 denomination banknote was introduced
in November 2016 under Section 24(1) of the RBI Act, 1934 primarily with the objective to meet the currency
requirement of the economy in an expeditious manner after withdrawal of the legal tender status of all ₹500 and
₹1,000 banknotes in circulation at that time. With the fulfilment of that objective and the availability of banknotes
in other denominations in adequate quantities, the printing of ₹2,000 banknotes was stopped in 2018-19.
India, ADB sign $141.12 million loan for industrial corridor development in Andhra Pradesh
 The Indian government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday signed a $141.12 million loan
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agreement aimed at supporting the development of high-quality internal infrastructure in three industrial clusters
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in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
 The loan will be utilized to enhance road networks, water supply systems, and electricity distribution networks,
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fostering industrialization and job creation in the targeted areas.
 The funds will be utilized to strengthen industrial infrastructure in the Visakhapatnam node, including the
441 hectares, respectively.
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development of internal infrastructure in the Rambilli and Nakkapalli industrial clusters spanning 160 hectares and
 By adopting a multi-sectoral approach, the ADB financing aims to boost manufacturing, improve competitiveness,
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and increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to Andhra Pradesh’s gross domestic product.
Axis Bank launches Sarathi platform for easy PoS onboarding of merchants
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Capture (EDC) or Point of Sale (PoS).
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Axis Bank launched 'Sarathi,' a first-of-its-kind digital onboarding journey for merchants to adopt Electronic Data
the time-consuming traditional onboarding process, which can take several days, Sarathi offers merchants a
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streamlined and hassle-free experience, the company,
The system enables merchants to finish the onboarding process in four simple steps, which are as follows:
1) Real-time database checks for speedier application processing.
2) Live video verification to authenticate merchant information at his/her convenience.
3) It removes the field verification procedure, allowing for quick decision-making.
4) PoS installation is completed immediately.
he paperless onboarding procedure eliminates the need for merchants to fill out documents or wait to have their PoS
terminals installed, Sarathi's features include immediate status updates, eliminating the need for follow-up visits, and
the ability to transact on the same day their application is processed.
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RBI Approves Merger of Maratha Sahakari Bank With The Cosmos Co-operative Bank
 In a significant development, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted its approval for the voluntary
amalgamation of Maratha Sahakari Bank, based in Mumbai, with The Cosmos Co-operative Bank Limited, located
in Pune.
 This approval comes under the authority vested in the RBI by Sub-Section (4) of Section 44A, in conjunction with
Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
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 The sanctionedtr-5B1D
scheme of amalgamation is set to take effect from May 29, 2023. Following the merger, all the
branches of Maratha Sahakari Bank Ltd., situated in Mumbai, will operate as branches of The Cosmos Co-operative
Bank Limited, located in Pune, starting from the aforementioned date. Maratha Sahakari Bank was under RBI’s
restriction from August 31, 2016 with cap on deposit withdrawal
RBI imposes Rs 85 lakh penalty on Central Bank of India for non-compliance

 The Reserve Bank of India - RBI has imposed a penalty of Rs 84.50 lakh on Central Bank of India (the bank) for non-
compliance with certain provisions of norms related to frauds classification and reporting.
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 The Reserve Bank had conducted statutory inspection for supervisory evaluation of the bank with reference to its
financial position as on March 31, 2021,
 Examination of the reports revealed that the public sector lender had failed to report as fraud to RBI certain
accounts within seven days of decision of Joint Lenders' Forum (JLF) to declare the accounts as fraud. It had
recovered SMS alert charges from its customers on flat basis rather than on actual usage basis.
 About: Central Bank of India - Central Bank of India is an Indian public sector bank based in Mumbai. Despite
its name, it is not the central bank of India; The Indian central bank is the Reserve Bank of India.
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from escaping future prosecution.The NSA

1. Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) have observed empowers the Centre or a State government to
that bills sent to the governor for assent must be detain a person to prevent him from acting in any
returned "as soon as possible" and not sit over them, manner prejudicial to national security. The
causing Gubernatorial Procrastination and making government can also detain a person to prevent him
state Legislative Assemblies wait indefinitely. The from disrupting public order or for maintenance of
SC observed as a part of judicial order in a petition supplies and services essential to the community.
filed by the State of Telangana complaining that the Further, maximum period of detention under the
Governor has kept pending several important Bills law is 12 months.
sent. While referring to the first proviso to Article Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/on-
200 of the Constitution, the SC mandated that youtuber-plea-sc-to-tn-will-club-firs-with-bihar-
m
Governors should not delay over Bills sent to them but-why-invoke-nsa-8569595/
o
for assent after they had been passed by Legislative
Assemblies. They should be returned "as soon as
possible" and not sit over them. The expression "as
soon as possible" in this article has significant
constitutional intent and that constitutional
authorities should keep this in mind. Also Tamil
3.
.c
Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has decided to
examine the sexual harassment allegations against
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Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) President by
women wrestlers, raising concerns over Sports
Nadu Assembly passed a resolution urging the
President of India, among other things, to fix a
timeline for assent to be given to Bills passed by the
k e Governance in India. The court has decided to

examine the petition filed by the wrestlers regarding
the non-registration of First Information Report
Assembly. For instance, in the TN Governor
forwarded the Bill for exemption from the National
Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) to the
r an (FIR) and has listed the case for hearing further. The
court pointed out that the petitioners have a remedy
under Section 156 of the Code of Criminal Procedure
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President after considerable delay. In Kerala, the under which a Magistrate could order an
situation has become a bit curious with the investigation. The court observed that, there are
tr-5P1RGovernor
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9U7L3T6R7Opublicly announcing that he would not
give assent to the Lokayukta Amendment Bill and
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the Kerala University Amendment Bill.
Source:
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/if-they-
dont-agree-governors-should-send-back-bills-as-
serious allegations contained in the petition at the
behest of wrestlers who have represented India with
regard to sexual harassment, adding that the SC is
conscious of its duty to protect fundamental rights
under the Constitution's Article 32, which allows
individuals to move to the top court to seek justice.
soon-as-possible-says- Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-
sc/article66773944.ece#:~:text=Article%20200%20s news/supreme-court-to-hear-olympic-wrestlers-
ays%20Governors%20cannot,authority%20is%20un plea-for-case-against-bjp-mp-for-sexual-
der%20the%20law%E2%80%A6 harassment-court-issues-notice-to-delhi-police-
101682401403342.html#:~:text=The%20Supreme%20
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tr-5P1R9U7L3T Court%20on%20Tuesday,Delhi%20Police%20in%2
2. Recently, the Supreme Court heard a plea by an 0the%20matter.
accused for clubbing the FIRs against him in Bihar
with those in Tamil Nadu.The accused was allegedly
spreading fake news about laborer from Bihar 4. Recently, the Bombay High Court has said the IT
getting attacked in Tamil Nadu, under the stringent (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics
National Security Act (NSA), 7D1980. The bench of Code) Amendment Rules, 2023 does not seem to
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Chief Justice oftr-India D Y Chandrachud and P S offer protection to fair criticism of the government
Narasimha allowed Manish Kashyap to amend his through parody or satire. The IT Rules derives the
plea to challenge the imposition of NSA. The court authority from the Information Technology Act,
orally remarked that it would transfer the FIRs to 2000, which gives legal recognition to electronic
Bihar. The NSA is a preventive detention law commerce in India.The various concerns included:
enacted in 1980 to maintain public order and the amendment fails to define fake news and allows
national security. Preventive Detention involves the the government's fact-check unit to declare the
detainment (containment) of a person in order to veracity of any news "in respect of any business" that
keep him/her from committing future crimes and/or involves the state. The use of undefined words,
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especially the phrase "any business", gives the spreading their religion is against public order,
government unchecked power to decide what morality and health and against other provisions of
people can see, hear, and read on the internet. The Part III of the Constitution, it has to be viewed
IT Rules, 2023 don't specify what qualifies as false or seriously.
misleading information or the qualifications and Source:
procedures for the fact-check unit. This has raised https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/acts-of-
concerns about the government's arbitrary power to missionaries-to-spread-christianity-by-themselves-
determine what qualifies as fake news, as the rules cannot-be-seen-as-illegal-tn-government-tells-
do not provide a clear definition of the term. sc/article66799152.ece#:~:text=Subramanium-
Source: ,The%20acts%20of%20missionaries%20to%20sprea
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/n d%20Christianity%20by%20themselves%20cannot,
ew-it-rules-dont-seem-to-protect-parody-or-satire- right%20to%20propagate%20his%20religion.
says-hc/article66773180.ece
7.
m
As the Karnataka Assembly Elections draw closer,
5. A Supreme Court bench of Justices K.M. Joseph and political parties are trading accusations of hate
B.V. Nagarathna has directed all states to Suo motu
register FIRs on hate speech incidents and initiate
legal proceedings against the offenders without
o
speech against each other. The parties have
c
approached the Election Commission of India
.
regarding violations of the Model Code of Conduct
rs
waiting for a complaint to be filed. The court (MCC). The MCC is a set of guidelines issued by the
emphasized the need to book hate speech offenders ECI to regulate political parties and candidates prior
under specific penal provisions, including Sections
153A (promoting enmity between different groups
on the ground of religion), 153B (imputations,
k e to elections. It helps EC in keeping with the mandate

