Current Affairs Top 60 Q&A PDF – May 2023 3rd Week

(17 - 24)
1. In May 2023, ____________ became the first state in India to launch a welfare fund for Mahatma
Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) workers.
1) Tamil Nadu
2) Kerala
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Maharashtra
5) Madhya Pradesh
Answer- 2) Kerala
Explanation:
Kerala became the first state in India to launch a welfare fund for Mahatma Gandhi Rural
Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) workers in the State.
• The initiative was launched by the Chief Minister (CM) of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan at Kotta
Maidanam, Palakkad, as part of the 100-day action plan in connection with the state
government’s second anniversary.
• This fund is based upon the Kerala Employment Guarantee Workers’ Welfare Fund Act, 2021.
i. Under this, the workers need to pay a nominal monthly amount of Rs 50 as a contribution to the
fund and the government will also contribute an equal amount.
ii. Those who have paid the contributions for ten or more years, and their families will get the benefits
in case of the beneficiary’s death.

2. In May 2023, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) directed
all insurers to provide insurance coverage for surrogate mothers and oocyte donors in
compliance with the provisions of the __________ & __________ Act.
1) Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 & Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021
2) Maternity Benefit Act 1961 & Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021
3) Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 & Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, 2021
4) Maternity Benefit Act 1961 & Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, 2021
5) Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 & Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, 2021
Answer- 5) Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 & Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act,
2021
Explanation:
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) directed all insurers to provide
comprehensive insurance coverage for surrogate mothers and oocyte donors in compliance with the
provisions of the two Acts, Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and Assisted Reproductive
Technology (ART) Act, 2021.
• IRDAI has directed all insurers to comply with the two Acts with immediate effect and ensure
that suitable products are made available.

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3. Which organisation/bank has recently (in May ‘23) granted Rs 51 crore to set up an
integrated road safety enforcement system in the Shimla & Nurpur police districts of Himachal
Pradesh (HP) & develop the Palampur-Sheela Chowk as a “safe corridor” in Kangra, HP ?
1) World Bank
2) International Monetary Fund
3) Asian Development Bank
4) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
5) United Nations Development Programme
Answer- 1) World Bank
Explanation:
World Bank (WB) has approved a grant of Rs 51 crore for the project to set up an integrated road
safety enforcement system in the Shimla and Nurpur police districts of Himachal Pradesh (HP) and
develop the Palampur-Sheela Chowk in Kangra (HP) as a “safe corridor”.
• Under the first phase of the project, Shimla and Nurpur have been selected and a sum of Rs 42
crore (out of Rs 51 Crore granted by WB) will be spent on both police districts to strengthen
their emergency response systems.
• The Palampur-Sheela Chowk stretch of road in Kangra has been chosen to be developed at a
cost of Rs 9 crore as a safe corridor under the Safe Corridor Demonstration Programme (SCDP)
by making safety interventions and design improvements.

4. Who has recently (in May ‘23) became the first woman and non-secretary bureaucrat
Chairperson of Competition Commission of India (CCI)?
1) Sangeeta Verma
2) Ravneet Kaur
3) S. Jayashree
4) Poonam Kohali
5) Jyotsna Yadav
Answer- 2) Ravneet Kaur
Explanation:
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Ravneet Kaur, a
1988 Punjab cadre IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer, as the Chairperson of Competition
Commission of India (CCI).
i. She has been appointed for a period of 5 years with effect from the date of assuming the charge or
till the date of attaining the age of 65 or until further order.
ii. Ravneet Kaur becomes the first woman and non-secretary bureaucrat to be appointed as a CCI
Chairperson.
iii. She will replace CCI Member Sangeeta Verma who has been serving as the interim (acting)
chairperson of CCI since October 2022 after Ashok Kumar Gupta demitted office.

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5. Name the personality who has recently (in May ‘23) elected as the 1st woman Director
General (DG) of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with effect from 1st
October 2023.
1) Jacinda Ardern
2) Sandra Day O’Connor
3) Ruth Bader Ginsburg
4) Amy E. Pope
5) Condoleezza Rice
Answer- 4) Amy E. Pope
Explanation:
Amy E. Pope (49 years old) of the United States of America (USA) was elected as the 1st woman
Director General (DG) of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations(UN)
Migration Agency. She will take over as the 11th DG of IOM for a 5-year term beginning on 1 October
2023.
i. She defeated the incumbent DG of IOM Antonio Vitorino of Portugal, the European Union(EU)
candidate, who has been serving as the DG of IOM since 2018.

6. In May 2023, the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) signed its ________ contract with
InspeCity Space Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., and 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract with ______________ in
New Delhi, Delhi.
1) 250th; Orient Technologies Pvt. Ltd
2) 200th; Siliconia Technologies Pvt Ltd
3) 150th; INI Technologies Private Limited
4) 250th; Siliconia Technologies Pvt Ltd
5) 200th; INI Technologies Private Limited
Answer- 4) 250th; Siliconia Technologies Pvt Ltd
Explanation:
The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence
(MoD), signed its 250th contract (1st under Mission DefSpace) with Thane (Maharashtra) based
InspeCity Space Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., and 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract with Pune
(Maharashtra) based Siliconia Technologies Pvt Ltd in New Delhi, Delhi.
• About Contract with InspeCity(Mission DefSpace contract): It is the first contract under
Mission DefSpace which was signed by Additional Secretary-Defence Production (AS-DP) and
CEO (Chief Executive Officer) Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) T. Natarajan; and CEO of
InspeCity, Arindrajit Chowdhary.
• About Contract with Siliconia Technologies Pvt Ltd(100th SPRINT (Navy) contract): It is
the 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract which was exchanged between CEO-DIO T. Natarajan; and
CEO, Sushil Eknath Ghule, Siliconia Technologies Pvt Ltd.

7. American economist and Nobel laureate, Robert Emerson Lucas Jr. (Robert Lucas), passed
away in May 2023.
In which year did he receive the Nobel Prize in Economic Science?
1) 1995
2) 1997
3) 2000

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4) 2002
5) 2015
Answer- 1) 1995
Explanation:
Noted American economist and Nobel laureate, Robert Emerson Lucas Jr. (Robert Lucas), professor
of Economics at the University of Chicago(since 1975), passed away in Chicago, Illinois, United States
of America (USA), at the age of 85.
i. He won the Nobel Prize in Economic Science – officially known as “The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in
Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel” in 1995 for having developed and applied the
hypothesis of rational expectations, thereby transforming macroeconomic analysis and deepening our
understanding of economic policy.

8. Name the Union Minister who has recently (in May ‘23) launched the Sanchar Saathi portal
to prevent fraud by misusing mobile phones.
1) Amit Shah (Union Minister of Home Affairs)
2) Piyush Goyal (Union Minister of Commerce and Industry)
3) Virendra Kumar (Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment)
4) Jitendra Singh (MoS of Science and Technology)
5) Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Minister of Communications)
Answer- 5) Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Minister of Communications)
Explanation:
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of Communications (MoC) launched the Sanchar Saathi
portal – ‘https://sancharsaathi.gov.in‘ to prevent fraud by misusing mobile phones.
i. Developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), MoC, it is citizen-centric to empower
mobile subscribers, strengthen their security and increase awareness about citizen-centric initiatives
of the Government.