it has been given under Article 324 of the
Constitution, which gives it the power to supervise
assertions prejudicial to national integration), 505
(public mischief), 295A (deliberate and malicious
acts intended to outrage religious feelings) of the
Indian Penal Code (IPC). The bench said the court’s
r an and conduct free and fairelections to the Parliament

and State Legislatures. The MCC is operational from
the date on which the election schedule is
announced until the date of the result
order would apply to all hate-speech makers
irrespective
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
o
6R7O of their religion.The secular nature of
the nation has to be protected, the court stressed. p announcement.Though the MCC does not have any
statutory backing, it has come to acquire strength in
the past decade because of its strict enforcement by
Source:
T
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/register
-firs-against-hate-speech-even-in-absence-of-
complaints-sc-directs-states/article66789344.ece
the EC. Certain provisions of the MCC may be
enforced through
CrPC 1973, and RPA 1951.

Source:
invoking corresponding
provisions in other statutes such as the IPC 1860,
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bar-
6. Recently, the Tamil Nadu (TN) Government has amit-shah-yogi-adityanath-from-campaigning-in-
stated that the Article 25 (Freedom of Religion) of karnataka-congress-to-ec/article66789614.ece
the Indian Constitution guarantees every citizen the
right to propagate his religion,tr-5P
while
1R9Ureplying
7L3T6R7O to a
petition in the Supreme Court (SC). The petitioner 8. Recently, the government in the Supreme Court
complained about the instances of forceful (SC) has said it has initiated the "Process of Re-
conversion in TN, violating the Fundamental Rights. examination" of Section 124A (sedition) of the Indian
The petitioner sought an NIA (National Penal Code (IPC) and consultations are in its "final
Investigation Agency)/CBI (Central Bureau of stage". In May 2022, the court, in an interim order,
Investigation) investigation 6H
into the “root cause” of had suspended the use of Section 124A, stalling
3J 7D
tr-5B1D9C7Hgirl
the death of a 17-year-old in Tamil Nadu amidst pending criminal trials and court proceedings under
a swirl of accusations that she had been forced to Section 124A across the country.The court’s
convert to Christianity. The petition argued that intervention is crucial because in case it strikes
forcible or deceitful conversion was a violation of down the provision, it will have to overrule the
fundamental rights. TN govt has replied that the acts Kedar Nath ruling and uphold the earlier rulings
of missionaries to spread Christianity by themselves that were liberal on free speech. However, if the
cannot be seen as illegal, since the Constitution government decides to review the law, either by
guarantees every citizen the right to propagate his diluting the language or repealing it, it could still
religion under Article 25. However, if their act of bring back the provision in a different form. The
112
higher judiciary should use its supervisory powers to sex relationships the status of marriage. SC says it is
sensitize the magistracy and police to the a ‘step forward’ and a ‘big, big positive’ towards
constitutional provisions protecting free speech. achieving wider social acceptance of the right of
The definition of sedition should be narrowed down, same-sex couples to cohabit together; petitioners
to include only the issues pertaining to the territorial welcome move but reiterate demand for legal
integrity of India and sovereignty of the country. recognition of marriage.
Source: Source:https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/re- centre-agrees-to-form-committee-to-look-into-
examination-of-sedition-law-in-motion- lgbtqia-community-issues/article66806741.ece
consultations-in-final-stage-govt-informs-
sc/article66799616.ece 10. Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that under
its power to do ‘complete justice’ granted via Article
142, it can dissolve a marriage on the ground that it
9. The Centre informed Supreme Court that it is willing had broken down irretrievably, without referring the
m
to form a committee headed by the Cabinet parties to a family court where they must wait 6-18
Secretary to consider administrative measures for months for a decree of divorce by mutual consent.
addressing “genuine, human concerns” faced by
same-sex couples in their daily lives in areas such as
banking, insurance, etc. The SC has suggested that
o
In the case of Shilpa Sailesh vs. Varun Sreenivasan
c
(2023), the SC has ruled that it has the power to
.
dissolve a marriage if it is irretrievably broken down.
rs
same-sex couples consider this as a building block The court can waive the mandatory six-month
for future changes, rather than an all-or-none waiting period for divorce under the Hindu Marriage
approach. However, the petitioners are seeking a
judicial declaration from the court legally
recognizing same-sex marriage, arguing that
k e Act (HMA), 1955, and allow the dissolution of the

marriage on grounds of an irretrievable breakdown
even if one of the parties was not willing. The
marriage gives meaning, purpose, and identity to a
relationship. The court noted that even if it were to
recognize same-sex marriage, administrative and
legislative changes would still be required to address
r an judgment is significant as irretrievable breakdown of

marriage is not yet a ground for divorce under the
Hindu Marriage Act (HMA) 1955.
Source:
the human concerns arising out of these
relationships.
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
6R7O
o
The government is willing to address
these human concerns but is reluctant to give same- p https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explai
ned-law/supreme-court-divorce-explained-ruling-
8585167/
T
6R 7O
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
6H 7D
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
113
11. IRRETRIEVABLY BROKEN DOWN MARRIAGE CAN BE DISSOLVED
ON GROUND OF CRUELTY: SUPREME COURT
To keep the façade of a broken marriage alive would amount to doing injustice to both the parties, the Court said.
In a significant verdict, the Supreme Court

on Wednesday held that an irretrievably
broken down marriage spells cruelty in
itself, and can be a ground for dissolution of
marriage under Section 13(1)(ia) of the
Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 [Shri Rakesh
Raman v. Smt Kavita].
m
A Division Bench of Justices Sudhanshu
o
Dhulia and JB Pardiwala was of the view
c
that even though irretrievable breakdown of
rs .
marriage may not be a ground for
dissolution of marriage under the Act, the
same can be read as a ground of 'cruelty'.
k e
"A marriage which has broken down irretrievably, in our opinion spells cruelty to both the parties, as in such a
relationship each party is treating the other with cruelty. It is therefore a ground for dissolution of marriage
n
under Section 13 (1) (ia) of the Act," the judgment stated.
r a
The Court was hearing an appeal against a 2011 decision of the Delhi High Court which had reversed the decree of
divorce granted by the family court in favor of the appellant-husband.
p
o
The parties got married in 1994, and had barely lived together for four years. They grew apart and have been living
9U7L3T6R7O
tr-5P1Rseparately for 25 years, over the course of which there were multiple court battles.
T
While reversing the divorce decree, the High Court had observed that mere filing of cases against a spouse will not
amount to cruelty. Aggrieved by the same, the husband moved the apex court.
The Court noted that every attempt of the parties to reach a settlement or compromise through mediation has failed.
Considering the multiple cases between the parties in these 25 years, the Court remarked that this is an embittered
relationship between the parties which has not witnessed any moment of peace, and therefore, is a marital relationship
only on paper.
"The multiple Court battles between them and the repeated failures in mediation and conciliation is at least testimony of
6R7O
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
this fact that no bond now survive between the couple, it is indeed a marriage which has broken down irretrievably," the
judgment stated.
The Bench further noted that even after a strong recommendation from the apex court in 2006 in the case of Naveen
Kohli v. Neelu Kohli, irretrievable breakdown of marriage is not yet a ground for dissolution of marriage. It further
took note of the fact that the 7D
Law Commission in its 71st report had stated that such marriages are de facto broken
7H3J6H
5B1D9Ca
down, and only tr-
require de jure recognition by law.
The Court ultimately held,