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9. In May 2023, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) set up the C-PACE to centralise the
process of striking off companies from the MCA Register.
In C-PACE, what does ‘A’ stand for?
1) Automated
2) Acquiring
3) Affidavit
4) Accelerated
5) Action
Answer- 4) Accelerated
Explanation:
On May 13 2023, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) set up the Centre for Processing
Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE) to centralise the process of striking off companies from the
MCA Register.
• On May 1 2023, the office of C-PACE was inaugurated by RK Dalmia, Director of Inspection &
Investigation at MCA.
• Harihara Sahoo, Indian Corporate Law Services (ICLS), was appointed as the first Registrar of
C-PACE.
• The C-PACE office will work under the supervision/administration of the Director General of
Corporate Affairs (DGCoA) in New Delhi, Delhi.

10. In May 2023, _______________ became the 1st Indian city to measure United Nations (UN)-
mandated sustainable development goals (SDG)s process.
1) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
2) Bhubaneswar, Odisha
3) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
4) Bengaluru, Karnataka
5) Kochi, Kerala
Answer- 3) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh (MP) launched An Agenda for Action:
Sustainable Urban Transformation in Bhopal, India’s first city-level Voluntary Local Review (VLR).
i. Through the launch, Bhopal, the Capital of MP, has become the first city in India to join the growing
global movement on the localization of the United Nations (UN)-mandated sustainable development
goals (SDG).
ii. The VLR of Bhopal will demonstrate the local government’s (Bhopal Municipal Corporation)
capacity and commitment towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

11. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report released in May
2023, the countries can reduce plastic pollution by 80% by __________ (year) using existing
technologies.
1) 2028
2) 2040
3) 2035
4) 2026
5) 2030

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Answer- 2) 2040
Explanation:
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s report “Turning off the Tap: How the world can
end plastic pollution and Create a circular economy” states that global plastic pollution can be reduced
by up to 80% by 2040 if the companies and countries make policies and market shifts using existing
technologies.
i. The report released ahead of the second round of negotiations in Paris, France, is aimed at agreeing
to a world-first international plastics treaty to beat plastic pollution.
ii. The treaty negotiations, known as INC2 (second meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating
Committee), will take place from May 29 to June 2, 2023. The treaty would address the whole life of
plastics from production to disposal.

12. Which bank has recently (in May ‘23) launched India’s first mutual fund to invest in the
defence sector?
1) HDFC Asset Management Company
2) Aditya Birla Sun Life Asset Management Company
3) Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company
4) IIFL Asset Management Company
5) ITI Asset Management Company
Answer- 1) HDFC Asset Management Company
Explanation:
The HDFC Asset Management Company (AMC) Limited, investment manager to HDFC Mutual Fund
(HDFC MF) announced the launch of the ‘HDFC Defence Fund’ i.e. India’s first mutual fund that plans
to invest in the defence sector.
• It follows a bottom-up approach to portfolio construction within the defence ecosystem.
i. Objective: To provide long-term capital appreciation by investing predominantly in equity and
equity-related securities of Defence & allied sector companies.
ii. The new fund offering (NFO) of HDFC Defence Fund, an open-ended equity scheme, would open on
May 19, 2023 and close on June 2 2023.

13. According to the report ‘World Economic Situation and Prospects as of mid-2023’, of the
United Nations (UN) released in May 2023, India’s economy is expected to grow by ________ in
2024.
1) 6.7%
2) 6.5%
3) 5.9%
4) 6.2%
5) 5.7%
Answer- 1) 6.7%
Explanation:
According to the report World Economic Situation and Prospects as of mid-2023, of the United
Nations (UN) released on May 16, 2023, India’s economy, the largest in the South Asian region, is
expected to grow by 5.8% in 2023 and 6.7% in 2024, supported by resilient domestic demand.
• Global Economy: The report projected the world economy to grow by 2.3% in 2023 and 2.5%
in 2024.

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 • The report is prepared by the Global Economic Monitoring Branch in the Economic Analysis
and Policy Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs(UN
DESA).
i. Global Economy: The report projected the world economy to grow by 2.3% in 2023 (up 0.4% points
from a January 2023 forecast) and 2.5% in 2024 (dropped 0.2% points from January 2023
projection).

14. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent cabinet approval in
May 2023?
A) The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of the Project Collaboration Agreement
between India’s Department of Health Research and the World Health Organization for
promoting access to high quality affordable assistive technology.
B) The Union Cabinet also approved the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme 2.0 for
Automobile and Auto Component Industry with an outlay Rs 10,000 crore.
C) The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of the MoU between the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India (ICAI) and The Chartered Accountants of the Maldives (CA Maldives).
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 4) Only A & C
Explanation:
On May 17, 2023, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) of India, Narendra Modi has
approved the following:
• The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of the Project Collaboration Agreement (PCA)
between India’s Department of Health Research (DHR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(MoHFW) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for promoting access to high quality
affordable assistive technology.
• After the success of PLI for mobile phones, the Union Cabinet also approved the Production
Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme 2.0 for Information Technology (IT) Hardware with an outlay
Rs 17,000 crore. It will cover laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs (Personal Computers), servers
and ultra small form factor devices.
• The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and The Chartered Accountants
of the Maldives (CA Maldives).
• The Union Cabinet approved the signing of MoU between the Competition Commission of India
(CCI) and the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) to promote and strengthen cooperation in
competition law.
• The Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers for revision in Nutrient
Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for various nutrients for Rabi Season 2022-23 (from 01.01.2023 to
31.03.2023) and approved NBS rates for Kharif Season, 2023 (from 1.4.2023 to 30.09.2023) for
Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers to make available 25 grades of Phosphatic and
Potassic (P&K) fertilizers to farmers at subsidized prices.

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 • The government will be providing a subsidy of Rs. 38,000 crores for the Kharif 2023 to fulfil its
commitment of providing quality and subsidized P&K fertilizers to farmers.

15. In May 2023, the ______ of the Ministry of Defence announced that 164 Positive
Indigenisation List (PIL) items had an import substitution value of _____________.
1) Department of Military Affairs; Rs 814 crore
2) Department of Defence Production; Rs 510 crore
3) Department of Defence; Rs 620 crore
4) Department of Defence Production; Rs 814 crore
5) Department of Military Affairs; Rs 510 crore
Answer- 4) Department of Defence Production; Rs 814 crore
Explanation:
The Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence (MoD), announced that 164
Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) items, which were to be indigenised by December 2022 and had an
import substitution value of USD 99 million (Rs 814 crore), have achieved the target within the
timelines. This is in line with realising “Aatmanirbharta” in the defence sector.
• With the notification of these 164 additional items, the total number of indigenised items from
these PILs of DDP is 2,736, with an import substitution value of Rs 2,570 crore.
• The indigenisation of these items has been achieved by Defence Public Sector Undertakings
(DPSUs) either through Industry partners, including MSMEs, or in-house.