"We therefore hold that in a given case, such as the one at hand, where the marital relationship has broken down
irretrievably, where there is a long separation and absence of cohabitation (as in the present case for the last 25 years),
with multiple Court cases between the parties; then continuation of such a ‘marriage’ would only mean giving sanction to
cruelty which each is inflicting on the other. We are also conscious of the fact that a dissolution of this marriage would
affect only the two parties as there is no child out of the wedlock."
114
Therefore, the Court was of the view that the long separation, absence of cohabitation, complete breakdown of all
meaningful bonds and the existing bitterness between the parties has to be read as cruelty under Section 13(1) (ia) of
the 1955 Act.
While dissolving the marriage of the parties, the Court directed the husband to pay ₹30 lakh as permanent alimony to
his estranged wife.
Senior Advocate SK Rungta represented the appellant-husband. Advocate SK Bhalla appeared for the wife.
https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/irretrievable-broken-down-marriage-can-be-dissolved-on-ground-of-
cruelty-supreme-court
12. HATE SPEECH: SUPREME COURT DIRECTS THAT ITS ORDER TO

POLICE FOR SUO MOTU ACTION IRRESPECTIVE OF RELIGION IS
APPLICABLE TO ALL STATES, UTS
o
The Court expanded the scope of an interim order which was earlier only limited to the Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and
c m
.
Uttarakhand Police.
rs
The Supreme Court on Friday extended the scope of
a previous order directing police to take suo
motu action in cases of hate speech without looking at
the religion of the offenders to all states and union
territories across the country [Shaheen Abdullah v.
k e
Union of India].
A Bench of Justices KM Joseph and BV
r an
p
Nagarathna expanded the scope of an interim order
which was earlier only limited to the Delhi, Uttar
7O
9U7L3T6Rand
tr-5P1RPradesh Uttarakhand Police.
To
During the hearing, the Bench also emphasised on its
sole allegiance to the Constitution of India.
"Both us are totally apolitical. We don’t care if it is party A, B or C. We only care about the Constitution and the laws of
the country," the Bench remarked.
The October 2022 order also said that non-compliance of any directions would invite contempt proceedings. This has
resulted in contempt petitions being filed before the court.
With regard to these, the Court was informed that counter affidavits have been filed. The case will now be heard on
6R7O
May 12. tr-5P1R9U7L3T
The order was passed in a batch of pleas seeking steps to be taken against hate speech incidents.
In July last year, the top court had directed the Union Home Ministry to prepare a detailed chart outlining the
compliance of states with the general directions issued by it in the judgments of Shakti Vahini and Tehseen
Poonawalla, towards curbing hate speech.
6H 7D
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
In September, the apex court had taken a very dim view of the functioning of mainstream television news channels in
the country, stating that they often give space for hate speech and then escape without any sanctions. Further, it
observed that politicians benefit the most when their hate speech get a platform.
During an earlier hearing, the Supreme Court had also frowned upon the functioning of the National Broadcasting
Standards Authority (NBSA), observing that television channels in India are creating divisions in society since they are
driven by agendas and compete to sensationalise news.
115
Last month, the Bench had lamented the fall in standards of political discourse in the country, saying that great orators
like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee are long gone and hate speeches by fringe elements have instead
come to occupy their space.
Further, the country is now witnessing hate speeches from all camps and it has led to a vicious cycle of action and
reaction, the Court said.
https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/hate-speech-supreme-court-order-police-take-suo-motu-action-
without-religion-applicable-all-states-and-uts
13. NOT PRUDENT FOR COURTS TO CONFER FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT

TO LIFE UNDER ARTICLE 21 ON BULLS: SUPREME COURT IN
JALLIKATTU VERDICT
The Court further said that Article 14 of the Constitution cannot be invoked by any animal and even an animal welfare
law has to be tested at the instance of a human being espousing the cause of animals.
o m
Court will not venture into into judicial
c
.
adventurism to bring bulls within the ambit of
rs
Article 21 of the Constitution which guarantees
right to life, the Supreme Court said in its verdict
allowing bull taming sport Jallikattu. [Animal
k e Welfare Board of India and ors vs Union of

India and ors].
r an A five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme

Court
Rastogi,
of Justices
Aniruddha
KM
Bose,
Joseph, Ajay
Hrishikesh
p
Roy and CT Ravikumar upheld the validity of
amendments made by Tamil Nadu to the
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
6R7O
To
thereby paving the way for Jallikattu to be conducted in the State.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act)
"While the protection under Article 21 has been conferred on person as opposed to a citizen, which is the case
in Article 19 of the Constitution, we do not think it will be prudent for us to venture into a judicial adventurism
to bring bulls within the said protected mechanism," the Court said in its judgment.
In this regard, the Court further elaborated that it has its doubt as to whether "detaining a stray bull from the street
against its wish could give rise to the constitutional writ of habeas corpus or not."
The Court further said that Article 14 of the Constitution cannot be invoked by any animal and even an animal welfare
7L3T6R7O
of9Ua human being espousing the cause of animals.
tr-5P1R
law has to be tested at the instance
"While we can test the provisions of an animal welfare legislation, that would be at the instance of a human being or a
juridical person who may espouse the cause of animal welfare," said the judgment.
Pertinently, the bench also said that courts cannot undertake the exercise of balancing between the pain and suffering
caused to animals and how
1D9C 6H7D pain they can be subject to.
7H3Jmuch
tr-5B
The Court was responding to the argument that Jallikattu causes unnecessary pain and suffering to bulls merely for
entertainment purpose and hence, the amendments in law should be held to be unreasonable and arbitrary.
The Court chose to respond to this by stating,

"For instance, while other means of carriage of goods are available, why should bulls be permitted to undertake such
activities - which are apparently involuntary and subject these sentient bovine species to pain and suffering? Horse racing
is allowed under Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001. Horse is also a sentient animal. But the fact remains that
by making them perform in races, some element of pain and suffering must be caused to horses. Here, the focus shifts from
116
causing pain and suffering to the degree of pain and suffering to which a sentient animal is subjected to while being
compelled to undertake certain activities for the benefit of human beings."
Similarly, proponents of vegetarianism may argue that slaughtering animals is not necessary as human beings can
survive without animal protein, the Court added.
"In our opinion, we should not take up this balancing exercise which has societal impact in discharge of our judicial duties.
This kind of exercise ought to be left for the legislature to decide upon," the bench underlined.
The Court also upheld laws allowing Kambala and bull cart racing in Karnataka and Maharashtra.
The Court further said that the laws do not violate Articles 51A(g) and 51A(h), and thus do not infringe Articles 14 and
21 of the Constitution of India.
"All three amendment acts are valid legislations and we direct that all laws are strictly implemented and the DM and
competent authorities shall be responsible for strict implementation of the amended law," the Court said.
o m
The Supreme Court had in May 2014 held that Jallikattu, popular in Tamil Nadu, was violative of the rights of the animals
c
.
involved as well as the Prevention of Cruelty (PCA) Act.
rs
Specifically with regard to the cultural aspect of the sport, the apex court had held that Jallikattu, as it is practiced today,
has never been the culture or tradition of Tamil Nadu. Therefore, the Tamil Nadu Jallikattu Regulation Act of 2009
(TNJR Act), which regulated the practice, was struck down.
k e
In January 2016, the Central government issued a new notification carving out an exception for Jallikkattu and bullock
r an
cart races from the scope of the PCA Act. That notification came to be challenged in the Supreme Court.
Later, The State government enacted the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act of 2017.
p
These, in effect, paved way for bull-taming sports like Jallikatu to take place.
This also came to be assailed before the top court leading to the present verdict.
9U7L3T6R7O
T
supreme-court-jallikattu-verdict
o
tr-5P1Rhttps://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/not-prudent-courts-confer-fundamental-right-life-article-21-bulls-
14. WHAT IS ARTICLE 239AA, AND HOW THE SUPREME COURT