16. Which organisation has recently (in May ‘23) agreed to coordinate their policies with India,
in the semiconductor sector at the 1st ministerial meeting of the Trade and Technology Council
(TTC) in Brussels, Belgium?
1) World Trade Organization
2) World Bank
3) European Union
4) International Monetary Fund
5) International Telecommunication Union
Answer- 3) European Union
Explanation:
India and the European Union (EU) agreed to coordinate their policies in the strategic
semiconductor sector with an aim to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by September
2023 in the 1st ministerial meeting of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in Brussels, Belgium.
i. The EU-India Trade and Technology Council is the 2nd bilateral forum for the EU and the 1st one
established with any partner for India.

17. Name the personality who has recently (in May ‘23) honoured with the highest French
Civilian award, Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour).
1) T. V. Narendran
2) Natarajan Chandrasekaran
3) Banmali Agrawala
4) Shapoor Mistry
5) N. R. Narayana Murthy
Answer- 2) Natarajan Chandrasekaran

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Explanation:
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, was honoured with the Chevalier de la Légion
d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour), the highest French Civilian award, for his substantial
role in developing and fostering commercial links between India and France.
i. N Chandrasekaran received the award from Catherine Colonna, French Minister for Europe and
Foreign Affairs, who gave the award on behalf of French President Emmanuel Macron.
ii. Awards: In 2022, he was honoured with Padma Bhushan by the Government of India for his
excellence in Trade and Industry.

18. In May 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved SBI Funds Management Ltd’s
(SBIFML) to acquire up to 9.99% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights of ___________
(Bank).
1) IndusInd Bank
2) YES Bank
3) Axis Bank
4) ICICI Bank
5) HDFC Bank
Answer- 5) HDFC Bank
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved SBI Funds Management Ltd’s (SBIFML) application for
acquiring up to 9.99% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights of HDFC Bank Ltd.
i. SBIFML has to acquire the major shareholding in the bank within a period of six months i.e. by
November 15, 2023.
ii. The investment will be made as part of the mutual fund schemes managed by SBI Funds
Management.

19. The India-born British industrialist and Chairman of the Hinduja Group, ____________ passed
away in May 2023.
1) Prakash Parmanand Hinduja
2) Gopichand Parmanand Hinduja
3) Ashok Parmanand Hinduja
4) Srichand Parmanand Hinduja
5) Ajay Parmanand Hinduja
Answer- 4) Srichand Parmanand Hinduja
Explanation:
The India-born British industrialist and Chairman of the Hinduja Group, Srichand Parmanand
Hinduja (SP Hinduja) passed away at the age of 87 in London, United Kingdom (UK). He was born on
28 November 1935 in Karachi, Sindh province, British India (now Pakistan).
i. SP Hinduja was also serving as the chairman of the Hinduja Bank of Switzerland and Hinduja
Foundations.
ii. Gopichand Hinduja, brother of SP Hinduja will succeed him as Chairman of Hinduja Group.

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20. Which state government has recently (in May ‘23) announced a new scheme named
‘Mukhyamantri Sikho Kamao Yojana’ (Chief Minister Learn and Earn Scheme) to provide
opportunities to learn skills for unemployed youths?
1) Maharashtra
2) Odisha
3) Madhya Pradesh
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) West Bengal
Answer- 3) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
The State Cabinet of Madhya Pradesh chaired by Chief Minister (CM) Shivraj Singh Chouhan
announced a new scheme named ‘Mukhyamantri Sikho Kamao Yojana’ (Chief Minister Learn and
Earn Scheme) to provide opportunities to learn skills for unemployed youths of the state.
i. Eligibility: candidates accommodated in Madhya Pradesh and aged between 18 and 29, with a
minimum educational qualification of 12th class, ITI (industrial training) are eligible for the scheme.
Stipend Benefits:
Education qualification Monthly stipend

Class 12 Rs 8,000

ITI Rs 8,500

Diploma Rs 9,000

Graduate or higher degree Rs 10,000

21. Which country has recently (in May ‘23) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with India through
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) to establish the Center of Water Technology
(CoWT)?
1) Bangladesh
2) Indonesia
3) Israel
4) Sri Lanka
5) Maldives
Answer- 3) Israel
Explanation:
India through the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras (Chennai, Tamil Nadu) has signed a
Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Israel government to build an “India-Israel Center of Water
Technology” (CoWT) in Water Resource Management and Water Technologies at IIT Madras.
i. The LoI was signed on 9th May 2023 in New Delhi, Delhi, by Manoj Joshi, Secretary of the Ministry of
Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Prof V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, and Naor Gilon,
Ambassador of Israel to India in the presence of External Affairs Ministers S Jaishankar and his Israeli
counterpart Eli Cohen.

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ii. The CoWT aims to build human capacity to ensure the implementation of the best technologies of
Israel in a tailor-made context for the Indian requirements and pilot sustainable technologies to
ensure water security for India.

22. In May 2023, ____________ was ranked as the World’s Top Public/Private Business Incubators
in the 2nd edition of the UBI Global World Rankings of business incubators and accelerators
(World Ranking Report 21/22)?
1) BYJU’S
2) UpGrad
3) Paytm
4) Kerala Startup Mission
5) Bharat Biotech International Limited
Answer- 4) Kerala Startup Mission
Explanation:
Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has been ranked as the World’s Top Public/Private Business
Incubators in the 2nd edition of the UBI Global World Rankings of business incubators and
accelerators (World Ranking Report 21/22). KSUM was honoured for its role in making Kerala a
vibrant Startup hub.
i. This report presents the Rankings and Recognitions derived from the World Benchmark Study
2021-2022 conducted by UBI Global, a Swedish-based innovation intelligence company and
community. This is the 6th iteration of the study.
ii. Other 1st Rankers:
Category Winner

Public/Private Business Incubator Kerala Startup Mission(KSUM), India

Public/Private Business Accelerator EIT Health Accelerator, Europe

University Business Incubator İTÜ Çekirdek, Türkiye

University Business Accelerator Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC) Belgium

23. In May 2023, the Ministry of Finance omitted rule 7 of the Foreign Exchange Management
(Current Account Transactions) Rules, 2000 to bring International Credit Cards (ICCs)
spendings outside India under the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
The Tax Collected at Source (TCS) for foreign remittances under the LRS from 5 per cent to
______ per cent applicable from July 1, 2023.
1) 30
2) 10
3) 15
4) 20
5) 25
Answer- 4) 20

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Explanation:
In consultation with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Ministry of Finance, Government of India
(GoI) omitted Rule 7 of the Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transactions) Rules,
2000 under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
i. The Ministry of Finance included the international credit cards (ICCs) spendings outside India under
the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) and also subjected it to a higher rate of 20% Tax
Collected at Source (TCS) effective after July 1, 2023.
ii. TCS is the tax the seller collects from the buyer at the point of sale so that it can be deposited with
the tax authorities. Banks deduct TCS on foreign remittances.
iii. The amendment of FEMA was made in accordance with the announcement made in budget 2023-
23 and the TCS for foreign remittances under LRS was raised from 5% to 20% on overseas tour
packages and funds remitted under LRS (other than for education and medical purposes).

24. Name the bank that has recently (in May ‘23) partnered with Godrej Agrovet Ltd (GAVL) to
introduce a new finance offering for oil palm farmers.
1) HDFC Bank
2) ICICI Bank
3) State Bank of India
4) YES Bank
5) Axis Bank
Answer- 3) State Bank of India
Explanation:
Godrej Agrovet Limited’s (GAVL) Oil Palm Business announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind
finance offering for oil palm farmers in partnership with the State Bank of India (SBI).
i. Objective: To offer loans to palm farmers for setting up micro irrigation facilities, establishing
fencing arrangements to protect against cattle grazing, and enhancing tube wells on farms.

25. Which bank has recently (in May ‘23) partnered with Mastercard and Worldline India to
launch a mobile app for small-scale merchants to accept card and digital payments on
smartphones?
1) Axis Bank
2) YES Bank
3) ICICI Bank
4) HDFC Bank
5) IndusInd Bank
Answer- 2) YES Bank
Explanation:
YES Bank partnered with Mastercard and Worldline India, and launched YES PAY EASY, a mobile
app for small-scale merchants to enable them to accept card and digital payments from their
customers’ smartphones.
i. YES PAY EASY will transform the customers’ smartphone into a secure payment acceptance device
and enable merchants to use their mobile phones as a Point of Sale (PoS) terminal and accept remote
payments.
ii. Merchants can accept payments using Bharat QR, tap-on-phone, and SMS Pay.

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26. In May 2023, ____________ has replaced Kiren Rijiju with the independent charge as Minister
of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice & Kiren Rijiju was assigned with the portfolio of the
_____________.
1) Ajay Kumar; Ministry of Planning
2) Arjun Ram Meghwa; Ministry of Earth Sciences
3) Ashwini Kumar Choubey; Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
4) Arjun Ram Meghwa; Ministry of Planning
5) Ajay Kumar; Ministry of Earth Sciences
Answer- 2) Arjun Ram Meghwa; Ministry of Earth Sciences
Explanation:
In accordance with the statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan regarding the Union Cabinet
Reshuffle, Arjun Ram Meghwal, has replaced Kiren Rijiju with the independent charge as Minister
of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice in addition to his existing portfolios.
i. Kiren Rijiju was assigned with the portfolio of the Ministry of Earth Sciences which was earlier
handled by Union minister Jitendra Singh.
ii. The reallocated the portfolios of following two ministers in the Union Council of Ministers were
made by President Droupadi Murmu, as advised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

27. Which company has recently (in May ‘23) partnered with TATA Advanced Systems Limited
(TASL) to install the naval version of Lanza-N 3D on the Indian Navy’s Destroyer Ships?
1) Lockheed Martin Corporation (United States of America)
2) Thales Group (France)
3) Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Israel)
4) Indra Sistemas, S.A (Spain)
5) Lufthansa Technik (Germany)
Answer- 4) Indra Sistemas, S.A (Spain)
Explanation:
Indra Sistemas, S.A.(Indra), Madrid (Spain) based Information Technology and Defense System
Company, and TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has installed the naval version of Lanza-N
3D on one of the Indian Navy’s Destroyer Ships.
• This is the first of the 23 radars that will be equipped in the Indian Naval Ships. Indra will
deliver the radars to the Indian Navy by over the next decade.
• The Lanza radars will replace the ELM-2248 MF-STAR and RAWL-02/LW-08 radars on India’s
destroyers: Kolkata-class and Visakhapatnam-class, during their scheduled refit or mid-life
modernization program.
i. The Lanza-N integrates a 3D primary surveillance radar that provides medium and long-range
coverage up to 254 nautical miles(around 450 kilometres). It also includes the integration of a
Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR)/IFF (Identification Friend or Foe).

28. Which state’s Kangra Tea has recently (in May ‘23) received a Geographical Indication (GI)
with the European Union (EU)?
1) Assam
2) Arunachal Pradesh
3) Himachal Pradesh
4) Uttarakhand

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5) Sikkim
Answer- 3) Himachal Pradesh
Explanation:
On May 18, 2023, the Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra tea received a protected Geographical Indication
(GI) with the European Union (EU). This means the tea can now be sold in Europe, as the registration
will recognize the quality, genuineness and reputation of the product in the European market.
• Kangra Tea is known for quality, unique aroma, and a tinge of fruity flavor.
• Kangra tea received GI status in 2005 from the Registrar of Geographical Indications, Chennai
(Tamil Nadu).
Note- The GI status has been given to more than 400 traditional products of the State including Kullu
shawl, Chamba Rumal, Kinnaur shawl, Kangra painting, Lahaul woolen socks and gloves etc.

29. Which company’s flight ‘i5-767’ has recently (in May ‘23) become India’s first commercial
passenger flight to take off using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blended Aviation Turbine
Fuel (ATF) from Pune to New Delhi?
1) SpiceJet
2) Go First
3) Akasa Air
4) IndiGo
5) AirAsia India
Answer- 5) AirAsia India
Explanation:
AirAsia India flight i5-767 became India’s first commercial passenger flight to successfully take
off using an indigenously produced Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blended Aviation Turbine Fuel
(ATF) from Pune (Maharashtra) to New Delhi (Delhi).
• It is a significant development towards the decarbonization of the aviation sector.
• SAF was supplied by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) in partnership with Praj Industries Ltd.
(Praj).

30. As of May 2023, India’s defence production in the FY 2022-2023 was increased by more
than 12% & crossed the mark of USD ________ for the first time.
1) 20 billion
2) 10 billion
3) 25 billion
4) 12 billion
5) 15 billion
Answer- 4) 12 billion
Explanation:
India’s defence production increased by more than 12% in FY 2022-2023 and crossed the USD 12
billion(Rs 1 lakh crore) mark for the first time.
i. At present, the value of defence products stands at Rs 1,06,800 crore and it is expected to increase
once the data is received from the remaining private defence industries.
ii. The total value of defence production of India in FY 2021-22 was over Rs 95,000 crore.

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iii. Goal of Ministry of Defence: To achieve a turnover of USD 25 billion (~Rs 1.75 lakh crore) in
defence manufacturing by 2024-25. This also includes an export target of USD 5 billion (~Rs 35,000
crore) worth of military hardware.

31. As per “The Wealth Report 2023” published by Knight Frank in May 2023, India’s Ultra-
High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWI) are estimated to increase 58.4% to 19,119 individuals in
_____________ (year).
1) 2025
2) 2027
3) 2029
4) 2026
5) 2028
Answer- 2) 2027
Explanation:
According to the report titled “The Wealth Report 2023” published by Knight Frank, India’s Ultra-
High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWI) are estimated to increase 58.4% in the next 5 years from
12,069 in 2022 to 19,119 individuals in 2027.
• UHNWI is someone with a net worth of USD 30 million or more, including their primary
residence.
• The report stated that India’s billionaire population is expected to increase from 161
individuals in 2022 to 195 individuals in 2027.
• The report also stated that the high-net-worth individual (HNWI) population will also rise by
around 107% in a five-year period. The HNWI population is expected to increase from 797,714
persons in 2022 to 1.65 million in 2027.