INTERPRETED IT IN ITS DELHI SERVICES VERDICT
Two Constitution Benches of the Supreme Court have dealt with the issue of the powers of the Delhi government. Both of
these judgments involve the interpretation of Article 239AA of the Constitution.
The Centre on Friday promulgated an ordinance extending powers to the Delhi Lieutenant Governor over
services in the administration of the national
6R7O capital, which essentially involves the power to transfer and appoint
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
bureaucrats posted to Delhi.
The Ordinance is aimed at nullifying the effect of the CJI DY Chandrachud-led Constitution Bench’s verdict, which gave
the Delhi government power over administrative services in the capital. Additionally, the SC interpreted Article 239AA,
the provision that deals with the governance structure of Delhi, as one that underlies the principles of federalism,
participatory democracy, and collective
7D
responsibility.
6H
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
What is Article 239AA of the Constitution?
Inserted into the Constitution by the 69th Amendment Act, 1991, Article 239AA conferred special status
on Delhi following the recommendations of the S Balakrishnan Committee that was set up in 1987 to look into Delhi’s
demands for statehood.
According to this provision, the NCT of Delhi will have an administrator and a Legislative Assembly. Subject to the
provisions of the Constitution, the Legislative Assembly, “shall have the power to make laws for the whole or any part
117
of the NCT with respect to any of the matters in the State List or Concurrent List in so far as any such matter is applicable
to Union territories,” except on the subjects of police, public order, and land.
Two Constitution Benches of the Supreme Court, in July 2018 and May 2023, have dealt with the issue of the powers of
the Delhi government. Both of these judgments involve the interpretation of Article 239AA of the Constitution, which
deals with the governance structure of the national capital. In 1991, when Article 239 AA was inserted, the Parliament
also passed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, to provide a framework for the functioning
of the Assembly and the government of Delhi.
What has the Supreme Court said about Article 239AA?

In the majority ruling in 2018, the Constitution bench held that although Delhi could not be accorded the status of a
state, the concept of federalism would still apply to it.
“We have dealt with the conceptual essentiality of federal cooperation as that has an affirmative role on the sustenance
of constitutional philosophy. We may further add that though the authorities referred to hereinabove pertain to the
o m
Union of India and the state government in the constitutional sense of the term “state”, yet the concept has applicability
to the NCT of Delhi regard being had to its special status and language employed in article 239AA and other Articles,”
c
.
then Chief Justice of India Dipak Mishra had held.
rs
The 2018 ruling said that with the introduction of Article 239AA in the Constitution, Parliament envisaged a
“representative form of Government” for Delhi while seeking to provide a directly elected Legislative Assembly with
k e
legislative powers over matters within the State List and the Concurrent List, barring those exempted. It also sought to
mandate the Lieutenant Governor to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except when he decides to
refer the matter to the President for a final decision.
an
Taking a closer look at Article 239AA(3), the court said that it revealed Parliament’s power to make laws for Delhi, for
r
matters given in the State and Concurrent List. “At the same time, the Legislative Assembly of Delhi also has the power
p
to make laws over all those subjects which figure in the Concurrent List and all, but three excluded subjects, in the State
List,” the court said.
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
6R7O
To
Adding that the Centre has exclusive executive power with respect to Delhi over its police, land, and public order, the
court clarified that “in respect of other matters, the executive power is to be exercised by the Government of NCT of
Delhi”. This, however, is subject to the proviso to Article 239AA(4) of the Constitution, the court said.
ADVERTISEMENT
The proviso to Article 239AA says that in case of a difference of opinion between the LG and the ministers, the LG shall
refer the matter to the President for a decision and act according to it. However, the court said that even this difference
of opinion should have a “sound rationale”. “Such an interpretation would be in consonance with the concepts of
pragmatic federalism and federal balance by giving the Government of NCT of Delhi some required degree of
independence subject to the limitations imposed by the Constitution,” the court stated.
6R 7O
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
The court also made it clear that the LG has not been entrusted with any independent decision-making power and that
“he has to either act on the ‘aid and advice’ of the Council of Ministers or he is bound to implement the decision.”
Further, the LG should not act in a mechanical manner without due application of mind and refer every decision of the
Council of Ministers to the President, the court said.
Referring to Article 239AA as