32. In May 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) notified the withdrawal of Rs 2000
denomination banknotes from circulation and directed banks to stop issuing it.
The public needs to deposit and/or exchange the Rs 2,000 note in banks on or before ___________
2023.
1) 30th November
2) 31st July
3) 30th September
4) 31st August
5) 31st October
Answer- 3) 30th September
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) notified the withdrawal of Rs 2000 denomination banknotes from
circulation and directed banks to stop issuing this banknote with immediate effect.
• As a result of this notification, the public needs to deposit and/or exchange Rs 2000 banknotes
with bank branches or 19 Regional Offices (ROs) of RBI within 4 months i.e. from May 23,
2023, to, on or before September 30, 2023.
• For transactions, the individuals can continue to use the Rs 2000 banknotes upto September
30, 2023, but are encouraged to exchange/deposit within the given time frame.
• The limit for the exchange facility is Rs 20,000 at a time to ensure operational convenience and
prevent any disruption to the regular activities of bank branches.

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33. Name the Indian Navy’s Kalvari class, 6th Scorpene Submarine of Project-75 that has
recently (in May ‘23) commenced its sea trials.
1) INS Karanj
2) INS Vaghsheer
3) INS Vela
4) INS Vagir
5) INS Khanderi
Answer- 2) INS Vaghsheer
Explanation:
The 6th Scorpene Submarine of Project-75, Yard 11880, Indian Navy’s Kalvari class “Vaghsheer”
commenced its sea trials. The submarine was launched on 20 April 2022 from the Kanhoji Angre Wet
Basin of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), formerly known as Mazagon Dock Limited.
i. MDL has delivered 3 submarines of Project-75 in 2 years and the commencement of sea trials of the
6th submarine is a significant milestone.
ii. Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vaghsheer will now undergo intense trials of all its systems at sea, which
includes propulsion systems, weapons and sensors.
iii. Vagsheer is scheduled for delivery to the Indian Navy in early 2024 after the completion of these
trials.

34. Who has recently (in May ‘23) taken oath as the 24th Chief Minister (CM) of Karnataka?
1) Dharam Singh
2) H. D. Kumaraswamy
3) Siddaramaiah
4) Jagadish Shettar
5) Sadananda Gowda
Answer- 3) Siddaramaiah
Explanation:
Congress Legislative Party Leader Siddaramaiah took oath as the Chief Minister (CM) of Karnataka
at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This marks
Siddaramaiah’s 2nd term as the CM of Karnataka. He previously served as the CM from 2013 to 2018.
He became the 24th CM of Karnataka.
• During the event, Karnataka’s Congress President DK Shivakumar took oath as the Deputy CM
(Dy CM) of Karnataka.
• Thaawarchand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka, administered the oath of office and secrecy to
both CM and Dy CM.
i. Siddaramaiah has secured a 9th term in the state assembly, by winning the 2023 Karnataka election
from the Varuna constituency.
ii. Congress has won the 2023 Karnataka assembly elections by winning 135 of the total 224 seats,
this is the biggest victory for “any party in Karnataka” after 1989. In 1989 Congress won 178 seats
with a vote share of 43.76%.

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35. In May 2023, the University Grants Commission (UGC) announced a new initiative, ‘NEP
SAARTHI’ to involve students in the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP)
2020.
What does 'T' stand for in SAARTHI?
1) Transforming
2) Teaching
3) Tertiary
4) Technology
5) Training
Answer- 1) Transforming
Explanation:
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced a new initiative titled ‘NEP SAARTHI
(Student Ambassador for Academic Reforms in Transforming Higher Education in India)’ to involve
students in the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
i. Objective: To create an environment where students could engage and participate to make effective
use of the provisions of NEP 2020.
ii. UGC has instructed all vice-chancellors, directors and principals of Higher Education Institutions
(HEIs) to nominate 3 students from their institutions to be considered as NEP SAARTHIs along with a
brief write-up justifying the nomination.

36. As of May 2023, which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the
‘Certificate of Registration (CoR)’?
A) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the exercise of powers conferred on it under Section 45-
IA (6) of the RBI Act, 1934 has cancelled the Certificate of Registration (CoR) of seven Non-
Banking Finance Companies (NBFC).
B) With this, the notified companies are barred from transacting the business of a Non-Banking
Financial Institution (NBFI), as defined in clause (a) of Section 27-A of the RBI Act, 1934.
C) The 14 NBFCs have surrendered the Certificate of Registration (CoR) granted to them by the
RBI.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 4) Only A & C
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the exercise of powers conferred on it under Section 45-IA (6) of
the RBI Act, 1934 has cancelled the Certificate of Registration (CoR) of seven Non-Banking Finance
Companies (NBFC).
i. With this, the notified companies are barred from transacting the business of a Non-Banking
Financial Institution (NBFI), as defined in clause (a) of Section 45-I of the RBI Act, 1934. List of 7
NBFC are.
ii. The 14 NBFCs have surrendered the Certificate of Registration (CoR) granted to them by the RBI.
Thus, RBI, in exercise of powers conferred on it under Section 45-IA (6) of the RBI Act, 1934, has
therefore cancelled their CoR.

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37. Which regulatory body of the Ministry of Finance/Stock exchange has recently (in May ‘23)
introduced a risk disclosure framework for individual traders for trading in the equity Futures
& Options (F&O) segment?
1) Reserve Bank of India
2) Securities and Exchange Board of India
3) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
4) National Stock Exchange of India Limited
5) Bombay Stock Exchange Limited
Answer- 2) Securities and Exchange Board of India
Explanation:
On May 19, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced a risk disclosure
framework for individual traders for trading in the equity Futures & Options (F&O) segment.
i. Objective: To empower the traders with detailed information about the risks associated with
trading in derivatives and also to facilitate informed decision-making by the investors.
ii. The risk disclosure framework would come into force with effect from July 01, 2023
Note- According to SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), the equity Futures & Options (F&O)
segment refers to a specific segment of the financial market where derivatives contracts based on
equity (stocks) are traded.

38. Name the Insurance Company that has recently (in May ‘23) launched India's first small-cap
fund in the ULIP (Unit Linked Insurance Plan) segment.
1) Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance
2) Max Life Insurance
3) Bharti AXA Life Insurance
4) HDFC Life Insurance
5) ICICI Prudential Life Insurance
Answer- 1) Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance
Explanation:
Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Ltd launched India's first small-cap fund in the ULIP (Unit
Linked Insurance Plan) segment namely ‘Bajaj Allianz Life Small Cap Fund’ that offers customers the
opportunity to achieve capital appreciation by investing in a diversified portfolio of small-cap stocks.
• The NFO (New Fund Offer) period for Bajaj Allianz Life’s small-cap fund ends on May 23, 2023.
• The benchmark index is the Nifty Small Cap 100 index.The benchmark index is a standard or
reference point used to measure the performance of a particular market or segment.

39. Which company recently (in May ‘23) partnered with the Tide to launch India’s first
recycled Polyvinyl Chloride (rPVC) Rupay card, along with MCT Cards & Technology Pvt. Ltd. &
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)?
1) Cleartrip
2) EaseMyTrip
3) MakeMyTrip
4) Trivago N.V
5) Transcorp International Limited
Answer- 5) Transcorp International Limited

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Explanation:
Tide, United Kingdom-based fintech, in partnership with Transcorp International Limited,
launched India’s first recycled Polyvinyl Chloride (rPVC) Rupay card, along with MCT Cards &
Technology Pvt. Ltd. and NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India).
• PVC cards are more durable than paper-based cards and can last longer without getting
damaged or torn, along with security features.
• rPVC Rupay cards are made from recycled PVC plastic. Every 99% rPVC card weighing 5.5-6
grams, saves on 7-8 grams of CO2 emissions and 3.5-4.0 grams of plastic waste, which will be
used in the production of a new card made with virgin PVC.
i. In March 2023, Tide became the first fintech in the world to remove 100% of its emissions with
durable carbon removals as of 2022 onwards.

40. As of May 2023, which of the following points is “Incorrect” with respect to the Axiom
Mission 2 (Ax-2)?
A) Spacex Falcon 9 Rocket launched the Crew of 4 astronauts (2 Americans & 2 Saudi Arabians)
with the Dragon Capsule spacecraft on the Ax-2 chartered flight to the International Space
Station (ISS) from the United States of America (USA).
B) One of the crew members, Mariam H. Fardous, became the first woman Astronaut from
Saudi Arabia to go to space.
C) The crew was led by Peggy Annette Whitson, a retired National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) astronaut and former NASA Chief Astronaut
1) Only A
2) Only B
3) Only C
4) Both A & B
5) Both B & C
Answer- 2) Only B
Explanation:
Spacex Falcon 9 Rocket launched the Crew of 4 astronauts (including the 2 Saudi Arabian
Astronauts) with the Dragon Capsule spacecraft on the all-private Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2)
chartered flight to the International Space Station (ISS) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the
United States of America (USA).
Saudi Astronauts’ 1st Flight to ISS:
• The private flight carries two Americans and two Saudi Arabians, including the first woman to
fly in space from the Arab nation.
• One of the crew members, Rayyanah Barnawi, became the first woman Astronaut from
Saudi Arabia to go to space. She was accompanied by Ali al-Qarni, a fighter pilot with the
Royal Saudi Air Force.
The 4 astronauts are namely:
• Peggy Annette Whitson- retired National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
astronaut and former NASA Chief Astronaut & lead the Crew;
• RayyanahBarnawi- a stem cell Researcher;
• Ali al-Qarni- a fighter pilot with the Royal Saudi Air Force;
• John Shoffner- former driver and owner of a sports car racing team that competes in Europe
from Tennessee, USA.

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41. Who authored the book, “Partitioned Freedom” that was recently (in May ‘23) released by
Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Assam?
1) Bina Agarwal
2) Ram Madhav
3) Shashi Tharoor
4) Utsa Patnaik
5) Sugata Bose
Answer- 2) Ram Madhav
Explanation:
Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Assam, released a book titled “Partitioned Freedom”, which
was authored by Ram Madhav and published by Prabhat Prakashan Pvt. Ltd, in Guwahati, Assam.
i. The book “Partitioned Freedom” offers profound insights into the events that unfolded during 1905
and the pre-independence era.
ii. Ram Madhav is an Indian Politician, Author, and thinker. His other books are “Uneasy Neighbours:
India and China After 50 Years of the War” and “Asahaj Padosi”.

42. In May 2023, ___________ became India’s 1st state to provide free air travel to pilgrims under
the “MukhyaMantri Teerth-Darshan Yojana”.
1) Gujarat
2) Rajasthan
3) Maharashtra
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Madhya Pradesh
Answer- 5) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister (CM) of Madhya Pradesh (MP), flagged off a batch of 32 senior
citizens (comprising 24 men and eight women) on pilgrimage to Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (UP), from
Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal, MP, through a flight under the “Mukhya Mantri Teerth-Darshan Yojana”.
i. Madhya Pradesh has become India’s 1st state to conduct pilgrimage by air on government
expenditure under the “Mukhya Mantri Teerth-Darshan Yojana”.

43. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the recent announcement
made by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways in May 2023?
A) Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways , Sarbananda Sonowal made five major
announcements collectively named as ‘Panch Karma Sankalp‘ during the culmination of
Chintan Shivir held in Munnar, Kerala.
B) The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) provides 30% financial support for
the promotion of Green Shipping.
C) Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Maharashtra), VO Chidambaranar Port (Tamil Nadu),
Visakhapatnam Port (Andhra Pradesh) and Haldia port (West Bengal) will procure two tugs
each Under the Green Tug Transition Programme(GTTP).
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C

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5) All A, B & C
Answer- 2) Only A & B
Explanation:
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) made five
major announcements collectively named as ‘Panch Karma Sankalp‘ focusing green shipping and
digitization of the ports during the culmination of MoPSW’s second Chintan Shivir held in Munnar,
Kerala.
• MoPSW provides 30% financial support for the promotion of Green Shipping.
• Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Mumbai, Maharashtra), VO Chidambaranar Port (Thoothukudi,
Tamil Nadu), Paradip Port (Jagatsinghpur, Odisha) and Deendayal Port (Kandla, Gujarat) will
procure two tugs each Under the Green Tug Transition Programme(GTTP).
• Deendayal Port and VO Chidambaranar Port to be developed as Green Hydrogen Hub.
• Single Window Portal to facilitate and monitor river and sea cruises.
• Jawaharlal Nehru Port and VO Chidambaranar Port to become smart port by 2024.
i. The 2nd Chintan Shivir organised by MoPSW was chaired and inaugurated by Sarbananda Sonowal,
Union Minister of MoPSW on 21st May 2023.

44. In May 2023, Jitendra Tyagi, Managing Director (MD) of Uttarakhand Metro Rail
Corporation (UKMRC) announced that __________ (city) to get India’s first Neo Metro and India’s
1st Provide on Demand (Pod) taxi to be introduced in Haridwar.
1) Dehradun
2) Rishikesh
3) Uttarkashi
4) Rudrapur
5) Roorkee
Answer- 1) Dehradun
Explanation:
The Uttarakhand Metro Rail Corporation (UKMRC) unveiled the plans for the construction of the
state-of-the-art rapid transit systems in Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh within next four years (by
2027) to overcome the traffic congestion in Uttarakhand.
i. Jitendra Tyagi MD of UKMRC announced that India’s first Neo Metro will be implemented on 2
corridors in Dehradun, India’s 1st Provide on Demand (Pod) taxi will be introduced in Haridwar
and two ropeways in Haridwar and Rishikesh.
ii. Objective: To enhance connectivity and reduce traffic congestion in the respective regions.