tr-5B1D9C7H3J
a provision that makes the “executive power of the Government of NCTD” coextensive
6H7D
with the “legislative power of the Delhi Legislative Assembly”, the court clarified that the power of the Council of
Ministers of Delhi spans all subjects in the Concurrent List and all but three excluded subjects in the State List.
“However, if Parliament makes law in respect of certain subjects falling in the State List or the Concurrent List, the
executive action of the State must conform to the law made by the Parliament,” the court specified.
In his separate and concurring judgment, then-Justice Chandrachud said, “Article 239AA represents a clear mandate of
the Constitution to provide institutional governance founded on participatory, representative, and responsive
government.”
118
On May 11, the unanimous ruling, also penned by CJI Chandrachud, held that with the introduction of Article 239AA,
the Constitution created a federal model with the Union of India at the Centre, and the NCTD at the regional level. In
five years, this was the second time that a five-judge Bench of the top court sat down to decide the issue concerning the
power tussle between the Delhi government and the Centre.
The Bench held that NCTD (Delhi), just like other states, “represents the representative form of government”. However,
it outlined that “the involvement of the Union of India in the administration of NCTD is limited by constitutional
provisions, and any further expansion would be contrary to the constitutional scheme of governance.”
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/what-is-article-239aa-and-how-the-sc-interpreted-it-in-
its-delhi-services-verdict-8620118/
c o m
rs .
k e
r an
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
6R7O
o p
T
6R 7O
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
6H 7D
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
119
LEGAL CROSSWORD
COMPLETE THE CROSSWORD PUZZLE BELOW
c o m
rs .
k e
r an
tr-5P1R9U7L3T
6R7O
o p
6. pardon
9. written amendment in a will
10. agreeable
Across
T
1. violation or injurious treatment of a sacred object or person 2. guilty
Down
3. Having the same mother but different fathers

4. Not Guilty
5. A partner in a crime
13. liability on a property 7. substituting new contract with old one
14. two are related by blood or adoption wholly through males 8. lying against oath
16. prevent one from receiving money or property after one’s 9. To leave property in the custody of another
6R7O
death tr-5P1R9U7L3T 11. Abrogation or cancellation of a contract
17. acceptable 12. Behaviour or language showing disrespect for religion or
18. right over a neighbour’s land or waterway God
15. elsewhere
17. another name of a person
tr-5B1D9C7H3J
6H 7D CROSSWORD ANSWER KEY
1. sacrilege 8. Perjury 14. Agnate
2. Inculpate 9. Codicil (across), consign 15. Alibi
3. Uterine (down) 16. Disinherit
4. Exculpate 10. Amenable 17. Admissible (across), alias
5. Accomplice 11. Rescission (down)
6. Amnesty 12. Blasphemy 18. Easement
7. Novation 13. Encumbrance

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1

1. United Nations Population Fund 4

2. Delhi Government Vs. Delhi Lg 5

3. Shiv Sena Judgment 7

5. India’s First National Water-Body Census 11

Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers Bill 2023

Sexual Harassment In Sports

Eu’s Carbon Border Tax

19. Science & Technology 77

21. Awards & Recognition 84

22. Books & Author 86

23. Important Days 87

26. Summit's & MoU's 102

27. Banking And Economy 106

UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND

Key Highlights of the Report

 India will surpass China roughly by a population of 29 lakhs in number.

Recommendations for India 6R7O

ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

an k Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt,

Government of NCT of Delhi vs Union of India Case 2018:

10. Who was the LG when the conflict first arose?

What is Floor Test?

Supreme Court on the Issue

10th Schedule of the Constitution

14. Who presides over the Council of Minister?

15. In which year was the 91st CAA enacted?

ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

Manipur’s Ethnic Composition

the Registrar General of India under the Home Ministry.

Manipur consists of how many districts?

(a) 13 (b) 14 (c) 15 (d) 16

INDIA’S FIRST NATIONAL WATER-BODY CENSUS

Threats faced by water bodies in India:

21. Who is the current head of Ministry of Jal Shakti?

UNIDO programs in India:

NISE, the National Institute of Solar Energy

Also to read – Global Innovation Index 2022

ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

Features of the Bill

Factors motivating the rise in Gig Economy:

Gig Economy in India:

Steps taken by Government:

ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

WEF: “FUTURE OF JOBS” REPORT

Future of Jobs Report

World Economic Forum

38. What percentage of disruption of jobs in the Indian market is expected?

SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN SPORTS

Internal Complaints Committee

What Constitutes Sexual Harassment

On similar lines – Vishakha Case

ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

p r Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act,

WORLD PRESS FREEDOM INDEX 2023

World Press Freedom Day – 3 May

About the Index:

Reporters without borders:

50. When was the Reporters without borders or RSF established?

had a substantial impact on bilateral trade between the two nations.

India UAE Trade Relations:

Other Trade Agreements