45. According to the data from _____________(organisation) in May 2023, India lost 1,38,377 lives
in disasters linked to extreme weather, climate change in _________ years.
1) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; 50
2) United Nations Human Settlement Programme; 60
3) World Meteorological Organization; 50
4) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; 40
5) World Meteorological Organization; 60
Answer- 3) World Meteorological Organization; 50

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Explanation:
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a specialized agency of the United
Nations (UN), India has witnessed 573 disasters related to extreme weather, climate, and water
events between 1970 and 2021 (50 years). These disasters resulted in 1,38,377 deaths and caused
economic losses amounting to USD 18.3 billion.
• According to the data from the Annual Statement on Climate of India, issued by the India
Meteorological Department, India recorded 2,227 human casualties due to extreme weather
events in 2022.
• These new findings were issued for the quadrennial World Meteorological Congress(19th
session) held from 22 May to 2 June 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland.
• A high-level dialogue on accelerating and scaling up action to ensure that early warning
services reach everyone on Earth by the end of 2027 was held during the event.

46. In May 2023, the 12 Public Sector Banks’ (PSBs) cumulative profit reached Rs 1,04,649
crore in Financial Year (FY)23.
In percentage terms, which bank had the highest net profit growth with 126% to Rs 2,602
crore?
1) State Bank of India
2) Bank of Maharashtra
3) Bank of Baroda
4) UCO Bank
5) Bank of India
Answer- 2) Bank of Maharashtra
Explanation:
The 12 Public Sector Banks’ (PSBs) cumulative profit crossed the Rs 1 lakh crore mark in FY23 by
touching Rs 1,04,649 crore.
• They witnessed a 57% increase in total profit compared to Rs 66,539.98 crore earned in FY22.
• In the March 2023 quarter, the PSBs’ profit cumulatively increased more than 95% to Rs
34,483 crore as compared to Rs 17,666 crore in March 2022.
i. In percentage terms, Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) had the highest net profit growth with 126% to
Rs 2,602 crore.
• It is followed by UCO Bank with a 100% rise to Rs 1,862 crore, and
• Bank of Baroda (BoB) with a 94% increase to Rs 14,110 crore.
ii. In absolute terms, the State Bank of India (SBI) has reported an annual profit of Rs 50,232 crore in
2022-23, showing an increase of 59% over FY22.

47. In May 2023, the board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the transfer of __________
as surplus to the Government for the year 2022-2023 at the 602nd meeting of the RBI’s Central
Board of Directors.
1) Rs 72,890 crore
2) Rs 49,238 crore
3) Rs 52,389 crore
4) Rs 87,416 crore
5) Rs 64,230 crore
Answer- 4) Rs 87,416 crore

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Explanation:
The board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the transfer of Rs 87,416 crore as surplus to
the Government for the year 2022-2023 at the 602nd meeting of the RBI’s Central Board of Directors,
Chaired by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das. It also decided to raise the contingency risk buffer to 6%
from 5.5%.
• In the financial year (FY) 2021-2022, the RBI transferred Rs 30,307 crore to the government.

48. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the 2023 Commonwealth
Short Story Prize announced in May 2023?
A) The Commonwealth Foundation named the winning writers from five continents, including
Hana Gammon (South Africa), emerging as the winner of the 2023 Commonwealth Short Story
Prize for the Undertaker's Apprentice in Africa region.
B) Agnes Chew from Singapore won the 2023 Commonwealth Short Story Prize for the A Groom
like Shahrukh Story in Asia region.
C) Rue Baldry from the United Kingdom won the 2023 Commonwealth Short Story Prize for
Lech, Prince, and the Nice Things Story in Canada & Europe region.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 4) Only A & C
Explanation:
The regional winners of the 2023 Commonwealth Short Story Prize have been announced.
The Commonwealth Foundation named the winning writers from five continents are:
Winner Name Region Story

Hana Gammon South Africa (Africa) The Undertaker’s Apprentice

Agnes Chew Singapore (Asia) Oceans Away From My Homeland

Rue Baldry United Kingdom (Canada & Europe) Lech, Prince, and the Nice Things

Kwame McPherson Jamaica (Caribbean) Ocoee

Himali McInnes New Zealand (Pacific) Kilinochchi

Note- Indian writer Vidhan Verma’s story named A Groom like Shahrukh took place on the list of
shortlisted stories.

49. Name the Indian Navy’s indigenous guided missile destroyer that was recently (in May ‘23)
carried out the engagement of a sea-skimming supersonic target with Medium Range Surface
to Air Missile (MRSAM) missile.
1) INS Surat
2) INS Vikrant
3) INS Vishal
4) INS Mormugao
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5) INS Visakhapatnam
Answer- 4) INS Mormugao
Explanation:
The Indian Navy’s latest indigenous guided missile destroyer, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mormugao,
successfully carried out the engagement of a sea-skimming supersonic target with Medium Range
Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) missile.
• The Indian Navy undertook the 1st MRSAM firing from INS Mormugao.
• The successful MRSAM missile firing by INS Mormugao is yet another milestone in the Indian
Navy’s quest for accurate delivery of Ordnance on Target. It showcases Indian Navy’s Future
Proof Combat Readiness and commitment toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
i. Sea skimming is a technique that is used by anti-ship missiles and some fighter or strike aircraft to
avoid radar or infrared detection during their approach to the target.

50. Who was recently (in May ‘23) appointed as the Tennis ambassador of the Sony Sports
Network?
1) Sania Mirza
2) Mahesh Bhupathi
3) Rohan Bopanna
4) Yuki Bhambri
5) Ankita Bhambri
Answer- 1) Sania Mirza
Explanation:
Leading sports broadcaster Sony Sports Network (also known as Sony TEN), owned and operated by
Sony Pictures Networks (SPN), has roped in Sania Mirza, an Indian former professional tennis player,
as a Tennis ambassador for the broadcaster, who will be seen as an expert panellist on the network.
i. Sony Sports Network has launched a special campaign called The Home of Tennis, which showcases
Sania Mirza, Sony Sports Network, and the 3 Grand Slams as a perfect match and celebrates the
journey of Sania Mirza.
ii. She is the recipient of the Arjuna Award (2004), Padma Shri (2006), Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna
Award (2015) and Padma Bhushan (2016).

STATIC GK

51. Who authored the book, Maulana Azad: A Life?

1) Romila Thapar
2) Zaheer Baber
3) Dhruv Raina
4) S Irfan Habib
5) Karan Thapar
Answer- 4) S Irfan Habib
Explanation:
The book Maulana Azad: A Life was authored by S Irfan Habib.
i. Historian S Irfan Habib had always admired Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (1888–1958), both as a
scholar of Islam and as a committed nationalist.

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ii. But his understanding of Azad’s greatness deepened after he joined as the Maulana Azad Chair at
the National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA) in New Delhi in 2008.

52. In May 2023, the Madhya Pradesh government announced that 'Veer Shiromani Maharana
Pratap Lok' will be set up in ___________.
1) Kanha
2) Bhopal
3) Sanchi
4) Jabalpur
5) Gwalior
Answer- 2) Bhopal
Explanation:
The Madhya Pradesh government will set up 'Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap Lok' in Bhopal to
inspire future generations about the legendary warrior's valour.
i. Maharana Pratap is a symbol of valour. Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap Lok will be constructed in
Bhopal to exhibit his sacrifices and struggle to ensure future generations know about his valour,
which will also be included in the state school syllabus.

53. Who authored the book, ‘RBI Governors. The Czars of Monetary Policy (1935-2021)’?
1) Gokul Rathi
2) Amartya Kumar Sen
3) Abhijit Banerjee
4) Kaushik Basu
5) Bibek Debroy
Answer- 1) Gokul Rathi
Explanation:
The book titled ‘RBI Governors. The Czars of Monetary Policy (1935-2021)’ was authored by
Gokul Rathi and published by the Rupa Publications.
i. A book based on secondary research by definition relies on published and public sources and
provides an in-depth look at the tenures of the eminent men who have held the role of the chief of the
Reserve Bank of India.
ii. From its creation in the late 1930s under the guidance of experienced British administrators to the
present-day reign of technocrats, the men leading the RBI have left an indelible mark on it, changing
forever its systems and procedures.

54. In February 2023, Sayantan Das became India’s 81st Chess Grandmaster.
He is the 11th Chess Grandmaster from __________ (state).
1) Andhra Pradesh
2) Telangana
3) Karnataka
4) West Bengal
5) Odisha
Answer- 4) West Bengal

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Explanation:
In February 2023, Sayantan Das became India’s 81st Chess Grandmaster as well as the 11th player
from West Bengal to bag the honour after he crossed the 2500-mark in live ratings and won the
Cannes Open on Sunday with a score of 7.5 out of 9.
• The 26-year-old had achieved his final GM norm in 2017 but had to wait 6 years to cross the
2500-mark in order to become a grandmaster.
• Sayantan Das had entered the Cannes tournament with 2476 rating points and finished the
event with 2504.

55. Name the Indian Delegate who recently (in May ‘23) attended the majestic Coronation
ceremony of the United Kingdom (UK)’s King Charles III at Westminster Abbey in London, the
UK.
1) Droupadi Murmu (President of India)
2) Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India)
3) Jagdeep Dhankhar (Vice-President of India)
4) Amit Shah (Minister of Home Affairs of India)
5) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (Minister of External Affairs of India)
Answer- 3) Jagdeep Dhankhar (Vice-President of India)
Explanation:
Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar interacted with United Kingdom (UK)’s King Charles III at
a reception soon after his arrival to attend the majestic Coronation ceremony of the UK's monarch at
Westminster Abbey.
i. Jagdeep Dhankhar, accompanied by his wife Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar, will join an estimated 100 Heads
of State and government from around the world, invited to the historic crowning of Britain’s new
monarch.

56. In May 2023, Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC) became the world's first skill centre
to enter the metaverse.
Who is the current (as of May ‘23) chairperson of Adani Saksham?
1) Jeet Adani
2) Pranav Adani
3) Priti G. Adani
4) Karan Adani
5) Vinod Adani
Answer- 3) Priti G. Adani
Explanation:
Priti G. Adani is the present Chairperson of Adani Saksham.
i. Skill development project Adani Saksham announced its Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC)
has become the world’s first skill centre to enter the metaverse, beginning by introducing two
courses.
ii. Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC), or Adani Saksham, which completed seven years today
since its launch on May 16, 2016, has begun its Metaverse journey with two courses.
iii. Adani Saksham is the skill-development vertical of Adani Foundation and completes a seven-year
milestone.

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iv. With Metaverse, ASDC is stepping into a phase where knowledge, skills, and technology converge
to create an immersive educational experience through virtual classrooms, according to a statement
from Adani Foundation.

57. In May 2023, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari
announced that India's first elevated 8-lane access control Dwarka expressway of _______ length
was being built at a cost of Rs 9000 crore.
1) 43.8 km
2) 24.9 km
3) 32.5 km
4) 17.2 km
5) 29.6 km
Answer- 5) 29.6 km
Explanation:
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced that the country's first
elevated 8-lane access control Dwarka expressway of 29.6 km length is being built at a cost of Rs
9000 crore and will be almost completed in April 2024. He announced the 34 meter wide expressway
is being constructed on 18.9 km single pillar in Haryana and 10.1 km long in Delhi.

58. Name the Indian Navy Ship (INS) that has recently (in May ‘23) brought ten medical pallets
as high availability disaster recovery supplies for the people affected by Cyclone Mocha in
Myanmar as part of Operation Karuna.
1) INS Guldar
2) INS Airavat
3) INS Kesari
4) INS Gharial
5) INS Kumbhir
Answer- 4) INS Gharial
Explanation:
Indian Navy Ship (INS) Gharial brought ten medical pallets as High availability disaster recovery
supplies for the people affected by Cyclone Mocha in Myanmar as part of Operation Karuna.
i. The Embassy of India in Yangon said in a tweet that the medical supplies include antibiotics, anti-
infectives, anti-histamines, bronchodilators, pro-kinetic, eye drops, intravenous fluids and
miscellaneous drugs useful for water-borne and epidemical diseases.
ii. Operation Karuna has so far provided 16 medical pallets.
Note- In May 2023, India launched ‘Operation Karuna’ to assist Myanmar which has been devastated
by Cyclone Mocha.

59. During the 56th Annual Meeting of the ADB Board of Governors held in May 2023 in
__________ , Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman underlined the need for focussing on four:
infrastructure, investment, innovation and inclusivity to achieve sustainable growth in the
long-term.
1) Jakarta, Indonesia
2) Dhaka, Bangladesh
3) New Delhi, Delhi

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4) Incheon, Republic of Korea
5) Shanghai, China
Answer- 4) Incheon, Republic of Korea
Explanation:
The 56th Annual Meeting of the ADB Board of Governors. The event was held in Incheon, Republic
of Korea, from 2 to 5 May 2023 under the theme “Rebounding Asia: Recover, Reconnect, and
Reform”.
i. Speaking at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Governor's seminar Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman underlined the need for focussing on four Is -- infrastructure, investment, innovation and
inclusivity -- to achieve sustainable growth in the long-term.
ii. The global economy in the past few years has faced trials and tribulations, she said, adding
countries have made efforts to protect the vulnerable section of the society at the cost of higher
government borrowing.

60. Name the personality who has recently (in May ‘23) become number one in World Athletics
men's javelin ranking.
1) Neeraj Chopra (India)
2) Alexandru Novac (Romania)
3) Anderson Peters (Germany)
4) Andrian Mardare (Moldova)
5) Jakub Vadlejch (Czechia)
Answer- 1) Neeraj Chopra (India)
Explanation:
Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra (India) became the world number one for the first time in his
career in the latest men's javelin throw rankings issued by the World Athletics.
i. Neeraj Chopra topped the charts with 1455 points, 22 ahead of Grenada's reigning world champion
Anderson Peters (1433). Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch of Czech Republic was third
with 1416 points.

GA Questions Asked in Exams

• Affairscloud’s Self Analysis for General Awareness Section

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